Morning Digest | CAG’s 2022 report on ‘Derailments in Indian Railways’ flagged multiple shortcomings; normalcy returning in Manipur, says security adviser, and more
The Hindu
The Hindu’s Morning Digest brings readers a select list of stories to start the day
Death toll in Odisha train accident rises to 288
The toll in the Friday evening train accident at Bahanaga Bazar railway station of Odisha’s Balasore district rose sharply to 288 on Saturday, while 1,091 injured persons have been provided medical assistance. Of the injured, 56 were stated to be grievously wounded.
CAG’s 2022 report on ‘Derailments in Indian Railways’ flagged multiple shortcomings
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its 2022 report on “Derailments in Indian Railways”, had flagged multiple shortcomings and made several recommendations, which included the suggestion to ensure strict adherence to the scheduled timelines for conducting and finalising accident inquiries.
Normalcy returning in Manipur, peace efforts on: security adviser
The deployment of a large contingent of Central armed forces and a call for peace by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has led to a reduction in the intensity of violence in Manipur in the past few days, though incidents have not completely stopped. Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have claimed 100 lives and displaced 35,000 so far.
DeSantis, Pence and other GOP 2024 hopefuls, but not Trump, set to appear at Iowa rally
Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp after two years, sparking debate among officials and lawmakers over internet restrictions.
Israeli troops evacuate Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict with Hamas, displacing patients to Gaza City.
Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in Mediterranean, leaving two missing crew members, according to Spanish and Russian authorities.
Syria's new leader consolidates rebel factions under Defence Ministry to prevent clashes, appoints former rebel as defence minister.
American Airlines grounds all U.S. flights due to technical issue, disrupting Christmas Eve travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Gene Spector, a former executive in Russia, faces espionage charges after a previous bribery conviction, receiving a 15-year jail term.
Indian Ocean tsunami 2004: Former Indian Navy Officer Commodore G Prakash reflects on the 2004 Asian tsunami, emphasizing the importance of disaster response and management.
India to provide ₹2,371 million to Sri Lanka for 33 development projects in education, health, and agriculture sectors.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime on August 5, Bangladesh has experienced a sharp rise in mob violence, fabricated cases, robbery, mugging and extortions.
Explosion at Turkish explosives factory kills 12, injures 3; no sabotage suspected, according to CNN Turk.
South Korea's opposition seeks to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo, deepening political turmoil and neighbourly concerns.