THUMB: Parliament Adjourned Sine Die

Parliament Winter Session Ends

The Winter Session of Parliament concluded successfully, marking the passage of several landmark legislations, including the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Bill, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive growth and progressive governance.

PSC Conference Begins

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the two-day National Conference of State PSC Chairpersons in Hyderabad, urging UPSC and PSCs to anticipate emerging challenges while prioritizing credibility in recruitment and governance.

Pradhan Pushes for AI Education

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, chairing the 3rd Consultative Committee meeting in New Delhi, emphasized Artificial Intelligence’s transformative potential in education, highlighting its role in making quality learning more inclusive, accessible, and equitable to meet emerging challenges nationwide.

Patna HC Chief Justice

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Orissa High Court Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

Borders Sealed for Paddy

The Odisha government has sealed borders with Jharkhand and West Bengal to prevent illegal paddy transport during the 2025-26 Kharif procurement. With Odisha’s higher MSP, authorities fear cross-border smuggling, installing CCTV surveillance along interstate routes for strict monitoring.

AI Conference in Odisha

The India AI Mission, with MeitY and Odisha government, hosted a conclave in Bhubaneswar co-chaired by Egypt, launching the Regional AI Impact Conference focused on democratising AI resources from December 18–20.

Schools shut in Balasore

 Schools in Balasore district’s Khaira region were closed after panic spread due to a tusker’s rampage. Holidays were declared in Mahatipur, Nuasahi, Shundira Gandibeda, and Anderei areas, following directives from District and Block Education Officers.

Fog Alert in Odisha

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, and Sambalpur districts of Odisha during the next 24 hours.

India–Netherlands Talks

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel in New Delhi. Both leaders held constructive talks on bilateral trade, defence, shipping, agriculture, health, culture, and exploring new opportunities in semiconductors, renewables, and talent mobility.

Statesville Jet Crash

In the United States, seven people were killed when a small jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, triggering a massive fire and prompting immediate emergency response efforts.