Thursday’s Top Headlines

From Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day India visit to a major victory for BJP in Delhi MCD by-polls, and severe flight disruptions caused by Indigo cancellations—Thursday began with several big developments across politics, defence, aviation, sports, and entertainment. Here are the Top 20 News Stories of December 4, all in one place.

1. Vladimir Putin Arrives in India for Two-Day Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in New Delhi today for a two-day official visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a ceremonial dinner in his honour. The high-level talks will focus on defence, energy, and global geopolitical issues amid strained relations between India and the United States. 

2. Major Naxal Encounter in Chhattisgarh: 12 Militants Killed, 3 Jawans Martyred

Security forces neutralised 12 Naxal operatives during a fierce encounter in Bijapur district on Wednesday. Three personnel from DRG, STF and CRPF’s Cobra Unit were martyred. The operation followed intelligence inputs from the Bastar region near the Bijapur-Dantewada border. 

3. Cricket: India Lose Raipur ODI Despite Scoring 358 Runs

South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring thriller in Raipur, chasing 359 with four balls to spare. More than 700 runs were scored in the match, exposing India’s weak bowling effort. 

4. Panipat Crime Shock: Woman Accused of Killing Children for Being ‘Beautiful’

A horrifying incident from Panipat, Haryana surfaced where a woman allegedly murdered several children simply because they looked “beautiful.” Police have arrested the accused and are investigating deeper motives behind the brutality. .

5. Gunfire Terror in Bihar’s Siwan: Village Head Shot Dead

Criminals opened fire in Siwan district, killing Panchayat Mukhiya Radha Sah and later shooting another young man. The area has been placed under increased security. 

6. Aviation Chaos: Over 70 Indigo Flights Cancelled in One Day

Passengers faced massive disruptions as Indigo cancelled more than 70 flights nationwide due to technical problems and staff shortages. Hyderabad airport saw 13 cancellations alone, causing panic and overcrowding. 

7. Indigo Star Tilak Varma Stuns Crowd with Spectacular Save

Substitute fielder Tilak Varma saved a sure six with a flying effort near the boundary rope. The acrobatic moment went viral on social media. 

8. Bihar Government Presents ₹91,717-Crore Supplementary Budget

After returning to power, the Nitish Kumar government presented a large supplementary budget focused on women’s employment with ₹21,000 crore allocated. 

9. Bihar to Punish Negligent Officials Along with Encroachers

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha announced stricter enforcement under the Public Land Encroachment Act, holding officers accountable for illegal land occupation.

10. Bihar to Open Special Schools; Scooters for Class 10-12 Students

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Bihar government announced special schools and mobility aid for eligible students.

11. Delhi MCD By-Poll Result: BJP Leads

BJP won the by-polls in Chandni Chowk and Shalimar Bagh-B, while Congress secured Sangam Vihar-A.

12. New Rule: MRP Mandatory on Pan Masala Packets

All pan masala products must now display retail price clearly, regardless of packaging weight, per Consumer Affairs Ministry order. 

13–19 Additional Major Headlines

• Sanchar Saathi App: Record surge in downloads; cyber-fraud reporting rises.

• Government Withdraws Mandatory Installation Order on new phones after privacy debate.

• Sunny Deol Angry at Media during father Dharmendra’s urn immersion.

• Film Announcement: Aamir Khan produces ‘Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos’ starring Vir Das.

• Viral Video Controversy sparks nationwide debate; sharing could lead to jail.

• Historical Insight: Story behind Mughal Harem and Akbar’s queen.

• Cybersecurity Trend: Sanchar Saathi downloads jump 10x in 24 hours.

20. How Pakistan Was Born: History Revisited

A detailed explainer on the origins of Pakistan, tracing back to 1932 when Cambridge-based Rahmat Ali first proposed the name “Pakistan,” meaning Land of the Pure. 

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