West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been ranked as the poorest among all Indian chief ministers, with assets worth just over ₹15 lakh, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu topped the list as the richest, with assets over ₹931 crore. The average wealth of a chief minister is ₹52.59 crore. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien called Mamata Banerjee's journey "extraordinary" and praised her simple lifestyle and dedication to public service. Jammu and Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah and Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan followed as the second and third poorest, respectively.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh publicly apologised for the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023. Addressing a press conference in Imphal, he urged citizens to "forgive and forget," acknowledging the pain caused by the unrest. Singh expressed regret for the loss of lives and displacement of families, stating, "This year has been very unfortunate. I apologise to everyone affected." He highlighted progress made over the past few months and expressed hope for full restoration of normalcy by 2025. Singh has faced criticism from opposition parties for his handling of the crisis but emphasised ongoing efforts to ensure peace.

The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi for traveling to Vietnam to celebrate the New Year while India mourns the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of disrespecting Singh, claiming that he had "abused and insulted" him during his lifetime. The Congress responded, defending Gandhi's private travel and criticizing the BJP for politicizing the issue. Congress MP Manickam Tagore also hit back, accusing the BJP of diverting attention from its treatment of Singh's family. Manmohan Singh passed away last week at the age of 92.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a new scheme to provide Rs 18,000 monthly honorarium to priests (pujaris) and granthis in temples and gurudwaras. Named the "Pujari, Granthi Samman Yojana," the scheme aims to honour their role in society. Kejriwal stated this was the first time such a move was being made in the country. The BJP criticised the announcement, calling it a pre-election strategy, and questioned why similar support was not provided earlier. Registration for the scheme begins Tuesday at Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, with plans to expand across the city.

The BJP accused Congress of politicizing the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said, "Congress was present for media attention but absent in according dignity to him." He refuted Congress’s claims of mismanagement, stating the funeral adhered to protocol with full military honors. Congress alleged inadequate seating for Singh's family, disrupted procession due to Amit Shah's motorcade, and lack of proper media coverage. Malviya countered these, blaming logistical constraints and security measures, and urged Congress to "stop exploiting his death for political gain."

Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for conducting former PM Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated memorial site. Calling it an "insult," he noted that former PMs’ last rites are traditionally held at burial sites to enable public homage. The Congress had requested a dedicated location, but the government clarified that a memorial would be built in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated the decision to Singh’s family. While Congress leaders termed the cremation a “deliberate insult,” BJP called the controversy unwarranted. Singh was cremated with full state honors, sparking a political row.

In a late-night decision, the Centre approved a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following Congress’s demands. The Congress had criticized the initial denial, with leader Jairam Ramesh calling it a "deliberate insult" to India's first Sikh PM. After discussions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed the approval to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The cremation will take place at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi, today at 11:45 am. BJP countered Congress's accusations, pointing out their lack of a memorial for PV Narasimha Rao. The memorial’s location and details will follow after land allocation and trust formation.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to PM Narendra Modi, requesting a dedicated memorial space for former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92. Singh’s funeral is scheduled for December 28, but the Centre has not yet responded to the appeal. Kharge emphasized Singh's legacy as a statesman and urged the government to honor him with a sacrosanct venue. The Congress-led UPA previously established Rashtriya Smriti Sthal as a common memorial in 2013, restricting separate sites. The demand underscores the need to honor Singh’s contributions, much like the belated memorial for P.V. Narasimha Rao, granted under Modi's tenure.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian team to drop out-of-form pacer Mohammed Siraj following a string of underperforming performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Siraj has taken 13 wickets in seven innings but has struggled with the new ball, putting extra pressure on teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar recommended that Siraj be informed about his exclusion due to non-performance rather than being rested. He also suggested bringing in Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna for the fifth Test in Sydney to bolster the pace attack. Siraj's economy rate of 4.07 runs per over has been a concern.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and leaders across political lines paid their last respects to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday. PM Modi offered condolences to the Singh family and met his wife, Gursharan Kaur. The Centre has declared a seven-day mourning, and Congress has cancelled all party events for the period. Singh’s last rites will take place on Saturday with full state honours, after his youngest daughter arrives in India. Dr. Singh, former PM from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at AIIMS, Delhi.