A look at the headlines right now:

  1. DMK chief M Karunanidhi admitted to hospital for second time in a month after breathing complaints: A statement issued by the Kauvery Hospital said the former chief minister was in stable condition and is being treated for an infection by a team of doctors.
  2. How are you seizing crores in new notes every day if banks say they don’t have money, SC asks Centre: The apex court also asked why the government could not extend the exemption on the use of demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes at hospitals and petrol pumps.
  3. Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi cries foul after security downgrade: He claimed the Centre’s decision to withttp://cms.scroll.team/#/edit/824306?_k=ubn172hdraw his National Security Guard cover was a political conspiracy as he often criticises the BJP government.
  4. Railways to launch Humsafar Express today, tickets to follow surge pricing formula: The service includes features such as vending machines, CCTV cameras and smoke detection systems in every coach.
  5. Traces of explosives found on remains of victims of EgyptAir crash, say investigators: The country’s aviation ministry said that it would initiate a criminal investigation into the case.
  6. Niti Aayog announces awards of up to Rs 1 crore to promote cashless transaction: The National Payments Corporation of India will also give away Rs 1,000 each to 15,000 winners for the next 100 days, and 7,000 weekly awards for merchants.
  7. All liquor shops along national and state highways must be shut down, says SC: The bench asked the governments not to issue new licences while the existing ones will not be renewed after March 31, 2017.
  8. MK Stalin demands report on Jayalalithaa’s death from Tamil Nadu government: The DMK leader also sought a detailed report from the Centre on the treatment given to the former state chief minister, who died on December 5.
  9. Evacuation begins after second ceasefire deal between rebels, Assad government in Aleppo: ‘They have crossed the front line and are on their way to rural parts of western Aleppo,’ a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross said.
  10. India well-positioned to absorb US Federal Reserve’s rate hike impact, says chief economic adviser: Arvind Subramanian said the Reserve Bank of India had also accounted for an increase in its decision to leave its policy rate unchanged.