Mon Dec 16 01:07:20 UTC 2024: ## Leading News from The Hindu: Zakir Hussain Dies, Simultaneous Elections Bill Delayed, and More
**New Delhi, December 16, 2024** – Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at age 73 in a San Francisco hospital on Monday due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family announced. The news has sent shockwaves through the global music community.
In other developments, the Union government has postponed consideration of the constitutional amendment Bill for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. The Bill’s absence from Monday’s revised business agenda suggests further delays.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule denied any friction between ruling coalition partners or central interference in cabinet allocation discussions. In foreign affairs, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake concluded “fruitful” discussions with Indian officials during his visit, and India expressed appreciation for Moldova’s assistance in evacuating Indian citizens from Ukraine in 2022.
The cryptocurrency market saw Bitcoin surge past $105,000, a new record high, fueled by speculation following Donald Trump’s presidential election win. Domestically, the Biju Janata Dal will not support the INDIA alliance’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor clarified the nature of his acquaintance with George Soros.
Morocco is actively courting Indian defence companies, offering incentives to establish a presence in the African market. Finally, the Ram temple in Ayodhya received the British Safety Council’s ‘Sword of Honour’ award for safety excellence.
First Piper 