Fri Dec 20 00:56:25 UTC 2024: ## Parliament Bans Protests, India-US Ties Remain Strong Despite Indictments: Top News

**New Delhi, India (December 20, 2024)** – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned all demonstrations by MPs and political parties at the gates of Parliament following recent unruly protests. This decision comes after escalating tensions and disruptive actions at the Parliament complex.

Meanwhile, senior US officials have affirmed that the indictments of several Indian citizens, including a former government employee and businessman Gautam Adani, will not weaken the US-India relationship. These indictments, related to alleged assassination plots and financial fraud, respectively, have not, according to US officials, impacted the strong bilateral ties.

Other major headlines from India include:

* **Delhi Bans Firecrackers:** The Delhi government has implemented a permanent ban on firecrackers, effective immediately.
* **Indian Workers Held in Libya:** Sixteen Indian workers are reportedly held in “prison-like conditions” in Libya after protesting poor working conditions and unpaid wages.
* **Formula-E Funding Defended:** Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao defended the ₹55 crore transfer to Formula-E race organizers, stating there was no corruption involved.
* **US Debt Ceiling Dispute:** The US House rejected President-elect Trump’s proposed plan to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling, preventing a government shutdown.
* **BJP Attacks Congress:** The BJP criticized the Congress party for its behavior in Parliament, deeming it detrimental to Indian democracy. They also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s suitability as Leader of the Opposition.
* **Allahabad High Court Ruling:** The Allahabad High Court stated that the Union government holds the authority to decide on citizenship matters, in response to a petition regarding Rahul Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship.
* **Mayawati Condemns Shah’s Remarks:** BSP president Mayawati condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, calling them offensive to Dalit followers.

The report also highlights China’s increasingly assertive military actions in the Indo-Pacific, including a sustained military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) bordering India. A US Congressional report details China’s escalated military buildup and its preparation for potential conflict.

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