Wed Jan 08 00:59:53 UTC 2025: ## National and International News Headlines: January 8, 2025

**New Delhi, India** – A wave of significant developments swept across India and the global stage on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Ten central trade unions threatened a nationwide general strike if the government enacts new labour codes. Meanwhile, the government designated a site at Rajghat for a memorial to former President Pranab Mukherjee. His daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Controversy brewed over a new UGC draft regulation on faculty appointments, met with criticism from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) as an attempt at centralization and corporatization of campuses. The Supreme Court will review petitions seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage on January 9th. Dr. V. Narayanan will take over as the new ISRO chairman and Space Secretary on January 14th.

The Indian government’s IndiaAI Mission recommended an inter-ministerial committee to strengthen AI governance. In other international news, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will visit China from January 14-17. Bangladesh revoked the passports of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 96 others.

**Defense and Judicial Developments:**

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh criticized delays in the development of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), highlighting the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force. The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition against the impeachment motion filed against Justice Shekhar Yadav for a communal speech. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran for appointment to the Supreme Court.

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