India and China’s Special Representatives held their first talks in five years, marking significant progress in normalizing ties. They affirmed the recent border disengagement agreement, discussed maintaining peace, and agreed on a roadmap for improving relations. Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and boosting cross-border cooperation were also key outcomes.

Vijay Mallya asserts the banks have recovered twice the Kingfisher Airlines judgement debt. The Finance Minister reported recoveries exceeding Rs 14,000 crore. Mallya insists the debt was Rs 6,203 crore. He says he repaid the Rs 900 crore IDBI loan. Mallya denies wrongdoing and seeks relief. The government continues pursuing economic offenders.

Aaj Ka Panchang, 19 December, 2024: Check out tithi, auspicious and inauspicious timings, and other details here.