7 reasons why it’s an explosive Monday for news

With multiple developments taking place across the country, it is going to be an action-packed Monday. Take a look at the highlights to look forward to today:

1984 anti-Sikh riots Verdict

The Delhi High Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on the appeal challenging a trial Court’s judgment in the 1984 anti-Sikh Riots in which the Congress leader Sajjan Kumar was acquitted. A bench consisting of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel will deliver the verdict in the case on Monday in which five Sikhs were killed in Delhi in the aftermath of the death of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The Delhi HC had earlier concluded hearing arguments on the appeals filed by the CBI, riot survivors and convicts, and reserved the judgment.

READ: Was Congress’ Sajjan Kumar Guilty? Courts To Decide 1984 Riots Verdict On December 17

70 BJP press briefings across country

BJP is set to conduct 70 press briefings across the country in a bid to "expose Congress for plotting conspiracy against the PM Modi-led Central government and messing with country's defence". Prominent BJP leaders including Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadanvis and Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani will address the media at multiple locations. 

READ: BJP To Hold 70 Press Briefings Across Country To Expose Congress On Rafale Deal. LIVE Updates Here

Cyclone Phethai

A severe cyclone, Phethai, is likely to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on Monday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned in its latest weather forecast. This is the fourth cyclone to hit the eastern coast this season and comes about a month after cyclone Gaja hit the Tamil Nadu coast on 16 November, causing a massive destruction. Earlier, cyclone Daye and very severe cyclone Titli ravaged coastal areas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Cyclone Phethai To Intensify Into 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' In Andhra Pradesh

Congress swearing-in ceremonies in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh

The Congress is going to take the charge in three heartland states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh with the newly appointed Chief Ministers - Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel all set to take the oath in back-to-back ceremonies in the three states. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend all the three oath ceremonies with the leaders of all the Opposition parties in the states. 

READ: Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati Invited For Kamal Nath's Swearing-in On December 17

Day 4 of Second Test between Australia and India in Perth

The ongoing second Test between Australia and India in Perth has been a neck to neck affair, though the hosts can stake claim to being in front at the lunch on Day Four, leading by 232 runs with six wickets in hand. On a pitch which had pace and bounce, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. Tim Paine's decision was vindicated by his batters, as the hosts managed to amass 326 in the first innings, a total well above par for a pitch like Perth. In reply, India was bowled out for 283, despite skipper Virat Kohli scoring a magnificent 123. One of the reasons why Aussies took forward a 43-run lead to the second innings was their off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who took a fifer. Aussies, hoping to level the series, having lost the first Test by 31 runs, took a sizable lead with a day and two sessions still remaining. 

WATCH: 'My Bat Does The Talking': Virat Kohli's Celebratory Gesture After 25th Test Ton In Perth Impresses Fans

Congress pushes for JPC in Rafale

Congress pushes for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal after the party chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala stated why the Supreme Court had vindicated that corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal cannot be decided by the court, it(corruption) can only be brought out by a JPC after the examination of files and notings in the contract. 

READ: Stung By The Rafale Verdict, Congress Accuses Government Of Lying In Supreme Court

Cabinet Meeting

Cabinet Meeting to take place at 6 PM.