Trump and first lady go all black for official White House Christmas portrait photo

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump went all black for their official Christmas portrait photo. The White House on Tuesday released the image, showing the president dressed in a tuxedo with a white shirt and Melania Trump in a sleek black dress. The photo was taken on Dec. 7 in the Cross Hall of the White House. The first lady selected the “Home is Where the Heart Is” theme for the White House Christmas decor. MELANIA TRUMP GIVES TOUR OF 2018 WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECOR The halls of the White House are decked with more than 25,000 feet of ribbon; more than 2,000 strands of light; more than 120 pounds of gingerbread; more than 2,800 gold stars; more than 10,000 blue butterflies; and more than 700 feet of garland. The White House has 51 Christmas trees and 75 of Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths. The wreaths have classic red bows and hang outside the windows of the White House. WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS CHRISTMAS DECOR WITH ‘SPIRIT OF AMERICA’ THEME “This season also invites us to reflect on the blessings we share,” the White House Christmas message states. “For nearly 250 years, our Nation has grown through the hopes and hard work of families who believed in something greater than themselves. Their example inspires us today, especially at Christmas, when we gather with loved ones to celebrate the faith, family, and freedom that define our national story.” The White House reopened its doors for public Christmas tours on Dec. 2, Fox News Digital reported. The tours feature the White House Christmas decorations on the state floor and give visitors the opportunity to “enjoy the beloved annual tradition that transforms the White House into a festive reflection of the spirit, warmth, faith, and hope of the holiday season.”
Good news for Uttar Pradesh residents: Lucknow to Kanpur in just 45 minutes, THIS 8 lane expressway to cut time between two cities, set to open by…; Check details here

The expressway, spanning 67-75 km, is designed to accommodate speeds of up to 160 km/h, making it a game-changer for commuters. REda here to know details.
Barmer Collectorate receives bomb threat, IAS Tina Dabi says, ‘This was a…’

After a thorough check of the area, nothing suspicious was found.
Who is Sumaiya Rana? SP leader who rejected interview with Pakistani TV channel over Nitish Kumar hijab row

After she was approached by a Pakistani TV news channel, Sumaiya Rana reacted by reciting a couplet by the Urdu poet Jigar Moradabadi, part of which says: “Ghar ki baat ghar mein rahe to achcha hai.”
A Long-Overdue Recognition: HAL’s Forgotten Founder Finally Honored

His Highness Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Member of Parliament and Custodian of the Royal House of Mysore, unveiled a bust of his ancestor, His Highness Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, at the New HAL Management Academy (HMA) Campus.
GMRL proposes space-efficient double-decker metro for Gurugram’s SPR, check features, details

The Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) has plans to restructure the Sector 56 to Pachgaon metro corridor as an integrated double-decker viaduct between Ghata Chowk and Vatika Chowk. The move is taken to decongest the area, and other purposes.
Who was Vinod Kumar Shukla? Jnanpith Award winning Hindi writer passes away at 89

Prominent Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Awardee Vinod Kumar Shukla died on Tuesday evening after suffering from age-related illnesses at AIIMS, Raipur, his family members informed.
Why THIS city in Gujarat eased liquor norms? Here’s how it will impact state’s economy

The GIFT City in Gujarat has eased its liquor rules as it reformed its ‘Wine and Dine’ policy. Under the new measure, the city has allowed liquor consumption in a greater area, expanding the restriction.
Assam: Fresh violence erupts in Karbi Anglong districts; internet suspended

At least eight people were injured, as the two groups of protesters clashed, and the police resorted to lathicharge and fired tear-gas shells to disperse them.
US embassy, consulates in India to remain closed between December 24-26; here’s why

The closure has been announced in accordance with a presidential executive order, a post of the US embassy said. The presidential order provides for “the closure of executive departments and agencies of the federal government on these dates,” the post added.