Category: India

The Court stayed the First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by West Bengal Police against ED officers who carried out the searches at I-PAC premises.

Sub-standard drugs are a major issue for the health system and, thus, any violations and deviations cannot be ignored, the Court emphasised.

A 45-year-old resident of Jodhpur in Rajasthan was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly sexually assaulting his two daughters repeatedly.

A 45-year-old man from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur was detained on Thursday after a case was registered against him for allegedly raping his two daughters, including a minor, multiple times, police said.

Assistant commissioner of police Manglesh Chundawat said police received an email complaint from the elder daughter on January 13, and sensing a serious crime, the police contacted her the same day and obtained a written complaint. In her complaint, the 18-year-old alleged that her father had raped her on multiple occasions for the past 12 years, with the most recent incident taking place a month ago, the officer said.

“The father also raped her younger sister, who is 15 years old. When the girl told the elder sister about this, they informed their mother. Later, they informed the police via email,” Nagori Gate station house officer (SHO) Dinesh Kumar said.

Quoting the complaint, the SHO said the elder daughter alleged that her father began raping her at the age of six. “He started sexually abusing her by threatening her. He also threatened to kill her if she told her mother or any other family member,” Kumar said.

A few days ago, the accused also raped her younger sister, the complainant said.

Based on the daughter’s complaint, a case was registered against the father under sections 65(2) (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Protection of children from sexual offences (Pocso) Act at the Nagori Gate police station on Tuesday night, according to police officers.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/resident-doctor-shares-easy-pasta-recipe-with-23-g-of-protein-per-serving-that-you-can-make-in-just-15-minutes-101768486751297.html

The agency’s legal team made the claim before an appellate tribunal for forfeited property (ATFP) in Delhi.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has, for the first time, claimed that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s son, Rohan Choksi, was also “actively” involved in the offence of money laundering along with his father, who is accused of cheating Indian banks of thousands of crores of rupees and now facing extradition proceedings in Belgium.

The agency’s legal team made the claim before an appellate tribunal for forfeited property (ATFP) in Delhi while opposing a plea by Rohan Choksi regarding attachment of a Mumbai property in 2018. Rohan Choksi has said the property was bought by his family trust in 1994.

ED, however, argued before the tribunal that the property was transferred by Mehul Choksi in Rohan’s name in 2013 as a “calculated move” in anticipation of the attachment of properties in case his fraud was detected.

To be sure, Rohan Choksi has never been named in any first information reports (FIRs) or charge sheets filed by ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). People familiar with the Choksi family , who didn’t want to be named, said Rohan Choksi had separated his businesses from his father and is not in touch with him. Rohan Choksi’s location is not known. People close to the family refused to disclose his whereabouts as he is not a wanted person or named accused in any case.

Mehul Choksi fled abroad in 2017 after cheating Indian banks and has since then moved from the US, to Belgium, to Antigua and Barbuda and finally to Belgium. He is currently lodged in a prison in Antwerp after being arrested on April 11 last year based on an extradition request by the CBI.

As part of its investigation into the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, ED has attached and seized a large number of properties worth ₹2,565 crore linked to Mehul Choksi’s companies, linked entities, his family members, etc. These include a flat in Dadar East, Mumbai, in the name of a firm, Rohan Mercantile Pvt Ltd and a flat in Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai, which is in the name of Rohan Choksi.

An adjudicating authority (AA) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) , through an order passed in August 2018, confirmed the attachment of Dadar East flat by ED but didn’t confirm the action in the case of Walkeshwar flat.

Now, in an order passed on January 8, ATFP’s members , Balesh Kumar and Rajesh Malhotra, have referred the matter back to AA for correcting its mistake by not including Walkeshwar property in its August 2018 order.

Rohan Choksi, questioning the continuation of attachment even after AA’s order, argued before ATFP that the Walkeshwar Road property was purchased by his family trust in June 1994, transferred in his name (by his father) on November 1, 2013, while the predicate offence was committed between 2015 and 2017, and “hence the said property was rightly not confirmed by the AA”. He also argued that he has not been named in any FIR, or charge sheet and that “he was beneficiary of a family trust created in 1993, when PMLA was not in existence”.

Countering Rohan Choksi, ED’s legal team informed ATFP that Mehul Choksi “deliberately caused the transfer of the said property in the name of his son Rohan Parth Mehul Choksi on November 1, 2013. This was a calculated move of Mehul Choksi in anticipation of the attachment of the properties in case of detection of fraud in due course”.

ED argued that “all the facts and evidence on record clearly points towards the direction that Rohan Choksi was also actively involved along with his father Mehul Choksi for commission of offence of money laundering, after the commission of predicate offence”. It further stated that even if a property is bought in 1994, it can be attached as value thereof in the absence of direct proceeds of crime.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/resident-doctor-shares-easy-pasta-recipe-with-23-g-of-protein-per-serving-that-you-can-make-in-just-15-minutes-101768486751297.html

Some online users explained the hotel’s evening turndown service to the woman, saying, “Is this your first time? Sorry, ma’am, but this is completely normal.”

A family’s stay at a luxury hotel in Jaipur took an unsettling turn, sparking an online debate about hotel ethics and guest privacy. The issue came to light when Janhavi Jain from Delhi shared a detailed account of her experience at Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Her post caught widespread attention not only for the incident she described, but also opened a debate on how hotels manage routine services while respecting guest consent and personal space.

Delhi Woman Alleges Privacy Breach At Jaipur Hotel

In her post, Janhavi said her family had booked eight rooms at the hotel for a weekend stay. She alleged that on Monday evening, January 12, between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, two hotel staff members used a master key to enter one of their rooms, Room 3808. According to her, the room had already been cleaned earlier in the day.

“No one had asked for housekeeping. No one had been informed,” she added. Janhavi said the incident took a disturbing turn when her six-year-old niece walked into the room shortly after and “found two unknown adults” inside. “She ran out crying,” the post mentioned.

Janhavi further stated that the staff members were not wearing name badges, “so we couldn’t even identify who they were.”

In her post, she listed a series of concerns, asking, “What if someone had been in the shower, changing clothes, or asleep? What if personal belongings had gone missing? What if my niece had gone missing? How is it acceptable for anyone to walk into an occupied hotel room like this?”

Janhavi also alleged that the hotel was aware the family was heading out for dinner at that time. She expressed fear, saying, “What if my niece were alone in the room and sexually assaulted by these men?”

Alleged Response From Hotel Staff

According to Janhavi, when the family questioned hotel staff, they received vague answers referring only to “protocol.” She named two people she interacted with, security supervisor Naveen Singh and another staff member named Akshay. She claimed that they “refused to tell us who the staff were or why they entered.”

She further alleged that the hotel declined to share CCTV footage of the incident. She also mentioned the General Manager’s response. Janhavi wrote that Akshay told them the GM, Naveen Yadav, had said, “Toh kya ho gaya agar enter ho gaye (So what if they entered?).”

“A child walked into a room with two unknown adults inside, and this was the response. This is what pissed us off the most. Not just that it happened, but how casually everyone treated it. Like, this was no big deal. We’re not living in some ideal world. We hear about child sexual abuse, child trafficking, assault, all the time. Parents are already anxious about where their kids are, who they’re around, and what spaces are actually safe,” she wrote.

She added that what upset her family most was not just the entry but the attitude that followed. “No answers. No explanation. No CCTV. No accountability. No apology that means anything,” she wrote and also warned families, saying, “If you’re travelling with family, especially with kids, I would seriously think twice before staying at Hyatt.”

A Travel Designer Weighs In

Loveleen Arun, who is a travel designer as per her bio, weighed in by offering an industry perspective. She said that many hotels carry out evening turndown services in occupied rooms.

“As far as my experience goes, most hotels do a turn down service of occupied rooms towards the evening. There is a check of mini bar usage, replenishing of bathroom amenities, towel changes and bed covers are removed to prepare the beds for night. Most often than not, this is done when guests are out. This is done as a matter of daily routine and not when asked only. From your description it seems like that is what was happening,” she wrote.

Janhavi strongly rejected this explanation. She replied that the room had already been cleaned earlier and that staff should not enter an occupied room again without permission unless there is an emergency or a specific service request. “Entering an occupied room using a master key after regular cleaning hours is not standard practice and violates basic guest privacy. That is why this incident was alarming, not just because staff entered, but because they did so without consent, without notice, and without explanation. This wasn’t a misunderstanding. It was a breach of privacy and hotel protocol,” she wrote.

Loveleen maintained her stance, replying, “I beg to differ. And I am speaking only out of experience. It is very common for hotel staff to enter occupied rooms when guests are not there. And this happens internationally everywhere, all the time. But I will leave you to draw your own conclusions.”

Others Share Similar Experiences

The discussion widened as other users joined in. One man claimed he had faced the same issue at the same Hyatt property. “We have faced the same issue when we stayed in Hyatt Mansarovar, Jaipur. It had happened 3–4 times. Two times we were inside the room, and two times we were out. When we were inside, they simply used the master key and came inside without knocking,” he wrote.

Another user shared a screenshot of a news article stating that Leela Palace Udaipur was fined Rs 10 lakh for a privacy violation. The comment read, “Hire the same lawyer, you will get answers. All leave reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Maps; here they die down fast.”

A regular Hyatt guest commented, “This is terrible. Did they respond after this post? I am a regular at Hyatt. So, this is concerning.”

‘This Is Supposed To Happen’: Many Defend Hotel Practices

Just like Loveleen, several users defended the hotel and questioned Janhavi’s expectations. One wrote, “Isn’t this naturally supposed to happen in hotels? Especially in reputed branded hotels, staff using master keys when guests are away to check for replenishment, such as soaps, water, towels, and minibar stock, is standard practice. And the hotel is not obliged to give names of staff.”

Another said, “Surely this lady has no idea about the evening turndown service provided by upscale franchise hotels. Maybe that’s her first time at such a hotel. But the question is, how on earth could a six-year-old child enter the room without any adult supervision?”

“This is called evening service. Housekeeping staff enter after knocking on the door. I think you are just making an unnecessary issue out of it,” a person added.

One comment was harsher in tone, stating, “Woman. Know the difference between ‘room been cleaned earlier’ and TURN-DOWN SERVICE! More importantly, WHY is a six-year-old roaming a hotel property ALONE?”

Another user added, “Most 5-star hotels do an evening turn-down service. They ring the bell and wait, and if no one responds, they get in using the master key. Use the DND button in the room if occupied.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/delhi-woman-claims-jaipur-hotel-breached-guest-privacy-sparks-debate-aa-ws-l-9831856.html

The Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 will be rideable motorcycles in the Battlegrounds Mobile India video game.

KRAFTON India and Royal Enfield have announced a partnership that will debut Royal Enfield’s iconic Bullet 350 and the Continental GT 650 cafe racer motorcycles inside Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). Royal Enfield also showcased a custom-built Continental GT 650 inspired by the video games tactical and war-ready aesthetic.

The partnership is part of the BGMI 4.2 update launching on January 15, 2026 with the Royal Enfield-themed in-game content and rewards being available to players between January 19 and February 22, 2026. So, gaming enthusiasts will soon experience the thrill of riding these Royal Enfield machines across virtual battlegrounds.

Source : https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/royal-enfield-motorcycles-to-be-introduced-in-bgmi-438798

The resilience comes despite the Trump administration imposing a 50% additional tariff on Indian goods from August.

Defying global headwinds and hefty US tariffs, India’s merchandise exports increased 1.9% to $38.51 billion in December from $37.8 billion a year earlier, and 2.44% to $330.29 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2026, which was primarily driven by double-digit export growth in key markets such as China, the US and the UAE, according to data released on Thursday.

“Despite global trade turmoil, merchandise exports in December have grown by 1.86% from $37.8 billion to $38.51 billion,” commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Wednesday while releasing trade data for December and the nine-month period.

Crucially, shipments to the US rose nearly 10% year-on-year to $65.88 billion in April-December 2025 from $60.03 billion in the corresponding period last year, although December exports logged a marginal drop to $6.88 billion from $7.01 billion a year earlier and edged down from $6.92 billion in November. “US exports have grown on-year in the first nine months of the (fiscal) year,” Agrawal said, adding that “as of now” exports to the US remain in positive territory.

The resilience comes despite the Trump administration imposing a 50% additional tariff on Indian goods from August, with exemptions for electronics and pharmaceuticals helping sustain momentum. Overall exports — merchandise and services combined — grew 4.33% to $634.26 billion in the nine-month period, with services exports estimated to have jumped 6.46% to $303.97 billion from $285.53 billion.

“One thing very clear with this trajectory, we are going to cross $850 billion of exports in the current financial year,” Agrawal said. India’s exports in 2024-25 stood at a record $824.9 billion.

Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) president SC Ralhan said the performance was “particularly encouraging given the volatility in global trade flows, and reflects the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at boosting exports and focused support to MSME exporters.”

“The performance assumes greater significance against the backdrop of ongoing geo-political tensions, supply-chain realignments, inflationary pressures and rising protectionism across major economies,” he added.

China emerges as bright spot

India’s exports to China surged 37% to $14.25 billion in April-December 2025 from $10.42 billion in the same period of the previous year. “We are also doing very well in China, where the growth has been very good,” Agrawal said.

The growth accelerated sharply after the US tariff action, with December exports to China jumping 67.3% to $2.05 billion from $1.22 billion a year earlier. Indian exporters of marine products, hit by US tariffs, diversified significantly to China and other markets, the commerce secretary said.

Merchandise imports from China also rose just over 13% year-on-year to $95.95 billion in the first nine months of 2025-26.

India has also raised energy imports from the US, with purchases growing 13% to $39.43 billion in the nine-month period. December imports rose 7.57% to $3.75 billion.

Electronic goods exports increased 16.78% to $4.17 billion in December 2025 from $3.57 billion a year earlier. For the nine-month period, electronics exports surged over 35% to $35.27 billion from $26.12 billion, benefiting from exemption from higher US tariffs.

Marine products exports, despite being hit by US tariffs, registered double-digit growth through diversification. December shipments rose 11.73% to $0.81 billion, while nine-month exports grew 15.53% to $6.56 billion.

Other leading export sectors include meat, dairy and poultry products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Besides China, India’s exports are expanding in the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Spain, Agrawal said.

India’s top export destinations—the US, the UAE, China, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong—demonstrate a well-diversified and resilient export footprint, Ralhan said. “This diversification is particularly critical at a time when global trade routes are being reshaped due to geo-political conflicts, sanctions, shipping disruptions and strategic realignments,” he added.

Estimated services exports in December 2025 stood at $35.50 billion, down about 4% from $36.97 billion in December 2024. However, Agrawal said the estimate may be revised upward once actual data is collected. Services figures for December are estimates based on conservative extrapolation of the previous month’s numbers, as the central bank releases figures with a lag.

Services exports are growing faster than merchandise exports and are expected to add about another $100 billion in the last quarter of fiscal 2026, he said.

Merchandise imports grew 8.76% to $63.55 billion in December 2025 from $58.43 billion a year earlier. Cumulatively, imports rose 5.9% to $578.61 billion in April-December 2025 from $546.36 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

Ralhan said the higher imports of “energy products, electronics, machinery and industrial inputs are indicative of robust domestic manufacturing activity, infrastructure expansion and investment demand, which augur well for medium-term economic growth.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/nutritionist-shares-smart-food-pairings-and-cooking-methods-to-improve-nutrient-absorption-add-lime-to-101768467525422.html

The PSLV-C62 mission faced a critical failure during the third stage, resulting in the loss of 15 of the 16 satellites.

A ‘KID’ – against all odds – managed to separate from the 15 other satellites that got lost in space while being carried by Indian Research Space Organisation’s (ISRO) PSLV C62 as part of a mission – called ‘EOS N1’ – that took off from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on Monday.

The 44.4 metre tall four-stage rocket lifted off as scheduled at 10.18 am on Monday from the spaceport in Sriharikota.

The mission was to deploy a primary Earth Observation satellite and multiple co-passenger satellites into a 512 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit, after a flight of about 17 minutes.

Nithin Kamath said that the BSE and NSE had international linkages, but were closed today for local municipal elections.

The Indian stock exchanges are closed today, January 15, due to municipal elections in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The state government’s decision to declare a public holiday has been met with criticism by Zerodha boss Nithin Kamath. Kamath slammed the fact that the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) were closed today, calling it “poor planning”.

The Zerodha founder and CEO said that the closure of Indian stock exchanges due to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections demonstrated “a serious lack of appreciation for second-order effects.” Both the BSE and NSE have suspended trading in equity and equity derivatives for Thursday. Trading will resume as usual on Friday, January 16. Commodity derivatives trading will resume from 5 pm today.

This holiday was not included in the original 2026 trading calendar of the exchanges but was added earlier this week. The BSE and NSE, in separate circulars, confirmed that January 15 would be a trading holiday due to municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra.

Nithin Kamath Criticises BSE, NSE Closure

In a post on X, Kamath said that Indian stock exchanges had international linkages, but were closed today for local municipal elections. “As Munger said: “Show me the incentive, and I will show you the outcome.” The holiday exists because no one who matters has any incentive to oppose the market holiday. It also tells you how far we have to go before global investors take us seriously,” he wrote.

Kamath’s post struck a chord with some users, who also claimed that the municipal elections should not have resulted in a trading holiday. “Mumbai is just a place where stock market buildings exist, but what about FII, overseas people, other states, fund manager and their employees do today ? Markets are not only for retail and domestic only,” one user wrote.

Another claimed, “The NYSE hasn’t closed for an election since 1984. Section 135B of the RP Act is the problem, we need legislative reform, not just better planning.”

One account remarked, “If Indian markets aim to be globally competitive, holiday decisions must reflect global financial standards, not local political events. Closing for a municipal election but not on New Year’s Day makes little sense.”

However, some supported the decision. “It’s primarily because both BSE and NSE are headquartered in Mumbai, and there will be low staffing due to the election.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/cities/mumbai-news/maharashtra-bmc-polls-nithin-kamath-slams-bse-nse-closure-aa-ws-l-9831997.html

Canada has triggered a fresh controversy with a confidential police report alleging links between the Indian government and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Canada has stoked a fresh controversy even as it seeks to rebuild trade ties with India. The Canadian Police has mounted a new allegation against New Delhi, with a confidential report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claiming that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang – designated a terrorist organisation in Canada – has been “acting on behalf of the Indian government”.

According to a report by Vancouver-based Global News, the RCMP report states, “The Bishnoi Crime Group is a violent criminal organisation with an active, continually expanding presence in several countries, including Canada.” The report further claims, “The Bishnoi Crime Group is known to use violence to further their criminal enterprise, while acting on behalf of the Indian government.”

The report mentions the Bishnoi gang six times, and repeatedly refers to its alleged links with the Indian government.

The claims come at a time when diplomatic relations between the two countries are sensitive.

In August 2025, India and Canada appointed new envoys to each other after an year of strained ties, following unsubstantiated allegations by Canadian security agencies that India was involved in espionage and violence on Canadian soil. India has consistently rejected the charges.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik repeated the stance in an interview with CBC, saying, “Accusations are easy. India has been talking about terrorism in Canada for 40 years. What has anyone done about it? Not one person has been convicted here.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/canada-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-rcmp-india-trade-row-article-153449835

He highlighted that Indian companies already face disadvantages compared to regional competitors with lower tariffs. He stressed that a significant reduction in tariffs is crucial for maintaining a meaningful strategic partnership.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed “serious concern” over US President Donald Trump’s recent 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, predicting it would make Indian exports to the US unviable. Tharoor said he had been “troubled” by the US tariff regime from the very beginning, adding that India was already at a disadvantage compared to its regional competitors, especially if tariffs mount 75%.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Tharoor said, “I have always been troubled about these tariffs because even the very first 25 per cent that was given to India was a problem because all the other economies, our rivals in South East Asia, who are competing with us in terms of labour-intensive industries that we produce, that we export to America like gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather, all these kinds of goods countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and even Pakistan and Bangladesh were all given tariff between 15 per cent and 19 per cent.”

He added that the situation had worsened with additional sanctions-related tariffs.

“So, the 25 per cent was already a problem. Now, you have 25 per cent more for Russian sanctions which takes it up to 50 per cent and if there are 25 per cent more in Iranian sanctions, that it takes it up to 75 per cent. So, let’s face it, no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent,” Tharoor said.

“It will be only those items that are not so far sanctioned, like pharmaceuticals and so, which we can continue selling. The other items will not be viable. So, it is troubling. I don’t know what the Government is saying, but from my point of view, this is very serious,” he asserted.

Security agencies opened fire and activated counter-drone measures in the area, following which the suspected drones were seen returning to the other side of the border.

Security forces on Tuesday opened fire and activated counter-drone measures after suspected Pakistani drone-like objects were spotted at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Doonga Gali area of the Keri sector.

According to sources, several drone-like objects, suspected to be from across the border, were sighted hovering over Dheri Dhara village near the LoC in the Keri sector of Rajouri around 7:35 pm. Later, they were seen moving towards Kalali village.

Security agencies opened fire and activated counter-drone measures in the area, following which the suspected drones were seen returning to the other side of the border.

Additionally, monitoring along the border has been intensified.

Earlier today, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu’s Kathua district. Several gunshots were heard after security forces launched a search operation following information about the suspected movement of terrorists in a remote village in the region.

The intermittent firing was reported from the Najote forest area of Billawar, about 10 km from the Kamadh nallah in the Kahog forest belt where security forces exchanged fire with terrorists on January 7, the officials said.

They said the suspected terrorists fired a few shots on observing the movement of the forces, who retaliated while moving deep inside the forest to neutralise them.

The cordon-and-search operation was strengthened and efforts are on to track down the ultras, the officials said.

Earlier today, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi had warned Pakistan that it would get a fitting response for any misadventure. He also recalled the successes during Operation Sindoor, launched to target terror hubs in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, and said the operation was still on.

Earlier on January 12, suspected drones-like objects from across the border were spotted at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, which prompted the security forces to activate counter-drone measures.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/suspected-pakistani-drone-spotted-along-loc-in-jks-rajouri-security-forces-on-alert-9828516.html

Jaishankar said that both sides agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and international issues.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed a range of bilateral issues on trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy.

He said that both sides agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on bilateral and international issues.

“Just concluded a good conversation with @SecRubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. Agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

The telephonic conversation was held just a day after US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, assumed charge in New Delhi on Monday.

Gor said that both leaders could possibly meet next month.

In a post on X, Gor said that both leaders “discussed next steps regarding bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals and a possible meeting next month.”

Earlier on Monday, the US envoy announced that India will be invited to join Pax Silica, a US-led strategic initiative aimed at securing critical supply chains spanning silicon, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

Rooted in deep cooperation with trusted partners, Pax Silica aims to reduce coercive dependencies, protect the materials and capabilities foundational to artificial intelligence, and ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale.

The initiative reflects what US officials describe as a new economic security paradigm, shaped by a growing consensus that secure supply chains, trusted technology and strategic infrastructure are indispensable to national power and long-term economic growth.

Gor had also emphasised continued engagement between the two sides.

“Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences,” he said, adding that “both sides continue to be actively engaged.”

Reiterating the United States’ intent to move forward on economic negotiations, Gor said, “We are determined to get a trade deal,” and indicated that talks would continue without pause.

His remarks came at a sensitive moment for India-US trade ties, with negotiations yet to reach a breakthrough.

Recently, US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited New Delhi with his team to review the negotiations. The latest two-day round of talks concluded on December 11, 2025. Indian industry bodies and exporters are closely monitoring developments, as high import duties continue to affect shipments to the US. While exporters are exploring alternative markets, the US remains crucial, accounting for around 18 per cent of India’s total exports.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-us-review-trade-defence-ties-in-jaishankar-marco-rubio-call-9828635.html

Two farmers in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district attempted suicide within two days, allegedly after facing hurdles in selling paddy at MSP. Sixty-year-old Baishakhu Ram Markam consumed poison at a tehsil office over land record discrepancies, while another farmer attempted suicide earlier. The incidents triggered official action and political reactions.

Two farmers in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh have attempted suicide in the last two days, allegedly after facing difficulties in selling their paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at government procurement centers, with reports indicating they felt frustrated and trapped in bureaucratic formalities.

Recent incident, 60-year-old Baishakhu Ram Markam of Jhanjh village attempted suicide on Tuesday by consuming poison at the Hardibazar Tehsil Office premises; he is currently hospitalized in serious condition. His troubles stemmed from revenue officials allegedly marking his farmland area as less than the over 3 acres he owns, which limited his paddy sale to just 15 quintals.

A separate incident involved Sumer Gond of Korbi village attempting suicide on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. In response, District Collector Kunal Dudawat suspended the concerned patwari and issued show-cause notices to the tehsildar and procurement center in-charge. Despite a prior meeting called by the Collector to resolve farmers’ issues, farmer leader S Tekam complained that the second tragic incident suggests a lack of seriousness from the government and district administration.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/chhattisgarh-news-2-farmers-attempt-suicide-in-korba-over-msp-paddy-sale-issues

Celebrity-led political interviews are emerging as a new campaign pattern, blending entertainment, emotion and image-building while sidelining hard political accountability

Indian politics is witnessing a shift from traditional rallies to celebrity-led interviews. From Bollywood to Marathi cinema, actors are now hosting politicians in casual, scripted conversations that focus more on image than accountability. While these interviews create emotional appeal and massive digital reach, they often sideline tough questions, blurring the line between entertainment, PR, and serious political discourse.

Is the trend of celebrities interviewing politicians a genuine emotional connection with voters, or a calculated move to divert political discourse?

Indian politics has witnessed numerous shifts over the decades. There was a time when fiery speeches at massive rallies and the roar of party workers were the primary tools of campaigning. Today, however, politics has entered the era of ‘Content Creation’ and ‘Image Consultancy.’ Amidst the hustle of the Maharashtra civic elections, we are seeing a new ‘pattern’ adopted by everyone from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to other top leaders: the celebrity-hosted interview. From Bollywood’s Akshay Kumar to Marathi cinema’s Tejashri Pradhan, Girija Oak, and Mahesh Manjrekar, the trend of actors interviewing politicians has become firmly established. Moving away from the dust of political rallies, these ‘non- political’ chats conducted over cups of tea in air-conditioned halls are being used to cast a spell on the minds of voters.

Psychological warfare: ‘How do you eat mangoes?’

A single judge Bench had earlier stayed coercive action by banks against Anil Ambani on finding that a forensic audit report cited against him to classify his account as fraudulent was not signed by a qualified CA.

There cannot be any difference between the privacy rights of a public or a private trust under the RTI Act, the Court remarked.

The moment a patient is admitted, billing begins, often leaving families paying hefty sums despite inadequate care and unnecessary medication. India Today investigated such allegations through ground reports from Greater Noida, Ranchi, Munger, Bhopal and Lucknow.

For 22-year-old Tinku Sahu from Bihar, a hospital visit ended in a life-altering tragedy. His leg was amputated without consent, while his family alleges they were kept confined inside the hospital for 13 days, forcing the district magistrate to step in.

In Greater Noida, grief turned into desperation when a hospital refused to release a patient’s body for seven hours over unpaid dues, leaving the family pleading until police intervention brought relief.

Meanwhile in Ranchi, a senior citizen lost his life in what the family claims was medical negligence, with allegations of insurance misuse and hospital management evading accountability – a pattern increasingly reported in mid-sized hospitals across states.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening consumer rights and transparency in the healthcare sector, the Government of India has released a new Indian Standard on the format of hospital bills.

The standard, titled IS 19493:2025 – Indian Standard for Healthcare Services: Format of Hospital Bills, was unveiled by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on the occasion of National Consumer Day.

MUNGER

Munger District Magistrate Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar stated that on December 2, 2025, an application was submitted to his office by Mahesh Sahu.

Complainant alleged that his son was being held captive in a private hospital.

Based on the information, a team from Sadar Hospital was sent to National Hospital to investigate the matter.

All About The Case

Mahesh Sahu’s son got injured in a road accident. He was brought to Sadar Hospital’s emergency room for treatment, and from Sadar Hospital, he was referred to Munger National Hospital.

The matter involved a leg amputation.

Hospital collected four lakh rupees from a bicycle-based utensil seller through donations and loans

On November 24, 2025, Tinku Sahu, the 35-year-old son of Mahesh Sahu, a resident of Medini Chowki in Lakhisarai district, set out to sell utensils on his bicycle

He was struck by a vehicle near Shivkund in the Hemjapur police station area, leaving him seriously injured.

Locals rushed him to Sadar Hospital, Munger, where he received first aid, and his family arrived at the scene.

The doctor then said, “Take him to Patna.”

Four men then put him in an ambulance and took him straight to the National Hospital, Munger.

After treatment began, at around 12:00 am, Tinku Saw’s right leg was amputated.

The hospital operator demanded Rs 2,90,000. When the family explained that they had no money, the hospital operator held the injured man’s mother and wife hostage for approximately 13 days.

When DM somehow learned of the incident, the young man was rescued and admitted to Sadar Hospital, recognising the seriousness of the situation.

Victim was freed after the DM’s action.

Describing the entire incident, Tinku said, “I was being treated at Sadar Hospital, Munger. Before the amputation, I was given an injection to make me unconscious.”

“When I regained consciousness after five days, I discovered that my leg had been amputated. We sell utensils on bicycles in villages and villages, and I was responsible for supporting 10 families, including my wife, four children, and parents. But the doctors at the National Hospital amputated my leg for money. Later, they said that if I had gone to Patna, steel would have been used, and the amputation wouldn’t have been necessary. They amputated my leg just to pay the bill, and now we are worried about how we will support our family,” he added.

DM’s Reaction

Munger DM Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar said that under the Clinical Establishment Act, a three-member investigation team was constituted and sent to probe the matter.

The probe panel was led by Additional District Magistrate (ADDM) Sanjay Kumar Singh and included the hospital’s then Civil Surgeon Dr. Ram Pravesh Kumar and Sadar Hospital physician Dr. Niranjan Kumar.

The panel has submitted its report, following which a notice has been issued to National Hospital. If a satisfactory response is not received within 30 days, action will be taken to cancel the hospital’s registration.

Some individuals from Sadar Hospital have also been identified and issued show-cause notices.

Appealing to the public, the DM said that if anyone faces such an incident, they should directly inform him by calling his personal number and should not be compelled to visit private hospitals.

The hospital is yet to react.

Family’s Reaction

The family has demanded legal action and assistance against the hospital.

The victim’s father alleged that his son’s leg was amputated without informing the family. He claimed he was charged Rs 1,59,700 for bed charges and doctors’ fees, while nearly Rs 2,50,000 was taken for medicines and injections.

According to him, the hospital took approximately Rs 4 lakh initially and later began pressuring the family for an additional Rs 2.9 lakh.

He alleged that the hospital operator told him his son would be released only if the payment was made; otherwise, a family member would be held hostage inside the hospital.

The father said he arranged Rs 4 lakh by collecting donations from Medinichowki, Suryagarha, family members, relatives, and by taking loans. With no other option, he was forced to raise the money.

The family approached the Munger DM on December 2, 2025. Officials arrived the next morning and conducted an investigation.

On December 7, the victim was released and admitted to Sadar Hospital.

The father further alleged that National Hospital obtained signatures and thumb impressions of him, his wife, and daughter-in-law on a document stating the total treatment cost was Rs 3,68,700, of which Rs 1,59,700 had been deposited.

The remaining Rs 2.9 lakh was shown as waived on “humanitarian grounds,” with a declaration that the family had no complaints regarding treatment.

He claimed that while hospital charges were documented, the Rs 2.5 lakh spent on medicines and injections was not mentioned.

The family has demanded strict action against those responsible.

GREATER NOIDA

On November 14, 2025, a man from Firozabad was admitted to Mahananda Hospital (a 250-bed facility) in Greater Noida after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

The hospital allegedly refused to hand over the body after the patient died, citing a pending bill of Rs 3 lakh.

Following police intervention, the body was released after six to seven hours.

What the Family Said

The family alleged they made payments every two to four days but received no satisfactory update on the patient’s recovery.

The patient died at 4 pm, but the hospital did not release the body for several hours due to non-payment.

After police intervention, the body was handed over, and the family left for Firozabad.

RANCHI

The case pertains to Paras Hospital (300 beds), where retired bank employee BR Tiwari was admitted in May 2025.

His son Chandraprakash alleged negligence and insensitivity by the hospital.

He claimed that once the hospital learnt the patient was insured, he was immediately shifted to the ICU, and a bill exceeding Rs 2 lakh was generated the very next day.

Within four to five days, the total bill reached Rs 5.39 lakh.

The family alleged gross negligence, including improper catheter insertion for 48 hours, leading to severe infection and ultimately death.

Despite raising concerns, the hospital allegedly failed to take corrective action.

Hospital Response

The hospital management did not respond to the allegations. Officials repeatedly deferred providing a statement.

LUCKNOW

In Lucknow, alleged negligence at Vinod Hospital left 35-year-old Neeraj Mishra permanently disabled.

In 2022, after a road accident, Neeraj underwent surgery at Vinod Hospital, following which his leg began deteriorating and eventually had to be amputated.

He underwent nine to ten surgeries and now cannot walk.

Neeraj claims he was misled about the hospital’s facilities, asked to deposit money repeatedly, and shuttled between hospitals.

His medical expenses pushed him into a debt of nearly Rs 21 lakh.

Despite filing multiple complaints with authorities, he alleged no action was taken initially.

Probe Outcome

Following an investigation by the Lucknow Board of Family Welfare, Vinod Hospital’s registration was cancelled with immediate effect, and all medical activities were halted.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/five-states-same-story-how-private-hospitals-gamble-with-patients-lives-bhopal-ranchi-noida-munger-2851519-2026-01-14

The Court was hearing a plea filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo against his preventive detention under the National Security Act.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal on Monday told the Supreme Court that Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk cannot be seen in the videos relied upon by authorities as grounds to detain him [Gitanjali J Angmo & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors.].

Sibal made the assertion before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale during the hearing of the habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife.

Wangchuk was arrested from Ladakh on September 26 and is currently under preventive detention in a jail in Jodhpur.

The arrest was made pursuant to the protests and violence that broke out in Ladakh over demands of statehood for the Union Territory.

His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, moved the Supreme Court in early October, saying his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) was illegal and meant to silence peaceful dissent. She said he has always followed Gandhian, non-violent methods.

During today’s hearing, at the very outset, Sibal, appearing for Angmo, flagged a practical issue about the Union’s side being unavailable for some days. He said he had been informed that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta would not be able to address the Court till January 26 because of a family wedding.

The Court said that since this was a habeas corpus petition involving personal liberty, it would not delay the matter. The Bench allowed Sibal to continue and fixed the case for hearing tomorrow as well.

Sibal then began setting out what he described as four fundamental defects in the detention.

He said the most serious problem was that crucial material relied upon by the detaining authority had not been supplied to Wangchuk, making it impossible for him to make an effective legal representation against the detention.

He explained that four videos dated September 24, 2025, were relied upon in the detention order, but were never given to Wangchuk.

“So your right to make an effective representation got truncated because you were not given those videos?” the Court queried.

Sibal answered in the affirmative and said this struck at the heart of constitutional protection under Article 22.

He then referred to Articles 22(1) and 22(5) of the Constitution which guarantee that a detenue must be informed of the grounds of detention and must be given the earliest opportunity to make a representation.

He also referred to Section 5A of the NSA, which allows detention to survive even if one of several grounds is found invalid.

Sibal said that in ordinary circumstances he would challenge Section 5A as unconstitutional because it allows the State to rely on “split grounds” of detention.

Seniour Advocate Kapil Sibal
Seniour Advocate Kapil Sibal
He argued that Section 5A cannot override the constitutional right to make an effective representation.

After this submission, the Court asked him directly whether he was contending that Section 5A did not apply to Wangchuk’s case.

Sibal said that it could not apply where the detenue had not even been supplied with the material relied upon.

He said that Section 5A, if at all, can operate only when all grounds and materials are properly served.

He explained that the detention order referred to a recommendation made by an authority, on the basis of which the formal grounds of detention were prepared. But that recommendation itself had never been given to Wangchuk.

According to Sibal, the so-called grounds of detention were nothing but a verbatim copy of that recommendation.

“The grounds are simply a copy paste of the recommendation. The exact words, the exact sentence, everything is the same,” Sibal argued.

“So your contention is that there is no application of mind by the detaining authority?” the Court asked.

“Yes” replied Sibal.

The Senior Counsel then pointed out the time gap between the events relied upon and the detention order. He said many of the documents referred to in the grounds related to events from March 2024 onwards, whereas the detention order was passed on September 26, 2025. He referred specifically to a video of June 8, 2025, which the detaining authority had relied upon.

He said that according to the detention order, the real trigger was what allegedly happened on September 10, 11 and 24 last year. But the videos and materials relating to those dates were never supplied to him.

Instead, he said, the authorities relied on older material like the June 8 video or even something from May 25, 2025, where it was alleged that Wangchuk had incited people to engage in strikes and non-cooperation movements.

Sibal argued that if the June 8 video was really the basis of detention, then Wangchuk should have been detained on June 9 itself.

He also said that his speech where he spoke about non-violence was completely ignored by the authorities.

Pertinently, he said the videos of September 24 were actually recorded after the alleged violent incident and yet were being used against him. More importantly, he said, Wangchuk was not even present in those videos.

He explained that under preventive detention law, the material relied upon must have a proximate link with the detention order. The proximate link was supposed to be what happened on September 10, 11 and 24, but that material had not been supplied, Sibal stated.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/sonam-wangchuk-not-there-in-the-videos-relied-upon-to-detain-him-wife-to-supreme-court

The registration was granted in favour of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) which operates the Taj Hotels brand.
Taj Hotels on January 7 secured trademark registration for a sound mark, which grants statutory protection to audio identifier used in connection with its hospitality and related services.

The registration was granted in favour of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) which operates the Taj Hotels brand. The mark is registered with effect from April 17, 2025, the date of application.

Trademark records show that the registered sound mark consists of musical notes D E E G A E in D Major, with a 4/4 time signature and a tempo of 130 beats per minute. The application was filed as a sound mark under the Trade Marks Act, a category that continues to see limited but increasing registrations in India.

The registration protects the brand’s sonic identity as a trademark, recognising sound as a distinct brand asset in an increasingly experience-driven marketplace where hospitality brands rely on multi-sensory consumer engagement.

The sound mark was registered across Classes 9, 35 and 43 covering software and mobile applications for hotel booking and accommodation management, advertising and promotion of hotel services, administration of customer loyalty programmes as well as temporary accommodation and services for providing food and drink

The registration is valid for 10 years from the date of application and is renewable for further ten-year periods in accordance with the Act.

Registry records show that IHCL had sought expedited processing of the application by filing Form TM-M, citing business requirements for early registration, along with payment of the prescribed fee

Commenting on the development, Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, IHCL, said, “Being recognised as the world’s strongest hotel brand carries with it the responsibility to lead all facets including how brand equity is protected. This sound mark registration reinforces our position as a pioneer in brand protection, reflecting a forward-looking approach to intellectual property that aligns with the evolving ways in which guests engage with and connect with our brands.”

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/law-policy/taj-hotels-gets-sound-mark-registered-for-hospitality-and-digital-services

Earlier, the Court had quashed Union Bank’s decision to declare Reliance Home Finance Limited’s account as a fraud.
The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned Union Bank of India’s show cause notice to industrialist Anil Ambani’s son Jai Anmol Ambani over allegedly fraudulent activity in the account of a company owned by him.

Justice Jasmeet Singh noted that the show cause notice was issued to Ambani on December 22, 2025 in relation to activity in the account of Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) but the company had undergone insolvency proceedings and the resolution plan was approved by the lenders (including the Union Bank) and the Supreme Court.

Hence, the notice made no sense, the judge opined.

“Notice has to make sense no? Why are you issuing a show-cause notice once the [resolution] plan has been approved? Where have you said that this was wrongly approved or that there was a fallacy in the resolution plan?” the Court asked the Union Bank’s counsel.

However, Justice Singh said he will not stay the proceedings in relation to the show-cause notice.

Instead, the Court said that Ambani would reply to the notice and he or his authorised representative may appear before the bank for a personal hearing.

The Bank will pass a speaking order after hearing him. The order will be brought to the Court on the next date of hearing, the Court said.

“The effect of the order shall be subject to the order passed in this writ petition,” Justice Singh added.

The matter will be heard again on February 27.

The Court passed the directions while hearing Anmol Ambani’s plea challenging the show cause notice. Earlier, the High Court had quashed the Union Bank’s decision to classify Ambani company’s account as fraudulent, after noting the decision was taken without issuing a show cause notice to him.

Today, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar appeared for Anmol Ambani and argued that the notice issued on December 22, 2025, is inherently flawed as the resolution plan of RHFL was approved, and there cannot be any allegation of fraud against the company.

He said that even assuming the worst-case scenario, the show-cause notice is based on an audit of the year 2020, and the notice has been issued five years later.

Meanwhile, the counsel appearing for the Bank challenged the assertion and said the matter is only at the stage of a show cause notice, and the proceeding should not be stayed at this stage.

After hearing the parties, the Bench said that it is not interdicting the proceeding, but Ambani should be heard by the Bank, and the outcome would be subject to the Court’s orders.

The CBI has filed cases against Anil Ambani group companies on allegations of fraud amounting to nearly ₹14,853 crores.

The agency’s case against Jai Anmol Ambani is that he cheated the Union Bank of India and caused the public sector bank a loss of nearly ₹228 crore.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-questions-union-banks-notice-to-anil-ambanis-son-over-company-account-fraud

Vlogger Bijay Anand has claimed he was allegedly lured and pressured to delete a viral video showing a Swiggy delivery agent falling from a moving train at Anantapur railway station. Refusing to comply, Bijay said he would not remove the footage from any platform. The video has reignited concerns over gig worker safety and risky delivery practices.

In a fresh development in the Swiggy delivery agent falling-from-train controversy, YouTuber and vlogger Bijay Anand has claimed that he was allegedly lured and pressured to take down the viral video from his social media accounts. Bijay, however, asserted that he refused to delete the footage under any circumstances.

In a stern statement, Bijay said, “No matter who forces or lures me, I will never delete the video from my account on any social platform.”

‘I Will Not Delete the Video’: Bijay’s Firm Stand

While making the claim, Bijay did not explicitly name the individual or organisation that allegedly pressured him to remove the video. The matter, therefore, remains unclear as to who attempted to influence him.

The video in question had gone viral earlier this week, which led to a debate on the safety of gig workers, particularly food delivery partners operating in high-risk environments.

Viral Clip Captures Delivery Agent’s Pain After Fall

Following the incident, Bijay spoke to the injured delivery agent, who was heard expressing his distress on call. During the call the agent claimed that he had to pay 3,000 rupees railway fine and then continued saying that he risked his life just to complete delivery.

What Happened at Anantapur Railway Station

The controversy stems from an incident at Anantapur railway station, where a Swiggy delivery agent fell onto the platform after handing over food to a passenger travelling in the 1st AC coach of the 18464 Prashanti Express.

The fall occurred moments before the train began to move, and the video of the incident quickly spread across social media platforms, raising serious concerns over delivery safety on railway platforms.

Netizens Slam Risky Deliveries, Demand Accountability

The incident reignited a broader debate over India’s systemic disregard for gig worker safety. Several social media users pointed out the contradiction between frequent train delays and very short station halts, questioning why delivery agents are forced to take such risks.

Many urged passengers to collect food orders at coach doors instead of expecting on-seat delivery, especially when trains are about to depart.

Swiggy Responds: ‘Delivery Partner Is Safe’

Responding to the controversy, Swiggy issued a clarification, stating that the delivery partner was safe and did not face any penalties.

The 44.4 metre tall four-stage PSLV-C62 rocket soared from the first launch pad at a prefixed time of 10.18 hours on Monday.

ISRO’s trusted workhorse PSLV lifted off from the spaceport at Sriharikota on Monday, carrying an earth observation satellite along with several commercial payloads for both domestic and overseas customers. This marks the first space mission of the year for ISRO. Following the launch, the PSLV-C62 encountered an anomaly during the third stage of the flight.

The 44.4 metre tall four-stage PSLV-C62 rocket soared from the first launch pad at a prefixed time of 10.18 hours on Monday. According to ISRO, the first two stages performed within expected parameters, and at the end of the third stage (PS3), the vehicle experienced “disturbances”.

Addressing the team at the Mission Control Centre here, ISRO chief Narayanan said, “The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages. The performance of the vehicle up to the end of the third stage was expected. Close to the end of the third stage we are seeing more disturbance in the vehicle and subsequently, there was a deviation observed in the flight path.” “We are analysing the data and we shall come back at the earliest,” he said.

Later, in a post on ‘X’, ISRO said, “the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the end of PS3 (third stage). A detailed analysis has been initiated.”

The mission is part of the contract secured by NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO. After a journey of 17 minutes, the rocket was expected to place the satellites into Sun Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of about 511 km.

The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission was planned to first deploy the Earth Observation Satellite built by Thailand and the United Kingdom, followed by the other co-passenger satellites into the sun-synchronous orbit.

PSLV has completed 63 flights so far, including the ambitious Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and Aditya-L1 mission.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/isro-pslv-c62-mission-encounters-anomaly-during-third-stage-after-launch-what-went-wrong-article-153434032

A Rapido woman driver earned widespread praise after helping a lost and frightened foreign tourist safely reach her hotel late at night.

A heartwarming video is going viral on social media showing a Rapido woman driver helping a foreign woman safely reach her hotel late at night. The incident reportedly took place around 10 PM and has left the internet emotional.

The video has been widely shared across platforms, and one such clip was posted on X by a user identified as @RealBababanaras. The video was captioned, “At 10 PM, a foreign woman got lost, alone and terrified after Google Maps failed. With no one around, Rapido rider Sindhu Kumari stopped, reassured her, and safely dropped her at Hotel Coconut, turning fear into relief. Salute to this brave Indian woman rider.”

In the video, the foreign woman can be seen hugging and thanking the Indian woman for safely dropping her back at the hotel late at night. She appears visibly shaken and emotional. The Rapido driver, who identifies herself as Sindhu Kumari, explains how the woman had gotten lost near the beach and how she stepped in to help her reach her hotel safely.

The bitter cold left visible signs across Gurugram and its outskirts on Monday, with frost forming over crops, grasslands and car windshields.

Residents of Gurugram are reeling under an intense cold wave even on Tuesday, a day after the city recorded a historic 0.6 degrees Celsius, its lowest temperature in nearly five decades and colder than several Himalayan hill stations. Delhi isn’t far behind and is freezing at a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius.

According to the India Meteorological Department data, Gurugram’s 0.6 degrees reading was logged on Monday morning, matching the city’s January 22, 1977 low. Such extreme cold is rare, the city has gone lower than this only three times on record: minus 0.4 degrees Celsius on December 5, 1966, 0 degrees Celsius on January 11, 1970, and 0.3 degrees Celsius on January 22, 1979.

On Monday, Gurugram was colder than many popular hill destinations. Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra and Palampur recorded 3 degrees Celsius, Jammu 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Uttarakhand’s Mukteshwar, Jollygrant and Tehri stood at 4.1 degrees Celsius each.

Plains colder than the hills

The cold wave has gripped much of the National Capital Region and northwest India. Delhi’s Safdarjung station recorded 3 degrees Celsius, while other plains also saw near-freezing temperatures – Hisar 2.6 degrees Celsius, Amritsar 1.1 degrees C, Churu 1.3 degrees C, Karnal 3.5 degrees C and Meerut 4.5 degrees.

In contrast, hill stations were far warmer, with Mussoorie at 7.7 degrees Celsius and Shimla at 8.8 degrees.

Explaining the unusual pattern, IMD director general M Mohapatra said cloud cover over the hills, triggered by an active western disturbance, prevented heat from escaping at night. “The night was cloudy over the higher reaches, which is why minimum temperatures remained higher there,” he said.

Over the plains, however, clear skies and persistent cold northwesterly winds led to strong radiative cooling, allowing temperatures to drop sharply.

Frost, fog and hazardous conditions

The bitter cold left visible signs across Gurugram and its outskirts on Monday, with frost (pala) forming over crops, grasslands and car windshields.

Jeeva Thavasiraj, a 22-year-old site engineer from Sector 66, said the chill was unprecedented for him. “I come from Tamil Nadu and have never experienced this kind of cold. Even with heavy safety shoes, our feet become numb,” he said.

Sunita Devi, a daily commuter from Sohna, said dense fog and frost made travel difficult. “There was frost on our bus’s windshield and crops in the fields. The elevated roads had very poor visibility, and vehicles had to move slowly,” she said.

IMD warnings remain in force

IMD has extended an orange alert till January 13, warning of cold wave to severe cold wave conditions, dense fog and ground frost across parts of Haryana, Delhi and neighbouring states.

Health advisories warn that prolonged exposure could lead to frostbite, flu and aggravated respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, especially among the elderly and children. Motorists have also been cautioned about reduced visibility and higher accident risk during late-night and early-morning hours.

What next

Although the worst reading was recorded on Monday, temperatures are expected to remain abnormally low through Tuesday and the next couple of days, IMD said. No significant change in minimum temperatures is likely over northwest India for the next three days, followed by a gradual rise of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius thereafter.

Meteorologists said the extreme cold is being driven by a combination of western disturbances, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Haryana, and strong westerly winds in the upper atmosphere.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gurugram-0-c-delhi-only-3-notches-away-why-are-they-colder-than-shimla-this-winter-101768274394402.html

From Ukraine to Iran, every global crisis seems to come with consequences for India. On Tuesday, Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Iran’s trade partners has again placed India in US’s line of fire.

It seems wherever there is a crisis, be it in Iran or Ukraine, US President Donald Trump always finds a reason to target India. Hours after sweet talk by US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of India being the “most essential partner” of the US, his boss, Trump, imposed a new 25% tariff on countries doing trade with crisis-hit Iran — a move set to impact New Delhi severely. India, which is among Iran’s top five trading partners, may see its tariffs on US imports surge to a whopping 75%.

Tightening the noose around Iran, which is witnessing its biggest anti-government protest in years, Trump said any country doing business with Iran would “immediately” face a 25% tariff on trade with the US. “This order is final and conclusive,” Trump underlined.

Now, without a trade deal with the US, Indian goods are already facing the highest US tariff rate of 50%. Apart from a 25% reciprocal duty, Trump slapped an additional 25% punitive levy on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil. A further 25% duty will take the total tariffs on Indian imports to the US to 75%.

There is also the spectre of a US bill that proposes 500% tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil despite sanctions. Trump has already approved the bill that targets countries like India, China, and Brazil.

New Delhi has long-standing trade and strategic links with Tehran, including energy imports and the development of the strategically vital Chabahar Port, seen as India’s gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan.

TIMING RAISES EYEBROWS

Though China is Iran’s biggest trading partner, Trump’s move has consequences for India, beyond trade as well. The timing of Trump’s announcement is important, coming hours before Indian and US officials sat down for another round of negotiations over the long-pending trade deal.

The fresh tariff announcement is being viewed by a section of experts as another pressure tactic to get India to agree to US terms on the trade deal.

Recent revelations by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have already shown how Trump can make a country pay for not massaging his ego or doing his bidding.

Last week, Lutnick revealed that the trade deal between India and the US failed to materialise, not because of policy issues, but due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to directly call Trump and seal it.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR INDIA-IRAN TRADE

The bench took suo motu cognisance of deaths and accidents caused by the Chinese string on December 11, 2025.

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the state government to strictly enforce the ban on Chinese manja, noting that if a minor is found flying a kite using the banned string, his guardians can be held legally responsible.

A bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi also ordered wide publicity among the public that selling or using Chinese manja can invite action under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence.

The bench took suo motu cognisance of deaths and accidents caused by the Chinese string on December 11, 2025.

During the hearing, the bench was informed by the state government that steps had already been taken to stop the sale of Chinese manja and several precautionary measures were being implemented to prevent accidents linked to the kite string.

The state government also told the court that awareness campaigns would be run in print and electronic media to curb the sale and use of Chinese string.

Issuing specific directions, the high court said, “They (respondents) are also directed to publish that if anybody is found selling or using the said thread, he may also be prosecuted for commission of offence under Section 106(1) of BNS, 2023 (304-A of the IPC).

“It should also be noted that if any minor is found using the Chinese Nylon Thread, then his guardian may also be made responsible,” it observed.

During the hearing, Indore district magistrate Shivam Verma told the high court that the administration would issue necessary orders at the earliest in compliance with the directions, which would also be circulated immediately to neighbouring districts.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/court-directs-madhya-pradesh-to-strictly-enforce-ban-on-chinese-string-10739530

The painter, secured with a safety harness, shares details about his impressive earnings, defying typical assumptions about education and income.

A video capturing a casual conversation between a woman and a painter working at dizzying heights on a high-rise building has gone viral on social media. The painter, secured with a safety harness, shares details about his impressive earnings, defying typical assumptions about education and income.

The video, shared by Saniya Mirza on Instagram, starts off light and friendly but quickly takes a surprising turn as the painter shares his salary, leaving viewers shocked. Mirza, speaking in Hindi, casually asks the painter if wearing the safety harness causes back pain and jokingly remarks that he must be earning a lot. The painter, staying focused on his task, calmly responds that he doesn’t experience any pain and earns a monthly salary of Rs 35,000. Mirza appears visibly surprised at the amount. The painter goes on to share a bit about himself, mentioning that he is educated and has completed a degree, adding that he, too, holds qualifications.

Watch the video here:

He goes on to mention that his brother is in the army and his sister serves in the Bihar Police. The conversation also reveals that, alongside painting, he is actively involved in farming. When asked if his agricultural income surpasses that of his siblings, he shares that he earns around Rs 10 lakh annually from selling sugarcane.

Instagram users responded with surprise and admiration, impressed by his hard work and the success he has achieved through farming. One user wrote, “Everyone is just looking on pay, but no one is seeing his hardwork and risk of life.”

Another commented, “People often consider success with just the amount of money they are earning. But they ignore the lifestyle , social life , education , safety or other regularities.”

“Perfect example of don’t judge a book by its cover,” wrote a third.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/high-rise-painter-says-he-earns-rs-35-000-shatters-stereotypes-in-viral-video-i-have-a-degree-too-10739533

Two Nipah virus cases detected in Barasat, West Bengal. Centre and state deploy expert teams, activate NCDC PHEOC, and begin contact tracing.

Two cases of Nipah virus have been detected in the state, officials said on Monday. The cases were identified in West Bengal’s Barasat at Barasat Hospital.

A team from the state government visited the hospital on Monday morning to assess the situation.

Given the serious nature of the Nipah virus infection, a zoonotic disease with high mortality and potential for rapid spread, the situation is being handled with utmost priority, officials said.

Soon after receiving the information, the Union health secretary held discussions with the chief secretary and principal secretary (health) of the West Bengal government to review the situation and ensure swift, coordinated action.

A national joint outbreak response team has been deployed to support the state government in containment and public health response measures.

Officials said the team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Centre has shared guidelines on the Nipah virus under the communicable disease alert with the state Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) unit. In addition, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, has been activated to coordinate the national response.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/two-suspected-nipah-virus-cases-detected-in-west-bengals-barasat-centre-sends-teams-ws-el-9826012.html

Around 3,500 pieces of content have been blocked, and over 600 accounts deleted.

New Delhi: Microblogging site X has “accepted its mistake” and assured it will comply with Indian laws after the IT Ministry warned the Elon Musk-led social media platform on the Grok AI obscene content issue, government sources said on Sunday.

Around 3,500 pieces of content have been blocked, and over 600 accounts deleted, according to sources.

X has accepted its mistake, and said it will comply with Indian laws, sources said, adding that in future, the platform will not allow obscene imagery.

Earlier, the government had asked X for details, including specific action taken on obscene content linked to Grok AI, and measures to prevent a repeat in future, after it found the response submitted by the platform to be inadequate.

In its response after the first notice was issued to it, X had outlined the strict content takedown policies it abides by when it comes to misleading posts and those related to non-consensual sexualised images.

While the reply was long and detailed, it had “missed” key information, including takedown details and specific action that was taken on the Grok AI obscene content issue, and measures to prevent it in future.

On January 2, the IT Ministry issued a stern warning to X over indecent and sexually-explicit content being generated through the misuse of AI-based services like ‘Grok’ and other tools.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/grok-ai-obscene-content-elon-musks-x-accepts-mistake-assures-to-comply-with-indian-laws-3858395

NSA Ajit Doval revealed that he does not use mobile phones and the internet, saying there are “other forms of communication” unknown to the public.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval revealed that he largely avoids using phones and the internet for communicating with officials, adding that there are “other means of communication” that common people do not know.

Responding to a question about how he communicates in an era of mobile phones and social media at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, Doval said, “I don’t know how you came to know that I don’t use phones. Yes, it is true that I don’t use the internet or phones, apart from personal or family.”

“Sometimes, I have to use them. I have to contact people abroad. But I manage without them. There are several methods of communication, and some additional methods have to be arranged that are not known to the public,” he added.

Doval, a 1968 batch IPS officer with an illustrious career in intelligence, internal security and counter-terrorism roles, urged young Indians to draw strength from history to rebuild the nation and work towards creating a strong and great India based on its own values, rights, and beliefs.

The NSA invoked the struggles and sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh to underscore India’s painful struggle for independence. “You are lucky that you were born in an independent India. I was born in a colonised India. Our ancestors fought for independence and went through so many trials and tribulations. They made great sacrifices for it. They endured great humiliation and experienced periods of profound helplessness. Many people faced the gallows,” he said.

“Our villages were burned. Our civilisation was destroyed. Our temples were looted, and we watched helplessly as silent spectators. This history presents us with a challenge that every young person in India today should have the fire within them. The word ‘revenge’ isn’t ideal, but revenge itself is a powerful force. We have to take revenge for our history. We have to take this country back to where we can build a great India based on our rights, our ideas, and our beliefs,” he added.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/there-are-other-means-ajit-doval-says-he-doesnt-use-mobile-phones-internet-ws-l-9823808.html

Dr Sangram Patil, with his wife, was detained for over 15 hours at the Mumbai airport following a complaint by Maharashtra BJP’s social media coordinator.

When Dr Sangram Patil, a London-based British national of Indian origin, landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport early on Saturday morning along with his wife, he was detained for over 15 hour on the basis of a Look Out Notice (LOC). The detention prompted reaction from the Opposition parties with NCP (SP) terming it an “insult to the state’s honour”.

Patil is said to be a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an FIR was filed against him by Nikhil Bhamre, social media coordinator of the Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on December 18, 2025 over a post that allegedly defamed Modi, HT reported earlier.

Patil’s detention came in connection with the FIR filed at the N M Joshi Marg Police Station. “They were detained by immigration authorities on the basis of a Look Our Circular issued against him on the basis of the FIR,” a police officer told HT.

Bhamre in his report alleged that the post mentioned objectionable things and disinformation about BJP and its prominent leaders such as PM Modi. The complaint also said the post had objectionable content regarding a woman, The Indian Express reported.

What the police said

Patil had a strong following on social media and had written several defamatory articles about BJP leaders, police said. Bhamre, while filing the FIR, had told police that he had seen an ‘objectionable post’ by Patil against PM Modi when he was surfing the internet. After discussing this with senior BJP leaders, he filed a complaint with the N M Joshi Marg police.

“We detained him and questioned him on the LOC, and later allowed him to go after giving him a notice under section 35 (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” said a police officer. The section mandates that the police issue a notice for appearance to an accused when an arrest is not warranted.

Patil responds to detention

After he was released, Patil said that it was no secret that he was active on social media and was a critic of the BJP-led government. “They have clubbed some posts and have named me as an accused. I will discuss this with my legal team and decide a further course of action,” he said.

The FIR against Patil was registered under section 353(2) of the BNS for statements containing false information that would lead to feeling of enmity and hatred between communities.

Opposition leaders condemn detention

Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat condemned Patil’s detention and said, “Arresting someone who asks questions is cowardice on the part of the BJP government.”

“It is not a crime to take a stand against the government. But how can one expect that from a government drunk on power,” senior NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/green-moong-dal-5-reasons-why-whole-green-moong-is-better-for-digestion-than-yellow-dal-101768106399609.html

Medical experts refer to carbon monoxide as the “silent killer” because it’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless, so it goes undetected until it’s too late.

In the biting winter cold across North India, space heaters have emerged as “silent killers”, with the latest cases being reported from Delhi, Punjab, and Bihar, besides a number of deaths over the past month from Jammu and Kashmir, among other places.

In Punjab’s Tarn Taran, a young couple and their month-old infant died of asphyxiation due to fumes after sleeping with a brazier in a room with all doors and windows closed, police said on Sunday, January 11.

Coal-based ‘desi’ heaters are not the only ones posing danger, though. People use various heating gadgets to brave the harsh winter, including electric ones, but this has led to deaths due to suffocation, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heater-related fires in a series of tragedies over the past month.

Trail of tragedies

From the high-rises of Delhi to hamlets in Bihar and the valley of Kashmir, improper use of heaters and traditional braziers is claiming entire families in their sleep. Recent weeks have seen a surge in fatal incidents related to space heaters.

In Delhi’s Mukundpur area, a family of three, including Ajay Vimal (45), an engineer with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), his wife Neelam (38), and their 10-year-old daughter Jahnvi were killed in a fire last Tuesday. HT has reported that police suspected a room heater exploded or caused a short circuit, knocking the family unconscious with smoke before the flames spread.

Neighbours reported that the victims were found on their bed with no signs of struggle. Ajay’s sister told reporters that the family had only recently gathered for a meal together.

In Bihar’s Gayaji, a 60-year-old grandmother named Meena Devi and her two grandchildren, aged 6 and 5, died from suffocation in a closed room where a brazier (angeethi) had been lit to ward off the cold.

A similar tragedy struck Tarn Taran, Punjab, on Sunday where Arshdeep Singh (21), his wife **Jashandeep Kaur (20), and their month-old infant Gurbaz Singh died.

In Srinagar, a chef named Aijaz Ahmad Bhat (37), his wife and three children, one of whom was a 28-day-old infant, were found dead in their rented room. HT reported that the authorities found an electric blower in the room and suspected asphyxiation.

What’s the science behind this ‘silent killer’?

Medical experts refer to carbon monoxide (CO) as the “silent killer” because it’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless, so it goes undetected until it’s too late. Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, head of the Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar, told The Hindu that heating devices, whether run on gas, wood, or coal, consume oxygen within a closed room, and lead to the accumulation of toxic gases like CO and carbon dioxide.

Victims often do not realise they are in danger; they may experience dizziness, headaches, and fatigue before falling unconscious, he added.

A retrospective study led by Rajesh Kumar and researchers at AIIMS New Delhi over 15 years found that 95% of CO fatalities occurred during winter, with coal-burning vessels in poorly ventilated spaces being the primary cause.

Risks beyond carbon monoxide

While suffocation is a primary concern, doctors also warn about the broader health impacts of heaters. Dr Ambrish Kumar Garg, a senior consultant at Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, told Dainik Bhaskar that prolonged heater use depletes moisture from the air, causing the nose, throat, and skin to dry out. This can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies, and in severe cases, lead to internal bleeding in the brain.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/winter-brings-to-life-a-silent-killer-heaters-trigger-deaths-from-delhi-flats-to-bihar-villages-what-doctors-say-101768133888543.html

The incident highlights the risks faced by gig workers, particularly those delivering food on trains.

A shocking video shows a Swiggy delivery agent falling from a moving train, narrowly escaping a serious injury at Anantapur railway station in Andhra Pradesh after delivering food to a passenger. The incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread concern over the safety of gig workers.

The video shows the delivery agent attempting to get off the Prashanti Express (18464) after handing over food to a passenger in the 1st AC coach when the train started moving.

The train had halted at the station for only 1-2 minutes, read the caption of the video, which was shared on Instagram by a user named @hey_bijay. The short duration of time left the agent little time to safely deboard. The video appears to show him losing balance and falling onto the platform.

“This is not an accident – it’s a failure of safety and responsibility,” the user wrote in the caption.

“I want to be very clear: I don’t want anything from Swiggy for myself. I want Swiggy to help that delivery partner.”

Watch the video here:

Reactions And Response

The video gained massive traction on social media, with users demanding to implement safety protocols be implemented on trains for delivery agents.

Swiggy has also reacted, confirming that the agent is safe and unharmed, stating that safety is their top priority and protocols prohibit boarding or exiting moving trains.

“We’ve looked into the incident and are relieved to confirm that the delivery partner is safe, unharmed, and did not face any penalty from authorities,” the company wrote in the comment section.

“Safety is our absolute priority. Our protocols strictly prohibit boarding or exiting moving trains. To help prevent such incidents, we’ve further strengthened our safety training to ensure all partners clearly understand, remain protected, follow protocols and stay out of harm’s way.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shocking-video-shows-delivery-agent-falling-from-moving-train-swiggy-responds-10688840

A three-member medical board of experts, which conducted the postmortem, has found indications that the victim was injected with some substance in his left hand before being killed.

Fresh details have surfaced in the brutal murder of a 35-year-old man, whose dismembered body was recovered from an abandoned plot near Jalandhar Bypass on Thursday.

A three-member medical board of experts, which conducted the postmortem, has found indications that the victim was injected with some substance in his left hand before being killed.

However, the exact cause of death will be ascertained only after viscera samples, sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, are analysed, official sources said on Sunday.

The body was brought for postmortem examinations in six pieces, with the right hand missing.

Police are searching for the missing hand.

Two accused – husband and wife – were arrested on Friday in the case.

The accused man has been identified as Shamsher alias Shera, a carpenter by profession.

The severed body was recovered from an abandoned plot near the bypass on Thursday.

The victim, Davinder Kumar, a resident of Bharti Colony in Ludhiana, had recently returned from Mumbai, where he worked at a printing and graphic design shop.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/punjab-man-found-chopped-in-drum-was-injected-before-murder-reveals-probe-10692513

He landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad for a two-day visit from January 12 to 13.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in India on Monday for his first official visit.

He landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad for a two-day visit from January 12 to 13, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ANI reported.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Chancellor Merz later today in Ahmedabad.

What to expect from the visit?

Their programme includes a joint visit to the Sabarmati Ashram at around 9.30 am, followed by participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at approximately 10 am.

Formal bilateral engagements will begin at 11.15 am at Mahatma Mandir, where the two delegations will hold talks.

The discussions will review progress under the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years.

According to officials, the talks will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, advanced technology, education and mobility, along with defence and security collaboration.

Other key areas on the agenda include science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/samantha-ruth-prabhu-graceful-look-in-a-simple-linen-saree-and-minimal-jewellery-wows-the-internet-see-pics-101768101473049.html

Former RAW chief Vikram Sood has said peace with Pakistan is not possible unless Islamabad fundamentally changes its approach, arguing that dialogue and compromise have little value given past hostilities.

Former RAW chief Vikram Sood on Saturday said peace with Pakistan is “not possible” without a fundamental change in Islamabad’s approach, and urged India to build strategic strength and self-reliance.

Addressing a session on global power dynamics at Mangaluru Lit Fest, Sood said there is little benefit in compromise or negotiations with Pakistan given its entrenched policies and repeated hostilities. The dialogue with Pakistan remains unlikely to succeed unless it changes its approach, he added.

Sood contrasted India’s supportive role in regional crises, such as in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with the absence of reciprocal backing in India’s times of need.

He criticised “global interventions” by the United States. “Strength, military capability and power are essential for effective governance,” Sood said, highlighting China’s ability to challenge US economic dominance due to its manufacturing independence.

He noted that the US, despite its military might, has not been directly victorious in conventional wars since the 1940s.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/peace-with-pakistan-not-possible-without-change-in-mindset-ex-raw-chief-vikram-sood-2849965-2026-01-10

The accused reportedly charged Rs 6–10 lakh for forged medical documents and used fake qualifications to treat patients, prompting the registration of a case under the BNS and IT Act.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted an inter-state racket involved in preparing and selling fake Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) marksheets, degrees and certificates, arresting its alleged kingpin from Prayagraj, officials said on Friday.

The accused, Mohd Taruq, was arrested on January 9, 2026, from Prayagraj. Investigations revealed that he was operating an office and clinic under the name ‘Savitribai Phule Medical Research Centre’ in the city.

According to the STF, the accused charged between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh from individuals in Uttar Pradesh and other states, supplying fake Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degrees, marksheets and certificates in the names of various medical colleges and universities.

In one case, complainant Brahmanand paid around Rs 6 lakh, after which the accused allegedly provided him forged BAMS documents purportedly issued by Shivalik Ayurvedic Medical College, Azamgarh, and Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur.

FAKE DEGREES USED TO TREAT PATIENTS

During interrogation, the accused confessed to issuing fake BAMS degrees and marksheets to several other individuals using the names of different universities and institutions. He also admitted to preparing forged degrees in his own name and in the name of his wife, Rashida Parveen, falsely claiming affiliation with Uttarakhand Ayurveda University and other institutions.

STF officials said the accused was treating patients suffering from serious illnesses on the basis of these fake medical qualifications, posing a serious risk to public health.

EQUIPMENT AND FORGED DOCUMENTS SEIZED

During the raid, the STF recovered a computer CPU, a mobile phone, a 32 GB pen drive, and 68 photocopies of fake marksheets and certificates from the accused’s possession.

The operation was carried out by the STF Field Unit, Prayagraj, under the supervision of a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/up-police-busts-inter-state-fake-ayurveda-degree-bams-racket-kingpin-mohd-taruq-arrested-prayagraj-2849927-2026-01-10

Prime Minister Modi took part in the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ celebrations to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the ancient temple in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat and took part in rituals marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations at the historic shrine.

The Prime Minister joined the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’ and participated in special prayers at the temple. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to commemorate 1,000 years since the invasion of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.

PM Modi also witnessed a mega drone show featuring elaborate thematic formations, including large images of Lord Shiva, a shivling, and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple. Nearly 3,000 drones were used to recreate key historical events associated with the shrine, making it one of the largest drone shows organised near a temple site in the country.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present at the event. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv began on January 8 and will conclude on January 11.

The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he will attend multiple programmes, including the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.

On his arrival, the PM was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries upon his arrival. As his convoy proceeded to the VVIP circuit house near the temple, PM Modi held a brief roadshow, with large crowds of local residents and devotees lining the route to greet him.

On Sunday, around 9:45 am, the PM will take part in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple, said a PIB release. The Shaurya Yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice.

Thereafter, Modi will offer prayers at the Somnath temple at around 10:15 am and then take part in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-offers-prayers-at-gujarats-somanath-temple-takes-part-in-swabhiman-parv-celebrations-2849919-2026-01-10

The fraud allegedly took place between December 24 and January 9, with the accused impersonating law enforcement officials and coercing the elderly couple to transfer money to multiple bank accounts, officials said.

An elderly doctor couple residing in south Delhi’s Greater Kailash was allegedly cheated of nearly Rs 14 crore after cybercriminals placed them under “digital arrest” for over two weeks, police said on Saturday.

The fraud allegedly took place between December 24 and January 9, with the accused impersonating law enforcement officials and coercing the elderly couple to transfer money to multiple bank accounts, they said.

An e-FIR was lodged on Saturday, following which the cybercrime unit of Delhi Police initiated an investigation.

According to the police, the doctor couple had returned from the United States and had been living in Greater Kailash since 2016. Their children are settled abroad.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/elderly-couple-duped-of-rs-14-crore-in-delhi-in-digital-arrest-scam-cops-10617621

The mercury in the Kashmir Valley, which has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for some days now, dipped further and Delhi recorded the coldest morning of the ongoing winter season.

Cold conditions intensified in parts of north India on Saturday, with many parts blanketed by thick fog that led to several vehicle collisions, leaving four dead and about 30 injured.

The mercury in the Kashmir Valley, which has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures for some days now, dipped further and Delhi recorded the coldest morning of the ongoing winter season.

It was biting cold in many parts of Punjab, with the temperature dipping to a bone-chilling 1.1 degrees Celsius in Hoshiarpur, the India Meteorological Department said.

Fog reduced visibility in the morning in some other places in Punjab and neighbouring Haryana.

A car and bus collided on the Hoshiarpur-Dasuya road here Saturday morning, killing four men and injuring one person. The accident occurred due to poor visibility caused by dense fog, the police said.

Amritsar recorded a low of 1.3 degrees Celsius, Bathinda 3.4 degrees Celsius, Faridkot 3.2 degrees Celsius, Patiala 4.4 degrees Celsius and Gurdaspur 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, also experienced a cold night with a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.

In Haryana, Narnaul recorded a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius, Hisar 4 degrees Celsius, Karnal 4.4 degrees Celsius, Bhiwani 4.5 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5 degrees Celsius and Ambala 6 degrees Celsius.

In Rajasthan, about 25 people were injured after a bus collided with a pickup vehicle due to low visibility caused by dense fog on the Jaipur-Delhi NH-48, police said. In a similar incident in Jaisalmer, a bus collided with a police vehicle, injuring four police personnel, including a station house officer.

Cold wave conditions continued to grip several parts of the state, with dense fog reported at many places on Saturday morning and minimum temperatures remaining well below normal.

According to the Jaipur Met office, Dausa recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.5 degrees Celsius. Alwar recorded 3.6 degrees, Srganganagar 3.9 degrees, Nagaur 4.2 degrees, Fatehpur 4.4 degrees, Pilani and Jaisalmer 4.5 degrees each and Lunkaransar 4.6 degrees Celsius.

The department said moderate to dense fog prevailed at several places across the state during the morning hours, while cold day conditions were recorded in many areas. In most parts of Rajasthan, the minimum temperature remained below 10 degrees Celsius.

The weather office said that dry weather is likely to prevail over most parts of the state during the coming week. However, dense fog and cold day conditions are expected to continue over parts of western, northern and eastern Rajasthan in the next few days.

It further said that minimum temperatures in the northern parts of the state may fall further, intensifying cold wave conditions in the region.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.2 degrees Celsius, which was 2.7 notches below the season’s average, and this season’s lowest.

The maximum temperature remained below normal at 19.7 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the national capital for moderate to dense fog and a warning of cold wave conditions on Sunday and Monday.

The previous coldest January day in recent years was recorded on January 15, 2024, when the minimum temperature had plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius, triggering cold wave conditions across the national capital.

The air quality was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category at 9 am on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 366, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

Temperatures dipped further across the Kashmir Valley, with Shopian recording a low of minus 8.2 degrees Celsius, and clear skies leading to the freezing of parts of the Dal Lake and other water bodies during the ongoing ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, officials said.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.7 degrees Celsius on Friday night, up from the previous night’s minus 6.0 degrees Celsius, which was the coldest in the city so far this season, they said. The minimum temperature in the city was 3.8 degrees below the seasonal average.

The bone-chilling cold conditions led to the freezing of the parts of several water bodies, including the interiors of the Dal Lake here.

In south Kashmir, Shopian town was the coldest across the valley, as the mercury settled at minus 8.2 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam tourist resort, which also serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra, registered a low of minus 7.8 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in the popular ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district settled at a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, up from the previous night’s minus 7.2 degrees Celsius, they said.

The tourist resort of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district recorded a minimum temperature of 6.3 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund, the gateway town of the valley, registered a low of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius, the season’s coldest, officials said. Kokernag recorded a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, they added.

The IMD has said the weather is likely to remain dry but cloudy till January 21.

People in Himachal Pradesh experienced piercing cold conditions, with a dozen stations recording sub-zero temperatures. Kukumseri was coldest with a low of minus 10.9 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.

Severe cold wave conditions are predicted at isolated places in Chamba district on Sunday.

The local meteorological station forecast dry weather in the state up to January 15. A yellow warning was also issued for dense fog at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi from January 11-14.

On Saturday, Tabo recorded minus 7.9 degrees Celsius, Kalpa minus 3.6 degrees, Seobagh minus 2.5 degrees, Manali minus 1.1 degrees, Bhuntar minus 1 degree, Reckongpeo minus 0.8 degree, Solan and Bajaura minus 0.5 degree each, Berthin minus 0.3 degree.

In Jharkhand, mercury level plummeted to below 10 degrees Celsius in eight districts, the weather office said.

Khunti recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 1.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Daltonganj (3.5) and Bokaro Thermal (6.1), it said.

According to an IMD bulletin, a ‘yellow’ alert (isolated cold wave) has been issued in the districts of Gumla, Ranchi, and Khunti. Cold wave conditions in these districts are likely to prevail until 8.30 am on Sunday, the bulletin said.

“North-westerly to northerly wind prevails in the tropospheric levels over Jharkhand, causing the cold wave conditions in several districts,” said Abhishek Anand, deputy director of the IMD centre in Ranchi.

“The minimum temperature is likely to increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours,” he said.

In the past 24 hours, the minimum temperature in Ranchi was 6.4 degrees Celsius, Chaibasa (6.6) and Jamshedpur (8.0).

Districts which recorded sub-10 degree Celsius temperatures were Khunti, Gumla, Latehar, Pakur, Daltonganj (Palamu), Lohardaga, Ranchi and Bokaro, the IMD said.

Meanwhile, in southern India, minimum temperatures in parts of Karnataka were below normal by three to six degrees Celsius, while fog was reported at isolated locations.

Cold wave conditions, which were observed in Vijayapura during the past 24 hours, could continue for another day in parts of north interior Karnataka.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-dead-30-injured-in-vehicle-collisions-due-to-fog-in-north-india-10617587

The Court dismissed a petition filed by NGO Holy Cow Foundation seeking cancellation of Patanjali’s trademark.

The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected a plea seeking cancellation of Patanjali’s “Patanjali Gonyle Floor Cleaner” trademark used in the packaging of their floor cleaners made from cow urine.

Justice Tejas Karia rejected the rectification petition filed under Section 57 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 by Holy Cow Foundation (petitioner) and held that it has failed to establish prior use or likelihood of consumer confusion.

“The Impugned Mark, when viewed holistically with the prominent ‘PATANJALI’ House Mark, is not identical or deceptively similar to the Petitioner’s Mark so as to cause confusion or deception amongst consumers of average intelligence and imperfect recollection. The Petitioner has not made out a case for rectification of the Register under Section 57 read with Sections 9(2)(a) and 11(1)(a) of the Act. In light of the aforesaid findings, the present Rectification Petition is devoid of merit,” the Court said.

The Holy Cow Foundation, a non-governmental organisation working for the welfare of indigenous cows, claimed that it was the prior adopter and user of the trademark “Gaunyle” for a cow-urine-based floor cleaner since 2013. It alleged that Patanjali’s mark “Gonyle” was phonetically and visually identical and was adopted with mala fide intent to ride on its goodwill.

However, Patanjali contested the claim, asserting prior use of the mark since 2008. It highlighted that the presence of its well-known house mark “Patanjali” was a key distinguishing feature.

It also challenged the authenticity of invoices relied upon by the petitioner to establish prior use, pointing out inconsistencies in dates that suggested fabrication.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-upholds-patanjalis-cow-urine-trademark-for-floor-cleaner

Decisions about pregnancy and the control over their body, fertility and motherhood choices should be left to the woman alone.

A video of Shark Tank India judges Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal questioning Lewisia Wellness founder Manoj Das over using the title doctor has gone viral. Mittal called his claims baseless. Das later removed “Doctor” from his bio, though his Facebook username still says Dr Manoj Das. He has 611K Instagram followers at present now.

A video of Shark Tank India judges Namita Thapar, Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal slamming natural skincare and haircare brand Lewisia Wellness founder Dr Manoj Das, an aromatherapist and natural therapist, for claiming to be a doctor is going viral on social media.

“Aapka jaadu hai aapki content creation. Aapne reels banayi hai joh bahot provocative hai. Ye aapki reels viral hogayi hai aur uske through aapka business chala hai,” Anupam Mittal can be heard saying.

He then asked Das to show his reels and, after watching the videos, Anupam called Manoj’s claims “baseless.”

Anupam can then be heard grilling him for referring to himself as a doctor and asking whether someone who is an aromatherapist or natural therapist is actually allowed to use the title “doctor”.

“Pehle ek baat batao, aap Aromatherapist hain, natural therapist hai, so usmein doctor aap likh sakte hain?”

Das then said that when you do a Bachelor’s degree in aromatherapy, you can use the title of doctor.

“Agar aap keh raho ho ke aap Bachelors in Aromatherapist kar rahe ho aur aap doctor naam laga sakte ho main bhai apna naam badal dunga. Bhaiya diligence mein pakde jaaoge,” Mittal challenged.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/shark-tank-india-5-natural-skincare-brand-founder-removes-doctor-from-instagram-bio-after-sharks-slam-him

The ED had alleged in a press statement on Thursday that Banerjee entered Jain’s residence on Loudon Road in Kolkata during the raids and “took away key evidence”.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday moved the Supreme Court in connection with the I-PAC raids case against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

While filing an Article 32 petition before the top court, the probe agency detailed the entire sequence of events and stated that its right to conduct a fair investigation was curtailed due to interference by the state machinery.

In its petition, the probe agency has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Bengal Govt Files Caveat

On the other hand, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking that no order should be passed without hearing it in connection with the raid case.

A caveat is filed by a litigant in the High Courts and the Supreme Court to ensure that no adverse order is passed against it without it being heard.

The ED’s move came after failing to get urgent relief from the Calcutta High Court where it sought a CBI investigation into the role of Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director on Thursday.

What Happened In High Court?

Proceedings in the High Court were adjourned after chaos broke out in the courtroom. The disruption forced the judge to leave the bench, leading to the hearing being halted and deferred.

The ED has alleged that the Chief Minister took away incriminating documents from the agency’s custody during the raid at Jain’s home. Banerjee, however, has maintained that the documents and data related to her political party and accused the agency of targeting her and the Trinamool Congress. I-PAC has been associated with the TMC since after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to reports.

ED Raids At I-PAC Office

The ED conducted search operations at 10 premises, including six in West Bengal and four in Delhi, linked to Anup Majee as per the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), including the I-PAC office and Jain’s residence. I-PAC has been associated with the TMC since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The raids at the I-PAC office and Jain’s residence turned into a bitter face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as Mamata Banerjee rushed to the area and alleged political vendetta. She accused the BJP-led Centre of targeting her party ahead of elections by seizing the TMC’s internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

The ED had alleged in a press statement on Thursday that Banerjee entered Jain’s residence on Loudon Road in Kolkata during the raids and “took away key evidence” and followed the same action at the I-PAC office.

On Friday afternoon, Mamata Banerjee led a massive protest march in Kolkata, flanked by actors of the Bengali film industry. She accused the ED of acting as a political tool of the BJP to “steal” her party’s internal strategy, asserting that she did nothing wrong in reaching the premises linked to I-PAC during the central agency’s raids.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/ed-moves-supreme-court-in-i-pac-raids-case-against-mamata-banerjee-9822064.html

The Supreme Court refused to watch videos on alleged cruelty to dogs, saying there are also videos of stray dogs attacking people and it does not want a “video vs video” debate while hearing the stray dog menace case.

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to view video evidence on alleged ‘cruelty’ towards dogs during a hearing on the growing stray dog menace, observing that selective visuals could turn the proceedings into a “video vs video” contest.

During the hearing, one of the lawyers appearing for dog lovers said, “I have some videos which will prove cruelty on dogs … in case Lordships wants to see them… the manner in which dogs have been dealt with…”

Justice Sandeep Mehta, however, refused the request, saying, “No no there is another side too, then we will have to see those too. There are also several videos on YouTube of dogs attacking children, old people …so we don’t want to see any videos. We don’t want a competition here like video vs video.”

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria was hearing a clutch of petitions on stray dog regulations, which flag the risks posed by free-roaming dogs and alleged lapses by civic authorities in managing the issue.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/stray-dogs-supreme-court-hearing-refused-to-watch-cruelty-on-dogs-there-are-n-number-of-videos-on-youtube-where-article-153420222

Trinamool Congress MPs protested outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office in Delhi, opposing the Enforcement Directorate’s recent raid on the I-PAC office in Kolkata.

A massive showdown erupted in Delhi on Friday after several Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs were detained in the national capital for protesting outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raid on the I-PAC office in Kolkata. TMC MPs Derek O’Brien, Satabdi Roy, Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad, and others protested outside Amit Shah’s office in Delhi, raising slogans against the minister. As this happened, the Delhi police detained Derek O’Brien, Mahua Moitra, and others, lifting them up and dragging them to the police van.

Derek O Brien, as he was dragged to the floor by police personnel, told reporters, “You are seeing what is happening to the MPs here”.

Mahua Moitra, who the police lifted from the protest spot, said, “We will defeat the BJP. The country is seeing how the Delhi Police is treating an elected MP.”

Protesting against the ED raid, TMC MP Satabdi Roy said that the centre sends its investigative agencies during elections to win.

“They sent the team of ED yesterday, and they remember everything during the time of elections. They send the teams of ED, CBI during the elections just to win, but they won’t win the election,” he added.

TMC MP Kirti Azad said, “ED conducted the raids in the wrong way, and this is an attempt to win the elections in an undemocratic manner. The BJP will not win the elections in this manner.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday led a street protest against the ED’s raid at I-PAC head Prateek Jain’s residence, claiming she did nothing wrong by removing party documents. Alleging political vendetta, she accused the BJP of benefiting from coal scam proceeds and said she has documentary proof, while asserting the saffron party won’t form a government in Bengal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday had hit the streets protesting against Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s raid at I-PAC head Prateek Jain’s residence and office.

Addressing the media after walking from Jadavpur 8 B bus stand to Hazra more, Mamata said that she did nothing wrong.

“I did nothing wrong on Thursday. I had got the news and rang Prateek. He didn’t take the call so I visited his residence and took away my party’s documents and the central agency was planning to steal them. My party is my everything. If cannot save my party, how can I fight for the common people. I need a platform,” said Mamata.

Taking potshots at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mamata said that she has proof that the proceeds of the coal pilferage scam goes to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Delhi.

“I have every document saved in pen drives. I haven’t made anything public as I love my country. If I make them public, it will create huge chaos across the world,” further stated the West Bengal Chief Minister.

Mamata also accused BJP of ‘stealing mandate through help of Election Commission in Maharashtra’.

Notably, after Mamata had taken away a file, laptop and phone from Jain’s residence, the central agency had moved Calcutta High Court and the hearing was scheduled on Friday but it got deferred after proceedings were disrupted by unmanageable chaos in the courtroom. The Chief Minister had also lodged an FIR against ED over the raids.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-hits-streets-protesting-ed-raid-at-i-pac-chiefs-home-video

B Ramalinga Raju got seven years in prison in the Satyam fraud case. Here’s a lowdown of the country’s biggest-ever corporate accounting scandal.

A special CBI court on Thursday (April 9, 2015) sentenced B Ramalinga Raju, his two brothers and seven others to seven years in prison in the Satyam fraud case.

The court also imposed a fine of ₹5 crore on Ramalinga Raju, the Satyam Computer Services Ltd’s founder and former chairman, and his brother B Rama Raju and ₹20-25 lakh each on the remaining accused.

HT presents a lowdown of the country’s biggest-ever .

What is the Satyam scam about?

It is about corporate governance and fraudulent auditing practices allegedly in connivance with auditors and chartered accountants. The company misrepresented its accounts both to its board, stock exchanges, regulators, investors and all other stakeholders.

Is this an accounting fraud, a market manipulation/fraud or both?

Outlining the government’s policy, the Home Minister said there would be zero tolerance for those who manufacture and sell drugs

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a three-year, nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, describing the problem as one linked more to narco-terrorism than to routine law-and-order challenges. Chairing the 9th apex-level meeting of the Narco‑Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Amit Shah said the collective campaign would begin on March 31 and run for three years, with defined targets, clear timelines and regular reviews.

“The challenge of the drug problem is linked more to the issue of narco-terrorism than to law and order. It is a conspiracy to destroy the country’s future generations,” Amit Shah said, adding that the health of the youth, their ability to think and perform and growing social discontent are all directly linked to the drug menace.

Amit Shah directed all departments of the Government of India to prepare a detailed roadmap up to 2029, along with a monitoring mechanism, to comprehensively address the drug problem. He stressed that success should be measured not by the number of meetings held, but by outcomes and impact on the ground.

“We must strengthen command, compliance and accountability,” he said, calling for strict action against kingpins, financiers and logistics routes of the drug trade.

Outlining the government’s policy, the Home Minister said there would be zero tolerance for those who manufacture and sell drugs, while a humane approach would be adopted towards drug users.

“The goal of a drug-free India will be achieved only through a ruthless approach to break the drug supply chain, a strategic approach for demand reduction, and a humane approach for harm reduction,” Amit Shah said.

He added that continuous awareness campaigns are essential to protect society, especially young people, from drug abuse.

Amit Shah emphasised the need to improve conviction rates by ensuring timely filing of charge sheets and greater use of Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs). He also noted that drug networks are adopting new methods of distribution and payment, and said enforcement agencies must constantly update their strategies.

Every state police force, he said, will constitute a permanent, mission-mode team of selected officers, better coordinated through intelligence inputs and artificial intelligence tools.

“We want to put in place a permanent system capable of fighting this battle,” he said.

Amit Shah also inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Amritsar. The NCORD mechanism, established in 2016, operates through a four-tier structure at the apex, executive, state and district levels to enhance coordination among central and state agencies.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/top-priority-amit-shah-announces-three-year-nationwide-campaign-against-drugs-ws-l-9820975.html

The central government wants to maintain the status of air purifiers as luxury goods that are categorised under the 18 percent tax slab

The Centre has strongly opposed a plea to classify air purifiers as essential health tools so as to slash GST on the device.

Despite the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, the central government wants to maintain the status of air purifiers as luxury goods that are categorised under the 18 per cent tax slab.

According to an affidavit filed before the Delhi High Court, the Centre argued that any judicial intervention to slash GST rates will disrupt the established constitutional GST framework. Officials said the GST Council is the exclusive constitutional body under Article 279A empowered to recommend tax rates. It submitted that for the court to direct a rate reduction or compel the council to adopt a specific outcome would amount to the judiciary “stepping into the shoes of the GST Council”, thereby violating the doctrine of separation of powers.

The legal tussle arose from a petition filed by advocate Kapil Madan, who contended that air purifiers cannot be treated as luxury items given the “extreme emergency crisis” caused by severe air pollution in Delhi. The petitioner argued that air purifiers should be brought under the 5 percent GST slab, noting that they qualify as medical devices under a February 2020 notification of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The government, however, has countered that a regulatory tag of ‘medical device’ does not automatically decide the tax rate. It warned that such a reclassification will lead to tightened regulations and restricted market entry, potentially creating “monopoly conditions” that benefit only a select few licensed entities. It claimed that the petition is a “colourable” and “motivated attempt” to secure commercial advantages under the guise of public interest.

The high court had earlier expressed its displeasure over the authorities’ apparent inaction regarding tax exemptions during periods of “very poor” air quality in the national capital. It had specifically asked the Centre why GST could not be reduced to make the machines affordable for the common man.

In response, the Centre said if courts were to issue such directions, the GST Council will be reduced to a “mere rubber stamp”. From an economic perspective, it argued that reducing GST only for air purifiers risks an “inverted duty structure”.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/medical-device-tag-doesnt-decide-tax-rate-centre-opposes-plea-to-slash-gst-on-air-purifiers-ws-l-9818581.html

The Delhi Police on Thursday made six more arrests in connection with the violence. The fresh arrests take the total number of people held so far to 11, including the apprehension of a juvenile.

The Delhi Police has identified at least 10 social media influencers for allegedly spreading rumours in connection with the violence near central Delhi’s Turkman Gate. Violence and stone pelting had erupted in the area during an anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque.

The police said the misinformation campaign, amplified through WhatsApp voice notes and social media posts, triggered stone-pelting during a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive near the mosque on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Punjab Congress launched the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ from Gurdaspur, demanding the revival of MGNREGA and rollback of the VB-G RAM G Act. Leaders including Bhupesh Baghel, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and Partap Bajwa criticised the BJP Centre for hostility towards the scheme, and the AAP government in Punjab for law-and-order failures, while vowing to protect rural employment and dignity.

The Punjab Congress on Thursday launched the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ from Gurdaspur district, reiterating party’s resolve that the BJP government at the Centre will be forced to revive the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and withdraw the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.

Addressing party workers on the occasion, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and party general secretary in charge of Punjab, Bhupesh Bhagel said that it was the Congress only which has always taken decisions in favour of the working people and the marginalised sections of the society. He held that the MGNREGA which was launched by the Congress government was praised and appreciated across the world as pro-poor scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, state party president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had revealed his hostility towards the MGNREGA from day one and described it as a failure.

He held that the MGNREGA scheme was accepted and acknowledged as the best rural employment generation scheme across the world as it had provided dignity to the rural poor and had also helped in moving the rural economy.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-congress-launches-mgnrega-bacaho-sangram

A viral video from Ghaziabad shows a restaurant worker allegedly spitting on rotis while cooking, prompting police action after the claims appeared prima facie true.

A video showing a restaurant worker in Ghaziabad allegedly spitting on rotis while baking them has gone viral on social media.

The incident occurred at a shop named ‘Chicken Point’. In the viral video, a worker is seen preparing rotis in a tandoor after spitting on them. A person present at the spot recorded the act, and the clip quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering public outrage.

Following the video’s circulation, Suryabali Maurya, ACP Kavinagar, said that on January 8, 2026, a video came to the notice of Vardhmanpuram outpost under Madhuban Bapudham police station, in which a shop worker was seen allegedly spitting while making rotis. After examining the video, the allegations appeared to be prima facie true.

He said the police immediately arrested the accused worker, identified as Javed Ansari. Authorities have registered a case against him under relevant sections of law and initiated necessary legal proceedings.

Notably, Ghaziabad has witnessed several similar incidents in the past.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ghaziabad-food-safety-worker-spitting-on-rotis-viral-video-uttar-pradesh-2849029-2026-01-09

Imam opposed the Delhi Police’s case invoking terror charges against him.

Activist Sharjeel Imam told a Delhi court on Thursday that the Delhi Police’s allegations that Umar Khalid is his mentor and guru are totally false and the two never had any major interaction while they were studying at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Advocate Talib Mustafa appeared for Imam before the Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts and stated that there is no connection between his client and Khalid.

“In my five years at JNU, I never spoke to Umar Khalid. I don’t know what coordination they [Police] are talking about. To establish a conspiracy, it is necessary to show the agreement between us. But they have failed to show any agreement,” he said.

The counsel stressed that the allegation that Khalid instructed Imam is also false.

“There is only one meeting in which Umar and I are seen together. But even the witness statement from that meeting shows that there was no discussion of violence,” he said.

Mustafa was making submissions in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. At present, the court is hearing arguments on framing of charge.

The Delhi Police has accused Imam, Khalid and several others of being involved in terror activities and conspiring to commit violence during the Delhi riots of 2020.

The prosecution has invoked the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the case.

Today, Mustafa said that there were widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2020 and that while many of the accused were also agitating against the citizenship law, that does not mean there was a conspiracy.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/umar-khalid-not-my-guru-no-conspiracy-with-him-during-caa-protests-sharjeel-imam-to-delhi-court

Opposing a PIL to categorise air-purifiers as medical devices, the government has said that the GST Council is the sole body empowered to make decisions on GST rates.

The Central government has told the Delhi High Court that judicial directions to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers would be unconstitutional and violate the doctrine of separation of powers.

In an affidavit dated January 4, 2026, the government argued that under Article 279A of the Constitution, the GST Council is the sole body empowered to make decisions on GST. It stated that the determination of tax rates emerges from a complex process of cooperative federalism, requiring consensus-building between the Union and the states, while balancing competing fiscal interests.

Any judicial interference in matter would bypass this constitutionally mandated process, it has been argued.

“Any direction by this Hon’ble Court to modify GST rates, convene a meeting of the GST Council, or to compel the GST Council to consider or adopt a particular outcome, would amount to the Hon’ble Court stepping into the shoes of the GST Council, thereby, exercising functions that the Constitution has consciously and exclusively entrusted to the GST Council. Such an exercise would violate the doctrine of separation of powers and render the elaborate and well-defined constitutional role of the GST Council otiose,” the government said.

The government has made these submissions in its response to a public interest litigation (PIL) to categorise air-purifiers as ‘medical devices’ and slash the GST on them from 18 to 5 per cent

As per the petition filed by Advocate Kapil Madan, air-purifiers cannot be treated as a luxury considering the “extreme emergency crisis” caused by dire air pollution in Delhi.

While hearing the case on December 24, the Court had said that an urgent meeting of the GST Council should be convened to consider the issue of classifying air-purifiers as ‘medical devices’ and slash GST on them. It had asked the government counsel to seek instructions about how soon the GST Council can meet.

Later, on December 26, the government opposed the PIL and said that passing directions to the GST Council will open a Pandora’s Box.

The case will be heard by the High Court again on January 9.

In its counter affidavit filed through Advocate Akash Panwar, the government has argued that the petitioner’s reliance on the notification under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to seek a reduction in GST on air-purifiers is misplaced.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/court-cant-order-gst-cut-on-air-purifiers-pil-is-motivated-central-govt-to-delhi-high-court

The northern Indian city of Dehradun, located in the Himalayan foothills, was shaken by a violent incident weeks ago.

Brothers Anjel and Michael Chakma – students who had migrated more than 1,500 miles from the north-eastern state of Tripura for studies – had gone to a market on 9 December when they were confronted by a group of men, who allegedly abused them with racial slurs, their father Tarun Chakma told the BBC.

When the brothers protested, they were attacked. Michael Chakma was allegedly struck on the head with a metal bracelet, while Anjel Chakma suffered stab wounds. Michael has recovered but Anjel died 17 days later in hospital, he says.

Police in Uttarakhand state (whose capital is Dehradun) have arrested five people in connection with the incident, but they have denied that the attack was racially motivated – a claim that Chakma’s family strongly disputes.

The incident, which has triggered protests in several cities, has put the spotlight on allegations of racism faced by people from India’s north-eastern states when they move to larger cities for education or work. They say they are often mocked over their appearance, questioned about nationality and harassed in public spaces and workplaces.

For many, the discrimination extends beyond abuse to everyday barriers that shape where and how they live. People from the region report difficulty renting accommodation, with landlords refusing tenants because of their appearance, food habits or stereotypes.

Such pressures have led many north-eastern migrants in large cities to cluster in specific neighbourhoods, offering safety, mutual support and cultural familiarity far from home.

But while many say they learn to endure everyday prejudices to build lives elsewhere in the country, violent crimes such as Anjel Chakma’s killing are deeply unsettling. They reinforce fears about personal safety and a sense of vulnerability, they say.

India has seen many high-profile cases of racial violence involving people from the north-eastern region over the last several years.

The killing of Nido Tania in 2014 became a national flashpoint, prompting protests and widespread debate about racism after the 20-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh state was beaten to death in Delhi following taunts about his appearance.

But activists say it did not mark an end to such violence.

In 2016, a 26-year-old student from the region was beaten up in Pune. A year later, another student was racially abused and assaulted by his landlord in Bengaluru.

Rights groups say there are many such incidents that do not grab national attention.

“Unfortunately, the racism faced by people from the north-east tends to be highlighted only when something extremely violent happens,” said Suhas Chakma, director of the Delhi-based Rights and Risks Analysis Group.

The federal government in its annual crime reports does not maintain separate data for racial violence.

For Ambika Phonglo from the north-eastern Assam state, who lives and works in the capital, Anjel Chakma’s killing has been deeply unsettling. “Our facial features like narrow eyes and flat noses make us easy targets of racism,” she says.

Phonglo recalls being subjected to racial name-calling by colleagues during a workplace discussion a few years ago. “You face it and learn to move on,” she says, “but not without carrying a heavy burden of trauma.”

Mary Wahlang, from neighbouring state of Meghalaya, said she decided to return home after college in the southern state of Karnataka, abandoning plans to seek work in larger cities, after repeated racial name-calling by classmates.

“Over time I realised that some people used these slurs without understanding they were racial or hurtful, while others did so despite knowing the consequences,” she says.

Such experiences, activists say, are not isolated, with many from north-eastern states describing racial taunts and everyday discrimination as a routine part of life in workplaces, campuses and public spaces across the country’s major cities.

While awareness about the north-eastern region and the racism people from there face have improved over the years, casual racism persists, they say.

“How do we look Indian enough? Sadly, there are no clear answers,” says Alana Golmei, member of a monitoring committee set up by the federal government in 2018 in the wake of increasing complaints of racial violence in Indian cities.

She says that dismissing such attacks as isolated incidents unrelated to racism only deepens the problem. “One has to first accept and acknowledge the issue to begin addressing it,” Golmei told the BBC.

The killing of Anjel Chakma has renewed calls for a specific anti-racism law. Several student and civil society groups have issued open letters demanding legal reform.

After Nido Tania’s death in 2014, the Indian government set up a committee to examine discrimination faced by people from the north-east living outside of the region.

The panel submitted its report to the home ministry the same year, acknowledging widespread racism and recommending several measures, including a standalone anti-racism law, fast-track investigations and institutional safeguards.

But activists say little has changed since. No specific anti-racism legislation has been enacted, and many of the recommendations remain only partially implemented.

The BBC has sought clarification from the federal government, but they are yet to respond.

The renewed demands over an anti-racism law have revived a broader debate over whether legislation can address prejudice, often seen as rooted in social behaviour.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c931qx3lepro

According to officials, there are dozens of monkeys near and around the location who create trouble, jumping on wires and dish antennas and breaking them.

The Delhi Assembly is planning to hire people who can mimic langur’s sounds to tackle the persistent menace of simians entering the Vidhan Sabha premises, officials said on Friday.

According to officials, there are dozens of monkeys near and around the location who create trouble, jumping on wires and dish antennas and breaking them.

The move comes amid frequent incidents of monkeys straying into the Assembly complex, posing safety risks to legislators, staff and visitors. The Public Works Department (PWD) has floated a tender to deploy trained personnel capable of mimicking langur calls — a method considered effective and humane to scare away monkeys without causing them harm, said the official.

The expert will also bring a langur to scare monkeys away.

“There were also plans to put langur cutouts, but we have seen that monkeys no longer get scared of them. Instead, they sit atop those cutouts,” he added.

The official said they had langur impersonators, but their contract ended. A fresh tender has been floated to hire trained people who can mimic sounds made by langurs.

Officials said they plan to deploy trained handlers on working days and on Saturdays, with each person working an eight-hour shift. The agency will also be responsible for ensuring proper equipment, discipline and compliance with safety norms during operations, an official said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-assembly-plans-to-mimic-langurs-sound-to-scare-monkeys-3849282

It was also alleged that the brother of the YouTuber threatened the victim’s family of dire consequences if they pursued the matter further.

A 14-year old schoolgirl was allegedly gang-raped by a You Tuber and a cop in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district.

According to the police sources, the YouTuber, identified as Shivbaran Yadav, was arrested while the cop, identified as Amit Maurya, was absconding.

Taking a serious note of the matter, the government on Thursday shunted out deputy commissioner of police (West) Dinesh Chnadra Tripathi and suspended a station House officer (SHO) on charges of laxity.

Police said that the minor was abducted by the duo while she had gone out to answer call of nature on Monday night. The duo allegedly gang-raped her in a moving car and dumped her on the road in the wee hours of Tuesday.

The family members approached the police on Wednesday and an FIR was lodged in this regard. The police, acting swiftly, nabbed the YouTuber and launched a hunt to nab the cop.

The statement of the victim was recorded before a magistrate on Thursday. It was also alleged that the brother of the YouTuber threatened the victim’s family of dire consequences if they pursued the matter further.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/schoolgirl-gangraped-by-youtuber-cop-in-uttar-pradeshs-kanpur-3854842

The information has been shared with multiple agencies, including those responsible for securing airports and other sensitive installations.

A high alert has been sounded in Mumbai after intelligence agencies alerted about a possible terror threat, security agencies’ sources told CNN-News18.

As per sources, intelligence agencies alerted that there is suspicion of planning for an ISI-backed attack, with explosives allegedly being arranged from Kashmir or Maharashtra.

The information has been shared with multiple agencies, including those responsible for securing airports and other sensitive installations, following which security measures have been intensified.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police and other agencies have stepped up security in crowded areas. The police have also been asked to remain vigilant and take note of any suspicious activity.

The high alert for a possible terror attack has been sounded nearly two months after 15 people were killed and over two dozen others injured in the Delhi blast that occurred around 7 pm on November 10 in a moving Hyundai i20 car driven by one alleged suicide bomber, Dr Umar Un Nabi.

US President Donald Trump claimed that Narendra Modi personally approached him over long-pending Apache helicopter deliveries and trade issues, while acknowledging a strong personal rapport.

US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him over India’s pending defence purchases and trade issues, including the long-delayed delivery of Apache helicopters called him ‘Sir’.

Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump said, “”India ordered Apache helicopters and didn’t get them for 5 years. Prime Minister Modi came to see me. Sir, may I see you please? Yes!” He added that he shared a strong rapport with the Indian leader, saying, “I have a very good relationship with him.”

Trump, however, claimed that PM Modi was unhappy with him over tariffs. “He’s not that happy with me because, you know, they’re paying a lot of tariffs now. Because they’re not doing the oil,” Trump said. He added that India had significantly reduced oil purchases from Russia, stating, “But they are, they’ve reduced it very substantially, as you know, from Russia.”

In Faridabad, a 32-year-old woman named Kavita discovered a bullet lodged in her leg for nearly two decades while cleaning a wound. She had been experiencing pain and infection for two months, leading her to investigate.

A routine attempt to clean an infected wound turned into a shocking discovery for a 32-year-old woman in Faridabad, after she accidentally pulled out a bullet that had been lodged in her leg for nearly two decades—an injury she never knew was caused by gunfire.

Kavita (single name), a resident of Dabua Colony, had been suffering from pain and infection at the back of her right thigh for the past two months, as per a HT report. On Sunday evening, while cleaning the wound at home, she felt a hard object inside.

“During cleaning, I felt something unusual. I slowly pulled it out and realised it was a bullet,” she said, still trying to process the moment.

The discovery triggered memories from Kavita’s childhood. She recalled sustaining a deep injury at the same spot when she was 12 years old, while studying at a government school in Kota Khandewala village in Tauru, Nuh.

Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Sources said that during the several hours of questioning, the police seized several audio recordings from Sanawar’s mobile phone, which will be sent for forensic examination.

Urmila Sanawar, the actress who caused a political storm in Uttarakhand with fresh allegations in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, was questioned by the police for several hours on Wednesday, while Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the parents of the deceased receptionist.

In a rapidly unfolding series of events, Sanawar arrived in Dehradun on Tuesday night and appeared before the police on Wednesday.

Sources said that during the several hours of questioning, the police seized several audio recordings from Sanawar’s mobile phone, which will be sent for forensic examination.

According to sources, Sanawar, the alleged wife of former MLA Suresh Rathore, is expected to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Haridwar on Thursday, where several cases have been registered against her since she made the allegations.

Sanawar recently released videos on social media and audio recordings of her conversations, purportedly with Rathore, alleging the involvement of a ‘VIP’ in the Ankita murder case.

In another video, she claimed that the ‘VIP’ is BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam. Since then, several FIRs have been registered against her and Rathore in Dehradun and Haridwar.

Gautam, the BJP state in-charge, also filed a case against the two in Dehradun for allegedly conspiring against him in collusion with opposition parties.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Ankita’s parents and assured them of justice.

Dhami told Ankita’s father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, and mother, Soni Devi, that ensuring justice is his government’s top priority.

On Tuesday, the chief minister said that a decision on a CBI investigation into the murder would be taken after he had talked to Ankita’s parents.

“As the chief servant of the state, I will talk to her (Ankita’s) parents. After talking to them and studying all the legal aspects, whatever they want for justice to their daughter, we will take it forward,” he had said.

In 2022, Ankita Bhandari, 19, a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Pauri, was murdered by resort owner Pulkit Arya and two of his employees.

All three were sentenced to life imprisonment in this case.

A demand for a CBI probe into the 2022 killing has gathered pace ever since Sanawar claimed the involvement of a ‘VIP’ in the murder.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal said Ankita’s family has been demanding a CBI investigation since her murder in 2002.

“Over the last three and a half years, Ankita’s parents have said dozens of times, and even gone to court, that the case should be investigated by the CBI… Is the chief minister not aware of this?” the Congress leader said.

Godiyal said his party demands a CBI inquiry into the killing under the supervision of a high court or Supreme Court judge, who can work without any pressure.

He also asked Dhami under whose orders the Vanantra Resort was razed by a bulldozer, implying a deliberate destruction of evidence.

The property was razed the night after Ankita’s body was recovered from a canal in Rishikesh.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/actor-urmila-sanawar-questioned-by-police-in-ankita-bhandari-murder-case-10500067

The choice of Singur is symbolic, given Mamata Banerjee’s 2006 protests against land acquisition for Tata Motors’ Nano project, which led the company to shift production to Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a public gathering in Singur, Hooghly district, on January 18, during his planned two-day visit to West Bengal.

He will also visit Malda. BJP sources say PM Modi will address a massive rally at Tata Field, Singur, drawing lakhs. Local leaders are handling preparations. BJP leaders believe Modi’s visit will send a strong message on industrial development.

The choice of Singur is symbolic, given Mamata Banerjee’s 2006 protests against land acquisition for Tata Motors’ Nano project, which led the company to shift production to Gujarat. Ironically, Singur now regrets its support for Banerjee.

Meanwhile, BJP national president JP Nadda will visit West Bengal on January 8th and 9th to review the party’s preparations for the 2026 Assembly election. He’ll meet district leaders, party workers, and members of the BJP Doctors’ Cell to gather feedback on ground-level issues.

A new government report outlines how India could attract global students by 2047, while flagging key gaps that universities must fix to reach that goal.

India could host more than 1.1 million international students by 2047, the year the country marks 100 years of Independence, according to a new government-backed assessment that links higher education to the broader Viksit Bharat vision for India’s 1.4 billion people.

The latest report by NITI Aayog suggests that India aims to reclaim the global academic standing it held nearly two centuries ago and emerge once again as a major hub for international education.

Titled Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Prospects, Potential and Policy Recommendations, the study, prepared in collaboration with IIT Madras and the Association of Indian Universities, maps both the opportunity and the risks ahead, noting that while India has the scale, demographic advantage and policy momentum to attract global students, deep structural challenges within universities will need to be addressed for that ambition to be realised by 2047.

India already has the second-largest higher education system in the world, with more than 1,200 universities and nearly 40 million students enrolled. It also has one of the youngest populations globally, with an average age of just over 28 years.

Yet, despite this scale, India attracts far fewer international students than it sends abroad. In 2021–22, India hosted fewer than 50,000 foreign students, while more than 11 lakh Indian students went overseas for higher education. By 2024, that outbound number rose further.

This imbalance is one of the central challenges flagged in the report.

THE COST OF SENDING STUDENTS ABROAD

The report highlights the economic impact of outbound student mobility.

According to official estimates cited in the study, Indian families spent tens of billions of dollars annually on overseas education. By 2022, total spending by Indian students abroad was estimated at nearly USD 47 billion, a figure projected to rise sharply if current trends continue.

This outflow, the report argues, is not just a financial concern.

It also results in talent leaving the country at a time when India needs skilled graduates to drive growth in technology, research, healthcare, and manufacturing.

WHY STUDENTS LOOK OUTSIDE INDIA

The reasons are structural.

The report identifies gaps in research infrastructure, limited global exposure on Indian campuses, weak industry-academia linkages, and outdated curricula in many institutions.

While top institutes like the IITs and IIMs have global recognition, the broader university ecosystem struggles to offer comparable academic depth or international experience.

Families, the report notes, increasingly see foreign degrees as a pathway to better careers and global mobility.

THE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE 2047

Despite these challenges, the report is optimistic about what lies ahead.

Using two forecasting models, it projects a sharp rise in international students coming to India if reforms are implemented. By 2030, inbound international enrolment could reach between 85,000 and 1.5 lakh students.

By 2035, this number could rise to nearly 3.6 lakh. By 2047, the report estimates India could host anywhere between 3 lakh and nearly 11 lakh foreign students.

This would mark a major shift, from a country known primarily for sending students abroad to one that attracts global learners.

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE

The report is clear that this transition will not happen automatically.

It calls for a national strategy focused on “internationalisation at home”. This includes joint degrees with foreign universities, international faculty exchanges, globally aligned curricula, and stronger research collaborations.

Another key recommendation is the creation of higher education hubs in select regions, similar to global models in Singapore, the UAE, and parts of Europe.

These hubs would host foreign campuses, international conferences, and research centres, making India a destination rather than a transit point.

RESEARCH AS THE MISSING LINK

A recurring theme in the report is research.

India’s share of global research output has grown, but citation impact and international collaboration remain limited outside elite institutions.

Without stronger research ecosystems, the report warns, India will struggle to attract top global faculty and doctoral students.

Strengthening research funding, enabling cross-border projects, and reducing administrative barriers are seen as essential steps.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/11-lakh-international-students-by-2047-indias-education-push-faces-hurdles-2847695-2026-01-07

“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because you know they’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil,” Trump said

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; however, he underscored PM Modi’s unhappiness over the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

At the House GOP Member Retreat, US President Donald Trump discussed his exchanges with PM Modi regarding US defence sales and tariff measures. He suggested that although relations remain cordial, the tariff issue has created tension.

“… I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me, as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia,” Donald Trump said.

The tariffs, totalling 50%, were imposed due to India’s significant purchases of Russian oil, which the US sees as supporting Russia’s economy amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump’s remarks came a day after he warned that Washington could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.

“They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” he said.

Trump also defended the tariff policy during his address, asserting that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures.

Trump’s comments follow a series of warnings to New Delhi over its ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Earlier, he warned that the US could raise tariffs further if India does not “help on the Russian oil issue,” directly connecting the pressure to the Russia-Ukraine war.

He has accused India of strengthening Moscow by buying discounted Russian crude and has cited this as the basis for sharply higher duties on Indian goods. Trump has also used tariff pressure to influence India’s actions, suggesting that New Delhi was aware of his dissatisfaction and sought to maintain stable trade relations.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-that-happy-with-me-as-they-are-paying-lot-of-tariffs-trump-10418831?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The scavenger birds were translocated from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore to the Somthana Range of Melghat in Amravati district on April 23 last year and were subsequently kept in a pre-release aviary to help them acclimatise to the local conditions

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures at the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as part of its ongoing vulture conservation programme, officials said.

The scavenger birds were translocated from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore to the Somthana Range of Melghat in Amravati district on April 23 last year and were subsequently kept in a pre-release aviary to help them acclimatise to the local conditions, they said.

All the vultures were fitted with GSM and satellite tags on December 19, 2025, to enable scientists to track their movement, and survival after release into the wild.

The soft release process began on January 2, when the aviary gates were opened remotely and food was placed outside the enclosure to encourage the birds to emerge naturally.

The programme faced challenges, such as limited food availability, the absence of a resident vulture population to guide the captive-bred birds and the continued presence of harmful veterinary drugs in the landscape, BNHS conservation biologist Bhaskar Das said in a statement.

“These challenges were addressed by establishing feeding stations and sourcing safe cattle carcasses through active partnerships with gaushalas,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/15-endangered-indian-vultures-released-in-maharashtra-tiger-reserve-10427974

Jawaharlal Nehru University said that any form of violence, unlawful conduct or anti-national activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration on Tuesday said that it would take strictest action against students found raising objectionable slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during a protest on campus on Monday, warning that those involved could face immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the university.

In a series of posts on X, the University said that an FIR has been lodged in the matter and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against students identified in connection with the incident.

“The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration has vowed the strictest action against students found raising objectionable slogans against Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister. Students involved in this incident will also face disciplinary measures including immediate suspension, expulsion and permanent debarment from the University,” it said.

It stressed that universities are centres for innovation and new ideas, and they cannot be permitted to be converted into laboratories of hate.

Emphasising that although freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right, the university said that “any form of violence, unlawful conduct or anti-national activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

As per sources, the university administration would issue show-cause notices to students involved in the protest. People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 that the varsity administration will seek written explanations from the students concerned, giving them an opportunity to respond before any further action is taken.

Sources said that the strictest possible action would be taken if the students are found guilty, and that every step in the process would be in accordance with the law, university bye-laws and established disciplinary procedures.

Earlier today, the university administration said that competent authorities have taken serious note of the incident and directed the university’s security branch to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

It stressed that such sloganeering is inconsistent with democratic dissent, violates the JNU Code of Conduct, and has the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of both the university and the nation.

A report submitted by the Chief Security Officer to the JNU Proctor concluded that the slogans raised were deliberate and intentional, and not a spontaneous expression of protest.

The statement came after a group of students associated with the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) raised anti-Modi and anti-government slogans during a gathering at “Guerilla Dhaba” on the campus.

Around 30–40 students, associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) and All India Students’ Association (AISA), were present when the slogans were raised after the Supreme Court denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/jnu-students-involved-in-objectionable-slogans-case-to-face-suspension-expulsion-fir-registered-9814009.html

The GHCAA has written to the Chief Justice seeking immediate action to remove stray dogs from Gujarat High Court premises after the incident.

A lawyer was bitten by stray dogs inside the Gujarat High Court premises on Monday night, reigniting concerns about the lack of the action by authorities including the High Court to address the threat posed by stray canines inside the court campus.

The incident occurred in the evening around the auditorium parking area of the Gujarat High Court complex when advocate Radhesh Vyas was attacked and bitten by two stray dogs.

The bite was severe and stitches were required in addition to prescribed injections. He is reported to be recovering.

Vyas was immediately assisted by advocate Pramodkumar C Gehlot, a GHCAA committee member, along with a police personnel present at the spot.

Vyas was accompanied by advocate Gehlot who took him to GMERS Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Two precautionary injections were administered immediately, and three more have been scheduled on specific dates, advocate Gehlot told Bar and Bench.

He also stated that stray dogs are commonly seen within the Gujarat High Court premises, including areas beside the bar rooms, near the canteen, outside courtrooms and other parts of the complex.

He said that the matter will be taken up by the GHCAA.

“We are having a meeting on this issue and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” Gehlot said.

Following the incident, GHCAA President Senior Advocate Yatin Oza wrote to the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court seeking the immediate removal of stray dogs from the entire High Court campus.

Speaking to Bar and Bench, Oza said,

“This happens frequently on the premises, not just to lawyers, but to litigants as well.”

Oza stated that dog attacks on the High Court premises are frequent and recurring. He noted that in December alone, four to five clients and other visitors suffered dog bites

He also said that some advocates have been feeding the dogs, a practice that has contributed to the animals becoming a persistent menace on the Court premises.

Further in a video message, Oza said that municipal officials, who had earlier come to remove stray dogs, were allegedly assaulted and obstructed by certain members of the Bar.

He stated that such conduct would not be tolerated, disciplinary action would follow, and he would request the Municipal Commissioner to register an FIR against those involved.

“Please be mindful of the fact that your gundaism and rowdism is not going to deter me or any of my member of my managing committee to take the steps which we feel is in the best interest of the lawyers and Bar Association,” said Oza.

Oza added he will personally oversee the process and act as the first informant if municipal officials are obstructed again.

The GHCAA is coordinating with municipal authorities to implement a long-term solution, including relocating the animals to a designated facility while ensuring humane treatment.

The incident comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns raised by the GHCAA with the High Court administration about the presence of stray dogs on the premises.

In the past, the association has formally asked for the removal of stray dogs from the High Court complex.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/stray-dog-attacks-lawyer-inside-gujarat-high-court-premises-ghcaa-seeks-urgent-action

The Centre pulled up X and directed it to immediately remove all vulgar, obscene and unlawful content, especially generated by Grok (X’s built-in artificial intelligence interface) or face action under the law.

India opted out of a significant naval exercise in the Indian Ocean involving BRICS nations—Russia, China, Iran, and South Africa—due to strategic considerations regarding Beijing. Despite being invited, India’s absence reflects a deliberate political choice, emphasizing cautious defense relations amid ongoing tension with China.

Russia, China, Iran and South Africa. All BRICS countries, but no India. Keeping in mind Beijing, India chose not to be involved in this Indian Ocean naval exercise, which began last week off the coast of Durban, South Africa.

It is a biggish exercise, involving two Russian warships, three Chinese ships, in the Indian Ocean as part of the 48th Anti Piracy Escort Task Force, two Iranian frigates and three South African vessels. The Russian warships include the 7,000 tonne Marshal Shaposhnikov, the destroyer/frigate and a tanker, while the Chinese ships are the 7,000 tonne Tangshan, a new guided missile destroyer, the 4,000 tonne Daqing, a guided missile frigate and the Taihu, a supply ship. The Iranian Navy has contributed two frigates and the South Africans, shree warships, including an offshore patrol vessel.

India, of course, was invited, the South Africans being the lead country here, but not accepting was a “considered political decision,” highly placed sources said. While India-China ties have improved and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did visit China in August-September this year for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation organisation summit, where he met Chinese leader Xi Jin Ping and Russian President Vladimir Putin and closer cooperation is visible in areas like business and tourism, there is a conscious decision to restrict defence cooperation till there is a political breakthrough.

The Chinese have been keen to suggest more visits and exercises, but the Indian side remains hesitant. The situation along the line of actual control has improved, but it is not where things were, when it comes to positioning of troops before the Galwan clashes in the summer of 2020.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/brics-at-sea-but-no-india-why-new-delhi-skipped-the-indian-ocean-naval-drill-off-south-africa-article-153406222

A 15-year-old boy was arrested from Pathankot for sharing sensitive information with Pakistan-linked handlers.

Within a span of 24 hours, two alleged espionage cases in Punjab and Haryana have exposed how Pakistan-linked handlers are using online traps to extract sensitive information from Indians – including minors.

In Punjab’s Pathankot, police arrested a 15-year-old boy for allegedly sharing national security-related information with Pakistan’s ISI, terror outfits and Pakistan military officers. In a separate case in Haryana, a contractor working at an Air Force station in Ambala was held on suspicion of spying for the neighbouring country.

Teen Groomed Online

According to Punjab Police, Pakistani handlers allegedly targeted the teenager through social media, by making him believe that his father had been murdered and exploiting his emotional vulnerability.

The police said the boy was gradually drawn into contact with Pakistani accounts online. “He fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies through social media, as he was suspicious that his father had been murdered, which affected him mentally. However, the investigation did not reveal any such evidence,” said a senior police official.

Police said the minor had allegedly sent videos of sensitive locations and was in touch with Pakistan-based gangsters operating terror modules, “for almost a year”.

Investigators are now examining the extent of information shared and identifying the individuals he communicated with.

The teenager remains in custody, with further action to follow based on the probe.

Air Force Contractor Under Scanner In Haryana
In a similar case, Haryana Police arrested Sunil alias Sunny, a contractor in Ambala, for allegedly spying on an Air Force station. DSP Crime Virendra Kumar said the accused had been handling repair work at the Air Force base since 2020.

“The police had information that he was providing details about our defence area, specifically the Air Force. His mobile was seized and several suspicious things emerged from it,” Kumar said, according to a TOI report.

According to police, Sunil was allegedly in contact with a woman who sought information from him, which he passed on. “According to his device, he used to send information to a neighbouring country, which we can call an enemy country. But this is his version. Investigation is ongoing,” the officer said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pakistan-digital-honeytrap-indian-teens-espionage-punjab-pathankot-haryana-article-153402424

A viral Reddit post by a Delhi NCR resident who recently lived in Mumbai has reignited the Delhi vs Mumbai debate. Calling Delhi more livable, the user criticised Mumbai’s high cost of living, strained infrastructure, expensive healthcare and overrated food. The post drew mixed reactions online, with users from both cities agreeing and disagreeing sharply.

Mumbai: A detailed post shared on Reddit by a professional who recently lived in Mumbai for a few months after spending most of his life in Delhi NCR has gone viral. The post has reignited the long-standing Delhi vs Mumbai debate. In the viral post, the man called Delhi far more livable than Mumbai, comparing it over the cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare and the much-discussed “spirit of the city.”

The post was shared on Reddit’s ‘Delhi Community’, where the man called the cost of living in the city as biggest shock. Calling the city insanekly expensive, he said, I was quoted Rs 25k for a single-sharing room barely big enough to stand in. Friends in NCR pay Rs 12–15k for an entire massive 1RK/1 BHK. In Mumbai suburbs, not even South Mumbai, 1BHKs easily cross Rs 40k. For the same money in Delhi, you can get a spacious 3BHK or an independent house.”

He later mentioned that despite staying in a premium neighbooh like Juhu, “daily commuting meant traffic jams, bad smells, and general chaos.” Speaking on traffic, he added, “Traffic is exhausting on normal days and miserable during monsoons,” adding that “flooding affects slums, middle-class areas, and even premium societies.”

In the post, he also criticised Mumbai’s healthcare system, claiming that consultation fees are significantly higher than in Delhi, despite doctors in the national capital appearing academically stronger on average.

He claimed that the city lives in denial, as long-time residents often refuse to acknowledge flaws and instead romanticise everything. “Overcrowded local trains are sold as ‘love’ and ‘spirit.’ Crushing rents are portrayed as a badge of pride. Slums are framed as resilience.”

Social media reaction on the viral post

The post received mixed but intense reactions online. Several users agreed, with one commenting, “Finally someone said it. Those in denial stay in denial. I went to Mumbai few times and long ago as well. Never liked it compared to Delhi but people will simply deny it.”

Another Delhite said, “There’s absolutely no comparison to Delhi’s infrastructure, food, public transport in India.”

A Mumbaikar also agreed to the post and said, “As a Mumbai person who stayed in delhi for a year last year, I wholeheartedly agree with you.”

A user called people in Delhi as fake, “In Delhi, people are fake. In Mumbai, except for people, everything feels fake. That’s how I’d describe these two cities as a dilliwala who interned in Mumbai last summer.”

On people calling Delhi people as fake, one user stormed and said, “Delhi people are fake? Lmao. Delhiites are probably the most straight forward people I’ve ever met. They won’t sugarcoat you and will speak the truth even if you feel bad. I agree that some of them are rude”

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/delhi-vs-mumbai-debate-reignites-on-reddit-as-viral-post-compares-cost-of-living-infrastructure-healthcare-food

Six patients have been referred for treatment, and 110 are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, including 15 in ICUs, officials said.

Indore: At least 38 fresh cases of vomiting and diarrhoea linked to contaminated drinking water were detected on Monday at the Bhagirathpura primary health centre in Indore, with a senior official putting the death toll so far to seven.

Six patients have been referred for treatment, and 110 are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, including 15 in ICUs, officials said.

Indore Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade told PTI over the phone that seven deaths have been reported so far as per the health department.

Till the previous day, officials had been maintaining six fatalities linked to the water contamination. Locals, however, have claimed 17 deaths due to the outbreak.

The health department on Monday conducted a real-time household survey using the Kobo tool in the affected Bhagirathpura area to assess the situation and ensure the availability of chlorinated drinking water to residents.

The survey followed training on the Kobo tool, imparted by the Central government’s regional health director Dr. Chandrashekhar Gedam, in coordination with the district administration. The tool enables real-time assessment of field conditions, officials said.

Under the direction of Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, around 200 teams were deployed in the area. Each team visited pre-marked houses and carried out surveys.

The teams distributed 10 ORS packets, 30 zinc tablets, and a Clean Water dropper at each household, according to an official statement.

Residents were advised to add eight to 10 drops of the clean water solution to 10 litres of water and use it after one hour for purification.

Health teams provided counselling to residents and shared toll-free helpline numbers. They emphasised completion of medicine doses, boiling of drinking water, and displayed proper hand-washing methods.

Each team comprised a doctor, a nursing officer, a community health officer, an ASHA worker and an ANM. The teams covered 2,745 households during the day, reaching around 14,000 people, and carried out IEC activities, along with kit distribution and counselling, it added.

Officials said the main objective was to ensure access to chlorinated, germ-free drinking water in the affected area.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/indore-water-contamination-38-new-diarrhoea-cases-detected-110-in-hospital-death-toll-7-3852434

Sunil Grover is buzzing online after his recent mimicry stint on The Great Kapil Sharma Show episode, where he mimicked Aamir Khan. His effortless portrayal has left netizens and audiences impressed and calling him ‘Mr. AI, with the fact that he always shows up with his best whenever he portrays any Bollywood actor.

Sunil Grover is buzzing online after his recent mimicry stint on The Great Kapil Sharma Show episode, where he mimicked Aamir Khan. His effortless portrayal has left netizens and audiences impressed and calling him ‘Mr. AI, with the fact that he always shows up with his best whenever he portrays any Bollywood actor.

“Asli Amir Khan se bhi asli lag raha hai,” one user commented on the promo video of the episode. Sunil Grover can be seen in conversations with the guests on the show, Kartik Aaryan & Ananya Panday, with his exact look of Aamir Khan.

WATCH VIDEO:

This is not the first time Grover has left audiences stunned with his performance. His mimicry of Salman Khan on the show is one of the most popular episodes online. Salman Khan himself has praised the actor for his carbon-copy mimicry.

Salman Khan has gone ahead and made a commercial with the actor in which Grover is playing the character of ‘Bhaijaan’ right in front of him. The advertisement has made headlines then with Grover elevating his talent and taking it to the next level.

Taking this list further, Grover has not spared the third Khan & the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. Among many of his mimicries of SRK, one of his most popular ones was when Alia Bhatt was the guest on the show, and he portrayed SRK’s character from his movie, Dear Zindagi.

From pulling off charming Shah Rukh Khan to maintaining his ‘Salman posture’ & now being ‘Mr. Perfectionist in the most possible way, Grover has once again proved why he is called one of the best aspects of the Kapil Sharma Show.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/sunil-grover-is-ai-version-of-all-khans-3-times-when-he-left-audiences-impressed-with-his-mimicry-watch

Four students were seriously injured after another student allegedly poured thinner on them and set them on fire inside a school campus in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

Four students were critically injured in a fire incident on the school premises during classes at the Advanced High School in Paikadakuluguda, under the Bismakatak block of Rayagada district.

According to sources, at around 3 PM, some students from the school went towards the toilets on the school premises. During this time, a student allegedly poured thinner on four other students and then lit a match, setting them on fire. The students engulfed in flames started screaming.

Upon receiving the information, the teachers promptly rescued the four students from the fire and immediately took them to the Bismakatak Community Health Center.

After receiving first aid there, and considering their serious condition, all of them were referred to the Christian Hospital.

Biraj Takri is reported to be in the most critical condition among the injured.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/odisha-rayagada-school-horror-thinner-poured-students-set-on-fire-odisha-article-153402059

Suresh Kalmadi passes away: He earlier served as Union minister of state for railways and was also the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Suresh Kalmadi, former Union minister and Congress leader, died after a prolonged illness on Tuesday at the age of 81, HT has learnt. He was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Maharashtra’s Pune.

His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune’s Erandwane until 2 pm. The cremation will take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi at 3.30 pm, his office said in a statement.

He is survived by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law, two married daughters and a son-in-law, along with his grandchildren.

Who was Suresh Kalmadi?

He earlier served as Union minister of state for railways and was also the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

A popular political leader from Pune, Kalmadi was elected to the Lok Sabha from the city on several occasions.

Over the years, he handled many roles in public life and remained closely linked to sports administration at the national level for a long period.

However, his tenure at IOA came under fire over the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case and he was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act over alleged misuse of funds.

He was arrested in April 2011, after which the Congress suspended him from the party.

Even after the controversy, Kalmadi remained influential within sports organisations. In 2016, a group of more than 150 members chose him and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents of the Indian Olympic Association. However, the move backfired when the Union sports minister demanded an inquiry into the selection.

Later, Kalmadi turned down the position, writing to the then Indian Olympic Association president N Ramachandran that the moment was not right for him to take up the role.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/why-everyone-s-searching-nike-tech-fleece-after-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduros-arrest-101767608058807.html

Singh, who is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, was given a 40-day parole on Sunday.

As Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of the Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Monday after he was granted a 40-day parole, his 15th release from the jail since 2020, the victim’s kin and the Opposition slammed the government over the move.

Singh, who is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, was given a 40-day parole on Sunday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shah Satnam Ji Maharaj, second chief of Dera Sacha Sauda on January 25.

So far, he has spent 366 days out of jail during his period of incarceration.

His parole and furloughs have been a matter of contention and often raised by the families of the victims as well as flagged by national political leaders.

However, the dera and the government have maintained that all were granted “as per the rules”.

Following his release, Anshul Chhatarpati, son of slain journalist Ram Chander Chhatarpati and various political leaders termed the development unfortunate.

Chhatarpati said that Singh’s frequent release from jail is creating a life threat to the victims of the cases.

“The victims in the undertrial cases have often flagged threats to life and his release poses risk to them,” he added.

He also made a contrast of the case with former UP BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar and said that the dera head is accused in several cases, out of which some are still under trial.

Senior Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal said, “It would be better if you ask this question to the government: what is the reason? Generally, when people seek parole saying that their father has passed away, they need to attend a wedding at home, or there is some other urgent reason, parole is often not granted. Then why is it that whenever Ram Rahim seeks parole, he gets it so easily?”

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas and Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha drew a direct contrast with the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who have been behind bars for over five years, with Ram Rahim’s frequent release.

National spokesperson of the Nationalist Congress Party (Pawar) Anish Gawande wrote on X, “Ram Rahim comes out of jail today, on the same day that Umar Khalid’s bail application is denied. Let that sink in. A child rapist has more rights than a student who dared to question the government.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/oppn-victim-s-kin-cry-foul-as-dera-head-ram-rahim-walks-out-on-40-day-parole-101767642272127.html

The tribunal’s order recorded concerns about Agra Development Authority constructing kiosks, paved paths and brick-cement structures in Shahjahan Park situated between Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI is reportedly involving Indian minors in espionage activities, raising serious security concerns in Punjab. Authorities have arrested a 15-year-old boy and are investigating a wider network of minors linked to ISI handlers.

Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has widened its alleged recruitment net to include Indian minors, with Punjab Police arresting a 15-year-old boy on charges of espionage in a case that has raised serious security concerns.

The arrest was made by Pathankot Police after investigators found that the minor had been in touch with ISI handlers based in Pakistan for nearly a year. According to the police, the boy had been sharing important and sensitive information related to India through his mobile phone.

The minor, who is a resident of Samba district in Jammu, was taken into custody following surveillance and technical analysis that linked his communications to Pakistan-based handlers.

OTHER MINORS UNDER ISI INFLUENCE

During questioning, investigators uncovered indications that the boy was not acting alone. Police sources said several other minors across different districts of Punjab are suspected to be in contact with ISI operatives.

Given the seriousness of the findings, alerts have been sent to police stations across Punjab to remain vigilant and identify other vulnerable children who may have been drawn into similar networks.

Further investigation is underway to establish the scale of the operation and the nature of information that may have been shared.

SSP CONFIRMS INTELLIGENCE INPUTS

Addressing a press conference, Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police Daljinder Singh Dhillon said, “The child who has been apprehended is 15-years-old and was in contact with ISI handlers in Pakistan. During the investigation, crucial information has come to light about how data was being passed on. We have also found inputs suggesting that other minors in Punjab are involved. Police units across the state have been informed, and action will follow.”

Visuals from the SSP office and the press briefing showed senior officers outlining the investigation and the steps being taken to prevent further breaches.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-isi-recruits-indian-minors-15-year-old-arrested-in-punjab-espionage-case-police-investigate-wider-network-2847207-2026-01-06

Even as the death of another sick and elderly man at Joynagar in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal is being blamed on the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls, Mamata alleged that the citizens, including the elderly, infirm and seriously ill, were being subjected to needless anxiety and harassment.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again written to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to rectify the glitches in the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal and warning that if the process continued with serious irregularities, it might lead to mass disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

Even as the death of another sick and elderly man at Joynagar in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal is being blamed on the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls, Mamata alleged that the citizens, including the elderly, infirm and seriously ill, were being subjected to needless anxiety and harassment.

The chief minister, in her third letter to the CEC since the start of the SIR of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, conveyed her “grave concern” regarding the serious irregularities, procedural violations, and administrative lapses being witnessed during the process.

“I strongly urge you to immediately address and rectify the glitches, address the flaws and make the necessary corrections, failing which this unplanned, arbitrary and ad hoc exercise must be halted,” she wrote, adding: “If allowed to continue in its present form, it will result in irreparable damage, large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters, and a direct assault on the foundational principles of democratic governance.”

Mamata wrote to Gyanesh Kumar even as her party, Trinamool Congress, continued to criticise the Election Commission for the SIR in West Bengal, accusing it of working to ensure an advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state.

Her heir apparent and the TMC general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, recently presented three voters during a rally, alleging that all of them had been declared dead by the EC and struck off from the draft electoral rolls published at the end of the first phase of the SIR.

He alleged that the names of many such electors, who continued to be alive, had been removed from the draft electoral rolls on the grounds that they had died.

“Further, in the name of addressing so-called logical discrepancies—such as spelling errors, age-related variations, etc.—the ECI has directed verification of documents of all such electors,” Mamata alleged in her letter to Gyanesh Kumar. “In cases where these certificates have been issued by authorities in other districts or states, verification is required to be carried out by the concerned issuing authorities.

” This approach appears to be intended to delay the exercise, as such inter-district or inter-state verifications will, in many cases, not be possible to complete within the stipulated time. This is likely to result in the deletion and disenfranchisement of genuine electors,” the CM and the TMC supremo pointed out.

She wrote the letter to the CEC even as the family of Najitul Mollah alleged that the ailing 68-year-old had appeared for the hearing for the revision of the electoral rolls on December 31 after being released from a hospital, but with oxygen tubes fitted to his nostrils. He had later died, the family reported, alleging that the anxiety over being struck off from the electoral rolls had killed him.

There were reports about ailing and elderly people being brought for hearings for the SIR in wheelchairs and even on stretchers from across the state.

“Additionally, electors are being summoned for hearings, without being informed of the specific reasons for such hearings, thereby subjecting them to needless anxiety and harassment. Even elderly, infirm, and seriously ill citizens are not being spared,” alleged Mamata, adding: “Many electors are being compelled to travel distances of 20–25 kilometres to attend hearings, which have inexplicably been centralised rather than decentralised. This has caused severe hardship to ordinary citizens. A decentralised hearing mechanism would have ensured accessibility, convenience, and orderliness; however, the Commission appears wholly insensitive to ground realities and persists with these deeply flawed practices.”

Mamata also referred to the “grave allegations regarding the backend deletion of electors through the misuse of IT systems, without following due process and without the knowledge or approval of the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who are the competent statutory authorities under the Representation of the People Act”. “This raises serious questions as to who has authorised such actions and under what legal authority. The ECI must be held fully accountable for the propriety of all acts and omissions carried out under its supervision or direction.”

She had recently alleged that the BJP’s IT cell was operating from within the EC and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to delete names of genuine voters from the roll.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/mamata-writes-3rd-letter-to-cec-on-sir-asks-him-to-halt-process-warns-mass-disenfranchisement-3851548

A late-night drinking session in Greater Noida turned tragic when a South Korean national was fatally stabbed by his live-in partner from Manipur. The police have arrested the woman and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

What began as a late-night drinking session inside a plush Greater Noida apartment spiralled into a deadly confrontation, leaving a South Korean national dead and his live-in partner from Manipur under arrest for murder.

The incident surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Greater Noida on Sunday, when GIMS Hospital alerted the police that a foreign national had been brought in with fatal stab injuries. By the time doctors examined him, he was already dead.

Cops rushed to the hospital and launched an investigation.

The deceased was identified as Duck Jee Yuh, a South Korean citizen. He was working as a branch manager with a reputed mobile phone company, police said.

The woman who rushed him to the hospital was identified as Lunjeana Pamai, a resident of Manipur. During sustained questioning, she confessed to stabbing her live-in partner with a knife.

Police said the couple had been living together for the past two years.

According to investigators, the couple was consuming alcohol late into the night when an argument erupted over an undisclosed issue. The verbal spat soon escalated into a physical confrontation.

“In a fit of rage during the scuffle, the woman stabbed him in the chest. The wound was deep and he began bleeding heavily,” a police officer said.

Realising the seriousness of the injury, she took him to GIMS Hospital. Doctors, however, declared him dead on arrival. A memo was sent to the police early in the morning, following which the full sequence of events came to light.

The police said, “A South Korean national, Duck Hee Yuh, was brought dead to GIMS Hospital on January 4, 2026. Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was admitted to the hospital by Lunjeana Pamai, a resident of Thangal, Manipur. During the investigation, police found that the accused woman had allegedly stabbed him to death with a knife. The two had been living together in a live-in relationship for a considerable period. A case has been registered at the Knowledge Park Police Station, and the accused woman has been arrested. Further investigation into the circumstances and motive behind the murder is currently underway.”

Police probing the case said the relationship was far from smooth. The South Korean national allegedly drank heavily and frequently assaulted the woman, leading to repeated arguments between the two.

The accused told police she did not intend to kill him and that the stabbing happened during the altercation. Officers said they are verifying her claims as part of the ongoing investigation.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/manipur-woman-stabs-south-korean-live-in-partner-to-death-in-greater-noida-2846582-2026-01-05

Addressing a BJP rally, Devendra Fadnavis mocked the alliance, termed it a “bheeti sangam”, and accused the Sena (UBT) of corruption and lack of focus on development.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have come together ahead of the January 15 Mumbai municipal corporation elections as they fear the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, led by BJP.

“This is not a preeti sangam, but a bheeti sangam (the cousins have come together not out of love but out of fear),” Fadnavis said, addressing a campaign rally in north Mumbai on Sunday night.

“Somebody told me that a cartoonist (Raj) and a photographer (Uddhav) have united,” Fadnavis said. “I told the person that confusion and corruption have united,” the CM said.

Fadnavis said he had offered a Rs 1,000 reward to anyone who could find Uddhav Thackeray speaking on the topic of development. “Now I have decided to increase that amount to Rs 2,000,” he added.

On Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray unveiling their manifesto for the BMC polls earlier on Sunday, Fadnavis said they could have done it a day earlier, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“But in recent times, our old friends have started sitting with those allergic to Vande Mataram, so I am not aware what else they are allergic to,” Fadnavis said, without naming Raj or Uddhav.

At the rally, the ruling alliance campaign song ‘Mahapalika radate aahe’ (municipal corporation is crying), highlighting the alleged misrule when Shiv Sena (UBT) controlled the BMC, was released.

Incidentally, the song has been composed by singer and musician Avadhoot Gupte, who also came out with the “Shiv Sena Shiv Sena” song in 2009, when the party was undivided. Gupte was present at Sunday’s rally.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/raj-uddhav-thackeray-united-out-of-fear-of-mahayuti-maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-2846542-2026-01-04

Aam Aadmi Party leader Jarmal Singh, 50, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at a wedding in Amritsar. CCTV footage shows the attackers, posing as guests, fleeing the scene. Police have launched an investigation to identify the culprits, amid political outrage over Punjab’s law and order situation.

An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and village sarpanch was shot dead by two unidentified assailants during a wedding function in Punjab’s Amritsar district on Sunday, triggering political outrage and renewed concerns over the state’s law and order situation. Police officials and eyewitnesses confirmed that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving guests in panic. A purported CCTV footage of the dreaded killing has surfaced on the internet.

The victim, Jarmal Singh (50), was the sarpanch of Valtoha village in Tarn Taran district. He had attended a wedding ceremony at a private resort near the Verka bypass in Amritsar. The function was hosted to celebrate the wedding of the sister of Harjit Singh Serry, the sarpanch of neighbouring Amarkot village. According to reports, the event was proceeding normally when the shooting took place in full public view.

SAD Chief Shares Video, Condemns Killing

A purported video of the incident, later shared on the social media platform X by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, shows two men dressed casually in hoodies and jeans walking through the crowd while carrying firearms. The footage suggests that the assailants blended in as guests, drawing little attention as they moved through the venue.

In the video, Jarmal Singh can be seen seated at a table, wearing a yellow turban and conversing with another attendee. Within moments, the attackers approach him, open fire at close range and then escape on foot. The sudden violence caused chaos among guests, many of whom reportedly ran for cover.

Singh was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital following the attack. However, doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival, confirming that he had succumbed to his gunshot injuries.

Condemning the killing, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal blamed the Punjab government for what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Sharing the video clip online, Badal termed the incident a “cold-blooded murder” and demanded accountability from the authorities. His post intensified political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning public safety even at private and social gatherings.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/aap-sarpanch-shot-dead-in-punjab-cctv-footage-shows-exact-moment-when-jarmal-singh-was-killed-in-full-public-view-at-amritsar-wedding

Community health expert Amulya Nidhi, associated with Jan swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI), says the situation in Indore’s Bhagirathpura has crossed beyond physical illness and entered psychological and systemic collapse.

Sixteen people have already died in Bhagirathpura after consuming contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, officially India’s “cleanest city.”

More than 1,400 residents have fallen ill. Several are still battling for life in hospitals.

Now, the tragedy has taken a disturbing new turn.

A 67-year-old woman from Bhagirathpura, Parvati Bai Kondla, shows symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) a rare, potentially fatal neurological disorder that attacks the body’s nerves, raising fears that the water contamination has caused not just gastrointestinal illness, but long-term, irreversible neurological damage.

Parvati, who is on a ventilator, is undergoing dialysis due to kidney failure. And her nervous system is failing.

She first fell ill on the night of December 27. She had vomiting and loose motions. The next day, she was admitted to a private hospital. Her condition deteriorated rapidly. Her limbs became weak. Her reflexes disappeared. She could no longer breathe on her own.

On January 2, she was shifted to Bombay Hospital, Indore.

A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) carried out at Alpha Brain Study Centre in Indore found clear evidence of acute nerve injury. The findings show, reduced muscle response (CMAP) in both peroneal nerves, absent sensory nerve signals in both legs, absent late nerve responses and a pattern consistent with acute inflammatory nerve damage, not age-related degeneration.

A senior AIIMS neurologist said,”This is an acute process. This does not happen slowly over the years. It is often triggered by infections, toxins or immune reactions. In the context of a water contamination outbreak, this is medically significant and deeply concerning.”

GBS is a rare autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves. It often follows gastrointestinal or viral infections. About 10% of patients may die. Many suffer long-term disability. Treatment involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections costing around Rs 30,000 per dose. Patients often need 5-10 doses. Total cost per patient can reach Rs 10-15 lakh.

For families already devastated by illness and job losses, this is financially crushing.

Despite the medical evidence, the state health administration is denying any confirmed link.

Indore Chief Medical & Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Hasnani said, “GBS is a neurological disease caused by various factors, including viruses. A single test is not enough. It is a clinical diagnosis. We have not received any such report officially. We are monitoring all patients daily.”

However, Parvati’s treating physician Dr Rahul Karode said,”She was admitted with acute gastroenteritis and kidney injury. Her blood pressure was very low. Loose motions improved but reflexes were diminished. NCS showed changes consistent with GBS. We referred her because our hospital does not have advanced facilities. We informed the administration as per instructions.”

Community health expert Amulya Nidhi, associated with Jan swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI), says the situation in Bhagirathpura has crossed beyond physical illness and entered psychological and systemic collapse.

“This cannot be treated as a simple diarrhoeal outbreak anymore. We are seeing systemic effects neurological, immunological and mental. This suggests the contamination was far more severe,” he said.

He refers to the 2019 CAG report, reported by NDTV which said 5.45 lakh cases of waterborne diseases in Bhopal and Indore alone and alleges that at least 50,000 cases of diarrhoea and waterborne illness per district every year.

“In October alone, 200 people fell ill in Barwani due to contaminated water but nobody paid attention,” he said.

The Madhya Pradesh government had taken a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for water management with strict conditions. One of those conditions was, Water audits every 15 days and regular water quality testing.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhagirathpura-indores-water-crisis-that-claimed-16-lives-enters-a-terrifying-new-phase-10304211?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The earthquake was felt across several parts of central Assam.

A strong earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale jolted Assam and other parts of the Northeast this morning.

The epicentre of the earthquake, which struck at 4:17 am, has been recorded near Assam’s Morigaon district, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). the nodal agency of the Government of India that monitors earthquake activity in the country.

The epicentre was at a depth of 50 kilometres, the NCS said in a post on X.

The tremors were felt across several parts of central Assam, including Morigaon and nearby districts, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of their homes amid cold and thick fog conditions.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/earthquake-today-5-1-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-assam-morigaon-no-injuries-or-damage-reported-10319114?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll