India

In Ernakulam’s Kadathy, a 68-year-old man, Ravi, died and another, James, suffered serious burns after a firecracker explosion at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church during festive preparations. Police registered a case against the priest and church officials

Dravidian ideologue L Ganesan, former MP and DMK stalwart who championed Tamil linguistic and social justice causes, passed away at 91 in Thanjavur. He served in state assemblies, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha, leaving a lasting political legacy

In a shocking update, police revealed a 25-year-old woman was gang-raped inside a private hospital ambulance, not a van, in Faridabad. Both accused drivers have been arrested. The victim remains hospitalized while investigations continue via a surfaced testimonial video

In West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, Pradhan Purty was arrested for murdering a 25-year-old woman. He confessed to strangling her and crushing her head with a stone after she demanded marriage and money. Evidence, including her mobile and a blood-stained stone, was recovered

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the Ballari violence, triggered by a banner dispute between BJP and Congress supporters that left one dead, may be handed to the CID. Two private gunmen have been detained, with ballistic reports awaited

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the clearing of 1,732.5 acres of reserve forest land in Hojai district from encroachments. The government has reclaimed over 47,850 acres since 2021, emphasizing zero tolerance for illegal settlements, particularly targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims

Two men were arrested for allegedly posting obscene and defamatory content online targeting Vijayalakshmi, wife of jailed Kannada actor Darshan. Police continue investigating over 18 accused after the actor’s incarceration in connection with a 2024 fan murder case

Celebrity chef-filmmaker Vikas Khanna directs Shabana Azmi in his upcoming film *Imaginary Rain*, exploring grief, family, and Indian cuisine. Khanna also returns as a judge on *MasterChef India 2026*, which introduces a ‘jodi’ format celebrating culinary diversity

A 50-year-old epilepsy patient died in Bhadohi after reportedly suffering a seizure and falling into a bonfire outside his home while keeping warm. The incident occurred in Bhakora village, with police confirming accidental death after preliminary examination

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been appointed chairperson of the screening committee for Assam Assembly elections. The AICC formed committees for five poll-bound states as the party prepares candidate selection and alliance strategy ahead of the March–April polls

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, has been granted a 40-day parole in Haryana. This marks yet another temporary release, drawing renewed criticism from Sikh organisations and opposition groups

Residents of Bakery Gali in Indore have alleged that black, foul-smelling and worm-infested water is being supplied through municipal taps, triggering illness and health concerns. Officials have conducted inspections elsewhere, but affected locals are demanding urgent corrective measures.

Seven of India’s top-10 valued firms added over Rs 1.23 lakh crore in market capitalisation last week, tracking a broader market rally. Reliance Industries led the gains, while TCS, Infosys and Bajaj Finance saw valuation declines

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Yellapur, allegedly by a man pressuring her to marry him. The accused was later found dead. The incident sparked communal tension, protests, bandh calls and heightened security in Uttara Kannada district

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for January 4, 2026. May the day bring you happiness

X said it will remove illegal content, suspend offending accounts and cooperate with authorities, including for AI tool Grok misuse, after India’s IT ministry ordered takedowns of obscene material, sought action reports, and warned of legal action for non-compliance nationwide

A drunk auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad allegedly threatened traffic police with a dead snake after his vehicle was seized during a drunk-driving check at Chandrayangutta. The accused fled the spot, and the incident video later went viral

Four members of a Manjeri family were killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia while returning from Umrah. Three daughters were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment, as efforts begin to repatriate the bodies and support the bereaved family

A major fire at Thrissur Railway Station destroyed over 200 two-wheelers in the parking area near Platform No. 2. Firefighters contained the blaze within 30 minutes. Train services remained unaffected.

Congress has announced a nationwide ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ from January 10 to February 25, demanding withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Act and restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based employment guarantee, alleging centralisation and federal violations

India batter Shreyas Iyer will return to competitive cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh after recovering from a spleen injury. His availability for the upcoming New Zealand series will depend on fitness clearance

Hardik Pandya smashed 11 sixes, including five in one over, on his way to a 93-ball 133 for Baroda against Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His maiden List A century lifted Baroda to 293 in 50 overs

Indian driver Sanjay Takale made history by winning the H3 Class in the Dakar Rally 2026 Prologue, finishing 35th overall in Cars. Driving a Toyota HDJ 100, he became the first Indian to podium in the Dakar Cars category

Tamil Nadu Dragons defeated Hyderabad Toofans 4-2 in a shoot-out after a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the Men’s Hockey India League opener. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh saved two penalties, while Raheel Mohammed scored the decisive strike in Chennai