India

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s India visit underscored deepening strategic convergence as both nations navigate global geopolitical and economic uncertainties

India’s banking system enters 2026 stronger than ever—lower NPAs, higher capital buffers, and RBI-backed liquidity. But tougher norms will test resilience

A Singapore coroner’s court heard that Indian singer-songwriter Zubeen Garg drowned off Lazarus Island in September 2025 after entering the water intoxicated and without a life jacket. Witnesses testified that Garg consumed alcohol during a yacht party and later went limp while swimming.

A physiotherapist in Jaunpur died after his throat was slit by a stray Chinese manja while riding his motorcycle near Pachhatiya village. Police said the banned kite string continues to pose a deadly threat despite enforcement efforts and court orders

India asked its nationals to leave Iran by available means as anti-government protests intensified and the security situation deteriorated. New Delhi has also strongly advised Indians to avoid travelling to the country until further notice

Senior Congress MLA Ashok Pattan said Rahul Gandhi has asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to come to Delhi soon to resolve the leadership confusion in Karnataka, amid renewed speculation over the party’s internal tussle

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said Rahul Gandhi conveyed no political message during their brief interaction and only asked the state government to continue its work. He dismissed speculation linking the meeting to the ongoing power tussle in the state

Despite a ban and repeated warnings, cockfights were organised across several districts of Andhra Pradesh on the first day of Sankranti. Politicians and prominent personalities attended the events even as police warned of strict action against organisers and participants

Two nurses who tested positive for Nipah virus have been admitted to Beliaghata ID Hospital in Kolkata and remain in critical condition. A resident medical officer who came in contact with them has been isolated, though his test results were negative

With over 18,000 postgraduate medical seats vacant, NBEMS has lowered the qualifying percentiles for NEET-PG 2025 admissions. Officials said the move aims to ensure better seat utilisation while maintaining merit-based and transparent counselling processes

As many as 29 Naxalites surrendered before police in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district under the Poona Margem initiative. Officials said intensified anti-Naxal operations and rehabilitation policies played a key role in weakening Maoist influence in the region

Senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran said Tamil Nadu encourages girls to study and work under the Dravidian Model of governance, unlike northern India. He said women’s progress and an educated workforce make Chennai attractive to global companies

Mumbai witnessed intense political activity ahead of the BMC elections as parties made last-minute appeals centred on Marathi identity and Hindutva, with the Thackeray cousins showing rare unity and changes announced in the vote counting process

The IT company reported a 2.2 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 6,654 crore in the October-December quarter of FY26, as compared to Rs 6,806 crore in the year-ago period

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Pongal celebrations in Delhi, describing the harvest festival as a global symbol of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. He highlighted its message of harmony with nature, farmers’ hard work and cultural unity

Encroachments, deforestation, illegal mining and rapid urban expansion have severely damaged the Aravalli ecosystem, affecting groundwater recharge and biodiversity, a new study has found, warning that ecological restoration is urgently needed to protect climate stability in northern India

A Delhi court convicted Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court found her guilty of conspiracy and terror group membership, while sentencing will be decided on January 17

The Calcutta High Court disposed of the TMC’s plea seeking protection of its data after the ED informed that nothing was seized during raids on I-PAC director Pratik Jain’s office and residence, and adjourned the agency’s CBI probe plea

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani accused the Congress of adopting a flexible approach towards communal politics after Independence, claiming that a stricter stand could have protected the Constitution and prevented the rise of communal forces

Two men were arrested for the alleged abduction and gang-rape of a Class 12 student in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district. Police said the crime occurred on January 6 and a multi-state manhunt led to the arrests.

India’s passport has climbed five places to rank 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering access to 55 destinations. The report highlights widening global mobility gaps, with Singapore retaining the top spot and Europe dominating the top 10.

A 21-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her father in a suspected honour killing in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. Police are investigating the motive, with the father confessing that he felt dishonoured by his daughter's elopement

Mercedes-Benz will locally produce the ultra-luxury GLS Maybach in India, becoming the only country outside the US to do so. Localisation will reduce its price, alongside plans for 12 new models and expanded EV infrastructure under the ‘MB.Charge Public’ initiative

RJD chief Lalu Prasad attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his estranged elder son Tej Pratap Yadav’s house, months after expelling him from the party. The visit sparked reconciliation speculations amid family tensions and post-election political fallout