India

The Railway Ministry has begun an OTP based Tatkal ticketing system at reservation counters to stop misuse and ensure fair access. The system, introduced on a pilot basis, will soon cover all trains and follows earlier Aadhaar based checks for online bookings

The four labour codes are likely to become fully operational from April 1, 2026, with the Centre preparing to pre-publish updated draft rules. The government aims to finalise rules after public feedback and expand social security coverage to 100 crore workers

Twelve Naxalites and three DRG personnel were killed in a major encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, with two others injured. Security forces continue search operations in the West Bastar division, bringing the Naxal death toll in the state to 275 this year

The government will soon notify the new Labour Codes, which aim to create a more inclusive workforce by strengthening worker rights, expanding social security to gig workers and improving health and safety provisions. Industry leaders say the reforms will boost investment and competitiveness

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha that fake news and AI-driven deepfakes pose a serious threat to democracy, stressing the need for stricter legal frameworks. He said new rules mandate content takedown within 36 hours and consultations are underway on draft amendments

The Centre has withdrawn its order directing smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app, citing a ten-fold rise in voluntary downloads. The November 28 mandate had stirred political controversy, with opposition parties alleging potential snooping risks

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said FPOs are essential for turning farmers into entrepreneurs and driving rural economic growth. Speaking at a farmers’ outreach programme in East Godavari, he highlighted value addition, irrigation support and sustainable farming practices as key priorities

Multiple airports across India reported check-in system disruptions on Wednesday morning, forcing airlines to shift to manual processing and causing flight delays. A message at Varanasi airport cited a Windows outage, but Microsoft denied any such issue. Authorities are assessing the situation

Green Gold Animation has launched Green Gold TV, a 24x7 Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel offering popular animated shows and movies in Hindi. Available across major connected TV platforms, the channel will debut in December with six marquee titles

Police have intensified surveillance at Sabarimala as pilgrim turnout nears one lakh and reports of thefts and related offences rise. A special team has been deployed at key points, particularly Pampa, Sannidhanam, Neelimala and Appachimedu, to curb pickpocketing and theft

A Delhi court extended NIA custody of Jasir Bilal Wani, accused in the Red Fort blast, for seven more days. Wani was arrested for allegedly modifying drones and helping plan attacks. Seven people have been arrested in the case so far

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 2.58 crore belonging to Himachal Assistant Drug Controller Nishant Sareen and his associate in a money-laundering probe linked to bribery, forgery, extortion, and disproportionate assets. The cumulative seized assets now stand at Rs 5.78 crore

The Enforcement Directorate attached two Chennai flats worth Rs 2.04 crore belonging to Sresan Pharma promoter G Ranganathan over money laundering linked to Coldrif cough syrup, implicated in at least 20 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh

The Karnataka High Court rejected Prajwal Revanna’s appeal and bail plea in the sex CD and rape case, citing risks of influencing witnesses and the seriousness of pending cases. The bench held that suspending his sentence could impact related trials

The Bhagyanagar National Dance Festival at Ravindra Bharathi brought together leading dancers from across India, featuring performances in five classical forms. The event honoured renowned artistes including Ileana Citaristi and showcased the diverse cultural traditions upheld by prominent dance organisations

An encounter erupted between security forces and Naxalites in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, and CRPF’s CoBRA units engaged in an ongoing anti-Maoist operation in west Bastar forests

Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), an IEX associate, plans to go public via an IPO through an offer for sale by existing shareholders; details on size and timing are yet to be announced

The Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad held the Passing Out Parade for 478 Agniveers of Batch 06/25 after completing 31 weeks of rigorous basic and advanced training under the Agnipath Scheme. The event was reviewed by senior AOC officials.

Pahargaon police station in South Andaman ranks second nationally for excellence, recognized by MHA for crime control, community policing, public service, coastal security, and dedicated support for women, children, and juveniles

Priyanka Chopra Jonas says, as a producer, she backs stories that move her personally, highlighting the documentary 'Born Hungry' on chef Sash Simpson, and aims to support bold, unique filmmakers

Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Rs 900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam case, after spending nearly seven months in Jaipur Central Jail

India and the UAE are streamlining visas, extradition, and legal cooperation to boost travel, business, and security. Talks focus on liberalised visas, faster extradition, mutual legal assistance, and smoother movement for workers, tourists, and professionals amid growing bilateral trade

Vidya Wires Ltd’s Rs 300-crore IPO was fully subscribed within hours, receiving bids for 5.07 crore shares against 4.33 crore on offer. Retail investors oversubscribed 1.91 times. Proceeds will fund new projects, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes

Aamir Khan announced *Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos*, a quirky spy comedy marking Vir Das’ directorial debut. Starring Das and Mona Singh, the film releases on January 16, 2026, under Aamir Khan Productions, blending comedy, action, romance, and spy elements