India

The Madras High Court directed the CBFC to grant a censor certificate to Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, ruling that the board’s Chairperson had no power to refer the film to a review committee after clearance. The CBFC has filed an appeal

The Congress has accused the Modi government of planning to lift curbs on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts, calling it a policy U-turn. Party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh demanded explanations during the upcoming Budget session of Parliament

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Enforcement Directorate of attempting to steal the Trinamool Congress’s internal strategy during raids at I-PAC offices, alleging BJP leaders including Amit Shah benefited from the coal scam.

The SIT arrested Sabarimala temple tantri Kantaru Rajeevar in the gold theft case after he allegedly evaded summons. The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a money laundering case, widening the scope of the investigation ahead of key political developments

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi reviewed the combat readiness of the Eastern Fleet during advanced operational drills in the Bay of Bengal and eastern Indian Ocean, highlighting the role of trained personnel and high operational preparedness amid evolving regional security challenges

The moves provide a fresh lease of life to the debt-ridden teleco, which otherwise faced payments of nearly Rs 18,000 crore by March 2026 and similar amounts every year for the next six years

The Supreme Court refused to address allegations of harassment against women dog feeders in the stray dog case, emphasizing law-and-order issues and urging victims to file FIRs for criminal offenses

The RBI has compounded FEMA violations by Kakinada Seaports Limited after the Enforcement Directorate issued a no-objection certificate. The company paid Rs 21.68 lakh, leading to the closure of adjudication proceedings and termination of further litigation.

CBI arrests Central Power Research Institute Joint Director Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu and Sudhir Group director Atul Khanna in a Rs 9.5 lakh bribery case. Over Rs 3.76 crore in cash seized

As many as 63 Maoist cadres, including 36 carrying bounties worth Rs 1.19 crore, surrendered before security forces in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. The surrender, credited to the ‘Puna Margam’ initiative, is seen as a major step towards peace in Bastar.

India’s office leasing surged 20% in 2025, reaching 86.4 million sq ft, driven by strong demand and flexible workspaces. Residential sales steadied, with Mumbai leading, as market normalizes post-pandemic

BRS working president KT Rama Rao condemned police action against job aspirants protesting for government notifications in Telangana. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi intervene and ensure the Congress government fulfils its election promise of providing government jobs to unemployed youth.

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Air travel between Hyderabad and Varanasi was disrupted on Friday morning due to dense fog at Varanasi airport. Airlines cancelled flights, while two aircraft already airborne were forced to return safely to Hyderabad amid poor visibility.

Four pilgrims, including a six-year-old girl, were killed and seven others injured when their vehicle rammed into a parked truck while returning from Sabarimala near Tumakuru in Karnataka early on Friday

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has urged citizens to avoid driving in dense fog, especially during Sankranti travel rush, warning that poor visibility increases accident risk and advising motorists to prioritise safety over speed.

Actor Jiiva joined Simbu, Jai and Harish Kalyan in backing Vijay after Jana Nayagan was postponed due to censor clearance issues, with actors assuring fans that the delay would only strengthen the film’s impact.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of hypocrisy and ideological compromise, alleging power-driven alliances with AIMIM and Congress in Maharashtra municipal bodies, and claiming the party now prioritises electoral victory over principles

Three Indians are among the crew of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. Moscow strongly condemned the action, calling it a violation of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed Sri Lanka’s batting coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He will take charge on January 18 and remain with the team until March 10

Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest fifty by an Indian in List A cricket, reaching the milestone in 15 balls during Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Punjab. His 62 off 20 balls was not enough as Mumbai lost by one run

Former national cycling champion Maxwell Trevor has been nominated by the Cycling Federation of India as athlete representative for the Indian Olympic Association summit in Ahmedabad on January 10. His presence highlights athlete involvement in sports governance discussions

The All India Football Federation has condoled the death of former India forward Sadatullah Khan, who passed away in Bengaluru at 75. A skilful dribbler, he represented India in the 1968 Merdeka Cup and enjoyed a distinguished domestic and club career

India batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand after undergoing abdominal surgery in Rajkot. He is stable and will return to training gradually, with his availability for later matches subject to recovery