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

The National AIDS Control Organisation is rolling out an AI-based early warning system nationwide to predict HIV infections before diagnosis. The initiative under NACP Phase-V aims to enable early testing, prevention and reduced transmission among high-risk groups.

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official India visit emphasized trade, technology, and security ties. Key outcomes include progress on the India–EU FTA, defence-industrial cooperation, joint submarine projects, green energy, digital partnerships, visa facilitation, and initiatives in education, skills, and youth exchanges 

The WHO urges higher taxes on sugary drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol to combat non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Low taxation keeps these products cheap, boosting consumption and profits while straining global health systems

To fill over 18,000 vacant NEET-PG 2025 seats, NBEMS has lowered qualifying percentiles to zero for reserved categories and seven for general. The move expands eligibility without compromising merit, ensuring optimal use of postgraduate medical seats and strengthening healthcare

  Twenty-nine Naxalites, including a Rs 2 lakh reward head, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district under the “Poona Margem” rehabilitation initiative. Enhanced security, anti-Naxal operations, and government incentives weakened Maoist influence in the Darbha division, encouraging reintegration into society 

US Ambassador Sergio Gor presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, signaling efforts to strengthen India-US ties. Previously White House personnel director, Gor emphasized India’s centrality to US relations and ongoing discussions on a trade deal

Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel warned fans about an imposter using a fake number to possibly scam people. She also expressed excitement for the upcoming “Humraaz 2,” highlighting the original film’s popularity and strong audience anticipation for the sequel

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on India’s industrial growth and reliance on Chinese imports sparked a political clash, with BJP leaders accusing him of undermining national interests, while Congress defenders say he emphasized strengthening domestic manufacturing to boost economic progress 

  Al Qaeda is increasingly using AI and deepfake technology to radicalize and recruit in India, hosting servers across multiple countries. The outfit’s low-profile, calculated approach exploits Osama Bin Laden’s image, creating significant challenges for Indian intelligence agencies 

Nobel Laureate Jack Szostak highlighted telomeres’ key role in ageing, cancer, and cell repair, explaining that stress shortens them. He emphasized genomics, including the Genome India Project, to understand disease susceptibility and guide healthier lifestyles and therapeutic development 

On Armed Forces Veterans Day, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi paid tribute to veterans and their families, honouring their selfless service, leadership, and contributions to India’s defence, inspiring future generations in national security and development

  Two siblings, aged 4 and 5, who went missing from Ranchi’s Dhurwa area 12 days ago, were rescued from kidnappers in Ramgarh district. Jharkhand police traced them successfully, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren praising the coordinated investigation 

Sub-zero temperatures across Kashmir have frozen parts of Dal Lake and other water bodies as the region experiences 'Chilla-i-Kalan,' a 40-day extreme cold period. Srinagar recorded minus 5.2°C, with a western disturbance expected to impact weather from January 16

Small lifestyle changes such as five extra minutes of sleep, brief moderate exercise, and slightly improved diet can significantly extend lifespan, studies suggest. Research published in The Lancet shows combined improvements in sleep, activity, and nutrition deliver outsized benefits to population health

A cryptic social media post by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reignited speculation over the state’s leadership tussle. Amid rumours of high-command talks after Sankranti, Congress leaders downplayed speculation even as political circles buzzed about a possible change

A 21-year-old air hostess was found dead by suicide at her home in Thane’s Kalyan area. Police have registered a case of abetment against her former partner, citing alleged harassment, threats, assault, and financial exploitation