India

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

Gold hovered near fresh record highs and silver reached new peaks as softer US inflation data fueled expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions further supported bullion, with both metals seeing strong buying in domestic and global markets

A fire broke out at BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad’s New Delhi residence on Wednesday morning and was quickly controlled. No injuries were reported. The incident adds to recent fire accidents in the capital, amid concerns over Delhi Fire Services’ staff shortages

The Goa government has introduced a bill to raise the minimum age for Class 1 admission to six years, aligning state education law with NEP 2020, while offering a one-time relaxation for the 2025–26 academic year.

Four tourists from Uttar Pradesh who went missing during a trip to Pangong Lake were rescued safely in Ladakh after police traced them to a hut in sub-zero conditions following a vehicle mishap on a snow-closed route.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s remarks urging India’s youth to “avenge history”, saying the NSA is “not good” at history. He also questioned the logic of avenging history, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and mythological events.

Centre’s plan to identify high-risk corridors will reduce accidents only if backed by action

Good cities are built not only through vision, but through everyday competence

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), in collaboration with Public Sector Banks (PSBs), will unveil a Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government employees on 14 January 2026. The initiative aims to provide unified banking and insurance benefits across cadres.

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya asked food delivery and quick-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato, to remove rigid “10-minute” delivery commitments, stressing delivery partner safety. Blinkit has complied, and other companies assured similar action across ads and social media