India

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

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