India

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

Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said eight terror camps—two near the IB and six across the LoC—remain active. He highlighted Operation Sindoor’s success in striking terror infrastructure and reiterated that security forces are maintaining strict vigilance along sensitive fronts

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms have opened new avenues for women in diplomacy, and India has responded by appointing women diplomats to key roles in the Gulf. Sadaf Chaudhary, a 2021 batch IFS officer, now heads the Haj section in Jeddah, managing arrangements for 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims annually.

Commander Y. Hemanth Kumar from Hyderabad is part of the crew aboard INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sailing vessel built using a 1,500-year-old technique, on a historic voyage retracing ancient trade routes between India and Oman.

A 55-year-old labourer died after his electric scooter battery exploded while charging at his home in Narnaul, Haryana. The blast triggered a major fire, damaging the house and belongings. Police have launched a probe into the incident.

AIMIM concludes its campaign for Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporation elections. The party is contesting in 24 corporations, focusing on minority and backward-class strongholds. Buoyed by last year’s 81-seat local election victory, AIMIM hopes for a strong showing on January 15.

Ducati India plans 10 new and updated motorcycle launches in 2026, including the Panigale V4 Lamborghini, Monster V2, and Hypermotard V2. The Panigale V4R is already available, with bookings open at dealerships across major Indian cities.

Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim following concerns over gig worker safety. The move comes after Labour Ministry discussions with quick-commerce platforms, even as the company maintains that faster deliveries do not pressure riders or encourage unsafe driving.

The Supreme Court warned states of “heavy compensation” for dog-bite incidents, criticizing lax enforcement of stray dog norms over five years. Dog feeders may also be held accountable. The court emphasized protecting children and elderly from stray dog attacks

JioStar launched a campaign for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring Women’s World Cup champions Rodrigues, Sharma, and Verma rallying the men’s team. India aims to defend its title, starting with matches against USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and Netherlands

India aims to expand its homegrown UPI digital payment system to more countries, especially in East Asia, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said. UPI already operates in eight nations, facilitating digital transactions and supporting Indian tourists abroad

Kerala court grants three-day police custody of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a sexual assault case. Protests erupted outside the court and hospital by CPI(M) and BJP youth activists. The case involves alleged rape and criminal intimidation, registered under IPC sections 376 and 506(1)

Jharkhand issues alert after two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Health ministry mandates strict surveillance, rapid reporting, and public awareness to prevent outbreak. Union Health Minister assures full central support to West Bengal for containment and monitoring

In Mathura, an e-rickshaw driver, Deepak, arrived at the district hospital with a 1.5-foot snake in his pocket after being bitten. Hospital staff asked him to leave the reptile outside, and police later rescued the snake, possibly his pet

India’s para badminton team kicks off its 2026 season at the SPIRO SPATHIS Egypt Para Badminton International in Cairo. Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam will compete in men’s singles and doubles, using the tournament to build form and momentum for the year

The Centre has waived Rs 5.23 crore payable by the Mizoram government as depreciated cost for Assam Rifles buildings vacated in Aizawl. Chief Minister Lalduhoma welcomed the decision, calling it a positive outcome of his appeal to the Union Home Ministry

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to tribal families affected by a fire accident in Kakinada district. Each affected family will receive Rs 25,000, new houses, and necessary support

Police probing the suicide of a Bengaluru dental student found she was allegedly humiliated by lecturers over her skin tone, dressing style and absence due to illness. Six faculty members were dismissed after an FIR was filed, and investigations are ongoing