India

  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

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.