States

A leopardess carcass was found in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve, likely killed by a tiger, forest officials said. Evidence such as bite marks, pug marks, and drag marks indicated a big cat attack; the carcass was disposed of per protocol 

Jharkhand Health Department issued an advisory to strengthen surveillance and preparedness against Nipah virus after two cases were reported in neighbouring West Bengal. Though no cases exist in Jharkhand, authorities urged vigilance, isolation readiness and public awareness due to high infection risk

As counting began for Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence in a strong Mahayuti performance, citing consistent electoral outcomes and development work, even as controversies emerged over voting ink and phased counting delays

Iskcon Mayapur authorities warned devotees and tourists against fake websites offering fraudulent accommodation bookings. An FIR has been filed after several visitors were cheated through convincing online portals, prompting appeals to use only the official booking website

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said hostile forces, including Pakistan-backed elements, will continue attempts to destabilise the region, but strong preparedness and coordination among security agencies have kept the 2025 security situation largely under control despite isolated incidents

Clashes erupted between supporters of Shiv Sena nominee Meenakshi Shinde and rebel candidate Bhushan Bhoir during civic polls in Thane’s Manpada area. Police intervened after ballot box vandalism attempts; the situation is now under control

A 48-year-old motorcyclist died after his throat was slit by a nearly invisible Chinese manja during Makar Sankranti celebrations near NH-65 in Bidar. Viral videos of his final moments triggered public outrage

A physiotherapist in Jaunpur died after his throat was slit by a stray Chinese manja while riding his motorcycle near Pachhatiya village. Police said the banned kite string continues to pose a deadly threat despite enforcement efforts and court orders

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

  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 

  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

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

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

Police arrested an RTI activist from Mumbai for allegedly blackmailing an MP from Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district and attempting to extort Rs 5 crore by threatening to share sensitive information obtained through RTI applications

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

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

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

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Bengaluru for the second day of his official visit to India. He will tour Bosch's India headquarters and the Centre for Nano Science & Engineering at IISc. Merz’s visit follows talks with PM Modi and the signing of 19 pacts

The political storm in poll-bound West Bengal, triggered by multiple ED raids, once again blurs the line between criminal investigation and electoral politics

Uncertainty has engulfed the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra after the NMC withdrew its letter of permission, citing non-compliance, even as faculty and students allege political pressure behind the decision following protests over admissions

Activist Sharjeel Imam told a Delhi court that he never supported violence and had no coordination with co-accused Umar Khalid, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish any agreement required to prove a criminal conspiracy in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case