States

BJP emerged as the single largest party in Maharashtra’s civic polls, winning 1,425 of 2,869 seats across 29 municipal corporations. The party breached traditional Thackeray and Pawar strongholds, including Mumbai and Pune, marking a major political shift

Security forces killed four Naxalites, including senior Maoist cadre Dilip Vedja, in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district during an anti-Naxal operation. Weapons were recovered, and a search operation is continuing in the forested area

Pathanamthitta police booked Youth Congress leader Fenin Ninan for allegedly revealing a victim’s identity linked to expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil’s arrest. Ninan denies wrongdoing, plans legal challenge, while the victim alleges selective chat leaks to mislead the public

A 16-year-old girl from Karuvarakundu, Malappuram, reported missing on Thursday, was found dead on Friday in an isolated area near Thodiyapulam. Injuries suggest murder. Police are questioning a minor boy and have launched a detailed investigation

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off the Palamedu Jallikattu with 1,000+ bulls and 500 tamers. Actor Soori attended, prizes included cars and tractors. Over 2,000 police managed crowds; 57 injured. Finale set at Alanganallur January 17

Odisha government directed state universities and colleges to identify non-performing teachers for compulsory premature retirement, reviewing performance, conduct, and integrity. Compliance reports must be submitted by January 31, ensuring adherence to service rules, natural justice, and government guidelines

Trends from 210 Mumbai municipal corporation wards show BJP-Shiv Sena alliance leading, poised to cross majority in BMC. Congress retained Latur, while NCP lagged in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Voter turnout was 52.94%, lower than 2017 elections

A daily wage labourer in Jodhpur was arrested for the prolonged sexual abuse of his two daughters. The crimes surfaced after the 15-year-old victim spoke out, revealing that her elder sister had been systematically exploited for over 12 years

A four-year-old girl died when a nilgai crashed through her family’s car windshield in Guna, Madhya Pradesh. Her parents were injured, and the animal, trapped inside the vehicle, was rescued by forest officials and is in critical condition

Following the discovery of 470 grams of gold ornaments in Lakkundi, Karnataka, authorities launched an excavation at Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple. Archaeologists aim to uncover historical artifacts, inscriptions, and treasures, highlighting the village’s medieval prosperity and rich heritage

Amid Maharashtra civic polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called vote tampering “anti-national” as allegations surfaced that marker pen ink could be removed easily. The State Election Commission launched a probe and will revert to traditional ink for future elections

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