States

A bomb threat on the Kashi Express at Mau railway junction triggered panic and evacuation on Tuesday. Security teams, including police, GRP, and RPF, conducted thorough checks, finding no explosives. Authorities are investigating the hoax call’s origin

Cricketer Mohammed Shami and his brother were asked to appear for SIR verification in Kolkata due to errors in their voter forms. Shami, representing Bengal in Rajkot, has requested new dates, rescheduled between January 9–11 by the Election Commission

A 15-year-old boy in Pathankot, Punjab, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive security information with Pakistani handlers after being radicalized online. Police said the tech-savvy minor’s mobile was cloned, and he had recorded key locations, posing potential national security risks

The Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, upheld a single judge’s order permitting lighting of a lamp on the ‘Deepathoon’ stone pillar at Thirupparankundram hill, affirming the site belongs to the Lord Subramania Swamy Temple, hailed as a victory by devotees

Three children aged three to six died in a Varanasi village after allegedly consuming poisonous kaner fruit while playing. Police said the incident appears accidental, with no foul play suspected, and precautionary medical checks conducted for other children present

Scientists from Mizoram and international collaborators have discovered a new non-venomous reed snake species, *Calamaria mizoramensis*, endemic to the state. Published in *Zootaxa*, the finding corrects a long-standing misidentification and highlights Northeast India’s rich but underexplored biodiversity

A 15-year-old boy, Ram Potam, was injured by a pressure IED planted by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. He received medical attention at a CRPF camp and district hospital. Security forces launched a search for additional explosives

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps installed a 10-KW solar power plant in Muguthang village, North Sikkim, providing year-round electricity to 32 residents. The project under the Vibrant Villages Programme enhances safety, connectivity, and prevents seasonal migration

Allegations of irregularities have emerged over non-academic and administrative appointments at Visva-Bharati University, with complaints to PM Modi, the Education Ministry, and UGC. Applicants claim merit lists were not published and rules bypassed, while the university denies any wrongdoing

In Firozabad, 50-year-old transport businessman Balmukund Dubey was beaten to death by his partner Gajendra Singh and associates over a financial dispute. Police registered a case, and one accused has been taken into custody for questioning

A man, Jitendra alias Ballam, was arrested in Baghpat for allegedly torturing a dog and forcing it to drink alcohol after a video went viral. A case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act has been registered

Eleven monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead in Tumakuru’s Devarayanadurga forest area over two days. Forest officials suspect food poisoning based on post-mortem findings, though the exact cause will be confirmed after laboratory analysis of collected samples

Devotees thronged Sangam ghats on Magh Mela’s third day in Prayagraj, praising arrangements and security. The 44-day festival began January 3, features multiple auspicious bathing dates, extensive crowd management, transport facilities, and concludes on Mahashivratri with strong administrative oversight statewide

In Ernakulam’s Kadathy, a 68-year-old man, Ravi, died and another, James, suffered serious burns after a firecracker explosion at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church during festive preparations. Police registered a case against the priest and church officials

In a shocking update, police revealed a 25-year-old woman was gang-raped inside a private hospital ambulance, not a van, in Faridabad. Both accused drivers have been arrested. The victim remains hospitalized while investigations continue via a surfaced testimonial video

In West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, Pradhan Purty was arrested for murdering a 25-year-old woman. He confessed to strangling her and crushing her head with a stone after she demanded marriage and money. Evidence, including her mobile and a blood-stained stone, was recovered

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the Ballari violence, triggered by a banner dispute between BJP and Congress supporters that left one dead, may be handed to the CID. Two private gunmen have been detained, with ballistic reports awaited

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the clearing of 1,732.5 acres of reserve forest land in Hojai district from encroachments. The government has reclaimed over 47,850 acres since 2021, emphasizing zero tolerance for illegal settlements, particularly targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims

Two men were arrested for allegedly posting obscene and defamatory content online targeting Vijayalakshmi, wife of jailed Kannada actor Darshan. Police continue investigating over 18 accused after the actor’s incarceration in connection with a 2024 fan murder case

A 50-year-old epilepsy patient died in Bhadohi after reportedly suffering a seizure and falling into a bonfire outside his home while keeping warm. The incident occurred in Bhakora village, with police confirming accidental death after preliminary examination

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been appointed chairperson of the screening committee for Assam Assembly elections. The AICC formed committees for five poll-bound states as the party prepares candidate selection and alliance strategy ahead of the March–April polls

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, has been granted a 40-day parole in Haryana. This marks yet another temporary release, drawing renewed criticism from Sikh organisations and opposition groups

Filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi will direct Rajinikanth’s upcoming film *Thalaivar 173*, produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran. The film is slated for a Pongal 2027 release, marking a major collaboration in Tamil cinema

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Yellapur, allegedly by a man pressuring her to marry him. The accused was later found dead. The incident sparked communal tension, protests, bandh calls and heightened security in Uttara Kannada district