Maharashtra gears up for crucial local body elections on January 15, marking the first electoral test of 2026. These polls, delayed by legal battles, will see alliances like the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi vying for control of key urban centers, including the financially significant Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
A pregnant Birbhum woman, Sunali Khatun, who was unjustly deported to Bangladesh and jailed for six months, has given birth to a healthy son in a state-run hospital. She was repatriated to India with her elder son after the Supreme Court intervened on humanitarian grounds. Her family hopes the Chief Minister will name the newborn.
A costly bank error at Kerala University's Centre for Latin American Studies resulted in a Rs 16.5 lakh loss. A typo swapped Rupees for Dollars during a payment to a guest lecturer's wife, sending $20,000 instead of Rs 20,000.
Two people were injured in a series of bomb explosions in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Monday, with villagers criticizing security forces for inadequate surveillance. The explosions damaged an abandoned residence and injured a retired CRPF trooper and another individual. The incident has prompted a 24-hour statewide shutdown.
Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan defended New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's letter to Delhi riots co-accused Umar Khalid, stating Mamdani, as a person of Indian origin, has the right to intervene. Chavan emphasized that human rights are supreme and there's no need for panic over the letter.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded AQI at 260 in the 'Poor' category by 8 am on Monday.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge compared US President Donald Trump to dictators Hitler and Mussolini, criticising US actions in Venezuela and Trump's alleged attempts to intimidate global leaders. Kharge also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of yielding to Trump's demands regarding Russian oil purchases, citing a film dialogue to illustrate the prime minister's perceived subservience to the US leader.
India's Defence Acquisition Council approved nearly Rs 79,000 crore in military modernization projects, including air defense missiles, combat drones, and long-range rockets. These crucial acquisitions aim to bolster operational readiness against evolving threats from China and Pakistan, emphasizing speed, precision, and multi-domain warfare capabilities.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment as chairperson of the Assam election screening committee fuels leadership debate, with the BJP alleging internal conflict between her and Rahul Gandhi. The Congress dismisses these claims, asserting her experience and organizational capabilities. This move, amidst whispers of her potential elevation, comes as the party seeks to regain ground in Assam.
The Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing a prima facie case under UAPA. The court found they played a «formative role» in the conspiracy. However, five other accused were granted bail with strict conditions. Khalid and Imam can seek bail again after one year.
Umar Khalid, denied bail by the Supreme Court in the 2020 Delhi riots case, stated prison is now his life. While he expressed happiness for co-accused granted bail, the court found a prima facie case against him under UAPA. The Supreme Court also noted that trial delays don't automatically override UAPA safeguards.
Union minister Giriraj Singh equated Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam's actions to those of terrorist Kasab, following the Supreme Court's denial of their bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The BJP welcomed the verdict, asserting the riots were organized and sponsored, not spontaneous. Khalid, denied bail, stated jail is now his life.
The Supreme Court rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi 2020 riots case, stating their roles were central and on a different footing from other accused. However, bail was granted to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.
50% Of Youth At Both Extremes Hit By This Largely Hidden Crisis’
A thousand years after Mahmud of Ghazni's devastating attack, Somnath Temple stands as a testament to India's enduring spirit. Despite repeated invasions, the shrine's restoration, marked by its 1951 reopening, symbolizes resilience. This enduring symbol of faith and civilization continues to inspire, mirroring India's own resurgence and commitment to global welfare.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) national president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday sharply criticised the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, during a press conference held in Amravati.
Shaina NC said, «Aaditya Thackeray inducted Rashid Mamu. Aaditya Thackeray joined Umar Khalid at the Gateway protest. They are plotting to turn Mumbai into Mamdani, but we will never let that happen. We are here for progressive politics. They are here for regressive thoughts and comments.»
An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter Scale jolted Morigaon district in Assam early Monday morning. The tremor, with its epicentre at a depth of 50 km, was felt across central Assam. Authorities are monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC, and EWS candidates are eligible for general category posts if they meet the general cutoff marks. This decision, inspired by the Indra Sawhney case, allows reserved category candidates to be considered on merit for unreserved posts, preventing them from being barred despite higher scores.
Indore health officials declared a waterborne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura an epidemic after 10 deaths. Specialized national and state teams are investigating the contamination source. Narmada water supply remains suspended, with residents instructed on borewell and tank chlorination. Clean water is being supplied via tankers, and affected patients receive free treatment.
Official audits for years warned of public health risks from contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh, citing over 5.45 lakh water-borne disease cases in Bhopal and Indore between 2013-2018. Despite these alerts, systemic lapses in monitoring and testing by urban local bodies persisted, leading to faecal coliform detection in water supplies and potential health impacts for lakhs of residents.
A Bihar youth, duped by cybercriminals, arrived at the prestigious LBSNAA in Mussoorie for IAS training, only to be stopped at the gate. He had paid Rs 30,000 after receiving forged UPSC results and a fake selection letter. Police are investigating this elaborate scam targeting aspiring civil servants.
