The Delhi High Court has ordered Congress and AAP to remove social media posts within 24 hours that linked BJP's Dushyant Kumar Gautam to a 2022 Uttarakhand resort murder. The court also restrained the parties from posting further content targeting Gautam as the alleged «VIP» in the case, citing irreparable damage to his reputation.

A husband who attacked his wife and child received a second chance. The Supreme Court quashed criminal charges against him. This decision allows the couple to reconcile and rebuild their family life. The court emphasized the couple's wishes to stay together. The husband provided a written undertaking to ensure his wife and child's safety and well-being.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen received an election notice alleging an age difference of less than 15 years with his late mother, a claim his representatives call harassment. The Election Commission stated the discrepancy was flagged by a portal, and officials visited Sen's residence to resolve it, despite the actual age gap being over 19 years.

The Election Commission has announced that relatives of voters living outside Bengal can appear on their behalf for physical SIR hearings. This relief is for thousands of migrant workers, students, and NRIs summoned for hearings, which are crucial for electoral roll discrepancies. The EC aims to ease logistical burdens and ensure broader participation in the verification process.

New Delhi is set to host a major international conference from January 21-23, bringing together nearly 100 delegates from 42 election management bodies. The event, themed 'Democracy for an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world,' aims to foster global cooperation, share best practices, and address contemporary challenges in election management. India's Election Commission is organizing this significant gathering.

Security forces engaged terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Kathua's Billawar forests on Wednesday. Following a tip-off about suspicious movement, a joint operation led to a firefight with a group of two to three ultras. The encounter continued despite challenging conditions, with the area cordoned off. This incident is part of ongoing counter-terror operations across the region.

The Omar Abdullah government rejected the demand for a separate statehood for Jammu, deeming it «unviable.» Instead, the government suggested it was time for Ladakh to be reunited with Jammu and Kashmir. BJP legislators renewed calls for a separate Jammu state, alleging discrimination and seeking a Hindu chief minister.

Indian tax authorities have highlighted significant risks associated with virtual digital assets like crypto, echoing the Reserve Bank of India's concerns. The anonymous and borderless nature of these assets, coupled with offshore platforms, makes tracking taxable income and beneficial owners extremely difficult. Jurisdictional challenges further complicate tax recovery, prompting authorities to implement safeguards like TDS and mandatory registration.

Madras HC has prohibited the publication, sale, and circulation of a Tamil book containing derogatory remarks against Justice G R Swaminathan. The court initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the publisher, Keezhaikaatru Publishers, for content deemed highly abusive and scandalous.

A young hippopotamus at Alipore Zoo has been unable to move for two weeks, likely due to a neurological disease or leg injury. A medical team is monitoring the animal, which has shown some signs of improvement and is slowly responding to treatment. The zoo is seeking expert advice for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Punjab has launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. Over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'Pind De Pehredar', will assist the police. An app will allow anonymous reporting of drug peddlers. Padyatras will be held across the state. The campaign aims to dismantle drug networks and ensure a drug-free Punjab.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch thirteen new trains next week, including India's inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper service. Ten of these trains will depart from West Bengal, with three originating from Assam, both states heading for elections. This significant rollout highlights the Centre's commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure in West Bengal.

India's first space mission of 2026, PSLV-C62, is set to launch on January 12, carrying DRDO's advanced defense satellite Anvesha (EOS-N1) for enhanced surveillance. The mission will also test on-orbit refuelling technology with OrbitAID's AyulSAT and deploy Nepal's Earth observation satellite Munal, alongside 13 other satellites from India and international partners.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticised western nations for offering unsolicited advice urging them to «look at their own region for levels of violence». He emphasised India's independent approach to international relations, dealing with partners and adversaries differently. Jaishankar also highlighted India's concern for safety of the people of Venezuela amidst crisis.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta held a Jan Sunwai, directly addressing residents' concerns and complaints. She instructed officials to resolve issues within fixed timelines and ensure follow-up actions, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in shaping administrative decisions and effective implementation.

Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's mispronunciation of Kolkata football club Mohun Bagan drew sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress. The TMC accused the BJP of showing contempt for Bengal by mangling the names of revered football institutions, calling them symbols of identity and pride. The party slammed the BJP's alleged «Bangla-Birodhi arrogance».

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying New Year greetings and discussing ways to strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. The leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

The BJP has accused former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of harboring «the greatest hatred towards Lord Somnath,» citing his letters that allegedly discouraged the temple's restoration. MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed Nehru prioritized appeasing Pakistan and India's international image over defending Hindu historical symbols. The accusations surface ahead of PM Modi's visit to the Somnath temple.

A salon worker received a 10-year sentence for abducting and raping a woman with intellectual disability. The court, citing Supreme Court observations, deemed her testimony credible despite her challenges. This conviction under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act highlights a rare legal victory, emphasizing sensitivity towards victims with disabilities.

The National Medical Commission has withdrawn the Letter of Permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to run an MBBS course due to serious violations of minimum standards found during a surprise inspection. Students admitted for the 2025-26 academic year will be shifted to other medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir as supernumerary seats.

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The Supreme Court has presented conflicting views on bail, asserting that while delay in trial and long incarceration aren't sole grounds for relief, the fundamental right to a speedy trial, irrespective of offense nature, can justify bail. This was highlighted when granting bail to a former chairperson after 16 months, contrasting with a recent rejection for activists.

Madhya Pradesh government disbursed ₹2 lakh compensation to 18 families in Indore following a diarrhoea outbreak. While six deaths are confirmed due to contaminated water, the administration provided aid to all grieving families, prioritizing sensitivity. This support follows Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's directive for financial assistance and free medical care to those affected by the outbreak.

Despite the Supreme Court's Vishaka judgment mandating mechanisms against workplace sexual harassment, many high courts and district courts remain non-compliant. This lack of a gender-sensitized redressal structure violates women's constitutional rights and discourages their participation in the justice delivery process. The Supreme Court has now sought status reports from defaulting high courts and bar associations.