The Gujarat government has approved the creation of a new Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating Banaskantha. This decision, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and addressing public demand, establishes Tharad as the new district's headquarters. The new district will encompass eight talukas while Banaskantha will retain six talukas.

Uttarakhand government partners with Indo-Tibetan Border Police to boost tourism in border villages through the 'Vibrant Village' programme. The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, expand heli-services, create employment opportunities, and reverse migration, with ITBP aiding in identifying aerial routes for heli-tourism circuits in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh.

Maharashtra government forms a 10-member SIT to probe the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The CID-led team aims to expedite the arrest of the remaining suspects. Villagers staged a protest for swift action. Three accused are arrested; others remain at large. Investigation includes extortion allegations tied to a windmill company.

Temple-mosque disputes have escalated in Uttar Pradesh since the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, culminating in violence in Sambhal. Major disputes exist in Varanasi, Mathura, Lucknow, Budaun, Baghpat, and Jaunpur, each involving historical claims about the original sites of existing mosques.

BJP criticizes AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for not fulfilling promises such as reliable water supply, education improvements, and pollution control in Delhi. Accusing AAP of old Congress politics, BJP highlights Kejriwal's «unreliability» and questions his allowance scheme for temple priests. The BJP enumerates multiple unaddressed issues under AAP's decade-long governance.

India urges Pakistan for the swift release and repatriation of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences. Additionally, India seeks immediate consular access for 18 prisoners believed to be Indian nationals. The request follows the biannual exchange of prisoner lists under a 2008 agreement.

The Indian government has extended its flagship crop insurance schemes until 2025-26 with an allocation of Rs 69,515 crore. A new Rs 824 crore fund will use advanced technology to improve implementation. Additionally, a special Rs 3,850 crore package has been approved to keep DAP fertiliser prices affordable at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag.

Bangladesh's army chief stresses the need for a fair and balanced relationship with India, highlighting mutual dependence and shared interests in areas like economic trade, medical tourism, and regional security. He underscores the importance of ensuring that neither country feels dominated and that collaborative efforts do not compromise each other's strategic interests.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh blamed Congress for the state's issues, criticizing past settlement decisions under Congress and defending PM Modi's absence. He highlighted historical ethnic conflicts under Congress leadership and emphasized his efforts for rehabilitation and development. Singh's recent speech included an apology to 2023 violence victims, showcasing measures for recovery and growth in Manipur.

Delhi CM Atishi accuses the BJP of double standards for planning temple demolitions, including Hindu and Buddhist temples, despite their claims of protecting Hinduism. She asserts that the BJP is circumventing her elected administration and warns of significant community repercussions. The LG’s office denies these allegations as political diversion.

Air India now offers Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and some A321neo aircraft, making it the first Indian airline to provide in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic flights. Complimentary for an introductory period, the service allows passengers to browse, use social media, and work while in the air. The service will expand to other aircraft gradually.

A 40-year-old businessman, Puneet Khurana, was found dead in his Delhi home, in what appears to be a suicide. His family alleges harassment by his wife and in-laws. Police have seized evidence, and an investigation is underway following a discovered video detailing the supposed harassment.

India has declared 2025 as the 'year of reforms' in the defence sector, focusing on modernizing the armed forces and establishing integrated theatre commands. Defence minister Rajnath Singh aims to boost defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, promoting R&D and international partnerships.

Mumbai traffic police penalized 17,800 motorists for violating road rules during New Year celebrations, collecting Rs 89.19 lakh in fines. Actions included drunk driving, obstructing traffic, not wearing helmets or seat belts, jumping signals, speed violations, and using phones while driving. Security was tightened at key locations to prevent incidents.

Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Mohan Bhagwat about BJP's practices affecting democracy, including vote-buying and voter manipulation. Kejriwal doubted if the RSS supports these actions. AAP spokesperson accused BJP leaders of deleting voters' names and offering money for votes in various constituencies, amidst escalating accusations as both parties gear up for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.

North India is reeling under cold weather with temperatures plummeting across several states. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with a thin layer of fog enveloping parts of the national capital. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a temperature of 10.30 am.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extend New Year greetings for 2025, emphasizing opportunities, health and prosperity. Celebrations occur nationwide with parties, cultural events, and fireworks. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and tourist spots such as Manali see large gatherings and vibrant festivities.

«If a BJP leader can dare to make such statements about Kerala, which is a symbol of pluralistic culture and harmony, it is because he enjoys impunity from the party's leadership,» Karat told ANI.

The Travancore Devaswom Board has temporarily suspended issuing special passes for devotees arriving via the forest route to Sabarimala. This measure aims to reduce wait times for darshan among those using the virtual queue system. The suspension follows a significant increase in the number of devotees taking the forest path. No special passes will be issued until further notice.

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani humorously addressed the work-life balance debate, highlighting personal choice in balancing work and family time. Reflecting on Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week suggestion, Adani emphasized enjoying one’s work and activities for balance, considering personal mortality to simplify life, and prioritizing personal character and humility over material wealth.

Supreme Court granted Punjab government three more days to hospitalise fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, with no consideration for involving the Centre. The state's plea was based on ongoing negotiations with the farmers, and security measures have been intensified around the protest site.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed denied allegations in a Washington Post report suggesting that the opposition asked India for $6 million to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu. Nasheed stated he was unaware of any plot and emphasized India's consistent support for Maldives' democracy.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh met with Bangladeshi lawyer Rabindra Ghosh, who is defending Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Rabindra Ghosh urged India to address minority persecution in Bangladesh. Das, an advocate for Hindu rights, was arrested for sedition over a flag incident and denied bail. Rabindra Ghosh faces threats due to his defense work.

President Droupadi Murmu extended New Year's Eve greetings, urging citizens to work towards unity and excellence. Highlighting the new year as a time for fresh hopes and aspirations, she encouraged everyone to move forward with renewed energy to achieve their goals. She emphasized celebrating with joy and enthusiasm to advance the nation and society.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh offers an apology for the violence since May 2023 and unveils a peace-focused roadmap for 2025. The state witnesses a significant drop in violence, with initiatives for rehabilitation, skill development, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure in place.

Delhi CM Atishi has urged Lieutenant Governor Saxena to reconsider orders for demolishing religious structures, including those significant to Dalit communities. She stressed the need for consultation with the elected government. The LG's office has dismissed her claims as political tactics, asserting no such demolitions are planned. Political tensions between Atishi and the LG continue to rise.

Nutty Village, a startup in Unnao, will introduce coffee and barbeque flavored peanut butters to honor late US President Jimmy Carter's support of peanut farming and rural development. The company works with local farmers and women's self-help groups to improve livelihoods.