The Supreme Court used its special powers to ensure landowners receive compensation based on current market values if the government delays payment. The ruling came from a case involving land acquired for the Bengaluru-Mysuru project in 2003, with compensation significantly delayed, prompting the court to mandate payout based on 2019 rates.

The Supreme Court inquired about the Centre's stance on the proposal for guaranteeing MSP legally, following the withdrawal of farm laws. The court urged the Centre to keep negotiation channels open, acknowledging concerns about nationwide farmers but focusing discussions on specific groups.

A senior Iranian official has expressed Tehran's willingness to assist Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, who faces a death sentence in Yemen. The offer coincides with India's efforts to explore legal options. Additionally, Iran is seeking to revive trade ties with India, including resumption of oil supplies, while addressing geopolitical issues in Gaza and West Asia.

Starlink faces regulatory trouble in India as its satellite communication devices have been found with insurgents and drug smugglers. The company has declined to provide ownership details of the devices, citing data privacy laws. Authorities are taking steps to address security concerns and have sought more information from Starlink before granting license approval.

The 17th-century Mubarak Manzil, known as Aurangzeb's Haveli, was largely demolished in Agra, despite recent efforts to protect it. Local residents claim that a builder, with officials' support, carried out the demolition. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as the historical structure, with significant Mughal and British influences, lies mostly in ruins now.

The Indian home ministry has revised its model prisons law and manual to comply with the Supreme Court's ruling against caste-based discrimination and manual scavenging in jails. It also redefined 'habitual offenders'. States and Union Territories are directed to implement these changes, ensuring no caste-based discrimination in prisoner duties or living conditions.

The Supreme Court criticized Punjab government's handling of Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health amid his fast-unto-death protest, emphasizing the importance of his health. The court ordered compliance affidavits from Punjab officials and also addressed the legal guarantee of MSP proposed during the 2021 farmer protests.

Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Chhattisgarh Congress minister Kawasi Lakhma on January 3 over his alleged involvement in a liquor scam. Searches conducted in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma revealed evidence of his receipt of commissions from illegal liquor sales. Lakhma has promised to provide all required documents and comply with the law.

Associates of jailed Punjab MP and Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh plan to announce a new political party at Maghi Mela on January 14, offering an alternative to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The party will establish its constitution, advisory committee, and district-wise committees. The rally will include support from notable figures like MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa and activist Paramjit Kaur Khalra.

Supreme Court stays proceedings on the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque dispute, directs it to be heard with other petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act. The 11th-century monument is contested by Hindus and Muslims, and the ASI is to conduct a non-invasive survey.

Amid controversy surrounding claims of a temple beneath Ajmer Sharif dargah, PM Modi handed over a 'chadar' to be offered at the dargah during Urs in a gesture showing respect for spiritual heritage. A Rajasthan court accepted a petition to survey these claims, while SC imposed a stay on similar suits.

Punjab government dismissed DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu for misconduct during gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's September 2022 interview in police custody. The state home secretary stated Sandhu, under suspension since October 2024, severely damaged Punjab Police's reputation and failed to cooperate with the inquiry.

Bombay High Court intervened on behalf of a PG medical aspirant, Kalyani Chakrawar, who was denied participation in AIIMS Kalyani admission counselling due to a missed flight. The court deemed the case exceptional and directed AIIMS authorities to allow her in the ongoing admission process. She had an all-India rank of 119.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to engage forensic experts to reconstruct a 40-year-old FIR related to Kanpur anti-Sikh riots and ensure leading criminal lawyers are available to oppose closure reports. The 1984 case involved the murder of retired personnel Diwan Singh, highlighting efforts to bring culprits to book.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the BSF of facilitating illegal border-crossing from Bangladesh, alleging a central government agenda to undermine her administration. She plans to address this with the Centre. The BSF refuted the claims, emphasizing their commitment to their duties at the border. Banerjee also attributed the murder of a local TMC leader to police negligence.

Nimisha Priya, on death row in Yemen, clings to hope for a last-minute pardon, with her husband Tomy Thomas appealing for forgiveness. Convicted of murdering her business sponsor, Talal Abdo Mahdi, she faces execution within a month. Efforts for her pardon include negotiations with the victim's family and the Indian government’s involvement.

India has become the second highest target for cyber attacks globally in 2024, with 95 entities affected by data theft, following the United States. Key sectors impacted include finance, banking, and government. Major breaches involved millions of records and ransomware incidents were significant.

Three men from Jammu were found dead in a guesthouse in Bhaderwah town of Doda district due to suspected asphyxiation caused by a charcoal heater. Police and forensic experts are investigating the incident, with initial reports ruling out any foul play. A special investigation team and a medical board have been constituted for further inquiry.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Anti-Corruption Bureau unearthed irregularities in the 2020 Fire and Emergency Services recruitment, with 109 candidates receiving falsely inflated marks. The investigation revealed candidates’ marks manipulation and selection of officials' relatives. Allegations are under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other IPC sections.

A 19-year-old social media content creator from Chhattisgarh's Janjgir Champa district committed suicide on Instagram live. The incident was witnessed by at least 21 followers who were unable to save her. Preliminary investigations suggest she took the extreme step due to a heartbreak. Ankur Nath's parents reported her addiction to social media and constant posting of videos.

The Supreme Court criticized the Enforcement Directorate for its 'inhuman conduct' in interrogating former Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar for almost 15 hours, resulting in his arrest at 1.40 am. The court upheld the quashing of his arrest and directed the ED to adopt more humane and reasonable investigation practices.

The BJP accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of fostering fake voter registrations and alleged AAP MP Sanjay Singh has dual voter registrations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called for legal action and also claimed discrepancies with other AAP members' voter registrations. Singh defended by stating compliant procedures were followed.

Social media has become a pivotal tool in Indian political campaigns, connecting parties with tech-savvy voters. Platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp amplify rallies and narrative-shaping slogans, while AI-driven war rooms help manage misinformation. Digital efforts complement traditional methods, reaching diverse demographics across the nation.

Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil hinted at the possible discussion of the caste census report in the next cabinet meeting. The report, submitted last year, faced objections from Vokkaligas and Lingayats, calling it unscientific. The findings, collected by 1.6 lakh officials, remain unpublished and are considered politically sensitive.

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, faces execution in Yemen after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni man. Her family and supporters are desperately seeking a pardon through blood-money negotiations. Despite raising $40,000, Yemen's president has approved her death sentence. Her family and supporters are calling for urgent intervention from the Union Government.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut doubts the survival of PM Modi's government till 2026, which he believes could trigger political changes in Maharashtra and other states. Raut addressed rumours about Rajan Salvi quitting the party due to local issues and maintained there is no unrest in Shiv Sena (UBT). The NDA has a parliamentary majority, relying on coalition partners.

Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced significant employment growth in India under Modi's regime from 2014, with the employment ratio reaching 64.33% in 2023-24. Job creation increased notably across agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, while the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2%.

Union minister Giriraj Singh accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of turning the state into a hub for Bangladeshi infiltrators, while Banerjee blamed the Border Security Force for facilitating the entry of militants. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the state government obstructed BSF operations.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would continue the tradition of sending a 'chadar' to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah despite any pressure. He pointed out the cultural significance of the Dargah for multiple communities and welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention in communal disputes.

The Supreme Court criticizes officials and farmer leaders for making statements complicating the farmers' protest situation. The court demands compliance from Punjab in providing medical aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, without breaking his fast. The court denies involving the Centre in MSP negotiations, focusing on Dallewal's health and the state's responsibilities.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, causing significant damage and loss of life. India expressed condolences and extended a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the strong relationship under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). India's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response is reaffirmed in this gesture.

Congress leader V D Satheesan criticizes Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement on Sanatana Dharma, arguing it’s part of cultural heritage and not exclusive to the Sangh Parivar. Vijayan had linked Sanatana Dharma to casteism, which Satheesan and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran counter by defending its broader, non-communal essence.