The Union government is working on guidelines for investigating agencies to handle and seize documents while excluding personal, unrelated data to protect privacy. The guidelines came into focus following cases involving lottery king Santiago Martin and Amazon, where claims of unrelated personal data being at risk were raised.

India has increased its vigilance following reports of rising respiratory illnesses in China. The health ministry held a high-level meeting to assess the situation, emphasizing preparedness. Experts indicated that the surge is due to common flu viruses, including HMPV. The Indian government is monitoring the situation closely, ensuring hospitals are ready to handle any increase in cases.

Three tigers and a young leopard died from highly pathogenic avian flu H5N1 at Gorewada Rescue Centre, Nagpur. This marks the first significant wildlife loss to the virus in captivity in India. Containment measures are in place; other animals tested negative. The virus cross-infected mammals possibly through infected prey or raw meat.

Chhattisgarh government forms an 11-member SIT to investigate journalist Mukesh Chandrakar's murder. His body was found in a septic tank at contractor Suresh Chandrakar's premises. Police have arrested three individuals, with Suresh still at large. A report on corruption in road construction is suspected to be the motive.

The additional sessions court in Thalassery convicted nine BJP-RSS workers for the murder of DYFI activist Rijith in 2005. Rijith was attacked during a clash over an RSS branch opening, suffering fatal wounds. The verdict, based on substantial evidence and testimonies, concluded a 19-year-long trial.

The BJP staged a protest in Kalaburagi demanding Minister Priyank Kharge's resignation over a contractor's alleged suicide. BJP leaders urge a CBI inquiry, while Kharge denies involvement and calls for an investigation. Citing cases against BJP figures, the Minister and government stand firm against opposition pressure.

Bank of Baroda reported a robust 11.7% year-on-year rise in global business, reaching Rs. 25.6 lakh crore by the end of December 2024, driven by a significant increase in retail lending. Domestic deposits and advances experienced substantial growth, with retail advances surging by 19.5%.

Rajagopala Chidambaram, India's leading nuclear weapons designer and key figure in the Pokhran nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He contributed significantly to India's nuclear programme and scientific advancements. Tributes poured in from top scientists and political leaders, acknowledging his groundbreaking work and immense impact on India's strategic capabilities and scientific community.

Jammu Police arrested Ravinder Singh, a power department employee, for shooting and injuring BJYM leader Kanav Sharma over a parking dispute in Roop Nagar's New Plot area. Singh fired at Sharma in a fit of rage after an argument and fled the scene. Sharma is under treatment, and an attempted murder case is registered at Bakshi Nagar PS.

Northern Railways completed another successful trial run on the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL project, which includes India's first cable-stayed rail bridge and the world's highest railway bridge. Statutory inspections and further trials are scheduled for early January, guiding the commencement of train services to Kashmir Valley.

Prashant Kishor, on an indefinite hunger strike at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan over the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission exam question paper leak, defends a luxury vanity van, stating it fulfills practical needs during his fast. Kishor vows to continue his protest despite mounting pressure and an FIR lodged against him.

India reaffirmed its commitment to «strategic autonomy» after US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said that there is no such thing as «strategic autonomy» in times of conflict. His remarks came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia. The External Affairs Ministry stated that India values its independent policy decisions while maintaining strong ties with the US.

Leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accuses the BJP of having vested interests in Manipur's ethnic conflict and criticizes Prime Minister Modi for not visiting the state since the violence started. Kharge highlights that villages have been destroyed, and central government intervention has been insufficient. Manipur CM N Biren expressed regret over the crisis.

The Supreme Court has ruled that non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 82 of CrPC is a stand-alone offence under section 174A IPC. This offence can continue even if the proclamation is no longer in effect. The verdict clarifies that the status of a proclaimed offender remains despite subsequent developments in the case.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes PM Modi for sending a ceremonial chadar to Ajmer Sharif Dargah, calling it insincere amid disputes over mosques and dargahs. He highlights discrimination against Muslims in housing schemes and urges the government to protect religious sites’ integrity. Union Minister Rijiju delivers the chadar emphasizing peace and harmony without addressing legal disputes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi, emphasizing the pivotal role of prosperous villages in achieving a developed India. Held from January 4 to 9, the event aims to enhance rural infrastructure, promote self-reliance, foster innovation, and support rural women's entrepreneurship through various workshops and discussions.

Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, pivotal in India’s 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He held significant roles, including principal scientific adviser and director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Chidambaram's leadership established India as a nuclear power, earning him the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah to present a chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the message of peace and unity. The gesture marked the 11th time PM Modi participated in the Urs celebration, focusing on fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.

Justice C T Ravikumar, hailing from a scheduled caste family in Kerala, pursued a successful career in law, culminating as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. His retirement on January 5 marked the end of an over four-decade-long judicial journey filled with dedication and respect for the legal profession.

Maharashtra Police arrested Sudarshan Ghule and Sudhir Sangle in connection with the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The arrests came three days after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. Valmik Karad, an aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, had earlier surrendered, sparking demands for Munde's removal amid political controversies.

Justice C T Ravikumar, hailing from a scheduled caste family in Kerala, pursued a successful career in law, culminating as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. His retirement on January 5 marked the end of an over four-decade-long judicial journey filled with dedication and respect for the legal profession.

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation during a meeting between foreign minister S Jaishankar and his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khaleel. Both sides signed a MoU to implement High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives with Indian grant assistance, emphasizing India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Punjab govt has urged Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's intervention in resolving the farmers' protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. In a letter, Punjab's agriculture minister highlighted the ongoing hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and sought actions aligned with the Supreme Court's directions.

PM Modi launched an attack on AAP, dubbing it a 'disaster' and accusing it of stalling Delhi's development and engaging in corruption. Modi emphasized his government's achievements and criticized AAP's handling of projects and policies. He urged voters to bring change, setting a combative tone for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

India's Army will implement a new quantified assessment system for promoting lieutenant generals, effective March 31, aimed at merit-based selection for apex-level roles. This system contrasts with the current seniority-based promotion policy, aligning with similar practices in the Air Force and Navy, and supports the creation of tri-Service theatre commands.

A zilla parishad school in Hiwali village, Maharashtra, stands out with its innovative approach, integrating academic lessons with practical skills like welding and organic farming. The transformation, led by Keshav Gavit since 2009, has greatly improved student engagement and academic achievements, garnering the attention of state education minister Dada Bhuse.

The draft rules for the DPDP Act released by the IT ministry in India state that children under 18 can join social media platforms only with parental consent. Restrictions are imposed on transferring certain personal data outside India, affecting companies like Meta and Google. Stakeholder comments on these rules will be accepted until February 18.

India's coastline has significantly expanded from 7,516km in 1970 to 11,098km in 2023-24, driven by new measurement methodologies. Gujarat and Bengal saw the most growth, while Puducherry's coastline shrank. The recalculations reflect advances in accurately measuring coastline features, boosting economic prospects in coastal states like AP with new ports and infrastructure projects.

The Indian government criticized the Washington Post, accusing it of fostering relentless hostility towards India after reports surfaced about India's alleged covert operations in the Maldives and Pakistan. New Delhi dismissed these claims as baseless and emphasized Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism instead.

Official sources have questioned the valuation of a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jill Biden. They suggest the actual market value is between Rs 1.1 lakh and Rs 1.9 lakh, much lower than the US state department's assessment of $20,000, pointing out recent price drops in lab-grown diamonds.

Congress accuses the BJP government of violating the Places of Worship Act, 1991, and plans to join the Supreme Court case demanding adherence to the law. The party will file an application, highlighting the political stance regarding the recent developments and accusations of BJP's role in court applications.

Home Minister Amit Shah prioritises 100% renewable energy in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep using solar panels and windmills. He reviews progress, stressing the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure projects, highlighting the focus on tourism and trade while preserving cultural heritage.

A CBI court sentenced 10 individuals to life imprisonment and four others, including ex-CPM MLA KV Kunhiraman, to five years for the 2019 murder of two Youth Congress workers in Kerala. The court imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each of the life-term convicts.