The CAQM has withdrawn Stage-III restrictions under the GRAP in Delhi-NCR due to improving air quality indexes. Officials stated that Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain active. The AQI improvements are credited to favorable weather and higher wind speeds. Stage-III restrictions, including prohibitions on non-essential construction and specific vehicle usage, were initially enforced on January 5.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed the inauguration of major infrastructure projects, including the RRTS Sahibabad-New Ashok Nagar section and Delhi Metro expansions launched by the Prime Minister, as a joint effort between the Delhi government and the Centre, claiming it 'reflects AAP's commitment to the city's development'. The projects, launched by PM Modi, include investments exceeding Rs 12,000 crore to enhance Delhi's connectivity and transport infrastructure.

Female students at a Hyderabad private engineering college accused kitchen staff of filming them in hostel washrooms, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the college principal. Authorities accused the institution's leadership of suppressing the incident to protect its image, compromising student security.

BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri from Kalkaji, who made controversial comments comparing roads to Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks, expressed regret and retracted his statement. His remarks were widely condemned by Congress and AAP leaders, reflecting ongoing political tensions and accusations of disrespecting women.

A BJP functionary, Jitendra Mevafarosh, allegedly committed suicide in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, by shooting himself with his licensed weapon. Mevafarosh, who was the general secretary of BJP's district unit, took this extreme step after reportedly facing pressure over money transactions and being coerced into selling his house. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Delhi BJP leader Parvesh Verma has urged CM Atishi to open the 'Sheesh Mahal' for public viewing, highlighting its construction during the Covid lockdown as a misuse of tax funds. Verma suggests turning the residence into a tourist spot, allowing citizens to witness the lavish spending of their elected officials.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at nine locations in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum, seizing mobile phones and other materials connected to a naxalism case. This action follows the discovery of Rs 10.5 lakh in cash and incriminating items linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit. The case, initially registered in March 2024, involves five accused individuals.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Delhi, accusing them of lacking vision and mismanaging resources. He urged Delhites to support the BJP for better development. Modi also highlighted the renovation expenditures of the Delhi CM's residence during the pandemic. He inaugurated the Namo Bharat corridor as part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Transit System.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accuses Delhi's AAP government of wasting a decade by fighting with the Centre and urges citizens to give the BJP a chance to transform Delhi. He assures the continuation of public welfare schemes and promises to address corruption and developmental issues, highlighting the need for change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. The initiative, costing Rs 4,600 crores, is set to enhance connectivity in Delhi and the NCR. Delhi BJP president Sachdeva and Delhi CM Atishi highlighted other key transport projects aiding the city’s infrastructure development.

Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with IIT Madras students, emphasized the Congress's belief in fair resource distribution and quality education through government support, contrasting it with the BJP's growth-centric approach. He highlighted the importance of a harmonious society and noted differences in international relations strategies. The BJP dismissed his statements, citing educational reforms under Modi's government.

OYO has introduced a new policy allowing its partner hotels to refuse check-ins to unmarried couples. This policy aligns with local social norms and will start from Meerut. Couples must present valid proof of relationship. OYO aims to expand this measure to other cities and ensure safe hospitality while respecting local sentiments.

AAP released a video taunting the BJP for not announcing its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, increasing political tensions. Kejriwal criticized Modi for unfulfilled promises and defended his governance, while Modi attacked AAP's performance, accusing them of corruption and poor management in various sectors.

Former Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal wishes happy birthday to his colleague and ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia, lauding his contributions to education in Delhi. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also praises Sisodia for making Delhi's education model famous nationally and globally.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav states the govt will address public concerns over the Bhopal gas tragedy waste incineration in Pithampur, awaiting further court orders. Protests, including attempted self-immolation, erupted in response to waste transport, demanding transparent actions to ensure safety.

Divers discovered the wreck of a probable European warship near Kalpeni island, Lakshadweep on Saturday. The ship, dating back to the 17th or 18th centuries, includes a cannon and anchor, suggesting historic maritime battles. Further underwater archaeological research is needed to uncover more details and confirm its origins, as the coral growth obscures precise identification.

PM Narendra Modi celebrated the rise in rural consumption and the drop in poverty levels, highlighting the recent household consumption expenditure survey and SBI study. The rural poverty rate decreased significantly from 26% in 2011-12 to less than 5% in 2023-24. Modi emphasized the importance of empowering rural India for a developed nation.

Flights and trains experienced significant delays and cancellations as dense fog enveloped Delhi for around 12 hours. With zero visibility at key areas, it was the worst fog of the season so far. The foggy conditions also heavily impacted transportation across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

China has assured India that the construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet will not harm the lower riparian states. The project aims to develop clean energy and has been studied for decades to ensure environmental safety. US NSA Jake Sullivan will discuss the issue during his visit to India.

Police in Beed arrested three suspects involved in the abduction-murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Two suspects were caught in Pune, while another was arrested in Kalyan. The Maharashtra CID is investigating the case, which may be linked to attempts of extortion and assaults on a renewable energy firm. Further arrests are expected.

At an event marking the 25th anniversary of Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, Anant Ambani highlighted the success of the Vantara conservation initiative, emphasizing Reliance's commitment to wildlife preservation. Ambani praised his grandfather Dhirubhai's vision for the refinery and his father Mukesh's efforts to realize it. He pledged to continue elevating Jamnagar's status as India approaches its 100th year of independence.

A dispute over alleged incessant honking on Kolkata's Vidyasagar Setu escalated into a heated confrontation between Bengal IT minister Babul Supriyo and BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay, causing a 20-minute traffic snarl. Supriyo claimed that Gangopadhyay used inappropriate language, while Gangopadhyay accused Supriyo of blocking his car and abusing his driver.

Ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, BJP has announced its first list of 29 candidates, featuring notable figures like Parvesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri. The elections, set for February, will see key contests, particularly in the New Delhi and Kalkaji constituencies, involving prominent candidates from AAP, BJP, and Congress.

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.