Tourists at Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh had a close call when a frozen lake they were on collapsed. Quick-thinking bystanders rescued them. Union minister Kiren Rijiju warned travelers of such dangers and urged precautions. The incident, caught on video, underscores the importance of proper preparation and experienced guides in winter tourism.

A political controversy arose in Tamil Nadu as Governor RN Ravi left the assembly ahead of the Winter Session due to the refusal to play the national anthem. The governor's office condemned the incident as disrespectful to the Constitution, while state Congress chief criticized the governor for opposing resolutions from the assembly.

Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, comparing him to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and accusing him of corruption. Singh also dismissed Lalu's recent comments and criticized his governance in Bihar, highlighting the progress made under Nitish Kumar.

Delhi Police have detained nine Bangladeshi nationals in a crackdown on illegal immigration. They were arrested from locations in Central and South West Delhi, including a hotel in Nabi Karim. Efforts include verification drives following directives from the lieutenant governor to address and take action against illegal immigrants.

Mumbai-Nanded Tapovan Express reversed 700m on Saturday to pick up Sarvar Shaikh, a 30-year-old passenger who had fallen off near Manmad junction. Despite efforts, he later died in hospital. The loco pilot secured permission to maneuver the train back, and an ambulance was arranged at Manmad for medical assistance, while express continued its journey.

A Tamil Nadu archaeology department study found over 90% of ancient graffiti marks at 140 sites, including Keeladi, resemble Indus Valley civilisation symbols. Researchers analyzed 15,184 graffiti signs, noting links between Indus and south Indian signs. The study suggests cultural exchanges during the Copper and Iron Ages. Key symbols included arrows, fish signs, and swastikas.

Three Coast Guard personnel were killed when their 'Dhruv' advanced light helicopter crashed in Porbandar, Gujarat. The incident highlights ongoing issues with the indigenous twin-engine choppers, which have faced several accidents before, prompting investigations into technical and design flaws.

Patna Police arrested Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor during an indefinite hunger strike protesting the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission exam paper leak. He joined students at Gandhi Maidan demanding exam cancellation. Kishor plans to submit a petition to the High Court on January 7 regarding the issue.

The arrest of Suresh Chandrakar in connection with the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has sparked significant attention. Mukesh's body was found in a septic tank in Bijapur after he exposed a road construction scam. This incident has highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in the region, prompting calls for action and increased safety measures.

After three days of protests in Pithampur against the proposed incineration of Union Carbide waste, residents decided to wait for Monday’s hearing at Madhya Pradesh HC. Government officials addressed concerns about safety and misinformation, while protestors demanded the waste be removed from the facility.

An all-party delegation, led by ex-MP Sambhaji Raje, plans to meet governor C P Radhakrishnan to address the law and order situation in Beed following Santosh Deshmukh's murder and urge the dismissal of minister Dhananjay Munde, as protests demanding his resignation intensify.

Under Sharia law, the only way to stop the execution now is securing a pardon from the victim’s family. Nimisha Priya’s family and supporters have paid ‘diyah’, or blood money, to the victim’s family and negotiations are on.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has lifted the economic blockade in Manipur, effective from Sunday 2am, which had halted traffic and essential supplies. They issued a 48-hour ultimatum for state government to withdraw CAPF personnel from Saibol, following violent clashes at year-end.

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the sale of an 8,000sq ft site in Jayanagar by the BDA for Rs 2 crore, far below its actual market value. BJP has demanded an investigation, alleging the land was sold to benefit private interests. The plot was controversially sold citing a 2020 order, despite it being occupied since 1973.

The Lucknow NIA court labeled the 2018 Kasganj violence a premeditated conspiracy, sentencing 28 accused to life imprisonment. The judge raised concerns over NGOs aiding individuals accused of anti-national activities and called for an investigation into their funding and objectives, sending a message against such crimes.

A Kandivli man transferred Rs 32 lakh and a private company vice-president lost Rs 1.6 crore in digital detention scams, believing they faced legal trouble based on fake documents from 'Supreme Court' and 'CBI'. The fraudsters convinced them by creating fake arrest warrants and threatening severe consequences, including arrest of family members.

The Karnataka high court ordered the state forest department to refund Rs 4.3 lakh with 6% annual interest to a Kodagu landowner who deposited the money in 1982. This decision, made after the landowner's death in 2023, highlighted a misclassification error in his tree-felling application.

IT ministry has come out with draft rules on Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) law which seek parental consent for children to join social media. IT secretary S Krishnan does not feel the need to follow the Australian model where children should be banned completely. Excerpts from an interview with TOI‘s Pankaj Doval.

The Common Central Secretariat's new buildings in Delhi will have canteens with two sections: an economical section with affordable meals, and a premium section with prices comparable to local restaurants. The CPWD has invited bids for these canteens, with 15,000 employees set to use these facilities. Finance and home ministries will be among the first to shift to these buildings.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the newly constructed 4-lane, 2.35km-long bypass to Banihal town on the Ramban-Banihal section of the national highway will open for 4-lane traffic within 15 days. Initially, 2-lane traffic will be released. The bypass was built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, with netizens praising the achievement.

In Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, a speeding Bolero fell into a deep gorge, causing the death of four passengers in their twenties and leaving two others, including the driver, missing. Authorities and politicians, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.

Jammu police executed extensive operations throughout 2024 to combat drug crimes, registering over 150 cases under the NDPS Act and arresting more than 240 individuals. They seized 83 vehicles and registered 153 FIRs related to heroin recovery. Additionally, 19 habitual offenders were booked under the PIT NDPS Act, reflecting a stringent, zero-tolerance approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assures the continuation of public welfare schemes if BJP is voted to power in Delhi elections. Modi criticizes AAP for alleged corruption in scheme implementation, emphasizes the need for honest administration, and promotes infrastructural developments like highways and metro expansions.

Delhi health officials released guidelines for tackling Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory ailments, highlighting the necessity of isolating suspected cases, reporting through the IHIP Portal, and ensuring availability of essential medications. These measures come in response to heightened respiratory concerns in China.

Srinagar and several parts of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall, with temperatures staying below freezing for the second consecutive day. Kokernag was the coldest at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius. Kashmir is currently undergoing 'Chillai-Kalan', the harshest winter period, which started on December 21 and ends on January 30.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that 26 Myanmarese nationals, who had entered India through the state's border, were deported to Myanmar. He emphasized the state's commitment to humanitarian aid for war refugees while maintaining a strict stance against illegal immigration. The deportation was executed by state police and central forces in the Moreh border town.

BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri was criticized by AAP's Arvind Kejriwal for derogatory remarks against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Kejriwal condemned the statements, emphasizing the people's disapproval. AAP also highlighted the BJP's desperation and improper conduct towards women. Bidhuri had previously apologized for inappropriate comments about Priyanka Gandhi, expressing regret and retracting his words.

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on a 41-day hunger strike for MSP and farmer issues, faces severe health complications, including dizziness and vomiting. Despite multiple interventions and Supreme Court directives for medical aid, Dallewal steadfastly refuses treatment. Protests continue at the Khanauri border.

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.