Punjab has launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. Over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'Pind De Pehredar', will assist the police. An app will allow anonymous reporting of drug peddlers. Padyatras will be held across the state. The campaign aims to dismantle drug networks and ensure a drug-free Punjab.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch thirteen new trains next week, including India's inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper service. Ten of these trains will depart from West Bengal, with three originating from Assam, both states heading for elections. This significant rollout highlights the Centre's commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure in West Bengal.
India's first space mission of 2026, PSLV-C62, is set to launch on January 12, carrying DRDO's advanced defense satellite Anvesha (EOS-N1) for enhanced surveillance. The mission will also test on-orbit refuelling technology with OrbitAID's AyulSAT and deploy Nepal's Earth observation satellite Munal, alongside 13 other satellites from India and international partners.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticised western nations for offering unsolicited advice urging them to «look at their own region for levels of violence». He emphasised India's independent approach to international relations, dealing with partners and adversaries differently. Jaishankar also highlighted India's concern for safety of the people of Venezuela amidst crisis.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta held a Jan Sunwai, directly addressing residents' concerns and complaints. She instructed officials to resolve issues within fixed timelines and ensure follow-up actions, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in shaping administrative decisions and effective implementation.
Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's mispronunciation of Kolkata football club Mohun Bagan drew sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress. The TMC accused the BJP of showing contempt for Bengal by mangling the names of revered football institutions, calling them symbols of identity and pride. The party slammed the BJP's alleged «Bangla-Birodhi arrogance».
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying New Year greetings and discussing ways to strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. The leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.
The BJP has accused former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of harboring «the greatest hatred towards Lord Somnath,» citing his letters that allegedly discouraged the temple's restoration. MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed Nehru prioritized appeasing Pakistan and India's international image over defending Hindu historical symbols. The accusations surface ahead of PM Modi's visit to the Somnath temple.
A salon worker received a 10-year sentence for abducting and raping a woman with intellectual disability. The court, citing Supreme Court observations, deemed her testimony credible despite her challenges. This conviction under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act highlights a rare legal victory, emphasizing sensitivity towards victims with disabilities.
The National Medical Commission has withdrawn the Letter of Permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to run an MBBS course due to serious violations of minimum standards found during a surprise inspection. Students admitted for the 2025-26 academic year will be shifted to other medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir as supernumerary seats.
The Supreme Court has presented conflicting views on bail, asserting that while delay in trial and long incarceration aren't sole grounds for relief, the fundamental right to a speedy trial, irrespective of offense nature, can justify bail. This was highlighted when granting bail to a former chairperson after 16 months, contrasting with a recent rejection for activists.
Madhya Pradesh government disbursed ₹2 lakh compensation to 18 families in Indore following a diarrhoea outbreak. While six deaths are confirmed due to contaminated water, the administration provided aid to all grieving families, prioritizing sensitivity. This support follows Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's directive for financial assistance and free medical care to those affected by the outbreak.
Despite the Supreme Court's Vishaka judgment mandating mechanisms against workplace sexual harassment, many high courts and district courts remain non-compliant. This lack of a gender-sensitized redressal structure violates women's constitutional rights and discourages their participation in the justice delivery process. The Supreme Court has now sought status reports from defaulting high courts and bar associations.
In a surprising political development, the BJP and Congress have formed an alliance in Ambernath, joining forces with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to control the municipal council. This coalition, named Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, excludes the Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single-largest party but failed to secure the municipal president's post.
Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya posted a picture with a gun, stating she can discern right from wrong with a perfect aim. This follows a public spat with her brother Tejashwi Yadav after the Bihar assembly election results, where she alleged mistreatment and quit politics.
A Delhi court has permitted a forensic examination of the Unnao rape survivor's voice sample. This comes after an accused's lawyer argued that the survivor denied her voice in recorded conversations crucial to the trial. The recordings allegedly suggest she left her home voluntarily.
The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court of its power and constitutional competence to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls to exclude foreigners. Appearing for the EC, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi argued that citizenship is a foundational requirement for holding public office and that the Constitution mandates the removal of non-citizens from voter lists.
Speaking to reporters, Atishi drew attention to the severe public health impact of Delhi's worsening air quality. She said young children are now «forced to take steroid inhalers,» major hospitals like AIIMS are filled with patients struggling to breathe, and senior citizens are facing life-threatening consequences due to pollution.
Jawaharlal Nehru University will take the strictest action against students who raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. The university stated it cannot be a laboratory of hate. Freedom of speech is a right, but universities are centers of learning. Violence and activities undermining national unity will not be tolerated.
