Jeet Thayil, a multifaceted poet, novelist, discusses his latest collection of poetry, 'I'll Have It Here', and shares insights into his creative process. Thayil's journey as a writer reflects his deep engagement with the literary world. His work, known for its experimental techniques and thoughtful commentary on society, bridges the sacred and the secular, offering readers a rich tapestry of contemporary poetry that challenges, delights, and provokes thought

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut affirms the INDIA alliance's survival is essential for democracy and urges Congress to lead efforts to maintain unity amid tensions with AAP. Despite criticisms and internal discord, local alliance formation challenges don’t overshadow the bloc's importance and upcoming election focus.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar announced the upcoming opening of a Spanish consulate in Bengaluru and the celebration of a 'dual year' in 2026 to highlight culture, tourism, and AI. He highlighted India's recent achievements in housing, healthcare, and cashless payments under the Modi government.

Arvind Kejriwal accuses BJP and Congress of a secret alliance after BJP's Amit Malviya reacts to Kejriwal's comments on Rahul Gandhi. Kejriwal alleges both parties are working together behind the scenes, especially with the upcoming Delhi elections where AAP and Congress will contest separately.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 50 days seeking a legal guarantee for minimum support price on crops. The Supreme Court will hear his plea on January 15, addressing his demand and considering contempt action against Punjab authorities for not moving him to a hospital despite prior orders.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlights strong growth in India-US relations under leaders Modi and Trump, expressing confidence in future ties. During his visit to Spain, he emphasizes India’s substantial interests in the Mediterranean region and the importance of India-Spain and India-EU cooperation for global stability.

Delhi High Court criticized the AAP government for not promptly forwarding key CAG reports to the assembly for discussion on the scrapped liquor policy, raising doubts about their motives. The court noted that calling an assembly session is the Speaker's prerogative and scheduled the next hearing for January 16.

Amid the push for gender-neutrality in the armed forces, General Upendra Dwivedi supports women officers, countering a Lt General's criticism. The number of women officers is set to increase, with plans to induct more into various ranks by 2032. Women are already serving successfully in multiple non-combat roles.

IT and I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rebutted Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg's claim that incumbents, including those in India, lost elections post-Covid. Vaishnaw highlighted Modi's third-term win in 2024 amid pandemic policies, criticizing the misinformation and emphasizing the significance of accurate information dissemination.

One of two youths from Thrissur, trapped in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is believed to have been killed by Ukrainian forces as per information from the Indian embassy. Although confirmed verbally, official communication is still pending. His cousin, also trapped, was injured and underwent surgery in Moscow.

Kerala Police have arrested 14 more people, aged 18 to 25, in connection with the rape and abuse of a Dalit girl in Pathanamthitta district, bringing the total number of accused in custody to 42. The survivor, aged 18, alleges abuse by nearly 60 people since age 13.

India's market capitalization dropped below $5 trillion for the first time in over seven months due to a sliding market and a weakening rupee. Investor sentiment waned due to strong US jobs data, rising crude oil prices, and global market sell-offs, leading to heavy losses in midcap and smallcap stocks.

Banks are offering better deposit rates to attract customers amid liquidity shortages. IDBI Bank launched a scheme for individuals aged 80 and above, with higher interest rates. Similarly, Bank of Baroda introduced a liquid fixed deposit scheme allowing withdrawals in units of Rs 1,000, with extra benefits for seniors.

In December 2024, SBI Life Insurance overtook LIC in regular premium policies with Rs 3,416 crore, a 16.7% increase from last year, while LIC's premiums fell 15% to Rs 2,628 crore. Despite a significant decline in group single premium policies, LIC remained the largest player by total new business premiums.

Prime Minister Modi and J&K CM Omar Abdullah praised each other during the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel. Omar acknowledged Modi's commitment to free and fair elections. Modi promised statehood for J&K would be restored at an appropriate time, focusing on development and peace in the region.

The UGC's draft guidelines on faculty recruitment and promotions have sparked political conflict between states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, who claim increased control for governors in Vice Chancellor appointments undermines state power in higher education. The Centre counters this by stating the process remains unchanged from prior regulations.

V Narayanan, who led India's advancements in cryogenic engine technology, has taken charge as ISRO's new chairman, replacing Somanath. Narayanan played essential roles in the Chandrayaan missions, Aditya-L1, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, and will oversee critical upcoming missions including the Venus Orbiter and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

The Supreme Court has highlighted the difficulty faced by high courts and subordinate courts in determining whether its judgments are meant for decision-making or precedent-making. It stressed the need for clarity in its verdicts to indicate if they should be treated as binding precedents.

An Ahmedabad sessions court upheld an interim order requiring a man to pay maintenance to his wife and their two adult, studying sons under the Domestic Violence Act. Despite the husband's arguments about his wife's property and son's ability to support themselves, the court maintained the financial support order.

From April, automobile manufacturers must recycle at least 8% of steel from vehicles sold in 2005-06, increasing to 18% by 2035-36 per new EPR norms. Compliance includes obtaining EPR certificates from authorized scrapping facilities, promoting consumer awareness, and tracking activities on a centralized portal managed by CPCB.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge commemorates the start of Maha Kumbh, celebrating India's spiritual and cultural heritage. He emphasizes the festival's role in promoting unity, diversity, and harmony. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also extends her best wishes, praying for the country's welfare during this significant event.

India Meteorological Department has created a dedicated webpage to provide hourly, daily, and weekly weather updates for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, with similar updates for nearby cities in Uttar Pradesh. The special page includes information on temperature, wind conditions, humidity, and air quality. Current forecasts indicate cloudy skies and foggy conditions for the next few days.

At the Maha Kumbh of Paush Purnima, devotees are combining spirituality with technology, capturing and sharing their experiences on social media platforms. The digital Maha Kumbh sees a rise in YouTube shorts, reels, and live-streaming, showcasing the event globally. The hashtag #EktaKaMahaKumbh trends, symbolizing unity.

PM Narendra Modi will launch 'Mission Mausam' during the 150th foundation day celebration of the India Meteorological Department. The mission aims to make India weather-ready and climate-smart using advanced technologies. Modi will also release the IMD Vision-2047 document to bolster weather resilience. IMD plans a series of events and workshops and has invited meteorologists from various countries to participate in the celebrations.

Tension escalated at INS Kadamba Naval Base after a clash between naval personnel and residents, sparked by a minor accident involving a local fisherman and a navy employee. The incident led to a brawl and subsequent protests, resulting in the police involvement and the arrest of four naval personnel.

Cockfight organisers in Andhra Pradesh have upped the ante this Sankranti by offering high-value prizes like Mahindra Thar, Royal Enfield bullets, and home appliances. These lucrative rewards have attracted participants from major cities, aiming to enhance enthusiasm for the traditional sport while ensuring memorable experiences for contestants.

Uma Bharti commended Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the exceptional arrangements at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. More than 40 crore people are expected over 45 days. Bharti praised the seamless facilities, enhanced security, and polite administration, highlighting the excellent management and preparations for the event, especially in cold weather.

India will not reduce troops along the LAC with China, citing a persisting standoff and the need to rebuild trust for de-escalation. Army chief Gen Dwivedi also criticized Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in J&K. The situation along the LAC is stable but sensitive, with strategic patience required to resolve the conflict.

In J&K’s Rajouri district, three siblings from Badhaal village succumbed within 24 hours to a mystery illness after consuming sweet rice at a family event. This adds to a total of 12 deaths in the village since December. Samples are being analyzed to determine the cause, while local authorities are providing medical assistance and urging the public to stay calm.

Arvind Kejriwal responded strongly to Rahul Gandhi's criticisms during a poll rally in Delhi, emphasizing their differing goals. While Rahul accused Kejriwal of failing to tackle issues like pollution and corruption, Kejriwal refrained from commenting on Rahul's remarks, focusing instead on his commitment to the country's welfare. Both parties will contest the upcoming Delhi elections separately.