Trinamool Congress's Abhishek Banerjee launched the party's 2026 election campaign by highlighting alleged voter roll discrepancies. He presented individuals marked as deceased, accusing the Election Commission of targeting Bengalis and questioning the deletion of Bangladeshi names. Banerjee criticized the BJP for issuing notices to common people for SIR hearings, drawing parallels to demonetization.

The Indian government has ordered social media platform X to immediately remove all obscene, sexually explicit, and unlawful content, particularly that generated by its AI app Grok. The Ministry of Electronics and IT issued a notice citing failure to comply with IT Act rules and demanding an action report within 72 hours, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance.

Infra boost aims to bolster India’s strategic reach over Malacca Strait.

A cricketer's use of a Palestinian flag sticker on his helmet at a Jammu tournament sparked a police probe and political debate. While some condemned it as promoting separatism, others defended it as solidarity, questioning selective outrage. The JKCA disassociated itself from the private event, leaving authorities to investigate the incident's intent and implications.

Kathua Police in Jammu have attached land worth crores belonging to seven individuals residing in Pakistan. Cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and EIMCO Act have been registered against them. This action underscores the police's commitment to combating unlawful and anti-national activities.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated action against over 100 individuals, including teenagers, for violating prohibitory orders on VPN usage. While no terror links were found, security proceedings were initiated as a preventive measure, with warnings issued to refrain from future violations. The ban was imposed citing national security threats and potential misuse to incite unrest.

Former AEC chairman Anil Kakodkar has dismissed fears of radiation from a nuclear device lost near Nanda Devi over 60 years ago. He stated the device was strong and corrosion-free, making a breach extremely unlikely. The mission, a joint India-US operation, aimed to monitor Chinese nuclear tests.

Punjab's Aam Aadmi Clinics are boosting pregnancy care, with over 10,000 free ultrasounds and 20,000 monthly check-ups for expectant mothers. This initiative aims to improve early detection and monitoring, addressing concerns over maternal health indicators. The expanded services offer crucial tests and free scans, identifying thousands of high-risk pregnancies monthly and easing the burden on larger hospitals.

Singer Zubeen Garg's family is establishing a trust in his name to champion his vision for society. The trust, to be housed on family property, will focus on nature conservation, nurturing young talent, and preserving his intellectual property. It will collaborate with existing foundations to advance social and cultural initiatives for future generations.

Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar defended the NCP's decision to field candidates with alleged criminal backgrounds, stating no one is guilty until proven. He cited allegations against himself in the irrigation scam to question premature labeling of guilt. Pawar also criticised the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's financial decline under BJP rule, promising a probe if NCP gains power.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced strict action against senior civic officials following a contaminated drinking water incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura, which affected over 1,400 people and led to confirmed deaths. Two officials were suspended, and the municipal commissioner was ordered to be removed due to negligence.

An Air India pilot was found to be under the influence of alcohol by Canadian authorities before operating flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23. The cockpit crew member was offloaded, causing a flight delay. Air India is cooperating with local authorities and has taken the pilot off flying duties pending an investigation.

A Karnataka government study found most citizens believe elections are fair and EVMs deliver accurate results, countering Rahul Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations. The survey, covering over 5,000 respondents, revealed strong public trust in the electoral process, with high agreement on free and fair elections and EVM reliability across all divisions, despite concerns about money's influence.

Hindu religious leaders and BJP figures have strongly criticized Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. Their ire is directed at his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, for selecting Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. Congress has stepped in to defend Khan, labeling the criticism an attack on India's pluralism. The debate highlights differing views on nationalism and inclusion,

Highway commuters will soon see toll charges halved during the expansion of two-lane to four-lane stretches. Additionally, user fees on partially opened expressways will be aligned with other National Highways. These measures aim to provide relief to users facing reduced road width during construction and high toll rates on expressways.

A man accused in a 500-kg heroin smuggling case was denied temporary bail by a special NIA court. He had requested 30 days to persuade his wife against seeking a divorce. The court suggested he could contest the divorce proceedings via video conference or through family members.

A Gujarat court refused the state government's plea to withdraw a criminal case against 19 Karni Sena activists accused of vandalizing property during a 2018 protest against the film 'Padmavat'. The court cited the damage of Rs 16.4 lakh and the offense being committed for personal and community interests, not public good.

Former Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh questioned the electoral impact of «mandir-masjid politics» and criticized «recent entrants» to the state unit. Ghosh, who met Union minister Amit Shah, also expressed his desire to contest his home seat in the 2026 assembly polls and spoke of being sidelined.

A state-appointed SIT has alleged a planned operation to strip and divert gold from Sabarimala temple's sacred structures. Gold-plated copper sheets were removed for repairs in 2019, chemically stripped of gold in Chennai, and returned with fresh plating to conceal the loss. Temple officials, intermediaries, and private jewelers are implicated in this criminal breach of trust.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon inaugurate India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Howrah. This advanced overnight service, designed for speeds up to 180 kmph, promises a significantly faster and more comfortable journey. The railway minister highlighted this as part of a broader development push for eastern and northeastern India, with more such trains planned.

Strict action awaits Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and their supervisors if elderly, sick, or disabled voters are summoned for hearings. Despite prior instructions, reports indicate these vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, were still asked to appear. The Election Commission now mandates home verification for such electors, aiming to prevent distress and uphold its image.

ED searches on associates of gangster Inderjeet Singh Yadav in Delhi-NCR have yielded Rs 1.2 crore in fresh cash, bringing total recoveries to Rs 6.3 crore. The agency also seized gold and jewelry worth over Rs 17.4 crore and property documents valued at over Rs 35 crore.

A Supreme Court panel will inspect Bannerghatta National Park following a plea against a government decision to drastically shrink its eco-sensitive zone. Activists argue the move, reducing the zone from 268.9 sq km to 168.8 sq km, benefits mining and real estate interests, potentially harming wildlife and Bengaluru's green cover.

The transport ministry is proposing mandatory fitness and pollution tests at automated test stations (ATS) for private vehicles, ending home-delivered certificates. A 10-second geo-tagged video of the vehicle during the test will be required. Vehicles failing fitness tests will be declared 'End of Life Vehicle' if not rectified within 180 days.

A contaminated water supply in Indore's Bhagirathpura has led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak, claiming nine lives and hospitalizing over 200 residents. A leaking toilet waste pit near a water line is blamed for the contamination. Families are grappling with loss and illness, with one teacher losing her six-month-old son.

Tragedy struck Bhagirathpura as nine individuals succumbed to illness after consuming contaminated water. Diarrhoea and vomiting plagued residents since Monday, with initial reports indicating sewage contamination from a local police check post toilet. While authorities confirmed four deaths directly linked to the tainted supply, water sample tests revealed contamination, though the specific bacteria remain unidentified.

Medical colleges nationwide must now maintain constant stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, following Supreme Court directives. This crucial step ensures timely treatment for dog-bite victims, addressing rising incidents in public spaces. The National Medical Commission's order mandates uninterrupted availability, bolstering public health safety measures across institutions.

Nearly 40% of sanctioned faculty posts remain vacant across 11 AIIMS, revealing a significant staffing crunch at India's premier public hospitals. This widespread shortage, affecting both older and newer institutes, raises concerns about patient care, specialist services, and medical education amidst rising patient loads.

Security forces launched a combing operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district after a drone reportedly dropped an IED and weapons. Searches by the Army, special operations group, and local police recovered a bag with ammunition rounds and a suspected IED in a tiffin box.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached agricultural land worth Rs 10 lakh belonging to Pakistan-based terror handler Rafiq Nai. Nai, a launch commander for Tahreek-ul-Mujahideen / Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force, is accused of supervising narcotics and weapons smuggling and facilitating terrorist infiltration. This action is part of a strategy to dismantle terror support networks.

New Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra prioritizes addressing people's aspirations and preserving the Union territory's civilisational history of peace. He also voiced concerns over Ladakh's fragile ecology, cautioning against reckless development amid heightened demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

National Conference expresses concern over alleged assaults on Kashmiri shawl sellers nationwide, with J&K government to address the issue with concerned state governments. The Union Home Ministry has taken note of the attacks, and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has urged the Home Minister for intervention.