The liquor ban at religious places in Madhya Pradesh has raised questions about the Kal Bhairav Mandir in Ujjain, where liquor is the main 'prasad'. Despite the ban, traditions at the temple continue, with government-run liquor counters ensuring availability for offerings. Liquor shops in Ujjain will close, but the prasad practice may persist.

The Supreme Court of India will appoint a retired high court judge to oversee the Chandigarh mayoral election to ensure it is conducted fairly, following malpractices discovered in the previous election. A decision on voting methods and the request for a one-year term is pending.

India has reiterated that it will accept illegal migrants from the US only after verifying their Indian origin amid concerns over irregular migration. The Indian government emphasized that any discussion about the number of undocumented people it is willing to take back is premature. This statement follows reports of mass deportations and arrests by the Trump administration.

Reji, a woman convicted of murder and sentenced to life in 1996, was arrested in June 2023 after evading capture for 27 years by changing her identity and relocating. The Supreme Court has suspended her sentence, agreeing to review whether she was a minor at the time of the crime in 1990. The case will be heard again in February for a final decision.

Ten opposition members were suspended from a JPC meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill for a day after accusing the panel head, Jagdambika Pal, of changing meeting dates arbitrarily. They demanded the final session be postponed to Jan 30-31. A confrontation ensued, overshadowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s participation. BJP accused the opposition of delaying tactics.

An Indian fisherman, Babu, passed away in a Karachi jail on January 23. Despite completing his sentence and confirming his nationality, Pakistan authorities did not release him. India has been advocating the early release of prisoners, with 180 Indian fishermen still awaiting release from Pakistani jails.

A rare black panther was recently spotted in North Bengal's dense forests, as shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan. This sighting, highlighting the region's ecological significance, emphasizes the vital need for conservation efforts due to threats like habitat loss and poaching.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted the urgent need to combat misinformation and fake narratives on social media, comparing it to environmental pollution. He urged for stronger measures and introspection by social media companies to preserve democracy and ensure fair elections.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced the closure of liquor shops in 17 holy towns to curb alcohol consumption in religious areas. The decision from the cabinet meeting in Khargone includes shutting down vends in Ujjain and other municipalities, urban councils, and village panchayats, with a continued ban around Narmada river.

The Army will induct an advanced indigenous battlefield surveillance system (BSS) from March, integrating ground and aerial sensor inputs to create a common operational picture. Developed with BEL under Project Sanjay for Rs 2,402 crore, the BSS will enhance battlefield transparency and ISR capabilities, providing real-time intelligence and decision support for commanders across the Army.

Actor Saif Ali Khan suffered multiple injuries during a violent confrontation with an intruder at his home. Questions remain regarding the timeline of his arrival at the hospital and the identity of the accused, with opposition leaders and the accused's father demanding clarity from the authorities.

Senior YSR Congress Party leader V. Vijaysai Reddy has announced his retirement from politics and his resignation from the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the decision is personal and not influenced by any external pressures. He expressed gratitude to the YS family, especially Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and plans to focus on agriculture post-retirement.

On National Girl Child Day, Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with PM Narendra Modi, emphasized the importance of empowering girls and ensuring equality. Priyanka highlighted women as symbols of strength and progress, quoting Dr Ambedkar. PM Modi reaffirmed the government's efforts in education, technology, and healthcare to empower girls. Rahul stressed the responsibility to secure a bright future for daughters. The day, initiated in 2008, underscores the significance of eradicating gender discrimination and supporting girls' rights and welfare.

The Delhi High Court refuses to direct the Delhi legislative assembly to hold a special session for tabling CAG reports. Despite recognizing delays by the government, the court refrains from judicial intervention, emphasizing assembly's internal functions. The decision impacts proceedings before upcoming Assembly elections.

Aam Aadmi Party has complained to the Election Commission of India about multiple alleged attacks on its leader Arvind Kejriwal during the Delhi assembly election campaign, accusing the BJP and Delhi Police. Security provided to Kejriwal by Punjab Police was withdrawn following EC's directives.

The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a PIL challenging the TDS system under the Income Tax Act. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar suggested the petitioner move to the Delhi High Court, emphasizing that TDS is a standard practice globally.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that Maharashtra will soon appoint a third deputy chief minister, likely from the Shinde faction. Raut accuses Shinde's group of abandoning the party due to fear of central agencies. Rising tensions persist between the factions, highlighting ideological disputes centered around Balasaheb Thackeray's principles.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a parody video titled 'BJP's Got Latent' targeting BJP leaders, in response to BJP's parody 'Delhi's Got Latent' ahead of Delhi elections. Highlighting controversial remarks from BJP leaders, AAP's video parodies BJP politicians. Both parties are engaging in satirical campaigns as the February 5 elections approach, with vote counting on February 8.

Republic Day in India commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, marking India's transition to a republic. The 76th celebration will feature cultural displays, a parade with contingents and bands, and showcase India's diverse strengths. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest.

Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi, claiming they share the same ideology. He urged voters to support AIMIM candidates in the upcoming Delhi polls. He questioned the judicial process and accused Kejriwal of neglecting the Okhla constituency. Owaisi asserted that BJP would not win in Okhla.

Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, attended a religious event at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, advocating for local residents protesting the ropeway project in Katra. He emphasized the significance of considering the community's interests and praised locals' resilience. He also highlighted universal religious values and community power in government decisions.

Madras high court holds that the act of sexual harassment at the workplace is more significant than the intention behind it. The court emphasized that unwelcome behavior, regardless of the harasser's intent, constitutes sexual harassment, affecting the victim's sense of decency. This ruling came while quashing a labour court's order that had overturned the findings against an HCL Technologies employee.

Bombay HC's Nagpur bench overturned a Pocso court's conviction of a father for sexually assaulting his daughter, citing lack of evidence and potential motive due to the father's disapproval of her marriage. The court noted the possibility of false allegations driven by the daughter's distress over her father's opposition.

Railways has launched a high-level investigation into the Jalgaon train incident that led to passenger deaths caused by the Karnataka Express. The probe, by a five-member committee, will focus on the cause of the panic among Pushpak Express passengers, who were reportedly responding to rumors of fire and smoke.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Uber and Ola for allegedly charging different fares based on mobile operating systems. This action follows a report showing fare discrepancies on Android and iPhones. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized zero tolerance for consumer exploitation and called for a probe into differential pricing practices.

In Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, a mysterious illness has resulted in 17 deaths, potentially due to toxins. Union minister Jitendra Singh confirms ongoing investigations to identify the toxin type. Over 40 residents have been relocated to isolation centers amid fears, and severe symptoms hint at neuro-toxicity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.