Tamil Nadu's draft electoral roll after the SIR has 5.43 crore voters. The SIR exercise removed over 97 lakh names. The exercise, opposed by chief minister MK Stalin, aimed to ensure accuracy but drew criticism for potentially deleting legitimate voters. Similar revisions are under way in West Bengal, which lakhs of voters were deleted.

Gujarat has removed nearly 74 lakh names from its electoral rolls, reducing the total voter count from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. This extensive clean-up, part of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, targeted deceased, absent, and duplicate voters. The updated draft rolls are now public, with a deadline of January 18 for objections and claims.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement within the state government. He asserted that he will remain CM until the party high command decides otherwise, refuting opposition questions about a potential leadership change. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also denied rumors of a dinner meeting, emphasizing party unity.

Enforcement Directorate's probe into the 'donkey' route uncovered a Haryana-based operator collecting property papers as security from aspirants for illegal US travel via Mexico. Searches across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi yielded incriminating evidence, including documents and mobile phones, related to the syndicate's operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solidified his position as India's most influential political voice on X, dominating engagement with eight of the top 10 most-liked tweets. Globally, he ranks as the fourth most-followed person, surpassing entertainment icons and becoming the most-followed world leader in office.

Congress criticizes Prime Minister Modi for 'acronym-itis' following the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA. The opposition protested the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the financial burden on states, staging a dharna after the bill's approval.

Bangladesh slid back into turmoil after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of last year’s July Uprising, triggered violent protests. The 32-year-old was shot by masked gunmen in central Dhaka while launching his election campaign and later died in hospital. His death has reignited political instability ahead of crucial national elections, with protests, arson and competing narratives deepening uncertainty at a critical moment for the country and its relations with New Delhi.

NIA arrested Yasir Ahmad Dar, the ninth accused in the Delhi car blast case, for pledging allegiance to 'jihad' via a voice note to a co-accused. Recruited in 2023, Yasir was later connected to the bomber, Dr. Umar Nabi, who radicalized him with anti-Palestinian narratives to execute fidayeen attacks across India.

Parliament's Winter Session concluded Friday with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die. Despite disruptions over the VB-G RAM G Bill, both Houses saw significant legislative work, with Lok Sabha achieving 111% productivity. Key bills were passed, and leaders met to mark the session's end, though opposition protests continued.

Opposition parties staged an overnight dharna in Parliament protesting the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces MGNREGA. MPs accused the government of rushing the legislation without debate, calling it an insult to the poor and a murder of democracy. The government defended the new law, citing its necessity for rural development and employment.

The Supreme Court will speak with the parents of Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years, before deciding on his passive euthanasia plea. A secondary AIIMS medical report confirmed a negligible chance of recovery, prompting the court to seek personal interaction with the family.

North India is grappling with a red alert for dense fog, severely impacting visibility and travel. Simultaneously, Delhi and surrounding regions are experiencing 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality, with authorities urging residents to limit outdoor exposure. Flights are facing delays due to the challenging weather conditions.

The state’s 974km coastline holds high-grade rare earth reserves, driving India’s clean-energy, defence and semiconductor ambitions. Policy push, PLI incentives and fast-track mining plans position it as a strategic mineral hub

Parliament has passed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G Ram G Bill, 2025, replacing MGNREGA. The new law aims to enhance rural employment by focusing on durable asset creation and transparency, despite opposition protests over alleged removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name.