Congress leaders Rashid Alvi and V Hanumantha Rao on Thursday launched a sharp attack on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his recent remarks, accusing him and the BJP of pushing divisive agendas, imposing Hindi, and attempting to undermine India's secular character.

The Home Minister's remarks come amid an alleged ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue after the government reached its halfway mark. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara are seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended greetings for the DRDO Day to scientists, personnel, and their families, lauding their «commitment and scientific excellence.»

India and China have resumed high-level engagements and reopened trade channels after years of frosty relations, a move driven by mutual necessity rather than trust. While diplomatic and commercial ties see a surface thaw, deep-seated rivalries and unresolved border disputes persist, raising questions about the sustainability of this fragile detente.

A sessions court in North Goa sentenced Sandeep Verlekar to 6 years and 6 months in prison for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he assaulted his bed-ridden mother. The court considered his alcoholism and lack of intent to kill, ordering his release after accounting for time already served.

India has firmly rejected China's claim of mediating its conflict with Pakistan. New Delhi reiterated that military action ceased after a request from the Pakistani DGMO to his Indian counterpart.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu conveyed New Year wishes for 2026. They prayed for peace, good health, and happiness across society. The nation welcomed the year with vibrant celebrations. Fireworks lit up cities as people gathered to mark the fresh beginnings of 2026 with enthusiasm and cheer.

The Election Commission has issued a stern warning against the intimidation of electoral staff by political workers, vowing stringent action. Following a meeting with a TMC delegation, the poll panel urged parties to prevent their representatives from threatening election duty personnel. The EC also pressed the West Bengal government to release enhanced honorariums for Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Dilip Ghosh's return to party meetings during Amit Shah's Kolkata visit signals a potential larger role for the former Bengal BJP chief. However, the absence of key Matua and Rajbangshi leaders from a recent BJP meeting highlights underlying unease within the party ahead of the 2026 polls.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered over Rs 5 crore in unaccounted cash, Rs 8 crore in gold and diamond jewellery, and property documents worth Rs 35 crore during searches on alleged gangster Inderjit Singh Yadav's premises. The investigation into money laundering stems from Yadav's alleged illegal extortion and coercive loan settlements.

A Kolkata businessman orchestrated a massive Rs 6,200 crore bank fraud using 60 shell companies, with bank chiefs allegedly complicit. Fictitious iron and steel transactions, involving fake sales and purchases, were conducted through book entries. The scam was exposed after the arrest of a former bank CMD, leading to the attachment of properties worth over Rs 106 crore.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 150 crore near Buckingham Palace in the UK, belonging to former S Kumars CMD Nitin Kasliwal. Kasliwal is accused of laundering Rs 1,400 crore of bank loans by establishing an offshore network of trusts and companies to acquire foreign assets.

A pan-India kidney trafficking syndicate with alleged international links has been exposed in Maharashtra. The illicit market saw transplants priced up to Rs 80 lakh, while impoverished donors reportedly received as little as Rs 5 lakh. Police have named two specialists as key players in the network, which allegedly conducted surgeries in Trichy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged BJP workers in Bengal to aim for victory in the 2026 assembly elections, setting a target of winning 22 out of 28 seats in and around Kolkata. He also expressed concerns about infiltration and a «changing demography» in the region, while dismissing perceptions of organizational weakness.

Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the Election Commission of failing to address concerns about electoral roll manipulation, alleging «vote theft» occurs through software and list discrepancies, not EVMs. He claimed opposition parties missed this tactic in recent state polls and vowed to prevent it in Bengal's upcoming elections, warning of legal action if issues aren't resolved.

BJP chief J.P. Nadda accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of spreading falsehoods against the Modi government. Nadda refuted Kharge's allegations on MGNREGA, economy, and environmental issues, stating the people have rejected Congress's lies in multiple elections. He urged Kharge to introspect instead of spreading misinformation.

Opposition parties in Assam have urged the governor for rehabilitation and compensation for families impacted by recent West Karbi Anglong violence. They demand upholding tribal land rights and fair treatment for all affected communities. The memorandum also calls for a judicial probe into the alleged destruction of evidence at the chief executive member's residence.

Congress has slammed the BJP following the arrest of a Christian priest and 11 others in Nagpur during a prayer meeting, accusing the party of religious bigotry. MP KC Venugopal and Kerala LoP VD Satheesan condemned the arrests, demanding the FIR be withdrawn and calling for action against Bajrang Dal activists. They highlighted concerns over minority rights and constitutional freedoms.

A magisterial inquiry found a Goa nightclub, where 25 died in a fire, was illegally built on a salt pan and operated without valid permissions. Systemic failures and alleged collusion by local authorities were highlighted, as the village panchayat issued a license despite it not being renewed, allowing the club to continue functioning.

India faced nearly 800 drone intrusions along its western border in 2025, highlighting increased smuggling and infiltration attempts. Forces successfully neutralized 237 drones, some carrying weapons and narcotics. Pakistan's persistent proxy war strategy was evident, though the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains under control with a focus on development and curbing local recruitment.

India successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles off the coast of Odisha. The tests, conducted in quick succession from the same launcher, met all flight objectives, demonstrating the missile system's operational reliability and readiness for induction into the armed forces.

A woman was brutally assaulted and left with severe injuries after accepting a lift in Faridabad. Meanwhile, Zomato and Swiggy are increasing delivery incentives amidst a planned strike. India's External Affairs Minister met with BNP's Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, and the Centre has banned high-dose Nimesulide due to health risks.

The US Embassy in India celebrated a year of robust bilateral ties, highlighting key moments like Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Trump and the signing of a major defense pact. Discussions also covered space collaboration and leadership exchanges, underscoring a commitment to strengthening the partnership despite global challenges. Both nations look forward to continued cooperation.

Uttar Pradesh Police reported 48 alleged criminal deaths in encounters during 2025, the highest in eight years. This reflects a zero-tolerance policy against crime. Over 2,700 operations in 2025 saw thousands injured and one officer killed. The state also registered significant cases against illegal religious conversions and cow smuggling.

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar conveyed India's condolences during his visit to Dhaka as Bangladesh mourns former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Bangladesh high commissioner Riaz Hamidullah said Jaishankar also recognised her contribution to democracy and expressed hope for stronger ties after Bangladesh's democratic transition.

Congress has questioned the Centre's silence after China claimed to have mediated between India and Pakistan during the May tensions. Leader Jairam Ramesh stated China's claim contradicts India's stance and undermines national security, especially given China's alignment with Pakistan.

Congress leader Shama Mohamed has voiced concerns over rising threats against minorities following the death of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. Meanwhile, thousands in Agartala held a candle march demanding justice and the harshest punishment for the perpetrators. Five accused have been arrested, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the sixth.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed Beijing mediated the India-Pakistan standoff in May following the Pahalgam terror attack. This assertion comes despite India's consistent dismissal of third-party mediation, stating the conflict was resolved through direct military-to-military communication after Pakistan's DGMO requested a ceasefire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted 2025 as a year of continuous reforms, emphasizing collaboration and facilitation over control. Key measures included opening the nuclear sector, 100% FDI in insurance, and new labor codes, all designed to foster inclusive growth and self-reliance.