Punjab is set to modernize its major bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda through a Public Private Partnership. This initiative aims to significantly enhance passenger facilities, safety, and overall efficiency at these vital transport hubs. The upgrades will focus on improved waiting areas, sanitation, accessibility, and integrated commercial spaces, ensuring better connectivity for millions daily.

The BJP on Monday declared Nabin as its sole candidate for the post after the nomination and scrutiny process concluded without any rival contenders. This cleared the path for his unopposed election as the party’s 12th national president. In a late-night statement, BJP National Returning Officer K. Laxman said that only Nabin’s name remained after the completion of nominations and the withdrawal window, confirming his election by consensus.

Rahul Gandhi's 'TINA' jibe, meaning 'There Is No Accountability,' targeted the government following a techie's tragic death in a Greater Noida pit. The 27-year-old engineer's family claims repeated warnings about the accident-prone site were ignored. Authorities have filed an FIR against developers and formed an SIT to investigate the incident and rescue delays.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Nitin Nabin his «boss» as the party worker after Nabin, the BJP's youngest-ever national president at 45, assumed office. PM Modi highlighted Nabin's millennial status, emphasizing his blend of youthful energy and organizational experience as crucial for building a developed India over the next 25 years.

Without naming any political party, but in an apparent attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC), which rules the poll-bound West Bengal, PM Modi lashed out at parties «covering up for illegal immigrants» and said: «We must expose them to the public». ​PM Modi also said the world doesn't question the «wealthiest and most powerful countries» when they crack down on illegal immigrants.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi staged a walkout from the state assembly, citing disrespect for the National Anthem and his microphone being switched off. Raj Bhavan alleged the speech ignored critical issues like Dalit atrocities. This marks a repeat of a similar incident last year, intensifying political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.

The WHO warns that alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are becoming more affordable in India due to weak tax designs, failing to curb consumption despite strong health links. This public-health failure is leading to rising rates of liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, particularly among younger populations.

The Indian Council of Medical Research is fast-tracking an experimental RNA-based antiviral therapy for Chikungunya, inviting Indian companies to develop and manufacture it. Developed by ICMR's National Institute of Virology, the therapy showed complete viral suppression in pre-clinical studies by targeting essential viral genes.

A study on Car Nicobar Island revealed that nearly 10% of Nicobarese adults have oral lesions potentially leading to cancer, primarily linked to high smokeless tobacco and alcohol consumption. Researchers found these concerning rates concentrated within this specific community, highlighting urgent needs for targeted screening and cessation programs.

Delhi residents will soon dial a single emergency number, 112, to access police, fire, ambulance, and disaster management services simultaneously. This unified system, ERSS 2.0, will also allow alerts via a mobile app, emergency button, SMS, and online platforms, automatically detecting caller locations for faster response.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi staged a walkout from the state assembly, citing disrespect for the National Anthem and his microphone being switched off. Raj Bhavan alleged the speech ignored critical issues like Dalit atrocities. This marks a repeat of a similar incident last year, intensifying political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.

The Delhi High Court denied suspended jail term for expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor's father. The court cited the grave nature of the offense, Sengar's criminal history, and the trial court's findings, emphasizing that the delay in trial was partly due to Sengar's legal team's actions.

Nitin Nabin is set to become the BJP's national president, emerging as the sole candidate with widespread backing from top party leaders, including PM Modi. This marks a historic moment as the party's president has always been a consensus choice.

Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary denounced demands for Jammu's separate statehood, labeling them a «Pakistani and ISI agenda» and accusing proponents of «playing into Pakistan's hands.» He asserted that those genuinely believing in India would want Jammu and Kashmir to remain united, a sentiment echoed by National Conference leaders who have historically sacrificed for the region's integrity.

Kashmir anticipates much-needed snowfall from Thursday, breaking a prolonged dry spell. The IMD warns of potential landslides and travel disruptions, urging caution. Residents are eagerly awaiting the snow as temperatures remain frigid. Two western disturbances are expected to bring heavy snowfall and rainfall, with peak activity on January 23rd and 27th, offering relief after several dry Decembers and Januarys.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed doubt that most Kashmiri Pandits would return to live permanently in the valley, stating they are free to come back. This statement drew sharp criticism from BJP politicians and Pandit groups, who are demanding a separate homeland and assert the 1990s exodus was forced, not voluntary.

India has expanded its greenhouse gas emission intensity reduction regime to include petroleum refinery, petrochemicals, textiles, and secondary aluminium sectors. Over 200 industrial units must now meet specific reduction targets by 2026-27, facing penalties for non-compliance. This move aligns with India's net-zero goals and climate action targets.

The Centre has notified rules for utilizing the Environmental Protection Fund, created from penalties for green law violations. The fund will support pollution control, environmental remediation, clean technology research, and capacity building for environmental bodies. States will receive 75% of collected penalties, with the Centre retaining 25% for green initiatives.

Defence projects crucial for national security in high-altitude areas near the China border, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim, received clearance from an environment ministry panel. The National Board for Wildlife's standing committee approved 17 proposals, including border outposts and infrastructure, while emphasizing strict wildlife mitigation and environmental safeguards. The committee also cleared other public utility projects.

Unusual churning and bubbling of seawater off the Gujarat coast have alarmed authorities and fishermen. Videos show vast stretches of the sea appearing to boil, prompting concerns of gas seepage, geological activity, or pipeline leaks. Maritime authorities are investigating the phenomenon, with fishing vessels advised to exercise extreme caution.

The Supreme Court has granted the Centre a final chance to develop standard operating procedures for rehabilitating homeless individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Describing them as extremely vulnerable, the court emphasized the need for effective implementation of these SOPs. The bench urged the Centre to submit draft procedures by February 9, highlighting the critical nature of this sensitive issue.

Delhi assembly's leader of opposition, Atishi, vehemently denied allegations of making derogatory remarks against Sikh Gurus. Responding to a notice from the privileges committee, she stated she never uttered insensitive words against Guru Tegh Bahadur. Atishi requested unedited video footage and the original complaint to address the unsubstantiated claims.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strategically shrinking the political space for regional parties across India. Recent election results in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh demonstrate the BJP's success in weakening rivals through fragmentation, welfare schemes, and narrative control. While regional parties persist, their ability to translate state power into national influence has significantly diminished.

Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, set to formally take charge on January 20. His uncontested election, at 45 years old, signifies a generational leadership shift within the party. The smooth transition highlights the BJP's internal consensus and procedural discipline ahead of future elections.