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.

As Tamil Nadu Congress strategizes for the 2026 elections, it's at a crossroads: should it maintain its long-standing alliance with the DMK or consider a fresh partnership with the charismatic actor Vijay's TVK? Tensions within the party flared after the DMK turned down a proposed power-sharing deal, leading to lessons on 'coalition dharma'.

Oxfam's latest findings present India's reservation system as an exemplary model for equitable political representation, highlighting the stark contrast with the escalating dominance of the ultra-wealthy globally. By spotlighting quotas for marginalized communities and women, as well as Brazil's participatory budgeting initiatives, the report advocates for empowering everyday citizens and promoting diversified decision-making.

UAE resident Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a special welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for a high-level visit. The leaders are set to discuss advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and regional issues, building on recent high-level exchanges and strong bilateral ties.

An American woman experienced sexual harassment on the Delhi Metro when a teenage boy groped her after she agreed to a photo. The boy's mother defended his actions, claiming he was curious about blondes. The incident left the woman deeply disturbed, and her account has sparked condemnation of the family's response and apologies from other Indians.

Mumbai's mayoral race is wide open after the BMC elections, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. While Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS allied, the BJP's strong performance challenges traditional narratives. The Eknath Shinde-led Sena is eyeing the mayor's post, sparking intense political maneuvering and speculation about power-sharing within the ruling alliance.

Prateek Yadav, son of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, announced his intention to divorce his wife, BJP leader Aparna Bisht Yadav, accusing her of destroying his family relationships and being self-centered. He plans to move court soon, citing his poor mental health and her alleged indifference.

Nitin Nabin is poised to become the Bharatiya Janata Party's 12th national president, potentially its youngest. The nomination process unfolds today, with senior leaders backing his bid. This organizational shift, termed Sangathan Parv, signals a renewed focus on youth leadership within the party, aiming for enhanced energy and unity.

‘Blowing good governance in smoke’: Bihar JD(U) MLA Anant Singh smokes inside hospital; triggers rowWatch: Visuals of JD(U) MLA Anant Singh smoking inside Bihar hospital go viral; RJD reacts 'blowing good governance in smoke'

A fierce gun battle in Kishtwar's remote forests left eight Army personnel injured on Sunday. Security forces engaged two to three suspected foreign terrorists during a search operation. Reinforcements have been deployed, and a massive hunt is underway to neutralize the militants. This marks the third encounter in the Jammu region this year, with intensified operations ahead of Republic Day.

Medical community outrage erupts as NEET PG 2025 cut-off for reserved categories drops to zero percentile, equivalent to a minus 40 score. This zero percentile qualification, previously seen in 2023, is now a recurring issue. Critics argue this move, driven by commercial interests, effectively reserves seats for the wealthy in private colleges, compromising educational standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, calling for an end to «maha jungle raj» to restore law and order and attract investment. He accused the TMC of facilitating infiltration and blocking central welfare schemes, framing the upcoming assembly elections as a choice between «jungle raj» and BJP's «sushasan» (good governance).

IndiGo faces a critical deadline this week to confirm its ability to operate over 2,000 daily flights under new, stricter pilot duty rules. Failure to comply could lead to flight cuts, averting a repeat of last December's disruptions. The airline is conducting dry runs to assess its readiness as authorities closely monitor the situation.

Bengal's industries minister Shashi Panja criticized PM Modi for not announcing any projects for Singur during his rally, leaving state BJP members disappointed. The TMC also countered BJP's claims of an industry exodus, highlighting a new Rs 500-crore warehouse project approved for Singur.

Indira Gandhi made history on January 19, 1966, becoming India's first woman Prime Minister after a closely contested election within the Congress Parliamentary Party. Defeating Morarji Desai in a four-hour drama, her victory marked a significant shift in party leadership battles and ushered in a new era for Indian politics. The nation celebrated this momentous personal and political triumph.