After three days of protests in Pithampur against the proposed incineration of Union Carbide waste, residents decided to wait for Monday’s hearing at Madhya Pradesh HC. Government officials addressed concerns about safety and misinformation, while protestors demanded the waste be removed from the facility.

An all-party delegation, led by ex-MP Sambhaji Raje, plans to meet governor C P Radhakrishnan to address the law and order situation in Beed following Santosh Deshmukh's murder and urge the dismissal of minister Dhananjay Munde, as protests demanding his resignation intensify.

Under Sharia law, the only way to stop the execution now is securing a pardon from the victim’s family. Nimisha Priya’s family and supporters have paid ‘diyah’, or blood money, to the victim’s family and negotiations are on.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has lifted the economic blockade in Manipur, effective from Sunday 2am, which had halted traffic and essential supplies. They issued a 48-hour ultimatum for state government to withdraw CAPF personnel from Saibol, following violent clashes at year-end.

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the sale of an 8,000sq ft site in Jayanagar by the BDA for Rs 2 crore, far below its actual market value. BJP has demanded an investigation, alleging the land was sold to benefit private interests. The plot was controversially sold citing a 2020 order, despite it being occupied since 1973.

The Lucknow NIA court labeled the 2018 Kasganj violence a premeditated conspiracy, sentencing 28 accused to life imprisonment. The judge raised concerns over NGOs aiding individuals accused of anti-national activities and called for an investigation into their funding and objectives, sending a message against such crimes.

A Kandivli man transferred Rs 32 lakh and a private company vice-president lost Rs 1.6 crore in digital detention scams, believing they faced legal trouble based on fake documents from 'Supreme Court' and 'CBI'. The fraudsters convinced them by creating fake arrest warrants and threatening severe consequences, including arrest of family members.

The Karnataka high court ordered the state forest department to refund Rs 4.3 lakh with 6% annual interest to a Kodagu landowner who deposited the money in 1982. This decision, made after the landowner's death in 2023, highlighted a misclassification error in his tree-felling application.

IT ministry has come out with draft rules on Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) law which seek parental consent for children to join social media. IT secretary S Krishnan does not feel the need to follow the Australian model where children should be banned completely. Excerpts from an interview with TOI‘s Pankaj Doval.

The Common Central Secretariat's new buildings in Delhi will have canteens with two sections: an economical section with affordable meals, and a premium section with prices comparable to local restaurants. The CPWD has invited bids for these canteens, with 15,000 employees set to use these facilities. Finance and home ministries will be among the first to shift to these buildings.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the newly constructed 4-lane, 2.35km-long bypass to Banihal town on the Ramban-Banihal section of the national highway will open for 4-lane traffic within 15 days. Initially, 2-lane traffic will be released. The bypass was built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore, with netizens praising the achievement.

In Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, a speeding Bolero fell into a deep gorge, causing the death of four passengers in their twenties and leaving two others, including the driver, missing. Authorities and politicians, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.

Jammu police executed extensive operations throughout 2024 to combat drug crimes, registering over 150 cases under the NDPS Act and arresting more than 240 individuals. They seized 83 vehicles and registered 153 FIRs related to heroin recovery. Additionally, 19 habitual offenders were booked under the PIT NDPS Act, reflecting a stringent, zero-tolerance approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assures the continuation of public welfare schemes if BJP is voted to power in Delhi elections. Modi criticizes AAP for alleged corruption in scheme implementation, emphasizes the need for honest administration, and promotes infrastructural developments like highways and metro expansions.

Delhi health officials released guidelines for tackling Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other respiratory ailments, highlighting the necessity of isolating suspected cases, reporting through the IHIP Portal, and ensuring availability of essential medications. These measures come in response to heightened respiratory concerns in China.

Srinagar and several parts of Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall, with temperatures staying below freezing for the second consecutive day. Kokernag was the coldest at minus 8.1 degrees Celsius. Kashmir is currently undergoing 'Chillai-Kalan', the harshest winter period, which started on December 21 and ends on January 30.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that 26 Myanmarese nationals, who had entered India through the state's border, were deported to Myanmar. He emphasized the state's commitment to humanitarian aid for war refugees while maintaining a strict stance against illegal immigration. The deportation was executed by state police and central forces in the Moreh border town.

BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri was criticized by AAP's Arvind Kejriwal for derogatory remarks against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Kejriwal condemned the statements, emphasizing the people's disapproval. AAP also highlighted the BJP's desperation and improper conduct towards women. Bidhuri had previously apologized for inappropriate comments about Priyanka Gandhi, expressing regret and retracting his words.

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on a 41-day hunger strike for MSP and farmer issues, faces severe health complications, including dizziness and vomiting. Despite multiple interventions and Supreme Court directives for medical aid, Dallewal steadfastly refuses treatment. Protests continue at the Khanauri border.

The CAQM has withdrawn Stage-III restrictions under the GRAP in Delhi-NCR due to improving air quality indexes. Officials stated that Stage-I and Stage-II measures remain active. The AQI improvements are credited to favorable weather and higher wind speeds. Stage-III restrictions, including prohibitions on non-essential construction and specific vehicle usage, were initially enforced on January 5.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed the inauguration of major infrastructure projects, including the RRTS Sahibabad-New Ashok Nagar section and Delhi Metro expansions launched by the Prime Minister, as a joint effort between the Delhi government and the Centre, claiming it 'reflects AAP's commitment to the city's development'. The projects, launched by PM Modi, include investments exceeding Rs 12,000 crore to enhance Delhi's connectivity and transport infrastructure.

Female students at a Hyderabad private engineering college accused kitchen staff of filming them in hostel washrooms, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the college principal. Authorities accused the institution's leadership of suppressing the incident to protect its image, compromising student security.

BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri from Kalkaji, who made controversial comments comparing roads to Priyanka Gandhi's cheeks, expressed regret and retracted his statement. His remarks were widely condemned by Congress and AAP leaders, reflecting ongoing political tensions and accusations of disrespecting women.

A BJP functionary, Jitendra Mevafarosh, allegedly committed suicide in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, by shooting himself with his licensed weapon. Mevafarosh, who was the general secretary of BJP's district unit, took this extreme step after reportedly facing pressure over money transactions and being coerced into selling his house. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Delhi BJP leader Parvesh Verma has urged CM Atishi to open the 'Sheesh Mahal' for public viewing, highlighting its construction during the Covid lockdown as a misuse of tax funds. Verma suggests turning the residence into a tourist spot, allowing citizens to witness the lavish spending of their elected officials.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at nine locations in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum, seizing mobile phones and other materials connected to a naxalism case. This action follows the discovery of Rs 10.5 lakh in cash and incriminating items linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit. The case, initially registered in March 2024, involves five accused individuals.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Delhi, accusing them of lacking vision and mismanaging resources. He urged Delhites to support the BJP for better development. Modi also highlighted the renovation expenditures of the Delhi CM's residence during the pandemic. He inaugurated the Namo Bharat corridor as part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Transit System.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accuses Delhi's AAP government of wasting a decade by fighting with the Centre and urges citizens to give the BJP a chance to transform Delhi. He assures the continuation of public welfare schemes and promises to address corruption and developmental issues, highlighting the need for change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13 km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. The initiative, costing Rs 4,600 crores, is set to enhance connectivity in Delhi and the NCR. Delhi BJP president Sachdeva and Delhi CM Atishi highlighted other key transport projects aiding the city’s infrastructure development.

Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with IIT Madras students, emphasized the Congress's belief in fair resource distribution and quality education through government support, contrasting it with the BJP's growth-centric approach. He highlighted the importance of a harmonious society and noted differences in international relations strategies. The BJP dismissed his statements, citing educational reforms under Modi's government.