January 2025 was the third warmest January in India since 1901, with an average temperature of 18.98°C. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts that February will be warmer and drier than normal across most parts of the country, with below-normal rainfall expected except in some areas.
Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the impact of social media in exposing government shortcomings, emphasizing the need for quick resolution of road quality issues. He advocated for the mandatory adoption of Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction technology in highway projects to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The cabinet committee on security, led by the PM, approved two critical deals worth Rs 10,200 crore for ammunition of the indigenous Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems. These deals include high-explosive pre-fragmented rocket ammunition and area denial munitions, enhancing the Army's capabilities with extended strike ranges and area saturation features.
Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 25 locations across Rajouri district, seizing incriminating materials linked to a terror network. This network, associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, aimed to activate overground workers for terror activities. These raids follow extensive searches two months prior in connection with separate terror-related cases in Rajouri and Udhampur.
In J&K's Rajouri district, eight patients recovering from a mysterious illness remain hospitalized until the final lab report on ingested toxins is received. Treated with atropine, the patients showed unexpected recovery, and doctors are awaiting details on the toxin to ensure long-term protection. No new cases emerged in the past four days.
The family of the late SM Khan, a distinguished Indian information service officer, met President Droupadi Murmu to announce the creation of the SM Khan foundation. The non-profit will focus on education, healthcare, and community development, honoring Khan’s lifelong dedication to public service. Khan, who passed away in November 2024, held key positions including spokesperson for CBI and press secretary to President APJ Abdul Kalam. The foundation will launch soon with initial welfare projects.
The mystery illness in Badhaal village, J&K, has resulted in the death of 17 individuals from three families since December 2024. Higher concentrations of carbamates and organophosphorus in the deceased’s blood samples have been identified as possible causes. The investigation continues to determine whether the exposure was accidental or deliberate.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accuses Haryana's BJP government of deliberately polluting the Yamuna to disrupt Delhi’s water supply before elections. Elevated ammonia levels are cited, which Delhi Jal Board claims supports this allegation. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini refutes the accusations, attributing the crisis to Delhi's mismanagement. The Election Commission seeks a report on the matter.
Pune hospitals have seen a spike in Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases, reporting 101 in 18 days. Surveillance data updated till Sunday revealed Campylobacter jejuni in some samples. While authorities test water sources and advise caution, 16 patients are on ventilators, with age groups 50-80 and under nine most affected.
Airfares to Prayagraj have surged significantly ahead of the Jan 29 Mauni Amavasya snan, with return tickets from major cities costing upwards of Rs 33,000. The increase in prices is driven by high demand due to the Maha Kumbh festival, attracting numerous pilgrims from India and abroad.
Leaves of doctors and paramedics at GMC Rajouri have been cancelled due to a medical alert after 17 deaths from a mysterious illness in Badhaal village. Relatives have been moved to an isolation center, and the village is now a containment zone. Investigations are ongoing into toxins found in the victims' samples, involving central teams and police probes.
Paytm, Easebuzz, and PayU have responded to an ED probe regarding a cryptocurrency scam involving HPZ Token operated by Chinese nationals. The investigation started in 2022, and the companies have cooperated with authorities. Razorpay stated it has received no new inquiries about the case.
The Goa tourism department has suspended all paragliding activities across the state following the recent deaths of a tourist and an operator at Keri, North Goa. Authorities will review current operators' compliance with safety standards, requiring them to submit documentation for inspection. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penal action under applicable laws.
Alerts from three Pune hospitals about Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases led to the discovery of an unprecedented cluster of 73 cases by Friday. Experts linked the outbreak to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. An investigation commenced, with authorities conducting door-to-door surveys and increasing awareness. The Union health ministry is sending a team of doctors to assist local efforts in controlling the spread.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrives in New Delhi for a four-day visit, participating as the chief guest in India's 76th Republic Day celebrations. Discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will cover bilateral, regional, and global issues, focusing on food and energy security, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Alert Indian Army personnel spotted a Pakistani drone hovering over the Line of Control in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. They opened fire, forcing the drone to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A search operation was subsequently launched to locate any drone-dropped narcotics or weapons in the area.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Badhaal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district after 17 people died from a mystery illness since December. Eight people died after a memorial ceremony, and nine more died earlier in December. Authorities are investigating the cause, and the CM assured government assistance to the affected families and urged restraint in political interference.
In 2024, India's gas consumption surged by 11% annually, driven by industries, refineries, and increased residential and transport sector usage. This led to a 21% rise in LNG imports amid declining domestic production. The government seeks to boost natural gas in the energy mix to 15% by 2030, focusing on energy security and diversification of LNG supplies.
A high-level inter-ministerial team from New Delhi visited Badhaal village in J&K’s Rajouri district to investigate the cause of death of 17 residents due to a 'mystery illness' since Dec 2024. The local water source tested positive for pesticides or insecticides and was sealed.
In Bengal's Hooghly, a Pocso court sentenced a man to death for raping and murdering a five-year-old girl, marking the fifth such verdict in the state since August. These convictions, based on strong evidence, aim to ensure justice and safety for minors. Legal experts emphasize that emotions should not influence justice despite quicker trials.
Indian Railways successfully completed the first trial run of a 22-bogey train from Katra to Srinagar, marking a significant achievement in connecting the Kashmir valley with Jammu and the rest of India. The train, consisting of 18 AC coaches and two engines, made the journey within four hours.
India's road transport systems must be designed to mitigate failures, as changing user behavior and addressing legacy issues are vital. Despite better roads and vehicles, road crashes are increasing, with two-wheeler occupants being most at risk. Investigating local crashes and addressing road, vehicle, and behavior issues are crucial.
Supreme Court refused to entertain BRS MLA K T Ram Rao's plea seeking to quash criminal proceedings in the Formula-E race scam. The court upheld the Telangana HC's order, with Rao facing charges including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and misconduct. Rao withdrew his plea after the court's decision.
Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde's aide Valmik Karad, already in SIT custody for extortion charges, has been named an accused in the Sarapanch Santosh Deshmukh abduction-murder case. The MCOCA court has extended his custody till January 22 for further investigation. The prosecution presented call records linking Karad to the crime. Karad's lawyer insists on the lack of legal grounds and substantial evidence against him.
The Commissioner for Railway Safety has approved the Katra-Reasi section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, paving the way for regular train services between Jammu and Srinagar. The maximum speed will be 85 kmph on regular lines and 15 kmph on loop lines, with operations limited to daytime for security reasons. Compliance with certain conditions is required before starting train operations.
Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed an FIR against a proclaimed offender under the Negotiable Instruments Act after both parties reached a compromise. Justice Sumeet Goel emphasized that pursuing such cases, when settled, burdens courts unnecessarily and goes against the legislative intent of Sec 138 of the Act. The compromise was deemed a significant factor in deciding to quash the FIR.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised J&K CM Omar Abdullah for supporting Modi's efforts to bridge the 'dil ki doori' with Kashmir. Singh emphasized the significance of abrogating Article 370 and reaffirmed India's stance on PoK. He criticized past governments for ineffective handling of terrorism, credited the armed forces for peace improvements, and highlighted sacrifices by the people of J&K, including the Muslim community.
The executive council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library has been reconstituted, with Nripendra Mishra continuing as chairperson. New members include former minister Smriti Irani, ex-Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. The council expanded to 34 members, including multiple Union ministers and other prominent figures.
In J&K’s Rajouri district, three siblings from Badhaal village succumbed within 24 hours to a mystery illness after consuming sweet rice at a family event. This adds to a total of 12 deaths in the village since December. Samples are being analyzed to determine the cause, while local authorities are providing medical assistance and urging the public to stay calm.
India will not reduce troops along the LAC with China, citing a persisting standoff and the need to rebuild trust for de-escalation. Army chief Gen Dwivedi also criticized Pakistan for cross-border terrorism in J&K. The situation along the LAC is stable but sensitive, with strategic patience required to resolve the conflict.
A five-year-old girl from Badhaal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district has died, and five of her siblings were hospitalized due to food poisoning-like symptoms. Four critically ill children were transferred to Jammu. This incident follows the deaths of nine people from unknown diseases in the same village last December. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, is set to be the world's largest gathering, with cultural and tourism ministries collaborating to enhance visitor experience. With expected attendance of 40 crore, preparations include enhanced connectivity, cultural showcases, and multilingual toll-free assistance for tourists.
Needy Home Academy in Mapao Zingtun village, north of Imphal, stands as a beacon of unity amid Manipur's ethnic strife. With 632 students and 42 teachers from various backgrounds, the school fosters harmony despite external conflicts. Founded in 2004 by professors Raman and Angam, the institution emphasizes modern education and moral values, attracting students from diverse communities.
Kerala Police have arrested 15 individuals, including a minor, in connection with the alleged rape of a Dalit teenager. The victim, now 18, disclosed being repeatedly assaulted since age 13. Over 60 individuals are implicated, and further arrests are expected. Authorities are investigating and providing the victim with psychological support. Activists and political figures demand strict action.
Two brothers from Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, died after their truck, loaded with iron bars, plunged into a gorge in Ramban district late Thursday night. The accident occurred near Monkey Morh Battery-Chashma along the national highway. Rescue operations faced challenges due to difficult terrain and resumed on Friday morning.
Two major political parties, BJP and Congress, continue to occupy government bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi for their offices, despite having built their own headquarters. Notices were issued by the housing ministry, but vacating has not occurred. This situation involves around six bungalows currently occupied by political parties.
The Bombay high court granted bail to sculptor Jaydeep Apte, creator of the collapsed 28-feet statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, on a Rs 25,000 bond. Apte claimed the statue fell due to gusty winds, and advocate Ganesh Sovani argued no one was injured and further custody was unwarranted.
Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah questions the relevance of the INDIA bloc, suggesting dissolution if it was only formed for Lok Sabha elections. He highlights a lack of clarity regarding leadership, future strategy, and the bloc’s existence while responding to Tejashwi Yadav’s comment about its limited scope and calls for a meeting to address these concerns.
PM Modi is set to open the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, enhancing all-weather connectivity to Sonmarg in Kashmir. The railways successfully tested a train on the Katra-Banihal section, linking Katra and Srinagar. A specially designed Vande Bharat train will soon operate with anti-freezing features, further boosting transport infrastructure in the region.
An Army jawan, Naik BD Rao, died early Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. He was posted with 16 Rashtriya Rifles at Draba....
