The Times of India News

Former actress Sana Khan is preparing for her fourth Haj, opting for a modern multi-storey tower in Mina instead of traditional tents. This shift reflects a growing trend among Indian pilgrims seeking enhanced amenities during the sacred journey. Saudi authorities have introduced these towers, offering a more comfortable experience, though some traditionalists express reservations.

Tech co-developed with IIT-M is now under development trial

J&K government convened a workshop with over 100 mosque imams to combat rising heroin addiction. Religious leaders were urged to destigmatize patients and raise awareness about substance abuse's harmful impacts. This initiative is part of a three-stage strategy focusing on awareness, identification, and rehabilitation to address the growing drug menace in the region.

A US military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro triggered widespread airspace restrictions across the Caribbean, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations. Major airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines waived fees as passengers faced extended stays and unexpected expenses during the busy holiday travel period.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) warns that the EU's new carbon border tax will shift decarbonisation costs onto developing nations like India. This measure, set to generate significant revenue for the EU, imposes tariffs on emission-intensive goods, potentially impacting India's steel and aluminium exports by around 25% and creating trade disadvantages.

The BJP has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi, labeling him India's most foreign travelled Leader of Opposition. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned who is frequently inviting Gandhi abroad to engage with anti-India forces and shape his domestic criticism.

A Meitei civil society group has alerted PM Modi about a Chin Kuki Zo organization's appeals to foreign governments and UN bodies, warning of threats to India's sovereignty and security. The group urged a review of security policies and Suspension of Operations agreements to ensure a lawful resolution for Manipur.

A key Hindu candidate, Gobindadeb Pramanik, had his nomination rejected for the Gopalganj-3 seat in Bangladesh polls due to alleged invalid signatures. Pramanik, general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote, claims political intimidation led to the rejection, despite having the required 1% voter support. He plans to appeal the decision.

India has prohibited charging power banks inflight and using them with in-seat power systems due to the risk of lithium batteries catching fire. Power banks and batteries are now only permitted in hand luggage, not overhead bins, following DGCA directives to enhance flight safety. Airlines must report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA.

A Punjabi pop song by Toronto-based artist Babbulicious became the unlikely soundtrack to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration, creating a viral moment celebrating diasporic culture. The artist, Babbu Singh, expressed his surreal experience seeing US Senator Bernie Sanders vibing to the track, highlighting the growing mainstream acceptance of Punjabi music.

Gangster Haji Firoz Khan staged a dramatic protest, chaining himself and rigging a noose at his home, claiming an immediate threat from Uttar Pradesh police. He posted live videos, which police dismissed as heatrics to obstruct their work.

A horrific incident unfolded in Bulandshahr where a five-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by two men. The perpetrators, reportedly intoxicated, then threw the child from a third-floor building to stage an accident. However, crucial evidence, including the girl's slippers found in their room, led to their swift arrest after a brief police encounter.

Rajasthan's Anti-Terrorism Squad detained a 45-year-old cleric from Uttar Pradesh in Jaisalmer's Kuriyaberi village, near the India-Pakistan border. The detention, based on intelligence, is for suspected anti-national activities. The suspect has been transported to Jaipur for further interrogation by security agencies.

Gujarat High Court has granted a couple divorce, overturning a family court's rejection of their mutual consent petition. The marriage faltered due to the husband's desire to settle in the UK and the wife's preference to remain in India. The court emphasized the irreconcilable differences and the parties' clear intent to move on, deeming the mandatory waiting period unnecessary.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that waitlisted candidates do not have an absolute right to appointment, and waitlists cannot exist indefinitely. This decision came after a petition by candidates who were initially not selected for assistant teacher posts. The court emphasized that selection processes must conclude within a reasonable timeframe.

Rajasthan government controversially redrew Barmer and Balotra district boundaries just before census freeze, shifting thousands of voters. The move, impacting over 2.5 lakh voters, has sparked political accusations of manipulation for electoral gains and delimitation calculations.

Security forces have eliminated 14 Maoists in Bastar, including key figures like Sachin Mangtu, in separate operations in Bijapur and Sukma. This significant crackdown, following intelligence on armed cadres, has led to the recovery of a large weapons cache. Officials claim commanders involved in a recent ASP's killing are now neutralized, significantly weakening rebel presence in the region.

Following the encounter of top Maoist Madvi Hidma, his close confidant Barse Deva surrendered with 40 rebels in Telangana, marking the apparent wipeout of the feared PLGA battalion number 1. Deva, a Koya tribal from the same village as Hidma, was involved in numerous deadly ambushes, including the Jhiram Ghati attack.

Nitin Nabin is poised to become the BJP's new national president, with elections anticipated post-January 14. This move signals a potential generational change within the party, as Nabin, aged 45, is expected to lead a revamped team of office-bearers. The organizational overhaul will likely follow his formal election, preceding the budget session.

Congress has launched a 45-day nationwide protest, the 'MGNREGA bachao sangram,' starting January 8, demanding the restoration of the job guarantee scheme. The party plans to challenge the new VB-GRAMG law in court, alleging it violates constitutional provisions by shifting financial burdens to states and undermining panchayat autonomy. This agitation aims to force the government to reinstate the scheme.

A recent Union government assessment revealed significant disparities in potable water availability across rural Madhya Pradesh, with some districts reporting zero availability while others claimed 100%. The survey also highlighted operational issues like irregular supply and non-functional taps. Previous investigations in Indore had already indicated widespread groundwater contamination from sewage, rendering many sources unfit for consumption.

Ten deaths in Indore's Bhagirathpura are linked to contaminated drinking water, with residents demanding accountability for negligence. A police toilet's faulty construction, with waste seeping into the water supply, is suspected as the cause. Authorities are investigating oversight lapses and collecting samples, promising strict action against those responsible.

Political clashes erupted in Indore's Bhagirathpura as BJP and Congress workers confronted each other over contaminated water deaths. Police intervened, detaining Congress leaders and workers who were attempting to meet affected families. The incident highlights escalating tensions amidst a growing death toll from diarrhoea.

Sewage contamination of drinking water has led to a public health scare in Gandhinagar and Bengaluru, mirroring a crisis in Indore. Gandhinagar reports 70 active typhoid cases due to leaks in the water supply network, while Bengaluru residents in Lingarajapuram have experienced gastrointestinal illnesses from contaminated water. Officials are working to identify and repair the breaches.

A student who left her undergraduate studies due to the 2022 hijab row has successfully completed her postgraduate degree in medical physics with a CGPA over 8. Gousiya, who took a year-long break, is now interning at a cancer institute and aims to become a radiation safety officer, demonstrating resilience and academic achievement.

US President Trump announced US oil companies will invest billions to repair Venezuela's infrastructure and restart production following the capture of President Maduro. Despite existing sanctions, Trump stated major US energy firms will tap vast crude reserves, aiming to enrich Venezuela and ensure its independence and safety.

The TRAI data showed that Jio added 1.2 million subscribers, extending its lead over Bharti Airtel for the ninth consecutive month.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela following multiple strikes by the United States. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas, the ministry's advisory read.

India's live entertainment sector is set for structured growth. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched a Live Events Development Cell. This initiative aims to streamline processes and position India as a leading global live entertainment destination by 2030. The sector is expanding rapidly, creating millions of jobs and boosting tourism.

Semaglutide patent expiries in India, Canada, and Brazil are poised to unlock over Rs 50 billion in revenue for generic drugmakers within 12-15 months. Indian companies like Alkem, Dr Reddy's, and Sun Pharma are set to benefit, with price drops expected to boost GLP-1 therapy adoption.

Global oil markets have to be watching closely after US strikes on Venezuela. However, early signs indicate minimal disruption. Venezuela's oil exports were already limited by US sanctions. India's dependence on Venezuelan oil is low, with minimal trade and some investment. The US plans significant involvement in Venezuela's oil industry.

Foreign institutional investors continued their selling streak into early 2026, offloading Indian equities worth Rs 7,608 crore in the first two sessions after a record Rs 1.66 lakh crore outflow in 2025. High valuations and a global shift to AI trades were cited as key drivers for the sustained exit, which also weakened the rupee.

Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the BCCI, triggering sharp political reactions amid concerns over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

India's capital expenditure is showing promising signs of recovery, with defence, capital goods, and manufacturing sectors poised for significant growth over the next few years. Improved economic conditions and policy support are driving this revival. Foreign investors may also return in 2026 as corporate earnings are projected to re-accelerate, offering attractive investment opportunities.