The Times of India

Senior IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal has been officially appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Previously holding the additional charge, Aggarwal, a 1994-batch officer, will now lead the premier counter-terrorism probe body until his superannuation in August 2028. This appointment solidifies his leadership of the agency's crucial national security mandate.

The programme is being organised by the Directorate of Training and Technical Education (DTTE) of the Government of Delhi. On this occasion, the Union Minister of State and the Chief Minister interacted with young innovators, teachers, investors and startup founders from universities, colleges and technical institutions, and reviewed the exhibition of student-led innovations.

Hyderabad NCB busted a major interstate ganja racket, seizing 813 kg of contraband and arresting three individuals on January 13, 2026. The specially modified lorry, carrying drugs from Odisha to Maharashtra, was intercepted near Hyderabad. Investigators uncovered a hidden compartment used for smuggling, with one accused having a prior narcotics record. The probe aims to dismantle the entire syndicate.

India watches Iran's protests with unease, fearing a weakened state would disrupt its strategic environment. Iran serves as India's vital western corridor to Central Asia via Chabahar Port and a crucial counterweight to Pakistan's regional influence. A collapse risks jeopardizing connectivity projects and India's multi-alignment policy.

The Supreme Court denied bail to student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing a hierarchy of culpability. While five co-accused were granted bail, the court found Khalid and Imam to be ideological drivers central to the alleged conspiracy's planning and preparation, distinguishing their roles from mere facilitators.

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has vehemently denied allegations of the Indian government's involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, demanding concrete evidence. Patnaik stressed that accusations lack substantiation and that ongoing legal proceedings do not implicate India as a state. He reiterated India's willingness to act if credible proof is provided.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, celebrating India's diverse harvest festivals. He highlighted their significance in honoring nature, farmers, and cultural traditions, wishing for prosperity and well-being for all citizens.

Sends case to CJI, P20

'Adopt them', P 8

A court in Chandausi has ordered an FIR against former Sambhal officials and police personnel following the 2024 violence. The order came after a plea from a man whose son was allegedly shot by police during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Delhi's government has approved a Carbon Credit Monetisation Framework to generate revenue from its environmental initiatives like electric vehicles and urban forestry. This no-financial-liability model will allow the city to sell tradable carbon credits, creating a new funding stream for pollution control and sustainability projects.

West Delhi commuters will soon experience relief as the Delhi government launches a Rs 64.04 crore project to repair roads and upgrade stormwater drains along the Nangloi-Najafgarh corridor. This initiative aims to improve drainage, reconstruct roads, and enhance safety, addressing years of neglect and waterlogging issues.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar held a productive discussion with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, covering key bilateral and strategic areas. The conversation included trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy. Both leaders agreed to maintain ongoing communication on these important matters.

A Communist Party of China delegation's visit to New Delhi has ignited a political firestorm, with the Congress and BJP trading barbs over transparency and India's China policy. The BJP defended its formal meeting with the CPC, citing improved bilateral ties, while the Congress demanded full disclosure of engagements and questioned if critical issues were raised.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Emmanuel Bonne, French President Macron's diplomatic advisor, reinforcing the robust India-France strategic partnership. Discussions entailed collaboration in innovation, technology, and education, with both nations marking the India-France Year of Innovation. The leaders also exchanged views on significant regional and global matters, anticipating President Macron's upcoming visit to India.

New 'Thalaiva': Congress 'rebrands' Rahul Gandhi - no more 'Jannayak'?

India is reviving World War II-era airstrips in eastern and northeastern states, driven by security concerns along the Bangladesh border and a renewed focus on the Siliguri corridor. This initiative aims to bolster regional connectivity and operational readiness in strategically vital areas, reinforcing national security.

Through the X post, Aam Aadmi Party stated, Insult to Gurus, India will not tolerate !! Kapil Mishra will have to apologise., with a comical picture of Kapil Mishra in the X post.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of unilaterally deleting 54 lakh names from draft electoral rolls, alleging a BJP-EC nexus. She claimed genuine voters, including women who changed surnames, were removed without notice, possibly using AI tools. Banerjee further alleged plans to remove another crore names and accused the EC of restricting booth-level agents.