The Times of India News

A violent gang war erupted at a Rohtak liquor vend, resulting in one death and four injuries after over 30 rounds were fired. Shooters from the Himanshu Bhau gang allegedly initiated the conflict, leading to a retaliation that critically injured a friend of gangster Sunny Ritoliya. One injured individual later died at a private hospital.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 8 crore belonging to cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, and actors Urvashi Rautela, Sonu Sood, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra, and Neha Sharma in an illegal online betting case. This action follows previous attachments of Rs 11 crore from Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina.

The Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to a chartered accountancy student for posts on a parody X account, stating free speech is not unfettered. The court emphasized that those abusing their right to free speech cannot receive discretionary relief, suggesting the student approach the Gujarat high court.

The Supreme Court has signaled its strong inclination to protect elephants, stating it will always favor animals whose migration paths are obstructed by commercial tourism. This stance emerged during hearings concerning wildlife resorts in Tamil Nadu's Sigur Plateau elephant corridor. The court emphasized that any doubt regarding benefit should go to the silent victims of development.

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat's draft voter lists have seen significant deletions, with over 97 lakh and 73 lakh names removed respectively. Millions more face notices for logical discrepancies in their enrollment details. Claims and objections are now open until January 18th for affected voters.

The Supreme Court has mandated that environmental protection is a core component of corporate social responsibility, not mere charity. In a landmark ruling, the court directed non-renewable power generators in Rajasthan and Gujarat to contribute to the survival of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. This decision underscores the constitutional duty of corporations to safeguard the environment.

The Enforcement Directorate has challenged a trial court's order dismissing its money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The ED argues the court overlooked evidence, stating cognizance was impermissible as it wasn't based on an FIR for a scheduled offense.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) at the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, establishing a shared international platform for ancient health systems. The digital library aims to anchor Ayurveda, yoga, and other traditions in research and policy, ensuring equal access to authentic information for all countries.

Rahul Gandhi stated Congress will force the PM Modi government to withdraw the disbanding of the MGNREGA job guarantee scheme, warning it's the BJP's next target after farmers' protests led to the rollback of farm laws. He asserted the scheme provides crucial leverage to vulnerable sections, which the government aims to break.

The Supreme Court quashed an FIR against a husband, stating that asking his wife to maintain an Excel sheet for household expenses does not constitute cruelty. The court emphasized that such domestic disputes often stem from the 'daily wear and tear' of marriage and should not be used to initiate criminal proceedings without specific evidence of harm.

A special Pocso court sentenced a former headmaster and retired teacher of a school for the deaf to two years' rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting three students. The judge emphasized the betrayal of trust by those in positions of authority.

Adventure tourism leaders have declared Jammu and Kashmir safe, urging the reopening of all tourist spots closed after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India successfully held its convention in Srinagar, with members visiting popular destinations without incident. They emphasize J&K's potential as a premier adventure hub, promoting safe and sustainable tourism.

PDP member Iltija Mufti filed a police complaint in Srinagar against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for allegedly gesturing to an AYUSH graduate in a hijab to show her face. The complaint follows similar action by a Samajwadi Party spokesperson, with critics arguing the act undermines women's dignity and emboldens attackers.

Security forces launched extensive cordon and search operations in Rajouri district's villages after reports of suspicious movement. Troops from Rashtriya Rifles, J&K Police, and Special Operations Group conducted aggressive searches from midnight Thursday to Friday evening. A similar operation occurred in Samba district's Mansar area on December 17.

The government informed Parliament that no conclusive data directly links higher air quality index (AQI) levels to lung diseases, though air pollution is acknowledged as a triggering factor for respiratory ailments. This response aligns with previous statements on the complex interplay of factors affecting health, including lifestyle and genetics.

The Enforcement Directorate has appealed to the Delhi High Court after a trial court refused to take cognisance of its prosecution complaint against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case.

Gujarat has removed nearly 74 lakh names from its electoral rolls, reducing the total voter count from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. This extensive clean-up, part of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, targeted deceased, absent, and duplicate voters. The updated draft rolls are now public, with a deadline of January 18 for objections and claims.

The Lok Sabha's 19-day Winter Session concluded with a productivity of 111 percent, marked by the passage of key bills like the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. The session witnessed heated debates, protests, and viral moments, including accusations of vaping, a Congress MP bringing a puppy, and unruly scenes during bill passages.

Enforcement Directorate's probe into the 'donkey' route uncovered a Haryana-based operator collecting property papers as security from aspirants for illegal US travel via Mexico. Searches across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi yielded incriminating evidence, including documents and mobile phones, related to the syndicate's operations.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement within the state government. He asserted that he will remain CM until the party high command decides otherwise, refuting opposition questions about a potential leadership change. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also denied rumors of a dinner meeting, emphasizing party unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solidified his position as India's most influential political voice on X, dominating engagement with eight of the top 10 most-liked tweets. Globally, he ranks as the fourth most-followed person, surpassing entertainment icons and becoming the most-followed world leader in office.

Parliament's Winter Session concluded Friday with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die. Despite disruptions over the VB-G RAM G Bill, both Houses saw significant legislative work, with Lok Sabha achieving 111% productivity. Key bills were passed, and leaders met to mark the session's end, though opposition protests continued.

Bangladesh slid back into turmoil after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of last years July Uprising, triggered violent protests. The 32-year-old was shot by masked gunmen in central Dhaka while launching his election campaign and later died in hospital. His death has reignited political instability ahead of crucial national elections, with protests, arson and competing narratives deepening uncertainty at a critical moment for the country and its relations with New Delh

North India is grappling with a red alert for dense fog, severely impacting visibility and travel. Simultaneously, Delhi and surrounding regions are experiencing 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality, with authorities urging residents to limit outdoor exposure. Flights are facing delays due to the challenging weather conditions.

The Supreme Court will speak with the parents of Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years, before deciding on his passive euthanasia plea. A secondary AIIMS medical report confirmed a negligible chance of recovery, prompting the court to seek personal interaction with the family.

Opposition parties staged an overnight dharna in Parliament protesting the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces MGNREGA. MPs accused the government of rushing the legislation without debate, calling it an insult to the poor and a murder of democracy. The government defended the new law, citing its necessity for rural development and employment.