The Times of India

National highways will now deny No Objection Certificates for vehicle registration, insurance, and ownership transfers if toll fees remain unpaid. This move, coinciding with the upcoming rollout of barrierless tolling, aims to enhance digital toll collection and prevent evasion on key NH stretches.

According to the PRO of 'Shri Akal Takht Sahib'Tek Singh at the Secretariat.

Exit polls project a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance in the BMC polls, with projections indicating they will surpass 130 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT)MNS alliance is expected to secure just over 60 seats, falling short of expectations. The elections saw nearly 50% voter turnout across Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra.

Axis My India's exit poll projects a significant win for the BJP-led NDA in the BMC elections, potentially securing 131-151 of 227 seats. The election, held after a nine-year delay, saw a turnout of 46-50% and was marked by controversy over indelible ink allegations.

An Indian Coast Guard ship intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel, Al-Madina, with nine crew members, found operating within Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line. The vessel attempted to flee towards Pakistan when challenged but was successfully intercepted and boarded. The boat is now being towed to Porbandar for further investigation.

An agitated mob vandalized and torched the Goalpokher-II BDO office in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, during a Special Intensive Revision hearing. Around 300 people reportedly destroyed property worth Rs 20 lakh and injured police and staff. This follows similar violence at the Farakka BDO office.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor delighted netizens by sharing an Instagram reel dancing to Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia.' The politician, amidst a mountain of work, showcased a playful side, humorously noting his transformation into a Swiftie. The charming video, filmed in his study, quickly garnered a massive positive response online, with fans celebrating this unexpected pop culture moment.

The Indian Air Force swiftly deployed an Mi-17 V5 helicopter to combat a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Responding to a state government request, the IAF's Central Air Command engaged in firefighting operations in the rocky terrain. Aerial surveillance confirms the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib remain safe amidst ongoing efforts.

Mohan Bhagwat said elections are a mandatory part of democracy and hence, voting is the responsibility of all citizens.He appealed to electors that keeping the public interest in mind, everyone should vote for a suitable candidate during the elections.

In the 39-second clip, PM Modi was seen standing outdoors on a lawn in Lok Kalyan Marg, offering feed to the cows, which were adorned with decorative cloths, keeping with traditional festival practices. The festival marks the Suns transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival.

Performances, P 11

'No infirmity in reply', P 12

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.