The Times of India

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

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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.

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