The Times of India
Elections 2026Top News / The Times of India
Uttarakhand Tourism has launched its inaugural nationwide roadshow campaign, commencing in New Delhi, to promote the state as a year-round destination. The initiative aims to showcase diverse offerings, including adventure, culture, and wellness, across all seasons to foster a 365-day tourism economy.
The Indian Army recently conducted 'Exercise Sanjha Shakti,' a joint military-civil fusion drill at Dighi Hills Range. Over 350 personnel from the Army and 16 civilian agencies, including police and fire departments, participated. The exercise aimed to bolster coordination for complex security challenges and emergency response, enhancing civil-military synergy for public safety and disaster management.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-day visit to Gujarat, beginning in Somnath to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. His itinerary includes attending the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and holding talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The visit also features a drone show, a ceremonial procession, and the inauguration of several development projects.
Police apprehended three individuals suspected of drug peddling in Udhampur and Jammu districts on Saturday. Authorities recovered a total of 7.53 grams of heroin from two separate car searches. The arrested individuals have been booked under the NDPS Act, and investigations are ongoing.
The Indian Navy is organizing a multi-speciality medical camp in Lakshadweep from January 12-16, offering comprehensive healthcare to island residents. This joint services initiative will provide specialist consultations, treatments, and surgical procedures, including cataract surgeries, aiming to supplement existing healthcare services and strengthen community ties.
The Unnao rape survivor has appealed for support. She claims Kuldeep Singh Sengar's daughters and their supporters are revealing her identity on social media. This puts her safety at risk. The Supreme Court has stayed a High Court order granting bail to Sengar. The survivor's mother welcomed the Supreme Court's decision.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, alleging it has led to 77 deaths and numerous hospitalizations. She criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a elentlessly harassing and unplanned process that lacks human judgment and social sensitivity, particularly impacting women voters and prominent citizens.
Congress prepares for crucial 2026 assembly elections in key states. The party's ability to form effective alliances will be critical. Past electoral struggles highlight the challenges in balancing relevance with maintaining political ground. Recent alliance negotiations suggest a continuation of complex bargaining tactics. The outcomes of these strategies will shape Congress's electoral future.
India and the EU are accelerating Free Trade Agreement talks, aiming for a balanced deal protecting farmers and MSMEs. Meanwhile, a small aircraft made an emergency landing near Rourkela due to a technical fault. An Indian-American judge faces MAGA backlash after blocking a Trump funding freeze, and North Korea accuses South Korea of drone intrusions.
Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has called for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, expressing confidence in Prime Minister Modi's decision-making. This call follows a similar sentiment from JD(U) colleague KC Tyagi. However, the JD(U) has since clarified that Tyagi's remarks were personal and not representative of the party's stance.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval highlighted the global trend of countries imposing their will through force, emphasizing that national willpower translates into national power. He credited India's current leadership for its significant progress over the past decade, stating that strong leadership and morale are crucial for national independence and achieving objectives.
West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari has sent a legal notice to CM Mamata Banerjee, demanding proof for her allegations linking him and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the coal smuggling case. Adhikari stated he will pursue defamation proceedings if she fails to provide evidence within 72 hours.

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