The Times of India

India faces escalating disaster risks due to geography, climate change, and development patterns, as starkly illustrated in 2025 by devastating floods and heatwaves. While response capacity has improved, a persistent imbalance favors reactive relief over proactive preparedness, a gap highlighted by contrasting events like Cyclone Phailin and Bihar's recurring floods.

Addressing a gathering during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, PM Modi said: Those present here, your ancestors, our ancestors, bet their lives for their faith, for their belief, for Mahadev - they sacrificed everything they had. Without taking names, PM Modi attacked the Congress-led government for whitewashing the history that encapsulates the multiple attacks by Mughal invaders on the Somnath temple.

Amidst calls for Nitish Kumar to receive the Bharat Ratna, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh acknowledged his long service as Bihar CM, even while unwell, as a testament to his worthiness. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and JD(U) leader KC Tyagi also championed the Bihar chief minister for the nation's highest civilian honour, citing his 'exemplary governance' and socialist credentials.

Visuals from the event showed the Prime Minister standing in an open, flower-adorned vehicle as the procession moved through the town. He was joined by Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi. During the yatra, the Prime Minister was seen blowing a conch shell and greeting crowds that had gathered along the route.

The Election Commission has appointed four additional special roll observers for West Bengal's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to enhance oversight. This move aims to ensure transparency and accuracy, though the revision has faced criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over alleged deaths and undue pressure on citizens.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Saturday reacted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and matters involving West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader is not troubled by the ED but by a purported CD that could potentially end her political career.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had raised concerns over obscene and harmful content allegedly generated by Elon Musks chatbot Grok. The ministry sent a letter to X (formerly Twitter), the social media website owned by Elon Musk, pointing out failures in moderating AI-generated content on its platform.

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.