National News

Jallikattu attracts thousands of spectators during the Pongal festival each year; despite its cultural significance, the event has faced controversy due to safety concerns.

The deceased have been identified as Gulbahar (32) and her two minor sons. A relative's son residing in the same house was also among those killed

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra comments on Shubman Gill's vice-captaincy selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and England ODIs. He expresses concern over Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission from the T20I series against England. Chopra praises the inclusion of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and highlights Hardik Pandya's importance in the squad.

Indian cricket veterans, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Gautam Gambhir, stress the importance of Ranji Trophy participation to aid players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in regaining form. Despite a packed international schedule, players commit to participating in domestic matches when possible. When asked about this during the press conference for the Champions Trophy and England ODI series squad announcement, Rohit responded, "Yes, I will."

Ministers in Maharashtra are given responsibility for one or more districts. Ajit Pawar has been allotted Beed district in addition to Pune, his home district

Prime Minister Modi, in his 118th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, discussed preparations for Republic Day, National Voters' Day, Maha Kumbh, and women's significant participation in start-ups. He emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and youth involvement, praised the Election Commission for its impartiality, and highlighted the rise of start-ups in smaller cities, urging citizens to dream big.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the ceasefire with Hamas until a list of hostages is received. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, is to include a hostage exchange. The temporary truce aims to release hostages and provide humanitarian aid, but Netanyahu stresses that Israel may resume hostilities if necessary.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Mr. Singh's appointment as the CRPF DG till the date of his superannuation on November 30, 2027

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Kerala Cricket Association for mishandling Sanju Samson, resulting in his exclusion from the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Tharoor attributes Samson's omission to administrative egos within the KCA, noting Samson's impressive ODI record and questioning the decision to drop him over missing a training camp despite prior notice.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue a record number of executive orders on his first day back in office, targeting immigration, tariffs, and diversity initiatives. Key proposals include mass deportations, new tariffs, ending birthright citizenship, and possible Bitcoin reserves.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict is set to begin, involving a hostage and prisoner exchange. Three Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released initially. The temporary truce, lasting 42 days, is aimed at easing tensions and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

These insects, 13 species of which have been reported in India for the first time, are more like mosquitoes in their feeding habits

TikTok has been banned in the US due to national security concerns, effective January 19. US authorities worry the app could be used by the Chinese government for espionage. Despite attempts to challenge the ban, the Supreme Court upheld it.

Mumbai Police arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad in connection with the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shahzad, a Bangladeshi national, had illegally entered India and changed his name to Vijay Das. He worked for a housekeeping agency in Mumbai. Saif was stabbed six times during an attempted robbery at his Bandra residence, leading to serious injuries.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to visit China and India early in his second term to improve relations, aiming to address trade issues and other bilateral concerns. He communicated with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping to resolve various problems collaboratively. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in preliminary talks during his Washington DC visit.

Shivani Dable, a resident of Pune, and her instructor, Sumal Nepali (26), a Nepalese national, crashed to death at Keri Plateau around 5 p.m.

Rajasthan Police arrested six youths in Banswara district, seizing Rs 19.6 lakh in cash and a tractor. The mastermind, 18-year-old Nayan Patidar, operated a professional-looking porn website to scam tribal people into making online payments. Police recovered multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and bank cards linked to the crime.

Engineer Abhey Singh, known as "IITian Baba," is expelled from Juna Akhara for using abusive language against his Guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri. His actions violate the Guru-Shishya tradition, leading to demands for his removal and a disciplinary committee's recommendation. Singh remains barred until he respects his Guru and Akhara discipline.

What has a global study shown about the total fertility rate in India? Why are the southern States worried?

Coldplay’s Mumbai concert was memorable for music and cricket fans as Chris Martin mentioned Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah during the show. Although Bumrah didn't appear on stage, the crowd cheered loudly. The band will perform again in Mumbai on January 19 and 21 before heading to Ahmedabad for two shows.