National News

Retail inflation has eased to a four-month low of 5.2% in December, largely due to softer food prices, especially vegetables. However, it remains above 5%, complicating conditions for the RBI to lower interest rates. Rural inflation, at 5.8%, outpaces the urban rate of 4.6%.

Traffic came to a halt for over two hours, with the resulting vehicle jam stretching for several kilometres.

Addressing the 4th convocation ceremony of the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Nirmala Sitharaman said technology is being misused by some vested interests or dark forces and noted that India's growth may not go down well with some people

The Supreme Court has highlighted the difficulty faced by high courts and subordinate courts in determining whether its judgments are meant for decision-making or precedent-making. It stressed the need for clarity in its verdicts to indicate if they should be treated as binding precedents.

V Narayanan, who led India's advancements in cryogenic engine technology, has taken charge as ISRO's new chairman, replacing Somanath. Narayanan played essential roles in the Chandrayaan missions, Aditya-L1, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, and will oversee critical upcoming missions including the Venus Orbiter and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

Uttar Pradesh is inviting private companies to form partnerships with or privatise state-owned Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, per the tender dated January 12

India summoned Bangladesh's acting high commissioner to address the border fencing issue, emphasizing compliance with past agreements to prevent illegal activities. India stressed that it follows all protocols for border security and urged Bangladesh to implement earlier understandings, ensuring cooperation in combating cross-border crimes and reinforcing border security measures.

At the Maha Kumbh of Paush Purnima, devotees are combining spirituality with technology, capturing and sharing their experiences on social media platforms. The digital Maha Kumbh sees a rise in YouTube shorts, reels, and live-streaming, showcasing the event globally. The hashtag #EktaKaMahaKumbh trends, symbolizing unity.

The Congress government is trying to streamline the land ownership process

Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is using advanced technology and unique methods to prevent people from getting lost in the crowd. Measures include QR code accessories, Google location activation, and specific meeting points. The Prayagraj Mela Authority has established 'Lost & Found' camps and digital registration, ensuring safety and reuniting families quickly.

Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced in Prayagraj with 1.7 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at Sangam on Paush Purnima amidst a chilling 10° Celsius. The 45-day event, marked by spirituality and vibrant cultural heritage, sees increased pilgrim influx due to its rare celestial alignment.

Easily available both online and in local markets, this synthetic thread continues to defy crackdowns, exposing the challenges in enforcement