National News

The Election Commission refutes the government's justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.

Indian chess legends, including Viswanathan Anand and D Gukesh, celebrated Pongal with traditional dance at Anand's Tamil Nadu residence. The gathering highlighted the camaraderie among top players like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi. This festive unity underscores the rising prominence of Indian chess, buoyed by recent international successes and promising future talents.

Government pushes for simultaneous polls to avoid disruption caused by frequent model code imposition, but the Election Commission emphasises level playing field

The Raj Bhavan contended Mr. Stalin had asserted that insisting on due respect to the national anthem and doing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is “absurd” and “childish.”

The Chief Minister of Odisha said women will get 50% discount on the bus fare

Congress has announced its third guarantee, Yuva Udaan Yojana, promising Rs 8,500 monthly for one year to every educated unemployed youth in Delhi if elected. This follows earlier pledges including Pyari Didi Yojana for women and Jeevan Raksha Yojana for health insurance.

The first in the series is slated to be held on January 12, a day ahead of the beginning of the mega festival that will run till February 26 in the holy city of Prayagraj.

Vinod Kambli, a former Indian cricketer, attended the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai amidst concerns over his health. Kambli, who was hospitalized due to complications including brain clots, urged people to avoid alcohol and narcotics. He plans to return to the field soon.

The financial assistance will be provided under a scheme called the 'Yuva Udaan Yojana' and it is not free, Sachin Pilot said

Yograj Singh, former cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, has criticized MS Dhoni for not giving Yuvraj enough opportunities during crucial phases of his career but has also acknowledged Dhoni's fearlessness and contributions to Indian cricket, sparking debates among fans and experts.

Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders to reject the Afghan Taliban's restrictions on women's education, calling it a crime. Speaking in Islamabad, she emphasized unified action against the Taliban's gender apartheid. Despite their absence, the conference aimed at advancing girls' education highlighted strategic support for Afghan girls through scholarships and initiatives, stressing the urgency of addressing this crisis.

Amid speculation of internal discord within INDIA alliance, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav denies any rift, asserting the alliance's unity. Contrasting opinions emerge from within, with some leaders blaming Congress for failing to maintain unity post-elections, while others prioritize direct contests against BJP.

The announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT) to go solo in local body elections comes amid rumours that the party is softening its criticism of the BJP and Fadnavis' "anything can happen in politics" remark.

The new sanctions will push China and India back into the compliant oil market to seek more supply from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, the sources said

Lohri is a vibrant celebration in Punjab, marking winter's end and the harvest season's start. Families gather around bonfires, singing, dancing, and sharing sweets as symbols of goodwill. The festival strengthens bonds, spreads happiness, and expresses gratitude for nature's bounty and life's blessings.

Tamil Nadu's governor criticized chief minister MK Stalin for calling his walkout 'childish,' after Ravi protested the omission of the National Anthem at the assembly's opening session. Stalin defended the state's tradition of playing the Tamil Anthem at the start and the National Anthem at the end.

The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) seeks approval for 3-6 month gas contracts, introduces green certificates, and partners with CEGH for trading opportunities

The agitation call forth by Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan better known as Pappu Yadav turned violent in Patna, where bandh supporters clashed with the police