National News

Private universities lead in fee-related complaints in India, with over 4,250 issues resolved and refunds of Rs 25.5 crore in the past five years, according to UGC's Fee Nivaran Cell. Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan are the top states with the highest number of complaints.

William Dalrymple criticizes the demolition of Agra's historic Mubarak Manzil, attributing such actions to India's struggles in attracting international tourists despite its rich cultural heritage. Former politicians and local historians have also protested against the demolition, citing broader neglect of heritage sites.

The farm leader, who is on a ‘fast-unto-death’ protest, says he is ready to sacrifice his life for the cause of the farming community

Rajasthan police arrested RPSC member Katara for leaking 2021 SI exam papers to a commission colleague and govt accountant. The SIT report revealed the leak had reached coaching centres and recommended cancelling the results. The state's BJP govt and courts are yet to decide.

Hollywood star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson received over $41 million in TKO stock after joining WWE and UFC's board of directors. Signing a new contract, he secured rights to 'The Rock' name. The grant includes 96,557 shares vesting initially in December 2024, with the remainder throughout 2025. His WrestleMania 41 appearance remains uncertain due to Hollywood commitments.

On the 40th day of his indefinite fast, farmer union representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal called for nationwide farmer mobilisation to ensure demands, including legal MSP rights. Dallewal urged villages to send tractor-trolleys to protest sites, insisting this fight is not his alone but concerns everyone.

Three tigers and a sub-adult leopard died from H5N1 avian flu at Gorewada Rescue Centre, prompting a red alert in Maharashtra's zoos. The death toll marked a significant instance of the virus impacting captive wildlife. Containment measures and screenings were implemented, and other animals in the center were declared healthy.

Congress is set to organize district-level "chaupals" demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on B R Ambedkar. The month-long campaign, "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan", will highlight BJP-RSS's alleged disrespect towards Ambedkar and the Constitution. The campaign will culminate on Jan 26 with a rally in Mhow, marking 75 years of the Constitution.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju presented an embroidered chaddar on behalf of PM Narendra Modi at the Ajmer Dargah, continuing a 11-year tradition. This symbolic gesture occurs amid a lawsuit from Hindu Sena claiming a pre-existing Shiva temple on the site, dismissed by the dargah committee. PM Modi's message emphasized love, unity, and harmony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautions against divisive efforts based on caste during his speech at the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav in New Delhi, emphasizing the need to maintain harmony and unity in villages, and reflects on his ongoing narrative of social cohesion amid the potential decision on conducting the decennial census.

Bastar police arrested three suspects, including a distant relative, for the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar. The incident, provoked by a corruption dispute, occurred on January 1st. They killed Mukesh, disposed of the body in a septic tank, and fled. The discovery of Mukesh's body sparked city-wide protests and demands for justice in Bijapur.

Severe cold and heavy fog hit Punjab and Haryana, dropping visibility to zero in places like Amritsar and Hisar. Several areas recorded temperatures lower than Shimla. The dense fog reduced visibility significantly, while a slight rise in temperatures is expected over the next three days, with chances of rain in the region.

The additional sessions court in Thalassery convicted nine BJP-RSS workers for the murder of DYFI activist Rijith in 2005. Rijith was attacked during a clash over an RSS branch opening, suffering fatal wounds. The verdict, based on substantial evidence and testimonies, concluded a 19-year-long trial.

Chhattisgarh government forms an 11-member SIT to investigate journalist Mukesh Chandrakar's murder. His body was found in a septic tank at contractor Suresh Chandrakar's premises. Police have arrested three individuals, with Suresh still at large. A report on corruption in road construction is suspected to be the motive.

He seeks ENC’s support in realising some of the goals such as making Andhra Pradesh a drone technology hub

Three tigers and a young leopard died from highly pathogenic avian flu H5N1 at Gorewada Rescue Centre, Nagpur. This marks the first significant wildlife loss to the virus in captivity in India. Containment measures are in place; other animals tested negative. The virus cross-infected mammals possibly through infected prey or raw meat.

The Reserve Bank of India is working with fintech institutions to fight mule account cybercrimes. They have developed advanced algorithms to detect frauds and recently launched MuleHunter.AI, an AI tool to identify mule accounts. A pilot test with public sector banks showed promising results. This initiative aims to protect customers and curb fraudulent transactions.