Times of India

The Supreme Court expressed concerns over a 2020 closure report by Rajasthan police in a 2017 case involving alleged rape and brutality. The shift in investigation coincided with a change in government in 2018. The complainant accused political influence, seeking CBI intervention. The court demanded all investigation records for consideration of a CBI probe, stressing potential political connections.

Dhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of murdered Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, met Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the withdrawal of a writ petition filed in his name. The petition sought a probe into the murder and the removal of minister Dhananjay Munde. Dhananjay expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation.

In India, 7 cases of the Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have been reported. This virus mainly affects young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. In the meantime, following simple preventive measures and staying informed can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Remember, practicing good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are your best defenses against not just hMPV, but many other respiratory illnesses.

The Centre has instructed states and UTs to monitor respiratory illnesses amid reports of a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, though no significant threat has been identified. Protection measures such as hand washing and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals have been recommended.

Goa police filed an FIR against Konkani writer Datta Damodar Naik for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by referring to temple priests as 'looters'. Complaints were made by residents and religious organizations. Naik stood by his comments but acknowledged his word choice could have been better.

A brave farmer in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, stopped a leopard by grabbing its tail during a rescue operation. As the leopard approached women and children, the farmer lunged at it, allowing the forest officers to capture the animal. The leopard is now at a rescue centre in Mysuru.

After 45 years at 24, Akbar Road, Congress will inaugurate its new headquarters, 'Indira Gandhi Bhawan,' at Kotla Marg on Jan 15. The event will feature key leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. The new facility aims to meet the party's modern needs.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by BJP's P P Chaudhary, will convene on Wednesday to discuss the 'one nation, one election' bills introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17. With 39 members, the focus will be on understanding the legal, constitutional, and logistical aspects of this proposal, aimed at reducing election frequency and costs.

India and the Maldives will explore ways to boost defence cooperation as defence ministers Rajnath Singh and Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon meet in New Delhi. The discussions will cover training, exercises, defence projects, and equipment supply. This comes amid improving bilateral relations and recent diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin criticized the Centre for the draft UGC Regulations 2025, deeming it an attack on federalism. He opposed the expanded role of governors in appointing vice-chancellors and the inclusion of non-academicians in these positions, asserting that Tamil Nadu would resist both legally and politically.

India needs to boost its self-reliance in defense R&D, highlighted by China's rapid military advancements, including new stealth aircraft. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh emphasized India's security concerns and the slow progress of the Tejas fighter delivery. The development of India's 5th-generation fighter is delayed, making increased investments in domestic production essential despite higher costs.

On Jan 26, farmers in Punjab will hold tractor marches nationwide, and they plan to burn effigies of the Central government on Jan 10 and copies of the national policy framework on Jan 13. Despite serious health issues, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal refuses medical aid, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.

Apple has allegedly terminated Indian-origin employees in the US for misusing its matching grants scheme by creating false donation records. The Telugu Association of North America (TANA) faces scrutiny, with a subpoena demanding extensive financial documents for a joint FBI-IRS-DOJ investigation into potential misappropriation of matching grants.

Rescue teams from the Army, Navy, Assam Rifles, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed to save 11 miners trapped in a flooded 'rat hole' coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district. Efforts are ongoing with the use of water pumps, and an investigation into the legality of the mine is underway.

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari states that the driver involved in the fatal Jaipur LPG tanker crash had been driving for over 12 hours. The government plans to implement systems to track heavy vehicle driving hours, including using Aadhaar cards and vehicle location tracking devices.

Union home minister Amit Shah has launched the Bharatpol portal, which will revolutionize how Indian authorities manage extradition and deportation of fugitives. This initiative connects Indian law enforcement with Interpol's databases, aiding in faster and more efficient capture of criminals. The portal supports seamless interagency communication, ensuring comprehensive crime control and international cooperation.

The Supreme Court collegium, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, recommended the elevation of Patna HC Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran to the SC due to the lack of representation from Kerala HC on the SC bench. The collegium also nominated new chief justices for Delhi and Bombay HCs.

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence for rape, till March 31 for medical treatment due to various ailments. The court ordered him not to meet his followers during this period. Asaram remains in jail due to another rape conviction in Rajasthan.