Nitin Nabin will formally take charge as BJP National President at 11:30 AM today, succeeding JP Nadda, with PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh attending. At 45, he becomes the youngest BJP leader, signaling a generational shift. Elected unopposed, Nabin’s leadership reflects grassroots recognition as the party prepares for upcoming assembly elections.
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck 8 km northeast of Indio Hills, Riverside County, California, at 5:56 PM Pacific Time today at a shallow 9 km depth. Tremors were felt across Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Big Bear, and San Bernardino. No major damage or injuries were reported, though residents expressed concern online.
A helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai, Kallakurichi, killing 1 and injuring 18. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami expressed condolences, praying for the victims’ recovery. He urged the state govt to provide proper compensation to the deceased’s family and all those injured in the tragic festival accident.
At least 26 people died and 81 remain missing after a massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, leaving the building unsafe. Rescue teams, aided by the Army and Rangers, continue operations amid collapse fears. Locked gates and safety lapses worsened the tragedy. Authorities announced Rs 10 million compensation for victims’ families, with DNA tests underway.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a Kabul attack on a Chinese restaurant that killed at least 7, according to SITE Intelligence Group. The group stated Chinese nationals are now targets due to “escalating crimes” against Uyghur Muslims. The attack reflects ISIS’s retaliation against China for its treatment of the oppressed Uyghur population.
The US will deploy a NORAD aircraft to Greenland’s Pituffik Base amid rising tensions over Trump’s bid to acquire the territory. Coordinated with Denmark and Greenland, the move follows a multinational military exercise. Trump threatened tariffs on Denmark and other European nations, citing national security, escalating if Greenland’s sale isn’t agreed.
White House threats over Greenland have triggered outrage in Europe, with the EU weighing diplomacy or retaliation. President Donald Trump proposed tariffs on eight European nations unless a deal is reached. EU leaders condemned the move, warning of countermeasures. Officials stress restraint but say Europe is ready to defend its economic interests.
Prince Harry and Elton John testified in London’s High Court that alleged unlawful information gathering by UK tabloids left them traumatised and violated. They accuse Associated Newspapers of phone hacking and privacy breaches spanning decades. The publisher denies the claims. Harry said the intrusion strained relationships and made him “paranoid beyond belief.”
Israel’s National Digital Directorate and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology have approved 13 new govt projects under a second AI integration call. Backed by NIS 40 million, the initiative aims to improve citizen services, streamline operations and modernise public sector work through expert guidance, training and responsible regulatory support.
The Telangana government will start a morning breakfast scheme at Anganwadi centres from February. Children will be served items like khichdi and upma through TG Foods. The scheme will begin as a pilot in 970 Hyderabad centres and later expand statewide, covering 35,781 centres and around 8 lakh children.
Visitors to Telangana’s Amrabad Tiger Reserve will soon get a new 20-km Kollam safari route. The reserve already runs three safaris managed by the Chenchu tribe. Eco-friendly facilities and water sources are being improved. Since 2025, nearly 50 tiger sightings were recorded. Safaris close January 20–25 for tiger census.
Hyderabad’s famous Fire Pan Wala, Hussain, has entered MasterChef India Season 9. Known for making thousands of paan varieties, he brought street food culture to the national stage. Though wheelchair-bound, Hussain impressed the judges with his confidence, skills, and creativity, showing that passion and talent can overcome physical limits.
An Indian Army Special Forces paratrooper, Havildar Gajendra Singh, succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The gunfight erupted after intelligence inputs about Jaish-e-Mohammed militants. Eight soldiers were injured in a grenade attack, as challenging terrain slowed operations.
Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka announced that four lakh houses have been sanctioned in one phase across the state. Highlighting welfare initiatives, he said women are receiving free bus travel and farmers free electricity. The govt has waived farmer loans, stating that state resources are being shared with citizens, defining the true spirit of welfare.
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck Leh in Ladakh today, the National Center for Seismology reported. The tremor originated at a depth of 171 km. No casualties or damage were reported. Authorities advised residents to remain alert due to possible aftershocks, as the region lies in a seismically active Himalayan zone, with emergency teams placed on high […]