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Maharashtra recorded around 50% voter turnout across 29 municipal corporations in Thursday’s elections. Mumbai takes the spotlight as the Thackeray brothers reunite to challenge the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. Exit polls by Axis My India, JVC, and Sakal predict a BJP-led Mahayuti sweep. Vote counting begins today at 10 AM, deciding key civic outcomes.
US President Trump unveiled the “Great Healthcare Plan” to cut drug prices, lower insurance premiums, and increase transparency. The plan sends government funds directly to individuals, bypassing insurers, locks in deep prescription discounts, ends Obamacare’s model, and emphasizes accountability, price visibility, and affordable patient-first healthcare.
8-year-old Rehansh Borse died after a sharp kite string cut his throat while riding a bicycle in Anand Villa, causing him to fall in Surat, Gujarat. Police confirmed the fatal injuries. The tragedy follows other kite string-related deaths, including a family falling from a flyover in Surat and a motorcyclist’s death in Bidar, Karnataka, raising […]
Yemen’s presidential council accepted PM Salem bin Breik’s resignation, appointing Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the new PM. The move follows UAE-backed separatist advances in southern Yemen, later retaken by Saudi-backed forces, amid ongoing Saudi-UAE tensions over geopolitics, oil, and the civil war fueling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The IMF called India a “key growth engine for the world,” citing stronger-than-expected third-quarter growth. Projected at 6.6% for 2025-26, driven by robust domestic consumption, India’s performance may prompt an upward forecast revision. The IMF’s upcoming World Economic Outlook update will provide revised projections for India and the global economy.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump, praising his commitment to Venezuela’s freedom. Meeting at the White House, she faced risks after years in hiding. Despite her gesture, Trump sidelined Machado, favoring interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, while US pushes for elections and political transition.
Kerala’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has formed an SIT, led by SP Mahesh Kumar, to probe alleged 36.24 lakh irregularities in Adiya Sishtam Ghee sales at Sabarimala, following sharp High Court observations. About 13 lakh linked to uncredited sales was detected. The probe will examine records, stock movement and officials’ roles under court monitoring.
A US-backed Gaza ceasefire has entered phase two despite unresolved disputes over Hamas’s refusal to commit to disarmament and Israel’s unclear troop withdrawal plans. Phase one returned most hostages but saw alleged violations, casualties and limited aid delivery. Humanitarian shortages persist, while political and security arrangements remain uncertain.
Israel’s military issued an evacuation warning for residents of Sohmor village in southern Lebanon ahead of planned air strikes on Hezbollah targets. The army said attacks aim to prevent rebuilding of militant infrastructure. The warning comes despite a ceasefire, as Israel says Hezbollah must be fully disarmed. Recent strikes have continued across southern Lebanon.
The US said Iran halted 800 scheduled executions of protesters after pressure from Trump, as Gulf allies urged restraint from military action. The White House said all options remain open and warned of grave consequences. Treasury imposed new sanctions. Rights groups report thousands killed amid protests, repression, and internet blackouts across the country.
A viral WhatsApp link during Sankranti promises “PhonePe Pongal Grand Gift – ₹5,000 for users.” However, opening it shows a “404” error. Cybersecurity experts warn that this is a scam, and clicking it can hack your phone. Users are advised to ignore, delete, and avoid sharing such suspicious messages.
Delhi govt has increased night shelters and rescue efforts for the homeless amid severe cold. Around AIIMS–Safdarjung and G B Pant Hospital, shelter capacity now includes 350 beds and temporary subways. DUSIB runs 197 permanent shelters and 250 pagoda shelters citywide, with night inspections and a 24/7 control room ensuring safety, bedding, and meals.
Karnataka’s Bengaluru will soon introduce paid street parking in areas like the CBD, Hebbal, and Yelahanka. Four-wheelers will be charged ₹30 per hour and two-wheelers ₹15 per hour. Daily passes will cost ₹150 and ₹75, while monthly passes will be ₹3,000 and ₹1,500. Fees will apply on selected roads in these areas.
Kerala’s Kadamakudy village, made of 14 islands near Kochi, is completely shaped by water, with canals and paddy fields everywhere. Visitors can reach it by car, bus, taxi, or ferry. Other water villages include Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Munroe Island, Kollam, and Kottayam. Kerala is now listed among Rough Guide’s top 26 destinations for 2026.
HYDRA Commissioner Ranganath said the main goal is to protect government land worth ₹1 lakh crore. He said land worth around ₹65,000 crore has already been recovered from illegal encroachments. Authorities are focusing on lakes, drains, and public lands, and said there will be no compromise in safeguarding public property.