Two US lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump, urging action to reduce India’s import tariffs on pulses under a trade agreement. They said high tariffs are causing American farmers to face severe competition. Meanwhile, India and the US are in the final stages of talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has housed his 29 Shiv Sena corporators at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End to prevent poaching as BMC power negotiations continue. The move ensures loyalty for the BJP-Shinde alliance, which holds 118 seats. Opposition and Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the tactic, recalling past “resort politics”.
Liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh soared during the Sankranti festival. From January 9 to 16, total sales reached ₹877 crore, with ₹438 crore sold in just the three festival days. On January 12, the government increased prices by ₹10 per bottle for all brands except quarter bottles, contributing to the surge in revenue.
Telangana has emerged as the national leader in organ donations relative to population, as per the Jeevan Dhan-2025 statistics. In 2025, the state collected 763 organs from 205 donors, including 604 big organs and 159 minor organs and tissues. While Tamil Nadu recorded donations at 268, TG’s population-adjusted organ transplant rate surpasses all other states.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met patients and families affected by the water contamination-linked vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak in Indore. He visited four patients at Bombay Hospital and later met bereaved families in Bhagirathpura. Residents claim 24 deaths, while the state government told the High Court the toll stands at seven, including an infant.
The countdown to Medaram Mahajatara, Telangana’s Kumbh Mela, has begun, and devotees are flocking in large numbers. Yesterday alone, over six lakh pilgrims visited the site, filling the deep forest with devotional songs and rituals dedicated to Sammakka-Sarakka. Devotees offer chickens, bulls, and symbolic bundles of gold while praying to the mother goddess.
Just days before the anniversary of the 7.6-magnitude 2001 Gujarat earthquake, a 4.1-magnitude tremor struck Khawda in Kutch district early today, causing panic among residents. The epicenter was about 55 km from Khawda. No casualties or property damage were reported, but the sudden shaking, felt more strongly in rural areas, forced people to rush outdoors.
Delhi battled biting cold and choking pollution today as dense fog cut visibility to 50 meters, delaying flights and triggering Stage-III GRAP curbs across NCR. The IMD forecasts fog for two more days. AQI stood at 368 (“very poor”), with Chandni Chowk and ITO in the “severe” zone, while several other areas remained hazardous, CPCB […]
Hyderabad’s first-ever Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Parade Grounds moved into its second day today, drawing growing crowds. After a successful opening, the colourful balloon displays continue today. The vibrant evening spectacle marks a new attraction for the city, with visitors able to book hot air balloon ride tickets online.
Donald Trump unexpectedly praised Iran for cancelling over 800 scheduled executions, hinting at easing tensions as nationwide protests subside. Speaking on the White House South Lawn before leaving for Mar-a-Lago, he expressed “great respect” for the move, calling it impactful. This follows his warnings of potential US military action if repression escalated.
US aviation authorities warned airlines to “exercise caution” over Mexico, Central America, Panama, and parts of South America due to military activities and potential GPS interference, issuing 60-day Notices to Airmen. The advisory follows a US raid capturing Venezuela’s Maduro, while Trump suggested possible land strikes against Mexican drug cartels.
IndiGo has processed refunds for passengers affected by flight cancellations between December 3 and 5, the DGCA said. The airline also offered two ₹5,000 travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture. However, passengers continue to flag refund delays on social media. The DGCA has reviewed the disruptions and submitted a report, with action under consideration.
West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari filed a ₹100-crore defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of falsely linking him to a coal scam. He moved Alipore court after she failed to reply to his legal notice. Adhikari said Banerjee offered no evidence and warned any damages awarded would be donated to charity.
The BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena are set to capture the BMC with 117 of 227 seats, ending the Thackerays’ decades-long control. BJP leads in 88 wards but needs Shinde’s 29 to govern, giving him kingmaker leverage. Shinde may demand the mayor’s post, citing Sena legacy, possibly through a 2.5-year power-sharing deal with the […]
PM Modi will visit West Bengal and Assam today and on Jan 18 to launch major rail and road projects. He will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and new Amrit Bharat Express services. He will also attend a Bodo cultural event in Assam and lay the foundation for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor […]