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As per the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, 2025 was Pakistan’s deadliest year in a decade. Violence, including terrorist attacks and clashes with security forces, killed 3,413 people, a 74% rise compared to 2024. Among the deceased, 2,138 were identified as terrorists. The surge highlights worsening security challenges in the country.
A severe cold wave has hit Odisha, with temperatures dropping to 0° in Similipal National Park. Bhubaneswar recorded 9.4°C, matching a 74-year-old record. The IMD warned of cold wave conditions in many districts till January 9. Several towns saw minimum temperatures below 10°C, badly affecting people, especially in rural and tribal areas.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced up to a 25% price cut on nearly 10,000 unsold flats in Ghaziabad to boost sales. The decision covers Housing Board and GDA projects. A new pricing model lowers costs and offers extra discounts for quick payments, giving relief to homebuyers facing high property prices.
Bihar’s Patna Civil Court was evacuated after bomb threat emails. Police, bomb disposal, and dog squads searched the premises but found nothing. Authorities are investigating the emails’ origins using CCTV and digital records. Security has been increased, and any attempts to create panic or disrupt court operations will face strict action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the death of Vedanta Group chairperson Anil Agarwal’s son, Agnivesh Agarwal, who passed away at 49 following a cardiac arrest. Taking to “X,” he described the news as “shocking and saddening,” prayed for strength and courage for the grieving family, and concluded his message with “Om Shanti.”
Renowned Hindi writer Gyanranjan, aged 90, passed away in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, after age-related health issues. He was a professor, editor of ‘Pahal’, and author of popular works like ‘Kabadkhana’. He received multiple literary awards, including Sahitya Bhushan. Survived by his wife and two children, his last rites will be held at Gaurighat Muktidham.
The Supreme Court today resumed hearings on stray dogs, focusing on risks and civic lapses. The bench clarified it hadn’t ordered all street dogs removed, only from institutions, and stressed ABC Rule compliance. Highlighting rising dog bites and recent accidents involving judges, the court emphasized public safety and the need for strict action by authorities.
A birthday outing turned tragic near Hyderabad when an SUV rammed into a tree in Rangareddy’s Mokila, killing four students, Surya Teja, Sri Nikhil, Rohit, and Sumeet, and the driver celebrating his birthday. A fifth student, Nakshatra, was critically injured. Police are investigating speed and possible drunk driving, and bodies were taken for post-mortem.
After a 23-day break, female doctor Nusrat Parveen has returned to work in Bihar. Her appointment term had already been extended twice, with January 7 set as her final reporting date. In December 2025, she faced criticism after the Chief Minister allegedly pulled her hijab during an appointment ceremony, keeping her away from duties temporarily.
The Telangana High Court rejected a husband’s divorce petition, in which he claimed his wife didn’t cook or help coordinate household chores with his mother. The husband, a lawyer, argued this caused mental cruelty. The court ruled that not cooking or coordinating housework is ‘not mental cruelty’, and dismissed his petition.
PM Modi recalled the 1026 attack and subsequent assaults on the temple, saying they failed to weaken faith and instead strengthened India’s cultural unity ahead of his January 11 Somnath visit for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. He said repeated reconstructions symbolise unbroken civilisation, honouring generations who upheld values and national unity and pride.
Twelve newly elected Ambernath Municipal Council councillors, suspended by Congress for backing the BJP post-polls, have formally joined the saffron party. BJP Maharashtra chief Ravindra Chavan announced the move, saying it was driven by a commitment to development, not power, and faith in the government’s ability to deliver justice and growth to citizens.
Bangladesh will import 180,000 tonnes of diesel from India’s Numaligarh Refinery for 14.62 billion Taka until December. The state-run BPC will manage payments partly directly and partly via loans. Diesel will travel through the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline. The deal, part of a 15-year agreement, includes a base price plus market-linked premium.
The Supreme Court will continue hearing the stray dog case, focusing on rising dog bites and poor rule implementation by states. The court warned of strict action against non-compliance and said stray animals cause accidents and deaths. Authorities shared updates on highway safety, while animal welfare groups stressed sterilization as the only long-term solution.
The three-day ‘Avakai-Amaravati’ festival, showcasing Telugu cinema, culture, arts and literature, begins today in Vijayawada. AP CM Chandrababu will inaugurate the celebrations at Punnamighat at 5 pm, with Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and other ministers attending. As part of the event, the CM will also flag off houseboat services on the Krishna River.