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Delhi and NCR experienced an unexpected rain spell early today, intensifying the cold wave with minimum temperatures around 5°C. Despite rainfall, air quality remained ‘very poor,’ with AQI at 321. Anand Vihar hit 385, Chandni Chowk 335, Dwarka 346, and Noida 370. Pollution levels showed little improvement across the capital and neighboring NCR cities.
An earthquake measuring 5.3 in magnitude struck Tajikistan today, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported. The tremor occurred at a depth of 110 km. Sharing the details on X, the NCS stated: “EQ of M: 5.3, On: 09/01/2026, Lat: 38.26 N, Long: 73.42 E, Depth: 110 Km, Location: Tajikistan,” confirming the occurrence of the […]
Calcutta High Court will hear three parallel petitions today over ED raids at I-PAC offices and Pratik Jain’s residence. ED accuses CM Mamata Banerjee of obstructing officials, while Jain and TMC counter, alleging political motive. ED says raids relate to a coal-smuggling probe. TMC plans protests. Justice Suvra Ghosh will hear the matter today.
US President Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will come to Washington next week and he looks forward to meeting her, following US strikes that captured President Nicolas Maduro. Trump said Venezuela must be rebuilt before elections and plans to meet oil executives to revive its industry with major US investment.
US President Donald Trump said his “own morality…my own mind” is the only thing that can stop him from using US military power globally, dismissing the need for international law in an interview, remarks coming after a rapid military operation to topple Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and amid threats toward other countries and Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland’s envoys in Washington are urging US lawmakers and Trump administration officials to reject President Trump’s “takeover” plan for Greenland. Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen and Jacob Isbosethsen met National Security Council officials and US lawmakers, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Danish officials next week.
Security was tightened at Kolkata’s Lok Bhavan after West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose received a threatening email warning of a blast. The Governor, under Z-plus security, is safeguarded by Bengal Police and CRPF. BJP criticized the state government’s law and order, while CM Mamata Banerjee alleged ED raids targeted party materials amid election tensions.
US federal agents shot and wounded two people in Portland, police said. Officers, not involved in the shooting, responded to afternoon calls, found a man and woman with gunshot wounds, applied tourniquets, and called emergency services. Both were hospitalized, conditions unknown. The incident follows a recent Minneapolis immigration officer shooting.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, serving a four-year sentence for prostitution-related crimes, sought a pardon from Trump, who said he would not grant clemency. Convicted last July of transporting people for prostitution, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering. Trump also rejected pardoning Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro during a newspaper interview.
US President Donald Trump blasted Republican senators who voted to advance a Senate resolution limiting his ability to conduct further military action without congressional approval, calling their move “stupidity” and saying they “should never be elected again.” Five GOP senators joined Democrats to curb Trump’s war powers after the Venezuela operation.
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.”