Indian-American Pulkit Desai was sworn in as mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, becoming the township’s first Indian-American leader after a narrow election win. A US Marine veteran and tech professional, Desai pledged smart development, strong public services, transparency, and equal representation, calling the victory a historic milestone for the diverse community.
Pakistani weddings are catching the ‘Dhurandhar’ fever! A viral video shows women dancing to Ranveer Singh’s hit song Shararat, mimicking Ayesha Khan’s hook steps and costumes. Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ has gained global attention for its music and cast. The film’s sequel, ‘Dhurandhar 2: Revenge’, releases March 19, 2026.
Indian markets closed lower on Monday after a volatile session. Nifty erased early record gains to end at 26,250, while Sensex fell 322 points. IT and oil & gas stocks dragged indices amid mixed global cues. Realty, FMCG and consumer durables outperformed, while broader markets ended mixed.
Dry January is a health initiative where people avoid alcohol throughout January to reset their bodies after holiday excesses. Launched in Britain in 2010, it encourages reviewing drinking habits and reducing intake. Health experts note that many participants successfully quit alcohol or adopt healthier lifestyles during this month-long break.
The US has a long history of regime-change interventions, from Afghanistan and Iraq to Latin America, often followed by instability and conflict. Against this backdrop, Donald Trump’s reported military action in Venezuela, despite tactical success, revives concerns over America’s repeated failures to impose lasting political order after removing foreign leaders.
Special Chief Secretary M T Krishnababu said over 90 percent land acquisition for Bhogapuram Airport was completed before 2019. By 2019, 2,703 acres were acquired. About 200 acres were stuck in court cases, which were later resolved, clearing the path for the airport project to proceed smoothly. He clarified facts amid political debate and confusion.
Shreyas Iyer was named Mumbai captain for the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy after Shardul Thakur was ruled out injured. Iyer will lead the final two league games on January 6 and 8. His availability for knockouts is uncertain due to possible selection for India’s ODI series against New Zealand later this month abroad.
In Maharashtra’s Thane, a woman named Latabai murdered her daughter-in-law, Roopali, with an accomplice, to secure a government job and gratuity money after her son died. Latabai’s son Vilas, a railway employee, passed away. She demanded Rs 10 lakh gratuity and a job for her grandson. When Roopali refused, Latabai beat her on the head […]
Censor issues continue to delay Tamil Sankranthi releases Jana Nayagan and Parasakthi. Vijay’s Jana Nayagan awaits its Censor Certificate due to politically themed dialogues, affecting advance bookings. Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi faces objections over anti-Hindi content and is under review by the Revising Committee, leaving fans anxious days before release.
The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Prime Minister’s ceremonial chadar offering at Ajmer Dargah, calling the issue non-justiciable under Article 32. The CJI-led Bench advised petitioners to pursue their civil suit separately, clarifying its observations would not affect pending proceedings in Ajmer.
Andhra Pradesh Infrastructure Minister BC Janardhan Reddy said Bhogapuram Airport is a complete TDP achievement, crediting CM Chandrababu Naidu for vision, approvals, and execution. He accused YS Jagan and YSRCP of earlier opposing the project and now spreading lies, stating the coalition focuses on development while the previous regime caused destruction.
Allu Arjun has reportedly agreed to star in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s dream project, Irumbu Kai Mayavi. After two meetings, Bunny gave his nod, with pre-production starting in Hyderabad after Sankranthi. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film will begin shooting after October, once Allu Arjun completes Atlee’s project. An official announcement is expected soon.
Hyderabad’s Rangareddy Consumer Forum ordered Byju’s to pay Rs 71,000 to a student after failing to conduct promised online classes. The mother complained of delayed course start, recorded videos passed as live sessions, late tablet delivery, and unfulfilled EMI promises. The forum directed payment within 45 days with interest.
UP CM Yogi met PM Modi to discuss cabinet expansion, development plans and 2027 assembly elections. Talks also covered organisational changes after Pankaj Chaudhary became state BJP chief. Expansion is likely after Makar Sankranti, with political appointments and final ministerial reshuffle expected soon. This would be the last expansion before the polls.
India will introduce its first hydrogen-powered train in 2026 on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. Using fuel cell technology, it will operate with zero emissions while offering high speed and modern facilities. This initiative marks a major step toward cleaner rail transport and strengthens India’s commitment to environmental protection.