The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on January 28 and continue till April 2, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Friday, setting the stage for the presentation and passage of the Union Budget on February 1.

In a post on social media platform X, Rijiju said the session had been convened following the President’s approval.

“On the recommendation of the Government of India, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the summoning of both Houses of Parliament for the Budget Session 2026,” he said, adding that the session would begin on January 28 and conclude on April 2.

The session will open with the President addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on January 28. The Economic Survey is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on January 29.

The Budget Session marks a significant milestone for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will present her eighth consecutive Union Budget, outlining the nation’s fiscal roadmap and policy priorities.

The session will break for a recess on February 13 to allow parliamentary standing committees time to scrutinise the demands for grants of various ministries. The second phase of the session will resume on March 9 and continue until the final adjournment on April 2.

Emphasising the importance of the session, Minister Rijiju described the coming weeks as a crucial opportunity for “meaningful debate and people-centric governance.”

Beyond the presentation of the Budget, the session is expected to be a busy legislative period, with lawmakers deliberating on the Finance Bill and the Appropriation Bill—both essential for authorising government expenditure—along with a review of the country’s overall economic performance.

With several key legislative proposals also likely to be introduced, the Budget Session is set to play a critical role in shaping India’s economic and policy landscape for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Friday issued closure directions to 16 industrial units located across the National Capital Region (NCR) after detailed inspections revealed gross and persistent violations.

These inspections were carried out as part of the Commission’s continuous and intensified enforcement drive to curb air pollution and ensure strict compliance with statutory directions.

“Of the 16 industrial units, one is located in Uttar Pradesh (NCR), one in Rajasthan (NCR) and the remaining 14 units are in Sonipat district of Haryana,” the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on Friday.

The inspections revealed a range of serious environmental violations, including establishment and operation without obtaining mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), as mandated under extant statutes; non-installation or non-functioning of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs); use of unapproved fuels; operation of units during restricted periods under GRAP; non-compliance of diesel generator (DG) sets with prescribed norms and visible smoke and emissions from industrial processes.

In several cases, the units were found operating in blatant disregard of extant statutes, statutory directions and environmental norms.

The CAQM has taken a serious view of these lapses and has directed the immediate closure of the defaulting units until requisite compliance with extant statutes and statutory directions is attained.

The Commission reiterated that non-compliance will not be tolerated and that strict enforcement actions, including closure and other penal actions as per law, shall continue against defaulting industrial units.

All industries operating in the NCR are once again urged to strictly adhere to prescribed environmental norms, ensure proper installation and operation of APCDs and ensure compliance at all times.

Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is participating in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from January 10-18.

The 9-day mega fair is being organised by the National Book Trust, an autonomous organisation of the Government of India under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organisation.

Aligning with the Book Fair’s theme of “Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @ 75”, Publications Division is set to captivate visitors and book lovers with a diverse array of books in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages.

The books in the offering are bound to enrapture the minds of the bibliophiles visiting the fair.

The display also includes books on diverse topics such as art and culture, history, cinema, personalities and biographies, land and people, Gandhian literature and children’s literature, among others.

The Division’s premium range of books comprises ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan Series’, ‘Selected Speeches of President, Vice President and Prime Minister’, ‘The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi’ and ‘Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya’ etc.

In addition to its riveting selection of books, Publications Division is also showcasing its popular and widely circulated journals Yojana, Kurukshetra, Aajkal, and Bal Bharti at the fair.

Visitors can also purchase annual subscriptions of journals and Employment News/Rozgar Samachar published by the Division.

The New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the most awaited events of the publishing world, which attracts participation from major publishing houses across the globe.

Besides grabbing their favorite reads, the visitors can also witness various other activities taking place on the sidelines of the fair, such as Author’s Connect, Yuva Corner, Child Authors’ Corner and other cultural events.

The Publications Division will be showcasing its books and journals at Stall Number D-08, Hall Number 5, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

A joint team of the Surveillance Unit of West Lucknow and Police Station Chowk has arrested a wanted KGMU doctor carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head for allegedly committing serious crimes, including repeated rape on the pretext of marriage, forcing abortion without consent, and coercing religious conversion.

Acting on the orders of the Police Commissioner, Lucknow, and under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vishwajeet Srivastava and Additional DCP Dhananjay Singh Kushwaha, the operation was carried out under the guidance of ACP Chowk Rajkumar Singh. The arrest was led by Inspector-in-Charge Chowk, Nagesh Upadhyay.

On December 23, 2025, the victim, a junior female medical student at KGMU, Lucknow, filed a complaint alleging that her senior doctor had established physical relations with her by promising marriage. She further alleged that the accused forced her to undergo an abortion without her consent and pressured her to convert her religion. Based on this complaint, Case Crime No. 302/2025 was registered at Police Station Chowk under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, against accused Dr Ramizuddin Nayak alias Ramiz, son of Salimuddin.

During investigation, it emerged that the accused had committed similar offenses against another female medical student, including rape, forced abortion, and religious conversion. Evidence also revealed the involvement of the accused’s family members in pressuring the victim and attempting to forcibly arrange her marriage with the accused’s son. Consequently, additional serious sections of law were added to the case.

Earlier on January 5, 2026, the accused’s parents — Salimuddin (approx. 70 years) and Khateeba (approx. 67 years), residents of Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand — were arrested and sent to judicial custody.

The main accused, Dr Ramizuddin Nayak alias Ramiz (31), a habitual and cunning offender, had been absconding continuously since the registration of the case. Due to his prolonged evasion, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime and Headquarters), Lucknow, had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest.

Based on information from informers and electronic surveillance, the joint police team arrested the wanted accused on Friday, at around 2:40 PM near the City Station gate in Lucknow. At the time of arrest, he was residing in a rented flat in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow, while his permanent address is in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh.

Further legal proceedings are underway, and information regarding other criminal cases registered against the accused is being collected.

As many as 38 men’s and 38 women’s teams from 26 states, six Union Territories, four institutional units and three associate member associations will compete in the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (2025–26), scheduled from January 11 to 15 at the Railway Stadium in Kazipet, Telangana.

This year, the Central Armed Police Forces will field a combined CAPFs team, with players from ITBP and SSB competing together in both men’s and women’s categories. The All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) team will comprise players from state police forces of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

The participating Union Territories are Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Chandigarh and Ladakh. Institutional teams include Airports Authority of India (AAI), Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), AIPSCB and CAPFs, while Kolhapur, Vidarbha and Madhya Bharat will compete as Associate Member Associations.

“Best talents from all across the nation are competing in the Senior Nationals. Kho Kho is a modern competitive global sport that offers unmatched thrill and action-packed entertainment,” said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

The championship will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals on January 14, and semifinals and finals on January 15. Matches will be played in morning and afternoon sessions under floodlights across six courts, including four mat courts.

The 57th edition, held at Puri last year, saw RSPB win the men’s title and Maharashtra clinch the women’s crown.

Star shuttler PV Sindhu carried valuable momentum into the upcoming India Open by advancing to the semifinals of the women’s singles at the Malaysia Open after her quarterfinal clash against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi was abruptly ended, following an injury retirement by her opponent at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu was firmly in control, leading 21-11, when reigning world champion Yamaguchi, hampered by a knee injury, informed the chair umpire that she could not continue. The Japanese player, who walked in wearing a knee brace, struggled with movement from the outset as Sindhu raced to a 10-2 lead and dictated the rallies.

Although Yamaguchi attempted to slow the Indian down by pushing her deep into the backcourt, her limited mobility and mounting unforced errors prevented any sustained comeback. Sindhu needed just 12 minutes to pocket the opening game before her opponent conceded, handing the Indian her first Super 1000 semifinal appearance in three years.

The result comes at an opportune time for Sindhu, who is sharpening her form ahead of the India Open, where she will be looking to build on this encouraging run. The semifinal spot in Kuala Lumpur is also her first at the Malaysia Open in eight years, underlining a timely resurgence as the BWF World Tour moves to home soil next.

Sindhu will face either Indonesia’s sixth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani or second-seeded Chinese Wang Zhi Yi for a place in the final.

Earlier in the tournament, Sindhu had defeated 19-year-old Japanese shuttler Tomoka Miyazaki 21-8, 21-13 in just 33 minutes, marking her first Super 1000 quarterfinal of the season and setting the tone for a confidence-boosting week ahead of the India Open.

Later on Friday, India’s top pairing of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy will also look to carry form into the India Open as they take on Indonesia’s sixth-seeded duo Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the quarters.

The third-seeded Indians reached the quarterfinals with a solid 21-18, 21-11 win over Malaysia’s Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap in 39 minutes on Thursday, extending their head-to-head advantage over the Malaysians to 4–0.

India’s campaign in Kuala Lumpur, however, saw an early setback in women’s doubles, with Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand suffering a first-round exit. The Indian pair went down 21-9, 21-23, 21-19 to Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspita Sari on Wednesday.

Authorities in Ayodhya have completely banned the sale of non-vegetarian food items within the perimeter of the Ram Temple and the Panchkosi Parikrama route.

This ban will now not only apply to hotels, restaurants, and shops, but also to online food delivery companies.

The administration has informed hotel owners, shopkeepers, guest houses, homestays, and online food delivery companies about the order and has warned of strict action against those who violate the rules.

Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh said here on Friday that the sale of non-vegetarian food was already banned in and around the Ram Temple area, but some hotels, guest houses, and homestays were not complying.

Complaints were received that tourists were being served non-vegetarian food ordered through online delivery services, he said.

In light of this, the administration has now also banned online delivery of non-vegetarian food in the Ram Temple area and its surroundings. All concerned establishments and online delivery companies have been informed of this order. The administration will strictly enforce this order, conduct regular monitoring, and take strong action against violators, the official said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said here on Friday that workers of both NCPs, led by himself as well as his uncle Sharad Pawar, wish to “reunite” and that tensions within the Pawar family have been “sorted out”, six days ahead of the municipal elections scheduled to begin on January 15.

“Workers of both parties want to unite. The two NCPs are together now. All tensions in our family have ended,” Ajit Pawar told media persons on Friday evening, adding that the two parties have decided to jointly contest the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation election.

NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar’s cousin, also confirmed that the two NCPs have come together for the Pimpri-Chinchwad polls, responding to demands by party workers. She, however, said, “There has been no discussion on whether this alliance with Ajit Pawar will continue.”

Ajit Pawar and his cousin Supriya Sule, who is the working president of Sharad Pawar group, will appear together for the first time on Saturday to unveil a joint manifesto of both the NCPs for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections.

“We can understand that the absence of Sharad Pawar NCP leaders in the election campaign was sending a wrong message among party workers and voters. Now, this will end as NCP chief Ajit Pawar, along with Sule, will together unveil the alliance’s election manifesto. This is the first time that the two will be sharing the political stage after the party split a few years ago,” Pune NCP executive chief Pradeep Deshmukh said.

Supriya Sule also refuted rumours of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP joining Maharashtra’s BJP-led government and her taking charge as a minister at the Centre. “Let those who are happy with such rumours spread it,” she said.

Sule went on to attack the BJP for “sowing the seeds of divisions among small parties to break them”. She criticised the developments in West Bengal where the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the political consultancy firm I-PAC.

“Pollution, potholes and traffic problems are at their peak in Mumbai. No work has been done on the ground. The public and voters are troubled by the mismatched alliances happening in Maharashtra. How are so many leaders being elected unopposed? This is a disturbing trend,” Supriya Sule told media persons.

Odisha has become the second state after Rajasthan to offer a high level of transparency in grid substation and bay availability with the launch of the Odisha Grid Insight (OGrI) Portal (ogri.optcl.co.in), providing a transparent and unified digital view of the state’s transmission network.

The OGrI Portal offers comprehensive technical and geographical information on all 201 grid substations across Odisha. For DISCOMs and power generation companies, the portal provides valuable insights into installed transformation capacity, existing load, available margins, spare bay availability, and power take-off arrangements, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, who launched the portal, said on Friday.

With the integration of the SANJOG application, the portal will function as a single unified platform for DISCOMs to avail new 33 kV connections in a more informed, transparent, and efficient manner. Beyond the power sector, the portal will greatly benefit investors and industrial units by offering authentic and reliable information on power availability at various locations across the state, thereby enabling informed and timely investment decisions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the OGrI Portal reflects the state government’s commitment to transparency, system efficiency, and ease of doing business in the power sector. He emphasised that such digital initiatives will strengthen coordination among transmission, generation, and distribution utilities, leading to a reliable power supply and sustainable growth of Odisha’s energy ecosystem.

The event was also attended by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Chairman and Managing Director of Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), along with senior officers from OPTCL.

Days after the National Medical Commission (NMC) withdrew permission to run the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board medical college here, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing and proposed health infrastructure projects across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that strengthening healthcare facilities remains a top public service priority of the government.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Director, SKIMS; Managing Director, NHM; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Directors of Health Services, Kashmir and Jammu; Managing Director, HSCC; Chief Engineers of R&B; and other senior officers.

The review covered a wide spectrum of projects being executed by the Health and Medical Education Department, including works related to Government Medical Colleges, SKIMS, Dental Colleges, Health Services, SASCI projects, and flagship centrally sponsored schemes such as PM-ABHIM and ECRP-II.

Undertaking a comprehensive project-wise review, the Chief Secretary examined the physical and financial progress, utilisation of funds, and issues hampering timely execution. He issued directions to expedite approvals, resolve inter-departmental bottlenecks—particularly those related to land and utilities—and ensure strict adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Anil Kumar Singh took note of project-wise deadlines and issued on-the-spot directions to Chief Engineers to resolve site-specific bottlenecks to ensure uninterrupted progress of works. Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, presented an overview of progress achieved since the last review meeting and outlined the department’s mechanism for regular monitoring of projects.

A detailed review was conducted of major infrastructure projects at Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar and their associated hospitals, including the construction of the Bone and Joint Hospital, Jammu, and the expansion of tertiary care facilities. The progress of works at Indira Gandhi Government Dental College and Hospital, Jammu, was also reviewed, with emphasis on strengthening dental education and patient care infrastructure.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of new Government Medical Colleges at Anantnag, Doda, Kathua, Udhampur and Handwara, directing executing agencies to strictly adhere to approved timelines. At GMC Anantnag, the construction of a 249-bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital at MMABM Associated Hospital was discussed.

At GMC Udhampur, issues related to space constraints for a sanctioned 50-bedded Critical Care Block under ECRP-II were reviewed. Directions were issued for early completion of NOC formalities for the transfer of ITI land and buildings to facilitate hospital expansion. Infrastructure works at GMC Rajouri, including parking facilities, strengthening of electrical systems, and hostels for resident doctors, were also reviewed.

Critical tertiary care infrastructure projects at SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, were discussed, with the Chief Secretary directing that these high-value projects be executed seamlessly to support advanced healthcare delivery in the Valley.

Under Health Services, major works—including the 100-bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital at Lamberi (Rajouri), upgradation of SDH Billawar to 100 beds, a 50-bedded hospital at Sunderbani, upgradation of the 100-bedded hospital at Nowshera, and the 125-bedded District Hospital at Reshipora, Budgam—were reviewed. It was noted that these projects would significantly strengthen secondary- and district-level healthcare services across J&K.

The Chief Secretary directed the department to rationalise non-starter and slow-moving projects, drop unviable works after due approval, and re-propose them under appropriate funding windows to prevent blockage of funds.

A detailed presentation was also made by HSCC on the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and ECRP-II. Reiterating that timely completion of health infrastructure projects is crucial for improving service delivery, the Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination to ensure tangible outcomes on the ground and meet deadlines without delay.

The Kochi unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday registered an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report), under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). in the Sabarimala temple gold heist after the Union government gave its consent on Thursday.

The Central probe agency is expected to name all those currently under investigation by the SIT as accused. The ED has filed a case against more than 15 people, including former Devaswom presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu. Thantri Rajeevaru, who was arrested by the SIT on Friday, will also be included in the ED’s list of accused.

So far, the SIT arrested 12 accused, all currently in judicial custody.

By invoking the provisions of the PMLA, the ED has widened the scope of investigation to trace the alleged proceeds of crime and examine possible money laundering. The agency is expected to move swiftly to complete initial procedures, including the freezing of assets linked to the accused.

Earlier, the SIT handed over the FIR-related documents and witness statements to the ED following directions from the Kollam Vigilance Court.

The ED had received information that a large amount of black money was involved in the Sabarimala gold loot. It suspects not only domestic laundering of the proceeds of the crime but also possible international transactions linked to the gold misappropriation.

The timing of the ED’s action has attracted attention from political circles, as it comes close to the build-up to the next Assembly elections. Political observers say further action, including property attachment or custodial interrogation, could have wider political implications in the state.

Barely hours before the National Rover–Ranger Jamboree formally got underway in Balod district, a simmering leadership dispute within the ruling BJP over the post of State President of Bharat Scouts and Guides took a decisive turn, even as it continued to cast a political shadow over the prestigious youth event.

The controversy, which has already reached the Chhattisgarh High Court, saw a clear intervention on Friday from the national leadership of the scouting body, seeking to draw a line under competing claims.

The five-day national jamboree, scheduled from January 9 to 13 at Dudhli (Malighori) village in Balod, is hosting nearly 15,000 Rover–Rangers from across India and abroad.

Conceived as a celebration of discipline, leadership and service, the event instead became the backdrop for an intense power struggle within the BJP, pitching School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav against senior party leader and Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal over who lawfully heads the state unit of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

The flashpoint was an order issued on December 13, 2025, declaring the serving Education Minister as the ex-officio president of the Chhattisgarh State Council of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Agrawal, a former education minister and BJP MP, challenged the move, asserting that he continued to be the validly elected president under the organisation’s bylaws and that his removal was “unconstitutional and unilateral”.

He subsequently moved the Chhattisgarh High Court, citing provisions that, according to him, guarantee a five-year tenure to a duly approved state president. His petition also questioned the shifting of the jamboree venue from Nava Raipur to Balod, alleging the decision bypassed statutory procedures.

The dispute spilled into the public domain earlier this week when reports surfaced suggesting the programme had been deferred. Within hours, a post welcoming Rover–Rangers appeared on the official X handle of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, only to be deleted later amid online backlash, an episode widely seen as exposing internal dissonance within the BJP.

Amid this backdrop, the national organisation stepped in.

Addressing the media at the jamboree venue on Friday, National President Anil Jain categorically rejected claims of an elected state presidency in Chhattisgarh. He clarified that under the Scouts and Guides rules applicable in the state, the post of State President is ex-officio and automatically vested in the serving School Education Minister. “When Brijmohan Agrawal was Education Minister, he held the post by virtue of that office. At present, the responsibility legally lies with Minister Gajendra Yadav,” Dr Jain said.

He further dismissed assertions of a separate election, stating that no observer had been appointed by the national body and no authorised electoral process had taken place. “Without a recognised procedure, claims of an election cannot be treated as valid,” he said, adding that the matter had already been discussed with Governor Ramen Deka and the Chief Minister.

On Agrawal’s decision to approach the High Court, Dr. Jain maintained that seeking judicial remedy was a constitutional right.

Parallel to the leadership tussle, the Congress sharpened its attack on the government, alleging financial irregularities in the organisation of the jamboree.

Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel claimed that works worth nearly Rs 5 crore were executed without proper tendering. The party’s state communication head, Sushil Anand Shukla, alleged that eligibility conditions in a reissued tender were diluted to favour select contractors.

The Youth Congress staged a symbolic protest at the venue using mock currency notes to underline its allegations.

On the ground, however, the administration insists the event is fully prepared. Spread over nearly 150 acres, the campsite features more than 2,000 tents, eight large domes, a 30-bed temporary hospital, around 9,000 toilets and 500 bathing units. Officials say over 10,000 Rover–Rangers had already arrived by Friday, with security, health and logistics arrangements in place.

With the High Court yet to pronounce on the legal challenge and political rhetoric still simmering, the national jamboree has become a test not only of organisational capacity but also of political management. While the national leadership’s clarification has brought institutional clarity, whether the event can remain focused on its core purpose, or continue to be overshadowed by courtroom proceedings and political crossfire, will be closely watched in the days ahead.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said his government does not want to enter into conflicts with neighbouring states over water and prefers resolving ongoing inter-state disputes through dialogue rather than litigation.

He appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu not to oppose irrigation projects on the Krishna river in Telangana that were cleared during the period of the unified state, as objections were delaying funds and approvals.

The Chief Minister also urged political representatives of both Telugu states to keep water issues above politics.

Revanth Reddy was speaking at the inauguration of a manufacturing unit in E-City at Raviryal in Maheshwaram mandal of Ranga Reddy district, where he addressed the water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

He said, “Telangana does not desire disputes with neighbouring states. Instead of taking matters to courts or elsewhere for arbitration, we should sit together and resolve issues through discussions. Telangana seeks a permanent solution to water disputes. For development to take place, cooperation and harmony with neighbouring states are essential. Everyone should work together for a solution beyond politics.”

He appealed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu not to create hurdles for projects on the Krishna river that were approved before the reorganisation of the state in 2014.

He said objections were being raised by Andhra Pradesh to projects such as Palamuru–Ranga Reddy, Kalwakurthy, Dindi, SLBC, Bhima and Nettampadu. Due to these objections, funds and approvals from the Centre were being delayed, placing a financial strain on the Telangana government.

Taking a swipe at his predecessor K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who had often adopted a belligerent stand on water issues, Revanth Reddy said his government was focused on the welfare of people and farmers rather than political gains.

Notably, BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao had recently targeted N. Chandrababu Naidu for opposing Telangana’s irrigation projects, while YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had also accused the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister of remaining silent when Telangana was drawing more water.

The Chief Minister pointed out that landlocked Telangana lacks port connectivity and is seeking approval for a 12-lane greenfield expressway and railway connectivity to Machilipatnam port in Andhra Pradesh.

Similarly, he said Andhra Pradesh would require Telangana’s cooperation for the development of Amaravati. Revanth Reddy added that Telangana was keen on ensuring mutual cooperation with neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said there was no need for disputes between his state and Telangana over water that was flowing into the sea.

Speaking at a village in East Godavari district he rued that some people focus on controversies instead of water.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residence and office of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s Nagpur district president, Uttam Kapse, and other Nagpur-based Sena leaders on Friday, in connection with a 2021 sand smuggling case, sources said.

Though the ED raids began on Friday morning, the ED did not officially confirm the names of those raided till late evening.

Significantly, the ED raid came exactly six days before the municipal corporation elections are set to begin on January 15, and according to political observers, the ED raid is a setback to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, though the political implications are still clear.

Interestingly, some of the individuals whose premises were searched are allegedly linked to Congress leader and former minister Sunil Kedar.

The raid, which began at 5 am, was conducted by 10 teams of ED from Nagpur and Delhi. Premises belonging to Uttam Kapse, Prafulla Kapse, Vinod Gupta, Laxmikant Satpute, and Dadu Kolte in Saoner, besides offices as well as residences of Sharad Rai, Manoj Gaikwad in Patansawangi, and Amit Rai in Khapa, were raided by the ED, sources said.

According to sources, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at around 56 locations across Saoner, Khapa, Patansaongi, and nearby areas in Nagapur, targeting residences and business establishments of individuals suspected to be linked to illegal sand extraction and its financial network.

The 2021 sand smuggling case was registered during the tenure of the then Nagpur Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who had launched a crackdown on illegal sand mining operations in the district. Later, the case was transferred to the ED under provisions of money laundering laws, sources said.

Sources said that the ED is examining large-scale financial transactions, benami assets and alleged proceeds of crime linked to alleged illegal sand excavation. Documents, digital devices and other material evidence are believed to have been seized during the raids, sources said.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) at an electrifying DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

This is the first time that the WPL is being held in the January-February window. After winning the toss, skipper Smriti Mandhana said their overseas players will be Grace Harris, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, and Nadine de Klerk.

“Dew plays a huge role at this venue, especially in the second half, and it’s a ground where conditions can change quickly. We want to bowl tight lines early and restrict the opposition. It’s been amazing.

“The girls have gelled really well. It’s a young group, the overseas players have settled in nicely, and it’s been a fun environment. Everyone’s worked extremely hard, and we’re really excited to get started,” she said.

MI, the two-time winners, will be without the services of all-rounder Hayley Matthews due to illness, which means they will have a brand new opening combination in Nat Sciver-Brunt and G. Kamalini for starting their title defence.

“We were also looking to bowl first, considering the dew later on. But it’s the first game of the season, so we’ll see how things go. It’s been really good. We’ve been practising for the last 10 days, and everyone looks in good touch. We’ve got a well-balanced side, pretty similar to what we’ve had over the last three seasons, so we’re confident heading into the game,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Playing XIs:

Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini (wk), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, and Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today recommended that an inquiry must be initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.

The Chief Minister had recently met the victim’s parents, during which they requested a CBI investigation into the matter. “We thought that her parents were the most affected, and we should certainly hear them. I spoke with them, and they said that there should be a CBI investigation. Honouring this, we are recommending a CBI investigation into the matter,” Dhami said.

CM Dhami stated that the state government acted without any delay in this case with complete sensitivity and impartiality.

#WATCH | 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, “…We thought that her parents are the most affected and we should certainly hear them. I spoke with them, and they said that there should be a CBI investigation. Honouring this, we are… pic.twitter.com/pJ8xhX7Bme

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026

The ongoing investigation

At present, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman IPS officer is probing the case. All the accused in the case have been arrested.

After a thorough investigation by the SIT, charge sheets were filed against the accused. The trial court has awarded life imprisonment to the accused in the case.

Also, separate FIRs have been registered in connection with certain audio clips circulating on social media. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

The Chief Minister has reaffirmed that the state government’s intent is clear and no fact or evidence will be ignored.

A major strategy is emerging from the All India meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held here on Friday. The national executive meeting, chaired by Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, has been underway since early this week.

According to sources, the Sangh is now preparing to strengthen its presence and support Hindu organisations in neighboring countries where Hindus are a minority and face continuous threats. The Sangh has expressed deep concern over the declining Hindu population, particularly in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

During the meeting, data and discussions highlighted that the proportion of Hindus in the global population is decreasing. Top RSS officials deliberated that where Hindus are a minority, they are not organised, which makes them vulnerable to violence and persecution. Sources indicate that the Sangh will now work on the principle of “organisation wherever Hindus are a minority.”

The current situation in Bangladesh was the subject of extensive discussion at the meeting.

According to sources, the RSS is now planning to establish local-level volunteers and Hindu organisations in Bangladesh. The objective is to prepare local Hindus for self-defence during times of disaster or violence and to protect their cultural identity.

To implement this strategic initiative, senior RSS officials are likely to hold an important meeting with representatives of the Indian government soon. This meeting will discuss diplomatic and grassroots measures to protect Hindus in neighboring countries and prevent demographic imbalances.

The Sangh believes that if strong Hindu organisations are not established in these countries on time, the existence of Hindus there could be completely wiped out in the coming decades.

This meeting in Vrindavan has made it clear that the RSS is now expanding its action plan to protect the interests of Hindus not only in India but also globally.