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.

REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has achieved an ‘Excellent’ MoU Rating for the financial year 2024–25, signed with the Holding company (i.e. Power Finance Corporation Limited). This rating is awarded by Department of Public Enterprises (“DPE”), Ministry of Finance, as per prescribed guidelines in this regard. This feat marks REC’s third consecutive year of achieving the ‘Excellent’ rating, underscoring its sustained operational and financial leadership.

The MoU framework is designed by Government of India to evaluate the performance of CPSEs s to assess their efficacy towards fulfilment of core objectives for which these have been constituted & aims to shift focus from effort-based assessments to actual economic performance, aligning with government priorities and shareholder interests. These parameters are carefully benchmarked against past performance, future projections, sectoral standards, and the vision of the administrative ministry i.e Ministry of Power.

The assessment highlights REC Limited’s robust financial health and superior asset quality. The evaluation was driven by several key operational pillars, including sustained financial performance, high operational efficiency, strong market competitiveness and ethical corporate conduct.

Further, DPE carries out annual exercise of Public Enterprise Survey wherein a summary of the financial performance of Central Public Sector Enterprises is captured. For FY 2024-25 report has been published by DPE and REC has achieved commendable position across various financial parameters as depicted, which reinstate our commitment for operational and financial performance.

With this validation of consistent performance, REC Limited continues to consolidate its position as a premier financier in the power sector, playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s power infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Adani Green Energy officially informed the stock exchange in a regulatory filing that its subsidiary, Adani Green Energy Twenty Five B Ltd, has entered into a Power Consumption Agreement (PCA) and a tripartite agreement to supply 20.8 MW of solar-wind hybrid power to Asahi India Glass Ltd.

The company stated that the power will be supplied from a solar-wind hybrid project comprising a 25 MW solar power plant unit and a 20.8 MW wind power plant unit, which are both located at Khavda, Gujarat.

According to the statement, Adani Green Energy Twenty Five B Limited and Adani Renewable Energy Holding Four Ltd also signed an investment agreement with Asahi India Glass Limited on January 7, 2026.

The deal was signed by Adani Renewable Energy Holding Four Ltd, Adani Green Energy Twenty Five B Ltd and Asahi India Glass Ltd.

As per the provisions of the power consumption agreement (PCA), Asahi Glass has agreed to subscribe to a minimum of 26% of the proportionate equity share capital related to the Adani project, in one or more tranches, to meet the Minimum Captive Shareholding requirement as per captive rules.

It may be recalled that during the company’s last investor call, Adani Green CEO Ashis Khanna had mentioned that the company is on track to achieve its targeted 50 GW capacity by 2030. He had stated that the company is progressing steadily in developing a renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat, comprising 7.1 GW of solar, wind, and hybrid assets, including 661 MW of group projects, which are already operational.

The company also informed the exchange about potential changes in the hybrid project’s Capital Utilisation Factor (CUF) based on solar-wind combination. Khanna stated that, overall, wind performance has changed only to a small extent in the current context, even though it is a few basis points lower.

The bodies of two Army porters were recovered on Friday from a nallah near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gulmarg area of north Kashmir, where they had slipped a day earlier.

The deceased have been identified as Liaqat Ahmad (27) and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana (33), both residents of Chadoosa in Baramulla district.

Their bodies were reportedly found near the Anita Sunshine Post in the trekking area of Gulmarg. Both victims are believed to have died on the spot after falling from a height.

The porters were attached to an Army unit and slipped into the nallah while en route to the Anita Post in the upper reaches of the Gulmarg area.

The role of Occupational Therapists in changing times and amidst lifestyle changes has assumed immense importance in the field of healthcare, Odisha’s minister for health and family welfare, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, said on Friday.

The central government had recognized the importance of occupational therapy by enacting the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act in 2021, and the Odisha government would take steps to frame cadre rules for physio and occupational therapists, Dr. Mahaling said while addressing the 63rd annual national conference of the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA), which began here.

The act is intended to ensure the regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals. The minister said, considering the importance of the role played by occupational therapists, the government would ensure employment of trained therapists.

Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Member of Lok Sabha, who attended the inaugural session as a guest of honour, underlined the need for strengthening the profession of Occupational Therapy and ensuring that the benefit reached those who needed it most.

“Occupational Therapy lies at the very heart of rehabilitation, helping individuals with functional limitations to lead lives of dignity, independence, productivity and purpose,” Dr. Tarai said.

“The conference had reinforced the important realization that though it had a rich legacy and deep-rooted relevance, it continued to remain outside the broader public consciousness. People are not aware of the vast scope of the transformative impact of Occupational Therapy,” he said.

“Despite its invaluable contribution to society, occupational therapy receives far less recognition than it truly deserves,” Dr. Tarai said while pointing out that a huge gap existed between trained manpower and service delivery, which needed to be bridged.

The theme of the conference is ‘Tradition to Technology: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Occupational Therapy,’ which reflects the profession’s commitment to integrating cultural values with modern technological advancements to enhance healthcare outcomes and rehabilitation.

Expressing deep concern over possible submergence of hundreds of villages in Odisha’s Malkangiri district due to Polavaram irrigation project, Opposition Biju Janata Dal on Friday took a dig at the double engine governments at the Centre and State, saying that it is insensitive towards people’s plight and warned that the party will take to the streets if the issue is not resolved by the authorities concerned.

The state government, which claims to be a people’s government, is completely insensitive towards the people of Malkangiri and Odisha, alleged Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, BJD while briefing reporters here today.

A BJD delegation visited the would-be-affected Motu area of Malkangiri district in August 2024 and the project site of the Polavaram Dam in September 2024.

Besides, in December 2024 and August 2025, the delegation met the Union Minister for Water Resources and raised concerns regarding the would-be-affected people of Malkangiri.

The delegation also met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and officials of the Central Water Commission, which is executing the project, he told the reporters.

As per the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal, the flood discharge capacity was 36 lakh cusecs, the dam height was 140 feet, and the maximum flood discharge level was 150 feet, he informed.

The maximum submergence level at Konta point was 174.22 feet, where the Saberi and Sileru rivers converge. However, in 2006, the project was unilaterally revised to 50 lakh cusecs without consultation with the affected states, including Odisha, regarding its impact on submergence levels, he further stated.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has kept the “Stop Work Order” in abeyance from time to time, without conducting any public hearing by the project authorities in the affected areas within the territory of Odisha.

At this backdrop, the then BJD Government of Odisha filed writ petition in 2007 before the Supreme Court opposing the construction of the Polavaram Project, challenging various clearances granted to this project in violation of standard norms.

Odisha also filed an application for amendment of the original suit in light of the declaration of the Polavaram Project as a National Project, he maintained.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh conducted a backwater study based on the revised flood discharge capacity of 50 lakh cusecs, and the submergence level at Konta was revised to 220 feet. Subsequently, the then Government of Odisha requested IIT Roorkee to conduct a backwater study.

IIT Roorkee reported that the flood discharge capacity would be 58 lakh cusecs, and the submergence level at Konta point would reach 232 feet.

Mishra further stated that the BJD has been continuously demanding a fresh backwater study to be conducted by an independent organization with adequate technical expertise, as the project’s scope has been revised. There are no valid environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the revised project parameters. BJD has also consistently raised concerns regarding the inadequacy of the proposed Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) plans for the tribal people.

A large number of primitive tribal people and their livelihoods would be adversely affected if the project is completed without addressing their concerns. Numerous forest resources, on which these primitive and other tribal groups depend for survival will also be destroyed, charged the BJD leaders, BJD MLA Manohar Randhari said.

The BJD has raised the issue repeatedly in Parliament and posed several questions to the concerned ministers. However, no satisfactory or concrete answers have been provided, raising doubts about the project’s intent and transparency, Subhashish Khuntia, BJD MP (Rajya Sabha) informed.

“In the last 18 months, how many letters has he written to the Union Ministers for Water Resources, Tribal Affairs, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, or to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Prime Minister of India?” BJD’s Media Coordinator Priyabrata Majhi asked.

The BJD leaders concluded that if the Double Engine Government fails to resolve the issues affecting the tribals and people of Malkangiri, the Biju Janata Dal will be compelled to take to the streets to fight for their rights and justice.

The Raja Saab Review: ‘The Raja Saab’ starring Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt has hit theatres. Originally, the film was set to clash with Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated ‘Jana Nayagan’. However, with ‘Jana Nayagan’ postponed, all eyes have now turned to ‘The Raja Saab’. This horror comedy gives you a mix of laughs and thrills.

When Prabhas first signed on, audiences were both curious and skeptical. Could the ‘Baahubali’ star pull off a horror comedy convincingly? He dedicatedly poured his energy into showcasing a softer, humorous side. And, under the guidance of director Maruthi Dasari, who has focused on timing and comedic delivery, Prabhas brings some kind of charm to the screen, even if it isn’t enough to elevate the movie to blockbuster status.

Also Read: Prabhas’s ‘The Raja Saab’ heads to Japan after India release

Unfortunately, the film struggles in storytelling. ‘The Raja Saab’ feels more like a series of ideas loosely tied together especially around the theme of hypnotism. The writing lacks cohesion, and the screenplay leaves much to be desired. Scenes often jump abruptly. Characters are introduced hastily and that too without proper narrative flow.

 

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The film’s budget of Rs. 400 crores is evident in its grandeur. But the VFX sometimes feels disconnected. And, there are instances where actors often tend to overact to compensate for weak script.

The comedy, though frequent, often veers into cringe territory. Performances by Malvika Mohan, Riddhi Kumar, Nithya Agarwal, Yogi Babu feel forced… as if their roles were added just for comic relief.

Another noticeable issue is the hero’s entry. In South Indian films, the protagonist’s grand entrance usually triggers excitement. But in ‘The Raja Saab’ Prabhas’s entry falls flat. This makes the opening feel slightly off. The cinematography doesn’t help either. Lighting appears awkward in several scenes which honestly is distracting at times.

Also Read: Nidhhi Agerwal mobbed at Hyderabad mall during song launch; police take suo motu action

That said, the film does have its moments, no lying. It stays true to its genre. It manages to offer some laugh-out-loud scenes even if some feel forced. The music is enjoyable and definitely adds energy to the film.

While first half struggles with pacing and narrative clarity, the climax is where ‘The Raja Saab’ redeems itself. The final sequence is grand. The visuals are impressive. Well-executed VFX is top-notch. Thrilling effects involving sand, water, crocodiles, giant monster add to the thrill. A surprising plot twist near the end gives the story a punch.

For Prabhas’s fans, ‘The Raja Saab’ is likely a one-time watch for pure entertainment. The songs are catchy. Prabhas delivers his signature charm. Climax provides the larger-than-life spectacle that viewers (and his fans) expect from him.

The journey to the climax can feel uneven. But the payoff is quite satisfying.

In the end, ‘The Raja Saab’ is a mixed bag. The film has its share of cringe moments. There are uneven storytelling and shaky visuals. But there is also fun and thrills.

Prabhas can explore new genres. He has that lighter, comedic side while staying true to his screen presence.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that several members of its Ashes-winning Test squad will return to action in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15, with a wave of international stars set to rejoin their franchises from Saturday.

A number of leading Australian players have made themselves available for selection from January 10.

Alex Carey is set to turn out for the Adelaide Strikers, while Brendan Doggett will bolster the Melbourne Renegades. Josh Inglis is due to link up with the Perth Scorchers, as Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne return to the Brisbane Heat.

The Sydney Sixers will welcome back Todd Murphy and Steve Smith, while Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster are set to feature for the Hobart Hurricanes.

Further reinforcements will follow later in the month, with Michael Neser expected to rejoin the Brisbane Heat from January 14 and Mitchell Starc scheduled to return to the Sydney Sixers on January 16.

However, not all Ashes participants will be available for the remainder of the BBL season. Scott Boland and Travis Head will sit out the rest of BBL 15 to prioritise recovery after featuring in all five Tests of the demanding Ashes series. Cameron Green also remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation following back surgery.

Boland shouldered a particularly heavy workload during the series, sending down 159.5 overs, while Head emerged as Australia’s leading run-scorer in the Ashes.

Cricket Australia stated that all players involved in the Test series will follow tailored recovery and preparation programmes, balancing rest with readiness for upcoming international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year. Where possible, CA aims to ensure Ashes players feature in the BBL across the coming weeks.

“The BBL 15 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues.

“We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night, following their Ashes series victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL.”

Cricket Australia’s General Manager of National Teams, Ben Oliver, echoed those sentiments, praising the squad’s efforts across a gruelling summer.

“We are immensely proud of the Australian men’s Test team and their outstanding achievement in winning the Ashes. A five-Test Ashes series is intense. The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management, which has enabled sustained performance through a demanding international schedule.

“We have worked with each player on individual plans to best support recovery from the Ashes and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL 15 season over the coming fortnight,” Oliver added.

India on Friday reiterated that there is no change in its position to keep the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Responding to a question on the IWT while addressing his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Indus Water Treaty remains in abeyance.”

The Treaty was suspended by New Delhi following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists.

India also took several other measures, including closure of trade and borders with Pakistan, expelling diplomats from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, and suspending visas of Pakistani nationals in India.

The Indus Water Treaty, which was signed in 1960, governs the sharing of the waters of six rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — between India and Pakistan.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday moved Calcutta High Court alleging obstruction during its search operation at the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC, triggering a fresh political storm in West Bengal.

Ahead of the hearing, Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari levelled explosive corruption allegations, claiming that Rs 16 crore of “tainted money” had been transferred to I-PAC’s bank account.

Describing the alleged interference during the ED raid as a “criminal offence”, Mr Adhikari demanded strict legal action. The ED had conducted searches at the I-PAC office on Thursday in connection with its probe into the coal smuggling case.

In its petition before the high court, the ED has sought judicial intervention, alleging that its officers were prevented from carrying out lawful duties. Mr Adhikari echoed the agency’s stand, asserting that the incident amounted to a serious violation of law. At a Press briefing on Friday morning, the BJP leader alleged that corruption linked to the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission was at the root of the case. According to him, West Bengal received nearly Rs 8,000 crore under the scheme, but “no meaningful work was done on the ground”.

He further claimed that in 2021, a private agency was awarded a contract worth Rs 170 crore, and from that amount, Rs 16 crore was allegedly transferred from a bank in Kakdwip to I-PAC’s account. Mr Adhikari even cited what he said were specific cheque numbers linked to the transaction.

The Opposition leader also sought to counter the Chief Minister’s claim that she had removed sensitive material from the ED’s possession. “She could not take away anything substantial. The proposed candidate list she mentioned is already with many people. As for the laptop she carried, nobody knows what it contained,” Mr Adhikari said.

Senior BJP MP and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today came down heavily on Ms Banerjee, calling her actions “irresponsible and unconstitutional”.

Ms Banerjee, however, defended her intervention, alleging misuse of central agencies. She questioned the ED’s authority to seize party documents, including hard disks, candidate lists and strategic data, and accused Union home minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a political vendetta. The legal and political battle is now set to intensify with the Calcutta High Court’s intervention.

The Congress party on Friday launched a stinging critique against the Union Home Ministry, alleging significant irregularities and a lack of transparency in the procurement of tableaux for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations in Gujarat.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, senior leader and Gujarat MP Shaktisinh Gohil claimed that the ministry bypassed standard open tendering processes to favor a select group of five firms for the ‘Ekta Parade.’

Gohil dismissed the government’s justification of a “paucity of time,” noting that preparations had been underway for over a year, and suggested that the restriction was a deliberate move to benefit specific entities, some of which reportedly share common ownership or familial links.

Central to the controversy is the appointment of Pankaj Modi, brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an “expert” tasked with finalizing the tableaux designs at a daily remuneration of 10,000.

Gohil questioned the criteria for this appointment and the sweeping authority granted to a single individual. He further detailed a history of alleged service rule violations during Pankaj Modi’s tenure in the Gujarat Information Department, claiming he received rapid, non-compliant promotions and an irregular indefinite re-appointment following his retirement in 2016.

While Gohil stated that Congress generally avoids involving the families of political opponents, he argued that the clear misuse of authority and public funds in this instance made the matter one of significant public interest that demanded accountability.

A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the spot of an Enforcement Directorate investigation and stormed off with a set of documents, the BJP started targeting her with questions about what it is that she is trying to hide. Describing the dramatic turn of events on Thursday in Kolkata as “unprecedented”, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad called Banerjee’s actions — “obstructing a Central agency in the course of a probe and snatching documents from the location of the probe” — were “unethical, irresponsible, and unconstitutional”.

Prasad also criticised the Trinamool Congress protests outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office. Following the ED raids at I-PAC — a political consultancy and election management company — the TMC stepped up its offensive against the Union government, with party leaders, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, staging a protest outside Shah’s office.

Banerjee has said that she would take to the streets to protest the BJP’s “blatant misuse of central agencies” and an “assault on democracy”.

In political circles, across party lines and rivals alike, the most common description for Banerjee is that she is a “fighter”. ‘Didi’, as she is known, is a fighter — someone who has taken on major national political streams, and won, emerging as the doughtiest Opposition face for the BJP behemoth

Observers say before this controversy and the visuals of her openly slamming the Centre, the multiple-time CM was struggling with several factors, including a massive anti-incumbency, playing against her. But the optics and the BJP publicly questioning Banerjee’s actions may have just given her what she needs the most — a fresh lease of life and an opportunity to do what she is best known for, fighting on the ground.

“In mind her past, she has the capability to turn adversities in her favour. In the present case, it is the context of the timing of the raids and the perception that powerful Central agencies are used in ways that question political impartiality. Along with the legal battle, it can be a new turning point in the tussle between opposition-ruled states and central authorities. Her defiance can be projected as a stand for federal fairness and protection of the democratic process,” they add.

According to the TMC, raids just months before West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly polls were an attempt to acquire electoral information that had no direct connection to the alleged money-laundering which the ED is saying — that the raids were linked to an illegal coal mining case that is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has denied that searches were politically driven and insisted they were part of a legitimate investigation under the PMLA.

Defending ED’s actions, Prasad also drew parallels to past investigations, like the fodder scam case involving former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, to wonder why the West Bengal CM reacted aggressively, instead of cooperating with officials and accused Banerjee of interfering with a central agency’s investigation.

“The entire action of the CM is not only unethical, irresponsible, and unconstitutional, but she has put the entire democratic process and governance to shame. The raid was on the premises of a private entity, not at the CM’s house or office or at her party office. Obviously, there was something sensitive enough at the location which Mamata Banerjee wanted to remove out of fear of implication. What was that,” Prasad asked, citing past instances to recount how the West Bengal CM has routinely blocked sensitive anti-corruption and anti-rape investigations in the state.

Visuals from the site of raids showed the CM walking out with a laptop, a green folder, and other materials.

Banerjee, who also used the opportunity to challenge the ED’s motives, accused the Central agency of trying to seize sensitive political data, including internal party strategy documents, candidate lists, and campaign material belonging to the TMC, as well as files used by I-PAC in its work with her party.

A 19-year-old girl was brutally stabbed in the neck and chest by her fiancé in Jabalpur town of Madhya Pradesh, after the girl called off the marriage due to an alleged demand of Rs five lakh dowry by the accused, who also abused the girl’s family sometime ago.

The girl succumbed to her injuries on Friday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The police have arrested the accused and an accomplice in the matter.

According to the police, the incident occurred in the Richaai industrial area under the jurisdiction of the Aadhartal police station on Thursday evening.

The victim, Richa Rajak, worked at a plastic factory in the industrial area. Family members told the police that Richa had known the accused Sahil Rajak for the past two years. The two families had no objection to their marriage, as both belonged to the same community.

They were engaged about two months ago, and the wedding was fixed for February this year.

However, it is alleged that Sahil began demanding Rs five lakh in dowry. He is also accused of abusing the girl’s parents and other family members.

Consequently, Richa called off her marriage with Sahil some days ago. Enraged at that, the jilted Sahil allegedly began threatening her on the phone.

On late Thursday evening, when Richa was walking towards home from work, Sahil accosted her on the way and tried to talk to her. Sahil’s friend Ajay Singh Thakur was also with him and both were on a motorcycle.

However, when Richa refused to talk, Sahil took out a knife and stabbed her thrice in the neck and chest. She fell on the road bleeding profusely, while Sahil and Ajay fled on their bike, even as some eyewitnesses tried to stop them.

The girl was rushed in a critical condition to a hospital, but she died during treatment today afternoon.

According to ASP Jitendra Singh, the police launched a hunt for the accused and arrested Sahil and Ajay this morning. The ASP said that police also recovered the knife and the bike used in the incident by the accused.

The official said further investigations are on in the matter.

Russia has carried out another massive attack on Ukraine with 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, and 22 cruise missiles. Notably, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile was also used by Russia in this latest strike on Ukraine. Russia’s Defence Ministry has confirmed the use of the new ballistic missile in the attack.

Russia says that the launch of the hypersonic missile was in retaliation for the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month. However, Ukraine has consistently dismissed the allegation as false.

In the overnight aerial assault, Russia targeted Ukraine’s drone production facilities and energy infrastructure.

The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing for the last four years.

LOUD BOOMS LIGHT UP night sky — unconfirmed reports of strikes near Lvov natural gas storage facility https://t.co/xSKfhnFQeh pic.twitter.com/hQRDEyKP7U

— RT (@RT_com) January 9, 2026

World must react, says Zelenskyy

Condemning the killings and the destruction of the Ukrainian infrastructure, Zelenskyy called out global powers for stern action against Russia for choosing war over diplomacy. He said, “A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to.”

He reiterated that the United States must intervene, highlighting that Russia pays attention to what the US says. He said, “Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to. Russia must receive signals that it is its obligation to focus on diplomacy.”

He insisted that its partners must prioritise supporting the country’s air defence system. “Today’s strike also serves as a very loud reminder to all our partners that supporting Ukraine’s air defense is a permanent priority. Not a single day can be lost in deliveries, in production, or in agreements. Today, we will inform our partners at all levels about what has happened and what response measures we need. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!”

In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged. Recovery operations after the strikes also continue in the Lviv region and other regions of our… pic.twitter.com/AMkwfKHOkC

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 9, 2026

Four dead, several injured in the latest attack

Soon after the massive strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strikes heavily targeted Kyiv and several other regions in the country, killing four people and injuring dozens.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said the attack caused huge damage to civilian infrastructure, including twenty residential buildings and energy facilities in Kyiv and the surrounding region. He stressed that this was a second massive attack by Russia on a residential building while people were still coming to terms with the first attack recently.

“Unfortunately, as of now, it is known that four people have been killed in the capital alone. Among them is an ambulance crew member. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. There was also a second strike on one of the residential buildings – precisely at the moment when first responders were providing assistance after the first strike,” Zelenskyy stated in his post.

The Ukrainian President also confirmed that the building of the Embassy of Qatar in Ukraine was also damaged during the strike.

Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, lauded the significant infrastructure improvements in Uttar Pradesh, stating that the state has become a hub for the country’s largest expressway and railway network.

“The inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s electric bus manufacturing unit in Lucknow is a historic step not only for the company but also for the entire country towards sustainable and self-reliant mobility,” he said.

Kumaraswamy was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Ashok Leyland’s electric bus manufacturing unit in Lucknow on Friday.

The Steel Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has prepared a clear and ambitious roadmap towards realising the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaigns are being strengthened, especially in the advanced manufacturing sector, which will shape India’s industrial future in the coming years.

He informed that the Government of India, through the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has taken several important initiatives to promote electric vehicles. The FAME-II scheme, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. Under this scheme, more than 16.71 lakh electric vehicles have been put on the roads so far, and more than 9,000 public charging stations have been sanctioned. Similarly, continuous incentives are being provided for electric vehicles under the PM E-Drive scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore. Under this scheme, more than 20 lakh electric vehicles have been sold so far.

Kumaraswamy said that the PLI Auto scheme, with an outlay of ₹25,938 crore, has been implemented to strengthen the automobile sector, making domestic value addition mandatory. Additionally, the PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme, with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore, aims to develop 50 gigawatt-hours of battery manufacturing capacity in the country, a significant step towards long-term energy security.

He also mentioned the recently approved REMP scheme, which the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has sanctioned with a budgetary allocation of ₹70,280 crore. This scheme will promote the indigenous manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets, which are essential for critical sectors such as electric vehicles, wind energy, defence equipment, and electronics. The Union Minister stated that special attention to the commercial vehicle segment is crucial, as it contributes more than 40 percent to the total pollution from transportation.

Keeping this in mind, a provision of ₹2,000 crore has been made under the PM e-Drive scheme for the establishment of over 70,000 charging stations across the country.

Commending Ashok Leyland, he said that the company has set an example by establishing this state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in a record time of just 18 months.

The stock market on Friday ended lower for the fourth consecutive session. At close, the Sensex was down 604.72 points or 0.72% at 83,576.24, and the Nifty was down 193.55 points or 0.75% at 25,683.30.

In the last week, the benchmark indices corrected sharply. The Nifty ended 2.37% lower, while the Sensex was down by 2185 points.

The BSE Midcap index dropped 0.90% while the Smallcap index plunged 1.74%.

The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped to below Rs 468 lakh crore from over Rs 481 lakh crore.

Indian rupee ended lower by 14 paise at 90.16 per dollar against the previous close of 90.02.

Among the sectors, almost all the indices ended with losses except Nifty Oil and Gas, which was up by 0.40%, IT up by 0.28%, and PSU Bank up by 0.18%.

Nifty Realty fell 2.26%, which was followed by Auto, Consumer Durables, and FMCG falling over 1%. Nifty Financial Services also fell over 1%, while the Nifty Bank index dropped 0.73%.

On Nifty, the top gainers were Asian Paints up by 1.88%, ONGC up by 1.16%, and HCL Tech up by 0.94%. Those ended in the red were Adani Enterprises (2.59%), NTPC (2.29%), and Adani Ports (2.10%).

Out of 4,346 stocks traded on the BSE, 1,065 advanced, while 3,105 declined.

Some 176 stocks remained unchanged.

Nearly 73 stocks hit their 52-week highs, while as many as 326 stocks hit their 52-week lows on the BSE.

The key names on the highs included Eicher Motors, Indus Towers, and MTAR Technologies, while on the lows were ITC, UBL, Page Industries, and IRCTC.

Among some of the key performances, Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) hit a 10% lower circuit limit after reports of India’s plans to scrap curbs on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts.

Notably, the market sentiment remained weakened amid global headwinds. The Venezuela-US standoff, concerns over Russian oil imports, and continued FII outflows remained key focus areas.