Nine people, including eight security personnel and a driver, were killed after Naxalites detonated an IED on the Bedre-Kutru Road in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. The attack targeted two vehicles carrying soldiers returning from an anti-Naxal operation. Visuals showed devastating scenes, including dismembered bodies. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the "cowardly attack" and reaffirmed plans to eradicate Naxalism by 2026. Deputy CM Arun Sao and other officials assured that the personnel's sacrifice will not be in vain, pledging intensified action against Naxal groups. The incident follows recent encounters in the Bastar region, where multiple Naxalites were killed.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Suresh Chandrakar, the main accused in the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, during a late-night operation in Hyderabad on January 5. The case, which involves the journalist’s investigation into corruption in a Rs 120 crore road project, saw four arrests, including Suresh’s brother Ritesh, who reportedly arranged the meeting that led to Mukesh’s disappearance. Mukesh’s body was found two days later in a septic tank in Bijapur district. The SIT continues to investigate, with three bank accounts of Suresh seized.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was detained by Patna Police on Monday during his hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam. Kishor had been fasting since January 2 to protest the December 13 exam marred by alleged question paper leaks. The district administration deemed the protest "illegal," citing a Patna High Court order restricting protests to Gardani Bagh. Kishor was forcibly removed and taken to AIIMS amid "Vande Mataram" chants from supporters. Despite a retest conducted on January 4 for selected candidates, Kishor maintained his call for a complete cancellation of the exam.

Three crew members, including two pilots, lost their lives after a Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) crashed at Porbandar Airport, Gujarat, during a routine training sortie on Sunday. The crash occurred at 12:10 pm, and all three were rescued from the wreckage with severe burns but succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Indian Coast Guard officials confirmed the fatalities and stated that a Board of Inquiry is investigating the cause of the crash. This tragic incident follows another Coast Guard helicopter crash two months ago, raising concerns over aviation safety in the service.

An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed during training in Porbandar, Gujarat, on Sunday, killing three crew members. The crash was caused by technical issues, officials said. Five people were on board, including two pilots. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. The crash comes after recent safety upgrades to the ALH fleet, which faced grounding last year due to repeated accidents. In September, a similar Dhruv helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea during a rescue mission. The Dhruv fleet, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has been under scrutiny for safety concerns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 13-km Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar on Sunday. The project, worth ₹4,600 crore, will improve travel between Delhi and Meerut. Modi also inaugurated a 2.8-km Delhi Metro stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park, part of Phase-IV, costing ₹1,200 crore. He laid the foundation for the Rithala-Kundli Metro section, worth ₹6,230 crore, and the Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Rohini. The new projects aim to boost Delhi's connectivity and infrastructure. During the event, Modi took a train ride with school children, highlighting India’s progress towards better urban transportation.

Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, 28, known for exposing corruption in a ₹120 crore road project, was found dead in a septic tank on January 3. Police arrested his cousin, Ritesh Chandrakar, and two others while the prime suspect, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large. Mukesh's exposé led to a government inquiry, allegedly straining ties with Ritesh. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case, revealing Mukesh suffered severe injuries from a blunt weapon. Journalists in Raipur protested the murder, highlighting threats to reporters exposing corruption. Authorities have intensified their search for Suresh, seizing his assets and questioning suspects.

Four soldiers lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries when an Army truck rolled down a hill in Bandipore, Jammu and Kashmir. The vehicle lost control while navigating a sharp curve near Sadar Koot Payen. Injured soldiers were immediately rushed to a local hospital, where three are reported to be in stable condition. Security forces have ruled out any foul play and are investigating the accident. Similar incidents have occurred in the Union Territory recently, including a December accident in Poonch district, which claimed five lives. Authorities are urging stricter safety measures on mountainous terrains.

An Army vehicle skidded off a road and plunged into a gorge near Wular Viewpoint in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday, leaving 2 soldiers dead and 3 critically injured. The injured were stabilized at District Hospital Bandipora before being transferred to Srinagar for further treatment. Medical Superintendent Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani confirmed the casualties. The incident occurred amid harsh weather, with dense fog and cold wave conditions impacting the region. Authorities issued a heavy snow warning, urging caution and minimizing travel to prevent further accidents. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the mishap.

India's captain Jasprit Bumrah left the field during Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, raising injury concerns. He was taken to a hospital for scans but returned to the dressing room later in the day. Virat Kohli assumed leadership duties, helping India bowl out Australia for 181 and take a narrow 4-run lead. Bumrah, the series' leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals, could be pivotal in this decider. Reports suggest a possible back issue, though no official update has been provided. Bumrah’s participation in the second innings remains uncertain.