An IndiGo Airlines flight 6E-6650 from Delhi to Bagdogra was forced to make an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Sunday morning after a bomb threat was reported onboard, police said. The alert came when a handwritten note on tissue paper stating “Plane mein bomb” (bomb in the plane) was discovered in a lavatory, prompting air traffic control to divert the aircraft as a precaution. All passengers, including 222 adults and eight infants, two pilots and five crew members, were safely evacuated. The plane was moved to an isolation bay, and bomb disposal and security teams conducted thorough inspections. Investigations are ongoing.

A. R. Rahman has issued a public statement after facing criticism over remarks made in a recent interview. The composer said India is his inspiration, teacher, and home, and stressed that his words were misunderstood. Rahman said music has always been his way of serving the country and uniting cultures. He said he “never wished to cause pain” and hoped his intent would be understood. The statement was shared through a video that also showed crowds singing his song Maa Tujhe Salaam at a cricket match. Rahman cited his work with young musicians and multicultural projects as part of his long-standing commitment to India. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Malda, West Bengal, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore aimed at improving connectivity within the state and with the North-Eastern region. These include new rail lines, upgraded maintenance facilities and electrification works that are expected to boost travel, trade, and employment. Modi also flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Guwahati route, marking a milestone in railway modernisation. Additionally, four Amrit Bharat Express trains were introduced to enhance long-distance connectivity. (PC: ANI)

Police in Varanasi registered eight FIRs over alleged AI-generated images and misleading posts about redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat. Officials said the visuals shared on social media were false and aimed at hurting religious sentiments and disturbing public order. The cases name eight individuals and several X handles. Police said action will also cover those who reposted the content. Opposition leaders raised concerns online, prompting a response from Yogi Adityanath, who called the claims false propaganda. He said redevelopment is ongoing and warned of strict action against misinformation. (PC: HT)

Music composer AR Rahman faced social media backlash over claims he refused to sing Vande Mataram in an interview. Journalist posts suggested Rahman had declined requests to perform the patriotic song. Singer Chinmayi Sripada defended him, tweeting that Rahman and his team had performed Vande Mataram with audiences at events, including a November 2025 concert in Pune, and that he often sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at shows — suggesting any refusal may have had non-controversial reasons. Actress Meerra Chopraa also supported Rahman, comparing his global stature to Priyanka Chopra and urging respect for the music legend. (PC: HT)

The West Bengal government has urged the Election Commission (EC) to rescind its directive to file FIRs against four electoral officers over alleged “ghost voters” found in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Moyna (Purba Medinipur) and Baruipur East (South 24 Parganas). The state argued that the officials have already faced suspensions and departmental action, and that criminal prosecution for procedural lapses is excessive, citing legal advice from the Advocate General. FIRs have not yet been registered, and the chief electoral officer’s office has forwarded the request to the EC for a final decision.

Data reveals that **more than 77% of all illegal mining FIRs in Rajasthan were filed in districts within the Aravalli mountain region, despite it having relatively fewer mining leases and lower mineral production than other areas. This highlights the intensity of illegal extraction activities in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes, which spans much of the state. Environmentalists warn that any changes to the legal definition or protection of the Aravalli range could further exacerbate rampant violations. The trend underscores ongoing environmental and regulatory challenges in curbing unlawful mining and safeguarding the ancient hills. (PC: PTI)

Indian intelligence agencies have issued a high alert ahead of the 26 January Republic Day, warning that Khalistani terrorist outfits and Bangladesh-based terror groups may attempt to target Delhi and other major cities across the country. According to sources, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as foot soldiers by radical handlers abroad, establishing operational links with extremist networks active in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In response, authorities have heightened security measures and conducted mock anti-terror drills at sensitive locations like Red Fort and Chandni Chowk to improve preparedness and response. The alert underscores the emphasis on ensuring safety during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. (PC: PTI)

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a ₹22.2 crore fine on IndiGo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions in early December. The action came after an inquiry found serious operational and crew management failures, leading to mass cancellations, delays, and passenger inconvenience across several airports. The regulator also issued warnings to IndiGo’s senior management and highlighted violations related to duty time limits and operational preparedness. IndiGo stated that it has processed refunds, offered alternative arrangements to affected passengers, and taken corrective measures. Flight operations have since returned to normal, according to the airline. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the permanent building of the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench on Saturday, urging Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to safeguard the Constitution, democracy and judiciary. Banerjee expressed concern over citizens allegedly being wrongly targeted by investigative agencies, calling on the CJI to protect the people and uphold democratic rights. She also stressed that the judiciary must remain free of casteism, religionism, and media trial pressures. The event marks a milestone in expanding justice access for North Bengal residents. (PC: ANI)