Security forces have come into contact with militants linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in the forest near Kamadh Nullah in Kathua district, officials said. The encounter began on Wednesday evening in Kahog village after security teams received information about the presence of two to three suspected militants. Forces from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Kathua have been searching the area and are engaged with the hiding suspects. Reinforcements have been sent to the scene to support the ongoing operation. Police and army units continue to tighten the cordon around the area. No casualties have been confirmed so far. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission (EC) has explained that a Status Information Report (SIR) hearing notice linked to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s voter registration in West Bengal resulted from a technical discrepancy—a reported age mismatch in his enumeration form during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Officials stressed that all voters are equal and that senior citizens over 85 like Sen will not be required to physically attend hearings; corrections can be made at their residence. The notice triggered political backlash, with the Trinamool Congress calling it a “shameful farce,” a claim the EC has rejected. (PC: The Telegraph)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued hearing petitions on the stray dog issue and questioned why arguments focus only on dogs. The court asked if the lives of other animals like chickens and goats also matter. Lawyers for victims said people were suffering from dog attacks and called for stronger action, including no-dog zones in housing areas. An animal rights lawyer opposed mass removal and said global models rely on capture, sterilise, vaccinate and release. The court said its earlier order was limited to institutional areas such as schools and hospitals and asked why stray dogs should be allowed there. The Solicitor General said housing societies should decide the issue by majority. (PC: India Today)

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi carried out a late-night demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque close to Turkman Gate on Wednesday. The action followed a Delhi High Court order that asked the MCD, the Ministry of Urban Development and the Delhi Waqf Board to file replies on the dispute. The court said the matter needed consideration and listed the case for hearing on April 22. Videos shared by local residents showed bulldozers and earth-movers removing parts of structures near the century-old mosque. Police were deployed at the site and tear gas was used to control the crowd, officials said. No official estimate of damage was released. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday is hearing a case on stray dogs and cattle, raising concerns over safety on highways and public places. A three-judge bench says it will listen to both supporters and critics in the matter. The court is told that only 10 states have filed compliance affidavits so far. The amicus curiae says many filings do not give full data on shelters or on how stray cattle are being moved. It is reported that 2,691 cattle have been shifted to gaushalas, but risky highway stretches are not listed. The bench also refers to recent accidents involving judges due to stray cattle and asks authorities to explain gaps in enforcement. (PC: India Today)

Violent clashes erupted during an MCD anti-encroachment drive near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque at Turkman Gate, Delhi, injuring five police personnel. The demolition, court-ordered by Delhi High Court, targeted land adjoining the mosque and nearby graveyard, originally scheduled for 8 am but commenced at 1:30 am Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Nidhin Valsan reported 100-150 people gathered as JCB machinery arrived. Police deployed teargas shells to disperse stone-throwing crowds. Joint CP Madhur Verma confirmed comprehensive security arrangements, dividing the area into nine zones, each supervised by Additional Deputy Commissioner-level officers. Videos showed apparent tear gas deployment and stone-pelting incidents. Heavy police presence characterized the operation aimed at removing encroachments under high court directions.

Counter Intelligence Kashmir conducted extensive raids across 22 locations in Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, and Kulgam, targeting a cyber fraud-terror funding network. The court-approved operation uncovered a sophisticated syndicate using "mule accounts" bank accounts opened under names of poor, unemployed, or unsuspecting individuals to launder money from cyber frauds, illegal online betting, and gaming platforms. Funds stolen through fake investment apps, phishing scams, and online extortion were rapidly transferred through multiple accounts, obscuring their origins. Investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, storage devices, and financial documents. Twenty-two suspects have been detained for questioning. Officials warn the investigation may expose a larger network extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir with potential national and cross-border dimensions, emphasizing strong legal consequences for banking system misuse. (PC: AFP)

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a pre-dawn demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area to remove unauthorised encroachments, including a dispensary and community hall, following a Delhi High Court order. Authorities deployed 17 bulldozers with heavy police presence to enforce the court directive. The action sparked tension and protests, with some residents pelting stones, leading to the use of tear gas and minor injuries to five police personnel. Traffic advisories were issued due to road closures affecting key routes around Ramlila Maidan.

Uttar Pradesh’s draft electoral roll saw a massive cleanup with 2.89 crore names deleted, about 18.7% of the earlier list after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission. Of those removed, 46.23 lakh were deceased, 2.17 crore had shifted or were absent, and 25+ lakh were duplicate entries. The capital Lucknow recorded the highest deletions.The draft roll now lists 12.55 crore voters from a previous 15.44 crore. A claims and objections period (Jan 6–Feb 6) allows affected citizens to appeal before the final list is published on March 6. (PC: NDTV)

An intense cold wave is set to hit the northern plains from January 7, bringing biting cold and dense fog, weather experts said. Day temperatures may fall 4–8°C below normal between January 8 and 16 across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. Dense to very dense fog is expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and many districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur and Prayagraj. Visibility may stay poor even during daytime hours. Madhya Pradesh may see a further drop in night temperatures with fog in several cities. Southern states may get light rain but will avoid severe cold for now. (PC: India Today)