A prolonged dry spell in Kashmir's harsh winter worries residents and farmers as temperatures stay unusually high, causing health issues and impacting agriculture. Experts link the weather changes to broader climate change, warning of cascading effects on water resources. The region faces an 80% rain deficit in December, and dry conditions are expected to persist. Farmers, reliant on winter precipitation, express distress amid water scarcity concerns. Unplanned power outages exacerbate health problems, affecting patient care and disrupting daily life. Tourism and the famed ski terrain in Gulmarg suffer from the lack of snow.

Six individuals, including two employees of a cash management firm, were apprehended after attempting to steal an ATM cash van carrying ₹2.13 crore in Gujarat's Kutch district. The incident unfolded in Gandhidham town when assailants, seizing a moment when the van was left unattended, drove off with it. Quick police response, aided by a vigilant motorist, led to the van's abandonment on the outskirts of the town. The arrested suspects, identified through CCTV footage, planned the heist, involving employees in the van's temporary abandonment. Investigations revealed a scheme orchestrated by former custodians now working in the collection division. [Representative Image]          

A major fire broke out at Casa Aurelia building in Phase 2 of Lodha Palava township, Dombivli East, around 1:23 pm. Triggered by an 8th-floor short circuit, the blaze quickly spread to multiple apartments, reaching up to the 18th floor. Thankfully, all occupants evacuated safely. Firefighters, aided by two vehicles, worked tirelessly to control the fire, which was extinguished by 2:30 pm. No casualties were reported, and ongoing cooling operations are in progress. Viral videos on social media captured the intense flames and thick smoke rising from the scene.

Indigo airline staff brought a touch of divinity to their inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya by dressing up as Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The heartwarming sight at Ahmedabad airport featured the staff making boarding announcements and greeting passengers in unique avatars. The airline has commenced services connecting Ayodhya and Delhi, with plans to enhance Ayodhya airport for larger aircraft and international flights. As the region gears up for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22, expectations rise for approximately 100 chartered flights, attracting dignitaries, politicians, and celebrities to Ayodhya for the momentous occasion.

Gurugram Police has retrieved the body of 27-year-old ex-model Divya Pahuja from a canal in Haryana's Tohna. Pahuja was allegedly murdered under suspicious circumstances at a Gurugram hotel on January 2. A major breakthrough came after one of the accused, Balraj Gill, confessed to disposing of Pahuja's body in the canal. The police, aided by multiple teams and the National Disaster Response Force, successfully located and identified her. Earlier arrests include hotel owner Abhijeet Singh. CCTV footage captured the victim, Abhijeet, and another person entering the hotel on January 2, with subsequent footage showing them dragging Divya's body later that night.      

In West Bengal's Purulia, chaos erupted as a mob assaulted three sadhus from Uttar Pradesh heading to Gangasagar Mela. Suspected of being kidnappers, the sadhus, a father and his two sons, were attacked after inquiring about directions. Agitated locals accused them of kidnapping when three teenage girls screamed and fled. Police intervened, rescuing the sadhus, who had lost their way. Twelve arrests were made, and the accused will face court in Purulia. The West Bengal BJP condemned the incident, criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's silence and demanding accountability. The sadhus were later provided transportation to the Gangasagar Mela.

An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Guwahati was compelled to make an emergency landing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at 4 am due to dense fog preventing a safe landing at the Guwahati airport. Passengers, including former Mumbai Youth Congress chief Suraj Singh Thakur, expressed frustration on social media, revealing that they remained inside the aircraft for nine hours. Thakur highlighted the unexpected international border crossing without passports. Another passenger reported a four-hour wait for a new crew. IndiGo acknowledged the diversion due to bad weather, offering apologies and assuring assistance while not specifying the departure time from Dhaka.

A groundbreaking study by Punjab Agricultural University reveals that Punjabis borrowed a staggering Rs 14,342 crores for migration, with Canada being the favored destination, followed by Dubai and Australia. Covering 44 villages in 22 districts, the study discloses 13.34% rural households having at least one member abroad, and the Majha region experiencing the highest migration rate at 20.51%. Females, constituting 65% of study visa applicants, lead the trend. Families, facing financial burdens, sold assets, including land and gold, while 56% borrowed money. The study outlines the social costs of migration, emphasizing the need for improved employment status and systemic enhancements to curb brain drain.

Author and philanthropist Sudha Murty supports Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's call for a 70-hour work week, asserting she works even more at her age. Emphasizing the importance of enjoying work, Sudha Murty states, "My definition is you should enjoy your work. You should be passionate about your work. The work is holiday then." Narayana Murthy defends his stance, highlighting the responsibility to contribute to societal betterment. Despite debates on work-life balance, he maintains his commitment to a 70-hour work week, citing past experiences. The couple's perspective sparks discussions on work culture and productivity.      

Search operations are underway in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch following a suspected terrorist attack on an Army vehicle, with soldiers retaliating. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident comes weeks after a deadly ambush on two Army vehicles in Poonch, resulting in four soldiers losing their lives on December 21. The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) claimed responsibility for the December attack, showcasing the use of sophisticated US-made M4 carbine assault rifles. Heightened security measures persist in the region as authorities respond to the latest threat.