Three Special Operations Group (SOG) jawans, part of an anti-Maoist force, sustained injuries in a bomb blast during a combing operation on the Boudh-Kandhamal border in Odisha. Boudh Superintendent of Police, Raj Prasad, reported the explosion in the Batepanga forest, emphasizing the jawans' minor injuries. This incident follows a previous one on December 24, where two SOG jawans were critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by Maoists in Kandhamal district. The region has witnessed heightened tensions, with security forces engaging Maoists in fire exchanges during combing operations.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has strongly criticized the assault on Enforcement Directorate officials by supporters of TMC leader Sheikh Sajahan, labeling it as "alarming, deplorable, and a ghastly incident." Asserting that Bengal is not a "banana republic," Governor Bose called on the government to halt "barbarism and vandalism" and warned that if basic duties are neglected, "the Constitution of India will take its course." Addressing pre-election violence, he stated, "I reserve all my constitutional options for appropriate action." The attack occurred during ED raids in 15 places, with Sajahan's house in North 24 Parganas district being one of the targeted locations.

The Indian Museum in Kolkata received an email bomb threat on Tuesday from a group calling themselves "Terrorizer's 111." The museum was promptly evacuated and the Kolkata Police restricted visitors' entry for a few hours. A bomb squad, sniffer dogs, and senior police officials searched the premises but have not found any explosives so far. The police are tracking the location of the email sender while continuing to scan and sanitize the building. Entry was later restored once the immediate threat was deemed over.  

In West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, an Enforcement Directorate team conducting raids related to a ration scam was attacked by a mob of over 200 locals. The incident occurred during an approach to Trinamool leader Shah Jahan Sheikh's residence, resulting in vehicle vandalism. Shah Jahan Sheikh was subsequently arrested in connection with the scam. BJP's Sukanta Majumdar criticized the attack, linking it to law and order issues in the state. Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, described the situation as "horrific," urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to address the escalating anarchy. Ongoing raids focus on a diversion of 30% of PDS ration in the alleged scam.

Dense fog continues to envelop Delhi-NCR as the region experiences a dip in minimum temperatures. The national capital faced severe cold day conditions on Thursday, with temperatures plummeting by 6 degrees Celsius, as reported by the Safdarjung weather station. North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan, anticipates dense to very dense fog persisting until January 6, with isolated pockets likely on January 7. The mercury in Delhi touched a maximum of 12.5 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal. The weather office predicts a gradual temperature rise from Sunday onwards due to warm southwesterly winds.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to challenge the Sports Ministry's suspension in court next week, following alleged violations of the National Sports Code and WFI constitution. WFI President Sanjay Singh rejected the suspension issued on December 24, emphasizing the need for a well-functioning federation. Criticizing the ad-hoc panel's decisions, Singh highlighted the absence of trials for certain wrestlers and the ensuing representation gaps in the Zagreb Open. Expressing concerns from wrestlers about fair chances, WFI called for an Executive Committee meeting on January 16 to address the situation and discuss constitutional provisions. The federation is determined to contest the suspension democratically through legal means.

Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) detains Tahar Singh and Om Prakash Mishra for social media threats targeting the Ram Temple and CM Yogi Adityanath. Allegedly following instructions from Devendra Tewari, the STF investigates Tewari's potential political motivations. Tewari, with prior cases, is currently evading arrest. The STF reveals the accused created fake emails, alamansarikhan608@gmail.com and zubairkhanisi199@gmail.com, to send threats. Tewari aimed for "political gain" through increased visibility and security measures. The charges include criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, promoting enmity, forgery, and using forged documents. The STF is unraveling the plot to ascertain Tewari's specific political objectives in this alarming incident.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to Air India and SpiceJet for rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots during dense fog in Delhi. Over 50 flights faced diversion on December 24-25 and December 27-28 due to low visibility. Responding within 14 days is mandated. CAT III compliance is crucial for landings in adverse weather. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia cited unprecedented fog density, coordinating with airlines for trained pilots. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasted very dense fog at Delhi's IGI airport. Passengers experienced delays, and the Delhi Airport Authority warned of disturbances for non-CAT III compliant flights, emphasizing the need for trained pilots in challenging weather conditions.

Newly obtained CCTV footage from a Gurugram hotel discloses the final hours of former model Divya Pahuja before her tragic murder. The footage captures Pahuja with accused hotel owner Abhijeet Singh in the early morning, later showing her body being dragged down a hotel corridor. Singh, alleged to have shot Pahuja due to a blackmail dispute, and two accomplices are in custody. Police seek the body, believed to be dumped in Punjab. Pahuja, previously jailed in connection to a gangster's encounter, was out on bail. Investigations continue into the disturbing case.

The Enforcement Directorate apprehends Vijay Machinder, a director of Ornate Spaces Private Limited, for deceiving investors in the Growe Towers project, defrauding over Rs 50 crores. Machinder allegedly collaborated with underworld figure Arif Bhaijaan, brother-in-law of Dawood Ibrahim's associate Chota Shakeel. Investigations reveal financial dealings with the gang. The arrest follows a 2021 EOW case by investor Rajendra Surana, who booked 14 flats but never received possession. Machinder faces charges of duping multiple buyers and is set to appear in court on Thursday.