In the aftermath of Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik's surprising retirement, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh addressed the matter, emphasizing, "It is their personal matter; I will not speak about this." Singh clarified his association with former chief Brij Bhushan Singh, stating, "Just because I am close to MP (Brij Bhushan Singh) does not mean I am a dummy candidate." Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Singh revealed plans for Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling events. Adding to the controversy, wrestler Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, expressing, "I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister. All I have to say is in this letter; this is my statement." The WFI saga unfolds with athletes taking a stand.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's announcement to lift the hijab ban in educational institutions is praised by Muskaan Khan, who gained social media attention during the protests. Muskaan expresses gratitude, stating, "I welcome CM Siddaramaiah's decision. I will continue my studies again." Siddaramaiah emphasizes personal choice, fulfilling a Congress election promise, saying, "The choice of clothes is one's own prerogative." The hijab controversy, previously imposed by the BJP government, sparked protests and legal battles. Muskaan's father welcomes the decision, stating, "CM's decision is welcomed. From now she'll study in Mandya." The sensitive issue saw legal validation in the Karnataka High Court and a divided Supreme Court decision.

The 'rat miners' who drilled the final stretch of the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand to rescue 41 workers have rejected the state government's Rs 50,000 reward as inadequate. More than two weeks after the tunnel collapse, the miners crawled into tight spaces without safety gear to drill through debris after machines failed. They enabled pipes for trapped workers to escape. Hailed briefly as heroes, the miners returned to dangerous, unrecognized manual labor. At a felicitation by CM Dhami, they accepted but refused to encash the cheques, deeming the rewards symbolic of neglect. Their employer said workers got Rs 1 lakh each while the rescuing miners got half. The miners' rejection highlights their plight despite the risky rescue operation.

In response to heavy rainfall causing the overflow of Srivaikuntam dam in Thoothukudi district, the Indian Air Force initiated its fifth day of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Over 11 tons of relief materials were air-dropped across 12 locations in Thoothukudi, bringing the total to 59 tons. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin assured comprehensive measures for the welfare of affected residents, stating that 12,653 people had been rescued and were housed in 14 relief camps. The state, in collaboration with the Centre, continues extensive rescue and relief efforts in the flood-affected regions.

A drone strike caused an explosion and fire on an Israel-affiliated merchant ship in the Indian Ocean on Saturday but no casualties were reported, maritime agencies said. The attack on the Liberia-flagged tanker off India's coast wasn't claimed but caused a fire aboard, per the UK Maritime Trade Operations and Ambrey security firm. UKMTO said the "Israel-affiliated" ship was hit by an Uncrewed Aerial System and is being investigated. The incident comes after the Indian Navy helped evacuate an injured sailor from a hijacked Malta ship in the Arabian Sea where "pirates" had boarded. While no one was hurt in the mysterious drone strike, it represents a concerning attack on a commercial ship in Indian waters.

A major infiltration bid in Jammu's Khour sector faced a dramatic twist as the Indian Army engaged four terrorists. Pakistani forces set forests ablaze to divert attention during the operation. Security forces, detecting the move on surveillance devices, initiated a fierce gunfight resulting in the death of one terrorist. Shockingly, associates dragged the deceased terrorist's body back across the International Border. This incident unfolds shortly after a terrorist attack in the Rajouri sector claimed the lives of four Army personnel. The White Knight Corps acknowledges the foiled infiltration, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the volatile region. [Representative Image]

Renowned motivational speaker Vivek Bindra faces serious allegations of domestic violence filed by his brother-in-law in Noida. The complaint details a disturbing incident on December 7 at Supernova West Residency, where Bindra allegedly assaulted his wife, Yanika, leaving visible wounds. The heated altercation involving Bindra, his mother, and Yanika escalated, with the assault captured in a viral video. The FIR reveals the assault occurred just hours after their December 6 wedding, where Bindra reportedly verbally abused, physically assaulted Yanika, and damaged her phone. Bindra, also embroiled in a scam controversy, denies all allegations.

The Indian rupee weakened to 83.25 against the U.S. dollar, influenced by year-end dollar demand from importers and global equity apprehensions. With a 0.1% dip from the previous close, persistent dollar demand is anticipated as traders adjust positions before year-end. Risk aversion heightened due to a pause in global equity rallies and cautious Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations. Both factors contribute to the rupee's downward pressure. Expected to hover within a narrow range, analysts suggest a potential downside near 83.35. Investors remain attentive to Fed statements for insights amid evolving market dynamics. 

French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the sixth visit by a French head of state since 1976. This follows the United States' inability to accept India's invitation for President Joe Biden. Macron's expected attendance strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France, given their collaborations in defense, maritime security, and climate change. The announcement is awaited, highlighting France's significant role in fostering Indo-French ties. Macron's close rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France's bid to sell Rafale-Marine combat jets further underlines their robust alliance.            

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh confirmed that Sonia Gandhi, CPP Chairperson, received an invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22. Singh stated that Sonia Gandhi is positive about the matter, and either she or a party delegation will attend the event. Despite not expecting an invitation himself, Singh mentioned that BJP might not invite certain figures. The ceremony, organized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has also invited political, religious leaders, Bollywood actors, and South Indian celebrities. Preparations, including Vedic rituals, are underway for the significant event in Ayodhya.