Amidst a lingering cold wave in North India, Noida schools for students up to Class 8 will be closed from January 3 to 6, according to the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration. Following a prior shutdown on December 29 and 30 due to harsh weather conditions, this decision aims to prioritize the safety of younger students. Classes for students in Classes 9 to 12 will continue as scheduled. With temperatures reaching single digits in Uttar Pradesh, the move aligns with precautionary measures. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light rains in western UP from January 3, adding to the wintry conditions.

Amidst anticipation, a senior government official declares that the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will be notified well before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The CAA, aimed at granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, faced protests post its passage in 2019. Delayed for over four years, the rules are now ready, with an online portal in place. The process will be entirely online, and applicants will declare their entry year without submitting documents. The government aims to implement the law before the polls, reinforcing the BJP's commitment despite opposition from leaders like Mamata Banerjee.

The All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC) announced the end of the strike against the new hit-and-run law after a successful meeting with the government. AIMTC Chairman Malkit Singh Bal stated, "All issues are resolved, and the new laws will be implemented after consultation with AIMTC." The truckers' association assured the public that the strike would be withdrawn soon, urging drivers to resume work. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla confirmed that the law imposing a ten-year punishment for hit-and-run cases hasn't been implemented and will only proceed after discussions with AIMTC. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has temporarily suspended the ten-year punishment and fine.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, addressed concerns raised by foreign media regarding democracy indicators in the country in an interview with news agency ANI. Jaishankar asserted, "There are people who apparently feel more confident of their support outside India...They will pick what they believe are flaws or failings that we have." He emphasized caution in accepting foreign media reports, stating, "Don't necessarily take what comes in foreign media at face value." Jaishankar challenged critics, saying, "Give me any yardstick of democracy...I am doing as well as any other democracy." The minister also highlighted achievements outlined in his book 'Why Bharat Matters,' discussing India's diplomatic strides in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Gulf, and Central Asia.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs a security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and eradicate the terror ecosystem. The meeting follows a recent terrorist ambush by Jaish-e-Muhammad's proxy PAFF, resulting in four soldiers' deaths. Shah directs enhanced security measures and underscores a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism under PM Modi's leadership. The move aims to curb rising violence in the region, attributed to cross-border attempts to reignite terror activities. Shah also advises strategic deployment in vulnerable areas for effective counter-terrorism efforts.

Singer Chinmayi Sripaada expressed outrage as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Congress leader P Chidambaram, and actor Kamal Haasan appeared at an event with lyricist Vairamuthu, whom she accused of sexual harassment in 2018. Sharing a post of the leaders with Vairamuthu at a book launch, Sripaada lamented the alleged promotion of her molester while she faced repercussions. Stalin shared a video of the event on New Year's Day. Sripaada, who has persistently sought justice, urged for a change in the system that shields sex offenders. Seventeen women have accused Vairamuthu of harassment.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has accused Canadian politics of providing space to Khalistani forces and enabling their activities detrimental to India-Canada relations. "The core issue is that Khalistani groups have been given substantial space in Canadian politics and allowed to engage in actions that clearly damage the bilateral relationship and are not in India or Canada's interest," Jaishankar stated in an interview with ANI. He emphasized that the longstanding Khalistan matter is unrelated to the G20 summit in New Delhi. Jaishankar contended that Canadian politicians bolstering Khalistani elements harms diplomatic ties despite not benefitting either country.

Four police commandos and one Border Security Force (BSF) jawan sustained injuries in an ambush by militants in Manipur's Moreh town, near the Myanmar border. The attack followed clashes that claimed four lives in Thoubal district a day prior. Gunmen targeted the security forces' vehicles with RPGs during a search operation. The wounded officials are receiving treatment at the Assam Rifles Hospital. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged Lilong residents to maintain peace, warning of stern action against those responsible. Ethnic violence has plagued Manipur since May, with over 100 casualties and thousands displaced.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has made Pakistan's policy of using cross-border terrorism to bring India to the negotiating table "irrelevant." In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar stated that the Modi government's approach has ensured that Pakistan can no longer use terrorism as "legitimate" leverage. He emphasized that India is willing to engage with Pakistan if it creates a "conducive environment free of terror and hostility." However, Jaishankar asserted that India will not "play that game now" of tolerating cross-border attacks. He remarked that while Pakistan is a neighbor, India will only deal with it on terms where terrorism is not considered a valid tactic.

Truck and bus drivers staged widespread protests across multiple states in India, opposing the stringent provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Second) 2023, which imposes up to a 10-year jail term and a Rs 7 lakh fine for hit-and-run cases. Maharashtra witnessed "rasta roko" demonstrations causing disruptions, while Chhattisgarh experienced a strike by over 12,000 private bus drivers, leaving commuters stranded. In West Bengal, drivers blocked the national highway in protest. Punjab reported a significant number of commercial vehicles refraining from operation, leading to disruptions on roads. Protests also unfolded in Madhya Pradesh, with drivers staging agitation in Bhopal, causing road blockades and fuel supply concerns.