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.

Bengaluru traffic police took strict measures on New Year's Eve, catching around 330 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol during a special drive. Conducted on Sunday, the police checked over 7620 vehicles, registering cases against the offenders. Unfortunately, the night also witnessed 14 road accidents in and around Bengaluru. On December 31, 2023, till midnight, one fatal accident and ten non-fatal accidents occurred. In the early hours of January 1, 2024, three fatal accidents were reported. Authorities remain vigilant to curb drunk driving and enhance road safety in the city.

In a significant development for Ayodhya's grand Ram temple, Karnataka's acclaimed sculptor Arun Yogiraj's idol of Lord Ram Lalla has been chosen for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the selection, praising Yogiraj's craftsmanship. The consecration ceremony is set for January 22, 2024. Former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa expressed joy, hailing the pride brought to Rama devotees. Yogiraj's mother, Saraswathi, shared her happiness, revealing her wish to witness the crafting. Trustee Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra confirmed the idol selection, emphasizing its captivating nature during the trust meeting. Champat Rai highlighted the divine and childlike features as crucial factors in the selection process.            

Four people were shot dead, and five critically injured in a recent outbreak of violence in Manipur's Thoubal district. As a response, curfew has been reimposed in Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the violence, promising swift action against the perpetrators. The attackers, yet to be identified, reportedly donned camouflage attire and targeted locals. The motive appears linked to extortion, leading to clashes with enraged residents. This incident compounds the prevailing ethnic tensions, with Manipur witnessing a series of violent episodes in recent weeks, raising concerns and necessitating heightened security measures.            

The central government declares gangster Goldy Brar a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Linked to the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International, Brar is accused of cross-border affiliations, multiple killings, radical ideology, and making threatening calls to pro-nationalist leaders. A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, Brar claimed responsibility for Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala's 2022 murder. Involved in arms smuggling and plotting to disrupt peace in Punjab, he faces an Interpol Red Corner Notice for extradition. In an exclusive interview, Brar previously mentioned actor Salman Khan being on their "kill list."

Gujarat ventures into groundbreaking submarine tourism, planning to unveil the mysteries of the submerged city of Dwarka. An MoU with Mazgaon Dockyard Limited sets the stage for a 35-tonne submarine, accommodating 30 passengers, offering unique underwater experiences. The project, announced at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, aims to boost tourism, generate employment, and attract investments to the region, while Dwarka remains a significant spiritual pilgrimage site. The initiative, awaiting the state government's final decision, holds promise for both historical exploration and economic development in Gujarat. [image courtesy: DD news/X]

In a historic achievement, Gujarat enters the Guinness Book with over 4,000 participants performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 locations and 51 categories. The monumental event took place at the renowned Modhera Sun Temple, showcasing a diverse participation of families, students, and senior citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commends the state's commitment to yoga and cultural heritage, urging citizens to include Surya Namaskar in their daily routines. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi grace the celebrations, with Guinness adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar officially announcing the successful record attempt.

In a bizarre incident in Bihar's Darbhanga district, land mafia allegedly stole an entire pond, replacing it with a hut. The disappearance of the water body, utilized for communal activities, raised concerns among locals. Despite complaints and zonal officials briefly halting the filling process, the mafia secretly continued their activities, completing the pond's vanishing act. Rising land prices in Darbhanga motivated this unconventional theft, leaving the community bewildered. Bihar has witnessed unusual thefts, including a stolen train engine and a whole bridge in recent years, reflecting an audacious trend in criminal activities in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on January 12, marking the completion of the country's longest sea bridge. The 21.8-km-long, six-lane bridge aims to significantly reduce travel time between Sewri in Mumbai and Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. Delayed by eight months due to the pandemic, the MTHL connects key areas with interchanges at Sewri, Shivaji Nagar, Jassi, and Chirle. With 16.5 km above the sea and 5.5 km on land, the bridge integrates with the Mumbai Pune Expressway, enhancing connectivity between the state's major cities.