Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, admitted to a Kolkata hospital after complaining of chest pain, has been diagnosed with an Ischemic Cerebrovascular Stroke, as per an official statement from Apollo Hospitals. The 73-year-old actor is reportedly conscious, well-oriented, and consuming a soft diet. His son, Mimoh, initially mentioned a routine checkup. Mithun, recently honored with the Padma Bhushan, is under the care of a medical team for further evaluation. The actor, known for his extensive career, was last seen as a judge on the dance reality show Dance Bangla Dance.

The Narendra Modi government has kickstarted the construction of a new civilian terminal at the Thoise airbase in Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This marks India's commitment to providing air connectivity to remote border regions. Thoise, primarily a military airbase, will soon accommodate more passenger flights. The estimated Rs 130 crore project includes a centrally air-conditioned Domestic Passenger Terminal Building. The move aims to boost the local economy and meet the longstanding demand for a civilian airport in Thoise. Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal has actively advocated for this development.

BJP workers allegedly attacked journalist Nikhil Wagle's car in Pune, damaging the windscreen and side panes while he was en route to an event. The incident followed Wagle's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP patriarch LK Advani after the latter was awarded the Bharat Ratna. A brief altercation ensued between Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and BJP workers before police intervention. Wagle, forgiving his attackers, emphasized Maharashtra's tradition of tolerance and urged support for MVA in upcoming elections. BJP leader Sunil Deodhar filed a case against Wagle for alleged offensive remarks. NCP's Supriya Sule condemned the attack, citing threats to free speech.

The Indian Navy continues its robust efforts against piracy, exemplified by recent successful interventions off the coast of Somalia. In two separate operations, Navy units rescued hijacked vessels and crew, showcasing its commitment to maritime security. With piracy incidents on the rise, the Navy's proactive engagements aim to safeguard vital trade routes in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt highlighted the Navy's proactive stance, emphasizing collaborative efforts with regional and extra-regional forces. As India's strategic interests expand across the Indian Ocean, the Navy's vigilance and partnerships remain pivotal in maintaining maritime stability.        

Violence erupted in Uttarakhand's Haldwani as clashes ensued over the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa and mosque. At least five individuals lost their lives, while over 100 police officers sustained injuries during the unrest. The clashes, deemed planned by officials, led to a curfew imposition after residents set vehicles ablaze and hurled stones. The Uttarakhand government issued a high alert across the state, suspending internet services and closing schools and colleges in Nainital. Police, aided by Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel, carried out the demolitions following a court order. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged calm and promised swift action against perpetrators.          

Amidst disruptions caused by dense fog, Union Minister V K Singh revealed that SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo received show cause notices on January 31 for not assigning pilots trained for low visibility conditions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) holds pre-fog meetings with stakeholders to assess preparedness. Singh stated that the airlines had 14 days to respond. Previously, DGCA fined SpiceJet and Air India ₹30 lakh each for similar violations. To mitigate issues, DGCA mandated airlines to set up Emergency Control Rooms at metro airports for advance flight delay information and passenger assistance.

After authorities demolished an illegal madrasa in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, clashes erupted with miscreants throwing stones at police and setting vehicles on fire, including a police car. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued shoot-at-sight orders in Banbhulpura, imposing a curfew. Schools in Haldwani are closed on Friday. The municipal corporation conducted the demolition, leading to retaliation and injuries to officials. Vandalized vehicles, a torched transformer, and trapped individuals in the police station further escalated tensions. Additional forces were deployed, and a curfew imposed to restore order, with strict action promised against those committing violence and arson.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announces the recommendation to suspend the India-Myanmar free movement regime, allowing travel within 16 km without paperwork. The move aims to bolster internal security and preserve the northeastern states' demographic structure. Shah emphasizes PM Modi's commitment to securing borders. The decision follows the announcement of border fencing, making it the third frontier to be fenced after Pakistan and Bangladesh. The scrapping is based on intelligence assessments to curb insurgencies, smuggling, and the drug trade. The free movement regime, initiated in 2018 for economic enhancement, faces potential legal challenges from affected tribal groups.

Farmers protesting on the Noida Expressway concluded their demonstration Thursday evening after assurances from police and authorities to address their demands. Since December 2023, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been advocating for increased compensation and developed plots for their acquired land. The protest led to heavy traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border, prompting a 24-hour closure of all borders with extensive police deployment. Section 144 was imposed, restricting assembly and processions. Police sealed the route from Noida to Delhi, advising school buses to use alternative routes. Despite disruptions, authorities facilitated dialogue with farmers to resolve grievances.

Police in Noida halted hundreds of farmers near the Mahamaya Flyover as they attempted to march to Parliament, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Farmers were seen trying to breach barricades, prompting police intervention. The Noida traffic police issued advisories for alternative routes due to expected congestion. Protesters demanded increased land compensation and better rehabilitation facilities. Bharatiya Kisan Ekta Sangh leader Sukhbir Yadav cited grievances with the Uttar Pradesh government, including unmet demands for land allocation and compensation. Plans to enter Delhi by tractors and vehicles were thwarted as police monitored the situation.