Widespread anti-government protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and inflation, have entered their second week, spreading across major cities nationwide. Demonstrators continue to demand political change amidst heavy crackdowns by security forces, with dozens reportedly killed and thousands arrested. The government has imposed a near-total internet and communications blackout, limiting information flow and drawing criticism from artists and rights groups as a tool to suppress dissent. Amid mounting unrest, US President Donald Trump warned of possible intervention if civilians are harmed, prompting Israel to remain on high alert for potential regional escalation. Tehran responded with threats of retaliation against US and Israeli targets should military action occur, further heightening international tensions as the crisis unfolds. (PC: Reuters)

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Sunday announced his company will double its investment in Gujarat to ₹7 lakh crore over the next five years — up from ₹3.5 lakh crore in the past five — aiming to boost jobs and growth in the state. Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, calling him an “invincible protective wall” shielding India amid global uncertainty and crediting him for boosting national confidence and progress. Ambani also pledged support for India’s 2036 Olympics bid and announced plans for AI, clean-energy and sports infrastructure in Gujarat. (PC: PTI)

An audio clip attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar claims the group has “thousands” of suicide bombers ready for missions. In the recording circulating online, Azhar says the number of recruits is more than a thousand and that revealing it would shock global media. He adds these recruits seek only martyrdom and not material rewards. The exact timing and authenticity of the message have not been independently verified by authorities. JeM is a Pakistan-based banned terrorist group long accused of plotting attacks in India. Security agencies are analysing the clip and have not issued an official confirmation. (PC: India Today)

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, promising wide use of technology in civic work. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said an AI tool will be built with help from IIT to identify “Bangladeshi” and Rohingya migrants. He said the aim is to “free Mumbai” from illegal migrants. The document also promises AI labs in municipal schools and digital delivery of services. It proposes a 50 per cent fare cut for women on BEST buses and plans to double the bus fleet. Flood control, drainage upgrades and a ₹17,000 crore climate action fund are also listed. (PC: HT)

Hospitals across Iran are under heavy pressure as protests continue and casualties rise, medical workers said. Staff at a hospital in Rasht said 70 bodies were received in one night and the morgue was full. Bodies were moved to other rooms to make space. Doctors in Tehran said many young protesters arrived with gunshot wounds and died soon after reaching emergency wards. Medics in Kashan and Shiraz reported eye injuries and shortages of surgeons. Reports said more than 110 people have been killed and about 2,600 detained so far. A near-total internet blackout has made independent reporting difficult as unrest has spread to over 100 cities nationwide. (PC: X)

Singer and actor Prashant Tamang, winner of Indian Idol Season 3, died on January 10 at the age of 43, reports said. He was rushed to a hospital in New Delhi after a heart attack and was declared dead. Tamang was from Darjeeling and became a well known name in West Bengal after his reality show win. He later acted in films and was seen in the web series Paatal Lok Season 2. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute, saying his “soulful voice and inspiring journey” touched many lives. His family has not issued a formal statement so far. (PC: HT)

Protesters across Iran returned to the streets on Saturday despite a strong security crackdown, verified videos show. Clashes were reported in Tehran, Mashhad and other cities as the government kept an internet blackout in place. The attorney general warned that protesters could face the death penalty. A rights group said more than 2,500 people have been arrested since late December. BBC sources and HRANA reported over 100 deaths, including protesters and security staff. Hospitals in Tehran and Rasht said they were overwhelmed by the injured. The protests were triggered by high inflation and have spread to over 100 towns, with many now calling for an end to clerical rule. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised “people with a colonial mindset” while speaking at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat. He said some historians and politicians distorted accounts of past invasions in textbooks and tried to hide the history of attacks on the Somnath Temple. Modi said religious invasions were often described only as loot. He recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel faced opposition when he sought to rebuild the temple after Independence. He also said objections were raised to President Rajendra Prasad’s 1951 visit. Modi warned that forces that opposed the restoration were still active, now using “hidden conspiracies” instead of swords.

Israel has raised its alert level following reports that the United States could intervene in Iran. The move comes a day after President Donald Trump said Washington was ready to help Iran “gain freedom” from the government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli officials are said to be reviewing defence plans and monitoring regional activity. Security agencies have increased surveillance in case the situation escalates. No formal order for US action has been announced so far. Analysts say Israel is preparing for possible fallout, including missile or proxy attacks. Both Israeli and US officials have declined to comment on operational details. The region remains tense. (PC: X)

An eyewitness has claimed US forces used an unknown weapon during a January raid in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro. The account was reposted online by the White House press secretary but has not been verified. A Venezuelan guard said radar systems failed and drones flooded the area before a small US unit arrived. He said a device was then launched that felt like a strong sound wave. The guard claimed soldiers began bleeding from the nose and some vomited blood. Many were unable to stand after the blast. Venezuela’s Interior Ministry said about 100 security personnel died in the raid, but it did not link the deaths to any weapon. (PC: India Today)