Following the recent low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy in Delhi, the Delhi Police have initiated an investigation, registering an FIR against "unknown" persons under Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act. The blast occurred on Tuesday evening in an area lacking CCTV coverage. No injuries were reported, but an "abusive" letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found near the blast site. Security agencies, including NSG, Dog Squad, and Bomb Squad, are conducting a thorough examination. The incident raises concerns about diplomatic security amid ongoing developments.

Ayodhya is abuzz with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for a transformative visit. The city is adorned with flowers and murals, tight security in place. PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the revamped railway station and a new airport, with over 1,400 artists presenting cultural programs. A public event will showcase projects worth Rs 15,700 crore, enhancing Ayodhya's infrastructure. Additionally, Modi will flag off new trains and launch projects for Uttar Pradesh. The visit precedes the upcoming consecration of the Ram temple, bringing heightened excitement to Ayodhya's vibrant preparations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with India Today, stated that for the first time, the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are free with Article 370 gone forever, emphasizing the historic significance of the move. He said the people of J&K were deprived of rights for seven decades despite India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru saying that Article 370 'ghiste ghiste ghis jaayega' (it would disappear one day). Modi said the people of J&K and Ladakh are now free to ‘shape their destinies’ with their own hands. On holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said, "Jammu and Kashmir is already represented in our Parliament at the national level. At the local level, for the first time, we have been able to take democracy to the grassroots. A three-tier panchayati raj system has been established in the state and 35,000 leaders elected at the grassroots." [Photo Courtesy: India Today]

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday that India has recently requested Pakistan to extradite Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and other acts of terrorism. Despite the absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries, the request was communicated through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted concerns over reports of Saeed's son, Talha Saeed, planning to participate in Pakistan's upcoming general election. India notes the "mainstreaming" of radical terrorist groups as part of Islamabad's long-standing state policy, while Saeed, convicted in terror financing cases, remains uncharged by Pakistani authorities for LeT attacks in India.

India has documented a total of 162 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, with Kerala reporting the highest infections at 83, according to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Other affected states include Gujarat (34 cases), Goa (18 cases), Karnataka (8 cases), Maharashtra (7 cases), Rajasthan (5 cases), Tamil Nadu (4 cases), and Telangana and Delhi (2 and 1 case, respectively). The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified JN.1 as a 'variant of interest,' acknowledging its rapid spread but indicating a "low" global public health risk. Ahead of the New Year's celebrations, the Centre has asked the states and Union territories to maintain a constant and close watch on the rising cases on JN.1. 

Qatar's appellate court has reduced the death sentences of eight former Indian Navy personnel to imprisonment, with terms ranging from 3 to 25 years. Among the seven Navy officers and one sailor initially on death row, one now faces 25 years, four have received 15-year sentences, two are sentenced to 10 years, and one faces 3 years. According to sources, the sailor received the most lenient sentence, while the ex-officer serving as the Managing Director of Dahra Global received the harshest. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes the confidential nature of the case, urging against speculation and expressing concern for the well-being of Indians and their families.

Pushpalatha R, the head teacher at Murugamalla Village Government High School in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, has been suspended after photos from her allegedly "romantic photoshoot" with a Class 10 student circulated on social media. The images, taken during a study tour, showed the teacher hugging and kissing the student. Outraged parents filed a complaint with the Block Education Officer, leading to a thorough investigation. Social media users expressed anger, calling for action against both parties. Following the inquiry, BEO V Umadevi recommended suspension, a decision implemented by the Deputy Director of Chikkaballapur District Education Department. Both the student and the teacher have claimed that the photos were meant to be private and got leaked, leading to outrage from the parents.

The Indian High Commission in the UK sparked amusement with an unusual multilingual New Year greeting that exemplifies India's rich linguistic diversity. In the video, the Commission conveyed "Subh Varsh" wishes in languages besides English and Hindi, leading to tongue-in-cheek messages like "Shubho Nabo Borsho." The inventive video post struck a chord as people related to the lighthearted mix-ups from swapping regional holiday wishes. Many responded appreciatively to the High Commission embracing India's array of languages to ring in 2023 in the UK. The video highlighted that diversity strengthens bonds no matter where Indians celebrate new beginnings.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to a bill establishing a mechanism for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners in India. The law provides for a search committee to prepare a panel of names for consideration by a selection panel chaired by the Prime Minister. This committee will then make recommendations to the President for formally appointing the CEC and ECs. The bill aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the appointment process. The President also approved the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, which replaces a British-era law governing the publishing sector with simplified regulations. As per I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, the law will enable a streamlined, technology-driven registration process for newspapers and magazines.

A historic peace agreement has been signed between the Central government, Assam government and the insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). Home Minister Amit Shah announced that ULFA will be disbanded as an organization, with the Centre promising to meet their reasonable demands regarding issues like illegal immigration and indigenous rights. Shah credited PM Modi for bringing stability to the Northeast, evidenced by reduced AFSPA. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the deal largely solves the militancy problem in the region. However, the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (Independent) faction remains opposed to talks currently. The peace pact ends the decades-long insurgency by one of the major separatist groups in the Northeast.