India experiences a surge in COVID-19 with 614 new cases, marking the highest daily count since May 21. Health Minister Mandaviya directs states to monitor emerging strains, addressing 21 JN.1 sub-variant cases in Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Maharashtra confirms one JN.1 case and 14 new COVID-19 cases. Mandaviya assures preparedness, urging vigilance but no panic. INSACOG identifies 20 JN.1 cases nationwide. Gujarat's Health Minister advises staying vigilant. Goa claims readiness for any outbreak. Experts downplay fears, citing mild symptoms and effective treatments. Singapore stays alert despite a slight decline in cases, emphasizing continued preventive measures.        

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has asserted a shift in India-Canada relations following US accusations of an Indian government employee's involvement in a plot to assassinate separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Trudeau claims a new understanding, stating, "they can't bluster their way through this." Accusing unidentified Indian agents of a hand in a June murder in Canada, India denies the claim, demanding evidence. Trudeau emphasizes a desire for collaboration, expressing reluctance to engage in conflict with India. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores commitment to the rule of law, downplaying potential impacts on US-India ties.

The opposition bloc in INDIA explores formidable contenders to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sources reveal that two prominent names proposed are Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Varanasi, a stronghold for the BJP since 1991, poses a significant challenge for the opposition. The deliberations come amid discussions on seat-sharing within the opposition bloc, aiming to break BJP's dominance in the constituency. The choice of candidate remains crucial in the face of Modi's electoral prowess and the BJP's successful campaign strategies.      

Actor Shreyas Talpade, recently hospitalized for a heart attack, has been discharged, confirms wife Deepti Talpade. Expressing gratitude on Instagram, she thanks the city's kind strangers, friends, family, and the medical team at Belle Vue Hospital. Deepti reflects on the overwhelming support during the "drastic event" and acknowledges the global outpouring of prayers. Shreyas, known for his roles in films like 'Iqbal' and 'Golmaal,' collapsed on December 14, underwent angioplasty, and is now safely at home. Fans and well-wishers continue to shower blessings on the actor's recovery.

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, narrowly escaped capture by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) twice recently, reportedly hiding in tunnels under Gaza's Khan Younis. Israeli forces, engaged in fierce fighting, breached some underground structures while attempting to locate Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. Sinwar is believed to have orchestrated the October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Despite relentless bombardment and ground troops sent by Israel, Sinwar reportedly eluded capture just before their arrival in the tunnel. Intelligence suggests Sinwar is constantly on the move to avoid prolonged stays in one location to avoid being captured.

The residents of a Madhya Pradesh village had been worshipping fossilized dinosaur eggs they found as "Kuldevtas" - a deity that safeguards farmland - for years before experts revealed their true identity. "We used to offer coconuts to Bhilat Baba and performed the puja. Villagers also used to offer goats during rain," said Padlya villager Vesta Mandaloi about the stones they called "Kakad Bhairav". However, a visiting team found the "stones" were million-year-old dino eggs. "Many times people find such fossils and start worshipping them," said DFO A.S. Solanki. Over 250 such eggs have been found in MP's Dhar district, home to the Dinosaur Fossil National Park that stores various ancient fossils.

The release of Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki marks the start of a much-anticipated box office clash with Prabhas-led Salaar. While the SRK comedy-drama has grossed Rs 11.46 crore in advance bookings, the multilingual Salaar has reached Rs 18.54 crore in pre-sales. Unlike Hindi-only Dunki, Salaar is being released in multiple languages. Ahead of Dunki's release, Shah Rukh Khan promoted the film in Dubai, recreating his signature arms-stretched-out pose during a drone show. Along with SRK, director Rajkumar Hirani and writer Abhijat Joshi also attended the event. But Salaar has clearly taken the lead in advance bookings over SRK's comeback vehicle.

Three bills that would replace colonial-era criminal laws were passed in Lok Sabha today, virtually in the absence of the Opposition. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, will replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973 and Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The laws were passed amid suspension of 143 Opposition members following protests over a security breach. Insisting the new laws will replace colonial rules "completely unsuitable for this day and age", Home Minister Amit Shah said they "lay emphasis on Indianness, the Indian Constitution and the well-being of the people".

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez on Wednesday moved Delhi's Patiala House Court seeking that conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, in judicial custody, be "immediately restrain[ed] from issuing any further letters, messages or statements" addressed to her. Jacqueline alleged in her plea that Chandrashekhar "persistently engages in the unsolicited dissemination of troubling letters" to media outlets which create "an alarming and distressing environment" for her, affecting her safety. The actress is a protected witness in the ₹200 crore money laundering case linked to Chandrashekhar. As per media reports, Jacqueline had been in a relationship with the conman since 2017, but reportedly severed ties after Sukesh after he was arrested in 2021. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) supported her application, stating that "the accused Sukash Chandershekhar has also been in the habit of sending letters...to media platforms, through various means...harassing/threatening the present applicant."

So far, 21 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected across three states - Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra. With 19 cases, Goa has reported the maximum number so far. In view of the rising Covid cases in some parts of India, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today reviewed the situation and preparedness. He advised states to ensure smooth coordination with the Centre for efficient pandemic management. Though India's cases remain significantly lower than global numbers, there has been a steep rise in active cases in the last two weeks, officials said. Most of the current cases are mild with no rise in hospitalisations. States have been asked to closely monitor emerging evidence on cases, symptoms and severity to plan appropriate response.