India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, asserts that Thomas Babington Macaulay was dispatched to India to mentally enslave its people by undermining traditional education. Speaking at the Patanjali Gurukulam's foundation ceremony, Singh advocates for gurukul revival to counter Macaulay's impact. He stresses the integration of traditional education with modern technologies like AI and quantum tech. Singh criticizes Macaulay's disparagement of India's cultural heritage and praises efforts to revive gurukuls. He commends Yoga Guru Ramdev for promoting Yoga globally and underscores the need to preserve Sanskrit. Singh participates in the foundation stone-laying ceremony along with other dignitaries.

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal, facing charges in a ₹538 crore alleged fraud case, emotionally appealed to a Mumbai court, expressing a loss of hope and deeming it "better to die in jail." Goyal, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in September, cited deteriorating health, painful conditions, and his wife's advanced-stage cancer. Tearfully, he requested to remain in jail, stating, "I have lost every hope of life." The court, noting his physical state, assured care while directing his lawyers to address health concerns. Goyal's bail plea will be further examined on January 16 in connection with the Canara Bank fraud case.

A Delhi-based lawyer, Ajay Srivastava, gained attention by purchasing four properties linked to India's most wanted terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim, in a recent auction. Paying a staggering ₹2 crore for the smallest land parcel, Srivastava aims to stand up to the underworld don, stating, "I want to defeat Dawood. So, I will stay wherever he is." He previously bought two shops owned by Dawood in 2001 and even acquired the terrorist's ancestral bungalow in 2020. Despite facing challenges and threats, Srivastava remains steadfast, considering his actions a form of patriotism. His mission to "defeat Dawood" continues, emphasizing a unique approach to fight against the notorious figure.

A massive fire erupted in the forest area near the Modi Mill flyover in central Delhi, leading to traffic disruptions on Mathura road. The Delhi Traffic Police reported vehicular movement issues from Ashram Chowk towards Apollo Hospital. Emergency services, including seven fire tenders, swiftly responded to the incident. As of now, there are no reports of casualties or injuries. Commuters are urged to steer clear of roads near the affected flyover. Authorities are actively managing the situation to ensure the safety of the public and control the fire's impact on the surrounding area.

Madhya Pradesh Police successfully located 12 out of the 26 girls reported missing from an illicitly operated children's home in Bhopal. Two Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) faced suspension over alleged negligence, and notices were issued to two others. The illegal shelter home, managed by a missionary without a license, housed children rescued from the streets, practicing Christianity in secret. The NCPCR chairman exposed the irregularities during a surprise visit, revealing discrepancies in the shelter home's register. The missing girls, from various states, were living without Child Welfare Committee orders. Investigations continue.

Singapore, as a partner country, will announce investments exceeding ₹2,300 crore at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Strengthening economic ties with Gujarat, Singapore will focus on expanding investments in the state's green economy and sustainability sector. The summit, scheduled from January 9 to 12, will host a dedicated Singapore Pavilion featuring nine companies across various sectors, including finance, renewable energy, waste management, and logistics. The delegation, led by Singapore's High Commissioner to India Simon Wong, aims to explore new collaborations, including space initiatives and investments in emerging zones like GIFT City and Dholera Special Investment Region.

For the second consecutive year, Bhopal experiences a decline in migratory bird visits due to the climate change and Ukraine war. Ornithologists attribute the disruption to the traditional migratory route caused by the war. Delayed winter and fluctuating temperatures further impact migration patterns. Despite challenges, experts remain hopeful for increased bird numbers during the November to April-May migratory season. Wetlands play a vital role in attracting these birds, providing necessary ecological conditions and food sources. Bhopal residents eagerly await the migratory bird season, fostering a passion for birdwatching and ornithology.

In response to 141 child deaths linked to Indian cough syrups in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, the Indian government enforces stricter pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. The $50 billion industry faces heightened scrutiny, with companies required to ensure drug quality, safety, and efficacy. A government notification mandates satisfactory test results before marketing products, addressing concerns about raw material testing. Large manufacturers have six months, while smaller ones get a 12-month deadline, causing some to seek extensions due to heavy debts. The move aims to restore confidence in India's pharmaceutical sector after recent international controversies.

In a shocking revelation, 26 girls from various states, including Gujarat, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, have gone missing from an illegally-operated shelter home in Bhopal. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights discovered the discrepancy during a surprise visit. An FIR has been filed against the shelter home director, revealing irregularities and the illegal operation of the facility. The girls, aged 6 to 18, were reportedly residing without Child Welfare Committee orders. The missionary-run home is accused of religious conversion practices. Authorities are investigating the matter, addressing concerns of human trafficking and immoral activities.

Eight prominent institutions in Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and the Nehru Science Centre, faced bomb threats through emails on Friday. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Colaba was the first to receive the threat mail. Police, along with bomb squads, conducted searches at mentioned locations, including the Byculla Zoo, but found nothing. Despite the lack of evidence, security at vital installations was increased. A case has been filed based on the museum's complaint, registering an offence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified persons at Colaba Police Station.