The Centre has asked X to remove sexually explicit content made using its AI chatbot Grok within 72 hours and submit a report on action taken. The notice was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology after it found wide misuse of the tool to create and share obscene images and videos, mainly targeting women and children. The ministry said X failed to follow due diligence rules under the IT Act and related guidelines. It ordered the platform to review Grok’s systems and take strict action against users who abuse it. The Centre warned that failure to comply could lead to loss of legal protection and further action under criminal and child protection laws. (PC: IndiaToday)

Swiss officials said a deadly fire at a ski resort bar may have started when sparklers fixed to champagne bottles came close to the ceiling. The blaze killed 40 people and injured 119 others. Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said several causes are still under review. Police have formally identified 113 injured people so far, including 71 Swiss citizens, 14 French, and 11 Italians. Identification of those who died is still under way. Regional president Mathias Reynard said the wait for answers is very hard for families. Hospitals in Geneva said some patients being treated for severe burns are as young as 15.

Police in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, have registered an FIR against a college professor and three senior women students for ragging, physical assault and sexual harassment in connection with the death of a 19-year-old student, police said. The victim’s father alleged his daughter was beaten and intimidated by seniors Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika on September 18, 2025, and subjected to obscene acts by Professor Ashok Kumar, leaving her traumatised. She was treated at multiple hospitals and later died during treatment on December 26, 2025. The FIR was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Ragging Act; investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindu)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took strict action over the Indore water contamination crisis that has left many residents ill and caused multiple deaths, removing the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Additional Commissioner and relieving the water works engineer of duty. Yadav, after reviewing the situation with senior officials, also issued show-cause notices to key civic administrators as anger grows over alleged negligence in managing water supply infrastructure. Water samples reportedly showed harmful bacterial contamination, prompting public health concerns and debate over accountability for the crisis. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against violently suppressing nationwide protests, saying the United States is “locked and loaded and ready to go” and would intervene if Iranian forces shoot and kill peaceful demonstrators. His statement on Truth Social comes amid the largest unrest in Iran in three years over economic hardship, inflation and a collapsing currency, which has led to several deaths. Iranian officials, including advisers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected U.S. interference as a “red line,” warning it could destabilize the region. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have sharply escalated as both sides exchange threats. (PC: India Today)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal letter to activist Umar Khalid, who is in jail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. The undated note was shared online by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri. In the message, Mamdani said he often thinks of Khalid’s words about not letting bitterness take over. Khalid was arrested in September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Act and has been in Tihar jail since then. He was recently given short bail to attend his sister’s wedding. Khalid’s father is reported to have met Mamdani in the United States last month. (PC: X)

A one-horned rhinoceros calf was born on January 1 at Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal, officials said. The newborn was first seen by forest staff on patrolling elephants during routine rounds. Jaldapara is home to India’s second-largest rhino population after Kaziranga in Assam. Forest officers said the calf will be closely tracked as part of the park’s regular monitoring system. Each birth is recorded to ensure the safety of the mother and the young animal. The park follows strict rules to guard rhinos from harm and illegal activity. Authorities said such births show that habitat care and protection work in the reserve is helping the species survive. 

Lab tests have found that polluted drinking water caused a vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, killing nine people and sickening over 1,400, officials said. The cases were reported from Bhagirathpura area. Health officers said a leak in the main supply pipe allowed waste to enter the water line. A toilet was built above the damaged section, they added. Authorities have started checking the full pipeline and sent more samples for tests. Clean water was restored on Thursday, but residents were told to boil it first. The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the state government on the deaths. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has issued draft rules that set minimum work days for gig and platform workers to qualify for social security benefits. The labour ministry said workers must be engaged for at least 90 days in a financial year with one aggregator. Those working with more than one platform will need 120 days in total. A worker will be treated as engaged on any day they earn income, no matter the amount. If a person works for three aggregators on one day, it will count as three days. The notice came just before a New Year’s Eve strike by gig workers over pay and conditions. (PC: HT)

Search teams are still looking for victims after a major fire at a bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve. About 40 people were killed and at least 115 were injured, officials said. Many families are waiting for news as authorities warn that identification may take days or even weeks. Around 60 people are being treated at Sion hospital, with others in nearby centres. Several patients are in critical condition. Swiss President Guy Parmelin said the blaze was among the worst tragedies in the country. Investigators have not confirmed the cause. Some witnesses believe flames spread from candles placed on a champagne bottle. (PC: BBC)