The Padma Awards 2025 were announced on January 25, honouring Indian cinema personalities. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actors Ajith Kumar, Nandamuri Balakrishna, and Anant Nag received Padma Bhushan awards. Renowned singer Arijit Singh, actor Mamata Shankar, and Marathi veteran Ashok Saraf were conferred Padma Shri. Other recipients include Jaspinder Narula, composer Ricky Kej, and the late Pankaj Udhas, who received a posthumous Padma Bhushan. The awards highlight contributions across music and film, celebrating talent from various regions and languages. In total, 139 Padma Awards were given this year, recognizing excellence across multiple fields.

Two French tourists cycling to Nepal were stranded in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after following a Google Maps shortcut. Brian Jacques Gilbert and Sebastian Francois Gabriel, en route to Kathmandu from Pilibhit, ended up at Churaili Dam late at night. Villagers, unable to understand their language, took them to a local police outpost to ensure their safety. Senior officer Anurag Arya provided assistance, and the tourists were hosted by the village headman overnight. The next morning, police guided them with proper directions to continue their journey. The duo had flown from Paris to Delhi on January 7.

Ahead of his film Sky Force, Akshay Kumar stated, “History books need correction. We read about Akbar or Aurangzeb but not about our own heroes.” In an interview with CNN-News18, he highlighted the absence of unsung Indian warriors like Param Veer Chakra awardees in school syllabi. Akshay, known for portraying such figures, plays Wing Commander KO Ajuha in Sky Force, inspired by OP Taneja. The film, based on India's 1965 Sargodha airbase attack, stars Sara Ali Khan and Veer Pahariya. Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapoor, it releases January 24 under Maddock Films.

A fire engulfed two vehicles parked near the Mahakumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, early Saturday morning. The blaze, reported around 6:30 AM, caused panic among locals. Firefighters promptly controlled the fire using six tenders. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries. An Ertiga car was completely burnt, while a Venue car was partially damaged. Fire Officer Vishal Yadav attributed the incident to extreme heat and assured devotees' safety. This comes a week after a cylinder explosion at the Mahakumbh venue destroyed 70+ huts and tents. Authorities have been urged to prevent future mishaps.

According to a Pew Research Center report, India will surpass Indonesia to become the country with the largest Muslim population by 2050, reaching 311 million Muslims. This growth is attributed to factors like a younger average age and higher fertility rates. Indonesia, currently with the largest Muslim population, will drop to third place, with 257 million Muslims by 2050. The report also highlights that India will maintain the largest Hindu population, which will grow to 1.03 billion. Globally, the Muslim population is projected to increase significantly, reaching nearly 2.8 billion by 2050.

Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis will continue to operate, but the Ambassador model may soon be a thing of the past. The state government has lifted restrictions, allowing all light commercial vehicles with taxi permits to be painted yellow, a move aimed at preserving the city's cultural heritage. Once dominated by Hindustan Motors' Ambassadors, the yellow taxis are now facing a decline, with numbers dropping from 18,000 a decade ago to just 7,000 in 2024. Experts see the decision as a balance between maintaining tradition and meeting modern transport needs in the city.

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been inducted as the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. Renamed as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, Kulkarni's induction follows her close association with the order for over a year. Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan confirmed the ongoing rituals and stated Kulkarni's devotion to the Kinnar Akhada. The actress, known for her 1990s hits like Karan Arjun, donned saffron attire and performed 'Pind Daan' at Sangam Ghat. Kulkarni recently returned to Mumbai after a long hiatus, with a Bombay High Court ruling clearing her name in a ₹2,000 crore drug case.

A 20-year-old woman in Mumbai’s Vasai area was allegedly raped by an auto-rickshaw driver, who later abandoned her unconscious near a temple. Medical examination revealed a cesarean blade and stones inside her body. Deputy Commissioner of Police Smita Patil confirmed the driver’s arrest, with further investigations underway. However, reports suggest the woman may have fabricated parts of the case. Authorities claim she inserted the objects herself, fearing parental scolding for staying out late. Police are examining her past, which includes two prior rape complaints, and suspect mental health issues. The case has sparked debates on sexual violence and victim credibility.

India will launch its first human underwater submersible in 2025 under the Deep Ocean Mission. Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the submersible will initially dive to a depth of 500 meters, with plans to reach 6,000 meters next year. He emphasized the mission’s reliance on indigenous technology, which underscores India’s self-reliance. The initiative will explore critical resources, rare minerals, and marine biodiversity, contributing to a sustainable blue economy. “This mission will unlock vast underwater treasures for economic growth and environmental sustainability,” Singh stated. The submersible aligns with India’s landmark missions, including Gaganyaan, marking progress in scientific excellence.

A horrifying crime has emerged in Telangana, where Gurumurthy, a retired Army jawan, allegedly murdered his wife Puttavenkata Madhavi. According to police, he claimed to have killed her during an argument, then meticulously dismembered her body. The suspect reportedly chopped her body in the bathroom, boiled body parts in a pressure cooker, and crushed bones with a pestle over three days. He then allegedly disposed of the remains in a nearby lake. The couple, married for 13 years with two children, lived in Venkateswara Colony. Investigation is ongoing, with police yet to confirm the death.