A stampede during Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticket distribution at Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati claimed six lives, including a woman named Mallika, and injured several others. The chaos erupted as over 4,000 devotees gathered for tokens for the 10-day special darshan beginning January 10. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock, ordered relief measures, and will visit Tirupati to meet the injured. Opposition leaders criticized the government for mismanagement. TTD board chairman BR Naidu convened an emergency meeting, while officials assured improved arrangements for the upcoming darshan. Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed condolences and urged better care for the injured.

The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh has highlighted the dangers faced by reporters in India's conflict zones. Chandrakar, 33, was found in a septic tank linked to a contractor he exposed for corruption. Known for his YouTube channel Bastar Junction, he covered underreported issues like tribal hardships and Maoist conflict. His work, though sometimes unpolished, gave a voice to Bastar's marginalized communities. Colleagues admired his courage but acknowledged challenges of financial instability in small-town journalism. Police have arrested three suspects. Manisha Pande from Newslaundry emphasized the need for financial sustainability to support fearless journalism in India’s hinterlands.

Rescue operations in Assam’s Dima Hasao coal mine continue as one body was recovered, while eight workers remain trapped. Flooding engulfed the illegal mine on Monday, prompting efforts by the Army, Navy, NDRF, and SDRF. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the recovery, expressing condolences to the victim’s family. Specialized de-watering pumps from SDRF and ONGC were deployed, with an MI-17 helicopter on standby. Authorities arrested one individual linked to the mine, deemed illegal, under relevant mining and criminal laws. Rescue operations remain ongoing, with divers and heavy equipment mobilized to locate the remaining trapped workers.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has announced a $1M prize to anyone deciphering the Indus Valley script, which has puzzled scholars for over a century. Speaking at an international conference commemorating the 1924 discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC), Stalin emphasized the Dravidian roots of the civilisation, citing evidence such as bull symbols and urban culture. He also announced a ₹2 crore grant to establish a research chair honoring Iravatham Mahadevan for further studies. Annual awards for Tamil cultural scholars were also introduced. Stalin urged global collaboration to solve the riddle and uncover the mystery of the script.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is a spiritual gathering expected to host 40-45 crore devotees. Held once every 144 years due to rare astronomical alignments, the event begins on January 13 (Makar Sankranti) and concludes on February 26 (Maha Shivratri). Pilgrims will bathe at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, seeking salvation. Featuring grand ceremonies, cultural activities, and the Shahi Snan processions, this unique event surpasses other Kumbhs held every 4, 6, or 12 years. Its origins trace back to the mythical Samudra Manthan, symbolizing eternal spirituality.

A 25-year-old junior doctor from Gwalior’s Government Medical College has accused her colleague of raping her in an abandoned hostel on Sunday. The accused, also 25, allegedly lured her to the location where the crime took place. Gwalior police arrested the accused following the victim's complaint at the Compou police station. Authorities are investigating the incident, including the role of any accomplices. The shocking case echoes the R.G. Kar Medical College incident in Kolkata, sparking outrage and calls for justice. Investigators are recording statements from other students as part of the probe.

9 people, including 8 policemen and a driver, died after Naxalites blew up a police vehicle with an IED in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Monday. The attack occurred on the Bedre-Kutru Road as security personnel were returning from an anti-Naxal operation. Shocking visuals from the site showed severe damage and dismembered bodies. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the attack, calling it a desperate act by Naxalites. He assured that efforts to eliminate Naxalism by 2026 would continue. This incident follows recent encounters where security forces killed several Naxalites in operations across the region.

Nine people, including eight security personnel and a driver, were killed after Naxalites detonated an IED on the Bedre-Kutru Road in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. The attack targeted two vehicles carrying soldiers returning from an anti-Naxal operation. Visuals showed devastating scenes, including dismembered bodies. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the "cowardly attack" and reaffirmed plans to eradicate Naxalism by 2026. Deputy CM Arun Sao and other officials assured that the personnel's sacrifice will not be in vain, pledging intensified action against Naxal groups. The incident follows recent encounters in the Bastar region, where multiple Naxalites were killed.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Suresh Chandrakar, the main accused in the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, during a late-night operation in Hyderabad on January 5. The case, which involves the journalist’s investigation into corruption in a Rs 120 crore road project, saw four arrests, including Suresh’s brother Ritesh, who reportedly arranged the meeting that led to Mukesh’s disappearance. Mukesh’s body was found two days later in a septic tank in Bijapur district. The SIT continues to investigate, with three bank accounts of Suresh seized.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was detained by Patna Police on Monday during his hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam. Kishor had been fasting since January 2 to protest the December 13 exam marred by alleged question paper leaks. The district administration deemed the protest "illegal," citing a Patna High Court order restricting protests to Gardani Bagh. Kishor was forcibly removed and taken to AIIMS amid "Vande Mataram" chants from supporters. Despite a retest conducted on January 4 for selected candidates, Kishor maintained his call for a complete cancellation of the exam.