The festive kite-flying season in India has turned deadly as illegal “Chinese manjha” — glass-coated nylon kite string — has been linked to at least four deaths in one day and numerous serious injuries, police and hospital reports say. The sharp, banned thread slices through skin and throats of bystanders, especially motorcyclists, and poses risks to pedestrians and wildlife. Despite bans under safety laws, the dangerous string continues to be sold and used ahead of Makar Sankranti, prompting authorities to warn the public, enforce raids, and urge safer cotton alternatives to prevent further tragedies. (PC: PTI)

A panel of doctors has linked 15 deaths in Indore to diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area. The state health department has so far confirmed six deaths. The five-member team from Mahatma Gandhi Medical College studied 21 cases reported since December 29. Indore divisional commissioner Sudam Khade said 15 deaths were due to diarrhoea linked to foul water. Two post-mortem reports are still pending. Four deaths were linked to other causes like kidney failure and cardiac arrest. The state has paid ₹2 lakh each to 18 families. Screening has been stepped up and dozens remain under treatment. (PC: HT)

Quick-commerce firm Blinkit has removed its “10-minute delivery” promise, shifting its branding to focus on doorstep deliveries without a fixed time guarantee, following intervention by the Union Labour Ministry amid concerns over worker safety and pressure on gig workers. The move comes after widespread protests and a nationwide strike by delivery workers demanding safer conditions and fairer work practices. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held talks with major platforms, urging them to drop ultra-fast delivery claims that could lead to reckless driving. Other firms like Swiggy and Zepto may follow suit as the industry rethinks tight delivery timelines. (PC: NDTV)

India officially assumed the BRICS 2026 presidency with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launching the official website, theme, and logo on January 13. Jaishankar announced India's chairship will adopt a "humanity-first" and "people-centric" approach, seeking to harness member countries' potential for greater global welfare. The Ministry of External Affairs revealed the logo designed on the lotus flower motif during a New Delhi ceremony. India's presidency marks a significant diplomatic milestone as it guides the expanded BRICS grouping through 2026. The launch emphasizes India's vision of leveraging the bloc's collective capabilities to address global challenges while maintaining focus on human welfare and inclusive development priorities throughout its tenure. (PC: X/@DrSJaishankar)

E-commerce platforms must abandon 10-minute delivery promises following Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's directive prioritizing delivery partner safety. After meeting executives from Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto, the government secured commitments to remove time-bound claims. Blinkit has already revised its tagline from "10,000 plus products delivered in 10 minutes" to "30,000 plus products delivered at your doorstep." The move follows December 25 gig worker protests demanding better pay, social security benefits, and elimination of arbitrary time targets. AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomed the decision, noting the "real, constant, and dangerous" pressure on riders. The government plans implementing four labour codes providing minimum wage, health, and social security coverage from April 1. (PC: X)

Quick commerce firms including Blinkit and Zepto have agreed to stop using 10-minute delivery claims after concerns were raised over rider safety and work pressure. Labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a government meeting with leading firms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato to discuss delivery timelines. Sources said Blinkit has already changed its main tagline, removing the 10-minute promise and switching to a general doorstep delivery line. Other platforms are expected to follow soon. The move comes after protests by gig workers on December 31 seeking better pay and safer work terms. AAP MP Raghav Chadha welcomed the step and said strict time promises put riders at risk. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states and dog feeders of strict liability in cases of stray dog attacks. During the hearing, the bench said, “For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states for not making requisite arrangements. And also liability to dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong.” The court also asked who should be held responsible when a child is killed by dogs fed by an organisation. The bench said it is not possible to judge a dog’s mood on the streets.

Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim after government talks with quick commerce firms over rider safety, sources said. The meeting included Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the effort to end strict delivery deadlines. Officials said the targets were pushing workers to take risks on the road. Other platforms are expected to follow in the coming days. The issue was raised in Parliament, where AAP MP Raghav Chadha said short timelines put lives in danger. The labour ministry has also issued draft rules under four labour codes to extend minimum wage, safety and social security benefits to gig workers. (PC: News18)

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday that Indian forces were prepared to launch ground operations during Operation Sindoor if Pakistan had taken any hostile step. He said the Army expanded the scope for conventional action and changed earlier views that such conflicts would quickly turn nuclear. The operation began on May 7 last year after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian strikes hit terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Dwivedi said around 100 Pakistani personnel were killed. He added that Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10 after Indian counter strikes. He said the response remains firm against future threats. (PC: India Today)

Delhi airport will face daily airspace closures from January 21 to 26 due to Republic Day security drills. A NOTAM says the airspace will shut from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm each day. Aviation data firm Cirium estimates over 600 flights may be affected during this window. The period is busy as many passengers land in Delhi to connect to Europe and other cities. Airlines may cancel or reschedule flights. Some passengers may be moved to later services or offered refunds. Fog in winter could worsen delays. Travellers should update contact details with airlines to get timely alerts. (PC: Reuters)