A thin layer of smog enveloped several parts of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) across the national capital recorded at 294, placing it in the "poor" category at 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path showed smog lingering over central Delhi. Similar conditions were observed near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, where haze persisted during the early morning hours. Several areas record ‘very poor’ air quality levels As per CPCB data, the AQI near India Gate stood at 240, categorised as "poor". In Pandav Nagar, the AQI was recorded at 362, falling in the "very poor" category. Several air quality monitoring stations across the city reported elevated pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 362, while Ashok Vihar stood at 348. Bawana reported 340, Burari 309, and Chandni Chowk 319. Dwarka Sector 8 and ITO both recorded AQI levels of 312, while Mundka stood at 314. Okhla Phase-2 registered 325, Rohini 359, Punjabi Bagh 337, and Wazirpur 363. Narela recorded an AQI of 286, Alipur 289, and RK Puram 317. IMD forecasts rain and gusty winds during the day Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds during the day. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected during the morning, forenoon, afternoon, evening, and night. The temperature is likely to range between 19 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius. Stage III of GRAP revoked amid improving conditions In a related development, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in view of improved air quality levels and favourable forecast trends. Authorities urge adherence to GRAP norms However, considering the winter season and the possibility of unfavourable weather conditions, authorities have urged citizens to strictly follow the citizen charter under Stages I and II of the existing GRAP framework to prevent further deterioration in air quality. According to AQI classification, values between 0 and 50 are considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.
27 January,2026 10:42 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSecurity teams at Cochin International Airport have stopped a major drug smuggling attempt and arrested a foreign national, officials said here on Tuesday. They said around 6 pm on Monday, alert screeners at the Domestic Terminal noticed something wrong with a suitcase belonging to a woman from Togo. The passenger had just arrived from Doha and was planning to fly to Delhi on an Air India flight. When officers took her bag to a separate area for a physical check, they discovered a secret "false bottom" hidden under the lining of the suitcase.Tucked away inside this hidden space were two packets of a banned drug called Methaqualone. The drugs weighed nearly 4 kg and are estimated to be worth about Rs 2 crore. Following the discovery, airport officials immediately handed the woman and the seized packets over to the Customs department.A formal case has been registered against her, and she remained in Customs custody overnight. The Togolese national is scheduled to be presented in court on Tuesday, as officials investigate whether she is part of a larger smuggling network. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
27 January,2026 10:19 AM IST | Kochi | PTIMaulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticised the decision to bar non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham, calling it “divisive” and harmful to communal harmony. According to the news agency ANI, he warned that such measures threaten Hindu–Muslim unity and undermine the nation’s social cohesion. Speaking to ANI on Monday, Barelvi said, "A strange spectacle has been created in India by a few people with communal mindsets. Whenever a Hindu festival or fair starts, a signboard is displayed beforehand, indicating that Muslims are not allowed. Recently, at Gangotri Dham, the committee announced that Muslims would not be allowed." "Plans are now underway to implement the same measure at Kedarnath and Badrinath. Such actions and sentiments foster extremist beliefs and empower those who aim to weaken the nation, undermine Hindu-Muslim brotherhood, and sow division in society. These individuals are enemies of society," he said, reported ANI. This comes after a decision taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday that non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand. Following this development, Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), stated that at their upcoming board meeting, they will table a proposal to prohibit non-Hindus from entering the Shri Kedarnath and Shri Badrinath Dhams. Speaking to ANI, the Chairman asserted that these shrines are not tourist destinations but the supreme spiritual centres of Sanatan traditions; hence, the entry of non-Hindus to these sites is a matter of religious faith. "Shri Kedarnath Dham and Shri Badrinath Dham are not tourist destinations. They are the supreme spiritual centres of Sanatan traditions. The question of entry here is not a matter of civil rights, but rather a matter of religious faith," Dwivedi said. He apprised of bringing forward a proposal to completely ban anyone who does not have faith in Sanatan Dharma. Uttarakhand temple committee to bar non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham and Mukhba The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee on Sunday decided to bar non-Hindus from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand, including Mukhba, the deity’s winter residence. The move was approved unanimously during a Sunday meeting, according to Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal, reported ANI. Meanwhile, Hemant Dwivedi, chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, said a proposal to restrict non-Hindu entry to all temples under the committee will be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. Separately, the Uttarakhand government is considering limiting non-Hindu access to Haridwar’s 105 ghats, covering 120 sq km, following requests from certain seers and the Ganga Sabha. The state also plans to designate Haridwar and Rishikesh as “sanatan pavitra shehar” (sacred cities). (With ANI inputs)
27 January,2026 09:26 AM IST | Bareilly | mid-day online correspondentBanned Chinese manja claimed another life in Telangana, with a five-year-old girl becoming the latest victim in Hyderabad on Monday. The incident occurred in the Kukatpally area in Telangana when the girl was riding a motorcycle with her father and sister. According to police, the manja of a flying kite got entangled around her neck and caused a deep cut. Nishvika Aditya (5) died on the spot due to profuse bleeding. She was sitting in front of her father, who was driving the bike while her sister was riding pillion. They were coming to Kukatpally from Khajipalli in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Police registered a case and took up the investigation. This is the second such incident in Telangana in less than two weeks. A 35-year-old man in Sangareddy district lost his life in a similar incident on January 14. Avidesh, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, was riding a motorcycle when the manja got entangled around his neck. He suffered a deep cut and died on the spot. More than a dozen people were injured by Chinese manja in Hyderabad and its outskirts this month. The injured included an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a 70-year-old woman. In 2024, a Naik-rank officer of the Indian Army died after his throat was slit by a Chinese manja in Hyderabad. Kagithala Koteswar Reddy (30), a native of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, succumbed at a hospital. The incident took place when he was riding a scooter on the Indra Reddy flyover in the Langar Houz area. Despite the ban, Chinese manja was used rampantly for flying kites during the recent Sankranti festival season. Hyderabad Police had launched a special drive against Chinese manja (synthetic/nylon kite string) to curb its sale, storage, and transportation in the city. From January 8 to January 11, the police seized 2,150 bobbins of Chinese manja worth Rs 43 lakh. The police registered 29 cases against those involved in the sale and arrested 57 people. During the last one month, police registered 132 cases and seized 8,376 bobbins worth Rs 1.68 crore. A total of 200 people were arrested. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 07:11 AM IST | Hyderabad | IANSAn Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district came under fire from armed insurgents on Monday, triggering a fierce exchange of fire, officials said. According to sources, the COB located at Ranglum village in Changlang district was fired upon from multiple directions. The remote border village lies close to the India-Myanmar border, near international border pillar number 168. Assam Rifles troops retaliated effectively, and the counter-insurgency operation is still underway, the sources said, adding that no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far from either side. Additional forces have been deployed in and around the area, while the region has been cordoned off and the operation further intensified to neutralise the armed insurgents. A senior police official said that police teams have rushed to the border areas to gather further details. However, the identity of the militant group involved is yet to be confirmed, as detailed information is awaited from the Assam Rifles. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-km unfenced border with Myanmar, making the region vulnerable to cross-border insurgent movements. Meanwhile, security agencies recalled that a few months ago, militants of the NSCN-K (YA) faction had launched a standoff attack on the Hedman Camp in Changlang district, which was successfully foiled due to an instant and swift response by alert troops. Subsequently, ULFA (Independent) extremists attempted a similar attack on the Kakopathar Camp in Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. The attack was repulsed, resulting in casualties among the insurgents and the apprehension of an Over Ground Worker (OGW) involved in the plot. Following those incidents, Assam Rifles intensified counter-insurgency operations by activating an extensive security grid supported by modern surveillance assets, drones, and intelligence-based high-tech teams. The heightened operations culminated in a successful ambush at the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area in Namsai district of south Arunachal Pradesh, leading to the neutralisation of one ULFA (I) cadre and the recovery of warlike stores. During a subsequent search operation, security forces recovered the body of a militant identified as Iwon Axom, a self-styled Sergeant Major of ULFA (I). One rifle, one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) round, and three rucksacks were also recovered from the spot. Sources said that such rapid and precise actions have repeatedly foiled insurgent attempts and helped maintain the morale dominance of security forces across the region. The Assam Rifles’ steadfast role, professional planning, and resolute execution continue to uphold peace and stability in the Northeast, reaffirming their legacy as the “Sentinels of the North East,” the sources added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 07:08 AM IST | Itanagar | IANSPresident Droupadi Murmu on Monday hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, bringing together prominent dignitaries to mark the conclusion of the day’s celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and several other distinguished guests attended the reception. The ‘At Home’ event is a long-standing tradition held every year on Republic Day to commemorate the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950. This year’s reception carried added significance with the presence of the two European leaders, who had earlier served as joint Chief Guests at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. Their participation highlighted the strengthening ties between India and the European Union. Discussions on trade, security, and multilateral cooperation are expected to continue during the 16th EU-India Summit scheduled for January 27. The invitation for the reception featured artistic elements inspired by the cultural heritage and diversity of India’s North-Eastern states. Guests gathered in the historic setting of Rashtrapati Bhavan, exchanging greetings and reflecting on the day’s events. Earlier, the Republic Day parade showcased India’s military capabilities, cultural diversity, and commitment to self-reliance through various tableaux and performances. The reception offered an opportunity for informal interactions among India’s leadership and international partners, reinforcing bonds of friendship and cooperation. Vice President Radhakrishnan, who had earlier extended Republic Day greetings emphasising India’s democratic values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, joined Prime Minister Modi in welcoming those present. The evening event reflected the inclusive spirit of the Republic, blending long-standing traditions with contemporary diplomatic engagement. As India continues its journey as the world's largest democracy, the ‘At Home’ reception provided a warm and fitting conclusion to a day marked by patriotic pride, unity, and optimism for the future. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 07:06 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi shared highlights from the 77th Republic Day celebrations held at Kartavya Path in the National Capital, emphasising the importance of strengthening constitutional values and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat. In a post on X on Monday, the Prime Minister shared a video capturing key moments from the Republic Day parade and captioned it, "Here are the highlights from the Republic Day celebrations 2026. May we always keep strengthening Constitutional values and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat." India's enormous cultural diversity, growing capabilities across domains, and military prowess were on display in the parade as people in Delhi and other parts of the country celebrated the Republic Day with enthusiasm at Kartavya Path. Here are the highlights from the Republic Day celebrations 2026. May we always keep strengthening Constitutional values and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/Hm1t3JiYLo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026 The President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, were Chief Guests at the celebrations. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations and took the salute of the parade on Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, which was decked up for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan reflected on the 'At Home' reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion. In a post on X, the Vice President shared photographs from the reception with the Prime Minister, the President, and the Chief Guests, including the President wearing the traditional Indian Patka. He wrote, "Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 'At Home' reception hosted by the Hon'ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, in honour of the Chief Guests, the President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen at Rashtrapati Bhavan today." Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, in honour of the Chief Guests, the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, and the President of the… pic.twitter.com/KcmmUCMZmh — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 26, 2026 Meanwhile, the official X handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan, shedding light on the reception, stated, "President Droupadi Murmu hosted 'At Home' reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, attended the reception." The post further added, "Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and in Lok Sabha, eminent citizens who have made remarkable contributions in different fields and beneficiaries of various developmental programmes of the Government were also present on the occasion. The guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements as well as the cuisine of the North Eastern states of India." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 06:53 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Uttarakhand government has enforced the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 after Governor Gurmit Singh’s approval. The ordinance introduces procedural, administrative and penal reforms to strengthen implementation, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights, officials said, reported the IANS. According to the IANS, the ordinance was promulgated under Article 213 of the Constitution by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, after which it came into force immediately. Through this ordinance, several procedural, administrative, and penal reforms have been introduced in various provisions of the code to ensure effective, transparent, and smooth implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Key provisions of the UCC amendment The Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, has replaced the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, while the Indian Penal Code has been substituted by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for penal provisions. Under Section 12, the “Additional Secretary” has been designated as the competent authority in place of the “Secretary.” Whereas a provision has been introduced whereby cases will be automatically forwarded to the Registrar and the Registrar General if the sub-registrar fails to take action within the prescribed time limit. Right to appeal against penalties The right to appeal against penalties imposed on sub-registrars has been provided, and recovery of such penalties will be carried out as arrears of land revenue.Also, misrepresentation of identity at the time of marriage has been made grounds for annulment of the marriage. The Uttarakhand government has also implemented stringent penal provisions to ensure regulations in cases involving force, coercion, fraud, or unlawful activities in marriages and live-in relationships. Furthermore, a provision has also been made for the Registrar to issue a termination certificate upon the dissolution of a live-in relationship.The term ‘widow’ is replaced with ‘spouse.’ In Schedule II, the term “widow” has been replaced with the term “spouse.” The Registrar General has been granted the authority to cancel registrations related to marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and succession, as reported by news agency IANS. The objective of these amendments is to make the provisions of the Uniform Civil Code clearer, more effective, and practical, strengthen administrative efficiency, and ensure better protection of citizens’ rights. Earlier in January 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The UCC came into force as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the notification, released the rules for its implementation, and launched a portal created for the mandatory online registration of marriages, divorce, and live-in relationships. (With inputs from IANS)
26 January,2026 10:56 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentThe Him Yodha contingent, a unique Indian Army formation that supports soldiers deployed in extreme high-altitude and icy regions, made a striking appearance at the Republic Day 2026 Parade on Kartavya Path on Monday. Him Yodha represents the Indian Army’s specialised animal and mobility support units that operate in some of the world’s harshest terrains, including the Himalayas, the Siachen Glacier, and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). The contingent highlights how animals, technology and trained personnel work together to sustain troops in remote and hostile environments. Led by Captain Harshita Raghav and guided by the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the Him Yodha contingent featured Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Black Kites, Glacier All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and indigenous Army dogs, according to the ANI. According to the official description, these animals and support systems play a crucial role in logistics, surveillance and operational support in areas where modern vehicles often cannot function. Bactrian camels: Endurance in the cold desert The Bactrian camels from Ladakh’s Galwan and Nubra regions demonstrated their importance in high-altitude logistics. Capable of operating above 15,000 feet, these hardy animals can carry loads of up to 200 kilograms while requiring minimal care. Highly effective on sandy terrain and steep slopes, they provide vital supply support along the LAC and symbolise endurance and resilience in national service. 77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 | HIM Yodha, Bactrian Camel, Zaniskari pony, black kites (raptors) displayed during the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path in DelhiFive indigenous breed dogs-Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam-trained as attack and patrol… pic.twitter.com/kYgjTBKtNO — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026 Zanskar ponies make historic debut For the first time, the Zanskar ponies, an endangered indigenous breed from Ladakh’s high valleys, marched on Kartavya Path. These ponies serve in the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and along the LAC, carrying supplies and assisting in patrol duties. Their appearance marked a moment of pride, with their hooves echoing courage, sacrifice and silent service to the nation. Indigenous Indian Army dogs and aerial support Five indigenous Indian Army dog breeds - Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam - followed the contingent. Trained for attack and patrol duties, these dogs are now serving alongside foreign breeds, as per the ANI. Equipped with bullet-resistant jackets, cameras, GPS devices and communication systems, they act as force multipliers on the battlefield. The Him Yodha contingent also included Black Kites, which assist in surveillance and anti-drone operations beyond the LoC, highlighting the Army’s innovative use of natural assets. Mixed Scouts contingent follows Marching after Him Yodha was the Mixed Scouts Contingent, led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts. The unit comprised personnel from Sikkim Scouts, Arunachal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Ladakh Scouts, Garhwal Scouts and Dogra Scouts. Drawn from Himalayan regions, these soldiers specialise in high-altitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance. Their disciplined march reflected the Army’s ethos of ‘Service Before Self’, resilience and constant vigilance. (with ANI inputs)
26 January,2026 10:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSeveral global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron extended warm greetings to India on the occasion of its Republic Day 2026. India marked the 77th Republic day with a grand parade in the national capital, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, economic progress and military strength. The celebrations featured Indian Air Forces' fighter aircraft, indigenously developed missiles, newly raised military units and advanced weapon systems. Xi describes India and China as 'good neighbours' Chinese President Xi Jinping described India and China as “good neighbours, friends and partners”. He said cooperation between the “dragon and the elephant” was the right choice for both countries and praised improving bilateral relations that contribute to global peace and prosperity, reported the PTI. India-US share a historic relationship: Trump President Donald Trump said India and the United States share a historic relationship as the world’s largest and oldest democracies. “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of India,” Trump said, adding that the bond between the two nations is rooted in shared democratic values, according to the PTI. Macron extends best wishes to Indians French President Emmanuel Macron shared a message on social media recalling his visit as chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations. Posting a photograph with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, Macron extended his best wishes to the people of India and said he looked forward to meeting again soon. What a wonderful memory of the #RepublicDay we shared together in 2024! 🇮🇳🇫🇷My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, my very best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together! pic.twitter.com/qQrfonVLqo — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2026 European leaders recall close ties with India President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests. British King Charles III highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between India and the United Kingdom. In his message to President Droupadi Murmu, he emphasised shared Commonwealth values and praised cooperation in clean energy, climate finance and sustainable growth, as per the PTI. Neighbouring and global nations send warm wishes Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, expressing hope that the close friendship between the two nations would continue to grow stronger. I join the people of Bhutan in extending warm Republic Day greetings to PM @narendramodi Ji, the Government and people of India. This joyous occasion celebrates India’s inspiring journey and reflects the close bonds and shared values between our two nations. pic.twitter.com/qNh5lVeuMA — Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) January 26, 2026 Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka praised the resilience of Indian democracy, calling it a product of India’s ancient civilisation. He said Belarus valued its long-standing and friendly relations with India. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wished India continued progress and prosperity, while also praising the strong ties between the two countries. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu highlighted India’s commitment to democracy and good governance, expressing hope for further strengthening bilateral relations. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanked India for its continued support and cooperation, especially during recent challenges faced by his country. Iran, Israel and Australia congratulate Iran, Israel, Australia and Armenia also sent congratulatory messages, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with India.
26 January,2026 09:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentResidents of Pancheva village in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, reportedly announced a social boycott against young couples who elope and marry for love, as well as their families, reported the PTI. The decision comes after eight couples reportedly eloped from the village and married over the past six months. A video of a man publicly announcing the boycott has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to take action. In the video, the man declared that the families of eloping couples would be socially ostracised and excluded from all community events. He also warned that anyone who helps such couples would face the same consequences, according to the PTI. The boycott order reportedly includes - - Refusal to invite the couples and their families to village functions - Denial of employment - Withholding basic daily necessities such as milk - Administration Orders Action After Viral Video Following the viral video, Collector Misha Singh confirmed that the individuals seen in the clip have been identified. She stated that the matter is under investigation and the police have been instructed to take appropriate action, as per the PTI. “Our inquiry found that the boycott decision was taken by villagers themselves, not by the Gram Sabha,” the collector added. Police take legal steps Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vivek Kumar Lal said that the individuals involved are being “bound over”, a legal measure requiring them to maintain good conduct and not disturb peace, the news agency reported. He added that further action will be taken after the investigation is completed. 3 killed as clay mine collapse in MP's Singrauli A devastating accident in the Kudwar police outpost area under Jiawan police station in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh claimed the lives of three women, while two others sustained serious injuries, reported the IANS. The incident occurred when a mound of earth in an informal clay mine suddenly collapsed, burying five women who had gone to extract white clay locally known as "chhui". The victims, all residents of nearby Parsohar and Harha villages, were reportedly digging for the soft white clay commonly used for various domestic and traditional purposes, the news agency reported. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
26 January,2026 08:37 PM IST | Ratlam (MP) | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769488693330_d.png "Togolese woman held with four kg Methaqualone at Cochin airport. Representational Pic")
