Smartphone makers may have to share source code
The government plans to mandate smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to share their source code and alert the government on major software updates. This is part of new security measures aimed at combating online fraud.
Tech firms have opposed the unprecedented demands, citing risks to proprietary data. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan said the government will address industry concerns.
Quick-commerce firms asked to end 10-minute delivery promise
The Central government is urging rapid delivery platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart to stop their 10-minute delivery model, citing gig worker safety concerns. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently met with company executives.
Blinkit has already dropped the time promise, and others may follow. The quick-commerce sector has attracted global investors, despite growing scrutiny over worker welfare.
Elephant kills 20 in Jharkhand, evades capture
A wild elephant has killed at least 20 people and injured 15 others in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, sparking panic.
The lone bull elephant rampaged for nine days and hasn’t been seen since Jan 9. Forest officials are using drones to search dense forests. Villagers are abandoning homes or barricading themselves indoors at night.
India-China look to rebuild trust at border
India and China are working to restore military trust and maintain peace along their disputed Himalayan border. Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi said both governments are pushing for calm following the deadly 2020 clashes.
Troop disengagement at friction points has progressed, and officials stress the importance of stability in normalising bilateral ties.
Delhi Airport to pause flights for Republic Day security
From Jan 21 to 26, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will halt operations daily from 10.20am to 12.45pm due to Republic Day security.
The suspension affects peak travel hours, causing potential delays, rescheduling, and missed connections.
Airlines have issued advisories, and passengers may face disruptions during this busy winter travel period.
New US envoy pledges to boost defence, trade, technology ties
Mr Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the 27th United States Ambassador to India on Jan 14 after presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The 39-year-old said he looked forward to deepening US-India cooperation in defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals, strengthening ties between the two democracies.
Telangana plans law to deduct pay from employees neglecting parents
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy plans a new law deducting 10 per cent to 15 per cent salary from government employees who neglect elderly parents. The funds would go directly to the parents’ accounts.
The initiative includes setting up senior day-care centres called “Pranaam” and aims to enforce familial responsibility and support ageing citizens with dignity.
Sabarimala chief priest arrested in gold theft case
The special investigation team probing an alleged gold theft at Kerala’s Sabarimala temple has arrested senior priest Kandararu Rajeevaru, the 11th accused in the case.
He was remanded to judicial custody by a Kollam vigilance court.
The arrest, during the annual festival, will not affect rituals, as another family member is currently serving as chief priest.
Zoho CEO’s divorce among world’s costliest
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has been ordered by a California court to deposit US$1.7 billion in his divorce case, making it one of the world’s costliest.
His estranged wife accuses him of transferring Zoho assets to relatives to reduce her legal claim. Vembu, now based in Tamil Nadu, disputes the allegations.
120 Andhra youths rescued from cybercrime rings in Myanmar
Over 120 youth from Andhra Pradesh, lured with fake job offers, were rescued from cybercrime hubs in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.
Traffickers forced victims into online scams after confiscating passports.
The stated Crime Investigation Department officials said victims were coerced into fraud and punished for not meeting targets. Operations continue with central support to rescue others.
Madhya Pradesh court orders strict ban on ‘Chinese string’
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed authorities to strictly enforce the ban on Chinese kite strings, citing safety concerns.
Guardians can be held responsible if minors use the banned thread.
The court mandated public awareness campaigns, following multiple deaths and injuries linked to the hazardous nylon string.
Kanha reserve to reintroduce wild buffaloes after a century
Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve will receive wild buffaloes from Assam for the first time in 100 years.
The Supkhar range, once a Maoist corridor, is now safe for conservation efforts.
Authorities see this as a major ecological milestone, marking the revival of a species considered locally extinct.
Kerala’s Malayalam language bill has Karnataka worried
Kerala’s Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 has triggered an inter-state row with Karnataka, which fears the law could marginalise Kannada-speaking communities in border districts like Kasaragod.
While Kerala says the Bill safeguards linguistic minorities and promotes inclusive governance, Karnataka leaders argue compulsory provisions – especially in education – may amount to language imposition.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dismissed the concerns as misplaced.
RCB finalises new home venues for IPL 2026
Defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play their 2026 home matches outside Bengaluru, opting for Navi Mumbai and Raipur.
The decision follows a stampede during last year’s victory parade that killed 11 people, after which a judicial report termed the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru unsafe.
RCB will play five matches in Navi Mumbai and two in Raipur, prioritising crowd safety over tradition.
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7 Jan 2026 12:26
