A fierce encounter takes place between security forces and Maoists in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. The operation involves the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force and CoBRA. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma confirms three Maoists killed, making it nine neutralised this year. The encounter follows an IED blast that killed eight jawans in Bijapur.
Congress faces challenges in the Delhi polls, struggling against AAP and internal divisions within the INDIA bloc. Leaders from allied parties express concerns over the alliance's future and leadership, with AAP gaining support from regional parties, which complicates Congress's efforts to regain its position.
As of January 1, 2025, women voters outnumber men in 13 states and one Union Territory, with new entries including Assam, Karnataka, and Nagaland. Nationwide, the total female electorate is still 2.33 crore fewer than males among 99-crore voters. Notable states with high third-gender electors include Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah called for clarity on the INDIA bloc's alliance amid the Congress-AAP clash in the Delhi assembly elections. He urged opposition parties to decide if the alliance was only for Lok Sabha elections or also for assembly polls. Tensions have risen with Congress attacking AAP's governance and demanding a return to ballot papers.
A stampede during the distribution of Vaikuntha Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens for Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati resulted in six deaths and over 30 injuries. The chaos involved poor crowd management as devotees surged forward. TTD had organized the event, expecting large crowds. Andhra CM Naidu is overseeing the situation.
Four individuals charged with the murder of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been released from custody, sparking tensions between India and Canada. Canada's former PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement, which India denied. The suspects are accused of conspiracy in the fatal shooting of Nijjar, head of the Khalistan Tiger Force.