Kashmir on High Alert ahead of Republic Day amid sub-zero temperatures; Intelligence warns of foreign terrorist movement

Kashmir on High Alert ahead of Republic Day amid sub-zero temperatures; Intelligence warns of foreign terrorist movement


The Jammu and Kashmir Police, its special operation group (SOG), and the CRPF have implemented a multi-tier security grid despite the challenging sub-zero temperatures and recent heavy snowfall. Security forces have significantly increased their presence on the roads 

The number of mobile check-posts (nakas) has been increased across the Union Territory (UT), mostly in areas like Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Anantnag in south Kashmir and Baramullah, Sopore, and Bandipora in north Kashmir, to conduct intensive frisking of vehicles and pedestrians.

Intelligence inputs regarding a coordinated cross-border conspiracy to disrupt the Republic Day ceremony have put agencies on high alert. This input involves reported movement and plans by foreign-based terror outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, to disrupt the peace during the celebrations. 

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JKP and CRPF have intensified round-the-clock patrolling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) using Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and specialized SOG units to tackle any threat. 

Security personnel are also conducting massive search and combing operations in upper forest areas and border districts like Shopian, Poonch, Rajouri, Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla to neutralize potential threats. Apart from combing operations, all the entry points that connect those forests and borders are kept under vigil through mobile checkpoints. 

Apart from that, at all ceremony venues, advanced surveillance systems, including drones and high-resolution CCTV, face recognition systems have been deployed to keep a check on anti-national elements. 



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Delhi parking fees to double during GRAP 3 & 4: New rule to deter private vehicles

Delhi parking fees to double during GRAP 3 & 4: New rule to deter private vehicles


In a major move to address the problem of vehicle emissions, the Delhi government has notificationally mandated a move to double the rates of parking in Delhi whenever the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) goes into Stages 3 or 4. This will be a financial strategy to deter people from using private vehicles on Delhi’s “Severe” or “Severe-Plus” peak hazardous days.

New mandate under E.P Act

The gazette notification, which is issued under Section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act, confers powers on the LG to enforce the automatic hike. Though the note is dated January 8, it was released by the Environment Department on January 22.

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This order will apply to all authorised parking areas in the city, with a sharp emphasis on curbing the massive vehicle footprint of this city. Delhi’s whopping vehicle population of 8.24 million competing for only 106,037 approved parking spots in 677 parking facilities is described in the gazette.

Exemption for Delhi Metro (DMRC)

Furthermore, in a move to encourage the shift towards sustainable models of travel, parking lots run by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Pvt. Ltd. have been kept completely exempted from the hike. Here, the government pointed to the Metro as a service vital to connecting the public transportation network in the area by providing the “park and ride” experience.

The scientific rationale: Vehicles as major polluters

It references the landmark study conducted by IIT Kanpur to justify the increase in the prices. The study emphasised the damage caused to lungs due to vehicular exhaust in Delhi:

Winter Impact: Vehicles contribute 25.1% of PM2.5 and 19.7% of PM10 levels.

Gas Emissions: In the city, road transportation contributes to 92% of the total Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) and 30% of the total Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Implementation issues and expert criticisms

While it may sound feasible, the experts warn of “implementation confusion.” In effect, in Grap Stage 2, or “Very Poor,” there are already measures proposed to be implemented in raising parking fees. Note that by explicitly mandating the “doubling” at Stages 3 or 4, the government is creating a loophole in enforcement in GRAP Stage 2 itself.

ALSO READCold wave returns as rain and snow loom; IMD forecasts major drop in temperatures



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Congress more communal than Maoists: PM Modi attacks grand old party in Kerala

Congress more communal than Maoists: PM Modi attacks grand old party in Kerala


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on Congress, saying that the party has become more communal than the Maoists or even the Muslim League in many ways. 

Accusing Congress of lacking a development agenda, Prime Minister Modi said the Congress–Muslim League alliance is trying to take control of Kerala for its own narrow interests.

Addressing a public rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Modi said, “This is Modi’s guarantee… Today, I have come to warn you about Congress as well. Congress has no agenda for development. Congress has become more communal than the Maoists or even the Muslim League in many ways. That is why, at the national level, Congress is now being referred to as ‘MMC’ – Muslim League Maoist Congress. You must remain extremely vigilant against Congress. The Congress and Muslim League alliance is trying to take control of Kerala for their own narrow interests.”

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Claiming that corruption has put the brake on Kerala’s development, Prime Minister Modi urged the people to give the BJP a chance so that those who have looted them will be held accountable and every penny will be recovered.

“Corruption has put a brake on Kerala’s development. Under the rule of the LDF, even people’s savings in banks are not safe. People had saved money for their children’s education, for their daughters’ weddings, but the LDF and Congress leaders took it all. Such people must be punished. I urge you to give the BJP a chance. Those who have looted you will be held accountable, and every penny will be recovered,” he said.

Emphasising that modern infrastructure construction drives employment, Prime Minister Modi said the LDF and Congress ignore infrastructure development and focus only on large-scale scams.

“The construction of modern infrastructure is a major driver of employment. Whether it is the LDF or the Congress, they do not focus on building infrastructure, they are only involved in large-scale scams. In contrast, the BJP works with a clear vision of infrastructure development linked to job creation. With  the efforts of the BJP government, Kerala’s entire railway network has been electrified,” he said. 

Prime Minister Modi further accused the LDF of becoming an obstacle to Kerala’s progress by using its power to block initiatives of the central government. He said the LDF government in Kerala had delayed the implementation of the PM Awas Yojana and urban development projects, while schemes meant to provide piped water to every household were also being held up.

“The LDF claims to promote development, but BJP believes in driving Kerala’s growth as part of India’s overall development agenda. Unfortunately, the LDF has become an obstacle to Kerala’s progress. The LDF is using its power to block initiatives of the central government here. In Kerala, the LDF government has delayed the implementation of the PM Awas Yojana and urban development projects. Schemes meant to provide piped water to every household are being held up,” he said.

Attacking both the LDF and the UDF, Prime Minister Modi said their flags and symbols might be different, but their politics and agendas were the same: full corruption, zero accountability, full communalism and zero responsibility. 

“The LDF and UDF may have different flags and symbols, but their politics and agendas are the same. Different flag, same agenda; full corruption, zero accountability, full communalism, zero responsibility. Both LDF and UDF know that in 5 or 10 years they will get another chance, which is why the government changes but the system remains the same. Now, what Kerala truly needs is a new government in the real sense,” he said. 

Prime Minister Modi said, “The people of Kerala have placed immense trust in the Bharatiya Janata Party and joined hands with us… The BJP’s victory is not ordinary, it is historic, unprecedented. Thiruvananthapuram has laid the foundation of the BJP in Kerala. In the city of Thiruvananthapuram, you have given the BJP an opportunity to serve.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains in Kerala. 



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No alliance with Left? Congress may contest West Bengal assembly polls on its own

No alliance with Left? Congress may contest West Bengal assembly polls on its own


NEW DELHI: The Congress is exploring its options for poll-bound West Bengal and could decide to go alone in the Assembly elections in the state with no talks held so far for alliance with Left parties, party sources said here on Thursday. Sources said several leaders in the Bengal party unit are keen that the party goes alone in the polls as it has been weakened by contesting polls mostly in alliance for over decades.

 

They said there is still no clarity on the party’s stance even as Trinamool Congress and BJP have plunged into the campaign. The sources said that the party is likely to fight the forthcoming polls on its own. The Left-Congress-Indian Secular Front (ISF) alliance had performed very poorly in the last polls, winning only one seat. The BJP emerged as the main opposition party in the state, which had long been dominated by the Left and the Congress.

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Congress sources said that a section of the Bengal unit feels that the party will not be able to grow in an alliance and will be decimated in areas it has not contested for a long time. They feel that the party should use the forthcoming assembly polls, likely to be held in March-April, to build its base across the state.
 
The Left parties and Congress-led UDF have been the main contenders for power in Kerala, which will also go to the polls in the first half of this year. The BJP has in the past taunted Congress for fighting polls in alliance with Left parties in Bengal and fighting against them in Kerala.
 
The Congress earlier this month appointed senior leader BK Hariprasad as the chairperson of the screening committee for West Bengal. The political atmosphere in Bengal is charged amid allegations and counter-allegations between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and ED searches at I-PAC premises.
 
A final decision on the poll strategy in Bengal is expected to be taken by the Congress leadership in the next few days.



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Delhis Air Quality Remains Very Poor with AQI Of 330; Rain Expected As IMD Warns With Yellow Alert

Delhis Air Quality Remains Very Poor with AQI Of 330; Rain Expected As IMD Warns With Yellow Alert


Even as there was a slight improvement in pollution levels, the air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘Very Poor’ category on Wednesday. Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 330, and there is little chance of relief for the next 72 hours.

AQI Update: Nehru Nagar Respiratory Health Hotspot

AIR quality remained hazardous in the entire capital, with 29 pollution monitoring stations recording ‘Very Poor’ quality, and 9 ‘Poor.’

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Nehru Nagar had the worst air quality, with an overall Air Quality Index of 383, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and their sameer App.

The Air Quality Early Warning System gave a clear indication that air quality would stay ‘Very Poor’ at least until January 24.

Delhi’s Air Temperature Skittish While Delhi was smothered with air pollution, the temperature was also abnormally high on Wednesday. 

Delhi’s highest temperature on Wednesday remained 24.2 degrees Celsius, much higher than normal by 4 degrees Celsius.

Min Temperature was 7.7 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees Celsius above normal.

Humidity level remained 100% Saturated to 49% on Wednesday.

Humidity levels were 100% Saturated to 49% on Delhi on Wednesday.

Yellow Alert Issued: Rain And Thunderstorms Ahead

According to the India Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature will fall to 8 degrees Celsius, while there is a possibility of light to moderate fog in the city on Thursday. However, the big weather change is expected on Friday. The national capital has been issued a Yellow Alert, which has predicted:

Thunderstorm with gusty winds.

Light to moderate rain, which may reduce suspended particulate matter, PM2.5, and PM10.

On Thursday, the maximum temperature is likely to settle around 25 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to settle around 8 degrees Celsius with partially cloudy skies. 

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Prayagraj Aircraft Crash: Trainee Plane Crashes Into Pond Near KP College; All Occupants Safe | VIDEO

Prayagraj Aircraft Crash: Trainee Plane Crashes Into Pond Near KP College; All Occupants Safe | VIDEO


An Indian Air Force microlight trainer plane crashed into a pond while flying during a standard training mission in the city of Prayagraj. However, both people inside were able to safely escape. This occurred in a residential part of the city.

 

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The crash occurred near the airport and triggered an emergency response from the authorities and the Indian Air Force.

Emergency Landing In Central Prayagraj

The two-seater aircraft reportedly lost balance while flying before diving into the water body behind KP College, situated near Vidyawahini School. Witnesses stated that the aircraft was seen flying low in a circular motion before diving abruptly into the water.

Black smoke was seen billowing from the accident scene, where people had gathered to offer their help. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers and fire engines also arrived shortly afterward.

Rescue Missions And Safety Of Pilots

It would appear from initial reports that the engine failed the aircraft shortly after taking off from the headquarters of the Central Air Command, which is called Bamraoli Airport.

Pilot Status

Both pilots are in good condition and have been rescued from the partially submerged aircraft. They are now undergoing medical evaluations.

Property Damage: It has been confirmed from IAF sources that there has been no loss of lives or damage to any civilian properties in this densely populated area.

Investigation Ordered

The IAF has directed a Court of Inquiry (CoI), with the aim of determining the cause of the accident. Although technical failure may be the cause, an investigation will be carried out to determine the order of events for the crash. Extraction operations of the wreckage from the pond have already begun.

Flashback: Previous IAF Training Accidents

This is in line with another incident in November 2025 at the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft in Tambaram near Chennai. Tambaram Crash: A pilot, on a training flight, had to eject due to a technical problem in the plane and landed safely on November 14, 2025.

Safety Record: Although the Indian Air Force is very strict about training procedures, the safety record has lately been called into question, especially concerning the aging trainers.

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