Chemical tanker catches fire near Mumbai-Pune highway; traffic hit

Pakistan plans to procure 40 advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35 jets, marking China's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. This sale is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics with Pakistan's rival India. The Pakistan Air Force approved the purchase to replace its aging fleet of F-16s and Mirage fighters, despite facing a serious economic crisis. Full Article

The Bharatiya Janata Party criticized the Congress for displaying posters with a distorted map of India showing Kashmir as part of Pakistan ahead of their meeting in Belagavi. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused Sonia Gandhi of supporting Kashmiri Independence through her association with a foundation funded by George Soros. The Congress plans to address the issue of BR Ambedkar's alleged insult by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their upcoming meeting and demands...

The theme for showcasing tableaux at the upcoming Republic Day Parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', with 15 states and UTs selected to present them on the Kartavya Path on January 26. Additionally, 11 ministries and departments of the Union government have also been chosen for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations. The tableaux are a significant component of the parade, with selection done by an Expert Committee due to time constraints. Full Article

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy held a meeting with Tollywood industry members at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, addressing the ongoing Sandhya Theatre stampede issue and warning against compromising law and order. Benefit shows were prohibited, with emphasis on actors controlling fans, campaigning against drugs, and strict action against bouncers. The delegation included prominent Tollywood figures like Dil Raju, Nagarjuna, Varun Tej, Allu Aravind, and others, discussing the tragic incident involving Allu Arjun at Sandhya Theatre, sparking...

Taiwan's Presidential Office conducted its first tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, amid renewed Chinese military threats. Dozens of government agencies and civil groups participated in the 3-hour exercise, led by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Council Secretary-general Joseph Wu. The simulation tested response readiness for scenarios including China's "high intensity" grey-zone warfare, emphasizing Taiwan's preparedness for potential conflict. Full Article

In an "inhuman" Christmas Day assault, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy system and cities with cruise and ballistic missiles plus drones, injuring at least six people in Kharkiv and killing one in Dnipropetrovsk. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and pledged increased military aid to Kyiv. Over 70 missiles and more than a hundred attack drones were deployed, leaving half a million people without heating in Kharkiv and causing blackouts in Kyiv and other areas....