NDTV Exclusive: What Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Seeking Re-Election, Said About India

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation faces a challenge in relocating nearly 300 crocodiles from the Vishwamitri river for a desilting and dredging project, as nesting coincides with the work. While officials believe the crocodiles can be shifted safely, experts emphasize the need for a backup plan to avoid agitation among the animals. The VMC is awaiting permission from the Wildlife Department to proceed with the project, which includes leaving undisturbed areas for crocodile nesting and potential...

The Indian defence ministry is moving forward with a multi-billion dollar project to build next-generation submarines with Mazagaon Dockyards Limited and Germany's TKMS. The ₹43,000 crore initiative has entered the commercial negotiation phase, aiming to deliver submarines with air-independent propulsion systems within seven years of contract signing. Full Article

Two Maoists, including a female commander, were killed, and top leader Ranvijay Mahto was arrested in an encounter in Jharkhand, where two policemen were injured. Security forces are pursuing the remaining Maoists, with Mahto being wanted for over 40 cases and carrying a ₹15 lakh bounty. Full Article

In response to a 'mystery illness' in Badhaal village, Rajouri administration declared it a containment zone, prohibiting gatherings after five residents were hospitalized and 17 members of three families, including six minor siblings, have died since December. Critical patients were referred to PGI Chandigarh and GMC Rajouri, with homes of deceased sealed, entry prohibited, and food distribution monitored to prevent infection spread. Health teams screened locals, ruling out viral or bacterial infections, while an inter-ministerial...

Following a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Israel launched a major military operation in the West Bank, while suspected Jewish settlers rampaged through Palestinian towns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced domestic pressure after agreeing to the truce and a prisoner exchange with Hamas. Trump rescinded sanctions against Israelis accused of violence, potentially undermining the ceasefire, which aims to release hostages and prisoners, with concerns of escalation and the difficult phase of negotiating future ceasefire terms. Full...

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched nine new tour packages to various destinations in South India, including one-day, two-day, four-day, five-day, and six-day options. The tariff ranges from ₹1,480 to ₹18,590 per person with discounts for double or triple occupancy and a 20% senior citizen discount. These packages were designed based on demand and aim to encourage more people, especially senior citizens, to travel. Additionally, the Tirupati package resumed on January 20...