January 7, 2026

Agriculture Ministry Releases Draft Pesticides Bill 2025 with Tougher Controls, Invites Public Feedback

The Agriculture Ministry has unveiled the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, replacing the 1968 Insecticides Act. The bill aims to protect farmers by enhancing transparency, traceability, and penalties for violations. The Ministry welcomes public comments until February 4, 2026, before presenting it to Parliament.

January 7, 2026

Leftwing Militants’ Arson Cuts Power to 45,000 Berlin Homes, Exposing Energy Security Flaws

A large arson attack by leftwing militants knocked out power to 45,000 Berlin households and key facilities. The attack exposed serious weaknesses in Germany’s energy security and led to urgent calls for better protection of critical infrastructure.

January 7, 2026

Over 8,000 Unmapped Voters Attend Hearings to Secure Voting Rights in Ernakulam

Thousands feared losing their vote due to 'no mapping' in voter rolls. Hearings in Ernakulam assure them their names will be restored before Assembly elections.

January 7, 2026

Congress Names AICC Observers for Key Poll-Bound States

Congress has appointed AICC observers for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal. These states will hold Assembly elections soon.

January 7, 2026

Sathanur Dam to Release Water on January 14 for Farmers Before Pongal

Farmers from Tiruvannamalai and nearby districts asked for water release from Sathanur Dam on January 14, a day before Pongal, to start paddy cultivation. Officials plan to release water to support farming on 50,000 acres under full storage conditions.