Month: January 2026

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party leader Sudhakar Babu launched an attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, stating that he has no moral right to speak about violence or ethics, and that his speech at (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) NTR’s death anniversary meeting reflected the lowest form of cynical and inhuman politics.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, he claimed that Chandrababu’s sudden “love” for NTR is nothing but political drama by the very person who betrayed NTR, removed him from office, humiliated him publicly, and denied his own family their political space, as per the release.

Babu accused the government of using NTR’s name to divert attention from the collapse of law and order, Dalit atrocities, liquor and gambling scandals during Sankranti, and the absence of welfare schemes.

He said YS Jagan Mohan Reddy never opposed Amaravati as the capital but only questioned the massive, unexplained expenditure, pointing out that thousands of crores were spent without basic infrastructure.

He alleged that Chandrababu walked away from Hyderabad to escape legal trouble, has nothing concrete to show even today, and is indulging in credit theft over projects initiated earlier.

He claimed that the State is being pushed into a debt trap, drugs and liquor mafias are flourishing, and Dalits are being targeted while welfare has vanished. Warning the coalition government, he said its days are numbered and asserted that whenever elections are held, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will return as Chief Minister.

Earlier, he also called the alleged murder of party activist Salman of Pinnelli village in Gurazala constituency a “government killing”.

Addressing the media, Babu alleged that hundreds of party workers continue to live outside their villages due to threats by ruling party leaders and local police. He added that Salman was brutally beaten to death with iron rods.

He announced that protests would be organised in district headquarters across the state in association with Dalit organisations.

The YSRCP leader said that the attacks against Dalits have increased ever since the coalition came to power. He alleged that “Dalit welfare schemes have been halted, while Dalit families are being terrorised through violence, social boycotts, and political intimidation.”

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday paid profound tributes to legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) on his 30th death anniversary, remembering him as a towering figure who transformed both cinema and politics in the state.

In a post shared on X, Naidu described NTR as an “epochal figure” and a champion of Telugu self-respect.

“On the occasion of the 30th death anniversary of the cause of creation, the epochal figure, the treasure of the poor, ‘Annam’ Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao garu, I offer my profound tribute to that great soul. Shining as a pole star in the cinematic firmament and emerging as an invincible warrior in the political Kurukshetra, ‘Annam’ NTR is a heroic and noble soul who rewrote the history of generations. He who fought to elevate the self-respect of the Telugu people to the heights of the sky is one worthy of our morning remembrance,” Naidu wrote. (ANI)

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will visit his parliamentary constituency, Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh on January 20, where he will hold a public meeting with MGNREGA workers in Umran Rohaniya.

The Congress has launched the ‘MNREGA Bachao’ campaign to oppose the Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai said that a comprehensive program has been planned to protest against the new law. The Congress will organise 30 Mahapanchayats in Uttar Pradesh. Ajay Rai said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge may also participate in some of these Mahapanchayats.

According to Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee will hold public meetings in villages and will organise the first Mahapanchayat in Sitapur on January 24.

The VB-G RAM G Act was passed in the Winter Session of the Parliament in 2025, and replaces the 100-day employment guarantee with a 125-day guarantee. However, the Opposition has criticised the legislation for removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name and a 60:40 share of funds between the Centre and states.

During his visit to Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi will also inaugurate the Premier League T20 cricket tournament organised by the Youth Sports Academy Raebareli at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, IIT Colony, and inaugurate the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) works.

Earlier this month, the party announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled ‘MGNREGA Bachao’. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “Phase 1 will begin on January 8 with a full-day preparatory meeting at Pradesh Congress Committee offices,” he said.

As per the party, Phase 2 of the campaign, which began on January 12, will run till January 30. “Panchayat-level chaupals will be organised across all gram panchayats, and a letter from the Congress president will be delivered,” Venugopal said.

He added that Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas and pamphlet distribution are also planned. “On January 30, Martyrs’ Day, the party will hold peaceful sit-ins at the ward level with MGNREGA workers,” he said.

“Phase 3 will begin on January 31 with district-level MGNREGA Bachao dharnas at DC and DM offices till February 6. This will be followed by state-level gheraos of Vidhan Sabha buildings from February 7 to February 15 and four zonal AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and February 25,” he added. (ANI)

Two people were killed, and dozens were injured in overnight Russian drone strikes across Ukraine, with attacks on energy infrastructure leading to power outages amid freezing temperatures, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.

In a social media post on X on Sunday, Zelenskyy stated that the Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Khmelnytskyi and Odesa regions were targeted in an assault involving more than 200 drones.

“Dozens of people have been injured, including a child. As of now, two people have been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones,” he said.

Highlighting the impact on critical services, Zelenskyy wrote, “The situation in the energy system remains difficult, but we are doing everything we can to restore all services as quickly as possible,” adding: “This week alone has seen more than 1,300 attack drones, around 1,050 guided aerial bombs and 29 missiles of various types in total.”

Amid continuing attacks, Zelenskyy also renewed his appeal to world leaders for increased support.

“That is why Ukraine still needs more protection – above all, more missiles for air defense systems. If Russia is deliberately dragging out the diplomatic process, the world’s response must be decisive: more assistance for Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor.”

The latest Russian strikes came a day after Ukrainian negotiators reached the United States for discussions with President Donald Trump’s administration on steps towards ending the nearly four-year conflict with Russia, Al Jazeera reported. The talks were expected to centre on security guarantees and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

In the backdrop of these diplomatic efforts, Ukraine and the United States have also drafted a 20-point peace proposal, though Russia has not commented so far, with Washington’s efforts to halt the fighting yet to produce an agreement.

Over recent months, Russia has reiterated a series of demands, including territorial concessions and assurances that Ukraine will not pursue NATO membership.

Alongside the battlefield and diplomatic track, Ukraine is also battling a worsening energy crisis this winter amid continued Russian bombardment, Al Jazeera reported.

Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy said on Saturday that electricity imports and additional power equipment need to be accelerated, as the capital Kyiv and the Kharkiv and Zaporizhia regions have been among the worst affected by power outages.

The Ukrainian government has declared an energy emergency, with the damaged power grid reportedly meeting only 60 per cent of the country’s electricity requirements.

The crisis has been further intensified by exceptionally cold temperatures, with families across Ukraine struggling to keep warm.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, it has repeatedly targeted the country’s energy infrastructure during winter months, in a move aimed at increasing pressure on Ukrainian leadership to accept Moscow’s conditions, Al Jazeera reported.

The United Nations and other observers have condemned this year’s Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, warning that children and elderly people remain the most vulnerable.

Meanwhile, in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhia, more than 200,000 consumers were left without electricity after a Ukrainian drone strike on Saturday, Moscow-installed Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Balitsky said restoration work was underway, but nearly 400 settlements were still without power.

Temperatures remain well below freezing across the southeastern region, around 75 per cent of which is under Russian control. (ANI)

RajKummar Rao and Patralekhaa, who are enjoying their new chapter as parents after welcoming their first child, a baby girl, have now shared her name with their fans.

On Sunday, January 18, they took to Instagram to make the happy announcement. They posted an adorable picture of their baby’s tiny fingers holding their parents’ hands. The picture touched many hearts online.

Along with the photo, the couple shared a message that read, “With folded hands and full hearts, we introduce our greatest blessing.” They also revealed their daughter’s name as Parvati Paul Rao (paarvtii poNl raav).

Their baby girl, Parvati Paul Rao, was born in November last year. The couple had shared the good news on their fourth wedding anniversary on November 15. In that post, they wrote, “We are over the moon. God has blessed us with a baby girl. Blessed parents – Patralekhaa and Rajkummar.” In the caption, they called their daughter God’s “greatest blessing.”

Take a look

RajKummar and Patralekhaa got married on November 15, 2021, in a close family ceremony in Chandigarh. They first worked together in the 2014 film Citylights, which was Patralekhaa’s first Bollywood film.

On the work front, RajKummar will be seen next in Nikam. He recently wrapped up shooting for the film in November last year. Nikam is based on the life of famous public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Meanwhile, the actor is also busy working as a producer. A few months ago, he and his wife Patralekhaa launched their own production house, KAMPA Film. The name KAMPA holds personal significance, as it combines the initials of their mothers’ names, paying tribute to them.”We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling,” said Patralekhaa. “With KAMPA, we’re looking forward to sharing these stories with the world.” (ANI)

Actor Ram Charan seems to be leaving no stone unturned for his role in his much-awaited film ‘Peddi’.

The ‘RRR’ star, who is busy shooting for the rural sports drama, has given fans a glimpse of how hard he is working to get into shape for the film.

On Sunday, Charan took to his Instagram account to share a picture from his intense workout session. In the picture, the actor is seen flaunting a stronger and bulked-up look, which suits the tough character he plays in Peddi. The post quickly garnered attention on social media.

Along with the photo, Ram Charan wrote a short line about his focus and hard work. In the caption, he said, “Fired up, working in silence! Ready for the next challenge.”

Take a look

Soon after the post went live, fans flooded the comment section with excitement.

One fan praised his look and energy, writing, “Beast Mode On! You’re looking superb #RamCharan Anna.” Another fan called him “Indian Hulk,” impressed by his strong new avatar.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is said to be a rustic emotional drama. The music for the film is composed by AR Rahman. Earlier this year, a teaser titled Peddi First Shot was released on Ram Navami.

It featured Ram Charan in a rugged avatar, walking into a dusty field, lighting a beedi, and delivering the line: “I have only one life to live, and I want to make the most of it.”

The film features Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar, and Divyendu Sharma. Veteran actor Boman Irani has also joined the project.

Peddi is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings under the banner Vriddhi Cinemas. The film is slated for a theatrical release on March 27, 2026. (ANI)

A 66-year-old resident of Mel Anuppanadi, Madurai, passed away on Sunday due to injuries sustained at a Jallikattu event, officials said. The death occurred two days after the man, identified as Selvaraj, had attended the event held at Palamedu on Friday, where a rope from a bull became entangled around his leg, causing him to fall and sustain a head injury.

Madurai SP BK Arvind told ANI that Selvaraj was undergoing treatment at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.

“The deceased has been kept in the mortuary at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital for further post-mortem examination,” the SP added. Further details in the case are awaited.

Earlier on Friday, the District Collector of Madurai had said, “On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, the Commercial Tax and Registration Minister has just flagged off the event. We have given the maximum number of bulls and bull tamers the opportunity to participate in this major event. All safety measures have already been established. Around 25 Animal Husbandry doctors have already started examining the bulls.”

He added that in case any bull tamers sustain injuries, a high-level team of 11 specialists from Madurai Medical College Hospital has been constituted to provide immediate medical assistance.

“For bull tamers, if there are any injuries, to expedite immediate medical assistance, we have constituted a high-level team comprising 11 specialists from Madurai Medical College Hospital. So all standard operating procedures are in place. We are looking forward to an entertaining and safe Jallikattu. No major casualties or any severe injuries have been reported,” Madurai District Collector added.

Stalin arrived in Alanganallur, in Madurai district, on Saturday to witness the traditional Jallikattu event, celebrated as part of the Mattu Pongal festivities.

He announced that the person who tames the most bulls in the traditional Jallikattu competition will be offered a suitable government job in the Animal Husbandry Department.

Addressing the event in Alanganallur, “Madurai is a land where valour has flourished. Under the Dravidian administration, we have built the Kalaignar Centenary Library and the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena in Madurai. This is a great achievement. In the traditional Jallikattu competition, the person who tames the most bulls will be offered a suitable government job in the Animal Husbandry Department,” he said.

Jallikattu, also known as sallikkattu, is a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu celebrated on the third day of Pongal (Mattu Pongal).

The name is coined from two words, Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied). A bull is let loose among a crowd, and whoever tames it will get the coins tied to its horn.

Participants in the sport try to hold onto the animal’s hump to stop it. Sometimes, they run along with the bull.

Pulikulam or Kangayam is the breed of bulls used for the sport. The bulls which win in the festival are in high demand in the market and fetch the highest price. (ANI)

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar cancelled his official visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF), accusing the leadership of putting party interests above the nation and the state’s development.

In a post on X, Vijayendra said the BJP believes that “Nation comes first, and the party next,” while alleging that for the Congress, the party always comes before the country.

“We firmly believe that the “Nation comes first, and the party next”. For the Congress, however, it is always the party first, with the Nation relegated to the very end. The World Economic Forum at Davos was a golden opportunity to showcase our state as a unique and attractive destination for global investors, an opportunity that could have driven employment generation and promoted industrial growth beyond Bengaluru,” Vijayendra wrote.

Targeting the Congress leadership, he said Shivakumar skipped the crucial global platform, citing “pressing engagements” in New Delhi and Bengaluru, at a time when the state needs development and economic revival.

“Yet, the conduct of DCM @DKShivakumar clearly exposes the apathy of the Congress leadership towards governance and their distorted priorities. At a time when the state desperately needs development and economic revival, the DCM chose to skip this crucial global platform, citing “pressing engagements” in New Delhi and Bengaluru,” the post read.

Karnataka BJP chief further claimed that several supporters of the DCM had openly spoken about a change in leadership after Sankranti and that Davos had become the “first casualty” of this internal power struggle. He also referred to past protocol lapses, alleging that when the German Chancellor visited Karnataka, neither the Chief Minister nor the Deputy Chief Minister welcomed him.

“One doesn’t need much imagination to guess what these “engagements” are. The @INCKarnataka government is at a crossroads, torn apart by an open power struggle between CM @siddaramaiah and DCM @DKShivakumar. Several supporters of the DCM have openly spoken about a change in leadership post-Sankranti, and it now appears that Davos became the first casualty of this internal tug-of-war for power,” the post read.

“This pattern of misplaced priorities is not new. When Germany’s Chancellor, the head of one of the world’s leading economies, visited Karnataka, neither the CM nor the DCM had the courtesy to welcome him or follow basic protocol. Such repeated diplomatic and institutional lapses send a damaging signal to the global community,” the post further read.

“In the end, it is Karnataka and its people who pay the price. Jobs are lost, investments move to neighbouring States, and the aspirations of Karnataka’s youth are sacrificed at the altar of Congress’ infighting, insecurity, and obsession with self-preservation. This government has made its priorities unmistakably clear: not development, not governance, but mere political survival,” Vijayendra said, adding that Karnataka deserves leadership that puts the state first.

Shivakumar cancelled his official tour to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF). As per a release, the visit was cancelled due to his official engagements in New Delhi and Bengaluru.

The WEF is set to convene its 56th Annual Meeting in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026, bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and rapid technological transformation.

Held under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, Davos 2026 seeks to provide an impartial platform for global leaders from government, business and civil society to reconnect, rebuild trust and explore collaborative solutions to challenges that increasingly transcend borders.

Shivakumar has a series of meetings with All India Congress Committee (AICC) functionaries regarding the Assam Assembly elections and is also spearheading a campaign against the Centre over MNREGA, which has led to a five-day special session of the Karnataka Assembly scheduled to begin from January 22, a release added. (ANI)

Amid the rumours surrounding Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja, the actor has finally spoken out for the very first time.

For months, reports have been circulating about a possible rift in their marriage. Many wondered where the relationship was headed. Now, Govinda has broken his silence and shared his side of the story.

Speaking to ANI, Govinda said he chose to speak now because staying quiet made him look “weak” and added to the “problematic” image people were forming about him. Talking about what he feels is happening behind the scenes, Govinda spoke about a “big conspiracy” and how, in his view, even his loved ones are getting “used” without realising it.

“…what I’ve been observing lately is that sometimes when we don’t speak, we either appear weak or it seems like we are simply the problem… So, today, I’m responding. I was told that the people in my family might be unknowingly involved, and they won’t realise that they are being used in the initial stages of a big conspiracy…”

“First, the family gets affected, and then it extends to society. I’ve been disconnected from work for so many years; there’s no market for my films, and please don’t mistake this as me complaining or crying. I’ve rejected many films myself, so I don’t cry about it,” he added.

Govinda went on to share that Sunita often worries about him rejecting projects, but may not see how she herself is being pulled into the “conspiracy.”

“…But she can never think that she herself has been unknowingly placed in a big conspiracy, with her being thrown into the field as the opening batsman.”

The actor went on to say that when someone becomes very popular, some people try to “destroy” their reputation in society. He said, “…to ruin someone’s reputation in society and impose something on them, like how, in the beginning, a very dangerous man had accused me, and that man got exposed too later. When your popularity in the film industry goes beyond a certain point, many people come forward to destroy you.”

Govinda also spoke from the heart about his family and children. He said he is praying to God that there should be no “misunderstanding” so that he doesn’t get “suffocated.”

The actor said, “I pray to God that He removes me from this problem, and I also pray for the welfare of my children… I pray that there is no misunderstanding and that I don’t get suffocated… I make a humble request, especially to my own family.”

Govinda and Sunita, who have been married since 1987, are proud parents to Tina and Yashvardhan. While Tina made her Bollywood debut in 2015 with ‘Second Hand Husband’, Yashvardhan is preparing for his acting debut soon. (ANI)