IRCTC has started branded food trials on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains to improve meals for passengers. The aim is "perceptible improvements in on-board catering services in trains". Branded food companies are supplying fresh meals during trials, which have received positive passenger feedback, officials said. They added that insights will guide further improvement.

A 26-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir, Hilal Ahmed, was arrested in Arunachal Pradesh's West Siang district for allegedly spying for Pakistani handlers. He is linked to the two earlier suspects, Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir from J&K, SP Kardak Riba said. Malik and Mir were apprehended by the Itanagar police on espionage charges last month.

Ponduru Khadi, a handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Ponduru village of Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who hails from Srikakulam, announced. "Ponduru Khadi...played a key role in the independence movement and was cherished by Mahatma Gandhi ji," he said. The application was filed in 2023.

Maharashtra government has partnered with Microsoft and start-up CyberEye to launch an AI-powered platform named MahaCrimeOS AI for cybercrime investigations. The platform is currently operational in 23 Nagpur police stations and is expected to reach 1,100 police stations across the state. As per Nagpur police, the platform has helped solve cases faster, with 80% reduction in investigation time.

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist, Abdul Khalik, was arrested by the BSF with an AK rifle in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector on Friday while trying to infiltrate the border. Khalik had reportedly crossed over to Pakistan for arms training and was caught near the International Border. He used to work for a terror organisation operating in Poonch and Rajouri.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah lost his cool when reporters asked whether Congress high command had summoned him to Delhi on December 19. Visibly furious, he said, "Nobody has called me or said anything...Did they tell you? Why are you unnecessarily asking whether they told me or called me?" His reaction comes amid ongoing speculation about possible leadership change in the state.

Ex-Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh criticised suspended Congress' Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, over her "₹500 crore for CM's chair", calling claim "total lie". He said, "That couple (Navjot Singh & Navjot Kaur) is unstable...I've observed them for long time." He added, "He (Navjot Singh) was my minister...& despite giving him two portfolios, he constantly complained."

Delhi will set up 13 mini secretariats- one in each revenue district- to bring key government offices under one roof and improve public convenience, officials said on Friday. This comes after the reorganisation of the existing 11 revenue districts into 13 new districts. "There will be 39 subdivisions, up from 33, and 39 Sub-Registrar offices, up from 22," officials added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended warm birthday wishes to superstar Rajinikanth, who turned 75 on Friday. The Prime Minister hailed the iconic actor’s exceptional contribution to Indian cinema and acknowledged his ability to captivate audiences across generations with his unmatched charisma and distinctive style.

BEML has rolled out the first prototype driverless train for Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line, connecting Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. The train will also serve the upcoming Airport Blue Line. After its initial display, it will undergo extensive trials at the Kothanur depot. A total of six driverless trains will be deployed.