Historic: Zohran Mamdani Sworn In As First Muslim Mayor Of New York City

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Somnath, Gujarat, for the four-day 'Somnath Swabhiman Parva' from January 8-11, 2026. This special report from India Today outlines his schedule, which includes participating in an Omkar Mantra Chanting, a drone show, and a 'Shaurya Yatra' to honour ancient warriors. The visit marks two significant milestones: 1000 years since the temple's invasion and 75 years since its post-independence restoration. The Prime Minister is expected to speak about 'the history of Somnath and how it is important for India,' highlighting the temple's reconstruction and the pivotal role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Mr. Modi will perform darshan and puja before addressing a public function on January 11th. This report is filed by Vizhoshi for India Today from Somnath.

An India Today special report from Chandigarh highlights a welcome respite from the recent cold spell. A correspondent on the Chandigarh-Molampur highway notes that 'it's some respite for the residents and for the visitors as well' due to bright sunlight. With the temperature around 7 degrees Celsius, visibility has cleared, allowing traffic to move at a normal pace without headlights. The report shows that normal life is resuming in the city as the fog has lifted, providing relief to commuters on the busy highway that connects to the Punjab regions of Kurali, Kharad, and Ropar.

This special report from Srinagar details the intense cold wave gripping the Kashmir valley, with temperatures plummeting to -6 degrees Celsius on Saturday night, the coldest of the season so far. According to the Met department, the extreme cold is expected to continue for the next few days across Kashmir and northern India, driven by heavy snowfall in hilly areas. A resident describes the local experience with the cold: 'It is very cold... it is -6 degrees today.' The report indicates a potential change in weather after January 13th, with an incoming western disturbance expected to bring the first snowfall of the season to the plains of the valley.

From the frozen banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, India Today's Mir Fareed reports on Kashmir's resilient tourism sector, which continues to attract international visitors despite the freezing cold. He speaks with Jamie and Oscar, tourists from New Zealand, who chose to visit Kashmir after a trip to Ladakh. They contrast the negative travel advisories and concerns from family back home with their positive on-the-ground reality. Oscar notes, 'We planned to stay here for maybe two days... and then we've stayed here for a week and we're still here'. The couple praises the friendliness of the people and the beauty of the historic city, highlighting simple pleasures like fresh tandoor bread as memorable experiences. Their story underscores a growing trend of foreign tourists discovering a welcoming and beautiful Kashmir, far different from its often-publicised image.