Amazon is expanding its AI assistant, Alexa+, beyond Echo devices with a new web version available at Alexa.com. This means users can now interact with Alexa+ by typing or speaking in a browser, without needing an Echo speaker or screen. The change makes Alexa+ more accessible to anyone with an Amazon account and brings it closer to popular AI chat tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

Alexa+ offers a wide variety of helpful features. It can answer questions, help plan trips, manage schedules, create to-do lists, and summarize emails, documents, or images. It can also transform information into practical outputs, like turning a recipe into a shopping list or helping organize a meeting or family event. The goal is to make daily life easier by providing a versatile assistant that adapts to the user’s needs.

The web experience works across devices. Conversations or tasks started online can continue seamlessly on the Alexa mobile app or Echo devices. Users can also control smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras from their browser, giving them flexibility and convenience.

Alongside the web version, Amazon has updated the Alexa mobile app. The new app focuses more on AI-powered chat while retaining all the standard Alexa functions. This combination of web, mobile, and voice interfaces creates a connected, consistent assistant experience that users can rely on wherever they are.

Currently, the web version is in Early Access for users in the U.S. and Canada. Wider public availability is expected later this year. By bringing Alexa+ to the web, Amazon is expanding its AI assistant beyond smart homes into work, study, and everyday tasks, positioning it as a flexible, personal assistant for modern life.

Alexa+ on the web shows Amazon’s commitment to making AI assistants more widely accessible, integrated, and capable, ready to help users anytime, anywhere.

Also Read: Lamp lighting allowed at Thiruparankundram, TN

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone marked her 40th birthday on January 5, 2026, with a special initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of creative talent in India’s entertainment industry. Instead of a personal celebration, Padukone chose to launch The OnSet Program, a platform designed to identify, train, and provide opportunities for aspiring professionals working behind the camera in film, television, and advertising.

The program builds on her earlier platform, Create With Me, and reflects Padukone’s commitment to nurturing talent across multiple creative and technical disciplines. These include writing, directing, camera work, lighting, editing, sound design, art direction, costume design, makeup, hair styling, and production management. The initiative seeks to provide participants with structured learning experiences and practical exposure, bridging the gap between talent and professional opportunities.

Sharing the announcement via Instagram, Padukone said, “I’ve been reflecting on how to support incredible creative talent and give them a platform to be seen, heard, and experienced.” She described The OnSet Program as an experiential learning initiative where participants will not only receive guidance but also work on real projects, gaining hands-on experience and industry exposure.

The program aims to emphasize merit and skill, offering a pathway for talented individuals regardless of their background or industry connections. By creating an industry-facing platform, Padukone hopes to provide aspiring professionals with mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical knowledge that can help them launch sustainable careers in the entertainment sector.

Industry insiders and fans alike welcomed the initiative, noting that structured support like this can significantly lower entry barriers in a competitive field. With The OnSet Program, Padukone seeks to foster a culture of talent development that goes beyond traditional celebrity influence, focusing on skill-building and real-world experience.

Through her new initiative, she is extending her impact on the industry, nurturing future storytellers and creators who will shape the entertainment world in the years to come. In addition to this behind-the-scenes effort, Deepika Padukone continues to remain active in front of the camera, with several upcoming projects in both Indian and international markets.

Also Read: Lamp lighting allowed at Thiruparankundram, TN

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has struck a deeply emotional and defiant note, saying he is ready to personally defend his country if its sovereignty is threatened. Responding to harsh comments and implied military threats from former US President Donald Trump, Petro said Colombia would not submit to intimidation from any foreign power.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Petro recalled his own past as a former guerrilla fighter who had laid down arms decades ago in the hope of building peace. He said he never wanted to return to violence, but warned that he would do so if Colombia’s independence or democratic choice was undermined.

Trump had accused Petro of being linked to drug production and suggested that Colombia could face action similar to recent US military operations in Venezuela. Petro rejected the accusations outright, calling them baseless and insulting, and said such rhetoric showed a disregard for Latin American lives.

Addressing Colombians directly, Petro said any attempt to arrest or remove him through foreign pressure would not silence the country. He warned that military intervention would only bring suffering to ordinary people, especially children, and risk pushing the region back into cycles of violence.

The Colombian government later sought to lower tensions, stressing that while political differences exist, cooperation with the US on issues such as drug trafficking would continue. The Foreign Ministry, however, made it clear that Colombia expects respect for its elected leadership and territorial integrity.

Petro’s remarks have resonated strongly at home, where memories of decades-long conflict remain fresh. For many supporters, his words reflected not aggression, but a leader drawing a firm line to protect peace, dignity and national self-respect in an increasingly tense geopolitical moment.

Also Read: ONGC well fire in Andhra, 600 evacuated

Suresh Kalmadi, senior Congress leader, former Union Minister, and long-time sports administrator, passed away on Tuesday morning in Pune at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital around 3.30 a.m., leaving behind a life marked by public service, ambition, and dedication to both politics and sports.

Born and raised in Pune, Kalmadi began his career in the Indian Air Force before moving into public life. A committed political leader, he served multiple terms in the Lok Sabha, representing Pune, and held key positions including Minister of State for Railways. Known for his approachable nature in his early political career, he connected with both colleagues and constituents, earning respect for his deep involvement in local and national governance.

Kalmadi was equally passionate about sports. As President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), he championed India’s presence in global sports and worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and opportunities for athletes. His tenure is most remembered for overseeing the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, a landmark event that showcased India on the international stage, even as it brought him intense scrutiny.

His career was not without controversy. Kalmadi faced allegations connected to the Commonwealth Games, which led to legal battles spanning years. In 2025, a court accepted a closure report, effectively clearing him of money laundering charges. Despite the controversies, many remember him as a determined public servant who devoted decades to politics and sports.

Kalmadi is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Tributes poured in from political leaders and sports personalities, highlighting his long-standing contributions and complex but impactful legacy. His mortal remains were kept at his Pune residence, with cremation held at Vaikunth Crematorium.

Suresh Kalmadi’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to public life and sports in India. His story is a reminder of the highs and lows of a life lived in the public eye, leaving behind memories of energy, dedication, and a passion for the causes he embraced.

Also Read: Rupee rises to 90.12 after 4-day fall

A major gas leak at an ONGC oil well in Irusumanda village, Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh, yesterday, caused a fire and mass evacuation. The incident occurred at the Mori‑5 well, operated by Deep Industries Ltd under ONGC, during routine drilling and maintenance work.

During the operations, a blowout released large volumes of gas mixed with crude oil, which quickly caught fire, producing a towering flame and thick smoke visible from nearby villages and fields. The sudden blaze caused panic among local residents.

Authorities immediately evacuated villagers from Irusumanda, Gudapalli, and Lakkavaram, moving around 600 people to relief centers set up nearby. Schools in the affected area were temporarily closed as a precaution. Residents were advised to stay away from the site, avoid using electricity or flames, and follow safety instructions.

Firefighters and emergency teams, including at least 10 fire tenders, worked to contain the fire. They used water curtains and cooling techniques to prevent the fire from spreading to equipment and surrounding fields. ONGC’s crisis management team and international well-control specialists are assisting to stabilize the well and prepare for capping operations once conditions are safe.

Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Officials emphasized that the well is located in a relatively remote area, keeping nearby villages at a safe distance from the main site of the fire.

State officials, including authorities from Andhra Pradesh, are monitoring the situation closely. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact technical cause of the blowout and to ensure measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in future drilling operations.

Authorities have assured that all necessary safety precautions are being implemented until the well is fully secured.

Also Read: Maduro denies US charges, calls arrest “kidnapping”

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the CBI on RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s plea challenging the framing of charges in the IRCTC scam case. The court refused to stay the trial and posted the matter for January 14.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised its citizens in Iran to stay alert, avoid protest areas, and exercise caution amid unrest. Non-essential travel to Iran is discouraged, and Indians are urged to register with the Indian Embassy for safety updates.

The Bhogapuram Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Vizianagaram district reached a major milestone on January 4, 2026, with the first successful flight landing at the new airport. The flight, part of test operations, carried senior officials, including Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, to check the readiness of the airport before commercial services begin. Officials say the airport is nearly complete, with operations expected to start by June 2026. The airport is expected to improve air connectivity and boost economic growth in North Andhra.

The airport, developed under a public-private partnership by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, has nearly completed its runway, terminal, and other infrastructure. It is designed to handle both domestic and international flights, connecting Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and surrounding areas more efficiently.

Meanwhile, Lokam Naga Madhavi, the MLA from Nellimarla, has urged authorities to upgrade roads and improve access to Bhogapuram Airport. She emphasized that strong road connectivity is essential for passengers and to ensure the airport’s success as a regional transport hub.

The combination of a successful flight test and calls for better infrastructure highlights both the progress at Bhogapuram Airport and the need to strengthen supporting transport links before it opens to the public.

Also Read: Colombian President Petro warns against US interference

Arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, days after being captured by US forces in a dramatic operation in Caracas.

Maduro, 63, was accompanied by his wife, Cilia Flores, and addressed the court through an interpreter. He rejected all allegations, saying he was innocent and asserting that he remained the constitutional president of Venezuela. He described his capture by US authorities as a “kidnapping”, calling the operation illegal.

During the hearing, US District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein confirmed Maduro’s identity and formally entered a not guilty plea. The couple did not request bail and were ordered to remain in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17.

The charges against Maduro and Flores include narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the US, and possession of firearms and explosives. US officials say the pair led a network that trafficked tons of cocaine into the US over the years.

The arrest has sparked protests both in Venezuela and in the US, highlighting Maduro’s continuing influence among supporters and the deep division surrounding his regime. In Caracas, Venezuela’s National Assembly condemned the US operation as a violation of national sovereignty, and Delcy Rodríguez, former vice president, has been sworn in as interim president. Maduro’s family also called for international support to secure his release.

The Trump administration justified the operation as part of its mission to dismantle international drug trafficking linked to Maduro’s government. Officials also signaled plans for deeper involvement in Venezuela’s economic and political reconstruction, including its oil industry.

Legal experts say the case will be complex and highly contentious, involving issues such as international law, jurisdiction, and potential claims of diplomatic immunity. Observers warn the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for US-Venezuela relations and global norms regarding the treatment of former heads of state.

Also Read: Trump warns India over Russian oil tariffs

The Madras High Court on January 6, 2026, ruled that the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at Thiruparankundram hill near Madurai can continue. The court upheld the earlier order allowing devotees to light the Karthigai Deepam on an ancient stone pillar called the “Deepathoon.”

The case had been in court for months. Multiple parties, including the Tamil Nadu government, temple authorities, and local groups, had appealed against the single judge’s order from late 2025. They questioned whether lighting the lamp on the pillar was a long-standing tradition and whether an individual could claim a legal right to do so.

The Division Bench, led by Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, said there was no legal reason to stop the ritual. The judges noted that lighting a lamp on a high pillar is an old custom, and devotees should be allowed to continue the practice.

At the same time, the court set rules to protect the ancient pillar and maintain safety. No members of the public can join the ceremony. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will ensure the pillar is not damaged, and the district collector will supervise the event to make sure everything is peaceful and follows the court’s instructions.

The Thiruparankundram Deepam has been a matter of debate in Tamil Nadu, with concerns about heritage protection and public safety. The judgment balances respecting tradition with protecting the historical site and maintaining order.

This verdict brings clarity after months of protests, legal filings, and discussions in the state. Devotees can now legally perform the lamp-lighting ritual under court supervision, marking a significant decision for religious customs at Thiruparankundram.

The ruling is seen as an important example of how courts can allow cultural and religious practices to continue while safeguarding ancient monuments and ensuring public safety.

Also Read: Rupee rises to 90.12 after 4-day fall