India

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off the Palamedu Jallikattu with 1,000+ bulls and 500 tamers. Actor Soori attended, prizes included cars and tractors. Over 2,000 police managed crowds; 57 injured. Finale set at Alanganallur January 17

Odisha government directed state universities and colleges to identify non-performing teachers for compulsory premature retirement, reviewing performance, conduct, and integrity. Compliance reports must be submitted by January 31, ensuring adherence to service rules, natural justice, and government guidelines

Trends from 210 Mumbai municipal corporation wards show BJP-Shiv Sena alliance leading, poised to cross majority in BMC. Congress retained Latur, while NCP lagged in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Voter turnout was 52.94%, lower than 2017 elections

A daily wage labourer in Jodhpur was arrested for the prolonged sexual abuse of his two daughters. The crimes surfaced after the 15-year-old victim spoke out, revealing that her elder sister had been systematically exploited for over 12 years

The BJP announced the schedule for its national president election, with nominations on January 19, withdrawals the same day, and results on January 20. Nitin Nabin is expected to be elected unopposed, succeeding JP Nadda with top leadership backing

Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh announced his new multi-lingual film with Vijay Sethupathi, titled *Slumdog – 33 Temple Road*. Produced by Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur, and JB Narayan Rao, the action-packed drama is set for release in five Indian languages

The Supreme Court reprimanded a petitioner for misusing Article 32 to approach the top court despite a pending plea in the Bombay High Court, calling it a “gross misuse” of constitutional remedies and dismissed the petition

A four-year-old girl died when a nilgai crashed through her family’s car windshield in Guna, Madhya Pradesh. Her parents were injured, and the animal, trapped inside the vehicle, was rescued by forest officials and is in critical condition

Following the discovery of 470 grams of gold ornaments in Lakkundi, Karnataka, authorities launched an excavation at Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple. Archaeologists aim to uncover historical artifacts, inscriptions, and treasures, highlighting the village’s medieval prosperity and rich heritage

Amid Maharashtra civic polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called vote tampering “anti-national” as allegations surfaced that marker pen ink could be removed easily. The State Election Commission launched a probe and will revert to traditional ink for future elections

A leopardess carcass was found in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve, likely killed by a tiger, forest officials said. Evidence such as bite marks, pug marks, and drag marks indicated a big cat attack; the carcass was disposed of per protocol 

Jharkhand Health Department issued an advisory to strengthen surveillance and preparedness against Nipah virus after two cases were reported in neighbouring West Bengal. Though no cases exist in Jharkhand, authorities urged vigilance, isolation readiness and public awareness due to high infection risk

The Supreme Court dismissed Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma’s plea challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to admit a removal motion and the parliamentary probe into corruption charges, clearing the way for impeachment proceedings to continue

As counting began for Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence in a strong Mahayuti performance, citing consistent electoral outcomes and development work, even as controversies emerged over voting ink and phased counting delays

Infosys shares jumped over 5 per cent after the IT major raised its FY26 revenue growth guidance to 3–3.5 per cent. Despite a decline in quarterly net profit, strong AI momentum and improved outlook boosted investor sentiment

Iskcon Mayapur authorities warned devotees and tourists against fake websites offering fraudulent accommodation bookings. An FIR has been filed after several visitors were cheated through convincing online portals, prompting appeals to use only the official booking website

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said hostile forces, including Pakistan-backed elements, will continue attempts to destabilise the region, but strong preparedness and coordination among security agencies have kept the 2025 security situation largely under control despite isolated incidents

Clashes erupted between supporters of Shiv Sena nominee Meenakshi Shinde and rebel candidate Bhushan Bhoir during civic polls in Thane’s Manpada area. Police intervened after ballot box vandalism attempts; the situation is now under control

NITI Aayog has identified Telangana’s TS-iPASS as India’s only industrial clearance system matching global best practices, recommending its features for a national MSME portal and highlighting its role in attracting investments and jobs.

Air India and IndiGo cancelled several international flights after Iran closed its airspace, disrupting routes to the United States, Europe, and CIS countries. SpiceJet flights were affected but not cancelled.

Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York returned due to Iranian airspace closure; on landing, its right engine sucked in a cargo container, causing major damage. Passengers were assured of alternate travel and refunds.

A controversy erupted during the BMC elections in Mumbai after voters reported that the marker ink applied to their fingers could be easily wiped off. MNS chief Raj Thackeray accused the Maharashtra government and Election Commission of manipulating the process to secure victory, calling it a “sign of a dying democracy.”

A minor commotion broke out at the Bahujan Samaj Party headquarters in Lucknow during Mayawati’s 70th birthday press conference after smoke filled the room due to a short circuit. Mayawati and all attendees remained safe, as the day was observed across Uttar Pradesh as ‘Jan Kalyankari Diwas’.

On Army Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt tributes to the Indian Army, praising its courage, professionalism and supreme sacrifice. The Prime Minister lauded soldiers’ selfless service and remembered those who laid down their lives in duty.