India

JioStar launched a campaign for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring Women’s World Cup champions Rodrigues, Sharma, and Verma rallying the men’s team. India aims to defend its title, starting with matches against USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and Netherlands

India aims to expand its homegrown UPI digital payment system to more countries, especially in East Asia, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said. UPI already operates in eight nations, facilitating digital transactions and supporting Indian tourists abroad

Kerala court grants three-day police custody of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a sexual assault case. Protests erupted outside the court and hospital by CPI(M) and BJP youth activists. The case involves alleged rape and criminal intimidation, registered under IPC sections 376 and 506(1)

Jharkhand issues alert after two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Health ministry mandates strict surveillance, rapid reporting, and public awareness to prevent outbreak. Union Health Minister assures full central support to West Bengal for containment and monitoring

In Mathura, an e-rickshaw driver, Deepak, arrived at the district hospital with a 1.5-foot snake in his pocket after being bitten. Hospital staff asked him to leave the reptile outside, and police later rescued the snake, possibly his pet

India’s para badminton team kicks off its 2026 season at the SPIRO SPATHIS Egypt Para Badminton International in Cairo. Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam will compete in men’s singles and doubles, using the tournament to build form and momentum for the year

The Centre has waived Rs 5.23 crore payable by the Mizoram government as depreciated cost for Assam Rifles buildings vacated in Aizawl. Chief Minister Lalduhoma welcomed the decision, calling it a positive outcome of his appeal to the Union Home Ministry

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to tribal families affected by a fire accident in Kakinada district. Each affected family will receive Rs 25,000, new houses, and necessary support

Police probing the suicide of a Bengaluru dental student found she was allegedly humiliated by lecturers over her skin tone, dressing style and absence due to illness. Six faculty members were dismissed after an FIR was filed, and investigations are ongoing

Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat toured Mumbai to connect with youth and akhada wrestlers ahead of the Pro Wrestling League starting January 16. His outreach highlighted grassroots wrestling as Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal prepare for their debut season

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Bengaluru for the second day of his official visit to India. He will tour Bosch's India headquarters and the Centre for Nano Science & Engineering at IISc. Merz’s visit follows talks with PM Modi and the signing of 19 pacts

A two-year-old elephant calf died after swallowing a country-made bomb in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Forest officials arrested a local farmer, suspecting the explosive was placed to deter elephants from entering agricultural fields.

A car went berserk and hit a stationary truck in Attapur leading to a traffic jam for sometime in Hyderabad

A US federal court ordered immigration authorities to facilitate the return of an Indian national deported in violation of a court stay, ruling the removal unlawful and a breach of due process and judicial authority.

A rare Himalayan vulture was rescued in a dehydrated and exhausted state from a Singapore highway and is undergoing rehabilitation. Wildlife experts hope to release the near-threatened migratory bird once it fully recovers.

The Trump administration has revoked over 100,000 visas in under a year, a record increase driven by enhanced screening and security measures. The move targets foreign nationals linked to crimes amid broader debates on immigration and border control.

Kane Russell scored his third hat-trick of the season as HIL GC defeated Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2 in Ranchi. Sam Ward added a goal, while Blake Govers and Uttam Singh scored for the Dragons, who suffered their first loss of the season

The political storm in poll-bound West Bengal, triggered by multiple ED raids, once again blurs the line between criminal investigation and electoral politics

P Shanvi has been named captain of Hyderabad for the BCCI Women’s under-15 one-day cricket championship knock-out matches starting January 14 in Puducherry. V Nikeshini will be vice-captain, with Prateeka Katravath as wicketkeeper in the 15-member squad

Venezuela’s turmoil is a reminder that foreign policy is about steering one’s own ship while navigating global storms

Tanvi Sharma, Ashwini Bhat K, Shikha Gautam and Tharun Mannepalli were promoted to the India Open 2026 main draw after top players withdrew. Tanvi will debut against Wang Zhi Yi, while Tharun faces Kidambi Srikanth in men’s singles

Grace Harris smashed a 40-ball 85, including the fastest fifty of the season, to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a nine-wicket win over UP Warriorz in the WPL. Smriti Mandhana added 47 as RCB chased 144 in 12.1 overs

SG Pipers defeated Hyderabad Toofans 2-1 in Ranchi to claim their first win of the HIL 2025-26 season. Tomas Domene scored twice, while goalkeeper Tomas Santiago denied a late penalty stroke to secure victory despite Toofans’ relentless pressure

India announced its Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers squad to face the Netherlands in Bengaluru on February 7–8. Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri and Karan Singh will play, with Digvijay Singh in reserves. India qualified after defeating Switzerland in 2025