The Supreme Court of India on Jan 23, 2026 reprimanded advocate Mahesh Tiwari for challenging a criminal contempt notice issued by a Jharkhand High Court bench after a heated courtroom exchange with Justice Rajesh Kumar, the video of which went viral. Tiwari had told the judge “don’t cross the limit” during a hearing, leading to contempt proceedings by the high court. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, said the lawyer seemed to seek a top-court order merely to claim “kya bigaad liya mera” and suggested he should offer an unconditional apology before the high court, which could be considered sympathetically. 

Fresh snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar’s first snow of the season, disrupted normal life on Friday. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was closed to traffic due to heavy snow and slippery conditions, halting movement between Jammu and the Valley. Several other key roads such as the Mughal Road and SSG routes were also shut. Snow accumulation and poor visibility forced cancellation of more than 17–20 flights at Srinagar Airport and temporary suspension of flight operations. Snow blanketed plains and higher reaches, with resorts like Gulmarg receiving over two feet of snowfall, affecting connectivity and travel. (PC: PTI)

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced light rain and thunderstorms on Friday as a western disturbance moved across northern India, bringing cloudy skies, gusty winds and scattered showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for rain, with winds reaching 30–40 km/h and temperatures expected to fall, providing relief after unusually high daytime warmth earlier in the week. The wet weather also helped improve air quality, lowering the AQI from very poor levels, though it may still remain in the poor category. Residents are advised to stay cautious amid changing conditions. (PC: HT)

During a BJP election rally in poll-bound Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paused his speech to warmly acknowledge a child holding his picture and a woman offering a book, promising personal responses and drawing applause from the crowd. Modi used the occasion to criticise opposition parties and urge voters for change in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, underlining the BJP’s development agenda. The rally also featured the launch of multiple infrastructure and connectivity projects, including key initiatives and new train services, aiming to boost regional growth and voter confidence. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said a “big force” is going toward Iran, but he would “rather not see anything happen” as tensions with Tehran escalate. Speaking after the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stressed that the US is closely monitoring Iran while remaining prepared for any scenario. The deployment reportedly includes an aircraft carrier strike group, signaling a show of strength amid ongoing unrest in Iran and global concerns over regional stability. Trump also indicated openness to dialogue with Iranian leadership despite the military buildup. (PC: AP)

Several UK political leaders attended a London protest on January 21, voicing concern over alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. Dignitaries including Baroness Sandeep Verma, Lord Dolar Popat, MPs Navendu Mishra, Luke Murphy, Jim Dickson and Andrew Mitchell expressed solidarity with the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora. Speakers described the situation as ethnic cleansing and assured efforts to raise the matter within the UK government. The protest highlighted incidents such as targeted killings, arrests of religious leaders and mob violence, urging Britain to take a stronger diplomatic stance.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has decided not to attend an important party meeting called by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss Kerala assembly poll preparations, sources told NDTV on Friday. Tharoor is reportedly upset over a perceived lack of respect during Gandhi’s recent visit to Kochi, where issues around speaking order and recognition left him feeling sidelined. The four‑time MP from Thiruvananthapuram has had growing friction with the party leadership, drawing attention for comments seen as favorable to the BJP and sparking internal unease. 

A five-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as he arrived home from preschool with his father. School officials allege ICE instructed the child to knock on the family’s door to check for other occupants—an act they describe as using the boy “as bait” during the operation. Both Liam and his father were taken to a detention facility in Texas; the family has an active asylum case and no deportation order. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security maintain the child was not their target and that an officer remained with him for safety. The incident has provoked widespread criticism and concern over the treatment of immigrant families and children. (PC: Reuters)

India received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the newly launched “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at overseeing peace and reconstruction efforts, particularly for Gaza. However, New Delhi did not join the launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos and has yet to decide on participation, instead watching developments closely. Officials are concerned the board’s broad mandate could undermine established multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. India’s absence stood out as Pakistan and other countries signed on, and New Delhi’s decision reflects careful diplomatic calculation amid geopolitical sensitivities. (PC: Reuters)

Over 500 people gathered at Parliament Square in London on January 21, 2026, demanding international action against the alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Despite cold and rainy weather, participants from diverse backgrounds joined the protest organised by the Bangladesh Hindu Association (BHA) with support from INSIGHT UK and other groups. Protesters highlighted long-standing discrimination, violence and killings of minorities. The demonstration attracted wide media coverage and strong online engagement, amplifying the issue globally. Organisers said the protest marked a renewed push to raise awareness and demand justice for affected communities. (PC: X)