Indian intelligence agencies have issued a high alert ahead of the 26 January Republic Day, warning that Khalistani terrorist outfits and Bangladesh-based terror groups may attempt to target Delhi and other major cities across the country. According to sources, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as foot soldiers by radical handlers abroad, establishing operational links with extremist networks active in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In response, authorities have heightened security measures and conducted mock anti-terror drills at sensitive locations like Red Fort and Chandni Chowk to improve preparedness and response. The alert underscores the emphasis on ensuring safety during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. (PC: PTI)

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a ₹22.2 crore fine on IndiGo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions in early December. The action came after an inquiry found serious operational and crew management failures, leading to mass cancellations, delays, and passenger inconvenience across several airports. The regulator also issued warnings to IndiGo’s senior management and highlighted violations related to duty time limits and operational preparedness. IndiGo stated that it has processed refunds, offered alternative arrangements to affected passengers, and taken corrective measures. Flight operations have since returned to normal, according to the airline. (PC: NDTV)

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has received official clearance from the Karnataka government to host IPL 2026 and international cricket matches, ending months of uncertainty since a tragic stampede during RCB’s 2025 IPL celebration that claimed lives and raised safety concerns. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) now has permission to organise top-tier cricket at the iconic venue, subject to compliance with safety and security norms. The decision paves the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and other events to return home, much to the relief of fans and the cricketing community. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that India’s Gen Z has reposed faith in the BJP’s development model, highlighting recent victories including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) results. Speaking at a rally in Malda, West Bengal, ahead of upcoming state elections, Modi said youth support reflects confidence in the party’s governance and growth agenda. He also criticised the Trinamool Congress government, calling for “parivartan” (change) in Bengal and asserting that development and connectivity will be priorities under BJP leadership. The rally underscored the party’s push to expand its footprint in the state. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the permanent building of the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench on Saturday, urging Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to safeguard the Constitution, democracy and judiciary. Banerjee expressed concern over citizens allegedly being wrongly targeted by investigative agencies, calling on the CJI to protect the people and uphold democratic rights. She also stressed that the judiciary must remain free of casteism, religionism, and media trial pressures. The event marks a milestone in expanding justice access for North Bengal residents. (PC: ANI)

 Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged that “several thousand” people have been killed during weeks of anti-government protests that erupted nationwide, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in the country’s recent history. He blamed the United States and Israel, accusing them of orchestrating violence and instability, and labelled U.S. President Donald Trump a “criminal” for encouraging dissent. Khamenei warned that those he holds responsible will face consequences, while rejecting foreign intervention and framing protests as part of a broader plot against Iran. (PC: AFP)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, presented her Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House as a symbolic gesture of gratitude. Trump accepted the medal and plans to keep it. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified that while laureates can physically give away or sell their medals, the actual Nobel Peace Prize and its title remain permanently linked to the original recipient and cannot be shared, transferred, or revoked. The award’s honour stays recorded in history with Machado regardless of the medal’s current holder. (PC: Reuters)

The first commercial flights from Iran arrived in Delhi, bringing back Indian nationals amid ongoing protests and unrest in the country. The returnees, including students and professionals, expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for timely assistance and coordination. Many passengers reported facing difficulties due to internet shutdowns, restrictions on movement, and general uncertainty during the protests. While these were not special evacuation flights, the government has been closely monitoring the situation and advising Indians in Iran to remain cautious. Authorities have assured that all necessary support will be extended if the situation worsens further. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress during a rally in Malda. After flagging off the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, he coined a new slogan in Bangla: “Paltano darkar, chayee BJP sarkar.”   Modi accused the government led by Mamata Banerjee of corruption and blocking central schemes like Ayushman Bharat. “A heartless and cruel government is looting public money,” he said.   With Assembly elections due soon, Modi urged voters to back the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing recent BJP wins in other states. (PC: ANI)

The US Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged attempts to block immigration enforcement. The probe follows protests in Minneapolis after Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE agent last week. (PC: Getty Images)   Walz called the inquiry “authoritarian”. Frey said he would not be intimidated. A federal judge has limited ICE tactics against peaceful protesters. President Donald Trump accused local leaders of losing control, but said he would not deploy troops for now.