India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it has not withdrawn from Iran's Chabahar port development despite US sanctions. The MEA stated that India remains engaged with Washington following a conditional sanctions waiver issued by the US Treasury on October 28, 2025, valid until April 26, 2026. The clarification addresses reports suggesting India's strategic role at the port collapsed after President Trump announced 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The US reimposed sanctions on Chabahar from September 29, 2025, but granted India a six-month exemption based on its wind-down plans. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed recent developments with Iran's foreign minister regarding the strategic port. 

The Enforcement Directorate filed a charge sheet against Al-Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and the family-run Al-Falah Charitable Trust, attaching assets worth ₹139 crore including 54 acres of campus land. The probe links to the November 10 Red Fort terror attack where Al-Falah Medical College doctor Umar-un-Nabi conducted a suicide bombing killing 11 people. ED alleges the university generated ₹415 crore through fraudulent accreditation claims. Investigations revealed family-controlled firms received university contracts, undisclosed related-party transactions, and fund diversion for land acquisition. Siddiqui's children allegedly hold British nationality, with overseas entities established in the UK. The case connects to a wider white-collar terror module investigation. (PC: ANI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis phoned state BJP president Ravindra Chavan after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a major victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, breaking decades-long dominance by rival parties. Fadnavis praised Chavan’s leadership and the efforts of party workers in securing the strong mandate. He described the win as uniquely satisfying and credited the alliance’s unity and campaign strategies for the result. Fadnavis is set to address BJP workers at the party’s Mumbai headquarters, celebrating the historic outcome and urging continued momentum in future civic and state polls. 

A Mumbai to Krabi IndiGo flight (6E 1085) descended into chaos after the pilot refused to operate the plane, citing that his duty hours had expired, leading to a delay of over three hours before departure. Passengers, already aboard, engaged in heated arguments with cabin crew and were seen kicking the aircraft exit door in frustration over the long wait and lack of clear communication. IndiGo said the delay stemmed from the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, air traffic congestion, and crew duty-time limits. Two passengers were declared unruly and deboarded by security, causing further delay before the flight ultimately took off. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused BJP-ruled states of mistreating migrant workers from Bengal, claiming they face violence and torture for speaking Bengali outside the state. She highlighted incidents where workers were allegedly attacked, harassed, or even killed after being labeled “illegal immigrants,” sparking protests in Murshidabad and other areas. Banerjee condemned these acts as “inhuman treatment” and vowed support and compensation for affected families. The chief minister’s comments come amid rising tensions ahead of assembly elections, with the migrant issue becoming a politically charged topic in West Bengal’s discourse. (PC: ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on January 16, 2026, to discuss the situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran. According to the Kremlin, Putin offered Russia’s help to mediate issues related to Iran and emphasized the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to promote stability and security in the region. The leaders exchanged views on regional tensions, with Russia expressing willingness to support dialogue and diplomatic engagement. The call underscores Moscow’s interest in playing a constructive role amidst ongoing Middle East challenges. (PC: AFP)

UK Conservative MP Bob Blackman raised concerns in Parliament over reported violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He urged the Labour government to press the interim administration led by Mohammad Yunus to protect minorities and ensure fair elections due on February 12. Blackman said polls would be held amid concerns over the ban on the Awami League and rising extremist influence. He asked the UK government to clarify its response. India has also flagged recurring attacks on minorities and called for swift action by Bangladeshi authorities.

The BJP–Shiv Sena alliance moved close to securing control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as vote counting continued in Mumbai. The Mahayuti crossed the halfway mark in the 227-member civic body, leading in more than 115 wards. The opposition bloc led by Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the NCP trailed behind. Congress remained a distant player with limited early gains. Counting began at 10 am across 23 centres under tight security. Polling was held on January 15 after a delay of over three years, alongside elections to 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. Machado said the gesture recognised Trump’s support for Venezuela’s freedom struggle. Trump thanked her publicly and called the meeting an honour. The Nobel Committee later reiterated that a prize cannot be transferred, though a medal may change hands. Trump did not endorse Machado as Venezuela’s new leader and continues to engage with acting authorities in Caracas. Machado said dialogue with Washington would continue and described the meeting as historic for Venezuelans. (PC: BBC)

Counting of votes began for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after polling across 227 wards in Mumbai. Early results showed candidates from the BJP, Shiv Sena and Congress winning initial seats, with the Mahayuti alliance leading overall. Voter turnout stood at about 53 percent. Shiv Sena candidates won three wards, while the BJP secured two and Congress registered its first victory from Dharavi. Officials said results are being declared in phases at 23 counting centres. The polls were held after a delay of more than three years. Along with Mumbai, results are due for 28 other civic bodies across Maharashtra. (PC: HT)