The Enforcement Directorate accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of obstructing a money-laundering probe into a coal smuggling syndicate. The ED claims Banerjee, accompanied by police, entered a residence and I-PAC office, seizing documents and electronic devices. Banerjee rejected the allegations, calling the searches politically motivated and an attempt to seize TMC's election strategy.

China's arms exports faced a significant setback as its weapons, including air defence systems like the HQ-9 and JY-27A radar, proved ineffective during India's Operation Sindoor and a recent Venezuelan operation. These incidents highlighted a technological gap, with Russian-supplied missiles also failing to perform. The failures have damaged China's reputation as a reliable arms supplier.

Lok Sabha MPs elected for three consecutive terms between 2014 and 2024 have seen their assets grow by an average of 110%. A report highlights significant increases, with some MPs' wealth soaring by over Rs 100 crore. Notably, one MP's assets saw a staggering 14,851% rise, while only one saw a decline.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the bail plea of the father of the 17-year-old accused in the fatal Pune Porsche crash. He is accused of manipulating his son's blood sample test. The court also issued notice on a similar plea from another father whose son was in the car.

Parliamentary committee members debated inviting opposition parties to discuss a bill to remove PMs, CMs, and ministers arrested for over 30 days on serious charges. Concerns were raised about replacing removed leaders and whether the Leader of Opposition could be removed under the bill's provisions.

ISRO's PSLV C62 mission, scheduled for January 12, 2026, will launch the advanced earth observation satellite EOS-N1, enhancing India's surveillance capabilities. The mission also carries a European demonstrator satellite and 17 other payloads, including India's first on-orbit satellite refuelling payload, AayulSAT. This launch marks a significant comeback for the PSLV program after a previous setback.

The National Medical Commission has introduced a Rs 2 lakh registration fee plus GST for new MBBS college applications and seat increases from 2026-27. The commission also cleared around 450 additional postgraduate medical seats for 2025-26 through appeals, removing the previous 100-seat cap on MBBS expansion applications.

The Delhi High Court has ordered Congress and AAP to remove social media posts within 24 hours that linked BJP's Dushyant Kumar Gautam to a 2022 Uttarakhand resort murder. The court also restrained the parties from posting further content targeting Gautam as the alleged «VIP» in the case, citing irreparable damage to his reputation.

A husband who attacked his wife and child received a second chance. The Supreme Court quashed criminal charges against him. This decision allows the couple to reconcile and rebuild their family life. The court emphasized the couple's wishes to stay together. The husband provided a written undertaking to ensure his wife and child's safety and well-being.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen received an election notice alleging an age difference of less than 15 years with his late mother, a claim his representatives call harassment. The Election Commission stated the discrepancy was flagged by a portal, and officials visited Sen's residence to resolve it, despite the actual age gap being over 19 years.

The Election Commission has announced that relatives of voters living outside Bengal can appear on their behalf for physical SIR hearings. This relief is for thousands of migrant workers, students, and NRIs summoned for hearings, which are crucial for electoral roll discrepancies. The EC aims to ease logistical burdens and ensure broader participation in the verification process.

New Delhi is set to host a major international conference from January 21-23, bringing together nearly 100 delegates from 42 election management bodies. The event, themed 'Democracy for an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world,' aims to foster global cooperation, share best practices, and address contemporary challenges in election management. India's Election Commission is organizing this significant gathering.

Security forces engaged terrorists in a fierce gun battle in Kathua's Billawar forests on Wednesday. Following a tip-off about suspicious movement, a joint operation led to a firefight with a group of two to three ultras. The encounter continued despite challenging conditions, with the area cordoned off. This incident is part of ongoing counter-terror operations across the region.

The Omar Abdullah government rejected the demand for a separate statehood for Jammu, deeming it «unviable.» Instead, the government suggested it was time for Ladakh to be reunited with Jammu and Kashmir. BJP legislators renewed calls for a separate Jammu state, alleging discrimination and seeking a Hindu chief minister.

Indian tax authorities have highlighted significant risks associated with virtual digital assets like crypto, echoing the Reserve Bank of India's concerns. The anonymous and borderless nature of these assets, coupled with offshore platforms, makes tracking taxable income and beneficial owners extremely difficult. Jurisdictional challenges further complicate tax recovery, prompting authorities to implement safeguards like TDS and mandatory registration.

Madras HC has prohibited the publication, sale, and circulation of a Tamil book containing derogatory remarks against Justice G R Swaminathan. The court initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the publisher, Keezhaikaatru Publishers, for content deemed highly abusive and scandalous.

A young hippopotamus at Alipore Zoo has been unable to move for two weeks, likely due to a neurological disease or leg injury. A medical team is monitoring the animal, which has shown some signs of improvement and is slowly responding to treatment. The zoo is seeking expert advice for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Punjab has launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. Over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'Pind De Pehredar', will assist the police. An app will allow anonymous reporting of drug peddlers. Padyatras will be held across the state. The campaign aims to dismantle drug networks and ensure a drug-free Punjab.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch thirteen new trains next week, including India's inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper service. Ten of these trains will depart from West Bengal, with three originating from Assam, both states heading for elections. This significant rollout highlights the Centre's commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure in West Bengal.

India's first space mission of 2026, PSLV-C62, is set to launch on January 12, carrying DRDO's advanced defense satellite Anvesha (EOS-N1) for enhanced surveillance. The mission will also test on-orbit refuelling technology with OrbitAID's AyulSAT and deploy Nepal's Earth observation satellite Munal, alongside 13 other satellites from India and international partners.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticised western nations for offering unsolicited advice urging them to «look at their own region for levels of violence». He emphasised India's independent approach to international relations, dealing with partners and adversaries differently. Jaishankar also highlighted India's concern for safety of the people of Venezuela amidst crisis.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta held a Jan Sunwai, directly addressing residents' concerns and complaints. She instructed officials to resolve issues within fixed timelines and ensure follow-up actions, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in shaping administrative decisions and effective implementation.