The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strategically shrinking the political space for regional parties across India. Recent election results in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh demonstrate the BJP's success in weakening rivals through fragmentation, welfare schemes, and narrative control. While regional parties persist, their ability to translate state power into national influence has significantly diminished.

Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, set to formally take charge on January 20. His uncontested election, at 45 years old, signifies a generational leadership shift within the party. The smooth transition highlights the BJP's internal consensus and procedural discipline ahead of future elections.

As Tamil Nadu Congress strategizes for the 2026 elections, it's at a crossroads: should it maintain its long-standing alliance with the DMK or consider a fresh partnership with the charismatic actor Vijay's TVK? Tensions within the party flared after the DMK turned down a proposed power-sharing deal, leading to lessons on 'coalition dharma'.

Oxfam's latest findings present India's reservation system as an exemplary model for equitable political representation, highlighting the stark contrast with the escalating dominance of the ultra-wealthy globally. By spotlighting quotas for marginalized communities and women, as well as Brazil's participatory budgeting initiatives, the report advocates for empowering everyday citizens and promoting diversified decision-making.

UAE resident Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a special welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for a high-level visit. The leaders are set to discuss advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and regional issues, building on recent high-level exchanges and strong bilateral ties.

An American woman experienced sexual harassment on the Delhi Metro when a teenage boy groped her after she agreed to a photo. The boy's mother defended his actions, claiming he was curious about blondes. The incident left the woman deeply disturbed, and her account has sparked condemnation of the family's response and apologies from other Indians.

Mumbai's mayoral race is wide open after the BMC elections, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. While Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS allied, the BJP's strong performance challenges traditional narratives. The Eknath Shinde-led Sena is eyeing the mayor's post, sparking intense political maneuvering and speculation about power-sharing within the ruling alliance.

Prateek Yadav, son of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, announced his intention to divorce his wife, BJP leader Aparna Bisht Yadav, accusing her of destroying his family relationships and being self-centered. He plans to move court soon, citing his poor mental health and her alleged indifference.

Nitin Nabin is poised to become the Bharatiya Janata Party's 12th national president, potentially its youngest. The nomination process unfolds today, with senior leaders backing his bid. This organizational shift, termed Sangathan Parv, signals a renewed focus on youth leadership within the party, aiming for enhanced energy and unity.

‘Blowing good governance in smoke’: Bihar JD(U) MLA Anant Singh smokes inside hospital; triggers rowWatch: Visuals of JD(U) MLA Anant Singh smoking inside Bihar hospital go viral; RJD reacts 'blowing good governance in smoke'

A fierce gun battle in Kishtwar's remote forests left eight Army personnel injured on Sunday. Security forces engaged two to three suspected foreign terrorists during a search operation. Reinforcements have been deployed, and a massive hunt is underway to neutralize the militants. This marks the third encounter in the Jammu region this year, with intensified operations ahead of Republic Day.

Medical community outrage erupts as NEET PG 2025 cut-off for reserved categories drops to zero percentile, equivalent to a minus 40 score. This zero percentile qualification, previously seen in 2023, is now a recurring issue. Critics argue this move, driven by commercial interests, effectively reserves seats for the wealthy in private colleges, compromising educational standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, calling for an end to «maha jungle raj» to restore law and order and attract investment. He accused the TMC of facilitating infiltration and blocking central welfare schemes, framing the upcoming assembly elections as a choice between «jungle raj» and BJP's «sushasan» (good governance).

IndiGo faces a critical deadline this week to confirm its ability to operate over 2,000 daily flights under new, stricter pilot duty rules. Failure to comply could lead to flight cuts, averting a repeat of last December's disruptions. The airline is conducting dry runs to assess its readiness as authorities closely monitor the situation.

Bengal's industries minister Shashi Panja criticized PM Modi for not announcing any projects for Singur during his rally, leaving state BJP members disappointed. The TMC also countered BJP's claims of an industry exodus, highlighting a new Rs 500-crore warehouse project approved for Singur.

Indira Gandhi made history on January 19, 1966, becoming India's first woman Prime Minister after a closely contested election within the Congress Parliamentary Party. Defeating Morarji Desai in a four-hour drama, her victory marked a significant shift in party leadership battles and ushered in a new era for Indian politics. The nation celebrated this momentous personal and political triumph.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) ruled that advocates cannot use the RTI Act to obtain case details for clients, citing a Madras High Court judgment. The CIC emphasized that such usage defeats the RTI Act's core objectives and could be exploited to promote legal practice, not for genuine citizen information access.

A fierce gunbattle erupted in Kishtwar's remote forested region, leaving seven security personnel injured as they engaged terrorists. The operation, dubbed «Operation Trashi-I,» commenced after a tip-off about two to three militants. Reinforcements, including drones and helicopters, have been deployed to neutralize the threat. This marks the third encounter in the Jammu region this year.

India's first private Earth Observation Satellite System (EOSS) project is set to move forward with a concession agreement expected this week. A consortium, including Pixxel Space and others, will build a 12-satellite constellation, investing over Rs 1,200 crore. This initiative aims to boost India's data sovereignty and national security capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign imagery.

Highway builders are opposing a government order ending arbitration for disputes exceeding Rs 10 crore. The National Highway Builders Federation has urged the finance minister for sector-specific guidance. They argue this change will negatively impact ongoing projects, lenders, and the banking system. The federation believes this framework discourages investment and delays project execution.

2024-25 Performance Despite 'Free' Electricity In Several States

Indian Railways has introduced stricter cancellation charges for its new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Passengers face a 25% deduction for cancellations made anytime after booking, escalating to 50% if cancelled between 72 and eight hours before departure. No refunds are offered for cancellations within eight hours of departure, a change from previous norms.

The former Delhi CM further alleged that whenever elections approach, agencies such as the ED, CBI, and police become active, and he warned that oppression will increase in the coming years.

Under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government has taken a major decision to further expand the capital's Metro network. The Government has released its share of funds for the remaining three corridors of Phase IV of the Delhi Metro Rail Transit System (MRTS).

A software engineer's tragic death in a water-filled pit after his car skidded off a Greater Noida road has led to an FIR against two developers. The victim's family claims their pleas for safety measures at the accident-prone site were ignored. Despite rescue efforts, dense fog hampered visibility, officials stated, as residents protested demanding justice and safety improvements.

Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government has assured all public representatives that there will be no shortage of funds for development works.