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Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi warned that security forces could carry out a “massacre” under the cover of a nationwide internet shutdown, calling it a deliberate tactic, not a technical failure. She reported that hundreds were hospitalized in Tehran with severe eye injuries from pellet guns, highlighting escalating violence against protesters.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a 6-km protest rally in Kolkata after ED raids on I-PAC, accusing the Centre of misusing agencies for political vendetta. Defending her actions during the raids, she said attacks only strengthen her resolve, warned BJP against targeting Bengal, and asserted TMC would win the 2026 Assembly elections decisively.
Tarique Rahman has formally assumed office as chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party days after the death of former prime minister and party chief Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30. Unanimously appointed by the BNP National Standing Committee, his elevation marks a major leadership transition and positions him as the party’s frontrunner.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah wrote to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan opposing the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, warning it could harm linguistic minorities in border districts like Kasaragod. Citing constitutional protections and India’s plural ethos, he urged reconsideration and dialogue, cautioning Karnataka would oppose any language imposition.
The DGCA imposed penalties on two senior IndiGo executives for allegedly failing to use qualified simulators for pilot training at certain airports. The aviation regulator fined the Director of Flight Operations and Director of Training ₹20 lakh each. The Appellate Authority has dismissed the appeal, upholding the penalties imposed on the airline’s officials.
The North Eastern Tea Association will honor 86-year-old Piyush Desai, chairman of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 1892, the group operates one of India’s top packaged tea companies, with a turnover exceeding ₹2,000 crore. It holds an estimated 9% market share, ranking third after Hindustan Unilever and Tata.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called the detention of TMC MPs outside Delhi’s Home Ministry “shameful” and an “assault” on democratic rights. The MPs were protesting alleged misuse by the central govt. Banerjee strongly criticized the actions, asserting that such treatment undermines India’s democratic values and freedoms.
Delhi and NCR experienced an unexpected rain spell early today, intensifying the cold wave with minimum temperatures around 5°C. Despite rainfall, air quality remained ‘very poor,’ with AQI at 321. Anand Vihar hit 385, Chandni Chowk 335, Dwarka 346, and Noida 370. Pollution levels showed little improvement across the capital and neighboring NCR cities.
An earthquake measuring 5.3 in magnitude struck Tajikistan today, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported. The tremor occurred at a depth of 110 km. Sharing the details on X, the NCS stated: “EQ of M: 5.3, On: 09/01/2026, Lat: 38.26 N, Long: 73.42 E, Depth: 110 Km, Location: Tajikistan,” confirming the occurrence of the […]
Calcutta High Court will hear three parallel petitions today over ED raids at I-PAC offices and Pratik Jain’s residence. ED accuses CM Mamata Banerjee of obstructing officials, while Jain and TMC counter, alleging political motive. ED says raids relate to a coal-smuggling probe. TMC plans protests. Justice Suvra Ghosh will hear the matter today.
US President Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will come to Washington next week and he looks forward to meeting her, following US strikes that captured President Nicolas Maduro. Trump said Venezuela must be rebuilt before elections and plans to meet oil executives to revive its industry with major US investment.
US President Donald Trump said his “own morality…my own mind” is the only thing that can stop him from using US military power globally, dismissing the need for international law in an interview, remarks coming after a rapid military operation to topple Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and amid threats toward other countries and Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland’s envoys in Washington are urging US lawmakers and Trump administration officials to reject President Trump’s “takeover” plan for Greenland. Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen and Jacob Isbosethsen met National Security Council officials and US lawmakers, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Danish officials next week.
Security was tightened at Kolkata’s Lok Bhavan after West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose received a threatening email warning of a blast. The Governor, under Z-plus security, is safeguarded by Bengal Police and CRPF. BJP criticized the state government’s law and order, while CM Mamata Banerjee alleged ED raids targeted party materials amid election tensions.
US federal agents shot and wounded two people in Portland, police said. Officers, not involved in the shooting, responded to afternoon calls, found a man and woman with gunshot wounds, applied tourniquets, and called emergency services. Both were hospitalized, conditions unknown. The incident follows a recent Minneapolis immigration officer shooting.