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Tamil Nadu Police revealed that the December fire at Madurai LIC office, initially deemed accidental, was murder. Assistant Administrative Officer T Ram allegedly poured petrol on colleague Kalyani Nambi, 54, and set her ablaze after she exposed insurance irregularities. Ram was arrested, sustaining minor burns. The case raises concerns about workplace safety.
Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump touted America’s economic strength, urged Europe to change course, claimed US pressure reshaped Venezuela, and said only Washington can secure Greenland for global security. He again asserted credit for averting multiple conflicts, including a potential India-Pakistan war.
Telangana High Court allowed Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi to hold a ‘Dharma Raksha Sabha’ in Hyderabad’s Balapur on January 24. The Congress government had opposed the rally over ‘jihad’ claims. BGUS hailed the order, alleged illegal migrants and conversions, and plans the event under ‘Jago Bhagyanagar’ banner.
Ryanair mocked Elon Musk with a ‘Big Idiot’ seat sale after he disputed costs of installing Starlink Wi-Fi. CEO Michael O’Leary said Starlink would add €250 million annually, a claim Musk rejected while joking about buying the airline. Ryanair responded with 100,000 €16.99 seats, taking public jabs that quickly went viral online.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot declined to address the joint state legislature on January 22. The government will consult him, possibly over references to the Centre. A delegation led by Law Minister HK Patil will meet the Governor. The upcoming session may see tense debates over MGNREGA repeal and the VB-G RAM G Act.
Tensions rose as MNS backed Eknath Shinde’s Sena in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, upsetting Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena (UBT) called it a betrayal, demanding action against MNS corporators. Sanjay Raut criticized the post-poll defections as dangerous. The MNS’s five corporators now hold crucial sway in the council.
Pakistan Cricket Board has supported Bangladesh’s refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India over security concerns, offering to host all their games. The ICC will decide on Bangladesh’s participation, while the BCB insists on moving matches to Sri Lanka. Pakistan has not publicly commented but backs Bangladesh’s request privately.
China is hesitant to join US President Trump’s proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” insisting it will participate only if the initiative is UN-backed. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized China’s commitment to multilateralism, upholding the UN-led international order, and rejecting any move that undermines international law.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said a “pure” electoral roll is vital for democracy, citing Bihar’s flawless Special Intensive Revision (SIR) with no complaints or repolls. Phase II of SIR is ongoing in multiple states to remove illegal migrants. Nearly 100 delegates from 70 countries are attending India’s IICDEM-2026 on election management.
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Judicial Magistrate Vibhanshu Sudheer, who had directed FIRs against police for shooting a Muslim man during 2024 Sambhal violence, was abruptly transferred to Sultanpur. Lawyers protested the move. The clashes erupted during the ASI survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, leaving five dead, dozens injured, and Alam critically wounded by police gunfire.
A flawed e-KYC question in Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme wrongly flagged 24 lakh women as government employees, halting their monthly Rs 1,500 aid. The Women and Child Welfare Department deployed 1 lakh anganwadi workers for physical verification. The error arose from confusing phrasing, affecting millions despite ongoing misuse checks.
Warning that illegal mining causes irreversible damage, the Supreme Court said it will form an expert committee to examine mining issues in the Aravalli region. The panel will work under court supervision. The court stressed zero tolerance for unauthorised mining, extended its abeyance on the Aravalli definition, and sought experts to resolve ambiguities.
At Davos, Canadian PM Mark Carney declared the US-led rules-based order “a lie” and effectively over. He warned that great powers now weaponise trade, finance and supply chains. Urging self-reliance and diversified alliances, Carney said middle powers must adapt as institutions weaken. France’s Emmanuel Macron echoed concerns, condemning US coercion.
In a setback for Uddhav Thackeray, the MNS has backed Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation despite a pre-poll alliance. Shinde Sena won 53 seats, BJP 50. With MNS support, the Mahayuti alliance gains a majority ahead of the mayoral election scheduled for January 22.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay Thalapathy’s TVK held its first campaign committee meeting to draft a poll manifesto based on social justice and transparency. The 12-member team, led by N. Anand, will tour Tamil Nadu, gather public feedback, and consult welfare groups. The manifesto will be released by Vijay, reflecting citizens’ voices.