follow us:
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said leadership discussions with CM Siddaramaiah were resolved in Delhi with Congress high command, adding, “time will answer everything.” Backed by 140 legislators, Shivakumar dismissed speculation over a CM change. Meetings with Rahul Gandhi and internal talks have fueled rumors about potential leadership shifts.
The Karnataka State Election Commission announced that Bengaluru civic polls under the Greater Bengaluru Authority will be held after May 25 using ballot papers instead of EVMs. Draft electoral rolls for 369 wards were released, covering nearly 89 lakh voters. Officials urged citizens to verify entries as house-to-house checks begin from January 20.
Despite the Mahayuti alliance crossing the majority mark in the BMC, Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Sanjay Raut said the Mumbai mayoral contest remains open. Claiming 108 supporters, just six short of majority, Raut urged “wait and watch,” alleging fear and possible defections within the Shinde-led Shiv Sena camp.
PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during his two-hour India visit, focusing on energy security, nuclear cooperation, AI, defence and counter-terrorism. The leaders backed LNG and nuclear deals, expanded digital and defence ties, condemned terrorism, and set ambitious trade and investment targets.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay was questioned by the CBI for six hours in connection with the Karur stampede that killed over 40 people. TVK chief appeared cooperative, with no accusations filed. Investigators are examining lapses and his delayed site arrival. Vijay remains a witness in the Supreme Court-monitored inquiry, with no further summons issued.
Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan has been denied access to his lawyers and kept in solitary confinement for over three months, PTI claims. The party described this as “cruel and inhuman” under international law. Restrictions reportedly follow Khan’s criticism of military chief Asim Munir, with the government citing national security concerns.
India has been invited to Trump’s US-led Gaza Peace Board, a high-profile body overseeing reconstruction and conflict resolution. While participation offers strategic visibility, it risks undermining India’s multilateral credentials and UN support. With Pakistan also invited, New Delhi faces a delicate balancing act between diplomacy, and global positioning.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde confirmed Mumbai will have a Mahayuti mayor, dismissing rumours of new political equations after civic poll results. The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance secured a narrow majority in BMC, with similar arrangements in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar. Shinde emphasized the alliance will respect the people’s mandate.
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to display names on the “logical discrepancies” list at gram panchayat and block offices in West Bengal within three days. Voters must be called for hearings within 10 days. The court allowed legal assistance, accepted Madhyamik admit cards as proof, and ordered state support for smooth proceedings.
A viral video allegedly shows Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, father of Ranya Rao, in intimate acts inside his official chambers during duty hours. While no coercion is reported, the footage sparked outrage over professional ethics. Rao denied the claims, calling the video morphed. The Chief Minister has been briefed, and an inquiry is expected.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski that Warsaw must show zero tolerance for terrorism and avoid supporting extremist infrastructure. He criticized selective tariffs on India, especially over Russian oil imports. India highlighted Western double standards and economic necessity in its trade policies.
US stock futures fell Monday after President Trump threatened 10% tariffs on imports from eight European countries opposing US control of Greenland. S&P 500 futures dropped 0.9%, Dow 0.8%. European leaders condemned the move. Asian markets were mixed, with South Korea’s Kospi rising. Oil and gold prices climbed, while global investors monitored inflation updates.
Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said bail before conviction is a fundamental right and national security cannot justify prolonged denial. Speaking at Jaipur Literature Festival, he cited Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam cases, stressing presumption of innocence, speedy trials, and granting bail unless risks of reoffending, evidence tampering, or absconding exist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off the NDA’s Tamil Nadu election campaign with a big rally in Maduranthakam on January 23. The event may announce new alliance partners. BJP and AIADMK aim to strengthen their front against the DMK, while actor Vijay’s TVK remains neutral. Modi will tour the state actively.
The Election Commission of India said West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision flagged about 94 lakh “logical discrepancy” cases due to implausible family links in voter data. Officials cited fake voters falsely attaching themselves to genuine voters as relatives. Despite criticism over hearings, ECI said scrutiny is essential to protect genuine voters.