Congress high command met Tamil Nadu leaders for nearly five hours on January 17, 2026, to address internal frictions over alliance with DMK for 2026 Assembly polls, reprimanding Praveen Chakravarty for statements straining ties. MPs and MLAs raised concerns about being sidelined and demanded clarity on power-sharing. Instructions issued to avoid media statements until Kharge decides, emphasizing effective coordination with allies.

Suspected Pakistani drones were spotted near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba sector on January 15, 2026—the third incident in a week—prompting BSF troops to fire small arms and force retreat. A drone-like object was also sighted in Poonch's Degwar village. Security forces remain on high alert with advanced countermeasures amid concerns of reconnaissance or infiltration attempts during winter months.

Axis My India exit poll projects a strong performance for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in BMC elections, forecasting 131-151 wards out of the total, indicating a potential clean sweep for the ruling coalition in Mumbai's civic body. The prediction comes amid fierce competition from opposition parties including Congress, MNS, and various NCP factions in this high-stakes local governance battle controlling a massive annual budget.

West Bengal confirmed two Nipah virus cases in healthcare workers from Malda district who treated the index patient, triggering immediate isolation and comprehensive contact tracing to prevent further spread. Nipah is highly fatal with mortality rates of 40-75%, transmitted via fruit bats or human fluids, and has no vaccine or specific treatment beyond supportive care. Authorities are monitoring contacts and issuing precautions based on successful past containment in Kerala.

Germany has announced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders, allowing seamless connections through German airports without a separate visa when travelling to other destinations. The facility was revealed during PM Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz's talks on January 12-13, 2026, as part of strengthening people-to-people ties. The joint statement also emphasised education, research, vocational training, culture, and youth exchanges, with rising Indian students and invitations for German universities to open campuses in India under NEP.

An elderly NRI doctor couple in Delhi fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam lasting 17 days from December 24, 2025, to January 10, 2026, losing Rs 14.85 crore—their entire life savings. Fraudsters posing as officials kept them under constant video surveillance, forcing transfers to eight accounts with threats of arrest for fake PMLA and security charges. The 77-year-old wife handled transactions while coached to lie at banks. The scam broke when directed to a police station for a supposed RBI refund.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat's iconic Somnath temple offering prayers chanting rituals witnessing spectacular light drone show 3000 drones illustrating Lord Shiva Vishnu historical milestones over Arabian Sea. Event marked 1000 years since first invasion 1026 highlighting civilizational resilience. Temple glowed Swabhiman Parv massive crowds Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel present cultural celebration.

A drunk driver in Bengaluru's Indiranagar lost control late Thursday night around 11:35 pm, jumping the central divider on 100 Feet Road and crashing into a popular restaurant's outer wall after hitting a parked two-wheeler. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the high-speed incident with pedestrians narrowly escaping harm. Thankfully no major injuries occurred despite the chaos in the crowded area. The 42-year-old driver was immediately detained, his vehicle seized, and a case registered for rash and negligent driving under the influence as police vow stricter enforcement against drunk driving.

A 55-year-old Kashmiri man Ahmed Sheikh from Shopian detained Ayodhya Ram Mandir complex attempting offer namaz near Sita Rasoi raising slogans. Security intervened police investigating intent travel details possible others. Family claims mental illness providing medical records man said heading Ajmer. Incident prompts security review ahead festivals anniversary no comments administration trust.

Enforcement Directorate approached Supreme Court after Calcutta High Court deferred hearings alleging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee obstructed searches at I-PAC premises linked coal scam probe. ED claims documents devices forcibly removed presence state officials seeks CBI investigation asserting fair probe rights curtailed state machinery. Trinamool counters accusing unlawful access political strategies.