Month: January 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived in Switzerland on Monday to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he will represent the state at the global economic summit focused on discussions around international economic growth and cooperation.

The Chief Minister began his five-day visit with his arrival in Zurich and was later received in Davos by members of the Marathi-speaking community and India’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar.

Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu also met with CM Fadnavis upon his arrival. The ministers extended their congratulations to Fadnavis for the recent victory in the Maharashtra municipal elections. This electoral performance remained a central theme during the Chief Minister’s interactions with well-wishers and community members throughout the day.

During a welcome program organised by the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal, Fadnavis detailed the state government’s initiative to establish the Maha-NRI Forum. He explained that the platform aims to strengthen connections with the global Marathi diaspora.

“The foundation of any true progress lies in preserving our cultural heritage,” the Chief Minister said. “Material advancement flows naturally from this cultural strength. We are now embarking on ambitious and concrete plans for Mumbai’s development. In the next five years, our Mumbai will stand among the most advanced urban centres globally, surpassing even the capitals of developed nations.”

Reflecting on the Marathi presence worldwide, CM Fadnavis observed that Maharashtrians have made their mark across the globe. “Wherever you go, you find the Marathi community progressing with distinction. Their identity is built on hard work and trustworthiness qualities that inspire pride in all of us,” he added.

The event also highlighted educational initiatives undertaken by the community. Amol Savarkar, Coordinator of the International Marathi Forum, said that the organisation has started Marathi language classes in several schools across Switzerland.

Commending the initiative, Fadnavis emphasised the importance of preserving the Marathi language and culture for future generations. The reception concluded with traditional rituals, including the ovalan ceremony and the rendition of the Maharashtra State Song.

As Davos prepares to host global conversations on economic progress, Maharashtra’s presence there begins with a powerful reminder that cultural roots and material prosperity walk hand in hand. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, extended gratitude and appreciation to the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on its Raising Day.

In a post on X, the PM lauded the personnel for their “professionalism and resolve” and for always being the frontrunners in times of calamity. He also underscored their efforts to “protect lives, provide relief and restore hope.”

“On the Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), we extend our deepest appreciation to the men and women whose professionalism and resolve stand tall in moments of crisis. Always at the forefront when a calamity strikes, NDRF personnel work tirelessly to protect lives, provide relief and restore hope under the most challenging circumstances,” the PM wrote in the post.

The Prime Minister further described their skills and sense of duty as the epitome of “the highest standard of service.” He acknowledged the respect the force has earned globally, describing their service as “a benchmark in disaster preparedness and response.”

“Their skills and sense of duty exemplify the highest standards of service. Over the years, the NDRF has emerged as a benchmark in disaster preparedness and response, earning much respect internationally,” he emphasised.

The Prime Minister attached some photographs of the NDRF personnel engaged in relief and management work and tagged the NDRF office handle in the message.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings on the occasion of the NDRF Raising Day.

In a post on X, he underscored their significant role in building a “disaster-resilient India” and described them as “the pillar of trust, the nation relies on during calamities.”

He further saluted the personnel of the NDRF “who sacrificed themselves for others’ safety.”

“Warm greetings to the personnel of @NDRFHQ on Raising Day. Through its significant role in realising the Modi govt’s resolve to build a disaster-resilient India, the NDRF has today become the pillar of trust the nation relies on during calamities. Salute to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the safety of others,” he wrote in the post.

National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) was raised on January 19, 2006, as a multi-skilled stand-alone Disaster Response Force to respond to all natural and man-made disasters.

It attends to various disasters, including collapsed structure search-and-rescue operations during earthquakes and landslides, floodwater rescue, including cyclones, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear contingencies, and medical emergencies, among others.

It is strategically deployed across the country with 16 Battalions and 28 Regional Response Centers. NDRF Academy is located in Nagpur. (ANI)

A thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the national capital on Monday morning, sharply reducing visibility and worsening air quality across Delhi-NCR, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 418, falling in the ‘severe’ category.

According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ITO area was recorded at 434, placing it in the “severe” category. Similar conditions prevailed near Rafi Marg, where the AQI stood at 417, while areas around the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar reported an AQI of 455.

Several other locations across the capital also witnessed alarmingly high pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 462, Ashok Vihar 473, Bawana 448, Burari 460, Chandni Chowk 454, Dwarka Sector-8 427, Mundka 467, Narela 437, Punjabi Bagh 434, RK Puram 439, Rohini 437 and Wazirpur 472. All these areas remained in the ‘severe’ category, indicating extremely poor air quality and heightened health risks.

The IT stretch witnessed near-zero visibility during the morning hours, leading to slow-moving traffic and disruptions in normal vehicular movement.

Cold wave conditions, coupled with dense fog, also impacted air travel operations, with several flights delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 25 degrees Celsius later in the day.

Meanwhile, in response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR,” the order from the CAQM read.

The order further added, “NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies concerned have been asked to escalate the preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.” With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, also woke up to dense fog on Monday morning, with temperatures hovering between 17 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. (ANI)

A Special Sub-Inspector (SSI), who allegedly took a video of a female police officer who was tasked to protect the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, in Paramakudi, has been arrested and sent to jail.

The Chief Minister had visited Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district on Saturday to inaugurate the Mani Mandapam of freedom fighter Tyagi Emanuel Sekaran.

At that time, heavy police security was deployed throughout the Ramanathapuram district. Many people, including female police officers from various parts of Tamil Nadu, were on security duty for the Chief Minister’s visit.

At that time, the arrested SSI, working at the Paramakudi Nagar Police Station, was also assigned to the Paramakudi Mani Nagar check post. During that time, the female police officers from the Thanjavur area were also on duty there.

The incident occured when the female police officers went to the toilet and found a cell phone recording a video. They returned with the cell phone, and it was revealed to belong to an SSI. It has also been confirmed that the female police officers were being recorded while they were inside the toilet, according to Paramakudi police.

The police report was filed at the Paramakudi All Women Police Station based on her complaint, leading to the accused’s arrest and detention in Ramanathapuram jail. This incident has caused significant public concern.

In a separate incident, Mathura Police on Tuesday said that two men, including the husband of a woman and his friend, who were involved in her murder in December 2025, were arrested following a police encounter on the Bareilly bypass.

Police officials said Anita’s body was recovered from the Refinery police station area on December 28, 2025. Following sustained investigation and tracking of the accused, a police team intercepted them, leading to an encounter in which Anita’s husband Rakesh was arrested, and his friend Lalit was injured by a gunshot.

A motorcycle, a .315 bore pistol, one spent cartridge and two live cartridges were recovered from the accused, police said. (ANI)

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared President Donald Trump’s invitation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be a part of the Gaza Board of Peace.

Trump sent a letter to Modi, which the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared on social media.

“Honored to convey @POTUSinvitation to Prime Minister @narendramodi to participate in the Board of Peace which will bring lasting peace to Gaza. The Board will support effective governance to achieve stability and prosperity!”

In the letter, Trump said, “It is my Great Honor to invite you, as Prime Minister of the Republic of India, to join me in a critically historic and Magnificent effort to solidify Peace in the Middle East and, at the same time, to embark on a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict!”

In his letter, Trump referred to his September 29 announcement of a Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict.

“Now it is time to turn all of these Dreams into reality. At the heart of the Plan is The Board of Peace, the most impressive and consequential Board ever assembled, which will be established as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration,” Trump wrote.

“Our effort will bring together a distinguished group of nations ready to shoulder the noble responsibility of building LASTING PEACE, an Honor reserved for those prepared to lead by example, and brilliantly invest in a secure and prosperous future for generations to come. We will convene our wonderful and committed partners, most of whom are Highly Respected World Leaders, in the near future”

The invitation comes as the US administration moves forward with formalising the “Board of Peace” structure linked to Trump’s broader Gaza roadmap. On Friday, the White House unveiled the list of people appointed to the “Board of Peace” to oversee phase two of his 20-Point Peace Plan to end the Gaza conflict.

The names include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House said in a statement.

The announcement also named members of the Gaza Executive Board, with Blair, Kushner and Witkoff also listed, along with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi and others. (ANI)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Sunday (local time) spoke with US President Donald Trump on the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington’s threat to impose 10 per cent tariffs on Denmark and European Union countries.

Mark Rutte also informed that he will meet US President Trump this week in Davos.

In a post on X, Mark Rutte said, “Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week.”

Rutte did not share details of the conversation with Donald Trump on the matter.

Meanwhile, Several European countries have come together and expressed support and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid the threat by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on eight European nations untill it is allowed to acquire Greenland.

A joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom–shared by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned that exercise ‘Arctic Endurance’ does not pose a threat to anyone and that the countries stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

The statement highlighted that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral

On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland.

In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory.

He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if a deal wasn’t reached, stating it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.

Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland are the countries Trump mentioned in his post, which are now under fire from his tariff threats. (ANI)

At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a high-speed Iryo train derailed and collided with another train in Spain’s Cordoba province, Euro News reported, citing officials.

The accident occurred near Adamuz when the Iryo train, carrying around 300 passengers and travelling from Malaga to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, derailed after crossing onto an adjacent track and collided with an AVE train operating on the Madrid-Huelva route. The second train was operated by Spain’s state-owned railway company Renfe.

Footage shared by passengers on social media showed several carriages severely damaged following the collision. Witnesses said the impact felt like an earthquake, while passengers were forced to break windows to escape, resulting in multiple injuries caused by cuts. Several passengers also reported smoke inside the trains and sought medical assistance, Euro News reported

Spanish railway infrastructure operator ADIF said all train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended until further notice. It confirmed that emergency services were deployed at the scene and would continue operations overnight in coordination with local authorities, Renfe and Iryo.

Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with Spanish public broadcaster RTVE who was travelling on the Iryo train from Malaga, said the last two carriages derailed, with one completely overturned. “We left Malaga on time at 6:40 pm. There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had derailed,” he said, adding that passengers were evacuated after breaking windows with hammers.

Emergency teams remain at the site assessing the situation, attending to the injured and determining the full extent of the damage.

The Red Cross has mobilised one medical ambulance from Cordoba and three additional ambulances from Jaen. It is also providing basic necessities to passengers from both trains involved in the accident, Euro News reported.

Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said he is monitoring the situation from the ADIF Operations Control Centre and will share updates as confirmed information becomes available.

Madrid regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso offered the support of hospitals in the Community of Madrid to treat the injured. “The hospitals of the Community of Madrid and the 112 emergency teams are on standby following the tragic accident in Cordoba and are at the disposal of the Andalusian Regional Government,” she said, adding that support teams will be deployed at Madrid’s Atocha station to assist relatives.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. (ANI)

Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 18 (ANI): Veteran Indian opener Rohit Sharma became the sixth Indian to play 100 ODI matches at home. Sharma achieved this milestone during the third and final ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Sharma joined the elite list of Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar (164), Virat Kohli (130), MS Dhoni (127), Mohammad Azharuddin (127), and Yuvraj Singh (108), who have played the most ODI matches for India at home.

During the third ODI, Sharma had a dismal outing with the bat, scoring 11 runs off 13 balls, including two fours, while chasing a competitive target of 338 runs.

Overall, Sharma had a poor outing in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The veteran opener scored 61 runs in three innings at a poor average of 20.33. Sharma failed to register a fifty in the series.

Meanwhile, New Zealand posted a challenging score of 337/8 in 50 overs in the do-or-die contest against India in Indoor after being asked to bat first.

Daryl Mitchell smashed his consecutive century in the series. The right-handed batter hammered 137 runs off 131 deliveries, including 15 fours and one six.

Glenn Phillips played a superb knock of 106 runs off 88 deliveries, with nine fours and three sixes.

Towards the end, captain Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 28 off 18 deliveries, including four boundaries, guided New Zealand to 337/8 in 50 overs. With the ball, Arshdeep Singh (3/63) and Harshit Rana (3/84) scalped three wickets each for India.

The three-match ODI series is levelled 1-1, with India winning the first and New Zealand clinching the second.

Brief score:New Zealand 337/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 137, Glenn Phillips 106; Arshdeep Singh 3/63, Harshit Rana 3/84) vs India. (ANI)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially resumed excavation work at the historic Sukasari temple complex in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar, renewing efforts to uncover and preserve a significant 13th-century religious site dating back to the Ganga dynasty period.

Located in close proximity to the iconic 11th-century Lingaraj Temple, the Sukasari temple site had remained largely unexplored for nearly three years due to administrative hurdles and encroachments. The excavation was formally revived earlier this month as part of renewed efforts to document and protect Bhubaneswar’s ancient temple heritage.

Since work resumed on January 5, 2026, ASI archaeologists have made substantial progress at the site. Excavation teams have reached depths of nearly 20 feet below the present ground level, removing layers of accumulated debris and soil that had concealed the structures for centuries.

During the ongoing excavation, archaeologists have recovered a uniquely designed early idol of a deity, featuring rare artistic elements that have drawn the attention of heritage experts and scholars of iconography. In addition, numerous fragments of temple walls, intricately carved stone slabs, and pottery remains have been unearthed, pointing to a highly advanced architectural tradition of the period.

Current excavation efforts are focused on the Chatur Parasa, or four-sided enclosure, and the southern side of the Sari Deula complex, where archaeologists are attempting to locate the remaining portions of the Devi temple. The site is believed to have followed a Panchayatana-style temple layout, with a central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary temples.

While the nearby Lingaraj Temple represents the zenith of the Somavamshi architectural style, the Sukasari and Sari temples are regarded as fine examples of mature Kalinga architecture from the later Ganga period.

The entire area is replete with ancient structures buried beneath the surface. By resuming this dig, ASI hopes to confirm the exact layout of the complex and to ensure that these 800-year-old structures are preserved using traditional scientific methods.

The excavation also forms a key component of the larger Ekamra Kshetra (Temple City) heritage conservation initiative. The Sukasari site was first exposed during demolition drives in 2021 as part of a beautification project, during which several ancient structures were discovered beneath modern structures, including a former Sanskrit college.

Historians believe the Sukasari temple complex once functioned as an important spiritual centre that complemented the Lingaraj Temple. Heritage experts have long argued that Bhubaneswar’s Old Town area may conceal thousands of smaller temples and religious structures beneath present-day urban development.

Anil Dhir, noted historian and Coordinator of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for Odisha, has been among those advocating systematic excavation of the area. The renewed ASI effort is being seen as a major step towards documenting Bhubaneswar’s layered medieval history and preserving its architectural legacy for future generations. (ANI)

Sutapa Sikdar, the wife of the late actor Irrfan Khan, joined the recent viral ‘2016’ trend, sharing her heartfelt memories of the iconic actor.

Known for her profound bond with Irrfan, Sutapa’s candid reflections on their shared moments have gained widespread attention, offering a personal glimpse into the life of the couple. Fans also grew emotional as they remembered the late actor.

In her Instagram post, Sutapa shared several unseen pictures of Irrfan, spending time with friends and family. “2016 you were there irrfan!!” she included a text in the video.

Taking to the caption, Sutapa Sikdar spoke about being very happy during the period in the presence of her husband, while also mentioning that they produced ‘Madari’ at the time.

“2016 !! A lot happened I smiled a lot as you were there with solid permanent pensive look which never made me doubt the in-permanence. I met Tom Hanks, I went for my girls trip to goa. Went for Inferno premiere in Florence. You got NDTV award. We went to the jungles And we produced MADARI. 2026 tall order isn’t it?” she wrote.

The post quickly struck a chord with fans, who showered it with much warmth. One wrote, “We all witnessed him in reality through his presence on screen through films, interviews or conversations. We all miss him.”

Irrfan passed away at a Mumbai hospital on April 29, 2020. He was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and lost his life to it.

Considered one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry, the actor worked in some of the most critically acclaimed films in India, like ‘Life in a… Metro’, ‘The Lunchbox’, and ‘Hindi Medium’.

However, the actor’s success was not confined to the boundaries of India. He performed exceptionally well in several international projects, which garnered him significant recognition abroad and put him on the map of world cinema.

Ever since Irrfan Khan passed away, his wife Sutapa Sikdar and son Babil have been sharing memories and anecdotes of the late star. (ANI)