Month: January 2026

Aam Aadmi Party MLAs on Monday staged a protest inside the Delhi Assembly premises, drawing attention to the worsening air pollution levels in the national capital.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Atishi, led the protest amid AAP’s efforts to press for urgent policy measures and accountability on Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.

The protest highlighted concerns over public health, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues, as Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air quality. Party leaders demanded immediate action by the government to implement stricter measures to curb pollution, including emissions from vehicles, industrial discharges, and stubble burning from neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Guwahati, woke up to a layer of fog on Monday morning. Air quality varied from ‘poor’ to very poor’ category across several parts of the national capital, while several flights were delayed at the IGI Airport.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded AQI at 260 in the ‘Poor’ category by 8 am on Monday.

Visuals from Akshardham showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 294, falling in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCM). At ITO, the AQI was recorded as 256, also categorised as ‘poor’, while Anand Vohar reported a sharper decline at 320, placing the area in the ‘very poor’ bracket.

Chandni Chowk remained among the worst-affected areas, recording an AQI of 337, classified as ‘very poor’. Reduced visibility due to fog and smog disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, with several flights delayed in the early hours.

Notably, in Delhi, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and adjoining areas lifted Stage-III restrictions on Friday evening, citing significant air quality improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions. (ANI)

Delcy Rodriguez the Acting President of Venezuela, who will be taking over after the deposition of Nicolas Maduro, has sent out a message extending an invitation to the US government to work together on a cooperation agenda.

In a post on Instagram, she said, “A message from Venezuela to the world, and to the United States: Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation. We believe that global peace is built by first guaranteeing peace within each nation. We prioritise moving towards balanced and respectful international relations between the United States and Venezuela, and between Venezuela and other countries in the region, premised on sovereign equality and non-interference. These principles guide our diplomacy with the rest of the world.”

Despite the US’ indication that Rodriguez would be their choice of leader in a post Maduro scenario, Rodriguez indicated some loyalty to Maduro saying that her message of peace and dialogue had also been his message.

“We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law to strengthen lasting community coexistence. President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war. This has always been President Nicolas Maduro’s message, and it is the message of all of Venezuela right now. This is the Venezuela I believe in and have dedicated my life to. I dream of a Venezuela where all good Venezuelans can come together. Venezuela has the right to peace, development, sovereignty and a future,” she said.

Earlier, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, said that history will tell who the traitors are after a US military operation led to the capture of his father and First Lady Cilia Flores, who have been transferred to New York to face trial, local daily El-cooperative reported.

In an audio message circulated on social media, Maduro Guerra warned of possible betrayal within the ruling movement and said history would expose those responsible.

“History will tell who the traitors were, history will reveal it. We will see,” he said, hinting at an internal conspiracy.

Maduro Guerra, a lawmaker from La Guaira state and a member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), said the party would remain united despite the recent developments.

He also called supporters to take part in public mobilisations on January 4 and 5 to regroup and strengthen unity around the leadership. He also spoke of the need for “political and military coordination” to respond to what he described as “external aggression”.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores remain detained in the United States and are expected to appear before a federal court in the Southern District of New York on Monday. They face charges related to alleged “narco-terrorism and conspiracy to traffic drugs”.

According to CBS News, US authorities confirmed that Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear before a federal judge on Monday (local time) at 12 pm. This will be their first court appearance following the US operation carried out on Saturday. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case pertaining to an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots.

However, the SC granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.

The Court noted that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam stand on a “qualitatively different footing” both in terms of prosecution and evidence.

It noted that their roles were “central” to the alleged offences. As regards these two, though the period of incarceration is continued and long it does not violate the Constitutional mandate or override the statutory embargo under the laws.

The SC bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria delivered the judgment on the bail pleas filed by Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed.

Earlier, the apex court had reserved its verdict on December 10 after hearing detailed arguments from all parties.

During the hearing of their pleas seeking bail, the advocates who appeared for them mostly argued on the delay and the unlikelihood of the commencement of the trial. It was also stated to the court that they have been under custody for over five years in a case in which they are facing serious allegations of committing offences under the UAPA.

The contentions were also made that there is no proof of violence that they instigated the riots, even after five years have passed.

On the other hand, Delhi Police objected to the bail pleas, saying the alleged offences involved a deliberate attempt to destabilise the state. It argued that these were not spontaneous protests but a well-orchestrated “pan-India” conspiracy aiming at “regime change” and “economic strangulation”.

The Delhi Police further submitted that the conspiracy was allegedly planned to coincide with the official visit of the then US President to India, with the intention of drawing international media attention and globalising the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The issue of CAA was carefully chosen to serve as a “radicalising catalyst” camouflaged in the name of “peaceful protest”, it had said.

The prosecution further stated that the “deep-rooted, premeditated and pre-planned conspiracy” hatched by the petitioners resulted in the death of 53 persons, large-scale damage to public property, leading to registration of 753 FIRS in Delhi alone.

Evidence on record suggests that the instant conspiracy was sought to be replicated and executed PAN India, the Delhi police said.

On September 2 2025, the Delhi High Court rejected the bail plea of nine accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, in connection with the case, prompting the defendants to move to the Supreme Court

The High Court had observed that, prima facie, the role of Imam and Khalid in the entire conspiracy was “grave”, having delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to “instigate mass mobilisation of members of the Muslim community.”

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others were arrested in January 2020 under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the Delhi riots case in February 2020.

The violence had erupted during the protests against the then-proposed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) and had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has held out a fresh warning to India over raising tariffs if continued imports of Russian oil, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his displeasure on the issue.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday (local time), Trump said it was important for India to keep him happy on the issue of Russian Oil Imports

“PM Modi’s a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said.

The US strike on Venezuela has brought the issue of Oil into the forefront of geopolitics once again. Venezuela has massive oil reserves, which total over 303 billion barrels, making them the world’s largest proven reserves. However, production has dwindled to 1 million barrels per day due to US sanctions and underinvestment. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves (estimated at over 300 billion barrels), which represent roughly 17% of the total global oil supply, OPEC data shows.

Trump’s new warning to India comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over India’s energy trade with Russia, even as New Delhi has defended its oil purchases as essential for domestic energy security.

The comments also come just weeks after Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation, during which both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions.

The call coincided with the launch of a fresh round of negotiations between Indian and US officials aimed at resolving the long-standing trade impasse.

Only days before the conversation with Modi, Trump had threatened to impose new tariffs on Indian rice imports. The warning followed complaints raised by a US farmer representative at a White House roundtable, who alleged dumping by India, China and Thailand. (ANI)

Ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, filmmaker Subodh Khanolkar’s Marathi film ‘Dashavatar’ has entered the Oscars contention list, the makers confirmed on Sunday.

In an official social media announcement, Zee Studios Official shared the film’s latest milestone.

“First Marathi Film to Enter the Oscar Contention List. Born of red soil. Carried by tradition. Now global. Dashavatar is heading towards the Oscars!,” the caption read.

With this, ‘Dashavatar’ has also become the first-ever Marathi film to make it to the prestigious list, thus officially joining the race for the Oscar.

The film’s production house, Ocean Film Company, added, “A milestone moment for us and for Marathi cinema. Dashavatar, Ocean Film Company’s debut film, in Oscars is a testament to passion, belief, and relentless effort of our entire Team! Honoured and grateful to see Marathi storytelling shine on a global platform.”

Director Subodh Khanolkar initially confirmed the selection on Instagram along with a screenshot of the mail that he received from the Academy.

“I received an email that ‘Dashavatar’ has been selected in the main competition of the Academy Awards (Main open film category – contention list). I was satisfied with the hard work we all have put in for the past several years. This satisfaction is not only because ‘Dashavatar’ has been selected, but because our Marathi film can stand up globally… Dashavtar is probably the first Marathi film selected in the main competition category. This is the only Marathi film among the 150+ films selected from thousands of films. And this is the first Marathi movie to be shown in the Academy Screening Room!” he wrote.

Written and directed by Subodh Khanolkar, ‘Dashavatar’ features Dilip Prabhavalkar in the lead role alongside actors like Mahesh Manjrekar, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Menon, Priyadarshini Indalkar, Vijay Kenkare, Ravi Kale, Abhinay Berde, Sunil Tawade, Aarti Wadagbalkar, and Lokesh Mittal.

Made under the banner of Zee Studios, Ocean Film Company, and Ocean Art House Production, the film is produced by Sujay Hande, Onkar Kate, Subodh Khanolkar, Ashok Hande, Aditya Joshi, Nitin Sahasrabudhe, Mrunal Sahasrabudhe, Sanjay Dubey, and Vinayak Joshi.

‘Dashavatar’ opened in theatres on September 12, 2025.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, nominations across all categories will be decided from January 12-16, 2026, and announced on January 22, 2026.

The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. (ANI)

Bollywood couple Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra were spotted in Mumbai on Sunday as they stepped out together for a shoot. The two, who are often seen winning hearts with their chemistry, caught the attention of fans and photographers alike.

Kiara looked graceful and fresh during the outing. In a video shared by Mumbai paparazzi, the actress was seen wearing an off-white maxi dress.

She kept her look simple with minimal makeup and styled her hair neatly. The actress was all smiles as she posed for the cameras.

Sidharth Malhotra matched her charm in a relaxed look. The actor wore a black hoodie which he paired with black pants. He kept the look casual and comfortable for the day.

On the work front, Kiara Advani will next be seen in Yash’s upcoming film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.’ She will be playing a character named Nadia in the film. The first look of Kiara from the movie was released in December last year. The film stars Yash in the lead role and is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas. It is directed by Geetu Mohandas and has been shot in both English and Kannada, with dubbed versions planned in several Indian languages. The film is set to release in theatres on March 19.

Sidharth Malhotra, on the other hand, will be seen next in VVAN: Force of the Forrest, where he stars opposite Tamannaah Bhatia. The film is directed by Deepak Mishra and Arunabh Kumar and is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Arunabh Kumar. The story is set in the forest regions of Central India and is based on Indian folklore. VVAN is scheduled to hit theatres on May 15. (ANI)

Amid the growing concern over the contaminated water incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Indore, Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, said that 230 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours and the situation is under control so far.

“As far as the situation is concerned, everything is under control, and we are in the declining phase of the epidemic. The water supply has been shut off, and we have to wait until the supply resumes after chlorination, but ICMR experts are hopeful that this outbreak will end soon. Admissions are decreasing… We are distributing ORS packets in homes… People are cooperating with us, and social groups are also helping us manage the situation… Currently, the death toll is 6… If anyone comes in with diarrhoea, we will include them in the count. Currently, 149 active cases are being treated, and 230 patients have been discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours,” he told ANI on Sunday.

Advising patients, he further said, “We have started a call centre to get health updates from the patients… The best way to prevent infection is to drink boiled water, although the district administration and the municipal corporation are working hard to ensure proper chlorination of the hard water supplied in that area…”

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all the affected people. He also announced strict action against those responsible and named two officials in the case.

Earlier, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav announced that a water supply survey would be conducted throughout the city for the next seven days, and any complaints about leaks would be addressed within 48 hours.

“The team is continuously working in Bhagirathpura to ensure that people receive clean water regularly. The entire staff and team of the Indore Municipal Corporation are working among the people. Any complaints or requests are being addressed immediately. Under the direction of the Chief Minister, a survey regarding water supply will be conducted throughout Indore over the next seven days. Any complaints or information about leaks will be addressed within 48 hours,” Bhargav told ANI.

Notably, several residents have said they do not trust the tanker water supplied by the municipal corporation and are hesitant to use it for drinking. Many residents are instead purchasing packaged drinking water and water cans from the market. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won all nine seats in the Nandigram Cooperative Agricultural Development Committee elections on Sunday, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not win any.

BJP workers celebrated after the party secured victory in the Nandigram Cooperative Polls.

This is the assembly constituency of West Bengal Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, from where he won in the 2021 Assembly polls. Ahead of the West Bengal state elections, this is a significant win for the BJP.

Earlier, BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remark that she would “shake” the BJP, asserting that Suvendu Adhikari already “shook” her in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections.

Taking a swipe at the Chief Minister, Ghosh added that Mamata Banerjee entered the Assembly as a “compartmental” CM after being defeated by Suvendu Adhikari.

“To avoid any chaos, she should have spoken with understanding. Our only Leader of the Opposition shook her (hamara akela Leader of Opposition unko hila ke rakh diya tha). She herself lost the Nandigram Assembly elections and then entered the Assembly as a compartmental Chief Minister. This is a shame for West Bengal. She keeps making such movie-like statements. People should realise that this won’t help our state move forward,” Shankar Ghosh told reporters.

West Bengal is set to go to elections in the first half of 2026, with the primary contest between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. (ANI)

BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Sunday said Supreme court judges have done “disservice” to the nation as apex court’s order to remove stray dogs from public spaces has “divided” the country.

The top court in its recent order instructed states to remove the stray dogs from the premises of hospitals, educational institutions, sports complexes, bus terminals, and railway stations in view of “alarming rise in dog bite incidents”.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “Supreme Court has created an atmosphere of hate across India… What the judges have done is wrong by simply dividing India into people that hate one or one love species, through this they have done to disservice to India. The Animal Welfare Act is a very good act. They haven’t removed the act. They have simply said that you can act against the act. This is not correct.”

The apex court had taken a suo moto cognisance of the menace of stray dogs across the country. A three-judge bench on August 22 had modified a two-judge bench’s August 11 order, which had directed the rounding up of all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR and prohibited their release from dog shelters.

The August 22 order stated that the stray dogs would be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation, except for dogs that are infected with rabies or exhibit aggressive behaviour.

It had also restricted public feeding of stray dogs and directed the MCD to create dedicated feeding spaces in each municipal ward.It had further ordered that persons found feeding the dogs in contravention of its direction shall be liable to be proceeded with under the relevant framework.

The apex court had also expanded the scope of the proceedings on menace of stray dogs and impleaded all states and Union Territories as parties to the case.

The August 11 order was limited to the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) area only.The three-judge bench order had come on pleas seeking a stay of its August 11 order of a two-judge bench to remove all stray dogs from the localities in the Delhi-NCR region and put them in shelter homes.

On August 11, the top court ordered that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad be made free of stray dogs, with no compromise. Additionally, it made clear that no captured animal would be released back into the streets. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed confidence that a shift in the state’s political regime is underway in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in April, asserting that the NDA would win against DMK and Congress.

Addressing a massive gathering at the closing ceremony of state BJP President Nainar Nagenthran’s marathon yatra on Sunday, Shah declared, “In April 2026, an NDA government will be formed in Tamil Nadu.”

Highlighting previous electoral wins in recent years, he said, “2024 and 2025 were years of victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party; now, 2026 will be the year we bring that mandate to Tamil Nadu and Bengal.”

The Home Minister urged the citizens of Tamil Nadu to align themselves and join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision of a developed India.”

Shah’s speech served as a formal confirmation of the BJP’s alliance strategy to go against the currently ruling DMK. He announced that the BJP is prepared to lead a “strong alliance” with the AIADMK and other regional partners.

“The alliance of BJP with AIADMK and others will have its final fight against Congress and DMK,” Shah said.

The Home Minister criticised the current administration, labelling the DMK government as “the most corrupt government” in the country. He accused the ruling party of failing, saying, “The DMK government has failed on every front. If the most corrupt government is anywhere in the whole of India, then unfortunately, it is in Tamil Nadu.”

Highlighting concerns over public safety, he claimed, “There is no guarantee of safety for women and daughters in Tamil Nadu,”. He further alleged that the DMK’s governance focuses on nepotism rather than public service. “The Tamil Nadu government has only one objective, and that is to make CM Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister of the state.”

Shah urged the people, “The time has come to end dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu.” (ANI)