A Mumbai to Krabi IndiGo flight (6E 1085) descended into chaos after the pilot refused to operate the plane, citing that his duty hours had expired, leading to a delay of over three hours before departure. Passengers, already aboard, engaged in heated arguments with cabin crew and were seen kicking the aircraft exit door in frustration over the long wait and lack of clear communication. IndiGo said the delay stemmed from the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, air traffic congestion, and crew duty-time limits. Two passengers were declared unruly and deboarded by security, causing further delay before the flight ultimately took off. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused BJP-ruled states of mistreating migrant workers from Bengal, claiming they face violence and torture for speaking Bengali outside the state. She highlighted incidents where workers were allegedly attacked, harassed, or even killed after being labeled “illegal immigrants,” sparking protests in Murshidabad and other areas. Banerjee condemned these acts as “inhuman treatment” and vowed support and compensation for affected families. The chief minister’s comments come amid rising tensions ahead of assembly elections, with the migrant issue becoming a politically charged topic in West Bengal’s discourse. (PC: ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on January 16, 2026, to discuss the situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran. According to the Kremlin, Putin offered Russia’s help to mediate issues related to Iran and emphasized the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to promote stability and security in the region. The leaders exchanged views on regional tensions, with Russia expressing willingness to support dialogue and diplomatic engagement. The call underscores Moscow’s interest in playing a constructive role amidst ongoing Middle East challenges. (PC: AFP)

UK Conservative MP Bob Blackman raised concerns in Parliament over reported violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He urged the Labour government to press the interim administration led by Mohammad Yunus to protect minorities and ensure fair elections due on February 12. Blackman said polls would be held amid concerns over the ban on the Awami League and rising extremist influence. He asked the UK government to clarify its response. India has also flagged recurring attacks on minorities and called for swift action by Bangladeshi authorities.

The BJP–Shiv Sena alliance moved close to securing control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as vote counting continued in Mumbai. The Mahayuti crossed the halfway mark in the 227-member civic body, leading in more than 115 wards. The opposition bloc led by Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the NCP trailed behind. Congress remained a distant player with limited early gains. Counting began at 10 am across 23 centres under tight security. Polling was held on January 15 after a delay of over three years, alongside elections to 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting. Machado said the gesture recognised Trump’s support for Venezuela’s freedom struggle. Trump thanked her publicly and called the meeting an honour. The Nobel Committee later reiterated that a prize cannot be transferred, though a medal may change hands. Trump did not endorse Machado as Venezuela’s new leader and continues to engage with acting authorities in Caracas. Machado said dialogue with Washington would continue and described the meeting as historic for Venezuelans. (PC: BBC)

Counting of votes began for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after polling across 227 wards in Mumbai. Early results showed candidates from the BJP, Shiv Sena and Congress winning initial seats, with the Mahayuti alliance leading overall. Voter turnout stood at about 53 percent. Shiv Sena candidates won three wards, while the BJP secured two and Congress registered its first victory from Dharavi. Officials said results are being declared in phases at 23 counting centres. The polls were held after a delay of more than three years. Along with Mumbai, results are due for 28 other civic bodies across Maharashtra. (PC: HT)

European troops began arriving in Greenland as Denmark increased its military presence amid tensions with the United States over the Arctic island’s future. France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands sent or pledged small troop deployments to show support for Denmark. Germany said it would deploy a 13-member reconnaissance team. Danish officials said the move aimed to strengthen security cooperation with allies. U.S. officials described talks on Greenland as technical discussions on a possible acquisition, while Denmark and Greenland rejected any transfer of sovereignty. Greenland’s leaders said dialogue would continue, stressing the island is not for sale. (PC: X)

Suspected Pakistani drones were sighted hovering over the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and the Ramgarh sector of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian security forces to activate anti-drone systems and remain on high alert. The sightings occurred Thursday night as troops monitored aerial movements along the sensitive border, deploying counter-unmanned aerial systems in response. Earlier this week, similar drone occurrences were reported in the region, underlining ongoing border security challenges and concerns over possible surveillance or infiltration attempts. Forces continue vigilance to protect against further incursions. 

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Oregon, United States, on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported, with its epicentre about 10 km deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. Authorities said no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, and there are no tsunami warnings in effect. The quake occurred in a seismically active offshore region near the Oregon–California border, where tectonic movements are common, and officials are monitoring the situation closely as further assessments continue. The event is part of recurrent Pacific Northwest seismic activity. (PC: Reuters)