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)

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. 

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has served a legal notice to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) after it summoned Captain Varun Anand, nephew of the late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, in connection with the Air India Flight AI-171 crash investigation. FIP argues Anand has no professional or factual link to the flight, its planning, or the accident and was not at the crash site, calling the summons unwarranted and legally baseless. The pilots’ body cited international norms that prohibit involving family members without relevance, though Anand is willing to cooperate via video. The AI-171 probe continues. (PC: ANI)

The Election Commission Thursday rejected West Bengal's proposal to include Madhyamik (Class X) admit cards issued by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education as valid documents for special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. An under-secretary wrote to Bengal's chief electoral officer stating the admit card isn't listed among admissible verification documents per the commission's October 27, 2025 instructions. The commission permits 13 documents for SIR verification, including central/state government employee ID cards, post office/bank/LIC documents issued before 1987, birth certificates, passports, residential certificates, caste certificates, forest rights certificates, family registers, and land/house allotment certificates. Aadhaar is allowed as identity/residence proof but not as a standalone document. (PC: X)

Voting commenced on January 15, 2026, across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), after years of delay. Around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates contesting 2,869 seats in urban local bodies statewide. Polling, held from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., will see results declared on January 16. Tight security has been deployed, and the contest in Mumbai has drawn particular attention given its wealth and political significance. Exit polls suggest a strong showing for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. (PC: The Hindu)

An Air India Airbus A350 operating Flight AI101 from Delhi to New York suffered engine damage on Jan 15, 2026, when a baggage container was sucked into its right engine while taxiing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in dense fog, the airline said. The flight had returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to an unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, and the incident occurred after landing. All passengers and crew were safe, and the aircraft has since been grounded for investigation and repairs, with possible disruptions to some A350 routes. India’s aviation regulator DGCA has launched a probe into the cause of the unusual foreign‐object ingestion. 

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has summoned Captain Varun Anand in the probe into the Air India 171 crash, Air India told him. Anand is related to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot in command who died in the accident. The Federation of Indian Pilots has sent a legal notice to the bureau, saying it has not explained why Anand was called. The body said he had no role in the flight, planning, or site work and is not a witness or expert. It also cited ICAO rules against summoning family members. Anand has offered to join the process through video call. (PC: NDTV)

Air India has announced that its international flights that typically overfly Iranian airspace will now use alternative routes following the closure of Iran’s skies amid rising regional tensions, potentially leading to delays for affected services. The airline posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the changes are necessary due to the evolving situation and the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. In some cases where rerouting isn’t feasible, flights may be cancelled, and passengers are advised to check flight status before departure. The disruption stems from Iran’s airspace shutdown, which has impacted several airlines globally. (PC: India Today)

India’s traditionally built stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya has successfully concluded its historic 18-day voyage from **Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, docking at Port Sultan Qaboos with celebratory greetings and a water salute. The vessel, inspired by 5th-century Indian ship designs from Ajanta Cave paintings, was constructed using ancient stitched-plank techniques, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage and craftsmanship. Skipper Commander Vikas Sheoran led a 16-member crew, with Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal sharing progress updates on social media. The journey symbolises cultural exchange, nautical skill, and strengthening ties between India and Oman. 

The festive kite-flying season in India has turned deadly as illegal “Chinese manjha” — glass-coated nylon kite string — has been linked to at least four deaths in one day and numerous serious injuries, police and hospital reports say. The sharp, banned thread slices through skin and throats of bystanders, especially motorcyclists, and poses risks to pedestrians and wildlife. Despite bans under safety laws, the dangerous string continues to be sold and used ahead of Makar Sankranti, prompting authorities to warn the public, enforce raids, and urge safer cotton alternatives to prevent further tragedies. (PC: PTI)