English-language national news, explainers and fact checks.
Delhi’s AQI fell to a 102-day low after rain and gusty winds, but forecasts warned it could slip back to poor and very poor categories around January 26–27, alongside colder nights and possible rain from a western disturbance.
IIT Delhi announced an outreach open house in Kota on January 31, 2026, offering aspirants sessions on academic life, campus culture and preparation guidance, with faculty and students interacting directly with candidates.
Bangladesh’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka) has been thrown into uncertainty after the ICC declined to move Bangladesh’s India fixtures to Sri Lanka. Reports said the ICC warned Bangladesh could be replaced by Scotland if it refuses to travel.
After winter showers and gusty winds, Delhi’s air quality improved sharply, delivering the first sustained ‘moderate’ readings in months. Forecasts, however, warn the relief may be temporary as winds slow and fog returns.
The rupee’s weakness has pushed up costs for imports like crude oil and electronics and raised concerns about inflationary pressure. Exporters may see some benefit, but analysts note it depends on contracts and imported inputs, while capital flows and global risk sentiment remain key drivers.
A 25-year-old Hindu man was found dead after a fire at a garage in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district. Police said CCTV footage shows suspicious activity near the scene, and investigators are examining whether the blaze was accidental or caused by an external act.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for a fresh western disturbance likely to bring heavy snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of North and Central India from January 26, with peak impact expected around January 27.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been appointed the party’s national working president in the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The move formalises his elevated role, but also surfaced fresh family and factional tensions, with Rohini Acharya alleging a conspiracy behind internal developments.
The Indian Army has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to pursue an indigenous AI system aimed at addressing challenges in the digital information space, as India’s defence ecosystem accelerates joint R&D.
The EU has confirmed that European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to India for the 16th EU–India Summit on 27 January 2026, and will also participate as guests of honour at India’s Republic Day parade on 26 January—an unprecedented signal of deepening ties.
The IMF has revised up its projection for India’s FY26 growth to 7.3% from 6.6%, citing stronger-than-expected economic performance and sustained momentum—an upgrade that adds to optimism but keeps the spotlight on inflation, investment and global risks.
On 25 January 2026, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commission on National Voters’ Day, accusing it of damaging democracy and acting in favour of the BJP—remarks that underline rising political temperature over electoral processes and institutional trust.