India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 match held in Raipur, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 209, India reached 209 for 3 in just 15.2 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 37 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed a powerful 76 off 32 deliveries. Their third-wicket partnership of 122 runs in 49 balls ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 208 for 6 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with an unbeaten 47, and Rachin Ravindra added 44 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets for 35 runs. Despite the solid total, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting.

With this result, India extended their advantage in the five-match T20 series to 2-0, leaving New Zealand under pressure to stay alive in the remaining games.

The European Union has suspended the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for most Indian exports, including apparel, textiles, plastics, and other major sectors. The decision took effect on January 1, 2026, following a regulation issued by the European Commission on September 25. The suspension will apply from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, and also affects selected products from Indonesia and Kenya.

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), about 87 percent of Indian exports to the EU will now face full tariffs, with only 13 percent—mainly agricultural and leather goods—retaining GSP benefits. Previously, Indian goods enjoyed lower tariffs than the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rate, but now full MFN duties will apply. For example, apparel tariffs will rise from 9.6 percent to 12 percent. The suspension covers key sectors such as minerals, chemicals, rubber, steel, machinery, and transport equipment.

GTRI’s Ajay Srivastava noted that despite ongoing India-EU free trade talks, exporters will face short-term challenges, compounded by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Export organizations warned that India’s competitiveness may decline compared to Bangladesh and Vietnam, whose exports still enjoy lower or zero tariffs in Europe.

At least ten Indian Army personnel were killed and ten others injured on Thursday in a road accident in Doda district of India-administered Kashmir. Officials said the soldiers were traveling in a bulletproof Casspir vehicle that plunged into a deep gorge while moving along the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road. The accident occurred near Khanni Top in a mountainous area, and rescue operations began immediately after the crash.

According to reports, the soldiers were en route to an operation when the vehicle lost control on the difficult terrain. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences over the deaths and said the injured were airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the incident, citing bad weather and treacherous terrain as contributing factors.

India’s Home Minister and Defence Minister issued separate statements expressing sympathy for the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident.

A 53-year-old neurosurgeon from Nagpur, India, Dr. Chandrashekhar Pakhmode, died suddenly of a severe heart attack early Wednesday at his home. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead by attending doctors. Colleagues and family said he was physically fit, exercised regularly, and had recently undergone medical tests showing normal blood pressure, sugar, and ECG results. His unexpected death has shocked the medical community and raised new concerns about hidden cardiac risks.

Cardiology experts explained that ECG tests mainly assess the heart’s electrical activity but may not detect silent risks such as arterial plaque or blockages. They noted that chronic stress, irregular sleep, and heavy workloads can significantly increase the risk of sudden cardiac events, especially among professionals in high-pressure fields like medicine.

Specialists advised that individuals should not rely solely on normal test results but undergo comprehensive cardiac screening based on age and risk factors. Regular medical consultation, stress management, and advanced diagnostic tests may be essential for true heart health protection.

Three people were killed when a passenger bus collided with a container truck in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh early Wednesday at around 1:30 a.m. The collision caused both vehicles to catch fire, resulting in the deaths of the bus driver, truck driver, and truck cleaner. The bus was traveling from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad in Telangana when its right-side tire suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control and crash over the road divider into the oncoming truck carrying motorcycles.

The fire spread quickly, creating panic among passengers. Local residents, along with the bus conductor and cleaner, broke windows to rescue trapped passengers. Many passengers escaped by jumping through the windows. Fire service and police teams arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze after extensive efforts, but both vehicles were completely burned.

All 36 passengers on the bus survived the accident, according to the report.

India has been accused of turning cricket from a tool of soft power into an instrument of regional dominance, particularly against Bangladesh. The controversy began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly instructed an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, citing political concerns over attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to move its upcoming T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka and the government banned IPL broadcasts, escalating the dispute.

The article describes how this sports-related conflict follows a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, marked by reciprocal ambassador summons and attacks on diplomatic missions. Analysts suggest that India’s coercive cricket diplomacy risks alienating a key regional partner and undermining its “Neighbourhood First” policy. The move could push Bangladesh closer to China and Pakistan, both of which are expanding their strategic presence in the region.

The report warns that India’s use of cricket as a political weapon contradicts its long-term strategic interests and may deepen regional isolation rather than strengthen influence.

Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have begun distributing a four-page form titled “profiling of mosques,” requesting extensive details about mosques and their staff. The form seeks information on sect affiliation, funding sources, land ownership, and personal data such as mobile numbers, bank accounts, and relatives abroad. Similar forms have been sent to religious schools, prompting fears among residents that the exercise represents increased surveillance and state control over Muslim institutions.

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Kashmir’s largest Islamic religious body, condemned the move as an intrusion into sacred spaces and a violation of religious freedom. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and the National Conference party also criticized the profiling as discriminatory and fear-inducing. Police actions come amid heightened central control following the 2019 revocation of Article 370, which stripped the region of its autonomy. The BJP defended the initiative, citing the need for transparency and security, arguing that mosques had previously been used for political mobilization.

Analysts and local clerics warned that the profiling could erode trust and deepen community tensions, with some fearing further restrictions on religious practices in the region.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided that Bangladesh must play its 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India as originally scheduled. The decision came after a video conference board meeting where the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested to move its matches to Sri Lanka citing security concerns. The ICC board, by majority opinion, concluded that there was no credible threat to Bangladeshi players, officials, media, or fans at any Indian venue and that altering the schedule so close to the tournament would harm the event’s integrity.

The dispute began when Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Indian Premier League by Kolkata Knight Riders under instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, prompting BCB’s reluctance to send its team to India. Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s position, but the ICC maintained that its venue and scheduling decisions are based on neutral threat assessments and host assurances. The ICC emphasized that no verified security risk exists and that changing venues would undermine fairness and logistical stability.

Bangladesh has been given 24 hours to confirm whether it will participate under the existing schedule, leaving its final decision pending.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition that sought to ban Bangladesh from international cricket. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Kariar, who questioned the maintainability of the petition. The judges stated that the reliefs sought involved matters of foreign policy and international relations, which fall under the executive branch’s jurisdiction. The bench observed that entertaining such petitions would amount to wasting judicial time.

During the hearing, India’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He informed the court that the petition had included foreign cricket boards without any legal basis. Following the court’s objections, the petitioner requested to withdraw the case, which the court allowed.

The ruling came amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh that have extended into the cricketing sphere, though the court made clear that such issues lie outside its authority.

Bangladeshi publishers will not be allowed to participate in this year’s Kolkata International Book Fair, marking the second consecutive year without a Bangladesh pavilion. The organizers, Publishers and Booksellers Guild, confirmed that although Bangladesh expressed interest in joining, the guild declined their participation. The decision reportedly stems from the absence of clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is required due to current India-Bangladesh relations.

According to Guild General Secretary Tridib Chatterjee, the guild cannot permit Bangladesh’s participation without the ministry’s approval. The Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata also confirmed that interest in joining had been conveyed. Chatterjee added that while Bangladesh will not have an official presence, individual stalls may still display Bangladeshi books without objection.

The United States will also miss this year’s fair due to budget allocation issues. For the first time, Ukraine will participate, and China will return after 15 years. Argentina is the theme country, with a total of 21 nations and over a thousand local and Indian publishers taking part.

Bihar legislator Nitin Navin has been elected as the new national president of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Following the nomination process, 37 nomination papers were submitted in his favor, and no other candidate contested, leading to his unopposed election to the top party post.

Navin, aged 45, previously served as the acting national president of the BJP. He has been elected five times as a legislator from Patna West (Bankipur) in Bihar and has also held ministerial positions in the Bihar government. Analysts view his appointment as a signal of organizational renewal within the BJP and a step toward advancing the party’s future strategic goals.

The formal ceremony for Nitin Navin’s assumption of office is scheduled for January 21, while senior party leaders have already extended their congratulations.

Iran and Bolivia have withdrawn visa-free travel privileges for Indian passport holders, even as India’s position in the Henley Passport Index 2026 improved from 85th to 80th place. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that Iran made visas mandatory from November 22, 2025, after reports that criminal groups exploited visa exemptions to lure Indians with false job offers and later kidnapped them for ransom. Indian travelers must now apply for a visa before visiting or transiting through Iran, and authorities have urged caution against agents offering visa-free transit.

Bolivia has also revised its visa policy for Indians, replacing its previous visa-on-arrival system with a mandatory electronic visa. Applicants must complete the process online by submitting documents and paying the required fee, with the e-visa issued digitally for travel use. In 2025, Bolivia had introduced visa-on-arrival for Indians, allowing entry without prior approval, which effectively functioned as a visa-free arrangement.

These policy changes come as India’s global travel access improves overall, but with new restrictions from two countries affecting Indian travelers’ mobility.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a brief two-hour visit to India, arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UAE leader was given a red-carpet welcome and guard of honor before attending a significant meeting with Modi, according to the report.

Despite the short duration, international relations experts described the visit as diplomatically important. Cooperation between India and the UAE has recently expanded in defense, trade, energy, and regional security sectors. During the visit, photographs showed Modi and Sheikh Mohammed smiling together in a car, reflecting the cordial nature of their meeting.

Prime Minister Modi also referred to Sheikh Mohammed as a “brother” in a post on social media platform X, signaling the close and friendly ties between the two nations.

India’s Supreme Court is currently hearing a case against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been accused of obstructing an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation. The allegation stems from an incident on January 8, 2026, when Banerjee arrived with senior police officers during ED searches at the home and office of a consultancy linked to her party, the Trinamool Congress. The agency claims she removed files and electronic devices from the premises, which Banerjee later acknowledged as political documents.

The ED, operating under India’s Finance Ministry, investigates money laundering and has the authority to make arrests. While Banerjee faces no corruption charges, the Supreme Court is treating the obstruction allegation seriously. The report also outlines previous instances where Indian chief ministers were arrested by central agencies, including Delhi’s Arvind Kejriwal, Bihar’s Lalu Prasad Yadav, Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren, and Tamil Nadu’s late J. Jayalalithaa.

The article notes that both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have low conviction rates, and accusations persist that the ruling party uses these agencies against political opponents.

New Zealand secured a historic One Day International (ODI) series victory in India, defeating the hosts by 41 runs in the third and final match in Indore. The win marked New Zealand’s first-ever ODI series triumph on Indian soil, sealing the three-match contest 2–1. Batting first, New Zealand posted 337 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs, while India’s chase ended at 296.

Virat Kohli’s determined effort, including a commanding 124 off 108 balls with ten boundaries and three sixes, could not prevent India’s defeat. His innings was his 54th ODI century and 85th in international cricket. Teammates Nitish and Harshit contributed 53 and 52 runs respectively.

For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips built a decisive 219-run partnership. Phillips scored 106 off 88 balls, and Mitchell added 137 off 131 deliveries, guiding their team to a match-winning total and a landmark series victory.