India has not yet responded to an invitation to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Peace Board, which was launched in Davos, Switzerland. The country was notably absent from the charter signing ceremony, prompting speculation that New Delhi fears the board might intervene in the Kashmir dispute. The board was introduced by Trump as a global initiative extending beyond the Gaza ceasefire to address conflicts in other regions.

The Peace Board’s creation comes as the United States withdraws from several United Nations bodies, raising concerns that Trump aims to diminish the UN’s global relevance. Pakistan, India’s long-time rival, has already joined the board, which Indian media described as a warning signal for New Delhi. Analysts and former diplomats noted that if Trump includes Kashmir in his peace agenda, India could face difficulty opposing international peacekeeping involvement.

Former Indian envoys and UN officials cited in local media confirmed that Trump’s peace plan might be applied beyond Gaza, suggesting potential diplomatic challenges ahead for India.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that only Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants are being evicted from the state. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he said that any Muslim migrant living in the hills around Guwahati would receive an eviction notice. According to The Hindu, Sarma emphasized that the evictions target only those referred to locally as 'Miyas', a term often used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims.

Sarma accused sections of the media of spreading rumors about possible evictions in the Guwahati hills. He said that no eviction would take place until the election, and residents would then realize that the media had unnecessarily alarmed them. The Chief Minister added that the government is working to grant land rights to hill residents but maintained that Muslim migrants in those areas would still face eviction notices.

He also accused the Congress party of appeasing Muslim voters, claiming that out of 750 applications for party tickets, 600 were from 'Miyas' and only 120 to 130 from Hindus.

U.S. President Donald Trump invited India to join his newly launched ‘Peace Board’, but New Delhi has yet to formally participate. The board was inaugurated during the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and 20 other world leaders signed the founding charter. India’s absence drew attention, with analysts suggesting that concerns over internationalizing the Kashmir issue are driving its hesitation.

According to reports from The Dawn and BBC Hindi, Indian policymakers fear that joining the board could increase global scrutiny over Indian-administered Kashmir. Trump said the board’s initial goal is to secure a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and oversee an interim administration. However, some Indian commentators worry that Trump aims to position the board as an alternative to the United Nations, potentially bringing disputed regions like Kashmir under its purview.

Former Indian diplomats noted that while the UN Security Council approved the board’s mandate until December 2027, Trump’s broader peace plan has no fixed duration and could expand beyond Gaza, complicating India’s decision-making.

Heavy snowfall has paralyzed life in Manali, a hill town in India’s Himachal Pradesh, as continuous snow for 48 hours has covered the Kothi-Manali national highway, causing a 7–8 kilometer-long traffic jam. Tourists have been forced to spend the night inside vehicles without food or water. Local authorities reported that around 700 roads across the state have been closed due to the snow, making travel through alternative routes extremely difficult.

Tourists visiting Shimla, Kullu, and Manali to enjoy the snow have found themselves in danger, with some walking nearly 20 kilometers through hilly terrain to reach government shelters. The weather office warned that heavy snowfall and rain are expected to continue from January 26 to 28 under the influence of western winds, potentially worsening the situation. Power outages have further complicated conditions.

A taxi driver stranded on the Kothi-Manali road said his passengers remained in the vehicle for 24 hours without food or water and criticized the administration for failing to clear the roads. Authorities have been urged to act swiftly and provide emergency assistance to affected tourists.

The Maharashtra state government in India, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has appointed Manoj Yadav, a non-Muslim government official, as the head of the state’s Hajj Committee on January 14. The decision has drawn strong criticism from Indian Muslims, who argue that a religious body overseeing Hajj affairs should be led by a Muslim.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which oversees Muslim family law matters, announced plans to challenge the appointment in the Bombay High Court. Muslim leaders in Maharashtra stated that the Hajj Committee manages all aspects of the pilgrimage for the state’s Muslims, and therefore its leadership should remain within the community. They expressed concern that the appointment signals government interference in religious matters.

Maharashtra’s Muslim leaders have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and central government officials, warning that appointing a non-Muslim to such a religiously sensitive position could deepen mistrust between the government and the Muslim community.

Indian actor and social media personality Kamal R Khan, known as KRK, was arrested by Mumbai Police on the night of January 23. The arrest followed his January 22 post on X (formerly Twitter) where he commented on Bangladesh’s reported refusal to play in the T20 World Cup in India. Police stated that the arrest was linked to a shooting allegation, but many social media users claimed he was targeted for criticizing India’s attitude toward Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The controversy arose after reports that Bangladesh’s government expressed reluctance to send its team to India for the tournament due to security and political concerns. The International Cricket Council has not yet announced any change in venue. KRK’s detention has reignited debate over the intersection of cricket and politics in India and the limits of free expression.

KRK, born in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in the early 2000s as a screenwriter before acting in films such as “Deshdrohi” and appearing in the reality show “Bigg Boss.” He currently runs a YouTube channel and works as a film critic.

An analysis published on January 24, 2026, describes increasing harassment and marginalization of Muslim citizens in India, the world’s most populous country. The report argues that Muslims are often told they must remain politically silent to prove loyalty to the state, with their rights and visibility expected to be limited. It notes that since India’s independence in 1947, Muslims have actively participated in democratic and constitutional processes, but their space for legitimate political expression is now shrinking.

The article traces the roots of this ‘exceptionalism’ to the post-partition period, when staying Muslims were viewed as morally distinct from those who left. Historian Mushirul Hasan and theorists Mahmood Mamdani and Hilal Ahmed are cited to show how Muslims have been framed as either loyal and apolitical or suspect when politically active. Media portrayals reinforce this divide, labeling Muslims differently depending on whether they protest or remain silent.

The report concludes that such framing has become institutionalized, with legal and policy reforms presented as neutral while dissenting Muslim voices are dismissed as emotional or regressive.

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.