Stay updated with the biggest headlines for Monday, 19 January- politics, crime, sports, and more – all summarized for quick reading. Get instant access to breaking news, major developments, and trending stories in just one click. Perfect for busy readers who want news on the go.
Top news of the day
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited India on Monday for a nearly three-hour official trip, accepting an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit underscored the growing strategic, economic, and cultural partnership between the two nations.
During the visit, the leaders celebrated bilateral trade crossing the $100 billion mark, expressing confidence in doubling this figure by 2032. The UAE approved the opening of offices for two UAE-based companies in Gujarat’s GIFT City, highlighting steps toward deeper economic integration. Both sides emphasized industrial collaboration and investment opportunities, strengthening the foundation for sustained trade growth.
A tragic incident involving the death of a young software engineer in Noida has triggered serious questions about administrative accountability and infrastructure safety, putting the Uttar Pradesh government’s system under intense scrutiny. The incident occurred on a dark, foggy night near a construction site with no barricading, where a fatal lapse allegedly cost the engineer his life.
According to details, the engineer was travelling by car when he entered the premises of an under-construction mall in Sector 150, developed by Lotus Green builder. The mall’s open basement was filled with water, and the vehicle reportedly got trapped inside, leading to the engineer’s death. The incident has raised sharp questions about negligence by both the local administration and the builder.
The Government of India has appointed IFS officer Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi as the next High Commissioner to New Zealand. Currently a Joint Secretary, she is expected to assume charge shortly, strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement with Wellington.
The IMF has upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025–26 to 7.3%, citing strong quarterly performance and easing inflation. India continues to lead global growth despite tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Dr Karni Singh Stadium transformed into a vibrant playground of learning, creativity, and fun as students from over 800 schools came together for the three-day Bikaner Children’s Festival ‘Ajoo Gooja 2.0’. The festival was not just about entertainment: it celebrated childhood itself, encouraging children to explore, play, and learn beyond the digital screen.
Ajoo Gooja 2.0 offered more than 80 hands-on activities, including painting, pottery, paper-mâché, and traditional Indian games. Children enthusiastically engaged in kite flying, dancing, and other interactive sessions, while even adults found themselves reliving the joys of their own childhoods.
The 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) opened on Monday in Davos under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” with global leaders gathering amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Organisers describe this year’s meeting as one of the most consequential in years, seeking to foster cooperation at a time of shifting global power dynamics.
Nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including a record number of senior political figures, corporate chiefs and civil society representatives, are attending the five‑day summit from January 19 to 23, 2026. The event brings together close to 400 senior political leaders and around 65 heads of state or government, alongside top CEOs and innovators.
Keeping up his tirade, US President Donald Trump has again threatened Denmark and the EU over Greenland by sending a blunt letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Trump's response comes after the Nobel Peace Prize committee decided not to award him the prize, citing his hardened stance on Greenland, a region closely associated with Norway and Denmark.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Monday criticised the United States and the European Union for “selectively targeting” India over its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, calling such criticism “unfair and unjustified.”
He made the remarks during delegation-level talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who is on an official visit to India.
Jaishankar emphasised that India has consistently shared its position on the Ukraine war in global forums, including at New York last September and Paris earlier this January. “While doing so, I have repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified. I do so again today,” he stated.
Amazon's Republic Day Sale 2026 is currently in full swing. This sale is offering significant discounts on budget-segment smartphones. If you're looking to buy a new, feature-packed phone for under ₹10,000, this is the perfect opportunity. The sale offers a wide range of phones, from 5G support to large batteries and high-refresh-rate displays, at affordable prices.
The political heat within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified ahead of the election for the party’s national president. Incumbent acting president Nitin Nabin has formally filed his nomination for the key position, signalling a decisive move in the leadership contest.
The BJP is set to elect its new national president on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with all preparations completed at the party headquarters in Delhi. According to party sources, the nomination process took place on Monday between 2 PM and 4 PM, followed by a window for withdrawal of nominations from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Fairs in India have been an important part of our culture and tradition. Along with religious, social, and cultural events, trade fairs are also held across the country. Fairs typically feature food, rides, and clothing and handicraft stalls, but a fair held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is unique in that even cars and motorcycles can be purchased there and at significant discounts.
Following Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman's recent statement, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is once again in the news. In a recent interview, Rahman hinted that "communal reasons" may be behind his lack of work in the Hindi film industry over the past few years. Following this statement, Javed Akhtar's old thoughts and comments are resurfacing on social media.
Javed Akhtar clarified on this issue that he never felt like a victim of such discrimination in his career. He has always been vocal about his views and beliefs. Javed Akhtar, who claims to be an atheist, has faced questions before, especially when he wrote devotional songs.
The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s plea seeking suspension of his 10-year sentence in the custodial death of the Unnao rape victim’s father, dealing him a significant blow. This marks his second failed attempt to obtain relief from the judiciary in this high-profile case.
In April 2018, the minor rape victim’s family had travelled to Unnao for a court hearing when her father was allegedly attacked in broad daylight by individuals linked to the accused. The following day, the police arrested him on charges of illegal possession of arms. He later died due to severe injuries sustained in custody.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will lead the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M A Baby said on Sunday. However, the party has decided not to project a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the polls, maintaining its long-standing organisational tradition.
Addressing the media after a two-day CPM central committee meeting, Baby said the party would not declare a chief ministerial face before the election. He added that even Vijayan’s candidature would be discussed at an appropriate time.
Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp rise on Monday as investors moved towards safe-haven assets amid escalating global uncertainties. Fresh geopolitical tensions, triggered by renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, pushed bullion prices to record highs in both domestic and international markets.
Gold prices in India surged across major cities, with 24-carat gold climbing to a fresh record. In Mumbai, 24k gold was priced at Rs 1,45,690 per 10 grams, while 22k gold stood at Rs 1,33,550 per 10 grams. Prices mentioned are exclusive of GST and making charges.
Silver also touched a historic milestone, crossing Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in the spot market. The precious metal reached an all-time high of Rs 3,05,100 per kg, reflecting strong investor demand amid market volatility.
Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the relationship between Samajwadi family daughter-in-law and BJP leader Aparna Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav's younger son, Prateek Yadav, the entire matter is now in the headlines. Prateek Yadav's announcement of divorce on social media has raised questions about what transpired after their 2011 lavish wedding that led their more than decade-long relationship to this point.
The Samajwadi Party family is once again in the news. Prateek Yadav, the younger son of former UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav, shared a post on social media announcing his divorce from his wife and BJP leader, Aparna Yadav. In the post, Prateek Yadav claimed that he wanted to end the relationship as soon as possible, citing family differences and mental stress as the reasons.
In a post from his Instagram account, @iamprateekyadav, Prateek Yadav alleged that Aparna Yadav had damaged family relationships and was solely focused on increasing her fame and influence. He also stated that he was currently going through a serious mental health crisis, but his wife seemed unconcerned. In the post, he expressed regret over the marriage and described his wife's behavior as "selfish."
Just before the 77th Republic Day, the Delhi Police and security agencies are on high alert. Based on intelligence inputs, a high alert has been issued in the capital. The Delhi Police has pasted posters of wanted terrorists at major railway stations, metro stations, bus stands, and crowded markets in the city.
These posters include members of banned terrorist organizations such as Babbar Khalsa International, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Al-Qaeda, and Khalistan Zindabad Force. The most prominent name is that of Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), who operates an international terrorist network from Canada. These posters have been put up at major railway stations, including New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Rohilla.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will arrive in New Delhi on Monday on an official visit to India. This visit aims to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE. President Nahyan will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which key issues such as trade, investment, defense, energy, and regional security are expected to be discussed.
Tensions between the US and Iran have deepened amid widespread unrest and protests in Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to the US, stating that any aggressive action against the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would be tantamount to a "full-blown war" against the Iranian nation.
Indian stock market indexes opened lower amid weak global cues today on Monday. Investor sentiment appeared under pressure in early trade.
The BSE Sensex fell 470.35 points, or 0.56%, to 83,100.00 at 9:15 am. It had closed at 83,570.35 in the previous session. The Sensex opened at 83,494.49 and the decline deepened in the initial minutes.
US President Donald Trump has taken a major step towards peace and reconstruction after the prolonged war in Gaza by establishing an international organization called the "Board of Peace." India has also been invited to join this board. The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which has been ongoing since 2023, has plunged Gaza into extreme devastation. The situation deteriorated to the point where images of starvation and malnutrition emerged. Following this, a ceasefire was reached under Trump's 20-point peace deal, and now this new framework has emerged regarding Gaza's future.
A major train accident occurred on Sunday in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. At least 20 people were killed and more than 73 passengers injured when two high-speed trains collided head-on near the town of Adamuz in the Cordoba province. According to initial information, a high-speed train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with another oncoming train. Both trains were reportedly carrying approximately 500 passengers.
With the start of the new week, gold prices across the country have registered a slight decline. On the morning of January 19, 24-carat gold in the capital Delhi fell to ₹143,920 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was priced at ₹131,940 per 10 grams. In Mumbai, 24-carat gold was trading at ₹143,770 and 22-carat gold at ₹131,790 per 10 grams. However, gold prices have seen significant strength over the past week.
Severe cold and dense fog continue to cause hardship for people in North India. Temperatures in Kashmir and Ladakh have dropped below freezing, while cold winds have also intensified the chill in the plains. Extremely low visibility in the morning severely affected road, rail, and air traffic. Visibility dropped to zero in many areas, causing significant difficulties for drivers.
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