- ELECTIONS Jan 17: BJP Sweeps Maharashtra Civic Polls; Topples Thackeray Dominance In BMC
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a historic victory in the Maharashtra civic elections, ending the nearly three-decade dominance of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in Mumbai. Out of 2,869 seats across 29 corporations, the BJP clinched 1,425, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting control over 25 bodies. In the 227-member BMC, the Mahayuti crossed the majority mark with 118 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) was reduced to 65.
- WORLD Jan 17: Khamenei Blames US and Israel For Deadly Unrest; Protester Toll Hits 3,000
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has labeled the ongoing nationwide unrest an "American and Israeli plot," warning of severe consequences for those following foreign links. The protests have become the deadliest in decades, with reports indicating over 3,000 people killed. Amid the turmoil, senior Iranian clerics have called for the execution of protesters in defiance of warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump and international human rights groups.
- BUSINESS Jan 17: EPFO To Enable Quick UPI Withdrawals; Labor Ministry Streamlines Fund Access
The Union Labor Ministry is reportedly working on a major digital upgrade to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), allowing members to withdraw funds directly through UPI. The initiative aims to provide quicker, direct access to savings, bypassing traditional bureaucratic delays. Additionally, the EPFO is set to appoint facilitators to help resolve member issues, part of a broader push to modernize social security services for millions of Indian workers.
- ENT Jan 17: AR Rahman Calls Chhaava 'Divisive' Amid Claims Of Bollywood Career Setbacks
Music maestro AR Rahman has sparked a debate by labeling the film 'Chhaava' as "divisive" and revealing he has lost significant work in Bollywood over the last eight years. Rahman suggested that a "communal thing" within the industry has affected his opportunities. These remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the fraternity, including veteran writer Javed Akhtar, as the industry grapples with questions regarding creative freedom and changing political landscapes.
- POLICY Jan 17: India Hits US Crops With 30% Tariff; Senators Urge Trump To Negotiate
In a significant trade escalation, India has slapped a 30% tariff on pulse crops imported from the United States. U.S. Senators from North Dakota and Montana have formally requested President Donald Trump to intervene and discuss the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tariff move is seen as a blow to American farmers, potentially disrupting long-standing agricultural trade routes between the two nations.
- IRAN Jan 17: Iran Protests Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 Amid Clerical Calls For Executions
Human rights groups confirm the death toll in Iran's nationwide anti-government protests has reached over 3,000, following a brutal eight-day internet blackout. While Tehran remains quiet under drone surveillance, senior clerics have defied international warnings, including threats of "strong action" from U.S. President Donald Trump, by advocating for swift public executions of those labeled "enemies of God." Over 800 scheduled hangings were reportedly paused recently.
- DIPLOMACY Jan 17: India Pushes Iran For Consular Access To 16 Detained Seafarers
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has formally repeated requests for consular access to 16 Indian crew members of the vessel 'MT Valiant Roar,' seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. While Iran alleges the crew was involved in fuel smuggling near the UAE, families claim the vessel was in international waters. Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as reports emerge of depleting food and water supplies on the detained tanker.