19th Jan - India News

INDIA

• POLITICS Jan 19: Mayor Selection Suspense Grows; Over 1 Lakh NOTA in BMC Polls

  Uncertainty surrounds the Mumbai Mayoral selection as CM Devendra Fadnavis visits Davos and Shiv Sena corporators remain sequestered. The recent BMC Elections 2026 revealed significant voter dissatisfaction with over one lakh NOTA votes, despite peaceful polling. Political parties are now recalibrating strategies, with the CM's return expected to trigger the next phase of power formation.

• INFRA Jan 19: Western Railway Adds AC Trains; Water Cuts to Hit City

  Western Railway will introduce 12 new AC local trains next week to ease peak-hour congestion, while Central Railway plans to shift long-distance trains to decongest suburban tracks. Meanwhile, Metro 3 recorded 46 lakh passengers in December. Residents, however, face a three-day water supply disruption starting January 20 due to essential pipeline repairs for Metro 7A.

• CRIME Jan 19: Police Bust Egg Donation Racket and ₹30-Crore Crypto Scam

  Mumbai Police have cracked down on multiple fronts, dismantling an illegal egg donation racket and arresting an audit director for a ₹30-crore crypto fraud. Authorities also seized ₹2 crore in smuggled gold and flagged a sophisticated fake e-challan scam. Citizens are urged to strictly verify traffic violation messages before making payments.

• CITY Jan 19: Coldest Morning Recorded at 15.9°C; Police Housing Project Cleared

  Mumbai shivered through its coldest morning of the month at 15.9°C, with the cool spell and poor AQI expected to persist. On the development front, a ₹20,000-crore housing township for police was cleared, and a world-class Central Park was announced for the Thane region. Shrinking forest cover in Navi Mumbai has also led to increased leopard sightings.

• LIFESTYLE Jan 19: Iconic Café Merwan Closes; Ethiopians Dominate Tata Mumbai Marathon

  The heritage B. Merwan & Co has shut after 112 years, marking the end of an era for Irani cafés. The Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 saw Ethiopian runners dominate elite events, while Mumbai University announced a new meta-university system. Separately, a tragic rabies death has raised alarms about gaps in post-bite treatment availability.

• WEATHER Jan 19: Cold Wave, Rain and Severe AQI Grip Gurugram

  IMD predicts rain and wet weather across Delhi-NCR amid a persistent cold wave, while Gurugram’s air quality nears the 'severe' zone due to calm winds. Simultaneously, environmentalists warn of a ‘June-like’ January as 83 trees were felled in the Aravallis for illegal roads. Residents should expect poor visibility and potential school closure advisories tomorrow as pollution control measures may be tightened.

• REALTY Jan 19: Homebuyer Relief, Demolitions and ₹86k Cr Boom Coexist

  The High Court has sought an ED affidavit to restore properties for 2,000 homebuyers, even as authorities demolished illegal colonies on 8.5 acres. Despite protests over flat delays, the sector is booming with investments touching ₹86,588 crore and new luxury tie-ups. Watch for upcoming court rulings on the ED panel formation which could set a precedent for stalled housing projects.

• CIVIC Jan 19: Water Crisis and Encroachment Spark Civic Outcry

  Water supply remains disrupted, forcing reliance on tankers, while 75% of city sidewalks are reported blocked by encroachments. The GMDA has ordered a fresh drainage blueprint to tackle flooding, and civic drives have removed illegal hoardings in Manesar. Expect continued disruption in water services tomorrow; residents are demanding immediate tanker price regulation and clearance of pedestrian pathways.

• CRIME Jan 19: Imposter Cop and Dubai-Linked Fraud Ring Busted

  Police have arrested a man posing as a sub-inspector to evade tolls and a bike taxi rider for murder. Simultaneously, a major cyber-fraud ring linked to Dubai was dismantled with nine arrests. Authorities are intensifying verification drives for uniformed personnel and digital transactions. Expect further revelations on the international funding routes used by the fraud syndicate in the coming days.

• SAFETY Jan 19: Road Safety Declared Fundamental Right After Fatalities

  Following the death of an engineer at the Golf Course Road underpass and multiple hit-and-runs, the Human Rights Commission has declared safe roads a fundamental right. With 13 booked for wrong-side driving and a collision involving a municipal vehicle, police are under pressure. stringent traffic enforcement drives are likely this week to curb dangerous driving on high-speed corridors.

• INFRA Jan 19: Commuters Hit by Surge Pricing on Dwarka Expressway

  Cab fares have spiked to ₹600 on the Dwarka Expressway, triggering demands for better bus connectivity to metro stations. This comes as the city expands commercial infrastructure, including new hotels and coworking spaces. Transport authorities are expected to review feeder bus routes soon to alleviate commuter distress caused by the lack of affordable public transit options.

• EDUCATION Jan 19: Defective Tablets Stall Digital Education Push

  The government's digital education drive faces a setback as defective tablets have flooded schools, hindering learning during the ongoing cold wave which has already impacted attendance. Teachers and parents are calling for an immediate audit of the devices. Look for an official response from the education department regarding replacement protocols and hardware quality checks later this week.

• POLITICS Jan 19: Nagpur Polls: NOTA Surge, Youngest Corporator & RSS Link

  Nagpur's civic election results offered a stunning study in contrasts. While 21-year-old Lakshmi Hattithele became the youngest corporator and an RSS swayamsevak was elected to the same body where his father works as a peon, voter disillusionment was palpable with NOTA polling 1.19 lakh votes. The BSP was decimated to a single seat, and six of the 12 Muslim corporators are first-timers, signaling a major generational and demographic shift in the city's political fabric.

• ECONOMY Jan 19: Land Revenue Soars by ₹147 Cr; ₹36 Cr Power Theft Detected

  Nagpur's economic landscape is seeing mixed signals of boom and leakage. Land transactions have surged, pushing revenue up by ₹147 crore in just nine months, indicating high investor confidence. However, MSEDCL detected a massive ₹36 crore in power theft across Vidarbha in the same period. Meanwhile, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari affirmed the region is poised for industrial growth, supported by the recent NMRDA stakeholders' summit aimed at attracting fresh investment.

• CRIME Jan 19: Bookie 'Boma' Arrested; IT Raids Supari Traders on Holiday

  Enforcement agencies went into overdrive as police arrested notorious bookie 'Boma' after a two-month hunt. In a surprise move, the Income Tax department raided supari traders on an off day to uncover evasion. The crackdown extended to administrative accountability, with the High Court pulling up an NHAI director for conflict of interest, stating officials cannot draw government salaries while serving contractors. Investigation reports on the bookie's network are expected this week.

• CIVIC Jan 19: Flight Delayed by Kites; Sanitation Worker Killed on Duty

  Civic negligence took center stage as a flight landing was delayed due to kite flying near the airport approach path, prompting security concerns. In a tragic workplace accident, a sanitation worker was killed by a malfunctioning garbage truck. Reacting to safety lapses, the RTO has launched a special drive to improve school transport safety. Meanwhile, the SECR has floated an ₹11.5 crore tender to finally fix track waterlogging issues that delay trains annually.

• ADMIN Jan 19: 172 Cases Solved in 6 Days; Voter Roll Errors Hit 50k

  The district administration claims improved efficiency with 172 village-level grievance cases resolved in just six days. However, the electoral machinery faced severe criticism as allegations surfaced that nearly 50,000 voters in East Nagpur were disenfranchised due to errors in the electoral rolls. While officials celebrate the grievance redressal speed, opposition parties are demanding a high-level probe into the voting list anomalies before the next assembly elections.

• CRIME Jan 19: SITs Probe Two Deaths; Bodies Found in Danapur and Bhojpur

  Police have formed separate Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe the suspicious death of a medical aspirant and the killing of a retired teacher. Additionally, bodies were recovered from Danapur and Bhojpur, and a woman was killed in Nalanda. Next: Police are expediting forensic reports to identify the perpetrators in these parallel murder investigations.

• POLITICS Jan 19: Samrat Choudhary Leads Patna; Tejashwi Reviews RJD Poll Loss

  A district-wise ministerial charge was announced, assigning Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary to Patna. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav held a review meeting regarding RJD's recent poll defeat, instructing cadres to mobilize for future challenges. Next: Watch for administrative changes in Patna under Choudhary and RJD's new grassroots strategy rollout.

• ACTION Jan 19: Mafia Deadline Set; Cyber Gang and Liquor Supplier Arrested

  The Deputy CM warned of strict action against the land mafia by March. Police successes included the arrest of 10 cybercriminals in Danapur, a liquor supplier, and a firing suspect who was shot in the leg during a confrontation. Next: Expect intensified raids on land mafia syndicates as the March deadline approaches.

• POLICY Jan 19: E-Rickshaws Banned on Highways; Anti-Encroachment Drives Intensify

  Citing safety risks, the state government has banned e-rickshaws on highways and ordered intensified anti-encroachment drives across Patna. Authorities are also focusing on ecological safeguards for the upcoming Saraswati Puja. Next: Commuters may face short-term transit issues on highways; vendors should expect strict evictions in encroached zones.

• TRAGEDY Jan 19: Teacher Dies in Crash; Fog Disrupts Trains; Fire in Warehouse

  A teacher with newborn twins died in a tragic road accident, raising safety concerns. Dense fog continues to delay Delhi-Patna trains, and a fire broke out in a plastic warehouse, though no injuries were reported there. Next: Railway schedules remain uncertain due to weather; traffic police may enforce stricter road safety checks.

• GROWTH Jan 19: Fintech City & Logistics Park Planned; New Academies Proposed

  Land acquisition is underway for a new Logistics Park and Fintech City. The government also plans to establish two new academies, although critics note that older educational institutions are facing neglect. Next: Land acquisition notices will be issued shortly, potentially impacting local property owners in the designated zones.

• GROWTH Jan 19: UP Sets Sights On Med-Tech Hub Status And Startup Expansion

  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared Uttar Pradesh remains on track to become India's largest healthcare and med-tech hub. To support this economic shift, the state announced seven new Centres of Excellence to boost startups. Concurrently, government data revealed over 62 lakh families have benefited from PMAY (Urban) in the last nine years, highlighting a dual focus on high-tech infrastructure and social welfare housing.

• WEATHER Jan 19: Coldest Night In Two Years Brings Deadly Fog And Accidents

  Lucknow shivered through its coldest night in two years at 4.4°C, creating hazardous conditions. Dense fog triggered a series of road accidents across the region, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 17 others injured. Commuters are advised to delay travel during early morning hours as visibility remains near zero, with meteorological forecasts suggesting the cold wave will persist for several more days.

• POLICING Jan 19: Police Launch 'Pabandi' Portal And Intensify Tenant Verification Drives

  City police launched the 'Pabandi' portal to strengthen preventive policing and curb organized crime. Alongside digital tools, authorities have intensified physical tenant verification drives across all neighborhoods. Additionally, specific training modules on handling environmental crimes are being introduced for officers. These measures aim to close security gaps and ensure landlords are compliant with safety regulations regarding rental properties.

• CRIME Jan 19: Land Racket Busted And Teachers Booked In Separate Criminal Cases

  Police busted a gang selling land using the identity of a deceased person, leading to multiple arrests. In a separate tragic incident, two teachers were booked for abetment to suicide after a colleague was found dead. Meanwhile, cybercrime continues to rise, with a significant ₹49 lakh investment fraud reported in Gomti Nagar. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution with property papers and online financial transfers.

• CIVIC Jan 19: Protests Erupt After SUV Accident; Monkey Menace Plan Activated

  Tension prevailed after an SUV ran over two workers, prompting families to block roads in protest demanding justice. In other civic news, the Forest Department and LMC are collaborating to finally tackle the city's persistent monkey menace. Separately, officials flagged the MNREGS job coverage as sluggish, indicating a need for administrative intervention before the program undergoes its scheduled transition.

• HEALTH Jan 19: Hospitals Add CyberKnife Tech As Colleges Welcome International Students

  Healthcare in the city is upgrading with the introduction of a CyberKnife cancer treatment facility at a local hospital and plans to turn Ayush centers into research hubs. On the academic front, National PG College announced it will admit international students for the first time. These developments mark a significant step toward internationalizing the city's medical and educational institutions.

• CULTURE Jan 19: Artists Pay Tribute To Kathak Legend Pandit Birju Maharaj

  The cultural community gathered to pay tribute to Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, celebrating his immense contribution to the classical dance form. Events showcased his legacy and influence on the Lucknow Gharana. The tribute underscores the city's deep-rooted connection to classical arts, with future festivals likely to be dedicated to his memory to keep the tradition alive for younger generations.

• SECURITY Jan 19: Republic Day Drills and Strict Traffic Enforcement Initiated

  Security has been beefed up with mock drills at hotels ahead of Republic Day. Concurrently, police are cracking down on e-rickshaws in no-go zones following traffic chaos and have launched a road safety walkathon. Commuters should expect strict checks and diversions in the coming days.

• WEATHER Jan 19: Rain Forecast to Break Cold Spell; Fog Persists

  A western disturbance is approaching, likely bringing rain starting January 21 and breaking the current sunny spell. While the city shivers at 5.5°C, residents should prepare for wet weather and reduced visibility later in the week as the dry cold wave transitions into a wet spell.

• CIVIC Jan 19: City Declared Slum-Free; Officer Panels and Parking Reviewed

  Chandigarh has been declared slum-free, with action against encroachments underway. The Administrator also reviewed the rejection of recycled officer panels and the 'One City, One Pass' parking system. Digitization of property records is being expedited to improve transparency in estate management.

• INFRA Jan 19: HC Expansion Fast-Tracked; Water Supply Alert Issued

  The High Court has ordered the fast-tracking of its 20.5 lakh sq ft expansion plan. Residents are alerted that evening water supply will be at low pressure on January 20-21. Additionally, a target of 115 MW has been set under the PM Surya Ghar solar scheme.

• LEGAL Jan 19: Key Rulings on Disability, Mining, and Consumer Rights

  The High Court delivered significant rulings concerning disability in service, consumer rights protection, and allegations of illegal mining. Media pleas were also heard. These judgments are expected to set important precedents for administrative accountability and service rules in the region.

• CRIME Jan 19: Cyber Fraud of ₹15 Lakh; Crime Wave Hits Tricity

  A sharp spike in crime includes a ₹15 lakh cyber fraud via phone hacking, alongside multiple reports of murders, firing incidents, and robberies across the Tricity. Police are intensifying patrols, and citizens are advised to exercise high caution with digital transactions and personal safety.

• EDUCATION Jan 19: Schools Reopen; Veterinary Doctors Threaten State Protest

  UT schools have officially reopened after the winter break. However, tension is brewing in the animal husbandry sector as veterinary doctors have announced a state-level protest demanding pay parity. This could lead to suspended veterinary services if the administration does not intervene.

• CULTURE Jan 19: Thai Pongal Celebrated; Veterans Hold Events

  The city's cultural calendar remains active with Thai Pongal celebrations and various programmes organized for veterans. These events highlight the diverse community engagement in Chandigarh. Expect further cultural announcements as Republic Day festivities draw closer.

• INFRA Jan 19: Ring Road Nears Completion As Akasa Air Strands Flyers

  Pune's connectivity sees contrasting developments. Phase 1 of the Outer Ring Road is nearing completion to ease city congestion. Conversely, aviation chaos ensued as Akasa Air passengers were stranded for 11 hours due to pilot and parking bay unavailability, leading to cancellation. Travelers should monitor upcoming flight schedules closely, while commuters can expect clearer timelines for the Ring Road's full operational status soon.

• POLITICS Jan 19: Mayor Post Reservation Set; Gangster Families Win PMC Seats

  The state government will declare the PMC mayor's reservation on January 22. Election results show a mix of wide and narrow victory margins, with established political dynasties and even jailed members of the Andekar gangster family winning seats. CM Fadnavis has urged BJP corporators to focus on citizen issues. Watch for the reservation announcement to reshape local alliances and power dynamics next week.

• BUSINESS Jan 19: Bharat Forge Wins Defense Deal; Mercedes Expands Luxury Line

  Bharat Forge has secured ₹300 crore in defense contracts for unmanned systems and ISR platforms, boosting local manufacturing. In the auto sector, Mercedes-Benz confirms it will manufacture luxury Maybach models at its Pune plant. These investments signal robust industrial growth. Market watchers should look for ripple effects in the local component supply chain and potential new job openings in high-tech manufacturing.

• CRIME Jan 19: Police Crack Kidnapping, Heist, And Murder Cases Swiftly

  Law enforcement was active, arresting four for a doctor's kidnapping and ₹19 lakh extortion. A dramatic river chase led to the capture of jewellery shop robbers, while a Nigerian national was beaten to death over a personal dispute. Police also seized 200kg of cannabis from a youth. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant as police intensify crackdowns on organized crime and drug networks.

• ORDER Jan 19: Sandalwood Theft, Cyber Fraud, And Noise Violations Rise

  Petty and cyber crimes persist; sandalwood trees were stolen from lawyer Asim Sarode’s office, and a techie lost ₹3.5 lakh to an online task fraud. Additionally, a Kalyaninagar restaurant faces charges for loud music. Police have issued fresh cyber advisories. Residents should secure valuable assets and report noise violations, while authorities are expected to tighten night patrols in commercial zones.

• SCIENCE Jan 19: IUCAA Finds Cannibal Galaxy; Flower Show And PIFF Begin

  IUCAA scientists made a major breakthrough discovering cannibalistic traits in galaxy Malin 1. On the cultural front, the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 is underway, and the Empress Garden flower show begins Jan 23, honoring Madhav Gadgil. These events highlight the city's academic and cultural vibrancy. Visitors should check schedule listings for film screenings and flower show entry times.

• SOCIETY Jan 19: Tragic Accident Kills Sisters; Organ Donation Saves Lives

  A somber day as two sisters died in a truck accident in Kalewadi, and voters expressed unease over disturbing experiences at polling booths. In a beacon of hope, a retired soldier’s organ donation saved four lives. These incidents underscore the need for better road safety and electoral management. Expect renewed calls for traffic regulation enforcement and improved polling station facilities.

• NOIDA Jan 19: UP Govt Sacks Officials After Techie Drowning, SIT Formed

  The Uttar Pradesh government has removed the Noida CEO and sacked a junior engineer following the tragic drowning of a techie, signalling zero tolerance for administrative negligence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted with a strict five-day deadline to investigate lapses. Expect further administrative reshuffles as the probe concludes and accountability is fixed for civic infrastructure failures.

• BJP Jan 19: Nitin Nabin Elected Unopposed As BJP National President

  Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the Bharatiya Janata Party's national president, marking a significant leadership transition. He is set to formally assume charge on January 20 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch for the announcement of his new national executive team and the party's strategic roadmap for upcoming state elections immediately following the official handover.

• MAHARASHTRA Jan 19: Civic Battle Heats Up With Poaching Fears And AIMIM Rise

  Maharashtra's civic politics is turbulent as Shiv Sena (UBT) alleges poaching attempts, moving corporators to hotels, while MNS adopts an aggressive stance. Concurrently, AIMIM has emerged as a surprise factor, with Owaisi rejecting "B-team" tags. Political maneuvering will likely intensify over the weekend as parties vie for numbers before the critical mayoral election vote, potentially altering municipal power dynamics.

• AVIATION Jan 19: IndiGo Hit With ₹22 Crore Fine Amid Bomb Threat Scare

  The DGCA has imposed a massive ₹22 crore fine on IndiGo for flight disruptions, increasing compliance pressure on the airline. Separately, a Delhi-Bagdogra flight was diverted to Lucknow following a bomb threat note found onboard. IndiGo faces intensified regulatory scrutiny and pressure to overhaul operational protocols, which may impact flight schedules and passenger handling procedures in the coming days.

• TAMILNADU Jan 19: Congress Intervenes To Save Alliance Amid DMK Exit Rumors

  The Congress high command has urgently intervened to quell speculation about the DMK exiting their alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections. Senior leaders are holding back-channel talks to iron out seat-sharing disagreements and present a united front. Expect an official joint statement reaffirming the partnership soon as seat-sharing negotiations move to the final stages to prevent vote fragmentation.

• LEGAL Jan 19: High Courts Act On Land-For-Jobs Case And Judicial Contempt

  The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on Lalu Prasad Yadav’s plea to quash the FIR in the land-for-jobs case. Simultaneously, the Madras High Court issued a stern warning to activist ‘Savukku’ Shankar against blackmailing the bench. Legal experts await the Delhi HC ruling, which could significantly impact the political future of the RJD patriarch and opposition dynamics.

• KERALA Jan 19: Rights Panel Probes Youth Suicide After Viral Bus Video

  The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a probe into the suicide of a youth following a viral video incident involving a state bus confrontation. The inquiry aims to determine if public shaming or official harassment contributed to the death. Public outrage may drive stricter guidelines on social media conduct by officials and the handling of citizen confrontations in public transport.