January 22, 2026

Offshore Gambling Sites Exploit Australian Open, Prompting Calls for Tougher Bans

Offshore gambling sites are illegally using the Australian Open's name to lure bettors in Australia. Regulators and sports bodies warn these sites dodge laws, risking players’ money. ACMA is acting to block them, while experts urge stronger payment bans to stop offshore firms.

January 22, 2026

Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Scheme Now Benefits 1.57 Crore Women After Eligibility Check

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme now helps 1.57 crore women, down from 2.43 crore, after strict eligibility checks and e-KYC verification. Physical verification will fix errors for 24 lakh beneficiaries.

January 22, 2026

Odisha to Hold Elections for 24 New Urban Bodies in June 2026

Odisha's State Election Commission will conduct polls for 24 newly created urban local bodies in June 2026. This is mandatory within six months of their formation. Full rural and urban local elections will take place in 2027.

January 22, 2026

Madras HC Quashes FIR Against BJP's Amit Malviya, BJP Slams DMK's 'Anti-Hindu' Bias

Madras High Court quashed FIR against BJP IT chief Amit Malviya, calling the FIR misuse of law. BJP demands removal of DMK's Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin over alleged hate speech.

January 22, 2026

US Moves IS Fighters to Iraq as Syrian Government Gains Spark Prison Break Fears

The US has moved 150 Islamic State fighters from a prison in northeast Syria to Iraq amid fears of a breakout after Syrian government advances over Kurdish forces. More transfers may follow as chaos spreads in prisons and camps holding thousands of IS detainees.