January 15, 2026

Maharashtra Civic Polls Begin With High Stakes Battle in Mumbai

Voting started on January 15 in 29 Maharashtra municipal corporations, including Mumbai's key BMC elections. Over 3.48 crore voters choose from 15,931 candidates amid tight security. The contest features BJP-led allies versus reunited Thackeray cousins after a split.

January 15, 2026

Ukraine Declares Energy Emergency as Russian Strikes Cut Power Amid Harsh Winter

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector due to heavy Russian strikes causing power outages in Kyiv during a severe cold wave. President Zelensky sets up a 24/7 task force to restore energy and aid residents.

January 15, 2026

Odisha Villagers Demand Return of Land After Failed Lanco Power Project

Villagers in Odisha’s Dhenkanal want their land back after the Lanco Group’s 1,320 MW power project failed and company bankruptcy left them jobless and unpaid. About 1,000 acres were acquired in 2008 with hopes of jobs that never came. Efforts to get land restored remain unanswered.

January 15, 2026

Mumbai Civic Polls 2026: 3.48 Crore Voters to Elect 2,869 Corporators Amid Thackeray Reunion

On January 15, 2026, over 3.48 crore voters in Maharashtra will elect 2,869 corporators across 29 municipal bodies. Mumbai voters cast single votes as cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunite after 20 years.

January 15, 2026

Trump Visa Pause Excludes India, Sparking MAGA Backlash Over H-1B Visas

The US government has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries from January 2026, but India is not on the list. This has upset parts of the MAGA base, who blame India’s H-1B visa presence. While some conservatives criticize the visa program, Trump and tech leaders say it fills key skill gaps.