January 16, 2026

TikTok to Launch New Age Checks in EU as Calls for Under-16 Social Media Ban Grow

TikTok will soon start new age-verification across the EU to catch users under 13. This move follows rising demands for social media bans for under-16s in the UK and Australia. Keir Starmer also backs a potential UK ban amid concerns over children’s screen time.

January 16, 2026

BJP Sets January 19-20 Schedule for National President Election

BJP announced the schedule for its national president election. Nominations open on January 19 and the new president will be named January 20. Nitin Nabin is expected to be elected unopposed.

January 16, 2026

Telangana Speaker Dismisses BRS Disqualification Petitions Against Two MLAs

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar refused to disqualify two BRS MLAs accused of joining Congress. BRS leader K T Rama Rao slammed Congress for shielding defectors and vowed to fight on.

January 16, 2026

Trump Allies Chase $200M Bosnia Pipeline Deal to Cut Russian Gas Dependence

Two former Trump campaign members are exploring a $200m pipeline project in Bosnia to reduce reliance on Russian gas. Meetings with Bosnian leaders are ongoing but contract not yet awarded.

January 16, 2026

Trump Threatens Insurrection Act to Control Anti-ICE Protests in Minnesota

US President Trump threatens to invoke the rare Insurrection Act to stop violent protests in Minneapolis over immigration enforcement. After an agent shot a man, clashes erupted and federal property was damaged. Governor requests calm as tensions rise.