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

Kuwait and Oman Announce Public Holiday for Isra Wal Miraj on January 18

Only Kuwait and Oman among Gulf countries declare January 18 as public holiday for Isra Wal Miraj. The holy night marks Prophet Muhammad's miraculous journey, celebrated with prayers and reflection.

January 16, 2026

Root Wilt Disease Threatens Coconut Farms in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

A serious phytoplasma disease is rapidly spreading in coconut plantations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Over 30 lakh palms are affected. Scientists and farmers urge quick action through breeding resistant coconut varieties and involving farmers in monitoring.

January 16, 2026

UAE School Age Cut-Off Moves to December 31 from 2026 for British, American, IB Curricula

From 2026, UAE schools starting in August or September will accept children who turn 3, 4, or 5 by December 31. Indian and Japanese curricula schools keep their March 31 cut-off. This change offers more flexibility and aligns UAE with global standards.

January 16, 2026

NHRC Registers Case Over Arrest of Journalist Donthu Ramesh by Hyderabad Police

The NHRC has officially registered a case on the arrest of NTV journalist Donthu Ramesh by Hyderabad police. A human rights lawyer claims the arrest violated press freedom and ignored legal procedures. The Commission has called for an independent probe and compensation for the journalist.

January 16, 2026

South Delhi Woman Duped of ₹6.9 Crore in 9-Day Digital Arrest Scam

A 69-year-old South Delhi businesswoman lost ₹6.9 crore after fraudsters kept her under digital surveillance and threats for nine days. They posed as police, forcing her to transfer money through RTGS. The scam surfaced after they cut contact, with police now investigating.

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

Telangana’s Hot Air Balloon Festival Begins with Flights from Hyderabad Golf Club

Telangana’s Hot Air Balloon Festival started on January 16 with 18 balloons taking 40 passengers from Hyderabad Golf Club, including media and influencers. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the event and enjoyed a 1.5-hour flight showcasing Telangana’s beauty.

January 16, 2026

Delhi Airport Airspace Restricted on Jan 26 & 29 for Republic Day Events

Delhi’s IGI Airport will impose flight restrictions on January 26 and 29 for Republic Day and Beating the Retreat. No non-scheduled flights will operate during set hours to ensure smooth celebrations.

January 16, 2026

Kashmir's Night Temperatures Rise; Light Snowfall Expected in Higher Areas

Minimum temperatures across Kashmir rose above seasonal averages on January 16, 2026. The weather department forecast light snowfall in higher reaches as a western disturbance approaches. Srinagar’s low improved to -1.5°C, while other parts of the valley remained below freezing during the harsh 'Chilla-i-Kalan' winter period.