January 17, 2026

PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Howrah and Guwahati

PM Narendra Modi launched India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Howrah-Guwahati route from Malda Town. The fully AC train promises faster, safer, and affordable long-distance travel while cutting journey time by 2.5 hours.

January 17, 2026

Indian Army Builds Third Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah

The Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force has constructed a 120-foot Bailey Bridge on Sri Lanka’s B-492 Highway, restoring vital connectivity cut off by Cyclone Ditwah. This marks the third bridge they have completed, strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties under the Neighbourhood First policy.

January 17, 2026

Odisha Police Nab ₹1.40 Crore Cash, Gold in Big Cattle Smuggling Crackdown

Odisha police cracked down on organised cattle smuggling, seizing ₹1.40 crore in cash and gold in raids across four districts. Teams targeted 46 locations and arrested key suspects to break the illegal trade network.

January 17, 2026

KIMS Alumni Donate ₹2 Crore for Development; International Business Seminar Held

KIMS alumni have donated over ₹2 crore and helped develop their institute. An international seminar on business topics was held with global experts and over 300 participants.

January 17, 2026

Secunderabad Cantonment Board hikes property tax by up to 300%, residents protest

Property owners in Secunderabad Cantonment face shock as property tax bills jump 100%-300%. Rajiv Rahadari JAC calls hike unfair amid ongoing Telangana road projects. Residents can file objections within 30 days.

January 17, 2026

Tribal Groups Hold Jharkhand Bandh Over Killing of Village Head Soma Munda

Tribal activists enforced a bandh in Jharkhand's Khunti, Simdega, Chaibasa, and Gumla on January 17, protesting the killing of village head Soma Munda. Roads were blocked, shops closed, and schools shut, with police deploying extra forces to maintain peace.

January 17, 2026

Dubai Police Warn Against Deadly Social Media Challenges Threatening Youth Safety

Dubai Police warn parents and teens about risky social media challenges causing injury and death worldwide. They stress close monitoring and quick reporting to keep children safe.

January 17, 2026

Riyadh Launches Unified Digital Platform to Speed Up Urban Planning Approvals

Riyadh Municipality has introduced a single digital system to fast-track urban planning approvals, reducing delays and increasing transparency for developers and investors in Saudi Arabia.

January 17, 2026

Maharashtra's Jalna District Imposes Prohibitory Orders Amid Dhangar ST Inclusion Agitation

Maharashtra’s Jalna district has banned public gatherings and shut shops to curb protests by the Dhangar community demanding Scheduled Tribes status. Restrictions apply from morning till midnight on January 18 in Jalna and Ambad tehsils.

January 17, 2026

Kerala Appoints Special Prosecutor in Bishop Franco Mulakkal Abuse Case

The survivor-nun in the Bishop Franco Mulakkal abuse case welcomes Kerala government's appointment of special public prosecutor B.G. Harindranath. She thanked the CM and public for support as her fight continues.