India

Livemint | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Pollution

Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has publicly criticized the normalization of Delhi’s worsening air pollution, highlighting the severe health risks posed by prolonged exposure to toxic air. He shared a screenshot showing Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous level of 598, emphasizing that solving the pollution crisis should be a top priority as residents are "slowly being poisoned."

The post garnered significant online attention, with many users expressing frustration and exhaustion over the recurring nature of the problem. Some noted that similar pollution issues affect other cities like Bangalore, while others pointed out that the worsening air quality has been an ongoing issue since 2001, suggesting that solutions will take years to materialize due to long-standing challenges.

Delhi’s air pollution remains dangerously high, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an AQI of 376 at 9 am on Saturday, categorized as ‘very poor,’ and predicting a further rise into the ‘severe’ category over the weekend. The outlook for the following week shows little improvement. Despite annual public outrage and temporary emergency measures, long-term effective action continues to be uncertain.

Livemint | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Terrorism

Intelligence agencies have issued a terror alert ahead of Republic Day on January 26, warning of potential attacks by Khalistani terrorist organizations and Bangladesh-based terror outfits targeting Delhi and several other cities. Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been placed on high alert as these regions are considered vulnerable.

The alert highlights that Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used by Khalistani radicals operating from abroad as foot soldiers, employing criminal networks to further their agendas and disrupt internal security. These gangsters are active across the mentioned states and are reportedly building links with Khalistani terrorist elements.

In response, the North District Police conducted multiple simulated mock drills during the first half of January 2026 at sensitive and crowded locations in North Delhi such as Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, and several metro stations. These drills aim to strengthen anti-terror measures and improve the readiness of security agencies and the public for potential terror incidents.

The Republic Day Parade will feature at least 30 tableaux on Kartavya Path, showcasing India's cultural heritage and developmental achievements under themes celebrating freedom and prosperity, marking 150 years of the national song "Vande Mataram."

The Hindu | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Malda on January 17, 2026, stated that the people of India, particularly Generation Z, have placed their trust in the BJP’s development model. He criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal for allegedly facilitating large-scale infiltration that changed the state’s demographics, triggered riots in districts like Malda and Murshidabad, and thrived due to the ruling party’s patronage and syndicate system.

PM Modi reassured refugees such as the Matuas, who fled religious persecution and sought shelter in India, amid concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. He emphasized that infiltration is a significant challenge for Bengal, noting that even affluent countries are actively removing illegal migrants and asserting that Bengal must do the same. He linked recent violence in the state to this issue.

At the rally, Modi congratulated West Bengal for receiving India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train along with four new Amrit Bharat trains. He pledged efforts to provide pucca houses and clean drinking water to all homeless people in Bengal. Modi accused the TMC government of looting public funds, obstructing central aid, and said that Bengal’s development depends on the defeat of the TMC and the rise of the BJP, predicting an overwhelming mandate for the party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Modi criticized the TMC for its “hooliganism and politics of threats” and expressed confidence that this would end soon. He highlighted that West Bengal is surrounded by BJP-ruled states known for good governance and asserted that it is now Bengal’s turn to experience the same. He coined the election slogan “Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar” (Need to change, want BJP Government) to rally support for the BJP in the state.