Around 1,700 candidates are contesting 227 seats in the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with the civic body confirming on Wednesday that all preparations are in place to ensure smooth and orderly polling on Thursday. According to an official statement, distribution of EVMs and other election materials was completed on Wednesday at 23 divisional centres across the city. Voting will take place from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, while vote counting is scheduled for January 16 at 23 designated locations under the supervision of Returning Officers. The corporation has finalized counting centres for all 227 wards, each equipped with secure strong rooms for safe storage of election equipment and systems to maintain transparency during counting.
Civic authorities said polling staff reported in large numbers from Wednesday morning, receiving essential materials such as voter lists, seals, indelible ink, and official documents after proper verification. To maintain law and order, over 25,000 police personnel will be deployed citywide. In total, 10,231 polling stations have been established, with 64,375 officers and staff assigned election duty.
To boost voter participation, the BMC has introduced several initiatives, including decorated polling booths, pink booths, selfie points, media facilitation centres, and special assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Adequate security arrangements have also been made for polling day.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the civic body has implemented geo-fencing and live vehicle tracking to monitor transport used for election operations. As per another release, 2,865 vehicles including 1,023 BEST buses, 101 state transport buses, 1,160 private vehicles, and 581 taxis are being tracked from a central control room at the civic headquarters in south Mumbai to ensure timely and secure movement of election staff and materials.
The high-stakes contest for control of the cash-rich BMC, which has an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,000 crore, features a fierce battle between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the reunited Thackeray cousins — Raj and Uddhav — leading MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). Parties such as the NCP, NCP (SP), Congress, and Samajwadi Party are also in the race.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
A tragic rail accident occurred on Wednesday in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The incident took place around 9:05 a.m. local time in Ban Thanon Khot, Sikhio district (commonly called Korat), when a large launching gantry crane, used for constructing an elevated section of the high-speed rail project, suddenly fell onto Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani passenger train No. 21 as it passed beneath the construction site, according to the Bangkok Post.
Initial reports from Thai authorities confirmed at least 32 fatalities, with dozens more injured. Many passengers were trapped in the wreckage, and rescue teams focused on extrication and medical care. Between 64 and 66 people were reported injured, and three remained missing according to provincial health updates.
Eyewitnesses described hearing loud crashes and explosions as the crane’s heavy steel structure and concrete load struck the train’s middle carriages. Two carriages were severely damaged, and one caught fire, sending smoke billowing as rescuers struggled to reach survivors. The train was estimated to be traveling at around 120 km/h (75 mph) when the crane fell. Most casualties were in the second carriage, which bore the brunt of the impact and fire.
The accident occurred on a high-speed rail line that is part of a major Thai-Chinese infrastructure project designed to connect Bangkok with Kunming, China, via Laos. The affected segment is being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), which expressed regret over the incident and pledged compensation to victims’ families. Thai authorities, including Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, ordered an immediate investigation and emphasized strict review of safety measures and accountability. The State Railway of Thailand announced service disruptions on the affected route, with rerouting and cancellations continuing as emergency operations proceed.
The incident drew international condolences, including from India. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life, extended sympathy to the injured, and reaffirmed support for Thailand. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Thailand. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured.” As rescue operations conclude, attention is now turning to structural safety assessments and stronger regulatory oversight for large infrastructure projects in Thailand to prevent future tragedies.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is the main obstacle to reaching a possible peace agreement — a position that sharply differs from that of European leaders, who continue to argue that Moscow has little genuine interest in ending the war. Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday (Jan 14), Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to conclude his nearly four-year military campaign in Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears less willing to do so. “I believe he’s ready to strike a deal,” Trump said of Putin. “Ukraine is not as ready.”
When asked why US-led peace efforts have failed to resolve the largest European land war since World War Two, Trump answered simply: “Zelenskiy.” His remarks reflect renewed dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian leader. Although Trump and Zelenskiy have had a historically strained relationship, their interactions reportedly improved during Trump’s first year back in office. Trump has frequently shown greater willingness to accept Putin’s statements at face value than many US allies, frustrating Ukrainian officials, European governments and members of the US Congress, including some Republicans.
In December, Reuters reported that US intelligence assessments continued to warn that Putin still seeks to seize all of Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe once controlled by the former Soviet Union. At the time, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard challenged that assessment. After multiple delays, recent US-led negotiations have focused on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine after any agreement, aimed at preventing another Russian invasion. As part of these discussions, US negotiators have urged Ukraine to give up its eastern Donbas region.
Ukrainian officials have taken part in the talks, which are being led for the US by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Some European officials, however, remain skeptical that Putin would accept certain conditions being discussed. Trump told Reuters he was unaware of a possible visit to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, which Bloomberg had reported earlier that day.
Asked whether he would meet Zelenskiy at next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said it was possible but not confirmed. “I would — if he’s there,” Trump said. “I’m going to be there.” When questioned about why he believes Zelenskiy is slowing negotiations, Trump offered little explanation: “I just think he’s having a hard time getting there.” Zelenskiy has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining that Ukraine’s constitution does not permit the surrender of any part of its land.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi expressed serious concern about the safety of Indian students stranded in Iran due to the ongoing unrest and urged the Central government to urgently implement an evacuation plan. While welcoming the recent conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, Owaisi emphasized that immediate action on the ground was necessary.
He said he had been contacted by anxious parents of Indian students studying at Shahid Beheshti University, which currently has around 70 to 80 Indian students enrolled, including several from Hyderabad. Owaisi pointed out multiple difficulties faced by the students and their families: communication has been disrupted due to internet shutdowns in Iran, parents are unable to arrange travel tickets, and many families lack the financial means to bring their children home.
He also alleged that university authorities are holding on to students’ passports and preventing them from leaving the country. Describing the situation as emotionally devastating, Owaisi said parents are deeply distressed and fearful because they cannot communicate with their children and have no clarity about their safety. He appealed to the Government of India to quickly formulate a comprehensive evacuation strategy for the hundreds of Indian students currently in Iran, stressing that swift intervention is necessary to avoid further panic and suffering.
Separately, speaking about the Maharashtra local body elections, Owaisi urged citizens to actively participate in voting across the 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. He stated that the elections provide people an opportunity to express their political choices and added that AIMIM had conducted a strong campaign and was optimistic about the outcome. Commenting on speculation regarding a possible alliance between the Thackeray brothers, Owaisi said any political impact would remain limited to Mumbai and would become clear once the voting results were known.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Jaipur is all set for a busy Thursday with the 78th Army Day Parade on Mahal Road and the Shaurya Sandhya ceremony at SMS Stadium. Traffic diversions are in place due to the events. The parade, held in Jaipur for the first time, will honour soldiers from Operation Sindoor and feature decorated officers, tanks, drones, and flypasts. Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh will be the chief guest, joined by senior dignitaries. Around two lakh spectators are expected, with parking at 18 locations. In the evening, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend Shaurya Sandhya. Preparations are also underway for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit on Friday.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from DDNews.
A week after Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah was removed from the Adelaide Writers’ Week lineup, the festival’s organisers have issued a full and unconditional apology. The South Australian event faced turmoil after her exclusion, leading over 180 writers to withdraw in protest. With a newly appointed board, the organisers expressed regret for the damage caused and extended an invitation to Abdel-Fattah to speak in 2027. Dr. Abdel-Fattah spoke with Nour Haydar about her potential defamation case against the South Australian premier and the broader significance of this incident.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan on January 13–14 for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders are scheduled to meet in Nara City on January 13, followed by a dinner, where discussions are expected to cover regional and global matters, as well as economic and social issues. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Michiyo Ishida, CNA’s senior correspondent, for more details.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss daily market trends with Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer at Jevons Global. They analyze US equities, precious metals, and Hong Kong markets, providing insights into current market movements, investor sentiment, and strategies for navigating volatility in global financial markets.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Whether it is issuing military threats toward Colombia and Cuba, suggesting the takeover of Greenland from Denmark, or capturing oil tankers in European and Caribbean seas, Donald Trump’s actions are forcing global leaders into constant crisis management. His renewed brand of American imperialism is reshaping international politics at a rapid pace. Jonathan Freedland discusses this shifting global landscape with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Anne Applebaum, examining what lies ahead in a world being rapidly transformed by the decisions of the US president.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
