India Pulse: Top Stories for January 18, 2026
From high-stakes political rallies in the east to intense cricketing action in the heart of India, today has been a whirlwind of activity. Here is a curated look at the defining headlines from across the nation this Sunday.
1. PM Modi’s Infrastructure Blitz in the East
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the day unveiling major projects in Assam and West Bengal, setting a strong developmental narrative.
Assam’s New Corridor: In Assam’s Nagaon district, the PM laid the foundation for the ₹6,957-crore
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
, designed to curb animal deaths and enhance connectivity. He also flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains.
Singur Rally: Returning to West Bengal, the PM addressed a massive rally in
—a site of significant political history—where he inaugurated projects worth over ₹830 crore. He emphasized that Central projects would accelerate the state’s development and celebrated the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
2. Sports: A High-Scoring Decider in Indore
Cricket fans were treated to a spectacle at the Holkar Stadium as India faced New Zealand in a series-deciding 3rd ODI.
New Zealand’s Massive Total: New Zealand posted a daunting 337/8, fueled by back-to-back centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106).
India’s Chase: As of early evening, India's chase was underway with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill attempting to recover from the early loss of Rohit Sharma, who ended the series without a single fifty.
Badminton Glory: In other sports news, An Se-young retained her India Open title in New Delhi with a dominant win over World No. 2 Zhi Yi Wang.
3. Crisis in the Capital: AQI Nears 500
Delhi continues to battle a severe environmental crisis as air quality plunged to alarming levels.
GRAP-IV Curbs: With the AQI nearing 500 in areas like Anand Vihar (493), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed Stage-IV GRAPrestrictions, banning most truck entry into the city.
Dense Fog Alert: The IMD has issued a Red Alert for dense fog and extreme cold across North India, causing significant disruptions to flights and train schedules.
4. Legal & Security Briefs
IndiGo Penalized: The DGCA slapped IndiGo with a ₹22.2 crore penalty for massive flight disruptions in late 2025, citing "overstretching of flight crew" as a critical failure.
J&K Encounter: Security forces are currently engaged in an encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bail Reform Discussion: Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, Former CJI DY Chandrachud warned that national security laws are straining India's bail system, urging that "bail must remain the rule" to protect personal liberty.
5. Social & Spiritual: Mauni Amavasya
Today marks Mauni Amavasya, a significant spiritual day for millions.
Auspicious Dips: Devotees across the country are observing silence and taking holy dips in rivers like the Ganga to honor ancestors and seek spiritual renewal.
Health Watch: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have ramped up detection efforts following an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Manasa town, which has tragically claimed two lives.