Saturday, January 17, 2026
11.1 C
New Delhi

Evening news wrap: PaK-Afghan clashes intensify; Indian-origin US adviser arrested by FBI and much more

Evening news wrap: PaK-Afghan clashes intensify; Indian-origin US adviser arrested by FBI and much more

Tanks roll on streets (lefts), Ashely Tellis

NEW DELHI: Fierce clashes continue along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, resulting in significant civilian casualties and damage to military assets. Meanwhile, in the US, an Indian-origin scholar has been arrested for unlawfully possessing classified defense documents and allegedly meeting with Chinese officials. Back in India, Bihar’s JD(U) has unveiled its first list of candidates ahead of the assembly elections, signaling a key step in the NDA’s campaign. Tragedy struck near Jaisalmer as a recently AC-modified private bus caught fire, claiming 20 lives including children, prompting investigations into safety practices. On the sports front, a heartwarming moment unfolded as Rohit Sharma embraced his successor Shubman Gill as India prepares for the Australia series, with veteran players offering their support amid ongoing speculations about team leadership.

Here are your top five stories of the evening:

Fierce Pak-Afghan border clash continue, as fresh visuals show intense shelling – Top developments

Roads were observed with moving tanks as fierce fighting rages on between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with each side reporting damage and casualties. Officials in Kabul informed AFP on Wednesday that the latest clashes resulted in the deaths of 15 Afghan civilians. This escalation comes after recent reciprocal attacks by both and ongoing disputes over border security and accusations of militant sheltering.Read full story

Indian-origin US adviser Ashley Tellis arrested: What FBI found leading to scrutiny?

A scholar of Indian origin named Ashley Tellis has been arrested by US officials for unlawfully keeping more than 1,000 pages of classified national defense information. The documents, labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET,” were found at his residence in Virginia. Authorities further claim that Tellis had multiple meetings with Chinese officials.Read full story

Bihar elections: JD(U) announces first list of 57 candidates amid reports of NDA’s internal rumbling

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday announced its initial list of 57 candidates for the 101 seats allotted to the party under the NDA seat-sharing agreement ahead of the assembly elections. The list includes cabinet minister Maheshwar Hazari contesting from Kalyanpur, Ratnesh Sada from Sonbarsa, Anant Singh from Mokama, and Ajay Kushwaha from Meenapur. The list comes amid speculation of internal rumbling in the ruling NDA as JD(U) announced candidates for five seats eyed by LJP(R) led by Union minister Chirag Paswan. Read full story

Jaisalmer bus inferno: How vehicle bought 5 days ago became a death trap; flames at front blocked escape

A private bus, which was recently modified to include AC, caught fire near Jaisalmer, resulting in 20 deaths, among them three children. The fire quickly spread due to a suspected short circuit in the AC system, trapping the passengers inside. Rescue operations were challenging because of the extreme heat. Authorities are investigating the bus operator and the modifications made.Read full story

‘Arey hero’: Old meets new – Rohit Sharma greets Shubman Gill, a first since captaincy change

A touching video showed Rohit Sharma hugging Shubman Gill, who has succeeded him as the ODI captain, before India’s upcoming series in Australia. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer also warmly welcomed Gill. With ongoing speculation regarding Rohit and Kohli’s ODI careers, Gautam Gambhir highlighted the importance of concentrating on the present and valuing their experience for the Australian tour.Read full story Go to Source

Hot this week

‘Mountains Of Grain, Millions Hungry’: Priyambada Jayakumar On India’s Food Paradox

Author Priyambada Jayakumar talks to News18 about India’s hunger paradox, climate challenges, and the legacy of M.S. Swaminathan. Read More

Whoop and Samuel Ross MBE unveil multiyear design partnership

Published January 17, 2026 Wearable technology company Whoop has announced a multiyear collaboration with designer Samuel Ross MBE as global creative director, marking Whoop’s first performance design collaboration. Read More

No more layovers? Air India, Saudia airline codeshare deal opens up 20+ cities overnight

Air India and Saudia’s Smart Move Is Redefining Cross-Border Flying: Why This Codeshare Is Being Called a Game-Changer for India–Gulf Travel Good news for travellers in India and Saudi Arabia! Read More

Iran protests revive the 2011 Arab Spring question: Does regime change improve livelihoods?

Iran protests continue despite reports of a deadly crackdown and internet blackout. The unrest revived the Arab Spring debate. Read More

Dry Days 2026: Full Calendar For Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru And Other Cities

Alcohol sales will be banned on 28 dry days in 2026 across cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, including Republic Day, Holi, Eid ul-Fitr, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali and Christmas. Read More

Topics

‘Mountains Of Grain, Millions Hungry’: Priyambada Jayakumar On India’s Food Paradox

Author Priyambada Jayakumar talks to News18 about India’s hunger paradox, climate challenges, and the legacy of M.S. Swaminathan. Read More

Whoop and Samuel Ross MBE unveil multiyear design partnership

Published January 17, 2026 Wearable technology company Whoop has announced a multiyear collaboration with designer Samuel Ross MBE as global creative director, marking Whoop’s first performance design collaboration. Read More

No more layovers? Air India, Saudia airline codeshare deal opens up 20+ cities overnight

Air India and Saudia’s Smart Move Is Redefining Cross-Border Flying: Why This Codeshare Is Being Called a Game-Changer for India–Gulf Travel Good news for travellers in India and Saudi Arabia! Read More

Iran protests revive the 2011 Arab Spring question: Does regime change improve livelihoods?

Iran protests continue despite reports of a deadly crackdown and internet blackout. The unrest revived the Arab Spring debate. Read More

Dry Days 2026: Full Calendar For Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru And Other Cities

Alcohol sales will be banned on 28 dry days in 2026 across cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, including Republic Day, Holi, Eid ul-Fitr, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali and Christmas. Read More

Two Kerala Tourists Drown After Slipping Into Frozen Sela Lake In Arunachal, One Body Recovered

The deceased has been identified as Binu Prakash (26), a native of Kollar in Kerala’s Nedumpano district. The second tourist, identified as Mahavir, remains missing. Read More

150 Years Of Vande Mataram To Be Theme Of R-Day 2026 Parade; European Dignitaries To Attend

Alongside showcasing India’s military capabilities, the celebrations will place strong emphasis on the song’s historical and cultural importance. Read More

Pakistani Fans Troll Babar Azam At SCG With ‘Zim-babar’ Chants – Watch

Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed an intense cricket clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on January 16, 2026, but headlines were stolen by the ruthless reception given to Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Read More

Related Articles