Here are today’s top national and international news updates — from Maharashtra civic election results and Rahul Gandhi’s Indore visit to global diplomacy talks and major cultural events. These stories are making headlines across India and the world and here’s a quick, easy-to-understand roundup for you.

NATIONAL NEWS

️BJP Leads Mumbai Civic Polls as NCP Slips in Pune

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is leading in Mumbai municipal elections, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fallen behind in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Congress Sweeps Latur Municipal Corporation Elections

Congress has won a clear majority in the Latur civic body by securing 43 of 70 seats, defeating BJP candidates in what is being seen as a major political comeback in the region.

Rahul Gandhi to Visit Indore Water Contamination Victims

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will meet families affected by a recent water contamination incident in Indore that caused vomiting and diarrhoea, and will visit the impacted locality on Saturday.

65 Candidates Elected Unopposed in Maharashtra Civic Polls

The Maharashtra State Election Commission announced that 65 candidates across ten municipal corporations were elected unopposed ahead of the January 15 civic elections.

Gadkari Congratulates Fadnavis, Shinde on Civic Poll Success

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde as BJP-Shiv Sena alliances showed strong leads across civic polls.

LEGAL NEWS

Gauri Lankesh Murder Case Accused Wins Jalna Civic Seat

Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh’s 2017 murder case, has won a corporator seat as an Independent candidate in Jalna municipal elections.

Priya Kapur Moves Supreme Court Over Karisma–Sunjay Divorce Records

Priya Kapur has filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking access to divorce documents of actors Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur, drawing major media attention.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Kremlin Welcomes European Calls to Resume Russia Dialogue

Russia said it welcomes recent calls by some European countries to restart diplomatic talks on the Ukraine conflict, calling them a positive step.

Canada and China Reach Deal to Reduce Trade Tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a preliminary trade agreement with China to reduce tariffs on both sides following talks in Beijing.