Top news of the day: January 8, 2026

Ahead of U.S. Ambassador arrival, Trump okays 500% tariff Bill on Russian oil; withdraws from India-led ISA

India faced double-pressure over energy on Thursday (January 8, 2026) from U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisions to back a Bill mandating up to “500% tariffs” on countries buying Russian oil, and to withdraw the U.S. from the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) amongst dozens of other international organisations.

Mamata Banerjee took away key evidence during raids in coal ‘scam’ case against I-PAC official: ED

The Directorate of Enforcement on Thursday (January 8, 2026) alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain in Kolkata during a raid in a money laundering case linked to alleged coal smuggling, and took away “key” evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices.

Forcing woman to continue pregnancy violates bodily integrity, aggravates mental trauma: Delhi HC

Forcing a woman to continue with her pregnancy violates her bodily integrity and aggravates mental trauma, the Delhi High Court said while discharging an estranged wife in a criminal case filed by her husband for medically terminating her 14-week foetus.

U.S. to exit 66 international organisations as Trump further retreats from global cooperation

The Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organisations, including the UN’s population agency and the UN treaty that establishes international climate negotiations, as the U.S. further retreats from global cooperation. Mr. Trump signed the memorandum on Wednesday titled ‘Withdrawing the United States from International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States’.

Nestle recalls infant formula batches globally over toxin risk; company says Indian products unaffected

Nestle has recalled batches of its ​key infant nutrition products, including SMA, BEBA and NAN infant and follow-on formulas in dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia due to potential contamination with a toxin that could cause nausea and vomiting.

Stray dogs case: Let public, educational institutions start their own animals cells and not bank on municipal authorities, one of nation’s oldest law centre tells SC

The Campus Law Centre at Delhi University, one of the oldest legal education centres in the country, urged the Supreme Court on Thursday (January 8, 2026) to not bank on bureaucracy or municipal authorities to humanely resolve the problem of stray dogs. The faculty said the trick to resolve the problem is simple – do it yourself.

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away at 82

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away at his residence in Pune late night on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) after a brief illness, his son Siddhartha Gadgil told The Hindu on Thursday (January 8, 2026). He was 82.

Rare January system over Bay of Bengal intensifies into deep depression, to bring heavy rainfall to parts of T.N.

The dry spell over Tamil Nadu may ease soon, with a weather system over the Bay of Bengal having consolidated into a deep depression. It is likely to bring scattered rainfall, particularly over the coastal parts of the State, for three days from Friday (January 9, 2026). The Bay of Bengal has witnessed only 20 intense weather systems during January since 1891, making such events unusual during this time of the year.

Russia says any troops sent to Ukraine by ‘coalition of the willing’ would be targets

Russia said on Thursday (January 8, 2026) that any troops sent to Ukraine by ‍Western governments would be “legitimate combat targets”, after Britain and France announced plans to ​deploy a multinational force there in the event of ‌a ceasefire. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said “militaristic declarations” by a ​coalition of pro-Ukraine Western governments were becoming increasingly dangerous.

Malaysia Open: Sindhu crushes Japanese shuttler Miyazaki; secures quarters spot

India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu produced an impressive performance on Thursday (January 8, 2026), defeating higher-ranked Japanese opponent Tomoka Miyazaki to book her spot in the women’s singles quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 badminton tournament here.