Top news of the day: January 7, 2026

BJP, Congress team up to keep Sena out of local body, Fadnavis vows action for ‘indiscipline’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) said the party will take action against those who formed an alliance with the Congress and the AIMIM in two local bodies in Maharashtra. The BJP’s local unit teamed up with the Congress and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party in the Ambarnath Municipal Council to keep Shiv Sena, its ally in the State government, out of power. In the Akot Municipal Council of Akola, the BJP joined hands with elected councillors of AIMIM who later abandoned the party.

GDP to grow at 7.4% in 2025-26, government predicts in first advance estimates for the year

The government has estimated that real growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country will stand at 7.4% in the current financial year 2025-26, up from the 6.5% seen in the previous year. In the First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2025-26, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), the government has predicted that nominal growth for the year would be 8%. 

PM Modi speaks with Netanyahu, discusses India-Israel strategic ties, Gaza peace plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) conveyed New Year greetings to his “friend” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to the strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries. Mr. Modi received a call from the Israeli Prime Minister who also shared an update on the Gaza Peace Plan. “The two leaders warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Clash during demolition drive: Violence won’t be tolerated, says Delhi Home Minister

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) said stone pelting during removal of encroachment near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Turkman Gate area of walled city, was “unfortunate” and warned that violence will not be tolerated. At least five police personnel were injured after some people allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the force when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out a court-mandated demolition on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard. The police said an FIR has been registered in the matter and five people detained for questioning.

Key member of Lawrence Bishnoi gang repatriated from U.S.; held at Delhi airport

A key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Aman Bhainswal facing an Interpol Red Notice, was repatriated from the U.S. on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) in an operation coordinated by the CBI, officials said. Wanted by the Haryana Police, Mr. Bhainswal is facing charges of offences related to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy.

No one knows which dog is in what mood, says Supreme Court on animals roaming on roads

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) said that “no one knows which dog is in what mood” and said that people were dying not just due to dog bites but because of road accidents caused by stray animals. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria, which was hearing pleas for modification of its November 7 order on immediate relocation of stray dogs, said it is conducting the hearing as many lawyers and animal activists had said that they were not heard before passing of the order. It also flagged non-compliance of rules and directions by civic bodies. The petitions were filed by animal lovers and those seeking stringent compliance of orders.

Understand the difference: Rahul Gandhi takes dig at government over Trump’s remarks

In the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on his ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tariffs, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) took a swipe at the government and posted an old video in which he had talked about how in 1971 then PM Indira Gandhi had withstood pressure from America. Mr. Trump on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) said that Prime Minister Modi is “not that happy with me” because of the tariffs imposed by Washington on Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil.

Taiwan says China’s war games sought to undermine global support for the island

China’s war game exercises around ​Taiwan last week were part of a campaign to counter growing international ‌support for the island and an attempt to divert attention away from ​Beijing’s economic troubles, Taiwan’s top security agency said on Wednesday (January 7, 2026). As part of its exercises, called “Justice Mission 2025”, China fired dozens of rockets towards Taiwan and deployed a large number of warships and aircraft near the island. That caused dozens of domestic flights in Taiwan to be cancelled and drew concern from allies in the region and the West.

5 Delhi Police personnel injured as anti-encroachment drive near mosque turns violent

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) registered an FIR and detained five people in connection with the violence that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan area, an official said. At least five police personnel were injured after some people allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the force when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out a court-mandated demolition on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard.

Chelsea appoints Liam Rosenior as new manager, gives him six-year contract

Chelsea appointed new manager Liam Rosenior on a six-year deal on Tuesday (January 6, 2025), hours after his departure from French club Strasbourg amid fans’ unrest. The attack-minded Rosenior, regarded as a strong developer of young players, becomes the second Black Chelsea coach after Ruud Gullit, and was contracted to 2032.

T20 World Cup | ICC and BCB likely to thrash out impasse by this weekend

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday (January 7, 2025) said the ICC is “willing to work closely” with it to address “security concerns” around the team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India, even though its demand for a change of venue has not yet been accepted. The T20 World Cup starts on February 7 and Bangladesh are due to play their four games in Kolkata and Mumbai.