January 9, 2026

El Salvador’s Prison Labour Programme Produces Uniforms, Offers Sentence Reductions

El Salvador’s prisons run sewing workshops where inmates make uniforms for public workers. The state-backed programme helps cut costs and offers inmates sentence cuts, though exact rules remain unclear.

January 9, 2026

Two US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers Head to Russia After Marinera Seizure in Atlantic

Two Russian-linked oil tankers under US sanctions are sailing east through the Channel towards Russia. This follows the US and UK’s capture of the Marinera tanker. UK Defence Secretary called targeting Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ a top priority.

January 9, 2026

Union Home Ministry To Hold Ladakh Talks in Late January on Statehood, Sixth Schedule

The Union Home Ministry will meet Ladakh civil society leaders in the last week of January. Key issues include Ladakh's statehood demand and Sixth Schedule status. This was announced after delays following October talks and protests.

January 9, 2026

Karnataka Sees Rising Engineering Unemployment, 48,000 Graduates Join Yuva Nidhi for Skill Training

Karnataka's engineering sector unemployment rises as only 20-25,000 of 1 lakh annual graduates get jobs. Nearly 48,000 new engineering grads joined Yuva Nidhi scheme; 90% avoid skill training despite government efforts and corporate offers.

January 9, 2026

Uttar Pradesh Parties Race to Save Votes After 2.89 Crore Names Deleted in Voter List

After 2.89 crore names were deleted from Uttar Pradesh’s draft voter list, political parties are launching intense campaigns to ensure no eligible voter is lost. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav urges party workers to unite with the slogan ‘Not a single vote should be cut’ as BJP and Congress also hold awareness drives.