Where is Border’s Phoolwati now? The star kid who became a national crush with ‘Ae Jaate Hue Lamho’—then vanished
Amid the explosions and battlefield bravado, there was also a quiet, tender presence that left an indelible mark—Sharbani Mukherjee. With “Ae Jaate Hue Lamho,” Sharbani Mukherjee became a national crush almost overnight. The near misses in Hindi cinemaRiding on the success of Border, Sharbani Mukherjee featured in an independent music video—“Ghar Aaja Soniya,” opposite Sameer Soni. But it was her second Malayalam film, Sufi Paranja Katha (2010), that truly changed the narrative. Beyond films, Sharbani Mukherjee was also involved in the innovative stage production Fantasia Fantastique, where she lent her voice alongside Jackie Shroff.
Source:The Star
January 15, 2026 17:19 UTC
Polls close in Uganda after delays, internet blackout
[AFP]Polls closed in Uganda on Thursday after a chaotic day of voting that took place under an internet blackout and with long delays caused by technical breakdowns as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40 years in power. Wine accused the government of "massive ballot-stuffing" and arresting some of his party officials under cover of the internet blackout imposed by the government this week. He wore a flak jacket at rallies, describing the election as a "war" and Museveni as a "military dictator". The party is well-organised," said Angee Abraham Lincoln, 42, a Museveni supporter waiting to cast his vote in Kampala. The president said his vote, when it was finally cast, was for anyone "who believes in Uganda... who believes in Africa."
Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 17:02 UTC
Vote counting underway across Kampala and Uganda
Vote counting has commenced at various polling stations across Kampala and other parts of the country following the conclusion of voting. Electoral officials are tallying ballots to determine the results, with updates expected to be released progressively as counting continues. According to BBC, if everything goes as per the plan, the outcome of the presidential vote should be known by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday, 17 January. "It is the primary duty of the Electoral Commission to ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised due to machine failure," Byabakama said. The shutdown orders came 48 hours before the Uganda General Elections set for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Source:The Star
January 15, 2026 16:21 UTC
KWS ranger kills police officer, self over Christmas goat row
The four started a conversation and that is when Karithi asked Ndichu about the goats. Karithi died at the scene. Ali sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his ribs and was taken to Voi Sub County Hospital in serious condition. Ndichu then shot Mwandoro on the right side before firing six shots through his own chin. Mwandoro was rushed to Mariakani Hospital while Ndichu died at the scene.
Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 15:28 UTC
Over 30 al-Shabaab militants killed in Somalia
More than 30 Al-Shabaab militants were killed on Thursday during a joint security operation near the Bulunagaad Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, Somali authorities said. In a statement, the joint forces said the operation involved multiple engagements with Al-Shabaab fighters following an earlier attack on SNA and AUSSOM troops. “Through coordinated ground and air offensives, over 30 Al-Shabaab militants were put out of action, while several others sustained injuries,” the statement said. “The SNA, AUSSOM and partners acted swiftly and decisively to neutralise terrorist threats targeting security forces and civilians in the area,” the statement added. The joint forces reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding civilians and ensuring stability in the region.
Source:The Star
January 15, 2026 15:16 UTC
Built to last: How to design cities that serve generations the Abu Dhabi way
President William Ruto with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi at Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [PCS]In the current era of urbanisation and climate change and its impact, cities are supposed to be built to last long and be resilient and not just retrofit. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the second most populous with a population of 4.14 million people as of 2024, is among the cities that have been able to plan long-term.
Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 15:00 UTC
Twenty-three counties facing food shortage as drought crisis deepens
[Antony Gitonga, Standard]Twenty-three counties have been adversely affected by drought with fears that the situation could get worse in the coming days due to the harsh weather. According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the ASAL counties recorded near-normal to below-normal rainfall in December. This came as the state agency warned that most part of the ASAL counties would experience generally sunny and dry conditions consistent with January climatology. “Most of the ASAL counties recorded near-normal to below-normal rainfall, and only a few localized areas experienced above-normal conditions,” reads the report. The authority further warned that the weather forecast indicated that January was expected to be predominantly dry over most of the ASAL counties of Kenya.
Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 14:53 UTC
Koimburi Was Never a DCP Member, Gachagua's Party Says After MP Joins Ruto's Camp
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has broken its silence hours after Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi joined President William Ruto's camp. According to the party, despite having been Gachagua's close ally, Koimburi had never accompanied him in any public function for the last six months, while allegedly giving all manner of excuses. Koimburi placed a call to our party leader and requested an urgent appointment with him, saying that he was stressed and wanted some clarification," the DCP party revealed. The lawmaker further expressed betrayal that, despite having voted against Gachagua's impeachment and standing with the party leader in all instances, a competitor was being entertained in the party. The party leader thanked him for having stood with him during the impeachment and after," read part of DCP's statement.
Source:Daily Nation
January 15, 2026 14:38 UTC
4 pivotal elections around the world that will pose a test to democracy in 2026
Amid increasing polarisation, disinformation and economic anxieties, the health of representative democracies will be tested in elections across all continents in 2026. There are four pivotal elections that will either reinforce democratic norms or risk further eroding confidence in free and fair processes. This makes the 2026 elections a high-stakes moment for President Donald Trump. And, if the first Trump administration serves as an example, a Democrat-controlled House could mean trouble for the president. More crucially, the 2026 midterms will be a test of the US democratic spirit two years into Trump’s second term.
Source:The Star
January 15, 2026 14:24 UTC
NTV Kenya: Haiti drone operation strikes home of gang leader ‘Barbecue’
Haiti drone operation strikes home of gang leader ‘Barbecue’Haitian security forces on Wednesday bombed three houses belonging to top gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, local outlet Gazette Haiti reported on Wednesday, after unverified footage showed a large explosion in the capital Port-au-Prince. Hours earlier, Haiti’s National Police said it was carrying out an operation targeting the house of gang leader Cherizier in Port-au-Prince’s Delmas 6 neighborhood, a longtime stronghold for armed groups working under Cherizier. The company Vectus Global, run by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, has been supporting Haiti’s government with the drone operations since early last year. The gang leader, accused of a wide range of crimes including ordering several massacres around the capital, has branded himself as an anti-elite revolutionary and sought to transform Viv Ansanm into a political party. The operation comes several weeks ahead of the February 7 deadline for the current transitional government’s mandate to end.
Source:Daily Nation
January 15, 2026 14:11 UTC
Nyoro, Babu accuse own parties of losing direction ahead of 2027
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino. [File, Standard]Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino have criticised the leadership of their own parties, saying the parties have lost direction ahead of the 2027 general election. I don't think now the party is doing what we sold to the Kenyan people," said Nyoro. The Embakasi East MP accused current party leaders of abandoning Odinga's principles and political strategy. One faction, led by Owino and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, advocates exiting the government and charting a new leadership direction.
Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 14:02 UTC
Kenya, China Agree on Deal Allowing Duty-Free Access for Kenyan Products
Kenya is set to enjoy key trade benefits with China after the Asian nation agreed to negotiations allowing Kenyan goods to enter its market without tariffs, amid U.S.-imposed trade barriers affecting local exports. China’s broader duty-free and quota-free policy for African goods primarily benefits Least Developed Countries, leaving developing nations like Kenya initially excluded. Photo MITA"We are pleased to share that these engagements have resulted in a preliminary agreement that allows for 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. The introduction of zero-duty access will unlock vast economic potential for Kenyan exporters, allowing for diversification of our export basket, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of our economy," Kinyanjui said. The CS indicated that the zero-duty access could increase profits for Kenyan exporters, expand market reach, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Source:Daily Nation
January 15, 2026 13:54 UTC
DCP says Juja MP has never been a member, responds to defection claim
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has responded to claims by Juja MP George Koimburi that he has defected from the party, stating that he has never formally been a member. In a statement released on Thursday, DCP Secretary-General Hezron Obaga claimed Koimburi had not participated in party activities in recent months. The statement also outlines that, according to the party, Koimburi requested an urgent meeting with the party leader (Rigathi Gachagua) on Monday, January 12. According to the party, Koimburi requested a written assurance of a direct nomination and sought to be excused from attending public functions with the party leader until February next year. The response comes after Koimburi spoke publicly on Wednesday about his loyalty to the party leader, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Source:The Star
January 15, 2026 13:37 UTC
From Guerrilla fighter to President: Museveni's 40-year political journey
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Source:Standard Digital
January 15, 2026 13:34 UTC
Kenya to gain duty free access to Chinese market amid US trade barriers - Sacco Review
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced on Thursday that, following recent bilateral trade talks with China, Kenya will now be able to export 98.2 per cent of its products duty-free. ALSO READ:“We are pleased to share that these engagements have resulted in a preliminary agreement allowing for 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. The CS added that zero duty access could boost profits for exporters, expand market reach, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors. The announcement comes amid U.S. trade barriers, including a 10 per cent baseline tariff on Kenyan exports, which have prompted businesses to seek alternative markets. China’s agreement positions it as a key destination for Kenyan products, offering lower costs and more predictable trade terms.
Source:Daily Nation
January 15, 2026 13:25 UTC