Human Interest

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a high-level Banking Committee for Viksit Bharat, restructuring key financial institutions, reviewing FEMA rules, promoting corporate and municipal bonds, and easing foreign investment limits to strengthen India’s banking sector and boost ease of doing business

Gold and silver prices plunged sharply as investors booked profits after a historic rally. MCX gold fell over 7% and silver 9%, pressured by higher CME margins, a stronger dollar, and Budget-related expectations, triggering panic unwinding and short-term bearish trends

Vanishing sparrows, altered migrations, and deformed birds are Earth’s warning signals — nature’s whistle-blowers telling us ecosystems are under siege today globally

The Directorate General Resettlement held a mega Job Fair at Narangi Military Station, Guwahati, offering nearly 700 vacancies across sectors. Over 700 ex-servicemen engaged with recruiters, with on-the-spot placements highlighting efforts for dignified resettlement and career transition

Mumbai Police arrested a taxi driver for allegedly cheating an American tourist, charging Rs 18,000 for a 400-metre ride near Mumbai Airport. The case went viral on social media, prompting swift police action; the driver’s associate remains at large

Security forces intensified anti-terror operations in Chatroo, Kishtwar, against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, amid heavy snowfall. Multiple encounters since January 18 caused casualties, while mobile internet remains suspended to prevent misuse. Searches continue in Poonch for two suspected terrorists

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for January 30, 2026. May the day bring you happiness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, highlighting Gandhiji’s emphasis on swadeshi as a core principle for a developed, self-reliant India, and said his life and ideals continue to inspire the nation

Two Naxalites were killed in a forest encounter with security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Weapons were recovered, and operations continue. So far in 2026, 22 Maoists have died in the state’s anti-LWE operations

Chhattisgarh security forces in Bijapur recovered and destroyed two powerful Maoist-planted IEDs targeting vehicles. The swift operation prevented casualties, highlighting ongoing counter-insurgency vigilance in the Bastar region and the coordinated efforts of local security personnel

WhiteOak Capital advises investors to book profits on silver, now overvalued relative to historical levels, and reduce precious metals allocation. Funds recommend reallocating into diversified Indian equity funds or blue-chip stocks for better long-term growth and liquidity

Nicki Minaj publicly reaffirmed her support for President Donald Trump at a Washington, DC event, calling him “bullied” and “smeared.” She pledged $150,000–$300,000 toward Trump Accounts for fans, while Trump hailed the program as transformative policy

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee called the India-EU free trade agreement a strategic alignment signaling reduced dependence on the US but cautioned that efficiency, logistics, and supply-chain improvements are crucial for India to fully benefit from the pact

Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive Budget—first woman to do so in India. Backed by top bureaucrats, the Budget focuses on fiscal stability, growth, reforms, and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals

UAE-based social media influencer Khalid Al Ameri shared his Kashmir experience with millions of followers, praising its snow-covered landscapes, rich culture and warmth of people. Officials say such exposure is helping revive tourism after setbacks from terror incidents and harsh weather

India has submitted Meghalaya’s living root bridges nomination to UNESCO for World Heritage status 2026–27. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the move seeks global recognition for the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities that have preserved this living cultural landscape for centuries 

President Droupadi Murmu was welcomed at Parliament by VP Radhakrishnan, PM Modi, and LS Speaker Om Birla, with the ceremonial ‘Sengol’ procession marking the start of the Budget Session. She received a guard of honour and addressed the joint sitting

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati, joining a tragic list of political leaders and prominent figures in India, including YS Reddy, Sanjay Gandhi, and General Bipin Rawat, who lost their lives in air accidents

Hundreds of tourists were stranded in Kashmir as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for a second day due to snowfall. While flights resumed, road closure caused distress for many, even as snow clearance operations by authorities continued

In Mancherial’s Hajipur mandal, a lorry collided with a milk-carrying trolley van early Tuesday, killing 26-year-old Devaji Kumar from Bihar and injuring Narendra Kumar Yadav from Uttar Pradesh. Police registered a case and began investigating the accident

Singapore will recognise medical degrees from eight additional overseas universities, including Manipal Academy in India, to meet growing healthcare demand from its ageing population. The move increases registrable foreign medical schools to 120, ensuring high standards through SMC supervision

Ahead of February elections in Bangladesh, political leaders are reportedly using anti-Hindu and anti-India rhetoric to polarize voters. Minority communities face threats, fake narratives, and potential violence, raising fears of persecution and exodus amid attempts to consolidate religious vote banks

Russia is recruiting both locals and foreigners, including prisoners, through contracts offering high pay, benefits, and citizenship to fight in Ukraine, avoiding a full mobilization. Many are misled, coerced, or trafficked, highlighting rising costs and human rights concerns

An all-party meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is underway to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament’s upcoming Budget session. The session begins Wednesday with the President’s address, with the Union Budget scheduled for February 1