Human Interest

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

Madras High Court set aside a single judge’s order directing CBFC to certify actor Vijay’s film *Jana Nayagan*, citing lack of opportunity for CBFC to respond. The decision revives uncertainty over the film’s release, reportedly Vijay’s last before entering politics

Public sector bank services may be disrupted Tuesday as employee unions launched a nationwide strike demanding a five-day work week. SBI, PNB and Bank of Baroda could be affected, while private banks and digital services are expected to function normally

Seashells, the durable skeletons of marine animals, are abundant and long-lasting, offering scientists vital clues about ancient ecosystems, climates and species interactions. Through biomineralization and fossilization, shells act as natural archives, revealing how marine life lived, evolved and died

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir forced cancellation of 50 flights at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, disrupting inbound and outbound operations. Adverse weather stranded hundreds of tourists after the Republic Day weekend, with airlines advising passengers to seek updates and alternatives

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand military parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing missiles, indigenous weapon systems and new formations. President Droupadi Murmu led celebrations themed on “Vande Mataram,” with EU leaders attending as chief guests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on the 77th Republic Day, laying a wreath and observing silence. The ceremony honoured martyrs from multiple wars, with top defence leadership present

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at Republic Day celebrations, honouring his historic achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 mission

Republic Day Parade enclosures along Kartavya Path have been uniquely named after Indian rivers, replacing VVIP labels. Musical instruments will name Beating Retreat enclosures, reflecting cultural themes as celebrations highlight the sesquicentenary of “Vande Mataram"

Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce to record highs amid global uncertainty, while silver crossed $100. Analysts cite strong safe-haven demand, central bank buying and supportive liquidity, maintaining a bullish outlook for precious metals through 2026 despite brief corrections

Late January 2026 winter storm threatens central and eastern U.S. with snow, sleet, freezing rain, outages and emergencies. Scientists link impacts to jet stream dynamics, Arctic air, Gulf moisture and stratospheric polar vortex interactions amid a warming climate trend concerns

China investigates top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for corruption and challenging party control, reinforcing Xi Jinping’s absolute leadership over the military and anti-graft campaign

  CJI Surya Kant urged compassionate legal action against drug abuse at Goa’s Legal Service campaign, highlighting law’s role in social change and youth rehabilitation