India

India’s gem and jewellery exports reached $27.72 billion in FY26, showing marginal growth in rupee terms despite a decline in dollar terms. Exporters diversified markets, with UAE and Australia contributing to growth amid global uncertainties

Indian equity markets surged with Nifty and Sensex gaining over 1.6 per cent each, driven by easing US-Iran tensions and positive global cues. Broader markets outperformed, while the rupee strengthened slightly amid cooling crude oil prices

Survivors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, sunk in a US attack, have left Sri Lanka for Iran. India also allowed another vessel, IRIS Lavan, to dock in Kochi, highlighting humanitarian support amid regional tensions

Christian leaders and minority representatives in Hyderabad expressed concern over the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging constitutional issues and lack of judicial oversight. They urged the Telangana government to reject the proposed changes and protect minority institutions.

Indian Railways has electrified 99.6 per cent of its broad gauge network, carried 741 crore passengers and achieved record freight movement in 2025–26. Major upgrades in safety systems, infrastructure and modern trains have improved efficiency, safety and passenger experience

Intelligence inputs claim Pakistan’s ISI and army have activated around 70 terror launchpads to push nearly 800 infiltrators into Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to exploit global and domestic distractions. Indian agencies say security forces have foiled multiple recent attempts

Police in Amravati, Maharashtra arrested Mohammad Ayaz for allegedly exploiting over 180 minor girls and circulating obscene videos for blackmail. Authorities suspect a wider network, while investigations and public protests continue in the region

Kerala police arrested Rincy Mumtaz and three associates in Kochi for supplying MDMA linked to a suspected narcotics network involving film industry contacts. The operation uncovered drug concealment methods and renewed concerns over organised trafficking in the region

Siddaramaiah submitted a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi seeking central funds and approvals for infrastructure, rail, water, and welfare projects, highlighting Karnataka’s economic contribution and pending development demands

The Supreme Court stayed the Telangana High Court’s transit anticipatory bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a defamation case linked to Assam Chief Minister’s wife. Khera may now seek relief from Assam courts

A boiler steam pipe blast at Vedanta Limited power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has killed 16 workers and injured several others. Authorities have launched multiple probes, while compensation and safety investigations have been announced

The Election Commission directed West Bengal officials to inspect violence-prone areas and report security measures ahead of Assembly polls. It also mandated enhanced communication systems, strict polling protocols, and action on pending warrants to ensure smooth voting across constituencies

Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as Bihar’s Chief Minister, becoming the first from BJP to hold the post. Nitish Kumar stepped down, paving the way for the NDA-led leadership transition in the state

Enforcement Directorate raided multiple business entities linked to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab under a FEMA probe. Searches covered Jalandhar, Phagwara and other locations, targeting financial dealings tied to the Lovely Group headed by the businessman-educationist

Indian equity markets rallied sharply Wednesday as Sensex and Nifty surged on global optimism and lower crude prices amid US-Iran diplomacy hopes. Gains were broad-based despite recent foreign outflows, with IT and aviation stocks leading the early advance across sectors

The Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar will feature 10 major bathing festivals, including three Amrit Snans, between January and April, with authorities announcing the full schedule of sacred bathing dates for the four-month-long religious gathering

A 14-year-old girl delivered a baby boy at a district hospital in Pithoragarh. Authorities have registered a case against the father under BNS and POCSO Act, while the Child Welfare Committee has taken responsibility for the minor’s care

Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs in IPL 2026, exposing batting struggles and tactical issues in KKR’s setup, as Noor Ahmed starred with the ball on a tricky Chepauk pitch

Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov clinched the 2026 Candidates tournament with a round to spare, setting up a World Championship clash with India’s Gukesh Dommaraju, while the women’s section remains undecided going into the final round

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has proposed adopting degressive proportionality in Lok Sabha seat allocation to balance population and federal equity, urging wide consultations before delimitation, while warning against marginalisation of smaller and southern states

At least 14 people, including police personnel, were injured after violence broke out during an Ambedkar Jayanti procession in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district. The clash escalated into mob attacks, prompting police action and a flag march to restore order

Care Ratings CEO Mehul Pandya said India can challenge global credit rating norms and reduce subjectivity in assessments. The firm is expanding globally, covering 45 countries, while focusing on transparency, emerging markets and strengthening India’s position in sovereign ratings

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss delimitation and women’s reservation. In his letter, Reddy rejected the pro-rata model, warning it would be unacceptable to southern states.