Congress MP Shashi Tharoor missed another crucial party meeting, citing a late invitation and pre-planned Dubai travel. Returning from his trip, he stated he would convey his concerns directly to the leadership. Tharoor's recent praise for Prime Minister Modi has reportedly led to him being sidelined from party activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gained social media attention for twinning in traditional Eri silk scarves during her India visit. The visit also saw the announcement of a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, hailed as the 'mother of all deals,' aiming to deepen economic ties and create a vast free trade zone.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper at a rally when Youth Congress workers chanted slogans for deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Despite his requests for quiet, the disruptions continued, overshadowing the protest against a new rural employment scheme. This incident highlights the ongoing power struggle between the two leaders within the state Congress.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Tuesday rescued 60 people, including 40 soldiers of a Rashtriya Rifles unit, after they were stranded in a snowbound area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district following heavy snowfall. It also restored road connectivity in the Kandi-Kotranka area of Rajouri district after heavy snowfall disrupted movement in the Pir Panjal region.
An Indian national from Gujarat, Dharmesh Chunara, who escaped from Nepal's Bhadra Jail during last year's «Gen Z» protests, has been apprehended by Ahmedabad Police. He was caught with 13 kilograms of hybrid ganja valued at approximately Rs 13 crore. Chunara had entered India via the Sonauli border after the jailbreak.
Both parties trained guns at one another after the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi refused to wear the traditional Assamese scarf given to all the guests at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. BJP called it an insult to the northeast, with Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma snubbing what he called the attitude of the «de facto supremo».
Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, sent his resignation by e-mail to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh, the officials told news agency PTI. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.
The Indian Air Force released a video showcasing its fighter jets armed with advanced missiles like Meteor and BrahMos, silencing critics who doubted India's possession of the beyond-visual-range Meteor missile. The footage featured Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas jets, confirming the missile's presence and capabilities for air-to-air combat.
Women military personnel shone at the 77th Republic Day parade, leading contingents, showcasing skills, and participating in key ceremonial events. From Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar unfurling the flag to Captain Harshita Yadav leading an animal contingent and Captain Samira Z Buttar commanding a tableau, women made significant contributions.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi's seating at the Republic Day parade sparked a row, with the BJP accusing the Congress of entitlement. The Congress countered, calling it «petty politicking» and an insult to the Constitution. This controversy echoes past seating disputes and a recent incident at the Red Fort.
Sirhind, once a significant historical hub, now lies neglected with its ancient monuments crumbling and forgotten. Despite its rich past, from the era of Prithviraj Chauhan to Guru Gobind Singh's sons, the town has faded from public consciousness. Archaeological exploration and preservation efforts are minimal, leaving its historical treasures buried and overlooked.
Republic Day celebrations prominently featured the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram,' with performances and tableaux across states. The national song's significance was highlighted, becoming a focal point for political discourse, particularly between the BJP and TMC ahead of West Bengal's assembly polls. Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, among others, showcased tributes to the patriotic anthem.
UK intelligence warns of global food and water crises by the 2030s due to ecosystem collapse, potentially sparking conflict. Himalayan river decline could escalate tensions between China, India, and Pakistan, risking nuclear war. The report highlights threats to UK food security and calls for ecosystem protection and restoration.
Three British nationals have been charged with targeting two prominent Pakistani dissidents in the UK, supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan. The men allegedly conspired to assault journalist Adil Raja and former Khan advisor Mirza Shahzad Akbar on December 24th. One suspect also faces charges for attempted arson at Akbar's home on New Year's Eve.
A British civil servant of Indian origin, Dr. Francis Vijay Narasimhan Rangarajan, faces social media backlash over the controversial Chagos deal. He led negotiations to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, retaining use of the Diego Garcia base. Critics, including former politicians, have voiced strong opposition to the agreement.
«The previous governments spread fear that the BJP would stop free electricity and water, but these slum dwellers can now live peacefully. We are committed to providing them a good and quality life,» Gupta told reporters.
A political row erupted on social media after the Congress questioned IIT Madras director V Kamakoti's Padma Shri award, linking it to research on cow dung and urine. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu strongly defended Kamakoti, highlighting his deep tech expertise and the scientific potential of traditional substances, criticizing a «slavish colonial mindset.»
In a grand tribute to innovation in agriculture, nine distinguished individuals have been honored with the Padma Shri. Among them are esteemed scientists and passionate farmers, recognized for their impactful work ranging from the creation of superior rice strains and genome-editing breakthroughs to the promotion of unique cultivation methods such as Makhana farming.
