The government has declared coking coal a critical mineral. This move aims to boost exploration and mining activities. India imports most of its coking coal despite having large domestic reserves. This reform seeks to reduce import dependence. It will strengthen the steel sector's supply chain. The policy also encourages private investment and advanced mining technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened with Indian AI start-ups and industry leaders, emphasizing ethical AI use, data security, and indigenous solutions. He highlighted India's digital prowess, citing UPI as an example, and urged the creation of a transparent, impartial, and secure AI ecosystem.

The Beating Retreat ceremony will formally conclude Republic Day celebrations today. This event showcases India's military heritage and the armed forces' dedication. Bands from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform at Vijay Chowk. Traffic restrictions are in place in central Delhi to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the UGC on the pleas challenging the regulation. The new UGC regulations, notified on January 23, were challenged by various petitioners as being arbitrary, exclusionary, discriminatory and in violation of the Constitution as well as the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

The Supreme Court found prima facie merit in concerns that the 2026 rules, especially the definition of caste-based discrimination under Regulation 3(c), were vague and open to misuse. The bench directed that the 2012 regulations would continue to apply until further orders and issued notices to the Centre and the University Grants Commission.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma defended his controversial remarks on «Miya Muslims,» clarifying he referred to illegal Bangladeshi migrants. Citing the Supreme Court on demographic concerns, Sarma stated his aim is to protect Assam's identity and security. Opposition leaders condemned his comments, warning of social disharmony and potential civil unrest.

Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam has publicly expressed readiness for reunification with Edappadi Palaniswami's faction ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls. Despite OPS's overture, EPS has firmly rejected any possibility of his return, citing past expulsion. This move highlights OPS's political isolation and a desperate bid for relevance.

The ministry of civil aviation is conducting a swift and transparent investigation into the Learjet 45 aircraft crash that tragically claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Teams from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and Directorate General of Civil Aviation have reached the crash site, and crucial black box data recorders have been recovered.

Congress urged DMK to begin delayed seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections during a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Kanimozhi. While expressing respect, the DMK was encouraged to engage with the Congress committee, which has been awaiting discussions for two months. The Congress has reportedly proposed 41 seats, a demand the DMK is hesitant to meet.

Bangladesh’s foreign affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that there was “no reason” for India to recall the family members of its diplomats from Dhaka. This comes after New Delhi cited precautionary safety concerns amid rising extremist activity ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for February 2026.

A patient advocacy group has urged the Indian government to publicly disclose the full text of the EU free trade agreement before signing. They caution that the pact's strong intellectual property provisions could compromise access to affordable medicines, impacting millions globally who rely on Indian generic production.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash while attempting to land in Baramati. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde visited Pawar's family to offer condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief and spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar.