India’s third T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati on January 25, 2026 produced an early highlight as Hardik Pandya pulled off a spectacular leaping catch to dismiss Devon Conway. With India already 2–0 up in the five-match series and choosing to field first after winning the toss, the moment amplified the hosts’ intensity and gave them an early breakthrough in front of a loud Barsapara crowd.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, January 25, 2026, receiving a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour as they begin a state visit timed with India’s Republic Day celebrations. Their presence as chief guests is being read as a signal of a closer India–EU strategic partnership, with trade and geopolitical coordination expected to feature prominently in discussions.
Officials reported two confirmed Nipah virus cases in Kolkata, West Bengal, involving healthcare workers. Authorities deployed joint response teams, expanded testing of contacts and enforced quarantine measures, as investigations continue into the source of infection.
Mumbai qualified for the Ranji Trophy knockouts after beating Hyderabad by nine wickets in a Group D match, also securing a bonus point. The result underlined Mumbai’s dominance and kept them firmly in the title conversation in India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament.
Rashtriya Janata Dal appointed Tejashwi Yadav as national working president during the party’s national executive meeting in Patna, expanding his organisational role. The move was framed by the party as a new phase, even as it drew sharp public comments from his sister Rohini Acharya.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to visit India in mid-February 2026 as global artificial intelligence leaders plan to meet in New Delhi. The timing highlights India’s growing importance in the global AI ecosystem, though specific details of Altman’s agenda were not disclosed.
A Hindu man in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district died after a garage where he was sleeping caught fire. Investigators say CCTV footage shows suspicious movement near the site, prompting a probe into whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate amid renewed concerns over attacks on minorities.
Industry bodies representing India’s gems and jewellery sector have urged the government to cut duties, reform procedures and consider GST rationalisation in Budget 2026-27. The pitch aims to boost export competitiveness and reduce cost pressures amid challenging global demand and pricing volatility.
On the eve of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including an Ashoka Chakra for IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The list also includes Kirti Chakras, Shaurya Chakras and multiple service medals, with several honours awarded posthumously.
RJD has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as national working president in the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav, formalising a leadership transition even as family voices raise questions about internal dynamics and the direction of the party.
A Union Home Ministry tableau at the 77th Republic Day parade will focus on implementing India’s new criminal laws and showcasing technology-driven, time-bound justice reforms, highlighting the push toward digital processes and citizen-centric delivery.
The rupee hit an all-time intraday low of 92 against the US dollar on 23 January 2026 before ending around 91.88, as foreign fund outflows, weak domestic equities and global risk aversion weighed on the currency, traders said.
