English-language national news, explainers and fact checks.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, India’s gems and jewellery industry has urged the government to consider GST rationalisation, customs-duty changes and faster, tech-enabled clearances to help exporters remain competitive amid shifting global supply chains. Industry bodies also flagged concerns about existing tax mechanisms and called for reforms tied to investment and skills.
In his January 25 Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked young Indians to register as voters as soon as they turn 18, calling it a major milestone and a constitutional duty. Linking the message to National Voters’ Day and the eve of Republic Day, he framed participation as essential to strengthening democratic values.
Mumbai sealed a place in the Ranji Trophy knockout stage after beating Hyderabad by nine wickets and taking a bonus point. Musheer Khan’s five-wicket haul set up a small chase, and Mumbai’s points tally strengthened their top position in Group D with one league match left.
Rashtriya Janata Dal has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as its National Working President at a key party meeting in Patna, reinforcing a succession plan under Lalu Prasad Yadav. The move comes amid internal unease and public comments from family members about the party’s direction after recent electoral setbacks.
Mumbai qualified for the Ranji Trophy knockouts after a dominant nine-wicket win over Hyderabad that also earned them a bonus point. Musheer Khan starred with a five-wicket haul as Mumbai consolidated their Group D lead with one league match remaining.
A Hindu man in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district was burnt to death while he was asleep inside a garage, triggering local tension and renewed concerns about minority safety. Police say CCTV footage indicates suspicious activity near the site and investigators are examining whether the blaze was caused externally or by an accident.
/countries/india/who-india-logo-2025.tmb-1200v.png?sfvrsn=cb43098c_1){kind=logo}
WHO-supported teams in Meghalaya visited vaccination booths during National Immunisation Day activities to monitor protocol compliance and strengthen service quality. The monitoring focused on standard practices such as correct markings, vaccine handling and cold-chain maintenance, and improved community engagement.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to affect north, northwest and central India from 26 January, with the IMD flagging chances of rain, snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds and low visibility in some areas. The most intense conditions are forecast around 27–28 January, with travel disruption risks.
The Centre has announced the Padma Awards for 2026, with 131 civilian honours cleared across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri categories. The list includes posthumous awards, women awardees, and several names from arts, public affairs, industry and sports, ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, India’s gems and jewellery sector has asked for GST rationalisation, import-duty tweaks and faster, risk-based customs processes. Industry bodies say these changes could improve export competitiveness and help the sector manage global trade uncertainty and shifting supply chains.
West Bengal’s health system is on alert after reported Nipah cases among healthcare workers, with critical patients under treatment and contact tracing, quarantine and testing measures underway. Authorities are treating the situation as high-risk given Nipah’s history of severe disease.
India’s tech job market has started 2026 on a softer note, with active openings down 24% compared with a year ago, according to Xpheno. The report points to persistent caution in global IT spending and weaker demand for mid-to-senior roles.