The Times of India

India is set to significantly slash import duties on European cars, potentially to 40% from over 100%, as a free trade agreement with the EU nears conclusion. This move opens India's auto market, benefiting European brands like BMW and Volkswagen, while protecting domestic electric vehicle production initially. The deal aims to boost trade and diversify supply chains.

IndiGo has cancelled flights to Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku until January 28 due to regional developments around Iran. The airline cited a review of the security situation and emphasized passenger safety as its highest priority. This decision follows widespread unrest in Iran, with protests escalating against the country's leadership.

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing military might and cultural diversity. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antnio Costa are this years chief guests, highlighting a deepening strategic partnership. Discussions on a crucial free trade agreement and a new security pact are underway, underscoring strong India-EU ties.

Budget 2026: Last years Budget delivered meaningful tax relief through revisions in personal income-tax slabs and enhancement of the Section 87A rebate.

Indian stock and commodity markets were closed on January 26 for Republic Day, marking the second holiday of 2026. Trading will resume on January 27. A total of 16 market holidays are scheduled for 2026, including national and religious observances.

Accenture CEO Julie Sweet emphasized that leaders must deeply understand AI to guide their companies through necessary changes. She shared a client example where 300 leaders touching keyboards to experience AI was crucial for progress. Sweet stressed that leader-led learning, followed by broader employee training, is essential for unlocking AI's transformative potential across industries.

India's Constitution, now 76 years old, uniquely begins with art, not just law. 22 hand-drawn illustrations by Nandalal Bose and his team visually represent the spirit of each part, transforming the legal document into a tapestry of India's civilisational essence.

Marco Rubio said the US looks forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead and mentioned the Quad to assert the significance of the India-US relationship for the Indo-Pacific region. The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region.

Kerala's Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, along with other 'unsung heroes' like Gambir Singh Yonzone and Hally War, has been recognized with Padma awards for their significant environmental conservation efforts. Amma transformed sandy land into a green sanctuary, while others established national parks and revitalized living root bridges, showcasing dedication to nature.

Kargil war hero Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, has been elevated to honorary captain for his distinguished service. He is among 2,241 JCOs receiving honorary commissioned ranks on Republic Day. This recognition highlights the crucial, often overlooked, contributions of senior non-commissioned officers who form the backbone of the Army.

On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced 982 service medals for police, fire, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services. Jammu and Kashmir led in gallantry awards, with 125 Medals of Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service conferred.

The government recognized 84 districts, including ten new ones, for Padma awards, highlighting hinterland talents. Notable recipients include folk musician Taga Ram Bheel and environmentalist Hally War. Maharashtra leads with 15 awardees, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The selection process involved over 39,000 nominations, emphasizing diverse representation.

Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 2,000 crore in Ludhiana and Jaipur, bringing the total attachment in the Pearl Agro Corp Ltd case to Rs 7,600 crore. The multi-level marketing firm allegedly defrauded lakhs of investors, raising over Rs 60,000 crore and siphoning funds into personal assets abroad. The Supreme Court has formed a committee to facilitate investor refunds.

Rising tensions around Iran are impacting Indian aviation, leading IndiGo to cancel several services and implement refuelling halts. Air India is reassessing transcontinental operations and has stopped overflying Iran on Europe-bound routes due to safety advisories warning of heightened risks to civil aviation.

The University Grants Commission has introduced new regulations to combat caste-based discrimination on Indian campuses, with institutions now directly accountable for preventing bias and addressing complaints. The framework mandates Equal Opportunity Centres, equity committees, and round-the-clock helplines, aiming for greater transparency and timely action to ensure student welfare.

Tejashwi Yadav has been appointed RJD's national working president, signaling a generational shift in the party. He vowed to challenge the BJP nationwide, touring states to unite anti-BJP forces. Despite recent electoral setbacks, Tejashwi expressed confidence in the party's mission and pledged to work towards national party status, urging workers to remain resolute.

A man jailed for eight years for his wife's murder has been acquitted. The court found critical flaws, including doubts about the recovered body's identity and a lack of established motive. The prosecution's case, built on circumstantial evidence, failed to form an unbroken chain pointing solely to the accused, leading to his immediate release.

Muslim entrepreneurs in India are addressing everyday needs, from professional development for women and Sharia-compliant investments to modest fashion and digital Quran learning. These ventures are filling economic gaps, empowering communities and demonstrating a growing aspiration beyond traditional narratives of disadvantage. They are solving practical problems for modern urban life.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a judge cannot preside over a case involving themselves, quashing proceedings against a railway official. A special railway magistrate had initiated action against the administration for insufficient staff, claiming interference. However, the apex court found the magistrate attempting to judge his own cause, ending the judicial-railway dispute.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the youth's 'bhajan-clubbing' trend, a modern fusion of devotion and culture resonating with Gen Z, comparing it to global concerts. He also highlighted Malaysia's Tamil schools, the UAE's 'Year of the Family', and urged a national focus on manufacturing excellence, declaring the 'chalta hai' attitude obsolete.

President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the Constitution's makers, highlighting its role in national unity and patriotism, exemplified by 'Vande Mataram'. She emphasized India's economic growth, aiming to be the third-largest economy, driven by infrastructure investment, atma-nirbharta, and swadeshi. The President also underscored the crucial role of women's empowerment and participation in strengthening democracy and achieving 'Viksit Bharat'.

Despite an aggressive crackdown, one Indian was apprehended at the US border every 20 minutes in 2025. While numbers dropped from the previous year, the allure of the American dream persists, with immigrants seeking riskier routes, including via the Canada-US border, as traditional smuggling corridors face increased pressure.

Thousands of tourists were stranded in Manali for a second day due to icy roads and a massive traffic surge. Exit routes saw jams exceeding 10km, forcing tourists to walk on ice in sub-zero temperatures. Many spent the night shivering in vehicles, describing the ordeal as nightmarish.

Indian states' fiscal deficits are widening slightly, with market borrowing now funding the majority of their needs. Funding patterns are becoming more disciplined, with longer-term securities and lower borrowing costs. However, demographic shifts are creating distinct fiscal challenges and opportunities for younger versus older states.

India's consumer goods chiefs are urging the government for tax cuts and measures to boost middle-class purchasing power to sustain consumption recovery. They seek support for local industries against volatile commodity prices and stable input costs, aiming to prevent price hikes for consumers. Increased disposable incomes and infrastructure investments are also key demands.

Foreign investors are urging a review of India's tax policies, particularly capital gains, citing high trading costs and potential double taxation. They argue that the reintroduction of long-term capital gains tax, coupled with difficulties in claiming foreign tax credits, makes India less attractive. Concerns also include computation issues and refund delays, contributing to significant FPI outflows.

India and the EU are poised to announce a free trade agreement, with domestic industries pushing for zero-duty access in sectors like textiles and leather to better compete with nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. While the auto sector seeks protection against Chinese EVs, mobility-related easing for professionals is also anticipated.

A European military analysis reveals India achieved air superiority during Operation Sindoor. This 88-hour operation in May 2025 forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. The report highlights the effectiveness of India's integrated air defence system. It also notes the loss of an Indian Rafale fighter jet. The conflict involved advanced aircraft and sophisticated air defence networks.

Archaeologists discovered Indian rhino bone fragments at a neolithic site near Coimbatore, dating back approximately 3,500 years. This finding suggests rhinos once roamed the Western Ghats, expanding their known historical range beyond current habitats in Assam and the north-eastern plains.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first astronaut to reach the ISS, has been awarded the Ashok Chakra for his historic 18-day mission and extensive scientific experiments. This prestigious honour, announced on the eve of Republic Day, recognizes his exceptional courage and service. Shukla is also a leading candidate for India's Gaganyaan mission.

Poonch Police apprehended a 60-year-old man for allegedly posting inflammatory social media content that threatened public order and communal harmony. The accused's offensive post reportedly caused widespread resentment among a particular community. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings and issued an advisory warning citizens against similar online actions.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah called for Ladakh's re-merger with the state, welcoming the BJP's rejection of further bifurcation. He also opposed dividing Jammu, attributing such theories to BJP legislators and their Kashmiri allies. The statements follow a debate on J&K's future after the abrogation of Article 370.

A severe winter storm has triggered widespread flight cancellations across the US, impacting over 10,000 flights on Sunday alone. Major airports in Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New York are experiencing significant disruptions. Airlines are advising passengers to check their status and explore rebooking options, with refunds guaranteed if the trip is no longer desired.

The Pak-India Business Council urged both nations to resume dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, extending greetings ahead of India's Republic Day. Chairman Noor Muhammad Kasuri highlighted India's development and the potential for collaborative growth, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and strengthened regional ties for the Global South.

The court set aside the decision of the division bench of Madras High Court, which had denied maternity leave to a government school teacher by applying the States two child norm policy, rather than as a right connected to motherhood and reproductive dignity.

India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Awards for 2026, were announced, recognising 131 individuals across various fields. Notable recipients include Uday Kotak for finance, Dharmendra and V S Achuthanandan for their contributions, and Alka Yagnik and Vijay Amritraj for their achievements. The list also features prominent figures from sports, arts, and public life.

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The Trinamool Congress has strongly condemned BJP leader Sanjay Das for his derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including calling her a witch and advocating for her beheading. The TMC accused the BJP of normalizing misogyny, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's past remarks and the act of handing a sword to another BJP leader during the event.

Veteran actor Dharmendra and former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren will be honored with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan posthumously, respectively. India announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri, recognizing distinguished service across various fields.

India Inc is significantly reducing fresh graduate hiring, particularly in STEM fields, as companies prioritise industry-ready talent. This shift sees a focus on smaller, skilled teams and job-ready individuals proficient in cloud platforms, data pipelines, and AI tools.

The choice between the old and the new income tax regime is an important one and every year, taxpayers carefully calculate the tax liability under each before deciding on which one to opt for.