The Times of India

Highway construction agencies are facing a challenge as contractors aggressively bid up to 48% below estimated project costs, raising concerns about work quality. This trend, driven by fewer projects and increased competition, forces contractors to quote low to keep resources engaged, potentially impacting the sector's long-term health and project standards.

Congress has questioned the Modi government's intent regarding the caste enumeration in Census 2027, citing that the 'houselisting' questionnaire omits 'OBC' as an option. The party demands immediate consultations with political parties, states, and civil society before finalizing the caste census details.

Congress leadership is planning to meet senior leader Shashi Tharoor following his absence from a crucial Kerala election strategy meeting. Tharoor, who cited personal issues and unhappiness with the party, will be invited for discussions to address his grievances. The party aims to ensure unity for the upcoming state elections, recognizing Tharoor's electoral influence.

Delhi High Court has adopted gender-neutral terminology in court documents, replacing father's/husband's name with parent's/spouse's name. This change, inspired by a district judge's suggestion, aims to empower women and reflect modern family structures. The move will impact judicial officers' personal files, staff ID cards, and various official forms.

A devastating fire engulfed a Kolkata warehouse complex early Monday, claiming at least seven lives and leaving 21 workers missing. Trapped inside units laden with combustible decoration materials and food supplies, the victims were sleeping when the blaze erupted. Firefighters battled for hours, but the inferno's intensity and smoldering debris continue to hinder rescue efforts.

PVR INOX is divesting its premium snacking business, 4700BC, to FMCG major Marico for Rs 226.8 crore in an all-cash deal. This strategic move aims to reduce debt and sharpen the company's focus on its core cinema operations. The transaction is expected to be finalized within 30 days.

Axis Bank reported a 3% year-on-year net profit increase to Rs 6,490 crore in the December quarter, driven by robust loan growth and higher fee income. Net interest income rose 5% to Rs 14,287 crore, fueled by a 14% surge in advances, particularly in corporate and SME segments.

India's startup ecosystem faces challenges with ESOP taxation, creating liquidity issues for employees. While a 2020 tax deferral aimed to help, it's limited to a small fraction of eligible startups. Expanding this benefit to all recognized startups and unlisted companies is crucial for making ESOPs a true wealth-creation tool.

Technology reigns supreme as the top paymaster in 2026, with AI and digitisation driving demand for tech roles. Software development, product management, and data engineering are leading the charge. Interestingly, senior-level salaries are surging in Tier-2 cities, challenging metro dominance. Overall salary growth is projected at 9% this year.

Wealthy Indians are increasingly diversifying into dollar-denominated assets, with GIFT City emerging as a preferred route to hedge against rupee depreciation. While equities remain popular, real assets, boosted by AIFs, REITs, and InvITs, form the largest investment bucket. Despite global headwinds, HNIs and UHNIs remain bullish on India's growth, though GDP growth expectations have moderated.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is set for a significant overhaul with a new base year of 2022-23 and a shift to a chain-based series. This update will increase the weight of electricity and manufacturing sectors while decreasing mining's share, reflecting evolving production patterns. The new methodology aims to better capture dynamic economic changes.

Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce for the first time, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and a flight from traditional assets. Dollar weakness and concerns over US monetary policy further fueled demand for the precious metal, which has seen a significant rally this year.

The government is exploring new ways to increase privatization and use the money for infrastructure. Industry bodies and NITI Aayog suggest creating a wealth fund. However, past efforts have faced challenges. While some reforms are moving forward, political will is needed to revive the privatization program. Progress on asset monetization also remains slow.

Global leaders, including US President Trump and China's Xi Jinping, extended Republic Day greetings to India. Trump emphasized the bond between the world's oldest and largest democracies, while Xi highlighted India-China as good neighbours, friends and partners. King Charles III also lauded the enduring India-UK partnership, noting shared values and deepening cooperation.

India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive free trade agreement after 18 years of talks, poised to boost trade and investment. The deal, expected to be announced Tuesday, aims for significant tariff reductions on most goods, with India gaining market access for textiles and leather, while offering concessions on automobiles and wines. Implementation is anticipated by early 2027.

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.

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.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated that Pakistan's efforts to disrupt tourism in the region have failed. He urged people to visit Kashmir, emphasizing its peaceful atmosphere and readiness to welcome visitors, while also honoring the victims of a past terror attack.

Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for more heavy snowfall. A western disturbance is expected to bring snow starting Monday evening. This could affect flights and the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast for most of Kashmir and higher Jammu regions on Tuesday. Light rain and higher-reach snow are possible Wednesday.

The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly not wearing an Assamese 'Gamosa' at a Republic Day reception, with Assam's CM demanding an apology. Congress countered by questioning why Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wasn't also asked to wear it, accusing the BJP of trivial politics and highlighting alleged disrespect towards their leaders at the parade.

A proposed railway line from Bijbehara to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is facing strong opposition from local residents and political figures. Concerns are mounting over the project's impact on vast agricultural and apple orchard lands, threatening livelihoods. Leaders are urging the central government to reconsider the plan, citing existing infrastructure and the project's perceived lack of benefit.

The US Treasury Department has terminated 31 contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton, totaling $21 million in obligations. This action follows the conviction of a former contractor linked to the firm for leaking sensitive IRS tax data, including President Trump's. The Treasury cited the firm's failure to implement adequate safeguards for confidential taxpayer information.

An inter-ministerial panel has advised Indian Railways to stagger station redevelopment projects, prioritizing funding for programmatic corridors. The panel also recommended linking station development expenditure to revenue generation, including user charges, and suggested rolling out Integrated Station Facility Managers to maximize income from station assets.

Indias customs reform journey is entering a phase where regulatory stability, procedural simplicity, digital reliability, will be more important than marginal tariff adjustments.

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.

For the first time in over a decade, India celebrated Republic Day in Yemen with the Indian community and embassy staff. Other diplomatic missions in the US, Singapore, Japan, and Sri Lanka also marked the occasion with flag unfurling ceremonies and participation from the Indian diaspora. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings, highlighting the strong bilateral partnership.

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural diversity. Meanwhile, the UAE reportedly scrapped its airport management deal with Pakistan following the UAE President's India visit. In other news, a Bangladesh court sentenced three police officers to death for protest-related killings, and IndiGo cancelled flights to four Central Asian cities due to regional developments.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is slated to visit India in early March to sign significant deals on uranium, energy, minerals, AI, education, and culture. This visit aims to diversify Canada's alliances and reset bilateral relations, with formal CEPA negotiations also set to commence. Both nations are prioritizing these agreements amid a changing global order and U.S. trade pressures.

Nasscom has asked for ESOP tax deferment to be extended to all DPIIT-recognised startups and it should not be limited to just the ones certified by the Inter-Ministerial Board.

Bengaluru's new municipal structure reveals significant voter disparities across wards, with some representing over 49,000 electors while others have just over 10,000. This imbalance undermines democratic representation and could lead to unequal access to civic services and political influence. The delimitation process, based on 2011 census population figures, has resulted in these inequities.

US President Donald Trump extended heartfelt greetings to India on its 77th Republic Day, highlighting the historic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Sergio Gor also conveyed wishes, emphasizing strong cooperation across various sectors and the symbolic presence of US-made aircraft at the parade.

India's burgeoning private space sector urges the government to boost public procurement and recognize space assets as critical infrastructure. This move aims to unlock financing, reduce capital costs, and accelerate the growth of domestic companies in satellites, launch vehicles, and data services, positioning India as a global space leader.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's upcoming Union Budget is anticipated to bring significant tax reforms and a customs duty overhaul. Focus is also on economic growth support amidst global uncertainty and a clear strategy to lower India's debt-to-GDP ratio. Taxpayers hope for income tax relief, while businesses seek clarity on the new tax regime.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated that a successful India contributes to global stability, prosperity, and security. She, along with European Council president Antonio Costa, were the first joint EU leaders to attend India's Republic Day parade as chief guests. Their visit precedes an India-EU summit focused on trade, security, and strategic cooperation.

Indian equity indices Sensex and Nifty have seen significant declines in January, exceeding 4%, driven by consistent foreign fund outflows and a weakening rupee. Geopolitical tensions, tariff concerns, and muted corporate earnings have further pressured the market, leading to a cautious start to the year.

Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head of SBI Securities recommends buying Hindustan Unilever, and Ashok Leyland as top stock picks. He shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for the Budget 2026 trading week starting January 27, 2026: