The Times of India

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.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee fiercely criticized the Election Commission on National Voters' Day, calling it a ragic farce and accusing it of destroying democracy on BJP's behalf. She alleged the EC is harassing citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, by demanding physical appearances for verification, leading to distress and deaths.

Indian visa applicants face significant US processing delays, with increased 221(g) notices for background checks, including social media and old arrest records. This intensified scrutiny, particularly impacting H-1B visa holders, is causing unprecedented delays and even revocations, leaving many stranded. Biometric requests are also up, extending evaluation times.

As the Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, the EV sector anticipates measures to boost adoption. Deloitte India suggests recalibrated PLI schemes, targeted tax breaks for R&D, and incentives for domestic capital goods manufacturing. These steps aim to reduce import reliance and enhance EV affordability.

The Indian rupee has hit a historic low against the US dollar, making imports like crude oil and electronics pricier for consumers. While this impacts overseas education and travel costs, it offers a silver lining for exporters by increasing their earnings. Experts advise a balanced approach to manage growth and inflation.

India's regional air connectivity scheme is set for a major overhaul. The government plans to financially support airlines operating on remote routes to cover potential losses. This revamp aims to make flights to hinterland destinations commercially viable. The proposal awaits Cabinet approval. The scheme has already disbursed significant subsidies and invested in airport development.

Gowda, a former bus conductor from Karnataka, founded Pustakamane with the aim of making books accessible to people from remote and marginalised communities. Over the years, the initiative has grown into a vast repository of more than two million books in over 20 languages, including rare manuscripts and historical texts.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with a US Congressional delegation in New Delhi. Discussions covered India-US relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict. The US Ambassador to India also participated. Both sides expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation. This diplomatic outreach occurs amid ongoing trade talks between the two nations.

A new India-EU free trade agreement is poised to boost trade and lower costs, according to GTRI. The pact leverages the distinct strengths of both economies, with India excelling in labor-intensive production and the EU in capital goods and technology. This synergy is expected to expand trade rather than harm domestic industries, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

Union Budget 2026 will be read less as rhetoric and more as reassurance: Can the state reduce the private burden families carry to make education work? Parents and students expect spending that strengthens classroomsteachers, foundational learning, and a credible path towards 6% of GDP. They also look for digital access beyond fibre, advanced learning beyond metros, paid work pathways, and affordability through scholarships and safer loans, with counselling treated as core infrastructure.

India is shifting its crude oil sourcing, reducing Russian imports due to compliance risks while increasing shipments from the Middle East. Despite a decline, Russian crude remains a significant, albeit more selective, part of India's energy mix, driven by its economic advantages and refinery margins.

Railway Budget 2026: Though budgetary support on infrastructure build remains critical, linking these investments to structural reforms will be essential.

Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters dismissed Paramount Skydance's $108 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery as unrealistic, citing its heavy reliance on debt. He contrasted it with Netflix's more stable $82.7 billion all-cash offer, which is gaining traction with shareholders. The potential merger faces significant Hollywood and regulatory scrutiny.

Speaking during the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi highlighted the significance of the upcoming Republic Day and the constitutional values it represents. He also drew attention to the importance of January 25, which is observed as National Voters Day, describing it as a key occasion in the democratic calendar.

A powerful winter storm has caused widespread US air travel disruptions, leading to over 13,000 flight cancellations and impacting major airports. Airlines are waiving change fees and offering rebooking options, but compensation for meals or lodging during weather-related cancellations is not guaranteed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 130th Mann Ki Baat on January 25, 2026, coinciding with National Voters' Day and the eve of Republic Day. He urged first-time voters to participate actively and highlighted the decade-long success of the Start-up India initiative, emphasizing the need for quality and excellence in Indian manufacturing and innovation.

The US government is investing $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth, acquiring a 10% stake to support a local mine and magnet production facility. This move aims to bolster domestic rare earth production, with the company also securing $1 billion in private funding. The investment includes government shares and warrants, priced near the company's recent trading levels.

National Voters Day is observed annually on January 25 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), established in 1950. The day aims to recognise voters, encourage youth participation, reinforce democratic values, and promote universal adult suffrage. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said National Voters Day is about further deepening our faith in the democratic values of our nation.

India's gems and jewellery industry is pushing for GST cuts, customs reforms, and policy changes in the Union Budget 2026-2027 to boost exports and competitiveness. Key demands include rationalizing GST on gold and silver jewellery to 1.25% and operationalizing the Tourist GST Refund scheme to attract foreign buyers.

Infosys is now collecting household electricity data from employees working remotely to enhance its sustainability efforts. This initiative aims to accurately measure the environmental impact of hybrid work and refine clean energy strategies. The company, already a leader in renewable energy sourcing, seeks to further reduce its carbon footprint by understanding home energy consumption patterns.

The government should definitely make a uniform policy for accredited investors but with fewer norms. And before angel investors, the government should look at F&Os as they are even riskier and more speculative. Angel investing drives capital formation.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump's pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence. - External pressure - The Fed meets eight times a year to consider interest rate levels, and Michael Pearce of Oxford Economics said the dilemma it faces has eased.

A new wave of Indian entrepreneurs, dubbed BARBIE founders, are returning from abroad to build successful startups. These individuals, who pursued undergraduate degrees overseas, are outperforming IIT and BITS alumni in creating unicorns. Their global exposure and often family business leverage contribute to their success, particularly in consumer-focused ventures.

Young Indian writers are redefining memoirs, moving beyond traditional life stories of achievement. Millennials and GenZs are sharing their experiences of growing up queer, disabled, or navigating political violence and personal challenges, finding hope and connection in these mid-journey narratives.

'Border 2' has opened strongly, earning Rs 30 crore on its first day, with early Saturday collections reaching Rs 7.1 crore. Despite facing challenges like heavy rainfall and delayed print distribution in some areas, the film ranks among the top openers of the past year.

The author recounts a lifetime of casual body policing and hin shaming despite cultural ideals of thinness. She details the constant, often well-intentioned but hurtful, comments and assumptions about her naturally thin physique, highlighting the double standard in body commentary.

After 12 years away, an astronaut returns to India, surrounded by the echoes of her father's stories and the warmth of family bonds. This is her inaugural trip to Kerala, a land her father called enchanting.

Preeti Unhale, 51, has become India's longest-living heart transplant survivor, marking 25 years with a donor heart on January 23, 2026. Facing a critical condition in 2000, she underwent the life-saving procedure at AIIMS, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adherence to lifelong medical discipline.

A 70-year-old man, Babu Lohar, pedalled his rickshaw van 300km to Cuttack with his ailing wife for medical treatment, refusing help. After two months, he is now making the arduous journey back home, showcasing immense devotion and highlighting the struggles of the poor in accessing healthcare and transport.

India voted against a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran's protest crackdown, extending a fact-finding mission. This move, aligning with China and Pakistan, signals India's commitment to non-interference and its strategic interests, particularly concerning the Chabahar port. Iran's envoy lauded India's 'principled and firm support' against what he termed an 'unjust' resolution.

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan voiced strong dissent over the collegium's decision to transfer Justice Atul Sreedharan, citing executive influence. He argued that such transfers, especially when prompted by the central government, compromise judicial independence and the integrity of the collegium system. Justice Bhuyan emphasized the judiciary's reliance on public faith.

Ahead of Republic Day, the government has approved honorary commissioned ranks for 2,241 Junior Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army. This honour, recognizing decades of selfless service and leadership, includes 437 elevated to honorary captain and 1,804 to honorary lieutenant.

Cuba seeks to bolster economic ties with India across various sectors including agro-industry, biotech, healthcare, IT, renewable energy, sports, and tourism. The nation, a pioneer in biopharma, is also transitioning to renewable energy, presenting collaboration opportunities. Cuba offers land use for businesses and electronic visas, alongside significant tourism infrastructure.

India's maritime sector is poised for a massive Rs 80 lakh crore investment, aiming to reclaim nautical supremacy and create over 1.5 crore jobs. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Vizhinjam port's transformation into a global transshipment hub, underscoring unprecedented progress in the sector under PM Modi's leadership.