The Times of India

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.

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.