The Times of India

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash in Baramati, adding to a grim list of Indian leaders lost in aviation accidents. This incident follows the June 2025 crash of an Air India Dreamliner, which claimed the life of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and over 200 others.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea challenging new UGC regulations on higher education equity. Critics argue the rules define caste discrimination too narrowly, excluding potential bias against general category students. The regulations mandate equity committees with representation from SC, ST, and OBC communities, replacing older advisory guidelines. Protests have erupted demanding the rollback of these rules.

Gold price prediction today: Gold and silver prices are likely to hit fresh highs in the coming days, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. He shares his outlook for gold and silver prices in the coming days:

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened in green on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 25,300, BSE Sensex was up over 500 points.

Cooper Kupps NFC Championship appearance against his former Rams blended football and family into one powerful moment. Now with the Seahawks, the Super Bowl MVP faced his past while drawing strength from his wife Anna and their three sons. The matchup symbolized resilience, loyalty, and a fresh chapter driven by purpose.

European Council President Antonio Costa expressed pride in his Goan roots, highlighting his personal connection to India as the EU and India concluded an ambitious free trade agreement. This historic moment marks a new chapter in their relations, strengthening ties in trade, security, and people-to-people connections.

Bengaluru-based Akashlabdhi is nearing the launch of India's first inflatable space habitat, AntarikshHAB, after successful key tests in Switzerland. A scaled-down version will launch in July, demonstrating deployment, controlled re-entry, and recovery for crucial data on survivability and responsible space operations.

Stock market recommendations: According to Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, the top stocks to buy today (January 28, 2026) are Chennai Petroleum, Oil India, and Punjab National Bank (PNB). Lets take a look:

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared Europe-India political ties are stronger than ever, highlighted by a new Free Trade Agreement and Security and Defence Partnership. This collaboration signals a commitment to dialogue and cooperation amidst global uncertainty, aiming to bolster economic growth and strategic stability for both regions. The agreements mark a significant advancement in bilateral relations.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor missed another crucial party meeting, citing a late invitation and pre-planned Dubai travel. Returning from his trip, he stated he would convey his concerns directly to the leadership. Tharoor's recent praise for Prime Minister Modi has reportedly led to him being sidelined from party activities.

India's Principal Scientific Adviser has released a white paper outlining a techno-legal framework for AI governance, emphasizing safe and trusted AI development. The paper advocates for a pro-innovation approach integrating legal safeguards, sector-specific regulations, and technical controls to foster a robust AI ecosystem.

India has inked its eighth Free Trade Agreement since 2021 with the European Union, a landmark deal hailed as the 'mother of all deals'. This pact, finalized during the Republic Day celebrations, significantly expands market access for Indian exports across numerous sectors to 27 EU nations, promising enhanced trade and economic ties.

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the music industry, superstar singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing. The much-loved vocalist revealed that he will no longer take up any new assignments as a playback singer.

Once operational, around 93% of Indias exports are set to gain duty-free entry into European markets, while Indian consumers are likely to see lower prices on premium European imports such as luxury automobiles and wines. With the US as one of the largest trading partners of India, Trumps 50% tariffs have dented its exports.

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a landmark free trade agreement, described as the mother of all deals. Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal dismissed any US role in the pact, emphasising its independent nature. The agreement, expected to be implemented by 2026, aims to boost trade and investment between the two economic powerhouses.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman initiated the final preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27 with the traditional Halwa Ceremony. This event signifies the commencement of a strict lock-in period for officials involved in budget compilation, ensuring utmost confidentiality. The budget will be presented on February 1st, with digital access available via a mobile app.