The Times of India

The government has declared coking coal a critical mineral. This move aims to boost exploration and mining activities. India imports most of its coking coal despite having large domestic reserves. This reform seeks to reduce import dependence. It will strengthen the steel sector's supply chain. The policy also encourages private investment and advanced mining technologies.

India is piloting a digital food currency, a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), for its free ration scheme in select regions. Beneficiaries will receive digital food coupons in an RBI-enabled wallet, redeemable at ration shops by scanning QR codes. This aims to enhance transparency and prevent leakage in the food security program.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi met with Shashi Tharoor to address internal concerns ahead of the Kerala assembly polls. The constructive and positive discussion aimed to quell speculation and ensure party unity. Tharoor emphasized moving forward together, dismissing discussions about a chief ministerial face.

Vijay's father, SA Chandrasekhar, urged Congress to ally with his son's TVK for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, believing it would restore the party's past prominence. However, the state Congress chief dismissed the informal proposal, stating the party doesn't require external support. Vijay himself has indicated TVK's strength to contest independently.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, was cremated with full state honours in Baramati. He died in a chartered plane crash along with four others. The funeral took place at Vidya Pratishthan college ground. Many leaders from across the political spectrum attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Indian AI leaders, emphasising ethical use, data security, and indigenous solutions for national growth. He highlighted India's digital prowess, citing UPI as a model for AI development. The interaction aimed to foster collaborations and accelerate India's AI mission, with industry leaders backing self-reliance goals.

The Beating Retreat ceremony will formally conclude Republic Day celebrations today. This event showcases India's military heritage and the armed forces' dedication. Bands from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform at Vijay Chowk. Traffic restrictions are in place in central Delhi to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma defended his controversial remarks on Miya Muslims, clarifying he referred to illegal Bangladeshi migrants. Citing the Supreme Court on demographic concerns, Sarma stated his aim is to protect Assam's identity and security. Opposition leaders condemned his comments, warning of social disharmony and potential civil unrest.

The Supreme Court found prima facie merit in concerns that the 2026 rules, especially the definition of caste-based discrimination under Regulation 3(c), were vague and open to misuse. The bench directed that the 2012 regulations would continue to apply until further orders and issued notices to the Centre and the University Grants Commission.

Kerala's finance minister presented a people-focused budget for 2026-27, allocating Rs 14,500 crore for social security and community programs. Key announcements include the formation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission and the Assured Pension Scheme, replacing NPS for eligible employees. The budget also boosts honorariums for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and allocates funds for infrastructure projects like the RRTS.

Congress urged DMK to begin delayed seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections during a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Kanimozhi. While expressing respect, the DMK was encouraged to engage with the Congress committee, which has been awaiting discussions for two months. The Congress has reportedly proposed 41 seats, a demand the DMK is hesitant to meet.

A patient advocacy group has urged the Indian government to publicly disclose the full text of the EU free trade agreement before signing. They caution that the pact's strong intellectual property provisions could compromise access to affordable medicines, impacting millions globally who rely on Indian generic production.

Bangladeshs foreign affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that there was no reason for India to recall the family members of its diplomats from Dhaka. This comes after New Delhi cited precautionary safety concerns amid rising extremist activity ahead of the countrys general elections scheduled for February 2026.

Pallavi Aiyar is the author of eight books, including Smoke and Mirrors, Punjabi Parmesan and Babies and Bylines. Her latest work is Travels in the Other Place: Pursuing the Self in Eight Acts.

Dust storms from western India are carrying airborne bacteria, including pathogens linked to respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal illnesses, to Himalayan hilltops. Researchers found these microbes mix with locally sourced pollutants, altering the high-altitude atmospheric microbiome and posing new health risks to vulnerable populations.

A 2024 video has resurfaced in which Ajit Pawar shared his mid-air scare experience with Devendra Fadnavis and Uday Samant. In the resurfaced video, the three ministers were flying form Nagpur to Gadchiroli to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a steel plant. Addressing the gathering after their arrival, Pawar narrated how the helicopter entered thick cloud cover, leaving no visibility outside.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged a political conspiracy behind the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. She demanded a Supreme Court-supervised probe, citing reports that Pawar was planning to rejoin his uncle Sharad Pawar's party. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticized Banerjee's statement as petty during a time of mourning.

President Murmu, addressing Parliament, unveiled the government's vision for social justice, inclusive growth, and national security. She highlighted poverty reduction, expanded social security, and a decisive stance against terrorism, citing Operation Sindoor. The President also emphasized economic reforms, infrastructure development, and India's space achievements, including astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS visit.

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.