The Times of India

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana's opposition leader, accused the BJP government of betraying the poor by arbitrarily canceling ration cards and pensions. He stated that over 70,000 ration cards and 500,000 pensions were stopped in six months due to minor errors in Family IDs, with Haryana leading national cancellations.

The Supreme Court has made significant observations regarding acid attack cases. The court suggested extraordinary punitive measures and questioned why convicted attackers' assets cannot be seized for victim compensation. Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor, shared her long struggle for justice. The court urged high courts to expedite trials and sought data from states.

Ajit Pawar's untimely death in a plane crash has reignited talks of reuniting the NCP factions. Sources indicate merger talks were advanced, with Ajit Pawar viewing it as a strategic move for the party's future. His passing may now accelerate this process, with a potential February announcement. Leadership questions arise for the ruling NCP.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has asked UP CM Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and declare the cow as Rajya Mata. He emphasized that such steps would prove the chief ministers commitment as a Hindu sympathiser. The seer further stated that he had staged a sit-in protest for 11 days after the incident but left the Magh Mela ground last Wednesday with a heavy heart.

Directors of 20 AIIMS institutions have signed an MoU to establish a Pan-India collaborative research consortium. This initiative aims to strengthen biomedical and clinical research by pooling expertise, infrastructure, and patient data for joint projects and multicentric studies. The consortium will focus on national health priorities, including AI in healthcare and affordable therapies.

BJP storngly condemned former Vice President Hamid Ansari for his remarks who called Mahmud Ghazni as an Indian. In a social media post, BJP spokesperson C Kesavan said that the remarks were shocking and recalled that Ansari had been the Congress-led UPAs choice for Vice President twice. Shehzad Poonawala, also attacked the Congress party.

Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of altering Assam's demography, claiming infiltrator numbers rose significantly during their rule. He urged voters to elect the BJP for a third term to combat infiltration and protect the state's identity, highlighting the Mising community's role in this effort.

Scientists have discovered that perchlorate, a chemical previously thought harmful to Martian life, can actually strengthen bacteria-made space bricks. Researchers found that under specific conditions, this compound aids in creating more robust building materials from Martian soil. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cement for construction on the Red Planet and Earth.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal fiercely defended the India-EU FTA, dismissing Congress criticism as 'sour grapes' and highlighting the party's past inaction. He accused Congress of endangering India's interests by pushing for China-centric trade pacts, contrasting it with the current government's balanced approach. Goyal also lauded India's economic growth and the FTA's geopolitical significance.

The Supreme Court has declared menstrual hygiene a constitutional right under Article 21, mandating free sanitary pads and separate toilets for girls in all schools. This ruling ensures dignity and equality, holding both government and private institutions accountable for compliance. The judgment stems from concerns over period-shaming incidents.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has dismissed speculation of a rift within the party, projecting unity after meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The MP affirmed his commitment to the party and stated he would not leave, emphasising his intention to campaign extensively in Kerala for the upcoming assembly polls.

US State Department records reveal gifts exchanged between Indian officials and American leaders. Prime Minister Modi presented items like a Sterling Silver Train Set valued at $7,750 to former President Biden. Other notable gifts included a Pashmina Shawl for Jill Biden and a Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue for Lloyd Austin, with most items transferred to the National Archives.

DMK MP Kanimozhi has voiced strong opposition to the prominent use of Hindi on a Chennai railway station signboard, calling it an imposition. This move by the BJP-led Centre reignites the long-standing language dispute between the ruling party and the Tamil Nadu government, with language politics expected to be a key factor in upcoming assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, highlighting his ideals of Swadeshi and self-reliance. India observes Martyrs' Day today, January 30, to honor the Father of the Nation. Security is heightened in central Delhi for the commemorative event at Rajghat, with potential traffic diversions.

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.