The Times of India

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' faces an uncertain release as makers weigh options after a High Court verdict. Following a dispute over its censor certificate, the production house is deciding between approaching the Revising Committee or the Supreme Court. The film's Pongal release was missed due to these ongoing legal battles.

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.

A video of Varun Dhawan playfully using Mumbai Metro grab handles went viral, prompting a humorous but cautionary post from the Metro authorities regarding public property. However, Dhawan's team has clarified that no fine or legal action was taken against the actor, resolving the public misunderstanding.

South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 runners-up, are poised for success with strong recent form and growing squad depth. Former captain Graeme Smith highlights Tristan Stubbs' crucial match-winning potential, especially after his impactful SA20 final performance. Familiarity with subcontinental conditions and batting firepower bolster their chances, though bowling combinations will be key.

Most working professionals have been there-- staring at their screens as the afternoon slump hits, tired from back-to-back meetings and endless emails. Fatigue doesn't just slow you down; it also affects your focus and overall productivity. In turn, this makes doing even simple tasks feel impossible. But here's the good news: psychology shows small, simple science-backed tweaks can help recharge your body and mind without having too much of caffeine or taking afternoon naps. Here we list some of

Emirates flight EK35 from Dubai to Newcastle faced severe weather on January 27, 2026. Strong winds and poor visibility forced pilots to abort landing attempts. The Boeing 777-300ER then diverted to Edinburgh Airport. After a delay, the flight continued to Newcastle, ensuring passenger safety.

'Shrinking' kicks off its third season on January 28th. Featuring the dynamic duo of Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, this comedy-drama will take you on a rollercoaster ride through the trials and tribulations of therapists facing personal loss and professional hurdles.

Paris Hilton took a bold step by sharing her journey with Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), an emotional condition related to ADHD that she faced under the harsh glare of public attention in the 2000s. She articulated the profound discomfort of perceived rejection, comparing it to a physical ailment.

Emraan Hashmi is enjoying a dynamic phase with 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' cameo gaining praise and 'Taskaree: The Smugglers Web' earning global acclaim. Calling Taskaree an actors dream, Hashmi said he didnt expect its worldwide success. He views current industry growth as a creative evolution, not a personal comeback.

Rihanna candidly discussed her post-pregnancy body, embracing her little pouch and how it influences her fashion. The Grammy winner, who has three children with A$AP Rocky, also revealed how motherhood empowered her to take on the Super Bowl stage. She also hinted at plans for more children, sparking fan excitement.

R&B star Ray J revealed a life-threatening health crisis, sharing his heart is functioning at only 25 percent after a severe bout of pneumonia and chest pains. Hospitalized in Las Vegas, he credited prayers, his sister Brandy, and a friend for his survival. This experience serves as a stark reminder of health's fragility.

Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided an Australian Open exit after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets. Djokovic, admitting immense luck, was outplayed before Musetti's thigh issue forced his withdrawal. This dramatic turn keeps Djokovic's record 25th Grand Slam pursuit alive and marks his 103rd Melbourne win, surpassing Federer.

Dubai's gold prices hit an unprecedented Dh632 per gram on January 28, 2026, a nearly 20% surge in less than a month. This historic climb, mirroring global trends driven by geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, has seen other precious metals also rise significantly. Analysts debate if the rally will continue, with some predicting further gains.

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.