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India-EU FTA: Shashi Tharoor Highlights Three Reasons Why It’s a Major Boost for India

30Jan

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Nation, Politics

India-EU FTA: Shashi Tharoor Highlights Three Reasons Why It’s a Major Boost for India

NEW DELHI | Jan 30, 2026 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark development for global trade, calling it “very good news” for India. Speaking on the agreement, Tharoor clarified that while it will take time for the deal to come into force, its long-term benefits for India are substantial. Tharoor outlined three key reasons why the FTA will be advantageous for India: Boost to Indian Exports – Tharoor said the FTA is an excellent opportunity for India’s export sector. Increased exports will, in turn, encourage the growth of manufacturing, strengthening the economy over time. Job Creation and Economic Strengthening – With higher manufacturing and trade, the agreement is expected to generate employment opportunities ...

“Is RTI Next to Be Murdered?” Kharge Questions Government

30Jan

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Nation

“Is RTI Next to Be Murdered?” Kharge Questions Government

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday raised alarm over the future of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, questioning whether it was next in line to be “killed” following MGNREGA, after the Economic Survey called for a re-examination of the law. In a post on X, Kharge accused the Union government of systematically weakening the RTI Act and creating a climate of fear that punishes truth-seekers. He highlighted that over 100 RTI activists have been murdered since 2014. “The Economic Survey has called for a re-examination of the Right to Information Act. It also suggests introducing a possible ‘Ministerial veto’ to withhold information and wants to explore shielding public service records, bureaucratic transfers, and staff reports from public scrutiny,” Kharge said....

Kerala Governor Says India Responds to Terror with BrahMos, Not Candles

30Jan

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Nation

Kerala Governor Says India Responds to Terror with BrahMos, Not Candles

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday said that India’s response to terrorist attacks has evolved, noting that instead of holding candlelight vigils, the country now relies on the BrahMos missile system. Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day literary festival, Narmada Sahitya Manthan, in Indore, Arlekar referred to Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian Armed Forces following the Pahalgam terror attack. The festival, themed Bharat Uday (Rise of India), saw the governor highlighting India’s strengthened security and strategic capabilities as a mark of national resilience.

Weather Forecast for January 31: Heavy Rain Alert in 8 States, Winds Up to 40 km/h, IMD Issues Advisory

30Jan

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Nation

Weather Forecast for January 31: Heavy Rain Alert in 8 States, Winds Up to 40 km/h, IMD Issues Advisory

The weather is set to change across India once again, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy rainfall over the next 24–48 hours in eight states, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. Light rainfall is also expected in Delhi tomorrow. Snowfall Expected in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Other StatesDue to an active western disturbance, the IMD has forecast rainfall with snowfall in the western Himalayan regions over the next one to two days. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand may experience snow along with rain, while northwestern and central plains could witness light rainfall. Winds in these regions are expected to blow at speeds of 30–40 km/h. States Under Heavy Rain AlertThe IMD has issued alerts for ...

Shah Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Disrespecting North East by Not Wearing ‘Gamosa’ at President’s Republic Day Event

30Jan

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Nation

Shah Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Disrespecting North East by Not Wearing ‘Gamosa’ at President’s Republic Day Event

Dibrugarh | 30 Jan 2026 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing disrespect to the North East by refusing to wear the traditional gamosa presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception. Addressing a public rally at Khanikar Parade Ground, Shah claimed that while all other dignitaries—including foreign guests—wore the ceremonial scarf as a mark of respect, Gandhi was the “only person to refuse.” Shah said, “Rahul Gandhi can do whatever he wants, but as long as the BJP is in power, it will not allow any disrespect of the North East’s culture.”

Supreme Court Directs Free Sanitary Pads in Schools, Warns of Derecognition for Non-Compliance

30Jan

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Nation

Supreme Court Directs Free Sanitary Pads in Schools, Warns of Derecognition for Non-Compliance

In a landmark ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of India directed all states and Union Territories to provide free biodegradable sanitary napkins to girls in schools, citing menstrual hygiene as an essential part of the right to life and privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. The judgment, delivered by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, also mandates separate toilets for boys and girls in every school, including accessible facilities for differently-abled students. Key directives of the Supreme Court The Court emphasized that the provision of sanitary pads and clean toilet facilities is not merely a policy or charitable matter but a constitutional right crucial to the dignity, health, and equality of girls. It clarified that the rules apply to both government and priv...

India Discusses Gaza Peace Plan with Palestine, Agrees to Support Reconstruction Efforts

30Jan

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Nation

India Discusses Gaza Peace Plan with Palestine, Agrees to Support Reconstruction Efforts

Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, visiting India, met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday to discuss regional developments and bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction over the meeting, stating that discussions focused on the Gaza peace plan and other regional developments. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “It was a pleasure to meet Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. We exchanged views on the Gaza peace plan and regional developments. We also reviewed our development cooperation and agreed on initiatives to further strengthen it.” Palestine urges India to mediate Earlier, Palestine had requested India to play a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict and take an active part in Gaza’s reconstruction...

Congress Includes ST, SC, OBC, and Minority Leaders in By-Election Committees

30Jan

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Nation, Politics

Congress Includes ST, SC, OBC, and Minority Leaders in By-Election Committees

The Congress Party has initiated preparations for upcoming by-elections by taking a significant organizational decision. The party has decided to include the state presidents of tribal (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and minority departments as special invitees in all state-level election committees. Until now, these departments provided separate feedback on electoral issues but were not formally part of the election committees. According to a letter issued by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the decision was taken with the approval of the Congress President. The letter emphasized that the party has a long tradition of social justice, inclusive representation, and participatory decision-making. Strengthening collective d...

Congress Protests MGNREGA Repeal, Alleges PM Against Gandhi-Linked Law

30Jan

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Nation

Congress Protests MGNREGA Repeal, Alleges PM Against Gandhi-Linked Law

New Delhi, Jan 30: The Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on the government over the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not want a law associated with Mahatma Gandhi to provide people a legal right to work. Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh made the remarks during a protest at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. Senior Congress leaders and workers marched from the Congress office at 24, Akbar Road, towards Gandhi Smriti to protest what they called the "snatching away of the constitutional right to work" by the Modi government. However, the march was stopped by the police before reaching its destination.

India to Face Scorching Heat by 2050, Warns Oxford Study

30Jan

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Nation

India to Face Scorching Heat by 2050, Warns Oxford Study

New Delhi: The world is heading towards extreme heat by 2050, with India expected to be severely affected. Health risks and threats to agriculture loom large as temperatures continue to rise. A study by Oxford University has issued a stark warning: if global warming continues at the current pace, billions of people worldwide could face dangerously high temperatures in the coming decades. According to the research, if the Earth’s average temperature rises 2°C above pre-industrial levels—a scenario that is increasingly likely—nearly half of the global population (around 3.79 billion people) will experience extreme heat by 2050. The researchers note that even a 1.5°C rise would significantly accelerate heat impacts. In 2010, 23% of the world’s population was exposed to extreme heat; thi...