India, EU Seal Landmark Free Trade Pact
India and the European Union have concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement covering 25 per cent of global GDP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal amid global uncertainty. The United States criticised the pact, calling it contradictory to Europe’s stance on Russia, as India continues importing Russian oil.
Republic Day Parade Showcases military strength
India marked its 77th Republic Day on Jan 26 with an impressive showcase of cultural richness, economic progress and military strength – featuring missiles, fighter jets, newly raised units and advanced weaponry.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests..
Bank Strike Halts Services Across India
A nationwide strike by bank unions on Jan 27 demanding a five-day work week disrupted services.
Around 800,000 public sector bank employees participated. Rs4 billion ($550 million) in cheque clearances were delayed. Talks with the Labour Commissioner had failed days earlier.
Magistrate Suspended After Protest Resignation
Bareilly city Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri was suspended after resigning in protest against University Grants Commission regulations and caste tensions.
He staged a dramatic protest, alleging democratic erosion. The Uttar Pradesh government ordered a probe into indiscipline.
A second Uttar Pradesh official also resigned citing offensive remarks by a religious leader.
BBC’s ‘Voice of India’ Mark Tully Dies at 90
Veteran BBC journalist Mark Tully, renowned for decades of reporting on India, died in New Delhi aged 90.
He covered historic events like the 1971 Bangladesh war and Babri Masjid demolition.
Born in 1935 in India, Mr Tully remained its most familiar foreign correspondent voice.
Tharoor-CPI(M) Defection Rumours Denied
Rumours of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joining the Communist Party of India (Marxist) were dismissed by all sides.
Allegations of a Dubai meeting with Left-linked businessman M.A. Yusuff Ali were denied.
Mr Tharoor blamed missed Congress events on scheduling. CPI(M) leaders called the rumours implausible due to his views.
IIT-Delhi Seminar on Caste, Race Triggers Probe
Indian Institute of Delhi launched a probe into a controversial seminar comparing Dalit and Palestinian struggles.
Social media backlash and political pressure followed. Critics called the event “anti-national.”
Organisers insisted it was an academic exercise. A fact-finding panel is reviewing the event’s content and protocol compliance.
Varun Dhawan Warned Over Metro Stunt Video
Mumbai Metro authorities warned actor Varun Dhawan after a viral video showed him doing pull-ups on train grab handles.
Officials called it unsafe and potentially punishable.
Dhawan’s team clarified there was no fine. The actor was commuting to a film promotion amid traffic.
Warehouse Fire in Kolkata Kills 21, Dozens Missing
A massive fire at twin warehouses in South Kolkata’s Anandapur killed 21 and left 27 missing. Workers were trapped as the blaze spread rapidly.
Illegal cooking and lack of fire safety are suspected causes. Police arrested the warehouse owner, and compensation packages were announced.
Iron Age Spears Found in Tamil Nadu Burial Site
Tamil Nadu archaeologists discovered India’s longest Iron Age spears – 2.4 metres and 1.9m – near Tenkasi.
Found beside a burial urn with gold, the weapons date back to 3,345 BCE.
Experts believe the artefacts belonged to a person of high status and show advanced metallurgical skill.
Massive Avalanche Hits Sonamarg, No Casualties
A high-intensity avalanche struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg on Jan 27, burying buildings and vehicles. No casualties were reported.
The region had been under avalanche alert due to heavy snowfall. Flights and road services were suspended as authorities launched snow clearance operations.
Arijit Singh Announces Retirement from Playback Singing
Singer Arijit Singh, 38, announced his retirement from Bollywood playback singing. He will complete current commitments but take no new projects.
Citing creative restlessness, Arijit plans to focus on classical music and independent work. Peers and fans praised his decision and talent.
Census 2027 to Be India’s First Digital Headcount
India’s Census 2027 begins on April 1 with a fully digital process. The first phase covers housing; population enumeration follows in 2027.
Citizens can self-enumerate online. For the first time, caste data will be collected.
The census will involve three million digital enumerators using mobile apps.
Court Bans AI Film Using Pawan Kalyan’s Son’s Likeness
Delhi High Court banned an AI-generated film, AI Love Story, for using actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s son Akira’s identity without consent.
The court ruled it violated privacy and personality rights.
Deepfake scenes risked reputational harm. All digital content must be removed within 72 hours.
New Aaadhaar app enables digital verification
The Unique Identification Authority of India has launched a new, next-generation Aadhaar App designed to enhance data privacy, security, and user convenience by allowing for selective data sharing and secure offline verification.
Unveiled on Jan 28 by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this app serves as a “privacy-first” tool that aligns with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, enabling, for example, age verification for online platforms or social media without revealing full, sensitive personal details.
