The Indian government has increased the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on the sale of coal and lignite from 1% to 2%. This change, announced as part of the Union Budget 2026, aims to simplify tax collection and will be effective from April 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 1, 2026, renamed Adampur Airport as 'Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur' in Punjab, honoring the 15th-century saint on his 649th birth anniversary. Concurrently, he virtually inaugurated the new civil terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, a project costing approximately ₹54 crore, aimed at significantly boosting regional aviation infrastructure and connectivity in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a prayer meeting at Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on January 30, 2026, marking the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed as Martyr's Day. Dignitaries paid floral tributes and participated in an all-religious prayer, honoring the Father of the Nation's legacy of peace and non-violence.
Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, resigned on January 26, 2026, citing strong disagreement with government policies, particularly the new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. He labeled the regulations a 'black law' and raised concerns about their potential impact on the academic environment and alleged discrimination against certain communities. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently suspended him for indiscipline.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed Indian states and Union Territories to halt all jurisdictional changes until March 31, 2027. This crucial directive is in preparation for the upcoming Population Census 2027, which will be India's first digital census and include caste enumeration. The census will proceed in two phases: houselisting from April-September 2026 and population enumeration in February 2027.
India's power distribution utilities, including State DisComs, have reported a net profit of ₹2,701 crore in FY 2024-25, marking a significant turnaround after years of losses. This achievement is attributed to comprehensive reforms, reduced technical and commercial losses, and improved financial discipline, as announced by the Ministry of Power.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that caste discrimination can only be eliminated if the concept of caste is first removed from people's minds. Speaking at a 'Jan Sangoshthi' in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he predicted this could happen within 10-12 years if pursued honestly. He emphasized the RSS's focus on nation-building through character development.
NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive report titled 'Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes' on January 15, 2026. The report advocates for streamlining 18 existing MSME schemes to reduce duplication, enhance efficiency, and improve last-mile delivery, aiming to boost India's vital Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector.
India's University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations, the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, to combat caste-based discrimination in universities and colleges. These rules mandate equity committees, 24-hour helplines, and strict timelines for addressing complaints, with penalties for non-compliance.
The Indian National Congress is set to launch a nationwide 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' from January 10 to February 25, 2026. The protest aims to demand the withdrawal of the recently enacted Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G) Act and the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to its original, rights-based form. The party alleges the new law centralizes power, shifts financial burden to states, and undermines the right to work.
The Indian Union government has pre-published draft rules under the Code on Social Security, 2020, aiming to extend social security benefits to gig and platform workers. The proposed framework mandates a minimum of 90 days of engagement with a single aggregator or 120 days across multiple platforms in a financial year for eligibility. Benefits include life and disability cover, health insurance, maternity benefits, and old-age protection.
Bangladesh has expressed strong concern over recent mob violence targeting religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, in India. Foreign Ministry spokesperson S.M. Mahbubul Alam cited specific incidents of killings and assaults, urging Indian authorities to ensure accountability. This statement follows diplomatic friction after India raised concerns about minorities in Bangladesh.
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved three new domestic airlines – Al Hind Air, Shankh Air, and FlyExpress – aiming to enhance competition and reduce reliance on dominant operators. The move follows recent disruptions in the aviation sector, with new carriers expected to launch operations in 2026.
The Supreme Court of India has allowed the release of 25% of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears for millions of central government employees and pensioners. This decision, delivered in late 2025, aims to provide financial relief amidst prolonged legal discussions and concerns over inflation, balancing employee welfare with fiscal considerations.
A significant archaeological discovery in Zehanpora, Baramulla, has revealed a 2,000-year-old Kushan-era Buddhist complex, including stupas and monastic structures. The find, a joint effort by the University of Kashmir and J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, highlights Kashmir's rich Buddhist past. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the discovery as a 'proud moment' for India's cultural heritage.
India has strongly condemned the brutal lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district and expressed grave concern over escalating violence against minorities. New Delhi also reiterated its call for free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh, emphasizing peace and stability in the neighboring nation.
Air India has announced the resumption of non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome (Fiumicino) starting March 25, 2026. The airline will operate four weekly services using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, marking its return to the Italian capital after nearly six years, with services suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan is set to implement a major reform of its foreign employment policy starting in fiscal year 2027, replacing the criticized Technical Intern Training Program with a new 'Employment for Skill Development' system. This aims to address severe labor shortages, enhance worker protections, and curb visa overstays, with new caps on foreign workers and clearer pathways to skilled worker status.
The Canadian government has presented a detailed plan to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, committing $35.5 billion to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services program. The initiative aims to end discriminatory underfunding and foster First Nations-led regional agreements to keep children connected to their communities and culture.
India celebrated Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, on December 23rd, commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. The day honors the invaluable contributions of farmers to the nation's food security and economic growth, highlighting their dedication and the importance of agricultural development.
