India's Ministry of Finance has significantly increased the duty-free allowance for international passengers and foreign tourists under the new Baggage Rules 2026, effective February 2, 2026. The allowance for arriving passengers is now ₹75,000, while foreign tourists can bring goods worth ₹25,000 duty-free. This marks the first major revision in a decade, aiming to streamline customs and boost tourism.
Deepak Kumar, a Hindu gym owner in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, is facing threats and legal action after intervening on January 26 to protect 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper Wakeel Ahmed from a Bajrang Dal group. The group objected to the word 'Baba' in Ahmed's shop name, leading to communal tension and multiple FIRs. Kumar, who famously declared 'My name is Mohammad Deepak,' remains resolute.
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.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail corridors and dedicated rare earth corridors across four states in the Union Budget 2026-27. These initiatives aim to boost sustainable transport, enhance connectivity, and reduce India's reliance on external sources for critical minerals, particularly from China.
India's elevator and smart vertical mobility sector anticipates significant benefits from Union Budget 2026, advocating for sustained infrastructure spending, digitalization incentives, and local manufacturing boosts. The industry, valued at USD 15 billion and projected to reach USD 22-23 billion by 2033, is crucial for India's urban development and economic growth.
India's sugar output reached 195.03 lakh tonnes by January 31, 2026, marking an 18.4% increase over the previous season. This surge, reported by the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), is attributed to strong production in key states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, alongside a higher number of operational mills.
In a landmark ruling on January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of India declared that the right to menstrual health is an integral part of the 'Right to Life' under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court mandated all schools, both government and private, to provide free sanitary pads, gender-segregated toilets, and implement awareness programs to destigmatize menstruation.
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.
India's Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, projects economic growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for fiscal year 2026-27. The report highlights India's position as the fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainties.
Kanishk Aluminium India Limited's Initial Public Offering opened for subscription on January 28, 2026, aiming to raise ₹29.20 Crores. The fixed-price issue, with shares priced at ₹73 each, will close on January 30, 2026, and is slated for listing on the BSE SME platform.
The winners for the Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced. The Indian Navy was named the Best Marching Contingent among the Services, while Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta' tableau secured the top spot among States and Union Territories. Delhi Police won in the CAPF category. Popular Choice Awards were also revealed, with the Assam Regiment and Gujarat leading their respective categories.
India's Parliament began its Budget Session on January 28, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses. Her speech highlighted India's robust economic growth, controlled inflation, and progress in social welfare and infrastructure, setting the stage for the upcoming Economic Survey and Union Budget.
India's traditional Halwa Ceremony, signaling the final phase of Union Budget 2026-27 preparations, was held on January 27, 2026, at North Block. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the event, which precedes the crucial 'lock-in' period for officials. The budget is slated for presentation on February 1, 2026.
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.
The parents of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar, Shamsher Singh and Preetpal Kaur, were arrested on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Punjab's Muktsar district. The arrests are linked to a 2024 extortion case involving a Rs 50 lakh ransom demand and death threats. This action is part of a broader crackdown on organized crime in the state.
Rajasthan Police seized nearly 10,000 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate and detonators, from a farmhouse in Nagaur district, arresting one individual. The raid, conducted ahead of Republic Day, targeted a network allegedly supplying illegal mining operations. Central agencies have been notified for further investigation.
India secured a dominant eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 3rd T20 International at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on January 25, 2026. India won the toss and elected to bowl, restricting New Zealand to 153/9. Explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav then powered India to chase the target in just 10 overs, sealing the five-match series 3-0.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed Bangladesh from the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026, replacing them with Scotland. This decision follows Bangladesh's refusal to play their scheduled matches in India due to security concerns, a stance rejected by the ICC which cited no credible threat.
India marked its 16th National Voters' Day on January 25, 2026, with a central celebration in New Delhi. Organized by the Election Commission of India, the event championed the theme 'My India, My Vote,' emphasizing citizen participation and electoral awareness. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the national function, distributing EPIC cards to new voters and presenting awards.
