Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 goes pan-India, engages over 6.76 crore participants

IANS | January 27, 2026 10:12 AM

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) The ninth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship student interaction programme, Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the initiative as it expanded into a truly pan-India dialogue with students from across the country.

'Awards were earlier used as political tools': BJP hits out at Cong on Padma Awards row

IANS | January 27, 2026 9:39 AM

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) BJP leader Gourav Vallabh on Tuesday mounted a sharp counterattack on the Congress party for questioning the selection of Padma award recipients, asserting that the present government recognises individuals who genuinely deserve national honours and have made meaningful contributions to society, unlike what he alleged was the practice during the UPA regime.

India, EU set to announce ‘mother of all trade deals’

IANS | January 27, 2026 9:32 AM

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host the 16th European Union-India Summit in the national capital on Tuesday with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and visiting President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, to announce the ‘mother of all trade deals’.

US, India launch joint drug policy working group

IANS | January 27, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, Jan 27 (IANS) The United States and India have launched a new joint mechanism to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, officials said.

President Murmu hosts traditional 'At Home' reception on Republic Day

IANS | January 27, 2026 12:35 AM

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, bringing together prominent dignitaries to mark the conclusion of the day’s celebrations.