Farmers look to Budget 2026-27 for relief and guarantees

Jayanta Bhattacharya ​ | January 31, 2026 4:49 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rises to present her ninth consecutive budget on Sunday, February 1, farmers across India look ahead for a mix of assurances that range from subsidies, a guarantee on a profitable Minimum Support Price (MSP), expanding credit access, investing in modern technology and infrastructure, to providing climate-resilient support. ​

Satheesan meets Tharoor as Congress pushes unity ahead of Kerala polls

IANS | January 31, 2026 4:35 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (IANS) Kerala Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan paid a surprise visit to party MP Shashi Tharoor here on Saturday, signalling a thaw after weeks of unease and speculation over Tharoor’s political future.

Would reflect inclusive vision: Ruling parties optimistic about Union Budget 2026–27, Oppn cautious

IANS | January 31, 2026 3:22 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026–27 on Sunday, leaders from ruling parties expressed optimism and enthusiasm on Saturday, stating that the budget would reflect an inclusive vision and address the aspirations of farmers, youth, women, industrialists, and the poor. In contrast, Opposition leaders said they had little expectations from the budget, accusing the Centre of neglecting several states.

Kolkata warehouse fire was not an accident but result of corruption: HM Shah

IANS | January 31, 2026 2:08 PM

Kolkata, Jan 31 (IANS) The devastating fire at the factory-cum-warehouse of Wow Momo at Anandapur on the Southern outskirts of Kolkata earlier this week that killed 25 people, was not a simple accident but a result of rampant corruption on part of the Mamata Banerjee-led state administration in West Bengal, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah said on Saturday afternoon.

Not consulted on Sunetra's elevation; Ajit was to announce decision on reunion of NCP factions on Feb 12: Sharad Pawar

IANS | January 31, 2026 10:33 AM

Baramati, Jan 31 (IANS) Amid rapid political developments in Maharashtra after the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Saturday clarified that he was not consulted regarding Sunetra Pawar’s elevation as the Deputy CM. He also stated that the reunion of the two NCP factions was almost finalised and Ajit Pawar was set to formally announce it on February 12.