Pencak Silat athlete, street hawker in North Kolkata Raja Das continues to impress by winning gold at KIBG 2026

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:33 PM

Diu, Jan 7 (IANS) When Raja Das isn't practicing his Pencak Silat skills, the 33-year-old helps his father deliver ice to local blood banks in Kolkata. His father has been a street hawker for decades, and Raja has been supporting him since childhood while also chasing his dream of establishing a reputation in the sport.

Mumbai BJP warns of 'particular community's silent demographic and cultural invasion'

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:32 PM

Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) Amid ongoing BMC polls, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam on Wednesday raised concerns over a particular community's "silent demographic and cultural invasion" in the city, saying that it is a planned modus operandi involving illegal encroachments, infiltration, and vote-bank politics.

Govt pegs India's GDP growth rate at 7.4 per cent for 2025-26

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:32 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) India’s real GDP growth rate has been projected at 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent during FY 2024-25, according to the advanced estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics on Wednesday.

Gujarat holds first meeting of state-level census coordination committee ahead of Census 2027

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:30 PM

Ahmedabad, Jan 7 (IANS) The first meeting of the Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC) was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das to review preparations for the upcoming Census 2027.

IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli receives grand welcome in Vadodara ahead of 1st ODI

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:28 PM

Vadodara, Jan 7 (IANS) India’s ace cricketer Virat Kohli drew massive attention upon arriving at Vadodara airport on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11, 2026. The series opener is set to be held at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi.

Against the odds: How Pravin Kumari led Himachal Pradesh to historic win at Khelo India Beach Games 2026

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:22 PM

Diu, Jan 7 (IANS) Pravin Kumari’s journey has been defined by resistance and resilience — first in pushing back against deep-rooted social norms in a remote village of Himachal Pradesh, and now as the last line of defence on the football field.

India crosses historic 50,000 NQAS certifications to boost public healthcare

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:20 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The government on Wednesday said that a total of 50,373 public health facilities across all states and union territories have been certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) till December 31 – a comprehensive quality framework established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

British Columbia announces trade mission to India to boost businesses, seek new markets: Report

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:15 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) British Columbia (BC) will send a trade delegation to India for a five-day mission, starting January 12, to promote local businesses and seek new markets, the province’s Premier David Eby has said.

‘Bulldozerism’ a new form of barbarism: Hannan Mollah on MCD-led demolition drive near Delhi mosque

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:09 PM

Bengaluru, Jan 7 (IANS) CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah on Wednesday reacted to the MCD-led demolition drive carried out near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area, describing 'bulldozerism' as a new form of barbarism. He further claimed that this approach is a contribution of the BJP government at the Centre.

Our mindset will remain the same, to win WPL again: MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:09 PM

Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said that her team’s mindset heading into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) remains the same: to win, just like the previous edition. MI is the most successful franchise in the tournament, having claimed the title twice, in 2023 and 2025.