'Symbol of women’s power': Leaders across party lines hail FM Sitharaman for 9th consecutive budget

IANS | January 29, 2026 3:18 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for becoming the first woman holder of the post to present the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, leaders, cutting across party lines, on Thursday backed him and said the milestone reflects the growing power and participation of women in India’s public life.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism, potential armed conflict: US advisory

IANS | January 29, 2026 3:15 PM

Islamabad/Washington, Jan 29 (IANS) The US State Department has urged American citizens planning to travel to Pakistan to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns, local media in Pakistan reported on Thursday.

Economic Survey gives thumbs up to RBI’s monetary policy

IANS | January 29, 2026 3:11 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) In an era characterised by heightened global uncertainty, geopolitical flux, and rapid technological transformation, India's monetary and financial sectors have exhibited robust performance in FY26 (April-December 2025), underpinned by strategic policy actions and structural resilience across financial intermediation channels, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday.

Hockey India names 33-man core probable group ahead of FIH Pro League in Rourkela

IANS | January 29, 2026 3:05 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Hockey India on Thursday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national camp, scheduled to be held in Rourkela, Odisha from February 1 to 7.

BJP welcomes SC stay on UGC’s new equity regulations

IANS | January 29, 2026 3:00 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the implementation of the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s new norms on equity regulations in higher educational institutions has been welcomed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it termed the “ruling on expected lines”.

Heartbreaking moment as supporter asks Parth Pawar to convey his love to late Ajit Pawar

IANS | January 29, 2026 2:57 PM

Baramati, Jan 29 (IANS) Maharashtra is engulfed in a wave of profound grief following the sudden and tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. It was during this time that a deeply emotional video surfaced on social media, capturing a moment that has moved the entire state to tears. In the footage, a loyal supporter, unable to contain his grief, is seen sobbing inconsolably. Looking towards Ajit Pawar's eldest son Parth Pawar, he cried out in a trembling voice “Parth Dada, please tell Dada 'I Love You'... tell him 'I Love You' from me."

Hum Saath Saath Hain’s Kalpana Iyer dances to her iconic song ‘Ramba Ho’ at a wedding 

IANS | January 29, 2026 2:57 PM

Mumbai Jan 29 (IANS) Veteran actress and dancer Kalpana Iyer recently was seen dancing on her iconic dance number ‘Ramba Ho Ho Ho’, with incredible energy energy and grace at a recent family wedding.

NPAs of public sector banks at multi-decadal low: Economic Survey

IANS | January 29, 2026 2:51 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) There has been a significant improvement in the asset quality of scheduled commercial banks with a sharp decline in the percentage of bad loans and higher recoveries, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in the Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan want three-months time to return to Afghanistan

IANS | January 29, 2026 2:50 PM

Kabul, Jan 29 (IANS) Several Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have urged Pakistani government and Afghan authorities to resolve existing challenges through talks and provide them adequate time to return to Afghanistan gradually with dignity, local media reported on Thursday.

Aus Open: Local wildcards Kubler-Polmans advance to men’s doubles final

IANS | January 29, 2026 2:46 PM

Melbourne, Jan 29 (IANS) Hometown wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans continued their impressive Australian Open, punching their ticket into the men's doubles final with a three-set 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 semifinal win over Great Britain's Luke Johnson and Poland's Jan Zielinski on Thursday.