From local to global: Haryana Minister talks about Surajkund mela's expanding reach

IANS | January 31, 2026 8:02 PM

Faridabad, Jan 31 (IANS) The 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela commenced today, January 31, in Faridabad, Haryana, attracting a wave of excitement and enthusiasm from across the globe. The mela, which will run until February 15, has been transformed into a grand celebration of crafts, arts, and cultural diversity, with Egypt as the partner nation this year.

Even EWS students left without protection under UGC rules: IIM Professors

IANS | January 31, 2026 5:46 PM

Udaipur (Rajasthan), Jan 31 (IANS) The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 regulations aimed at “promoting equity” in higher education have come under sustained academic scrutiny, not only for their alleged vagueness but also for deep 'internal inconsistencies' that 'risk excluding' the very groups they claim to protect.

Robust India-US trade deal could happen ‘quite soon’: Piyush Goyal

IANS | January 31, 2026 5:38 PM

Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said India expects to conclude a robust trade agreement "quite soon" with the United States, with negotiations continuing in parallel to its recently concluded pact with the European Union.

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.

Wetlands in UP, Gujarat earn international recognition for conservation

IANS | January 31, 2026 4:21 PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of two new wetlands, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, to India’s Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2, an official said on Saturday.