India's First Bullet Train Set for August 15, 2027 Launch! Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces historic Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (508 km) will begin operations on Independence Day 2027. Phased rollout: Surat-Bilimora first, then Vapi-Surat, Vapi-Ahmedabad, Thane-Ahmedabad, and final Mumbai-Ahmedabad stretch. Cutting travel time dramatically with world-class standards!


India’s first bullet train launch date announced, project's estimated to cost ₹1 lakh crore

Indian authorities seized nearly 6 kilograms of gold near the Tamil Nadu coast that was allegedly being smuggled to Sri Lanka. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to crack down on gold smuggling networks operating across maritime routes in southern India.


India: Sri-Lanka Bound 6KG Gold Seized Near Tamil Nadu

Severe winter conditions continue to grip large parts of India as temperatures remain low across northern and central regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of dense fog, cold wave conditions, and reduced visibility in several states, impacting road, rail, and air travel.

Severe Winter Conditions Continue Across Large Parts of India, IMD Warns of Dense Fog

India's First Bullet Train Set for August 15, 2027 Launch! Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces historic Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (508 km) will begin operations on Independence Day 2027. Phased rollout: Surat-Bilimora first, then Vapi-Surat, Vapi-Ahmedabad, Thane-Ahmedabad, and final Mumbai-Ahmedabad stretch. Cutting travel time dramatically with world-class standards!

India: Ashwini Vaishnaw Confirms India’s FIRST Bullet Train Launch Date, Reveals Full Rollout Plan

 India’s real-time payments platform UPI scaled fresh highs in 2025, posting record transactions both in volume and value.


India's UPI Adoption Expands Beyond Metros in 2025

Jammu & Kashmir sees a surge in travel as snowfall transforms Kashmir into a winter wonderland, attracting tourists for New Year celebrations. The seasonal snow has boosted local tourism, with hotels, resorts, and travel services reporting increased bookings.

J&K: New Year Travel Surge As Snowfall Boosts Kashmir's Tourism

India is likely to experience below-average minimum temperatures in January, with colder nights expected across several regions, according to weather forecasts, raising concerns over cold wave conditions.


India to below-average minimum temperature in January

Devotees across India marked the beginning of the New Year by offering prayers at temples and gurudwaras nationwide. Despite dense fog and large crowds, people gathered early to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and good health. Pilgrims took ritual dips in rivers, lit lamps, and participated in special prayers at prominent religious sites including Haridwar, Kamakhya Temple in Assam, Siddhivinayak in Mumbai, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

India: Devotees Offer Prayers, Seek Blessings for New Year

India and Pakistan have completed their annual exchange of nuclear installations lists, in accordance with the 1988 agreement on the prohibition of surprise nuclear attacks. The exchange is part of confidence-building measures between the two countries and aims to maintain strategic stability in South Asia. Officials from both nations confirmed the handover of details regarding nuclear facilities, ensuring transparency and adherence to the agreement.

India, Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Lists Under 1988 Agreement Provisions

Gulmarg, Kashmir’s iconic hill resort, is blanketed in snow and attracting tourists from across the globe. The winter wonderland offers skiing, scenic views, and a festive atmosphere as visitors flock to enjoy the season.


J&K: Gulmarg clad in snow, welcomes tourists from across the globe

Hyderabad witnessed record-breaking liquor sales during New Year festivities, with Telangana reporting alcohol purchases worth nearly ₹1,000 crore in just three days, highlighting massive celebrations and a surge in consumer spending.


Hyderabad: ₹1,000cr liquor sales in 3 days amid New Year festivities 

Bengaluru welcomed 2026 with vibrant celebrations as lakhs of people thronged the Central Business District (CBD), Indiranagar, Electronics City and Koramangala to mark the big hour. The city wore a festive look with music, countdown events and private parties adding to the cheer. A loud roar of celebration echoed across neighbourhoods as the clock struck midnight, accompanied by firecrackers and warm New Year wishes.


New Year 2026: Bengaluru rings in New Year with heightened security arrangements

Kolkata Knight Riders could see a major ownership change as reports suggest the Mehta Group is planning to sell its stake in Knight Riders Sports Private Limited (KRSPL), potentially reshaping the IPL franchise’s ownership structure.


IPL: Reports suggest Mehta group to sell Kolkata Knight Riders stake 

India achieved a major economic milestone in 2025, overtaking Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. According to the government’s end-of-year economic review, strong domestic growth, resilient consumption, and strategic policy decisions helped India advance despite global geopolitical tensions. This segment explores what fueled India’s rise and what it means for the global economic order.

India's Economic Ascent In 2025 Despite Geopolitical Tensions

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a Pongal gift of ₹3,000 in cash for all ration card holders ahead of the harvest festival. The move aims to support families during Pongal celebrations and provide financial relief.


Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift: Rs. 3000 Cash for all Ration Card Holders

In a major development linked to the Pune serial blast case, Bunty Jahagirdhar was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Srirampur, Maharashtra. The killing has raised fresh security concerns and triggered an investigation by police to determine the motive and possible links to past criminal activities.

Pune Serial Blast: Bunty Jahagirdhar Shot Dead by Gunmen in Srirampur, Maharashtra

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a salvo launch of two indigenous Pralay missiles from the same launcher on Wednesday. The test was held off the coast of Odisha at around 10:30 in the morning. The flight tests were conducted as part of user evaluation trials.

Pralay Missile Test Conducted at Integrated Test Range Off the Coast of Odisha 

India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy with a size of USD 4.18 trillion, and is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest by 2030, the government has said.

India Surpasses Japan To Become World's 4th Largest Economy: Government 

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a salvo launch of two indigenous Pralay missiles from the same launcher on Wednesday. The test was held off the coast of Odisha at around 10:30 in the morning. The flight tests were conducted as part of user evaluation trials.


Pralay missile test conducted at integrated test range off the coast of Odisha

Quad partners held a rare meeting in Beijing, showcasing unity amid ongoing Chinese military drills. The development underscores shifting diplomatic dynamics and rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.


Quad unity on display amid Taiwan tensions 

Devotees across India are thronging temples to offer prayers ahead of New Year celebrations. Authorities have beefed up security at major religious sites to ensure safety and smooth management during the festive rush. The surge highlights the country’s vibrant religious traditions and public devotion.

India’s New Year Temple Rush: Devotees Flock to Temples Ahead of Celebrations

The Indian capital and northern India are experiencing dense fog and smog, reducing visibility and affecting daily life. Authorities have issued warnings as the weather impacts traffic, flights, and public health. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions.

Delhi Fog: Northern India and Delhi Blanketed by Dense Fog and Smog, Visibility Reduced

Beijing says it played a mediating role in recent tensions between India and Pakistan. The announcement highlights China’s growing involvement in regional diplomacy and its efforts to ease bilateral conflicts in South Asia.


Chinese FM Wangi Yi echoes Trump's claims on ending India-Pak tensions

2025 will be remembered as a defining year for Indian equity markets. Despite heavy foreign investor selling, global economic uncertainty, and geopolitical pressures, Indian markets delivered steady gains driven by strong domestic participation. Local investors, SIP inflows, and institutional confidence helped equities rise nearly 10%, underlining the growing strength of India’s internal capital base. The shift highlights how domestic flows are increasingly shaping market direction and resilience.


Indian markets resilient grit amid global shocks

Rolls-Royce, a name synonymous with engineering excellence, quiet power, and technological leadership for over a century, is setting its sights on India in a major way. The British engineering giant is no longer viewing India merely as a customer, but as its fourth home market. This move signals deeper investment, manufacturing, and long-term strategic commitment to India’s growing industrial and defence ecosystem.

Rolls-Royce Plans to Make India as Its Fourth Home Market 

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday claimed that tensions between India and Pakistan were among the list of issues “mediated” by Beijing this year. However, this claim has been described as “bizarre” by people familiar with the matter who said that China played no role in the ceasefire.

Beijing Says it Mediated Recent Tensions Between Pakistan & India

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport faced widespread disruption as dense fog led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays. Poor visibility affected both domestic and international operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Authorities advised travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport as weather conditions continued to impact air traffic across the national capital.

India: Delhi Airport Reports Hundreds of Flights Cancellations & Delays

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday claimed that tensions between India and Pakistan were among the list of issues “mediated” by Beijing this year. However, this claim has been described as “bizarre” by people familiar with the matter who said that China played no role in the ceasefire.


India-Pak tension: Beijing says it mediated recent tensions between Pakistan & India

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and longtime leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in the country’s politics for decades, Khaleda played a key role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic journey following years of military rule. She served twice as prime minister and was known for her intense rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, which defined national politics for years. This report looks back at her political rise, major milestones, controversies, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind in Bangladesh’s history.

Khaleda Zia Funeral: S. Jaishankar To Convey India's Condolences

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