India’s rich jewellery heritage claimed international attention at Paris Haute Couture Week 2026 when temple jewellery emerged as one of the most talked-about elements on the runway. Celebrated designer Gaurav Gupta unveiled his latest couture collection in Paris, blending his signature sculptural silhouettes with deeply rooted Indian craftsmanship. While the architectural couture pieces impressed fashion insiders, it was the traditional jewellery styling that truly captured global imaginat

As the Union Budget 2026 draws closer, India’s gems and jewellery industry has stepped up its demands for policy reforms aimed at reviving demand, supporting employment and improving transparency. Industry leaders believe the upcoming Budget can play a decisive role in restoring consumer confidence at a time when global trade uncertainty and high prices have made buyers cautious. With jewellery being both a cultural and economic mainstay, the sector is urging the government to adopt growth-

Silver prices in India have surged to a historic high, crossing the Rs 4 lakh per kilogram mark in futures trading and pushing up spot prices across major cities. The sudden spike has caught many buyers by surprise, especially as silver was trading at much lower levels just weeks ago. The rally has been sharp and swift, making silver one of the strongest-performing commodities in recent times and raising questions among consumers and investors about whether prices will continue to rise or cor

India’s Economic Survey 2025–26 has raised a serious warning over the rapid rise of digital addiction among children and adolescents, calling it a growing public health and economic risk. Tabled in Parliament on Thursday, the report highlights how excessive use of smartphones, social media, gaming platforms, and online entertainment is increasingly affecting mental wellbeing, academic performance, and long-term productivity among the country’s youth. The survey defines digital addiction

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings. Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.

The Indian rupee weakened to a fresh all-time low of 91.99 against the US dollar on January 29, extending its recent slide amid persistent pressure from global and domestic factors. The currency has now fallen 2 percent so far this year and nearly 5 percent since the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian merchandise exports. The sharp decline reflects continued weakness in foreign capital inflows and a surge in corporate demand for dollar hedging, which have outweighed the positive i

India has reiterated its firm support for Israel and renewed its condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drawing clear parallels between the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and India’s long experience with cross-border violence. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Misri underscored India’s position that acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be co

The Pawar family occupies a unique and dominant position in Maharashtra’s political history. For over five decades, the family has shaped regional politics through electoral victories, control over cooperative institutions, and sustained influence in policy-making. Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and a multiple-term Deputy Chief Minister, was a central pillar of this legacy. His untimely death in a tragic plane crash on January 28, 2026, has brought renewed pub

The sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic air crash has sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape, leaving the Nationalist Congress Party facing deep uncertainty. As leaders, cadres, and voters struggle to come to terms with the loss, attention has swiftly shifted to a name that until recently stayed away from daily political combat: Sunetra Pawar. A Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Ajit Pawar’s wife, she is now being widely discussed as

The Budget Session 2026 of the Indian Parliament commenced on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi. The opening of the session marks the beginning of one of the most significant legislative periods of the year, during which the government outlines its economic vision and policy priorities. Lawmakers from across political parties assembled as the President delivered her customary address, setting the tone for deb

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport. He was 66. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of two pilots and two security personnel who were on board the aircraft. Authorities described the crash as extremely severe, with most parts of the plane engulfed in flames after impact. The incident has sent shockwaves across Maharash

Maharashtra was plunged into deep shock on Tuesday after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was dead in a plane crash during landing at Baramati airport. The charter aircraft, which was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, met with a fatal accident at around 8:45 am while attempting to land. DGCA officials confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash and that five people were on board the aircraft, including Ajit Pawar, three passeng

A major incident shocked Maharashtra on Tuesday after reports emerged that a plane carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while landing in Baramati. According to early inputs shared through live updates, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the landing process, leading to a crash that immediately triggered emergency protocols at the site. First visuals from the location began circulating online, showing heightened security presence and rescue teams rushing to the scene. Aut

Arijit Singh, one of the most influential voices in contemporary Hindi cinema, has announced that he will no longer take on new assignments as a playback singer, a decision that has sent shockwaves across the Indian music industry and among millions of fans. The announcement comes after a career spanning nearly 15 years, during which Singh established himself as a defining sound of modern Bollywood music. The singer shared the news through a note posted on his social media account a

European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday said the conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement between the European Union and India carried special personal significance for him, citing his Indian heritage and long-standing connection to the country. The agreement was announced following high-level talks in New Delhi, where Costa addressed a joint press conference alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Speaki

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused European nations of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing refined oil products originating from Russian crude processed in India. His remarks come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over energy trade and sanctions linked to the conflict in Eastern Europe. In an interview aired on Sunday, Bessent alleged that while European leaders publicly condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, their trade practices ar

India and the European Union are set to announce the conclusion of negotiations on a long-awaited free trade agreement during a high-level summit in New Delhi on January 27. Senior leaders from both sides are expected to participate in the meeting, which will focus on trade liberalisation, security cooperation and mobility arrangements for students and professionals. The conclusion of the talks marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, reflecting renewed political momentum after years of intermittent progress. Officials involved in the process have indicated that the agreement is designed to be balanced and forward-looking, aligning with the long-term economic interests of both partners. While the pact is expected to boost trade volumes, policymakers see it as a qualitative shift in India–EU engagement, strengthening cooperation across manufacturing, services, technology and sustainable development. The timing is notable, as global trade flows continue to face uncertainty amid rising tariff barriers and geopolitical tensions. Economic experts have described the agreement as a landmark step that could reshape commercial ties between the two economies. They point to strong complementarities, with India offering a large and growing market and the European Union bringing advanced technology, investment capacity and diversified demand. The efficient exchange of goods and services under the agreement is expected to enhance supply chains and open new opportunities for businesses on both sides. From India’s perspective, the trade pact reflects a strategic effort to deepen integration with major global partners while safeguarding domestic priorities. Officials confirmed that negotiations have been completed and that the agreement is undergoing final legal review. The remaining procedural steps are expected to be completed soon, paving the way for formal signing and implementation. The announcement has drawn international attention, including criticism from some quarters in the United States. A senior US official recently expressed concern over the deal, linking it to broader disputes over energy trade and tariffs. The remarks underscored differing approaches to trade policy and highlighted how the India–EU agreement fits into a complex global economic landscape shaped by competing interests and sanctions regimes. The summit in New Delhi is also expected to mark progress beyond trade. Leaders are likely to finalise a Security and Defence Partnership aimed at enhancing strategic coordination, as well as a framework to facilitate mobility for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in Europe. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation in emerging areas of mutual interest. Negotiations for an India–EU free trade agreement first began in 2007 but were suspended in 2013 due to differences over ambition and market access. The process was revived in 2022, following renewed political commitment on both sides to address outstanding issues and adapt the talks to changing global conditions. The European Union remains India’s largest trading partner, accounting for a significant share of the country’s total trade in goods and services. With the conclusion of the free trade negotiations, both sides are positioning the agreement as a cornerstone of their economic relationship, one that could provide stability and growth amid an evolving global trade environment.

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships to the Middle East, a move aimed at reinforcing American military capabilities in a region marked by escalating political and security tensions. The announcement was made on Monday, January 26, by US Central Command, which said the carrier strike group’s presence is intended to support regional security and stability while enhancing both offensive and defensive readiness. Accordin

India’s 77th Republic Day was marked on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a wide range of greetings from global leaders and prominent international figures, reflecting the country’s growing diplomatic influence and expanding partnerships across regions. Messages from political leaders, senior officials, and business figures highlighted shared democratic values, strategic cooperation, and the importance of dialogue in an increasingly complex global environment. The Republic Day cele

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to India on the occasion of its Republic Day, underscoring the importance of the bilateral partnership and highlighting areas of close cooperation between the two countries. In his message, Rubio emphasized that sustained engagement across strategic sectors continues to yield tangible outcomes for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Rubio described the relationship as a historic bond strengthened by collab