A new western disturbance is expected to push unsettled weather across north, northwest and parts of central India from Monday, with the IMD warning of heavy snow in higher reaches and thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds elsewhere. The system is likely to peak on Jan 27 before easing, though stormy conditions may linger into Jan 28. Dense fog and cold-wave conditions are also expected to persist in pockets until Jan 26, prompting travel advisories.
A 25-year-old Hindu man in Bangladesh was burnt to death while sleeping, with authorities investigating the circumstances around the incident. Reports said the victim’s body was charred beyond recognition, and questions are being raised about whether it was an accident or a targeted attack. The case has prompted calls for swift action and accountability as investigators examine evidence and possible motives.
Digital payments leader PhonePe has received regulatory approval from SEBI to move ahead with its initial public offering, a key step toward one of India’s most watched fintech listings. Reports indicate the IPO is planned as an offer-for-sale by existing shareholders rather than a fresh fundraising round, with the company expected to file updated draft papers next. The development spotlights the scale of India’s UPI economy and the pressure on large fintechs to prove durable profitability.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of another active western disturbance from January 26, with heavy snowfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds and fog expected across parts of north, northwest and central India. The impact is forecast to peak on January 27 before gradually weakening, though unsettled weather may persist into January 28. Authorities have urged travellers to plan for disruptions and reduced visibility, especially in fog-prone belts.
In the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on January 25, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to young citizens to register as voters as soon as they turn 18. Linking the message to National Voters’ Day and the Republic Day eve, he underlined voting as a key duty in a democracy and urged wider participation to strengthen India’s institutions.
A KPMG report released around the World Economic Forum 2026 highlights India’s expanding role in global technology and trade, pointing to investments in semiconductor manufacturing, deep-tech R&D and accelerating AI adoption. The report argues that India is moving from policy ambition to execution, with a growing ecosystem spanning design, fabrication and related infrastructure. The theme reflects intensifying global competition to secure chips, talent and trusted digital systems.
Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been named to receive the Padma Shri, recognising their contributions to the sport and their influence across formats. The announcement, part of the Padma Awards list revealed on January 25, 2026, highlights how the two have shaped India’s modern cricket era—Rohit as a leading figure in men’s cricket and Harmanpreet as a trailblazer for the women’s game.
At AIIMS Mangalagiri’s 8th foundation day event, Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav said the institute would receive an additional 10 acres of land, as promised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The expansion is aimed at strengthening trauma and emergency care services. Officials highlighted the institute’s growing clinical load, surgical work and expanding academic footprint since inception.
India’s technology sector began 2026 with weaker hiring intent, as active tech job openings fell sharply compared with the previous year, according to a January 2026 report by staffing firm Xpheno. The report points to continuing sluggishness after a muted 2025, with sharper declines in mid-senior and senior hiring even as some entry-level roles show resilience.
India’s gems and jewellery industry has submitted pre-Budget proposals seeking GST rationalisation, customs duty changes, and policy reforms aimed at improving export competitiveness amid shifting global trade conditions. Industry bodies say reforms could lower costs, streamline processes and strengthen India’s position in the global value chain.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as its national working president during the party’s national executive meeting in Patna, with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi present. The move formalises Tejashwi’s expanded organisational role as the party recalibrates its strategy in Bihar’s evolving political landscape.
A 25-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Bhowmik, died after a fire broke out while he was asleep in a garage in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi. While the blaze initially appeared accidental, CCTV footage has reportedly raised suspicion of foul play, and police said they are investigating whether the fire was caused by an external act or an electrical fault.
