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Weekly News Platter |
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31 Jan, 2026, 05:52PM IST, PTI |
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Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
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 Who is Sunetra Pawar? Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister |
| Sunetra Pawar has made history as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. This marks a major shift from her social work background to the center of state power. Her rise follows the passing of her husband, Ajit Pawar. Pawar's journey began with her Lok Sabha contest in Baramati and her subsequent Rajya Sabha nomination. Read more |
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 Economic Survey calls for 20-year city plans for all million-plus cities |
| India's Economic Survey for 2025-26 proposes mandatory 20-year city plans for urban centers. These plans will focus on transport, housing, and land value capture. The survey highlights cities as economic engines and calls for integrated planning. It notes progress in urban infrastructure and housing schemes. Future policy will prioritize dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Read more |
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 Pramit Jhaveri to step down from Sir Dorabji Tata Trust |
| Pramit Jhaveri will step down as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust on February 11, 2026, after his current term concludes. He informed Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata of his decision in a letter dated January 31, stating he does not wish to be considered for reappointment. Read more |
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 Government pact to clear way for $10 billion submarine deal with Germany |
| India is set to sign a major deal for new submarines by March end. This multi-billion dollar contract with Germany will bring advanced technology. Mazagon Dockyards Limited will build six submarines in India. The deal aims to boost India's naval capabilities and create jobs. This will help address the navy's shortage of underwater platforms. Read more |
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 Budget 2026: A make-or-break moment awaits India’s farm policy |
| Budget 2026 could mark a turning point for India’s agriculture policy as the sector sits at the centre of unresolved India–US trade tensions. With Prime Minister Modi underlining that farmer interests are non-negotiable, attention is on whether the budget signals a policy reset or sticks to incremental support. Read more |
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 US government shuts down but quick resolution expected |
| A US government shutdown began Saturday as Congress failed to pass a 2026 budget. Disruption is expected to be brief, with the House poised to approve a Senate deal early next week. Negotiations faltered over Democratic anger regarding protester deaths, impacting Department of Homeland Security funding. Most federal operations are affected, but a short lapse is anticipated. Read more |
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 Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as next Fed chair, replacing Jerome Powell |
| President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh, a former Fed governor, is set to replace Jerome Powell. This appointment signals a potential shift in the central bank's policies. Trump has openly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates. Warsh's nomination requires Senate approval. Read more |
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 Radicals step up attacks against Hindu community in Bangladesh |
| Hindu minorities in Bangladesh are reportedly facing targeted violence. The Rights & Risks Analysis Group states that houses and temples are being burned, and individuals murdered. The report details specific incidents and victims. Bangladeshi authorities have dismissed a religious motive for these attacks. This denial, according to the report, emboldens fundamentalists. Victims often fear reprisal. Read more |
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 India to cut food weighting in CPI in new inflation series |
| India is set to revise its inflation measurement, significantly reducing food's weight in the Consumer Price Index to 36.75%. This shift aims to stabilize inflation readings, impacting monetary policy. The updated basket will reflect current spending, incorporating rural rents and e-commerce prices for a more accurate economic picture. Read more |
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 Nipah worries: WHO says travel, trade curbs not needed after 2 cases in India |
| The World Health Organization has stated there's no need for travel or trade restrictions regarding India's Nipah Virus outbreak, citing the country's past success in managing such events. Authorities confirmed two cases in West Bengal, with all 196 identified contacts testing negative and remaining asymptomatic, indicating a low risk of international spread. Read more |
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 India's wealthy embrace a new luxury symbol: water |
| In India, premium bottled water is emerging as a luxury and wellness symbol, driven by distrust of tap water and rising incomes. Avanti Mehta, India’s youngest water sommelier, recently hosted a blind tasting of French, Italian, and Indian waters, highlighting differences in taste, minerality, and health value. Read more |
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 Trump threatens Canada with 50% tariff on aircraft sold in US, expanding trade war |
| President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with a significant 50% tariff on all aircraft sold in the United States. This move is a direct response to Canada's refusal to certify jets manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace. Trump stated he will decertify Canadian aircraft, including those from Bombardier. This trade dispute escalates tensions between the two nations. Read more |
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Budget 2026: Indian stock market to stay open on Sunday, February 1 — only the second time in history
EU FTA brings India to global high table, offers $10-trillion opportunity: Piyush Goyal
FD rate up to 8% for senior citizens investing for five years; Know the full list of banks
$3+ trillion wiped out from gold and silver in minutes and was it complete manipulation? Here's complete truth, and gold and silver price drop explained
Economic Survey 2026 tells why Indians behave in the metro but not in buses
Jio-BP unveils 'Active' technology petrol: Up to 100 km extra drive annually at no extra cost
Virat Kohli disappeared from Instagram? Why there is a buzz around the cricket legend's Insta account
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterates claim that Europe is 'funding the war against itself'