National News
India is set to achieve a major milestone in disaster preparedness, with over 100 coastal villages expected to be certified as tsunami-ready in the Indian Ocean region. This initiative places India at the forefront of community-based disaster resilience, strengthening early warning systems and public awareness in vulnerable areas.
In a significant counter-insurgency operation, a top Maoist leader, Paka Hanumanthu—also known by aliases Ganesh and Chamru—was killed along with three others during an encounter with security forces in Odisha. Officials confirmed that the operation was conducted during the intervening night, marking a major blow to Maoist networks operating across eastern India.
Weather conditions in the national capital improved after several days of dense fog. According to the India Meteorological Department, visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport remained stable on Thursday morning, easing disruptions to flights and road traffic.
The Kerala government announced the introduction of permanent photo-affixed nativity cards. This move replaces the existing certificate-based system and is expected to simplify administrative procedures while reducing document-related delays for residents.
International News
Bangladesh witnessed a major political development as Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to the country after 17 years of self-imposed exile. His return is being closely watched for its potential political implications in the region.
In Africa, a blast inside a mosque in Nigeria resulted in the death of at least five people and left over 30 injured. Authorities suspect the incident to be a suicide attack, and investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in West Asia after a blast in Gaza wounded an Israeli soldier. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, raising concerns about renewed instability.
Sports News
Veteran Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to competitive action in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal for a duck drew attention, with young bowler Devendra Bora claiming the prized wicket.
In international cricket, Australia, led by Steven Smith, is set to face Ben Stokes’ England in the fourth Test of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match is crucial as both teams aim to gain an upper hand.
Indian chess continues to shine as International Master Ethan Vaz and Woman FIDE Master Shubhi Gupta emerged victorious at the National Junior Chess Championship, highlighting India’s growing strength in the sport.
Business and Economy
India’s GDP growth is expected to moderate in the coming quarters as inflation gradually moves closer to the Reserve Bank of India’s target. External MPC member Saugata Bhattacharya stated that this outlook aligns with the central bank’s current policy stance.
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran defended India’s GDP data, urging a balanced assessment of economic performance. He noted that growth figures often face scrutiny only during periods of slowdown.
The International Monetary Fund’s assessment of India’s official statistics is likely to improve following the completion of ongoing reviews of key macroeconomic indicators, according to experts associated with the Index of Industrial Production.
Education News
The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the reopening of the application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 examination. This decision provides another opportunity for candidates who missed the earlier deadline.
Data from 2025 reveals a sharp rise in enrolments for courses related to artificial intelligence, generative AI, data science, and cybersecurity. These subjects have emerged as the top choices among Indian learners, reflecting changing career trends and industry demands.
