FOOD MINISTER
UP allows wheat sale at MSP without online registration
Uttar Pradesh farmers can now sell wheat at government procurement centers without prior online registration. This decision comes after many farmers faced difficulties registering and were forced to sell to middlemen. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered immediate implementation. Farmers can now sell their wheat as they did in previous years, ensuring fair prices for their produce.
South Korea's Lee to seek big boost in economic ties in summit with PM Modi
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in New Delhi for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to significantly increase economic ties, focusing on shipbuilding. Both nations plan to nearly double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Cooperation may also expand into finance, artificial intelligence, and defense. India's role in global production is highlighted.
NSA Ajit Doval holds high-level talks in Riyadh, discusses bilateral, regional issues with Saudi ministers
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia for high-level talks. Discussions covered bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional issues. This visit followed a meeting with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Secretary. Both engagements focused on strategic dialogue and geopolitical concerns. India reiterated its stance on peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
TMC 'betrayed' women, will be punished in Polls: PM Modi in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Trinamool and Congress for allegedly conspiring to defeat the Women's Reservation Bill. He addressed rallies in West Bengal's tribal regions, accusing the ruling party of betraying women. Modi promised financial assistance and the creation of Lakhpati Didis if the BJP forms the government, highlighting women's empowerment.
Protest erupts in Nepal against taxation on imports above 100 rupees from India
Protests have erupted in Birgunj, Nepal, against a new government directive taxing all imports from India exceeding NRS 100. This strict enforcement, aimed at curbing revenue leakage and supporting local markets, has led to widespread crackdowns at border points and significant dissatisfaction among residents who rely on cross-border purchases for daily essentials.
PM Narendra Modi makes unscheduled stop at Jhargram, savours street food 'jhalmuri'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop in Jhargram, West Bengal. He enjoyed jhalmuri, a popular street food. Bystanders were surprised as the PM approached the stall. Modi asked for the price and requested a tasty preparation. He paid the vendor and specifically asked for no salt. The Prime Minister later shared his experience on X.
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As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. "When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public," said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb
Drug regulator oversight sought for nutraceuticals; NGO flags quality, pricing concerns
A Gujarat NGO is pushing the government to regulate nutraceuticals like medicines. They cite concerns about product quality and unregulated prices. The NGO wants these health supplements to be overseen by drug regulators, not food safety authorities. This move aims to ensure better standards and fair pricing for consumers across India.
The Role of diplomatic dining at international summits
Meals have played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations, from Lal Bahadur Shastri's final meal to the Tehran Conference where Churchill used dinner parties to foster agreement. These culinary encounters, whether simple or lavish, have historically helped break the ice and facilitate crucial political outcomes.
'Congress-abuse address': Jairam Ramesh hits out at PM Modi
Congress hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address, calling it a 'distress address'. The party challenged the PM to bring a bill in Parliament to implement women's reservation immediately within the existing Lok Sabha setup. Congress accused the government of deceitful attempts regarding women's reservation and delimitation proposals. The party highlighted its consistent stand on immediate implementation.
PM Narendra Modi to address nation at 8:30 pm after high-level security, economic reviews
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation tonight. He chaired high-level meetings focusing on West Asia tensions and domestic preparedness. Discussions covered essential supplies like fuel and food. The government is ensuring adequate stocks for upcoming seasons. Contingency plans are in place to manage potential disruptions.
Narendra Modi chairs key CCS, Cabinet meetings in Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a crucial cabinet meeting in New Delhi. Discussions focused on economic affairs and security measures. The government reviewed steps to ensure the availability of essential goods like petroleum products, fertilizers, and electricity. The impact of the West Asia conflict on India's economy was also assessed.
France, UK to lead 'defensive' force for Hormuz
France and Britain will spearhead a multinational mission for safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. This defensive force will deploy only after regional peace is secured. The initiative aims to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations. Several nations have pledged contributions.
Centre relaxes wheat procurement norms for Punjab to counter rain damage
The central government has eased wheat procurement rules for Punjab and Chandigarh for the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27. This decision follows untimely rains that damaged crops. Relaxations include increased tolerance for lustre loss and shrivelled grains. Punjab officials are ensuring smooth procurement and timely payments to farmers. Opposition parties had criticized the state government for delays in seeking these relaxations.
Tap untapped potential of spices sector: Chirag Paswan at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry conclave
India's spices sector holds vast untapped potential. Minister Chirag Paswan urged a shift to value-driven growth, emphasizing innovation and global market integration. Enhanced quality standards are crucial for building trust and avoiding export rejections. Opportunities lie in nutraceuticals and wellness products. This focus is vital for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
Chirag Paswan flags spice export quality issues, says rejections are “disheartening and embarrassing”
Union Minister Paswan highlighted spices’ historic role in India’s trade and their vast untapped potential beyond culinary use.
'BJP plan is to bring NIA, detonate bomb, blame someone:' Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of attempt to frame youth in West Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a gathering, said, "Their (BJP) plan is to bring in the NIA, detonate the bomb, and then blame it on someone else. They'll bring in some people from outside, accuse you, and arrest the boys tomorrow. It's just a matter of a few days. Be patient, just register your name, and don't get into any trouble. I'm appealing to you; they'll steal votes by creating trouble. If necessary, you should monitor them even at night..."
How El Nino-driven weaker monsoon rains could impact India
The monsoon outlook for India in 2026 paints a worrying picture, with an anticipated El Niño likely to disrupt normal rainfall patterns. This scenario threatens to diminish crop production and necessitate greater imports of essential commodities, such as edible oils. Moreover, diminished rainfall could strain the power sector, necessitating governmental response.
Lucknow: Fire leaves over 1,000 homeless as 50 LPG cylinders explode in shanties built illegally on Awas Vikas land
The big fire broke out early in the morning in Sector 11 of Vikas Nagar and quickly spread across the make shift settlement. As per report, the fire erupted due to explosions of over 50 LPG cylinders, intensifying the blaze and making firefighting efforts difficult. The fire was so huge that residents watched helplessly as black smoke covered the sky, visible from kilometres away. The shanties were located on land belonging to the Awas Vikas Parishad.
West Bengal polls: Mamata Banerjee appeals for support to TMC candidates, accuses BJP of targeting Bengal's identity
Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she spent Poila Boishakh among the people of West Bengal and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the state, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to undermine Bengal's identity and constitutional rights.
Indian officials see Iran war oil shock as disruptive as Covid
India is drawing on its Covid-era playbook to cushion the economic blow from the Iran war, with officials warning the disruption to energy supplies could rival the pandemic, threatening growth, widening the fiscal deficit, and pushing the rupee to record lows.
Iran trolls Trump as ‘powerfool’ man, applies to be Italy’s new ally after Meloni rift
Iran viral post Italy news is trending after Iran joked about replacing the US as Italy’s partner. The post mocked Donald Trump and praised shared culture with Italy. Giorgia Meloni’s criticism of Trump added to the issue. The story shows rising tensions, humour in diplomacy, and strong reactions in Europe over political statements and global relations.
Modi pitches 10% cut in edible oil use, pushes natural farming and millets
Narendra Modi urged a 10% cut in cooking oil consumption to tackle obesity, while promoting yoga, healthy eating and natural farming, as he highlighted preventive healthcare, expanded Ayushman Bharat coverage for the elderly, and called for sustainable, self-reliant lifestyles.
Gadkari sees farmers as future energy providers to reduce import dependence
Gadkari flagged the need for stronger post-harvest infrastructure, warning that surplus production without adequate cold storage, processing plants and value-addition facilities would depress farm prices.
TCS Nashik: A look at the sexual harassment allegations rocking the IT major
Tata Consultancy Services is under scrutiny following serious allegations of sexual and religious harassment at its Nashik office. Investigations have led to multiple FIRs and the arrest of several employees, including an HR manager. Tata Sons chairman has ordered a thorough internal probe into the matter. The company has suspended employees involved.
Sitharaman accuses Stalin of creating false narrative over Centre's advisory on paddy bonus
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. She accused him of creating false narratives regarding a Centre's advisory on bonuses for wheat and paddy farmers. Sitharaman stated that Stalin misinterpreted the advisory. She highlighted that other states understood the letter's intent.
Advisory to states on crop bonus policy to encourage greater crop diversification: FinMin
In a statement, the finance ministry said the January 9, 2026, letter from the Department of Expenditure Secretary, Ministry of Finance, to chief secretaries of states was an advisory and not a directive, to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
Indian Ocean must prepare for turbulent world, deepen cooperation: EAM outlines 5 priorities at 9th IOC
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has presented five key priorities for Indian Ocean nations. He stressed the need for regional cooperation amid rising global uncertainty. The minister highlighted the importance of the ocean as an ecosystem and called for overcoming colonial barriers. He also discussed global trends like increased competition and the emergence of choke points in various domains.
West Asia crisis: EAM Jaishankar calls for swift return to peace
In response to the unrest in West Asia, India has articulated its urgent desire for peace. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed his worries about the continuing conflict and its implications for global commerce. He noted the dire economic repercussions, especially concerning energy, food supplies, and fertilizer availability. India envisions a future of lasting harmony for the region.
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