Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Budget Session of Parliament marks an important step towards achieving the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Centre is focused on 'Reform Express' and moving towards long-term solutions for pending issues. He also noted that beginning the session alongside progress on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement reflects the spirit of an “ambitious, confident and Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Addressing mediapersons at the start of the Budget Session, the Prime Minister referred to the President’s address to Parliament and said, “The President's address yesterday reflected the confidence of 140 crore Indians and their aspirations. She also expressed her expectations from parliamentarians in very simple words, sharing her feelings as the head of the nation. I am confident that all MPs will take these seriously.” Highlighting that one-fourth of the 21st century has already passed, PM Modi said the country has now embarked on a crucial 25-year journey to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said this period will define India’s future direction and its role in the global order. Speaking about Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Prime Minister said, “She is the first Finance Minister of the country to present the Budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time. This itself is being recorded in India’s parliamentary history as a proud moment.” The Prime Minister said that during this quarter of the 21st century, India has emerged as a “beacon of hope” and also as a “centre of attraction” for the world. He added that global attention towards India reflects growing confidence in the country’s economic and democratic strength. “At the start of this quarter, the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement offers a glimpse of how bright the future is for India and its youth. This is free trade for ambitious Bharat, confident youth and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said. PM Modi further said that he is confident Indian manufacturers will seize the opportunity created by the agreement to expand and strengthen their presence globally. He stressed the need to focus on quality as markets open up further. “When the mother of all deals is signed between India and Europe, our industrialists and manufacturers should not just think that ‘our items will now be traded with less tax’. This is an opportunity to emphasise quality. Now that the market is open, we should enter it with the best quality. If we go with superior quality, we will win the hearts of the 27 member states of the EU. This will have a long-term impact,” he said. He added that the agreement with 27 countries would open up significant opportunities for India’s farmers, youth and professionals in the services sector who are keen to explore global markets. “I firmly believe this is a major step towards a confident, competitive and productive India,” he said. Referring to the broader functioning of the government, the Prime Minister said that while the nation’s attention is naturally focused on the Budget, the core ethos of the government remains “reform, performance and transformation”. “We have swiftly boarded the ‘Reform Express’. I thank all MPs for their constructive contributions in accelerating this ‘Reform Express’. As a result, the Reform Express is now gathering speed,” he said. PM Modi said the government is moving away from long-pending issues towards implementing long-term solutions, adding that such solutions bring predictability and strengthen international trust. He said every decision taken by the government is aimed at progress and development, while remaining human-centric. “We will adopt technology, absorb it and use its potential, but we will not compromise on a human-centric approach. While recognising the importance of constitutional values, we will move ahead with thoughtful integration of technology,” he said. He added that criticism and differing views are natural in a democracy, but said there is widespread recognition that the government has prioritised last-mile delivery. “It is not just about files moving, but about reaching lives. This tradition will continue as we take next-generation reforms forward through the Reform Express,” he said. Stressing the global relevance of India, PM Modi said India’s democracy and demography today offer great hope to the world. “In this temple of democracy, we have an opportunity to convey to the global community our capabilities, our commitment to democratic values and the credibility of decisions taken through democratic processes. The world recognises and welcomes this,” he said. “Today, the nation is moving forward not with delays, but with timely action,” the Prime Minister added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:57 AM IST | New Delhi [India] | IANSThe Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to entertain the defamation suit filed by Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd and OTT platform Netflix over his alleged defamatory portrayal in the web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood’*. Holding that the Delhi HC lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, a single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kaurav returned the same to be placed before the court of competent jurisdiction. “This Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the plaint. The same is returned to the plaintiff to approach the court of competent jurisdiction,” ordered Justice Kaurav. In his plea, Wankhede alleged that malicious and defamatory content published and circulated through the Netflix series produced by Red Chillies Entertainment has gravely tarnished his reputation, dignity, and public image, apart from causing harm to his family. He also claimed that the image of anti-drug enforcement agencies has been tarnished and shown negatively, thereby undermining public trust in law enforcement agencies. The IRS official further sought permanent and mandatory injunctions, along with damages, against the defendants, including Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, X Corp (formerly Twitter), Google LLC, Meta Platforms, RPG Lifestyle Media Private Limited and other concerned parties. Wankhede has claimed that the web series has deliberately biased and defamatory content against him. He also alleged that the Sameer Wankhede and Aryan Khan case is currently pending before the Bombay High Court and a special NDPS court in Mumbai. The suit stated that a character in the web series is shown saying, "Satyamev Jayate", and immediately after that, the character is seen making an obscene gesture. It is an insult to the slogan, which is part of the national emblem and is an offence punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Sameer has sought Rs 2 crore as damages, which will be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of Cancer patients. The Delhi High Court had heard detailed submissions from both sides and reserved its verdict earlier on December 2, 2025. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:57 AM IST | New Delhi [India] | IANSAndhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Revenue Minister A Satya Prasad left for Baramati on Thursday to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday. As reported by news agency PTI, the last rites of Pawar will be held with full state honours at the sports ground of Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati in Pune district today. An official statement emphasised, "A delegation comprising Ministers Lokesh and Prasad left for Baramati this morning to attend the last rites and pay final respects to Pawar," as per PTI. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66) and four other persons on board the aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati on Wednesday. The final journey of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will take place on Thursday, January 29, with his mortal remains being carried in a flower-decked rath as part of the Antim Yatra in Baramati, reported news agency ANI. Flower-decked rath to carry mortal remains through Baramati The ceremonial chariot has been richly decorated with flowers and bears Pawar’s photograph along with a message paying tribute to him. The funeral procession is scheduled to begin at 9 am from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima), move through key parts of the town to allow people to pay their respects, and conclude at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where the last rites will be performed at 11 am, reported ANI. Supporters gather early; emotional scenes outside hospital Even before the procession began, large numbers of party workers and supporters gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital in Baramati, where Pawar’s body was kept before being taken to his residence. Among those mourning was party worker Chandrashekar Patil, who broke down while remembering Pawar’s disciplined lifestyle and deep connection with the people. “He was like the elder of our family. Who will guide us now? He would start his day early, listen to people’s problems and work tirelessly,” Patil said, struggling to hold back tears, reported ANI. Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray pay last respects On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray visited Pawar’s residence in Baramati to convey their condolences to the bereaved family. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
29 January,2026 11:15 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentFive schools in the national capital received bomb threats on Thursday morning, prompting emergency evacuation of the campuses and searches by security agencies. Delhi Fire Services confirmed that Loreto Convent in Delhi Cantonment, Don Bosco in Chittaranjan Park, and Carmel Convent campuses in Anand Niketan and Dwarka have received threats. On the other hand, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in Lodhi Estate sent out a message to the parents of its students, informing them about the security threat. Police and fire authorities were immediately informed, triggering evacuation protocols and anti-sabotage checks. "Our teams are on site, and standard operating procedures are being followed. Nothing suspicious has been found so far," a DFS officer said, adding that search operations were underway. The Sardar Patel Vidyalaya administration informed parents that a security threat had been received in the morning, and authorities were immediately alerted. The school said a bomb squad team conducted a thorough inspection of the entire campus. "We are relieved to inform you that the premises have been declared completely safe for use. Student safety remains our highest priority, and all necessary protocols were followed promptly and responsibly. Classes will continue as usual today," the message read. Police sources said local police personnel, bomb disposal squads and dog squads were deployed to sweep the campuses. Students and staff were moved to safe areas in some schools, they added. Further investigation is underway to trace the origin of the threats, police said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:15 AM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIIndia will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday (January 31). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the '2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting'. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State, and other Senior Officials, and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan, and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on Thursday for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to welcome H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sudan, for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit will further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Sudan." In another post, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:05 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe share market in the country opened flat on Tuesday as investors remained in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the upcoming Union Budget this weekend, with market volatility showing signs of cooling. The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened at 25,345, registering a marginal gain of 2.25 points or 0.01 per cent. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex opened at 82,368.96, up by 24.28 points or 0.03 per cent. Market participants appeared cautious as they positioned themselves ahead of the Budget announcement, while indicators suggested a stable but guarded sentiment. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, "Volatility is cooling as the India VIX settled near 13.5-14, and the Nifty PCR (Put-Call Ratio) stands at a balanced 0.70, indicating cautious but stable positioning ahead of the Union Budget 2026. Investors are eyeing the February 1st announcement with expectations for a 4.2 per cent fiscal deficit target, continued infrastructure CAPEX, and potential AI-focused incentives." He further added, "Currencies, Oil and Metals are the stories of the day. US Dollar moves are roiling policy makers' outlooks, Oil is surging due to the high probability of a joining Israeli-US attack on Iran and Metals are seeing a bumper year." In the broader market on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), indices showed mixed trends. The Nifty 100 slipped by 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 edged up by 0.10 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap index outperformed, gaining 0.51 per cent. Sectoral indices on the NSE opened mostly in the red, except for the Nifty Metal and PSU Bank indices. The Nifty Auto index declined by 0.70 per cent, Nifty FMCG fell by 0.54 per cent, and Nifty IT was down by 0.95 per cent in early trade. Global markets reflected a mix of caution and resilience following the first US Federal Reserve meeting of the year. The Fed kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent and signalled a data-dependent approach as inflation remains sticky. In the US, the S&P 500 briefly crossed the historic 7,000 mark but closed flat, while the Nasdaq gained 0.17 per cent, supported by strong buying in AI chip stocks. Commodities remained in focus, with gold hitting a record high and nearing USD 5,600 per ounce in some markets amid safe-haven demand and a weakening US Dollar. Oil prices also climbed to a four-month peak, with Brent settling near USD 68.40 due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a surprise draw in US inventories. In other Asian markets, a mixed trend was visible. Japan's Nikkei 225 opened with a marginal gain of 0.03 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose by 0.6 per cent, South Korea's KOSPI gained 0.98 per cent, while Taiwan's weighted index declined by 0.48 per cent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIKerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Thursday presented the budget for the financial year 2026-27, announcing allocation of Rs 14,500 crore for social security pensions and hiking honorariums for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Presenting the second Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's sixth budget in the Legislative Assembly, Balagopal announced that the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers has been hiked by Rs 1,000 per month and that of Anganwadi helpers by Rs 500. The pay of pre-primary teachers and literacy mission motivators has been increased by Rs 1,000 per month and the daily wages of school cooking staff have been raised by Rs 25 per day, he said. The budget also announced Rs 3,700 crore for the Chief Minister's Stree Suraksha Scheme. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 10:53 AM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | PTIThe India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated so far, highlighted a report by EY (Ernst & Young). According to the report, the India-EU FTA truly represents an agreement between two economic giants. It stated "The India-EU FTA represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated this far". The report noted that the agreement has the potential to significantly impact several key sectors, including automobiles, defence, aerospace, textiles and information technology. In the automobile sector, the FTA proposes a phased reduction of import duties on completely built units (CBUs) from around 110 per cent to approximately 10 per cent, with an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. EY said this move may encourage greater competition and innovation in the Indian auto sector, benefiting consumers through more choices and potentially lower prices. Additionally, lower import duties on completely knocked down (CKD) units, at around 15 per cent, are expected to support continued investments by European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers in local assembly operations. This is likely to strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment and help maintain price stability for consumers. On strategic defence integration and industrial collaboration, the report highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership framework under the agreement. EY said the framework lays the foundation for deeper industrial collaboration between Indian and European aerospace and defence firms, enabling technology exchange and improving interoperability. Lower tariffs are also expected to improve the price competitiveness of EU aerospace exports to India, while supporting Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in building integrated supply chains with European partners. The report added that the broader economic opening, along with defence cooperation, could accelerate localisation of critical aerospace technologies, such as complex radar systems or structural assemblies, through foreign direct investment and joint ventures. In the textile sector, the agreement provides zero duty access to the EU market from Day 1. EY noted that this restores India's competitiveness, fully neutralising the impact of the earlier withdrawal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This will allow Indian textile products to enter the EU market at significantly more competitive prices. For the IT sector, the report said that seamless movement of professionals and workers across EU countries may provide faster and easier access to new markets, particularly in the era of new AI technologies. The agreement also creates a pathway for structured engagement on Social Security Agreements over the next five years, addressing a long-pending industry demand to reduce dual social security contributions. India already has Social Security Agreements with 12 EU countries, the report added. The India-EU FTA was concluded on January 27, and it marked a watershed moment in India's global trade strategy. Both sides described this FTA as the "mother of all deals." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly announced the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 10:07 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and also mourned the people who allegedly lost their lives due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Hooghly on Wednesday, the Chief Minister extended her sympathies to the bereaved families. "Firstly, I express my condolences to the family members of those who lost their lives due to the SIR. I also express my condolences to the family members of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash this morning," Mamata Banerjee said. The soil of Singur has always inspired me. My journey of struggle is deeply intertwined with this land, and I am truly moved by the warmth and affection with which the people of Singur embraced me today. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of… pic.twitter.com/3VL1qBrRFZ — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 28, 2026 During the address, the Chief Minister also spoke about development initiatives in Singur, highlighting the inauguration of multiple projects and alleging a lack of cooperation from the Central government. "Singur is a very significant place for me. I thank the people of Singur who always stand with me. 1694 projects are inaugurated today, whose cost value is approximately Rs 33,591 crores. The central government has not supported. Infact it has even stopped all funds...," she said. Earlier, on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee alleged that Bengali-speaking people were facing harassment and were being targeted in several states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. She strongly criticised the Centre government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the issue, linking it to the ongoing SIR exercise and said, "If you hurt me, I will be very dangerous." Strongly objecting to the Prime Minister's recent remarks, Mamata Banerjee said, "One person (PM Modi) came and said that the government approves the Bangla language, but it's not true. Even Bengali people are getting hurt because they are speaking the Bangla language in other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. If you hurt me, I will be very dangerous. In the name of SIR, you are making people suffer. Shame on you. Election Commission, it's not your work..." Additionally, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief also earlier hinted at possible foul play in the Baramati plane crash and demanded a Supreme Court probe into the incident. In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee said, "Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati this morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar, and late Ajit's all friends and followers. The incident needs a proper investigation." Ajit Pawar, 66, was among five people who lost their lives in the crash. Investigations into the incident are currently underway. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 09:39 AM IST | Hooghly (West Bengal) | ANIOne of the accused in the 2020 murder of a cousin of gangster Goldy Brar was shot dead by two unidentified assailants near the senior superintendent of police's office in Punjab's Mohali on Wednesday, police said. The Mohali police booked foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar in connection with the murder of Gurwinder Singh alias Lambbad, who had come to a court along with his wife for a hearing in an opium recovery case when the assailants fired several rounds at him, killing him on the spot, they said Gurwinder's wife said in her complaint that he had been receiving threats from Goldy Brar. Gurwinder was a resident of Rurki Pukhta village in Mohali's Sadar Kharar area. After attending the court hearing, when Gurwinder reached near his car along with his wife, an assailant, who was already present near the vehicle, fired multiple shots at him and fled from the spot. The police said the incident occurred at around 3 pm when Guwinder was opening the boot of his car parked on the road. Meanwhile, in an unverified post on social media, gangsters Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara and Vicky Pehlwan claimed responsibility for the killing of Gurwinder while citing his alleged involvement in the murder of Gurlal Singh Brar. Gurlal Singh Brar, the cousin of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar, was shot dead in Chandigarh in 2020. An unverified audio clip doing the rounds on social media purportedly features Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for Gurwinder's murder and issuing threats in the wake of his parents' arrest. Addressing the state government, the speaker said, "If you have the courage, be fair and face things head-on. You and your agencies used your might but failed to catch me, and now you have arrested my elderly parents from Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). Do you think you can scare us? We are not afraid." He warned that governments are temporary and officials in Punjab are confined to the state, but his network is global. "Governments come and go. The children of all leaders and police officers are settled abroad. You are limited to Punjab, but we are in the entire world. If you do anything unfair, then we will do the same," the speaker said. The parents of Goldy Brar were arrested recently in a 2024 extortion case. Earlier, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Rupnagar Range, Nanak Singh, said Gurwinder had come for a hearing in a 4 kg opium recovery case and was on bail in this matter. Singh said Gurwinder had a criminal background and had been named in the Gurlal Brar murder case. "This angle is also being examined," he said. An eyewitness to the fatal shooting said he initially thought a car tyre had burst. But then he saw a man, "wearing a cap and having a fair complexion", firing multiple rounds at a point-blank range. The assailant's other accomplice was waiting for him at some distance on a bike, said the eyewitness, who is an advocate by profession. "We are investigating the matter. We assure you that soon the assailants will be caught. We have leads, and we have information on who got it done. We are working on it," the DIG told reporters. "Multiple teams have been constituted for technical analysis, scientific investigation, and human intelligence to trace and arrest the accused at the earliest," DIG Singh said. The DIG informed that based on the statement of the deceased's wife, a case under Sections 103(1) (murder), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sohana against Goldy Brar. The complainant said that Gurwinder had been receiving threats from Goldy Brar, as he was named as an accused in the murder case of Gurlal Brar. Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar was designated as a "terrorist" by India in 2024 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He is at present believed to be in the US. Earlier, he was an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. But he parted ways with the Bishnoi gang last year. He is now part of the Brar-Rohit Godara-Kala Jatheri gang. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | Chandigarh | PTIMaharashtra emerged as the big winner at the Republic Day Parade 2026, clinching the Best Tableau award for its presentation titled ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’. The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux were announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday. Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard. Indian Navy, Delhi Police win best marching contingent awards According to the official announcement, three separate panels of judges evaluated the performances of marching contingents and tableaux displayed at the parade held on Kartavya Path. Among the three armed services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police topped the category for Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces. J&K, Kerala follow Maharashtra in states’ tableaux category In the states and Union Territories category for tableaux, Maharashtra secured the top position, followed by Jammu and Kashmir for its tableau on handicrafts and folk dances of the region, and Kerala for its presentation highlighting the Water Metro project and 100 per cent digital literacy under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Ministry of Culture wins among central ministries; special prizes announced Among central ministries and departments, the Ministry of Culture won the Best Tableau award for its depiction titled ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’. Special prizes were also announced, with the Central Public Works Department being recognised for ‘Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years’, while the dance group ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ was also honoured. Gujarat tops Popular Choice tableaux; Assam Regiment leads contingents The government additionally released the results of the Popular Choice category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal. In this category, the Assam Regiment was voted the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won among the CAPFs and auxiliary forces. For Popular Choice tableaux from states and Union Territories, Gujarat topped the list with its theme on Swadeshi, self-reliance and freedom, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
29 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769664091857_d.png "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed foreign ministers for the 2 IAFMM in New Delhi. File Picnd")
-1769662472354_d.png "Stocks open flat as investors get cautious ahead of the Union Budget, 2026. Representational image")
-1769659913926_d.png "India-EU FTA marks watershed moment in India’s global trade strategy. Representational Image")
