Wednesday, January 07, 2026 ਪੰਜਾਬੀ हिंदी

Archive News of January 07, 2026

Gujarat holds first meeting of state-level census coordination committee ahead of Census 2027

The first meeting of the Gujarat State-Level Census Coordination Committee (SLCCC) was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das to review preparations for the upcoming Census 2027.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive review of the planning process and the groundwork required for the smooth execution of the next population census.

PHDCCI seeks incentives in Budget 2026-27 to push growth of MSME sector

Business chamber PHDCCI has, as part of its wishlist for Union Budget 2026–27, sought easier access to finance at lower interest rates and a reduction in the regulatory burden, to cut costs for the MSME sector, which is driving growth and employment generation in the economy.

Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) hold the key to catapulting India’s economy to a 10 per cent growth path, according to a statement issued by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on Wednesday.

US warns citizens about possible China-linked suspicious seed packages

The US has warned citizens in the state of Texas and elsewhere to remain vigilant as unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds, likely from China, continue to arrive at their doorsteps.

Texas Border Business reports that since February 2025, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has collected seed deliveries at 109 locations across the Lone Star State, “totaling 1,101 packs of unsolicited seeds”.

India's middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson announces retirement

Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive athletics on Wednesday, bringing a decade-and-a-half-long career to a close.

Johnson, who competed in the 800m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, ended his career with the 1500m national record, which he set at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019 with a time of 3:35.24.

His participation in Rio 2016 made him the first Indian male runner to qualify for the 800m at the Olympics since Sriram Singh in 1980.

Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo sworn in as 47th Chief Justice of Patna High Court

Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo was on Wednesday sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath of office to Justice Sahoo, who is the 47th to hold the post, at a function held at Lok Bhavan here, officials said.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, members of the state cabinet, judges of the Patna High Court, and several other distinguished dignitaries.

Sensex likely to touch 95,000 by December: Report

India’s equity markets could provide robust returns in near future due to impressive valuations, trailing performance, macro stability and the growth cycle, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from MS Research predicted a 13 per cent upside for BSE Sensex to touch 95,000 by December 2026 citing a 50 per cent probability.

The firm assumed continued fiscal consolidation, higher private investment and a positive gap between real growth and real rates to provide this base case scenario of Sensex touching 95,000.

Seoul shares set fresh record high on tech, auto rally after brief touch of above 4,600

Seoul shares extended their rally to a fourth day to set a fresh record high on a tech and auto rally on Wednesday after briefly landing above the 4,600-point level. The Korean won fell against the US dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 25.58 points, or 0.57 percent, to close at an all-time high of 4,551.06, reports news agency.

The index briefly topped the 4,600-point mark, touch an intraday high of 4,611.72.

Afghan police seize 130 kg of illicit drugs

Afghan counter-narcotics police have confiscated 130 kg of illegal drugs and arrested 36 suspected smugglers in a series of operations across the country, official statements reported.

In northern Badakhshan province, authorities seized 130 kg of opium and hashish in Jurm district and detained one individual, according to a statement from the provincial police office, News Agency reported.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced the arrest of 25 others linked to drug trafficking, possession and sales in provinces including Bamiyan, Kunduz and Parwan. Hundreds of narcotic tablets, along with quantities of crystal methamphetamine and hashish, were recovered from the suspects.

Indian Army continues restoration work in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force is working relentlessly to restore B-492, which connects Kandy in the Central Province to Badulla in Sri Lanka's Uva Province, which was severely affected due to Cyclone Ditwah.

In a video posted by the Indian Army on X, a schoolgirl said, "We are really grateful to you for the service you have done for us, especially coming all the way from India. Due to the damaged bridge, we had no way of crossing over to this side. We are so thankful to all of you for coming and doing this for us. Thank you very much for the assistance you have provided."

Indian professionals account for 34 pc of specialist talent moving to Finland: Report

Indian specialists accounted for roughly 34 per cent of specialist‑level talent moving to Finland in 2025, with tech and engineering professionals employed at firms including Nokia, Kone, Wärtsilä, HCL, Infosys and TCS, a report showed on Wednesday.

The report from Finnish government organisation Business Finland said that the country issued about 300 first‑time specialist residence permits to Indian professionals between January and November 2025, adding to over 20,000 Indians already living in the country.

India's tax collection to rise, fiscal consolidation to continue in upcoming Budget: Report

India's tax collections could surge in FY27, with gross tax buoyancy rising to 1.1 from a projected 0.64 in FY26, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from HDFC Bank said that nominal GDP growth is expected at about 10.1 per cent in FY27 after an estimated 8.5 per cent in FY26. It said that capital expenditure is expected to grow by 10.5 per cent to about Rs 11.5–12 lakh crore while revenue expenditure may rise 9.5 per cent to Rs 41.9 lakh crore.

The government's fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent for FY26 is likely to be achieved, with the deficit pegged at about Rs 15.79 lakh crore versus the budget estimate of Rs 15.69 lakh crore, the report said.

Cold spell to continue in West Bengal for next few days, says Meteorological office

Cold conditions in West Bengal will continue in the next few days, the Meteorological office said on Wednesday.

The cold spell will continue for the next few days, with the minimum temperature likely to drop further.

Five arrested for stone-pelting during demolition drive near Delhi mosque

Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the demolition drive near a mosque, officials said.

The incident occurred near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, close to Ramlila Ground, where authorities launched an anti-encroachment operation.

According to officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the drive was conducted to clear unauthorised structures from land adjoining the mosque and nearby areas, in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025.

Neetu Kapoor drops a heart melting throwback pic with the 'cutest' Riddhima Kapoor

Actress Neetu Kapoor used social media to relive a fond memory with her daughter, Riddhima Kapoor.

The 'Jugjugg Jeeyo' actress took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle and dropped a throwback photo of the adorable mother and daughter duo.

The photograph had Neetu lovingly holding little Riddhima in her arms. While the little one is flaunting her heart-melting smile at the camera, Neetu has her eyes fixed on her little bundle of joy.

DIIs lend robust support to Indian markets, led by mutual fund assets

 India’s top domestic institutional investors reported a 12 per cent to 20 per cent surge in assets across multiple segments during 2025, underscoring continued local support for equity and debt markets even as foreign investor assets growth softened.

Mutual funds led the expansion, with equity assets up 20.6 per cent to Rs 52.25 lakh crore from Rs 43.34 lakh crore a year earlier, and their combined equity and debt assets climbed 23.34 per cent to Rs 73.21 lakh crore from Rs 59.35 lakh crore, as per data.

Two arrested in Punjab for planning targeted killing on directions of foreign-based handlers

In a major intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell of Mohali, in coordination with Counter Intelligence of Ludhiana, have apprehended two men who were planning a targeted killing on the directions of foreign-based handlers, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday.

One 9 mm pistol, along with five cartridges, was recovered from the Ludhiana-based accused.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with UK and Germany-based handlers associated with the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and linked to hardline extremist ideology.

Human trafficking case: Two more arrested from Bengal

Two more people have been arrested in connection with the trafficking case in West Bengal's Nadia, the police said on Wednesday.

The duo was arrested from a cafe in Kalyani of Nadia district on Tuesday.

The arrested individuals were identified as Sathi Biswas, alias Tina, and Tanmoy Das.

According to sources at Kolkata Police headquarters, Sathi and Tanmoy were arrested while they were inside a cafe in Kalyani.

Babil Khan recalls saying ‘sofa mode activated’ before hopping onto late Irrfan Khan

Actor Babil Khan recently opened a small window into the lighter, everyday moments he shared with his late father Irrfan Khan as he remembered how he would often jump on him by saying “sofa mode activated”.

Babil took to Instagram, where he shared two images. The first was a nostalgic photograph showing a young Babil lying on the back of his father, the late Irrfan Khan. Both appear relaxed and comfortable on a striped floor mat, with simple pillows and a few household items around them.

Hrithik Roshan flaunts washboard abs, says ‘vibes on, control off’

Bollywood’s Greek God Hrithik Roshan knows how to let his presence do the talking as he dropped a glimpse that subtly showcased his chiselled frame and washboard abs.

Taking to Instagram, the 51-year-old star shared a BTS video from a photoshoot, where he showcased his perfect washboard abs.

He wrote as the caption: “Vibes on. Control off…”

Arjun Rampal has a 'blast' watching 'Dhurandhar' with his 'Goa Gang'

Actor Arjun Rampal made quite a splash with his portrayal as Major Iqbal in Aditya Dhar's much-appreciated "Dhurandhar".

Now, basking in the success of his latest release, Rampal decided to witness the spy thriller with some of his buddies in Goa.

The movie was followed by a lovely dinner, making for a wholesome evening.

J&K: Marginal improvement in night temperature, snowfall eludes Valley's plains

The minimum temperature improved marginally across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, as Srinagar city recorded minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.

Due to partial night-long cloud cover, the minimum temperature improved in Jammu and Kashmir as Srinagar recorded minus 1.6, Gulmarg minus 7.6 and Pahalgam minus 7.2.

Jammu city recorded 8.7 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.2, Batote 3.1, Banihal 2.3 and Bhaderwah minus 2.6 as the night's lowest temperature.

Bengal SIR: ECI relaxes rules for migrant workers, students studying outside for hearing sessions

Physical presence for hearing sessions will not be mandatory for migrant workers from West Bengal who are currently residing in other states for their livelihoods and students from the state studying elsewhere, who have been detected as “logical discrepancy” cases in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified.

Family members of such categories of voters would be able to reach the hearing centres on their behalf and furnish the required documents to clarify the ECI's doubts in the matter, confirmed an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes off the coast of Mindanao Island in Philippines

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit off Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines on Wednesday morning.

The institute said the earthquake occurred at 11:02 a.m. local time at a depth of 42 kilometers, with the epicentre about 47 kilometres from the coastal town of Manay.

Tremors were felt across the island.

Amit Shah to chair high-level security review meeting on J&K tomorrow

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on Thursday, as the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, senior officers of J&K Police, civil administration, CAPFs, intelligence agencies, and the top officials of the home ministry (MHA) will attend the meeting.

The review meeting will be the first high-level security review meeting on the union territory in 2026. The meeting follows aggressive operations launched by J&K Police and the security forces in the mountains and remote areas of the Jammu region to hunt down terrorists, including foreign terrorists.

Delhi-NCR grapples with cold wave, poor air quality

Delhi and the NCR region, including Noida and Greater Noida, were facing severe cold conditions coupled with high pollution levels on Wednesday, making mornings particularly harsh for residents.

Strong winds have intensified the chill, while air quality has deteriorated to the “poor” category in most areas, raising concerns for public health.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 302 at 7 a.m., with several areas entering the red zone and some locations reporting levels above 350.

Sensex, Nifty open lower amid tariff-related concerns

The Indian benchmark indices posted mild losses early on Wednesday amid rising geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff-related concerns, tracking mixed cues from Asian markets.

As of 9.30 am, Sensex slipped 156 points, or 0.18 per cent to 84,907 and Nifty eased 54 points, or 0.21 per cent to 26,124.

Main broad-cap indices showed clear divergence with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.22 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.25 per cent.