India

India's economy is focused on securing major international trade agreements. The government finalized a landmark free trade deal with the European Union after long negotiations, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated a separate US deal is nearing closure. The Economic Survey emphasized inclusive development for farmers, MSMEs, and youth.

• 8EU and India sign major free trade agreement
• 4US deal ‘moving towards closure’, Piyush Goyal explains how Modi govt negotiates | Key points from HT interview | India News
• 4Economic Survey 2025-26 LIVE: Survey points to importance of inclusive development, with attention on farmers, MSMEs and youth employment, says PM Modi
• 4Tushar Ahluwalia raises $12 million for AI venture out of stealth
• 4Indian rocket launch loses control after liftoff in fresh blow to ISRO

The BJP is consolidating political dominance through decisive electoral victories. The party and its alliance won major local elections in Maharashtra, ending a rival's long control in Mumbai and Pune. Internationally, India strengthened ties with the UAE on defense and energy and hosted German Chancellor Merz, while Trump invited India to join a Gaza peace initiative.

• 12BJP-led alliance wins major Indian local elections, ending rival's long control
• 10Exit polls predict BJP alliance victory in Mumbai civic elections
• 9BJP appoints youngest-ever president as Modi calls himself a party worker
• 7India and UAE strengthen ties with defense and energy deals during presidential visit
• 5Full text: What Trump said on India-Pakistan war, Greenland, Venezuela at Davos 2026

India's security posture is reacting to regional instability and cross-border threats. The government recalled diplomats' families from Bangladesh due to rising concerns and reported suspected Pakistani drone incursions along the LoC. A Delhi-bound flight narrowly avoided Iranian airspace closure, and Iran plans joint naval drills with China and Russia in the Indian Ocean.

• 2Kolkata fire tragedy: After decorator, manager, dy manager of Wow! Momo arrested
• 2‘Police kuch nai kar payegi’, said Delhi cop's husband in call to her brother as he fatally attacked her | India News
• 2India recalls families of diplomats from Bangladesh; designates "non-family" posting amid rising security concerns
• 2Polish Minister Walks Away After NDTV Question On Pakistan's Cross-Border Terrorism
• 2Indian embassy says vessel with 16 Indian crew members detained in Iran, seeks consular access

Indian society is managing a public health crisis centered on a Nipah virus outbreak. The WHO confirmed two cases, prompting neighboring Asian countries like Thailand to implement health screenings for travelers from India. The government asserts the risk of wider spread remains low, but international monitoring is active.

• 6Indian state deputy chief minister dies in plane crash
• 6Asian countries increase health checks after India reports Nipah virus cases
• 3Zubin Mehta says he cancelled Israel performances over Netanyahu's policies on Palestinians
• 3Appeasers, dividers still active: PM Modi at Somnath
• 2‘We’re taking it seriously’: Australia monitoring India’s outbreak of deadly Nipah virus