India–EU Trade Deal

India and the European Union signed a landmark trade deal. The agreement includes seven pacts covering trade, security, defence, mobility, disaster risk management, and green hydrogen, marking a decisive step in strengthening bilateral ties. PM Narendra Modi and President of European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen hail the agreement as Mother of all deals.

India Energy Week Begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India Energy Week 2026 in South Goa. He highlighted India’s role as a top five exporter of petroleum products and described the event as a global platform for dialogue and action in the energy sector.

Halwa Ceremony for Budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the traditional ‘halwa’ ceremony, marking the final stage of preparations for the Union Budget 2026–27. The budget will be presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1, setting the stage for key economic announcements.

All-Party Meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged cooperation, noting that the session will begin with the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, followed by detailed budget discussions.

India Rebuts Pakistan at UN

India strongly rejected Pakistan’s false claims on Operation Sindoor at the UN Security Council. Permanent Representative P. Harish asserted that Islamabad has no locus standi on Jammu and Kashmir and condemned Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as state policy.

Padma Shri Nominees

Four eminent personalities from Odisha have been selected for the Padma Shri Awards 2026. They include educationist Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Santali researcher Charan Hembram, Prahallada Nataka artist Simanchal Patro, and master weaver Sarat Kumar Patra.

Uniform Cost Hiked

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced revised costs for Anganwadi children’s uniforms and footwear under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana. Boys’ uniform cost rose to Rs175, girls’ to Rs 250, while footwear allocation increased to Rs150 per child.

Fuel Directive Withdrawn

The Odisha government withdrew its directive denying fuel to vehicles without PUCC. In an affidavit to the High Court, it clarified that payment of pending challans is not mandatory. The court directed necessary corrections on the Vahan portal.

Digital Arrest Scam

A woman in Bhubaneswar lost Rs 30 lakh in a “digital arrest” cyber fraud case. Police arrested Gulipagi Chiranjeev from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the scam. The case highlights rising cybercrime and the need for stronger awareness and vigilance among citizens.

Kalinga Lancers Win HIL

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers defeated Ranchi Royals 3–2 in a thrilling Hockey India League final at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. The home crowd celebrated as the team clinched the title, marking a memorable victory in front of passionate local supporters.