Costlier cigarettes from Feb 1: What will the new excise duty mean for smokers in India? | Top News of Jan 1, 2026

India will impose a new excise duty on cigarettes from February 1. The Finance Ministry has notified a duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, over and above the existing GST. With this move, cigarette prices are set to rise after years of stable taxation…

Swiggy, Zomato workers call nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve — what’s behind it and how big could the impact be? | Top News of Dec 31, 2025

Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy are rolling out higher incentives for delivery partners ahead of New Year’s Eve, a move they say is standard during festive periods. At the same time, gig worker unions have called for a nationwide strike on December 31st, demanding better pay and working condit…

Did Ukraine target a Russian presidential residence? Moscow claims so; Modi urges peace | Top News of Dec 30, 2025

Moscow has accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a presidential residence in northern Russia. Kyiv has strongly denied the charge, calling it a fabricated excuse to prolong the war.

Unnao rape case: SC keeps Kuldeep Sengar in jail, stays Delhi HC order | Top News of Dec 29, 2025

The Supreme Court stayed a recent Delhi High Court order that suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The decision comes as a relief to the survivor, whose long fight for justice has come at an immense personal cost. The Unnao case is not…

Congress at 140: Rahul Gandhi’s call for truth, Digvijay Singh’s post sparks debate, leaders push for stronger organisation | Top News of Dec 28, 2025

On the 140th foundation day of the Congress, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress is not just a political party, but the voice of India's soul that has stood with every weak, deprived and hardworking person. However, an online comment from another senior leader has exposed fissures with…

India opens support centre in Canada for women facing domestic violence, abuse | Top News of Dec 27, 2025

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a One Stop Centre for Women to support Indian women facing crises, such as domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, and legal challenges.

Can government assurances save the Aravalli hills? | Top News of Dec 26, 2025

A change in the legal definition of the Aravalli hills has triggered fresh concern over the future of one of India’s oldest mountain ranges. While the Centre insists that mining will not be allowed, protests continue and political questions are mounting.

At least 5 killed as truck rams sleeper bus in Karnataka, sparks fresh safety concerns | Top News of Dec 25, 2025

At least five people were killed early this Thursday morning in Karnataka’s Hiriyur taluk. A speeding container truck jumped a road divider and crashed into a luxury sleeper bus. The impact caused the bus to burst into flames, trapping passengers inside. As families and children travel overnight on…

Ahead of Christmas, alleged attacks on Christians by right wing forces trigger national concern | Top News of Dec 24, 2025

As Christmas approaches, celebrations across India are usually marked by carols, church gatherings and public festivities. But this year, a growing number of allegations suggest a very different atmosphere — one of fear and intimidation. 

Street protests, diplomatic fallout: Inside the latest India–Bangladesh tensions | Top News of Dec 23, 2025

Hundreds of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal supporters clashed with police near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday. They were protesting the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Barricades were breached, and slogans were raised in the high-security diplomatic zone. What …