Month: January 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the Indian startups ecosystem to focus more on manufacturing and create new, best-quality products for the world.

“Over the past decades, we have done quite remarkable work in digital startups and the service sector. Now is the time for our startups to focus even more on manufacturing. We will have to create new products. We will have to create products of the world’s best quality,” PM Modi said, addressing the ten years of the Startup India programme.

In technology, too, the prime minister said Indian startups will have to take the lead by working on unique ideas.

“The future belongs to this. I assure you, the government stands with you in every effort of yours,” he assured the Indian startups.

Previously, the fear of compliance requirements, lengthy approval cycles, and inspector raj were major obstacles to innovation, he noted.

“To address this, we created an environment of trust and transparency. Under the Jan Vishwas initiative, more than 180 provisions have been decriminalised. We have streamlined processes to save your time, allowing you to focus on innovation rather than getting entangled in litigation,” PM Modi said.

In particular, startups now benefit from self-certification facilities across numerous laws.

Additionally, procedures for mergers and acquisitions have been simplified, making it easier for businesses to grow and innovate.

Startup India is not just a scheme, but a “Rainbow Vision”; it is a means of connecting different sectors to new opportunities, the prime minister said.

Addressing entrepreneurs and stakeholders of India’s startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister, on the occassion of National Startup Day, said that for him, the confidence and impression of startups matter more than numbers alone.

He also lauded the risk appetite of India’s startups.

“I have consistently emphasised risk-taking, because it has also been my long-standing habit. Tasks that no one was ready to take up, tasks that previous governments avoided for decades because they feared losing elections or power — I have always considered it my responsibility to take them on. Like you, I too believe that whatever work is necessary for the country must be done by someone. Someone has to take the risk,” he said.

Previously, risk-taking was discouraged, but today it has become mainstream, he said.

People who look beyond their monthly salaries are not only accepted but also respected. Risk-taking ideas that were once considered fringe are now becoming fashionable, he noted.

He also touched on women’s participation, particularly in leadership roles at startups.

Currently, over 45 per cent of recognised startups in India have at least one female director or partner, he told the gathering.

“In terms of women-led startup funding, India boasts the second-largest ecosystem in the world. This growing inclusivity within the startup sector is enhancing the country’s potential. Today, India sees its future in the ongoing startup revolution,” PM Modi said.

Ten years ago, there were fewer than 500 startups in the country; today, this number has crossed more than 200,000. In 2014, India had only four unicorns; today, India has around 125 active unicorns.

Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, by the Prime Minister as a national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth, with the objective of making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.

During the programme today at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister interacted with members of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Select startup representatives shared insights from their entrepreneurial journey. (ANI)

At the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) press conference on Friday, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi lauded the performance of the party and its allies in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, as reported early trends show the BJP emerging as the single largest party with leads in 98 seats. He also called the win, “a befitting answer” to the opposition.

Calling the victory historic, Trivedi thanked the people of Maharashtra for their support to the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance.

“Today, in the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP and our coalition partners achieved a significant victory. This demonstrates that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP and NDA are increasingly gaining support… We thank the people of Maharashtra and all supporters on behalf of the BJP for this success in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is one of the largest municipal bodies not only in India but possibly in Asia… ,” Trivedi said.

Trivedi further said that the young generation has entrusted the Mahayuti for development, calling their support “a promising sign for the future of the country.”

“I can say that the people of Maharashtra have stamped on this new development for India… I feel that GenZ has voted in favour of VB, meaning ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India)… this success is definitely a very good sign for the future of the country, a positive sign,” he said.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Trivedi questioned the existence of the INDIA bloc, calling the ruling party’s victory “a befitting reply.” He further dismissed the potential coalition of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress in West Bengal.

“The people of Maharashtra have given a befitting reply to those practising negative politics. The question now for the leaders of the INDI Alliance is whether the INDI Alliance even exists anymore. In Bengal, too, there is no longer any possibility that the TMC and Congress will contest elections together,” the BJP MP claimed.

The BJP MP said that the Mahayuti’s emerging victory indicates that Maharashtra remains imbued with “nationalist consciousness.”

“This is a clear testament that this land of the Great Kings–which has been the centre of India’s cultural pride and remains deeply connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swarajya–is still today imbued with nationalist consciousness,” he stated.

Further in his attack on the opposition, Trivedi accused them of staging unity adding that the people are tired of their “so-called anti-Hindi fanatic parties”

“Every election held since the year 2024–even if only at the municipal level–has clearly exposed the immense frustration of the so-called anti-Hindi fanatic parties. As has been said consistently–these people talk about unity from the stage, but behind the scenes, they keep stealing every inch of ground from one another,” he accused.

In a veiled attack against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s vote chori allegations, Trivedi stated that the party’s perpetual victory is the answer to the opposition. He also dedicated a song to the opposition to highlight their flaws.

“In this context, I am reminded of an old song– These parties are saying to each other: “Milo na tum toh hum ghabrayein, milo toh aankh churayein, humein kya ho gaya?” Trivedi said.

“The very parties that avoid looking each other in the eye, who have neither trust nor leadership, are the ones today accusing us of theft and dishonesty. The truth is that the public has clearly seen through their internal infighting, their opportunistic politics, and their failures–and that is exactly the answer they are receiving in every election,” he asserted.

His remarks come as the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena alliance has managed to extend its lead in the BMC elections,

With the BJP-SS alliance leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena is leading in 30.

Meanwhile, across the 28 other municipal corporations, the BJP has put up a strong show once again, as reported trends showed the party leading in Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Nashik, and Shambhajinagar Municipal Corporations. (ANI)

Finally! the trailer for one of the most-anticipated films of 2026, ‘Border 2’, has been unveiled.

Directed by Anurag Singh, the second instalment of the iconic film brings back Sunny Deol as the main lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty joining him to fight the enemies.

“Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War”, the trailer opens the door to the powerful world of Border 2 and what happens when India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to fight as one.

Loaded with powerful dialogues delivered by veteran Sunny Deol, gripping performances by Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, and the soulful revival of the iconic songs from the first film, the Border 2 trailer strikes an emotional chord, leaving viewers overwhelmed, stirred, and goosebump-laden.

The trailer opened and closed with Sunny’s dialogues, delivered in his signature high-pitched, powerful voice. That thunderous dialogue delivery has always been a defining part of his action-hero persona, and he continues to maintain it even today.

This film too clearly reflects just how much strength and impact his voice still carries.

Sharing the trailer, Sunny on Instagram wrote, “A war remembered. A legacy continued. #Border2Trailer Out Now! (Link in bio) #Border2 Releasing in cinemas worldwide on 23rd January, 2026!”

“Humein kya haraoge. Arey tumhare Pakistan mein itne log nahi jitne humare yahan Eid par bakre kaate jaate hain,” the trailer ended with this dialogue of Sunny.

Border 2 is produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films. The movie will hit the big screens ahead of Republic Day on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonam Bajwa also feature in key roles. (ANI)

Seems like controversies and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh go hand in hand. Since Thursday morning, he has been at the centre of online attention for all the wrong reasons.

A video from one of the shows in Delhi went viral, in which he allegedly made obscene remarks. The comments did not sit well with many, and he was widely called out for them.

Hours later, on Thursday night, Honey Singh took to Instagram and issued an apology.

He said the video circulating since morning was edited and shared out of context, but added that he understood why it made many people uncomfortable.

” A video of mine has been going viral on Instagram since morning, edited in a way that’s offended many people. I want to tell you the whole story…,” he said in his apology video.

He added, “My intention was never to hurt, insult, or offend anyone. A few days prior to the incident, I had interactions with leading gynaecologist and sexologist who shared about the rising concerns of sexually transmitted diseases among the younger generation due to unprotected sex. This conversation stayed with me. While being a guest at the show of Nanku and Karun, and seeing a large number of Gen Z in the audience, I tried convey a message about importance of protection in a language which they would refer to which is used in OTT they watch.”

Honey Singh promised that he would be more mindful of his words and actions going forward.

“However, I deeply regret that the way I expressed this message was inappropriate and not acceptable to many. I offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone who felt hurt or disrespected. Main apni zubaan pe niyantran rakhunga…Going forward, I assure you that I will be far more mindful and responsible in my words and actions,” he said. (ANI)

Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday, visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration focused on film education, creative technologies, and capacity building for the revival of the film industry in the union territory.

The visit, held at the IICT-NFDC Campus, was hosted by Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member of IICT, as per a press note.

During the visit, Omar Abdullah viewed a “curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, outlining IICT’s vision, academic framework, and role in advancing India’s creative economy. “

This was followed by a live demonstration at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, showcasing applications of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality through hands-on experiential interaction.

The programme also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, highlighting the growing relevance of immersive and emerging technologies in contemporary filmmaking, post-production, and content creation.

Speaking during the interaction, Omar Abdullah reflected on Kashmir’s deep cinematic legacy and the changing nature of filmmaking.

He said, “There was a time when a film was not considered complete without at least one song sequence shot in Kashmir. Over the years, circumstances changed and filmmaking in Jammu and Kashmir became difficult. Today, as conditions improve, we are consciously working to restore the relationship between cinema and Jammu & Kashmir.”

“At the same time, filmmaking itself has evolved. Much of what once required large physical setups can now be achieved through computers, post-production, and advanced technologies. If we want Jammu & Kashmir to once again become an attractive destination for filmmaking, we must build local human talent and post-production capability.”

“It is important that our own stories are told by our own people. Through a formal relationship with institutions like IICT and NFDC, we want our students to learn new-age skills in editing, sound, lighting, VFX, and post-production. This will not only reduce costs for filmmakers but also create jobs and sustainable livelihoods in an industry that continues to grow,” Omar said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, said, “We are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for visiting the IICT campus. The interaction was extremely meaningful, and we look forward to building productive collaborations that can enable skill development, foster innovation, and create long-term employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young talent from Jammu & Kashmir, particularly within the media, entertainment, and creative technology sectors.”

Omar Abdullah also visited the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum. (ANI)

Millions of devotees took a holy dip in the Ganges River at Gangasagar, on the auspicicous occasion of Makar Sankranti on Thursday. After bathing in the Ganges, the devotees offered prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram. A large number of Naga Sadhus also arrived at the Gangasagar Mela (Fair), and devotees were seeking their blessings.

This year, for the first time, Mahamandaleshwars from Tarapith, Kamakhya in Assam, Deoghar, and the Kinnar Akhara of Delhi have also visited the Gangasagar fair. Many devotees repeated the tagline “Sab tirth baar baar, Gangasagar ek baar”, which means the benefits gained by visiting all other pilgrimage sites can be obtained by bathing at Gangasagar just once. TMC Minister of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Sujit Bose told ANI that the experience of taking a dip in the Ganges River is always great. He also shared details on the fire safety arrangements at the premises.

The TMC Minister of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services further emphasised that all the state government’s arrangements had been praised. He claimed that he spoke with some of the visitors regarding the arrangements. He stated that there were no major issues and that the situation at the premises was under control. According to him, many people from and outside the country came for the holy dip at the site.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “The experience of taking a dip in the Ganges River is always great. In Rudranagar, we have 18 fire stations for this Mela (fair). 7 outside the premises and the other 11 temporary fire stations. For this mela, more than 450 officials are working here to ensure fire safety. Ensuring safety is my duty, and I will fulfil it. There are no big issues until now, 1 to 2 incidents have occured but it’s okay. The situation is under control. Many people have arrived from abroad. Mostly, people appreciate the arrangements. I have talked with 1 and 2 people, and they said that our government’s arrangements are good.”

Speaking to ANI, a Sadhu (sage), referring to himself as Naga Baba, said that for many generations, various spiritual gurus from different generations have visited this Mela. He mentioned that their group also visits the fair every year and enjoys their time there while taking a holy dip in the Ganges River. Regarding arrangements, he said that, as sages, they have nothing to complain about, as their only goal is devotion to God.

He said, “Sab tirth baar baar, Gangasagar ek baar”. Our mother Ganga arrives here by travelling from various routes and then gets mixed into the sea. The spiritual gurus from different generations have visited this Mela. We come every year and enjoy our time here, and then take a dip in the Ganga sagar. Everything is fine with the arrangements. We are saints; for us, the bad is also good, and the good is also good. Saints are devoted to God; we are not interested in this material world.” (ANI)

Following the much-anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, almost two weeks after US strikes on Caracas, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado on Thursday said that she had presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump at the White House, describing the gesture as recognition for his support for Venezuelan freedom and democratic efforts.

Speaking to reporters following her meeting with Trump, Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in championing democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, said that she gave the medal as a symbol of appreciation for his “unique commitment to our freedom”.

“I presented the President of the United States the medal…the Nobel Peace Prize, and I told him this: 200 years ago, General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washington’s face on it. Bolivar, since then, kept that medal for the rest of his life. It was given as a symbol of brotherhood to showcase the relation between the people of the US and Venezuela,” Machado said.

“Two hundred years in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal, in this case the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize, as a recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom,” she added.

President Trump also acknowledged Machado’s gesture, calling it “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect” in a post on Truth Social and thanked her for the medal.

“It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!” the post read.

The White House, in a post on X, also confirmed that Trump had accepted the Nobel Peace Prize medal.

“President Donald J. Trump meets with Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor,” the White House said in its post.

However, according to statements from the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute, once a Nobel Prize is awarded, it cannot be withdrawn, shared, or passed on to another individual, and the decision is permanent and remains in effect indefinitely.

The meeting between Machado and Trump took place amid heightened US-Venezuela relations, following recent developments, including the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

On January 3, the US launched a “large-scale strike” in the South American country, which led to the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. (ANI)

The first Jallikattu event of the year and one of its most prominent traditional competitions was held in a grand manner at Periya Suryur in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

The event was organised in connection with the annual festival of Sri Narkadal Kudi Karuppannasamy Temple, on the second day of the Tamil month Thai.

For several years, the Jallikattu competition was conducted on a temporary village ground. Villagers had submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh seeking a permanent arena. Following this, with the approval of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Rs 3 crore was sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Department for the construction of a permanent Jallikattu arena.

The construction has now been completed, and the newly built Jallikattu arena was recently inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister.

The arena is equipped with adequate safety arrangements, a vaadivaasal (bull release point), barricades, and spectator facilities. A gallery has been constructed to enable spectators to watch the event comfortably.

A total of 750 Jallikattu bulls and 500 bull tamers are participating in the competition, which is being conducted in 10 rounds at the Suryur arena.

In this year’s competition, a car has been announced as the first prize, while a two-wheeler will be awarded as the second prize. Additionally, all participants will be presented with veshtis and sarees as gifts.

The event commenced with the ceremonial release of the temple bull, followed by an oath taken by the bull tamers. District Collector Saravanan flagged off the competition, marking the official start of Trichy district’s first Jallikattu of the year. (ANI)

Delhi’s air quality continued to remain a serious concern, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 346 at 7 am on Friday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Several areas across the national capital reported AQI levels above 300.

Anand Vihar recorded 354, Ashok Vihar 367, ITO 362, and RK Puram 374. Patparganj recorded an AQI of 372, Wazirpur 374, Chandni Chowk 370, and Dwarka Sector 8 369, according to CPCB data as of 7 am.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

The national capital is also experiencing a cold wave, with temperatures dipping to around 5.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Several airports across northern and eastern India witnessed severely reduced visibility due to dense to very dense fog, according to official data reported at 05.30 AM.

According to the visibility report, airports in Amritsar, Adampur, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Hindon, and Saharanpur recorded zero metres of visibility, with very dense fog prevailing in these regions.

Extremely poor visibility was reported across Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns about delays and disruptions in air and surface transport.

Palam reported 800 metres of visibility and Safdarjung 700 metres in Shallow fog today.

Meanwhile, moderate fog conditions were observed at several other locations. Varanasi and Jammu reported visibility of 200 metres, while Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh recorded 350 metres visibility. Kanpur and Gorakhpur saw visibility improve slightly to around 400 metres.

A day earlier, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 352 at 8 am, placing in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (ANI)

Early leads being reported from vote counting of the Brihanmumbai Mumbai Corporation (BMC) elections show the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance leadinging in around 52 wards, according to preliminary data that is coming in from the counting of postal ballots. The official figures from the SEC and the BMC are awaited.

According to the postal ballots counted till now, BJP has a lead in 35 seats, Shiv Sena 17 seats.

For the Thackeray brothers the morning is yet to bring good news as the Shiv Sena (UBT) is reported to be leading in 22 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, is leading in 8 seats till now. The Congress has 4 leads from the initial count.

The recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, according to the data released by the State Election Commissioner (SEC) on Friday.

The elections for India’s richest municipal corporations, which concluded on Thursday, were marred with allegations by the Shiv Sena (UBT)- MNS alliance, and subsequently refuted by the SEC.

The elections, which were conducted after a gap of eight years, marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, while the term of the last elected mayor, Kishori Pednekar, ended in March 2022. With the completion of the polls, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years.

Out of the total 1,03,44,315 voters in the electoral roll, a total of 54,76,043 exercised their right to vote. In total numbers of voters, around 3.7 lakh men exercised their franchise compared to women. A total of 29,23,433 men voted across the 277 wards, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender electors also cast their votes.

The exit polls have predicted a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the Thackeray brothers finishing second and Congress and its allies failing to put up a strong show.

In the 2017 elections, the undivided Shiv Sena had secured 84 seats out of the total 227. While being in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party at that point, the alliance had secured the halfway mark of 114 seats, with the BJP winning 82 seats. (ANI)