EU-India FTA talks conclude, summit on January 27
A “successful India” is in the world’s interest, said visiting European Union leaders, as officials in New Delhi confirmed that negotiations for the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been concluded. “Official level negotiations are being concluded, and both sides are all set to announce the successful conclusion of FTA talks on January 27,” Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told reporters on Monday (January 26, 2026).
Caste methodology for Census 2027 yet to be decided, clarity likely by July
The methodology to be followed for caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census is yet to be finalised, and the preparatory exercise for it will likely be done by July, government sources said. Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government, due to the absence of an expanded caste column in the questionnaire of the first phase of the Census, which was published last week. The parties asked whether the Centre really intended to hold a caste count during the Population Census 2027.
Banking operations to be hit on January 27 as unions to go on strike seeking five-day work week
