Recent headlines from India cover a broad spectrum of geopolitical, economic, and social developments occurring in early 2026. A landmark free trade agreement with the European Union marks a historic shift in global commerce, while ambitious energy investments aim for national independence. Amidst these advancements, the nation faces internal challenges, including student protests over academic regulations, controversial political rhetoric in Assam, and urgent judicial calls for harsher penalties against acid attack perpetrators. Regional security remains tense as India defends its military actions against Pakistan at the United Nations, citing ongoing concerns over state-sponsored terrorism. Environmental and public health issues also emerge, ranging from natural disasters in Kashmir to the containment of a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal. Finally, the cultural landscape is shifting with the retirement of a beloved playback singer, just as global anxieties rise with the Doomsday Clock moving closer to midnight.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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