Public sector bank services across India are likely to be disrupted on January 27 due to a nationwide strike by bank employee unions. The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the strike to press for the implementation of a five-day workweek. Talks with the chief labour commissioner failed to resolve the issue. Private sector banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are expected to operate normally. Customers of public sector banks may face a third consecutive day of limited services after Sunday and Republic Day holidays. State Bank of India said operations could be affected despite efforts to ensure normal functioning. (PC: HT)

The Trump administration has shifted its response after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis sparked public backlash. Initial claims that Pretti posed a major threat were questioned as videos of the incident circulated online. The White House has since avoided strong language and said a full investigation will be conducted. President Donald Trump called the death tragic and blamed Democratic leadership for unrest. He also sent immigration official Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee federal operations. Democrats have intensified criticism of immigration enforcement tactics, while some Republicans voiced concern over the administration’s early statements. The episode has renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions. (PC: BBC)

India and the European Union have completed talks on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. He said the deal is balanced and aims to boost trade and investment on both sides. Legal review of the text is underway and may take five to six months. The agreement is expected to be signed after that and take effect next year. The pact was fast-tracked after talks resumed in 2022 following a long pause. Leaders from India and the EU met in New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations and the India-EU Summit. (PC: X)

India achieved clear air superiority during Operation Sindoor and forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, a Swiss military think tank has said. The report by the Centre for Military History and Perspective Studies reviewed four days of fighting in May 2025. It said early Indian aircraft losses did not decide the conflict. Indian forces later hit terror sites, air defences and major air bases using long-range weapons. Pakistan’s ability to operate in the air was sharply reduced. The study said strong Indian air defence systems also blocked retaliation. By May 10, India controlled the airspace and set the pace of operations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in early March as both countries work to reset relations and expand trade. Agreements are expected in energy, uranium supply, critical minerals and new technologies, according to officials quoted by Reuters. Talks may also cover oil, gas, nuclear cooperation, education and culture. Relations have improved since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Carney at the G7 last year. Formal talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to begin in March after a long pause. The visit comes as Canada looks to diversify trade beyond the United States amid global uncertainty. (PC: India Today)

Former UK home secretary Suella Braverman has quit the Conservative Party and joined the anti-immigration Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Speaking at a London event, Braverman said she was ending her 30-year association with the Conservatives over what she called failure to control immigration. The British-Indian MP said public services were under strain and people felt unsafe. Farage welcomed her move, calling it long overdue. Braverman is the latest senior Conservative figure to defect after Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, taking the total number of defections to eight. The Conservatives later amended an initial statement that drew criticism. (PC: NDTV)

Britain will expand the use of AI and facial recognition as part of major police reforms, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced. The government will invest £140 million to modernise policing in England and Wales. AI tools will help analyse CCTV, phone footage and digital evidence, and cut paperwork. (PC: PA)   Live facial recognition vans will increase from 10 to 50 to help catch wanted criminals. The plan aims to free up police time and put more officers on the streets.   Reforms also include merging police forces, creating a national FBI-style service, and stricter standards for officers. Police leaders welcomed the changes, but critics warned of too much power being centralised.

The Goa government is studying a possible ban on social media for children under 16, Goa IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said. He said parents have complained that social media distracts children and causes social issues.   Khaunte said officials are reviewing an Australia-style law and related papers. A decision will be taken after talks with the chief minister, possibly before the next Assembly session.   He said the aim is to help children focus on education and learning technology. The move follows a similar proposal by Andhra Pradesh. Australia has already passed a law restricting social media use for those under 16.

At least 17 people have died as a powerful winter storm hit large parts of the United States. Deaths were reported in New York, Texas, Massachusetts and several other states. A 16-year-old girl died in a sledding accident in Texas. The storm caused heavy snow, strong winds and extreme cold. More than 10,000 flights were cancelled and many schools and roads were closed. Hundreds of thousands of homes lost power. Warnings from the National Weather Service stretch from Texas to New England. Kentucky Governor Andrew Beshear warned of “dangerously cold” weather and risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Officials urged people to stay indoors and follow safety advice. (PC: BBC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not wear a North-Eastern patka at the Republic Day ‘At Home Reception’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, sources said. The event followed a North-East theme.   Sources claimed President Droupadi Murmu asked Gandhi twice to wear the patka, but he declined. Pictures showed him holding it instead. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was seen wearing it.   The Congress called the claims “fake drama” and accused the BJP of politicising the President’s house. The BJP said Gandhi insulted the culture of the North-East.