News24 on Monday organised a special program called 'Budget Manthan' to analyse and discuss the 2026-27 budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The first guest on the show was Gourav Vallabh, National Spokesperson of the BJP and a member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council. During the session, News24 anchor Manak Gupta conducted an in-depth interview, asking Vallabh questions about key proposals, policies, and initiatives outlined in the budget. During the discussion, Gourav Vallabh shared that in 2019, while he was a spokesperson for the Congress party, he had suggested to the party high command that the AICC (All India Congress Committee) should contribute one crore rupees for the construction of the Lord Ram temple. In response, he was told, “You are trying to become Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies, recently planned a major off-campus hiring drive, offering annual salaries of up to Rs 21 lakh, according to a report by Moneycontrol. Infosys planned to offer roles under two main tracks: Specialist Programmer and Digital Specialist Engineer (trainee). The Specialist Programmer track had three levels, with salaries ranging from Rs 11 lakh at Level 1, Rs 16 lakh at Level 2, and up to Rs 21 lakh at Level 3. We have also expanded opportunities under the Specialist Programmer track, with packages going up to Rs 21 lakh a year,” he said. While the median annual pay of IT CEOs surged by 835%, from Rs 3.37 crore in FY12 to Rs 31.5 crore in FY22, the average salary for freshers increased just 45%, rising from Rs 2.45 lakh to Rs 3.55 lakh per year.

Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba accused the US Embassy in Kampala of assisting Bobi Wine’s escape during the January 16, 2026 operation. [Agencies]A social media post by Uganda’s military chief targeting the family of a leading opposition figure has triggered a severe diplomatic rebuke from a senior United States senator, threatening a shift in security partnership between the two countries. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, posted a photograph on his X account on the night of Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike and will refuse to play in Al-Nassr's next game in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike and refused to play for Saudi Arabia. The PIF controls the major clubs in Saudi Arabia, which include Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, Karim Benzema's Al-Ittihad and Neymar's former club Al-Hilal. "Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in tomorrow’s match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh. After Al Riyadh, the Knights of Najd will play Al-Ittihad on Friday.

Emmerdale star says 'it's going to be heartbreaking' in Cain Dingle updateThe fan-favourite character's diagnosis will be explored in new scenesView 2 Images Cain Dingle in Emmerdale (Image: ITV)An Emmerdale star has said the upcoming storyline for Cain Dingle will be 'heartbreaking' as the fan-favourite character is diagnosed with cancer. ‌In upcoming scenes, Cain, played by Oldham actor Jeff Hordley, learns he has aggressive, yet localised, prostate cancer. "It’s going to be a heartbreaking and a difficult watch at times," the actress, who has portrayed Sarah Sugden, since 2017 told Inside Soap. "But because cancer is so prevalent in so many people’s lives, it’s an important story to tell. "And as we know, Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, is such an incredible actor, and getting to see him play out the story, it’ll be heartbreaking, but I know that it’s going to be an incredible performance."

Indian boxing legend Mary Kom has recently been in the spotlight regarding her personal life. She faced criticism on social media for a statement she made about her ex-husband, K Onler Kom, during a recent talk show. Social Media and ApologyMary apologized on social media for the misinterpretation of her statement. She explained that it was a result of personal struggles and emotional distress, not an attempt to demean any man or community. Respect for SportsDespite going through personal and emotional struggles, Mary Kom made it clear that her respect for sports and the sports community remains unwavering.

The matatu set ablaze by riders along Juja Road /HANDOUTThe Matatu Owners Association and the Boda Boda Association have clashed over an impending strike set to disrupt operations on Monday. While MOA insists the strike will proceed, the Boda Boda Association is calling for dialogue. MOA president Albert Karakacha told the Star on Sunday that the strike is necessary to compel the government to act against increasing cases of boda boda impunity. Boda Boda Safety Association national chairman Kevin Mubadi said a strike is unnecessary. The boda boda sector employs over one million people, operates about 1.8 million active motorcycles, and contributes nearly Sh700 billion annually—about 3.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

John Karanja Sakina, the Kanu secretary for Kiambu, challenged Gachagua’s decision to shield himself physically, “yet church attendees are suffering” during alleged attacks. Gachagua has adopted the protective gear following a series of violent incidents targeting his events. He was seen wearing a black military-style helmet and vest at a Narok campaign rally, stating police insiders had warned him of potential stoning and gunfire. Most recently, on January 25, armed men allegedly attacked the ACK Watima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Gachagua was present. Beyond physical confrontations, Gachagua has also made claims of attempted poisoning by state operatives in August and September of 2024.

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Celebrity Gogglebox star heartbroken as he shares grandson's sad diagnosisGyles Brandreth has spoken about his grandson's cancer diagnosis and treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. View 4 Images A Celebrity Gogglebox star has opened up about his grandson's devastating diagnosis (Image: Channel 4)From Celebrity Gogglebox to QI, Gyles Brandreth has graced numerous television programmes and counts the Queen amongst his close acquaintances. It was at GOSH where Kitt underwent crucial treatment for his embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. However, Kitt received his diagnosis in April 2017 and was admitted to GOSH for treatment. ‌View 4 Images Gyles and his wife Michele have three children and seven grandchildren (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)The grandfather and grandson also memorised poems together.

Michael Carrick coached Cristiano Ronaldo briefly at Manchester United. At the end of his short reign, Ronaldo took to social media to praise the former midfielder. "Michael Carrick was a class act as a player, and he can become a great coach as well. Manchester United's interim head coach, Michael Carrick. Opta's supercomputer predicted who would win the Premier League after Manchester United beat Arsenal.

President William Ruto will today make his second return to Kisumu in less than a week as he intensifies his charm offensive in the traditionally opposition-leaning region ahead of the next elections. The President was in the lakeside city on Friday last week, where he addressed a mammoth crowd at various stopovers after presiding over Uzima University’s 57th graduation.

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has lauded the impact of Lebohang Maboe, pictured, and centurion Mduduzi Shabalala as Amakhosi continue their perfect start to the year. Photo: Backpagepix Image: BackpagepixKaizer Chiefs’ co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has emphasised the importance of Lebohang Maboe in the team setup, while also praising Mduduzi Shabalala, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club. Maboe returned to Chiefs during the winter transfer window after honing his skills in the club’s youth ranks. Shabalala, who now has 102 appearances for Amakhosi, is one of the club’s youth graduates from recent years. His coach, Ben Youssef, has highlighted what makes the 22-year-old special and where he hopes Shabalala will go in the near future.

1 / 7Air pollution remains a severe challenge across several developing nations, with Chad ranking first with the worst air quality. An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 176 and extremely high PM2.5 levels are largely driven by dust storms and biomass burning2 / 7Air pollution remains a severe challenge across several developing nations, with Chad ranking first with the worst air quality. 5 / 7Tajikistan and Nepal, placed sixth and seventh, reflect how geography and energy use patterns worsen air quality. In both countries, rising pollution levels are linked to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and biomass burning, with residential heating also contributing in Rwanda. 7 / 7While their AQI levels are lower than the top-ranked nations, air pollution remains a growing public health concern as urbanisation accelerate.