January 2026

Kalidas Festival

The Kalidas Festival is a prestigious cultural event held annually in Nagpur to honor the legendary Sanskrit poet and playwright Kalidasa. Organized by the Maharashtra government, the festival celebrates India’s rich classical heritage through performances of classical music, dance, drama, and literary arts. Renowned artists from across the country participate in the festival, presenting mesmerizing performances inspired by Indian traditions and classical forms. The event attracts art lovers, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts, creating a vibrant platform for preserving and promoting India’s cultural legacy.

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Marbat Festival (Marbat Utsav)

Marbat Festival, also known as Marbat Utsav, is one of Nagpur’s most unique and traditional festivals. Celebrated annually during Pola, the festival is famous for its grand processions featuring huge, colorful effigies known as Marbats. These effigies symbolically represent the removal of evil and negativity from society. The highlight of the festival is the procession of Badgya Marbat, believed to protect the city from misfortune. Thousands of people gather to witness the vibrant parade filled with music, drum beats, satire, and social messages. Each Marbat often reflects current social, political, or cultural themes, making the festival both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Nagpur development model of Fadnavis swept away in 4 hours of rain’: Saamana editorial slams Maharashtra Deputy CM

The Sena mouthpiece said that when flood-hit citizens of Nagpur were seeking help, “Fadnavis was busy taking Ganesh darshan and holding closed-door meetings in Mumbai”. Criticising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana said Tuesday that his Nagpur development model was swept away on Saturday in barely four hours of rain. “Devendra Fadnavis calls himself the ‘suputra’ (son) of Nagpur. In barely four hours of rain, Nagpur was drowned. His lies of development were exposed. The mask came off the face of self-appointed contractors of Nagpur… Will he and his parivaar now do some self-introspection,” the editorial in Saamana said. Incessant rainfall flooded several low-lying areas in Nagpur, prompting the government to relocate at least 400 people to safety on Saturday. The editorial went on to add that when flood-hit citizens of Nagpur were seeking help, “Fadnavis was busy taking Ganesh darshan and holding closed-door meetings in Mumbai. After the damage was done, Fadnavis landed in his hometown. He met the flood-hit citizens, visited the affected areas, and made a promise of compensation… All this will happen, but as a government and trustee of Nagpur, whatever he has done, has been exposed by the flooding that took place in the city on Saturday.”

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ICC Drops Bangladesh, Inducts Scotland for T20 World Cup

The ICC has dropped Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup, replacing them with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to allow the team to travel to India, citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL. Scotland’s inclusion ends a month-long deadlock during which the BCB repeatedly demanded that its matches be shifted to Sri Lanka and even proposed a group swap with Ireland.The Irish Cricket Board, however, firmly rejected the proposal. At the ICC Board meeting, Bangladesh’s stance was overwhelmingly overruled, with a 14–2 vote in favour of the “Tigers” travelling to India for their fixtures. The ICC subsequently issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the BCB to reconsider its position. However, with Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul remaining firm in his opposition, Bangladesh’s hopes of participating in the T20 World Cup were effectively extinguished. Senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday, and later that evening an official email was sent to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul informing him of the global body’s decision. “An email was sent last evening to the Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman, informing him that the board had failed to respond officially to the ICC within the 24-hour deadline given to confirm whether they would travel to India,” an ICC source told PTI on condition of anonymity. The source added that the BCB held a press conference in Dhaka before formally communicating with the ICC — a move termed a violation of protocol. “They were categorically informed that they are being replaced. Scotland is the new team in the World Cup.” The ICC has also separately informed all participating member nations about Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. Despite repeated assurances from the ICC regarding security arrangements, Bangladesh Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had advised against the national team’s travel to India, citing safety concerns. Financial implicationsThe ouster is expected to have severe financial consequences for the BCB. The board will lose the USD 500,000 participation fee allotted to each team. More significantly, it risks a major hit to its annual ICC revenue share.The BCB currently receives close to USD 27 million (approximately 330 crore BDT) annually from the ICC, accounting for nearly 60 percent of its total yearly budget. This does not include losses from sponsorship deals linked to World Cup participation.Additionally, with India now unlikely to tour Bangladesh for bilateral series, the board stands to lose revenue equivalent to hosting nearly 10 bilateral series against other nations.The only legal recourse available to the BCB is to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, although the tournament will proceed regardless of any legal challenge.

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JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines Released:

Timings, Dress Code, and Important Instructions Students appearing for B.Tech, BE, or B.Arch/B.Planning examinations are advised to strictly adhere to the exam day guidelines to ensure a hassle-free experience at the exam centre. Exam SchedulePaper 1 (B.Tech/BE): January 21–24Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMAfternoon Shift: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PMPaper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning): January 29Timing: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Original photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport) One recent passport-size photograph affixed on the admit card and two extra copies One additional photograph for attendance (same as uploaded in the application form)Prohibited ItemsThe following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall:Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and other electronic gadgetsBags, purses, wallets, and stationery (except drawing instruments for Paper 2)Food items, unless permitted for medical reasonsMetallic accessories such as rings, bracelets, or earringsDress CodeStudents should wear light, comfortable clothing. Thick-soled footwear, scarves, stoles, and heavy metal accessories are not allowed.

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Maharashtra Industry, Investment & Services Policy

Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) MSME Forum organized a session-cum-interaction on “Maharashtra Industries, Investment & Services Policy 2025” on 23rd January 2026 at VIA Auditorium, Nagpur.The Government of Maharashtra has unveiled the Maharashtra Industry, Investment & Services Policy (MIISP) 2025, a forward-looking framework aimed at transforming the state into India’s first trillion-dollar economy while ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and region-balanced industrial development.Chief Guest and key speaker, S S Muddamwar, Joint Director of Industries (JDI), said that MIISP 2025 marks a significant shift towards smart manufacturing, high-value services, and employment-oriented growth. “The policy has been designed to create a globally competitive ecosystem by simplifying procedures, strengthening institutional support, and offering attractive incentives to industries across manufacturing and services,” he said.He said this policy will remain in effect for five years from the date of notification (31/12/2030) or until the next policy comes into effect. Major Boost for MSMEs : The major significant enhancement of the MSME eligibility threshold, wherein the fixed capital investment limit has been increased from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore—a long-pending industry demand that will now allow many growing enterprises to continue enjoying MSME-level incentives. Further, Large-Scale Industries (LSI) falling between MSME and Special LSI thresholds will now be eligible for MSME-like incentives, ensuring a smoother growth transition for expanding units. Vidarbha Gets Strategic Advantage : The policy provides a strong incentive framework for Vidarbha by defining Special LSI units as those investing ₹ 200 crore or generating 150 jobs, making them eligible for incentives up to 90% of Fixed Capital Investment for 9 years, along with 100% SGST-linked incentives, a substantial improvement over the earlier policy regime.He also explained various incentives available to the thrust and priority sectors.  The policy targets investment attraction of USD 850 billion, generation of 50 lakh direct jobs, and a substantial increase in manufacturing and services contribution to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product by 2047. Special emphasis has been laid on MSMEs, emerging districts, women and youth entrepreneurship, and green and circular economy practices. Key institutional reforms under MIISP 2025 include the creation of Invest Maharashtra, establishment of a Commissionerate of MSMEs and a Commissionerate of Services, and enhanced Ease of Doing Business measures. The policy also provides a wide range of fiscal incentives for manufacturing and service sectors such as capital subsidies, interest subsidies, employment-linked incentives, R&D support, and SGST-based Industrial Promotion Subsidies, etc.

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BJP Appoints Nitin Nabin as National Working President

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Bihar minister and senior leader Nitin Nabin as its new National Working President, marking a significant organisational reshuffle within the ruling party. At 45, Nabin becomes the youngest leader to hold the post. His elevation is being seen as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to strengthen its central leadership and streamline party operations ahead of upcoming political challenges.A five-time MLA from the Bankipur constituency in Patna—one of the BJP’s key urban strongholds—Nabin is regarded as a seasoned organiser and grassroots leader. He currently serves as the Minister of Road Construction in the Bihar government.Party sources indicate that Nabin’s appointment positions him as a prominent figure in the BJP’s national leadership, with political observers viewing him as a potential future successor to incumbent BJP national president JP Nadda.

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