Quick-commerce firm Zepto has issued a formal clarification following reports of a road accident in Hyderabad allegedly involving one of its delivery riders. The company stated that the individual linked to the incident was not an active or registered delivery partner on its platform at the time of the accident. The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny of gig-economy safety practices and corporate accountability. Zepto emphasized its commitment to compliance, partner verification, and rider safety protocols, while urging caution against premature conclusions.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has announced a strategic expansion of its manufacturing capacity in Gujarat, underscoring its long-term commitment to India as a global automotive hub. The move is aimed at meeting rising domestic demand, enhancing export capabilities, and supporting the company’s growing portfolio of fuel-efficient and next-generation vehicles. By strengthening its production footprint, Maruti Suzuki is positioning itself to improve operational efficiency and supply-chain resilience.

Indian equity markets closed lower as the benchmark Sensex retreated amid sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows and rising global trade concerns. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting anxieties over tightening global financial conditions, volatile currency movements, and uncertainty surrounding international trade policies. Heavy selling pressure in banking, IT, and export-oriented stocks dragged the indices lower, despite selective buying in defensive sectors.

Lohri, one of North India’s most cherished winter festivals, marks the end of the cold season and celebrates harvest, prosperity and community spirit. Observed with bonfires, traditional songs and shared sweets, the festival carries deep cultural and economic significance, particularly in agrarian regions. Beyond rituals, Lohri wishes and messages play a vital role in strengthening personal bonds, reinforcing social goodwill and expressing gratitude for abundance and new beginnings.

Lohri is a centuries-old winter harvest festival deeply embedded in the socio-economic fabric of North India, particularly Punjab and Haryana. Celebrated at the peak of winter, it marks the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of longer days. Beyond its festive rituals, Lohri reflects agrarian economics, seasonal income patterns, and collective community resilience. Traditionally associated with farmers, traders, and rural households, the festival symbolizes gratitude for crops, financial stability, and future abundance.

Punjab secured a commanding place in the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a clinical all-round performance highlighted by Prabhsimran Singh’s decisive contribution and a disciplined bowling display. The team combined batting stability with sharp execution in the field, underscoring its depth and tactical clarity in the knockout stage. Punjab’s ability to control key phases of the contest proved decisive, reflecting a side peaking at the right moment in India’s premier domestic one-day competition.

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has extended the application deadline for its Group D recruitment process, offering aspirants additional time to apply for 406 vacancies across various state departments. The revised deadline, now set for Jan. 19, 2026, comes amid sustained interest from job seekers and administrative efforts to ensure wider participation. The move reflects the government’s intent to make public sector recruitment more inclusive and accessible.

Punjab’s Schools of Eminence represent a transformative shift in public education, aimed at narrowing socio-economic gaps and unlocking potential among underprivileged students. Designed as centers of academic excellence, these institutions combine modern infrastructure, advanced pedagogy, and targeted student support to deliver quality education comparable to elite private schools. By focusing on merit-based access, skill development, and holistic growth, the initiative seeks to prepare students for competitive examinations, higher education, and future employment.

Punjab has reaffirmed its commitment to building a vibrant startup ecosystem, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserting that the state faces no shortage of funds to support innovation-driven enterprises. Emphasizing policy stability, institutional support, and access to capital, the government signaled a long-term vision aimed at positioning Punjab as a competitive hub for entrepreneurship. The assurance comes amid growing interest from young founders, technology-led ventures, and small businesses seeking scale.

Oregon health authorities have confirmed multiple measles cases in Linn County, prompting public health alerts and community vaccination drives. The outbreak is concentrated among unvaccinated individuals, highlighting gaps in immunity coverage. Health officials emphasize that measles is highly contagious, with severe risks for children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Authorities are urging residents to verify immunization status, isolate symptomatic cases, and adhere to recommended public health measures.