Numbeo 2026 Cost of Living: Swiss cities top list, Indian cities remain affordable
Numbeo's Cost of Living Index 2026 shows Swiss cities leading global rankings, reflecting high living costs in many European capitals. Indian cities feature among the world’s more affordable options, signaling a wide gap in housing, groceries, and services compared with Western counterparts. The index compares typical expenses for a four-member family, including food, transport, utilities, and rent, using New York City as the baseline (100). Cities with scores above 100 are costlier; those below are cheaper. The results illustrate how inflation and currency movements affect urban affordability across regions, including in India.
Global ranking shows Swiss cities at the top
Indian cities among the more affordable globally
Index measures four-member family costs (food, transport, utilities, rent)
New York City is the baseline (100)
Prices influenced by inflation and currency movements
Jharkhand hosts 2nd Jharkhand Mining & Construction Show-2026 in Ranchi
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated the second Jharkhand Mining and Construction Show-2026 at Dhurwa, Ranchi on Thursday. He noted that nearly 40 percent of India's mineral resources lie in Jharkhand, giving the state a pivotal position in the mining sector. The Governor said the event underscores the state’s role in achieving a self-reliant and developed India by 2047, stressing that development should reach the last person. Industry leaders showcased new technologies, while policymakers discussed boosting jobs, safety, and sustainable extraction. The show aims to attract investment and enhance regional growth across the state.
Event: 2nd Jharkhand Mining and Construction Show-2026
Inaugurated by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar in Ranchi
Jharkhand accounts for a large share of India's mineral resources
Focus on self-reliant India by 2047 and inclusive development
Platforms for technology showcase and policy discussion
India’s first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train operationalised
Indian Railways has operationalised the country’s first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The project converted driving power cars of a 1,400 horsepower DEMU to run on a dual-fuel system, substituting nearly 40 percent of diesel with Liquefied Natural Gas without compromising performance. The move aligns with national clean energy goals and aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs in rail operations. Officials say the dual-fuel DEMU could be scaled to other routes if successful, potentially boosting energy efficiency and environmental benefits while maintaining reliability. Tests also evaluated acceleration, braking, and range with necessary infrastructure updates at Sabarmati.
Surajkund Mela 2026 starts in Faridabad with Egypt as partner nation
The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins on 31 January 2026 in Faridabad, Haryana, and runs until 15 February. Egypt is the partner nation this year, adding to the cultural exchange. The fair features crafts from India and partner countries, with enhanced facilities, parking, and traffic arrangements to handle large crowds. Artisans will showcase traditional and contemporary crafts, while cultural performances boost tourism in the National Capital Region. Surajkund aims to connect rural producers with wider markets and promote regional crafts on a global stage, contributing to local livelihoods and cultural diplomacy.
Nagaland opens its first Drone School and Centre of Excellence in Kohima
Nagaland has opened its first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima. The facility was formally inaugurated as part of Republic Day celebrations, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presiding over the event. The initiative is led by the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre under the Planning and Transformation Department. It aims to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities. The school will serve as a hub for capacity building and knowledge transfer to districts and remote areas, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach the last mile. It signals a governance push toward modern tools.
Location: Kohima, Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre
Inaugurated during Republic Day celebrations by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
Managed by Planning and Transformation Department under the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre
Aims to train youth in drone technology and foster innovation
Intended to transfer knowledge to districts and interior areas
Uttarakhand wins national award for aviation promotion and ecosystem
Uttarakhand has been conferred the national award for Best State for Promotion of Aviation and Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, recognizing its use of aviation to improve connectivity, tourism, and public services in mountainous terrain. The honour was presented at Begumpet Airport by Union civil aviation minister Kinjirapu Ram Mohan Naidu and civil aviation secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha. Senior officers from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority attended the ceremony. The award highlights Uttarakhand’s growing role in strengthening India’s regional aviation landscape and its potential to boost development in remote areas.
Award: Best State for Promotion of Aviation and Ecosystem
Event: Wings India 2026, Begumpet Airport presentation
Presenting officials: Union aviation minister and aviation secretary
Organization represented: UCADA
Significance: boosts regional connectivity and development
Gujarat launches Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana to rural uplift
Gujarat has launched the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana, a rural development drive aimed at providing urban-level facilities in villages. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the program from Bhadran in Anand district. The scheme seeks to upgrade infrastructure and public services in rural hubs to reduce the rural-urban divide, targeting improved water supply, roads, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. The government says the plan will raise living standards, attract investment, and create local employment. The initiative forms part of Gujarat’s broader strategy for balanced and inclusive growth across the state, working with local bodies and private partners.
Launch location: Bhadran, Anand district
Aim: rural facilities at urban-level standards
Key sectors: water, roads, healthcare, education, digital connectivity
Expected outcomes: improved living standards and local jobs
National Leprosy Day outreach promotes early detection at Dilli Haat
National Leprosy Day outreach was held at Dilli Haat to promote early detection and reduce stigma around leprosy. Observed on 30 January, the event was organized by the Central Leprosy Division under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A dedicated Information, Education and Communication stall engaged visitors and disseminated messages on signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. The outreach targeted all age groups with interactive activities and campaigns. The program aimed to increase case finding, reduce social exclusion, and strengthen community participation in leprosy elimination.
Observance date: 30 January
Organized by Central Leprosy Division, DGHS, MoHFW
IEC stall for awareness on signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
Outreach targeted all age groups
Goals: early detection, reduced stigma, stronger community participation
Supreme Court ties menstrual health to right to life; orders school facilities
The Supreme Court has declared menstrual health a fundamental part of the right to life under Article 21. The Bench directed all States and Union Territories to provide free sanitary pads, toilets, water, and disposal facilities in every government and private school within three months. The Court said menstrual hygiene management is inseparable from the right to live with dignity, noting that lack of facilities results in humiliation and exclusion for menstruating girls. Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan emphasized dignity must be realized in everyday conditions, not left to chance.
Judicial holding: menstrual health is part of Article 21
Directive: free sanitary pads, toilets, water, disposal in all schools
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