India

Times of India | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | Protest, Demonstration, Dissent

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi, Jammu, to offer an MBBS course from the 2025-26 academic session. This decision followed protests led by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, a coalition of Hindu social and religious groups opposing the admission of mostly Muslim students in the college's first batch. The Samiti demanded that preference be given to Hindu students at the shrine board-run institution, which they argue should favor those with faith in Mata Vaishno Devi.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the celebrations by BJP and Hindu groups over the closure of the college, calling it a loss for Jammu and condemning the destruction of students' futures. Omar highlighted that the institute was expected to increase its intake capacity to 400 students within two years, with a significant number coming from Jammu. He blamed the protests for depriving local students of educational opportunities and urged the central government to arrange alternative placements for affected students.

The BJP and the Sangharsh Samiti welcomed the NMC’s decision, with BJP leaders thanking government officials for safeguarding the interests of selected students. On the other hand, political parties from Kashmir, including the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the decision. They accused the BJP of communalizing admissions and engineering religious polarization for political gain, resulting in setbacks for the Jammu region. The PDP warned that such religious divisions harm the region’s future.

The NMC stated that the withdrawal of permission was due to non-compliance with minimum standards found during an inspection, although the protesting groups credited their agitation for the outcome. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced a pause in their current protest but indicated ongoing demands, including amendments to the Shrine Board Act.

The Economic Times | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

US President Donald Trump has approved a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill aiming to impose duties of at least 500% on all Russian imports to the United States. The legislation targets countries like India, China, and Brazil for continuing to buy discounted Russian oil, which the US claims is fueling Russia’s military efforts in the Ukraine war. Senator Lindsey Graham indicated the bill, titled the "Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025," could come to a bipartisan vote as early as next week, describing it as a critical diplomatic tool amid ongoing peace negotiations.

The bill includes broad punitive measures against individuals and entities linked to Russia and seeks to penalize nations perceived as supporting Russia economically by purchasing its oil. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine recently met with a US delegation to discuss diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, highlighting renewed efforts to push Russia towards peace talks.

Trump stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with the high US tariffs linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, which currently total 50%, and warned that tariffs could increase if India does not alter its energy procurement. However, India has denied any assurances to Trump about ceasing Russian oil imports, emphasizing its decisions are based on national interests and global fuel price volatility rather than external pressures.

Times of India | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | Regulation

The income tax department of India has raised significant concerns regarding virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies, cautioning against their entry into the financial system. In a presentation to the parliamentary standing committee of finance, it highlighted the risks posed by the anonymous, borderless, and near-instantaneous nature of these assets, which facilitate fund transfers without regulated intermediaries. Challenges cited include the difficulty in detecting taxable income and ownership due to offshore exchanges, private wallets, and decentralized platforms.

The department also pointed out jurisdictional challenges in monitoring VDAs, as activities often span multiple countries, complicating efforts to verify and recover tax dues. Although efforts to share information have increased recently, enforcement remains problematic, impeding thorough transaction assessment. India continues to resist allowing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins despite lobbying pressure, aligning with the Reserve Bank of India's concerns about the lack of underlying assets and the risks of money laundering and terror financing.

The tax authorities emphasized the difficulty in enforcing tax regulations when many crypto platforms operate overseas or remain unregistered with the Financial Intelligence Unit. To address this, measures like withholding tax (TDS) and mandatory registration of entities dealing with VDAs have been introduced to improve tracking and regulatory oversight.