French President Emmanuel Macron, the Republic Day chief guest, commenced his two-day state visit to India with a spectacular roadshow alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur. The leaders, received by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Governor Kalraj Mishra, embarked on a historic route from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri Gate, making a stopover at Hawa Mahal. The day unfolded with visits to Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar's World Heritage Site, and a planned photo op at the iconic Hawa Mahal. Macron's visit, concluding with a private dinner hosted by PM Modi at Rambagh Palace, caps the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the strategic partnership between India and France. The visit is expected to yield major announcements in defense and strategic sectors.

Oxford University has terminated its collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for admission tests due to significant technical challenges faced by candidates, test centers, and parents during the 2023 online admissions tests. The decision follows a comprehensive review of the issues and feedback received. TCS, which won a contract worth approximately $5 million last year, had been responsible for managing Oxford's admission tests. The university is now actively exploring alternative options for admission tests in 2024 and beyond. The announcement was made through an official notice titled 'Important Notice' on Oxford University's website, with a commitment to communicate new arrangements by early Spring.

India initiates the delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, fulfilling a $375 million agreement signed two years ago. Ground systems will arrive in the next 10 days, followed by missile delivery by March, as confirmed by DRDO chief Samir V Kamat. This marks the first export order for the BrahMos missile developed by India and Russia. India aims for a ₹35,000 crore defence export target by 2024-25, witnessing a significant rise in military exports and a drop in imports due to policy initiatives and reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Jaipur to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders are set for a roadshow from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri Gate at 6 pm, followed by a visit to Hawa Mahal. Discussions in Jaipur include announcing a Defence Industrial Roadmap and a groundbreaking Defence Space Cooperation agreement. The leaders will conclude with dinner at Rambagh Palace. Macron's visit aligns with India's 75th Republic Day celebrations, where he serves as the chief guest. Earlier in Bulandshahr, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹19,100 crore, marking his first public appearance post-Ayodhya events.

A culinary clash has emerged in Delhi as Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants grapple over the origin of the famed butter chicken recipe. Moti Mahal, boasting a legacy dating back to Peshawar in the 1930s, credits its founder Kundan Lal Gujral for crafting the iconic dish during the era. Daryaganj, however, claims collaboration with Gujral in post-partition Delhi, asserting their relative Kundan Lal Jaggi's role. The legal tussle includes a $240,000 damages claim by the Gujral family. With the next court hearing in May, the battle to determine butter chicken's true creator remains unresolved.

Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve has been designated as India's inaugural Dark Sky Park, the fifth in Asia. This recognition is aimed at preserving the night sky by addressing light pollution. The International Union for Conservation of Nature emphasizes the importance of natural darkness for ecological integrity. The certification focuses on practical measures such as lighting policies, retrofits, and community outreach. The reserve has also established a night observatory, and changes to street lights in nearby villages contribute to minimizing light pollution. This milestone underscores the reserve's commitment to balancing conservation and community well-being.

Shoaib Bashir finally gets India visa, set to join England squad this weekend. The ECB confirms resolution, but criticism continues from England over the delay. Captain Ben Stokes expresses frustration, with calls to postpone the series. Bashir's visa saga sparks broader discussions on fair treatment for citizens of Pakistani heritage. The Indian government remains silent on the matter. Stokes hopeful for Bashir's swift arrival, while former cricketer David Lloyd demands a series postponement. The visa complexities shed light on challenges faced by players with Pakistani roots.

Hrithik Roshan's aerial action thriller, "Fighter," directed by Siddharth Anand, faces a bumpy takeoff in its first installment. Despite Roshan's charismatic performance, the film struggles with a flat trajectory, clichéd storyline, and jingoistic elements. Deepika Padukone adds star power, but the film feels vacuous and vapid. Anil Kapoor's restrained act adds gravitas, yet a more formidable villain is missed. While watchable, "Fighter" could have soared higher with less predictability and more imagination. Mixed reviews highlight the film's challenges in delivering exceptional originality and freshness.

England's spinner Shoaib Bashir faces disappointment as visa issues sideline him from the opening Test against India. The 20-year-old, born in Surrey with Pakistani roots, returned home to resolve the matter after a delay in his visa application. Despite hopes for assistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bashir is compelled to return to London for the correct paperwork. England captain Ben Stokes expresses frustration, stating, "I'm devastated for him." With Bashir out, England turns to Rehan Ahmad, Jack Leach, and uncapped Tom Hartley to face India's spin lineup in the series opener in Hyderabad.

At least 36 legislators and two parliamentarians from Manipur's Meitei community pledge to safeguard the state's integrity, organized by the controversial Arambai Tenggol group. The move follows heightened violence, with nine recent deaths. Meitei leaders, spanning political parties, unite to convey community support amidst ethnic clashes. The oath coincides with a Union home ministry delegation's peace talks in Imphal. The group demands the abrogation of agreements with Kuki militants, deportation of Myanmar refugees, and border security. The event signals Meitei solidarity, reflecting the complex ethnic landscape and political challenges in Manipur.