Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – It has been a news-heavy day for Maharashtra and the nation. While the political temperature in the state is soaring ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections, the national capital witnessed the start of the crucial Budget Session. On the sports front, cricket fans are gearing up for a high-voltage clash in Visakhapatnam tonight.
Here is your detailed wrap-up of “Aajchya Batmya” (Today’s News) in English, covering the top 5 stories trending in Marathi and National media.
1. Maharashtra Politics: CM Shinde Promises ₹2,100 for ‘Ladki Bahin’
The biggest talking point in Maharashtra today is the massive announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaking at a campaign rally in Satara for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections (scheduled for Feb 5), Shinde played his masterstroke.
Read more: Maharashtra News Today
- The Promise: Addressing a large gathering of women, Shinde assured that the monthly aid under the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” would be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100.
- Emotional Connect: He stated, “I have seen the struggles of my mother and wife. This scheme is not just politics; it is a brother’s duty.”
- Opposition Reaction: The Opposition (MVA) has termed this a “jumla” (false promise) right before the local polls, questioning why the hike wasn’t implemented earlier.
2. Budget Session 2026: President Murmu Focuses on ‘Nari Shakti’
The Budget Session of Parliament kicked off today in New Delhi with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of both Houses.
- Key Highlights: In her speech, the President emphasized the government’s focus on “Nari Shakti” (Women Power) and the “Blue Economy.” She highlighted that 25 crore Indians have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade.
- Chaos in House: Reports indicate there was a brief commotion from the Opposition benches when the President mentioned the new G-RAM-G (Rural Development Law), signaling a stormy session ahead.
- Tomorrow: The Economic Survey 2025-26 will be tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tomorrow.
3. Cricket: India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Tonight
The “Men in Blue” are in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) today for the 4th T20 International against New Zealand.
- Match Details: The match starts at 7:00 PM IST at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
- Scenario: India has already sealed the series 3-0. Tonight’s match is a chance for Captain Suryakumar Yadav to test the bench strength.
- Players to Watch: Fans are eager to see Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a 14-ball fifty in the last game, and local favorite Tilak Varma.
4. Gurgaon School Threat: Panic Grips Parents
Panic spread across the NCR region, including among many families in Maharashtra with relatives in the north, as six top schools in Gurugram received bomb threat emails this morning.
- Schools Evacuated: Heritage Xperiential, Kunskapsskolan, and others were evacuated immediately.
- Police Update: After hours of searching, the police have declared it a hoax. No explosives were found. The cyber cell is tracing the emails to a foreign server.
5. Wings India 2026 Takes Off in Hyderabad
Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2026, began today in Hyderabad. While not a local Maharashtra event, it is trending due to the major job announcements expected in the aviation sector, which interests many Marathi youth.
- The Buzz: Global aviation giants are showcasing their latest aircraft. The focus this year is on connecting smaller cities (Tier-2 and Tier-3) under the UDAN scheme, which could mean more flights for cities like Kolhapur, Solapur, and Nashik soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the new amount promised for Ladki Bahin Yojana?
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has promised to hike the monthly aid to ₹2,100 (up from ₹1,500) if his alliance wins the upcoming local elections.
Q2. When will the Union Budget 2026 be presented?
The Union Budget will be presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Q3. Is the India vs New Zealand match happening today?
Yes, the 4th T20I match is scheduled for today (Jan 28) at 7:00 PM IST in Visakhapatnam.
Q4. Are schools in Mumbai closed due to the bomb threat?
No, the bomb threats were specific to schools in Gurugram (Haryana). Schools in Maharashtra are operating normally.
Q5. When are the Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra?
The voting for the Zilla Parishad elections is scheduled for February 5, 2026.