The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a statewide advisory following an active western disturbance that is likely to cause heavy snowfall and rainfall across the state between January 26 and 28, officials said. All district administrations have been placed on alert to manage possible disruptions and ensure public safety during the period.

According to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather system is expected to bring a prolonged wet spell, with isolated spells of heavy snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in lower and adjoining areas. The conditions may impact road connectivity, power supply and essential services across several districts.

Quoting the advisory issued by the Revenue Department, the state government has directed all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to activate District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) for round-the-clock monitoring and coordination. District administrations have been asked to review and update contingency and evacuation plans, particularly in snow-bound, flood-prone and low-lying urban areas.

The government has stressed the importance of timely dissemination of public warnings and travel advisories to ensure the safety of commuters and tourists. "All departments have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness to deal with any eventuality arising due to heavy snowfall or rainfall," the HP government said in the advisory.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to pre-position snow clearance machinery, including JCBs and snow cutters, at strategic locations to minimise road blockages and restore connectivity at the earliest. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have also been directed to remain ready for immediate restoration of roads and critical infrastructure.

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has been asked to keep emergency teams on standby for quick restoration of power supply and to ensure adequate backup for essential services. The Jal Shakti Vibhag has been directed to maintain uninterrupted water and sanitation services, especially in high-risk and snow-bound regions.

Meanwhile, the Police and Tourism Departments have been instructed to regulate traffic on vulnerable routes and issue travel advisories to prevent tourists from entering high-risk zones. Coordination with transport authorities has also been emphasised to ensure commuter safety.

The state government has further directed all departments to maintain close coordination with the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and submit daily situation reports during the period of the weather disturbance. Snow clearance and road restoration works are currently underway in Shimla and other parts of the state.

Due to snowfall in the upper reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kinnaur districts, more than 600 roads have been blocked, causing difficulties for both locals and visitors. Efforts are ongoing to restore connectivity at the earliest.

Masaya has debuted in Goa’s Anjuna–Vagator belt as a new experiential destination, set on a cliff overlooking the sea. Envisioned as one of the region’s most compelling sundowner spots by day and a high-energy outpost by night, Masaya aims to redefine Goa’s sunset culture, said a release.

The name Masaya is drawn from the Filipino language and captures the emotion the space is designed to evoke, warm, immersive, and uplifting from the moment guests arrive. Reflecting comfort, freedom, and joy, Masaya is imagined as a place where sunsets slow you down and nights set you free.

Founded by Ishaan Sharma, Rohit Khullar, Sachin Manchanda, and Gaurav Mendiratta, Masaya is shaped by bold interiors, flowing curves, and a strong sense of transition that mirrors the sky as it moves from golden hour into nightfall. As evening deepens, the lighting shifts, 3D projections appear, and the space gradually transforms, allowing the sunset mood to linger well into the night.

The venue unfolds as a layered experience, moving from an intimate indoor dining area to a rooftop that opens fully to the sea and endless horizon. From there, it flows into a tropical, jungle-inspired bar designed for shared moments and high social energy. Designed by Akhlakh of Sketch All Studios, the interiors draw from Afro-Egyptian influences, with art and sculpture placed at the centre of the design language. Each section can host up to 200 guests while maintaining a sense of openness and comfort.

Masaya by Bravo Hospitality positions itself as a sundowner dining and party destination that celebrates golden hour indulgence before seamlessly transitioning into high-energy nightlife, according to the release. Lighting, visual mapping, and 3D projections subtly evolve through the evening, shaping the ambience as the night unfolds.

The food and bar programme at Masaya is designed to move with the rhythm of the space. The menu is global, expansive, and made for sharing. Behind the bar, Masaya introduces a progressive new-age cocktail philosophy that places flavour before spirit, organising drinks by mood rather than traditional categories. Guests are also invited to create their own cocktails, selecting a spirit, flavour direction, and finish with the help of a simple illustrated cocktail map placed at the table.

Music plays a central role in shaping the Masaya experience. The soundscape moves through Afro, house, hip hop, and techno as the day turns into night. Sound and lighting evolve with the energy of the crowd, transforming Masaya from a relaxed sundowner destination into a refined, high-energy club after dark.

Speaking on the launch, Ishaan Sharma said, “Masaya means comfort and joy, and that emotion sits at the heart of everything we have created. The name reflects a sense of freedom and lightness, which is exactly how the space is meant to feel. The view and the sunset help you unwind, and as night falls, the energy invites you to dance. Masaya brings together relaxation and luxury in one seamless experience.”

Positioned as a statement of modern coastal luxury, Masaya is designed for those who value atmosphere as much as aesthetics. Moving effortlessly from daytime elegance to controlled after-dark intensity, the venue offers a sense of arrival that becomes unmistakable as the night settles in. Masaya is not chasing attention. It commands it, added the release.

India and the European Union have finalised a landmark free trade agreement, marking a major step in strengthening economic ties between the two regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the pact as a historic milestone after nearly two decades of intermittent negotiations.

Speaking on the development, the Prime Minister said the agreement would open up significant opportunities for both sides. "Yesterday, a big agreement was signed between the European Union and India," PM Modi said. He added, "People around the world are calling this the mother of all deals. This agreement will bring major opportunities for the 1.4 billion people of India and the millions of people in Europe."

The deal will pave the way for India to gradually open its vast domestic market to free trade with the 27-nation European Union, which is India’s largest trading partner. Trade between India and the EU stood at $136.5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025, reflecting the scale of economic engagement between the two economies.

According to government sources, the agreement will undergo legal vetting before its formal signing. An official familiar with the process said the implementation timeline is expected to be within a year. "We expect the deal to be implemented within a year," the official said.

For consumers, the free trade agreement is expected to bring visible benefits, including lower prices on select European products such as cars and electronics, along with improved access to services as Indian companies expand their footprint in Europe.

At the same time, sensitive agricultural sectors have been carefully protected. European officials have confirmed that dairy products and sugar are excluded from the agreement. The EU has safeguarded its beef, sugar and rice markets, while India has retained high tariffs on farm and dairy goods to protect the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers.

Despite these safeguards, trade in food and beverage products continues to grow. India’s food and beverage exports to the European Union, valued at around USD 4.2 billion in 2024, are led by coffee, tea, spices, fish and fruits. This indicates that while broad agricultural liberalisation remains limited, specific food and processed product categories may see further expansion.

Reports also indicate that Europe has sought stronger protection for its geographical indications, including wines, cheeses and speciality food products. Overall, the agreement is expected to deepen trade ties, support business expansion, and offer tangible benefits to consumers on both sides.