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ABP Live Budget Traveller: Chasing Snow In North India? These Hill Stations Are Perfect Winter Escapes

Fresh snowfall in late January has revived tourist activity across North India, as hill regions wake up to snow-covered landscapes and a renewed wave of winter travellers. From silent alpine valleys to lively ski towns, these places offers surreal scenery and unforgettable winter moments. For budget travellers, these places deliver not just postcard views, but also accessible stays, simple local food, and immersive cold-weather experiences that don’t demand luxury spending. Here are some Indian destinations currently experiencing snowfall, along with what travellers can see, do, and experience while embracing the magic of winter. ALSO READ: ABP Live Budget Traveller: Discover The Spiritual Charm Of Varanasi Under ₹5000 Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir (Image Source: Canva) Nestled along the Srinagar–Leh highway, Sonamarg transforms dramatically in winter. Fresh snowfall blankets its wide meadows, frozen streams, and surrounding peaks, creating postcard-like scenery at every turn. The town becomes quieter during this season, making it ideal for travellers who prefer calm, unhurried experiences. Budget hotels and guesthouses remain available in nearby areas, while Srinagar, about 80 kilometres away, offers more affordable stay options. Travellers often visit Sonamarg for snow walks, photography, and scenic drives when conditions allow. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir (Image Source: Canva) Few places in India are as closely associated with snow as Gulmarg. Ongoing snowfall during peak winter strengthens its reputation as a premier cold-weather destination. The slopes grow deeper under fresh snow, while temperatures remain well below freezing, creating ideal conditions for winter activities. Budget travellers can consider staying in Tangmarg or opting for shared accommodations. Gulmarg offers experiences ranging from gondola rides and skiing to simple pleasures like strolling through snow-covered fields. Manali, Himachal Pradesh (Image Source: Canva) In the higher stretches around Manali, snowfall continues to define winter mornings. Areas near Solang Valley and routes towards Rohtang Pass receive regular snow, while nearby villages wake up to icy rooftops and frozen trails. The contrast between snow-heavy upper zones and relatively accessible lower areas makes Manali a flexible option for budget travellers. Affordable hostels, guesthouses, and homestays remain plentiful. Visitors often combine snow experiences with café hopping, short hikes, and local sightseeing.  Mussoorie, Uttarakhand (Image Source: PTI) Often referred to as the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie takes on a distinctive charm during winter. While the town remains popular year-round, snowfall between mid-December and mid-February adds a layer of magic to its familiar landmarks. Mall Road, Landour Bazaar, and scenic viewpoints become ideal for relaxed winter strolls, while cafés offer cozy refuge from the cold. Visitors also enjoy seasonal activities such as ice skating and cable car rides when weather permits.  Auli, Uttarakhand (Image Source: Canva) Auli stands as one of India’s most celebrated winter destinations. During peak winter, snowfall transforms this hill town into a vast white expanse, earning it recognition as the country’s premier skiing hub. Tourists visit Auli for skiing, snowboarding, and sweeping views of peaks such as Nanda Devi. One of its major highlights is the long cable car ride connecting Joshimath to Auli, offering panoramic views of snow-laden Himalayan ranges.

'Border 2' box office collection day 7 (LIVE)

Sunny Deol's patriotic fervor continues to dominate the box office. 'Border 2' has achieved a massive opening, raking in ₹213 crore in its first week, fueled by strong Republic Day sentiment. While not matching 'Gadar 2's' record-breaking pace, the film's success highlights Deol's enduring appeal, especially in mass centers and single screens.

Parliament Budget Session: Lok Sabha Adjourned, Next Sitting On February 1, 2026

The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday afternoon and is set to reconvene on February 1 at 11:00 am. Ahead of the Budget presentation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India for the financial year 2025-26 in Parliament. The move follows established parliamentary convention, where the Survey is presented before the Budget to provide an assessment of the economy’s current position. Notably, this year’s Union Budget will be presented on a weekend, an uncommon occurrence. Sitharaman is also poised to create history by delivering her ninth consecutive Budget, a rare milestone in India’s parliamentary journey and a reflection of continuity in economic policymaking. What The Economic Survey Represents Often described as the country’s official annual “report card” on the economy, the Economic Survey offers a detailed, data-driven evaluation of India’s economic performance over the past year. It examines growth trends, sectoral performance, fiscal indicators, and broader macroeconomic developments, while also outlining potential policy directions for the future. Prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), the Survey is released in two volumes, each addressing different facets of the economy. While the Union Budget focuses on forward-looking measures such as taxation, spending, and policy initiatives, the Economic Survey provides the analytical foundation explaining why those measures may be necessary. PM Modi Highlights India-EU Trade Pact Ahead Of Budget Session Ahead of the Budget Session 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media from Parliament and highlighted the significance of the India- European Union Free Trade Agreement. He described the agreement as “Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth, and for Aatmanirbhar India.” Expressing optimism about its impact, the Prime Minister added, “This Free Trade for Ambitious India, Free Trade for Aspirational Youth, Free Trade for Aatmanirbhar India. I am confident that, especially the manufacturers of India, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities. I am very confident that in a way this is a major step in the direction of confident, competitive and productive India.” PM Modi also underlined India’s democratic strength, stating that the country’s democracy and demography have become a source of global optimism. He emphasised that Parliament, which he referred to as the “temple of democracy,” must send a strong and positive message to the world during the Budget Session. Budget Session Timeline The Budget Session will span 65 days and include 30 sittings, concluding on April 2. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees time to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.

iPhone 17 Pro Price Falls by Rs 30,000: Here's How You Can Get This Deal

iPhone 17 Pro Price Drop: Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has grabbed the attention of every Apple fan, but the price is what instantly makes people pause. Premium phones are getting more expensive every year, and not everyone is ready to cross that line. The iPhone 17 Pro, which is the flagship model of the lineup, launched at a price that felt out of reach for many users. But now, things look slightly better.  With bank offers, cashback, and exchange deals, the iPhone 17 Pro is effectively cheaper than its launch price, making it more tempting for those planning an upgrade. iPhone 17 Pro Price Drop In India  The iPhone 17 Pro is priced at Rs 1,34,900 in India. On top of that, buyers can get a flat Rs 4,000 instant discount using an Axis Bank credit card. Amazon Prime members also get up to Rs 6,745 cashback through the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card. The exchange offer goes up to Rs 42,000. If you already own a previous Apple flagship like the iPhone 13, you can get around Rs 20,025 off.  The final value depends on your phone’s condition, but even a decent unit can bring the price down by a big margin. When you stack these offers together, the effective price becomes far more reasonable for a Pro-level iPhone.  For users who were already thinking of upgrading, these deals make the iPhone 17 Pro feel less painful on the wallet. It is still a premium phone, but now it sits closer to what many Apple users are willing to spend. iPhone 17 Pro Specifications The iPhone 17 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and reaches up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. The front is protected by Ceramic Shield 2 for better durability. It runs on Apple’s A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple has added a vapour chamber cooling system to control heat during gaming and heavy tasks. The rear camera setup includes three 48MP sensors: Main, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto. It supports up to 8x optical-quality zoom. The front camera is 18MP and supports Centre Stage and dual video recording. Battery capacity is close to 4,000mAh with 25W MagSafe charging. Other features include iOS 26, Wi-Fi 7, IP68 protection, an Action button, and a dedicated Camera Control button.

Economic Survey 2025-26: From Growth To Inflation, Check The PDF Report Card On India’s Economy

India’s economic growth is expected to remain resilient into FY27, underpinned by strong domestic fundamentals, stable inflation and continued policy momentum, even as global conditions grow more uncertain, the Economic Survey 2025-26 has said. The assessment comes at a time when the global economy is grappling with rising geopolitical tensions, trade policy disruptions and financial vulnerabilities, particularly linked to leveraged investments in technology and artificial intelligence. Despite these headwinds, the Survey argues that India is relatively well insulated compared to many major economies. Before taking a look at the full document, let's discuss the major highlights of the survey this year. Growth Outlook: Momentum Expected To Carry Forward According to the Economic Survey, India’s potential growth rate is now estimated at 7 per cent, an upward revision from the 6.5 per cent level assessed three years ago. This improvement reflects the cumulative impact of structural reforms, higher public capital expenditure, better logistics infrastructure and strengthening supply-side efficiencies. “The economy retains momentum and growth is likely to be sustained into FY27,” the Survey observed, pointing out that India’s large domestic market, credible macroeconomic framework and limited external vulnerabilities continue to act as powerful stabilisers. The Survey added that these factors place India in a stronger position than most global peers as the world enters a phase of uneven and fragile recovery. India well placed amid tariff shocks, global fragmentation: Economic SurveyRead @ANI Story | https://t.co/yFguZo2km2#EconomicSurvey #IndianEconomy #Tariff pic.twitter.com/jKuC3futl2 — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 29, 2026 A Fragile Global Backdrop Globally, the Survey described the current phase as one of “fragile and diverging growth”. It highlighted intensifying geopolitical competition, trade uncertainty and financial risks emerging from heavily leveraged investments in emerging technologies. Global trade, it noted, is increasingly being shaped by security and political considerations rather than pure economic efficiency. Tariffs, sanctions and supply-chain reconfiguration are becoming more common as countries prioritise resilience over cost optimisation. Looking ahead to 2026, the Survey outlined three possible global scenarios, ranging from a period of managed disorder to a more severe multipolar breakdown. It also warned of a small but meaningful risk of a systemic global shock. Strong Macroeconomic Buffers Against this uncertain global backdrop, the Survey underscored the strength of India’s macroeconomic buffers. It pointed to healthy banking sector balance sheets, adequate system liquidity, steady credit growth and low external liabilities as key strengths. Foreign exchange reserves, it said, remain comfortable and provide an additional cushion against external volatility. These factors together enhance India’s capacity to absorb shocks arising from global financial disruptions. Currency And Capital Flow Risks The Survey, however, cautioned that geopolitical turbulence could increasingly influence capital flows and currency markets. In a world marked by persistent uncertainty, disruptions to global capital movement may become a structural feature rather than a temporary phenomenon. “The rupee’s valuation does not accurately reflect India’s economic fundamentals,” the Survey observed. While an undervalued currency offers some export competitiveness, prolonged volatility could prompt investors to exercise caution. Policy Credibility As A Strategic Asset To navigate these challenges, the Survey stressed the importance of policy credibility, predictability and administrative discipline, describing them as “strategic assets” in the evolving global order. It emphasised that India must pursue growth maximisation while simultaneously strengthening shock-absorption capacity—a task likened to “running a marathon and a sprint at the same time”. This would require building economic buffers, ensuring supply stability, diversifying trade routes and enhancing domestic manufacturing competitiveness. The Survey reiterated the central role of structural reforms, deregulation and an “entrepreneurial state” capable of swift and decisive action under uncertainty. Despite mounting global risks, the Survey struck an optimistic note. Sustained reforms, resilient domestic demand and improving deregulation at the state level are steadily raising India’s medium-term growth potential. “In an uncertain and contested world, India’s growth story remains intact,” the Survey said, while underlining that adaptability, resilience and long-term policy commitment will be crucial as the country advances towards its goal of becoming a developed economy. Economic Survey 2025-26: Full Text You can check out the full text of the Economic Survey 2025-26 from the link given below: Click here to read the full Economic Survey 2025-26 Document

ABP Live Tech How-To | Gemini Partners With ICC To Simplify Every Cricket Match For Fans

AI is no longer limited to offices or classrooms. It is now entering stadiums and sports screens. Google’s partnership with the International Cricket Council shows how artificial intelligence can understand a live cricket match. Using Gemini 3 Pro, Google demonstrated how AI can watch a game, listen to commentary, and explain what is happening in simple words.  From spotting key players to breaking down bowling styles, this experiment shows how AI can follow real sports action and turn long match footage into clear, readable insights for anyone watching. What Is Google Gemini Cricket AI & How Is This Tool Different Google Gemini Cricket AI is a system that can watch cricket videos and understand what is happening on screen. It does not rely only on written scorecards or stats.  We partnered with @ICC to show how Gemini 3 Pro can analyze video content.By uploading a segment of the Cricket World Cup, Gemini can seamlessly process visual and audio data to identify key players, explain techniques, and highlight crucial turning points. 🏏 — Google Gemini (@GeminiApp) January 28, 2026 It looks at the actual match footage and listens to the audio. Then it explains the game in simple language. In the ICC demo, Gemini analysed a long clip from a women’s World Cup match. It picked out key moments, identified players, and explained why certain overs changed the game.  This is different from older tools that only worked with numbers or text. Here, the AI understands movement, sound, and context together. This matters in a country like India, where cricket is followed by millions every day. Most fans want to understand the “why” behind a moment, why a bowler changed pace, why pressure built in the final overs, or why one player stood out.  This kind of AI can make that clearer without needing expert-level knowledge. It is not about replacing commentators or analysts. It is about giving regular viewers an easier way to understand what they are already watching. How To Use Google Gemini Cricket AI: Step-By-Step Guide While the new feature looks interesting, many are still confused about how to use it. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to test this new feature. Open Gemini on your phone or computer. Upload a cricket video or paste a match clip link. Ask a simple question like, “What is happening in this over?” Gemini scans the video and audio together. It identifies players, shots, and match situations. Ask follow-up questions like, “Why did this wicket matter?” Get short, clear explanations in plain English. Use it to review highlights or full matches. Save notes for learning or practice. Repeat with any match you want to understand better. The idea is simple: watch cricket, ask questions, and let the AI explain the game in a way that feels easy and natural.

Economic Survey 2025-26: Food Prices Swing, But Inflation Stays Firmly In Check

Food prices remained occasionally volatile during the 2025-26 fiscal year (FY26), and inflation stayed subdued, the Economic Survey 2025-26 revealed on Thursday. The Survey noted that price pressures remain “tamed and anchored”, despite occasional volatility in food prices. Core inflation has stayed subdued, reflecting improvements in supply chains, logistics efficiency and productive capacity across sectors. “There is no threat of higher inflation from crude oil imports at present,” the Survey stated, adding that stable inflation expectations have helped preserve overall macroeconomic stability even amid global uncertainty. Agriculture also continues to play a supportive role. Normal monsoon patterns and improved farm prospects have helped mitigate food inflation risks, while infrastructure expansion, ranging from airports and freight corridors to inland waterways, has eased supply bottlenecks and reduced cost pressures, the document noted. What Did The Previous Survey Say About Inflation? The Economic Survey 2024-25 noted that food prices remained elevated during the fiscal year, despite a moderation in overall inflation. According to the survey, retail headline inflation, measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased from 5.4 per cent in FY24 to 4.9 per cent in FY25 so far. The moderation in headline inflation was largely attributed to a 0.9 percentage point decline in core inflation, which excludes food and fuel component, between FY24 and the April-December 2024 period. This easing in non-food, non-fuel prices helped offset persistent pressures from food items. At the global level, the survey observed that food inflation continued to trend downward, supported by improved supply conditions and favourable growing environments, which helped ease price pressures. However, the pattern differed across emerging economies. Countries such as China, India and Brazil saw relatively stickier food inflation, reflecting domestic supply-side challenges and demand dynamics that kept food prices under pressure despite broader disinflation trends. India’s Growth Story The Economic Survey 2025-26 projected that India’s economy will grow at up to 7.2 per cent in the 2026-27 financial year (FY27), offering an outlook on growth prospects in the coming year. Tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the survey assessed the performance of the domestic economy in the current fiscal year and outlined key trends shaping the road ahead. Sitharaman presented the annual economic review on January 29, just days before she is set to unveil the Union Budget 2026. The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 28 and will run until April 2, 2026, spanning 30 sittings. Both Houses will adjourn for a recess between February 13 and March 8. In the previous Economic Survey, the government had pegged India’s GDP growth for FY26 in the range of 6.3 to 6.8 per cent. However, updated estimates recently suggested that the economy expanded at a better-than-expected 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, supported by a pickup in investment activity and manufacturing output. The latest survey underscores improving growth momentum, even as policymakers prepare to outline fiscal priorities and reform measures in the upcoming Budget.

Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito’s shocking call for revolution, civil war remark goes viral: 'We will not be ICE’d out'

Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito called for a "revolution" at Sundance, citing mounting political tensions and federal law enforcement actions. His forceful remarks, amplified online, sparked widespread debate, with some hailing his boldness and others dismissing them as "Hollywood theatrics." The actor's comments highlight the growing influence of entertainment figures in political discourse.

Tickets booked, decision pending: Pakistan plan T20 WC departure amid boycott cloud — Report

Pakistan's T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance as the team is booked to depart for Colombo Monday, despite ongoing uncertainty. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is expected to make a final decision before the flight, following discussions with the Prime Minister and other stakeholders. Players are urged to remain focused amidst the administrative deliberations.

Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Vrat Katha, Fasting Rules And All You Need To Know About This Auspicious Day

Today, Thursday, January 29, 2026, marks the observance of Jaya Ekadashi, a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Devotees believe that observing this vrat brings prosperity, fulfillment of desires, and success in pending tasks. The ritual also invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu. However, the vrat is considered incomplete without reading or listening to the Jaya Ekadashi story, which forms an integral part of the worship. ALSO READ: Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Falls On Thursday: Know Its Spiritual Significance, Puja Timing, And More The Story Of Jaya Ekadashi The tale of Jaya Ekadashi revolves around King Indra and celestial beings known as Gandharvs. According to the Hindu mythology, once in Indra’s court, apsaras (celestial nymphs) were performing a dance. Present in the assembly were the Gandharv Pushpavant, his daughter Pushpavati, Malini, the wife of Chitrasen, and her son Malyavan. During the performance, Pushpavati became enchanted by Malyavan, and feelings of desire arose in her heart. Captivated by her beauty, gestures, and charm, Malyavan too fell under the spell of attraction. Immersed in their passion, the two were unable to focus on the dance. Observing this, King Indra ordered them to separate and continue the performance. However, lost in their emotions, both failed to dance properly. Angered by their behavior, Indra cursed Pushpavati and Malyavan to be reborn as pishachas (evil spirits). After death, they descended into the netherworld and wandered the earth as spirits for many years. Eventually, the Gandharv and Pushpavati encountered a sage, to whom they sought guidance on how to attain liberation from their cursed forms. The sage instructed them to observe Jaya Ekadashi during the bright fortnight of Magha month. Following the sage’s advice, they performed the vrat with devotion and completed the prescribed rituals. Through the merit of observing Jaya Ekadashi, they were finally freed from their curse and attained salvation. Jaya Ekadashi Fasting Rules  Avoid Rice and Certain DonationsOn Ekadashi, consuming rice is strictly prohibited. While this day is considered highly auspicious for donations, rice should not be donated. Devotees can offer other items according to their capacity, ensuring that the act of giving aligns with the vrat’s sanctity. Control Speech and AngerThose observing the vrat should avoid arguments, fights, or displays of anger, even toward elders or children at home. Controlling one’s speech is crucial: shouting, speaking harshly, or lying during the vrat diminishes its spiritual merit. True observance involves mind, speech, and action, not just abstaining from food. Do Not Pluck Tulsi LeavesIt is believed that the sacred Tulsi plant also observes the Ekadashi vrat. Accidentally plucking or touching its leaves on this day is considered inauspicious and may prevent devotees from receiving Lord Vishnu’s blessings. Follow a Strictly Sattvic DietDevotees should maintain complete sattvik (pure) practices on Ekadashi. This includes avoiding garlic, onions, meat, and alcohol. Foods like lentils (e.g., masoor dal), honey, and eggplant are also avoided. Observing brahmacharya (celibacy) during the vrat is highly recommended to uphold its spiritual sanctity. Significance Of Observing This Fast It is believed that those who observe Jaya Ekadashi with proper rituals, recite or listen to the sacred story, and follow all rules of the vrat are blessed with all kinds of happiness, success, and spiritual merit. Devotees who perform this vrat with sincerity are also said to attain a place in Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

ABP Live Leaks Before Launch | iPhone 18 Might Cost Almost Same As iPhone 17: Here’s Why Apple Is Holding Back

iPhone 18 Leaks: People think it’s too soon to talk about the iPhone 18 price, but curiosity never waits. Every year, Apple fans start guessing early, mainly about how much their next upgrade will cost. With chip shortages, rising tech costs, and inflation everywhere, many expected Apple to finally raise prices. The fear was real. But new industry chatter tells a calmer story.  Apple may not shock buyers after all. Instead of pushing prices higher, the company seems ready to play it safe, especially in price-sensitive markets like India. iPhone 18 Price Likely To Stay The Same Popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is planning to keep the iPhone 18 price almost the same as last year. The new models are expected to launch in the second half of 2026.  According to him, Apple does not want a major price hike. This makes sense in today’s market. People are more careful with spending, and Apple knows that even a small increase can affect sales. Keeping prices stable is especially important in markets like India, where buyers are very price-sensitive. Apple has worked hard to grow its presence here.  A sudden jump could slow down that progress. By holding the line on pricing, Apple can keep its loyal users and attract new ones who have been waiting to upgrade. It’s also a smart marketing move. An “unchanged starting price” always sounds good in headlines and ads. It gives buyers a feeling that they are getting more value for the same money. Rising Costs May Still Affect iPhone 18 Price Variants Even if the base iPhone 18 price stays the same, Apple is under pressure behind the scenes. The upcoming A20 chip will cost more to produce. TSMC, Apple’s chip partner, is dealing with huge demand because of AI and advanced tech. Memory prices are also rising due to supply issues. Reports say memory alone could become 10 to 25% more expensive by 2026. Apple has two choices: raise prices or absorb the cost. For now, it may choose to take the hit. Apple earns big money from services like subscriptions, apps, and digital content, which gives it a cushion. However, do not be surprised if higher storage models get more expensive. Apple has done this before. The base price looks the same, but people end up paying more when they choose extra storage. So, while the starting tag may stay calm, the final bill could still climb.