Five must-read stories—January 21

Why Donald Trump’s showmanship couldn’t save the inauguration

On the day Donald Trump tucked the nuclear launch codes into his arsenal and took up residence at the White House, he was unable to lock down the entire spotlight, reports Time. Trump’s crowds on Friday were dramatically smaller than either of Barack Obama’s inaugural celebrations, lacked star wattage in his musical guests and rain began just as he began to speak.

No fake currency was seized from November 8 to December 30, Finance Ministry tells PAC

One of the primary motives cited for demonetisation was to tackle problems of counterfeit notes and terrorist financing. In its submission to the Public Accounts Committee, the Finance Ministry has said no counterfeit notes were seized by agencies from Nov 8 to Dec 30, reports The Indian Express.

Manmohan Singh flags rise of twin spectres

Independent thinking and free expression at Indian universities are "now under threat," former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday, in a veiled jibe at the Centre, reports The Telegraph. He also said that there was a rise in new nationalism tendencies around the world, responding to populism and directing hatred against backward classes and minorities.

As Maharashtra makes big mining push, tribals push back

In mineral-rich Gadchiroli, home to Madia Gond tribals, the Maharashtra government has issued prospecting licences for 25 new mining projects, across more than 18,000 acres across six talukas, according to IndiaSpend. The tribals are pushing back worried this will damage the land that sustains them.

Rolls-Royce sent agent to 'retrieve' document from India tax office

Rolls-Royce sent an agent to “retrieve” an incriminating document from tax officials in India to avoid the investigation and prosecution of its employees. The agent told the engineering giant that he paid a large sum to get the document from authorities, avoiding the company being banned from operating in India for 25 years, reports The Guardian.