Category: India

The Mumbai Police informed the court that conversations related to the January 31 firing at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s house were conducted through the Signal app and later deleted, prompting efforts to retrieve the data as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators probing the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai residence have found that the accused used the encrypted messaging platform Signal to coordinate the attack, a magistrate court was told on Thursday while extending their police custody till February 11.

The Mumbai Police informed the court that conversations related to the January 31 firing were conducted through the Signal app and later deleted, prompting efforts to retrieve the data as part of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier in the day, police arrested another accused, Asaram Fasle alias Babu, who is alleged to have supplied arms for the attack. He was produced in court along with Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki (19), Siddharth Deepak Yenpure (20), Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (18) and Swapnil Bandu Sakat (23), all residents of Pune. According to investigators, the group provided logistical support to the shooter, who remains absconding.

Investigating Officer Kadam told the court that a cache of illegal weapons, including a pistol, three magazines and an airgun was seized from Sakat. He said the firing appeared to be a planned act, with a vehicle purchased and weapons procured shortly before the incident.

Police also told the court that the alleged mastermind, Shubham Lonkar, is wanted in both the Rohit Shetty firing case and the murder of former MLA Baba Siddique. The accused were allegedly acting on his instructions and coordinated through Signal before deleting the app to destroy evidence.

The prosecution sought further custody for interrogation, arguing that the accused needed to be confronted with one another and questioned jointly. Defence counsel opposed the plea, claiming the accused were young, not caught at the spot and arrested merely on suspicion, and had no links to Lonkar or knowledge of how the motorcycle connected to them would be used.

Magistrate V R Patil, however, observed that the case involved serious offences and a suspected criminal conspiracy that needed to be unravelled. Citing progress in the investigation and the need for detailed questioning, particularly after Fasle’s fresh arrest, the court remanded all accused to police custody till February 11.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/maharashtra/story/signal-app-used-to-coordinate-rohit-shetty-house-firing-in-mumbai-police-tell-court-2863851-2026-02-05

The drill will test the Indian Air Force’s combat readiness through large-scale simulated war scenarios, integrating fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, drones and layered air defence systems under real-time command control.

The Indian Air Force will conduct a major air combat exercise near the Pakistan border on February 27, showcasing its full spectrum of offensive and defensive capabilities in a simulated war environment.

The exercise, named Vayu Shakti 2026, will be held near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and is expected to be the IAF’s largest air combat drill of the year. It comes weeks after the force demonstrated its operational readiness during Operation Sindoor.

According to defence officials, airbases and assets of the IAF’s Western and South Western Air Commands will participate in the exercise. All units have been fully activated, with more than 100 aircraft expected to take part.

Almost all frontline fighter aircraft and air defence systems that were part of Operation Sindoor will be deployed during the exercise. These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and Hawk aircraft, which will be seen engaging ground and aerial targets with precision. The MiG-21, now retired from IAF service, will not feature in the exercise for the first time. The indigenous Prachand attack helicopter will also participate, firing rockets during live drills.

The exercise will be conducted in a simulated wartime scenario and monitored through the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which enables real-time tracking and coordination of air operations. Inputs from long-range, medium-range and short-range radars will be integrated to generate a comprehensive air picture for both offensive and defensive missions.

In addition to fighter jets, fixed-wing transport aircraft such as the C-130J and C-295 will take part, along with helicopter units including Prachand, Chinook, Mi-17 and Advanced Light Helicopter platforms. Drones and loitering munitions used during Operation Sindoor will also be deployed.

For the first time, the C-295 transport aircraft will carry out a night assault landing drill during the Vayu Shakti exercise. The C-130J Super Hercules will be seen landing on a short runway, deploying Garud commandos in a simulated war zone and taking off again within minutes, while attack helicopters secure the area.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-to-showcase-air-power-near-pakistan-border-on-feb-27-in-vayu-shakti-2026-exercise-2863866-2026-02-06

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta says air and Yamuna pollution are legacy issues, defends long-term reforms on transport, waste and sewage, and argues that structural changes, not quick fixes, will deliver lasting results.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has described air pollution and the pollution of the Yamuna river as “legacy problems” rooted in years of neglect and short-term policymaking by previous governments. She said her administration is now focused on long-term, structural solutions.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Gupta pushed back against criticism that measures such as GRAP, Odd-Even restrictions, artificial rain and anti-smog guns have failed. She said these were never intended to be permanent fixes.

“Pollution is a legacy problem resulting from the negligence of previous governments. If we look at pollution only from the perspective that the air should be clean, we will not get results,” Gupta said. “You have to work on dust, air and water together, with a holistic vision.”

Taking aim at the Aam Aadmi Party, Gupta said earlier administrations relied on short-term measures and publicity, while deeper reforms were ignored.

“Sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist can give only short-term relief. The real work should have been done on dust mitigation, public transport and long-term planning,” she said.

Gupta identified vehicular emissions, road dust and waste mismanagement as the main drivers of Delhi’s air pollution, which often stays in the ‘severe’ category during winter. While vehicle emissions are widely cited as a key cause, she said public transport was never expanded to the scale required.

Laying out her government’s plan, Gupta said Delhi’s public transport system is being gradually shifted towards zero emissions. “When we came, we planned that public transport should be 100 per cent electric and on clean fuel,” she said. Delhi currently has about 3,600 buses. “We added 1,700 buses after coming to power, and by December 2026, this will reach 7,700. Our requirement is 11,000 buses, which we will complete by 2028.”

She said funds have been sanctioned for Metro expansion, improved last-mile connectivity through EV autos, e-bikes and cycles near Metro stations, and stricter action against unfit and polluting vehicles.

“The government has to make a 360-degree movement. Work has to be done on every single aspect,” Gupta said.

On dust pollution, she pointed to changes in road construction and maintenance practices. “Earlier, one department would build a road, and another would dig it again. This was the work culture of Delhi,” she said. “We are changing that by enforcing ducting and accountability.” Engineers from the PWD and MCD, she added, have been brought together to standardise procedures.

Gupta also linked Delhi’s garbage mountains directly to air pollution, saying visible reductions at landfill sites are the result of policy-driven, time-bound action.

“Delhi generates about 11,000 metric tonnes of garbage daily. Earlier, it was never processed, and that is why mountains of garbage were formed,” she said, accusing the Opposition of merely shifting waste from one location to another. She said the government is confident of clearing legacy waste at the Okhla and Bhalswa landfill sites by 2026, though work at Ghazipur may take longer.

“These results are not without policy and dedication,” she said.

Turning to the Yamuna, Gupta said untreated sewage, cattle dung and industrial waste flowing directly into drains had severely polluted the river. “Friends, drains were falling straight into Yamuna ji. Sewage treatment plants were not upgraded. These conditions were spoiled over years,” she said.

She said her government has upgraded 37 old sewage treatment plants and launched large-scale de-silting of drains across the city. “As soon as we came, we started de-silting work. New machines from Finland are being used at places like Najafgarh, Barapullah and Sunheri Pullah,” she said.

Gupta also highlighted efforts to process cattle dung through biogas plants. “For so many years, did anyone think of setting up biogas plants? Thousands of tonnes of dung went into drains and then into Yamuna ji,” she said. “We have started the first plant to process 600 tonnes, with more plants in the pipeline.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-pollution-a-legacy-issue-says-chief-minister-rekha-gupta-defends-long-term-plan-2863869-2026-02-06

Government data showed that 377 of 754 aircraft audited since January last year had recurring defects, with Air India Group accounting for 191 flagged planes and IndiGo reporting 148 aircraft with repeat snags.

Around half the aircraft examined for technical deficiencies across Indian carriers have shown recurring defects, with Air India Group and IndiGo accounting for the largest share, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The government said 754 aircraft from six scheduled airlines were analysed for repetitive snags since January last year. Of these, 377 were flagged for recurring defects.

IndiGo had the highest number of aircraft reviewed. As of February 3, 405 IndiGo planes were analysed, and 148 were identified as having repetitive defects, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the House in a written reply.

Air India Group recorded a far higher ratio. Of the 267 aircraft checked across Air India and Air India Express, 191 were found with recurring issues, nearly 72 per cent of the fleet audited. The data showed that 137 of 166 Air India aircraft had repetitive defects, while 54 of 101 Air India Express planes were similarly flagged.

Other carriers also featured on the list. Of 43 SpiceJet aircraft analysed, 16 were identified for recurring defects, while Akasa Air saw 14 aircraft flagged out of 32 reviewed.

Responding to the figures, an Air India spokesperson said the airline had conducted extensive checks across its fleet “out of an abundance of caution”, which pushed up the number of observations.

“We have, out of abundance caution, carried out checks across our fleet. Hence, numbers are higher,” news agency PTI quoted the spokesperson as saying.

A senior Air India executive said the findings largely relate to lower-priority equipment. Aircraft systems are classified into categories A to D based on urgency, with most Air India issues falling under category D.

“In case of Air India, most of the issues are with category D, which includes items like seats, tray tables, screens (on the back of seats) and so on. These are not related to the safety of the aircraft,” the executive said.

Alongside airline audits, aviation regulator DGCA ramped up surveillance activity last year. Mohol said the regulator carried out 3,890 surveillance inspections, 56 regulatory audits, 84 surveillance of foreign aircraft (SOFA) checks and 492 ramp inspections as part of planned monitoring.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-indigo-planes-inspected-half-aircraft-recurring-defect-civil-aviation-parliament-2863884-2026-02-06

At least 16 labourers were killed in a dynamite blast at a suspected illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, with several feared trapped. Rescue operations are ongoing, and an inquiry has been ordered. Rat-hole mining has been banned since 2014 due to safety and environmental concerns, with restrictions upheld by the Supreme Court.

A dynamite blast at a suspected “illegal” rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district claimed at least 16 lives on Thursday, with several others feared trapped inside the mine.

Police confirmed that the bodies of 16 labourers have been recovered so far, though the exact number of workers present during the tragic incident remains unclear. Director General of Police I Nongrang said more people are feared trapped as rescue operations continue.

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A #coalmine blast in #Meghalaya on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 16 workers after major explosion in Tashkhai. The blast occurred inside a coal mine, leading to heavy casualties among labourers present at the site. All the victims were from Assam. pic.twitter.com/GeUUrhtDL8

— Sutapa Guha (@guha_sutapa) February 5, 2026

Emergency responders rushed to the spot, and a search operation is underway. According to the DGP, the explosion occurred in the Thangsku area during morning coal mining activities believed to be illegal.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said one injured person was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later shifted to a hospital in Shillong for advanced treatment. Asked whether the mine was operating illegally, Kumar said it appeared so, adding that the exact cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained and a detailed inquiry will be conducted.

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Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.

The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability…

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 5, 2026

Reacting to the tragedy, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said in a post on X, “Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.”

He added that the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and assured that accountability will be fixed. “Those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives,” Sangma said, asserting that the state stands in solidarity with all those affected.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/meghalaya-mine-blast-kills-at-least-16-cm-sangma-orders-probe-promises-strict-action

 

The Income Tax Department told the Madras High Court that Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden bungalow ‘Veda Nilayam’ will be auctioned if her legal heirs fail to clear ₹13.69 crore in income and wealth tax arrears with interest. The property was attached during her lifetime.

The Income Tax Department has informed the Madras High Court that former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s imposing bungalow ‘Veda Nilayam’, in Poes Garden , Chennai, would be brought to auction if her legal heirs fail to clear income tax and wealth tax arrears of ₹13.69 crore with interest.

Senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, Srinivasan said the property was attached during Jayalalithaa’s lifetime. Income Tax arrears were due for various assessment years from 1991–92 to 2006–07, while wealth tax dues pertained to assessment years from 1992–93 to 2015–16. The department was entitled to recover the arrears along with applicable interest.

Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016. Subsequently, the High Court, in May 2020, declared her niece J. Deepa and nephew J. Deepak as her legal heirs. Following this declaration, the Income Tax Department decided to recover the tax dues from them and issued intimations in July and August this year.

Deepa approached the High Court challenging the August communication by filing a writ petition. On his part, Deepak had written to the department through his authorised representative on August 11, 2025, seeking an extension of time to pay his share of ₹6.75 crore towards the arrears. He later sent another letter on October 14, 2025, requesting permission to pay the outstanding amount in instalments.

The Income Tax Department accepted his request and permitted him to pay ₹6.75 crore in six equal monthly instalments between October 2025 and March 2026. However,Deepak paid only ₹1.12 crore on October 15, 2025 and November 15, 2025. Of this amount, ₹62.50 lakh was paid by quoting his own PAN instead of Jayalalithaa’s PAN. Despite several reminders, the error in the challan had not been rectified, the standing counsel submitted.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jayalalithaas-bungalow-may-be-auctioned-if-tax-dues-remain-unpaid-i-t-dept-tells-madras-high-court

Shock and gloom have shrouded two families, who knew each other well and had seen three marriages between their members, after a woman killed her husband with the help of her lover and his friends in Sri Ganganagar district – an incident that is now being called Rajasthan’s honeymoon murder.

Anjali, 23, from Sadulshahar in the district, married 27-year-old Ashish from 1-KLM village, just 30 km from the Pakistan border, three months ago, and the match seemed perfect on paper. Ashish had completed his M.Sc in Geology and was pursuing a B.Ed degree. Anjali was pursuing an M.Com degree, and the icing on the cake was the close ties between her and Ashish’s families.

As a child, Ashish was adopted by his uncle and aunt, who had no son of their own. They raised him lovingly and, a few months ago, his adoptive mother arranged his marriage with Anjali, who is her niece.

When NDTV spoke to them on Thursday, Ashish’s family members recalled that Anjali seemed to be settling in with them well. They were, thus, even more distraught and stunned by what happened on January 30.

Anjali and Ashish went out on a walk with Ashish’s cousin, Ankit, and his wife that evening. “We went towards the village for our usual walk. We normally don’t take the deserted route. But Ashish dropped me and my wife home, and then, at Anjali’s insistence, they took that route,” Ankit said.

The family was later told that Ashish and Anjali were found unconscious in what was thought of as a hit-and-run. Ashish was declared dead at the community health centre, while Anjali, who said her gold jewellery had been stolen after the accident, kept flitting in and out of consciousness.

Injuries on Ashish’s body, inconsistencies in Anjali’s story, and a thorough investigation by the police, however, revealed that the death was not an accident, but a murder planned by the newly married woman. Anjali, it turned out, had rekindled her romance with her former boyfriend, Sanju, who worked as a waiter at wedding functions.

Sanju and two of his friends were hiding in the bushes along the road and, when Anjali and Ashish got there, they attacked him, strangled him and tried to pass off the killing as a road accident. Anjali gave her earrings to Sanju, lay down and pretended to be unconscious when the police arrived.

‘Should Be Given Death Penalty’

At Ashish’s village, people still remember the pomp with which the wedding was celebrated and are both shocked and angry. Ashish’s father, Ramrakh, called for the death penalty for Anjali, while his mother was too inconsolable to speak.

“Anjali’s behaviour always seemed normal. She mixed well with the family. After the murder, she pretended to be unconscious and didn’t speak to us,” Ramrakh recalled.

Rage rising in his voice, he continued, “We want her to be given the death penalty. Even her family agrees with us.”

Anger And Shame

The atmosphere was not much better at Sadulshahar’s Chhajgariya Mohalla, where Anjali’s family has lived for about 40 years.

Anjali’s father died 13 years ago, and she lived with her mother, two brothers and their wives. After her wedding to Ashish, she had returned home for some time on the pretext of studying for her M.Com degree.

Neighbours said Anjali had met Sanju in Sri Ganganagar city, about 30 km away, and the family may have known about their relationship. The marriage with Ashish, they suggested, could have been her family’s way of making sure that she forgot about Sanju, but Anjali got in touch with him when she returned home after the wedding.

Anjali’s uncle, however, vehemently denied the suggestion.

“We are devastated. We have been connected to this family for 50 years. Our customs are such that we ensure our daughters are married only into families known to us. Two of my sisters are also a part of that family. We had no idea about this relationship. We are deeply ashamed. If we had known, we would have died rather than allow this marriage to happen,” he told NDTV.

“Anjali is my niece. Her father passed away about 13 years ago. We want Anjali and the three men to be given the death penalty. The way Ashish suffered and died… she should face the same punishment. She has destroyed us. We don’t know how to face people,” he rued.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/anjali-ashish-sanju-sri-ganganagar-killed-husband-for-waiter-new-details-in-rajasthan-honeymoon-murder-10954416?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

Sarthak Mahapatra went missing near Mauritius while on duty. His family seeks urgent help from Odisha and central authorities for a transparent investigation.

A merchant navy officer from Odisha’s Bhadrak district has reportedly gone missing while on duty aboard a ship near Mauritius on February 3, leading his family to appeal to both the central and state governments for immediate assistance, officials said.

The missing crew member has been identified as Sarthak Mahapatra, a resident of Kespur village in Bhadrak. He has been employed with a private shipping firm since July 2025.

Sarthak Last Spoke To Family On Monday

According to his mother, Rashmita Mahapatra, the vessel was on a return journey to China via Singapore after completing a voyage from China to West Africa. She said Sarthak last spoke with his family and friends on February 2, when the ship was close to Singapore, news agency PTI reported.

“When the ship was near Singapore on February 2, he spoke to me, other family members, and his friends,” she said.

The family is deeply distressed by his sudden disappearance and has urged authorities to step in urgently.

“We are devastated at his disappearance and request the central and state governments to intervene urgently. We have sent emails appealing to the Odisha government to rescue my son and bring him back home safely,” she told PTI.

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I humbly request the authorities to kindly intervene and ensure all possible efforts for tracing and rescue, and seek detailed updates from the company. 🙏

— RASMITA SAHOO (@rasmitasahoo76) February 4, 2026

She has also sought intervention from the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Odisha, the Director General of Shipping, and the Ministry of External Affairs by posting appeals on X.

In her message, she called for a clear and transparent inquiry into the incident, access to CCTV footage from the vessel, information regarding her son’s belongings, and regular updates from officials.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/merchant-navy-officer-goes-missing-from-china-bound-ship-near-mauritius-family-seeks-centres-help-ws-l-9883056.html

 

Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have recently visited PoK, delivering fiery speeches that have raised concerns over regional stability

Amid tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Pakistani leadership has heightened its provocative narrative contributing to political and military friction surrounding the region.

Both Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have recently made high-profile appearances in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), delivering fiery speeches that have raised concerns over regional stability.

According to sources, during a visit to the Line of Control (LoC), Field Marshal Asim Munir was reported to be openly promoting jihad, vowing that “Kashmir will be liberated soon”. He commended the “combat readiness” and “professional excellence” of the officers and soldiers deployed in the area, while reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Top intelligence sources told News18 that Shehbaz Sharif echoed this hardline military stance, and addressed an assembly in the region stressing asserting that India has “no option” but to grant self-determination. He claimed that durable peace in South Asia is unattainable until India abandons what he termed “aggressive, expansionist designs and nefarious conspiracies”.

The sources said the impact of this rhetoric on the ground appears increasingly detrimental, as they often result in increased tension, infiltration, and violence for those living close to conflict zones. Local perspectives within PoK, however, reflect a growing sense of frustration and fear.

They said many residents believe that these aggressive stances are “political messaging” rather than a reflection of genuine concern for the population. Sections of civil society, including traders and youth groups, have expressed that such rhetoric has led to “economic disruption” and the loss of lives.

Source : https://www.news18.com/world/india-has-no-option-tensions-flare-as-asim-munir-shehbaz-sharif-promote-liberation-narrative-in-pok-ws-l-9882876.html

The officials said, “the operation concluded successfully however, the area remains under surveillance.”

Two terrorists were killed in a coordinated operation launched by joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF, successfully concluding Operation KIYA in the Jophar forest area of Basantgarh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, Army officials said.

The officials said that the contact with terrorists was established yesterday and since then, terrorists were prevented from breaking contact. “Following a calibrated and coordinated response, two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. The operation highlighted seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision and high standards of professionalism,” they added.

The officials said the operation concluded successfully. However, the area remains under surveillance.

In a post on X, White Knight Corps wrote, “Operation KIYA. mBased on specific intelligence input provided by @jmukmrpolice, troops of CIF Delta, #WhiteKnightCorps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the general area of Jophar Forest, Basantgarh (J&K) in coordination with #JKP and #CRPF reinforcing the cordon, ensuring effective area domination to prevent escape of terrorists.”

Source : https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-basantgarh-area-of-j-ks-udhampur-army/

 

The union has called for immediate notification of minimum base fares and the prohibition on the use of private (non-commercial) vehicles for commercial app-based rides.

Transport workers from Uber, Rapido and Ola, among others, across the country will observe an “All-India Breakdown” on February 7 to protest government inaction and fare exploitation by app-based aggregator platforms, the Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) said on Tuesday, February 3.

TADF has said that despite the notification of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, aggregator companies continue to arbitrarily determine fares, which pushes drivers into income insecurity, debt, and unsustainable working conditions.

Commuters are also targeted by surge manipulation and a lack of effective regulatory oversight, it said.

The workers’ union has also flagged the central and state government’s failure to notify minimum base fares, saying that it allows platforms to slash driver earnings while increasing commissions. It said that the burden of rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, insurance and operational risks is being entirely shifted onto drivers, making dignified livelihoods impossible.

The union has called for immediate notification of minimum base fares and the prohibition on the use of private (non-commercial) vehicles for commercial app-based rides.

Earlier strike

Gig and platform workers went on strike on Christmas (December 25) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) last year, two of the busiest days of the year for delivery workers, to protest against worsening work conditions.

As many as 50,000 of the total 2 lakh gig workers in Hyderabad participated in the strike on December 31, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) president Shaik Salauddin had claimed.

They were protesting for fair and better pay through transparent wage structures and incentives reflecting real working hours and costs. They also demanded that the arbitrary blocking of IDs and penalties without due process be stopped and they receive improved safety measures, including safety gear and accident insurance.

Source : https://www.siasat.com/ola-uber-rapido-drivers-to-go-on-strike-on-february-7-3335999/

 

Police said preliminary inquiries indicated that the sisters had developed a growing dependence on an online task-based interactive game, and had been spending increasing amounts of time on it.

Three minor sisters died after allegedly jumping from the balcony of their ninth-floor apartment in Ghaziabad in the early hours of Wednesday, with the police suspecting that the incident followed a dispute at home over excessive online gaming.

The victims–Nishika (16), Prachi (14) and Pakhi (12)–were found lying on the ground outside their residential tower in Bharat City township, under the Teela Mor police station limits, after local residents reported hearing a loud noise around 2–2.15 am, the police said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Shalimar Garden) Atul Kumar Singh said the police received information at 2:18 am and reached the spot immediately.

The girls had jumped from a height of 80 feet. The girls were rushed to a hospital in Loni, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

The family said they heard a noise and ran outside. “We saw the room was locked. Then we broke the door and found the girls were not there. We ran downstairs and saw the girls lying on the ground,” they said.

As per police sources, all the three girls locked the room from inside and jumped from the balcony.

ACP Singh said preliminary inquiries indicated that the sisters had developed a growing dependence on an online task-based interactive game, and had been spending increasing amounts of time on it.

“The parents had objected to their excessive gaming, which appears to have led to discussions and disagreements at home,” he said.

According to the police, the sisters had also begun skipping school frequently and spent most of their time together at home.

Investigators said the siblings had become accustomed to doing most activities together, including studying and playing online games.

Sources said the girls were so obsessed with the game, they thought of themselves as Korean princesses.

The eldest daughter, Nishika, was born to Chetan Kumar and his first wife. The younger daughters were born to Kumar and his second wife.

According to ACP Singh, the girls were with their mother till midnight. After around 12:30 am, the girls left their room saying they wanted to get water to drink. The girls then bolted the balcony door and jumped, allegedly after being forbidden from playing the game.

The night of the incident, Kumar had forbidden the girls from playing the game. Kumar and his wife were sleeping with their son while the three daughters were resting in their room.

Police sources found a diary in the sisters’ room containing an eight-page suicide note. The diary also contained details about their lifestyle and their obsession with the task-based game, said police officers.

The note read: “Mom-Dad, sorry… we cannot quit the game. Now you will realise how much we loved the game, which you wanted us to give up.”

“I’m really sorry. Sorry, Papa, we could not leave the game. The Korean game is our life, our world,” the note said.

Source : https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Feb/04/three-minor-sisters-die-by-suicide-in-ghaziabad-police-probing-addiction-to-korean-task-game

In a new podcast, Nick Jonas highlighted the qualities of a good husband – reliability, trustworthiness, and being a good example for his daughter Malti.

Nick Jonas is answering the age-old question of ‘What does it take to be a good husband?’ The 33-year-old singer appeared on the Wednesday, February 4, episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, where he opened up about the qualities that make a good husband.

Nick, who married actor Priyanka Chopra in 2018, shared that being a reliable, trustworthy person is one of the most important qualities that make a man a good husband. He also stressed the importance of being a good partner for Priyanka as their daughter, Malti Marie, will grow up watching how he treats her mother.

Nick Jonas on what makes a good husband

During the episode, Jay Shetty asked Nick Jonas, “What makes a good husband? What are you aspiring to be when you’re trying to be a good husband?” To which the Jumanji actor replies, “Being a good husband, for me, means being reliable, trustworthy.”

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Nick further elaborated, “Knowing that our daughter is watching and will one day, hopefully, find somebody who makes her incredibly happy. And the way in which I treat her mother is incredibly important to who she becomes. It is my responsibility to do all I can to make Priyanka happy, to make her feel safe, and to make her laugh.”

“To know that life is a mixed bag of emotions and experiences, and it can feel really disorienting and overwhelming sometimes. But it’s a lot easier to traverse all that with a partner whom you can rely on,” Nick added.

Nick Jonas on daughter Malti’s premature birth

During the podcast, Nick also recalled Malti’s “intense” birth. Nick and Priyanka welcomed their daughter via surrogate in January 2022. According to the singer, “We were expecting her to arrive in April of the year she was born, and we get a call that it’s going to be sooner. So basically, we went into action. We got to the hospital, and she came out. She was 1 pound, 11 ounces, and…purple.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/nick-jonas-says-a-good-husband-means-being-reliable-trustworthy-as-daughter-malti-sees-how-he-treats-priyanka-chopra-101770257354672.html

 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central government to consider reviewing its decision to detain climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).

A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale was hearing the plea moved by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo against his preventive detention. The Court told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre,

“Apart from submissions, counter submissions and law points, just give a thought to it, as an officer of the Court. The detention order is passed on 26.09.2025, nearly five months. Considering the health condition of the detainee…certainly not very good. The report which we saw earlier, it shows that his health is not that good. There are certain age-related, may be otherwise. Is there a possibility for the government to rethink, have a relook?”

ASG Nataraj said that he would put the suggestion to the authorities.

Wangchuk has been detained under the NSA following protests in Leh in September 2025 over demands of statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Angmo’s counsel last month contended that Wangchuk has a democratic right to criticise and protest against the government and that such sentiments do not threaten the security of the State to warrant his detention.

In response, the Union government and the Leh administration on Monday claimed that Wangchuk wanted the Union Territory to face an agitation and violence similar to what had transpired in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Wangchuk referred to the Central government as “them”, thus revealing secessionist tendencies, and instigated the GenZ (Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012) ) to indulge in a civil war, the government further alleged.

“He (Sonam Wangchuk) refers to the Central government as “them”. This “us” and “them” is enough for NSA detention. There is no us and them. We are all Indians,” it was submitted on Monday.

On Tuesday, the government said that all procedural safeguards were followed in passing the detention order against Wangchuk.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malaysia on February 7–8, 2026, to hold bilateral talks, engage the Indian diaspora, and review the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Malaysia from February 7 to 8, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the government said.

The visit will be Modi’s third to Malaysia and his first since the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

During the visit, Modi and Anwar Ibrahim are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions covering the full spectrum of India-Malaysia relations. The Prime Minister will also interact with members of the Indian community in Malaysia, as well as representatives from industry and business. The 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum is set to take place alongside the visit.

India and Malaysia share long-standing ties rooted in historical, civilisational and cultural links. The relationship is further reinforced by the presence of a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, the third-largest Indian community overseas.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prime-minister-modi-to-visit-malaysia-on-february-7-8-for-talks-with-anwar-ibrahim-2863293-2026-02-05

Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui after two FIRs were filed on a UGC complaint. A court granted four days of police custody.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the chairman of Al Falah University, in connection with alleged irregularities, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrest comes days after action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and follows complaints filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Acting on the UGC’s complaint, the Crime Branch had registered two separate FIRs against Siddiqui, accusing him of fraud and related offences.

Police said Siddiqui was taken into custody and produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody for further investigation.

Officials said the case relates to alleged irregularities and falsification, though further details are expected to emerge during questioning.

The university had earlier drawn national attention after it emerged that Dr Umar Nabi, convicted in the Red Fort blast case that killed 13 people, was employed at the institution. Two of his associates, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid, who investigators have linked to a “white-collar” terror network, were also found to have worked at the university.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-police-arrest-al-falah-university-chairman-jawad-ahmed-siddiqui-in-alleged-fraud-case-2863289-2026-02-05

Ishaan said that he is deeply sad and heartbroken, especially for the journalists who covered the global news and worked hard to report stories from different parts of the world.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s son Ishaan Tharoor shared an emotional post on social media, claiming that he has been laid off from The Washington Post on Wednesday. He said that most of the newspaper’s international staff were also asked to leave. Ishaan said that he is deeply sad and heartbroken, especially for the journalists who covered the global news and worked hard to report stories from different parts of the world.

Emotional Post On Social Media

In his post, Ishaan Tharoor said that the newsroom is losing many talented journalists. He spoke warmly about his editors and reporters, calling them close friends and trusted colleagues. He said that he worked with them for almost 12 years and described his time at the newspaper as an honour.

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I have been laid off today from the @washingtonpost, along with most of the International staff and so many other wonderful colleagues. I’m heartbroken for our newsroom and especially for the peerless journalists who served the Post internationally — editors and correspondents…

— Ishaan Tharoor (@ishaantharoor) February 4, 2026

WorldView Column Ends

 

A website launched by Assam Congress to question Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was allegedly hacked minutes after going live in Guwahati, triggering a fierce political clash. Sarma announced civil and criminal defamation cases against senior Congress leaders as the election battle intensifies.

Minutes after the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) launched a website aimed at questioning the public image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the portal was allegedly hacked, triggering a sharp political confrontation ahead of the Assembly elections.

“The website is yet to be restored,” said Bedabrata Borah, chairman, Medica Department, APCC.

Portal allegedly hacked soon after launch

The website, whoishbs.com, was unveiled at a crowded press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday, barely two months before the polls. The Congress said the platform was meant to place before the people of Assam what it called the “real face” of the Chief Minister. However, party leaders claimed that unknown hackers disrupted the site shortly after it went live.

Senior Congress leaders attend press conference

BJP’s Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, represent the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities; two more MLAs take oath as Ministers

The installation of a Bharatiya Janata Party‑led National Democratic Alliance government, with a Meitei leader at the helm, brought an end to nearly a year of President’s Rule in Manipur on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).

Around 6 p.m., Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office to former Assembly Speaker and martial artist Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the State’s second Chief Minister since the 2022 election. The first, Nongthombam Biren Singh, resigned on February 9, 2025, as a casualty of the ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that broke out on May 3, 2023.

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VIDEO | Imphal: Y Khemchand Singh takes oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur.

(Full video available on https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/x5JGBwweZe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 4, 2026

Mr. Khemchand Singh represents the BJP from the Singjamei constituency.

The BJP’s Kangpokpi MLA, Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Naga People’s Front MLA Losii Dikho, a Naga leader representing the Mao constituency, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The former took the oath virtually from the Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.

Two other Meitei MLAs — Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP (Bishnupur seat) and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People’s Party (Wangoi) — were sworn in as ministers at the Lok Bhavan in Manipur’s capital, Imphal.

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VIDEO | Imphal: Kuki BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen takes oath as Manipur Deputy Chief Minister virtually, while Naga leader Losii Dikho is sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan.

(Full video available on https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/9AJCgYJcGG

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 4, 2026

The swearing-in followed the revocation of President’s Rule, which was imposed on February 13, 2025.

Two Kuki-Zo MLAs of the BJP — former Director-General of Police L.M. Khaute (Churachandpur seat) and Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh) — were present during the swearing-in ceremony. They reached Imphal from New Delhi earlier in the day, along with the other Manipur BJP leaders and the party’s central observers, Sambit Patra and Tarun Chugh.

Focus on peace

Congratulating Mr. Khemchand Singh and his team, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I’m confident they will work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur.”

Speaking with journalists before heading for a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, “Manipur has 36 communities, and, naturally, we have two Deputy Chief Ministers representing two major communities.”

He said the Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP’s national president Nitin Nabin entrusted him with taking the State forward and ensuring lasting peace. “There will always be challenges. We will prioritise peace and work for the State’s development and growth,” he said.

Mr. Dikho said the new government would try to fulfil the responsibilities given by the Centre. “We will reach out to the people. We will ensure inclusivity and transparency,” he said.

Reacting to opposition to the government formation from certain quarters, he said it was expected. “It takes time to get things going,” he added.

Warning to MLAs

Ms. Kipgen’s swearing-in as one of the two Deputy Chief Ministers was significant, as the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), and other organisations had asked the Kuki-Zo MLAs not to be a part of the government. These organisations want a Union Territory-like separate administration as the condition for the Kuki-Zos to participate in governance.

The KZC warned that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to disregard the “collective decision” by joining the government would do so in their individual capacity and would be “held responsible for any consequences”.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/yumnam-khemchand-singh-takes-oath-as-manipur-chief-minister/article70591809.ece

 

An Air India and an IndiGo aircraft collided on the ground at Mumbai airport on Tuesday while carrying passengers. The incident occurred as Air India flight AI 2732 was pushing back for departure and IndiGo flight 6E 791 was taxiing after landing. Both aircraft returned to the bay for inspection. All passengers are safe, DGCA said.

An Air India and an IndiGo aircraft collided on the ground at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday. Both aircraft were carrying passengers at the time of the incident. Fortunately, all passengers are safe.

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Mumbai Airport | While Air India AI2732 was taxiing from C1 towards M4 for departure, and the IndiGo arrival flight was taxing joining B1, the right wing tips of both the aircraft touched each other. Both aircraft were taxiing at the time of the incident. Both aircraft returned… pic.twitter.com/hZXxlrrx9l

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026

The collision took place between Air India flight AI 2732, which was pushing back for its departure to Coimbatore and IndiGo flight 6E 791, which was taxiing after arriving from Hyderabad. Subsequently, both aircraft returned to the bay for inspections, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

After the incident, both Air India and Indigo issued official statements. Air India said, “Flight AI2732 operating from Mumbai to Coimbatore on 3 February was delayed after the aircraft scheduled to operate the service came into contact with another airline’s aircraft while waiting on the taxiway prior to take-off.”

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Flight AI2732 operating from Mumbai to Coimbatore on 3 February was delayed after the aircraft scheduled to operate the service came into contact with another airline’s aircraft while waiting on the taxiway prior to take-off. The wingtips of the two aircraft made contact,… https://t.co/V92dd2Pxrb pic.twitter.com/dMOxOmm7Bd

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026

“The wingtips of the two aircraft made contact, resulting in damage to our aircraft’s wingtip. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for further technical checks. All passengers were safely disembarked, and our ground teams are making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination at the earliest. The incident has been reported to the regulator,” the airlines added.

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We confirm that the wingtip of one of our aircraft operating flight 6E 791 from Hyderabad to Mumbai on 3 February 2026 came in contact with an aircraft of another airline while taxiing, after landing. All passengers are safe and disembarked after parking. The aircraft is… pic.twitter.com/kd016GOowi

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-airport-ground-collision-first-visual-of-air-india-indigo-flight-wings-dash-at-csmia-in-major-scare

An avalanche near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel has blocked the Manali–Keylong road, stranding several taxis but fortunately causing no casualties.

An avalanche occurred at three different locations near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, resulting in the blockage of the Manali–Keylong road. Several taxis were stranded on the route, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and drivers. Fortunately, as the avalanche struck, the drivers managed to abandon their vehicles and escape in time, and no loss of life was reported. Personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are engaged in efforts to retrieve the vehicles buried under the snow.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued a fresh bulletin, forecasting light snowfall in the districts of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul–Spiti, and Kinnaur.

A Defence Research and Development Organisation unit on Monday had issued an orange alert for avalanches in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, warning of dangerous snow conditions in several districts, reports The Times of India.

The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment said “Danger Level 3” avalanche conditions prevail in areas above 3,000 meters in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur districts.

Level 3 indicates a considerable avalanche risk, with deep and unstable snow on many slopes and the possibility of large avalanches. The advisory said airborne avalanches are also likely and urged local authorities to suspend movement on snow-loaded slopes and evacuate unprotected settlements.

The warning follows an avalanche on Jan. 28 in the remote Bharmour region of Chamba district, where two vehicles and three shops were swept away after a rivulet overflowed.

Meanwhile, most roads in Lahaul-Spiti remained closed due to heavy snowfall.

Earlier, as many as 655 roads, including three national highways still remain blocked for traffic in Himachal Pradesh as a result of the recent spell of heavy snowfall, affecting road connectivity at hundreds of places in the state.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/avalanche-near-atal-tunnel-blocks-manalikeylong-road-taxis-stranded-watch-videos-article-153554190

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for compromising India’s interests in a newly announced trade deal with the United States. He accused the Prime Minister of yielding to pressure and undermining Indian farmers, claiming their hard work has been sold off through this agreement.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched an all-stock lock-barrel attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the India-United States trade deal, saying he compromised and sold our nation. The Congress leader said that the Prime Minister buckled under the pressure to agree on a trade deal, selling off the hard work of our farmers through the agreement with the United States.

Rahul Gandhi targeted the Centre after India-US agreed on a trade deal on late Monday night, negotiations for which have been going on for months, ever since Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on almost every nation with whom America was trading.

The announcement on the India-US trade deal was first made by US President Donald Trump, who took to his Truth Social platform and informed about the breakthrough, while praising his friend PM Modi.

A viral post about being denied cutlery at Delhi’s iconic restaurant has sparked an online debate on food traditions versus personal comfort. While some praised the hand-eating custom as part of the experience, others argued diners should be free to choose how they eat.

A light-hearted moment at one of Delhi’s most celebrated restaurants has unexpectedly snowballed into a wider online debate about dining customs and personal choice.

The discussion began after Jasveer Singh, founder of Knot Dating, shared an anecdote on X about his visit to Bukhara. He recalled asking for cutlery during the meal, only to be told by the restaurant manager that spoons were the only option available. The manager then mentioned that former US presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Donald Trump had all dined there using their hands.

“The rest is up to you,” Singh quoted the manager as saying, later adding with humour that the implied message felt like, “Tum kya America se aaye ho?” He also remarked that “reverse pressure works better.”

Singh summed up the exchange in his viral post: “Asked for cutlery at Bukhara. Manager said sir spoon is allowed here – Then casually added Clinton, Obama, Trump ate by hand here. Rest is up to you. In his head, tum kya America se aaye ho! Reverse pressure works better.”

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Asked for cutlery at Bukhara. Manager said sir spoon is allowed here – Then casually added Clinton, Obama, Trump ate by hand here. Rest is up to you

In his head, tum kya America se aaye ho! Reverse pressure works better pic.twitter.com/32OCL8XAdW

— Jasveer Singh (@jasveer10) February 2, 2026

The post quickly gained traction, prompting a flurry of reactions from users with sharply divided views.

Many sided with the restaurant, insisting that certain dishes are meant to be eaten by hand. “You can’t eat naan with a spoon, just like you can’t eat a burger with one. It’s just common sense,” one user commented.

Another person highlighted that the practice is part of the overall dining experience and is often embraced by international guests. “It is standard. They would like you to taste the food with hand. And a lot of visitors from abroad do that. It is an experience. At both Bukhara and Peshawri,” the comment read.

Not everyone agreed, though. Some users argued that diners should have the freedom to eat as they prefer. “It’s ok. I think restaurants don’t need to be so Nazi about imposing how diners eat. Imagine going to China, Korea or Japan and restaurants refusing Indians spoons and fork and imposing chopsticks,” one user wrote.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/obama-trump-ate-by-hand-here-founder-gets-unexpected-reply-from-delhi-restaurant-after-asking-for-spoon-article-153556921

 

The Union Budget aims for Viksit Bharat by 2047, emphasizing stability in policies and ongoing reforms, particularly for MSMEs, benefiting the common man.

Union Budget 2026-27 sets the roadmap to Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by providing stability in taxation, policies, and reforms, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, adding that her government will continue to keep up the momentum on reforms with the idea of making things “constantly better”. In an interview where she discussed the Union Budget she presented on February 1, Sitharaman also welcomed the deal with the US announced on Monday night, which reduces the tariffs on Indian exports to 18% from 50%, and suggested that the deal could also boost capital flows into India as the China+1 strategy plays out — something that could also benefit the Indian currency, which, incidentally, registered its highest single-day gain since March 2020 on Tuesday.

India-US trade deal: The deal aims to strengthen bilateral trade and support Indian exporters facing competition from lower-duty countries.

The India-US trade deal exempts Indian dairy and “sensitive” agriculture items from its ambit, provides for zero-duty access to over $40 billion worth of Indian goods, and reduces customs duties on labor-intensive Indian merchandise such as textiles, leather goods, marine products, chemicals, and certain agricultural items, including processed food, to 18% from day-one, people aware of the development said on Tuesday.

Elaborating upon the basic contours of the deal announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, the people cited above said the 25% punitive tariff imposed on Indian goods for purchasing Russian oil will be removed in a couple of days. Besides, the 25% reciprocal tariff imposed on goods worth about $30 billion (labour-intensive items) will become 18% days after the deal is formalised through a joint statement, they added, requesting anonymity. They were citing bilateral trade data for the calendar year 2024.

“Indian exporters were struggling to survive in their biggest market against the cheaper labour-intensive products of competing countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Malaysia and Thailand because of the huge duty differential. They paid around 19%-20% against Indian exporters being charged 50%. Now, after the deal, Indian exporters will have about 1-2 percentage point duty advantage,” one of them said.

Competing countries have higher import duties in the US market. For instance Vietnam is 20%, Malaysia 19%, Bangladesh 20%, Cambodia 19% and Thailand 19%.

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in New Delhi that the sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors were safeguarded in a deal that will boost labour-intensive and export-oriented sectors. “This is truly a deal that every Indian can be proud of,” he added.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in an interview that India had agreed to reduce tariffs on US exports and that India’s industrial goods tariffs will go to zero from 13.5%. “India is maintaining some protection around agricultural goods,” he told CNBC in the interview.

The developments came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian goods will face a reduced US tariff of 18% after a phone conversation with Trump, who said the two sides had concluded a trade deal whereby New Delhi will cut its tariffs to zero and buy American goods, including energy, worth more than $500 billion.

The announcement concluded nearly 12 months of tense negotiations that saw bilateral ties nosedive.

India’s labour-intensive sectors were the worst hit by the US tariffs that were the highest (50%) among competing countries. The sectors mainly comprised textiles and apparels, leather and footwear, marine products, chemicals, plastic, rubber, home decor, carpets, machinery, certain agri items, and processed agriculture products, the people cited above said.

According to them, the governments of both sides are finalising a joint statement, which will formalise the contours of the deal. Subsequently, the two sides will seal the deal after legal scrubbing. “Most of the provisions of the deal will come into force after the joint statement. Some of them could have certain specific timelines,” a second person said adding that the deal has already been negotiated in a structured manner, so it will be implemented expeditiously.

Indian government officials declined to comment on specific details of the deal before the formal joint statement as there could be some last-minute adjustments. They said, requesting anonymity, that the joint statement will formalise the understanding arrived at after lengthy negotiations.

Both Goyal and Greer separately hinted that the final language of the deal was yet to be firmed up.

“We will be shortly issuing a joint statement by both countries, along with the details which we will be shortly inking between the United States of America and India. And as soon as the final understanding of the deal is inked and the joint statement is finalised, technical processes are completed, full details will be shared,” Goyal said in Delhi.

“But I can assure the people of India, I can assure 140 crore brothers and sisters, that this is a deal that will make every Indian proud, that will protect the interest of every Indian, and provide huge opportunities for all the people of India, and will protect the sensitive sectors, the interests of our agriculture and our dairy sectors in full respect, opening up huge opportunities for our labor-intensive sectors, export sectors in textiles, plastics, apparel, home decor, leather and footwear, gems and jewelry, organic chemicals, rubber goods, machineries, so many products, aircraft components,” he said.

Greer said the Trump administration was working on finalising the trade agreement.

“”We’ll finish papering it, but we know the specifics, we know the details,” he added.

Earlier in the day, US secretary of agriculture Brooke Rollins had said that Washington will export more farm products to India as part of the deal that will pump more cash into rural America.

”Thank you US President Donald Trump for ONCE AGAIN delivering for our American farmers. New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India’s massive market, lifting prices, and pumping cash into rural America. In 2024, America’s agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3 billion. India’s growing population is an important market for American agricultural products and today’s deal will go a long way to reducing this deficit. America First victory on top of the dozens of deals for ag,” she said on X.

According to the people mentioned above, the $500 billion purchase commitment is spread over five years and involves items that are primarily and essentially imported by India. “For example, with its rapid economic growth, India needs airplanes worth over $100 billion, including parts. Similarly, it will involve imports of crude oil and gas (liquefied natural gas or LNG) worth billions of dollars every year. According to available data, in the month of November 2025 alone, India saw 47.6% annualised jump in import of crude oil from the US at over $1.9 billion. In volume terms, the jump was 31.4% to 5,385,271 tonnes.

The $500 billion purchase commitment will also involve import of precious metals and stones such as diamonds (except for gold, which will have some kind of tariff rate quota or TRQ), for value-addition in India, hi-tech products, equipment for data centres and global capability centres (GCC) and semiconductors. It will also involve collaboration in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. “All these technological items and sectors are important for India’s growth and to make it a developed country, thus it will help the Indian economy immensely,” the first person said.

India may get zero duty exports to the US after the trade deal for goods worth about $10 billion, which America allows to almost all of its FTA partners. This is as per the US’ Annexure III, which is Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP). According to the US government websites, about 2,000 products are eligible for reduced or zero duties under PTAAP, covering sectors such as natural resources, coffee, tea, fruits such as bananas and oranges, tomatoes, and fruit juices. This is besides the $4 billion worth of Indian goods already exempted, such as certain agri products, papers, and minerals.

To be sure, the US does not levy any tariff on these items for anyone.

As pharmaceuticals and mobile phones were already exempted, they will remain under the exempt category even after the deal, people mentioned above said, adding that they are exempt because they are also part of the PTAAP.

Apart from that, there are items worth $12-13 billion on which the US has imposed safeguard duties, such as steel, aluminium, auto and auto components and copper. The matter is under the ambit of the World Trade Organization and these safeguard duties are levied on everybody, the people mentioned above said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indiaus-trade-agreement-slashes-duties-on-key-exports-boosts-labor-intensive-sectors-101770160525125.html

 

Rubio held one-on-one talks with Jaishankar at the state department ahead of the critical minerals ministerial meeting being hosted by the US on Wednesday.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, where the two leaders “welcomed” the trade deal reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump and discussed steps to formalise bilateral cooperation on the exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals.

Rubio held one-on-one talks with Jaishankar at the state department ahead of the first critical minerals ministerial meeting being hosted by the US on Wednesday.

The two leaders held talks on “bilateral cooperation agenda” as well as regional and global issues, Jaishankar said.

In a post on X, EAM wrote, “A wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. Facets of the India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals, and technology. Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests.”

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Delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon.

A wide ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues.

Facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and… pic.twitter.com/1rbXJHgEQY

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026

A summary of the meeting shared by state department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio and Jaishankar “welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.”

It also said that the two leaders discussed the importance of their democracies working together to “unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals”.

The two leaders also “expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad” and “acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests”, according to Pigott.

India-US trade deal

Trump and PM Modi announced the India-US trade deal after a phone call on Monday. The breakthrough came after nearly 12 months of tense talks that strained bilateral ties and left India facing some of the highest US tariffs.

PM Modi said Indian goods will now be subject to a lower US tariff of 18% after his conversation with Trump. This replaces the earlier reciprocal rate of 25%.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jaishankar-rubio-welcome-india-us-trade-deal-hold-talks-on-critical-minerals-in-washington-101770168846564.html

 

Jairam Ramesh said Trump had announced the halt of Operation Sindoor from Washington DC, the updates on India’s oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington.

New Delhi: Congress on Monday night targeted the union government over the Indo-US trade deal announcement by President Donald Trump, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “capitulated finally” and insisting this “cannot be the father of all deals”.

Soon after Trump announced that the US is lowering tariffs from 25% to 18% and India reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers to zero as part of the deal, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said the US President “clearly seems to have some leverage” over the Prime Minister.

Ramesh said Trump had announced the halt of Operation Sindoor from Washington DC, the updates on India’s oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington. He has now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited, Ramesh said.

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He announced the halt of Op Sindoor from Washington DC.

He announced the updates on India’s oil purchases from Russia and Venezuela from Washington.

He’s now announced an India-US Trade Deal from Washington, the full details of which are awaited,

President Trump clearly seems…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 2, 2026

Ramesh alleged that Modi is “now mortified of even being seen with him, let alone engage in the usual bout of hugs”.

“It appears Mr Modi has capitulated finally. Surely this cannot be the father of all deals. In Washington clearly ‘Mogambo Khush Hai’,” he said recalling the iconic dialogue in Hindi movie ‘Mr India’ in which the villain says about himself ‘Mogambo is happy’.

Earlier, Ramesh referred to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announcing that Trump spoke with Modi and one should “stay tuned” for updates and said it now seems to be a routine that India gets to know of its government’s actions only from Trump or his appointees.

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It seems that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke to each other today. This information has been provided not by the Indian side but by the US Ambassador to India.

This now seems to be the routine – India gets to know of its Govt’s actions only from President Trump or…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 2, 2026

“This information has been provided not by the Indian side but by the US Ambassador to India. “This now seems to be the routine — India gets to know of its government’s actions only from President Trump or his appointees. Trump-nirbharta,” he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/this-cannot-be-the-father-of-all-deals-congress-slams-modi-over-indiaus-pact-3884092 

‘The Prime Minister, the defence minister and the home minister were all present. If the LoP raised an issue, he should have been allowed to ask,’ Akhilesh added.

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav supported Rahul Gandhi in the midst of a heated exchange between the Opposition and treasury benches, and said that the Leader of Opposition must be allowed to speak and question the government on crucial matters. He said that when matters of national security are at hand, conversations must be allowed.

“For this country, issues of border and national security are paramount. When it comes to China border, this becomes crucial. Time and again, Samajwadi leaders have told the government that China is more dangerous to us than Pakistan. They maintain a hawk’s eye on our borders, and have taken up large swathes of our land in the past. And so, if the Leader of Opposition is questioning the government on border issues, the government must answer,” Akhilesh told reporters outside Parliament.

Despite these border issues, our volume of trade with China surpasses our trade with any other country, he added. “Border security, national security and our trade – these three things are crucial,” he said.

Important matters should be allowed to be raised. “That is the reason we have been selected and sent to Parliament. We must be allowed to put forward our issues,” he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/questions-on-border-security-crucial-matter-should-be-allowed-akhilesh-comes-out-in-rahuls-support-amid-naravane-memoir-row-3884215

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility, and four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Mumbai Police have registered an attempt to murder case after unidentified assailants opened fire outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu on Sunday. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility, and four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

India Today TV has exclusively accessed the FIR filed in connection with the shooting, which details how a gunman fired multiple rounds towards the building where Shetty lives.

The complaint was lodged by his bodyguard, Swapnil Salunkhe, 31, who was on duty at the time of the incident.

According to investigators, the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested four people from Pune on Monday evening for allegedly assisting the shooter and arranging a two-wheeler used in the crime.

Police have identified one of the wanted accused as Shubham Lonkar, said to be linked to the Bishnoi gang, while the shooter remains unidentified.

In his statement to police, Salunkhe said he was monitoring CCTV footage in the lobby of Shetty Towers around 12.45 am on Sunday when he heard a sound resembling a firecracker.

On checking the surveillance feed, he allegedly saw an unknown man wearing a black jacket and white trousers standing near the compound wall along Road No. 10 and firing towards the building with what appeared to be a pistol.

The assailant allegedly fired five rounds before fleeing towards Pushpa Park. Another bodyguard, Waheed Malik, and a security guard stationed at the gate ran outside but could not apprehend the shooter.

A police bodyguard assigned to Shetty, Ashish Rane, was alerted immediately and informed local police, who reached the spot shortly after.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rohit-shetty-house-firing-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-plotted-kill-mumbai-police-fir-details-motive-2862142-2026-02-03

Punjab has recorded a 48 percent decline in road accident deaths since the launch of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in February 2025, according to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday praised the two-year completion of his government’s initiative, Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), for bringing down the deaths caused by road accidents in his state by 48 per cent.

Taking to X, Mann wrote, “The country’s first road safety force, set up to ensure the safety of the people of the state, has completed two years today. Owing to this unique initiative of the government, deaths caused by road accidents have declined by 48 per cent.”

“SSF teams are reaching accident sites within just 5 to 7 minutes and immediately shifting the injured to hospitals. Other states are also getting in touch with our government to adopt this effective initiative aimed at saving invaluable lives. Every citizen’s life in the state is precious to us, and we are succeeding in our efforts to protect it,” he added.

Punjab has recorded a 48 percent decline in road accident deaths since the launch of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in February 2025, according to Mann. State officials attribute this turnaround to the dedicated road safety unit’s intervention across vulnerable highways and improved emergency response mechanisms. Punjab was previously among the top three states for road accident fatalities.

The Chief Minister credited the reduction to a combination of quicker hospitalisation, improved trauma response, and focused patrolling on stretches identified as accident-prone. Mann pointed to the transformation of the Patiala–Sirhind road, previously known as a “killer road,” as an example of successful intervention. Upgraded road infrastructure, including 43,000 kilometres of improved roads, has also contributed to increased safety.

According to Mann, the SSF comprises 1,597 specially trained personnel and 144 modern vehicles. The force is deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways considered vulnerable to accidents. In addition to rapid response, the SSF works to deter traffic violations and provides assistance to injured individuals, including safeguarding their belongings.

Mann reported growing interest from other states in adopting Punjab’s approach to road safety.

He added that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed road safety in his Mann Ki Baat programme, Punjab has demonstrated practical results through the SSF model. The Chief Minister stated, “The force has been deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways that are prone to traffic accidents. Apart from patrolling their assigned areas. The SSF also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations,” he noted.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chief-minister-bhagwant-mann-punjab-road-accident-deaths-fall-48-percent-sadak-surakhya-force-2862026-2026-02-02

Mamata Banerjee targeted Gyanesh Kumar, comparing his conduct to that of former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday held an acrimonious meeting with the Election Commission in Delhi over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the Trinamool Congress chief accusing chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of “insulting, disrespecting and humiliating” her.

Wearing black shawls as a mark of protest, Banerjee, accompanied by party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, MP Kalyan Banerjee, and eight people allegedly affected by SIR, walked out of the meeting about an hour after it began.

“We boycotted the CEC and walked out. We were insulted, disrespected and humiliated. I have never seen this kind of CEC. He is very arrogant. He behaved so badly with us. We meet him to get justice. We never got justice. You are doing injustice. He is a great liar. All are garbage of lies,” Banerjee told reporters after coming out of Nirvachan Sadan.

Banerjee targeted Kumar, comparing his conduct to that of former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar. “Today you are acting on BJP’s orders. Dhankhar also acted in the same way. He was the Governor of our state who always used to oppose us. We used to respect him. But there is a ‘Laxman Rekha’. Your fate would be the same as Dhankhar. You are not including voters in the electoral roll. You are deleting their names,” she said.

“You can save your chair today. You won’t be able to save it tomorrow (in future). I have seen many CECs – SY Quraishi and TN Seshan. They were very strong. They never became a parrot for any political party,” she added.

The EC said the CEC told the delegation that the rule of law will prevail and that any intimidation, obstruction or interference in SIR work would be dealt with strictly.

The commission flagged alleged threats against election officials, incidents of vandalism at electoral registration officer’s premises, unauthorised transfers of electoral roll observers, failure to act against officials accused of data security violations, and delays in payment of booth-level officer honorariums with only ₹7,000 of the approved ₹18,000 released so far.

“A TMC delegation led by Banerjee, met the commission and raised certain issues relating to the ongoing SIR in WB… TMC MLAs are openly using abusive and threatening language against the Commission and especially against the CEC. Also threatening the election officials. There have been incidents of vandalisation of the ERO offices by TMC workers and MLAs. No pressure, obstruction, or interference of any kind by anyone should be exerted on officers engaged in SIR work,” the poll panel said in a statement.

The SIR began in Bengal in November last year and the draft rolls shed 5.82 million names, the deletion percentage of 7.6% being the lowest among states that go to the polls this summer. Among the 12 regions where the process is underway, the most protests and controversies have been recorded in Bengal, where the ruling TMC is staunchly opposed to SIR and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named infiltration as a key poll plank.

Banerjee has written five letters to the CEC, convened review meetings with district administrations, and instructed party workers to help affected voters file claims and objections, warning that technical glitches and procedural lapses could distort electoral rolls before polls. EC has denied the allegations.

The TMC took at least 100 families of booth-level officers and electors who died by suicide or suffered cardiac arrest allegedly due to SIR and also those declared dead despite being alive, to Delhi. Eight of these families were a part of the TMC delegation which met the CEC.

Asked whether the TMC will boycott the assembly elections, Banerjee said, “We will never boycott the election. I will never commit this blunder. We will fight it out. They have taken over the government at least six months before the assembly elections. They are not allowing the government to work. They are behaving as if President’s Rule has been imposed in the state. Bengal is being targeted,”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/nutritionist-warns-people-with-these-4-health-issues-to-avoid-or-limit-coffee-can-raise-blood-pressure-101770091209457.html

The Uttar Pradesh government has withheld the January salaries of over 68,000 state employees for failing to upload details of their movable and immovable properties on the Manav Sampada Portal. Employees were required to submit information by January 31, 2026, as part of mandatory online disclosure. The government has warned that non-compliance may also affect promotions.

The Uttar Pradesh government has withheld the salaries of more than 68,000 state government employees for not uploading details of their movable and immovable properties on the Manav Sampada Portal, officials said on Monday.

Mandatory Asset Disclosure

The move comes after the state government made online disclosure of assets mandatory for all its employees as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public service. Uttar Pradesh has over eight lakh state government employees across various departments.

According to the government order, all employees were required to upload details of movable and immovable assets acquired up to December 31, 2025, on the Manav Sampada Portal by January 31, 2026. It was clearly stated that failure to comply with the deadline would result in the withholding of the January salary, to be paid in February.

Advance Notice

Air India’s Boeing 787-8 flight AI-132 faced a critical fuel control switch malfunction, mirroring the deadly AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad last year. The aircraft landed safely, but aviation experts demand an independent probe, citing potential mechanical flaws. Authorities and Air India face calls for urgent transparency and fleet-wide inspections.

Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet is under renewed scrutiny following a serious technical occurrence of the fuel cut-off switch on flight AI-132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru. The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, as it involves the exact same mechanical failure suspected in the catastrophic AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad last June.

Fuel Switch Malfunction Reported
The cockpit crew of the Boeing 787-8, registered as VT-ANX, reported that the left engine fuel control switch exhibited abnormal behavior during operation on Monday. According to internal sources, the fuel control switch – which regulates the flow of fuel to the engine – bypassed its mechanical lock to remain locked in the run position and moved toward the cutoff position without pilot intervention. The crew managed to stabilise the switch and prevented an uncommanded engine shutdown, continuing to a safe landing in Bengaluru at 11.58am.

Air India Grounds Aircraft
Air India acknowledged the incident and said that the aircraft has been grounded upon landing and is looking into the incident. “We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator,” said an airline spokesperson.

Echoes AI-171 Crash
This incident directly mimics the final seconds of Air India Flight AI-171, which crashed on June 12 last year, killing all 260 people on board. According to the preliminary investigation report, the switches of the ill-fated AI-171 moved to the cutoff position just 32 seconds after takeoff, despite the ‘lift-and-throw’ safety guard designed to prevent accidental activation. The cockpit voice recorder captured a haunting exchange where one pilot asked, “Why did you cut-off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”

The son, Mihir, had recently returned to Ranchi from Kolkata. According to police, he died by suicide after hanging himself at the family’s residence.

A young chartered accountant is dead, and his mother and teenage sister are in critical condition following an apparent coordinated suicide attempt at their home in the Ashok Nagar district of Ranchi.

The son, Mihir, had recently returned to Ranchi from Kolkata. According to police, he died by suicide after hanging himself at the family’s residence.

By the time neighbours and police reached the residence, Mihir had already died.

Police said Mihir’s mother, Sneha Akhouri, and his 14-year-old sister also attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance. Sneha Akhouri is a practising lawyer at the Jharkhand High Court.

Both were immediately rushed to Guru Nanak Hospital in Ranchi. Doctors have said that their condition remains critical.

According to initial information, Mihir had completed his Chartered Accountancy studies in Kolkata and had recently returned home. Reports suggest that he had also secured a job with a corporate company.

The sudden nature of the incident has raised questions, as there were no immediate indications of distress known to neighbours.

Police And Forensic Teams Begin Probe

After receiving information, the police team reached the spot and began an investigation. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) was also called in to collect evidence from the house. Police have questioned nearby residents and neighbours as part of the investigation.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/high-court-lawyer-her-ca-son-and-daughter-14-attempt-suicide-man-dies-10933384?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The absence of any official communication from PCB will mean that the ICC will have to wait before deciding its next course of action.

The drama around the India-Pakistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo is not ending. A day after the Government of Pakistan tweeted that their men’s cricket team will boycott the Group A match against India in Colombo on February 15, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided not to send any formal mail to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding boycotting the match against India.

“Pakistan will not send any formal email to the ICC regarding boycotting the T20 World Cup match against India,” sources told NDTV.

If PCB will not formally inform the global cricket body about their government’s decision then the India-Pakistan match will remain active and the drama over boycott will go on for coming days as well.

According to the report, the ICC is waiting for an official communication from the PCB, and the absence of any official communication will mean that the ICC may also have to wait before deciding its next course of action.

India to travel Colombo despite Pakistan’s boycott

India will travel to Colombo for their T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan on February 15 and attend the pre-match press conference on the eve of the fixture. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav will have to walk out for the toss to get a walkover. Once Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha doesn’t appear for the toss, the referee will award a walkover and two points to India.

If India doesn’t go to Colombo, the referee will award one point each to both teams.

ICC to ban Pakistan?

ICC will punish Pakistan if they boycott match against India and they potentially face the risk of being barred from international cricket as well. There’s a possibility that ICC may take a strong stance and ban Pakistan from participating in the upcoming shortest-format mega event.

If Pakistan is thrown out of the T20 World Cup 2026, then they are likely to be replaced by Uganda.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/pakistan-refuse-to-formally-inform-icc-about-boycotting-t20-world-cup-2026-match-against-india-report-ws-no-9874563.html

Justice BV Nagarathna of the Supreme Court on Monday made strong oral observations on parental responsibility, while hearing bail pleas connected to the 2024 Pune Porsche accident in which two persons were killed.

After dictating an order granting bail to three accused alleged to have conspired to swap blood samples in the case, Justice Nagarathna squarely placed the spotlight on parents who hand over cars and money to their children without exercising control.

Noting the seriousness of the incident and the subsequent attempt to cover up, she remarked that the accused got bail only on the ground of liberty, as there was long incarceration. “We have much to say on this. Two innocent lives were lost and then all these machinations. But the only thing in your favour is that there is a long incarceration. So liberty versus all that, ultimately,” Justice Nagarathna said.

She clarified that the court was refraining from making detailed findings as it could prejudice the ongoing trial.

Father and mother are to be blamed for not having control over their children. If we say anything on that line we are only afraid that it may prejudice the trial against these appellants,” Justice Nagarathna said.

She criticised the idea of celebration linked with substance use and reckless driving. “Celebration is not on the basis of substance and then going in a top speed and resulting in killing of innocent people on the road or innocent people sleeping on the road,” she observed.

Justice Nagarathna further remarked that the court had noted such cases in the past as well. When Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the mother of the deceased woman, said that such cases followed a fixed pattern, Justice Nagarathna responded in agreement.

Sankaranarayanan then said, “Get some poor driver to take the rap saying we were not driving that person was driving, replace blood samples, say no alcohol, 3 years and go.

The law has to catch up on these people. Most importantly the parents are responsible for handing over the vehicle to the children and giving them sufficient funds to have a gala time,” she said.

Justice Nagarathna also opined that a social problem is reflected in such incidents. “This is the problem. Because parents have no time to talk to the children, have a dialogue with them and spend time with the children. So what is the substitute? Money, ATM card. So they go on their own under mobile phone,” she said.

The remarks were made during the hearing of bail pleas filed by Ashish Satish Mittal, Aditya Avinash Sood and Amar Santhosh Gaikwad, who are accused of conspiring to swap blood samples of two minors seated in the back of the car after the accident.

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/parents-to-be-blamed-for-drunken-driving-accidents-caused-by-kids-justice-bv-nagarathna-521523

Addressing reporters after the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the Ram Temple Construction Committee here, Mishra said that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Consultancy, which are executing key works at the site, will exit the temple complex by April 30 once construction is over.

All construction work related to the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to be completed by April 30, with the overall cost of the project estimated at around Rs 1,900 crore, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said on Saturday.

Addressing reporters after the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the Ram Temple Construction Committee here, Mishra said that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Consultancy, which are executing key works at the site, will exit the temple complex by April 30 once construction is over.

Mishra further informed that directions have been issued to complete all paperwork and bill payment procedures by the same date.

“L&T and Tata Consultancy have offered a three-year warranty for all the work carried out by them. For maintenance and upkeep, a small team from both organisations will remain deployed inside the temple complex,” he said.

He added that after April 30, all agreements with L&T, Tata Consultancy and the State Construction Corporation will be taken over by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-construction-to-end-by-april-30-estimated-cost-rs-1-900-crore-10927838

The incident occurred on the evening of January 30, when Sayak visited Olypub with two friends and ordered a mutton steak.

Popular Park Street bar-cum-restaurant Olypub has issued a formal apology after unintentionally serving beef instead of goat meat to YouTuber Sayak Chakraborty, prompting him to withdraw his police complaint against the waiter involved.

The incident occurred on the evening of January 30, when Sayak visited Olypub with two friends and ordered a mutton steak.

According to his complaint, they were mistakenly served beef, leading to an altercation with the waiter and manager. Sayak later shared a video of the exchange on social media, which quickly went viral.

In its official statement released Sunday, Olypub said, “On the evening of 30th January 2026, one of our waiters made a very serious but unintentional error while serving. It was a genuine mistake with no harm intended. We are truly sorry for his mistake and apologise profusely for inadvertently hurting our customer’s sentiments.”

The restaurant added, “Olypub is built on a foundation of respect for all – irrespective of caste, creed, religion or gender. We are proud of our 80-year legacy and renew our commitment to treat all our patrons and staff with respect and dignity always. We are truly humbled by the immense support we have received from our well-wishers and thank every one of you for standing by us at this time. We assure you of our best, always.”

Following Sayak’s complaint, Park Street Police arrested the waiter, Sheikh Nasiruddin, under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He was denied bail upon being produced in court.

However, the situation escalated further when Joyraj Bhattacharjee, a resident of Howrah, filed a counter-complaint against Sayak, accusing him of attempting to incite communal unrest through a conspiracy.

Amid mounting social media backlash over his handling of the incident, Sayak announced the withdrawal of his complaint.

 

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/popular-kolkata-restaurant-issues-apology-for-serving-beef-to-youtuber-10927469

Police sources say the accused allegedly murdered his parents and sister who was pregnant out of wedlock

A triple murder reported from Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district has taken a dramatic turn, with police now investigating the case with the angle that this could be a case of alleged honour killing planned to the last detail and the missing complaint was made only to mislead investigators.

Police sources say the accused, Akshay Kumar, is alleged to have murdered his father Bhimaraj, mother Jayalakshmi, and his 18-year-old sister Amrutha at their rented house in Kotturu town, where the family had been living for the past few years. The murders are believed to have taken place on January 27.

According to Thilaknagar police, Akshay was enraged after discovering that his sister was pregnant and that the pregnancy was out of wedlock. Investigators said the accused opposed the relationship as the man Amrutha was in love with belonged to a different caste.

Investigators said the family, including the parents, had refused to force Amrutha to abort the child, a decision that allegedly angered Akshay further, as he felt his objections carried no weight within the family and claimed his sister had “disgraced the family.”

Police claim that driven by rage and believing the situation had brought “dishonour” to the family, Akshay allegedly planned and executed the murders. The bodies were later buried inside the house to conceal the crime.

After committing the murders, Akshay allegedly travelled to Bengaluru on January 29 and attempted to divert suspicion by filing a missing persons complaint at the Tilak Nagar police station, claiming his parents and sister were untraceable.

Investigators said the accused went to great lengths to mislead the police, drawing inspiration from the Malayalam film Drishyam. He allegedly took photographs outside Jayadeva Hospital to create a false trail suggesting he had been in the city searching for his family. Police said he also collected bus tickets, switched mobile numbers, and shared misleading location details to confuse investigators.

During the probe, police initially focused on tracing Amrutha, given information that she was pregnant. Teams searched several hospitals in Bengaluru to check whether she had been admitted or harmed.

 

Source: https://www.news18.com/cities/bengaluru-news/pregnancy-caste-a-drishyam-style-cover-up-honour-killing-angle-in-karnataka-triple-murders-ws-kl-9871658.html

Bird flu has been confirmed in Naugachia subdivision of Bhagalpur district after over 150 crows were found dead. Authorities have launched sanitisation and surveillance drives to contain the outbreak and prevent spread to poultry farms.

Bird flu has been confirmed in Naugachia subdivision of Bihar’s Bhagalpur district after more than 150 crows were found dead, prompting an emergency response from the district administration.

Panic spread across the area when residents on a morning walk on January 11 spotted a large number of dead crows lying under a tree within the sub-divisional complex.

Several other birds were also seen in a distressed condition. The sudden deaths raised fears of a possible avian influenza outbreak among locals.

Following the incident, teams from the Forest Department reached the site and removed the dead birds safely. A joint team from the Forest and Animal Husbandry departments then collected samples for laboratory testing. The serum samples were sent to high-level laboratories in Patna and Bhopal for confirmation.

District Animal Husbandry Officer Anjali Kumari officially confirmed that the test reports from both labs detected the bird flu virus.

After the Bhopal report verified the infection, the district administration moved into full alert mode. A sanitisation drive has now been launched in a 10-kilometre radius around the affected zone.

Officials are also collecting samples from poultry farms in the surrounding area to prevent any possible spread to domestic birds. Surveillance and monitoring have been intensified across the subdivision.

The administration has stated that the situation remains under control but precautionary measures are being taken seriously.

A video featuring the late NCP leader Ajit Pawar has gained attention after his wife, Sunetra Pawar, became Maharashtra’s first female deputy chief minister following his death in a plane crash. The clip, shared by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, shows Ajit Pawar expressing his outrage over political opportunism soon after the death of BJP leader Girish Bapat.

A video of late Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar criticising the rush for political succession after a death has resurfaced on social media, just a day after his wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman deputy chief minister following his death in an air crash.

Ajit Pawar, in the video shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday, can be seen sharply criticising what he describes as the unseemly haste to discuss elections and political succession soon after the death of BJP leader Girish Bapat. He had expressed anger that political conversations had begun even before traditional mourning rituals were completed, and questions the urgency shown by political aspirants at a time when, he says, basic human sensitivity should have taken precedence.

“I was furious when I went to meet Girish Bapat’s family — even his ashes had not yet been immersed. I went on the third day. What is going on here? If elections don’t happen immediately, will someone die? Have some shame. Have we all forgotten humanity? If something happens in your house or mine, we stay silent for 13–14 days. If people keep quiet for even a month, what will go wrong? Again and again, there are discussions only about ambitions and people even putting up posters to become MP. What’s happening? What’s the hurry?,” he had said in Marathi in 2023.

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असे होते दादा….
कुठे गुडघ्याला बाशिंग बांधून निघालात?
⁦@Dev_Fadnavis⁩
⁦@supriya_sule⁩
⁦@praful_patel⁩
⁦@PawarSpeaks⁩ pic.twitter.com/NSOWeEXbcQ

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) February 1, 2026

Girish Bapat, a five-time MLA and sitting Lok Sabha MP from Pune, died in June 2023 following prolonged illness. A prominent BJP leader, he was credited with strengthening the party’s base in Pune and had a long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His death triggered a bypoll in Kasba Peth assembly seat, which the BJP lost to the Congress.

The resurfacing of Ajit Pawar’s remarks comes in the wake of dramatic political developments following his death on January 28 in a plane crash in Baramati. Three days later, his wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as deputy chief minister in the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti government.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ajit-pawar-old-video-questioning-post-death-political-rush-surfaces-after-sunetra-pawar-becomes-deputy-cm-watch-article-153544672

The US is enhancing its air and missile defences in the Middle East amid concerns of potential Iranian retaliation, while President Trump refrains from ordering military strikes. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group and advanced fighter jets have been deployed, but extensive airstrikes on Iran are not imminent.

The United States is moving additional air and missile defences into the Middle East as it prepares for the possibility of Iranian retaliation, even as President Donald Trump stops short of ordering military strikes, according to US officials, reports Wall Street Journal.

Trump’s promised “armada,” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, has arrived in the region, along with advanced fighter jets. However, officials say US airstrikes on Iran are not imminent as the Pentagon focuses on strengthening defences to protect Israel, Arab allies and American forces in the event of a broader conflict.

While the US could conduct limited airstrikes if ordered, officials say a decisive attack would likely provoke a strong Iranian response, requiring robust air defences across the region.

The Pentagon is deploying an additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and Patriot missile systems to bases where US troops are stationed, including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according to defense officials and satellite imagery cited by The Wall Street Journal. THAAD systems intercept ballistic missiles at high altitude, while Patriots target lower-altitude threats.

“The air defense question is key—the extent to which we have sufficient materiel to ensure that our troops and assets in the region are going to be protected from some kind of Iranian retaliation,” said Suzanne Maloney, a former State Department official on Iran policy.

Trump has said Iran appears to be negotiating seriously but warned of “big, powerful ships heading in that direction” if diplomacy fails. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded by saying, “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.”

The importance of air defences was highlighted during last June’s 12-day conflict, when U.S. forces helped defend Israel from Iranian missile barrages. The U.S. later carried out “Midnight Hammer,” striking Iranian nuclear sites. Iran retaliated by launching missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where Patriot systems intercepted most of the attack.

 

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-the-us-is-rushing-air-defenses-to-the-middle-east-as-iran-tensions-rise-article-153544523

Jaiswal said instead of parroting frivolous claims, Pakistan would do better to focus on “addressing long-standing demands of its people in the region”

NEW DELHI: India on Sunday rejected allegations by Pakistan’s civilian and military authorities linking New Delhi to a series of attacks in Balochistan, and this was part of the usual tactics to deflect attention from Islamabad’s internal failings.

Following attacks at almost a dozen locations in Balochistan that were claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi alleged that India was behind the coordinated assaults in the southwestern province. The Pakistani military’s media arm claimed the attacks were launched by “Indian sponsored Fitna al Hindustan,” a term the army uses for the BLA.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to the comments from the Pakistani side by saying: “We categorically reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan, which are nothing but its usual tactics to deflect attention from its own internal failings.

“Instead of parroting frivolous claims each time there is a violent incident, it would do better to focus on addressing long-standing demands of its people in the region,” he said, referring to demands from the people of Balochistan for greater autonomy and control over the exploitation of the province’s natural resources, including gas and minerals.

Pakistan’s “record of suppression, brutality and violation of human rights is well known”, Jaiswal said.

Pakistani authorities have said the coordinated attacks that targeted cities such as the provincial capital Quetta and the port city of Gwadar killed 18 civilians and 15 troops. Suicide bombers and BLA’s women fighters were involved in the attacks. Pakistan’s military has said it killed 133 militants in separate operations in Balochistan.

 

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-slams-pak-over-balochistan-violence-charge-blames-its-internal-failings-101769958010501.html

Nipah virus does not just infect the body, it disrupts immune defences at multiple levels, suppressing early antiviral responses and triggering harmful inflammation.

Nipah virus is among the deadliest zoonotic infections known to humans, with fatality rates ranging from 40 to 75 per cent in reported outbreaks. What makes the virus especially dangerous is not just its ability to infect vital organs like the brain and lungs, but the way it manipulates the body’s immune system, preventing an effective defence while simultaneously triggering damaging inflammation. Unlike many viral infections where a strong immune response leads to recovery, Nipah virus creates a paradox. The immune system responds aggressively, yet inefficiently. As a result, patients often deteriorate rapidly, even when they are young and previously healthy.

According to Dr. Dip Narayan Mukherjee, Consultant – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, Nipah virus is particularly lethal because it outpaces, suppresses and misdirects immune responses, leaving the body unable to clear the infection in time. Understanding this immune disruption is critical to explaining why Nipah causes severe encephalitis, multi-organ failure and high mortality, and why early detection and containment remain the most effective tools against it.

How Nipah Virus Disarms The Body’s First Line Of Defence

The immune system’s earliest response to viral infection comes from the innate immune system, which relies heavily on interferons, signalling proteins that warn neighbouring cells and activate antiviral mechanisms.

“The Nipah virus is particularly dangerous because it does not merely infect the body, it actively disrupts and overwhelms the immune system, making it difficult for the body to mount an effective defence,” explains Dr. Mukherjee.

“One of the earliest ways Nipah evades immunity is by interfering with the body’s innate immune response,” he adds. “Nipah virus suppresses this interferon response, allowing the virus to multiply rapidly before the immune system can react adequately.”

Studies published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and virology research institutions show that Nipah virus proteins block interferon signalling pathways, giving the virus a critical head start before immune defences are fully activated.

Blood Vessels, Inflammation And Immune Chaos

As the infection spreads, Nipah virus targets the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, a defining feature that distinguishes it from many respiratory viruses. “As the infection progresses, Nipah targets the lining of blood vessels, causing widespread inflammation. This vascular involvement not only facilitates the spread of the virus to multiple organs, including the brain, but also leads to immune dysregulation,” says Dr. Mukherjee.

This vascular damage triggers an exaggerated immune response. Instead of a focused antiviral attack, the body releases high levels of inflammatory molecules, leading to tissue injury, swelling and organ dysfunction. This phenomenon is similar to, but often more aggressive than, the cytokine storms seen in other viral illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this widespread inflammation contributes to respiratory failure, neurological symptoms and circulatory collapse in severe cases.

Immune Exhaustion: When Defence Cells Burn Out

Another hallmark of Nipah infection is immune exhaustion. “While Nipah does not primarily infect white blood cells, the intense inflammatory environment it creates leads to immune exhaustion. Key immune cells become overactivated and then functionally impaired,” Dr. Mukherjee explains.

This overactivation followed by functional shutdown means immune cells lose their ability to control viral replication. As a result, the virus continues to spread unchecked, accelerating clinical decline.

Research from high-containment laboratory studies has shown that T-cells and other immune responders become ineffective during advanced Nipah infection, a key reason why supportive care alone often fails in late stages.

Why Antibodies Arrive Too Late

The adaptive immune system, which produces virus-specific antibodies and T-cells, also struggles to keep pace. “The adaptive immune response, which includes antibody production and virus-specific T-cell activity, also struggles to keep pace with the speed of Nipah infection,” says Dr. Mukherjee.

“By the time neutralising antibodies are generated, the virus may have already caused significant organ damage, particularly in the brain,” he adds. This delay explains why even individuals with no underlying health conditions can develop severe encephalitis. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), this rapid neurological involvement is a defining clinical feature of Nipah virus disease.

What Happens When Nipah Reaches The Brain

Once Nipah crosses the blood-brain barrier, the immune system faces another dilemma. “The brain’s immune defences are naturally restrained to prevent damage, but this allows the virus to persist,” Dr. Mukherjee explains. “At the same time, inflammation in the brain leads to swelling, seizures and encephalitis, further complicating immune control.”

This restricted immune response, combined with viral persistence, leads to severe neurological symptoms including altered consciousness, seizures and coma. Brain inflammation remains the leading cause of death in Nipah outbreaks.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

“The body’s struggle against Nipah is therefore not due to a lack of immune effort, but rather to the virus’s ability to outpace, suppress and misdirect immune responses,” Dr. Mukherjee notes.

This understanding explains why early detection, rapid isolation and intensive supportive care remain the cornerstone of management. At present, there are no approved antivirals or vaccines for routine use, though experimental therapies are under investigation. Until targeted treatments become widely available, public health measures, surveillance, contact tracing and infection control, remain the most effective defences against Nipah virus.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/health/how-nipah-virus-overwhelms-the-immune-system-and-turns-it-against-the-body-10924917

The budget presentation this year is set to be unique among all budgets presented in the last 75 years, government sources told Hindustan Times.

Breaking from long-standing tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to deliver a Union Budget speech on Sunday, February 1, that will place unprecedented emphasis on Part B of the Budget, government sources said. The Union Budget 2026 speech is expected to look markedly different from those delivered over the past 75 years, with the second part of the Budget speech taking centre stage.

Sitharaman will present her record ninth consecutive Union Budget, with expectations high around reforms and planned government expenditure. However, unlike previous years where the speech largely focused on Part A – which outlines planned initiatives and sectoral strategies – this year’s presentation is expected to devote significant time and detail to Part B.

Government sources said the finance minister is likely to speak at length in Part B, marking a clear departure from earlier budget speeches where the section consisted of only a few announcements.

“Part B of the Budget speech will place strong emphasis on both short-term and long-term goals,” sources said, adding that it would reflect India’s economic vision and priorities as the country moves deeper into the second quarter of the 21st century.

According to the sources, Part B will also offer a roadmap for showcasing India’s local strengths on the global stage, highlighting the country’s current capabilities as well as its future potential.

The second part of the Budget is expected to draw significant attention from economists and experts in India and around the world, given its broader implications for the economy and policy direction, the sources said.

Officials described this year’s budget presentation as a rare departure from convention, noting that earlier speeches typically contained extensive detail in Part A, while Part B remained relatively brief.

The presentation of the Budget for April 2026 to March 2027 fiscal will be on Sunday, a first in independent India’s history.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/union-budget-2026-set-to-be-unique-focus-on-part-b-long-term-goals-sources-101769866004734.html’

The Indian Navy is shifting its approach to naval diplomacy from high-profile visibility to empowering regional partners with essential security tools.

For decades, the standard currency of naval diplomacy has been visibility. If a nation wanted to project influence, it sent a destroyer to a foreign port, hosted a fleet review, or conducted ahigh-profile ceremonial exchange. But lately, the Indian Navy is quietly pivoting away from the spectacle of “showing the flag” toward a more utilitarian objective: giving its partners the tools to secure their own backyards. This is a fundamental rereading of what influence looks like in the 21st century. Instead of seeking overseas bases or permanent deployments—which can often feel like an encroachment—India is supplying platforms, surveillance tech, and coordination infrastructure. Officials frame this as a move from “patronage” to genuine “partnership.” The logic is refreshingly simple: a neighbor who can police their own waters is harder to coerce and less reliant on external security guarantees.

The blueprint is unfolding most clearly in Southeast Asia. In July 2023, the Indian Navy transferred the missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam. This wasn’t just a routine handover–it was the first time that India had gifted a fully operational warship to a foreign nation. The choice of recipient was just as telling as the hardware. Vietnam is a frontline territory in the South China Sea, which is facing constant pressure in waters where the margin for error is razor-thin. Handing over the 1,450-tonneKhukri-class corvette was just not a diplomatic handshake, but it provided a tangible asset to strengthen Hanoi’s coastal defense. It was a clear signal that the ‘Act East’ policy has moved beyond conference rooms and into the realm of hard assets.

A similar, perhaps grittier, calculation is visible in the Western Indian Ocean. In November 2024, India delivered two Fast Interceptor Crafts to Mozambique. These aren’t blue-water behemoths designed foropen ocean warfare; they are agile, high-speed vessels built for the messy reality of littoral security. With the insurgency in Cabo Delgado spilling over into sea lanes and threatening offshore gas installations, Mozambique needed tools for a specific kind of fight—counter-smuggling, anti-piracy, and stopping militant movements. By supplying these specific boats, India acknowledged that local navies don’t always need destroyers; sometimes, they just need to move fast in shallow waters. It aligns perfectly with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which prioritises shared responsibility over unilateral policing.

Closer to home, the strategy shifts from hardware to the ‘nervous system’ of maritime security. In June 2024, a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) went live in Colombo. It was backed by a $6 million grant from India. This facility allows Sri Lanka to integrate coastal surveillance and manage maritime incidents in real time. The location matters immensely. Sri Lanka sits astride some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Crucially, the system includes a sub-center in Hambantota. Despite the geopolitical noise surrounding that port’s lease to China, India chose functional engagement over strategic avoidance. It was a pragmatic bet that information sharing is more valuable than political posturing.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/influence-without-bases-indias-new-model-of-naval-statecraft-article-153534371

A former MLA and minister, Dr Sidhu was initially elected on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket before joining the Congress along with her husband. In recent years, she has remained in the public eye for her outspoken views on internal party matters.

Senior Punjab leader Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former Punjab Congress chief and ex-cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, has resigned from the Congress, setting off fresh political churn in the state.

Dr Sidhu announced her decision in a post on social media platform X, launching a sharp attack on Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. She accused him of mismanaging the party and weakening its organisational strength for personal political gain.

A former MLA and minister, Dr Sidhu was initially elected on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket before joining the Congress along with her husband. In recent years, she has remained in the public eye for her outspoken views on internal party matters.

Earlier, Dr Sidhu had levelled serious allegations against senior Congress leaders in Punjab and had publicly stated that Navjot Singh Sidhu would return to active politics only if the party declared him its chief ministerial face in the state. Her remarks had triggered internal controversy within the Congress. There were also reports of a possible meeting with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to resolve differences, but the meeting never materialised.

In her latest post, Dr Sidhu accused the Punjab Congress leadership of fuelling internal rivalries, sidelining loyal leaders, and selectively rewarding a few individuals with key organisational positions. She also alleged that deliberate attempts were made to damage her electoral prospects and questioned the party leadership’s silence over senior leaders who had openly challenged the organisation.

“I have enough proof, but I am not interested in destroying anyone. I have quit a party where no promising leader is heard,” she wrote, expressing disappointment over what she described as the erosion of discipline within the Congress.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/navjot-kaur-sidhu-quits-congress-slams-punjab-unit-chief-raja-warring-2861035-2026-02-01

An online educational guidance platform claimed that around 145 EWS-listed seats in deemed universities were reportedly taken by candidates who paid fee in crores. The claim prompted misuse of the EWS reservation quota and gave a hint at a possible scam in NEET PG seats.

The recent NEET PG counselling outcomes have stirred widespread concern about possible misuse of the Economically Weaker Section quota.

Reports that some candidates listed under EWS later paid very high fees to secure postgraduate seats in private and deemed universities have put the reservation mechanism under scrutiny.

An online educational guidance platform had claimed that about 145 EWS-listed seats in deemed universities were taken by candidates who paid fees running into crores, with one reported case of a candidate paying 4.23 crore for an MD seat.

The findings named several clinical specialities and private institutes where such admissions were recorded.

WHO QUALIFIES AS EWS

The Economically Weaker Section category was created to provide reservations to financially disadvantaged persons not covered by SC/ST/OBC quotas. The government has set both income and asset conditions for EWS eligibility.

To qualify as an EWS, the applicant’s family must satisfy all the following:

• Annual family gross income from all sources should be less than Rs 8 lakh for the financial year preceding application.
• The family does not own five acres or more of agricultural land.
• The family does not own a residential flat of 1000 square feet or more.
• The family does not own a residential plot of 100 square yards or more in notified municipalities.
• The family does not own a residential plot of 200 square yards or more in areas other than notified municipalities.

A waiter was arrested after actor and YouTuber Sayak Chakraborty alleged he was served beef instead of mutton at Kolkata’s Olypub restaurant. Chakraborty said he was not informed about the dish and consumed it unknowingly. The issue surfaced after a second plate was served, following which he filed a complaint with the police.

A waiter was arrested on Saturday after Bengali actor and YouTuber Sayak Chakraborty alleged that he was served beef instead of mutton at Kolkata’s Olypub bar and restaurant.

Reportedly, Chakraborty visited the restaurant on Friday night along with two friends. The group ordered a mutton steak but were allegedly served beef instead. He claimed that he was not informed that it was beef and that they ate it. Sayak has alleged that this was not accidental.

The matter came to light after a second dish was brought to the table. Sayak alleged that restaurant staff then indicated that the earlier dish had been beef, while the later dish was mutton. The YouTuber posted a video narrating the sequence of events, which has since gone viral on social media. The video also shows an exchange between Sayak and the restaurant waiter who served the dish.

See more

A Hindu Food Vlogger & Influencer Sayak Chakraborty and his friends were intentionally served Beef steak instead of mutton steak at #Olypub, one of Kolkata’s renowned resto-bar situated at #ParkStreet Kolkata. He registered a complaint, but to his surprise the staff made fun of… pic.twitter.com/8su4zjw9mO

— Sourish Mukherjee (@me_sourish_) January 31, 2026

Chakraborty can be heard saying in Bengali, “Right now we are at a very big restaurant in Park Street. We had ordered mutton steak. But we were served beef steak. Naturally, they didn’t tell us what it was. They simply placed the order on the table and left. We thought it was mutton steak. We ate it,” he can be heard saying in the video.

“Then another one came and served us another dish. They said this is the mutton steak. They had given us two, one mutton and one beef. What we had been eating all this time was beef steak,” he added.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/waiter-arrested-after-actor-sayak-chakraborty-alleges-beef-served-instead-of-mutton-at-olypub-restaurant-in-kolkata-video

 

The BJP declined to comment on the UGC’s controversial equity regulations after the Supreme Court stayed them, citing vagueness and potential misuse. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the matter is sub judice but stressed that the government is committed to ensuring “justice for all” and will not allow injustice to anyone.

The BJP on Friday refrained from making any comment on the controversial Equity Regulations of the University Grants Commission but asserted that it will not allow injustice to be done to anyone.

The government is committed to ensuring “justice for all”, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi also told a press conference at the party headquarters here when asked about the regulation.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recent UGC equity regulations on preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, saying the framework is “prima facie vague”, can have “very sweeping consequences” and may end up dividing the society with a “dangerous impact”.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the regulations suffer from “certain ambiguities” and that “the possibility of their misuse cannot be ruled out.” The top court said petitions challenging the regulations raise substantial questions of law and framed four such questions for consideration.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/ugc-equity-regulations-row-bjp-withholds-comment-says-justice-for-all-will-be-ensured

Sunetra Pawar reaffirmed the Mahayuti government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047’.

Minutes after being sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sunetra Pawar on Saturday said she was “ready to serve” the state and vowed to carry forward the people-centric legacy of her late husband, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar.

In her first statement after taking oath, Sunetra Pawar said she accepted the responsibility with a deep sense of duty and commitment.

“Carrying forward the people-oriented legacy of respected Ajitdada, I am ready to serve Maharashtra with a sense of responsibility,” she said.

Describing the moment as emotionally overwhelming, Sunetra Pawar recalled Ajit Pawar’s lifelong dedication to farmers, labourers, women, youth and marginalised sections of society. She said his ideals and work would remain her guiding force as she begins her new role in public life.

“Ajitdada devoted his entire life to serving the people of Maharashtra. His untimely passing has caused immense personal loss and deep sorrow across the state. But the sense of duty, resilience and commitment to the people that he instilled in me will always remain my strength,” she said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said she would work with honesty, transparency and a people-first approach to build a just, inclusive and developed Maharashtra, inspired by the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Dr B R Ambedkar.

Thanking the people of Maharashtra for their support during a difficult period, Sunetra Pawar said effective implementation of government schemes, farmer welfare, youth opportunities, women’s empowerment and improving the lives of common citizens would be among her top priorities.

She also reaffirmed the Mahayuti government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047’ and said the state would continue to work under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, she said she would strive for inclusive growth, social justice and economic progress in Maharashtra.

“I am grateful to the people of Maharashtra and to my colleagues in the Nationalist Congress Party for the trust placed in me. I promise to work to the best of my ability to live up to these expectations and take the state to new heights of development,” Sunetra Pawar said.

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra after being unanimously elected as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party’s legislature group.

During the oath-taking ceremony, she was dressed in a white saree and took the pledge amid chants of “Ajit Dada amar rahein,” invoking the memory of her late husband.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, no members of the extended Pawar family were present at the event.

Along with the post of Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar has been assigned key portfolios, including State Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development and Waqf.

Ajit Pawar, a senior NCP leader and Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister in non-consecutive terms, died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/ready-to-serve-sunetra-vows-to-carry-ajit-pawars-legacy-after-maharashtra-deputy-cm-oath-9870669.html

The minister described a definitive shift in New Delhi’s trade strategy, from the protectionist hesitations of past to confident negotiations of now.

India and the US can now look at moving towards a closure of their bilateral trade negotiations since no “sticky issues” are left to be resolved, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said.

In an interview with HT, three days after India and the EU announced the successful close of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), the minister described a definitive shift in New Delhi’s trade strategy — from the protectionist hesitations of the past to confident negotiations for a future $30 trillion economy — and asserted that for a developed India, engagement with the developed world is not optional. “You cannot live in isolation,” he said.

Did you find the Europeans more receptive over the last six months?

No, they have been consistent. They have always worked towards this very sincerely and seriously, right since 2022 when we started the negotiation. I found that they had made up their mind that they have to do a deal with India.

And we were also quite clear that if you have to become a developed nation, you have to engage with the developed world. You cannot live in isolation.

There was a slack in 2024. Because we went into election, then they went into election. Then towards September-October (2024), once their new government came in, they appointed their best commissioner — their oldest serving commissioner — Maroš Šefčovič, a very seasoned man. And they told us that he is being appointed because he is the guy who can take us across the finishing line. That was about a year and four months ago. He personally met me 10 times. So, their commitment was throughout, and they were sensitive to our sticky issues.

The German Chancellor recently stated that the agreement must be completed as quickly as possible to create the largest internal market in the world after China…

I think they are pretty much on board.

Foreign Ministers from other Arab League member states, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League, will also participate.

India is preparing for the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday, January 31, a meeting that signifies a big diplomatic engagement with the Arab world.

Co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the meeting brings together foreign ministers from Arab League member states and the League’s Secretary General, emphasising a renewed push to strengthen political and strategic ties after a decade-long gap.

Foreign Ministers from other Arab League member states, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League, will also participate, according to a press release by Ministry of External Affairs.

The meeting is being convened after a gap of ten years, with the first IAFMM held in Bahrain in 2016.

During that inaugural meeting, the ministers identified five priority areas for cooperation, economy, energy, education, media, and culture—and proposed a range of activities across these sectors.

What to expect from second IAFMM?

The second IAFMM is expected to build on this foundation, with a focus on expanding and deepening the India–Arab partnership.

The India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism guiding this partnership, which was formally established in March 2002 through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and the League of Arab States (LAS), the press release stated.

A Memorandum of Cooperation to establish the Arab–India Cooperation Forum was signed during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was later revised in 2013 to streamline its structural organization. India currently holds observer status in the League of Arab States, a pan-Arab body comprising 22 member states.

This will be the first time India is hosting the India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

The event will see participation from all 22 Arab countries, represented by Foreign Ministers, other ministers, ministers of state, senior officials, and the Arab League.

The meeting was preceded by the fourth India–Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting, scheduled for January 30, 2026.

Why it matters?

Around 15 foreign ministers from Arab countries are expected to attend the meeting, people familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Among those likely to be present is Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaybani. If the visit materialises, it would mark the first ministerial-level engagement between New Delhi and Damascus since the formation of the government led by former Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa,

An Indian diplomat of middle rank visited Damascus in mid-2025 for meetings with Syrian ministers, the first such outreach from India since al-Sharaa assumed office as president.

The meeting also holds significance as it is taking place amid widening differences between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the situation in Yemen.

In December, Saudi forces struck an Emirati shipment of weapons and equipment intended for the Southern Transitional Council at the Mukalla port and backed an offensive that eventually led to the UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has also drawn closer to Pakistan and Turkiye on key West Asia-related issues, while the UAE has strengthened its ties with Israel.

India has an observer status to the League of Arab States (LAS), a pan-Arab organisation comprising 22 member states.

What Palestine expects from this meet?

Palestine foreign minister, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, praised the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and called it an important platform to bring together India and the Arab countries on several areas of interest, including the situation in Palestine.

“This is an important forum because it brings India and the Arab countries together, where there will be discussion on areas of interest, one of which would be the situation in Palestine. India is an important player, and we believe that several aspects of that conflict, alongside other important issues, will be discussed around the table”, Shahin was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indiaarab-foreign-ministers-meeting-returns-after-a-decade-who-s-attending-and-why-it-matters-101769825279697.html

 

The Kamrup Metro District and Sessions Court rejected bail pleas of accused singer Amritaprava Mahanta and late Zubeen Garg’s two PSOs in the murder case. The SIT and Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg opposed bail, citing criminal conspiracy and misuse of funds. The court noted the seriousness of charges and fixed February dates for further hearings.

In a major setback for the accused in the high-profile Zubeen Garg murder case, the Kamrup Metro District and Sessions Court on Friday rejected the bail applications of singer Amritaprava Mahanta and the late singer’s two personal security officers (PSOs), Paresh Baishya and Nandeshwar Bora.

The order was pronounced after detailed hearings held on January 22, during which the court had reserved its decision.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg, strongly opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the gravity of the charges and the nature of evidence ruled out any relief at this stage.

Accepting the prosecution’s submissions, the court took note of serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy and large-scale financial misappropriation. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar told the court that the two PSOs had grossly violated the trust reposed in them by the deceased artist.

“They were entrusted with money meant for Zubeen Garg’s safety and well-being. Instead of protecting him, they allegedly siphoned off the funds for personal gain,” Kamar argued. “Had there been no ill intent, they should have informed the family. Their conduct clearly indicates culpability.”

On Amritaprava Mahanta, the prosecution maintained that she was not a marginal figure in the case but an active participant in the alleged conspiracy. “She was fully involved in the chain of events linked to the crime. Considering her role and the evidence on record, there was no ground for bail,” Kamar submitted.

The prosecution also objected to three fresh petitions filed by the defence on Thursday, seeking information related to an alleged investigation in Singapore. Expressing surprise, Kamar clarified that the SIT’s probe has no connection whatsoever with any foreign investigation. “The defence cannot expect the prosecution to collect material for them. If they require documents, they must obtain them independently,” he told the court.

The court has fixed February 13 for hearing the defence petitions related to the Singapore issue, while February 16 has been scheduled for arguments on objections raised by a business partner in connection with Mahavir Aqua. Meanwhile, the SIT has moved the court seeking attachment of properties allegedly linked to the accused, including assets connected to Mahavir Aqua Water Factory and an apartment at Orchid View Apartments in Fatasil Ambari.

“If we establish that the funds were taken with the intention to misuse them, the state will proceed with confiscation as per law,” the Special Public Prosecutor said.

Reacting to the bail rejection, Garima Saikia Garg expressed relief and reaffirmed her determination to pursue justice. “We are satisfied with the court’s order. At this stage, even a discharge petition has been filed by one of the accused, which is deeply shocking,” she said.

“There should be no bail for any of the accused—now or ever. Zubeen treated everyone around him like family. Before leaving this world, he opened my eyes to the demons hidden behind familiar faces. The people of Assam are my strength, and with their support, justice for Zubeen Garg will prevail,” she added, visibly emotional.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/zubeen-garg-murder-case-court-rejects-bail-of-singer-amritaprava-two-psos

 

Union HM Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for Assam’s second Legislative Assembly complex in Dibrugarh, marking a key step towards making the city the state’s second capital. Projects worth hundreds of crores across legislative infrastructure, sports, wildlife conservation and flood mitigation were also launched, highlighting the Centre’s push for decentralised and inclusive development.

In a milestone moment for Assam’s journey towards decentralised governance and balanced regional development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday laid the foundation stone of the state’s second Legislative Assembly complex in Dibrugarh, formally setting the stage for the city’s emergence as Assam’s second capital.

Calling it a historic step towards inclusive governance, Shah also laid the foundation stones and inaugurated a series of key projects spanning legislative infrastructure, sports, wildlife conservation and flood mitigation. These included the Assembly complex and MLA hostels, the Institute of Wildlife Health and Research at Dinjan, and the expansion of Khanikar Stadium, alongside the launch of a major wetland restoration initiative across the state.

The new Legislative Assembly complex and residential facilities for MLAs will be built on 57 bighas of land at an estimated cost of ₹284 crore and are expected to be completed within 30 months. The complex will include a modern Assembly building, an 800-seat two-storey auditorium, police barracks and other essential infrastructure.

Addressing a large gathering, Shah recalled that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced in 2025 the decision to make Dibrugarh Assam’s second capital. “Earlier, many such announcements remained only on paper. Today, the foundation has been laid. From now on, the people of Dibrugarh will also be residents of the capital of Assam,” he said, stressing that the move reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development across regions, communities and tribes.

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গুৱাহাটীৰ পিছত অসমৰ দ্বিতীয় ৰাজধানী হিচাপে ডিব্ৰুগড় গঢ় লৈ উঠাৰ শুভাৰম্ভণিত উজনি অসমৰ জনসাধাৰণক আন্তৰিক অভিনন্দন! ২৮৪ কোটি টকাৰ নতুন অসম বিধানসভা ভৱনৰ আজি আধাৰশিলা স্থাপন কৰা হয়। সকলো আধুনিক সুবিধাৰে সজ্জিত এই চৌহদটো অসমৰ প্ৰতিটো পৰিয়ালক উন্নয়নৰ সুফল প্ৰদান কৰিবলৈ মোদীজীৰ… pic.twitter.com/EKj1WTLVrZ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 30, 2026

Highlighting Assam’s vulnerability to floods, Shah said the Centre has adopted a scientific approach to flood mitigation through wetland restoration. Based on surveys conducted by the Space Applications Centre, the Ministry of Home Affairs has invested ₹692 crore in the first phase to develop 15 major wetlands. He said the initiative would help protect around 7.5 lakh people from floods, irrigate nearly 77,000 hectares of farmland, recharge groundwater and support fisheries, animal husbandry, tourism and water sports.

A major boost to wildlife conservation also took shape with the foundation stone of the Institute of Wildlife Health and Research at Dinjan. Spread over more than 117 bighas and built at a cost of ₹292 crore, the institute will serve as a premier centre for wildlife disease surveillance, research, diagnosis and skill development for Assam and the entire Northeast. Shah urged the state to ensure facilities for birds as well, and said the institute could emerge as a globally significant research centre, including in genetic disease studies.

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ডিব্ৰুগড়ত নতুন অসম বিধানসভা ভৱনৰ আধাৰশিলা স্থাপন আৰু অন্যান্য প্ৰকল্পৰ শুভাৰম্ভণি অনুষ্ঠানৰ পোনপটীয়া সম্প্ৰচাৰ…

Live from the foundation stone laying of the new Assam Legislative Assembly building and commencement of other projects in Dibrugarh. https://t.co/LCA6PJkBO7

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 30, 2026

Sports infrastructure received equal emphasis with the inauguration of Phase I of the Khanikar multi-disciplinary sports complex, built at a cost of ₹238 crore on 106 bighas. Equipped with an indoor stadium, swimming pool, football ground, tennis and basketball courts, hostels and coaches’ accommodation, the facility aims to nurture sporting talent in Upper Assam. Simultaneously, the foundation stone for Phase II was laid, with an investment of ₹209 crore to expand seating capacity from 25,000 to 35,000.

Shah said peace and development have replaced decades of conflict in Assam under the Modi government, noting that more than 10,000 youths across the Northeast have laid down arms following over 20 peace agreements. “There was a time of curfews and gunfire. Today, the music of Bhupen Hazarika echoes across the world,” he said, adding that the conferment of the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika and Gopinath Bordoloi symbolised a new era of recognition for Assam’s icons.

He also spoke about infrastructure growth, trade opportunities for Assam tea following India’s free trade agreement with the European Union, land rights for tea garden workers, and efforts to curb infiltration and protect Assam’s demographic balance.

Paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, Shah said Bapu awakened the nation and led India to Swaraj through peace and moral strength.

In his address, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the day as historic for Dibrugarh and Upper Assam, saying the region has played a decisive role in shaping the present government. He termed the second Assembly complex outside Guwahati as an unimaginable idea in the past, now turned into reality. Sarma also highlighted major projects in Upper Assam, including bridges, medical colleges, industrial investments, road corridors and flood mitigation initiatives.

He announced that application forms for land pattas for tea garden workers would be distributed from February 10 and reiterated that over 1.5 lakh government jobs have been provided transparently under the present government.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/dibrugarh-steps-into-history-amit-shah-lays-foundation-for-assams-second-capital-unveils-major-governance-sports-conservation-projects

 

India said the India-Arab summit comes at a critical moment of trade disruptions and West Asia tensions, reaffirming historic ties, security cooperation and its push for dialogue and peace over Iran.

India on Friday underscored dialogue, security and regional cooperation as essential pillars of its engagement with the Arab world, as geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions weigh on global trade and stability in West Asia.

Minister of State for External Affairs Keerti Vardhan Singh was speaking on the India-Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry, & Agriculture in New Delhi, saying the talks were being held at a crucial moment marked by unilateral tariffs and shifting global trade rules.

“India shares historic linkages with the region. It is very significant that an important dialogue is being hosted by us and has brought many Arab leaders to India,” said Singh. “This summit shows that regional cooperation across sectors is the way forward. We are witnessing a shift in the older rules that shaped world trade. In this changing trade landscape, it is essential to recognise each other’s comparative advantages and work together within our regions to achieve shared growth. This is how we see our future growth,” Singh told ANI.

He noted that while India was keen to expand trade ties, economic engagement could not be separated from security concerns. “Trade cannot happen without security. We are certainly going to discuss security,” he said.

On tensions in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, Singh said India continued to advocate restraint and engagement. “As far as the Iran situation is concerned, we have always solicited peace and dialogue to resolve any conflict situation,” he said.

Singh described Arab nations as part of India’s extended neighbourhood and said trade between India and the Arab world had reached around USD 240 billion in FY 2024–25, remaining resilient despite global disruptions.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/trade-needs-security-mos-keerti-vardhan-singh-on-india-arab-dialogue-iran-situation-2860713-2026-01-31

The NCB busted a major interstate drug syndicate, seizing mephedrone worth Rs 10 crore, arresting four traffickers, and uncovering MD manufacturing equipment in Mysore and Jodhpur during coordinated operations.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a major interstate drug trafficking syndicate and uncovered a clandestine mephedrone (MD) manufacturing lab in Mysore.

Acting on intelligence inputs, an NCB team intercepted a Toyota Fortuner SUV with a Karnataka registration on January 28 at Palsana in Gujarat’s Surat district. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of around 35 kg of mephedrone.

In a follow-up operation, the NCB seized MD manufacturing equipment in Jodhpur, capable of producing up to 200 kg of the drug.

So far, drugs worth approximately Rs10 crore, Rs 25.6 lakh in cash, a Toyota Fortuner, and more than 500 kg of various chemicals have been seized.

Four drug traffickers, including the kingpin, have been arrested. All the accused are residents of Jalore district, Rajasthan.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/narcotics-control-bureau-busts-interstate-drug-racket-md-lab-uncovered-in-mysore-2860711-2026-01-31

The encounter between security forces and terrorists initially began in Kishtwar on January 18. Two more encounters took place on January 22 and on January 25, but the terrorists slipped deep into the forest area. A hunt is underway to neutralise them.

The security forces re-established contact with terrorists holed up in Dolgam area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar early Saturday. The security forces have intensified their ongoing anti-terror operation in the snowbound Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar to track down and neutralise a group of three holed up Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists.

The Army said intelligence inputs from all sources were coordinated to plan and execute the operation on the ground.

“During the ongoing joint Operation Trashi-I, contact with terrorists was re-established in the early hours of 31 Jan 2026, in the general area of Dolgam by troops of White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF. Intelligence from all sources had been coordinated to provide inputs to execute the operation on ground. A cordon has been established and operations are in progress,” the White Knight Corps posted on X.

Initially, a search operation was launched in the area on January 18, leading to a fierce gun battle in Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, resulting in the killing of a paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers. A group of two to three terrorists allegedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were believed to be trapped in the area.

Although the terrorists managed to escape taking advantage of thick vegetation and the challenging terrain, the security forces continued their hunt for the terrorists despite more than two feet of snowfall.

Two more encounters took place between the army and the terrorists at Mali Dana top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25 but the terrorists once again slipped deep into the forest area.

The mobile internet services were also suspended within a radius of six km covering Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo to avoid their misuse by anti-national elements during the ongoing operation on January 23. The suspension of mobile internet services in Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo was extended till 23:59 hours on January 30, the officials said, quoting an order issued by the J-K Home Department.

The suspension was ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, who is the authorised officer under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/dolgam-encounter-operation-trashi-i-security-forces-re-establish-contact-with-terrorists-kishtwar-jammu-and-kashmir-article-153535475

Confident Group Chairman CJ Roy died by suicide on Friday by shooting himself in the head at his Bengaluru office while Income Tax raids were underway, the police said. He was 57.

Confident Group Chairman CJ Roy died by suicide on Friday by shooting himself in the head at his Bengaluru office while Income Tax raids were underway, the police said. He was 57.

Earlier on Thursday morning, the Income Tax Department had conducted raids on companies linked to him. During the raids, it was allegedly revealed that he possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

“Today, under the Ashoka Nagar police station limits, a shooting incident occurred. Prima facie, it appears that the Confident Group chairperson and founder, C J Roy, shot himself dead. His body is at Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout,” Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told reporters after inspecting the spot.

The commissioner said the incident occurred between 3 pm and 3.30 pm.

“According to our initial reports, the searches have been ongoing for the past three days. The I-T team was questioning him even today. Only investigation will reveal what actually happened,” Singh said.

When asked whether the case could be treated as abetment to suicide, he said the investigation will proceed based on the complaint.

Singh added that the searches were led by an I-T team from Kerala, and the police are yet to speak with them.

“Presently, none of the I-T officers are here. We will speak to them,” he said.

Roy’s brother told a Malayaman news channel that the Income Tax team from Kerala first came on December 3 last year, and stayed in Bengaluru for a few days.

They then came again on January 28 after calling him back from Dubai, he said.

In a message posted on its Facebook page, the company paid tribute to its chairman, calling him its “beloved leader”.

“Our beloved leader has departed from us, but not from the path he showed us. The values he lived by and the vision he entrusted to us will continue to guide our journey forward,” it said, adding that the entire Confident Group family mourns the “sudden and irreparable loss” of its chairman.

A prominent real estate developer, the Confident Group has a significant presence across several southern Indian states, most notably Kerala and Karnataka.

According to sources, Roy was distressed due to repeated IT raids.

A native of Kerala’s Kochi, Roy was known for his collection of high-end vehicles.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cj-roy-confident-group-chairman-bengaluru-real-estate-tycoon-under-tax-scrutiny-dies-by-suicide-in-office-10915117?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

Earlier on January 4, officials had said the “white-collar” members of the module used a web of “ghost” SIM cards and encrypted apps to stay in touch with Pakistani handlers

The probe into the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10 last year has exposed a much larger terror plan, with the sources saying the same module had plotted attacks on outlets of a global coffee chain.

The accused had also planned strikes in major Indian cities, according to the sources.

The sources also said that the “white collar terror module” had been active for the past four years.

The sources further informed that inputs from the Jammu & Kashmir Police helped stop several planned attacks in November and December across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Meanwhile, earlier on January 4, officials had said the “white-collar” members of the module, including doctors Muzammil Ganaie, Adeel Rather and others, used a web of “ghost” SIM cards and encrypted apps to stay in touch with Pakistani handlers. They followed a “dual-phone” method, keeping separate devices for normal use and secret communication to mislead agencies.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-red-fort-blast-module-planned-attacks-on-global-coffee-chain-sources-white-collar-terror-module-10917716?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Rodríguez was formally sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president on January 5, following a turbulent political transition in the oil-rich country.

In a significant diplomatic engagement marking a new chapter in Indo-South American relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday. The conversation, which the Prime Minister described as a shared vision to take bilateral ties to “new heights”, comes at a pivotal moment as Venezuela navigates a period of profound political and economic transition following years of severe domestic turmoil.

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Spoke with Acting President of Venezuela, Ms. Delcy Rodríguez. We agreed to further deepen and expand our bilateral partnership in all areas, with a shared vision of taking India-Venezuela relations to new heights in the years ahead. @delcyrodriguezv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2026

Following the talks, Delcy Rodríguez also took to X and said the talk was marked by deep human and spiritual connection.

“I held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, in a dialogue marked by deep human and spiritual connection, during which we agreed to deepen and expand our bilateral partnership across all areas. I expressed my gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Government and the people of India toward our country. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his willingness to stand alongside the Venezuelan people in the defense of their peace, sovereignty, and independence,” she said in a post on X.

“We addressed strategic cooperation in energy, agriculture, science and technology, the pharmaceutical industry, mining, the automotive sector, and tourism, and agreed to move forward with a joint roadmap to relaunch our relations in 2026,” she added.

Nation at a Crossroads

Venezuela’s journey to this moment has been defined by a decade of hyperinflation, social unrest, and a crippling humanitarian crisis. The country, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, saw its economy contract by nearly 80 per cent over the last decade, leading to the displacement of millions of citizens. Following the disputed 2024 presidential elections, the nation was gripped by a renewed wave of protests and international isolation, as the previous administration consolidated power amidst accusations of democratic erosion.

The situation reached a dramatic climax in early January 2026, when the longstanding leader Nicolás Maduro was removed from power following a swift and unprecedented US military operation. This development left a significant power vacuum in Caracas, prompting the Supreme Tribunal of Justice to intervene.

The Rise of Delcy Rodríguez

Under the Venezuelan Constitution, the Vice President is designated to assume the duties of the presidency in the event of a permanent vacancy. Consequently, Delcy Rodríguez, who had served as Vice President since 2018, was sworn in as Acting President on January 5, 2026. A career diplomat and lawyer, Rodríguez has long been a central figure in the “Chavista” movement, previously serving as Foreign Minister and Minister of Economy.

Her appointment is seen by regional analysts as a move toward stability. In her initial weeks, Rodríguez has pivoted toward a “reform and opening up” strategy—drawing comparisons to the economic liberalisation seen in other socialist nations. This has included an overhaul of energy laws to allow for privatisation and foreign investment in the oil sector, a move that signals a pragmatic shift away from the rigid state control of the past two decades.

Strengthening the India-Venezuela Partnership

 

Whether she emerges as a symbolic figurehead or a decisive state administrator, her decision to ‘take charge’ marks a new chapter for the Pawar dynasty

In Maharashtra’s political landscape reeling from the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar, the trajectory of his wife and Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar has transformed overnight from a supportive spouse to the possible primary custodian of a fractured legacy. As the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) grapples with the loss of its most aggressive organiser, sources suggest that Sunetra has agreed to step into the breach, potentially assuming the vacant Deputy Chief Minister mantle on Saturday to prevent the party’s 41-strong MLA block from splintering.

The Rise of ‘Vahini’

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict in the suo motu case initiated by it last year to examine measures being taken to manage the stray dog population across India.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its verdict today after hearing the final leg of submissions made by various States, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

The Court today urged the NHAI to come up with an app through which public can report sightings of stray animals along highways.

“Why don’t you make an app so that anyone who spots an animal can click a picture and upload? You will have visuals,” the Court said.

“We will do that,” the NHAI’s counsel replied.

Notably, as the hearing drew to a close, advocate Manisha Karia, appearing for the AWBI, apprised the Court that there were only 76 recognised sterilisation centres in the country, while data from various States indicated that there were 883 stray dog sterilisation centres.

“There are certain pending applications. There are more than 250 applications … There are 883 running, as per data given by States, but they have not yet been given recognition by us,” Karia said.

“What is happening in the centres that you (AWBI) have not recognised?” the Court eventually asked.

This led Karia to flag a discrepancy in some of the data on sterilisation, possibly indicating that the numbers were not as accurate as claimed. It also raised concerns that funds earmarked for sterilisation were being taken by those not actually carrying out such work.

“There is surprising data. Where the dog population is less like in Uttarakhand, the sterilisation is more (the sterilisation numbers reported are more than the dog population numbers),” said Karia.

“The reasons are obvious. Everyone is aware of it. How much grant is given,” the Court observed.

“Less said, the better,” Karia added.

“Yes. Less said is better,” the Court said,

It added,

“The only request to the AWBI is whatever applications are pending, you should process them, and either you reject them or grant them within a specified time.”

The Court then proceeded to reserve its judgment.

“Order reserved. Counsel are free to submit their written briefs within a week,” it said.

The issue of stray dog management gained national attention last year after a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed Delhi municipal authorities to round up and shelter stray dogs, drawing protests from animal rights groups.

That order triggered widespread protests by animal rights groups and was later modified by the present three-judge Bench.

The modified directions shifted the focus to vaccination, sterilisation and release of dogs in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. Since then, the Court expanded the scope of the case.

On November 7, 2025, as an interim measure, the Court directed States and the NHAI to remove stray animals from highways and institutional areas like hospitals, schools and educational institutions across the country.

It also ordered fencing of government and private educational and health institutions within eight weeks to prevent stray dog bites, and directed that dogs picked up from such institutional areas should not be released back into the same premises.

During the hearing on December 7, the Court flagged the increasing number of dog bite incidents in the country and called out the municipal authorities and other local bodies for their failure to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules.

Yesterday’s hearing in the matter also saw the Court express displeasure at what it perceived to be a lack of adequate measures taken by various States to sterilise stray dogs, establish dog pounds and remove dogs from campuses of educational and other institutions.

The Court warned that it would pass strong strictures against any State found making vague arguments in their affidavits.

The Court today continued hearing various States on the facilities they have in place to monitor and manage stray dogs.

The hearing saw the Court express concerns over whether State governments are allocating sufficient budgets to fund such facilities.

This was after Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, who represented the Rajasthan government, told the Court that there were 22 dog pounds in the State. The Bench opined that this number seemed inadequate.

“In a city like Jodhpur or Jaipur, you would need more than 20 shelters in one city. How will you tackle it? The arguments have come that the CSVR has to be implemented. Unless there are vehicles and manpower, how will you manage that?” the Court asked.

“We have sought budgetary allocations,” Bhati replied.

The Court, however, was not reassured.

“If you don’t tackle this problem it will keep on magnifying. Every year the population will go up by 10-15%. You are increasing your own problems by avoiding this. As Punjab said, they are doing 100 dogs a day. No use. That’s a needle in a haystack,” it said.

Earlier in the hearing, the Punjab government’s counsel had told the Court that it has collected about 108 dogs from educational/ health institutions in the city of Malerkotla. The State added that it was working with a 11-crore budget and 20 dog catching vehicles, and that it had an action plan in place.

In Tamil Nadu, only 35,000 dogs per year have been sterilised, Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agrawal informed the Court.

“22 crore has been sanctioned for 72 shelters with 120 capacity. State has acknowledged the need to create more shelters. Affidavit is silent about the removal of stray dogs from institutions. There is no fully functional government animal shelter,” he added.

“There is not even a single dog pound in the entire State?” the Court asked.

Tamil Nadu’s counsel replied,

“Tamil Nadu has capacity that is not being utilised. The instruction has gone to the State.”

The Court proceeded to note that the position in Uttar Pradesh (UP) seemed to be better than most States. The UP government’s counsel said,

“There are 3,406 dog pounds… there are 8 lakh plus sterilisations in the state. More than 40,000 in Noida alone. It is an ongoing process. 25 crore budget allocation for the State. We have identified lands for shelters with capacity of over 1000.”

“Noida has 1 ABC Centre,” amicus Agarwal added.

“Better in comparison to other States. Till you start reaching the status of negative population growth, you have to keep doing it,” the Court said.

“We will come up with better figures. Give us some time,” UP’s counsel replied.

The counsel representing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) told the Court that active efforts are underway to remove stray animals found roaming on national highways.

“We have been able to locate 1,317 vulnerable locations spanning over 1,434 km. We have established patrol teams and drafted SOP detailing protocol for securing, isolating stray animals etc. We cannot undertake the exercise in isolation. It has to be in coordination with all local authorities. Anyone who sees the animal can call us on our helpline number,” he said.

The Court suggested that an app could also be rolled out to report sightings of stray animals on highways.

A discussion also ensued on how to tackle the issue of stray cattle on highways, particularly since many such animals are not microchipped for identification and given that gaushalas taking care of injured or abandoned cattle are often overcrowded.

The Court suggested that entities tasked with building and managing highway stretches could be requested to maintain some facilities for stray cattle as well in their respective areas, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

“There are very sensitive stretches where the problem is critical. Why can’t you ask concessioners to set up facilities? They don’t need to depend of local authorities. It can be part of corporate social responsibility. Once you start the process, it may work out,” the Court said.

As arguments progressed, the Court also made it clear that management of stray animals on national highways would primarily be the responsibility of the NHAI.

“The task of patrolling should be that of the NHAI. Don’t pass that on to the State,” the Court said.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-reserves-verdict-in-stray-dogs-case-awbi-says-only-76-recognised-sterilisation-centres

Condemning the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to X and called for strict action against the attackers.

An 18-year-old Kashmiri youth was allegedly attacked by a mob in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Thursday. As per a PTI report, the attack took place after the man was questioned about his identity and religion.

Condemning the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to X and called for strict action against the attackers.

“This recent series of attacks including in Himachal Pradesh and now this one are unacceptable and must stop. It can’t be claimed that J&K is an inalienable part of India while people from Kashmir, in other parts of the country, live in fear for their lives. My Government will step in where ever necessary & will do whatever is needed to ensure these incidents are not repeated. I hope Home Ministry, Govt of India will also sensitise other states on the same lines,” said Abdullah.

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This recent series of attacks including in Himachal Pradesh and now this one are unacceptable and must stop. It can’t be claimed that J&K is an inalienable part of India while people from Kashmir, in other parts of the country, live in fear for their lives. My Government will… https://t.co/qBoiBGvlCE

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 29, 2026

BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit has also condemned the attack and called for strict action against the perpetrators.

“Strongly condemn the attack on Tabish Ahmad, an 18 year old Kashmiri shawl vendor who was brutally assaulted by a mob while selling shawls with his family in Vikas Nagar, #Uttarakhand,” Shah, a spokesman of the BJP, said in a post on X, adding that Kashmiris are also citizens of India.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the attack and said that this was a result of the BJP “mainstreaming” the fringe elements who “enjoy institutional impunity”.

“This 18-year-old Kashmiri shawl vendor was assaulted in Uttarakhand with irons rods till his bones crumbled. It’s one of many acts of violence against Kashmiris in India where perpetrators know they enjoy institutional impunity,” Mufti said in a post on X.

What happened in Dehradun?

As per local reports, two Kashmiris, 18-year-old Tabish and his younger brother Danish, working as shawl sellers, stopped to purchase snacks at a shop in Dehradun, when shopkeepers inquired about their identity.

After declaring that they were Muslims from Kashmir, an altercation broke out, resulting in severe injuries to both youths, including one minor.

As per a report by The Indian Express, the younger brother said the shopkeeper and two unknown people assaulted them, hurled slurs at them and hit them with sticks and iron rods.

Also Read | Tripura student’s murder in Dehradun wasn’t racially motivated: Police

Following Omar Abdullah’s intervention in the case, police detained the shopkeeper.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kashmiri-shawl-sellers-attacked-in-uttarakhand-dehradun-omar-abdullah-dials-dhami-over-brutal-assault-101769703186221.html

 

Definitive conclusions will only emerge from detailed analysis that includes cockpit voice recordings and telemetry data from the black box.

New video emerged of the final moments of VT-SSK, the Learjet 45 business jet that crashed in Baramati on Wednesday, claiming the lives of Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others on board, prompting experts to raise the possibility of an aerodynamic stall or a last-moment manoeuvre during what was the eight-seater plane’s second landing attempt.

To be sure, definitive conclusions will only emerge from detailed analysis that includes cockpit voice recordings and telemetry data from the black box, which was recovered from the wreckage on Thursday.

CCTV footage appears to show VT-SSK’s left wing dropping suddenly moments before impact. In the seconds-long video, the Learjet 45 is seen nearly snapping to one side midair before crashing in a ball of flames — a visual that experts said gave rise to three possibilities: an aerodynamic stall, a hard banking too close to ground, or an engine failure.

The first scenario, especially in such aircraft that have their engines mounted on the tail instead of the wings like in the case of a large jetliner, manifests in what is called an asymmetric aerodynamic stall. One wing loses lift before the other during slow-speed flight, creating “an asymmetric aerodynamic stall, resulting in a rapid roll and impact with the ground”, language the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) used in the investigation of a fatal Bombardier Challenger 605 crash during a circling approach in California in 2021. Like the Learjet 45, the Challenger 605 has its engines mounted in the tail section.

The Learjet too had attempted one approach and executed a go-around before the fatal second attempt. Investigators will examine whether pilots got too slow while manoeuvring visually to align with the runway threshold.

An aerodynamic stall is when the speed or the angle of an aircraft, or both, are in such a state that the wings stop producing lift, causing a plane to lose altitude.

The NTSB has documented similar fatal outcomes in at least three business jet accidents since 2014 where crews exceeded critical angle of attack during approach manoeuvring. In each case — a Phenom 100 in Maryland (in 2014), a Learjet 35A in New Jersey (in 2017), and the Challenger 605 in California (in 2021) — the aircraft entered sudden, uncontrolled rolls at low altitude with insufficient height to recover.

Federation of Indian Pilots president CS Randhawa said the video evidence appeared to support the stall theory, though he cautioned that only a complete investigation would reveal the precise sequence of events. “The aircraft is supported by four forces; lift, weight, thrust and drag. Due to low speed, it appears to me that the aircraft crossed the critical angle of attack, thus the drag increased and the lift reduced, causing a wingtip stall. The nose dropped to the left due to this situation. The stick shaker would have activated in this case which would come out in the flight data recorder decoding. Also, the CVR would reveal what transpired between the pilots on the approach,” he said.

A second theory is an engine failure, which too can create similar motions as that seen in the video. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance states that “loss of power on one engine creates yaw due to asymmetrical thrust” which, if uncorrected with immediate rudder input, causes “a roll toward the inoperative engine”. However, no mayday call was recorded in the 60 seconds between landing clearance and the crash, making sudden mechanical failure less probable than a stall scenario, experts said, while emphasising that flight data would provide clarity. “The Learjet 45 is a very fast aircraft and it is not designed to fly well at low speeds, especially during landing. From what I have seen, it appears that the aircraft suffered an engine failure while coming into land. When one engine fails, the power from the other engine can pull the aircraft to one side,” said Mark D Martin, of Martin Consulting, an aviation advisory firm.

A third theory is a sharp manoeuvre in the final moments, another pilot said, asking not to be named. “It appears to be a late viewing of the runway and trying to get to it with a large bank angle,” the pilot said.

An expert speaking on this theory pointed to the nature of the airport — which has no navigation aids and involves pilots relying on visual estimation. “A visual approach, by definition, means the pilot must have the runway clearly in sight. That raises a basic question who cleared the aircraft to land on a poor visibility condition on the runway, and on what basis? In this case, it appears that sun glare during the final moments may have affected visibility, and the crew realised too late that the aircraft was not aligned with the runway,” said Amit Singh, a safety expert.

Singh cited a precedent. “A similar incident occurred in the Clear Jet crash in the US in 2017, where visual cues were misjudged during approach”.

A former pilot, who asked not to be named, said: “Several things could have gone wrong at the same time: an engine failure, the aircraft slowing down too much, and the pilot losing control. When multiple problems happen together like this, it becomes very difficult to recover”.

Pilots’ body All India Pilots’ Association urged restraint on speculation. “We firmly believe that both pilots would have exercised the highest standards of professionalism and did everything humanly possible, to their very last breath, to safeguard the aircraft and those on board. ALPA India urges everyone to refrain from speculation,” it said.

The Learjet 45’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, now in the custody of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, should reveal the aircraft’s precise airspeed, angle of attack, and control inputs in the final seconds before impact—data that will be essential to move beyond preliminary assessments to definitive conclusions about what caused the crash.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-death-new-footage-of-plane-crash-in-baramati-maharashtra-gives-rise-to-three-theories-101769731485466.html

A viral image showing street food served on a plate made from an apparent bank document has triggered widespread concern over ”data privacy in India.” The incident has sparked debate about careless disposal of sensitive records and the risks posed by weak data protection practices.

A seemingly ordinary street food moment has turned into a serious conversation about data safety after a viral post exposed what appears to be sensitive banking information being used as a disposable food plate. The image, now widely circulated on social media, has sparked alarm over how personal data is handled and discarded in India.

The photo was shared on X by the account Moronhumor with the caption, “In India, your Data Privacy is not even in your own hands.” It shows a roadside food plate made from what looks like a repurposed bank or financial document, raising serious concerns about the fate of confidential customer records.

A closer look at the paper plate reveals printed details such as a person’s name, location, and payment-related information. Although some portions appear to be scribbled out, several fields remain clearly readable, suggesting that sensitive data may still be exposed despite attempts to conceal it.

The image appears to have been captured in a busy public transit space, possibly a railway station or a metro staircase, with commuters visible in the background. In the foreground, the individual holding the plate highlights how the document, now stained with food, still visibly carries what seems to be private customer information.

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In India, your Data Privacy is not even in your own hands 😏😏 pic.twitter.com/wSMDKaVbfk

— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) January 28, 2026

As the post gained traction, social media users reacted with shock, anger, and dark humour, calling out what they described as a blatant breach of data privacy. Many questioned how such documents could enter the recycling chain without proper shredding or disposal.

One user raised concerns over accountability, asking, “Banks should answer how and why papers containing customer details are being sold as recyclable paper to roadside food vendors?”

Another comment, dripping with sarcasm yet underscoring the seriousness of the issue, read, “What if someone uses the EXTREMELY valuable info from this paper plate and steals all of his assets including his savings, house, vehicles and family?”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/street-food-served-on-bank-documents-viral-photo-sparks-data-privacy-panic-article-153525523

 

SIT exposes fake ghee in TTD laddus, names 36 accused, rules out animal fat but uncovers a Rs 20-crore hawala trail and a multi-state adulteration racket. The case has also highlighted the “hawala” link used to fund the adulteration work.

The Special Investigation team on Wednesday filed the final chargesheet in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu ghee adulteration case, revealing that it was heavily adulterated with vegetable oils, primarily palm oil and palm kernel oil, however, the presence of animal fat was found to be highly unlikely. The SIT in its report cited the findings of the National Dairy Development Board’s Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (NDDB-CALF), Anand, and its report dated March 27, 2025 has also been submitted as part of the investigation.

A viral video showing a woman humiliating a pizza delivery executive sparked outrage over dignity of labour. However, it was later revealed to be scripted. The woman and her friends clarified they were joking, the man was not a delivery agent, and all four were friends, calling it an acted skit that was misinterpreted.

A short video circulating widely across social media platforms has triggered intense backlash after a young pizza delivery executive was allegedly humiliated by a former schoolmate while he was on duty. The clip, recorded on a public road, shows a woman filming the man and mocking his profession, drawing sharp criticism from viewers who called the act insensitive and degrading.

In the viral viral video, the woman reportedly taunted the man for working as a delivery executive, contrasting it with his role as a motivator during their school years. She also allegedly threatened to share the video with their former classmates, further deepening public anger. The incident has reopened discussions around dignity of labour, social pressure, and the harsh realities many young adults face when financial responsibilities override personal dreams.

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A pizza delivery boy met his school-time female friend on the road…
She started recording and mocked him: “You used to motivate everyone in school… and now you’re delivering pizza?”

Then she said she’ll send the video to other friends too.

She laughed… but didn’t think for a… pic.twitter.com/hkSzH04O6x

— Saffron Chargers (@SaffronChargers) January 29, 2026

Here’s The Truth Behind The Viral Video:

However, the video turned out to be “scripted.” The woman, along with her friends—including the man who acted as a “pizza delivery” agent—released another video in which she claimed they were just having fun. In reality, the man was not a pizza delivery agent, and his real age was 22, not 30.

In the video, another woman and a man were also seen, and all four of them are friends. In the latest clip, the woman could be heard telling netizens, “Yaar, aap log kya kar diye ho (friends, what have you done?)… Hum log mazaak kar rahe the (we were just having fun).”

Meanwhile, another woman in the video said that all of them were friends. The man who played the pizza delivery agent was also seen smiling. Another man could be heard saying, while referring to his friend, “Iska acting hi bahut achha tha (his acting was very good).”

After the first clip of ‘pizza delivery agent’, netizens slammed the woman. They flooded comment sections with messages of empathy and encouragement for the delivery executive. One user wrote, “He’s a hero! Whoever you are, earning honestly, standing on your own feet, not burdening anyone. You deserve respect.”

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Those who had to quit education due to financial problems would only know the value of education to send you the reels about education.

She asked him how he was feeling about becoming a delivery boy while laughing. The fact is, he might have been getting suicidal thoughts but… https://t.co/F9v0VL7sKj

— Chandra🇮🇳🚩 (@Chandra4Bharat) January 29, 2026

Another commented, “She failed not only as a friend but also as a human being. Compassion matters more than social status.”

Many also shared personal experiences of meeting old classmates, emphasizing that kindness should replace judgment. “When we meet people from school, we’re just happy to reconnect. We don’t measure success by job titles,” a user wrote.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/she-failed-as-a-friend-woman-mocks-former-schoolmate-for-working-as-pizza-delivery-boy-netizens-slam-her-classist-remarks

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with veteran athlete and Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha to offer condolences after the sudden death of her husband, V. Srinivasan. The 67-year-old collapsed at his residence on January 30, 2026, and was declared dead at hospital. Srinivasan was a constant support throughout Usha’s distinguished sporting and political journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke with veteran Indian athlete and Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha to express condolences following the sudden death of her husband, V. Srinivasan, officials confirmed.

Srinivasan, 67, collapsed at his residence early on January 30, 2026, and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he could not be revived, family sources said. He had been a steady presence by Usha’s side throughout her illustrious sporting and political life and was widely regarded as her pillar of support.

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Prime Minister #NarendraModi spoke to Rajya Sabha MP and President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha and expressed his condolences on the passing away of her husband.

(File Photo) pic.twitter.com/LxzzWRiemj

— DD India (@DDIndialive) January 30, 2026

In his conversation with the former Olympic sprint icon, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Usha and her family during this difficult time. The PM highlighted her contributions to Indian sport and politics and extended prayers for strength and peace.

The couple had one son, Ujjwal, and had stood together through Usha’s remarkable journey from a celebrated sprinter to becoming President of the Indian Olympic Association and a Member of Parliament.

No official public statement has yet been released by Usha or her office regarding Srinivasan’s passing, but condolences continue to pour in from across India’s sporting and political communities.

‘Shocked & Saddened’: IOA President P.T. Usha Offers Condolences As Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Passes Away In Plane Crash

P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on X, writing, “Shocked & saddened by the sudden passing away of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Shri. Ajit Pawar ji. His absence will be felt in sports. My heartfelt condolences with his family, friends and supporters. Om Shanti.”

Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday morning when the small aircraft he was traveling in crashed while attempting to land in Baramati. Reports stated that up to five people were on board, all of whom tragically lost their lives. The plane reportedly went down in an open field, and emergency services rushed to the scene.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pm-narendra-modi-reaches-out-to-pt-usha-offers-heartfelt-condolences-after-demise-of-her-husband

 

Ankur asked Nikhil to put the call on recording, adding that he was killing his sister, and the police would not be able to do anything.

The brother of Kajal Chaudhary, the Delhi SWAT commando who was killed by her husband, recounted the horrific last phone call with his sister. Nikhil, a constable posted at Parliament Street Police Station, told PTI that Ankur, the accused, asked him to put the call on recording, adding that he could hear her screams.

“He told me to put the call on recording, said it could be used as police evidence, (then) told me he was killing her. And then, I heard her screams,” recalled Nikhil.

It all began with Nikhil receiving a call from Ankur.

“He called me and said, ‘Apni behan ko samjha le’ (Make your sister understand). I asked him to calm down and immediately called my sister,” Nikhil stated.

The horror did not end there. Ankur asked Nikhil to put the call on recording, adding that he was killing his sister, and the police would not be able to do anything.

“Then he said to me, ‘Is call ko recording pe rakh, police evidence me kaam aayega. Main maar raha hoon teri behan ko. Police mera kuch nahi kar payegi’ (Put this call on recording, it will be useful as police evidence. I am killing your sister. Police won’t be able to do anything). Then I heard her screams. The call ended abruptly,” he said

“She normally wouldn’t tell us much about what was happening, but that day she was sharing her ordeal. While we were speaking, he got angry that she was telling me things and snatched the phone from her,” he recalled.

Barely five minutes later, Nikhil’s phone rang again. “He (Ankur) said, ‘Ye mar gayi hai. Hospital aajao’ (She is dead. Come to the hospital). We rushed there with police personnel. He and his family were already present. When I saw my sister… not even an enemy kills someone like this,” he said.

Ankur smashed Kajal’s head with a dumbbell. Her head was severely smashed, and she had several injuries across her body, according to her family members.

Kajal was four months pregnant and also had a one-and-a-half-year-old son. Her family alleged that she was harassed by her husband and in-laws over dowry.

The family alleged that the torture started within 15 days of marriage, with Ankur’s family demanding a car and dowry.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/mar-raha-hu-teri-behan-ko-delhi-swat-commandos-brother-heard-kajal-screaming-on-last-call-to-him-ws-l-9866159.html

An X post by 26-year-old Microsoft professional has gained attention for its honest advice on hard work, consistency and career growth.

An X post by a 26-year-old Microsoft employee has struck a chord with young professionals across India, particularly those at the start of their careers.

Nandini Sharma, who works at Microsoft, shared personal lessons from her early career, offering advice to people in their late teens and early twenties. Her post focused on hard work, consistency and the realities of corporate life.

In her message, Sharma said effort compounds over time, especially in the early years of a career. While people often talk about money compounding, she stressed that steady effort and consistency can be just as powerful in shaping long-term success.

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I’m 26 and i work at @Microsoft .

if you’re in your late teens or early 20s, here are a few things i wish someone told me earlier:

1. Hard work compound – espcially early.
People talk a lot about money compounding, but effort compounds too.

But Consistency changed…

— Nandani S (@TheDebugDiva) January 28, 2026

She described the early twenties as a major advantage, pointing out that young people have more time, energy and fewer responsibilities before work and family pressures increase. According to her, delaying personal growth only makes things harder later.

Sharma also highlighted that most people are too busy with their own lives to judge others as much as they think. She said this realisation gave her the confidence to take risks and work on skills she once feared pursuing.

Another key message in her post was that no one will “come to save you”. She said career growth does not come automatically from a degree, background or even a well-known company name.

Despite working at Microsoft, Sharma said she is still figuring out her career, fitness goals and sense of purpose. She added that she plans to document her journey openly.

Her post ended with a message of support for professionals from tier-2 and tier-3 cities working in IT and dreaming of more, telling them they are not alone.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/no-one-is-coming-to-save-you-microsoft-employees-honest-career-message-goes-viral-10907683?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

 

The decision follows rigorous provenance research that established that the sculptures of Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with Paravai had been illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples. The Indian government has agreed to place one of the sculptures on a long-term loan at the museum

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, United States, announced on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) that it would return three sculptures — of Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with Paravai — to the Government of India. The decision follows rigorous provenance research that established that they had been illegally removed from temple settings. The Indian government has agreed to place one of the sculptures on a long-term loan at the museum.

The Chola-period sculptures of the Nataraja from the 10th Century and the Somaskanda from the 12th Century and Saint Sundarar with Paravai from the Vijayanagara period (16th Century) exemplify the rich artistry of South Indian bronze casting. These sculptures were originally sacred objects, traditionally carried in temple processions. The Shiva Nataraja, which is to be given on a long-term loan, will be displayed as part of the exhibition, ‘The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas.’

Under a systematic review of its South Asian collections, the museum conducted a detailed investigation into the provenance of the three sculptures, scrutinising their transaction history. In 2023, in collaboration with the photo archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry (Institut Français de Pondichéry), museum researchers confirmed that the bronze sculptures had been photographed in temples in Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1959. The Archaeological Survey of India reviewed these findings and affirmed that they had been removed in violation of Indian laws.

“The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to stewarding cultural heritage responsibly and advancing transparency in our collection,” museum director Chase F. Robinson said in a statement released by the Smithsonian.

The museum and the Embassy of India are finalising arrangements to formally mark the agreement. The return was made possible by the National Museum of Asian Art’s dedicated provenance team and curators of South and Southeast Asian Art, with the support of the photo archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry and numerous organisations, and individuals worldwide.

“The decision of the Smithsonian Institution, US, to return the sculptures to Tamil Nadu marks a milestone in the international recovery of India’s stolen cultural heritage and stands as a clear validation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)-based recovery strategy pursued by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing [-CID]. We submitted documents and MLAT materials to the institution in 2022 during my tenure. The Somaskanda bronze is a 12th-Century Chola masterpiece, illicitly removed several decades ago from the Vishwanatha Swamy Temple at Alathur village in Thiruvarur district,” said K. Jayanth Murali, former Director-General of Police, Idol Wing-CID.

In 2017, heritage researcher and India Pride Project founder S. Vijay Kumar published detailed photographic matches using archival records from the French Institute of Pondicherry, conclusively linking all three bronzes — including the disputed Nataraja — to specific Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Despite the availability of this evidence, it has taken nearly eight years for institutional action to follow.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/smithsonian-museum-to-return-three-bronze-sculptures-to-india/article70565711.ece

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday refused to quash a first information report (FIR) filed against a man accused of trying to take photos of a woman while she was changing clothes in the trial room of a textile shop [Faisal Ulla Sharif @ Faisal Ulla Shariff v. State of Karnataka].

Justice M Nagaprasanna orally observed that if such incidents are taken lightly, no woman would be safe.

“The woman gets into a trial room and you shoot! How can any clothes store be safe for a woman if you go on shooting through the curtains? Case is of voyeurism. We will not spare such people. Even if an allegation comes that in the trial room, you have kept a camera… no woman is safe,” the judge said.

The case concerns an incident that is said to have occurred in 2024, when a 28-year-old woman went to buy clothes at a Jayanagar shop. The accused was charged with taking care of the shop.

After selecting some clothes, the woman entered the trial room to change her clothes, but noticed a small gap in the door. An investigation found that the accused was trying to take private photos of the girl while she was changing her clothes through this gap.

The accused was booked under Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) which punishes the offence of voyeurism. A chargesheet was and the case is pending before a trial court in Bengaluru.

The accused moved the High Court to quash the case.

His counsel denied the allegations against his client and urged the High Court to look at the investigation material (extract panchnama).

He added that this client was 19 years old at the time of the incident and that a chargesheet was already filed in the matter.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/no-woman-safe-karnataka-hc-denies-relief-to-man-accused-of-trying-to-take-photos-of-woman-changing-clothes

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a plea challenging its decision to keep the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules in abeyance following massive disruptions to airline services.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the counsel appearing for DGCA, Anajan Gosain, to obtain instructions in the matter by tomorrow (January 29).

“We will have it tomorrow. Please get your instructions,” the Bench said.

During the hearing, the Court also observed that the rules must be implemented as they have a direct nexus with the safety of the passengers.

“It has a direct link with the safety of the passengers… The regulator has provided some regulations. Unless it is challenged or there is some flaw, they need to enforce it. They have not been practically followed… They must be implemented,” the Court remarked.

The Bench made the observations while dealing with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Sabari Roy Lenka and other litigants challenging the DGCA decision to keep the rules in abeyance.

It is the petitioner’s case that the DGCA does not have the authority to keep the rules in abeyance and, therefore, the rules must come into force.

The DGCA introduced the revised norms in 2025 to improve safety by limiting pilot duty hours, increasing rest periods, and reducing night landings, aligning with global fatigue-risk standards.

However, when these stricter rules took effect, IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, struggled to comply, triggering widespread flight cancellations and delays in December 2025. To reduce passenger disruption, the DGCA placed the new FDTL rules in abeyance temporarily and granted exemptions until early February 2026 while airlines adjust.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/must-be-implemented-delhi-high-court-seeks-dgca-response-on-plea-to-unpause-pilot-fatigue-regulations

Gurlal Singh Brar, the cousin of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar, was shot dead in Chandigarh in 2020.

One of the accused in the 2020 murder of a cousin of gangster Goldy Brar was shot dead by two unidentified assailants near the senior superintendent of police’s office in Punjab’s Mohali on Wednesday, police said.

The Mohali police booked foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar in connection with the murder of Gurwinder Singh alias Lambbad, who had come to a court along with his wife for a hearing in an opium recovery case when the assailants fired several rounds at him, killing him on the spot, they said Gurwinder’s wife said in her complaint that he had been receiving threats from Goldy Brar.

Gurwinder was a resident of Rurki Pukhta village in Mohali’s Sadar Kharar area.

After attending the court hearing, when Gurwinder reached near his car along with his wife, an assailant, who was already present near the vehicle, fired multiple shots at him and fled from the spot.

The police said the incident occurred at around 3 pm when Guwinder was opening the boot of his car parked on the road.

Meanwhile, in an unverified post on social media, gangsters Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara and Vicky Pehlwan claimed responsibility for the killing of Gurwinder while citing his alleged involvement in the murder of Gurlal Singh Brar.

Gurlal Singh Brar, the cousin of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar, was shot dead in Chandigarh in 2020.

An unverified audio clip doing the rounds on social media purportedly features Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for Gurwinder’s murder and issuing threats in the wake of his parents’ arrest.

Addressing the state government, the speaker said, “If you have the courage, be fair and face things head-on. You and your agencies used your might but failed to catch me, and now you have arrested my elderly parents from Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). Do you think you can scare us? We are not afraid.” He warned that governments are temporary and officials in Punjab are confined to the state, but his network is global.

“Governments come and go. The children of all leaders and police officers are settled abroad. You are limited to Punjab, but we are in the entire world. If you do anything unfair, then we will do the same,” the speaker said.

The parents of Goldy Brar were arrested recently in a 2024 extortion case.

Earlier, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Rupnagar Range, Nanak Singh, said Gurwinder had come for a hearing in a 4 kg opium recovery case and was on bail in this matter.

Singh said Gurwinder had a criminal background and had been named in the Gurlal Brar murder case. “This angle is also being examined,” he said.

An eyewitness to the fatal shooting said he initially thought a car tyre had burst. But then he saw a man, “wearing a cap and having a fair complexion”, firing multiple rounds at a point-blank range.

The assailant’s other accomplice was waiting for him at some distance on a bike, said the eyewitness, who is an advocate by profession.

“We are investigating the matter. We assure you that soon the assailants will be caught. We have leads, and we have information on who got it done. We are working on it,” the DIG told reporters.

“Multiple teams have been constituted for technical analysis, scientific investigation, and human intelligence to trace and arrest the accused at the earliest,” DIG Singh said.

The DIG informed that based on the statement of the deceased’s wife, a case under Sections 103(1) (murder), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sohana against Goldy Brar.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/accused-in-murder-case-of-gangster-goldy-brars-cousin-shot-dead-in-punjabs-mohali-10903231?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The Prime Minister underlined that rising air connectivity would also boost tourism, with upgraded destinations and growing preference for air travel creating fresh investment opportunities. He said demand for air travel is set to grow at an unprecedented pace in the coming years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India’s aviation sector has undergone a historic transformation over the past decade, emerging as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, driven by sustained policy focus, rapid airport expansion and efforts to make air travel affordable and inclusive.

Addressing the Wings India 2026 programme in Hyderabad via video conferencing, Modi said the government’s long-term vision had transformed air travel from an “exclusive club” into a mass mode of transport. He noted that passenger traffic has surged, and Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,500 aircraft in recent years, reflecting strong growth prospects.

The Prime Minister said India had just 70 airports in 2014, a number that has since risen to over 160, with more than 100 aerodromes activated across the country. He said the UDAN scheme had played a key role in connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, enabling affordable regional air travel. Around 1.5 crore passengers, he said, have travelled on UDAN routes, many of which did not exist earlier.

Looking ahead, Modi said India’s air connectivity is expected to expand sharply as the country moves towards becoming a developed nation. By 2047, India is projected to have more than 400 airports. He added that the government is working on the next phase of the UDAN scheme to further strengthen regional connectivity and expand seaplane operations, ensuring access to even remote regions.

The Prime Minister underlined that rising air connectivity would also boost tourism, with upgraded destinations and growing preference for air travel creating fresh investment opportunities. He said demand for air travel is set to grow at an unprecedented pace in the coming years.

PM Modi also stressed the need for self-reliance in aviation, highlighting the government’s push to reduce dependence on imports. India, he said, is already a major manufacturer and supplier of aircraft components and has begun producing military and transport aircraft domestically, while progressing towards civil aircraft manufacturing. He pointed to India’s strategic location along global air corridors, a strong domestic feeder network and expanding long-haul fleets as key advantages.

The Prime Minister said India is also working on emerging technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel, with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green aviation fuel. He added that ongoing reforms are positioning India as a key aviation gateway between the Global South and the world.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-highlights-aviation-sector-boom-govt-aiming-400-airports-2047-wings-india-2859324-2026-01-28

President Murmu lauded the Union government’s efforts in creating employment, poverty alleviation and increasing farmers’ incomes.

Amid global challenges, India has emerged as a bridge and has amplified the voice of the global south, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday as she hailed the country’s progress and the Union government’s resolve to meet the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India). The goal, she said, is not limited to any one government or generation, but will be achieved with the collective efforts of the government, Parliament, and people.

“In the past 11 years, the economic foundation of the country has become very strong. Despite various kinds of crises in the world, India has remained the fastest-growing major economy in the world,” she said.

Addressing a joint session of lawmakers at the beginning of Parliament’s budget session, Murmu asked elected representatives to take a unified stand on issues of national interest, as it will give new energy to the country’s efforts towards progress.

The opposition members briefly raised slogans, demanding the rollback of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G, when Murmu referred to the scheme that replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Murmu recalled BR Ambedkar’s stance on social justice and said he consistently emphasised equality and social justice, the two values that are enshrined in the Constitution. “Every citizen of the country should get their full rights without any discrimination. My government is committed to true social justice.”

She quoted Rabindranath Tagore to buttress the importance of self-reliance and said true independence requires economic and social self-sufficiency. The government’s “Make in India” campaign, she said, has ensured a global market for Indian-made products, and the focus is now on strengthening domestic manufacturing and innovation.

Murmu lauded the Union government’s efforts in creating employment, poverty alleviation and increasing farmers’ incomes. She noted India’s foreign policy and its stance of non-alignment and balance make other countries have faith in her.

She said the government is working to ensure equity and development of those at the margins. “After independence, India’s progress moved faster in certain cities and regions. A very large part of the country and a vast population did not receive adequate infrastructure. My government is turning the potential of backward regions and deprived populations into the driving energy of a developed India.”

Murmu credited government policies and interventions for poverty alleviation. She added that millions of families got amenities such as clean piped water and gas connections through schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjawala Yojna.

“India is the fastest-growing major economy, despite the problems world over. And the direct beneficiaries of this are the middle class and the poor families…95 crore Indians have social security,” she said.

Murmu mentioned India’s military prowess and Operation Sindoor, the military response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April last year. “Operation Sindoor showcased the bravery of the Indian armed forces,” she said. “Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has taught us ‘bhay kahu ko det nay, nay bhay manat aan’, that is, we should neither instill fear in others nor live in fear of others…It is only with this spirit of fearlessness that the security of the nation can be ensured. India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and prudence. The world has witnessed the valour and prowess of the Indian Defence Forces during Operation Sindoor.”

Murmu also referred to India’s decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack. She highlighted the crackdown on Left-wing terrorism and said Mission Sudarshan Chakra is in progress to further strengthen the nation’s defence systems. “In line with the policy of my government, security forces have also acted decisively against Maoist terror. For years, there has been an atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and distrust in 126 districts of the country.”

Murmu said Maoist ideology pushed the future of many generations into darkness. “Our youth, tribals, and Dalit brothers and sisters were among the most affected. Today, the challenge of Maoist terror has been reduced to just eight districts from 126 districts.”

She said Maoists surrendering their weapons and breaking away from the ideology have brought back peace to the lives of tens of thousands of citizens. “The government is ensuring a normal and dignified life for those who have joined the mainstream after laying down arms.”

Murmu underlined the government’s renewed push for zero tolerance towards terrorism. She said the government’s response to attacks will remain strong and decisive.

Murmu said the free trade agreement signed with the European Union will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the youth. “…The government is moving forward on the path of ‘Reforms Express’. Old rules and provisions are being updated continuously according to future needs.”

Murmu referred to Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform and said it ensured savings of one lakh crore rupees. “Following the reduction in GST, in 2025, registrations of two-wheelers have crossed the mark of two crore, which is a new record in itself,” she said.

She said the world is going through a phase of complexities. “Long-standing global equations are also undergoing change. Uncertainties arising from ongoing conflicts have also strained global stability and the economy. Even amid these challenging circumstances, India continues to move ahead rapidly on the path of development. Behind this success lies the balanced foreign policy and far-sighted vision of my government.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-emerged-as-bridge-amplified-global-south-voice-droupadi-murmu-101769591220025.html

 

While they were later declared a hoax, the threats are still being assessed with a cyber team carrying out a technical examination of the emails.

At least 13 private schools in the city received bomb threat emails, briefly causing panic in parts of the city. However, police dismissed the threats as hoaxes after conducting sweeping security checks.

According to the district administration, the emails were received by schools across different parts of the city at around 7:08 am.

In response, police teams, including, bomb detection and disposal squads, sniffer dogs and quick response units, were rushed to the schools, the premises were thoroughly checked, officials said.

“Upon receiving the information, security protocols were immediately activated. The State Disaster Response Force also assisted in sanitisation operations,” an official said.

While they were later declared a hoax, the threats are still being assessed with a cyber team carrying out a technical examination of the emails.

While police did not disclose the names of all the schools, the emails, sent in batches to schools and seen by HT, showed that Pathways Schools on Faridabad – Gurgaon Rd, Shalom Hills International School in Sushant Lok Phase I, Sherwood Convent School in Sector 25, Euro International School in Sector 109, Kunskapsskolan School in DLF Phase 1, Vega Schools in Sector 48, GEMS International School in Palam Vihar, as well as Manav Rachna in the neighbouring district of Faridabad were among those that received the email.

The administrations of the other schools asked for the institutions not to be named.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP – south) Hitesh Yadav said that six schools in the southern zone received the threat from the same sender at the same time.

Officials said all standard safety protocols, including evacuation, sanitisation and combing of school premises were followed.

In several schools, students were evacuated, bus services were suspended, and parents were asked to pick the students from designated bus stops.

A senior official of a school in Sector 57 said, “Students were under constant supervision.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/13-schools-in-gurugram-receive-bomb-threat-emails-later-dismissed-as-hoax-101769649303375.html

 

TDP Lok Sabha floor leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu made the demand at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government, a day ahead of the Budget Session.

NDA ally TDP on Tuesday asked the government to brief the Parliament about the recently concluded Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs) and negotiations with the United States.

TDP Lok Sabha floor leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu made the demand at the customary all-party meeting convened by the government, a day ahead of the Budget Session.

Devarayalu said it is important for the government to brief the Parliament about the FTAs concluded by India in the recent past, including the one with the European Union (EU) as well as the trade negotiations with the US in the midst of President Donald Trump’s new tariff regime.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nda-ally-tdp-asks-govt-to-brief-parliament-about-negotiations-with-us-3876642

Punjab Police arrested Shamsher Singh and Pritpal Kaur, parents of fugitive terrorist Goldy Brar, in a 2024 Muktsar extortion case. The arrest forms part of a crackdown on gangsters and terrorists. Goldy, a prime accused in Sidhu Moosewala’s 2022 murder, is a designated terrorist suspected to be in Canada or the US since 2017.

Punjab police have arrested the parents of foreign-based fugitive terrorist Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar in an extortion case registered in Muktsar district two years ago.

Goldy, a designated terrorist, is also a wanted absconder and one of the prime accused in the 2022 murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

The arrest in the case registered in 2024 came during the ongoing crackdown against gangsters and terrorists and their networks on Monday. According to police, Goldy’s father Shamsher Singh and mother Pritpal Kaur, natives of Faridkot district, were caught from a hotel in Amritsar on Monday and taken on a day’s police remand. The police presented them before court on Tuesday which granted police three more days’ remand.

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Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab: Gangster Goldy Brar’s parents were brought to court by Sadar Police and are set to be produced before the court. pic.twitter.com/bqU3xyEALd

— IANS (@ians_india) January 27, 2026

Pertinently, Shamsher Singh, who was a former assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Punjab police, was compulsorily retired from service in 2021 for “surviving on proceeds of crime’’ – money collected from extortion money. The 2024 extortion case pertained to the death threats and a ransom demand of Rs 50 lakh to a Muktsar school teacher.

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Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab: Goldy Brar’s father’s lawyer, Babu Singh Sidhu, says, “… This case has been registered by Satnam Singh, son of Hardev Singh, under the Education Act. On 17-11-2024, someone called from an unknown number and demanded Rs. 50,000. However, he did not… pic.twitter.com/WsKLzfmKab

— IANS (@ians_india) January 27, 2026

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-police-arrest-terrorist-goldy-brars-parents-in-extortion-case 

 

An avalanche struck the Sonamarg tourist area in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district around 10.12 pm on Tuesday, with CCTV visuals showing heavy snow sweeping through the region. Officials confirmed no casualties were reported, crediting timely warnings and precautionary measures. The incident comes amid continuous snowfall across the Valley, which has raised avalanche risks.

An avalanche struck the Sonamarg tourist area in Jammu and Kashmir late on Tuesday night, with CCTV cameras capturing the dramatic moment heavy snow swept through the region and covered nearby structures. Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.

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More CCTV visuals received from locals, as per initial info all are safe and no damage is reported https://t.co/XEwLe9o9tQ pic.twitter.com/jVBKaUb3UJ

— Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) January 27, 2026

According to authorities, the avalanche occurred at around 10.12 pm in Sonamarg, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The visuals show a sudden surge of snow cascading down the slope and engulfing parts of the area within seconds, underlining the intensity of the event.

No Casualties Reported Due To Avalanche

Despite the scale of the avalanche seen in the footage, officials said timely precautionary measures helped prevent any loss of life. Warnings had been issued a day earlier, alerting residents and tourists about the possibility of high-risk avalanches in the district amid continuous snowfall.

Sonamarg, along with several other parts of the Kashmir Valley, has been witnessing moderate to heavy snowfall over the past 24 hours, increasing the likelihood of avalanches. Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam have also received heavy snow, transforming the region into a winter landscape while triggering widespread disruption.

Jammu–Srinagar National Highway Due To Heavy Snowfall

The snowfall severely affected connectivity across the Valley. The Jammu–Srinagar national highway was closed due to snow accumulation along the Qazigund–Banihal stretch, with traffic suspended as clearance operations continued.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/sonmarg-avalanche-video-cctv-footage-shows-exact-moment-when-heavy-snow-swept-through-jks-ganderbal

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a “double engine” growth strategy during the signing of a significant free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched a “double engine” growth strategy amid what he described as turmoil in the global environment, as India and the European Union signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA). Addressing the India–EU Business Forum, Modi said the partnership between the two sides would help bring stability to the global economic order.

Calling the pact the “biggest free trade agreement in India’s history,” Modi described it as a blueprint for shared prosperity. He said the alignment between India and the EU was built on common values as market economies, shared priorities for global stability, and strong people-to-people ties. “On this foundation, we are taking our partnership to new heights,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of existing economic ties, the prime minister noted that India–EU trade has doubled over the past decade to €180 billion. More than 6,000 European companies operate in India, with EU investments exceeding €120 billion, while around 1,500 Indian companies are present across the EU. Indian investments in Europe, he added, have reached nearly €40 billion.

Modi said cooperation between Indian and European firms now spans sectors such as research and development, manufacturing, and services. He urged businesses on both sides to transform the economic relationship into a “whole-of-society partnership,” adding that the newly finalised comprehensive FTA would accelerate this shift.

Detailing the sectoral impact of the agreement, Modi said it would provide easier access to EU markets for India’s labour-intensive exports, including textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, and engineering goods. Agricultural and marine products—such as fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and seafood—would also see new opportunities, directly benefiting farmers and fishermen.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/global-turmoil-calls-for-stability-pm-modi-makes-double-engine-growth-pitch-after-historic-indiaeu-fta-article-153515652

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s Republic Day wishes drew attention due to a mistranslation by Grok AI on the platform X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s wish on India’s 77th Republic Day came under users’ attention after many found that Grok, the integrated Artificial Intelligence assistance on microblogging site X, had wrongly translated PM’s post.

President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday expressed his wishes on India’s 77th Republic Day, saying the day strongly signifies the commitment of the people of India to uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, and good governance.

“Warmest greetings and best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi, the government, and the friendly people of India as they celebrate their 77th Republic Day,” Muizzu said.

“This day strongly signifies the commitment of the people of India to uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, and good governance. The Maldives wishes to continue our work together to strengthen our excellent ties that have immensely benefited the welfare of the people of both countries,” the Maldivian President added.

Acknowledging Muizzu’s message, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Maldivian President, saying the two nations will continue to advance the work for the benefit of citizens.

“Thank you, President Muizzu. On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, I gratefully accept the warm congratulations and best wishes that you have extended, with respect and esteem. We will continue to advance the work we are doing together for the benefit of the citizens of both nations. I wish all Maldivian citizens a future filled with happy and prosperous days ahead,” said the Grok AI translated PM Modi’s post on X.

However, the same post of PM Modi sent out a completely different message when it was earlier translated by Grok AI.

The victim, who lives with her parents and three siblings, is now stable and recovering at home, officials aware of the matter said.

A six-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three boys, aged 10, 13, and 14, in northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura on January 18, police said on Tuesday. Two of the accused have been apprehended, while the third boy and his family are missing, officials said.

The victim, who lives with her parents and three siblings, is now stable and recovering at home, officials aware of the matter said.

According to the girl’s mother, the incident occurred around 7pm on January 18. The child returned home bleeding heavily and initially claimed she had fallen.

“She was bleeding heavily. She fell unconscious. I poured water on her face and woke her up. When I asked her what happened, she said that she fell. Meanwhile, our next-door neighbour – a 13-year-old boy – came running behind her and echoed her story,” the mother said.

After persistent questioning, the girl confided that the 13-year-old neighbour and two other boys – all known to the family – had assaulted her after luring her with an offer of food.

According to the family, the girl had stepped out with her father shortly before the attack. He had dropped her at the entrance of their lane after buying her candy. “The boys caught her there and lured her by offering to feed her chowmein. They then took her to a nearby empty two-story building where the assault occurred. The girl told us that her hands were tied and her mouth gagged,” the mother told HT.

A police officer aware of the case details, who asked not to be identified, confirmed that the girl shared these details with the police as well.

After the assault, the boys threatened her to stay silent.

When she reached home, and her mother learnt what had happened, they immediately rushed to Jafrabad police station, and she was subsequently treated at Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital.

A medical report reviewed by HT noted the girl was “unable to walk” and was bleeding. Tests for HIV and other conditions were advised.

When HT visited the house on Tuesday, the girl remained bedridden. “It pains if she sits and she starts bleeding if she walks or plays,” her mother said.

Police have transferred the case to Bhajanpura Police Station, in the area which the incident took place.

“The girl told us where the alleged incident took place. Investigators visited the building and reported finding blood; forensic evidence was collected,” said the officer cited above.

On January 19, the 10- and 13-year-olds were apprehended. Both were produced before the Child Welfare Committee. The 14-year-old suspect and his family are absconding.

The mother identified the 13-year-old as a neighbour and the other two as friends of her late son, who died last year. “My 14-year-old son died last year due to an illness. These boys were his friends and they used to play together. It’s shocking what they did to my daughter,” she said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unable-to-walk-6-year-old-gang-raped-by-three-boys-aged-10-to-14-in-northeast-delhi-bhajanpura-101769562709175.html

 

Students protested outside the UGC office in Delhi against the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, calling them discriminatory. Two writ petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, arguing that the rules exclude open-category students from equity committees. The issue has also triggered political resignations and demands for clarification from ABVP.

On Tuesday, the students flocked to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) office in New Delhi over the recently released (Promotion of Equity in higher educational institute) 2026 regulation, tagging it as discriminatory. The new notification replaces its framework from 2012.

The regulation was released to bring harmony on the campuses of higher educational institutes, and bring their attention to the caste-based discrimination.

The regulations is a complete rulebook that the institutes are mandated to follow. Institutes are required to set up an equity committee consisting of members from the scheduled tribe (ST), scheduled class (SC), people with disabilities (PwD), women and other backward classes (OBC). The petition is based on the clause, as it consists of students of all the categories except for the students from the open category.

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#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | Students protest in front of Lucknow University against the UGC policies. pic.twitter.com/ic8iJE8jIG

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2026

Two writ petitions were filed in the supreme court over the issue.

The first writ petition has been filed by Mrityunjay Tiwari, a post-doctoral researcher at Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, assailing the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. A second petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday by advocate Vineet Jindal, challenging the constitutional validity of Regulation 3(c) of the 2026 regulations.

The petition argues that restricting the definition of “caste-based discrimination” exclusively to SC, ST and OBC communities denies equal protection of law and amounts to impermissible State discrimination.

The issue has also created a crack in the Bharatiya Janata Party, as Bareilly city magistrate resigned on Monday citing his dissatisfaction with the UGC regulations, even as several BJP workers in Lucknow also stepped down from the party over the issue.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is a Rastriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) affiliated organisation of students also demanded for clarification. In a statement, they have stated, “UGC’s ‘Promotion of Equity in HEIs Regulations, 2026’ is well-Intentioned, but Requires Clarity and Balance.”

Certain provisions and terminologies within these regulations have sparked ambiguity and misconceptions among society, students, and parents. ABVP urges the UGC to take immediate cognizance of these concerns and issue clarifications to prevent any divisive situations. Furthermore, as the matter is currently sub-judice, ABVP believes that UGC should promptly file an affidavit in court to clarify its stance.

ABVP’s National General Secretary Virendra Singh Solanki, stated “Ensuring harmony and equality within academic campuses is mandatory, a cause for which ABVP has always remained committed. There must be social equality for all sections of society in educational institutions, with no room for discrimination of any kind. However, there are prevailing misconceptions regarding these regulations among students, parents, and stakeholders. The UGC must engage in a dialogue with all stakeholders involved and provide immediate clarifications to dispel these doubts. Collective efforts from all sections of society are necessary to strengthen democratic values and ensure a discrimination-free environment for every student.”

“If there are members from all the categories except the open category, then it is discrimination against them,” said a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (Mumbai).

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/ugc-2026-regulation-faces-legal-student-political-pushback

 

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi declared that the party aims to eclipse its 2011 Assembly election victory, citing growing public anger against the BJP and strong Opposition momentum. Speaking at rallies in Bongaigaon, Gogoi criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s governance and highlighted people’s support for a united Opposition and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Setting an aggressive tone for the 2026 Assembly elections, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday declared that the Congress is poised to surpass its historic 2011 landslide victory, citing widespread public anger against the BJP government and growing momentum for the Opposition across the state.

Addressing reporters after a Congress pre-election rally in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district, Gogoi said the party is witnessing an unprecedented surge of support cutting across regions and communities.

“There is a tsunami in Upper Assam. We will cross the finish line in Lower Assam, and we will perform strongly in Central Assam and the Barak Valley as well. In 2026, Congress will break the 2011 result,” Gogoi asserted.

In the 2011 Assembly elections, Congress had secured 78 seats with a 39.39 per cent vote share, while the AIUDF won 18 seats, AGP 10 seats and BJP was reduced to just five seats — a result Gogoi said would now be “eclipsed by a stronger mandate.”

Gogoi said discussions with alliance partners were progressing smoothly and that public response to a united Opposition platform had been overwhelmingly positive, even though formal seat-sharing arrangements are yet to be finalised.

“People feel hopeful when we talk about unity. Wherever we have raised our voice against injustice, people have stood firmly with us,” he said.

Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused him of ruling through fear and institutional misuse. Speaking later at a Mandal Convention, he alleged that Sarma survives politically by exploiting the Home Department and police machinery.

“Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most fearful political leader Assam has ever seen. The day BJP starts declining, he will be the first to jump ship,” Gogoi claimed, drawing loud applause from Congress workers.

He also took aim at BJP’s allies, particularly the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), calling it a party that has steadily weakened despite remaining in power.

“Only two or three leaders have benefited. By staying with BJP, AGP has lost its relevance. Regional parties will gain strength with Congress, not by clinging to BJP,” Gogoi said.

Referring to recent political controversies, Gogoi accused the BJP of diverting attention through identity and religious politics while ignoring real issues affecting people.

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#WATCH | Guwahati | Congress MP & Assam Congress President, Gaurav Gogoi says,” The protocol to be followed towards Leader of Opposition during Republic Day event could not be seen yesterday. This has happened repeatedly. Only PM Modi can answer – Why he disregards the… pic.twitter.com/y2YKf40c3v

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2026

Defending Rahul Gandhi against allegations of disregarding the Northeast, Gogoi said the Congress leader had personally visited Assam and paid tribute to cultural icon Zubeen Garg, unlike the Prime Minister, who he said failed to meet the family despite multiple visits to the state.

“People must judge who truly respects Assam and who only uses it for political optics,” he said.

Speaking emotionally about public support for Zubeen Garg, Gogoi added, “Lakhs came out to stand with him. If we abandon his family now, we lose the moral right to call ourselves his followers.”

Highlighting recent electoral battles, Gogoi said the Congress victory in Jorhat during the Lok Sabha elections, despite the BJP deploying its full political machinery, proved that the people of Assam value dignity and self-respect over money and power.

“After Jorhat, Congress will perform strongly in Dibrugarh, Kaziranga, Karbi Anglong and Lakhimpur as well,” he claimed.

Calling Rahul Gandhi a “fearless and truthful leader,” Gogoi said the Bharat Jodo Yatra had rekindled hope across the country.

“When Congress forms the next government in Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma will have to answer for his actions. That is why he is afraid,” he said.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/tsunami-against-bjp-gaurav-gogoi-says-congress-will-shatter-2011-landslide-in-assam-2026-polls

 

Rival Shiv Sena factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray have formed a local alliance in Solapur’s Barshi to consolidate anti-BJP votes ahead of upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

Rival Shiv Sena factions led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray have come together to contest the Zilla Parishad elections in Barshi taluka of Solapur district, signalling rare unity ahead of the local body polls.

The alliance has been formed to counter the BJP’s growing influence in the region. It brings together the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. The development was confirmed by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Barshi, Dilip Sopal, who also appealed to party workers to mobilise in large numbers for an upcoming rally.

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the party leadership was not fully briefed about the local-level developments. He said that while there were indications of anti-BJP forces coming together in Barshi, detailed information was still being gathered, and even party chief Uddhav Thackeray was not fully aware of the arrangements.

The Barshi alliance has taken shape against the backdrop of the BJP’s strong recent performance in Solapur district. Following the municipal council election results, the BJP has seen a surge in defections. The party also emerged as the largest party in around 21 of the 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra.

In Barshi, the BJP registered a landslide 18–0 victory in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee elections two months ago and secured control of the municipal council by winning 23 of 42 seats, along with the post of municipal council president.

Former BJP MLA Rajendra Raut, considered close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, continues to lead the BJP front in Barshi. In the last municipal elections, Raut had tactically aligned with Eknath Shinde, but Shinde’s candidates were denied seats, with BJP-backed candidates contesting on the bow-and-arrow symbol. This reportedly caused dissatisfaction among Shinde Sena workers.

To manage cadre discontent and consolidate anti-BJP votes ahead of the Zilla Parishad polls, Dilip Sopal stitched together the multi-party alliance well before the elections. Under the seat-sharing arrangement, Ajit Pawar’s NCP has been allotted three Zilla Parishad seats and eight Panchayat Samiti seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has been given two Zilla Parishad seats and four Panchayat Samiti seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) has been allotted one Zilla Parishad seat. Barshi has a total of six Zilla Parishad constituencies and twelve Panchayat Samiti groups.

Notably, only one Zilla Parishad seat will see a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate contesting on the party’s ‘Mashal’ symbol. In the remaining seats, the two NCP factions will contest on the ‘clock’ and ‘trumpet’ symbols, while the Shinde Sena will fight on the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol. Despite different symbols, the parties have arrived at a pre-poll understanding to jointly oppose the BJP.

The Barshi developments follow renewed calls for unity between the two Shiv Sena factions at the state level. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav recently urged Eknath Shinde to support the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena in the BMC elections, invoking Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy and his dream of a Sena mayor in Mumbai. Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav also appealed for Sena reunification, citing the example of the Pawar family factions coming together.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/zilla-parishad-elections-in-barshi-shinde-uddhav-factions-come-together-in-solapur-to-challenge-bjp-2858744-2026-01-28

Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh’s elder brother has alleged that his brother used a fake disability certificate to secure a government job, and has insisted that his resignation might be an attempt to evade investigation and possible recovery.

A complaint alleging the use of a fake disability certificate to secure a government job has been lodged against Ayodhya Deputy Commissioner (GST) Prashant Kumar Singh. The complaint has been filed by his elder brother, Dr. Vishwajeet Singh, prompting the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Mau, to initiate a formal enquiry into the matter.

The development comes a day after Prashant Kumar Singh submitted his resignation to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday. In his resignation, Singh said he was resigning in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Adityanath, saying that he was “deeply hurt” by what he described as “baseless allegations” made by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.

Singh’s resignation closely followed the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who resigned on the Republic Day, citing the alleged mistreatment of Shankaracharya’s disciples during the Magh Mela and opposing the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. Agnihotri was later suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government.

According to Dr. Vishwajeet Singh, he had first raised concerns in 2021, alleging that his younger brother had secured his government appointment using a forged disability certificate. He claimed that on August 20, 2021, he formally requested a re-examination of the certificate. “He was called twice to appear before the medical board, but he did not present himself for examination,” Dr. Singh alleged.

In another letter to the CMO, Mau, Dr. Vishwajeet Singh urged a renewed investigation into the authenticity of the disability certificate. He has also suggested that the resignation could be an attempt to avoid scrutiny and possible recovery proceedings. “Resigning from the post of Deputy Commissioner (GST) is just a drama to avoid investigation and potential recovery,” he said, adding that the eye condition cited in the certificate allegedly does not typically occur in individuals under 50 years of age.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-gst-deputy-commissioner-used-fake-disability-certificate-for-securing-government-job-alleges-brother-2858736-2026-01-28

PM Narendra Modi said, “India-EU will provide stability to the world order…India-EU cooperation is a partnership for global good…”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the India-EU free trade agreement is a blueprint for shared prosperity for the global good and will provide stability at a time when the world order is witnessing turmoil.

“This is not just a trade agreement. This is a new blueprint for shared prosperity,” Modi said, adding that India has concluded the largest free trade agreement in its history.

Modi was speaking at a joint press meet with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU free trade agreement.

Noting that there is turmoil in the global environment, Modi said, “India-EU will provide stability to the world order…India-EU cooperation is a partnership for global good”.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/high-end-cars-to-medicines-india-eu-fta-will-make-these-items-cheaper-ws-l-9859422.html

 

Shakeel Ahmad, a three-time MLA and a two-term MP from Bihar, had called Rahul Gandhi a ‘darpok’ (coward) and an insecure leader.

Former Congress MP Shakeel Ahmad on Monday claimed threats to his life, days after he called senior leader Rahul Gandhi a ‘darpok’ (coward) and an insecure politician.

Ahmad, a three-time MLA and a two-term MP from Bihar, said that he has been “secretly informed” by his Congress colleagues that the national leadership of the party has issued orders to “carry out an attack” at his residences in Patna and Madhubani on Tuesday on the pretext of burning his effigies.

“This is against the principles of democracy,” he wrote on X.

In a separate post, he also shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp group chat in which a person had asked other group members to burn Ahmad’s effigies for speaking against Rahul Gandhi.

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अब तो मेरी जानकारी बिल्कुल सही साबित हुई। काँग्रेस के पुराने साथियों का बहुत धन्यवाद।
हमारे बिहार में एक कहावत कि
पुराने दोस्त ही काम आते हैं।
क्या यह राहुल जी के आदेश के बिना हो रहा है? pic.twitter.com/qtgBCemfH4

— Dr Shakeel Ahmad (@Ahmad_Shakeel) January 26, 2026

Speaking to NDTV on Tuesday, Ahmad said that he received multiple phone calls from his “friends” in Congress, who told him that the party workers have been told to attack him.

He said that his opinion can be wrong, but he has “every right to express it.”

The former Union minister and ex-general secretary of the Congress also said that it was “very obvious” that Gandhi was behind the “order”.

Last Saturday, Ahmad had called Gandhi a ‘darpok’ (coward) and claimed that he is only promoting young leaders who sing his paeans in the party.

Ahmad, who quit the Congress after the Bihar assembly elections in 2025, said Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, finds himself uncomfortable in the presence of senior leaders who have a public standing.

He also called Gandhi “dictatorial” and “non-democratic” and claimed he does not listen to senior colleagues in the Congress.

He also slammed Gandhi for losing the Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh when he was the Congress president and said that he could not even win the seat once nurtured by his forefathers and family due to his attitude.

“Rahul Gandhi is a coward and an insecure person. He does not get that ‘boss feeling’ before anyone who is senior to him or has a big public support. He is uncomfortable with any such person and is thus dictatorial and not democratic,” Ahmad told the news agency PTI.

The BJP seized on Ahmad’s remarks and said that he has “exposed” Gandhi.

“Shakeel Ahmad has exposed Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi keeps showing that he is the most tolerant and democratic person, but the reality is something else. He is the most dictatorial person and has the same Emergency-mindset that Indira Gandhi had,” BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said.

Congress Calls Shakeel Ahmad Betrayer, ‘Jaichand’

Congress leader Manickam Tagore hit back at Shakeel Ahmad for his remarks against Rahul Gandhi and called him a ‘betrayer’ and a ‘Jaichand’.

“I am not shocked. Just saddened, yet again, by how betrayal becomes loud when courage walks the longest road,” Tagore said in a post on X on Sunday.

He said at a time when the Congress needed unity, voices like Shakeel Ahmad have chosen to attack the very leader who walked over 4,000 kilometres to “defeat hate and spread love”, and 6,000 kilometres through the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to “reconnect India with justice and dignity”.

“Let’s be clear: These attacks are not about ideology or concern. They are about TV time, relevance, and pleasing new masters. This is not new, but this is a new batch of betrayers. Some are ministers in the Modi government, some MPs, one even a present CM (chief minister), many jobless who crossed over. Welcome to the 2026 batch of Jayachands,” Tagore, the Congress’ whip in Lok Sabha, said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ex-congress-leader-shakeel-ahmad-claims-threat-to-life-after-calling-rahul-gandhi-darpok-10890173?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

India tore into Pakistan at the UNSC, accusing it of spreading falsehoods, sponsoring terrorism, violating the Indus Waters Treaty, and misrepresenting India’s actions on Pahalgam.

India mounted a sharp and wide-ranging rebuttal against Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, with Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish accusing Islamabad of spreading falsehoods, attempting to legitimise terrorism, and repeatedly violating international commitments.

Speaking at the UNSC, Harish said he was replying to “the comments of the representative of Pakistan, an elected member of the Security Council, which has a single-point agenda to harm my country and my people.”

He rejected Pakistan’s version of events surrounding India’s military actions last year, stating that the envoy had advanced a “false and self-serving account.”

Referring to the April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Harish told the Council, “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians in a brutal attack.”

“This August body itself called for holding the perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and brought to justice. That is exactly what we did.”

He stressed that India’s response was limited and targeted.

“India’s actions were measured, non-escalatory and responsible, and focused on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists,” he said, adding that Pakistan had continued to issue threats until early May.

“Till 9th of May, Pakistan was threatening more attacks on India. But on the 10th of May, the Pakistani military called our military directly and pleaded for a cessation to the fighting.”

Harish claimed that Indian operations had inflicted visible damage on Pakistani facilities, noting that “the destruction caused to multiple Pakistani air bases by the Indian operation, including images of destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars, are in the public domain.”

Taking aim at Pakistan’s rhetoric about a “new normal,” the Indian envoy was blunt, “Let me reiterate again that terrorism can never be normalised as Pakistan wishes to do. It is not normal to tolerate Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.”

“This hallowed chamber cannot become a forum for Pakistan to legitimise terrorism,” he added.

He said that India would do “whatever is required to protect and ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”

Harish also rejected Pakistan’s comments on Kashmir, asserting that “Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India,” and reiterating that “the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”

On the Indus Waters Treaty, he said India had signed the agreement “65 years ago in good faith, in a spirit of goodwill and friendship,” but accused Pakistan of undermining it through conflict and terrorism.

“Throughout the six and a half decades, Pakistan has violated the spirit of the treaty by inflicting three wars and thousands of terror attacks on India. Thousands of Indian lives have been lost in Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks,” he said.

India was therefore compelled to place the treaty in abeyance “until Pakistan, a global epicentre of terror, credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border and all other forms of terrorism,” he said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-slams-pakistan-united-nations-security-general-unsc-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-attack-cross-border-terrorism-ws-l-9857692.html

President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on India’s 77th Republic Day. PM Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, European dignitaries Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, and other leaders attended. The event showcased India’s culture, development, and North Eastern cuisine, celebrating the Constitution’s adoption and national achievements.

President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

According to the official X handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan, it stated, “President Droupadi Murmu hosted ‘At Home’ reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, attended the reception.”

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President Droupadi Murmu hosted ‘At Home’ reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council Mr António Costa and President of the European Commission Ms Ursula von der… pic.twitter.com/GgnClqIHKW

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 26, 2026

The post further added, “Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and in Lok Sabha, eminent citizens who have made remarkable contributions in different fields and beneficiaries of various developmental programmes of the Government were also present on the occasion. The guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements as well as the cuisine of the North Eastern states of India.”

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

This year, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, was elaborately decorated to showcase India’s remarkable journey.

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President Droupadi Murmu, along with the Chief Guests, the President of the European Council Mr. Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, witnessed the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. The theme of this year’s Parade was the… pic.twitter.com/bZvOwqNRh0

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 26, 2026

The celebrations featured an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/president-droupadi-murmu-hosts-republic-day-reception-at-rashtrapati-bhavan

 

A tragic fire in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, claimed at least eight lives and left many missing after it engulfed two warehouses early Monday. The blaze, which began around 3 am, prompted extensive rescue efforts and took nearly seven hours to control.

At least eight people were killed and several others are feared missing after a devastating fire tore through two adjoining warehouses in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district early on Monday, triggering frantic rescue efforts and anguished scenes as families waited for news of loved ones.

The fire broke out around 3 am in twin godowns located in the Najirabad area under the Narendrapur police station limits, on the outskirts of Kolkata.

Twelve fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and it took nearly seven hours to bring the blaze under control. Even after that, pockets of fire continued to smoulder in parts of the gutted structures, officials said.

The Indian Army is working to acquire the capacity to operate 10,000 drones along the western theatre and more than 20,000 drones along the 3,488 km LAC.

The Indian Army has taken charge of the task of monitoring flying objects within 35 km from the country’s borders and up to a height ceiling of three kilometers to counter enemy drone intrusions into India — a move that comes amid the proliferation of surveillance and armed drones on the western and northern borders.

This is one of the many steps that Indian Army has undertaken after Operation Sindoor apart from tweaks in deployment strategy and introduction of rocket regiments .

HT learns that with the army conducting 97% of drone and anti-drone activity within the 35 km land and three km air envelope, air command and control centers are being established along the borders with China and Pakistan to not only monitor drone activity across borders but also launch drones as well as neutralize enemy drones.

The Indian Army is working to acquire the capacity to operate 10,000 drones along the western theatre and more than 20,000 drones along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). The area Corps Commander will work closely with the area Air Force commander to co-ordinate IAF, Intelligence or any other agency, HT learns.

The monitoring of 35×3 km envelope by the Indian Army along borders has been done after Pakistan used armed drones to target Indian Army and Air Force formations along the borders during Operation Sindoor using Turkish and Chinese drones.

PLA also deploys drones all along the eastern theatre to monitor Indian Army activity on the LAC.

In addition, the Indian Army has already deployed two units of rocket force, two combined armed brigades (Rudra brigades) and 21 Bhairav battalions with the range of Indian artillery brigades being increased from 150 to 1,000 km across borders.

The raising of rocket forces has been done after China deployed rocket regiments across the LAC in East Ladakh post its May 2020 transgressions and Pakistan used Fatah 1 and 2 rockets during Operation Sindoor.

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) before the May 10 ceasefire. The clash involved fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and a fierce artillery duel.

A deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations between India and China.

The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from Demchok and Depsang’s last two friction points under an agreement finalised on October 21, 2024.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-army-to-monitor-low-altitude-airspace-along-china-pakistan-borders-101769477379114.html

 

The Chinese President referred to China and India as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together”

China’s President Xi Jinping said China ‍and India are “good neighbours, friends and partners” as ​he wished President Droupadi Murmu ‌congratulations on the 77th ​Republic Day celebrations, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Monday (January 26, 2026).

Mr. Xi said that over the past year, China-India relations have continued to improve and develop and are of “great significance for maintaining and promoting ​world peace and prosperity,” according to ⁠Xinhua.

Mr. Xi said China has always believed that being “good neighbours, friends and partners” is the right choice ​for both China and ⁠India.

He referred to China and India as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together,” Xinhua said.

Mr. Xi said he hoped ‌that both sides would expand ‌exchanges and cooperation and address each other’s concerns to promote healthy and ‍stable relations.

The nuclear-armed Asian neighbours share a 3,800 km (2,400-mile) border that is ‍poorly demarcated and has been disputed since the 1950s.

Ties between the countries were shaken by a 2020 clash in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died in hand-to-hand combat. After that, the Himalayan border was heavily militarised by both sides.

Both ⁠countries began improving ties last year after staging a series of ​high-level bilateral visits.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/77th-republic-day-india-and-china-are-friends-partners-says-xi-jinping/article70551825.ece#google_vignette

The celebrations, held under the theme 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, were attended by the top national leadership and high-profile international guests; around 10,000 special guests witnessed the parade, which blended military strength with cultural unity

India put military power front and centre at its 77th Republic Day parade on Monday (January 26, 2026), transforming Kartavya Path into a sweeping display of missiles, armour, mechanised columns and combat aircraft, with a sharp focus on weapon systems associated with Operation Sindoor, the high-intensity military operation conducted in May last year.

The celebrations, held under the theme 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, were attended by the top national leadership and high-profile international guests, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who were the chief guests.

Used in warfront

The military display began with a showcase of key weapon systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Suryastra rocket launcher, and Arjun Main Battle Tank, highlighting India’s emphasis on battlefield-ready capability and indigenous defence production. Much of the equipment on display has either featured in or drawn directly from lessons learned during Operation Sindoor, the May 7–10 conflict with Pakistan.

A major attraction was a tri-services tableau that presented replicas of prominent weapon systems deployed during the operation. At its centre was a glass-cased integrated operational command centre, visually depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor through the coordinated use of systems such as BrahMos and the S-400 air defence system. While BrahMos missiles were projected as delivering decisive offensive strikes, Akash and S-400 systems were portrayed as providing a protective air-defence shield during the conflict.

The parade was led by Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, and a second-generation officer. For the first time, the Indian Army showcased a phased ‘Battle Array Format’, including its aerial component. The reconnaissance element featured the historic 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform, followed by high-mobility reconnaissance vehicles. Aerial battlefield shaping was demonstrated by the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed variant Rudra, flying in Prahar formation.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/77th-republic-day-celebrations-on-kartavya-path/article70552016.ece