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Economic Times

Feb 4, 2026, 05:33 AM

RBI Holds Steady: No Rate Change Expected in 2026 MPC Review

SynopsisRBI Monetary Policy Committee 2026: The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to hold its policy repo rate steady. A neutral stance is expected in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee review. Past rate cuts are still impacting lending rates. The central bank will likely focus on liquidity management. This approach will be guided by domestic and global economic conditions.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:16 AM

India's Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets: A Step Towards Self-Reliance

Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your UPSC Current Affairs knowledge nugget for today on Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets. ( Relevance: Rare earths play a crucial role in economic development and national security. Also, in 2020, the UPSC asked questions regarding the official designation of major minerals in India. Given the recent developments and growing importance of critical minerals, this topic has become significant for your UPSC exam.) In her Budget 2026-27 speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors in India’s coastal states Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu . The finance minister said the proposal is in line with the recently announced scheme to promote the manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). In this context, it becomes essential to know about the REPM and their significance. 1. Under the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets’ , the government aims to support 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity, which will be allocated among five beneficiaries selected through a competitive bidding process, with each eligible for up to 1,200 MTPA. 2. Selected beneficiaries will receive sales-linked incentives worth Rs 6,450 crore over five years, along with a capital subsidy of Rs 750 crore to set up integrated REPM facilities. 3. In a press statement, the government said this new scheme aims to enhance the country’s self-reliance and position it as a key player in the global REPM market. India currently depends heavily on China for these magnets. During 2024-25, India imported over 53,000 tonnes of rare earth magnets, with over 90 per cent coming from China. India’s consumption of rare earth permanent magnets is expected to double by 2030. 4. The scheme specifically focuses on “sintered rare-earth permanent magnets”, which are primarily neodymium, iron and boron (NdFeB) magnets , considered the strongest and most commercially demanded. 5. These magnets use light rare-earth elements like neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), combined with iron (Fe) and boron (B), for their strong magnetic properties. They also use heavy rare-earth elements such as dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) to improve susceptibility to demagnetisation, especially at high temperatures. 6. The production of these magnets involves various steps: mining, beneficiation, processing, extraction, refining to rare earth oxide, conversion of oxides to metal, then metal to alloy, and finally magnet manufacturing. The scheme aims to support integrated REPM manufacturing facilities which are capable of undertaking final three stages: Converting rare earth oxide to metal, metal to alloy, and alloy to REPM. 7. Notably, these high-strength REPMs are crucial for a wide range of technologies – from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to electronics, aerospace, and defence applications. Yet, their manufacturing is concentrated in just a handful of countries, with China alone controlling over 90 per cent in both manufacturing and processing of raw material needed to produce these magnets. 1. India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January for a period of seven years from 2024-25 to 2030-31. With a proposed outlay of Rs 16,300 crore, it aims to secure India’s critical mineral supply chain by ensuring reliable access to key minerals at home and overseas, and strengthening the entire value chain by improving technology, regulation and financing for exploration, mining, processing and recycling. 2. India has set up a Joint Venture company named Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) for exploring critical mineral assets in foreign countries. KABIL has signed an Exploration and Development Agreement with Camyen, a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina, for exploration and mining of five Lithium Brine Blocks in Argentina. 3. In 2023, India identified 30 minerals as “critical” . The same year, the government also amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 , empowering the central government to exclusively auction critical and strategic minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements etc. Since then, the government has auctioned 34 critical mineral blocks in the country. 1. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) or Rare Earth Metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides, and have similar chemical properties. REEs are classified as light RE elements (LREE) and heavy RE elements (HREE). 2. The 17 Rare Earths are cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y). 3. Some REEs are available in India — such as Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, Praseodymium and Samarium , etc. Others such as Dysprosium, Terbium, and Europium, which are classified as HREEs, are not available in Indian deposits in extractable quantities. Hence, there is a dependence on countries such as China for HREEs, which is one of the leading producers of REEs, with an estimated 70 per cent share of the global production. Which of the following rare earth elements are used to improve resistance to demagnetisation of REPMs, especially at high temperatures? 1. Dysprosium 2. Terbium 3. Neodymium 4. Praseodymium Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Sources: Why the push for Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh , Amid China’s chokehold, how India’s Rs 7,280-crore rare earth magnets push seeks some wriggle room ) Topic: India’s Union Budget 2026–27 has set ambitious targets but what do they really signal for the economy, markets, and investors? Express Explained.Live, where we decode the big themes and critical questions emerging from the Budget: Budget estimates GDP to grow 10% in nominal terms. What does it mean for the Indian economy. Why did the stock markets witness the second biggest fall among all NDA Budgets? Policy makers are concerned about foreign capital strike. Does the Budget have measures to attract FII/ FDI inflows? Government continues to do the heavy lifting in capital spending with a 11.5% increase in capex. What are the expectations from the private sector? How does India rank globally on the new fiscal metric of debt-to-GDP ratio? Join us in the next edition of Explained.Live with Prachi Mishra, Professor of Economics, Director and Head, Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Ashoka University in conversation with Sidharth Upasani, Deputy Associate Editor, The Indian Express Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8417700282116/WN_a0KekEOLQyyL2oyhMTDL4g February 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Zoom Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for January 2026. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@ indianexpress.com 🚨

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Economic Times

Feb 4, 2026, 05:16 AM

Candid Confessions: Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi Share Their Parenting Struggles

SynopsisArchana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi shared candid confessions on their YouTube vlog. Parmeet admitted to being an absentee father during the initial years of their son Aaryamann's life. He confessed to being a 'very bad father' and only making 'guest appearances'. Archana highlighted her struggles as a new mother, feeling alone and weak.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:09 AM

Telangana High Court Directs State Government to Regulate Non-Vegetarian Food Near Places of Worship

The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to frame a comprehensive policy within four weeks to regulate the sale and consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food within 100 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and hospitals. Pending formulation of such guidelines, the bench ordered status quo to be maintained regarding a non-vegetarian restaurant near a Hanuman temple in Hyderabad’s Red Hills. The order was passed by a single-judge bench of Justice B Vijaysen Reddy on December 22, 2025, and was only made public this week. The court was hearing a petition filed by a 24-year-old businessman from Solapur in Maharashtra, who had challenged the actions of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and local police. The petitioner said he has leased a property in Red Hills to run a restaurant named ‘NRI Live Kitchen’, obtained a trade licence, and a food safety registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. He alleged that the respondents were illegally interfering with his business activity. The petitioner submitted that a worker at his property was detained by the local police based on a complaint by GHMC officials about the upcoming restaurant. They cited a high court judgment from last month that denied permission to a non-vegetarian restaurant near the same Hanuman Temple. He alleged that authorities were harassing him and interfering with renovation works at the property even before his business had started operations. He also claimed that he was being selectively targeted while another non-vegetarian restaurant in the same building continued to operate without interference. The police and GHMC argued that the petitioner’s restaurant was less than 100 meters from the 100-year-old Hanuman Temple. They contended that the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food could hurt religious sentiments and also create law and order or traffic issues. ‘Keeping in view the religious sentiments of the devotees’ Even as the petitioner claimed that he would only run a snack and tea shop and would not sell non-vegetarian food, authorities submitted photographs of a “live kitchen counter” (kabab centre) already installed at the property. While the authorities cited similar restrictions on liquor sales within 100 metres of places of worship, they admitted there was no specific statutory rule under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act prohibiting the sale of meat or non-vegetarian food in such vicinities. “Apart from the religious sentiments, it is also necessary to maintain serenity of the temple and hygiene in the temple surroundings,” the bench observed. The court disposed of the petition, duly noting the absence of any specific provision of law or rules that prohibit the sale or consumption of meat or non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of a place of public worship. Directing the government to formulate guidelines, Justice Reddy’s judgment mandated that the new policy must strictly regulate non-vegetarian food establishments located within 100 metres of hospitals, schools, or places of worship. The judge remarked that “such policy/guidelines shall be framed keeping in view the religious sentiments of the devotees of concerned temple/place of worship, the people of particular faith, the serenity and hygiene, law and order and traffic issues”. The court also stressed the necessity of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local police station as a key requirement before any such establishment can be set up. The judge noted that the inclusion of an NOC is essential “so as to ensure that there are no law and order and traffic issues”. The principal secretary of the municipal administration and urban development department and other respondents were directed to complete the process of framing guidelines within four weeks.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:07 AM

SG's Super 50: A Game-Changer for Cricket Academies?

When the marketing team at Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) was discussing the sales pitch for a new cricket ball, an apt line from an iconic 1980s Surf detergent ad came up. “ Aadha kilo Surf pure ek kilo saste powder ke barabar hota hai (half-a-kilo of Surf is equivalent to one kilo of cheaper detergent)”. SG, the maker of the premium red leather Test ball in India, was then preparing to take a plunge into the five million balls-a-year budget market. The product was the ‘Super 50’, a leatherette ball aimed largely at the 15,000 cricket academies in the country as well as the corporate cricket circuit — both segments usually buy cheaper, less durable balls priced around Rs 250. Super 50 promises these academies a longer lasting product that is priced at a slight premium. So, is it a game-changer for cricket academies that have an eye on their bottom-line? The Meerut-based company has faced raw material supply issues since tanneries were shut down in Meerut in 2022 for causing pollution. At the same time, the company, which sells more than half-a-million leather balls annually, wanted to get a share of the cricket-academy market. “If there was no raw material, how do we produce so many balls,” Paras Anand, the CEO of SG, said. “The academy consumption of leather balls annually is approximately four million balls in India and this is growing at a rate of 6% to 7%. The economics (of academies) only works if they pay about Rs 250 for a ball. We were not servicing that segment. We didn’t want to go down to the Rs 250-level. But if we priced it at about Rs 450 to Rs 470, we had to give a better product,” Anand said. The answer: A longer lasting ball that does not lose shape or get discoloured easily. The patented Super 50 ball — available in both white and red — is guaranteed to last at least 50 overs, as the name suggests. It has received a non-leather vegan certification from PETA India and took two-and-a-half years to develop. The early experiments in 2022 of importing polyurethane (PU) fabric — used to make foam, shoe soles etc — from China and Thailand failed because the material would fray on impact. “Phat jaati thi,” Anand said. After months of trial and error, the R&D team created a formulation for the outer surface of the ball using a mix of PUs sourced from India. The result was a eureka moment. In November, Super 50 was introduced in the market. Orders have touched 30,000 in the first month. The process is called thermoforming, which is used to make internal parts of cars. The construction of the ball is similar to the leather ball. Super 50 has a cork-wood core like the leather ball. The stitching is done using a machine, unlike leather balls which are hand-stitched. “The strength we have given this material is more than leather, the abrasion resistance is again more than leather. That’s why it lasts more than leather. Each ball is consistent unlike leather balls that can be different from batch to batch. We have got a patent for Super 50,” Anand said. Dravid, the former India captain and Test batting great, has had a long association with SG. His feedback about the Super 50 prompted SG to return to the drawing board in March 2024. “He said this looks plasticky. Then he bounced it and said it sounds plasticky. I will feel that it will break my hand and my bat. That was million-dollar advice,” Anand said. “So, we had to change the formulation (for the outer surface). We had a synthetic core because we wanted to keep the cost low. We replaced it with a cork wood core. The cost went up, but the final product is far superior.” The latest version was tested by coaches at an academy in Bengaluru where Dravid’s sons train. “The reaction from the coaches was that this ball lasts longer. We had to convince coaches that if you were buying 24 balls, now you would need just 12 SG Super 50 balls. The Surf ad line was the sales pitch,” Anand said. Academy coaches are happy about the long-lasting ball which saves them money. If it gets wet, the ball can be wiped dry which eliminates problems caused by dew. Batsmen can prepare better for pace because the ball does not lose as much speed as the leather ball after pitching. But an early assessment from bowlers is that batsmen are able to clear the ropes easily with the ball. Fast bowlers have complained that the Super 50 does not swing enough, while finger spinners have not been able to grip it. “The leggies won’t have a problem,” Anand said. The SG CEO believes Super 50 is a disruptor. “At this stage, it is the perfect ball for training. They (academy coaches) had no one particular brand they could bank on. They were buying anything from the market from smaller manufacturers with limited supply. Now, academy coaches in the next 12 months will speak a different language.”

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:06 AM

India's Hiring Paradox: Recruitment Activity Surges Amidst Challenges in Identifying Qualified Candidates

Nearly three out of four Indian recruiters — 74% — say they are struggling to identify qualified candidates for open roles, meaning only a limited share of hiring teams are currently able to find the right talent with ease. The contrast puts India’s hiring paradox into perspective. Even as recruitment activity remains well above pre-pandemic levels, matching skills to roles is proving harder than ever in a labour market shaped by speed, scale, and artificial intelligence. According to LinkedIn, the global hiring platform’s data shows that recruitment activity in India is running roughly 40% higher than before the pandemic, yet confidence in candidate quality has declined sharply. Recruiters point to a growing volume-quality mismatch, where the sheer number of applications no longer translates into better hiring outcomes. Among recruiters who say hiring has become more difficult, more than half attribute this to a surge in AI-generated applications, while nearly as many highlight persistent shortages in in-demand skills across sectors . The challenge is not just about volume, but about credibility. Nearly half of recruiters say distinguishing genuine, high-quality candidates from misleading or low-effort applications has become a major source of friction. With AI tools making it easier for candidates to mass-apply, tailor resumes instantly, or embellish experience, recruiters are spending more time filtering noise rather than assessing capability. This has turned hiring into a more crowded and competitive process, where the signal-to-noise ratio is steadily worsening. Platform data further illustrates the pressure. The number of applicants per open role in India has more than doubled since 2022, intensifying competition on both sides of the market. At the same time, jobseekers themselves appear ill-equipped to navigate this environment. While a large majority of professionals say they are actively looking for jobs in 2026, an even larger share admit they feel unprepared for the hiring process, underscoring a widening gap between opportunity and readiness. Ironically, the same technology complicating recruitment is also being positioned as its solution. According to LinkedIn, recruiters who are already using AI tools report tangible benefits. A majority say AI has helped them uncover candidates with relevant skills they might have otherwise missed, while many believe it has made assessing candidate capabilities faster and more accurate. For time-strapped hiring teams, AI is increasingly seen as a way to restore efficiency and focus. Ruchee Anand, APAC Vice President at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, notes that hiring is moving away from pedigree and past job titles toward demonstrated skills and capability. Executing this transition at scale, she says, is nearly impossible without AI. Looking ahead, adoption is expected to accelerate as per the report. Around eight in 10 Indian recruiters say they plan to expand their use of AI for hiring, from sourcing talent to evaluating applications . Many also expect to increase AI-driven pre-screening interviews in 2026, believing it will lead to more meaningful recruiter-candidate interactions, quicker hiring timelines, and better insight into real skills rather than surface-level credentials.

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Economic Times

Feb 4, 2026, 05:06 AM

Reinventing Herself: Halle Berry's Journey of Resilience and Growth

SynopsisOscar-winning actress Halle Berry's career is marked by resilience and reinvention, beginning with her success in pageantry before transitioning to film. Her breakthrough role in 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge' earned her critical acclaim. Berry's philosophy emphasizes not taking oneself too seriously, finding humor in obstacles, and maintaining perspective for growth and emotional balance.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:05 AM

Telangana High Court Grants Conditional Bail to Sigachi Industries MD in Factory Explosion Case

The Telangana High Court has granted conditional bail to Amith Raj Sinha, the managing director (MD) of Sigachi Industries Ltd, in connection with the explosion at the company’s Pashamylaram factory in Sangareddy district that killed 54 people and left several injured on June 30 last year. Sinha, accused no 2 in the First Information Report (FIR) registered at BDL Bhanoor police station and charged under sections 105, 110, 118(1) and 118(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was arrested on December 27. In an order dated February 2, Justice K Sujana took into consideration that the investigation is already complete and a chargesheet has been filed. The court also noted that the petitioner was cooperating with the investigation before coming to the conclusion that custodial interrogation of the petitioner was not required. The court directed the petitioner to execute a personal bond of Rs 1,00,000 with two sureties of the same amount. The court directed him to abide by the conditions stipulated in Section 480(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. “The petitioner shall not tamper with the prosecution evidence or attempt to influence witnesses in any manner,” the judge stated. ‘Falsely implicated,’ claims defence Senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy, representing Sinha, submitted before the court that the petitioner was falsely implicated in the case only because of his designation as MD and CEO of the company. He contended that the unfortunate incident at best discloses regulatory lapses or negligence, which cannot be elevated to the threshold of culpable knowledge required under law. He added that the petitioner has cooperated with the investigation at all stages. The public prosecutor argued that inspection reports of the deputy chief inspector of factories and the findings of the five‑member expert committee categorically established that the management, including the petitioner, had full knowledge of the risks associated with MCC dust and hazardous machinery. They deliberately ignored mandatory safety protocols, employed untrained workers, failed to provide firefighting equipment and protective measures, and prioritised production targets over worker safety, thereby exhibiting gross negligence and callous disregard for human life, he contended. The court noted lapses on the part of the directors, as reported by the deputy chief inspector of factories, but held that it was a separate case filed by the authorities under the Factories Act. With directions, the criminal petition was allowed, and the petitioner was warned that any violation of the conditions laid by the court would give the prosecution the liberty to file a petition for cancellation of the bail.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:05 AM

Sisters' Tragic Fall: Online Gaming Suspected in Ghaziabad Triple Fatality

Three minor sisters jumped from the ninth floor of their residential building in Ghaziabad in the early hours of Wednesday, and all were killed, in what the police suspect to be a case linked to “excessive online gaming”. According to the Ghaziabad police, the sisters, aged 12, 14, and 16, died after a disagreement at home over their growing dependence on an online task-based game. They said the siblings were found lying near the building after local residents heard a loud noise around 2 am, and alerted authorities. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Atul Kumar Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shalimar Garden, Ghaziabad, said they received information about the incident at around 2.15 am. Singh said a police team reached the spot and conducted an investigation. “They were taken by ambulance to the 50-bed hospital in Loni, where doctors declared all three girls dead. The police are conducting further legal proceedings,” said Kumar. “Over the past few years, their use of online games had reportedly increased, and they had also begun skipping school frequently. We are examining their mobile phones and speaking to family members to understand the sequence of events,” a senior police officer said, adding that no suicide note has been recovered so far. The police said their bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:05 AM

Indian Government Reports Increase in SC/ST Enrolment in Central Universities, IITs, and IIMs; Takes Measures to Address Student Suicides

All Central Universities (CUs), Indian Institutes of Technology ( IITs ), Indian Institutes of Management ( IIMs ) and the Indian Institute of Science ( IISc ) have functional SC/ST cells, the Union government informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. In a written reply to an unstarred question, Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar said that data on enrolment of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in these institutions is collected through the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE). According to the data shared, enrolment of SC and ST students has increased across Central Universities, IITs and IIMs between 2014-15 and 2022-23 (provisional). Central universities recorded an increase in SC enrolment from 71,621 to 89,182, while ST enrolment rose from 25,964 to 32,801 during the same period. IITs saw SC enrolment rise from 10,392 to 18,076 and ST enrolment from 4,546 to 7,408. IIMs also witnessed an uptick in SC students from 983 to 2,537 and ST students from 410 to 942. Responding to queries on student suicides, the minister said that year-wise and state-wise data on student suicides is published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in its annual Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report. The government, the minister added, is taking multi-pronged measures and provides psychological support to students, teachers and families for mental and emotional well-being. Initiatives such as Manodarpan, including a national toll-free helpline, counselling support, and awareness programmes like Sahyog and Paricharcha, are being implemented to provide psychological and emotional support to students, teachers and families. Meanwhile, the Union Budget 2026 proposes a NIMHANS-2 in northern India. The government also proposes upgrading the National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur as regional apex institutions.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:04 AM

India-US Trade Deal Brings Relief to Export Sector and Boosts Economic Growth

The India-US trade deal announced late Monday has brought down the tariff on Indian goods entering the world’s largest economy to 18% from 50%. While this is undoubtedly positive for the Indian economy, the consequences are not exactly straightforward. First things first: the reduction in the tariff to 18%, which comes into force immediately, means the effective US import duty on Indian products could fall to anywhere between 12% and 16% from 35-36%, according to economists. The effective tariff rate is lower than the headline number of 18% because of the concessions the US has made on electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food items such as spice, coffee, and tea and the Section 232 tariffs on products such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles. This, economists say, should provide significant relief to India’s export sector , especially labour-intensive ones such as gems and jewellery, textiles, agricultural products, and engineering goods. The above should have several positive consequences. Higher exports to the US should narrow India’s merchandise trade deficit, which had surged to an all-time high of $41.7 billion in October 2025 before cooling down to $25 billion in the final month of 2025. Higher exports, especially from key sectors such as textiles, could mean their job situation should, over a period of time, return to pre-August 2025 levels. The impact on the economy should be meaningful, considering the US is India’s largest destination for merchandise exports, accounting for nearly a fifth of all shipments in value terms. As a result, all economists — including Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran — expect growth forecasts to be revised higher in the coming months. The Economic Survey predicted the GDP growth rate to be in the range of 6.8-7.2% in FY27, down from 7.4% this year. However, an improved growth outlook following the US tariff cut means the case for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to further add to its 125 basis points worth of interest rate cuts announced in 2025 has weakened. “The deal now would boost the growth certainty and the current momentum seen in high frequency indicators can continue to sustain. We therefore change our rate cut call of 25 bps to hold for the upcoming February 6 meeting,” BofA Securities economists Rahul Bajoria and Smriti Mehra said in a note on Tuesday, adding that RBI is “now done cutting rates”. The policy repo rate currently stands at 5.25%. While the impact on India’s growth from the trade deal will take some time to materialise, the boost to market sentiment has already led to tangible results: the stock markets closed over 2% higher on Tuesday — reversing the post- Budget losses due to the hike in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) — while the rupee strengthened by more than 1% against the US dollar. The cloud of uncertainty cast by the delay in India and the US finalising an agreement has weighed heavily on the rupee’s exchange rate, which crossed the 90- and 91-per-dollar levels in December 2025 and nearly 92 per dollar last week. Now, the only way seems up, at least in the short run, with the rupee closing strongly on Tuesday at 90.27 per dollar. HSBC analysts said on Tuesday that the rupee is now “slightly undervalued” and expect the currency to appreciate further to 88-per-dollar by the end of March. But beyond the short run, the outlook for the rupee is a bit unclear. For one, there is still some clarity required over the contours of the US deal. Second, the factors that led to the rupee weakening by around 7% in 2025 haven’t really vanished. As such, Tuesday’s gains are not expected to be “sustained”, Singapore-based Mitul Kotecha, head of FX & EM Macro Strategy Asia at Barclays, said. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) had pulled out nearly $12 billion from India’s stock markets on a net basis during August 2025-January 2026. According to Kotecha, “hot money flows” such as those of FPIs have become important drivers of the rupee’s exchange rate. “As such, factors such as an unexciting earnings season, relatively high valuations, and re-allocation to more AI-skewed equity markets, have acted as a stumbling block for Indian equities.” Then there is the deal itself. While the details remain elusive, the fact that President Donald Trump has said India will move towards reducing its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the US “to ZERO” and has committed to over $500 billion of American products across sectors means the situation is not all rosy. “While this is likely to be staggered, it is also likely to add to flow pressure on rupee,” analysts at Japanese brokerage firm Nomura said. For context, India’s imports from the US in 2024-25 amounted to $46 billion. Its total global imports in that year were $721 billion. One deal after another India’s deal with the US comes close on the heels of the one struck with the European Union just last week. This trend, economists point out, bodes well for India’s share in global exports in the medium term. “In 2025, the government concluded/signed trade agreements with Oman, the UK and New Zealand. We believe the US India trade deal and recent FTAs will promote economic growth by reducing tariffs, lower input costs for Indian producers, increase market access, boost export competitiveness, promote a wider export market and encourage FDI. This may further push manufacturing, create jobs and increase India’s exports in the medium term,” UBS Chief India Economist Tanvee Gupta Jain said.

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AIR News✓

Feb 4, 2026, 05:04 AM

Bangladesh's Chattogram Port Paralysed Amid Protests Over Terminal Leasing

In Bangladesh, operations at Chattogram Port remained paralysed yesterday as a work stoppage by workers and employees continued, with the export sector bearing the brunt of the disruption.Repeated suspensions of port activities have caused a sharp build-up of export containers at private inland container depots, with the number rising from around 8,000 before the protests to over 10,000 by Monday afternoon. Exporters and shipping agents warned of growing delays in vessel departures and shipment schedules.Port workers have been observing daily eight-hour work stoppages since Saturday under the banner of the Chattogram Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parishad, protesting the government’s move to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to UAE-based operator DP World.Port users cautioned that prolonged disruption could push up commodity prices ahead of Ramadan, while vessels are already facing longer stays at jetties. Importers, particularly garment exporters, are also struggling to receive raw materials on time.Tensions have escalated after the port authority and the Ministry of Shipping transferred several protesting employees, including movement leaders. Protest organisers say the transfers are meant to suppress the movement and have threatened tougher actions if the NCT leasing decision is not withdrawn.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 05:00 AM

Global Unicorn Ecosystem Valuation Reaches $5.2 Trillion in 2025

World’s top 10 most valuable unicorns in 2025-26: As global economies accelerate innovation and digital transformation, the number of unicorns and their combined valuation have continued to rise steadily. The global unicorn ecosystem was valued at an estimated $5.2 trillion in 2025, up from $3.8 trillion in 2022, representing a 37 per cent increase over three years, according to estimates by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The total number of unicorns has grown to 1,290, with the United States, China, and India remaining the dominant markets and collectively accounting for 942 unicorns, which is more than 80 per cent of the global unicorn ecosystem’s total value, WIPO noted. Seven of the world’s 10 most valuable unicorns are headquartered in the United States , which accounts for 55 per cent of all unicorns worldwide and nearly 65 per cent of total global unicorn valuation in 2025. OpenAI currently tops global unicorn rankings based on valuation in 2025. Other prominent US unicorns, such as SpaceX, Anthropic, Databricks, Stripe, xAI, and Figure, also feature on the list. Collectively, these companies have seen their valuations rise by an estimated 450 per cent in recent years, now representing about 24 per cent of total global unicorn value. Elon Musk-founded ventures SpaceX and Artificial Intelligence and social media company xAI have been merged in a deal valued at approximately US$1.25 trillion, according to a recent report by The Guardian. Chinese internet media company ByteDance, the parent of TikTok , stood as the world’s third most valuable unicorn in 2025, with a valuation of around $300 billion recorded in its home country. It accounts for approximately 12 per cent of global unicorns by number, with a combined valuation of $690 billion in 2025. India positioned itself as a significant player in the global unicorn ecosystem, being home to 66 unicorns — about 5 per cent of the global total in 2025 . Representing approximately 3 per cent of total global unicorn valuation , the combined valuation of India’s leading unicorns contributed an estimated 4 per cent to national GDP and exceeded $24 billion in value, driven primarily by its unicorn companies Oyo Rooms, Dream11, and Razorpay .

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:56 AM

Modi to Respond to President's Address Amid Opposition Suspension Chaos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s address in the Lok Sabha today at 5 pm, a day after eight opposition MPs were suspended amid repeated disruptions in the House, top government sources said. Read more The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a massive ruckus followed by the suspension of eight opposition MPs, including seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M), for the remainder of Parliament’s Budget session that will end on April 2. Read more The Lok Sabha on Tuesday suspended eight opposition members for “unruly behaviour” after they allegedly disrupted proceedings and threw papers in the direction of the Chair. Read more

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:55 AM

Three Sisters Jump to Death in India After Becoming Addicted to Online Game

Three minor sisters, aged 12, 14, and 16, respectively, allegedly jumped to death from the ninth floor of a building in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, as part of a “task-based" online game. According to the police, as cited by the outlet, the three girls were addicted to online gaming, and their family was against the obsession. They reportedly got addicted to online gaming two-three years back. They used to play an online task-based Korean lover game. The girls did not attend their school on a regular basis, said the police. The police have also recovered a screenshot of the game they used to play on their mobile phone. The online gaming app, as shown in the visual, listed suicide as the “last task", reportedly prompting the minor girls to take the extreme step. ‘Sorry Mummy, Papa…’ The police, meanwhile, have recovered the suicide note from the spot, which read, “Mummy, Papa, sorry. The game you wanted us to quit, now you will realize how much we loved it. Korean (the game) was our life." The girls’ father, Chetan Kumar, said he had no idea it was a part of the task-based game. “Parents should not let their children play online games. Had we known what kind of a game this was, we would have never let them play". “They had been playing the game for the past two-three years. They used to tell me that they wanted to go to Korea. I would ask them, ‘Why Korea?'", he said. Describing how the incident took place, the father added, “In the early hours of Wednesday, the girls told me they had to go to the kitchen to drink water. From there, they jumped off the building". “I always thought of it as a normal game. I had no idea they were a part of a task". The incident took place at Bharat City, a residential township in Ghaziabad, around 2 A.M. on Wednesday, February 4. The police reached the spot and initiated an investigation into the matter. The tragic incident has once again brought online games under scrutiny, with residents voicing concerns about children’s safety and security. Suicide Prevention. News 18. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:53 AM

YouTube Channel Accused of Leaking Haryana Class 12 Pre-Board Question Papers

A YouTube channel has come under scrutiny after a Haryana Class 12 chemistry teacher alleged that pre-board question papers were leaked, with nearly 90 per cent of the questions matching content uploaded online a day earlier. The allegation comes with the Class 12 board examinations just three weeks away. The teacher said he became suspicious after noticing unusually high scores among students in the chemistry pre-board held on January 30, despite the paper being widely considered difficult. According to the teacher, large portions of the chemistry paper closely matched videos uploaded a day earlier on a Mahendergarh-based YouTube channel, Education Party, which has over one lakh subscribers and is run by private tutor Gautam Sharma. “As a teacher for years, I have a fair idea about the capacity of each of my students. I was very surprised when almost all MCQs in chemistry were answered correctly by many of the students. It was a tough paper," the teacher said, adding that no copying was reported at any examination centre. The concern deepened after comments appeared under the channel’s videos. Some users wrote, “same paper aaya tha, thank you sir (it was the same paper, thank you, sir)" and “sach mein, aaj physics ke paper mein the same exact questions aaye the. Sir, you are great. Thank you, sir (it’s true, the physics paper had the exact questions)". The teacher said the pattern did not hold up when students were questioned beyond the written paper. “When I asked a few students to tell me the answers to the same questions by changing the value, they could not. They were also not able to recall the formula," he said. He added that several students later referred to a YouTube channel that regularly uploads question paper “suggestions". Further checks, the teacher alleged, showed that the English pre-board paper held on January 28 and the physics paper conducted on February 2 also mirrored content from the same source, with nearly 90 per cent of the questions matching. “This is a clear sign of a paper leak. But that’s not the end. The YouTuber has claimed he will produce even the main board exam papers if his subscriber base increases," the teacher said. However, the channel’s owner, Gautam Sharma, denied the allegations. “We only tell students about important questions that are likely to be asked in the exam," he said, claiming that his was the number one channel for Haryana board exams. Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said the matter was being examined. “The YouTube channel is being probed. We will take all necessary action if the channel’s owner is found guilty," he said. Pre-board examinations are conducted simultaneously across Haryana, with question papers prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The papers are sent from districts to blocks and then to schools, which receive them a day before the exam. As per rules, the papers are to be opened only at the examination centre on the day of the exam and in the presence of students. ALSO READ: UGC NET December Result 2025: NET Scorecard Today At ugcnet.nta.nic.in; How To Download Prof Pawan Kumar Sharma, chairperson of the Haryana Board of Secondary Education, said he had spoken to SCERT joint director Sunil Bajaj to check for any breach and asked him to initiate an investigation through the local district education officer and the Mahendergarh police chief. “Officials have been asked to question the channel’s owner and alert all education officers across the state to maintain integrity ahead of the board exams. The issue would also be brought to the chief minister’s attention," he said. Prof Sharma warned that such incidents “can mislead students into a false sense of preparedness and undermine the credibility of the examination system". The Class 12 pre-board examinations began on January 22 and will conclude on February 5, followed by practical exams. The Haryana board examinations are scheduled to begin from February 25.

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:49 AM

Tanker Overturns On Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Traffic Disrupted And Safety Measures Taken

Traffic movement on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was disrupted after a gas tanker overturned near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district on Wednesday, February 3. The incident forced the authorities to take immediate safety measures and halt traffic movement on one of the busiest highways that connects Mumbai and Pune. According to a report in IANS, the accident took place at around 6:15 PM. The tanker was travelling at high speed when it lost control on the slope near the tunnel and overturned on the road. Traffic Halted On Mumbai-Pune Expressway After Tanker Overturns The tanker was carrying propylene gas, which is highly flammable and risky if it comes in contact with heat or sparks. Considering the danger, the police and emergency teams reached the spot and immediately began safety measures. Traffic towards Mumbai was temporarily shut to ensure the safety of commuters. This also allowed the rescue teams to handle the situation. Traffic Situation Caught On Camera Videos from the site have surfaced online. One of the clips, recorded from a passing vehicle, shows workers wearing hazmat suits working near the overturned tanker in an attempt to control the gas leakage. It also captures the overturned tanker lying on the highway while emergency teams remain deployed at the location. In the background, a person can be heard saying, “Abhi leak hora hai wo (The tanker is still leaking)." Another video from the spot shows gas visibly leaking from the tanker while trucks and heavy vehicles are seen moving slowly on the opposite side of the road. The footage also shows that traffic was halted on the stretch where the tanker had overturned, while movement continued cautiously on the other side of the expressway.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:48 AM

Supreme Court Referred Sibling Property Dispute to Mediation

Expressing hope to resolve a “long drawn” property dispute between siblings, the Supreme Court has referred the matter to mediation and appointed its former judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia to oversee settlement talks between the warring parties. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi while hearing two connected special leave petitions arising out of judgments of the Telangana High Court said on February 2, “We are still of the firm view that the parties should sit, talk and reach to an equitable settlement; otherwise, this is going to be a long drawn legal proceedings.”

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:47 AM

RBI Expected to Maintain Neutral Policy Stance, Keep Repo Rate Unchanged

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is widely expected to keep the repo rate – the key policy rate – unchanged in its upcoming policy meeting scheduled from February 4 to 6. The MPC may also retain a neutral policy stance, economists said. “With the new series on CPI and GDP to be released this month, where inflation and GDP growth could be higher than the present levels, it does look like that the MPC will pause on rates,” said Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda. In its December monetary policy, the six-member Monetary Policy Committee reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 5.25 per cent, bringing the cumulative cuts in 2025 to 125 basis points (bps). “The RBI cut the policy rate in December, when the MPC preferred to provide more weightage to inflation being below the lower bound of the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework. With inflation likely to move higher (even in the new base year series to be published starting February 12), there is little reason for moving in with further cuts,” Yes Bank said in a recent report. “We think we have seen the last of the rate cuts in this cycle and should expect a long pause (difficult to determine the length of the pause), unless growth tends to underperform (not our base case),” the report said. Economists also expect the MPC to maintain its “neutral” stance in the forthcoming policy. According to Gaura Sen Gupta, Chief Economist at IDFC FIRST Bank, the RBI’s focus will be on liquidity infusion, as system liquidity continues to remain low, with government cash surplus remaining high and the drain from forex intervention persisting. Liquidity conditions in the banking system have remained constrained over the past few months, limiting the effectiveness of monetary easing. Banking sector liquidity, measured as a percentage of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL), has stayed below one per cent for the last five months, and came in at a particularly tight ~0.2 per cent in January. “There will be a greater focus on liquidity management with an open market operation (OMO) calendar being announced and possibly a cash reserve ratio (CRR) cut invoked to infuse permanent liquidity,” said Sabnavis. A Nuvama Research report said that the trade deal between the US and India would help support foreign flows and the rupee, which gives the RBI leeway to manage domestic liquidity. Will RBI revise the GDP and inflation targets? Economists believe the RBI is unlikely to change its forecasts for growth and inflation. In December policy, RBI sharply raised its gross domestic product (GDP) projection for FY26 by 50 bps to 7.3 per cent from 6.8 per cent. The country’s real GDP is estimated to grow at 7.4 per cent in FY26, according to the government’s first advance estimates of the number. In its previous policy, the RBI lowered its consumer price index (CPI) inflation projection for 2025-26 to 2 per cent from 2.6 per cent. What happens to lending rates if the repo rate is unchanged? If the RBI maintains status quo, interest rates on loans and deposits are likely to remain unchanged as of now. All external benchmark lending rates (EBLR) linked to the repo rate will not rise. However, lenders may revise their interest rates on loans that are linked to the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate (MCLR).

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:46 AM

Japanese Ambassador Enjoys Pizza 4P's in Bengaluru: 'Easily the Best Pizza I've Had in India so Far!'

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, is on a trip in Bengaluru, where he ate at Pizza 4P’s, a restaurant chain with Japanese roots. Sharing photos from the visit on X, Keiichi called it the finest pizza he had eaten in India so far. The photos show the envoy dining at the outlet of Pizza 4P’s, a brand founded in Vietnam. In other pictures, Keiichi can be seen enjoying a half-and-half burrata salad pizza, crowned with a large, freshly made burrata placed at the centre. One half of the pizza was topped with leafy greens, while the other was heavily topped with cheese. “Dropped by Pizza 4P’s in Bengaluru . Founded by Japanese entrepreneurs in Ho Chi Minh City, now loved across Asia, with branches in Japan and here in India too. Easily the best pizza I’ve had in India so far!” Keiichi wrote on X. Watch here: Dropped by Pizza 4P’s in Bengaluru 🍕 Founded by Japanese entrepreneurs in Ho Chi Minh City, now loved across Asia — with branches in Japan🇯🇵 and here in India🇮🇳 too. Easily the best pizza I’ve had in India so far! pic.twitter.com/IrfX8eIVtM — ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) January 31, 2026 The post quickly gained traction, prompting a flurry of reactions. “We hardly get a reservation here,” a user shared. “It’d be probably easier to get a table at 4Ps Ho Chi Minh than at the Bangalore branch,” another user commented. “Undoubtedly the best place for pizza. Absolutely delicious,” a third user reacted. “Ambassador try Masala Dose and Keasri Bath finished your meal with filter coffee in old Bengaluru.. it will take you to different world!!!” a fourth user chimed in. The Bengaluru visit adds to a series of food-centric posts Ono Keiichi has shared during his time in India. Earlier, he had posted about eating vada pav in Mumbai and trying biryani at Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi . In that post, he compared biryani to sushi, noting that eating it by hand made him feel closer to his Indian friends.

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:46 AM

Mahesh Babu's Physical Transformation for S.S. Rajamouli's Epic Film Varanasi

S.S. Rajamouli’s next ambitious project, Varanasi, is shaping up to be one of the most monumental Indian films ever made. The buzz surrounding the film has extended far beyond India, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. At the centre of the epic narrative is Mahesh Babu , who takes on the dual roles of the mortal protagonist Rudhra and Lord Ram. Mahesh Babu has described the experience as one of the “most challenging" of his career. Speaking about the role to Variety, the actor revealed that portraying Ram required unlearning modern physicality altogether. He said, “I’m playing Lord Rama’s character, it requires posture. You can’t stand like modern characters." Mahesh Babu On His Training For Varanasi Mahesh Babu spent three months intensively training in Kalari martial arts, not just for action sequences, but also to retrain his stance, balance, and body alignment. The preparation did not end there. He also spent several months training with a track and field squad to improve his running technique. The actor said he was overjoyed when he saw the shot, calling the six months of physical training “worth it". He mentioned, “The way I walked changed, the way I stood changed, everything changed." Varanasi is Mahesh Babu’s debut collaboration with S.S. Rajamouli, a filmmaker noted for eliciting great dedication from his performers. Other Characters In Varanasi Prithviraj Sukumaran’s portrayal of the antagonist Kumbha, confined to a wheelchair and able to move only his face, adds an intense layer of tension to the film. In the same interview, Prithviraj revealed that his performance relies entirely on realism, with no use of CGI to compensate for the character’s physical limitations. With Priyanka Chopra Jonas playing Mandakini, and filming underway across Kenya’s Maasai Mara and India’s Odisha, the cast and scale of Varanasi are already making the wait for the film feel longer. The film is set for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027.

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:44 AM

Jackie Shroff Pays Tribute to Legendary Actor Bhagwan Dada and Wishes Urmila Matondkar on Her Birthday

Actor Jackie Shroff paid tribute to legendary dancer-actor Bhagwan Dada as he revisited the iconic song “Shola Jo Bhadke", remembering the cinema icon on his 24th death anniversary. Jackie took to Instagram, where he shared a monochrome picture of Bhagwan Dada and a video of the late star performing on the evergreen number from the 1951 classic Albela. “Remembering Bhagwan Dada on his death anniversary," Jackie wrote. Bhagwan Dada is best known for his social film Albela and the songs “Shola Jo Bhadke" and “O Beta Ji O Babuji Qismat Ki Hawa Kabhi Naram". He made his debut in the silent era with the film Criminal. He co-directed his first film, Bahadur Kisan, with Chandra Rao Kadam in 1938. From 1938 to 1949, he directed a string of low-budget stunt and action films that were popular with the working classes. One of the notable films that he made during this period was the Tamil film Vana Mohini. He turned producer in 1942 with Jagriti Pictures, purchased some land and set up Jagriti Studios in Chembur in 1947. Because of advice from Raj Kapoor, he turned to making a social film called Albela, starring Bhagwan and Geeta Bali, and featuring music by his friend Chitalkar, or C. Ramchandra. He also directed and acted in Bhagam Bhag in 1956. Bhagwan Dada passed away in 2002 from a massive heart attack, after facing financial hardships later in his career. Jackie also went on to wish Urmila Matondkar on her 52nd birthday on Wednesday. He added the song “Tanha Tanha Yahan Pe Jeena" from their 1995 blockbuster Rangeela in a video montage featuring a string of actress’ pictures. For the caption, he wrote: “Happiness Always." Rangeela was re-released on the big screen recently as it completed three decades in the Hindi film industry. Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, revolved around Mili’s ambition to become a famous actor, but she faced several hurdles when Raj Kamal, a noted actor, and Munna, her childhood friend, both fell in love with her. The film also stars Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff.

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Economic Times

Feb 4, 2026, 04:44 AM

US-India Trade Deal Sparks Optimism and Concerns

SynopsisIndia and the US have announced a trade deal. Investors are celebrating, but experts urge caution. The full details are not yet public. Past trade announcements from the US have been inconsistent. Potential costs for switching oil supplies and sensitive sectors like agriculture are concerns. The deal aims to boost trade and investor confidence.

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:43 AM

US and Iran in Active Negotiations After Series of Maritime Incidents

US President Donald Trump has said that the US is now in active negotiations with Iran, saying Tehran appears keen to avoid another military confrontation like the “Midnight Hammer" strike. His remarks came hours after US Central Command said American forces shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, followed by a separate episode in which two IRGC gunboats and a Mohajer drone threatened to board a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The shift toward diplomacy marks a notable change from Trump’s posture over the past month, during which he repeatedly warned of powerful new strikes, spoke of an “armada" heading toward West Asia and insisted Iran must “make a deal." At the same time, Iranian leaders have said they are prepared to consider “fair and equitable negotiations," while key regional capitals — from Turkey to Egypt and Saudi Arabia — have intensified contacts aimed at preventing a wider conflict. Trump’s Sudden Shift Speaking in the Oval Office, the US President said, “They’re all over it, but they are negotiating . They’d like to do something, and we’ll see if something is gonna be done. They had a chance to do something a while ago, and it didn’t work out, and we did Midnight Hammer. I don’t think they want that happening again, but they would like to negotiate. We are negotiating with them right now, yes." This statement marked a striking change from the fluctuating tone Trump has adopted since late December. Only weeks ago, he accused Iran of “building up its nuclear weapons" and warned that any future strikes would be “more powerful than the last time." Meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, he declared, “We’ll knock the hell out of them. But, hopefully, that’s not happening." As protests erupted inside Iran in early January, Trump vowed support for demonstrators and said the United States was “locked and loaded." Days later, he posed with a “Make Iran Great Again" hat, threatening that the US would “come to the rescue" if Iranian forces harmed peaceful protesters. However, by mid-January, Trump’s stance began shifting again. He initially suggested that the “killing in Iran is stopping" and that there was “no plan for executions," before returning to warnings about the movement of US vessels, saying “we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case". His rhetoric escalated again on 28 January, when he warned that a US “armada like with Venezuela, is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary". He also threatened that Tehran needs to “make a deal" and vowed that it would have “NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS". By the time he confirmed ongoing negotiations on Wednesday, Trump had publicly oscillated between threats, reassurances and renewed military signalling. What Happened At Sea Ahead Of The Planned Talks US Central Command on Tuesday said American forces shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively approached" the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the unmanned aircraft continued to fly toward the carrier “despite de-escalatory measures" taken by US forces, prompting an F-35C fighter jet to destroy it. He added that no American personnel were harmed and no equipment was damaged. Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that contact had been lost with an IRGC drone during what it described as a “reconnaissance, surveillance and filming" mission over international waters. The outlet quoted an informed source saying the drone had already transmitted its footage before contact was lost and that the cause was being investigated. Later the same day, two IRGC gunboats and a Mohajer drone approached a US-flagged chemical tanker, the M/V Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz. Hawkins said the gunboats made three high-speed passes and warned over radio that they intended to board and seize the vessel while it was operating in international waters. The USS McFaul destroyer and US Air Force assets moved in to escort the tanker away. Hawkins described the incidents as examples of Iranian “unprofessionalism and aggressive behaviour" that increased the risk of miscalculation for commercial and military vessels in the area. These developments came as Washington and Tehran were preparing for diplomatic talks later in the week, with both sides confirming that discussions were being organised despite the maritime incidents. Diplomatic Efforts Diplomatic contacts intensified across several regional capitals in the days leading up to the planned talks. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Istanbul, where he met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for discussions on reducing tensions. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its foreign minister had spoken separately with Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff to “work toward achieving calm, in order to avoid the region slipping into new cycles of instability." Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the Kingdom “will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran or for any attacks from any party, regardless of their origin." The United Arab Emirates conveyed a similar position. Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor in Middle East and Central Asian politics at Australia’s Deakin University, told Al Jazeera that Tehran is relying on regional powers to advise Trump against any attack on Iran. “They hope that building pressure on Trump would change his mind," Akbarzadeh said. “A concerted effort by regional powers could make an impression on Trump, especially if it is made clear to him that war is bad for business." China said that “any military adventurism will only push the region into an abyss of unpredictability," while the Kremlin said a US strike on Iran would “destabilise the Middle East." How Did Iran Respond To The Possibility Of Conflict? Iran’s leadership publicly warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war . Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said, “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war." He added that the Iranian nation would not be intimidated by talk of warships or aircraft. Khamenei further emphasised, “We are not the initiators of war. We do not seek to oppress anyone. We do not seek to attack any country. However, anyone who seeks to attack or cause harm will face a decisive blow from the Iranian nation." Ali Shamkhani, a senior Khamenei adviser, said, “Any military action by the United States, from any location and at any level, will be considered the start of a war. The response will be immediate, comprehensive and unprecedented. The aggressor, the heart of Tel Aviv and all those who support the aggressor will be targeted." Yet even as these warnings continued, Iranian leaders began signalling openness to dialogue. President Pezeshkian said he had instructed his foreign minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations." Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said discussions were expected within days. Shamkhani later told broadcaster Al Mayadeen that talks would begin indirectly and focus initially on nuclear issues, with direct engagement only if progress appeared possible. Why Trump Pulled Back From Confrontation Trump’s shift came after he was presented with military options to strike Iran but “came away unimpressed," according to The Guardian . There are also reports that some US allies in West Asia feared such strikes could lead to a major regional conflagration. These concerns emerged alongside Iran’s repeated warnings that any US attack would trigger a regional war.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:43 AM

Tourists Get Surprised by Fake Lake View in Udaipur Hotel Room

A trip to Udaipur turned into a surprise for a group of tourists who had booked a “lake view" room. Instead of a real view of the water, they found something completely different behind the curtains. What they thought would be a peaceful, scenic stay ended up becoming a funny moment that left them amused and confused. Their experience quickly caught attention online, with many people reacting to what they saw inside the hotel room. Tourists Prepare To Reveal Their ‘Lake View’ The clip starts inside a hotel room in Udaipur. A woman is standing near a large window, facing it with his back to the camera. The curtains are fully drawn, hiding whatever is outside. Behind her, another person is holding the camera and recording the moment. The room looks neat, with a bed, a small table, and luggage placed on the floor. Light can be seen glowing softly through the curtain fabric. The person filming sounds excited and says, “Hi guys, we have just entered our room in Udaipur, and we will show you the lake view. The lake view, guys, directly from the window. When did this happen? The lake view. This is what happened." Man Pulls The Curtain Expecting A View As soon as the man slowly pulls the curtain aside, instead of a real lake, a large printed wallpaper is visible covering the entire window. The wallpaper shows a picture of a calm lake with trees, buildings, and water in the background, making it look like a real outdoor scene. The person behind the camera reacts in shock and disbelief, as the “view" is clearly just a photograph pasted over the window. The man then starts peeling the wallpaper away from the window. As he removes it, the camera shows what is actually outside — a plain wall of another building standing very close to the hotel. There is no lake, no open view, just a concrete structure and some empty ground below. The man spreads his arms out in frustration, while the person filming laughs in disbelief at what they see. Watch the video here: People Online Share Mixed Reactions The video was posted on February 2 and has already crossed 6 million views, drawing many comments. A user wrote, “At least they provide you good view." Another person questioned them and commented, “Did you not check the location on Google Maps to see if there was a real lake adjacent to the property? Did you not check reviews and read their description of the room?" Someone joked, “Jo bola wo diya lol." Another individual said, “Lake hi hai sookh gyi hai." A user summed it up by saying, “India in a nutshell." Another added, “What you see is what you get."

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:37 AM

Chandigarh Administration Urges Proactive Tree Maintenance Ahead of Monsoon Season

The Chandigarh Administration has advised residents and public and private institutions to submit online service requests to the Horticulture Department for pruning or removal of weak tree branches that may pose a risk during adverse weather conditions. The Chandigarh Administration’s Engineering Department has issued an advisory urging citizens and institutions to take preventive measures to reduce risks posed by weak and overgrown trees across the city. The advisory, issued by the Executive Engineer of the Horticulture Division No. 2, emphasises that falling branches, uprooted trees and structurally weakened trunks can pose serious threats to public safety, government property, students and visitors during storms and heavy rainfall. According to the administration, ensuring tree safety is of “utmost importance”, especially in areas such as schools, colleges, offices, residential buildings, playgrounds and public pathways. Citizens and heads of public and private institutions have been asked to carry out regular visual inspections of trees on their premises to identify weak branches or potentially dangerous trees. The advisory specifically calls for the identification of trees that show signs of distress, including leaning trunks, visible cracks in the soil around roots, dead or dried branches, and trees growing in close proximity to buildings or high-footfall areas. Such trees, the administration said, should be prioritised for remedial action to prevent accidents during inclement weather. To facilitate timely intervention, the Chandigarh Administration has advised residents and institutions to submit online service requests to the Horticulture Department for pruning or removal of weak branches. Complaints can be lodged through the “eGov Chandigarh Smart City” citizen service portal or via the mobile application “I’m Chandigarh”. The procedure involves registering with a mobile number, selecting the Horticulture Department option, clicking on service requests, uploading photographs of the affected trees and submitting the application with relevant details for immediate action. The advisory also outlines a safety plan to be followed during heavy rain or stormy conditions. Students, school staff, employees of public and private institutions, and citizens have been advised to stay away from weak, dead or dangerous trees during bad weather. Parking vehicles under old, dried or structurally compromised trees has also been discouraged. In case of severe weather warnings, the administration has recommended restricting access to areas identified as high-risk due to tree-related hazards. Educational institutions have been directed to train staff and students in emergency procedures, including identifying safe zones and evacuation routes. UT officials said proactive monitoring and regular maintenance of trees can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and property damage during the monsoon season.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:37 AM

Calcutta High Court Upholds Life Imprisonment Sentence in POCSO Case

Calcutta High Court News: Observing that no mother would gamble with her child’s “dignity and childhood” to take revenge against an innocent person, the Calcutta High Court recently upheld the life imprisonment sentence in a case of sexual assault of a three-year-old girl. A division bench of Justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Ajay Kumar Gupta was dealing with a plea of a man, convicted in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case. “The petitioner cannot be treated as a normal human being for being perpetrated offence of this nature on a three-year-old girl,” the court observed. On a petitioner’s defence that the survivor’s mother framed him to take revenge against his alcoholism, the court noted that no mother would gamble with the dignity and childhood of her minor daughter to take revenge against an innocent person.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:34 AM

Calcutta High Court Orders Andaman and Nicobar Administration to Show Compassion to Employee with Serious Health Complications

Observing that the administration must also act with humanity, the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s plea to bar one of their employee sffering from serious health complication s from submitting a fresh application against his transfer. A division bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Apurba Sinha Ray was dealing with a plea of the administration against the tribunal order, providing a laboratory assistant suffering from serious medical conditions a final opportunity to challenge his relocation. The employee submitted that he was suffering from a serious ailment, which requires follow-up by a medical specialist every three months, as he has a single kidney with comorbidities. “The administration, being a model employer , should act reasonably and sympathetically, where the employee concerned is suffering from a serious ailment,” the court observed. The order added that the administration must also act with humanity and treat the next representation of employees with a cup of kindness.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:30 AM

Nabha Royal Family Revives Turban-Tying Ceremony After 124 Years

“It feels like home here,” says Kunwar Abhyuday Pratap Singh Nabha. The home is the Hira Mahal, the ancestral property of Nabha’s erstwhile ruler, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh. Abhyuday is Ripudaman’s great-great-grandson. Fresh of a ‘dastaarbandi’ (turban-tying) ceremony, which saw a confluence of — and the revival of a Sikh royal tradition after 124 years — the 13-year-old’s words and thoughts are lucid and clear. “My grandmother (Rajmata Uma Singh Nabha) used to tell me stories about palaces, kings and the olden days. I read and researched about my lineage. I am proud of being a Sikh. We cannot let our history die,” Abhyuday tells the Indian Express . A day earlier, his ‘dastaarbandi’ was solemnized with full religious sanctity and traditional rituals. Clad in royal heirloom and jewels, Abhyuday also took an elephant ride as he bowed in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to embrace the “dastaar” (turban). The event was attended by several eminent personalities including Radha Soami Satsang Beas head Gurinder Singh Dhillon, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Tarunpreet Singh Sond, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami; Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and taksali Akali leader Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra among others. On Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who is leading BJP’s outreach in Punjab, also reached the palace in Nabha to meet the family. As the flags of the disbanded “Nabha estate” fluttered and the pre-colonial era Hira Mahal came back to life, the ceremony evoked mixed response with many hailing the teenager’s decision to embrace turban even as critics questioned the relevance of “Raja-Maharaja ceremonies” in a democratic setup. According to the royal family, it was after a gap of two generations that a Nabha royal has decided to grow “kesh” (unshorn hair). The family insiders said that it was after a gap of 124 years that an “akhand path” (recital of Gurbani for three consecutive days) was held at the palace for the ceremony. The Nabha’s royal lineage starts from Maharaja Hira Singh, whose son Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, was exiled by the British due to his staunch nationalist views, support to Akali Lehar and opposition to the British rule. He died in 1942 at Kodaikanal (then Madras Presidency) under house arrest. His son, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the last ruler of Nabha dynasty, was crowned a king when he was just eight after his father’s deposition, but the British took him to England where he had to cut his hair short. He took over formally as Nabha’s last ruler when he returned from England at 21 and re-grew his kesh. He ruled until 1948 when the princely estates were merged into independent India. After independence, Pratap’s eldest son Maharaja Hanuwant Singh and younger son Raja Himmat Singh also did not keep kesh. Himmat Singh’s son Raja Bhanu Pratap too did not grow hair. Abhyuday is Bhanu Pratap’s son. Himmat Singh’s wife Rajmata Uma Singh Nabha is the current matriarch of the family. “Both my father-in-law Raja Himmat Singh and husband Raja Bhanu Pratap Singh did not grow hair. Though my husband wears turban but he has short hair. However, my son insisted that he wanted to grow his hair and hold a ceremony with traditional rituals so we did it,” said Rani Preeti Kaur Nabha, Abhyuday’s mother. Speaking to The Indian Express, Abhyuday, a class 8 student at Punjab Public School (PPS), Nabha, said that he just “wanted to return to his roots.” “We were living in Delhi but I told my parents that I want to return to the Hira Mahal so we shifted here in 2021. I was studying at a school in Delhi. It feels like home here,” said Abhyuday Preeti further said: “The dastaarbandi ceremony is more a Sikh ritual than a royal one. We all are commoners now and we also do not believe in these titles of Raja, Rani etc, and the royal touch in ceremony was purely symbolic. Dastaarbandi is a pious ritual for a young Sikh boy who embraces turban in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is considered even bigger than marriage. It is after a gap of 124 years that an Akhand Path in “Ek Chowkra” (a person reciting Sri Guru Granth Sahib for three consecutive days uninterrupted) has been done in the Hira Mahal. Last it was held during Maharaja Hira Singh’s times”. Paramvir Singh, professor and head, department of encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala, says “a young boy returning to his Sikh roots was a heart-warming sign” but warns “nothing more should be read into this.” Also read | Under restoration, Nabha Fort throws up unexpected treasures “It wasn’t a “Raj Tilak” which marked coronation of Kings in colonial times. In today’s times, “Rajas” and “Maharajas” are just titular, who can’t become rulers again in a democratic country. Those times are now a bygone,” said the professor. Minister Khudian said that it was 124 years ago that Bhai Narayan Singh, father of noted scholar Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha, had performed an ‘Akhand Path’ at the same location while seated at one place, and the revival of the tradition was a matter of pride. Recalling, Ripudaman Singh’s service to Punjab, Sikhism and the nation, Speaker Sandhwan said the society continues to hold similar expectations from his descendants. Saini said the ‘dastaarbandi’ of Kunwar Abhyuday Pratap Singh was not merely a private family event but also a revival of the rich legacy of the Phulkian dynasty, which has shaped the social and spiritual landscape of the region for centuries.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:29 AM

Liver Cancer: Warning Signs and Importance of Early Detection

Despite its relatively low incidence, liver cancer remains a serious health concern in India, ranking as the 11th most common cancer overall. According to the WHO’s Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022), the country recorded 38,703 new cases and 36,953 deaths from the disease. Liver cancer is often diagnosed late because its early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for routine health problems. Many people dismiss these signs as stress, indigestion, or seasonal illness, allowing the disease to progress silently. This delay in diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges in treating liver cancer. What makes early awareness especially important is that the liver plays a vital role in digestion, detoxification, and energy production. When something goes wrong, the effects are felt across the body. Paying attention to persistent, unexplained changes, no matter how minor they seem, can help catch the disease early, when treatment options are more effective. Symptoms That May Indicate Liver Cancer Unexplained weight loss is often one of the first warning signs. The body begins to lose weight rapidly without any intentional changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle, signalling that something is wrong internally. Loss of appetite may follow, where meals no longer feel satisfying and hunger reduces noticeably. Even small portions can feel overwhelming, leading to reduced nutrition and further weakness. Upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side, can occur as the liver becomes enlarged or inflamed. This pain may be dull, persistent, or worsen after eating. Jaundice is a clear and visible sign of liver dysfunction. The skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow as the liver fails to process bilirubin effectively, often accompanied by fatigue and itching. Abdominal swelling may develop due to fluid buildup in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites. The stomach may feel tight, heavy, or unusually distended. Fatigue and weakness are common and can feel overwhelming. Even routine activities may leave you exhausted, as the body struggles to function with a compromised liver. Nausea and vomiting can become frequent. These symptoms may appear without obvious digestive issues and often worsen over time. Dark-coloured urine is another important warning sign. As the liver’s filtering ability declines, waste products build up and change the colour of urine. Pale or clay-coloured stools may indicate a disruption in bile production or flow, which plays a crucial role in digestion and waste elimination. Itchy skin can become intense and constant, sometimes without any visible rash. This itching is caused by bile salts accumulating in the bloodstream. Easy bruising and bleeding may occur as the liver loses its ability to produce proteins necessary for blood clotting. Even minor injuries can result in noticeable bruises or prolonged bleeding. Fever without a clear infection can also be a warning sign. It may reflect inflammation or cancer-related changes occurring within the body. If these symptoms appear, persist, or worsen, it is essential to consult a doctor without delay. Early detection of liver cancer can be life-saving, and paying attention to these warning signs could make all the difference. (Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information and awareness. It does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek medical advice from a qualified doctor for any health concerns.)

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:28 AM

Toddler Hit By Motorcycle While Crossing Road In Gujarat: Horrific CCTV Footage Surfaces Online

In Gujarat, a terrifying accident took place where a toddler was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the road. The horrific visuals were caught on the CCTV camera of the area, and the video of it has now surfaced online. The incident reportedly took place on Chala Muktanand Marg in Vapi. As per the timestamp visible in the video, the accident happened on January 30 at around 3:28 PM. Toddler Hit By Motorcycle While Crossing Road In Gujarat In the footage, a woman can be seen standing on one side of the road as she attempts to cross with her toddler. She initially holds the child’s hand while stepping forward. But the child suddenly lets go and then starts to run across the road. A motorcycle moving along the road hits the child. The collision throws the child towards a nearby parked car. The woman is seen rushing towards the toddler, and soon, several people gather at the spot. Watch The Clip Here Internet Blames Mother The video gained significant attention online, with many viewers reacting strongly and blaming the parent for not holding the child properly while crossing the road. One user questioned, “Was that the mother/guardian of the child? If yes, then why is she not holding the child’s hand while crossing the road?" Another said, “Pathetic parent! How the f*** don’t you look around before crossing the road? She literally encouraged the kid to run. Some people don’t deserve to have kids." “Parents are idiots if they let their kid cross the road on his own," someone else remarked. “Biker is not speeding; he is travelling at the same speed as others. Look at the speed of the other bikes before the incident; it was the same. The fault lies with the mother who left his hand and made him run on the main road, disregarding the vehicles," a person stated. “Total fault and negligence of the child’s mother…not firmly holding a small child while crossing a busy road is totally a negligent act of that lady," an individual added. A viewer shared, “My toddler likes to untuck my hand and wants to run around. I allow him that freedom in areas where vehicles cannot enter. Even then I keep shielding him from getting too close to corners, walls or even other people. Everywhere else, I strictly hold him no matter how much tantrum he throws." “The kid should not be running on the road like that. In fact, no one should. It’s easy to blame motorists for every such mishap. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist will be booked and penalised even if the video clearly shows what happened," read another comment. Child Undergoing Treatment After Accident It is being reported that the child sustained serious injuries in the accident. The toddler was reportedly rushed to a hospital soon after the collision, where treatment is currently underway.

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Economic Times

Feb 4, 2026, 04:26 AM

India Anticipates Boost from Reduced US Tariffs and EU Trade Agreement

SynopsisIndia's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is anticipating significant boost for exporters due to reduced US tariffs and a new trade agreement with the EU. These developments are expected to boost investment and positively influence the rupee's direction. Speaking to ET, the minister also highlighted India's growing role in global GDP growth, positioning the nation for increased fund flows and economic expansion.

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Republic World

Feb 4, 2026, 04:23 AM

New Delhi Wakes Up to Dense Fog, Poor Air Quality

New Delhi:The national capital woke up to dense fog on Wednesday morning and witnessed a significant deterioration in its air quality. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 312 at approximately 7 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. The Air Quality Index remained in the moderate-to-poor range, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Additionally, visuals from this morning around the Akshardham area showed a thick layer of fog lingering in parts of the city. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in ITO, a thick layer of fog was present with reduced visibility, with an AQI of 334, placing it in the ' very poor' category. Additionally, a thick layer of smog lingered in areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path. According to CPCB data, several other areas in the capital, including Anand Vihar (376), Bawana (329), Ashok Vihar (366), Mundka (381), Chandani Chowk (358) and RK Puram (346), also saw a high in air quality, remaining in the 'very poor' category. Sirifort recorded similar conditions, with an AQI of 340. However, some parts of the city fared better. Narela recorded an AQI of 252, and Aya Nagar measured 252, placing it in the 'poor' category. Sri Aurobindo Marg (221), Mandir Marg (257), and IGI Airport T3 (243) also recorded relatively better air quality, but it remained in the 'poor' category. Additionally, a layer of dense fog has engulfed Haryana's Karnal this morning. As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the national capital on Tuesday, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar conditions are expected across neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:22 AM

Indian Man's Daring Railway Stunt Goes Viral, Sparks Outrage

Despite social media content creators being warned of stringent action against life-threatening stunts performed in public, a man in India was filmed lying on the railway tracks letting the train speed past over him. The video has since gone viral, sparking outrage and a strong warning from Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar. Although the exact location and date of the incident are unknown, the video amassed over a lakh views, with social media users demanding the man’s arrest. Sharing the video, Sajjanar wrote, “Be responsible, not reckless!” Watch here: వైరల్ పిచ్చితో ఇలాంటి పనులు చేయడం సాహసం కాదు.. అది పరాకాష్టకు చేరిన మూర్ఖత్వం. ఒక్క సెకను తేడా జరిగినా ప్రాణాలు గాలిలో కలిసిపోతాయి. Be Responsible, Not Reckless! #LifeIsPrecious #DontRiskYourLife pic.twitter.com/5GBZ2BdTcn — V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) February 3, 2026 The video begins with the man waiting on the railway track until the train approaches, and then he positions himself by lying on the track on his stomach. In the breathtaking video, the man lies unhurt as the train passes over him due to the narrow clearance between the body and the train. After the stunt, the man stands up triumphantly and poses for the camera. “This is one type of risky adventure. Very bad. Still, these young people do. Good that you advised them never risk life,” a user wrote. “Railway department has to take action against him,” another user commented. “Not irresponsible, these guys are spoiling other kids with nonsense actions. I think Australia did the right thing by stopping the use of mobile phones for kids, and now it’s time we should act on it, and especially these kinds of acts should be banned and bring a stringent law,” a third user reacted. In March last year, a man in Uttar Pradesh slipped from a moving train while performing a dangerous stunt for a reel video. The incident unfolded on a train travelling from Kasganj to Kanpur. However, the train suddenly stopped, allowing the man to get down safely without injury.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:21 AM

Panchkula Golf League Returns for Second Edition

After the inaugural edition last year, the second edition of the Panchkula Golf League will be played at the Panchkula Golf Club, Sector 3, from February 4 to 22. While the last year’s edition saw 16 teams having 14 players each competing in the league, this year’s league will see a total of 16 teams with 16 players each in the league. The league will be played with the 16 teams divided in two groups and playing each team in their group in a round robin format with four teams from each group advancing to the knock-outs. “With the first season of the Panchkula Golf League being conducted with success, this year’s edition of the league will see 16 teams with 16 players each. The format will see the teams divided in two groups facing each team in their group based on the individual stableford format with the scores of the players counting towards team totals. The top four teams from each group based on cumulative stableford points form all their rounds in the round-robin stage will quality for the knockout rounds starting with the quarter-finals and to be played in the four-ball better ball matchplay format,” said Digraj Singh, tournament director while addressing a press conference for the launch of the league. The pool of 256 players in the league has been drawn from the club members with each team selecting one senior member aged 70 years and a lady golfer as mandatory. The teams could have a maximum of three players from handicap 1-9 with each team picking ten players from the list. The rest of the six players in each team were picked from an auction based on points by the teams. The teams competing in the league are defending champions Highland Kings, ADS Falcons, Clubs on Flames, GB Legends, Green Warriors,, Shivalik Swingers, Sneakin Golfers, Tee Titans, Fantastic Fours, Golfing Eagles, Golfing Panthers, Hansa Legends, Par-Tee Crashers Raging Bulls, Tee Birds, Victory Waves. “The Panchkula Golf League was envisioned as a platform that strengthens competitive golf while fostering camaraderie and sporting values. The second edition reflects a natural progression, with greater depth, wider participation and a format that tests skill, discipline and teamwork. We see the League as an important contributor to the region’s sporting ecosystem,” said B Chandra Sekhar, IPS (Retd), Co- Chairman, Organising Committee, Panchkula Golf League. With fog engulfing Panchkula on Tuesday, the league is expected to see some foggy days too. When asked about conditions and the course conditions, Sekhar replied that the winter time frame was the only time suitable for the club to host the league. “The Chandigarh Golf League happens in September-October and we could not hold the league at that time. Hence this time suited the club more. The course is in good shape, almost 80 percent I would say and players will enjoy the league,” said Sekhar.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:21 AM

Randeep Hooda's Physique Transformation for 'Eetha' and Upcoming Projects

Actor Randeep Hooda has raised the bar for fitness as he shared a mirror selfie showcasing his visibly bulked-up physique for his upcoming film “Eetha" starring Shraddha Kapoor. A source close to the project shared, “Randeep has always been extremely committed to his craft, and physical transformation is something he takes very seriously." “If a role demands a certain look or body type, he fully immerses himself into achieving it and with Eetha it’s not different. Right now, he’s focusing on gaining massive strength and bulking up," added the source. On January 30, news about Randeep sporting a distinct new look, a thick moustache for his role, did the rounds. According to sources, Randeep’s new look is for his upcoming period biopic drama Eetha, which is currently under production. The film stars Randeep Hooda opposite Shraddha Kapoor and is believed to have been shot across various parts of Maharashtra. Directed by filmmaker Laxman Utekar, Eetha is based on the life of one of India’s earliest Tamasha/Lavni dancers, bringing to the forefront a powerful and culturally rooted story. In other news, Randeep and his wife Lin Laishram are all set to welcome their first bundle of joy. They took to Instagram on November 29 to make the announcement. In a joint post, they wrote: “Two years of love, adventure, and now… a little wild one on the way (Tiger Face, red heart and infinity emojis)." Randeep and Lin first met at veteran star Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group Motley. Eventually, having fallen for one another, the lovebirds started living together during the lockdown. They made their relationship Instagram official back in 2022. The couple finally tied the knot on November 29, 2023, in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Manipur. Randeep will also be seen in the epic war drama “Operation Khukri." Randeep has secured the official movie rights to “Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad" by Major General Rajpal Punia, and Damini Punia. The film “Operation Khukri" will bring to screen the harrowing real-life events from 2000, when 233 Indian soldiers were held hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the subsequent high-risk rescue mission that followed. The actor will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia (then a young Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry), who navigated both the tense standoff and the extraordinary rescue operation amid challenging jungle warfare conditions.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:19 AM

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mahesh Babu's Exciting Collaboration in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi

After the massive success of RRR and especially the global recognition that followed Naatu Naatu’s historic Oscar win, all eyes have been firmly fixed on filmmaker SS Rajamouli and what he would announce next. Adding to the anticipation, the director unveiled Varanasi, a high-profile project starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film has been in development for nearly three years and is expected to take another year before hitting the big screen, with a summer release slated for next year. Even though the film’s release is still some time away, the team has already begun building excitement around it. Recently, Priyanka Chopra revealed the one condition she had before signing the film — and it wasn’t exactly in Mahesh Babu’s favour. Speaking in an interview, Priyanka shared, “I haven’t done an Indian film in like six years. So when SS Rajamouli called me and he was like, ‘You know this female character is really cool and you have to do it,’ I was like, ‘I have one request. Can you make me dance? Please? Because I haven’t danced for so long.’” Mahesh Babu, who was accompanying her during the interaction, quickly quipped, “And he made her dance — and how!” Reacting with laughter, Priyanka said, “Woah! I should not have asked because we have been dancing. Oh my gosh, there’s a lot.” ALSO READ | Rajesh Khanna led his wedding baraat past ex-girlfriend Anju Mahendru’s house; made her end engagement with cricketer Garry Sobers She further added, “And poor Mahesh was like, ‘Just because of you. Because of you, I have to do it too.’” Calling it “sensational,” Mahesh elaborated, “I think we have already shot one song and it just keeps playing in our minds. She kept singing it all the time. And that song happened because she wanted to dance.” In another interview with Screen Rant, the actors provided more context about Priyanka’s dance request. While speaking about Varanasi, Priyanka was also asked about her popular franchises — Don 3 and Krissh. Laughing, she said, “I don’t know if I can talk about either of them at all.” Mahesh Babu cheekily responded, “It means something is definitely happening.” Not confirming anything, Priyanka added, “But exciting times ahead. This is the first Indian film I am doing after six years. Just coming back and being within the culture again… and my favourite part was getting to dance. I haven’t done that in any of my Hollywood productions. I was really excited about it.” Adding to this, Mahesh revealed, “When she came on board for this project, she was on a call with Rajamouli and said, ‘I am so excited and I really want to dance because Naatu Naatu won the Oscar.’” Interrupting him playfully, Priyanka clarified, “No, it was because I hadn’t danced in such a long time. I was a Hindi film actress, so dancing was a big part of it. I told him I had one request that I should be able to dance in this movie. And unfortunately for Mahesh, he had to do it too. He wasn’t very happy with me making that request.” Mahesh agreed with a smile, saying, “Yeah, because it was tough. She was rehearsing, and I was like, ‘Don’t complain now — you asked for this.’” Priyanka concluded by admitting, “I didn’t think the steps would turn out to be what they turned out to be.” Varanasi is being touted as a globetrotting adventure rooted deeply in Indian culture, with a storyline that spans across timelines — travelling from 2000 BC all the way to 2027.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:17 AM

Woman Allegedly Stabs Boyfriend to Death Over Mobile Phone Blocking

A young woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death during a heated argument after he reportedly blocked her on his mobile phone in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur, NDTV reported. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, February 2. According to the police, Kamta Prasad Suryavanshi, 25, had been living in a rented house. He worked at a local hotel. Six months back, he met Roshni Suryavanshi on Instagram and started a relationship with her. Boyfriend Distances Self, Suspicion emerges Over the past two-three days, Kamta distanced himself from Roshni and blocked her number and messages, leading to tensions between the two. Enraged and suspecting that her boyfriend was involved in an affair, she went to his house, carrying a knife. As soon as Kamta opened the door, she asked him to show her his mobile phone. When he refused, a heated argument broke out between the two. Roshni then allegedly stabbed Kamta directly in the chest, said the police, as quoted by NDTV. Kamta’s roommate heard the commotion and came out to check on his friend, only to find him lying on the ground, bleeding through his chest. After this, Kamta was rushed to a hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries on the way. Meanwhile, Police Officer Summat Sahu said that the woman has been apprehended and an investigation has been initiated, as per the NDTV report. The police sources also revealed that Kamta was the nephew of BJP leader and district panchayat president Rajesh Suryavanshi. During the preliminary probe, the woman reportedly told the police that she had carried the knife only to scare him. However, an investigation is still underway into the sequence of events that led up to the crime. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. Further probe is underway.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:16 AM

Priyanka Chopra Returns to Indian Cinema with SS Rajamouli's Epic Fantasy 'Varanasi'

Priyanka Chopra will be next seen in Karl E Urban’s Hollywood action thriller The Bluff on Prime Video this month, but next year will mark her long-awaited return to the big screen. She’ll play the female lead, Mandakini, in SS Rajamouli’s Telugu action fantasy epic Varanasi. While this marks the first time the actor and the filmmaker are working together, he recently confessed having a “little doubt” about casting her in this complex role. “It’s been a while since she did an Indian film. I think the last one she did was eight years ago. She did a lot of Hollywood productions in between. I had a little doubt whether she’s changed her approach according to the Western audience and if she’ll be ready to move back to her Indian base, but on the first day on set, she was a fish into water,” Rajamouli revealed. The last Indian film Priyanka headlined was Shonali Bose’s 2019 Bollywood family drama The Sky Is Pink. “I’ve been a fan of her since a long time. I love the way she performs, whether it’s a badass character or a vulnerable character. She really gives it all. So, when we started the character of Mandakini, she could kick ass but there are portions which are really vulnerable,” added Rajamouli in an interview with Screen Rant. He kept looking for an actor who can do both “with ease”, but could find actors doing either this or that. “It was a compromise to find an actor to do both. That’s when we thought of PC and approached her,” said Rajamouli. Priyanka, who has done critically acclaimed “vulnerable” performances like Barfi! (2012) and Bajirao Mastani (2015), has also headlined international action dramas like Quantico and Heads of State last year. Rajamouli had yet another conundrum going into Varanasi — the low number of IMAX screens in India. “Once we started designing the worlds of Varanasi, we realized we need a bigger format to capture their magnificence. Obviously, IMAX is the first thing came to our mind. It’s essentially the largeness of the worlds which made us push towards the largeness of the screen,” said Rajamouli. As of 2026, the count of IMAX screens in India is only 35, as compared to over 400 in the US. “I thought when I release the first glimpse, the audience should see it on a big screen. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough big screens in India. We had this audacious thought that if you don’t have one, let’s build one. We literally built that 100 x 130-feet screen,” added the filmmaker. Rajamouli and his team built a huge screen from scratch for the grand teaser unveil of Varanasi , which took place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad last November. However, building those many screens from scratch won’t be a practical idea to showcase the film once it releases in cinemas on April 7, 2027 . The go-getter in Rajamouli has a plan ready. “So, I’m going to pitch tents outside their LA office and demand that we need more big screens in India,” said the filmmaker, who claimed that he and his team would do a dharna outside the Los Angeles head office of IMAX if there aren’t enough of their screens in India by early next year. Varanasi also stars Mahesh Babu as the protagonist and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. Also Read — Border 2 Box Office Collection Day 12 Updates: Sunny Deol film earns Rs 285 cr, lags behind Dhurandhar What wasn’t a challenge for Rajamouli, however, was to hop from one world to another in Varanasi across time, also given the fact that one of those worlds is inspired from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. “I don’t think these stories are yesteryear. They’re blood flowing in our veins. These stories may have happened thousands of years ago. They’re constantly within us right from our childhood throughout our lives. So, it’s not difficult for to blend the emotions. The difficulty is whether I can live up to the expectations the audience have when we deal with these epics,” he reasoned.

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Newsbytes✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:14 AM

Sam Curran Credits Flexibility for England's T20I Success

Sam Curran, the starEnglandall-rounder, has expressed his satisfaction with his flexible role in the team.His adaptability has been key to England's recent success in T20Is, which was recently marked by a 3-0 series win over hosts Sri Lanka.Curran smashed a 48-ball 58 as England managed to defend 128 in the third and final T20I.Despite different pitches and conditions, Curran's contributions have been instrumental ahead of the all-important ICC T20 World Cup.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:12 AM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Set to Review Security Situation in Chhattisgarh Amid Efforts to Eliminate Naxal Violence

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to hold a crucial high-level security review on Left Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh this week, in what officials describe as the final strategic assessment ahead of the Centre’s internal deadline to eliminate Naxal violence from the region. Top government sources said the home minister is also likely to visit Bastar during the trip and interact with locals while reviewing rehabilitation and development measures on the ground. According to the tentative schedule shared by sources, Shah is expected to first travel to Jammu & Kashmir, where he will review the security situation and hold a high-level meeting soon after arriving on February 5. He is scheduled to remain there till February 7, before flying to Raipur the same day. He is expected to leave Chhattisgarh on February 8 after taking stock of the security situation. Final Security Review Ahead Of Deadline Officials familiar with the planning said the Chhattisgarh meeting is being seen as the last major operational review before the government’s internal deadline related to Naxal eradication from the ground. Senior officials from intelligence agencies, heads of central armed police forces and top state police officers are likely to participate in the closed-door meeting. Sources said the home minister intends to conduct a direct ground assessment in Bastar, one of the remaining Naxal-affected regions, and meet local communities. He is also expected to review the status of rehabilitation programmes for surrendered cadres and ongoing development works in the area. Chhattisgarh currently accounts for six of the eight districts in the country that still have an official Left Wing Extremism footprint. Officials described the visit as both a security and confidence-building exercise aimed at consolidating recent gains and ensuring that development delivery keeps pace with security stabilisation. Sharp Decline In Naxal Violence The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed Parliament that Naxal violence has declined by 88 per cent since 2010 and is now confined to only eight districts nationwide. The government said the number of affected districts has fallen from 126 in 2018 to just eight by December 2025, with only three classified as “most affected". “The resolute implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan 2015’ has resulted in consistent decline in violence and constriction of geographical spread. LWE which has been a serious challenge to the internal security of the nation has been significantly curbed in the recent times and has been constricted to only a few pockets. The number of LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 in 2018 to only 08 in December-2025 with only 3 districts now remaining Most LWE Affected." According to the home ministry, violence incidents have dropped from a peak of 1,936 in 2010 to 234 in 2025, while civilian and security force deaths have declined by 90 per cent during the same period. In 2025 alone, security forces neutralised 364 Naxals, arrested 1,022 and facilitated 2,337 surrenders. The Centre has simultaneously expanded surrender-cum-rehabilitation schemes that offer financial assistance, vocational training and stipends to former cadres, alongside large-scale road, telecom, education and financial inclusion projects in previously affected districts. Officials said the upcoming review will focus on ensuring that these programmes translate into permanent stability in the last remaining pockets of insurgency.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:08 AM

India-US Economic Partnership Advancement Discussed During Ministerial Meetings

A day after India and the US agreed on a trade deal that would bring tariffs down to 18 per cent, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Wednesday and discussed advancing their economic partnership. After the meeting in Washington DC , Jaishankar posted on X, “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 technology. Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests,” he wrote. Rubio said he met with Jaishankar to discuss bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, and “work together to unlock new economic opportunities between our two countries”. “We also commended the trade deal between the United States and India.” Jaishankar is visiting the United States from February 2-4 and will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by Rubio. Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, State Department, said, “The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders emphasized the importance of our democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals.” This refers to US President Trump’s statements that India will buy energy from the US and Venezuela. “Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests,” Pigott said. India is expected to host the Quad leaders’ summit this year, as planned last year. After meeting US Treasury Secretary Bessent, Jaishankar said they had a “useful discussion on advancement of India-US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.” In a post, Bessent said, “During our talks, we addressed the importance of securing supply chains, as well as other national and economic security issues of mutual interest,” he said. Bessent had been critical of India’s purchases of Russian oil. Last week, in the wake of the free trade agreement between India and the European Union, he described the Europeans as “very disappointing”, saying they were unwilling to join Washington in imposing tariffs on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil because of this trade deal. At the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, the US aims to advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains. “This historic gathering will create momentum for collaboration to secure these critical components vital to technological innovation, economic strength, and national security,” the US State Department has said. US Vice President J D Vance, Rubio, Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Senior Director for Global Supply Chains David Copley, and Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will participate in the meeting.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 04:03 AM

Indian-Origin Man Accused of Spiking Woman's Drink at London Nightclub Goes on Trial

An Indian-origin man connected with a portfolio of restaurants in the United Kingdom has gone on trial in London, accused of attempting to spike a woman’s drink at a nightclub two years ago. Sixty-three-year-old Vikas Nath, who is associated with fine-dining Indian restaurants in London, has denied charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B dangerous drug. The trial is being heard at Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutors told jurors this week that Nath accepts adding a substance to the woman’s drink but claims it was only to “relax" her. Citing UK court proceedings, news agency PTI reported that the woman had invited Nath to Annabel’s, a private members’ club, and the two went to the rooftop bar where she ordered a cocktail. When she left the table briefly to show friends around the club, two staff members noticed what they described as “rather strange actions" by Nath, who had been left alone with the group’s drinks. According to the report, the staff watched as Nath used a straw to take liquid from a small bottle he was trying to hide and then drip it into the woman’s cocktail. They alerted senior managers, replaced the drink before it could be consumed and later contacted the police. Prosecutor Tim Clark, quoted from a BBC court report, told the jury, “His acceptance is not surprising. He had little choice because the spiking was captured on CCTV at Annabel’s." Clark also said Nath tried to get rid of the evidence before officers arrived. “Prior to the police arriving, Mr Nath clearly worked out that he had been rumbled. He tried to hide the evidence of what he had done, going to the lavatory and throwing that little bottle into the cistern, and it was floating about when the police recovered it," he said. In a police interview following the January 2024 incident, Nath said he had obtained the liquid, gamma-butyrolactone, or GBL, as a cleaning fluid for a high-performance car and had been told by a friend that it could also be drunk with alcohol as a “relaxant". He also told officers he did not realise it was illegal for him to possess GBL, a controlled Class B substance often referred to as a date-rape drug because of its extreme effects when consumed. According to a report with The Times Of India, traces of the sleep-inducing drug were later found, and police discovered two more bottles under Nath’s sink at his home. It further said prosecutors told the jury that Nath had sent messages to a friend expressing frustration that he had not had sex with the woman that evening.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:02 AM

Bengaluru Authority Outlines Plan to Ease Traffic Congestion on Outer Ring Road

Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao Tuesday instructed officials to prepare a blueprint for the construction of an additional flyover near Iblur Junction on the Outer Ring Road to reduce traffic congestion. Speaking during a joint inspection with officials from the GBA, Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and the East and South City Corporations, Rao said the stretch of the Outer Ring Road from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram is proposed to be developed in a comprehensive manner. He instructed officials to use modern technology to ensure the flyover can be constructed within a short timeframe and to submit a detailed plan outlining the estimated cost, construction model, and completion timeline. Experts said an approximately 800-metre-long flyover is required at Iblur Junction. Rao said coordinated steps should be taken with the South City Corporation and BMRCL for the holistic development of Silk Board Junction, including the installation of HRPC, flood-prevention measures, and related works. With Metro pile cap works currently underway at the junction, he directed officials to complete them swiftly without causing inconvenience to vehicular traffic. Tackling other issues The GBA chief commissioner said a broader plan is being prepared to ease congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow by developing the Outer Ring Road, including service roads and footpaths. As Metro-related footpath and median works are already in progress, he instructed BMRCL and B-SMILE to coordinate closely and finalise the detailed project report (DPR) to avoid duplication of work. Rao observed that roads beneath Metro stations along the Outer Ring Road are uneven and that ongoing pile cap works have gradually reduced road width, potentially worsening congestion. He directed officials to inspect all Metro stations along the corridor and to immediately rectify any issues found. During an inspection near Iblur Metro Station towards Silk Board Junction, officials noted poor maintenance and incomplete work along a 2-km stretch of footpath. Rao instructed them to develop and complete the footpaths. He also asked that all Metro-related works be carried out in coordination with B-SMILE and in strict adherence to the approved comprehensive development plan. Additionally, Rao directed officials from the City Corporation and Traffic Police to jointly inspect the Outer Ring Road and submit a list of required pedestrian skywalks, along with design details and estimated funding requirements. He also instructed officials to widen the area and construct footpaths near Kodibisanahalli Metro Station, close to the Marathahalli Police Station, where a narrow stormwater drain is affecting smooth vehicular movement.

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Feb 4, 2026, 04:02 AM

Rhea Chakraborty Makes Acting Comeback with Netflix Series 'Family Business'

Six years after Rhea Chakraborty’s life took a drastic turn due to Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the actress is now all set to make her acting comeback. On Tuesday evening, Rhea attended the ‘Next On Netflix’ event in Mumbai when it was announced that she will soon be seen in the show titled Family Business. The series, which also stars Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma in the lead, will be released later this year. Rhea also shared a teaser of the show on her Instagram stories and wrote, “New blood meets old money. With immense power at stake, the lines blur between family and business. Watch Family Business, coming soon, only on Netflix." Fans also reacted to Rhea’s comeback and cheered for her. “@rhea_chakraborty der aaye durust aye ❤️ congratulations ❤️," one of the users commented on her Instagram post. “So happy to see Rhea back on screen ❤️🔥 She so deserves this comeback 👏👏 Can’t wait to watch (sic)," added another. “Her journey proves courage. She deserves not just respect, but an apology!! (sic)," a third comment read. For the unversed, Rhea Chakraborty’s life turned upside down after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. The actress was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in September 2020 after they found some chats with alleged drug peddlers on her WhatsApp. She was granted bail later, but had restrictions on her travel for a long time. It wasn’t until 2025 that the Central Bureau of Investigation finally cleared Rhea of all charges in its closure report, bringing official closure to a chapter that had already taken an immense personal toll. Last 2023, Rhea opened up about the time she spent in jail and said, “So you are basically removed from society and put as a number in prison because you are deemed unfit for society. So there itself, this personality or these things you’ve created about yourself are completely broken. I was in an under-trial prison, which means it’s not a convicted prison, and unfortunately, all the women over there were still innocent because they were not proven guilty. Seeing them and interacting with them, I experienced a unique kind of love and resilience within those women. They found happiness in small things. They grabbed happiness when they got it. They know how to enjoy a moment, and they are some of the happiest people I have met." Later, Rhea also started her podcast. She was also seen as a gang leader in MTV Roadies.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 04:00 AM

Sharp Tooth Bites: A Surprising Cause of Tongue Cancer in Young Adults

Oncologist Dr Akshay Kewlani recently detailed the case of a “young 21-year-old” who came to the OPD (outpatient department) with oral cavity cancer. “Now it is very difficult to believe that not smoking or chewing tobacco can cause cancer, but this guy had it. You will be shocked to know the reason why he developed tongue cancer. Non-tobacco-related tongue cancer is very common among young individuals because of sharp teeth. The corner of a sharp teeth can cause tongue bites and when it is clenched…it causes trauma…which causes chronic inflammation…which turns into cancer. Tongue cancer is the worst.” Dr Kewlani added, “Not many people go to a dentist six-monthly or annually. It could have been identified. All it takes is to rub it down so that frequent tongue bites won’t happen.” Agreeing, Dr Hitesh Singhavi, consultant and head and neck oncosurgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said such cases are possible. “While nearly 85 per cent of oral cancers are linked to tobacco and alcohol, about 15 per cent occur in patients without these habits.” In this case, the only identifiable factor was repeated injury to the tongue from a sharp tooth that had been causing trauma for nearly six months. “While chronic mucosal trauma is not classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, it is increasingly recognised as a possible contributing factor, especially in patients with no exposure to tobacco or alcohol. Importantly, we need larger studies to validate a direct cause-and-effect relationship further,” said Dr Singhavi. Does chronic irritation really increase cancer risk? Chronic irritation leads to ongoing inflammation, meaning tissues are constantly damaged and repaired. “Over time, this repeated cycle may disrupt normal cell behaviour and create conditions that favour malignant change. This risk becomes more relevant when no other established cancer-causing factors are present,” said Dr Singhavi. What early warning signs should people not ignore? Dr Singhavi said that key red flags include a persistent mouth ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks, repeated injury or biting in the same area, unexplained lumps, unprovoked bleeding, loose teeth without a dental cause, pain when moving the tongue, or unexplained changes in speech. “These symptoms are often dismissed as minor dental issues,” elucidated Dr Singhavi. Why is dental awareness so crucial in prevention? Dr Singhavi stressed that an early dental evaluation could have identified and easily fixed the sharp tooth. “Smoothing a sharp edge is a simple fix, but when neglected, it allows trauma to continue for months or years, raising the risk.” A post shared by Dr. Akshay Kewlani, MD (@dr.akshaykewlani) What to note? Early diagnosis makes a big difference. “Early attention saves on treatment intensity, cost, and quality of life, said Dr Singhavi. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 03:59 AM

India and US Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Trade Deal and Strategic Cooperation

From energy and nuclear cooperation to defence and critical minerals— External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, just after India and the United States announced a trade deal, to push forward a broader bilateral agenda that now goes well beyond tariffs and market access. Both leaders “welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi", noting the importance of stronger economic cooperation. Jaishankar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said he was “delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon" and that they had a “wide-ranging conversation" covering India–US strategic cooperation, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology." The minister added that both sides agreed on holding early meetings of various bilateral mechanisms to advance shared interests. “Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," he said. The meeting is also part of the External Affair Minister’s ongoing three-day visit to the US and comes a day after the announcement of the India-US trade deal under which Washington has agreed to lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. The United States is set to host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on Wednesday (local time) in Washington DC, bringing together delegations from over 50 countries to advance collaboration on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains, according to a prior notice issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US State Department. Rubio will chair the ministerial, with delegations from more than 50 nations expected to participate. Jaishankar’s visit also comes on the backdrop of the India-US trade deal, announced on Monday following a telephone discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, under which Washington has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, effective immediately. Earlier, the EAM met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during which both leaders discussed advancing the India-US economic partnership and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries. The handout released by the US State Department said Rubio met EAM and discussed strengthening cooperation across a range of strategic areas. It said that the two leaders focused on formalising bilateral collaboration in critical minerals, including exploration, mining and processing, according to the statement. “Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi," the handout said. It also added that both sides emphasised the importance of the United States and India, as leading democracies, working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals. The statement said Rubio and Jaishankar also reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation through the Quad grouping. “Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad," it said. The two leaders acknowledged that “a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests," the handout added.

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The Indian Express

Feb 4, 2026, 03:53 AM

NASA Pushes Back Artemis II Mission Due to Fueling Issues

NASA pushed its Artemis II mission to March after wrapping up a launch rehearsal that uncovered issues with the massive Space Launch System rocket’s fueling process, the latest delay for the mission to fly four astronauts around the moon and back. The U.S. space ‍agency ⁠had been planning to launch the four Artemis II astronauts sometime this month, pending the outcome of a 49-hour launch countdown rehearsal in Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The earliest launch opportunity in that window was February 8. “With the conclusion of the ‌wet dress rehearsal today (Tuesday), we are moving off the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch of Artemis II,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “With more than three years between SLS launches, we fully anticipated encountering challenges. That is precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal,” Isaacman said. A wet dress rehearsal refers to a final prelaunch simulation in which the rocket is ‌fully loaded with liquid propellant and undergoes a countdown but does not actually launch. During the rehearsal, one of the ‌rocket’s propellants, liquid hydrogen, was leaking through tiny fittings of what is essentially a large hose that pumps ‌the fuel into SLS, NASA said. The planned Artemis II crew includes three U.S. astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina ‌Koch – and a ‍Canadian astronaut, Jeremy ⁠Hansen. The mission is poised to be the furthest human flight into space ever, and the first crewed ⁠moon mission since the U.S. Apollo program more ⁠than half a century ago. Artemis II is a precursor to NASA’s planned astronaut moon landing with Artemis III, which is scheduled for 2028. That mission also ‌uses NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion astronaut capsule sitting on top, though SpaceX’s Starship will ‌be used as a moon lander for the first time.

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NorthEast Now

Feb 4, 2026, 03:52 AM

Tiger Attack Claims Life of Police Head Constable in Arunachal Pradesh's Mayudia

Dibrugarh:In a tragic incident, a biker was reportedly attacked by a tiger on Monday night at Mayudia in Arunachal Pradesh’sLower Dibang Valleydistrict.The incident has created a sensation in the area, as human deaths due to tiger attacks are not common in Arunachal Pradesh.Confirming the incident, SP Manish Saurya said that police and forest teams were rushed to the spot.The body of the victim has been recovered and identified asArunachal PradeshPolice Head Constable Chikseng Manpung, who was posted as a radio operator with Roing Police Station.He was returning from Anini in Dibang Valley district on his bike after performing his duties during state Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s recent visit toAnini.Saurya also stated that, in coordination with the forest department, the police have stopped two-wheelers from using the route.Apart from last night’s incident, several people had reported sightings of tigers in the Mayudia area, which experiences snowfall and is a major tourist spot, particularly during winters.DFO Roing Mito Rumi said that a tigress with three sub-adult cubs has been sighted near or on the road over the last few days by passers-by, particularly during the night.He added that measures are being taken to relocate the tigers from the area, and an expert team with specialized equipment is on the way from the state headquarters in Itanagar and the three other tiger reserves in Arunachal Pradesh.Related

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News18✓

Feb 4, 2026, 03:50 AM

Mahesh Babu Opens Up About His Intensive Preparation for SS Rajamouli's Varanasi

After 15 years of anticipation, Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli have finally collaborated for Varanasi. Mahesh Babu plays Lord Ram in the film, and his character is called Rudhra. In a recent chat with Screen Rant Plus, he spoke about Rajamouli’s method of filmmaking, while also talking about what it’s like to play Lord Ram. Mahesh Babu said, “He (SS Rajamouli) has a process. There’s a method to it. So when I was, for instance, I play Lord Ram in this film, and so when you’re playing that character… so it’s very important that your posture has to be, you know, you have to get it right the way your character walks, the way he stands." The actor added, “He wanted to nail that, and so the whole of last year I was prepping for that for 2 months or 3 months, you know, we had to go take kalari classes. Kalari is a very intense form… Kerala form of martial arts… When you go through that, your body opens up, and it’s very easy to get into these postures." “Then he wanted to change my running technique. So I trained with a track and field team for 6 months, and there would be only two shots in the film, by the way. That’s the kind of commitment I was willing to make for this film, but it was like I said, you know it’s fun and when you’re in that mindset… it’s fun, and you don’t look at it as hard work," the actor said. Meanwhile, the makers recently released the grand teaser of Varanasi. The film is directed by SS Rajamouli and also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The teaser of Varanasi gave a glimpse of Mahesh Babu’s character Rudhra, and showed him holding a trishul, covered in blood and riding a bull. Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini in the film, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist, Kumbha. Their first look posters were unveiled a few months ago. Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani is handling the music for the film, while the story is penned by V Vijayendra Prasad.

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