India

The free trade agreement reflects not only bilateral economic logic but also a systemic response to global uncertainty

The Supreme Court ruled that the right to menstrual health is part of the right to life. It directed all states and UTs to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins and functional gender-segregated toilets in all schools

Mumbai Police arrested a taxi driver for allegedly cheating an American woman by charging Rs 18,000 for a short ride near Mumbai Airport. The case surfaced after the victim’s social media post went viral, prompting swift police action

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef export and declare the cow as Rashtra Mata after he was allegedly prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir suspended mobile Internet services in parts of Kishtwar district on Friday as a precautionary security measure. The move follows security inputs and aims to prevent misuse by anti-national elements and maintain public order

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin attacked the BJP over its alliance with AIADMK, rejected corruption and dynasty charges against the DMK, raised pending central funds and projects, and highlighted the achievements of the Dravidian Model at a Chennai summit

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested former Reliance Communications president Punit Garg in connection with an alleged Rs 40,000 crore bank loan fraud involving Anil Ambani group companies. A Delhi court has sent him to nine days of ED custody

Ola Electric has announced plans to lay off around 5 per cent of its workforce as part of a structural transformation. The move comes amid falling market share, rising operational challenges and continued financial losses in the electric two-wheeler segment

A study published in The Lancet has found that AI-supported breast cancer screening in Sweden is more effective than standard methods. It detects more cancers, reduces workload for radiologists and lowers interval cancer rates, though experts say India needs more research

The BJP’s Maharashtra media in-charge Navnath Ban said Ajit Pawar would be cleared in the alleged irrigation scam case, stressing that the matter is before the court. He criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for raising the issue soon after Pawar’s death

Talks for the merger of two NCP factions had reached an advanced stage before Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash, sources said. Leaders believe Sharad Pawar will play a key role, while discussions continue on future leadership and power sharing

Anti-terror operations have been intensified in Jammu and Kashmir following inputs about Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists hiding in forest areas. Officials say infiltration has reduced after Operation Sindoor, but security forces are continuing their hunt to prevent major attacks

The Karnataka government is discussing possible restrictions on social media use by children, citing safety concerns. Minister Priyank Kharge said the issue is under review, while BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar urged immediate steps to protect young users

NCP working president Praful Patel said there is no opposition to Sunetra Pawar becoming leader of the party’s legislature wing, but the family’s consent will be sought. The party is currently finalising leadership changes after Ajit Pawar’s death

TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai said Congress and DMK will begin seat-sharing negotiations in a week, denying any rift between the allies. Kanimozhi termed initial talks smooth, while Chief Minister M K Stalin is expected to announce the final arrangement

Jammu and Kashmir leaders have condemned the alleged mob attack on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand. Terming it disturbing, they blamed growing intolerance and urged strict action, while the BJP said the case is under investigation

A POCSO court in Ganjam, Odisha, sentenced six men to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fines for gang-raping a 17-year-old girl. The victim will receive Rs 15 lakh compensation under the state’s victim compensation scheme

The Directorate General Resettlement held a mega Job Fair at Narangi Military Station, Guwahati, offering nearly 700 vacancies across sectors. Over 700 ex-servicemen engaged with recruiters, with on-the-spot placements highlighting efforts for dignified resettlement and career transition

EAM S Jaishankar met Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in New Delhi ahead of the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Talks focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors, regional developments, and building on a decade-old India-Arab partnership

Ahmedabad Police’s SHE Team rescued a 15-day-old newborn from an inter-state child trafficking network. Three suspects were arrested; two key traffickers remain absconding. The infant’s health and safety are being ensured, while a multi-team investigation continues

Mumbai Police arrested a taxi driver for allegedly cheating an American tourist, charging Rs 18,000 for a 400-metre ride near Mumbai Airport. The case went viral on social media, prompting swift police action; the driver’s associate remains at large

Four Naxalites, including two women, surrendered with weapons in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the state’s Poona Margem rehabilitation program. Rewards totaled Rs 8 lakh. Security camps, improved roads, and anti-Naxal operations contributed to over 200 surrenders in 2026 so far

Security forces intensified anti-terror operations in Chatroo, Kishtwar, against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, amid heavy snowfall. Multiple encounters since January 18 caused casualties, while mobile internet remains suspended to prevent misuse. Searches continue in Poonch for two suspected terrorists

Gold and silver prices fell in early trade after hitting record highs, as profit booking emerged and the dollar strengthened. MCX silver slid sharply while gold eased, though analysts say the broader trend remains bullish despite short-term overheating concerns persist