India

The BJP defended the Union Budget 2026-27 and rejected Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s criticism, saying the budget reflects fiscal discipline, growth and national security priorities. Party spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said India remains strong despite global slowdown

The National Investigation Agency conducted raids across several locations in the Kashmir Valley as part of its probe into terror-related activities and funding networks. Searches were carried out with police and CRPF support. Further details are awaited

Gold and silver prices fell sharply on Monday due to higher margin requirements, strong US economic data and policy concerns. Analysts said rising dollar, higher yields and cautious investor sentiment weighed on bullion prices in domestic and global markets

The Supreme Court dismissed the Telangana government’s appeal against a High Court order quashing cases filed against social media activist Nalla Balu for a retweet, upholding guidelines against indiscriminate police action over online posts.

Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Carlos Alcaraz after his Australian Open 2026 victory over Novak Djokovic. The 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, joining tennis greats Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, while earning his seventh Grand Slam singles crown

India’s teenage squash star Anahat Singh reached her maiden PSA Bronze-level final at the Squash on Fire Open in Washington, beating Sabrina Sobhy 3-1. The 17-year-old will face England’s Georgina Kennedy in the title clash after a strong run

Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League 2026 title after a dramatic 5-4 victory over Delhi Dangal Warriors in Noida. Paris Olympic silver medalist Iryna Koliadenko sealed the win in the final bout, capping an exciting season

Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus stunned Vladimir Fedoseev with a brilliant win at Wijk Aan Zee, while World Champion D Gukesh drew with Hans Moke Niemann in round 12. Nodirbek Abdusattorov regained sole lead, inching closer to the title

India defeated Pakistan by 58 runs in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at Bulawayo to reach the semi-finals. Vedant Trivedi scored 68, while Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel took three wickets each as Pakistan collapsed to 194

Delhi Capitals secured a playoffs berth in WPL 2026 with a five-wicket win over UP Warriorz. Laura Wolvaardt scored 47, Jemimah Rodrigues hit 34 not out, and Marizanne Kapp took three wickets as DC chased 123 in Kotambi

The ICC rejected Pakistan’s proposal for selective participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying it undermines sporting integrity. Awaiting PCB’s official communication, the ICC urged a resolution that protects the interests of global cricket and fans

The Allen World Junior 10K Run at Gachibowli Stadium saw over 2000 students from 180 schools participate. Flagged off by Agasara Nandini, the event awarded Rs 3 lakh in prize money across categories, promoting equal opportunities in sports

Thailand’s Pawit Sornlaksup clinched his second singles title on the professional circuit, defeating India’s Manish Suresh Kumar 6-3, 6-1 in the ITF Men’s World Tour final at Hyderabad. Manish’s strong run ended against Pawit’s flawless all-court game

Andhra qualified for the Ranji Trophy knock-out phase after finishing second in Elite Group A with 31 points. Led by Ricky Bhui and mentored by Gary Stead, the team will face Bengal in the quarterfinal, keeping title hopes alive

The South Zone Inter-state under-14 cricket match between Hyderabad and Goa ended in a draw at Vizianagaram. Hyderabad scored 347 in its innings, while Goa replied with 247/7, with S Sulesh Naik unbeaten on 63

Hyderabad, despite taking a first-innings lead of four runs, collapsed for 166 in the second innings against Mumbai in the Col C K Nayudu Trophy. At stumps, Mumbai was three without loss, chasing 171 for victory

Chhattisgarh captain Amandeep Khare’s unbeaten 176 and Dev Aditya Singh’s 79 not out scripted a stunning ninth-wicket stand to deny Hyderabad an outright win in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match, ending in a hard-fought draw

Amid global uncertainty, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman focuses on targeted measures to sustain growth, favouring steady interventions over headline-grabbing announcements

BRS president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was interrogated by the SIT for over four hours in connection with the alleged phone-tapping case. Despite police restrictions and traffic disruptions, the day unfolded more like a political roadshow than a legal proceeding.

Pakistan will not play India in their scheduled T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15 after receiving conditional approval to participate. The decision is seen as solidarity with Bangladesh, who withdrew citing security concerns

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the Union Budget, calling it well-balanced and forward-looking. He said it aligns with state priorities, boosts manufacturing, MSMEs and technology, and supports Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat

The house of former minister and YSRCP leader Jogi Ramesh was allegedly vandalised and set on fire in Ibrahimpatnam, NTR district. The party blamed political intimidation, while police said no arrests have been made and the situation is under control

Cigarette prices have risen by Rs 22 to Rs 25 per pack following the implementation of additional excise duty and health cess from February 1. Distributors warn the hike may encourage smuggling and counterfeit products

The Union Budget 2026-27 has simplified customs procedures by rationalising exemptions, waiving duty on 17 cancer drugs, easing baggage rules, and cutting duty on personal imports to 10 per cent. It also introduced a trust-based system using AI and faster dispute settlement