India

A traffic policeman in Indore, known as the ‘dancing cop’, has been demoted to constable for alleged indiscipline on social media. Authorities said the action follows viral photos and videos, while a separate inquiry over indecent messages is also underway

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has urged the CPI(M) to expel former MLA A Padmakumar, who is in judicial custody in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He cited court observations and raised concerns over the party’s inaction

A 17-year-old Kashmiri boy recalled being assaulted by a shopkeeper in Uttarakhand for speaking in his native language. The incident led to police action and strong political reactions, with leaders demanding strict punishment and better protection for J&K residents

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth straight Union Budget on February 1. Key focus areas include fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, borrowing, tax revenue, GST collections, and nominal GDP growth, which will guide market expectations

From February 1, the government will introduce a new tax structure for cigarettes, tobacco products, and pan masala. The move includes additional excise duty, a new cess, and MRP-based valuation to curb evasion and improve revenue

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for January 31, 2026. May the day bring you happiness

An encounter resumed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after joint security forces traced terrorists following a 12-day lull. The operation is part of Operation Trashi-I, with firing exchanges ongoing and security tightened.

A US federal jury convicted former Google engineer Linwei Ding of stealing sensitive AI trade secrets for China, the first AI-related economic espionage conviction, exposing a major breach of trust and national security concerns

Paris Paralympics champion Harvinder Singh and bronze medallist Sheetal are among the stars at the Para National Archery Championship 2026 in Patiala. Over 190 para archers from 20 states are competing, with blind archery introduced for the first time

India’s Veer Chotrani stunned French world No 19 Baptiste Masotti in a five-game thriller to reach the quarterfinals of the Squash on Fire Open in Washington

India face New Zealand in the final T20I at Thiruvananthapuram with Sanju Samson hoping home support lifts his form. Axar Patel’s fitness is under watch, while India aim for a 4-1 series win ahead of the T20 World Cup

Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham powered Gujarat Giants to their first-ever win over Mumbai Indians, securing an 11-run victory and a place in the Women’s Premier League Eliminator. Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 82 went in vain as Mumbai fell short

Indian Railways and Haryana reached the final of the 72nd Women’s Senior National Kabaddi Championship at Balayogi Stadium

The Table Tennis Federation of India has approved a 10 per cent hike in prize money for National Championships, announced plans for an official league, and awarded new equipment contracts. The AGM also removed Dr Dhevanathan Yadav and suspended Kamlesh Mehta

K Srivalli has been named captain of the Hyderabad under-19 B team for practice matches against Uttarakhand Cricket Association at Chandigarh from February 2 to 10. The squad includes Meha Laxmi as vice-captain, with five stand-byes also listed

National champion Manish Suresh Kumar kept Indian hopes alive by entering the semifinal with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Aditya Balsekar at Jubilee Hills International Centre. He will face USA’s Keshav Chopra, while doubles will see an all-Indian final

Amid global slowdown and erosion of the rules-based international order, the Economic Survey 2025-26 offers a note of tempered hope

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