More than six people, including four Indian students and two police officers, were injured after a knife attack inside a foreign students’ hostel at a state medical university in Ufa, Russia, on Saturday, authorities said. The incident unfolded in the sports hall area of the dormitory when a teenage suspect allegedly entered the premises armed with a knife and began attacking those present, prompting an emergency response from law enforcement and medical teams. According to Russia’s Interior Ministry, the assailant forced his way into the hostel building and targeted students inside the hall. The situation escalated quickly as officers attempted to restrain and detain the suspect. During the arrest operation, the teenager reportedly resisted and stabbed two police officers before inflicting injuries on himself. Both officers sustained wounds while attempting to control the attacker, highlighting the volatility of the encounter. Officials have not immediately released the names or nationalities of all those injured, though early information confirmed that four Indian students were among the victims. The injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Local reports indicated that the students and officers were admitted to a clinical hospital in the city, while the 15-year-old suspect was taken to a children’s hospital and remains in serious condition. The motive behind the knife attack remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and question witnesses to determine the circumstances leading up to the violence. Security has been tightened around the university campus and residential areas as a precaution, and police are reviewing surveillance footage from the hostel. The Indian Embassy in Russia confirmed the incident and said it is closely coordinating with local authorities to ensure assistance for the affected students. In a statement, the embassy said officials from its consulate in Kazan are traveling to Ufa to provide on-ground support, medical assistance, and consular help to those injured. The embassy described the episode as unfortunate and assured that it is monitoring the situation closely. The university administration has yet to issue a detailed statement, but sources indicated that counseling and support services may be offered to students shaken by the incident. The attack has raised concerns about campus safety and the security of international students living in hostels, prompting calls for strengthened measures to prevent similar incidents. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the condition of the injured and the legal proceedings involving the suspect.

India's relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is evolving into a major trade partnership. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade between India and the six-nation bloc reached a substantial $179 billion, driven by strong exports such as gems, metals, electronics, and chemicals. With an existing free trade pact with the UAE since 2022, and a recent agreement with Oman, India is now focused on formalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC. This new agreement

Gwadar, a port in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, local unrest, and external influence, especially from China. Originally a fishing settlement on the Arabian Sea, it is now home to Pakistan's third-largest port, which plays a crucial role in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The strategic location of Gwadar, near the Strait of Hormuz, has made it a highly coveted asset for various powers. What is most remarkable about

India and the United States are moving closer to concluding what officials describe as a landmark trade agreement, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicating that the final details are being worked out and an announcement could come soon. Speaking at the conclusion of his visit to Washington on February 5, Jaishankar said negotiations had reached an advanced stage and expressed confidence that the pact would usher in a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.

The ongoing standoff between the government and the Opposition took a new turn as the Congress-led Opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The protest erupted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. The Opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, be allowed to speak, especially after the Lok Sabha Speaker’s refusal to let Gandhi quote

India’s national security advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm message to senior United States officials months before the announcement of a new trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington, underscoring that India would not yield to public pressure or coercive tactics during negotiations. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Doval made it clear during meetings in Washington that India was prepared to wait out the current US administration if necessary rather than accept terms it viewed as unfavorable. The visit took place in early September, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling an active diplomatic phase for New Delhi across major global powers. During his interaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Doval reportedly emphasized that while India remained committed to reviving trade talks, it expected a more measured tone from Washington and less public criticism that could complicate bilateral ties. Officials said Doval sought to put recent acrimony behind the two countries and expressed interest in restarting substantive discussions on a trade deal that has been under negotiation for several years. At the same time, he warned that India would not be “bullied” by President Donald Trump or senior members of his team, stressing that any agreement must respect India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy. The remarks came months before Trump publicly announced progress on a trade deal with India following a phone call with Modi on February 2. That announcement marked a fresh attempt by both sides to rebuild momentum in economic cooperation after a period marked by tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. Diplomatic observers note that India’s approach reflects a broader foreign policy strategy that balances engagement with firmness. By signaling willingness to continue talks while resisting overt pressure, New Delhi appears intent on safeguarding domestic priorities while preserving its long-term partnership with Washington. The United States remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and both governments view closer economic integration as central to strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The Washington meeting is seen as part of quiet backchannel diplomacy aimed at lowering tensions and creating space for practical negotiations. With both sides now indicating readiness to resume dialogue, officials say the focus will be on rebuilding trust and advancing a mutually beneficial trade framework that supports growth and stability in the relationship.

Russia has said it has not received any official confirmation from India that the country plans to halt purchases of Russian oil, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed New Delhi agreed to scale back those imports as part of a new trade agreement with Washington. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow had yet to hear directly from Indian authorities regarding any change in energy flows. While acknowledging the evolving relationship between the United States a

A Turkish Airlines passenger aircraft carrying 236 people was forced to divert and make an emergency landing on Wednesday afternoon after its right engine caught fire shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, officials confirmed. The incident triggered a brief operational halt at the airport and prompted swift coordination between air traffic control and emergency services to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. The wide-body Airbus A330-303, operati

The Telugu Desam Party once again found itself at the centre of national attention after one of its newly elected Members of Parliament delivered a commanding performance in the Lok Sabha. Krishna Prasad Tenneti, a first-time MP from Bapatla, went viral on social media after firmly handling a tense situation on the floor of Parliament. The incident highlighted the party’s long-standing tradition o

For the first time in Indian history, a sitting Chief Minister will argue a case in the Supreme Court. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is set to make history by appearing in person to argue a case before the country’s highest court. The case involves the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a topic that has stirred significant political debate in the state. Mamata Banerjee’s appearance in the Supreme Court as a "party in person"

The tragic deaths of three sisters in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, have raised serious concerns about the influence of online gaming on young minds. The sisters, aged 12, 14, and 16, tragically ended their lives by jumping from the ninth floor of their residential building in the early hours of February 4, 2026. The girls were reportedly addicted to a task-based Korean gaming app, which assigned them a series of challenges to complete. According to their father, Chetan Kumar, he had no knowledge

In a shocking incident, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalized and stolen in Melbourne, sparking outrage both in India and abroad. The incident has drawn immediate attention from the Indian government, who has called for urgent action from the Australian authorities. The statue, which stood as a symbol of peace and non-violence, was reportedly cut and taken by unknown individuals in an act of desecration. The Indian government swiftly condemned the incident and expressed deep con

The Lok Sabha session on Tuesday was thrown into chaos after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, attempted to refer to an article based on former Army chief M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir. The reference ignited a fierce confrontation between the opposition Congress and the ruling BJP, which ultimately led to the adjournment of the proceedings. The tension arose when Gandhi, speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, insisted on citing an article he claimed was lin

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a fierce political and institutional attack on the Election Commission of India following a nearly 90-minute meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. Accompanied by senior Trinamool Congress leaders and families allegedly affected by the Special Intensive Revision process, Banerjee accused the poll panel of deleting voters’ names arbitrarily and functioning as an extension of the BJP. Emerging from the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a conversation with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, reaffirming India’s intention to deepen and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussion marks a significant diplomatic engagement nearly a month after former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and taken into United States custody following a high-profile military operation. In a message shared on social media, Modi said both sides

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, days ahead of his scheduled visit to Washington, D.C., for a high-level engagement on critical minerals. The meeting focused on multiple aspects of the India-US relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries across strategic, economic and defence domains. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the discussions covered

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in the United States has announced that it will return three historic bronze sculptures to India after concluding that the works were illegally removed from temple sites in Tamil Nadu. The decision follows an extensive provenance review of the museum’s South Asian collection and marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. The most prominent of the sculptures slated for return is a bronze depiction of Shiva Nataraja, dating to around A.D. 990. Created during the Chola period, the sculpture represents the Hindu deity Shiva in his cosmic dance, symbolizing the cycle of creation and destruction. The figure shows Shiva dancing upon a demon that embodies ignorance, encircled by a ring of fire and standing on a lotus base. Art historians regard this form as one of the most visually powerful and symbolically rich representations in Indian art, revered both within India and among global audiences. Alongside the Shiva Nataraja, the museum will repatriate a Somaskanda sculpture from the 12th century, also from the Chola period. This bronze depicts Shiva seated with his consort Parvathy and their son Skanda, reflecting devotional traditions that were central to temple worship in medieval South India. The third work to be returned is a 16th-century bronze titled Saint Sundarar With Paravai, dating to the Vijayanagar period, which portrays the revered Shaivite saint with his companion. The museum stated that the return of these works reflects its commitment to ethical museum practices and responsible stewardship. A comprehensive review was initiated to determine whether any objects in the collection had been unlawfully acquired. During this process, researchers uncovered evidence that raised serious concerns about the origins of the three bronzes. The Shiva Nataraja entered the museum’s collection in 2002 through a New York art gallery. Subsequent investigation revealed inconsistencies in the documentation associated with the acquisition, including the inability to verify the gallery’s listed address. Researchers later established that the sculpture appeared in photographs taken at a Tamil Nadu temple during the 1950s, confirming that it had been removed from its original religious setting. Further inquiry connected the gallery to a network involved in the trafficking of stolen antiquities. Court records have shown that individuals associated with this network engaged in smuggling cultural objects from South Asia and falsifying provenance records to introduce them into the international art market. In recent years, other institutions have also returned comparable works linked to the same sources. The Somaskanda and Saint Sundarar With Paravai sculptures were donated to the museum in 1987 as part of a major private collection. Their provenance came under scrutiny after a tip prompted researchers to consult archival material held by the French Institute of Pondicherry. Photographs from the 1950s in the institute’s archives showed both sculptures installed in temples in Tamil Nadu, providing clear evidence that they had been stolen and exported illegally. Experts note that bronze sculptures from South Indian temples have been frequent targets of theft due to their artistic value and global demand. Replicas have circulated widely in tourist markets, while original works disappeared from sacred sites, often leaving communities without objects of worship that had been central to their cultural and religious identity for centuries. The Smithsonian’s decision is being viewed as part of a broader international movement toward repatriation and accountability in the museum sector. By returning these sculptures, the institution acknowledges the importance of restoring cultural heritage to its place of origin and reinforces growing global standards for transparency and ethical collecting practices.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings. Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.

India has reiterated its firm support for Israel and renewed its condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drawing clear parallels between the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and India’s long experience with cross-border violence. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Misri underscored India’s position that acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be co

The Pawar family occupies a unique and dominant position in Maharashtra’s political history. For over five decades, the family has shaped regional politics through electoral victories, control over cooperative institutions, and sustained influence in policy-making. Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and a multiple-term Deputy Chief Minister, was a central pillar of this legacy. His untimely death in a tragic plane crash on January 28, 2026, has brought renewed pub