Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral victory, signaling India’s intent to deepen engagement with Dhaka’s new leadership. In a congratulatory letter sent soon after the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, PM Modi expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow stronger under Rahman’s leadership and emphasized the importance of shared dev

The tragic death of actress Pratyusha, one of the most debated incidents in Telugu cinema history, has finally reached legal closure after 23 years. The Supreme Court delivered its long awaited verdict, ruling out allegations of rape and murder while upholding the conviction of Siddharth Reddy for abetment of suicide. The judgment marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that has remained a topic of public discussion since 2002. Pratyusha, who was just 20 years old at the time, was

Job growth at the start of 2026 exceeded expectations, offering reassurance that the U.S. labor market remains resilient despite months of subdued hiring and broader economic uncertainty. Fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed nonfarm payrolls increased by 130,000 in January, well above economists’ forecasts of 55,000 and marking a notable improvement from December’s revised gain of 48,000. The stronger hiring figures were accompanied by a modest decline in the un

The controversy surrounding the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, titled Four Stars of Destiny, has deepened following two posts by Penguin India, three years apart. The row began when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from the book during the Budget Session of Parliament. Gandhi was seen holding a copy of the book, which has yet to be published and is still awaiting clearance from the Defence Ministry. The confusion stems from a Decem

A high-profile Lamborghini crash in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur has triggered widespread controversy after police registered an FIR that does not mention the name of the alleged driver, despite videos clearly showing him stepping out of the luxury vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has raised serious questions about preferential treatment, transparency in policing, and public safety, particularly when influential individuals are involved. According to police accou

A new white paper has underscored the deep and lasting contribution of the Indian diaspora to modern Britain, describing the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a central force in national growth. The report, launched at the House of Lords on 5 February, traces decades of migration and documents how successive generations of Indian migrants have supported Britain’s recovery, innovation and competitiveness across multiple sectors of the economy.

Senior Republicans are expressing growing concern about the political landscape ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as internal polling and recent contests suggest that Democrats could make significant gains in both chambers of Congress. Party strategists warn that a surge in Democratic voter enthusiasm could threaten not only control of the House but also the party’s narrow hold on the Senate, raising the stakes for an election cycle already viewed as pivotal for President Donald Trump’s final years in office. According to lawmakers and advisers familiar with the data, private surveys indicate that voter sentiment has shifted in several competitive states, with independents and moderate voters increasingly critical of the administration’s handling of economic conditions and immigration enforcement. While Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, even a modest swing could erase that margin. With Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to reclaim control, strategists say several Republican-leaning states are now firmly in play. President Trump has cautioned allies that losing the House could open the door to renewed investigations and the possibility of another impeachment effort. Party leaders also acknowledge that a Democratic takeover of the Senate would dramatically limit the administration’s legislative agenda, judicial confirmations, and broader influence over federal policy. As a result, the midterms are increasingly being framed within Republican circles as a referendum not only on Congress but on the president’s governing approach. Recent electoral setbacks have intensified these worries. A closely watched special election in North Texas saw a Democratic candidate capture a state Senate seat in a district Trump had previously won comfortably. The upset has been described by several GOP senators as a warning sign that traditional strongholds may no longer be secure. Party officials view the result as evidence that turnout dynamics and shifting voter priorities could reshape races once considered safe. Battleground-state senators have also raised alarms during internal discussions. Lawmakers from Maine and North Carolina, among others, have cautioned colleagues that dissatisfaction with rising costs of living and strict border policies is resonating beyond the Democratic base. They argue that without a clear economic message and improved outreach to independents, the party risks losing ground in suburban and swing districts that often determine control of Congress. Republican leaders are now emphasizing the importance of mobilizing their core supporters. In Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz characterized the recent defeat in Tarrant County as a difficult outcome and stressed that strong turnout will be critical in November. Still, many strategists concede that enthusiasm gaps and evolving demographics could complicate those efforts. With control of the House, Senate seats, and the broader balance of power at stake, both parties are preparing for an intensely competitive campaign season. For Republicans, the coming months may determine whether they can preserve their congressional majority or face a political shift that reshapes the final stretch of the Trump presidency.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is preparing to introduce a Senate resolution that would formally condemn and seek the reversal of a proposed sale of 500,000 advanced artificial intelligence chips annually to the United Arab Emirates, arguing the transaction could threaten U.S. national security and raise serious ethical questions about conflicts of interest. The measure is expected to be brought to the Senate floor on Thursday, where Warren plans to call for lawmakers to block the exp

In a press statement today, DCM Pawan Kalyan strongly addressed the ongoing Tirumala laddu controversy, accusing the previous YSRCP government of a major scam in the preparation of the sacred prasadam. Kalyan claimed that palm oil and harmful chemicals had been used instead of pure ghee in the preparation of the famous Tirumala Srivari Laddu, which he said not only hurt the faith of devotees but also compromised their health. Kalyan emphasized the seriousness of the issue, pointing

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that the average time taken for the certification of feature films has been reduced to just 18 working days, thanks to the introduction of the Online Certificate System. Minister L Murugan shared this information in response to a question raised by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha. This reduction marks a significant improvement in the efficiency of the film certification process, which was previously subject to a 48-day prescribed t

February 4, 2026, is shaping up to be a critical day in Andhra Pradesh politics with significant developments involving top political figures in the state. A high-profile meeting between Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is expected to make waves as the two leaders convene to discuss several pressing political issues. This meeting is anticipated to cover important topics such as the ongoing Tirumala Laddu controversy and the political exchanges between th

Green card holders will no longer be eligible for government-backed small business loans in the United States beginning March 1, 2026, following a policy change by the US Small Business Administration that tightens citizenship and residency requirements for borrowers. The revised rules limit access to key SBA lending programs exclusively to US citizens and nationals who maintain their principal residence within the country or its territories, effectively barring lawful permanent residents from participation. According to an official policy notice issued in early February, the agency updated its Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 8, the framework that governs lender and development company loan programs. The revision rescinds earlier procedural guidance that permitted limited ownership by foreign nationals or certain residents living outside the United States. Under the new language, every direct and indirect owner of a small business applicant must meet the citizenship criteria. The SBA said the updated rules require 100 percent of ownership interests in any applicant or borrowing entity to be held by eligible US citizens or nationals. As a result, even minority ownership by a legal permanent resident will disqualify a company from receiving SBA-backed financing. The policy applies broadly to applicants, operating companies, and entities tied to the loan structure, leaving little flexibility for mixed-ownership businesses. The change is expected to affect a wide range of small and early-stage firms that rely on SBA loans for working capital, equipment purchases, and expansion. Many startups and family-owned enterprises depend on these lending programs because they offer lower interest rates and government guarantees that make financing more accessible. With the new restrictions in place, businesses that include green card holders among their owners may need to reconsider ownership arrangements or seek alternative sources of credit from private lenders. Agency officials indicated that the revisions align loan eligibility standards with existing federal regulations and a recent executive directive emphasizing stricter residency compliance. The policy will take effect for all new applications submitted on or after the effective date. Existing and prospective borrowers are being advised to review their ownership structures carefully to ensure continued eligibility under the updated requirements. The move marks a significant shift in how federal small business lending programs define qualification, narrowing access to public funds and reshaping the financing landscape for immigrant entrepreneurs. As the implementation date approaches, legal and financial advisers expect increased demand for guidance from affected business owners who must evaluate their options within the new framework.

A United States Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone after it approached an American aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, according to US Central Command, marking the latest escalation in a period of heightened military tensions across the Middle East. The incident occurred as the unmanned aircraft moved toward the USS Abraham Lincoln with what officials described as unclear intent, despite attempts by US forces to deter it. Military authorities said the drone “ag

The Tirumala Laddu controversy has recently emerged as one of the most heated political issues in Andhra Pradesh, drawing attention from all corners of the state. During a three-hour cabinet meeting held today, the controversy was discussed at length with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan at the helm of the discussions. The cabinet's primary focus was on the discrepancies noted in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report regarding the La

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

A major political development unfolded in Andhra Pradesh late on Saturday night with the arrest of YSR Congress senior leader Ambati Rambabu following a controversy that erupted earlier in the day. Rambabu had drawn widespread criticism after he made highly abusive and objectionable remarks against Chief Minister

The political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh has heated up once again following a controversial incident involving YSR Congress senior leader Ambati Rambabu. The YSR Congress Party has been attempting to counter criticism surrounding the Tirupati Laddu controversy by highlighting the findings of a Special Investigation Team report, which stated that no animal fats were mixed in the sacred prasada

US President Donald Trump has intensified trade tensions with Canada by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, opening a new chapter in an already strained bilateral relationship. In a statement issued on Thursday, Trump said the United States could levy tariffs of up to 50 per cent on aircraft sold from Canada into the US market, citing what he described as Canada’s refusal to certify American-made business jets. The president also announced plans to decertify all aircraft manufactured in Canada for use in the United States, a move he said would remain in effect until Canadian regulators approve a series of jets produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The warning was delivered through a post on Truth Social, where Trump accused Canadian authorities of erecting regulatory barriers that unfairly block American products. In his remarks, Trump singled out the Bombardier Global Express business jet, which is manufactured in Quebec, arguing that Ottawa has benefited from access to the US market while allegedly denying similar treatment to American manufacturers. He claimed Canada had “wrongfully and illegally” refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 models, which he described as among the most advanced aircraft in the world. According to Trump, the lack of certification effectively prevents Gulfstream from selling its jets in Canada. Trump warned that unless the situation is resolved immediately, the United States would move forward with punitive tariffs on all aircraft imported from Canada. He framed the threat as a matter of fairness and reciprocity, asserting that American companies should not face obstacles abroad while foreign competitors enjoy broad access to the US market. The aircraft dispute is the latest flashpoint in a broader deterioration of relations between the United States and Canada since Trump returned to office last year. Political and economic friction between the two long-time allies has grown steadily, with trade policy emerging as a central source of conflict. Earlier the same day as Trump’s comments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly urged Washington to respect Canadian sovereignty, following reports of contacts between US officials and Alberta separatist groups. Trade tensions have also been fueled by Canada’s recent diplomatic engagement with China. Trump has repeatedly warned Ottawa against deepening economic ties with Beijing, arguing that such moves could undermine US interests. He has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 100 per cent on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade agreement with China, a warning he reiterated over the weekend. In a series of earlier social media posts, Trump mocked Carney by referring to him as “Governor” and cautioned that Canada should not act as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. He claimed that closer ties with Beijing would leave Canada economically vulnerable and pledged swift retaliation if such an agreement were finalized. The remarks came shortly after Carney visited Beijing, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding North American trade and the aerospace sector in particular. With aircraft manufacturing representing a significant industry for both countries, analysts say prolonged disputes over certification and tariffs could have far-reaching economic consequences. For now, the standoff highlights how regulatory disagreements and geopolitical concerns are increasingly shaping trade relations between Washington and Ottawa.

The United States government has officially launched a new investment program for newborns, called ‘Trump accounts,’ designed to help families start saving for their children’s future. The initiative, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill, provides an initial government deposit of $1,000 for every child born between 2025 and 2028. Officials estimate that approximately 25 million families will be eligible to participate over the next three years. Early adoption has been strong, with

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport. He was 66. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of two pilots and two security personnel who were on board the aircraft. Authorities described the crash as extremely severe, with most parts of the plane engulfed in flames after impact. The incident has sent shockwaves across Maharash