The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 5.25% while continuing with the neutral stance.

Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains at 5%, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate remain at 5.50%.

“The MPC noted that since the last policy meeting, external headwinds have intensified, though the successful completion of trade deals augurs well for the economic outlook. Overall, the near-term domestic inflation and growth outlook remain positive,” RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said.

On the domestic front, real gross domestic product (GDP), as per the First Advance Estimates (FAE), is estimated to grow at 7.4 per cent (y-o-y) in 2025-26.

The revised outlook for CPI inflation in Q1:2026-27 and Q2 at 4% and 4.2%, respectively, continues to be benign and near the inflation target.

The slight upward revision in the inflation outlook is primarily due to an increase in the prices of precious metals, which contribute about 60-70 basis points. The underlying inflation continues to be low, the Governor said.

CPI inflation for 2025-26 is now projected at 2.1% with Q4 at 3.2%. CPI inflation for Q1:2026-27 and Q2 are projected at 4% and 4.2%, respectively, he added.

Governor Malhotra also said that for customer protection, we will issue three draft guidelines: one, relating to mis-selling; two, regarding recovery of loans and engagement of recovery agents; and three, on limiting liability of customers in unauthorized electronic banking transactions.

It is also proposed to introduce a framework to compensate customers up to an amount of Rs 25000/- for loss incurred in small-value fraudulent transactions.

The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled for April 6 to 8, 2026.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Friday underlined the need for smart mining, critical minerals and green energy to strengthen India’s journey towards self-reliance, saying the sector must balance technology, environmental protection and community interests.

Addressing the inauguration of an Industry–Institute Interaction Conclave and Exhibition on “Smart Mining, Critical Minerals and Green Energy: A Necessity for Atmanirbhar Bharat” at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, the Governor said the event, organised during the institute’s centenary year, reflected the growing convergence of knowledge, research and industry.

He described the conclave, held with the support of Vijnana Bharati, CSIR–Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research and Techsmin, as a strong step towards deepening industry–academia collaboration.

The Governor said IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, has played a vital role in nation-building for nearly a century, particularly in mining, geosciences and energy, forming the backbone of India’s industrial growth. Bringing together experts from education, science, industry and policy-making on a common platform, he said, was especially meaningful at a time when mineral security and sustainable energy have become strategic priorities.

Highlighting Jharkhand’s mineral wealth, he said the state’s coal, iron ore, bauxite and other resources provide a strong foundation for the country’s energy security, infrastructure development and manufacturing sector. For a mineral-rich state like Jharkhand, discussions on smart mining and critical minerals were of special relevance, he added.

The Governor stressed that mining activities must increasingly adopt modern technology while ensuring environmental safeguards and protecting the interests of local communities. Such a balanced approach, he said, was essential to ensure development that is sustainable, equitable and inclusive.

Referring to national priorities, he said India was moving ahead under the leadership of the Prime Minister with the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. In this journey, he noted, educational institutions and young minds would play a decisive role.

Institutions like IIT (ISM), he said, are key centres of innovation and research where future technologies will take shape. When knowledge is aligned with the spirit of nation-building, talent becomes a powerful driver of positive and lasting change.

Expressing hope that the deliberations would translate into concrete outcomes, the Governor said the ideas and commitments emerging from the conclave could provide new direction to India’s industrial and energy sectors.

Team India all-rounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury, said sources. Harshit Rana was injured during Team India’s T20 WC 2026 warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday.

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed, during the pre-match press conference ahead of the team’s campaign-opener against the USA on Saturday, that Harshit Rana “was not looking good” after the warm-up match against South Africa, and the team physios are having a look at his injury.

“Harshit was not looking good after the warm-up game. The physios are assessing it,” said Suryakumar Yadav.

The 24-year-old Delhi pacer managed just one over, giving away 16 runs, and played no further role in the match. Earlier in the match, Rana also batted for the Men in Blue, facing just one ball.

With doubts already looming over spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar’s fitness, Rana’s exit from India’s campaign further deepens the defending champions’ concerns ahead of the global event.

Harshit Rana has so far featured in nine T20Is for the Men in Blue. In those nine matches, the bowling all-rounder has scored 57 runs at an average of 28.5, with the highest score of 35. He has also scalped nine wickets at an average of 33.0 with the best figures of 3/33.

Coming to the warm-up fixture, India registered a comfortable 30-run victory in their lone warm-up match. In-form Ishan Kishan stayed in red-hot touch, smashing a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, including seven sixes and two fours, as India posted a daunting 241 for five after batting first on a batting-friendly pitch. The bowlers then delivered a collective effort,with Suryakumar Yadav and co. deploying as many as nine bowling options — with Abhishek Sharma picking up two wickets — to limit South Africa to 210 for seven.

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026 (prior to Harshit Rana injury): Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s star forward Navneet Kaur believes modern-day hockey demands more from attacking players, highlighting the importance of defensive contribution even for strikers as the team continues preparations at the ongoing national camp ahead of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad, Telangana.

“In today’s hockey, attacking alone is not enough. As a striker, defensive skills are also very important. I am focusing on tackling and applying pressure without the ball, because winning the ball back is a big advantage for the team,” she opined.

While highlighting her personal focus, Navneet reiterated that the team’s primary objective remains qualification for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. “Our goal is very clear. We want to qualify for the World Cup and give our best performance in the qualifiers,” she remarked.

The camp, which forms a key part of India’s build-up to the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifier Hyderabad Telangana 2026, is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. The top three teams from the tournament will secure qualification for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.

Speaking about the camp environment, Navneet remarked, “The camp is going well. We have a new coach and a strong core group, and the quality of training has been very good. Everyone is focused, and we are preparing well for the upcoming competition.”

Navneet further spoke about working under newly appointed Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne, highlighting the clarity he has brought to the group.

“He has a very direct way of communicating. He tells us clearly what he expects from us, what we need to improve, and what kind of performance he wants on the pitch. There is no confusion, and that helps us work better as a team,” she remarked.

With several senior players having previously worked with Marijne, Navneet opined that the familiarity has helped the squad settle quickly. “He understands how Indian players play, and we also know what he expects from us. That mutual understanding helps us move forward faster as a team,” she said.

Navneet also recently led her team, SG Pipers, to the Women’s Hero Hockey India League title and spoke on the impact and exposure it provided for the broader group, “After playing in the Hero Hockey India League alongside foreign players, the confidence level is different among the younger players. The learning from that exposure is clearly visible when players come back into the national camp,” she opined.

She added that the mindset within the group has evolved significantly. “There is a very positive mindset in the camp. Players want to try new things. Even if something does not work immediately, we continue to push ourselves and keep learning,” Navneet remarked.

Normal life came to a standstill in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Friday after several Kuki-Zo tribal organisations called a 24-hour shutdown to protest the participation of MLAs from their community in the formation of the new state government. The shutdown, observed across the hill district, led to the closure of offices, markets, schools, and banks, while vehicles stayed off the roads, officials said.

The protest follows violent clashes between security forces and a mob that continued for nearly nine hours, ie from around 6 pm on Thursday till about 3 am on Friday, in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur. At least five people were injured in the clashes, which involved baton charges, stone-pelting, and the firing of tear gas shells to disperse protesters. Additional security forces have been deployed as the situation remains tense, officials added.

Why protests erupted in Churachandpur

The unrest centres on opposition to the involvement of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation process. Tribal groups argue that elected representatives from the community should not have participated, given the prevailing tensions in the violence-hit state.

On Friday, protest rallies were also held in Tengnoupal and other hill districts. In parts of Churachandpur district headquarters, agitators carrying sticks stopped vehicles, according to police officials in Imphal.

The shutdown was called by several organisations, including the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), the Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), and other Kuki-Zo groups. The KSO and KWOHR also organised a mass protest rally in the afternoon to oppose the MLAs’ involvement in the government.

How Thursday night’s clashes unfolded

According to officials, violence broke out last evening at Tuibong Bazaar and near the forest gate area. Protesters, mostly youths, allegedly torched heaps of discarded materials and burnt tyres while raising slogans against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP MLA from the Kuki-Zo community.

As central and state security forces moved in to disperse the crowd, they were initially outnumbered. Heavy stone-pelting forced security personnel to retreat briefly. They later regrouped and used tear gas shells, followed by a baton charge, to bring the situation under control. Intermittent clashes continued till around 3 am on Friday, after which additional forces were deployed to prevent further escalation.

Political backdrop to the unrest

Tensions in Churachandpur have been simmering since Wednesday evening after Nemcha Kipgen, who hails from Kangpokpi district, virtually took oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. She is the lone woman in the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led ministry, which assumed office on Wednesday.

Of the 10 MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community, three (Nemcha Kipgen, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate) have so far been involved in the government formation process. Seven of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are affiliated with local Kuki-Zo organisations.

Kipgen, Khaute and Sanate also virtually attended the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Addressing the House, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said restoring peace and normalcy in the state was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including elected representatives. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said maintaining law and order remained the government’s foremost priority.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the community, on Thursday announced a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in or were involved in the formation of the Manipur government.

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has decided to seek a probe by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights into the killing of radical platform Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

The announcement was made in a social media post by Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The move comes after Inqilab Moncha staged a sit-in outside the Chief Advisor’s official residence, Jamuna, calling for an impartial investigation under United Nations supervision into the killing of its leader, Hadi.

The protest began on Thursday evening with the participation of Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, Fatima Tasnim Zuma, Hadi’s wife and a small number of supporters, Bangladesh’s leading daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Addressing the gathering, Abdullah Al Jaber said that although the organisation could have mobilised a larger crowd but opted to remain at the site with Hadi’s wife until the Chief Advisor provided a clear assurance. He added that the group would not withdraw from the sit-in without a full guarantee of justice.

In a social media post issued during the protest, the Inquilab Monco said, “We are surrounded by hundreds of police and other forces, prepared with batons. Our final word: until Hadi’s murder is handed to a UN-led impartial investigation, we will not budge, even if killed.”

Last month, Bangladesh police said the killing of Islamist leader Hadi was a “politically motivated murder”, with investigators claiming that the conspiracy behind the attack was planned in Singapore.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) Detective Branch has filed a chargesheet against 17 individuals in connection with the case before a metropolitan court in Dhaka.

Hadi, 32, served as a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho and gained national attention during the July–August 2024 mass protests that ultimately led to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. He was also a parliamentary candidate for the February 12 elections. He was known for spreading Islamist and anti-India narratives in the South Asian nation.

On December 12 last year, Hadi was shot in the head when assailants fired from a moving motorcycle at the rickshaw he was riding on Paltan Road in Dhaka. He was later airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18, 2025.

World’s largest cryptocurrency Bitcoin extended losses on Friday, falling over 6 per cent to about $66,198 as risk aversion, heavy liquidations, weakness in technology stocks, and fears of tighter US monetary policy rattled investors.

Bitcoin saw its sharpest single‑day decline since late 2024 on Thursday when it slid 12.6 per cent to roughly $63,300, its lowest level since October 2024, wiping out billions of asset value in dollar terms, multiple reports said.

Analysts said global investors pulling back from risky assets caused a drop in crypto assets, with volatility spilling into the segment from precious metals and tech stocks.

Crypto market data analytics platforms showed that nearly $1 billion of bitcoin positions were liquidated in 24 hours as leveraged traders were forced out, which caused a domino effect across crypto markets. Bitcoin has fallen 20.22 per cent this week, 28.86 per cent in a month, and 32.85 per cent in a year.

Ether, the second‑largest token, dropped over 13 per cent in a day and has lost nearly 38 per cent in 2026 to date.

Market watchers said previous cycles like this indicated that cryptocurrency has gone into a reset mode that could take months rather than a short-term correction.

Crypto market enthusiasm fell after US President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as his choice for Federal Reserve chair, as investors felt a more hawkish Fed under Warsh would shrink the central bank balance sheet, removing liquidity that has supported risk assets, they said.

Longer‑term pressure on crypto assets came from institutional exits as sustained withdrawals from institutional exchange‑traded funds, such as outflows of over $3 billion in January from US spot bitcoin ETFs.

Bitcoin’s price has been in line with technology stocks, and the sustained sharp sell‑off in software and AI‑linked equities amplified losses as investors cut exposure, analysts said.

Market watchers also warned of forced liquidation among crypto miners if prices continue to fall, as they enter cash flow stress, reports said.

In 2025, the United States announced the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a move that highlighted Bitcoin’s growing importance at a national and strategic level.

A fresh case of possible civic apathy came to light in Delhi on Friday when a motorcyclist fell with his bike in a deep pit and lost his life. The incident took place in the Janakpuri area of West Delhi, where the pit was dug up by the Delhi Jal Board for a pipeline rehabilitation project.

The Delhi Police said it received a call between 7 am and 8 am regarding the accident, and police personnel were promptly dispatched to the spot.

A senior police officer was reported as saying that the pit was dug up by the Delhi Jal Board, but it was properly barricaded. He added that the police are investigating the matter and trying to ascertain the exact sequence of events.

What the Delhi Police said

DCP West, Sharad Bhaskar, said the deceased has been identified as Kamal Dhyani, 25.

“A pit was dug for some work of the Delhi Jal Board. Last night, 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani’s bike fell into this pit, and he unfortunately died. We will investigate all stakeholders of this DJB work.”

Bhaskar said the brother of the deceased had approached the Janakpuri police station at around 2.45 am and informed them about his missing brother. The police checked the location of Kamal’s mobile phone and found it to be near the Janakpuri District Park.

“A Head Constable searched for the deceased with the family members for about 2.5 hours, but they couldn’t find him. At 8 am today, a woman called the police and informed them that a body was lying in a 15-foot deep pit. This is when everything came to light,” Bhaskar said, adding that they will look into the claims of the family that they did not receive timely help from the police.

“As of now, we know that the family visited PS Janakpuri, but if the family says they did not receive help from 6-7 police stations, we will look into it. FIR is being registered,” the DCP told the media.

#WATCH | DCP West, Sharad Bhaskar says, “A pit was dug for some work of the Delhi Jal Board. Last night, 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani’s bike fell into this pit, and he unfortunately died. We will investigate all stakeholders of this DJB work. The deceased’s brother came to Janakpuri… https://t.co/pdXyhZZaLd pic.twitter.com/WZLrcR4k2P

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

DJB denies negligence

The Delhi Jal Board issued a statement and denied any negligence on its part. It further claimed that the area where work was underway had been barricaded and covered with green mesh. The DJB added that it has formed a committee to look into the incident and assured strict action if it was found that there was any negligence at the construction site.

“The Delhi Jal Board expresses deep sorrow over the tragic accident that occurred during the Pipeline Rehabilitation Project (Pipeline Rehabilitation Site) of DJB in Janakpuri and extends its condolences to the bereaved family. A committee has been constituted to investigate the incident, and strict action will be taken if negligence is found at any level. Regular inspections of safety arrangements at all workplaces are ongoing. Citizens are requested to report any unsafe workplace on the toll-free number 1916,” it posted on X.

जनकपुरी में DJB की पाइपलाइन पुनर्वास परियोजना (Pipeline Rehabilitation Site) के दौरान हुई दुखद दुर्घटना पर दिल्ली जल बोर्ड गहरा शोक व्यक्त करता है और शोकाकुल परिवार के साथ संवेदना प्रकट करता है।

घटना की जांच हेतु समिति गठित की गई है और किसी भी स्तर पर लापरवाही पाए जाने पर कड़ी… pic.twitter.com/GWwPEk5DGC

— Delhi Jal Board (@DelhiJalBoard) February 6, 2026

The Delhi government has also taken cognisance of the incident and said the Delhi Urban Development Minister will inspect the site tomorrow. Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, meanwhile, said a committee has been formed for inquiry, comprising director-level officers. “The committee will submit its report within 24 hours. We have suspended three Delhi Jal Board officers – the JE, Executive Engineer, and AE. The strictest possible action will also be taken against the company carrying out the work here,” Verma said.

What Kamal Dhyani’s family has alleged

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has alleged that Kamal may not have died in the accident but may have been killed.

Kamal’s brother told the media, “When I last talked to him, he said he would reach home in 10 minutes. When I called him again at 12:30 am, he didn’t pick up. We got worried. We started looking for him. I first went to his office in Rohini and then to the Janakpuri police station. The police gave us his last location in this area. We kept looking for him but couldn’t find him. This is gross carelessness. My brother was not crazy that he would deliberately crash into the pit. At 1:30 am, I checked this pit but he was not here at that time. We visited at least 6 police stations but did not receive any help. In the morning, when I again called my brother’s phone number, the police picked up the call and informed us that his body has been recovered from the pit. Had the police got into action on time, my brother would have been alive.”

#WATCH | Janakpuri, Delhi | The deceased’s brother says, “… When I last talked to him, he said he would reach home in 10 minutes. When I called him again at 12:30 am, he didn’t pick up. We got worried. We started looking for him. I first went to his office in Rohini then to the… https://t.co/pdXyhZZaLd pic.twitter.com/Ep6FxkZSBx

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

Kamal’s friend also claimed that when they checked the pit around 1 am, he was not there.

“We were on this road all the time, but we don’t understand how he ended up here after we checked. We suspect he was killed. Police have been deployed, and barricades have been set up around the pit now. Why couldn’t they do it earlier? My friend could have been saved,” the friend said, as per the ANI news agency.

#WATCH | Delhi | The deceased’s friend says, “… I had talked to him last night when he had reached the District Centre. He was just 15 minutes from home… An hour later, when he didn’t reach home, we came to the District Centre. He wasn’t picking up our calls. His bike was… https://t.co/pdXyhZZaLd pic.twitter.com/pvAyRGNR9t

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

The Janakpuri incident has come just weeks after a 27-year-old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, lost his life when he drowned after his car fell into a waterlogged pit near a construction site in Noida Sector 150 on the intervening night of January 16 and 17.

Michelle Yeoh, the Malaysian superstar is turning her gaze back home, and she’s doing it in style. Yeoh will take centre stage in ‘Sandiwara’, a brand-new short film by acclaimed director Sean Baker which is set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival later this month.

‘Sandiwara’ (Malay for “drama” or “theatrical performance”) is exactly that. A dive into Malaysian life, culture, identity. The film unfolds not in glamorous sets but in the streets, homes, and hawker centres of Penang.

Yeoh embodies five distinct roles exploring the many layers of Malaysian womanhood across generations. From everyday gestures to subtle cultural nuances, this project is as much about place as it is about performance.

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Stripped-back filming style shot entirely on an iPhone lets the story breathe. Baker’s approach avoids the usual gloss of cinema spectacle focusing instead on the rhythms, sights, and sounds of Malaysian life.

According to the synopsis, ‘Sandiwara’ “moves beyond fashion and into the world of cinema and storytelling to capture the heart of Malaysian culture.”

Yeoh’s meaningful homecoming

For Michelle Yeoh, ‘Sandiwara’ is a return to roots. Having spent decades dazzling global audiences in films like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, she’s now bringing her craft back to Southeast Asia.

The short film allows her to engage with local language, gestures, traditions offering rare chance to tell a Malaysian story on a global stage.

The project also marks the first output from the Self-Portrait Residency programme.

Berlinale spotlight and lifetime honour

‘Sandiwara’ will have a special screening at the Berlin Film Festival on February 13, followed by a conversation between Yeoh and Baker. Yeoh will also receive an honour at the festival’s opening ceremony with the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement.

Running from February 12 to 22, the Berlinale promises to put ‘Sandiwara’ in the international spotlight, not just as a film premiere, but as a celebration of Malaysian culture.

J Cole is finally doing the thing he has been teasing for years and hip-hop fans are feeling all kinds of emotions about it.

Nearly eight years after he first whispered about ‘The Fall-Off’, the Dreamville boss has officially dropped what he says is his final album. Yes, ‘final’. Cue the shock, the denial, and the late-night listening sessions.

Released on Friday, February 6, ‘The Fall-Off’ landed on streaming platforms like a mic-drop moment, closing the chapter on one of rap’s most respected careers.

Also Read: Michelangelo foot drawing hidden for 200 years finally identified and sold for $23 million at auction

The album fans waited almost a decade for

Cole first planted the seed for ‘The Fall-Off’ back in 2018, at the end of ‘KOD’, with the now-famous track “1985.” Since then, fans have been waiting, guessing, and overanalysing every hint.

 

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A post shared by Cole World (@realcoleworld)

Now, it’s here, and it’s big.

‘The Fall-Off’ is a double album, split into Disc 29 and Disc 39. Each disc has 11 tracks, plus a bonus song, bringing the total to 24 tracks.

Disc 29: The hungry young dreamer

According to Cole, Disc 29 takes listeners back to a very specific moment in his life.

This part of the album tells the story of him returning to his hometown at age 29, ten years after leaving for New York to chase a dream that felt impossible back then. Fame was growing, success was real, but life wasn’t simple.

Cole says he was stuck at a crossroads between three loves: his woman, his music, and his city.

It’s reflective, emotional, and full of that early hunger fans fell in love with.

Disc 39: Older, quieter, and closer to peace

Disc 39 jumps forward a decade.

This time, Cole is 39 years old, walking through similar streets, but with a very different mindset. The struggle is still there, but so is clarity. He describes this version of himself as “older and a little closer to peace.”

It’s less about proving himself and more about understanding who he has become.

A trailer that hit right in the feels

Just hours before the album dropped, Cole raised the hype with a powerful trailer.

The video shows him back in the makeshift studio inside his childhood home, the same place where his love for rap first started. The clip is backed by a speech from English mathematician Andrew Wiles, talking about finding beauty in struggle and suffering.

Singles, surprises, birthday drops

Cole officially announced ‘The Fall-Off’ in January and released “Disc 2 Track 2,” a clever single where he raps his life story in reverse.

He also surprised fans on January 28, his 41st birthday, by dropping the ‘Birthday Blizzard ’26’ EP. The project featured four hard-hitting freestyles hosted by DJ Clue.

Is this really goodbye?

Rap history is full of fake retirements. Fans know this. Cole knows this too.

Cole has been clear: ‘The Fall-Off’ is meant to be his goodbye. If this truly is the end of his album run, he’s leaving on his own terms.

The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the medical termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a girl who had conceived while she was a minor, holding that a court cannot compel any woman, much less a minor, to continue an unwanted pregnancy.

A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan emphasised that the reproductive autonomy of the pregnant girl must be accorded due weight, particularly when she has clearly and consistently expressed her unwillingness to continue the pregnancy.
The Court observed that the central issue before it was the right of the minor to continue the pregnancy, which, on the face of it, was “illegitimate” as the girl herself was a minor and was facing pregnancy due to an unfortunate situation arising from a relationship. The Bench clarified that the case did not turn on whether the relationship was consensual or the result of sexual assault.

“What has to be considered in the instant case is the right of the minor child to continue a pregnancy which is ex facie illegitimate in as much as she is a minor and has to face this unfortunate situation of having the pregnancy owing to a relationship that she had. The issue is not whether the relationship was consensual or whether it was the case of sexual assault,” the Court observed.

The Bench further held that since the minor did not wish to bear the child, her reproductive autonomy had to be given sufficient emphasis.
“The court cannot compel any woman, much less a minor child, to complete her pregnancy if she is otherwise not intending to do so,” it said.
Allowing the plea, the Supreme Court directed Mumbai’s JJ Hospital to undertake the medical termination of the pregnancy, ensuring that all necessary medical protocols and safeguards are strictly followed.

During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna acknowledged the moral and legal complexity involved, noting that while the birth of a child ultimately results in a life, the decisive factor in the present case was the unequivocal unwillingness of the minor to continue the pregnancy.

The Court noted that once the law permits termination up to a certain stage, the critical consideration remains the pregnant woman’s clear choice not to give birth. With these observations, the Supreme Court granted permission for the medical termination of the minor’s 30-week pregnancy.

Satimpal Singh Jogi, known as Lucky Oberoi, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Jalandhar’s Model Town area on Friday morning, police said.

Oberoi, 52, who was the halqa in-charge for the Jalandhar Cantt assembly seat, was attacked around 7:15 am by assailants on a scooter as he was leaving the gurdwara after morning prayers, according to police.

According to police officials, the incident occurred around 7:15 am. As Oberoi sat in his vehicle to head home, the attackers started firing indiscriminately, shattering the vehicle’s windows before hitting him at close range.

Dr. Vishal of Shriram Hospital confirmed that the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including five to six in the chest and one in the head. Despite being placed on a ventilator, Oberoi succumbed to his critical injuries. Initial investigations by the police, led by ADCP Jayant Pari, suggest a case of target killing, and the area has been cordoned off as authorities examine CCTV footage to identify the culprits.

The murder has sparked a political firestorm, with the “Sheru Group” reportedly claiming responsibility for the attack on social media. Opposition leaders criticized the state’s security apparatus. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and senior leader Partap Singh Bajwa stated that the murder of a ruling party leader in a high-security zone near a police station exposes the “grim reality” of administrative failure. Bajwa questioned that if those in power are not safe, the common citizen is left with little hope for security.
Senior Congress leaders Sukhpal Singh Khaira and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the officiating state police chief over the safety situation.

Randhawa mockingly questioned whether “Operation Prahar,” the state’s anti-gangster campaign, was being led by the government or the gangsters themselves, noting that conditions have worsened since its launch. Meanwhile, a grieving relative of the deceased expressed total disillusionment, remarking to the media that the prevailing gangster culture has made current times feel more oppressive than the colonial era.

Five people, including a child, were injured after unidentified assailants opened fire during an election campaign in the Ali Khali Rohingya camp area of Teknaf upazila in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, local media reported on Friday.

The incident took place in Block A/04 of Camp-25 at the Ali Khali Rohingya camp on Thursday at around 8:30 pm (local time). Teknaf Model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed the incident, Bangladesh’s leading daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

The injured included two Rohingyas and three Bangladeshi nationals. According to witnesses, an election campaign was being held on a truck for the sheaf of a paddy symbol in the Ali Khali area on Thursday night. A group of people opened fire on the truck when a number of people had gathered near the vehicle, leaving five people injured.

Ahead of the elections set to be held on February 12, political violence in Bangladesh continues to rise sharply as casualties in January increased significantly in comparison to December 2025, local media reported citing a Dhaka-based human rights organisation.

In its latest findings, the rights group ‘Ain o Salish Kendra’ (ASK) recorded a surge in political violence in January, with 75 incidents causing 616 injuries and 11 deaths. This marked a sharp rise compared to 18 incidents in December 2025, which left 268 people injured and four dead, Bangladesh’s another leading daily The Daily Star reported.

The findings indicated that clashes intensified following the announcement of the election schedule and the start of campaigning on January 22.

ASK reported that four people were killed while 414 others injured in 49 clashes between January 21-31, highlighting a clear upward trend as polling day draws near.

The rights group documented that journalists have also been targetted amid the rising political violence, with 11 journalists facing obstruction or assault while on duty in December last year — a number that increased to 16 in January.

Expressing concern over the rising violence, the rights body urged political parties to exercise restraint and maintain peace during the campaign. It also called on law enforcement agencies to safeguard citizens and uphold their constitutional rights.

New Delhi, February 6, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today led the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), India’s annual flagship student outreach, addressing students, parents and teachers nationwide with practical advice on exams, mental well-being, skills and future readiness.

The event, telecast live from multiple centres including Delhi, reached millions across schools, television and online platforms.

 

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Event Kick-Off and Participation Trends

The programme began promptly at 10 am IST, marking an unprecedented participation of over 4.5 crore students, parents and teachers, surpassing last year’s Guinness World Record for civic engagement.

 

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Unlike previous editions, PPC 2026 was conducted simultaneously across five locations — Delhi, Devmogra (Gujarat), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Guwahati (Assam) showcasing a truly pan-India outreach.

Chapter 1: Your Style, Your Pace

A student asked, “Different study patterns often confuse us. How should we manage this confusion?”
He said: trust your own pattern. He shared his own experience of how he started Pariksha Pe Charcha with his own approach. He said, “I had one pattern, and I am improving it over time. I did it in different states this time. I changed my pattern through improvement, but I did not leave my core pattern.”

PM’s Mantra: Listen to everyone’s advice, but change your pattern only when you want to.

Another question asked was, “If a teacher teaches very fast and we fall behind, how should we handle it?”
He said teachers should inform students a few days in advance about what they will be teaching and on which dates. This makes it easier for students to focus and understand topics. He said, “Teacher se ek kadam aage chale.”

Some tips for school teachers:

1. Give the schedule of topics in advance.
2.  Ask students to prepare beforehand.

PM’s Mantra: For teachers, informing students in advance creates curiosity and improves understanding.

Chapter 2: A Musical Moment with PM Modi

Shreya from Sikkim shared about a self-composed song written in three languages—Hindi, Nepali, and Bengali. It is about desh bhakti (patriotism) and titled Hamara Bharat Bhumi. She sang the song. Another student, Mansi, also sang a song written by her mother, dedicated to students.

PM Modi welcomed the students with an Assamese gamosa. He shared the meaning behind giving the gamosa, linking it to Assamese and North-East women and their empowerment.

He explained how it is made at home and how this tradition turns into livelihood and self-reliance, giving a sense of pride and respect. This is why he chose to give them to the children.

Chapter 3: Preparation with Purpose

One student asked, “With the growing focus on skills, what should students value more: skills or marks?”
He explained that some say eating is important, some say playing is important, and some say studying is important—but the answer lies in balance.

He spoke about two types of skills: life skills and professional skills. He emphasized that without studying, observing, and gaining knowledge, skills cannot develop. Everything begins with knowledge. He added that professional skills and life skills go hand in hand and are like twins.

PM’s Mantra: Balance studies, rest, skills, and hobbies—that’s the key to growth.

Some Life Skills:

1. Maintain a disciplined lifestyle
2. Stay healthy—exercise regularly
3. Develop strong communication skills

PM’s Mantra: Books impart knowledge, but only practice makes you professionally skilled.

Another question asked was, “How can students balance subject improvement with the pressure to score well in pre-boards?”

He shared that students who score well often get their pictures in newspapers, but after some time, they are hardly remembered. That is why, instead of connecting our minds only with marks, we should reflect on where our life has reached.

Another question was asked: “We study a lot but forget quickly. How do we remember for the long run?” He said the more involved you are in the moment, the longer you remember it.

Chapter 4: Less Pressure, More Learning

A student from Punjab asked, “Competitive exams add pressure during board exams. How do we balance both when the exam patterns are so different?”

He replied that the concern is valid, and the priority should be Class 12. If students have studied their school curriculum well, competitive exams will not be very difficult, as school studies build a strong foundation.

PM’s Mantra: Strengthen your foundation in school; competitive exams will follow in time.

Chapter 5: Balancing Marks, Games & Laughter

Someone asked, “How do I balance studies with hobbies like gaming? If I want to pursue gaming seriously, how do I know I’m heading in the right direction?”

He spoke about using technology wisely, creating social media profiles, and using them as opportunities. He said gaming is a skill and advised students to identify quality games and develop expertise in them.

Overcoming fears & finding solutions

There was a segment where students, after reading books, wrote quotes on the blackboard using colourful chalks, expressing their feelings and pride in overcoming exam tension with the help of books.

Some quotes were:

1. “I used to be scared of exams; now it is my friend.”
2. “My techniques are mine, and they work for me.”
3. “I was scared of time management, but it is my friend now.”

After listening, he suggested making a to-do list to manage time better.

PM’s Mantra: Turn your hobbies into practical products and share them for free. Feedback fuels new ideas and success.

He also said, “Samay ka sahi upyog pressure kam karta hai.” (Correct use of time reduces pressure.)

PM’s Mantra: Real confidence comes from inner truth. Be true to who you are.

Chapter 6: Holding on Through the Noise

A student asked, “With a lack of serious support from parents and constant disturbance at home, what should a student do?”

While giving an example, he said, “Yeh soch ki suvidha hogi toh shamta aayegi—aisa nahi hai.”
He spoke about his meeting with the blind cricket team. He said that despite being disabled, they learned to play and reached great heights. It did not matter where they were born or lived.

He added, “Comfort zone makes life—this illusion should not remain. Life is shaped by the way we live.”

PM’s Mantra: Comfort zones don’t shape life—your way of living does.

Chapter 7: Big Dreams, Bigger Actions

Another question asked was, “Is it right to dream big at our age? And how do we begin making those dreams come true?”

He said not having a dream is a crime. He added, “Jeevan mein karm ko pradhanta deni chahiye.”

PM’s Mantra: Not having a dream is a crime—always have a dream.

He advised students to read biographies if they want to become something, as it slowly builds interest. He also said, “Hamare man ke sapne public nahi karne chahiye; likh kar rakhne chahiye.”

PM’s Mantra: Dream big, fear less—read biographies.

Chapter 8: When PM Became a Teacher

He spoke about Viksit Bharat 2047 and said that just as he is working towards it, students should too. Everyone has a role to play.

He asked students to give suggestions for Viksit Bharat 2047. Some suggestions were:
Develop skills

1. Build self-confidence and move forward
2. Use more swadeshi products

In the end, every student presented something from their state and gifted it to the Prime Minister.

The Trinamool Congress on Friday accused the Election Commission of India of presiding over “massive deletions” from the voter list in West Bengal, alleging that the removals were caused by a “mysterious faulty software” used by the poll body.

‎In a statement, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale said that even ECI officials had now accepted that errors in software led to the deletion of legitimate voters’ names from the electoral rolls. He claimed the issue had been flagged by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee for several months.

‎“Finally, even ECI officials accept that massive deletions in Bengal voter list happened due to a mysterious faulty software,” Gokhale said. “This has been pointed out by our leaders since months and yet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has remained silent.”

‎Raising questions over the alleged software, Gokhale asked who had developed the system and why it continued to be used despite being “faulty.” “Who made this mysterious software for ECI that deletes legitimate voters? Why has ECI not stopped using this software despite knowing that it’s faulty?” he said.

‎The TMC MP went on to allege political interference, accusing the BJP of exerting control over the poll panel. “After failing in their attempts to manipulate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on the ground, BJP-controlled ECI is using a software to delete voters while sitting in Delhi by bypassing election officials,” he said, calling it “dirty tricks of the highest level.”

‎The allegations come amid ongoing scrutiny of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, a periodic exercise conducted by the Election Commission to update voter lists by removing duplicate, shifted or deceased voters and adding new eligible electors. Political parties closely monitor the process, particularly ahead of elections, amid concerns that errors could disenfranchise voters.

‎The Election Commission has not issued a detailed public response to Gokhale’s allegations at the time of reporting. In the past, the ECI has maintained that revisions to electoral rolls are carried out according to established procedures and with multiple layers of verification involving booth-level officers and political party representatives.

‎The TMC has demanded greater transparency from the poll body and has urged the ECI to immediately halt the use of the alleged software until a full explanation is provided.

Bollywood can be a loud place, and the internet is even louder. Just ask Shanaya Kapoor.

The young actor, who stepped into films last year, is learning how to survive not just on screen but also online. Between comments on her looks, opinions on her work, and a new thriller where a crocodile refuses to stay calm, Shanaya is clearly having a moment and she’s talking about it honestly.

A debut that put her in the spotlight

Shanaya Kapoor made her Bollywood debut in 2025 with ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ starring opposite Vikrant Massey. The film introduced her to wide audience and as expected, also brought instant attention on social media.

 

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Praise, criticism, trolling all came together. Since then, Shanaya has been a regular topic of discussion online especially around her appearance and performance.

Why she reads the comments anyway

In a recent chat with Zoom, Shanaya opened up about how she deals with online reactions. She admitted that she actively looks for audience approval and believes that understanding people’s opinions is part of the job.

She said she often engages with comments because she wants to know how people really feel about her.

According to her, ignoring everything is not the solution when you are trying to grow in a public-facing career.

Where she draws the line

That said, Shanaya is clear about one thing. Comments about her looks, like remarks on her face or jawline, are something she tries to ignore.

She admitted that such comments can be hurtful and make things emotionally difficult at times, especially when she tries to escape from the negativity but can’t fully do so.

Shanaya explained that when comments focus on her acting or dancing, she treats them differently. Even if the feedback is negative or badly worded, she sees it as constructive criticism. For her, the audience has the right to express opinions about her work.

She also acknowledged that such comments can sting, but she looks at them as reality checks that help her improve.

Her mother is her safe space

Like many people dealing with online pressure, Shanaya has a support system. When comments affect her deeply, she turns to her mother Maheep Kapoor, who she described as her closest friend.

Talking things out at home helps her process the emotional weight that sometimes comes with public scrutiny.

Shanaya Kapoor’s new movie with Adarsh Gourav

While Shanaya navigates real-life criticism, her next film throws her into a very different kind of danger. She will soon be seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s ‘Tu Yaa Main’, a survival drama adapted from the Thai action-horror film ‘The Pool’.

The trailer for the film was released on Thursday and runs for three minutes and twenty seconds.

 

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The trailer begins on a clever note. A DVD of Rakesh Roshan’s cult film ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’ plays on screen showing the famous crocodile attack scene featuring Rekha.

The story introduces two content creators from very different backgrounds. Shanaya plays a social media influencer called Miss Vanity, while Adarsh Gourav plays Aalaa Flowpura from Nalasopara.

They connect through a social-media collaboration meant to increase reach and visibility. Over time, their professional partnership slowly turns into a tentative romance.

Things take a dark turn during what seems like a vacation. Shanaya’s character is relaxing in swimming pool when she notices crocodile nearby. Panic sets in quickly. Two characters end up trapped in the pool as crocodile keeps attacking.

In one tense moment, Shanaya asks why crocodile isn’t killing them instantly. Adarsh’s character replies by pointing out that in ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’, Rekha was attacked immediately.

Their escape attempts fail, and the trailer ends on a grim note with Shanaya’s character bleeding as the crocodile finally strikes.

Tuu Yaa Main: Release date and box office clash

Produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under the Colour Yellow banner, ‘Tu Yaa Main’ looks like a survival thriller hidden inside a modern love story.

The film is set to release in theatres during Valentine’s Week on February 13, 2026. It will face box office competition from Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’Romeo’, another film that explores a darker side of love.

Also Read: ‘Tu Yaa Main’ teaser: Adarsh Gourav, Shanaya Kapoor’s fun collaboration takes terrifying turn; release date out

Acharya Balkrishna has dropped a small Facebook post that feels like a gentle nudge from an elder who knows exactly what our stressed-out brains need. This time, the focus is on akhrot (walnuts).

The wrinkled little nut that often sits ignored in the dry-fruit jar is suddenly having its moment. And honestly, it deserves it.

Why Acharya Balkrishna is talking about walnuts

In his post, Acharya Balkrishna calls akhrot “amazing,” and for good reason. Walnuts are packed with nutrients that directly support the brain. At a time when people complain about poor memory, low focus, and constant mental fatigue, this simple nut quietly offers help.

No complicated routine. No expensive supplements. Just a handful of walnuts.

One of the biggest strengths of walnuts is their omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are essential for brain function. According to Acharya Balkrishna, omega-3 helps improve memory, concentration, learning ability.

Omega-3 fats support communication between brain cells. When brain gets enough of them, thinking becomes clearer and focus improves. This is especially useful for students, working professionals, older adults who want to keep their minds sharp.

Vitamin E and folate: Mental health’s silent helpers

Walnuts also contain vitamin E and folate. These are two nutrients closely linked to mental well-being. Vitamin E is known for protecting brain cells from damage caused by stress and ageing. It works like a shield keeping brain cells healthier for longer.

Also Read: Winter nights get warmer: Acharya Balkrishna savours sweet and roasted potatoes in heartwarming video

Folate plays a role in brain development and emotional balance. Together these nutrients support not just memory but overall mental health. This is something many people struggle with today.

Antioxidants that protect brain cells

Another important point highlighted by Acharya Balkrishna is presence of antioxidants in walnuts. Antioxidants help fight harmful substances in body that can damage brain cells over time.

By protecting brain cells, antioxidants help slow mental decline and improve concentration. This makes walnuts a smart daily food for anyone worried about long-term brain health.

Many people turn to caffeine or energy drinks when their concentration drops. Walnuts offer a calmer, more natural solution. The combination of omega-3, vitamin E, folate, antioxidants supports steady mental energy without crashes.

Even small daily portion can help improve focus during study, work, creative tasks.

Walnuts are easy to include in the diet. Eat them soaked in the morning, add them to salads, sprinkle them over vegetables, or simply snack on few between meals.