Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he would raise the issue of reopening tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, which were closed after the Pahalgam terror attack, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his three-day visit here beginning this afternoon.

Replying to a discussion in the Assembly, Omar said several tourist locations in the Kashmir Valley were shut following security concerns, but the situation now warrants a review.
“Some areas were closed, and the time has come to reopen them,” the Chief Minister said, adding that discussions with the Centre on the matter were ongoing.

He assured the House that the issue would be formally taken up with the Home Minister during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister also expressed concerns over the existing registration process for tourism-related units, describing it as outdated and cumbersome.

The CM said that every part of Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly connected with the tourism sector and stressed the need to simplify outdated procedures to boost the industry.

He said that while some districts have high tourism potential and others relatively less, tourism remains an integral component across the entire Union Territory.

The Orissa High Court has directed the police and transport authorities of two mineral-rich districts to act tough on illegal mining activities, stating that “the minerals are the natural resources and assets of the Government to be utilised in a responsible manner so as to provide all the sustainable support to the citizens of the country”.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman taking cognisance of a public interest litigation on the alleged plunder of mineral resources in Mayurbhanj and Balasore district said, “We feel that each day of permitting such illegal mining to continue causes a loss to the national assets”.

The Bench directed the Superintendent of Police of Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts to depute an adequate number of police personnel across the locations and initiate immediate steps for verification of the relevant documents granted by the Competent Authority to ascertain the illegal extraction of mineral resources.

The Court also directed the Regional Transport Offices of both the districts ”to constitute a team of adequate personnel to intercept each vehicle passing through the road, carrying the minerals/ores and in the event the requisite documents as required under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Rules framed thereunder are not found or being carried, immediate seizure should be ensured, and the persons should also be taken into the rigours of law”.

The Division Bench asked the Government to file an affidavit on measures taken to curb the illegal mining and posted the matter for further hearing on 10 March next.

Not only is indiscriminate blasting done at the mining site by those mining mafias, but the complacency on the part of the administration is also patent in that no action or steps have been taken against those mafias, the PIL alleged.

Despite the Supreme Court showing deep concern over the mining scandal of enormous proportions involving megabucks, the reality is a far cry.

There is no monitoring or surveillance mechanism adopted by the administration, which led those illegal mining activities to continue seamlessly, and, therefore, it is high time that the government or its instrumentalities be reminded of its solemn duty, the petition further alleged.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Survey tabled in the Assembly on Thursday by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents a picture of measured but steady economic consolidation, signalling that the Union Territory is moving from post-pandemic recovery to a phase of structural stabilisation and expansion.

With real GSDP projected to grow by 5.82 per cent in 2025-26 and the economy’s nominal size touching Rs 2.86 lakh crore, the data suggests that growth is no longer episodic but increasingly broad-based and sustained.

The Survey’s longer trend — a 4.47 per cent CAGR in real GSDP between 2019-20 and 2024-25— is particularly significant as it captures a period marked by administrative transition, pandemic disruption, and gradual reopening of economic activity.

The figures indicate that J&K’s economy has not only regained lost ground but is now expanding on a firmer footing, reflecting improving governance capacity, revival of key sectors, and rising economic confidence across the region.

Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is projected to grow at a steady pace of 5.82 per cent in real terms during 2025-26, with the nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimated to rise by 8.89 per cent, taking the overall size of the Union Territory’s economy to Rs 2.86 lakh crore, according to the latest Economic Survey.

The Economic Survey points out that J&K’s growth trajectory is being supported by fiscal discipline, sectoral diversification, tourism revival, industrial reforms, and rapid infrastructure development.

It indicates that the per capita income in J&K has risen faster than in many northern States.
Per Capita Income in J&K is estimated at Rs 1,68,243 for 2025-26. The Survey notes that from 2019-20 to 2024-25, J&K’s per capita income grew at a CAGR of 8.81 per cent, higher than Himachal Pradesh (6.54 per cent), Delhi (6.74 per cent), Punjab (7.46 per cent), Chandigarh (8.21 per cent) and Haryana (8.72 per cent).

Sectoral analysis shows that the tertiary (services) sector contributes 61.02 per cent to Gross State Value Added (GSVA), followed by the primary sector at 20.45 per cent and the secondary sector at 18.52 per cent.

While services and industry are driving structural transformation, agriculture and allied sectors continue to play a crucial role in employment, supported by increased food grain and fruit production, expansion of high-density plantations, formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and integration with e-NAM markets.

The survey points out that inflation in J&K has declined from 4.5 per cent in 2024 to 3.8 per cent in 2025, and fiscal indicators show improved revenue performance. Rs 13,521 crore revenue has been realised till November 2025 (64 per cent of FY25 total). Power tariffs now account for 71 per cent of non-tax revenue, up from 56 per cent in FY22.

The Economic Survey says that major increases have been recorded in taxes on power: 80.71 per cent rise since FY22, GST collection: 34.28 per cent increase and Excise collection: 27.42 per cent increase.

The Survey also credits digital financial systems such as the Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System (BEAMS), GeM, and other e-governance platforms for improving transparency and efficiency.

It says that Jammu & Kashmir has attracted large-scale investment proposals, operationalised new industrial units, and achieved a ‘Top Achiever’ ranking nationally in Ease of Doing Business, reflecting policy reforms and administrative improvements.

Tourism continues to be a major economic driver, contributing nearly 7 per cent to J&K’s GDP and supporting the livelihoods of around 5 lakh people. It points out that 2.36 crore tourists visited J&K in 2024. As many as 1.78 crore visited in 2025 despite security and natural challenges.

The Survey points out a rise in destination weddings, adventure, border, rural and golf tourism and 72 film and OTT projects shot in J&K in the past year.

The Survey underscores progress in power, roads, water supply, digital services, and e-governance, with J&K emerging as a leading Union Territory in online public service delivery and digital inclusion.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has requested the Odisha Government for expeditious settlement of Rs 28.54 crore outstanding dues payable to the central public sector undertaking BSNL at the earliest, saying that “the State Government’s support is vital to enable BSNL to continue delivering essential communication services for regional and national development”.

In an official letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the Union Minister stated that as on 31 December 2025, Rs 28.54 crores remain outstanding from departments and organisations under the State of Odisha.

Considering BSNL’s critical role in providing secure and reliable telecommunications, timely payment of these dues is essential to sustain its operations and service quality.

BSNL plays a vital role in providing telecom services across the country, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports key Government departments, including the Armed Forces, and serves numerous banks and institutions. With its wide network and strong presence, BSNL remains a reliable and trusted service provider for delivering citizen-centric services, the Minister noted.

Given BSNL’s financial stress, the Government of India has approved revival packages in 2019, 2022 and 2023 to support its viability and competitiveness. Despite this, the company needs steady cash flows for routine operations and modernisation of its telecom infrastructure, said the letter.

“I would, therefore, request you to kindly issue necessary instructions to the concerned departments and organisations to expedite the settlement of all outstanding dues to BSNL at the earliest”, Union Minister Scindia urged Odisha CM Majhi.

The ‘Dahaad’ cops are not done. Not even close. ‘Dahaad’ Season 2 is officially getting back on the ground. And yes, Rajasthan is calling the shots once more.

Prime Video is quietly but firmly moving ahead with the second season of its much-loved police procedural crime thriller, and filming is expected to begin this month.

When ‘Dahaad’ dropped in May 2023, it did not arrive screaming for attention. It crept in slowly, confidently, and then hit hard. Set in a dusty Rajasthani village, the series followed two determined police officers trying to solve a case no one else seemed to care about: 27 women missing, vanished without noise, without outrage, without urgency.

That quiet anger became the show’s strongest weapon.

Created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, and directed by Kagti along with Ruchika Oberoi, ‘Dahaad’ stood out for its restraint. No flashy twists for shock value. No loud hero moments. Just patient storytelling, social reality, and an unsettling villain.

Critics noticed. Audiences stayed hooked. And the world paid attention.

Back on the floors: Season 2 finally takes shape

According to reports, Prime Video is now ready to take ‘Dahaad’ Season 2 on floors in Rajasthan. The location is no coincidence. Rajasthan was not just a backdrop in Season 1; it shaped the mood, the tension, and the emotional weight of the story. The desert, the villages, the silence, all of it mattered.

The writing team reportedly took its time with the second season. This was not a rushed follow-up. Reports say the creators spent an extended period cracking the story before locking the script.

Once they found the right angle, everything moved fast.

The script has been finalised for some time now, and the team has been in active pre-production since last year. Location scouting, logistics, production design, and planning have been happening quietly, away from the spotlight. Now, the project is finally ready for full-scale filming.

Sonakshi Sinha and Gulshan Devaiah Expected to Return

Though nothing is officially confirmed yet, Sonakshi Sinha and Gulshan Devaiah are expected to reprise their roles as the police officers at the heart of the series.

For Sonakshi Sinha, ‘Dahaad’ marked a major shift. Her portrayal of Sub-Inspector Anjali Bhaati was quiet, firm, and deeply internal. There were no dramatic speeches. No grandstanding. Just steady resolve.

A quick look back at Season 1’s chilling story

Season 1 of ‘Dahaad’ was set in Mandawa, a small village in Rajasthan. Anjali Bhaati, a sub-inspector in her thirties, stumbles upon a troubling pattern: 27 women have disappeared across the state, and nobody seems disturbed by it.

As Anjali digs deeper, she finds a common thread linking the missing women. Slowly, the idea of a serial killer takes shape.

Anjali is not just fighting a criminal. She is fighting caste bias, gender expectations, and the quiet indifference of society. Her own life reflects the same struggles. She rebels against traditional norms, making it hard for her mother to find her a groom. She faces discrimination because of her caste. Still, she refuses to bend.

The investigation unfolds through two parallel cases. In one, a man from a scheduled caste reports his sister missing. In the other, an inter-caste love story blooms between a villager’s daughter and a Muslim man. Anjali and her colleague Devi Singh help the Muslim man escape to safety and focus their attention on the missing woman’s case.

As Anjali connects the dots, a disturbing pattern emerges.

All the missing women belonged to lower castes. They were over 25. Poor. Unable to marry because their families could not afford dowries. Emotionally vulnerable. Easy to overlook.

Each victim’s phone number led to another victim. All 27 women died a day after eloping with men they believed they loved. The cause of death was cyanide poisoning.

Also Read: Hold Onto Me Review: Father-daughter bonds forged in loss, laughter, and sunlit waves of Cyprus

While some officers believe a gang might be responsible, Anjali strongly disagrees. She argues that the killings show a level of precision that only a single person could manage.

There were no mistakes. No loose ends. No slip-ups.

For Anjali, that kind of control points to one psychopath with a carefully planned system.

She is right.

The investigation leads to Anand Swarnakar, a college lecturer who appears harmless on the surface. He has a wife, Vandana, and a son, Kapish. He teaches underprivileged children. And, he seems respectable.

But nothing is what it looks like.

Vandana is having an affair with a coworker named Jai. Kapish finds a phone in Anand’s van. The police trace it back to Anand, but there is not enough evidence to arrest him.

Suspicion shifts to Anand’s younger brother, Shiv, who is arrested. Eventually, Shiv realises the truth and helps the police.

Anand flees Rajasthan and starts a new life in Goa with a woman named Mariam. But Anjali and her team catch up with him before he can kill again.

In the final moments, Anjali confronts Anand and asks him why he killed innocent women. His answer is chilling.

He says they were not innocent. That they deserved punishment. He mocks Anjali’s caste, questions her authority, and even comments on her relationship with her boss.

In the end, Anjali makes a quiet but powerful decision. She changes her surname back to Meghwal reclaiming her identity and rejecting the idea that she must hide who she is to survive.

Awards, recognition, and global applause

‘Dahaad’ made history by becoming the first Indian streaming series to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. It competed for the Berlinale Series Award, putting Indian long-form storytelling on a global stage.

The show received glowing reviews and strong word-of-mouth after its release on Amazon Prime Video on May 12, 2023.

At the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, ‘Dahaad’ won two awards for performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Varma, out of nine nominations.

According to IMDb, the series was officially renewed for a second season, and production is now underway.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has developed and operationalised a digital portal to facilitate the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin to stakeholders seeking Access and Benefit Sharing exemptions for cultivated medicinal plants.

According to an official press note, the portal functions as a single-window, end-to-end online system for processing applications and issuing Certificates of Origin. It can be accessed at https://absefiling.nbaindia.in/.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, was enacted by Parliament with the passage of the Bill by the Lok Sabha on 25 July 2023 and the Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2023. MoEFCC notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025.

To operationalise the provisions of the amended Act and address procedural requirements across stakeholder groups, including the AYUSH sector, seed sector, and research institutions, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025.

The amended Rules provide for the electronic generation of Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants through a designated digital platform.

Social media lit up after an email allegedly linked to Deepak Chopra and Jeffrey Epstein began circulating online. The line that set people off was blunt, smug, and impossible to ignore: “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.”

The internet did what it does best. It dug, it shared, and it judged.

Soon after, actor Richa Chadha added fuel to the fire with a sharp tweet quoting Chopra: “If life makes you a Deepak, be a Mohammad, not Chopra.” The line went viral, and for many, it summed up the moment perfectly.

What does Richa Chadha’s comment mean

If life makes you a Deepak,
be a Mohammad, not Chopra.

https://t.co/fT92ymFClz

— RichaChadha (@RichaChadha) February 5, 2026

Richa Chadha’s tweet confused some people at first. What did she mean by “be a Mohammad, not Chopra”?

She was pointing to a completely different incident in Uttarakhand that had gone viral around the same time. In Kotdwar, a gym owner and bodybuilder named Deepak Kumar stood up to a mob allegedly linked to the Bajrang Dal. The mob was harassing an elderly Muslim shopkeeper and demanding he change the name of his store.

Deepak Kumar confronted them. When asked his name to identify him, he replied, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.” The video spread fast. Many saw it as an act of courage and moral clarity.

On one side, there is a man with muscles and no platform, standing up to a mob to protect a stranger. On the other, a famous author with global influence, exchanging cozy emails with a convicted sex offender and calling dropped abuse cases “good.”

Deepak Chopra breaks his silence

I am deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case, and I unequivocally condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms.

I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and…

— Deepak Chopra (@DeepakChopra) February 4, 2026

Once his name appeared in the newly released Epstein files, Chopra issued a statement. He said he was “deeply saddened” by the suffering of victims and that he “unequivocally” condemned abuse and exploitation. He insisted he was never involved in criminal or exploitative conduct. According to him, any contact with Epstein was limited and unrelated to abuse.

He did admit something, though. Chopra said some past email exchanges showed “poor judgment in tone.” He claimed he regretted how those messages read today.

For many readers, that apology felt thin. Not angry. Not shocked. Just carefully worded damage control.

Who is Deepak Chopra, really?

Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and doctor who became big name in alternative medicine and New Age movement. He built global brand around meditation, mindfulness, holistic living. His books sold millions. His talks filled halls. And, his voice carried authority for people searching for peace and meaning.

But critics have long accused him of promoting vague ideas mixing science with spiritual fluff, avoiding accountability. Still his reputation stayed mostly intact, until now.

The Epstein files changed that.

The Epstein emails raise red flags

Recently released documents by the US House Oversight Committee revealed Epstein’s network of powerful contacts. Chopra’s name appeared among them. The files show email exchanges between Chopra and Epstein from 2016 to 2018. That timeline matters. Epstein was already a registered sex offender by then.

In July 2016, Epstein emailed Chopra about Donald Trump’s second wife, Marla Maples. He joked about losing a $10,000 bet to Trump over her pregnancy and claimed he paid it off by sending “a truck of baby food.” It was tasteless banter, and Chopra did not shut it down.

Instead, Chopra replied with a line that made many uncomfortable: “Anything we share is between us.” Epstein answered, “I share nothing with anyone but trust you.”

Also Read: Finneas fires at ‘old white men’ upset by sister Billie Eilish’s Grammy speech: ‘Your names are in the Epstein files’

Another email exchange from November 2016 made things worse. Epstein shared a news link about a woman who had filed and later withdrawn a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault by Donald Trump at a gathering linked to Epstein.

Chopra’s response was not concern for the alleged victim. Instead, he asked Epstein, “Did she also drop the civil case against you?”

When Epstein replied “YuP,” Chopra answered with one word: “Good.”

The files also show Epstein emailing a contact for Chopra asking whether Leonardo DiCaprio would want to have dinner with Woody Allen. Chopra replied, “I can certainly ask him if he is around.”

Nothing illegal there, but again, it showed Chopra acting as a connector for a man already known for serious crimes. It painted a picture of someone willing to stay friendly, useful, and quiet.

The trade deal finalised by India and the United States is likely to be signed next month, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. The two countries are likely to sign and issue a joint statement on the trade deal in the next four to five days, the minister added.

According to Goyal, the first tranche of documents on the bilateral trade agreement announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump is almost ready.

The two countries hope to sign a joint statement on the trade deal in the next four to five days, said Goyal, adding a formal agreement is likely to be signed around mid-March.

The minister informed that the US will issue an executive order after the signing of the Joint Statement to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, from the existing 50 per cent.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the US-India trade agreement, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal says,” The first tranche of the bilateral trade Agreement is almost ready. We hope to sign a joint statement in the next 4-5 days. After the joint statement ther will be a formal… pic.twitter.com/lQIviyff83

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

India is likely to reduce its tariffs imposed on US goods after the signing of the trade agreement.

Speaking at the signing of the Terms of Reference with the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the joint statement will need to be converted into a legal agreement before it is signed.

Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal says,” The fast-paced growth at which India is going ahead towards Viksit Bharat 2047, we will need large volumes of energy, data centre equipment, our steel capacity will double…When we estimated what we will need from the… pic.twitter.com/O2pr1i3Iv3

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

“Once the joint statement is issued, it needs to be converted into a legal agreement. We are targeting for March for this agreement to come into force. This legal agreement will give us the authority to reduce our tariffs. Their tariffs are executive tariffs. Our tariffs are MFN tariffs. Our MFN tariff reduction can only take effect after the legal agreement has been signed,” the official explained.

Trump had announced on Monday night that the two countries had agreed to the much-delayed trade deal and the US was immediately reducing its tariffs imposed on Indian imports to 18 per cent from the 50 per cent imposed last year. PM Modi had shortly later confirmed the agreement, stating Made in India products will attract lower US tariffs.

Horror stories have been emerging from Balochistan, where severe violence has broken out over the past couple of days. With the Pakistan establishment facing severe losses at the hands of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), fears of the ‘kill and dump’ policy have surfaced yet again.

The ‘kill and dump’ policy has been used by the Pakistan Army and ISI several times in the past. This operation has been carried out to silence voices who have spoken out against the establishment and in favour of Balochistan. An Intelligence Bureau official stated that, after suffering severe losses at the hands of the BLA, the security forces are likely to make a slight retreat. The Pakistani security forces are looking for a breather as they have found it hard to battle against the BLA.

The official added that while the retreat takes place, the establishment would boost its ‘kill and dump’ operations. This is something that the Baloch people fear, and this time, even ordinary people would be targeted. Pakistan is facing immense pressure from both China and the United States. The US has signed a minerals deal with Pakistan, and a major part of this would involve Balochistan. Beijing, too, is exerting pressure on Pakistan as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, worth $46 billion, faces constant risks from the BLA.

The people of Balochistan say that their mineral-rich region is benefiting only the high and mighty in Pakistan and the foreigners. It is a well-known fact that Pakistan is cash-strapped, and hence dealings with China and the US become extremely crucial for its economy.

An official explained that while Pakistan does want to do business with these nations, the problem is that it does not want to hear the voices of the Baloch people. Cases related to extra-judicial killings by the Frontier Corps are nothing new. The unit that operates with total impunity has been told to step up extrajudicial killings. Under the garb of killing of BLA cadres, whom Pakistan brands as terrorists, even the common people are getting killed.

Unable to counter the on-ground offensive, the Frontier Corps would now go on a rampage and target innocent people, including women and children, the Intelligence agencies say. The Baloch people once termed such killings as slow-motion genocide, but today the fear is that the security forces will go on a rampage.

Another official explained that the people of Balochistan back the BLA blindly as they feel that their cause is what is being fought for. This support by the people is what is making operations hard for the security forces. The people act as a barrier between the BLA and the security forces.

Owing to this, no Intelligence comes out, and recent operations where the security forces have failed miserably are a clear indicator of that. Indian Intelligence agencies have learnt that the genocide that is being planned is on levels that Balochistan has never seen before. The instruction to the Frontier Corps is to target as many people as possible. They have also been told not to hold back against when and children irrespective of their age.

Human rights organizations say that such operations are carried out by the Frontier Corps along with the army and ISI. Currently, a lot of information coming out of Balochistan has been blocked. Journalists are not allowed, and the rights organizations are completely barred from entering the region. These are clear signals of what is about to come, and the consequences for the people could well become catastrophic in nature, an official explained.

Data would show that between 2003 and 2012, there were 8,000 enforced disappearances. The manner in which these are carried out is brutal in nature. People are randomly picked up, taken to jail, tortured, and then their bullet-ridden bodies are thrown on the road. This is meant to create fear and panic in the minds of the people, so that they fall in line and stop backing forces such as the BLA. For the establishment to ensure absolute control in Balochistan, it either has to have constructive talks or control the people.

Another official said that talks are something that Pakistan would never opt for. Currently, it wants to control the region, and to do so, it would indulge in genocide and try to create fear. It wants the people on its side so that groups such as the BLA are subdued. Moreover, Intelligence gathering has become almost nil in the region, and the establishment seeks to improve that by enforcing the ‘kill and dump’ policy in a manner that Balochistan has never seen in the past, officials say.

As Bangladesh heads to elections next week, radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, in its election manifesto, pledged to pursue peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India, rooted in “mutual respect and fairness”.

“Constructive relations with neighbouring countries: Peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations will be built with neighbouring and nearby countries — including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand — based on mutual respect and fairness,” read the manifesto issued by Jamaat.

Highlighting its foreign policy priorities, the party said it would focus on strengthening ties with countries of the Muslim world.

It also outlined a plan to enhance cooperation with developed nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada — and to expand diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagement with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America.

“Engagement with the developed world: Constructive and mutually beneficial relations will be fostered with developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada,” the party stated.

“Expanding ties with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America: Effective steps will be taken to broaden and deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America,” it added.

The manifesto emphasised strengthening Bangladesh’s engagement with the United Nations and other international organisations to tackle global issues, including peace, security, human rights, and economic development.

“Active engagement with the United Nations and international organisations: Bangladesh’s active participation in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies will be further strengthened to address global challenges such as peace, security, human rights, and economic development,” it noted.

Jamaat also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued participation in regional organisations like SAARC and ASEAN.

“Active participation in regional organisations: Bangladesh will continue its active engagement in regional organisations such as SAARC and ASEAN,” it added.

The party further said that in collaboration with the international community, “a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis will be pursued, ensuring their safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation.”

Jamaat also committed to continuing “Bangladesh’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions,” while pledging to “support and cooperate in the establishment of transparent, orderly, and lawful migration management systems.”

Jamaat’s election manifesto, ahead of the February 12 election, promises a broader and cooperative foreign policy outreach across several countries; however, it strikingly avoids any direct mention of Pakistan.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday confirmed that five LCA Mk1a fighter jets are fully ready and an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown.
The company, in a statement, assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.

“HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications. An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery,” the public sector aerospace and defence company said.
HAL said that they are in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest”HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL’s delivery plans. HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.” They said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force will review the LCA Mark 1A combat aircraft project in May this year before deciding on the acceptance of delivery of these planes, of which 180 have been ordered by the force.

The project was discussed in detail in December last year. Since most aircraft projects are expected to be completed in April 2026, the Indian Air Force will review the project in detail again in May. The delivery timeline would be decided only after that, defence sources told ANI.
The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 of these aircraft in two tranches, but deliveries have been delayed.

The planes were likely to be delivered last year, but the Indian Air Force has insisted that HAL provide the aircraft in a fully operational configuration.
HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility on October 17.

The deliveries of the aircraft were supposed to be done almost a year ago, but supply chain issues faced by the engine have pushed them back for some time.

It was supposed to be a quiet Sunday in Bollywood’s plush Juhu lanes. Instead, gunshots broke the calm outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s home and now the plot keeps getting thicker. Just when it felt like the police had almost wrapped things up, a fresh arrest has added a new twist to this real-life crime drama.

The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested one more accused in connection with the firing incident outside Rohit Shetty’s residence. The arrest was made in Pune by the Anti-Extortion Cell, taking the total number of people held in the case to five.

The newly arrested accused has been identified as Asharam Fasle. According to police officials, he allegedly supplied the gun that was used in the firing outside the filmmaker’s house.

Five accused in custody, court appearance today

The 37th Esplanade Court has sent all the accused to police custody for 6 days.

All accused have been sent to police custody for 6 days by the 37th Esplanade court.

Judge observes: It appears that the offence is of a serious nature and there is a criminal conspiracy. The case diary indicates progress in the investigation. However, for further detailed… https://t.co/ZxQu6cM7md

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

The judge noted that the crime seems serious and involves a criminal conspiracy. The investigation has made some progress, but the police need more time with the accused for a detailed investigation.

Accused number 5 was arrested only today. Because of the serious nature of the case, it’s important to question all the accused together. Accused numbers 1 to 5 will remain in police custody until 11th February.

Shooter is still on the run

Despite multiple arrests, the person who actually fired shots outside Rohit Shetty’s Juhu bungalow is still absconding. Police teams say finding this shooter is key to cracking the case fully.

Several teams from Mumbai Police have been sent to different parts of the country to track down the shooters. Investigators believe that once the shooter is arrested, the real mastermind behind the attack will be exposed.

Gangster link and Bollywood targets

According to Mumbai Police, the case has links to Shubham Lonkar, a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Lonkar is a fugitive criminal and is believed to have targeted at least five major Bollywood celebrities.

Police say these celebrities allegedly received threatening calls demanding extortion money. However, due to fear, none of them has officially filed a complaint so far.

Fear in Bollywood, silence hurting the probe

Investigators have admitted that fear is slowing down the investigation. Intelligence inputs suggest that many people in the film industry are hesitant to approach the police.

A senior police officer said that several individuals received threatening calls, but no one is coming forward to give statements or lodge complaints. When facts are hidden, it becomes extremely difficult for the police to take suo moto action.

Police believe the firing outside Rohit Shetty’s house was not random. The incident, which took place last Sunday, appears to have been aimed at creating fear across the film industry.

A threatening social media post allegedly made by Lonkar has also surfaced. In the post, a warning was issued to Rohit Shetty and the entire Bollywood industry, calling the firing a “trailer” and hinting at worse consequences.

Despite the alarming post, Rohit Shetty has clearly stated that he did not receive any threatening calls.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has met the International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Jay Shah in Milan. The meeting marks the crossover between two of the most important people in the world’s most popular sports.

Infantino shared a glimpse of the meeting with Shah through a post on Instagram. He lauded Shah’s work in the growth of cricket and also wished him luck as cricket is getting back to the Olympics.

“It was my pleasure to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah today in Milan. The outstanding work he has done to grow the beautiful game of cricket is exemplary. I wish him and everyone the very best as cricket gets reintroduced to the Summer Olympic Games in two years’ time,” he wrote in a post.

Infantino also expressed his desire to work with Shah to unite the world with the help of sports. “I also look forward to working together and collaborating as we unite the world through sports,” he added.

Cricket is set to return to the Olympics in the 2028 Summer Games, to be held in Los Angeles, 128 years after its debut in Paris 1900, when Great Britain claimed gold in a one-off match against France.

At LA 2028, cricket will return in a much more modern avatar with separate T20 format tournaments for men and women – each with its own set of medals – gold, silver and bronze. The competitions for the men’s and women’s categories will run from 12 July to 29 July. The medal matches will be held on 20 July (women’s) and 29 July (men’s), respectively.

Six teams will be competing in each of the men’s and women’s tournaments, comprising 28 matches in all. A total of 90 athlete quotas have been allocated for each gender, allowing every team to name a 15-member squad.

All cricket matches at the LA 2028 Olympics will be held in a temporary, purpose-built venue at the Fairgrounds in Pomona – a city located about 50 kilometres from Los Angeles.

However, the qualification scenario for the LA28 Olympics is yet to be decided. It is expected that the topic will likely be discussed during the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore, which will start on July 17.

Union Minister JP Nadda’s use of the term “abodh” to describe Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has triggered a sharp political pushback, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioning the government’s intent and accusing it of trying to silence uncomfortable questions in Parliament.

Reacting to the remark on Thursday, Priyanka Gandhi said Rahul Gandhi should be allowed to speak freely in the House and asked what the ruling party was “scared of”.

“Is this a way to talk about anyone? What are they scared of? That he will quote from a book? Or are they scared of the Epstein files? Or that we will question them on this deal (US-India trade agreement)?,” asked Priyanka Gandhi.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Union Minister JP Nadda using the term ‘abodh’ in reference to LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “He should be allowed to speak. Is this a way to talk about anyone? What are they scared of? That he will quote from a book? Or… pic.twitter.com/HZkXtiLxcP

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

What sparked the clash in the Rajya Sabha

The comments came amid a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session earlier today, where Nadda, the Leader of the House, clashed with Congress president and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge while debating the motion of thanks to the President’s address.

Addressing Kharge, Nadda acknowledged his seniority but urged him not to let the Congress be “held hostage” to what he called an “abodh balak (innocent child)”, a remark widely seen as a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi. He went on to say that a mix of immaturity and arrogance was dangerous and should be avoided, further escalating tensions in the Upper House.

Kharge and other opposition members strongly objected to the remarks, resulting in loud protests and a charged atmosphere in the House.

Government says Rahul Gandhi was allowed to speak

Referring to recent Lok Sabha proceedings, Nadda said Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House, had been allowed to speak for nearly 20 minutes beyond his allotted time and that the treasury benches had not raised any objections.

He accused the opposition of disrupting parliamentary functioning and said repeated interruptions were pushing democracy into a crisis. The Modi government, he insisted, was open to discussions on all issues at any time.

Nadda also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was always ready to respond to questions in the Lok Sabha, but persistent disruptions prevented the House from functioning smoothly.

India–US trade deal and opposition protests

On the India–US trade agreement, which opposition members have repeatedly raised, Nadda said Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had made a suo motu statement in the House. He clarified that no questions were taken after the statement, as the “contours” of the deal were still being finalised and would be shared in the coming days.

The exchange reflected wider tensions in the ongoing Budget Session, with frequent disruptions in both Houses over demands for discussions on several national and political issues. Kharge, earlier in the debate, had flagged what he described as the government’s reluctance to address key concerns, prompting sharp responses from treasury benches.

Hollywood legend Harrison Ford appears at peace with the trajectory of his decades-long career. The actor recently shared that if Apple TV+’s Shrinking were to be his final acting project, he would consider it a fulfilling conclusion.

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A career without regrets

The 83-year-old star, who plays Dr. Paul Rhoades in the acclaimed series, described the show as creatively rewarding and emotionally meaningful, qualities he says are increasingly rare even after a lifetime in cinema.

‘If it ends here, that would be sufficient’

Speaking during a panel discussion at Apple TV’s inaugural press day this week, Ford reflected on the experience of working on Shrinking and questioned what could possibly follow it.

“Where do you go from here?” he said. “The kind of work that we’re able to do is remarkable, given the tools we have and the idea behind this series. And if it was all over here, that would be sufficient.” Ford added that the project stands apart from much of his past work, not in scale, but in emotional depth and purpose.

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Why Shrinking feels different

Calling the show a “very special” chapter in his career, Ford explained that Shrinking offered something beyond performance, a sense of personal connection. “This is a different kind of job for me,” he said. “It nurtures me. It makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. That’s something I look for in my life, and I’m happy to have found it here.”

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The series also stars Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams and Michael Urie, and blends humour with grief, vulnerability and mental health themes.

Working alongside Michael J Fox

One of the most meaningful aspects of the show for Ford was sharing the screen with Michael J Fox. Ford admitted he initially felt nervous, as his character also lives with Parkinson’s disease, the condition Fox has battled publicly for years.

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“It felt like a responsibility,” Ford said. “Michael has the real thing, and I wanted to get that part of the story right.”
He went on to praise Fox’s presence on set, calling him generous, courageous and deeply inspiring. “He has such grace and indomitability. Some of that, I hope, finds its way into my portrayal.”

Why Harrison Ford remains a Hollywood icon

Few actors have shaped popular cinema the way Harrison Ford has. Rising to global fame in the late 1970s, Ford became the rare star who could anchor blockbuster franchises while maintaining a grounded, everyman appeal.

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Known for his understated charisma and reluctant-hero persona, Ford’s performances often balance toughness with vulnerability, a quality that has allowed his characters to resonate across generations.

His most unforgettable roles

Ford’s legacy is closely tied to some of cinema’s most enduring characters. As Han Solo in Star Wars, he redefined the sci-fi hero with wit and swagger. His portrayal of Indiana Jones brought adventure filmmaking to new heights, turning the fedora-and-whip archaeologist into a cultural icon.

Beyond franchises, Ford delivered acclaimed performances in films like Blade Runner, The Fugitive, Witness, and Air Force One, proving his range extended well beyond action-driven roles.

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Kerala Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution urging the Central Government to withdraw the newly enacted The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.

The resolution also demanded that the Centre restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.

This comes as the opposition continues its protest against the VB-G Ram G Act, accusing the government of attempting to strip citizens of their right to work.
Earlier, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “They took away the right of employment through the new MNREGA bill. Again, the economic survey points out that the right to information, one of the most effective rights for the common man in this country, is useless. Intention is very clear. They want to take away all the rights of the common people of this country, which cannot be accepted.”

Congress has launched ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’, organising nationwide protests against the VB-G RAM G Act Pawan Khera said that a government that insults workers and farmers will not last long.

Khera told reporters, “Such peaceful protests are being held in the capitals of all states. Saving NREGA means saving the voice of the worker. In this country, any government that has insulted the worker and the farmer has not lasted long.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “New law guarantees only centralisation in New Delhi.”
In a post on X, Ramesh lauded MGNREGA as a “transformative law” and called the new scheme “a flaw.”

“MGNREGA as a transformative law, the Modi Government’s new scheme that bulldozed it away is a flaw,” he wrote.
The Opposition has opposed the VB-G RAM G Act, which removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, and seeks a 60:40 fund share between the Centre and states, rather than the employment guarantee being fully funded by the Central government.
The new legislation extends the 100-day employment guarantee to 125 days.

The Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri Express derailed near Jakhapura railway station in Odisha’s Jajpur yard on Thursday morning with no loss of life or injury reported following the derailment, East Coast Railway officials said.

Senior railway officials have rushed to the site and are closely monitoring restoration and safety-related activities, they further said.

“A minor derailment involving Train No. 22611 Chennai–New Jalpaiguri (MAS–NJP) Express occurred at 8.51 am on today morning while the train was passing through Jajpur Yard (JKPR). An AC coach and two General coaches derailed within yard limits. The train was moving at a very slow speed at the time of the incident”, the ECoR said in a statement.

There has been no loss of life or injury to passengers. Passenger train operations remain unaffected, it added.

The passengers are being suitably accommodated, and the affected coaches are being detached. To ensure passenger convenience, additional coaches will be attached to the train as required, they concluded.