The Grammys were buzzing, but all eyes were on K-pop sensation trio HUNTR/X, known off-stage as Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna. The animated stars behind the hit ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ brought a fashion statement with a story. And trust us, this wasn’t your usual red carpet glitz.

Audrey Nuna: Family, fashion, and a legacy in Thom Browne

Audrey Nuna’s outfit was a tribute. Draped in Thom Browne, she shared a deeply personal message about her family’s immigrant journey.

“It’s a very meaningful look for me,” she told E! on the red carpet. “My grandfather fulfilled his first orders for Thom Browne when he moved to the US. Clothing is our survival story.”

Also Read: Grammys 2026: All celebs who spoke out against ICE and supported immigrant rights

This wasn’t a one-off homage. Nuna first highlighted her grandfather’s legacy at the Golden Globes in January. On social media, she shared, “When my grandpa moved here, he had to start over. He worked tirelessly to build a business in clothing manufacturing.”

Ejae and Rei Ami: Statements in Dior and Korean couture

While Nuna wore her history on her sleeve, her bandmates also made fashion meaningful. Ejae stunned in a custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson.

“I don’t even know if I’m feeling right now—out of body,” he confessed to E!, barely containing excitement. Rei Ami brought a touch of Korea to the Grammys, wearing a custom look by Guvanch adorned with Korea’s national flower.

And the night wasn’t just about style. HUNTR/X made music history as their track ‘Golden’ became the first-ever K-pop song to win a Grammy. After months of buzz and anticipation, the trio’s hard work paid off.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to hold its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting from February 4-6 and according to economists, the MPC is expected to vote for a pause on a policy rate cut, while the central bank undertakes direct measures to tackle liquidity, bond stability and currency-related risks.

The Central Bank has already lowered the repo rate by 125 basis points since February 2025 to 5.25 per cent.

“With the government remaining on course its fiscal consolidation path, we don’t expect any material impact on the direction of monetary policy,” said Radhika Rao, Executive Director and Senior Economist at DBS Bank.

The MPC lowered rates in December 2025 but is expected to refrain from cutting rates further in February.

“We expect bond purchases to continue this quarter and in April-June 2026. With the FY27 Budget outlining a record high of borrowings, the central bank might prefer to be agile and nimble its money market related operations and keep borrowing costs in check,” said Radhika Rao, Executive Director and Senior Economist at DBS Bank.

Growth impulse has been firm despite trade tensions, while inflation is off lows. The rupee has continued to be under pressure, depreciating to successive fresh lows. Deposit mobilisation has already been a challenge, said Rao.

Overall, the Union Budget 2026 preserves macroeconomic stability and maintains continuity in policy. Fiscal consolidation will continue, with the centre’s debt-to-GDP ratio projected to decline by around 0.5 per cent and the fiscal deficit expected to narrow to 4.3 per cent of GDP.

The effective revenue and primary deficits stand to consolidate further, said the economist, adding that moreover, lowering rates further could spur further repatriation of rate-sensitive portfolio flows.

The RBO recently announced a series of liquidity-enhancing measures that will pump in more than Rs 2 lakh crore into the banking system to ease liquidity pressure. The Central Bank said it will use a combination of open market bond purchases, a foreign exchange swap, and a variable rate repo operation to ease liquidity conditions in the financial system. The steps are being undertaken following a review of current liquidity and financial conditions.

According to SBI Research, even as the RBI has cut repo rate by 125 basis points and has proactively injected/announced Rs 6.6 lakh crore in the current fiscal as part of open market operations (OMO), yields are refusing to budge down, as such level of liquidity management has resulted in asymmetric transmission across market segments.

“We propose that RBI does OMO in papers that are liquid to make a meaningful impact on yields. For example, the current 10 year paper is 6.48 per cent 2035. The RBI can do OMO in just the preceding 10 year paper, that is 6.33 per cent 2035/immediate outgoing benchmark paper,” said the report.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking a judicial probe into the unnatural death of C.J. Roy in the midst of a search action by the Income Tax personnel on January 30.

“I write this letter to share the deep sorrow of the people of Kerala on the unnatural death of Roy. The business community and the civil society are shocked on hearing about this event. Let me state at the outset that this unfortunate incident is a blot on the tax administration of the country, when the aim of the government has been stated as Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE). While there can be no dispute on the fact that intrusive action may be required in rare cases, as situation warrants, there needs to be exercise of extreme caution while initiating, conducting and concluding such actions.”

Confident Group Founder and Chairman C.J. Roy allegedly shot himself dead at his office in Bengaluru on Friday (January 30). He was a prominent real estate developer known for his luxury lifestyle and high-profile business ventures.

CM Vijayan, in his letter to the Union Finance Minister, has also raised some questions.

“From reports that are coming, it seems that lack of required diligence has resulted in the loss of the precious life of an entrepreneur. While it will be inappropriate to discuss anything about the merit of the search and seizure action by the Income Tax department at this juncture, one cannot refrain from drawing certain prudent inferences, based on information available in the public domain. It is quite surprising that the person in whose premises the Income Tax department was conducting a search and seizure operation, could proceed to lay hands on a loaded gun and shoot himself when the tax department personnel were going ahead with search operations.”

“It is believed that there are certain rights of the searched person, which are to be respected by the officials, while some duties are cast upon the searched person, which she/he has to follow. In any search operation, the person in whose case search warrant has been issued needs to be present at the place where the officials are conducting the search and established procedures require that there have to be at least two independent witnesses.”

The CM goes on to point out that in the instant case, if reports coming in the media are correct, Roy had moved to another room and laid hands on the licensed gun and shot himself, even when the search operation was going on at another place in the building.

“If correct, this is a serious lapse. The logical conclusion that follows is that non-compliance to following of minimum essential protocol in the conduct of search has led to the loss of a human life. It is also equally important to pay attention to the grievances of the bereaved family. The brother of late Roy has raised serious issues like harassment by officials,” the letter says, ‘My brother cooperated fully and submitted all documents. Yet the officials kept returning. He told several times that the I-T trouble was unbearable…’ was what Roy’s brother had stated.”

The CM said in the letter that the Income Tax department will have its version too. “It is felt that the whole truth about this incident has to come out through a credible analysis of the legal and administrative procedures to ensure a fair search operation, how this event could have been prevented had due diligence been exercised and what is the substance of the statements of the immediate relatives of late Roy.”

While emphasising the probe, CM Vijayan says in the letter, “Ordering such an impartial inquiry into this matter is essential if occurrence of such tragic incidents in future is to be prevented. It is my belief that the best option which can be exercised by the Government of India in this matter will be to order a judicial inquiry into the incident and it will be in the fitness of things that the Commission of Inquiry be headed by a person who has had experience as a judge in a constitutional court.”

The CM demanded that the grievances of the immediate family should be viewed with empathy, and they have a right to have all the facts brought out through an impartial inquiry.

“While the investigation by the Karnataka Police is going on, judicial inquiry is requested to look into the wider aspects mentioned above. It is felt that calling for official reports and reiterating that legal provisions have been followed in letter will not suffice. Only a judicial inquiry, which can look into the entire matter will be regarded as having credibility by the larger society. Hence, there should not be any hesitation on the part of Government of India in ordering a judicial inquiry without any delay and obtaining a comprehensive report in a time-bound manner,” he said.

He said that he completely agreed that tax evasion is a serious problem and every effort has to be taken to curb it; but no action leading to the loss of a precious human life, as it has happened in the case of Roy, can be justified in a civilised democratic society.

“Often it is said that taxation is the price we pay for our civilisation and hence there has to be zero tolerance to tax evasion. While fully endorsing this view, one has to equally emphasise the fact that in the name of ensuring tax compliance, uncivilised acts too have to be viewed with zero tolerance. I request the Union Finance Minister to initiate steps to order a judicial inquiry into the matter by getting a Commission of Inquiry constituted with a person who has served in a constitutional court as its head,” adds CM Vijayan.

This year, Grammys became a lightning rod for political statements, as some of music’s biggest names used the spotlight to speak out against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With protests surging nationwide following the deaths of two US citizens at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis, the event became more than just a celebration of music.

Also Read: Molly Ringwald, iconic ’80s actress, slams Trump regime as ‘fascist’, urges fans to stand against ICE brutality

Justin and Hailey Bieber make a statement

The Biebers arrived at the Grammys looking every bit the celebrity power couple, but it wasn’t just fashion that caught the eye. Both Justin and Hailey Bieber sported “ICE Out” pins on the red carpet signaling their support for immigrants and calling for accountability.

Justin, nominated for four awards and performing at the show, let his style do some talking before his performance.

Billie Eilish and Finneas: Family duo, united on stage

Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell didn’t just make a quiet nod with their outfits. They added their voices loud and clear. Both siblings adorned “ICE Out” pins, but the real fireworks came when they took the stage to accept Song of the Year for “Wildflower.”

Billie paused, her usually soft voice cutting through the glitz: “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she declared, before adding bluntly, “F’ck ICE.”

Bad Bunny speaks from the heart

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, who won Best Música Urbana Album for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’, also made the night about more than music. In his acceptance speech, he made his position clear: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out. We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We are not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”

He didn’t stop there, adding a message of unity: “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”

Olivia Dean honours her roots

Rising star Olivia Dean, who snagged Best New Artist, took the stage and instantly made it personal. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean said. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”

Kehlani: Outspoken and unapologetic

R&B powerhouse Kehlani, winner of both Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for ‘Folded’, made no attempt to tone down her message. On the red carpet, she wore an “ICE Out” pin and told The Hollywood Reporter she wanted to “say ‘F’ck ICE,’” but opted for a slightly more polished approach.

Once on stage, however, she unleashed her unfiltered thoughts, condemning ICE and expressing hope that artists would unite for justice. “Together, we’re stronger in numbers,” she said. “We must speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now… F’ck ICE.”

Shaboozey brings country music into the conversation

It wasn’t just pop and R&B stars getting vocal. Country artist Shaboozey, accepting his first Grammy alongside Jelly Roll for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen,” turned his moment into a tribute to immigrants.

“Immigrants built this country, literally,” he said. “So this is for them, for all children of immigrants… Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America color. I love y’all so much.”

Legends show support: Joni Mitchell

Music royalty Joni Mitchell, accepting the Grammy for Best Historical Album for ‘Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years – 1976-1980’, accessorised her outfit with the now-iconic “ICE Out” pin.

Jazz singer Samara Joy: Speaking up for the voiceless

Jazz sensation Samara Joy, who won Best Jazz Vocal Album for ‘Portrait’ before the televised show, also wore the “ICE Out” pin. She explained her reasoning to ‘Variety’: “Now is not the time to get super down or downtrodden about what’s going on, but to speak up and speak out for those who can’t at the moment. It’s the least I could do.”

Justin Vernon honours Minneapolis activists

Bon Iver founder Justin Vernon brought a different kind of symbolism to the event. Wearing a whistle pin, he paid tribute to Minneapolis observers who “blow the whistle when they see ICE come in.”

Speaking to ‘Variety’, Vernon explained, “They are there to protect their community and they’ve been doing it for weeks… The real work is in the streets of Minneapolis right now, and I’m here to honor them.”

He recounted the recent death of Alex Pretti, one of the US citizens killed by ICE, saying that seeing grassroots activism rekindle hope inspired him to attend the Grammys and amplify their work.

A video has surfaced on social media showing people outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran, yelling “That’s right, we know about your mom,” after the US Justice Department released new Jeffrey Epstein-related records that mentioned his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair.

The locals were heard shouting “shame.” They added, “Now listen. We were with you, Zohran. We voted for you, Zohran. We advocated for you, Zohran. You get up in here and lie to us!”

The incident was reported after the newly released documents showed an email dated October 21, 2009, sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Jeffrey Epstein after Mamdani’s film-director mother Mira Nair left an afterparty at convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell’s house for her film “Amelia.”

“Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse…after party for film,” the publicist’s email read as reported by New York Post.

Furthermore, the email stated that Maxwell’s party was also attended by former President Bill Clinton and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. It read: “Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there…Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair…etc. Film received tepid reaction though women like it much more…Hillary Swank and [Richard] Gere are at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportswear department…very weird.”

Last week, the US Department of Justice had released to the public over three million pages of FBI documents, including 2,000 videos and 1,80,000 images.

This is the latest release after a period of six weeks when the department missed a legal deadline set by President Donald Trump, who signed a law mandating that all Epstein-related documents be shared with the public.

Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner was convicted of sex trafficking a minor and other charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Mira Nair’s 2009 biopic “Amelia,” stars Hilary Swank as an aviator and Richard Gere as her husband, publisher George Putnam.

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has raised sharp questions over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party following the swearing-in of Sunetra Pawar as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.

In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray faction described the NCP as a party adrift. It likened the situation to a boat caught in a storm, without a navigator, and driven by an engine controlled elsewhere.

The editorial said the appointment, which came soon after the death of Ajit Pawar, has deepened political uncertainty in the state.

‘A second shock’ after Ajit Pawar’s death

According to Saamana, Maharashtra had not yet absorbed the shock of Ajit Pawar’s demise when what it called a “second shock” followed.

It alleged that political manoeuvres by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led to Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking before the mourning period had ended.

“Before the ashes of Ajit Pawar’s funeral pyre could even cool, Sunetra Ajit Pawar took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister,” the editorial said.

Public reactions, it noted, were divided. Some welcomed Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Others questioned the timing and the process.

The editorial argued that the post was not earned through “individual administrative merit” and asked who had orchestrated the move.

Sharad Pawar, it said, responded with restraint.

“I have no information regarding Sunetra Pawar’s swearing-in. Her party is independent, and after Ajit Pawar, people like Patel and Tatkare are handling the reins,” he was quoted as saying.

Leadership vacuum and fears of drift

The editorial said Ajit Pawar’s death created a vacuum within the party. It cited NCP minister Hasan Mushrif’s claim that Sunetra Pawar was elevated quickly to prevent workers and MLAs from drifting away.

Even if that argument is accepted, Saamana questioned the haste.

It said holding a celebratory oath ceremony during the mourning period did not align with the “Sanatani” framework the BJP claims to uphold.

The piece also pointed to internal tensions. It spoke of a power struggle between Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, and claimed Sunetra Pawar was placed in position to prevent the party from falling fully under one camp’s control.

“The captain of the boat has gone into the open sea,” the editorial said. “The engine of this boat belongs to Fadnavis, and the ‘remote’ for that engine is also with Fadnavis.”

A test that leads to 2029

Looking ahead, Saamana framed the 2029 Assembly elections as Sunetra Pawar’s real test.

It predicted that the BJP would contest the polls on its own strength and suggested that many MLAs from the Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions could migrate to the BJP before then.

To avoid becoming a “ceremonial” figure, the editorial said, Sunetra Pawar would need to demonstrate leadership, public outreach, and independence — traits it associated with Ajit Pawar’s political style.

“If she chooses to work effectively rather than being a ‘silent doll’, she may become an obstacle for Patel, Tatkare, and Bhujbal,” it said.

The editorial ended on a bleak note.

“Mourning periods come and go,” it said. “Politics never stops — even if it has become truly wretched.”

The office of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has released a list naming 2,986 people killed during recent unrest in the country.

In a statement posted on its website on Sunday (local time), the president’s office said the list, which includes both civilians and security personnel, was compiled from data provided by the Iranian Legal Medicine Organisation at Pezeshkian’s order.

The office said the total death toll stands at 3,117, meaning 131 victims remain unidentified. It pledged to release a supplementary list once the identities are established, reports Xinhua news agency.

The statement emphasised a commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that all victims were children of Iran and pledging that no bereaved family would be left unheard.

Weeks of protests over the sharp depreciation of the rial swept cities across Iran from late December to January. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated into clashes that caused casualties and damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks. Tehran has blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel.

Iran’s Army Chief Amir Hatami last week warned that if the United States makes any mistake, it will definitely jeopardise its own security and that of Israel and the entire West Asia region, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Speaking at a national festival in Tehran, Hatami emphasised the Iranian armed forces’ readiness amid escalating tensions with Washington.

“Today, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are in complete defence and military readiness and closely monitoring the enemy’s movements in the region. We have our finger on the trigger,” he said.

He added that “If the enemy makes any mistake, it will undoubtedly jeopardise its own security and that of Israel and the region.”

He also welcomed neighbouring countries’ announcements that they will not allow their territory or airspace to be used against Iran, noting these countries “know any insecurity against Iran will make the entire region insecure.”

Hatami emphasised that if the other side is willing to resolve the problem, it should treat the Iranian nation with respect.

The warning came amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump earlier said that a “massive armada,” led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is heading towards Iran, warning that “time is running out” for Tehran to reach a deal with the United States.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Sunday that if Tehran fails to strike a nuclear deal with Washington, “we will find out” whether Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was right to warn that a US attack could ignite a regional war.

Khamenei said at a meeting in Tehran earlier on Sunday that if the United States starts a war against Iran, “it will be a regional war.”

The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has forecast moderate rainfall in Western Ghats districts on Monday, influenced by the presence of multiple low-pressure systems over adjoining sea regions.

According to officials, a low-level cyclonic circulation is currently active over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the Lakshadweep and Kerala coasts. In addition, another low-level cyclonic circulation has formed over the Comorin Sea and nearby regions.

These atmospheric conditions are expected to significantly influence weather patterns across parts of southern India. As a result of these systems, moderate rainfall is likely in districts along the Western Ghats.

Weather experts have advised residents in these regions to remain cautious, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas, as intermittent rain could affect daily activities and travel.

The Meteorological Department has also issued a fog advisory for several interior districts. From Monday until the 5th of this month, moderate fog conditions are expected during the early morning hours in Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Nilgiris, and Dindigul districts.

Visibility may be reduced in these areas, and motorists have been advised to drive with caution, especially during the early hours of the day.

Meanwhile, Chennai is expected to experience relatively stable weather conditions. The sky over the city is likely to remain partly cloudy throughout the day. The minimum temperature in the Tamil Nadu capital is forecast to hover around 23 degrees Celsius, providing relatively pleasant conditions compared to the cooler and wetter interior regions.

Weather officials stated that while no extreme weather warnings have been issued at present, the evolving nature of the low-pressure systems will be closely monitored.

Any significant changes in rainfall intensity or wind patterns will be communicated promptly through official advisories.

Residents across affected districts are advised to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Fishermen along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts have also been urged to remain alert, as sea conditions may vary due to the prevailing cyclonic circulations.

The current weather pattern highlights the seasonal transition phase, during which fluctuations in rainfall, fog, and temperature are commonly observed across southern India.

Josephine Review: The new crown jewel at Sundance 2026 is Beth de Araújo’s ‘Josephine’. This film punches you in the gut while whispering in your ear. If her last feature ‘Soft & Quiet’ was a piercing jab, this one is the cinematic haymaker we didn’t know we were waiting for.

At the heart of this story is Josephine (played with astonishing depth by newcomer Mason Reeves), an eight-year-old whose childhood is ripped open in a way no child should ever experience. We meet her in sunny San Francisco running in Golden Gate Park with her father Damien (Channing Tatum). A normal, playful morning spirals into horror when Josephine witnesses sexual assault.

What’s terrifying about ‘Josephine’ isn’t just the act itself. It’s the emotional aftermath. Araújo forces us into the mind of a child trying to make sense of something adults often can’t either. Josephine’s reactions (numbness, confusion, bursts of anger) feel authentic because they’re grounded in reality. Araújo herself witnessed a similar incident as a child giving the film a haunting autobiographical edge. I might have skipped the film, had it been directed by a man.

Also Read: Daldal Review: Bhumi Pednekar fights crime, trauma, and weak writing in an uneven cop saga

Trauma that lingers

This isn’t a film where the attack is quickly addressed and then neatly forgotten. Araújo lets it breathe letting the audience sit in the unbearable tension of Josephine’s world. The camera rarely leaves her perspective. Often low-angled, intimate, and sometimes blurry. This mimicks a child’s skewed and fragile understanding of reality.

You see the adult world but through the foggy lens of someone too young to process it, and every misstep her parents make feels magnified in her eyes.

Her father Damien is a study in tough love. Tatum leans into a type we think we know: playful, loving, slightly flawed. But Araújo adds layers. Damien wants to guide Josephine, but he’s stumbling through uncharted territory.

Claire (Gemma Chan), the mother, is quieter, almost elusive. Her approach is subtle and measured. The film wisely doesn’t dwell on their histories. Instead, we witness the parent-child dynamic unfold in real time.

Silence isn’t neglect. It’s a reflection of confusion, fear, love in crisis. We learnt this once we started empathising with our mothers.

The weight of experiencing

There’s a moment early in the film when Josephine locks eyes with both victim and perpetrator during the assault. That fleeting gaze is a moment you won’t forget. It’s raw and unfiltered. There is a girl grappling with knowledge too heavy for her age.

As days pass, Josephine’s imagination turns against her. She begins to see the attacker everywhere, even in her bedroom as if her mind is refusing to let go. These creeping hallucinations are subtle but devastating. Araújo doesn’t sensationalise the trauma; she immerses you in it.

Mason Reeves is a star

It’s impossible to talk about ‘Josephine’ without giving credit to Mason Reeves. For a child actor to carry the weight of such a story is nearly unheard of. But Reeves is nothing short of miraculous. She conveys the confusion, fear, and nascent rage of a child forced to confront adult horrors. Her performance is a study in restraint and intensity switching between silence and outburst, vulnerability, volatility.

Reeves is a living, breathing lens through which we confront the darker edges of our society. By the time the credits roll, the performance lingers longer than any dialogue or visual flourish.

Beth de Araújo has a rare gift. She wields fearlessness as her superpower. Her direction is unflinching, yet careful, measured, humane. Many filmmakers might rely solely on the performances to carry a story of this intensity. But Araújo builds a cinematic world that heightens emotional resonance.

The parents’ dilemma

One of the film’s most haunting aspects is parents’ struggle. Damien wants to be strong for his daughter. He falters in words and actions. Claire’s quieter approach highlights gendered nuances of caregiving.

The film doesn’t judge them. It asks the audience to consider near-impossible task of guiding a child through a trauma that is often mishandled or ignored by the system.

This delicate balance is part of what makes ‘Josephine’ so compelling. Araújo refuses to offer easy answers. She gives us a truth. Life is messy, adults are flawed, and children bear the brunt of our collective failures.

And, more…

The film flirts with the aesthetics of a ghost story without ever crossing into the supernatural. Its visions of attacker in everyday spaces evoke sense of haunting and trauma. We have grown up in such spaces. The terror is grounded in reality. This makes it all the more visceral.

Cinematographer Greta Zozula captures this beautifully. The camera lingers on small moments. A trembling hand, a glance over a shoulder, an empty playground. Mundane settings are sites of tension.

Social commentary without preachiness

At its core, ‘Josephine’ is commentary on how society treats trauma and witnesses. Children are expected to understand more than they can (been there, done that). Legal and social systems are woefully unprepared to support them. Araújo’s autobiographical touch makes this critique deeply personal and also universally resonant.

The film doesn’t moralise. It presents reality and lets us confront it. It’s a rare blend of empathy and honesty that gives the story emotional teeth. By focusing on Josephine’s perspective, Araújo is telling the world how trauma is lived, seen, felt.

It’s no surprise that ‘Josephine’ swept the 2026 Sundance Film Festival winning both Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. The accolades are well-earned.

The anti-coming-of-age story

Unlike conventional coming-of-age films that celebrate discovery, friendship, joy of growing up, ‘Josephine’ subverts the genre entirely. Yes, growing up is traumatic, confusing, morally complicated. Childhood innocence is interrupted and replaced with burden of adult realities.

And yet, the film is not hopeless. There are moments of tenderness, small acts of parental love, fleeting glimpses of Josephine’s resilience. They try to create bittersweet counterpoint to pervasive darkness. Araújo doesn’t offer a fairy-tale resolution. But she offers a glimpse of understanding and the possibility of healing.

Watching ‘Josephine’ is an emotional tightrope. You want to look away from the horror, but this is the lived reality of so many of us. The film breaks down an unimaginably difficult topic piece by piece. It forces audiences to confront ugly truths about violence, justice, childhood vulnerability.

It’s a gut-punch wrapped in a hug. It is worth every shiver and tear. Watch it!

If there were a spokesperson for winter themed comfort food, Acharya Balkrishna might just raise a warm makki ki roti in its honour. The Patanjali co-founder and renowned voice of Ayurveda shared through a recent Facebook post, how makki ka atta, ie corn flour that most of us immediately think of when we talk about desi meals and copious amounts of butter on rotis, is something to look forward to.

But this time, the conversation was not about flavour. It was about health, nutrition, and a surprising liver benefit.

Acharya Balkrishna said in his post that “from a nutritional standpoint, makki ka atta is regarded as very good because it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals.” He also stressed its high fibre content, which is extremely good for the liver.

Simple words, significant statement. And, enough to get people to reconsider their food choices.

For a majority of Indian households, makki ka atta is something that is primarily seen in kitchens during winters. When served with sarson ka saag, it epitomises the ultimate comfort food. However, nutrition experts advocate that this ancient grain should be given the honour it deserves all the time.

In contrast to refined flour, makki ka atta is more like the original product. Thus, it gives you a higher amount of nutrients.

Also Read: Glow from within: Acharya Balkrishna reveals why carrots are a skin superfood

Calling for the “biggest one of all,” President Donald Trump has backed a proposal to construct the world’s largest triumphal arch in Washington, DC, arguing the capital deserves a monument to match America’s global stature.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he wants the arch to be the “biggest one of all,” describing the United States as the world’s most powerful country. “For 200 years, they wanted to build an arch,” he said, outlining his vision for reshaping the capital.

Trump framed the proposal in a global view, noting that roughly 57 cities around the world already have triumphal arches. Washington, which he called the “only major city” without one, should no longer be an exception, he said.

The remarks build on an announcement Trump made in January, when he revealed that work on a triumphal arch in DC is expected to begin soon.

In October, Trump had told donors at a dinner that the monument would be constructed near the Lincoln Memorial, marking a ceremonial entrance to the nation’s capital along the Arlington Memorial Bridge. At the dinner, he displayed models of the proposed structure and described multiple design options, The Hill reported.

“It’s going to be really beautiful. I think it’s going to be fantastic,” Trump said at the time. “There’s a rendering of what it will look like. You have three sizes.” He added that he favored the largest option, saying, “Whichever one would look good. I happen to think the large one.”

The proposed monument has drawn comparisons to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

The arch is part of a broader work of renovation projects that have become a defining focus of Trump’s second administration. The White House is currently undergoing upgration, including the construction of a new ballroom and changes to the Rose Garden and Palm Room.

Hollywood meets Tehran drama as off-screen tensions are flaring as Mehdi Mahmoudian, the co-writer of Jafar Panahi’s Oscar-nominated hit ‘It Was Just An Accident’, finds himself behind bars in Iran.

Mahmoudian was taken into custody in Tehran on Saturday, reportedly for endorsing a bold statement that called out Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The statement condemned the government’s violent crackdown on civilian protestors and accused authorities of organised crimes against humanity. Mahmoudian wasn’t alone. Two other co-signers of the 17-member activist group were arrested alongside him.

The activists’ declaration didn’t mince words. It condemned the mass killings, the use of live ammunition against civilians, and the systematic persecution of protesters painting a grim picture of state-sanctioned violence.

Also Read: Iranian Cinema: The art of telling profound stories under censorship, limited budgets, and political constraints

Jafar Panahi speaks from experience

Jafar Panahi, who recently received a one-year prison sentence in absentia, was also a signatory. Panahi, already known internationally as a fearless filmmaker and political activist, shared a tribute to his co-writer. In his statement, Panahi recalled meeting Mahmoudian behind bars and being struck by his composure and empathy.

“I met Mehdi Mahmoudian in prison,” Panahi said. “From the very first days, he stood out not only because of his calm demeanor and kind conduct but also due to a rare sense of responsibility toward others. Whenever a new prisoner arrived, Mehdi would provide basic necessities and, more importantly, reassurance. He became a quiet pillar inside the prison—someone inmates of all beliefs trusted and confided in.”

Panahi went on to describe Mahmoudian as more than a writer or activist. “He is a witness, a listener, and a rare moral presence. A presence whose absence is immediately felt, both inside prison walls and beyond them,” he added.

For those following Panahi’s cinematic work, Mahmoudian’s reputation as a conscientious co-creator now mirrors the courage and moral clarity often portrayed in their films.

The Grammys are usually about music, fashion, and awkward clapping shots. But this year, Trevor Noah decided to turn the biggest music night into a late-night roast and Nicki Minaj didn’t even have to be in the room for it to land hard.

As cameras rolled and celebrities settled into their seats, Noah kicked off the 2026 Grammy Awards with jokes, smiles, and a casual stroll through the crowd. Everything felt light and breezy until he noticed someone very famous was missing.

And then came the name everyone was waiting for.

Also Read: Grammys 2026 Highlights: Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Dalai Lama define the night | Major winners

“Nicki Minaj is not here”, and the room explodes

Midway through his opening monologue on Sunday, February 1, Trevor Noah paused and looked around the arena.

“Nicki Minaj is not here. She is not here,” he said slowly.

The crowd instantly reacted. Loud applause. Laughs. Gasps. Behind Noah, Chrissy Teigen flashed a thumbs-up, while John Legend watched the moment unfold with a knowing smile. The message was clear: everyone got the joke.

But Noah wasn’t done.

Trevor Noah brings Donald Trump into the Grammys

After pointing out Minaj’s absence, Noah delivered the line that turned the room electric.

“She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues,” he said.

Then came the impression.

Switching to a Trump-style voice, Noah launched into a joke filled with exaggeration, bravado, and pop-culture references, joking that Trump himself had “the biggest a**” and riffing on Nicki’s music in the process.

Why Nicki Minaj was the perfect target

Noah’s joke didn’t come out of nowhere. It followed a string of headline-making appearances by Nicki Minaj that have surprised fans and critics alike.

Just days before the Grammys, Minaj appeared at the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, DC, where she openly praised Donald Trump and called herself his “No. 1 fan.”

Also Read: Nicki Minaj publicly declares love for Donald Trump; here’s what it means for politics, pop culture, her legacy

She didn’t stop there.

Minaj said criticism of her support doesn’t bother her. In fact, she claimed it pushes her to back Trump even more.

“The hate does not affect me at all,” she said at the event. “It actually motivates me.”

She also spoke emotionally about standing by Trump, saying she believes he is protected by God and should not be “bullied.”

The Grammys are about drama, surprises, speeches that turn political, and moments nobody saw coming. The 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night had all of that and more.

This year’s Grammys were spread across two ceremonies and a massive 95 categories. The celebrations began early with the Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The real spectacle, of course, arrived later. The main telecast aired on CBS and Paramount+ Premium from the Crypto.com Arena. Trevor Noah returned as host for the sixth year in a row, also his final time holding the Grammys mic. Noah kept things moving as music’s biggest names filled the arena, ready for their big moments.

Also Read: Grammys 2026: Full list of nominees | Kendrick Lamar leads, Lady Gaga close behind; how to watch live in India

Kendrick Lamar opens the night, and breaks a major record

The primetime show kicked off with a headline-making win. Kendrick Lamar took home best rap album for ‘GNX’, setting the tone for the night. But this win was bigger than just one category. With this trophy, Lamar officially broke Jay-Z’s long-standing record, becoming the rapper with the most Grammy wins in history.

The Dalai Lama makes Grammy history

One of the most unexpected wins of the night belonged to the Dalai Lama. The spiritual leader won his very first Grammy Award for Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording. His winning work, ‘Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’, blends calm narration, thoughtful messages, and music.

The victory placed him in an unusual club of first-time Grammy winners that also included K-pop acts and legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The recording is already widely available on platforms like YouTube, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

Big wins, bigger statements

Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell won song of the year for ‘Wildflower’, one of the night’s most emotional moments. Eilish didn’t just say thank you. She used her speech to strongly criticise ICE, joining several artists who turned their acceptance moments into statements.

Olivia Dean was crowned best new artist, marking a major career milestone. Bad Bunny won best música urbana album for ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ and opened his speech with a bold “ICE out,” urging love and unity instead of hate. The artist, who is also set to perform at next Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show, made sure his message reached beyond the music.

Country, pop and chaos across genres

Jelly Roll had a big night, winning best contemporary country album for ‘Beautifully Broken’. Lady Gaga added another Grammy to her collection, taking home best pop vocal album for ‘MAYHEM’.

The Recording Academy also shook things up this year by introducing two new categories: best traditional country album and best album cover. At the same time, the old best country album category was renamed best contemporary country album, and two packaging awards were merged into a single category called best recording package.

Cher and tributes

Cher received a lifetime achievement award before stepping on stage to present the Grammy for record of the year, instantly raising the star power in the room. The show also paused to honour music legends who shaped generations.

Ozzy Osbourne was celebrated with performances by Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith and Andrew Watt. Lauryn Hill delivered a moving performance in tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. The emotional “In Memoriam” segment featured Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson, remembering artists who passed away recently.

Bruce Springsteen narrated a video tribute to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, while Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone were also honoured through video segments.

Early winners set the pace

Some notable wins came early in the night. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won best pop duo/group performance for ‘Defying Gravity’. Doechii picked up best music video for ‘Anxiety’. ‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ won best song written for visual media. Lady Gaga added yet another trophy with best dance pop recording for ‘Abracadabra’.

More music, more moments, more winners

As the night went on, Leon Thomas won best R&B album for ‘MUTT’. Kendrick Lamar returned to the winners’ list alongside SZA for best melodic rap performance for ‘luther’. Shaboozey and Jelly Roll won best country duo/group performance for ‘Amen’. Joni Mitchell earned best historical album for ‘Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976–1980)’. Comedian Nate Bargatze also walked away with best comedy album.

In film-related categories, ‘Sinners’ won both best compilation soundtrack and best score soundtrack for visual media, covering film and television.

Spielberg joins the EGOT club

One of the biggest behind-the-scenes wins went to Steven Spielberg. The iconic filmmaker won his first Grammy as a producer on ‘Music By John Williams’, which took home best music film. With that victory, Spielberg officially became an EGOT winner, holding Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were disrupted on Monday during the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, leading to an adjournment till 3 pm. The debate saw sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition, with objections raised over remarks made during the discussion and repeated references to parliamentary rules by the Chair.

The Budget Session debate, which began with the government outlining its vision and priorities, has since been marked by disagreements over procedure, content, and the scope of issues being raised in the House.

Updates below track key speeches, rulings by the Speaker, and developments from the Parliament Budget Session 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Sunday, filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR).

This is the second petition filed on this issue.

Earlier, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member, Mahua Moitra, and the party’s Rajya Sabha members Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen filed a petition in the matter on behalf of the ruling party in the apex court.

The hearing on this petition filed by the Trinamool Congress MPs is scheduled this week.

Now, Mamata Banerjee has herself filed a petition in the matter in the apex court.

However, it is not yet clear whether she had filed the petition as the West Bengal Chief Minister or as the Trinamool Congress President.

The hearing in the matter is also likely to be heard this week only.

In the petition, Mamata Banerjee had accused the ECI of political bias and adopting an authoritarian approach while conducting the SIR.

She had also claimed in the petition that the constitutional institution from which impartiality and the protection of democratic values ​​were expected had now reached a level that is extremely worrying for any democratic society.

She had also sought the apex court’s intervention in the matter and also give necessary directions to the ECI in the matter.

The development became significant as the Chief Minister had already arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, and she is slated to meet the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, and raise her objections on the same issue on February 2.

On Saturday, Mamata Banerjee had sent a letter to the CEC where she questioned the authority of special roll observers (SROs) and micro-observers, who, according to her, have been appointed only in West Bengal to review the ongoing SIR in the state.

During her visit to the national capital, she is also slated to meet leaders of other opposition parties, aiming to create a larger political consensus against the SIR.

At the same time, the Treasury bench in the West Bengal Assembly will move a motion on the floor of the House during the forthcoming Budget session, condemning the SIR.

Political observers feel that by filing the petition in the apex court herself on this matter, the Chief Minister had opened multiple fronts against the ECI.

Several parts of the national capital woke up to dense fog on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the moderate to poor categories according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed moderate fog in multiple areas of Delhi. Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, Dwarka, and Mother Teresa Crescent Marg were among the areas that experienced fog in the morning.

Several monitoring stations across the city reported moderate to poor AQI levels at around 7 AM in the national capital. While Sectors 3, 6 and 10 in Dwarka recorded AQI at 243 in the ‘poor’ category, areas such as Mahipalpur recorded at 134 in the ‘moderate’ category. Mother Teresa Crescent Marg also remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an AQI of 118.

Meanwhile, the NCR regions witnessed mist early in the morning with AQI remaining in the ‘poor’ category in Ghaziabad.

According to CPCB data, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 259 n Monday morning.

However, Mumbai saw a ‘moderate’ AQI at the dawn of the day. CPCB recorded an AQI of 126 around the Marine Drive area.

IMD has forecasted ‘fog/mist in the morning and mainly clear sky later’ for the area today. People were seen taking morning walks along Marine Drive amid a blanket of fog.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.Meanwhile, several airports across north and central India witnessed varying fog conditions today, with very dense to shallow fog reported between 0600 hrs and 0630 hrs IST, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

On Sunday, the air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor category’ in the morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 318 around 8 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for the national capital, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar conditions are expected across neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh. In Haryana, Karnal experienced a hailstorm early in the day.

The IMD stated that the rainfall signalled the beginning of an active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail likely to affect several states during the day. Light rain lashed several parts of the city and adjoining NCR areas in the early morning hours.