Across the United States on Friday, thousands of people participated in a nationwide strike and protests to condemn federal immigration enforcement practices and the recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. The demonstrations, organised by community and immigrant rights groups, involved school walkouts, work stoppages, and temporary closures of shops and businesses in cities including Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Pretti, a registered nurse, was reportedly filming a federal immigration operation when he was shot multiple times by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on January 24. His death has sparked national outrage, drawing comparisons to previous controversial incidents involving federal officers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation, with the FBI reviewing whether Pretti’s rights were violated.

The protests are part of growing public anger over federal immigration tactics. Activists have called for greater accountability for agents, the withdrawal of ICE from certain communities, and reforms to enforcement policies. Many organisers described Friday’s actions as a “day of resistance,” emphasising that people across the country were standing in solidarity with immigrant communities and demanding justice.

The strike saw schools closing classrooms, employees skipping work, and stores pausing operations. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, some cities reported clashes between law enforcement and protesters. Local authorities in several areas, however, expressed support for peaceful assemblies, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and dialogue.

Pretti’s death follows similar controversial federal operations, including the fatal shooting of Renée Good, which has also drawn criticism from civil rights advocates. The DOJ has not yet opened a federal investigation into Good’s death, raising concerns among activists about inconsistent accountability.

Organisers signalled that further nationwide actions could follow if federal authorities fail to address demands for reform. The protests reflect a broader debate over immigration enforcement in the US, with citizens calling for transparency, accountability, and protection of civil rights.

Also Read: Catherine O’Hara, comedy icon, passed away at 71

Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actor and comedian best known for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. Her representatives confirmed her death on January 30, saying she passed away after a brief illness at her home in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been made public.

O’Hara enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile and respected performers in comedy. She first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as part of Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe and the cult television series SCTV. Her sharp comic timing and ability to create unforgettable characters quickly set her apart.

In cinema, O’Hara became a familiar face through a string of popular films. She played the anxious but determined mother Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), roles that made her a household name worldwide. She also won praise for her performance as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and returned to the character decades later in the film’s sequel.

A new generation of audiences embraced O’Hara for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the television comedy Schitt’s Creek. Her flamboyant performance earned her an Emmy Award in 2020 and helped the show achieve global popularity and critical acclaim.

Beyond these iconic roles, O’Hara’s work included appearances in series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Last of Us, as well as voice roles in animated films like Monster House and Frankenweenie. Colleagues often described her as generous, fearless and deeply committed to her craft.

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry following news of her death. Co-stars and filmmakers praised her influence on comedy and her ability to balance humour with emotional depth. Fans also shared memories of performances that had become part of their lives.

Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons.

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The Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, also known as Medaram Jatara, is currently underway in Mulugu district, Telangana, attracting millions of devotees and earning the distinction of Asia’s largest tribal congregation, second only to the Kumbh Mela. This festival, held every two years, celebrates the legendary tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, revered for their courage and sacrifice in Koya tribal folklore.

Pilgrims from Telangana as well as neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka have flocked to Medaram to participate in rituals, offer prayers, and take part in traditional ceremonies. The festival, which lasts several days, is deeply rooted in tribal culture, showcasing unique customs and devotional practices.

The Telangana government has made extensive arrangements to manage the massive turnout, with estimates suggesting that over three crore pilgrims could visit this year. Authorities have deployed thousands of personnel for security, crowd management, sanitation, and healthcare. The festival site has been divided into zones and sectors to ensure smooth operations, while buses and special trains are facilitating transport to and from the venue. Digital tools, including mobile apps and dedicated websites, provide pilgrims with real-time information to make their visit safer and more organized.

Among the festival’s striking traditions is the offering of bellam (jaggery) equal to the devotee’s body weight to the goddesses. Pilgrims also take a sacred dip in Jampanna Vagu, a stream considered spiritually significant. These rituals highlight the festival’s deep cultural and religious importance.

Officials describe Medaram Jatara not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a celebration of tribal identity and community cohesion. The Telangana government is advocating for its recognition as a national festival, emphasizing its cultural significance across India.

This year’s Medaram Jatara reflects both the enduring faith of tribal communities and the state’s ability to manage one of the country’s most massive and vibrant religious gatherings, drawing attention from across India and beyond.

Also Read: Kolkata fire kills at least 21 in warehouses

A tragic fire tore through two adjoining warehouses in Anandapur, Kolkata, in the early hours of January 26, 2026, leaving at least 21 people dead and several others injured or missing. Victims were found “charred beyond recognition,” and authorities have sent remains for forensic identification.

The fire reportedly began at a decorators’ warehouse and quickly spread to an adjoining facility leased by the popular food chain Wow! Momo. Firefighters described the blaze as intense and fast-moving, noting that the warehouses lacked basic fire safety measures such as clear exit routes and firefighting equipment. Officials said this may have contributed to the high death toll.

Police have arrested several individuals in connection with the disaster. Gangadhar Das, the owner of the decorators’ warehouse, was taken into custody. Two Wow! Momo officials—the manager and deputy manager—were also arrested and sent to six days of police custody while the investigation continues. Authorities are examining the cause of the fire, adherence to safety regulations, and accountability of warehouse owners and lessees.

The incident has sparked political controversy. Leaders from the BJP criticized the West Bengal government, alleging negligence and inadequate enforcement of fire-safety regulations. They demanded a thorough probe, a complete list of the missing, and stricter action against those responsible. The opposition also raised questions about delayed official responses and called for better compensation measures for victims’ families.

The government announced ex-gratia compensation, including ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each deceased person’s next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured. Rescue operations, forensic examinations, and questioning are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragedy has once again highlighted industrial safety concerns in Kolkata, raising urgent questions about compliance, inspections, and enforcement of fire-safety norms across commercial warehouses.

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In a major win for girls’ education and  menstrual health, the Supreme Court has taken a historic step to ensure dignity and care during menstruation. It directed government and private schools to ensure free sanitary pads and proper, gender-separate toilets, warning of strict action, including loss of recognition, for violations.

The Court observed that lack of access to sanitary pads and proper toilets not only affects girls’ health but also their education and self-esteem. It ruled that all government and private schools must provide free, biodegradable sanitary pads to students, making them easily accessible through dispensers in toilets or other designated areas.

The judgment also emphasised the need for clean, separate toilets for girls, with running water and soap. Toilets must be private, well-maintained, and accessible to students with disabilities. Schools are encouraged to set up Menstrual Hygiene corners, stocked with essentials like spare uniforms, disposal bags, and sanitary products, so girls have support during menstruation.

The Supreme Court warned that schools failing to comply could face strict action, including losing recognition under the Right to Education Act. State governments will also be responsible for ensuring that these facilities are available in all schools.

By linking menstrual health to the fundamental right to life, the Supreme Court has made it clear that dignity, education, and health for girls are non-negotiable. The challenge now is ensuring these guidelines reach every school across India so that all girls can attend school with confidence and pride, no matter their background.

This ruling is expected to create safer, more supportive school environments and help girls feel respected and cared for during one of the most natural aspects of their lives.

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the rapid growth of the company’s Copilot AI products during the latest earnings call, showcasing rising adoption even as investors remain cautious about heavy technology spending and slightly slower cloud growth.

For the quarter ending December 2025, Microsoft reported $81.3 billion in revenue and a 21 % increase in net income, primarily driven by strong cloud sales. Despite these solid results, Microsoft shares dipped, as Wall Street focused on massive capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and data centres, along with softer-than-expected growth in Azure and Microsoft 365.

Nadella emphasised that demand for AI far exceeds current capacity, framing the company’s heavy spending as an essential investment in future growth. Daily usage of Copilot AI products has nearly tripled year-over-year, he said. Microsoft 365 Copilot now has 15 million paid seats, while GitHub Copilot has 4.7 million paid subscribers, demonstrating strong adoption in both corporate and developer environments.

Microsoft’s AI initiatives illustrate a strong enterprise adoption trend and its commitment to expanding AI across productivity, development, and healthcare applications. While investors are closely watching capital spending and cloud performance, Nadella’s vision positions Copilot AI as a central driver of Microsoft’s technology roadmap, indicating that AI will remain at the core of the company’s growth strategy for years to come.

Beyond office productivity tools, Nadella highlighted specialised AI applications, such as Dragon Copilot for healthcare, which has been used in millions of patient interactions, illustrating Microsoft’s strategy to expand AI adoption into sector-specific workflows.

Despite these positive trends, analysts remain cautious. While Copilot adoption is rising rapidly, Azure’s growth has slowed, and the cost of AI infrastructure could weigh on margins if usage growth does not keep pace. Nadella acknowledged these pressures but insisted that cloud computing and AI remain “pushing the frontier” of Microsoft’s long-term strategy.

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V. Srinivasan, husband of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President and Rajya Sabha MP P.T. Usha, passed away suddenly on Friday at his home in Thikkodi Perumalpuram, Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 67. According to family members, Srinivasan fell unwell around midnight, collapsed, and was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Srinivasan and P.T. Usha, who married in 1991, shared a bond rooted in mutual respect and admiration. The couple is survived by their son, Dr. Ujjwal Vighnesh. Usha was attending a parliamentary session at the time and rushed back to Kerala on hearing the news of her husband’s sudden demise.

Before his death, Srinivasan had led a life dedicated to both sports and service. In his younger years, he represented India as a national-level kabaddi player, earning respect for his athletic discipline. Later, he joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), rising to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police before retiring as a central government officer. Those who knew him remember him as soft-spoken, disciplined, and a constant pillar of support behind Usha’s illustrious career.

Srinivasan also played an important role at the Usha School of Athletics in Balussery. As co-founder and treasurer, he managed the academy’s administration and logistics, allowing Usha to focus on coaching and mentoring young athletes. Former students and colleagues recall him as a steady and encouraging presence who quietly contributed to nurturing India’s next generation of sports talent.

His passing has evoked condolences from across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Usha, expressing grief and extending support. Sports leaders and administrators also paid tribute, acknowledging Srinivasan’s behind-the-scenes contributions to Indian athletics and his unwavering support for Usha’s journey.

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The Baramati plane crash, which killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others, is being investigated on a timeline-based approach, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said. The aircraft’s black box has been recovered for analysis.

The 12th Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) opened in New Delhi, showcasing films promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity, featuring works by children with disabilities, and bringing together filmmakers, educators, and policymakers.