Manipur has a new government as Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister on Wednesday, ending nearly a year of President’s Rule in the state. The move follows political uncertainty and ethnic tensions that affected governance since 2025.

Khemchand, a senior BJP leader and former Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, was elected unanimously as the party’s legislature leader. His appointment allows the BJP-led alliance to formally form the state government before President’s Rule officially ended on February 13, 2026.

In a notable step for inclusivity, Nemcha Kipgen, a senior leader from the Kuki community, was named Deputy Chief Minister. She has previously held important ministerial roles and her elevation is seen as a move to improve representation of minority groups. Reports suggest a second Deputy CM post may be given to a Naga leader, reflecting a power-sharing approach.

Khemchand, 62, represents the Singjamei constituency and has a long political career in Manipur. Known for his work during past unrest and his background in taekwondo, he has promised to focus on peace, development, and communal harmony.

Kipgen, representing the Kangpokpi constituency, brings experience and leadership from the tribal community. Her role as Deputy CM is expected to strengthen trust among various ethnic groups in the state.

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Opposition BJP and JD(S) legislators staged an overnight protest inside Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha, demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur over alleged irregularities in the excise department. They said the dharna would continue until action is taken.

Two passenger planes, one operated by Air India and the other by IndiGo,  were involved in a minor ground incident at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday evening when their wingtips touched each other while taxiing.

The incident happened around 7.30 pm as Air India flight AI 2732, scheduled to fly to Coimbatore, was waiting on the taxiway before take-off. At the same time, IndiGo flight 6E 791, which had just landed from Hyderabad, was taxiing towards its parking bay. During this movement, the ends of the wings of the two aircraft came into brief contact.

Airline officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured. All passengers were safely taken off the planes, and there was no panic on board. As a safety measure, both aircraft were withdrawn from service for inspection.

Air India said its aircraft suffered minor damage to the wingtip and has been grounded for technical checks. IndiGo also stated that its plane is undergoing routine maintenance checks before returning to service. Both airlines said they are making alternate travel arrangements for affected passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent officials to review the incident and examine ground movement procedures at the airport. Airport operations continued normally, though the two flights involved were delayed.

Mumbai airport is one of the busiest in the country, with heavy aircraft movement, especially during evening hours. While such incidents are rare, officials said safety systems worked as intended, ensuring that passengers remained unharmed.

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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, where both sides welcomed the new India-US trade deal and agreed to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to expand ties in trade, energy, defence, nuclear cooperation and critical minerals. They said the new trade agreement would help boost economic growth and create fresh opportunities for businesses in both countries.

A major focus of the talks was critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced technology. India and the US agreed to work together on exploration, processing and supply chains to reduce global dependence on limited sources.

The leaders also spoke about energy security, including collaboration in clean and conventional energy, and reaffirmed their commitment to closer defence and strategic cooperation.

Both sides underlined the importance of working together through platforms such as the Quad to ensure stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar’s visit comes as India and the US look to deepen their strategic partnership and turn recent agreements into concrete outcomes for trade, technology and security.

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A quiet residential complex in Ghaziabad’s Bharat City township woke up to heartbreak in the early hours of Wednesday when three sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, died after jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment. The girls were rushed to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

Police say the sisters were students and had been spending long hours on a task-based Korean mobile game, which they reportedly started playing during the COVID-19 lockdown. Over time, the game appeared to consume much of their attention, affecting their studies and daily routine.

According to investigators, the parents had recently expressed concern over their daughters’ excessive screen time and asked them to reduce gaming. On Tuesday night, a disagreement reportedly took place at home over the issue. Soon after, the girls locked themselves inside a room.

Family members told police they heard movement and tried to break open the door, but before they could intervene, the sisters jumped from the balcony. Neighbours alerted security after hearing a loud sound, but it was already too late.

A suicide note and diary entries recovered from the room suggest deep emotional distress. In one message, the girls apologised to their parents and asked them to read the diary to understand their feelings. Police are examining the contents carefully, along with the girls’ mobile phones and online activity, to determine whether the game involved any form of psychological pressure or harmful challenges.

There is no evidence so far of external coercion, but officials say the investigation is ongoing. The tragedy has sparked widespread concern about children’s vulnerability in digital spaces, particularly unsupervised gaming and online communities that may blur the line between fantasy and reality.

Mental health experts say the incident underlines the need for open communication between parents and children, early signs of emotional distress to be taken seriously, and professional support when behavioural changes appear.

As the family mourns an unimaginable loss, the incident stands as a painful reminder that behind screens and games, young minds may be silently struggling and need understanding, guidance and help long before it is too late.

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Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliners after a pilot reported a potential defect with a fuel control switch during engine start-up. The incident occurred on February 2, 2026, when Flight AI132 arrived in Bengaluru from London Heathrow. The crew noticed that the left engine’s fuel control switch did not remain in the “RUN” position and showed signs of slipping toward “CUTOFF”, which would cut off fuel to the engine if moved inadvertently during flight.

In response, the airline immediately withdrawn the aircraft (registration VT‑ANX) from service, informed India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and escalated the issue to Boeing for technical evaluation. Air India engineers are working with the manufacturer to assess the fault.

The fuel control switch is a critical component in Boeing 787s, managing fuel flow to engines and designed to stay firmly in its selected position. A switch moving unintentionally during flight could cause an engine shutdown, posing a serious safety risk.

Following the incident, Air India has initiated precautionary inspections of fuel control switches across its entire Boeing 787 fleet. Half of the aircraft have been checked so far, with no defects reported on inspected planes. Pilots have been reminded to report any abnormalities immediately.

The concern is heightened due to the June 12, 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, in which a Boeing 787‑8 went down shortly after take-off, killing 260 people. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that both engine fuel control switches had moved from RUN to CUTOFF in quick succession, leading to loss of thrust, though the exact cause of the movement remains under investigation.

Aviation safety groups and pilot associations have called for transparent investigations and thorough inspections of Boeing 787 systems. Air India and regulators emphasize crew safety and prompt reporting as inspections continue.

Also Read: Rupee soars to ₹90.27 on India‑US trade deal

The Indian rupee surged sharply on Tuesday, climbing ₹1.22 to close at ₹90.27 against the US dollar, its strongest level in three weeks. The boost came after India and the United States unveiled a trade deal aimed at lowering tariffs on Indian goods, a move that traders say has injected fresh confidence into both currency and equity markets.

The deal includes a significant reduction in US tariffs, bringing them down to around 18% from previously higher levels. This is expected to help Indian exporters compete more effectively and open doors for greater trade flows between the two countries. Analysts say the agreement reduces uncertainty for businesses and investors alike, making India a more attractive destination for capital.

Markets responded enthusiastically. The Sensex and Nifty 50 surged more than 2.5%, reflecting widespread optimism among investors. Sectors likely to benefit, such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and specialty chemicals, saw strong buying interest, signaling expectations of improved earnings in the months ahead.

Foreign exchange traders noted that the combination of tariff cuts and clearer trade rules prompted foreign investors to bring money back into Indian markets, supporting the rupee’s rapid rise. Many market watchers called it a “confidence booster” for both domestic and overseas investors.

While most reactions were positive, some experts urged caution, noting that the deal’s long-term impact will depend on smooth implementation and global demand conditions. Still, the general sentiment is upbeat, with the agreement seen as a step toward strengthening India-US economic ties and supporting growth in trade and investment.

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Pakistani security forces have killed 177 militants in Balochistan over a 48-hour security operation, officials said, following a wave of attacks by separatist groups that left dozens dead. The operations are among the deadliest in recent years in the southwestern province, which has long been troubled by insurgency.

The attacks, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) — a banned separatist group seeking greater autonomy for the Baloch ethnic minority — targeted multiple districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, and surrounding areas. Militants reportedly carried out suicide bombings, armed assaults on police stations, attacks on civilian homes, and strikes on security installations. At least 33 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed during the initial attacks, according to military sources.

In response, Pakistani forces launched coordinated clearance operations, conducting sweeps of suspected militant hideouts and launching targeted strikes. Authorities said the operations led to the death of 177 militants, though the figures could not be independently verified. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the militants as “Indian-backed terrorists,” a claim that was not corroborated by independent sources, and there has been no immediate response from New Delhi.

The violence has disrupted daily life in parts of Balochistan. Train services linking the province with other regions have been suspended, and heightened security measures remain in place. Despite official statements that the situation is stabilizing, concerns persist over further attacks.

Balochistan,  Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has seen decades of insurgency rooted in ethnic grievances, disputes over control of natural resources, and opposition to infrastructure projects. Militants in the province have also previously targeted Chinese interests linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), complicating security operations.

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Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is facing fresh scrutiny after newly released documents revealed her past interactions with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosures include emails and visits that have drawn public attention and criticism.

One of the most striking revelations is a 2010 email in which Ferguson called Epstein “a legend” and jokingly asked him to “just marry me.” She also described him as “the brother I have always wished for” and thanked him for helping raise the profile of her charity and business projects, which included partnerships with brands like Target, NBC, and QVC.

These emails are part of a large batch of documents released by U.S. authorities, shedding light on Epstein’s connections to prominent figures. Ferguson and Prince Andrew’s ties to Epstein have long been controversial, particularly due to Epstein’s 2008 conviction on sex-related crimes.

In response to the renewed attention, Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, has announced it will close “for the foreseeable future.” The charity had worked with more than 60 organizations across 20 countries, focusing on humanitarian efforts. Officials said the closure was linked to the fallout from the new Epstein revelations.

Reports also suggest that Ferguson visited Epstein shortly after his release from prison, taking her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, with her. These visits have further intensified public scrutiny.

Experts analyzing the files note that Epstein appeared to use his friendship with Ferguson and other influential people to rehabilitate his image.

The revelations have reignited debates about the extent of Epstein’s influence and the social and reputational impacts on those connected to him. Ferguson, once admired for her charity work and public appearances, now faces renewed public criticism, raising questions about the choices made in her associations and the consequences of those relationships.

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A tragic accident occurred in Dehradun’s Kalsi area today, February 3, when a Himachal Roadways bus carrying over 30 passengers skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge. At least five people have died, while several others are seriously injured.

Rescue teams from Dakpathar, Chakrata, Mori, and Tiuni rushed to the site, navigating the steep and winding terrain to reach passengers trapped in the overturned bus. Officials said the bus likely lost control on a sharp curve, though investigations into mechanical failure or brake issues are ongoing.

Among the injured, seven are reported in critical condition, suffering fractures and trauma. Medical teams in Dehradun and nearby districts have been placed on high alert, and the injured are being urgently treated in hospitals. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as more passengers are accounted for.

SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi confirmed that specialized equipment is being used to extract trapped passengers. Local police, disaster response teams, and volunteers are working together amid challenging terrain and weather conditions.

The accident highlights the dangers of hilly roads in Uttarakhand, prompting authorities to urge motorists and bus operators to exercise caution on sharp bends and accident-prone stretches like Kalsi. Families of the victims are being notified, and officials have promised full support to the affected.

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