In a major legal setback for actor Vijay, the Madras High Court has upheld the Rs 1.5 crore tax penalty imposed by the Income Tax Department, dismissing his appeal against the levy. The penalty stems from alleged non-disclosure of additional income earned from his 2015 film Puli. During tax searches in 2015, the department discovered that nearly Rs 5 crore of Vijay's Rs 15 crore remuneration was paid in cash and not reported in his tax returns, leading to the penalty. Vijay

Actor Sonam Kapoor’s baby shower was a celebration of understated elegance, held at her Mumbai residence as she awaits her second child with husband Anand Ahuja. Known for setting fashion benchmarks, Sonam once again demonstrated how maternity style can blend tradition with modern sensibilities. The intimate godh bharai ceremony was curated with care, focusing on warmth and simplicity rather than extravagance. Surrounded by close family, friends, and select members from the film a

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam over the telephone, reaffirming India’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing and close partnership with the island nation. The leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations and reiterated their shared vision of enhancing cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors that are central to India’s engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.

A 37-year-old Indian-origin information technology professional from Karnataka was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack at a shopping centre parking lot in Toronto, Canadian police said. The victim, identified as Chandan Kumar, was a native of Bengaluru Rural district and had been living and working in Canada for the past six years. According to investigators, the shooting took place on Saturday, February 7, when unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle Kumar was trave

A new white paper has spotlighted the significant and long-standing contribution of the Indian diaspora to the making of modern Britain, positioning the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a key pillar of its growth story. The report, unveiled on 5 February at the House of Lords, documents how Indian migrants have shaped the United Kingdom’s recovery, prosperity and innovation across several decades, offering a narrative that resonates strongly with I

Four Indian students were among more than six people injured after a knife attack inside a foreign students’ hostel at a state medical university in Ufa, Russia, on Saturday, prompting swift action by local authorities and immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy to assist those affected. Two police officers responding to the incident were also wounded while attempting to detain the suspect, officials said. According to information released by Russia’s Interior Ministry, the attack took place in the sports hall area of the dormitory, where a group of students had gathered. A teenage boy, reportedly 15 years old, allegedly entered the premises carrying a knife and began assaulting individuals inside the building. The sudden violence caused panic among students, many of whom are international scholars pursuing medical and professional studies in the city. Law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene and moved to restrain the attacker. During the arrest, the suspect resisted and stabbed two police officers before turning the weapon on himself. Both officers sustained injuries while trying to subdue the teenager, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. The suspect was subsequently overpowered and taken into custody. Authorities said the injured students and officers were transported to a nearby clinical hospital for treatment. Medical teams attended to their wounds, and most were reported to be in stable condition. The suspect was admitted to a children’s hospital and remains in serious condition. Officials have not publicly released the identities of those injured, though confirmation that four Indian nationals were among the victims has drawn particular attention in India. The Indian Embassy in Russia acknowledged the incident and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to support the affected students. In a statement, the embassy said it is in constant contact with local authorities and the university administration. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Kazan have traveled to Ufa to provide on-ground assistance, including medical support and coordination with hospitals and families back home. The episode has raised concerns among Indian families whose children study abroad, particularly in medical institutions across Russia that host a large number of Indian students. Over the years, Ufa and several other Russian cities have become popular destinations for Indian aspirants seeking affordable medical education, making student safety a critical issue for both governments. Investigators are currently examining the circumstances that led to the knife attack and are working to determine the motive. Security measures around the campus and hostel areas have been strengthened, and university authorities are expected to review existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. Counseling and support services may also be offered to students affected by the traumatic event. As the situation continues to develop, Indian officials have urged students and their families to remain calm while monitoring updates from the embassy. Further information regarding the condition of the injured and the progress of the investigation is expected in the coming days.

Berlin’s primary international airport remained shut on Friday after severe winter weather created dangerous layers of black ice across runways and taxiways, forcing authorities to suspend flight operations and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The closure disrupted departures and arrivals across Germany and impacted several international routes, including those used by Indian travellers connecting through European hubs. Airport officials said persistent freezing rain and

India is on the brink of securing a major economic breakthrough as negotiations with the United States move into the final phase of what officials are calling a historic trade agreement. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has indicated that the remaining details are being worked out and that the deal could be concluded very soon, raising expectations of stronger exports, new investments and deeper strategic cooperation for Indian industry. Speaking at the end of his recent visit to Washington, Jaishankar described the discussions as productive and forward-looking. He held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, where supply chains, energy security and future technologies were central themes. According to the minister, the proposed trade pact marks the beginning of a new chapter in India-US relations and carries “vast possibilities” for both economies. For Indian businesses, the agreement is expected to deliver tangible benefits. One of the most significant provisions under consideration is a sharp reduction in US tariffs on select Indian goods. Duties that previously stood as high as 50 percent may be lowered to around 18 percent, a move that could make Indian products more competitive in the American market. Exporters in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering goods, electronics and clean energy components are likely to see improved access and better margins. Analysts believe such measures could create new jobs and provide momentum to India’s broader growth strategy. Another key focus of the talks has been cooperation on critical minerals including lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements. These resources are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors and renewable energy technologies, areas where India is rapidly expanding its domestic capacity. With global demand for these materials rising sharply, securing reliable and diversified supply chains has become a strategic priority. The United States is seeking trusted partners to reduce dependence on a handful of dominant suppliers, and India’s geological potential and growing industrial base position it as an important collaborator. Jaishankar also expressed support for the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, or FORGE, an initiative aimed at building resilient mineral partnerships. Participation in such frameworks could help India attract investment, technology transfers and expertise while strengthening its role in global supply networks. Officials say this aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing and clean energy production. Beyond trade and minerals, the discussions covered defence cooperation, advanced technology, energy projects and broader diplomatic coordination. Observers note that the relationship between New Delhi and Washington has steadily expanded over the past decade, and the current negotiations reflect growing trust and shared strategic interests. The deal is being viewed not only as an economic arrangement but also as a step toward reinforcing India’s global standing. While final terms are yet to be formally announced, the optimism surrounding the talks suggests that both sides are keen to move quickly. If concluded as expected, the agreement could serve as a milestone for India’s trade policy, opening new markets and strengthening its position in global supply chains. For Indian viewers and businesses alike, the prospective pact represents an opportunity to accelerate growth, enhance competitiveness and deepen one of the country’s most important international partnerships.

The Tirumala Laddu controversy has become one of the most significant and debated political issues in Andhra Pradesh. During a three-hour cabinet meeting held today, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan led discussions focused on the discrepancies found in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report regarding the Laddu contamination issue. Cabinet members expressed concerns over inconsistencies in the SIT's findings and chargesheet, prompting the government to form a new committee to investigate the matter further. This committee will be tasked with closely examining the case, particularly the flawed report, and identifying those responsible for the contamination. The committee’s investigation is expected to provide clarity on this ongoing controversy, which has deeply affected political discourse in the state. With the identification of the true culprits at the forefront, the public remains hopeful that the committee's work will bring accountability and resolution. As the investigation progresses, it is anticipated to have a significant impact on Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, with the outcome likely to shape future political debates and public sentiment in the state.

In a historic move, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, will make a groundbreaking appearance in the Supreme Court to argue a case—marking the first time in Indian history that a sitting Chief Minister will represent themselves in court. The case revolves around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, an issue that has sparked intense political controversy across the state. Banerjee is challenging the Election Commission of India's ongoing rev

February 4, 2026, is emerging as an important day in Andhra Pradesh’s political scene, with key developments involving the state’s top leaders. A significant meeting is expected between Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan at the Chief Minister’s residence in Undavalli. The discussion is likely to focus on major current issues, including the Tirumala Laddu controversy and the ongoing political exchanges between the ruling alliance and the opposition. The outcome of this interaction could influence the direction of political conversations in the days ahead. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is on his regular visit to Andhra Pradesh and is expected to arrive in Guntur. During his visit, he is likely to meet the family of Ambati Rambabu to offer condolences, a move that may once again bring attention to the controversy surrounding the issue. His presence and remarks are expected to draw political responses and further intensify the rivalry between the government and the opposition. With Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy all making notable moves on the same day, the political atmosphere in the state is set to remain active. These developments may shape public discussion and media focus in the coming weeks, as both the Tirumala Laddu issue and the Ambati Rambabu matter continue to fuel debate across Andhra Pradesh.

A major political development unfolded in Telangana on Saturday as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concluded its first round of questioning of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) in the high-profile phone tapping case. The SIT team arrived at KCR’s residence in Nandi Nagar in the afternoon and began questioning him at around 3:00 pm. What was initially expected to be a brief inquiry extended into a nearly four-and-a-half-hour session, drawing significant political and publ

The Telugu Desam Party has returned to the national spotlight following a high-profile moment in the Lok Sabha involving one of its newest MPs. Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who recently entered Parliament as a first-time Member from Bapatla, has gone viral after asserting strict parliamentary discipline during a heated session. The incident has reignited discussion around TDP’s long-standing reputation for strong and authoritative representation in Parliament, a hallmark the party has maintained

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm and uncompromising message during a visit to Washington months before the public announcement of a renewed India–US trade deal, underscoring that New Delhi would not yield to pressure or public criticism during negotiations. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Doval told senior American leadership that India was prepared to take a patient approach to trade talks rather than accept terms it considered unfair or

Russia has said it has not received any formal communication from India indicating that the country plans to stop purchasing Russian oil, casting doubt on recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that New Delhi had agreed to halt such imports as part of a new trade agreement with Washington. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow has yet to hear any official statement from the Indian government suggesting that energy flows between the two countries are being curtail