Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh said he retired in June 2019 because he felt disrespected and unsupported. After his last India match in 2017, selectors ignored him. Yuvraj said he stopped enjoying cricket, felt mentally and physically drained, and chose to quit for his own peace and happiness.
Indian equity benchmarks closed higher for a third straight session on Thursday, buoyed by optimism after the Economic Survey. The Sensex rose 222 points to 82,566, while the Nifty gained 76 points to end at 25,419. Metal stocks led gains, while healthcare and FMCG indices lagged.
Global gold demand rose to a record 5,002 tonnes in 2025, driven by a sharp surge in investment demand, the World Gold Council said. Investment demand jumped 84% amid geopolitical risks and rate-cut hopes. Central banks added 863 tonnes. Jewellery volumes fell, but value rose. Gold prices averaged $2,709 an ounce, reflecting strong safe-haven demand.
A Bloomberg investigation reveals how Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, allegedly built a vast overseas property and investment network through intermediaries and shell firms. Assets span London, Europe and Dubai, funded mainly by Iranian oil revenues despite sanctions. The findings show gaps in global financial oversight enabling elite capital flight.
A special NDPS court in Ahmedabad sentenced Ugandan national Mukakibibi Hana to 20 years in jail and fined her ₹2 lakh for international drug trafficking. Arrested in 2022 at Ahmedabad airport, she was found carrying 869 grams of heroin in 79 capsules inside her stomach. The court cited strong evidence and stressed strict action to […]
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday, February 1, at 11 am, marking the first Sunday budget and her ninth straight. The session runs in two phases. The budget can be watched live on Sansad TV and YouTube. The Economic Survey projects 6.8–7.2% growth for the coming financial year.
An encounter erupted between security forces and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday. The gunfight began in a southern forest area when a District Reserve Guard team launched an anti-Naxalite operation. Intermittent firing continued at the site, while police said more details were awaited. No casualties were reported.
A public feud involving influencer Orry and Sara Ali Khan’s family has intensified after Orry called her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan “besharam” on a podcast. He also mocked Sara’s film career and blamed Amrita Singh for their fallout. Orry claimed his remarks were jokes, but online backlash and protests continue to grow.
The Supreme Court stayed the UGC’s 2026 equity regulations, citing vagueness and potential misuse. The rules mandate equity bodies in universities but define caste-based discrimination as affecting only SC, ST and OBC groups, excluding general categories. The Court questioned this narrow definition, omission of ragging, and urged expert review.
The Delhi High Court has granted Jr NTR protection against unauthorised use of his name, image, and identity. The court barred the misuse of his name, nicknames, image, or likeness for commercial purposes. Digital platforms must remove infringing content. This safeguards his personality rights under copyright, trademark, and constitutional laws.
The T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches start from February 2 in India and Sri Lanka. India will play one warm-up against South Africa, while India A will play two games. Other teams, including associate nations, will also have warm-ups. Italy debuts in the tournament. Sri Lanka and England skip warm-ups.
The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Sri Lanka got floodlights ahead of the T20 World Cup, becoming the country’s fifth day-night cricket venue. The stadium will host five matches from February 7. Upgrades include LED lighting, improved dressing rooms, VIP boxes, and facilities for officials, broadcasters, and spectators, meeting international standards.
Former Tamil Nadu CM O. Panneerselvam (OPS) said he is willing to rejoin AIADMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) to support party unity and state welfare. OPS emphasized the decision depends on party leaders. His statement has sparked speculation about opposition realignments ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The Supreme Court questioned whether India is moving backwards as it heard a petition challenging the new UGC equity rules. Petitioners argued that the regulations discriminate against general category students. The court emphasised that the unity of India should be reflected in all educational institutions while reviewing the controversial rules.
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo offered prayers at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, where TTD officials welcomed him and escorted him for darshan. After his visit, he was presented with silk clothes and a portrait of the deity at Ranganayakula Mandapam, highlighting the cultural and spiritual exchange during his visit.