Newly released US Justice Department files have triggered fresh claims involving Bill Gates, based on alleged emails written by late financier Jeffrey Epstein. British tabloids reported that Epstein accused Gates of hiding a sexually transmitted disease and seeking antibiotics for his former wife Melinda Gates. The reports say the emails were drafts and remain unverified. Gates strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and absurd. He said the documents only show Epstein’s anger after their ties ended. The United States Department of Justice has begun releasing millions of Epstein-related records. (PC: AP)

India and the United States are close to finishing their trade talks, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He said there are no “sticky issues” left and talks can now move towards closure. Goyal said India’s trade approach has changed over the years. The country is no longer hesitant and now negotiates with confidence. He stressed that a developed India must work closely with developed nations. “No country can live in isolation,” he said. The minister added that exports are growing and new markets and sectors are opening up. Talks with the United States are ongoing and positive. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant call Friday with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, agreeing to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, pharmaceuticals, and digital technology. Rodríguez was sworn in January 5 following Nicolás Maduro's removal via US military operation, creating a power vacuum. The former Vice President since 2018 has pivoted toward "reform and opening up," overhauling energy laws to permit oil sector privatization and foreign investment. For India, Venezuela's stabilization holds strategic energy importance as the nation possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Modi described the conversation as taking ties to "new heights" as Venezuela emerges from economic contraction, hyperinflation, and humanitarian crisis after a turbulent decade.

Emmy-winning actor Catherine O'Hara died on Friday at the age of 71 at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, her agency Creative Artists Agency confirmed. The Canadian-born comedy legend's career spanned five decades, beginning with Toronto's Second City and SCTV alongside Eugene Levy. She became iconic as Kevin's anxious mother in Home Alone and as eccentric Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, winning a 2020 Emmy for the latter. O'Hara also starred in Beetlejuice and Christopher Guest's ensemble comedies. Recently, she earned dramatic acclaim with Emmy nominations for HBO's The Last of Us and The Studio. She's survived by husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke. (PC: AP)

Indian-origin billionaire Vinod Khosla intensified his public feud with Elon Musk, criticizing the Tesla CEO for "seemingly racist" statements and invoking family to defend himself. Khosla urged Musk to acknowledge he's not establishing a white society or supporting "WAGA" (White America Great Again). The clash stems from Musk's 2025 post about white people being a "rapidly diminishing minority globally." Musk defended himself by referencing his half-Indian partner Shivon Zilis and their son named after Nobel laureate Chandrasekhar, calling Khosla a "pompous a**hole." Khosla responded Thursday admitting no proof against Musk's insults while praising his entrepreneurial skills. He also defended his California beach access dispute as protecting private property principles against "communism." 

The US Embassy in Bangladesh issued a security alert January 30 warning of potential "political violence" during upcoming general elections and national referendum scheduled for February 12. The advisory cautions that extremist attacks may target rallies, polling stations, and religious sites including mosques, churches, and temples. Washington advised US citizens to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings during the electoral period. These will be Bangladesh's first general elections since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year, marking a significant political transition. The warning reflects concerns about civil unrest during the high-stakes polls as the South Asian nation navigates its post-Hasina political landscape amid potential security threats at public venues. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian woman named Akanksha sparked online discussion after sarcastically describing moving to Australia as a "trap" in a viral Instagram video. She humorously details unexpected lifestyle changes: waking at 6am for gym sessions, 10-kilometer hikes for enjoyment, and genuine work-life balance. Akanksha notes what seemed luxurious in India like clean air, safe streets, actual weekends, supportive work culture, financial stability has become ordinary daily life in Australia. She describes walking freely at night, no weekend work guilt, no sick-day explanations, and constant stress-free living. Calling it "addictive," she jokingly rates the experience "10 out of 10 trap" and says she doesn't know how to return from this lifestyle. Viewers largely agreed, calling it "the best kind of trap."

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 39th Grand Slam final after defeating defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a four-hour, nine-minute thriller at Rod Laver Arena. The 37-year-old became the oldest man in Open Era to reach Melbourne's final, where he's already won 10 titles. Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, who survived a five-setter against Alexander Zverev. Joking about Alcaraz's delayed semifinal, Djokovic quipped, "I'm an old man. I need to go earlier to sleep." Seeking his record 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court, Djokovic said, "I just hope I have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. Let God decide the winner!" (PC: HT)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first ISS astronaut, has published his debut peer-reviewed research paper in US-based journal PLOS One. The study, conducted at IISc Bengaluru's Mechanical Engineering Department where he pursues his Master's degree, explores using bacteria for Martian construction despite toxic perchlorate soil. The research addresses future Mars colonization challenges, investigating whether microbes can survive perchlorate-rich regolith to enable "living construction" without transporting Earth materials. Shukla's advisor, IISc Professor Aloke Kumar, guided the work. During his 20-day Axiom-4 ISS mission, Shukla performed seven basic experiments. This publication in a prestigious open-access journal marks a significant achievement, potentially informing more sophisticated microgravity experiments for India's Gaganyaan program. (PC: X)

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, will be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister Saturday at 5 pm, sources confirm. She accepted the proposal and will hold Excise and Sports portfolios previously managed by her husband. The Finance portfolio temporarily remains with CM Devendra Fadnavis for the March budget session before transferring to NCP. Senior NCP leaders proposed Sunetra's elevation ahead of February 7 Pune Zilla Parishad elections. Family discussions preceded her acceptance. Ajit Pawar, 66, died Wednesday when his chartered aircraft crashed at Baramati airport, killing all five aboard. His last rites occurred Thursday with full state honors, attended by Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar, and other dignitaries. (PC: PTI)