Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fully completed 82-km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and the Meerut Metro in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major upgrade in regional transport infrastructure. The corridor, India’s first Namo Bharat RRTS, connects Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) with Modipuram (Meerut), significantly cutting travel time and integrating multiple urban centres. The Meerut Metro — running on shared infrastructure — becomes one of India’s fastest metro services, reducing intra-city travel times. The launch also included the dedication of related development projects worth nearly ₹13,000 crore, aiming to ease congestion and boost sustainable mobility in the National Capital Region.

After the US Supreme Court struck down his broad tariff powers, President Donald Trump insisted that the India-US interim trade deal remains unchanged and bilateral cooperation continues. Trump told reporters that “nothing changes” in the agreement and that India will continue paying tariffs while the United States will not, calling the arrangement fair and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments came amid legal and political debate over Trump’s authority to impose global import duties, and follow his announcement of new tariff measures under alternate trade laws. India said it is studying the implications of the court judgment for its economy and exporters. 

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, global tech leaders, heads of state and policymakers gathered to shape the future of artificial intelligence. A New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was signed by about 88 nations, including major powers, committing to ethical, inclusive and cooperative AI development. Discussions focused on AI governance, equitable access, data privacy and collaborative innovation. India pitched itself as a key AI hub, attracting major investment pledges and partnerships aimed at expanding infrastructure and democratizing technology. The summit highlighted the balance between innovation and responsible regulation in the global AI landscape. (PC: ANI)

India’s potential ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai isn’t guaranteed to be played there, sports reports say. Under the tournament’s hybrid model, India is slated to host the second semi-final in Mumbai if it faces any team other than Pakistan. However, if India and Pakistan meet in a semi-final, the match would shift to the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as neutral venue rules apply for the arch-rivals. This means Pakistan’s qualification could directly affect where India plays its knockout game. The shift might also have India playing on Holi, the major Indian festival. (PC: NDTV)

Prominent Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal has publicly challenged US President Donald Trump’s plan to raise global import tariffs to 15%, arguing the move lacks a solid legal basis and contradicts the Department of Justice’s earlier position in court. Katyal, who recently won a Supreme Court case that struck down Trump’s previous tariffs, said on X that if sweeping tariff powers are truly justified, Trump should seek approval from the US Congress as required by the Constitution. He noted that the administration’s own DOJ previously acknowledged Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 doesn’t clearly apply. The debate follows the Supreme Court ruling that limited executive tariff authority.

US President Donald Trump announced that he will increase his newly imposed global tariff rate to 15% on imports from all countries, after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff framework as exceeding presidential authority. Trump said the higher levy, rising from an initial 10% rate, is “fully allowed and legally tested” under a lesser-used trade law and will take effect immediately, aiming to protect American industries and address trade imbalances. The move signals continued trade tension with global partners and is likely to face legal and political challenges, with implications for global markets and US consumers. (PC: EPA)

Police in Kendrapara district, Odisha, have arrested five teachers from a private school following allegations of serious misconduct involving a 13-year-old Class VII student. The case came to light after the child informed her family, who then approached the District Child Welfare Committee. After a preliminary inquiry, authorities registered a case and took the accused into custody. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, including medical examinations and collection of evidence. Political leaders have demanded strict action and safeguards to protect students. Authorities have assured that due process will be followed and the minor’s identity will remain protected. (PC: Getty Images)

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has intensified calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the Baramati Learjet crash that killed his uncle Ajit Pawar and four others on January 28. He wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to resign until the probe is complete, alleging irregularities and potential conflicts of interest involving the aircraft operator and regulatory oversight. Pawar has also sought CBI involvement, questioned technical aspects of the accident, and highlighted alleged links between influential figures and the charter company. Public and political pressure for accountability continues. (PC: The Telegraph)

Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its Xbox and Microsoft Gaming division, succeeding longtime chief Phil Spencer, who retired after nearly four decades. Sharma, an Indian-origin executive with a strong background in AI and consumer products, previously led Microsoft’s CoreAI division and held senior roles at Instacart and Meta. The leadership change aims to steer Xbox through industry shifts as gaming expands across consoles, cloud, and AI. However, the announcement sparked widespread online backlash, with critics on social media questioning her lack of direct gaming experience and accusing the company of “Indian nepotism,” while supporters defended her credentials. (PC: X)

Sarah Ferguson, widely known as “Fergie” and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has seen her public standing crumble after newly released U.S. government documents revealed a close relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Reuters reports. Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, the pair remained close and lived together until recently. The documents show emotionally and financially intimate communications, including Ferguson calling Epstein the “brother I always wished for,” prompting several charities to cut ties. The revelations compound the broader royal scandal tied to Epstein that has already led to Andrew’s arrest and loss of titles. Ferguson is now keeping a low profile amid fallout. (PC: Reuters)