Government data shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits between 2021 and 2025 cost ₹462.58 crore. The trips covered 43 countries, with some destinations visited more than once. The United States, UAE, and Japan were visited four times each. France was visited three times. The US accounted for the highest share of spending at ₹74.4 crore, or about 16% of the total. Japan and France followed at nearly 9% each. The costliest single visit was to France in February 2025 at ₹25.5 crore. The June 2023 US visit was next at ₹22.8 crore, followed by a September 2021 US trip costing ₹19.6 crore. (PC: The Hindu)

India opener Abhishek Sharma has reportedly lost significant weight after a stomach infection led to severe dehydration and hospitalisation. According to reports, the illness began after a net session in Mumbai on February 6, possibly linked to something he ate. His condition worsened, and he was admitted to a Delhi hospital before being discharged later. He is unlikely to play the T20 World Cup match against Namibia. India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “Abhi still has a few issues with his tummy.” He added, “We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything.” The team is monitoring his recovery closely. (PC: NDTV)

A US Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill in Congress to end the H-1B visa programme, saying it hurts American workers. The proposal was filed by Florida Representative Greg Steube and is called the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act. It seeks to remove the H-1B visa route from current law. Steube said the system is misused by companies to hire cheaper foreign labour. He said it “undermines our values and national interests.” The H-1B visa allows US firms to hire skilled foreign professionals and is widely used by Indian workers. The move comes amid tighter US visa checks and broader immigration controls. (PC: economic times)

Pop singer Britney Spears has sold the rights to her full music catalogue to independent publisher Primary Wave for about $200 million, according to media reports. The deal was completed on 30 December, though exact terms were not made public. Spears is known for major hits like “…Baby One More Time,” “Oops!... I Did It Again,” “Toxic,” and “Gimme More.” Primary Wave did not comment on the purchase, and Spears’ representatives also declined to respond. In 2024, Spears said she would “never return to the music industry.” Her last release was a 2022 duet with Elton John. Many top artists have recently sold their catalogues. (PC: BBC)

A new report by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claims the 2025 Ahmedabad crash of Air India Flight 171 may have been caused by an “intentional act” and not a technical failure. The report cites unnamed sources linked to India–US probe discussions. It says investigators found engine fuel control switches were manually moved to cut-off. A preliminary note from Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau had earlier confirmed fuel switches were turned off after take-off. Cockpit audio recorded one pilot asking why fuel was cut, with the other denying it. Officials have not released the final report and have not fixed blame. (PC: X)

Seattle city has approved a $29 million (about ₹262 crore) settlement for the family of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who died after being hit by a police vehicle in 2023. Kandula, 23, was studying in the US when she was struck by a speeding patrol car driven by officer Kevin Dave. Officials said he was responding to an emergency call. City attorney Erika Evans said her death was heartbreaking and added, “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered.” The case triggered protests after bodycam footage showed another officer making insensitive remarks. The driver was dismissed and fined. Prosecutors earlier said felony charges could not be proven. (PC: X)

Newly released emails show close contact between Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his 2009 jail release. Messages show Ferguson called Epstein a “legend,” joked “just marry me,” praised his kindness, and sought financial help, including an urgent £20,000 rent loan. Records say she visited him in the US with her daughters soon after his release, with aides arranging flights. Emails also reference a proposed business venture in which Epstein would hold a majority stake. The documents show association and financial ties but do not accuse Ferguson of involvement in Epstein’s crimes. (PC: India Today) 

A nationwide strike — Bharat Bandh — is being observed today as over 10 central trade unions and farmers’ groups protest the Centre’s labour and economic policies. Organisers claim up to 30 crore workers may participate across more than 600 districts, making it one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in recent years. Public sector banks, insurance offices, some state transport services, government departments, and industrial units may face disruption depending on local participation. Rural MGNREGA works could also be affected in protest areas. However, hospitals, ambulance services, pharmacies, milk supply, and other essential services are expected to function normally. (PC: X)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has sent mixed signals about India in its election manifesto. The party led by Tarique Rahman said it wants stronger ties with neighbouring countries. It also accused India of border “killings and push-ins” and promised strict steps to stop them. Rahman has continued his criticism of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her past government. The manifesto says the BNP believes “not in revenge, but in a politics of justice and humanity.” The document comes just before the national vote and outlines the party’s stand on foreign ties and domestic politics. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police has opened a multi-country investigation into the leak of former Army chief M. M. Naravane’s unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny. Police say the book appeared on foreign digital platforms before getting mandatory approval from the Defence Ministry. An FIR has been filed for criminal conspiracy. Investigators believe the leak was organised and not simple piracy. Online listings were found in the US, Canada, Germany and Australia. Police are checking ISBN records linked to publisher Penguin India. The controversy grew after Rahul Gandhi referred to the unpublished book. The publisher said no authorised copies were released. (PC: India Today)