Sex workers in Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red‑light district in Kolkata, are facing anxiety and uncertainty amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of elections. Many residents, mostly estranged from families and lacking required documentation linking them to the 2002 voter list, fear removal from voter rolls and potential disenfranchisement. Despite special camps by the Election Commission to assist with forms and verification, sex workers remain concerned about losing their constitutional voting rights due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of family records. Welfare groups are urging sensitive handling of their cases. (PC: ANI)

Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI132 from London to Bengaluru) after the left engine’s fuel control switch failed to remain in the ‘RUN’ position twice, moving instead to ‘CUTOFF’ during engine start-up — a mechanism that controls fuel flow to the engines. Aviation experts say such switches are spring-loaded and require deliberate action to move. The airline reported the issue to India’s aviation regulator DGCA and is working with Boeing to inspect the aircraft as a precautionary safety measure. This comes amid heightened scrutiny after a similar switch issue was linked to a deadly Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi, accusing him of insulting, disrespecting and humiliating her and the Trinamool Congress delegation during discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of state elections. Banerjee, joined by party leaders and affected families, protested wearing black shawls and said the CEC’s conduct was “arrogant” and biased. The Election Commission defended its position, stressing that rule of law must prevail and warning against interference in the SIR process. (PC: ANI)

Communal tensions flared in Dutkaiyya village in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district after three men, recently released on bail in a temple vandalism case, allegedly assaulted local youths, triggering widespread unrest. An enraged mob entered the village Sunday evening, torched at least six houses and vehicles, and targeted homes of minority community members. Police rushed in, forming a protective cordon to shield about 20 residents and children, while stone-pelting by the mob injured several officers. Authorities arrested the three accused and deployed additional forces to restore order. A tense atmosphere persists as investigations continue. (PC: The Hindu)

Mumbai Police has denied viral social media reports that claimed a high alert was issued over child trafficking and multiple missing children cases. The reports said 12 minors went missing in 36 hours across the city. Police called the claims false and misleading. In a statement on X, the department said, “We categorically deny these claims” and described the posts as rumour spreading. Officials said legal action has started against those sharing false information. “Action, including the registration of FIRs… is under process,” the statement said. The clarification came after online posts triggered panic among residents and wide message sharing. (PC: HT)

Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch during a London to Bengaluru flight. The airline said it took immediate action after the report and removed the aircraft from service. It is now working with the manufacturer to inspect the system. The matter has also been reported to the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The airline said, “We have grounded the said aircraft” and checks are being done on priority. It added that passenger and crew safety remains its “top priority”.

Cigarette pack prices have increased after the higher excise duty on tobacco took effect from February 1. Trade distributors said prices are up by about ₹22 to ₹25 per pack of 10 sticks. They said fresh supplies with revised MRP will start reaching shops from this week. A distributor told PTI, “Companies have started billing retailers at new tax rates, and new stock will follow.” Mid-size brands like Wills Navy Cut may rise from ₹95 to around ₹120. Larger packs such as Wills Classic and Gold Flake Lights may reach ₹220–₹225. Distributor groups also warned that sharp price hikes may increase smuggling and fake products. (PC: HT)

Mumbai is on high alert after 12 minor children, including eight girls, disappeared within 36 hours across seven police station jurisdictions. Police registered kidnapping cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita amid growing fears of organized child trafficking networks. The disappearances occurred in Shivaji Nagar, Sakinaka, Antop Hill, Oshiwara, Mankhurd, Bangur Nagar, and Ghatkopar. No ransom calls have been received. City-wide searches involve CCTV surveillance, foot patrols, and circulating photographs at public places. Between June-December 2025, 145 children went missing, with 93 being girls. Experts identify slum areas, crowded markets, and railway stations as vulnerable hotspots where children are easily targeted by trafficking gangs. (PC: Free Press Journal)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 with a strong focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, defence and technology. The government expects economic growth of around 7% while keeping the fiscal deficit at 4.3%. Big announcements include new freight corridors, support for semiconductors, AI data centres and higher defence spending. Customs duty has been removed on 17 cancer drugs, making treatment cheaper. Tax compliance will be simpler under a new Income Tax Act from April 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the budget strengthens reforms and supports long-term growth, though markets reacted negatively due to higher trading taxes.

In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced changes in customs duties and taxes affecting consumer prices across India. Several goods are set to become cheaper, including leather goods, footwear, microwave ovens, TV equipment, cameras, video‑game parts, foreign tour packages and cancer drugs, as import duties are reduced or exempted to lower costs and boost industry competitiveness. Conversely, some products will become costlier, such as coal, alcoholic liquor, and items like coffee and vending machines due to increased or reinstated duties. These adjustments aim to balance consumer relief and revenue generation. (PC: NDTV)