The Indian rupee strengthened significantly, rising to ₹90.4 per US dollar after India and the United States announced a major trade agreement that cut U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to around 18 %. This boosted investor confidence and triggered a sharp rally in Indian equities, with Sensex and Nifty surging amid renewed foreign capital inflows. The deal also improved export prospects and attracted foreign institutional investors back to Indian markets, reversing recent capital outflows. Analysts believe the strengthened currency and positive market momentum reflect improved economic cooperation and optimism about India’s growth outlook. (PC: X)

Air India has started precautionary inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet after a pilot reported a possible defect on a London-to-Bengaluru flight. The affected aircraft was grounded for detailed technical checks, and the issue — which involves the switch that regulates fuel flow to engines — has been escalated to Boeing for evaluation. Air India has notified India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, as the review continues. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of the 787’s fuel control systems following the June 2025 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, where similar switches were under investigation. (PC: PTI)

The Supreme Court of India delivered a stinging rebuke to Meta and its messaging app WhatsApp over the controversial 2021 privacy policy that expands data-sharing practices. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court will not allow the privacy of Indian citizens to be compromised and stressed that not “a single digit” of user data should be shared without lawful compliance. The CJI warned Meta that if it “can’t abide by India’s Constitution and laws,” it could leave the country. The case involves Meta’s appeal against a Competition Commission of India penalty over alleged exploitative data practices. (PC: NDTV)

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)