IBTimes

India faces a pivotal moment: to secure its place as a major global power, it must combine economic strength, military modernization, technological leadership, and strategic confidence while navigating regional challenges and great-power rivalry.

Amid the USIsraelIran conflict in March 2026, PM Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging India to play a stabilising role as BRICS chair. The crisis tests India's balance between historical ties with Iran and growing partnerships with the US and Israel, with key concerns including the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar Port, and China's regional influence.

The White House has strongly rejected a CNN report claiming the US had not planned for Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz amid Operation Epic Fury. Officials said the network misrepresented US military preparedness, stressing that the possibility has been considered for decades

The wedding reception of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's daughter Eesha Barjatya and her husband Abhishek in Mumbai turned into a nostalgic reunion for the Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain cast. Celebrities including Salman Khan, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan, Rekha, Rani Mukerji, Neena Gupta, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher and others

India has repatriated more than 100 non-essential crew members of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan that docked at Port of Kochi earlier this month, Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid heightened naval activity in the Indian Ocean region.

The Biju Janata Dal has cancelled its annual Iftar and Eid Milan events due to the ongoing Middle East war and heavy loss of lives. Party vice-president Pratap Jena said the move was taken in solidarity with victims and in hope for peace.

The government said commercial LPG cylinder distribution has resumed for select industries across several states, while retail outlets continue to have adequate LPG supplies with no shortages reported. Officials urged consumers to avoid panic booking, assuring that supply is being closely monitored despite geopolitical tensions. I

Ahead of Alia Bhatt's 33rd birthday, she is in Hong Kong with husband Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha Kapoor. Photos and videos from their quiet getaway have gone viral, showing Alia holding and kissing Raha. The family was also seen spending time together at a resort and a kids' amusement park.

620.57 crore has already been disbursed to 23 shipyards for building 204 vessels. The Centre has also launched initiatives such as the Shipbuilding Development Scheme and the Maritime Development Fund to boost domestic shipbuilding capacity, improve global competitiveness and generate employment in the maritime sector.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing strong ties with India. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, he said two LPG tankers

Gold prices fell 0.73% over the week due to profit booking and a stronger US dollar, with MCX February gold futures at Rs 1,58,400 and silver futures at Rs 2,59,279 per kg. Despite the pullback, geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices continue to support safe-haven demand.

US President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message read out by far-right activist Laura Loomer at the India Today Conclave 2026. Trump called PM Modi a fantastic leader and hinted at a possible visit to India in the near future.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of double standards on Russian oil, saying Washington once pressured India to cut imports but is now urging countries to buy Russian crude.

US President Donald Trump said Iran's plans to dominate the Middle East are dead after US forces carried out strikes on military targets on Kharg Island. He also warned Tehran against disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons.

The announcement of the waiver of fines comes at a time when thousands remain stranded worldwide as the conflict in the Middle East has led to airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Within hours of Vinai Kumar Saxena taking oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Wangchuk had been lodged in Jodhpur jail since September 2025 following violence in Leh.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the US over global oil trade, accusing Washington of hypocrisy for urging countries, including India, to buy Russian crude while previously pressuring them to stop. He also condemned Europe for supporting what he called an illegal war on Iran.

A new study by the SETI Institute suggests that the alien signals might be right here, surrounding us all of the time, and we're just unable to pick them out.

The operation, codenamed Operation White Hammer, uncovered a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing unit operating as a chemical factory. Officials seized raw materials, chemicals and industrial equipment used to produce the drug, and arrested two alleged masterminds, including an experienced chemist.

Israeli Prime Minister said Iran is o longer the same after nearly two weeks of Israeli and US strikes, claiming key nuclear scientists were killed and the IRGC and Basij forces severely damaged. He also called Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards.

The Nifty declined 488.05 points, or 2.06 per cent, to settle at 23,151.10. Meanwhile, the Sensex dropped 1,470.50 points, or 1.93 per cent, ending the session at 74,563.92.

Spread across 27 cities, the extended list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 features some of the most trailblazing restaurants in the region.

Explosions shook buildings in Dubai on Friday morning, a day after twin drone incidents were reported. Authorities later confirmed that an aerial interception had been successfully carried out, with debris damaging a building in Dubai's financial hub.

As companies like OpenAI and Anthropic push the limits of model scale, AI chip startup dMatrix says the next phase of the industry will be decided by the cost and efficiency of inference.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump assured Iran they are welcome. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali and Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj cited the escalating war and unsafe conditions as reasons for potentially withdrawing from the tournament.

Donald Trump said Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was 'damaged but probably alive', as reports suggested he was critically injured in the airstrike that killed his father.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh threat to Iran on Truth Social, claiming its military capabilities were being destroyed, as his remarks escalated tensions amid the ongoing conflict and drew global attention to rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

An advocate has filed a complaint with Pune Police seeking an FIR against cricketer Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the national flag during India's T20 World Cup celebrations in Ahmedabad. Clips show Hardik draping the flag while lying on the podium and kissing his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma.

Normal life across Jammu and Kashmir was thrown out of gear after heavy snowfall and incessant rain affected all 20 districts, leading to the cancellation of flights at Srinagar Airport and the suspension of traffic on the JammuSrinagar National Highway.

Security forces eliminated a Pakistani terrorist affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad in a joint operation in the Billawar area of Kathua district, marking the first terrorist killing of 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Anil Ravipudi, who is basking in on the success of Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, says that he will always remain indebted to his first hero Nandamuri Kalyan Ram

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has made fantastic collection at the Indian box office in its seventh week, taking its 49-day domestic total collection to closer to Rs 900 crore net mark.

At least 3,688 people have lost their lives in more than 20,000 road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir over the last three and a half years, with most crashes occurring between 3 pm and 9 pm due to rash driving and speeding.

Indian Railways has achieved a major logistics milestone as the first full-length freight train carrying rice reached Anantnag Goods Terminal in south Kashmir within 24 hours of departure. The 42-BCN wagon rake operated in coordination with the Food Corporation of India.

At least 10 Army soldiers were killed and 11 others injured when an armoured vehicle carrying troops for an anti-terror operation skidded off the BhaderwahChamba interstate road and plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sunny Deol's Border 2 is scheduled for grand release in 4800 cinema halls with 17,000 per day in the domestic market. The movie has record breaking advance booking for its opening day.

The trailer of directed by Vishal Bhardawaj's O Romeo starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri has received positive response from the audience and critics. Here's a look at the early reviews.

Megastar Chiranjeevi's Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu has crossed $4.2 million at overseas box office in 10 days. The movie has fetched a huge benefit share for its international distributors.

If Jana Nayagan is not released on 6th or 13th February, the movie might face a big delay due to impending TN Assembly election announcement by Election Commission, say the experts.

Even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured relocation of SMVDIME medical students to other colleges, JKBOPEE has said it lacks the authority to conduct fresh MBBS counselling beyond the MCC schedule.

Ahead of Republic Day, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in North Kashmir's Keran sector, prompting a strong retaliation by the Indian Army. In a major security boost, forces recovered and defused a six-kg IED in Shopian.

Haryana dominated the second day of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Leh, clinching two gold medals in figure skating as the sport made its debut at the event. Ladakh thrilled home crowds by defeating ITBP 31 in an action-packed ice hockey encounter, while Haryana moved to the top of the medal standings.

A major political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after security agencies began profiling mosques and madrasas across the Valley, seeking detailed personal and financial information from religious functionaries, a move strongly opposed by several political parties and civil leaders.

Junior NTR impressed with Dhandoraa, which he describes as a thought provoking and powerful film with outstanding performances.

MM Keeravaani says that he is honoured and privileged to have composed the music for Vande Mataram for the 26th January Republic Day Parade.

The Election Commission of India is likely to begin the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from May, with Booth Level Officers already conducting door-to-door verification and updating voter photographs.

Gilli Nata has emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada 12. A leaked video features the actor lifting the trophy of this season, according to the reports.

Tamil actor Jeeva said that he does not want Jana Nayagan to be the last movie of Thalapathy Vijay. He wishes he would do more movies.

Fraudsters posing as CBI and TRAI officials kept victims under video surveillance for days; cybercrime officials urge the public to report such calls on helpline 1930. Despite repeated warnings by cybercrime authorities, cyber fraud continues to claim victims across Jammu and Kashmir.

Ending weeks of speculation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has convened a fresh round of talks with Ladakh's agitating groups, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, on February 4 in New Delhi.