IBTimes

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world's most critical oil transit routes, carrying nearly a fifth of global oil shipments. For countries like India, the dependency is even higher, with a significant portion of its energy imports passing through this narrow channel.

Shortly after the murder of her husband, Purohit Devkrishna, Priyanka Purohit gave a statement on camera. She appeared visibly distressed, describing in detail how armed robbers had broken into their home, tied her up, and threatened to kill the couple. Turns out, it was just an act.

After a historic 10-day journey beyond Earth's orbit, astronauts from NASA's Artemis II have safely splashed down but their real challenge is just beginning. From muscle loss and weakened bones to fluid shifts causing puffy face and heart changes, zero gravity can dramatically alter the human body.

Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Trinamool Congress of spreading fake and AI-generated videos ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections to mislead voters. Speaking at a rally in Jangipur, he alleged that such tactics were being used due to fear of electoral defeat and urged people not to fall for misinformation.

The Ministry of Finance on Saturday announced a sharp increase in excise duties on petroleum products, including high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), with immediate effect. The government raised the export duty (windfall tax) on diesel significantly, along with increasing the Special Additional Excise Duty and Road and Infrastructure cess.

A tragic incident occurred in Hubballi, Karnataka, where an 18-year-old Class 12 (II PUC) commerce student, Shravani Maruti Kale, died by suicide after scoring 78% in her board exams. Despite securing a first-class result, she was reportedly distressed as she had expected to score 100%.

LG Manoj Sinha launched a 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign, vowing to make the Union Territory drug-free within three months. Announcing strict action against narco-terror networks, he said passports, licences, and properties of drug smugglers will be seized, while calling for a collective public movement to eradicate the menace.

Yuzvendra Chahal trolled on social media after a video surfaced shows the cricketer allegedly smoking while driving. The footage was reportedly captured by a commuter in a nearby vehicle.

The report highlights that global geopolitical instabilityespecially tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israelhas reshaped energy trade flows and pushed India to broaden its sourcing base. It also notes that waivers on Iranian and Russian energy products have further expanded India's import options.

Missing person report: Hari Chiluveru, resident of Kengeri, South Bengaluru and a senior executive of Hombale Group, went missing on April 10, 2026.

In a major crackdown in Mumbai, authorities seized 451 illegally stored LPG cylinders and goods worth 40.61 lakh in the Wadi Bunder area of Dongri. Acting on intelligence inputs, the Rationing Department's Flying Squad intercepted eight vehicles transporting cylinders without valid documentation.

On Friday, MCX gold June futures added 0.02 per cent while MCX silver May futures inched up 0.01 per cent. Currently gold futures stand at Rs 1,52,690, with silver futures at Rs 2,43,300 per kg.

The SHANTI Bill is seen as a key step in strengthening India's clean and secure energy framework, while also advancing long-standing US-India nuclear ties rooted in the IndiaUnited States Civil Nuclear Agreement. The discussions reflect deeper strategic alignment between the two countries in energy security

The two leaders appeared to exchange a few words in a cordial manner, with visuals showing them standing close and interacting attentively before proceeding with their respective engagements

A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials in Islamabad for the first talks since the conflict began over a month ago. The discussions aim to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and reduce tensions. Both sides are negotiating proposals, including US demands on uranium and Iran's push on sanctions and regional control.

Samay Raina made a comeback with his YouTube special Still Alive, a raw and emotional set that blends humour with personal struggles.

An eight-year-old girl was mauled to death by stray dogs in Sopore, triggering outrage among locals who blamed civic authorities for inaction.

Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday, marking a major shift in his decades-long political career. Having been elected unopposed on March 16, he resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30, ending his long association with the state's Upper House.

Ai+ Smartphone has launched its Nova Series, featuring three 5G devicesNova 2, Nova 2 Ultra, and Nova Flipeach designed to cater to different user needs while focusing on everyday usability, design, and camera performance.

A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after authorities determined that a girl who gained attention during the Kumbh is a minor. Police have named her husband, Farman Khan, in the complaint as part of the ongoing investigation.

Jaiprakash Gaur has expressed strong confidence in the Adani Group following its selection as the successful bidder to take over Jaiprakash Associates Limited through a creditor-led resolution process.

The SIT probe into the death of C. J. Roy concluded that the industrialist died by suicide due to long-standing depression during an Income Tax raid at his Bengaluru office. Investigators found no evidence of external pressure from IT officials, noting that Roy had stopped taking prescribed medication weeks before the incident.

The RBI has proposed a one-hour delay for digital payments above Rs 10,000 to curb rising frauds, which hit Rs 22,930 crore in 2025. The discussion paper outlines safeguards like trusted-person authentication for seniors, capped credits with verification, and a kill switch to block transactions. The move targets APP fraud driven by social engineering.

India has advised its citizens in Iran to 'expeditiously exit' the country despite a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US. The Embassy in Tehran urged nationals to use designated routes and stay in touch with officials. Around 9,000 Indians were in Iran when the conflict began, with nearly 1,800 having returned so far.

The controversy began in 2025 when Ranveer Allahbadia asked an offensive question on India's Got Latent: Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for life or join once to stop it forever? Samay now clarified that Ranveer had asked the question 8 times, but he edited it 7 times and kept it once, and the rest is history.

Israel has backed the United States' decision to pause planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks, while clarifying that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon. US President Donald Trump announced the conditional pause, linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following last-minute diplomatic efforts.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Donald Trump in Washington to discuss India-US ties and global stability. He also held talks with Howard Lutnick on boosting economic cooperation, including AI collaboration, trade, and pharma investment. The meetings come as Vikram Misri visits Washington to advance bilateral engagement.

Gold and silver prices jumped on the MCX despite the US-Iran two-week ceasefire announcement. Gold futures rose as much as 2.45 percent or Rs 3,688 to an intraday high of Rs 1,53,977, while silver climbed nearly 6 percent or Rs 13,422 to Rs 2,44,770.

Oil prices plunged sharply after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week pause in military strikes on Iran, easing fears of disruption in the Gulf region. Brent and WTI crude dropped up to 20 per cent as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz a key global oil route showed signs of easing.

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.