Union budget 2026-27, Economic Survey, India-EU trade agreement and more: The week in 5 charts
The Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 was presented in Parliament, the Economic Survey looking back over the last year was published, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a helicopter crash over the last week. Here are graphics explaining these and other top stories from last week.
Fadnavis has no right to comment in NCP merger talks, Sharad Pawar says
Sharad Pawar has asserted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cannot comment on Nationalist Congress Party merger discussions. Pawar clarified that Fadnavis was not part of the talks. He mentioned that Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar were leading the merger negotiations. The focus now is on mutual support. Pawar expressed happiness regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy CM.
Rajya Sabha continues discussion on motion of thanks on President`s Address
Parliament witnessed chaos during the Motion of Thanks debate as eight opposition MPs were suspended and Rahul Gandhi accused the government of blocking his speech on national security and Ladakh standoff issues
Russia launches massive drone and missile strike on Ukraine ahead of peace talks
Russia fired nearly 450 drones and 70 missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian regions, including key power infrastructure, just a day before crucial US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi
India and US boost strategic ties, focus on Quad and minerals cooperation
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed expanding bilateral and Quad cooperation, focusing on critical minerals, trade opportunities, and Indo-Pacific security during talks in Washington
Maharashtra: How Shubhada Kawale is changing exam futures in rural area
Former chemistry professor Shubhada Rohit Kawale continues to teach and mentor underprivileged Std XII students in Sangamner years after retirement. Through free classes, counselling, and emotional support, she helps rural students overcome academic stress and financial barriers to succeed in Maharashtra State Board examinations
French prosecutors raid X offices, summon Elon Musk in cybercrime probe
French prosecutors have raided the offices of Elon Musks social media platform X as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged cybercrime offences, including the spread of child sexual abuse material, sexually explicit deepfakes and Holocaust denial. Authorities have summoned Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino for voluntary interviews
Canada arrests three Indian nationals in Surrey firing incident
Canadian police have arrested three Indian nationals after shots were fired outside a residence in Surreys Crescent Beach neighbourhood during an anti-extortion patrol. The accused were taken into custody following reports of gunfire and a small fire outside the home and have been remanded until Thursday
Thirteen-year-old swims 4 km for help after family swept out to sea
A 13-year-old boy swam for nearly four hours to shore after his family was swept out to sea in Geographe Bay while kayaking and paddleboarding. After his kayak capsized, the boy continued swimming and alerted authorities, enabling marine rescue teams to locate and save his family 14 km offshore
Mahatma Gandhi statue stolen from Indian community centre in Australia
A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was cut and stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The statue, gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and inaugurated in 2021 by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, was allegedly stolen by three unidentified offenders
Bihar govt tables Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget in assembly
The Bihar government on Tuesday tabled a Rs 3.47 lakh crore budget in the state Assembly, projecting a strong economic growth rate of 14.9 per cent for the current financial year. Presented by Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav, the budget allocates an annual scheme outlay of Rs 1.22 lakh crore
Hydera-bad to possibly nations best
Looking at how an old capital, of the youngest state in India, became its most liveable metropolitan city!
Dont inconvenience citizens while upgrading infra
Officials acknowledged crowd management needs attention and that will be addressed once work is complete.
The India-US trade deal strengthens one of the most consequential economic partnerships
Ajit Pawar`s son Parth Pawar likely to be nominated to Rajya Sabha
Parth Pawar is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha following his mother Sunetra Pawars appointment as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. However, controversy surrounding a Pune land deal has prompted discussions within the NCP about considering his brother Jay Pawar instead
2 Injured, Over 70 Rescued After Fire In Thane's Residential Building
Two persons were injured and more than 70 trapped people rescued after a fire broke out in an electric duct of an 18-storey residential building in Maharashtra's Thane city early on Tuesday, an official said.
Even after customs exemption in Union Budget, best cancer drugs still far from affordable
Pune land deal: Action against Parth co if dues not cleared by Feb 10
Firing at Rohit Shettys residence in Mumbai: Lawrence Bishnoi aide gave Rs 40k for 2-wheeler
Gangster Shubham Lonkar, allegedly behind the firing at Rohit Shetty's bungalow, paid Rs 40,000 for the attack scooter. Four Pune youths, involved in arranging the vehicle, were arrested. Lonkar, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is still at large. The gang has prior involvement in attacks on Salman Khan and Baba Siddique.
2 taxiing aircraft brush wingtips at Mumbai airport, all passengers and crew safe
Two Airbus A320 aircraft, an Air India and an IndiGo, had their wingtips brush during taxiing operations at Mumbai airport on Tuesday. No injuries were reported, but both aircraft were grounded for inspection. Air India confirmed damage to its aircraft's wingtip, while IndiGo stated all passengers were safely disembarked.
CBI probe shut, 10-yr ED case on MCX, Jignesh Shah closed
Man held with four pistols, cartridges in Thane
Sena MP Naresh Mhaske flags welfare fund imbalance, seeks higher cashless cover for accident
Police not expected to act on home mins instructions to perform illegal acts: Court
Two teen girls arrested for mans murder in Bhiwandi
Thane court acquits five in 2020 police assault case; cites contradictions, lack of evidence
Kandivli man booked for sexually abusing dog
Mangrove clean up drive in Navi Mumbai, 1250 kg waste removed
Maharashtra CM assures relief to kin of Baramati air crash victims
Maharashtra govt acquires over 20,400 acres for industrial development
SC refuses to vacate Bombay high court stay on Maharashtra Cricket Association election
I am not in the race for NCP national president: Praful Patel
Patel, the NCPs working president, meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah; newly sworn-in Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar will meet the duo after the Maharashtra Cabinet meets on February 10
Nashik civic polls: Himgauri Aher-Adke set to become Nashik mayor
Himgauri Aher-Adke and Machhindra Sanap, son of former mayor Balasaheb Sanap, filed their nomination papers as BJP candidates for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, on the final day for submitting nominations
Bombay high court gives Abu Salem time to decide on withdrawing emergency parole plea
Ajit Pawar death: Anil Deshmukh seeks judicial probe in Baramati plane crash
Referring to comments made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said questions had emerged following contradictory explanations surrounding the crash
Revamped St Georges mortuary will be inaugurated mid-Feb
Shia Ismailis in Mumbai to celebrate first ascension anniv of Aga Khan V
58cr fraud: Cambodia call centre staffer held in Delhi
Tiger which strayed from Maharashtra roams non-forest areas, keeps officials on toes
Thane gets its fifth woman mayor
Y Khemchand Singh to be new Manipur CM, Nemcha Kipgen named deputy CM
Y Khemchand Singh was elected BJP legislature party leader in Manipur and is set to become the states chief minister. Nemcha Kipgen, a senior BJP leader, is likely to be appointed deputy chief minister as the new government forms ahead of the end of Presidents rule
5 firms bid for 887cr marina project off south Mumbai
Pics: Ananya visits Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
In a recent heartfelt post, Ananya Panday opened up about her transformative spiritual journey to the revered Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir in Maharashtra. This visit was particularly special for her as it was her inaugural Jyotirlinga experience, prompting deep introspection amid her bustling career in the film industry.
Maharashtra: Technical snag reported in chopper scheduled to fly Pankaja Munde
A technical snag delayed Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Mundes helicopter by two hours during her Zilla Parishad poll campaign, though she continued despite safety concerns after Ajit Pawars recent crash
India condemns vandalisation and removal of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Australia
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has urged Australia to take immediate action to recover the missing statue and bring those responsible to justice
Not in race for NCP president post: Praful Patel
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Praful Patel expressed concern that people not connected with the NCP were commenting on the partys internal decisions after Pawars tragic death in a plane crash last week
Union Budget 2026 for farming sector lays focus on rural diversification, tech
In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman framed agriculture within the broader vision of Viksit Bharat, highlighting productivity enhancement, entrepreneurship, and non-crop income avenues as central to making farming more resilient amid climate and global supply chain challenges
US-Iran tensions: IndiGo cancels flights to multiple destinations, check details
IndiGo issued a travel advisory and cancelled flights to Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku and Tashkent until February 28 amid the evolving situation around Iran
Russia confirms India has not cancelled oil contracts after India-US trade deal
The Kremlin spokesman said that Russia intends to continue to develop its relations with India in every possible way, according to Russian media reports. Sources in Russia`s energy ministry said they have not received any notice from Indian refiners to cancel contracts
Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar Appointed Guardian Minister Of Pune, Beed
Sunetra Pawar becomes guardian minister of Beed and Pune, succeeding her late husband Ajit Pawar and taking key NCP roles.
Eight members suspended from Lok Sabha Budget Session for `unruly behaviour`
Eight Congress MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha for unruly behaviour including for tearing papers and throwing them at the Chair after Rahul Gandhi was barred from citing former Army chief M.M. Naravanes memoir, prompting protests outside Parliament
Sunetra Pawar appointed as guardian minister for Pune and Beed
Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar has been appointed guardian minister for Pune and Beed, filling the posts left vacant after the demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar. She will oversee development work and government schemes in both districts
`I am the LoP`, says Rahul Gandhi after being denied to speak on Ladakh standoff
Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi raised the Ladakh standoff issue during the Budget Session 2026, triggering a heated exchange in the House. Opposition MPs protested after the Chair denied permission to quote sources, leading to sloganeering and adjournment
Rahul Gandhi say India-US trade deal `sells out` farmers hard work
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Modi sold out Indian farmers under US pressure by rushing the India-US trade deal, linking it to the Adani case and Epstein files, and claimed the countrys interests were compromised
Adani and Leonardo to build helicopter-manufacturing ecosystem in India
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italys Leonardo have partnered to set up an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, aimed at meeting the Indian Armed Forces needs and boosting Make in India. The collaboration will focus on Leonardos AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters, with indigenisation, MRO and training facilities
India-US trade deal: Here`s what`s likely to get cheaper
Leading industry bodies said the deal would enhance the global competitiveness of Indian products, boost manufacturing growth, create jobs and strengthen supply chains. The agreement could benefit key export sectors such as textiles and apparel, gems and jewellery, as well as industrial and engineering goods
Uttarakhand: Over 30 passengers onboard as vehicle falls into gorge, search on
A Himachal Roadways bus carrying over 30 passengers fell into a deep gorge on the Kwanu-Meenus Road in the Kalsi area of Uttarakhands Dehradun district on Tuesday. Following the incident, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched a large-scale rescue operation, deploying teams from multiple locations
India-US trade agreement: An explainer
The US has agreed to cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent from 25 percent under a new trade deal announced by President Donald Trump after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move is expected to boost Indian exports, especially labour-intensive sectors, while detailed terms of the agreement are awaited
Odisha: President Murmu performs pinda daan at Biraja temple
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday visited the Biraja temple in Odishas Jajpur district, where she performed the pinda daan ritual at the sacred Navi Gaya pool for the salvation of her ancestors souls. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the visit, with around 600 personnel deployed
Panchayat Candidate Kills Daughter To Qualify Under Maharashtra's 2-Child Election Rule
Under Maharashtra's local self-government rules, individuals with more than two children are disqualified from contesting village panchayat elections
Maharashtra Horror: Man Kills 6-Year-Old Daughter To Contest Sarpanch Election, Arrested
According to the police, the father threw the six-year-old girl into a canal, which led to her death.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reaffirmed its control over the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation. Dimple Mehta secured the mayoral position with 79 votes, while Dhruvkishor Patil took on the role of Deputy Mayor. This victory follows the BJP's strong performance in the recent elections, where they secured 78 out of 95 seats.
Groom kills friend over Rs 1.5-lakh debt ahead of wedding in Maharashtras Beed
A groom allegedly murdered his friend in Maharashtras Beed district fearing disruption of his wedding over an unpaid Rs 1.5-lakh loan. The 30-year-old victim was found bludgeoned to death during the early hours of Monday on the outskirts of Khokarmoh village in Shirur Kasar tehsil
One dead, one injured while cleaning drain in Mumbai's Goregaon West
Two labourers suffocated while cleaning a deep drain in Goregaon West, Mumbai, early Tuesday. One worker, Salil Razak Gazi (27), died, while Sahil Noor Islam (30) sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred due to toxic gases or lack of oxygen in the confined space.
Rottweiler attack in Bengaluru: Owner booked after woman suffers severe injuries
A Rottweiler owner has been booked after his pet allegedly attacked and mauled a 31-year-old woman during her morning walk in Bengalurus HSR Layout, leaving her with severe facial and neck injuries. The woman underwent an eight-hour surgery and received over 80 stitches
Rajasthan: British tourists told to leave India over political stickers
The Rajasthan Polices Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued leave India notices to two British nationals for allegedly pasting political stickers related to the IsraelPalestine conflict in public places in Pushkar. The tourists, who were in India on tourist visas, were found to have violated visa conditions that prohibit political
Jaishankar in US; to meet Rubio on critical minerals cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to the United States and is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday. The talks will focus on cooperation in critical minerals, supply chain resilience and broader strategic and economic issues
Wish Time Had Stopped: Jay Pawar's Emotional Post For Father Ajit Pawar
While the Pawar family and Maharashtra are still recovering from the sudden and untimely death of former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati, a post by his son, Jay Pawar, is currently going viral.
Heres what Opposition leaders have to say on the India-US trade deal
Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ujjwal Raman Singh, and Pramod Tiwari, raised concerns over the IndiaUS trade deal, questioning reduced tariffs, oil import commitments, and potential impact on Indias sovereignty
NDA Parliamentary Party meet held; PM Modi hailed for recent trade deals
The NDA Parliamentary Party meeting was held in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the Union Budget 2026 and the governments vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior NDA leaders and MPs, attended the meeting, during which he was congratulated for recent trade agreements, including the India-US trade deal finalise
India-US trade deal hailed as win-win by Nirmala Sitharaman, Vaishnaw
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday welcomed the India-US trade deal, saying it will benefit the people and industries of both countries. Sitharaman said reduced tariffs on Made in India products would help two large democracies, while Vaishnaw termed the agreement a win-win deal
Maharashtra Rolls Out Saksham 2025-26 To Drive Fuel Conservation Across The State
The campaign will feature debates, group discussions for school and college students, wall art and graffiti contests, fuel-efficient driving competitions, essay writing, and more.
Maharashtra: Second Mountain Tunnel of Bullet Train Project set for breakthrough in Palghar
A major breakthrough has been achieved in the second mountain tunnel in Palghar district of Maharashtra. This tunnel is 454 meters long and 14.4 meters wide, and it will accommodate both the 'up' and 'down' tracks for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days starting February 5 to review the security situation, inspect border arrangements, chair a high-level meeting, interact with political leaders and launch key development projects across Jammu and Srinagar
Heavy rain, snowfall hit Himachal as western disturbance turns active: IMD
An active western disturbance brought light to moderate rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours, with Mandi and Kangra receiving the highest rainfall of around 20 mm, the IMD said on Monday. The highest snowfall of 15 cm was recorded in Kothi (Kullu), while several other high-altitude areas also witnessed fresh snow
Air India grounds Dreamliner after pilot flags fuel shut-off risk
Air India pilot on Monday reported a possible defect with the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 plane, which has now been grounded for checks, and the incident comes amid the ongoing probe into the airlines Dreamliner crash last June
Union Budget Session: Lok Sabha uproar as Rahul Gandhi cites ex-Army chief
The Lok Sabha was adjourned after an uproar erupted when Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from former Army chief M M Naravanes memoir on the 2020 India-China conflict, drawing strong objections from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Delhi shrouded in dense fog as visibility plunges to 100 m
The minimum temperature was recorded at 9.4 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal for this time of the year, according to official data
A recent incident involving an Air India Dreamliner at London Heathrow saw a fuel control switch move from un to cut-off without the required lift action. This malfunction, similar to a potential issue in the Ahmedabad crash, suggests a critical technical flaw in the aircraft's fuel switch design, challenging the deliberate pilot act narrative.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis hails India-US trade agreement
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and UP CM Yogi Adityanath praised the India-US trade deal, calling it a milestone for business, youth, MSMEs, and cutting-edge technology investments
High-end car crash: Minor driving businessmans vehicle crashes on Mumbai coastal road, 1 injured
In a troubling incident on the coastal road tunnel, a 75-year-old patriarch, alongside his young granddaughter and her friend, are entangled in legal issues. The minor, behind the wheel of the familys high-end vehicle, crashed into another car early Sunday morning, resulting in one reported injury.
YSRCP demands deployment of central forces to control violence, arson in AP
YSRCP has urged deployment of central forces in Andhra Pradesh following alleged politically motivated attacks on the residences of Ambati Rambabu and Jogi Ramesh, citing lawlessness and police inaction under the TDP-led state government
Budget 2026 positions India to accelerate from volume-driven production to value
Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 10,000 crore under Biopharma Shakti, expands NIPERs, streamlines clinical trials, and exempts life-saving drugs from customs duty, aiming to strengthen Indias healthcare innovation and patient welfare
India-Norway agree to strengthen cooperation across renewable energy, AI, Arctic
India and Norway held their 12th Foreign Office Consultations in Oslo, reviewing bilateral ties and agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, blue economy, renewable energy, AI, space and the Arctic
US cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent after ModiTrump trade deal
The US and India have agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25pc to 18pc, President Donald Trump announced after a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi welcomed the move, saying it would benefit Made in India products and strengthen bilateral cooperation
Donald Trump slams Grammy host Trevor Noah after jokes
US President Donald Trump lashed out at Grammy Awards host Trevor Noah after jokes targeting him during the ceremony, calling the show the worst and threatening legal action over alleged false remarks
China: Researchers test high-value rubber-producing Duzhong trees
Chinese researchers are using the Gobi Desert to test Duzhong trees, a high-value rubber source vital for defence applications, including puncture-resistant tyres and electromagnetic shielding composites
Gazas border crossing to Egypt reopens for limited movement
Gaza`s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened for limited traffic as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Only a small number of people will be allowed to cross, with no goods entering the war-hit territory.
