Newly released Epstein files mention filmmaker Mira Nair, the mother of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. An email from 2009 shows Nair attended an afterparty for her film Amelia at the home of Ghislaine Maxwell. The email was sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Jeffrey Epstein. It said guests had a “tepid” response to the film. The party was also attended by Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos. The United States Department of Justice has released millions of Epstein-related records. (PC: AFP)

Newly released US Justice Department files have triggered fresh claims involving Bill Gates, based on alleged emails written by late financier Jeffrey Epstein. British tabloids reported that Epstein accused Gates of hiding a sexually transmitted disease and seeking antibiotics for his former wife Melinda Gates. The reports say the emails were drafts and remain unverified. Gates strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and absurd. He said the documents only show Epstein’s anger after their ties ended. The United States Department of Justice has begun releasing millions of Epstein-related records. (PC: AP)

India and the United States are close to finishing their trade talks, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He said there are no “sticky issues” left and talks can now move towards closure. Goyal said India’s trade approach has changed over the years. The country is no longer hesitant and now negotiates with confidence. He stressed that a developed India must work closely with developed nations. “No country can live in isolation,” he said. The minister added that exports are growing and new markets and sectors are opening up. Talks with the United States are ongoing and positive. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant call Friday with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, agreeing to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, pharmaceuticals, and digital technology. Rodríguez was sworn in January 5 following Nicolás Maduro's removal via US military operation, creating a power vacuum. The former Vice President since 2018 has pivoted toward "reform and opening up," overhauling energy laws to permit oil sector privatization and foreign investment. For India, Venezuela's stabilization holds strategic energy importance as the nation possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Modi described the conversation as taking ties to "new heights" as Venezuela emerges from economic contraction, hyperinflation, and humanitarian crisis after a turbulent decade.

Indian-origin billionaire Vinod Khosla intensified his public feud with Elon Musk, criticizing the Tesla CEO for "seemingly racist" statements and invoking family to defend himself. Khosla urged Musk to acknowledge he's not establishing a white society or supporting "WAGA" (White America Great Again). The clash stems from Musk's 2025 post about white people being a "rapidly diminishing minority globally." Musk defended himself by referencing his half-Indian partner Shivon Zilis and their son named after Nobel laureate Chandrasekhar, calling Khosla a "pompous a**hole." Khosla responded Thursday admitting no proof against Musk's insults while praising his entrepreneurial skills. He also defended his California beach access dispute as protecting private property principles against "communism." 

An Indian woman named Akanksha sparked online discussion after sarcastically describing moving to Australia as a "trap" in a viral Instagram video. She humorously details unexpected lifestyle changes: waking at 6am for gym sessions, 10-kilometer hikes for enjoyment, and genuine work-life balance. Akanksha notes what seemed luxurious in India like clean air, safe streets, actual weekends, supportive work culture, financial stability has become ordinary daily life in Australia. She describes walking freely at night, no weekend work guilt, no sick-day explanations, and constant stress-free living. Calling it "addictive," she jokingly rates the experience "10 out of 10 trap" and says she doesn't know how to return from this lifestyle. Viewers largely agreed, calling it "the best kind of trap."

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the EU-India FTA will be implemented this year, benefiting labor-intensive sectors. In a Hindu interview, Goyal emphasized India only negotiates FTAs with developed economies complementing its growth, contrasting this with the UPA-era RCEP negotiations with ASEAN countries. He ruled out reconsidering RCEP, stating PM Modi's government exclusively pursues agreements with developed nations. While the EU framed the FTA as a political message to the U.S., Goyal clarified India's sole message is its growth story. He credited the deal's swift completion to Modi's "confidence and guidance," highlighting the strategic shift from previous administrations toward partnerships with complementary developed economies rather than emerging market blocs. (PC: X)

A 22-year-old Indian national identified only as Shivam has been indicted by a federal grand jury in New York's Northern District for smuggling Indian nationals from Canada into the United States. He faces one conspiracy count and four counts of illegally transporting aliens for financial gain, covering operations from January-June 2025. In January 2025, Border Patrol agents pursued two vehicles near the US-Canada border in Clinton County; one crashed while the other stopped in Mooers, both carrying 12 undocumented individuals. WhatsApp messages between drivers and Shivam's number allegedly coordinated multiple smuggling operations, including proof-of-life photos and safe house directions. Conviction carries 10 years maximum per count, with mandatory five-year minimum. (PC: iStock)

An IndiGo flight from Kuwait to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad on Friday after a bomb threat was reported onboard. The aircraft was carrying 180 passengers. A passenger found a handwritten note claiming a bomb was present. The pilot informed air traffic control and diverted the flight as a precaution. The plane landed safely at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 6.40 am. All passengers were evacuated safely. Security teams searched the aircraft. Airport officials said no suspicious object has been found so far. IndiGo said all safety protocols were followed. The airline added that the flight will depart after final clearance. (PC: PTI)

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a public hearing in February with a special focus on India. The meeting will review US ties with New Delhi and Beijing and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. It will look at border tensions, maritime access, and India’s role in the region. The hearing will also study trade, technology, and supply chains, including AI and semiconductors. The move comes as India considers a graded opening of its economy to China. US officials want to strengthen the strategic partnership with India to counter China’s influence. The hearing is set for February 17. (PC: Reuters)