The World Health Organization said there is no need for travel or trade restrictions after India reported two Nipah virus cases. The agency said the outbreak poses a low risk. “There is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission,” WHO said. The cases were reported from North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. It added that the patients did not travel while showing symptoms. Some Asian countries have increased airport screening. Nipah mainly spreads from bats through contaminated food or close contact. It can cause fever, brain swelling, and breathing problems. There is no approved vaccine yet, but research is ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft sold in the United States, marking a sharp escalation in trade tensions with long-time ally Canada. The threat, shared on social media, targets Ottawa for refusing to certify jets from U.S. manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace, according to Trump, and comes without specifying when tariffs would begin. As part of the dispute, Trump also warned the U.S. would decertify Canadian aircraft, including models from Bombardier. The move follows previous tariff threats over Canada’s potential trade deal with China and expands an ongoing bilateral trade conflict with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s verified Instagram account, followed by over 270 million users, became active again after briefly disappearing overnight on January 30. The sudden absence of the account led to widespread speculation and concern among fans, with many questioning whether it had been deactivated or suspended. Social media platforms were flooded with discussions, and some fans even sought clarification from Kohli’s wife, actor Anushka Sharma. However, no official statement was issued by Kohli or his team. The account’s reappearance on January 31 brought relief to followers, though the reason behind the temporary disappearance remains unclear. (PC: AP)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters to fight intense forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley, dropping over 12,000 litres of water at around 9,500 feet altitude in challenging Himalayan terrain to contain raging flames that threatened forests and nearby areas. High-altitude conditions made aerial firefighting difficult, showcasing the IAF’s precision and commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems. Ground teams and local agencies were also engaged in firefighting efforts. The operation reflects coordinated efforts to manage seasonal forest fires in remote regions of India. (PC: ANI)

New CCTV footage of the Baramati Learjet crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar shows the aircraft’s left wing dropping suddenly moments before impact, prompting three main theories on the cause. Experts suggest an aerodynamic stall during low-speed approach, an engine failure causing asymmetrical thrust, or a late visual of the runway leading to a sharp bank too close to the ground. The Learjet 45 had earlier attempted a go-around before crashing about 200 m from the tabletop runway. Definitive causes await black box analysis. 

India and the European Union have sealed a landmark free trade agreement — dubbed the “mother of all deals” — in response to rising global trade tensions, particularly U.S. tariff threats under President Donald Trump. The pact, expected to be signed early next year, covers nearly all goods between the two partners and gives India preferential access to EU markets, especially for labour-intensive exports hit by U.S. tariffs such as textiles and jewellery. In return, India will cut tariffs on most EU imports while protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture. The deal signals trade diversification beyond reliance on the U.S. amid protectionist pressures. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Ankara for talks with Turkish counterparts aimed at preventing a potential U.S. military strike over Tehran’s crackdown on mass protests and its nuclear programme. Ankara is offering to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease spiralling tensions and has urged the U.S. to address disputes step-by-step. The U.S. has deployed a naval strike group to the Middle East, with President Trump warning of harsher action if Iran does not negotiate. Iran insists negotiations can’t happen under military threats and emphasises diplomatic engagement on equal terms. (PC: EPA)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died when the chartered Learjet 45 he was aboard crashed near Baramati during its second landing attempt amid poor visibility, killing all five people onboard. The victims included Pawar, two pilots — Captain Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak — a flight attendant and Pawar’s security guard. Friends say Captain Kapoor had filled in at short notice, as another pilot was delayed by traffic. Preliminary probes suggest possible pilot misjudgement and challenging weather conditions, with technical issues also under investigation. The tragedy shocks Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of local elections and prompts detailed aviation inquiries. (PC: NDTV)

The Economic Survey argues that while climate change matters, cutting carbon emissions should not overshadow India’s broader development goals. It highlights that India’s per-capita emissions remain low and stresses prioritising economic growth, energy access, and human welfare, especially for vulnerable populations. The report suggests a balanced approach where adaptation and resilience-building are central to climate strategy, given development needs and capacity constraints. It also cautions against over-emphasising emission reductions without adequate global financial and technological support, and calls for climate action tailored to India’s national context rather than external pressure. (PC: The Hindu)

A 27-year-old Delhi Police constable and SWAT commando, Kajal, died on January 27 in a Ghaziabad hospital days after a brutal domestic assault by her husband, Ankur Chaudhary. On January 22, after a dispute at their Dwarka Mor home, Ankur allegedly struck her head repeatedly with a metal dumbbell and smashed it against a door frame. During the attack, he called Kajal’s brother, forcing him to listen to her screams and telling him to record the call and that he was going to kill her. Kajal was declared brain dead and later succumbed to her injuries; Ankur was arrested and charged with murder. (PC: HT)