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Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over Bihar’s ‘Nirbhaya’, questioning the probe into the NEET student’s death

Ahsan Ansari
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Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over Bihar’s ‘Nirbhaya’, questioning the probe into the NEET student’s death

New Delhi, India — The death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Jehanabad district of Bihar has sparked protests in the national capital, with demonstrators gathering at Jantar Mantar on Sunday over the alleged rape and murder of the student in Patna.

Students’ groups, social activists, and supporters from across Bihar joined the protest, demanding justice for what they called the “Nirbhaya of Bihar.” Protesters questioned the investigation carried out by the Patna Police and the Bihar STF, asserting that the case was being wrongly portrayed as a suicide. They unanimously declared it a heinous crime and sought strict action against those responsible.

RELATED NEWS : All India Christian Social Welfare Association Protests in Delhi Over Demands

Demonstrators pointed out that the victim was a minor protected under the POCSO Act, alleging that attempts were made from the outset to suppress and divert the case. Serious questions were raised about the roles of hostel management, private hospitals, and local police. Among the concerns cited were the recording of the victim’s age as 18 in the FIR, delays in informing her parents, shifting her to private hospitals instead of a government facility, failure to seal the crime scene, and the alleged disregard of her dying statement: “Something terrible has happened to me.”

Protesters said the post-mortem report noted multiple external and internal injuries, suggesting physical violence and possible sexual assault, while forensic findings reportedly detected semen on the victim’s clothes, undermining the suicide theory. Speakers expressed dissatisfaction with both the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Central Bureau of Investigation, calling for a time-bound, independent probe under public scrutiny.

Social activist Zaid Khan alleged that the arrest of Pappu Yadav, who had raised the issue from the streets to Parliament, signaled efforts to shield the culprits. Protesters said Bihar stands with the victim’s family and vowed to continue the fight for justice.

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Dalai Lama rejects Epstein links after name appears in US court files

Diplomat Times
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Dalai Lama rejects Epstein links after name appears in US court files

New Delhi, India – The Dalai Lama’s office on Sunday categorically denied any connection between the Tibetan spiritual leader and the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, after newly declassified American court records contained repeated references to his name.

“Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the ‘Epstein files’ are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein,” the Dalai Lama office said in a statement.

“We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorized any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf.”

The clarification from the office of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, follows the release of US federal documents in which members of his administrative circle are mentioned more than 150 times, according to an EFE review.

The declassified files indicate that in 2012 a budget of $1 million was allocated to renovate a residence intended to host the Dalai Lama and an entourage of 15 people for a two-week stay.

In an Oct. 21, 2012 email, Epstein wrote that he was going to attend an event on an unnamed island, which the Dalai Lama would attend.

“Yes. First step would be to meet Tenzin. His student who runs the Dalai Lama center and is now a Director’s Fellow at the Lab and going to start the ‘ethics initiative’ at the Media Lab,” reads another email sent to Epstein on May 10, 2015.

“We’re working on some cool things like a meeting about cognitive machines and man. I think you’ll probably like him. He can get us the Dalai Lama.”

The documents also reference the use of Epstein’s private aircraft network for travel related to the Tibetan leader that same year, as well as events in which the financier expressed his intention to meet him.

An email sent by Epstein in October 2012 underscores his personal involvement in the logistics.

In later correspondence, dated 2015, Epstein claimed he was “working” to attract Nobel Peace Prize recipients to private dinners and told partners that his academic contacts could “get the Dalai Lama.”

However, EFE has verified that more than 130 of the references in the documents are generic mentions, including press articles, Buddhist teachings, or lists of prominent international figures compiled by Epstein, rather than evidence of direct contact. 

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Thailand prepares to vote in elections framed by continuity or reform

Diplomat Times
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Thailand prepares to vote in elections framed by continuity or reform

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand heads to the polls on Sunday in snap elections dominated by a choice between political continuity and reform.

The conservative Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the reformist People’s Party (PP) have emerged as frontrunners in the vote that coincides with a referendum on revising the constitution enacted under the former military junta (2014–2019).

Opinion polls suggest the People’s Party is on track to secure the largest share of seats, followed by Bhumjaithai, led by interim Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

However, neither party is expected to win an outright majority in the House of Representatives, making post-election coalition negotiations inevitable.

In a country where the military and the monarchy have long exerted decisive influence, the People’s Party has moderated its rhetoric on sensitive issues to avoid the judicial pressure that led to the dissolution of its predecessor, Move Forward (Avanzar), over proposals to reform the lèse-majesté law protecting the monarchy.

A renewed opening for reformists

In the 2023 elections, Move Forward stunned observers by winning the most votes, only to be blocked from forming a government by the conservative Senate, then appointed by the military and empowered to vote for the prime minister.

That dynamic has since changed.

A new Senate, selected through an indirect process in June 2024, no longer participates in choosing the head of government, a shift that could ease a reformist path to power.

The People’s Party closed its campaign on Friday at a packed sports arena in Bangkok, ahead of the legally mandated reflection period on Saturday, when political events and alcohol sales are banned.

“Thailand faces very serious structural problems, and the People’s Party is the only party willing to question them,” said Kokin, a 30-year-old voter, while Pinda, 38, said the reformists are “the only ones who speak directly to the working class.”

The conservative alternative

The elections were called by Anutin after four months leading a minority government, which he formed with the backing of the People’s Party under a commitment to hold early polls.

Anutin assumed office following the removal of two prime ministers from the Pheu Thai party, Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who were ousted in 2024 and 2025 respectively in separate, controversial rulings by the Constitutional Court.

Throughout the campaign, Anutin has leaned heavily on patriotic rhetoric, against the backdrop of renewed tensions with Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute.

Two rounds of border clashes in 2025 left around 100 people dead.

Once a regional force and political kingmaker, Bhumjaithai has expanded its national reach by absorbing influential local political clans, strengthening its electoral prospects.

“Anutin has positioned BJT as the only stable conservative option without the stigma of the 2014 coup leaders,” said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun of Kyoto University.

A decisive constitutional vote

Sunday’s elections are further magnified by a parallel referendum asking voters whether Thailand should draft a new constitution, replacing the charter approved in 2017 under military rule.

For the People’s Party, a strong “yes” vote, anticipated by polls, would provide momentum to dismantle judicial mechanisms frequently used to constrain civilian governments.

Conservatives, by contrast, view the referendum as a threat to the system of oversight entrenched since the 2014 coup.

For many voters, the referendum represents the true choice: a decisive step toward full democracy or the continuation of Thailand’s hybrid political order.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India–US trade deal grants Tariff-Free entry to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, No relief for Tesla

Diplomat Times
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India–US trade deal grants Tariff-Free entry to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, No relief for Tesla

New Delhi, India — India will sharply cut import tariffs on high-end American cars and eliminate duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles under an interim trade pact with the United States, while keeping electric vehicles outside the agreement — a move that leaves Tesla without relief, an official said.

Under the interim framework released on Friday, India will reduce tariffs on premium U.S. cars to 30% from levels as high as 110%. Duties on traditional internal-combustion vehicles with engine capacity above 3,000 cc will be lowered gradually over a 10-year period, according to the official. Import duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be scrapped entirely, with other premium motorbikes also set to receive reduced tariffs.

The announcement comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would cut duties on Indian exports to 18% from 50% in return for New Delhi halting purchases of Russian oil, bringing the two sides closer to a broader trade agreement.

Electric vehicles, however, have been excluded from the interim deal, effectively shutting the door on a lower-tariff entry route for Tesla and sidestepping a key demand from CEO Elon Musk, who has repeatedly criticised India’s high import duties.

India’s position contrasts with the market access it has offered the European Union, where New Delhi has agreed to deeper tariff cuts — in some cases as low as 10% — across a broader range of vehicles, including eventual concessions on certain electric models.

India, the world’s third-largest car market after the U.S. and China, has long protected its domestic auto industry with import tariffs ranging from 70% to 110%. While it imports relatively few cars from the U.S., it does bring in high-end motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as details of the interim pact are yet to be fully disclosed, said the tariff cuts are expected to take effect after the two countries sign a formal agreement, likely in March. India’s trade ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular office hours.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

All India Christian Social Welfare Association Protests in Delhi Over Demands

Ahsan Ansari
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All India Christian Social Welfare Association Protests in Delhi Over Demands

New Delhi, India — On February 2, the All India Christian Social Welfare Association organized a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding stronger protection of minority rights and swift justice in alleged cases of violence against the Christian community.

Addressing the gathering, association president Harry D’Souza claimed that incidents of atrocities against Christians are steadily increasing across the country. He warned that if authorities fail to take concrete action and ensure justice, the association would be compelled to launch a large-scale nationwide movement in the coming days.

Protesters held placards and raised slogans calling for accountability, legal safeguards, and government intervention to prevent further incidents. The demonstration remained peaceful, with organizers stating that their aim was to draw national attention to their concerns and seek dialogue with the authorities.

SOURCE : DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

US winter storm death toll tops 40 as snow and ice continue

Diplomat Times
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US winter storm death toll tops 40 as snow and ice continue

Washington/New York, USA — A massive winter storm has killed more than 40 people across the United States, with authorities now reporting that the death toll from the devastating Winter Storm Fern has risen to at least 42 and could exceed 60 as investigations continue across more than a dozen states as of January 28, 2026.

The storm has blanketed large swathes of the country with heavy snow and ice while plunging temperatures deep into Arctic cold, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and paralyzing travel.

RELATED NEWS : Winter storm leaves over a million homes without power in the US

At least 300,000 to 500,000 electricity customers remained without power nationwide, down from peak outages that affected between 800,000 and one million homes and businesses. The hardest-hit states included Tennessee — where outages at one point neared 250,000 — Mississippi, Louisiana, and other parts of the South. Officials warned that full restoration could take days or even weeks due to catastrophic ice damage, with Mississippi experiencing its worst ice storm since 1994.

Deaths were reported in more than a dozen states affected by extreme winter conditions. Deep snow exceeding one foot stretched across a 1,300-mile corridor from Arkansas to New England, shutting down highways, grounding flights, and forcing widespread school closures. Areas north of Pittsburgh recorded up to 20 inches of snow, while wind chills dropped as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 Celsius). Forecasters warned that a fresh surge of Arctic air would prolong freezing temperatures in already snow- and ice-covered regions, with the potential for another winter storm to strike parts of the East Coast.

The rising death toll included people struck by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio, fatal sledding accidents involving teenagers in Arkansas and Texas, and a woman found dead beneath snow in Kansas after being reported missing. In New York City, officials said eight people were found dead outdoors over the frigid weekend.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred near the north Texas town of Bonham, where three brothers aged six, eight, and nine drowned after falling into an icy pond. Their mother attempted to rescue them but was unable to reach all three children in time.

Southern states bore the brunt of infrastructure damage. In Mississippi, emergency crews distributed cots, blankets, bottled water, and generators to warming centers as thousands endured freezing homes. State officials reported that at least 14 homes, one business, and 20 public roads suffered major damage.

The storm also triggered massive disruptions to air travel and education. More than 14,000 flight delays and cancellations were recorded in a single day, with nearly half of all U.S. flights canceled at the height of the storm — the worst aviation disruption since the Covid-19 pandemic. Major hubs, including Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, were severely impacted, stranding passengers and flight crews nationwide.

New York City experienced its snowiest day in years, with some neighborhoods recording between 8 and 15 inches of snow. While public schools closed, around 500,000 students were required to attend classes online. Across the Midwest, South, and Northeast, communities woke up to subzero temperatures, with all 48 contiguous U.S. states forecast to record their coldest average low temperatures since January 2014.

Authorities continued to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, conserve heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors as Winter Storm Fern’s deadly impacts linger and the death toll continues to climb.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Police Martial Arts Championship and Award Show to Be Held in South Korea on February 7, 2026

Kyung An
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Police Martial Arts Championship and Award Show to Be Held in South Korea on February 7, 2026

Seoul, South Korea — The Police Martial Arts Training Institute has announced that the 2026 Police Martial Arts Championship will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking a major national event in the field of police and professional martial arts.

The championship will take place at the Gimhae Culture & Sports Center, with the opening ceremony scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Competitors from across South Korea, along with invited international participants, are expected to take part.

The tournament will be chaired by Kwang-ho Eom, while Ye-su Park will serve as Tournament Director.

The event is hosted by the Police Martial Arts Training Institute (Incorporated Association) and organized by the International Culture Athletic Promotion Association.

Organizers said the championship is officially recognized by South Korea’s central ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. It is also recognized by the National Police Agency, with results counting toward martial arts competency points, underscoring its importance within the professional evaluation framework of the country’s police forces.

The 2026 Police Martial Arts Championship aims to promote discipline, professional excellence, and international cultural exchange through martial arts.

SOURCE : ICAPA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Turkish, Iranian FMs Discuss Region, U.S.–Iran Tensions

Diplomat Times
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Turkish, Iranian FMs Discuss Region, U.S.–Iran Tensions

Ankara / Istanbul — Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said.

The talks focused on regional issues and ongoing efforts to reduce tensions amid recent developments, the sources added, without providing further details.

The conversation comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Fidan had earlier warned that a U.S. attack on Iran would be “wrong,” and urged both Washington and Tehran to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to reach a deal over its nuclear programme, warning that failure to do so would lead to consequences that would be “far worse.” His remarks followed renewed scrutiny of U.S.–Iran relations after the United States carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Iran–Israel conflict in June 2025.

The phone call between the Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers underscores Ankara’s diplomatic engagement with regional actors as tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar and Four Others Die in Plane Crash in Baramati

Diplomat Times
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Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar and Four Others Die in Plane Crash in Baramati

Baramati, India — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) after the aircraft carrying them crash-landed in Baramati in Pune district, officials said.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the crash occurred as the plane attempted to land at Baramati, killing all five people on board. The aircraft was identified as a Learjet 45 operated by Delhi-based charter firm VSR.

The death of the 66-year-old leader—fondly known as “Dada” (elder brother) across Maharashtra—has left a significant void in the BJP-led state coalition government and cast uncertainty over the future leadership of the Nationalist Congress Party, which he headed.

Reacting to the tragedy, his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar said the crash was an accident and urged that it not be politicised.

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India–EU Seal ‘Mother of All Deals’: Stocks to watch, winners and losers

Diplomat Times
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India–EU Seal ‘Mother of All Deals’: Stocks to watch, winners and losers

New Delhi, India — India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a landmark free trade agreement, delivering major benefits for businesses on both sides as they seek to diversify trade ties amid strained relations with the United States.

The agreement will liberalise trade in goods and services between India and the 27-nation European Union, together representing a market of nearly two billion people. It is expected to significantly lower costs for companies, expand market access, and boost long-term investment flows.

RELATED NEWS : Trade talks back in focus as India, US hold high-level meeting

For Indian businesses, the deal opens the EU market more widely than ever before. At the launch of the agreement, the EU will eliminate tariffs on 90% of Indian goods, with zero duties extended to 93% within seven years. Overall, 99.5% of bilateral trade will benefit from some form of tariff concession. The EU’s average tariff rate on Indian exports will fall sharply from 3.8% to 0.1%.

Key Indian export sectors stand to gain, including marine products, chemicals, plastics and rubber, leather and footwear, textiles and apparel, base metals, and gems and jewellery, where tariffs will be reduced to zero. Indian service providers will also gain access to 144 services sub-sectors in the EU, supporting growth in IT, professional services, and other high-value industries.

European businesses will see substantial gains in the Indian market. India will immediately scrap tariffs on about 30% of goods traded with the EU and will reduce or eliminate duties on over 90% of EU exports over time. European companies are expected to save up to €4 billion annually in customs duties. The agreement improves access for EU firms in financial and maritime services, simplifies customs procedures, and strengthens intellectual property protection.

India will also cut tariffs on most industrial imports from the EU, including machinery and electrical equipment, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. In the automotive sector, import duties on EU-made vehicles will fall from 110% to 10% under a quota system, benefiting major European carmakers while allowing India to protect sensitive segments of its domestic industry.

Both sides have balanced market access with safeguards. India has kept agriculture and automobiles outside full tariff elimination, while the EU has retained protections in sensitive areas such as steel and carbon regulations. Cooperation mechanisms have been built in to help Indian firms adapt to EU climate rules, with technical and financial support to reduce emissions.

Beyond tariffs, the agreement sets binding rules on labour standards, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, digital trade, and climate cooperation, providing regulatory certainty for businesses. Strict rules of origin aim to prevent misuse of the agreement by third countries, while disputes will be resolved through independent panels with binding rulings.

Once approved by EU member states, the European Parliament, and India, the deal is expected to strengthen supply chains, boost exports, and unlock new growth opportunities for Indian and European businesses alike, making it one of the most consequential trade agreements for both economies.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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