ISLAMABAD: (Feb 8) Pakistan has been invited to attend the inaugural summit of the Board of Peace for Gaza and the country is expected to attend the meeting to be held in the US on February 19, media reports said Sunday.
US President Donald Trump unveiled the board in January as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It is being projected by Washington as a new international body to usher in peace and stability in Gaza and beyond.
Pakistan Foreign Office on January 21 said it has accepted President Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace for Gaza and that he had invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to become part of the body.
DHAKA: (Feb 8) Bangladesh’s interim government of Muhammad Yunus has sought the cooperation of the UN human rights office for a fair and transparent investigation into the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a media report said on Sunday.
Hadi, 32, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, who rose to national prominence during the July-August 2024 mass protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime, was shot in the head on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka.
The interim government has sought the cooperation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to ensure a proper investigation over Hadi’s killing, state-run BSS reported.
COLOMBO: (Feb 8) Kamindu Mendis’ scintillating 19-ball 44 and Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten half-century lifted Sri Lanka to 163 for six after a slow start in their T20 World Cup match against Ireland here on Sunday.
Wicketkeeper Kusal made 56 off 43 balls with the help of five boundaries and added 67 runs for the fifth wicket with Kamindu, who smashed four fours and two sixes, to lift Sri Lanka after they were struggling at 86 for four in the 14th over.
Sri Lanka were also helped by a few dropped catches by the Irish fielders in the floodlit R Premadasa Stadium.
Mumbai, February 7, 2026:
India and the United States have taken a major step forward in strengthening their strategic and economic partnership with the signing of an Interim Trade Pact, setting the stage for an ambitious $500 billion bilateral trade target in the coming years.
The agreement, signed within days of its announcement, underscores the seriousness both nations attach to expanding trade ties. The interim pact significantly reduces import duties from as high as 50% to zero on several key Indian export sectors, including gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, smartphones, and auto components.
Welcoming the announcement, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), described the deal as a “transformational moment” for India’s global trade positioning.
“With today’s joint statement, it is amply clear that this trade deal will support India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat, strengthening our role in international trade while cementing our geopolitical and geoeconomic partnership with the United States,” Dr. Kalantri said.
The broader contours of the agreement were outlined in a joint statement by both countries, followed by a press conference addressed by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who indicated that the final Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) is expected to be completed by March 2026.
According to trade experts, the immediate reduction in tariffs gives Indian exporters a significant competitive advantage over other global players, particularly benefiting MSMEs, job creation, and export-led growth.
Dr. Kalantri further highlighted that unlike several other trade agreements signed with regions such as the EU, UK, and New Zealand—whose benefits will materialize gradually—the India–US interim pact delivers immediate economic impact.
“The provisions on technology transfer and investment cooperation will boost India’s startup ecosystem, innovation capacity, and access to critical ICT products. This will not only accelerate economic growth but also strengthen national security,” he added.
Importantly, the pact reassures domestic stakeholders that India has not compromised on sensitive and strategic sectors, addressing political and economic concerns while ensuring broad acceptability of the agreement.
Trade analysts view the interim pact as a strong foundation for a comprehensive long-term trade framework, positioning India and the US as key economic partners in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Kalyan (Maharashtra) —
In a major action against illegal immigration and organized crime, Kalyan East police have arrested two Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly living in India using fake documents and changed identities. The accused were staying near Ganpati Mandir at Balaji Apartment, Kalyan East.
According to police sources, the arrested individuals have been identified as Roopali and Yaseen, both Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly living under Hindu names to conceal their real identity.
The action was carried out on 17 January 2026 after API Sandeep Bhalerao of Kolsewadi Police Station received specific information regarding their presence.
Fake Identity and Illegal Stay
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused were residing in India using forged documents. Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act, and document verification is currently underway.
Allegations of Prostitution Racket
Police sources further revealed that the Bangladeshi woman arrested in this case was allegedly found involved in prostitution activities at the location from where she was detained.
Investigators suspect the existence of a larger organized prostitution and human trafficking network operating across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
It is alleged that Bangladeshi women were illegally brought into India, their identity and religion were changed, and they were later forced into prostitution at different locations. Authorities are verifying these claims as part of an ongoing investigation.
Gujarat-Based Agents Under Scanner
During the investigation, the names of two alleged Gujarat-based agents have surfaced:
-
Sunil Kumar Ratnaji Parmar
-
Jashpal Laxmanbhai Daiya
Police sources claim that these agents were allegedly involved in:
-
Bringing Bangladeshi nationals illegally into India
-
Arranging fake documents and identity changes
-
Organizing marriages and accommodation
-
Pushing women into prostitution for financial gain
According to available information, Sunil Kumar Parmar is reportedly a resident of
84, Ambalivas, Deodar, Banaskantha, Gujarat.
It is also alleged that Sunil Parmar married one of the arrested Bangladeshi women in Gujarat about a month ago. These claims are currently under investigation.
Deportation Process Initiated
In the latest development, police confirmed that the Bangladeshi woman arrested in the case is being deported back to Bangladesh after completion of legal formalities.
Officials stated that deportation is being carried out strictly as per law under the Foreigners Act and immigration rules.
Investigation Continues
Police officials have clarified that the investigation is still in progress. The role of agents, financial transactions, additional illegal immigrants, and possible links to other locations are being examined.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved if the allegations are proven, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
Real News of India
Reporter: S. M. Fanus
By Wellett Potter, University of New England
LONDON: (Feb 4) Would you create an interactive “digital twin” of yourself that can communicate with loved ones after your death?
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has made it possible to seemingly resurrect the dead. So-called griefbots or deathbots – an AI-generated voice, video avatar or text-based chatbot trained on the data of a deceased person – proliferate in the booming digital afterlife industry, also known as grief tech.
Deathbots are usually created by the bereaved, often as part of the grieving process. But there are also services that allow you to create a digital twin of yourself while you’re still alive. So why not create one for when you’re gone?
NAGPUR: (Feb 4) The Yavatmal district of eastern Maharashtra recorded 21 farmer suicides in January, an activist said on Wednesday, accusing the government of failing to deal with the agrarian crisis.
Kishore Tiwari, former chairman of the state government’s Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavlamban Mission (VNSSM), shared an official list of the farmers who allegedly died by suicide in the district last month.
PESHAWAR: (Feb 4) Armed militants abducted a police constable from his residence and later shot him dead in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, police said.
The attackers raided the house of Constable Dastgir in the Nasar Khel area on the outskirts of Sarai Naurang tehsil in Bannu district, officials said.
The assailants subjected women, children and elderly family members to violence, set the house on fire and held the family hostage before forcibly taking the constable away.
Mumbai | 3 February 2026
By: Real News of India
World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), organised a Post-Budget Discussion Session to deliberate on the implications of the Union Budget 2026–27 for MSMEs, trade, industry, exports, and India’s long-term economic growth trajectory. The event brought together industry leaders, exporters, professionals, policy observers, and diplomats to analyse key budget announcements and their impact on the economy.
Speaking at the session, Mr. Siddhartha Rastogi, Principal Officer, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Ambit Asset Management, stated that the Union Budget lays a clear roadmap for the coming years. Emphasising inclusive growth, he said that achieving a GDP growth rate of 7.2 percent requires strengthening India’s 6 crore MSMEs, which form the backbone of the economy. He highlighted that linking government spending with the TReDS platform would unlock liquidity and enhance order books for MSMEs, while promotion of digital payments and securitisation would improve credit flow and prevent capital from being stuck in the system.
Mr. Rastogi also welcomed the government’s focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements, noting that such initiatives would ensure stable supply chains, strengthen Atmanirbharta, and safeguard the economy from geopolitical risks.
Explaining indirect tax-related changes, Mr. Pranav Prakash Mehta, Partner, KJM INC and Specialist in Indirect Taxation, said that while the Budget did not introduce major taxation reforms, minor amendments would significantly improve ease of doing business. He noted that changes related to post-supply discounts would increase supplier accountability and ultimately benefit customers. He further added that clarifications on supply invoicing and invoice discounting would reduce litigation and speed up resolution of long-pending tax matters.
Sharing insights on direct taxation proposals, Mr. Arun Kumar Garodia, Former ITAT Member and Income Tax Consultant, said that the tax holiday announced for data centres would attract capital flows into new-age technology investments and strengthen India’s long-term investment climate. He added that changes in the taxation of share buybacks—now to be taxed under capital gains—would benefit both industry and shareholders. Reforms in Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and the decriminalisation of certain tax defaults, he said, reflect the government’s trust in the business community and promote a more collaborative growth environment.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, stated that the Budget provides a strong roadmap for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. He said that incentives for data centres, focused support for technology-driven industries, and policy clarity would help India move towards a USD 10 trillion economy by 2030. He also emphasised that simplification of taxes and resolution of legacy issues would significantly enhance ease of doing business in the country.
The annual Post-Budget Discussion at World Trade Center Mumbai witnessed participation from over 150 business leaders, MSMEs, innovators, and diplomats from several countries. The session concluded with Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai, delivering the vote of thanks.
Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader on track to be the UK’s new prime minister, on Friday thanked voters and said the people of the country are “ready for change” and to “end the politics of performance”.
Starmer, 61, in his victory speech after winning from Holborn and St Pancras, said whether people voted for him or not, “I’ll serve every person in this constituency.”
According to the exit poll, which is often quite close to the final tally, Labour could win as many as 410 seats, comfortably crossing the half way 326 mark and notching up a 170-seat majority with the incumbent Tories led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak down to just 131 seats. pti
Recent Comments