Thursday, February 6, 2025

Top 10 news headlines: Major developments from India and the world

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The world is abuzz with political upheavals, economic breakthroughs, and cultural surprises. From the high-stakes Delhi elections to global geopolitical tensions, these stories shape the conversations of today. Here’s a deep dive into the top ten news headlines that are making waves across India and beyond.

Delhi Exit Polls Predict BJP’s Comeback, AAP Dismisses Forecasts

Exit polls for the Delhi Assembly elections indicate a potential return of the BJP to power in the national capital after a decade-long rule by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Most projections place AAP in the second position, with the Congress facing a near wipeout. As AAP eyes a fourth consecutive victory, the BJP is hoping to break its losing streak since 1998. Meanwhile, the Congress struggles to reclaim its former political stronghold. Voter turnout for the 2020 Delhi elections stood at 62.82 per cent, a drop from 67.47 per cent recorded in 2015.

Also Read: Exit Polls predict BJP victory in Delhi Assembly Polls; AAP faces close contest, no gain for Congress

US Deports 104 Indians in Military Plane, Passengers Allege Harsh Treatment

A US military C-17 aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar, with many alleging inhumane treatment during the journey. The deportees, hailing from Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, were reportedly handcuffed and shackled throughout the flight. “We were treated like criminals. Our hands and legs were chained,” said Jaspal Singh, one of the deportees. The sudden deportation is part of the Biden administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Many of those on board claimed they were unaware of their deportation until moments before boarding the aircraft.

Also Read: US deports 104 Indians; Deportees share ordeal of shackling and dangerous journey

Government Bans Use of AI Tools Like ChatGPT in Official Work

In a move to safeguard sensitive data, the Finance Ministry has prohibited the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek on official devices. The directive warns that AI applications could pose security threats by exposing confidential government information. Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss India’s AI strategy. Vaishnaw described their conversation as a “super cool discussion” on India’s ambitions to build a self-sufficient AI ecosystem. OpenAI, which had earlier dismissed India’s ability to develop large-scale AI models, now acknowledges India’s growing role as its second-largest global market.

Tirumala Tirupati Temple Directs 18 Non-Hindu Employees to Resign or Transfer

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which administers the revered Tirupati temple, has asked 18 non-Hindu employees to either opt for voluntary retirement or transfer to non-religious roles. The directive follows concerns over non-Hindu staff participating in temple functions. The decision aligns with TTD’s policy of preserving the religious sanctity of the temple. Employees had initially pledged to adhere to Hindu traditions upon their appointment, but recent reports suggested otherwise, prompting this action.

Mukesh Ambani Announces ₹50,000 Crore Investment in Bengal, Calls It the ‘Best Time to Invest’

At the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani committed ₹50,000 crore in fresh investments for West Bengal by 2030. The move, expected to generate one lakh jobs, spans multiple sectors, including digital services, green energy, and retail. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group also announced an additional ₹10,000 crore investment, praising the state’s improving business climate. Ambani lauded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her a “tireless leader” and describing Bengal as undergoing an “economic renaissance.”

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Dhaka Residence Set on Fire Amid Political Unrest

A violent mob vandalized and torched the residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. The attack coincided with an online address by his daughter, deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The rally, reportedly mobilized via social media, escalated as thousands gathered in front of the memorial-turned-residence. The political unrest follows the controversial ousting of Hasina’s government. The Awami League leader urged people to resist the current regime, while tensions continue to rise in the capital.

Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports

In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sporting events. The order mandates federal agencies to enforce strict adherence to Title IX, restricting participation based on gender assigned at birth. “With this order, the war on women’s sports is over,” Trump stated. The move has sparked debate, with supporters calling it a victory for women’s rights, while critics argue it is discriminatory.

Horrific Atrocities in Congo: Hundreds of Women Raped and Burnt Alive in Goma’s Munzenze Prison

Amid Congo’s deepening political crisis, reports have emerged of mass sexual violence and murder in Munzenze Prison in Goma. UN sources confirm that hundreds of women were raped and burnt alive during a prison breakout following the rebel takeover of the city. A UN official described the massacre as one of the most horrific incidents in recent history, exposing the brutality of the ongoing conflict. Rwanda-backed rebels continue to seize key territories, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Ed Sheeran and AR Rahman Surprise Chennai Fans With Live Jam Session

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran thrilled fans in Chennai by bringing Indian music legend AR Rahman on stage for a surprise performance. The duo performed a mashup of Sheeran’s chartbuster ‘Shape of You’ and Rahman’s classic ‘Urvashi Urvashi,’ sending the audience into a frenzy. Sheeran, currently on the India leg of his ‘Mathematics Tour,’ also met Rahman’s son, singer AR Ameen, ahead of the concert. Ameen later shared moments from their meeting on social media, delighting fans.

India’s Playing XI for First ODI Against England Raises Eyebrows

As India gears up for the first ODI against England in Nagpur, speculation is rife over key selections. The team management faces tough calls, particularly on the fitness of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, and the wicketkeeper debate continues to be unresolved. The absence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has further added to the intrigue. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, under scrutiny for their recent red-ball form, will look to reassert their dominance in the shorter format.

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