India's opening batsman, Shubman Gill, was sidelined on Day 4 of the Vizag Test against England due to a right index finger injury. The BCCI medical team opted to rest Gill, with Sarfaraz Khan stepping in as his substitute fielder. Gill's absence didn't hinder India's batting, as they had already completed their innings in both rounds. However, with Gill returning to form with a century on Day 3, India hopes his injury isn't severe. Gill attributed his recent success to playing his natural game, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his batting style despite recent low scores.

A fresh western disturbance blankets northwestern India in snow, cutting off Srinagar and prompting avalanche alerts in Jammu & Kashmir. The IMD issues a yellow alert for Delhi as dense fog is forecasted. The ceaseless snowfall shuts down Srinagar airport and halts traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Delhi experiences record rainfall for February, causing poor air quality to persist despite the showers. The weather office predicts no rainfall in Delhi this week but warns of dropping temperatures and strong winds. Despite the wet weather, Delhi's air quality remains poor, with a return to moderate levels expected after rain and winds subside.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the diplomatic tension with the Maldives, stating that neither country wishes to escalate the issue. Highlighting ongoing discussions, he emphasized maintaining a robust relationship beyond this particular dispute. Jaishankar also discussed India's stance on China, Pakistan, and the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Regarding Indo-Pak relations, he stressed the imperative of addressing terrorism. On the possibility of Trump's return, Jaishankar expressed confidence in India's ability to adapt diplomatically to changes in American leadership, maintaining an independent stance.

Amid escalating tensions, Russia accuses Ukraine of a deadly strike on a bakery in Lysychansk, eastern Ukraine, under Russian control. The attack, allegedly carried out with US-supplied rockets, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including nine women and a child. Emergency workers scramble to rescue survivors from the rubble. Russia condemns the assault, attributing it to Western aid to Kyiv. The incident occurred around 12:30 GMT on Saturday, adding to the toll of the ongoing conflict. With territorial disputes ongoing, the situation remains tense, posing challenges for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

Following the fatal attack on three US troops by Iranian-backed militias, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan revealed that the United States intends to escalate its response. The US, alongside Britain, conducted strikes on 36 Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation. Sullivan emphasized that these strikes were just the beginning of the US's retaliation efforts, hinting at more actions to come. The strikes targeted sites in Yemen linked to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. These actions mark a significant escalation in tensions in the region, with the US reaffirming its commitment to defending its forces against attacks by Iran-backed groups.

Light rainfall and gusty winds in Delhi-NCR have led to a dip in temperatures, affecting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts thunderstorms in northern regions and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. Western Disturbance triggers light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh also expect scattered rainfall. Dense fog is likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on February 5-6. The weather pattern signals a shift in the region's climate, impacting daily activities and travel plans.

President Emmanuel Macron shared glimpses of his recent India visit, expressing eagerness for increased French investments in the country. Praising India's potential, he emphasized its pivotal role in global transformation. Macron recalled the warmth of being part of India's Republic Day celebrations and underscored the enduring friendship between India and France. The video showcased collaborative efforts in various sectors and aspirations for deeper ties. Macron's remarks affirm commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, including plans to host 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. The visit strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France across multiple domains.

England's pursuit of a record 399-run chase against India in the second Test has been buoyed by an inspiring pep talk from head coach Brendon McCullum. Despite daunting historical statistics, England remains optimistic after closing Day 3 at 67 for 1. McCullum's message, "if India get 600 ahead, we're going to try and chase it down," resonated with the team, according to veteran fast bowler James Anderson. England's determination to achieve the improbable in Visakhapatnam reflects the impact of McCullum's motivational words, setting the stage for a potential Bazball-era triumph.        

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating projects worth Rs 11,599 crore in Guwahati, declared the government's commitment to making household electricity bills zero. He announced a rooftop solar scheme to assist one crore families in installing solar panels. The projects include the Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana, aimed at enhancing pilgrim amenities at the Kamakhya temple. Modi emphasized infrastructure development, pledging Rs 11 lakh crore expenditure. Highlighting the surge in pilgrimage post-Ayodhya Ram Temple opening, he noted over 24 lakh visitors within 12 days. The PM's roadshow drew enthusiastic crowds, chanting 'Modi, Modi,' showcasing public support.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh rebuked Mamata Banerjee's skepticism about Congress's electoral prospects, emphasizing unity against the BJP. Amidst Mamata's questioning of Congress's ability to secure seats, Ramesh stressed, "Our priority is also to fight the BJP. I think it is better if we all come together." He highlighted past alliances and called for solidarity despite recent rifts, stating, "We were together in Patna, in Bengaluru and Mumbai." Responding to Mamata's challenge, Ramesh affirmed, "We will definitely go to Uttar Pradesh." His remarks underscore the ongoing dialogue within opposition ranks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.