Ahead of the floor test in Jharkhand Assembly, the JMM-led coalition appears poised for victory with 48 MLAs against NDA's 29. Champai Soren, acting CM in Hemant Soren's absence, will face the test, supported by Congress and others. Despite dissent from JMM's Lobin Hembrom over lavish resort stay for MLAs, the coalition remains confident. Hemant Soren, arrested by the ED, will participate in the voting. Discussions include possible induction of Basant Soren into the cabinet. In 2022, Hemant won a trust vote with 48 MLAs. Amidst legal battles, including Hemant's petition against ED arrest, the coalition maintains unity for the crucial test.

A mass wedding event in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia on January 25 turned out to be marred by fraud, as investigations revealed that over 200 couples had participated in fake marriage ceremonies. Under the state's Mass Marriage Scheme, 568 couples were believed to have been wedded, but it was later discovered that many were paid to act as brides and grooms to receive benefits from the scheme. Fifteen people, including Social Welfare department officers, have been arrested in connection with the scam. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar confirmed that funds have not yet been distributed to the beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for action against the fraudsters.

Former US President and 2024 White House contender Donald Trump stated he would seek to replace Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, terming him "political." Trump, who appointed Powell during his presidency, accused him of potentially aiding Democrats by lowering interest rates. In an interview with Fox Business, Trump expressed concern over Powell's actions aligning with Democratic interests in the upcoming elections. Despite the Fed's mandate for independent action, US presidents nominate the Fed chair every four years, granting them influence over the central bank's direction. Powell's term, set to conclude in 2026, faces potential replacement under a Trump presidency.

India's uncrewed Vyommitra Mission, featuring the woman robot astronaut, is set to precede ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, marking India's maiden manned space flight. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the mission's launch in the third quarter of 2024, with Gaganyaan slated for 2025. Named after Sanskrit words for "space" and "friend," Vyommitra will simulate human functions, monitor module parameters, and execute life-support operations. This initiative aims to validate technology, mitigate risks, and enhance human-robot interaction before human astronauts embark on the historic Gaganyaan journey. Chandrayaan-3's successful landing augments India's space endeavors, with crucial data expected to further enrich the program.

Digital agency Schbang has issued an apology for their involvement in a controversial campaign where actress Poonam Pandey faked her death to raise awareness about cervical cancer. Partnering with media outlet Hauterfly, the stunt drew immense criticism. In their statement, Schbang expressed regret, especially to those affected by cancer. They acknowledged Poonam Pandey's personal connection to the issue, as her mother battled cancer. Despite the campaign's success in increasing online searches related to cervical cancer, Schbang apologized for any distress caused. Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association demands legal action against Pandey for exploiting her own death in the stunt.

Uttarakhand's state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) panel's draft report, marking a significant step towards implementing the UCC. The decision follows the submission of the report by the five-member UCC committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. Scheduled for discussion in a special two-day assembly session starting Tuesday, the UCC bill is anticipated to pass smoothly with the ruling BJP's majority. Once approved by the assembly and the Governor, the UCC will become law, fulfilling a promise made in the BJP's manifesto for the 2022 state election.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlights India's pivotal role in the Quad alliance during a session at Jaipur Literature Festival. Describing India as the "driver seat" of Quad, he positions the US as a supportive partner with a corrective role. Garcetti underscores the importance of India's assertiveness in shaping the alliance's direction. The Quad, comprising India, US, Australia, and Japan, aims to deepen economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation. Despite differing perspectives, Garcetti sees the Quad as a model for global collaboration, emphasizing its strength and stability. The discussion reflects evolving dynamics in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

Palestinian doctor Said Abdulrahman Maarouf recounts his harrowing experience after being detained by Israeli forces during a hospital raid in Gaza. Blindfolded and shackled, Maarouf endured severe torture, resulting in a weight loss of over 25 kilograms in just 45 days. Despite his pleas, Israeli military has remained silent, leaving Maarouf in anguish about the fate of his family amidst the ongoing conflict. With communication disrupted and uncertainty looming, Maarouf returns to his work in Gaza, haunted by the memories of his captivity and the fear for his loved ones' safety amid the relentless violence.

As Jharkhand's ruling coalition faces a crucial trust vote, 37 MLAs, including members of JMM, Congress, and RJD, are flying back to Ranchi from Hyderabad. The move comes amid fears of poaching, following JMM leader Hemant Soren's arrest in a money laundering case. The legislators, who were stationed in Shamiret, Hyderabad, since February 2, are returning ahead of the floor test scheduled for Monday. Security measures were in place to safeguard against potential poaching attempts by the BJP. With Chief Minister Champai Soren reviewing the state's law and order situation, the coalition prepares for the trust vote in the Assembly.          

Shubman Gill's century in the second India vs England Test at Visakhapatnam not only bolstered India's chances but also saved his Test career, according to reports. Facing the threat of being dropped from the squad, Gill's innings came as a crucial redemption after a prolonged struggle for form. The century, breaking an 11-month dry spell, showcased his resilience and determination. With his place in the team hanging by a thread, Gill's stellar performance under pressure proved his mettle and earned him a reprieve. His innings not only secured India's position in the match but also secured his spot in the Test squad.