India refrains from commenting on reports of an impeachment motion against Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu by the main opposition party. The Maldivian Democratic Party claims to have gathered enough signatures, but the Opposition is yet to submit the motion in Parliament. Tensions between India and Maldives persist since Muizzu's election, marked by diplomatic disagreements, including demands for Indian troop withdrawal and breaking tradition by visiting Turkey first. The recent decision allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock raises strategic concerns. India maintains it's an internal matter for Maldives.

TikTok removes songs by Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and more due to a licensing disagreement with Universal Music Group (UMG). The licensing deal expired, and UMG accuses TikTok of offering a fraction of the standard rate for song access. Videos with UMG music will be muted, and new videos can't use those tracks. Artists like Ariana Grande and Katy Perry witness most of their music vanish, affecting promotions. TikTok argues against UMG's claims, highlighting the label's departure from a massive user platform. The dispute raises concerns about fair compensation and content moderation on social media.

A special bench of three Supreme Court judges, including Justice Sanjeev Khanna, will hear Jharkhand leader Hemant Soren's petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. Soren, accusing the ED of a "conspiracy" by the Centre ahead of elections, resigned as Chief Minister. He seeks immediate release, declaring the arrest as unwarranted and violating fundamental rights. Soren claims his arrest aims to topple his elected government. The plea highlights alleged misuse of ED powers. The special bench will address the case tomorrow, emphasizing Soren's apprehension and the circumstances of his arrest.

Catalonia enters a state of emergency due to its severe drought, imposing water-saving measures banning activities like car washing and pool filling. Over six million residents, including Barcelona, face restrictions as reservoirs hit 16% capacity. The Catalan government may bring water by ship if needed. Climate change is suspected, with rising temperatures affecting the Mediterranean. Emergency actions include reduced water use for farming and capped daily supplies. Despite tourism concerns, Barcelona adapts with water-saving strategies. Locals express worry, realizing the need to conserve water and adjust daily habits.

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget, labeling it "disappointing" and assigning a "failing grade." Tharoor countered Sitharaman's GDP definition, claiming 'G' represents "governmental intrusion and tax terrorism," 'D' for "demographic betrayal," and 'P' for "poverty and rising inequality." He argued that the government fails in improving the lives of the common person. Tharoor also challenged claims of a rise in foreign investment and questioned the state of democracy, citing recent events. The Finance Minister, confident about the upcoming Lok Sabha election, hinted at a comprehensive budget in July.

Farmers from across Europe gathered in Brussels, pelting the European Parliament with eggs and stones, igniting fires, and setting off fireworks. Protesters sought attention from EU leaders during a summit, urging action on taxes and rising costs. Police deployed water hoses and tear gas to control the situation. Around 1,300 tractors blocked major Brussels streets. Farmers, feeling underpaid and burdened by taxes, call for support. The unrest precedes European Parliament elections, with far-right factions eyeing farmer constituencies. EU leaders discuss farmers' grievances on the sidelines, acknowledging the challenges faced by agriculture.

The US has greenlit the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India at a cost of $3.99 billion. Announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit in June 2023, the deal includes 15 SeaGuardian drones for the Navy and eight SkyGuardian versions each for the Army and Air Force. Aimed at bolstering the US-Indian strategic relationship, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated the sale supports India's security goals. The proposed equipment includes drones, missile systems, communication suites, and more. The implementation won't alter regional military balance, and no additional US representatives will be assigned to India.

Builder Peter Norgrove, 43, faces a minimum of 15 years in prison for the savage murder of dissatisfied customer Sharon Gordon, 58, in Dudley, West Midlands, England. Norgrove attacked Gordon with a hammer due to criticism of project delays and work quality. Caught on camera wearing gloves, he left with red marks. The court revealed eight blows to the head, and the victim may have lived for an hour after the assault. Norgrove admitted guilt, but the judge highlighted the "brutal and savage" nature of the attack. Gordon's family expressed anguish over the tragic loss.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for several parts of Rajasthan, expecting light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms on February 3 and 4. Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions may experience these weather conditions. Rajgarh recorded the highest rainfall at 10 mm, followed by Sardarshahar and Fatehpur. The IMD attributes the weather changes to the activation of a western disturbance. Meanwhile, the IMD has decided to discontinue services of 199 district agromet units, affecting farmers who receive crucial weather-related advisories for crop management.

In a central London court, Greta Thunberg faced trial for her involvement in a protest outside the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair. The 20-year-old climate campaigner, along with four others, allegedly refused police requests to move from the hotel entrance during the Energy Intelligence Forum attended by oil executives. Thunberg, accompanied by Fossil Free London protesters and Greenpeace activists, pleaded not guilty to breaching the Public Order Act. The court heard that the protest caused disruption, leading to arrests and a Section 14 order. The trial is set to continue for two days.