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The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till 2026, with an outlay of ₹8,800 crore for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26. This move reinforces the government’s commitment to creating a skilled and future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across India. Key Highlights of the Skill India Programme Restructuring: New Railway Division at Rayagada Approved As part of the South Coast Railway Zone, the Cabinet has approved the creation of a new railway division at Rayagada under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act. Additionally, the colonial-era name Waltair will be changed to Vishakhapatnam Railway Division. National Commission for Safai Karmacharis Extended The tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis has been extended for three more years from April 2025 to March 2028 with an allocation of ₹50.91 crore. The commission will include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, five members, secretary, and joint secretary, focusing on the welfare and rights of sanitation workers. The approvals reflect the government’s emphasis on skilling initiatives, railway expansion, and social welfare programs, ensuring inclusive growth across multiple sectors.

Actors Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya, along with their families, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House, sharing a moment of pride and gratitude. Sobhita presented PM Modi with Kondapalli Bommalu (dancing dolls)—a cherished handicraft from Andhra Pradesh, recalling her childhood memories in Tenali. Expressing her emotions on Instagram, Sobhita wrote, “Profoundly thankful to Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for today’s meeting… So happy to be able to gift him one and to find that he knows all about this old handicraft and its nativity to Andhra Pradesh.” During the meeting, the Akkineni family also presented “Akkineni Ka Virat Vyaktitva”, a book by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, celebrating the cinematic legacy of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). Actor Nagarjuna also shared a heartfelt note, highlighting PM Modi’s recognition of ANR’s philanthropic legacy, as well as his praise for Annapurna Studios and Annapurna College of Film and Media, calling them pivotal institutions for aspiring filmmakers. PM Modi had earlier acknowledged Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s contributions to Indian cinema in his Mann Ki Baat address, stating that ANR took Telugu cinema to new heights, showcasing Indian traditions and values through his films.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials have confirmed a rising number of suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra, with the total reaching 180 as of Friday, February 7, 2025. This marks an increase from 173 cases reported the previous day. Among these cases, 146 patients have been confirmed to have GBS, while six deaths have been reported, with one confirmed as due to the syndrome. Currently, 58 patients are in the ICU, 22 are on ventilators, and 79 have been discharged. According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme by the Public Health Department, the affected areas include: Health officials have been investigating a possible link between the outbreak and water contamination. Since January 9, a total of 4,282 water samples have been collected for testing. On Friday, 16 new water sources were found to be contaminated, bringing the total number of contaminated sources to 53. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to take precautions and ensure access to safe drinking water.

Billionaire Gautam Adani’s younger son, Jeet Adani, tied the knot with Diva Shah on Friday in a small and intimate wedding ceremony attended by close family and friends. The ceremony, conducted as per Jain traditions, took place at Shantigram, Ahmedabad. Keeping the wedding simple, the Adani family refrained from inviting celebrities, politicians, or business leaders. Instead, Gautam Adani pledged a ₹10,000 crore donation towards healthcare, education, and skill development initiatives. The funds will contribute to building a network of world-class hospitals, medical colleges, K-12 schools, and skill academies with assured employability. Sharing pictures from the wedding, Adani expressed gratitude and sought blessings for the newlyweds. “It was a small and extremely private function, so we could not invite all well-wishers even if we wanted to, for which I apologise,” he wrote on X. A reception for employees is scheduled for Saturday. Jeet Adani, an engineering graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, is a director at Adani Airports and began his career in 2019 at the CFO office of the Adani Group. His bride, Diva Shah, is the daughter of diamond merchant Jaimin Shah, co-owner of C Dinesh & Co Pvt Ltd. True to his earlier statement at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Gautam Adani ensured the wedding remained a simple and traditional affair, without the usual grandeur associated with high-profile weddings.

Cracking down on private domestic companies using Chinese components in drones meant for the armed forces, the defence establishment has scrapped three contracts for 400 logistics drones intended for Army deployment. The cancelled contracts, worth over ₹230 crore, included 200 medium-altitude, 100 heavy-weight, and 100 light-weight logistics drones. These were signed in 2023 with a Chennai-based company under emergency procurement provisions and were primarily meant for use along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Cybersecurity Concerns Over Chinese Components The decision stems from concerns that Chinese parts pose cybersecurity risks, including the potential for operational data breaches and adversarial control over drones. “An adversary can seize control of a drone or disable it through jamming. There could also be backdoors in the electronics, bypassing security protections,” a defence source said. Instances of operational failures, including the loss of control over a drone near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri last August, have reinforced the urgency of eliminating Chinese components. Although the Army uses over 180 such drones with generally positive feedback, security concerns remain. Stricter Regulations for Drone Procurement The defence establishment has tightened procurement checks, requiring more comprehensive certifications from manufacturers and additional technical verifications to ensure drones are free from Chinese parts or malicious codes. The defence ministry’s department of defence production has also directed industry bodies like FICCI, CII, and Assocham to caution companies against sourcing Chinese components for drones and related equipment. India’s Expanding Drone Capabilities With tensions along the border, the armed forces are rapidly acquiring a variety of drones, including nano, mini, micro, kamikaze, logistics, swarm, and large-scale MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) and HALE (high-altitude, long-endurance) UAVs. The push for indigenous development remains a priority to enhance security and self-reliance in military technology.

Veteran actor Boman Irani marks his directorial debut with The Mehta Boys, a heartfelt father-son drama that balances subtle storytelling with emotional depth. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the film impresses with its unpretentious narrative and powerful performances while steering clear of unnecessary melodrama or twists. A Story of Generational and Emotional Divide Co-written by Boman Irani and Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), The Mehta Boys follows Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani), a 71-year-old widower from Navsari, who grapples with the loss of his wife and an emotionally distant relationship with his son, Amay (Avinash Tiwary), an architect based in Mumbai. Persuaded by his daughter Anu (Puja Sarup) to move to Tampa, Florida, Shiv hesitantly prepares to leave his lifelong home. However, a twist in plans forces him to spend a few days with Amay in Mumbai—a city that symbolizes the rift between their perspectives and values. While Shiv clings to the past, cherishing memories of his wife and traditions like cricket, Amay struggles to reconcile his identity, distancing himself from his small-town roots. Their relationship, already strained, reaches a breaking point when old wounds resurface, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the core of their conflict. Cinematic and Emotional Brilliance Irani masterfully weaves visual storytelling with introspective themes, using Mumbai’s glittering skyline to parallel Amay’s personal struggles. The contrast between Shiv’s old-school philosophy (pen and paper) and Amay’s reliance on technology subtly highlights their generational gap. Adding depth to the narrative, Shiv hallucinates his late wife, seeing her reflection in strangers—a poignant reminder of his enduring grief. Meanwhile, Amay’s mentor in architecture serves as a surrogate father figure, intensifying the emotional complexity. Performances That Shine A Must-Watch Drama With brilliant writing, heartfelt emotions, and top-notch performances, The Mehta Boys is a refreshing take on family bonds, loss, and reconciliation. It may not boast high drama, but its quiet, resonant storytelling makes it a must-watch for lovers of meaningful cinema.

Arvind Kejriwal has lost his re-election bid from the New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma, a former two-time MP whom the party had held back from last year’s Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Kejriwal finished around 1,200 votes behind his rival, while Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit secured third place. The result reignites discussions about the rift between AAP and Congress—both part of the struggling INDIA bloc—and whether an alliance could have helped the AAP chief retain his seat, if not his government. Meanwhile, Mr. Verma, hailed as a ‘giant-slayer’ and a potential future Chief Minister, is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Mr. Kejriwal had held the New Delhi seat since 2013, when he defeated Congress veteran and then-Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, paving the way for AAP’s decade-long rule in Delhi. However, his loss—announced shortly after his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, conceded defeat in Jangpura—highlights the scale of AAP’s downfall in this election. As of 1 PM, BJP was leading in 48 of Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats, while AAP was ahead in only 22. With both Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia facing corruption charges in the liquor policy scam, the defeat is seen as a major setback—one that could mark the ‘end’ of AAP’s dominance in Delhi politics.

Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravi Kumar has finally hit theatres, bringing with it a high dose of nostalgia, action, and entertainment. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film is a “wild, crazy, over-the-top ride” that pays tribute to the larger-than-life masala entertainers of the 1980s. A Tribute to Classic Bollywood Action Dramas Set in the 80s, Badass Ravi Kumar is an unapologetic throwback to the era of action-packed blockbusters, reminiscent of the grandeur associated with filmmakers like Feroz Khan and Rajiv Rai. The tagline, “80s type ki picture,” perfectly encapsulates its retro charm infused with a modern twist. The film is packed with seetimaar dialogues, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and high-energy songs that elevate the viewing experience. Taran Adarsh describes it as a film where “the hero makes the impossible possible,” urging audiences to embrace the over-the-top spectacle without looking for logic. Himesh Reshammiya Steals the Show Himesh Reshammiya, in the titular role, delivers a performance full of swagger, drawing comparisons to legends like Raaj Kumar and Jaani. His dialogue delivery, packed with dramatic pauses and intensity, makes him the clear showstopper of the film. Supporting him is an ensemble cast featuring Prabhudeva, Sanjay Mishra, Johny Lever, Kirti Kulhari, Manish Wadhwa, and Anil George, all of whom add to the film’s charm. The breathtaking locations of Muscat serve as an added visual treat. Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fans of 80s Cinema With its explosive action, whistle-worthy dialogues, and chartbuster soundtrack, Badass Ravi Kumar is a film made for fans of retro Bollywood masala. If you love over-the-top entertainers that embrace their genre wholeheartedly, this is the film to catch in theatres.

Loveyapa, the big-screen debut of Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, may look like a standard Bollywood romantic drama at first glance, but it turns out to be much more. Directed by Advait Chandan, the film delves into the modern-day complexities of relationships, trust, and digital transparency with a fresh and thoughtful approach. A Love Story with a Thought-Provoking Twist Junaid Khan plays Gaurav Sachdeva, aka Gucci, while Khushi Kapoor portrays Bani. Their love story takes an unexpected turn when Bani’s idealistic father (Ashutosh Rana), a classical musician with strong traditional values, tests their relationship by making them exchange their phones. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions as secrets, hidden chats, and undisclosed social media identities come to light. This seemingly simple premise turns into a compelling narrative, exploring how the digital age has altered the way people perceive love, trust, and personal space. The film balances drama, humor, and sarcasm while posing uncomfortable questions about modern relationships. Junaid Khan Shines in His Debut Despite coming from a privileged background as Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid proves that he has done his homework. His years of theater experience are evident in his confident screen presence, natural dialogue delivery, and ability to handle both comedy and drama with ease. Unlike many star-kids, he neither overacts nor rushes through his lines, making his performance impressive and engaging. Khushi Kapoor holds her ground but doesn’t quite match Junaid’s depth. However, the supporting cast, including Kiku Sharda, Grusha Kapoor, and Tanvika Parlikar, add charm and humor to the film, making it an enjoyable watch. A Relevant Message for the Social Media Generation Beyond its quirky romance, Loveyapa carries a strong message about the impact of social media on relationships. It highlights how people are increasingly becoming victims of online manipulation, gaslighting, and deepfakes. Instead of painting a grim picture, the film offers a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of these issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Verdict: A Film Worth Watching With a unique premise, solid performances, and an important message, Loveyapa stands out as a refreshing Bollywood film. It deserves attention not just for being a star-kid debut but for its engaging storytelling and relevant themes. A must-watch for those who appreciate romantic dramas with substance.

All 33 people from Gujarat, who were among the 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, were safely transported to their hometowns on Thursday in state vehicles under police supervision, the Gujarat government stated. Following the deportation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi directed officials to ensure security and coordination for the deportees. A flight carrying the 33 Gujarati immigrants, including women and children, arrived at Ahmedabad Airport from Amritsar on Thursday morning. This came a day after a US military aircraft transported 104 deported Indian immigrants to Amritsar. The Gujarat Director General of Police, Vikas Sahay, had deployed a deputy superintendent of police (DySP) at Amritsar airport to oversee security and coordination. Upon arrival at Ahmedabad airport, a police-nominated nodal officer ensured their safe transportation. The deportees were then escorted to their native places in government vehicles under police supervision. Jaishankar Addresses Deportation Concerns in Parliament During the Parliament Budget Session, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to criticism over the treatment of the deportees, clarifying that deportations have been a routine process for years. Since 2009, a total of 15,668 illegal Indian immigrants have been deported from the US, he stated. He emphasized that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) follows standard procedures, ensuring deportees’ needs are met, and women and children are not restrained. However, some returnees claimed they were shackled throughout the flight and only unrestrained after landing. Among them, 37 were aged between 18-25 years, while another 30 were in their thirties. Some had spent only a few days in the US before detention, while others had been in custody for weeks. Jaishankar reiterated that the US military aircraft used on February 5 followed past deportation procedures and assured that the Indian government continues to engage with US authorities on the matter.