Times of India

Babar Azam shattered T20I records, surpassing Virat Kohli with his 39th half-century as Pakistan thrashed Australia 3-0. A dominant batting display, including Saim Ayub's 56 and Shadab Khan's quickfire 46, set a formidable target. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz's 5-wicket haul, then dismantled Australia for 96, securing a resounding series win.

Diabetes diagnosis can be tricky. A fasting blood sugar test might seem normal, but your HbA1c could be high. This happens because HbA1c reflects average sugar over months, catching hidden spikes. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help lower these levels. Understanding these tests is key for better health management.

Elon Musk has issued a stark warning about China's surging electricity generation, predicting it will soon triple US output, largely driven by solar power. He highlighted China's dominance in renewable energy and manufacturing, raising concerns for American competitiveness and energy security. Musk also identified China as Tesla's toughest competitor in the burgeoning humanoid robot market.

The BCCI fully supports the ICC's stance on sportsmanship after Pakistan's government announced their team would boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated they will await formal discussions with the ICC before commenting further. The ICC emphasised that selective participation undermines the integrity of global sporting events.

Despite an Ivy League education, a six-figure tech job, and entrepreneurial success, Sunjana Ramana is leaving the US after three unsuccessful H-1B visa lottery attempts. Her story highlights how a random selection process, not merit, dictates the future of skilled foreign professionals in America, forcing many to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has announced the Class 11 Winter Zone Result 2025, recording an 83.27 per cent pass rate with over 67,900 students qualifying. Results are available on jkbose.jk.gov.in. JKBOSE has also opened revaluation applications for Classes 10 and 12, while advising students to treat online marksheets as provisional.

Actors Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Chunky Panday, and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari face probe in a Ghaziabad investment scam linked to Maxizone Touch Pvt Ltd. Investors alleged 15% monthly returns were promised but unpaid, with FIR filed after Jamshedpur complaint. Directors arrested in 2025; ED raided over fraud claims.

India's free trade agreement with the European Union, dubbed the "mother of all deals," is poised to significantly boost exports, granting duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the pact's compassionate nature, benefiting both India and the EU. He urged domestic firms to seize this opportunity for expansion, while consumers anticipate more affordable goods.

Parth Pawar, son of the late Ajit Pawar, was deeply emotional at a prayer ceremony for his father's ashes, embracing an empty chair. NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare announced plans to take the ashes across the state for public homage. He also affirmed the NCP's commitment to the NDA, emphasizing their continued adherence to secular principles and social justice ideals.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised suspicions regarding the death of NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, calling it "dubious" and demanding a thorough investigation. Raut alleged that Pawar was seeking reconciliation with his uncle Sharad Pawar and faced pressure over the irrigation scam, drawing parallels to the Justice Loya case.

The National Highways Authority of India is simplifying FASTag for cars. From February 1, 2026, new FASTags for cars, jeeps, and vans will not require mandatory Know Your Vehicle checks. This change aims to speed up toll payments. Existing FASTags will also see routine checks removed. Verification will only happen in specific cases. This makes the system easier for drivers.

Police are investigating if the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence is linked to his upcoming film projects or his recent acquisition of rights to a book on the underworld. Five individuals from Pune have been arrested in connection with the incident, with investigations ongoing into potential links to organized crime.

On 25.08.2025, a bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra in Ravindra Pratap Shahi vs State of U.P. & Ors. The appeals came as a result of highly protracted proceedings before the Allahabad High Court, in which a criminal appeal pending decision in December 2021 was not decided in an unreasonably long time.

The rupee strengthened against the US dollar, recovering from an all-time low as forex reserves hit a record high. Despite a cautious market sentiment post-Union Budget, domestic equities saw gains. Global oil prices eased as US-Iran talks progressed. Foreign investors remained net sellers in the equity market.

Speculation is rife as February begins, with reports suggesting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are set to marry in Udaipur. While initial whispers pointed to February 26, newer claims indicate a shift to February 5, with pre-wedding festivities commencing around February 2.

The 2026 Grammy Awards celebrated historic firsts and significant achievements. Kendrick Lamar became the most-awarded rapper ever, while Bad Bunny's Spanish-language album clinched Album of the Year. Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year, delivering a powerful message. Despite fan outcry, K-Pop artists once again left empty-handed.

Finance Commissions have reshaped central tax sharing by shifting focus from population and poverty to fiscal capacity, demographic performance, forest cover, and GDP contribution. While income distance remains key, its weight has decreased, with population criteria evolving and new measures like GDP contribution being introduced, reflecting a balance between equity and efficiency in resource allocation.

The Union Budget 2026 aims to balance growth, stability, and reform, offering compliance-friendly measures and targeted tax tweaks for taxpayers. While easing procedures and extending benefits for investors, it also tightens rules in select areas. Consumers receive relief on essential medical items, and businesses benefit from simplified customs, though some duty exemptions are phasing out.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmarks, opened flat in trade on Monday, a day after 2% crash on Budget’s hike in STT on futures and options. While Nifty50 went below 24,800, BSE Sensex was down over 100 points.