February 1, 2026

US Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old and Father from ICE Detention in Texas

A US judge has ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from a Texas detention center following national outrage. The judge condemned the immigration system's harsh practices as cruel and chaotic.

February 1, 2026

US, EU, UK, Japan and Allies Meet in Washington to Strengthen Critical Minerals Alliance Against China

Ministers from the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia and New Zealand gather in Washington to build a strategic alliance on critical minerals. The talks aim to reduce reliance on China, create supply chain security, and push price and investment support.

February 1, 2026

India to Open 20 New National Waterways in Next 5 Years: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces 20 new national waterways and a coastal cargo scheme to boost India's shipping in her 2026 Budget speech. New freight corridors and training institutes also planned.

February 1, 2026

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Proposes Rare Earth Corridors in Four Mineral-Rich States to Boost India’s Magnet Supply

In Budget 2026, FM Sitharaman announces support for Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to build rare earth corridors. This move aims to secure India’s rare earth magnets and reduce China dependence.

February 1, 2026

FM Sitharaman Launches Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to Boost Khadi and Handicrafts

On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi and handicrafts. The move aims to help weavers and youth, as the Khadi and Village Industries Commission targets ₹2 lakh crore turnover. Sitharaman also presented the 16th Finance Commission report in her ninth budget.