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Here is the top, trending news of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, including Indian politics, states' politics, geopolitics, federal issues, economics, development issues, sports, entertainment, and so on.
Read updates below.
Live Updates
- 4 Feb 2026 12:01 PM IST
Fadnavis has no right on NCP merger: Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday (February 4) said that talks about a possible merger of the two NCP factions were held only between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil, and did not involve Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Speaking at a press conference in Baramati, Pawar said he was happy that Sunetra Pawar had been sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister following Ajit Pawar’s death. He said the party’s immediate priority was to support family members and others affected by the tragedy, adding that there were currently no discussions on political decisions.
Ajit Pawar, 66, died on January 28 when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Sunetra Pawar, his widow, took over the post that fell vacant after his death.
Pawar also said he missed Parliament on Budget Day for the first time in 58 years due to a family incident and warned that the Union Budget could pose difficulties for common people. He further expressed concern over the India-US trade deal, saying its impact on Indian farmers needed closer scrutiny.
- 4 Feb 2026 11:39 AM IST
Sabarimala gold loss case: Unnikrishnan Potty gets bail
A Kerala court granted statutory bail to Unnikrishnan Potty in the second Sabarimala gold loss case, paving the way for his release.
- 4 Feb 2026 11:36 AM IST
Indian national convicted for sexual assault during flight
An Indian national has been convicted on charges of abusive sexual contact and assault onboard a flight.
Varun Arora, 38 is present in the United States without lawful status. He faces up to two years in prison when sentenced in May.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in August 2024, during final approach on a flight from Rhode Island international airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a passenger awoke to find Arora sexually groping her. Arora, who was wearing a sleep mask, pretended to be asleep as he continued to place his hand on the victim despite her repeatedly removing his hand.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
- 4 Feb 2026 11:25 AM IST
Congress MPs protest holding 'PM is compromised' poster
Congress MPs protest on the stairs of Parliament.
- 4 Feb 2026 11:19 AM IST
BJP leader Annamalai steps down from party position
Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has decided to step down from his responsibility as an election in-charge of six Assembly constituencies in the poll-bound Tamil Nadu, citing his father's health condition.
While talking to the media on February 3, he said that he informed Tamil Nadu BJP leadership about his decision.
"I have made a request to them, including TN BJP President Nainar Nagendran about my inability as I have to be with my father. I have to take care of my father, who is under dialysis. I consider it my first duty. I have told them (the BJP leadership) that I cannot take up travel this time. I hope the party will accept and will reallocate them (constituencies assigned to him) to others," he said.
Annamalai was appointed as the election in-charge for Assembly constituencies - Singanallur, Virugambakkam (Chennai), Karaikudi, Srivaikuntam, Madurai (South) and Padmanabhapuram (Kanniyakumari) in Tamil Nadu.
- 4 Feb 2026 11:07 AM IST
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon following vociferous protests by Opposition members over various issues.
- 4 Feb 2026 10:59 AM IST
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demands details on US-India trade deal
36 hours have passed since President Trump said that the India-US trade deal was being announced and coming into effect immediately at Mr. Modi’s request. Spin doctors are at work, but we still don’t have any details on the deal - although it is clear that India has made…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 4, 2026 - 4 Feb 2026 10:55 AM IST
Passengers stranded at Chennai airport as Mumbai flight cancelled
Passengers were left stranded at the airport in Chennai as a Mumbai-bound private air carrier was cancelled ahead of its journey, airport authorities said on Wednesday (February 4).
Some of the passengers who had connecting flights from Mumbai to other destinations decided to book other flights on their own in order to continue their journey.
According to airport authorities, the passengers had come to the airport around 6 am on Wednesday to board the flight scheduled for departure at 8.45 am to Mumbai.
However, it was announced that the flight has been cancelled, they said.
According to the airline's Wednesday flight status update, the Mumbai service has been cancelled. On the website, the private air carrier did not disclose the reason yet for the disruption in the service.
Since passengers were not aware of the development, they were left stranded at the airport and had to take up other alternative measures, sources in Airport said.
- 4 Feb 2026 10:53 AM IST
Kolkata court grants bail to Park Street waiter embroiled in meat controversy
A court in Kolkata granted bail to the waiter of the iconic Park Street restaurant who was arrested after allegedly serving beef steak instead of mutton to a content creator.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Kolkata, granted bail to Sheikh Nasimuddin, who was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments.
Nasimuddin was in judicial remand after being arrested on Saturday. He was produced before the court through the virtual mode on Tuesday.
His lawyer prayed for bail, submitting that there was no new development in the probe, while the prosecution opposed the bail plea.
The CJM, after hearing both parties, granted bail to Nasimuddin, whose family, hailing from Odisha, have been working at Olypub for two generations.
Content creator Sayak Chakraborty posted a video alleging that he and two of his friends were served beef steak when they had ordered mutton steak at Olypub, triggering a massive controversy.
- 4 Feb 2026 10:35 AM IST
SIR hearing: Mamata reaches Supreme Court
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the Supreme Court ahead of the hearing on her plea against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
