February 4, 2026 - The Lucknow Tribune

Is Nuclear Testing Now Necessary for Iran?

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

New Delhi | Recent geopolitical developments have reignited a global debate over Iran’s strategic options in an increasingly volatile world order. The controversial US military action in Venezuela—reportedly involving the forcible transfer of President Nicolás Maduro to New York—has shocked the international community and raised serious questions about sovereignty, international law and the future balance of global power. Critics argue that such actions signal a shift toward unilateralism, where military and economic power override diplomatic norms. Against this backdrop, fears are growing that similar pressure tactics could be extended to countries…

Ranveer–Deepika’s Magic Casts a Spell in New York

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Mumbai : Whenever Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone step out together, cameras instinctively follow—and this time was no exception. The power couple recently attended the wedding of Deepika’s close friend in New York, and pictures from the early January celebrations are now taking social media by storm. Away from the usual spotlight yet radiating effortless stardom, the duo once again redefined “couple goals” with their charm, warmth and undeniable chemistry. Ranveer Singh stood out in a midnight blue velvet suit, carrying his signature flamboyance with confidence. Paired with a matching…

ICC Warns PCB Against Boycotting T20 World Cup Match Against India

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Islamabad: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a strong warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Pakistan government’s announcement to boycott the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup group match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The global cricket body cautioned that such a decision could have serious long-term consequences for cricket in Pakistan and may impact the wider international cricket ecosystem. Reacting to the development, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla told ANI that the ICC has emphasized the spirit of the game in its statement. “The…

Jaishankar Meets Rubio in Washington, Signals Deeper India–US Strategic Shift

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Washington, DC: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, marking another step in the accelerating strategic and economic convergence between India and the United States. The meeting took place on the eve of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, a major international gathering hosted by the US that will bring together representatives from more than 50 countries. The ministerial is aimed at strengthening cooperation on securing, diversifying, and stabilising global supply chains for critical minerals essential to modern economies…

Russia Reworks Su-57E Offer for India with ‘Make in India’ Push, Cost Concerns Remain

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

New Delhi: Russia is stepping up efforts to position its Su-57 stealth fighter as a contender for the Indian Air Force (IAF), reshaping its export proposal to align closely with India’s “Make in India” and localisation priorities, according to international defence media reports. The revised offer focuses on a customised Su-57E variant that would incorporate significant participation from Indian industry and integrate indigenous subsystems. This represents a notable departure from Russia’s earlier export approach, under which the aircraft was marketed largely in a standard, non-customisable configuration. Nearly ten years ago,…

Private Sector Moves Ahead as HAL Exits India’s AMCA Stealth Fighter Programme

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

New Delhi: India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has entered a new phase, with private sector consortia moving ahead while state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been excluded from the prototype development race, according to officials familiar with the matter. The decision marks the first instance in which HAL will not participate in one of India’s most critical indigenous combat aircraft projects. The move signals a significant shift in defence manufacturing policy, with greater reliance on private industry for complex aerospace programmes. Sources indicated that the Defence Research…

World’s Largest Khadi Tricolour Unfurled at Rann of Kutch

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Bhuj: A historic display of patriotism and indigenous pride unfolded at the Great Rann of Kutch on India’s 77th Republic Day, as the world’s largest Khadi-made national flag was unfurled with full military honours in the border district of Bhuj, Gujarat. The monumental Tricolour was displayed at Dhordo, transforming the vast white salt desert into a powerful symbol of national unity, self-reliance, and India’s cultural heritage. The event was organised by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India.…

World Bank Ranks India Among Top Five Nations for Private Infrastructure Investment

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Lucknow: The World Bank has ranked India among the top five countries globally for private investment in infrastructure among low- and middle-income economies, highlighting the country’s rapid transformation driven by sustained public spending, policy reforms, and public-private partnerships. Presenting the Economic Survey 2025–26 in Parliament, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman stated that infrastructure continues to remain at the core of India’s development strategy. Since FY2015, public capital expenditure has recorded consistent growth, largely driven by the institutionalisation of multimodal planning through PM Gati Shakti, along with…

NICE DT–2026 Opens with Grandeur in Gorakhpur, Brings Together Leaders from Education, Industry and Governance

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Gorakhpur | The fourth edition of NICEDT–2026 (NIELIT’s International Conference on Communication, Electronics & Digital Technologies) was inaugurated with great enthusiasm in Gorakhpur on Wednesday. Organised under the aegis of NIELIT Gorakhpur, the two-day international conference is being held at Courtyard by Marriott, Ramgarh Tal, and has emerged as a major global platform for dialogue on cutting-edge research, innovation and future pathways in communication, electronics and digital technologies. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Alokesh Sharma, IAS (Retd.), Member, Public Enterprises Selection Board, who formally inaugurated the conference as the Chief…

Historic Rail Budget Boost in Union Budget 2026–27: Over ₹92,000 Crore Projects Approved for Uttar Pradesh, Bullet Trains Get Green Signal

February 4, 2026 Arijit Bose

Lucknow | The Union Budget 2026–27 has delivered a historic push to railway infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, with projects worth over ₹92,000 crore approved or currently underway, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday. Addressing a press conference, the Railway Minister said Uttar Pradesh has received the highest-ever allocation for railway projects in the state’s history. A provision of ₹20,012 crore has been made specifically for railway-related works in Uttar Pradesh in the 2026–27 budget, giving fresh momentum to connectivity,…