Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has been named a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal in the 2026 Republic Day honours list. She was recognised for distinguished service, particularly her role briefing on Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack.

A private Bombardier jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport, Maine, amid a severe winter storm. Emergency crews responded immediately. The FAA and NTSB have launched investigations, while the airport remains closed.

A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank off the coast of Basilan in the southern Philippines. At least 15 people were killed, while over 300 were rescued. Search operations are ongoing as authorities probe the cause of the accident.

Ahead of Republic Day, Rajasthan Police seized around 10,000 kg of explosives, detonators, and fuse wires from a farmhouse in Nagaur district. One person was arrested, while security agencies launched a wider probe into the source and intended use.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house of parliament, triggering a snap election on February 8. The move aims to secure a stronger mandate amid economic pressures, rising inflation, and a fragile governing majority, just months after she took office.

A five-year-old boy was fatally hit by a speeding car inside Joy Nest housing society in Pune’s Loni Kalbhor area. CCTV footage captured the tragedy, prompting residents to demand stricter safety measures. Police have registered a case against the driver.

A senior Jaish‑e‑Mohammed commander, Usman, was killed in Kathua, J&K, during a joint police‑Army‑CRPF operation. Weapons were seized, and security forces continue to search the area. Locals welcomed the action, calling it a relief for the community’s safety.

Ten Army soldiers were killed and 11 injured after a military vehicle skidded off a mountainous road and plunged into a deep gorge near Khanni Top in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. Rescue operations were carried out by the Army and police.

Odisha police have detained nine individuals in connection with the January 4 attack on Pastor Bipin Naik in Dhenkanal. The pastor was beaten and humiliated during a prayer meeting amid forced-conversion allegations. Investigation is ongoing.

Senior IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar has been appointed the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi commissioner. A 1994-batch AGMUT cadre officer, he replaces Ashwani Kumar and returns to Delhi after serving in central deputation.