Times of India Digest

Daily News • Saturday, 31 January 2026

UAE to host six major international summits and events in February

The UAE is set to host six major international events throughout February, attracting thousands of leaders and experts. These gatherings span governance, tolerance, education, digital trade, healthcare innovation, and global sport, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key hub for international dialogue and large-scale events.

UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for February 2026

Fuel prices in the UAE will be lower in February 2026. Motorists will pay less for Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 petrol. Diesel prices also see a reduction. These new rates take effect from February 1, 2026. The changes reflect global oil market movements. This offers marginal savings for drivers and commercial users.

Qatar Airways launches QVerse Island, virtual Doha experience in Fortnite

Qatar Airways has launched QVerse Island in Fortnite, a virtual representation of Doha designed to inspire travel. Players explore iconic landmarks and complete missions, with opportunities to win real flights and rewards. This initiative leverages gaming to engage potential travelers early in their planning process.

Saudi Arabia explains criteria for appointing non-Saudis as general managers

Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform has clarified a recent change. Non-Saudi nationals can still be appointed as general managers. This is permitted if the job title is officially recorded in the company’s commercial registration. The change was procedural, not a policy shift. This ensures consistency between employment contracts and official business details.

Visa-free travel to China for 30 days? New agreement announced for UK travellers after Keir Starmer’s Beijing trip

China will allow British citizens visa-free entry for 30 days for tourism and business. This significant agreement was announced during Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing. The move aims to boost people-to-people ties and facilitate easier travel for tourists and business leaders. This development signals a potential reset in bilateral relations between the UK and China.

Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir ‘quitely’ visited countries to seek loans for Pakistan; paid with ‘lowered self-esteem’

Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed a difficult truth. He and Army Chief Asim Munir sought billions in loans from friendly nations. This was done quietly to bridge the country’s external financing gap. Sharif acknowledged the compromises involved in seeking such aid. China was a key supporter. Pakistan has a history of relying on the IMF for financial support.

Landslide leads to mine collapse in Congo; over 200 killed

A devastating landslide caused a mine collapse in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 200 people, including miners, children, and market women, lost their lives. The incident occurred at a coltan mine, a vital source for global technology. Authorities are still assessing the exact casualty count. The collapse is attributed to heavy seasonal rains weakening the ground.

Trump administration to add roughly 65,000 H-2B guest worker visas this year

The Trump administration is releasing an additional 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas, nearly doubling the annual allocation. This move aims to alleviate financial hardship for businesses in sectors like hospitality and construction, which have reported labor shortages. The decision comes amidst broader immigration policies and follows similar visa expansions under previous administrations.

Epstein files: US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick planned visit to Jeffrey’s private island

Newly released Justice Department documents reveal Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick planned a 2012 visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, years after claiming to have severed ties. Lutnick inquired about visiting Epstein’s island for a meal with his family and another family. The documents also indicate continued contact and shared interests between Lutnick and Epstein in later years.

‘Dear G’: Is Melania Trump mentioned in the Epstein files, and who is ‘G’?

Newly released Jeffrey Epstein investigation files reveal alleged email exchanges between Ghislaine Maxwell and Melania Trump from 2002. The correspondence, predating her marriage to Donald Trump, discusses a New York magazine story and travel plans. Neither the Trumps have been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case.

Who is Linwei Ding? Ex-Google engineer convicted of stealing US AI trade secrets for China

A former Google engineer, Linwei Ding, has been convicted of stealing sensitive AI trade secrets, a case highlighting economic espionage concerns. Prosecutors revealed Ding transferred confidential data on Google’s AI infrastructure to benefit China-linked firms. This verdict underscores the critical need to protect American technological leadership amid global competition.

Epstein Files: Justice department temporarily removes document related to Trump and Jeffrey

The Justice Department briefly released and re-published a file containing FBI complaint summaries mentioning Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. These unverified complaints, some dating back 35 years, also referenced Bill Clinton and Lisa Marie Presley. Notably, some complainants provided no contact details, and one email indicated second-hand information was included.