Times of India Digest

Daily News • Thursday, 5 February 2026

Brooklyn Beckham removes ‘Dad’ arm tattoo dedicated to David Beckham amid public fallout

Brooklyn Beckham has visibly escalated his estrangement from his family by removing tattoos honoring his parents, covering “Dad” on his arm and replacing his “mama’s boy” chest tattoo with a floral design. The changes, alongside his public statements about family tensions, mark a clear break from tradition, making his body art a striking symbol of his rift with Victoria and David Beckham.

KSI admits he was “washed” on YouTube after struggling to hit one million views

British creator KSI openly admitted to a difficult period on YouTube in mid-2025, where his videos struggled to reach one million views, leading him to feel “fallen off.” Despite external successes, he recommitted to the platform, and his main channel has since seen view counts surpass the one million mark, indicating a gradual comeback.

TheBurntPeanut’s rapid Twitch rise sparks viewbotting accusations on social media

Twitch streamer TheBurntPeanut is facing accusations of viewbotting following a rapid surge in viewership, with some streams attracting tens of thousands of viewers. Critics point to unusual viewership patterns and low chat activity as evidence, while supporters attribute the growth to successful social media content. The debate continues as no official statements have been made.

NATO wargame shows Russia conquers the Baltics in days as US holds back and Europe hesitates

A German-led wargame suggests Russia could secure key objectives in the Baltics within days by exploiting alliance hesitation and political ambiguity. A simulated incursion into southern Lithuania showed Nato members delaying military responses, allowing Moscow to establish control without major escalation. The exercise highlights how decision-making dynamics and expectations, rather than force alone, could shape outcomes in a future crisis.

YouTube reveals $60 billion revenue in 2025, surpassing Netflix for the first time

YouTube has officially revealed its impressive financial performance, generating over $60 billion in revenue for 2025 through advertising and paid subscriptions. This significant figure surpasses Netflix and highlights YouTube’s evolution into a dominant global media powerhouse. The platform’s growth is fueled by increasing viewer engagement and a strong performance from its subscription services.

‘Importing radical Islam will destroy America’: Texas congressman Brandon Gill warns of ‘consequences like Europe’

Texas lawmaker Brandon Gill’s viral speech linking immigration to radical Islam and citing Europe’s challenges sparked fierce online debate. He warned of security and social threats, drawing parallels to European integration issues. Supporters lauded his stance on national security, while critics accused him of conflating Islam with extremism and ignoring Muslim history in America.

Epstein Files: New email shows Ghislaine Maxwell explains controversial photo of Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre

Newly released US justice records reveal a 2015 draft email in which Ghislaine Maxwell set out her account of the disputed photograph linking Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre. The document, exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein as allegations intensified, contradicts earlier denials, fuels scrutiny of Andrew’s account, and has been seized on by Giuffre’s family as vindication after years of dispute.

Protego: How JK Rowling denied entry to Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein was denied entry to the 2018 Broadway premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, despite intermediaries securing tickets. Justice Department files reveal he was never on the official guest list and event staff turned him away. JK Rowling, who had no contact with Epstein, was falsely accused of inviting him.

‘Not American enough’: Vivek Ramaswamy faces backlash over daughter’s ‘Hindu’ name Savithri

Ohio Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faced online criticism for his daughter Savithri’s name, deemed ‘un-American’ by some. The Sanskrit name, rooted in Hindu tradition, sparked debate on cultural identity and assimilation. Supporters defended the choice, highlighting America’s diverse naming heritage, while detractors expressed xenophobic sentiments. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in American identity politics.

Explained: Why Epstein emails have become a ticking time bomb for Keir Starmer

The immediate spark was Starmer’s decision to publicly apologise to Epstein’s victims for appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. The apology was unprecedented. A sitting prime minister saying sorry not for something he personally did, but for something he authorised, knowing it would reopen trauma for victims of one of the most notorious abusers of modern times.

Kuwait announces shorter working hours for government employees during Ramadan 2026

Kuwaiti government employees will now work a shorter four-and-a-half-hour day during Ramadan, with flexible start times between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. This new framework, approved by the Civil Service Commission, aims to balance public service continuity with employee well-being during the fasting month. The flexible arrangement will be an annual practice.