A US judge on Friday barred prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down a health insurance CEO in New York in December 2024.
Mangione faces life in prison without parole if convicted of the stalking charges. The federal trial is to begin with jury selection on September 8. (Reuters)
The judge dismissed two charges against Mangione that could carry the death penalty: murder and using a gun with a silencer. The 27-year-old suspect is still charged with two counts of stalking in his federal case, and faces state-level murder charges.
Friday’s decision “is solely to foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury,” Judge Margaret Garnett wrote in a court filing.
Mangione faces life in prison without parole if convicted of the stalking charges. The federal trial is to begin with jury selection on September 8.
The murder of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson, captured on surveillance video, shocked the United States and exposed public anger with the profit-driven private healthcare system.
Mangione was arrested five days after the killing at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, some 230 miles (370 kilometers) from the crime scene, following a tip from a staff member.
In another significant ruling Friday, Garnett rejected Mangione’s lawyers’ efforts to suppress as evidence the police search of a backpack recovered at the time of his arrest.
The Economic Survey, unlike the Union Budget which will be presented on Sunday, is not a binding document for the government. It is best read and understood as a glimpse into the overall philosophy which guides economic policy making of which the budget is just a part. And it is also the document that projects real growth; the budget usually doesn’t, although it does give a nominal growth projection. On that front, the Economic Survey 2025-26 has only good news: a 6.8-7.2% GDP growth in 2026-27, and an upward revision in India’s potential growth in the medium term from 6.5% to 7%.
Policy dynamism and purposeful, governance reinforce this backdrop” CEA V Anantha Nageswaran writes in his preface to the survey, (PTI)
Directionally, the economic survey calls for waking up and smelling the coffee rather than either patting oneself on the back or being unnecessary alarmist. The survey’s overall direction is best described by its clarion call for “strategic sobriety and not defensive pessimism” in a world which is expected to stay turbulent under the best assumptions in the foreseeable future.
That the survey has put a ship full of containers (read exports) on its cover while reviewing a year which saw India’s largest export market (US) impose 50% tariffs on it is a clear declaration of intent that the way forward will not be inward looking. That it explicitly states that “stability, prudence, and democratic legitimacy (on part of the state) remain indispensable, but they are no longer sufficient on their own”, and describes the year 2025 as marking a paradox where “India’s strongest macroeconomic performance in decades collided with a global system that no longer rewards macroeconomic success with currency stability, capital inflows, or strategic insulation”, is a clear admission that policies which were desirable and good for India’s economic aspirations in the past are not going to be enough in the future.
Juxtaposed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on Thursday, about India being on the “reforms express”, this suggests that the underlying theme of Union Budget 2026-27 could be radical reforms of the sort required to make India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Indeed, almost every section of the economic survey ends with a note on what needs to be done in that area towards achieving this objective. Separate chapters on building institutional capacity, tapping AI, and building competitive cities emphasize the importance of these.
A strong economy…
The reason for this larger pivot is not adverse developments in the domestic economy. In fact, the survey consistently and comprehensively underlines what it sees as a structural and not merely a cyclical strengthening of the Indian economy over the past few years. It has made an upward revision of India’s potential growth from 6.5% to 7%. It has projected a real GDP growth rate of 6.8%-7.2% for 2026-27, where the outlook is “one of steady growth amid global uncertainty, requiring caution, but not pessimism”. “Growth is good; the outlook remains favourable; inflation is contained; rainfall and agricultural prospects are supportive; external liabilities are low; banks are healthy; liquidity conditions are comfortable; credit growth is respectable; corporate balance sheets are strong; and the overall flow of funds to the commercial sector is robust. Policy dynamism and purposeful, governance reinforce this backdrop” Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran writes in his preface to the survey underlining the inherent strengths of the domestic economy.
The survey also highlights the reforms undertaken in the last year, which, it is not shy to admit, were catalysed by the “surprise” of the US imposing additional tariffs on Indian rather than the belief even within the government of India being “one of the early winners in the new tariff regime of the United States”. Among the key reforms it has flagged are things such as rationalisation of GST rates, implementation of labour codes, raising of FDI limits in sectors such as insurance and opening up of the nuclear power sector to foreign players.
To be sure, the survey gives anything but a sense of complacency on the reform front. “India’s most consequential constraint today is no longer the absence of policy intent, ideas, or resources, but the incentive structures within institutions that shape how decisions are taken under uncertainty”, it says, while asking for a radical change in how policy is made and implemented to create, what it has described as an entrepreneurial state. “Political leadership must set direction and articulate priorities. Bureaucracies must discover pathways, solve problems, and adapt instruments. Institutions must absorb error without collapsing into either paralysis or permissiveness” rather than a situation where “politicians drift into populism while bureaucracies drift into insularity, the survey describes as the ideal policy making apparatus.
Where the survey clearly hands out a ‘’brace for impact “ warning is the external economic and geopolitical environment. Here the CEA only sees things as being as bad as they are (Scenario I), becoming worse (Scenario II) or mutating into a proverbial economic Armageddon of sorts (Scenario III). The third is just about half less likely (10-20% probability) than the first two (40-45% probability). Scenario I, the best-case assumption, has been described as “business as in 2025“ but “one that becomes increasingly less secure and more fragile” thanks to episodic financial stress, trade frictions and geopolitical tensions falling short of a systemic collapse but adding to volatility where the world will have to live with “managed disorder” rather than stability.
Scenario II is the fear generated by the first crossing a threshold where “disorderly multipolar breakdown rises materially…policy becomes more nationalised, and countries face sharper trade-offs between autonomy, growth, and stability”. Clearly the Survey has Donald Trump following up on all his tariff threats on social media.
The worst-case scenario draws on the “possibility that financial stress events are transmitted across borders with fewer buffers in place…involving the risk of a systemic shock cascade in which financial, technological, and geopolitical stresses amplify one another rather than unfolding independently”. In simple language, this envisages the perfect storm of geopolitical tensions, growing fiscal stress in advanced economies and what increasingly looks like a huge bubble in AI related technologies. If this happens, the “macroeconomic consequences could be worse than those of the 2008 global financial crisis” the CEA warns.
The CEA’s preface also seeks to nudge policy towards choosing the path of enduring good rather than fleeting comfort, evoking comments attributed to Yama, the god of death in the Katha Upnishad, an ancient Hindu scripture. “Against today’s global churn, India must choose to build resilience, innovate relentlessly, and stay the course toward Viksit Bharat, rather than seek quick fixes to visible, short-term pressures.” All eyes will now be on the budget to see how this larger philosophy is translated into action.
Stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially when they quietly build into everyday life. While medication can be essential for some, not every spike in anxiety requires a prescription. In many cases, daily routines – from poor sleep and irregular meals to constant screen exposure – can unknowingly fuel symptoms. The good news is that small, intentional lifestyle changes can help restore balance, calm the nervous system, and ease anxiety from within.
Living with constant stress and anxiety can take a toll on your health. (Unsplash)
Dr Kunal Sood, anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, has outlined six simple daily habits and lifestyle changes that can help lower stress levels and ease anxiety over time. In an Instagram video shared on January 28, the physician points out, “Anxiety often calms when circadian rhythm, blood sugar, sleep, movement, and stimulation are brought back into balance.”
Morning sunlight
According to Dr Sood, early daylight is a powerful circadian cue that helps rest the sleep-wake cycle. He explains, “Morning light stabilises the sleep-wake cycle, improves melatonin timing, and is linked to better mood and lower anxiety symptoms. Studies show early light exposure improves positive mood and reduces anxiety risk.”
Regular meals
Skipping meals can trigger anxiety due to imbalances in hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Dr Sood highlights, “Long gaps between meals can trigger stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, producing shakiness, palpitations, and anxiety-like symptoms. Consistent meal timing supports blood sugar stability and is associated with lower anxiety prevalence.”
Quality sleep
The physician emphasises that getting adequate sleep every day is very important because it helps with emotional regulation, while lack of sleep can raise the risk of anxiety. He explains, “Poor sleep increases amygdala reactivity and weakens emotional regulation. Meta-analyses show improving sleep quality produces meaningful reductions in anxiety, while short or fragmented sleep raises anxiety risk.”
Lower caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that acts on the nervous system and can heighten anxiety symptoms – often intensifying jitters, restlessness, and panic in those already prone to anxiety. Dr Sood elaborates, “Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can worsen jitteriness, racing thoughts, and panic in sensitive individuals. Higher doses are linked to increased anxiety symptoms, and reducing intake often improves anxiety and sleep.”
Movement breaks
Taking short breaks for light physical activity can interrupt the cycle of muscle tension and anxiety, helping to lift mood and restore calm far more effectively than prolonged sitting. The physician highlights, “Short bouts of movement reduce muscle tension, improve vagal tone, and lower anxious arousal. Even 10 minutes of walking has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety compared with sitting.”
Digital boundaries
According to Dr Sood, excessive screen time – particularly prolonged social media use – is closely linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety. He explains, “Heavy screen and social media use is associated with higher anxiety and stress. Limiting notifications, reducing late-night screens, and creating tech-free periods are linked to improved mental well-being and sleep quality.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unidentified liquid during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. The suspect, identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, was taken into custody and charged with third-degree assault.
Suspect Anthony Kazmierczak shouts at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying an unidentified liquid in her direction, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, (REUTERS)
The incident occurred while she was addressing a gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota, about the ongoing protests against ICE.
Details regarding Anthony Kazmierczak continue to surface after Tuesday’s attack. However, a neighbor told the New York Post that he is a “pretty conservative guy” who “doesn’t like Omar.”
According to Brian Kelly, Kazmierczak had requested him to look after his dog as he was going to attend the event.
“He said, ‘I’m going to this Omar thing.’ I’m like, Omar what? He said ‘This town hall thing.’ And he said, ‘I might get arrested,’” she told the POST. “I figured it was nonsense. He wasn’t going to do anything stupid.”
Kelly mentioned that Kazmierczak is “heavily medicated” due to a car accident that impacted his spine nine years prior and that he suffers from Parkinson’s disease.
Anthony Kazmierczak’s social media profile and DUI convictions
Kazmierczak has previously shared political content on social media through a profile named ‘Andy’, which includes critiques of the Biden administration, the UK Independent reported.
Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk last September, he altered his Facebook profile picture to feature Donald Trump at a Turning Point USA event, and subsequently, his widow, Erika Kirk.
In 2022, he also posted a message attributing ‘rampant crime’ in Minnesota to attorney general Keith Ellison, urging for his removal.
Additional posts depict Kazmierczak with his dog, one of which includes the Israeli flag, as well as posts that seem to endorse the conflict in Ukraine.
He has two previous DUI convictions, according to court documents examined by CNN. He even got married and divorce twice.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, on the occasion of its 68th Foundation Day, released its first-ever ‘Alumni Impact Report’, a comprehensive document highlighting the journey and contributions of its over 65,000 alumni since the institute’s inception.
IIT-Delhi looks back on 65-year journey on Foundation Day
Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, said, “The Alumni Impact Report released by the Institute underscores how, for over 65 years, IIT Delhi graduates have transformed from students into global leaders, pioneering entrepreneurs, and dedicated public servants, creating profound economic and social footprints worldwide.”
“According to the report, approximately 10,000 IIT Delhi alumni currently occupy leadership positions in Banking and Finance, Manufacturing and Engineering industry. 70% of these alumni are based in India. More than 1,000 alumni sit in the Boardrooms of large and diverse corporate systems,” Banerjee highlighted.
An official from IIT Delhi shared, “From its early years to its current status as a global leader in technical education, IIT Delhi has been a primary engine for the global “Unicorn” ecosystem. The report highlights a staggering 2,500 founders and co-founders who have emerged from the Institute.”
The report also highlights the success of the “IIT Delhi Endowment Fund”, built entirely through the contributions of the alumni, which has facilitated scholarships for students and research facilities.
“The fund provides the Institute with the strategic flexibility to invest in research and infrastructure independently. Currently, the fund has recorded INR 477 Crore in pledges, with INR 338 Crore already realized. It has allowed development of state-of-the-art facilities like the Mittal Sports Complex, the Yardi School of AI, and the CERCA center for climate research,” the offi
“From 150 alumni in 1966 to 65,000 today, our graduates remain the heartbeat of India’s technological and social progress, said Banerjee.
In one of the largest cluster redevelopment projects, 53 housing societies in Mumbai’s Kandivali area are planning to come together to redevelop their 26-year-old housing complex. The housing complex is located in the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) layout and was built by MHADA in 2000.
Mumbai redevelopment news: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Complex in Kandivali, spread over 12 acres, comprises 53 housing societies and houses 3,488 families in 225 sq ft apartments each. (HT Photo )
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Complex in Kandivali, spread over 12 acres, comprises 53 housing societies and houses 3,488 families in 225 sq ft apartments each.
What is cluster development?
Cluster development is an urban redevelopment approach where multiple adjoining buildings or plots are combined and redeveloped as one large project. It allows better planning, improved infrastructure, wider roads, open spaces, and amenities, while enabling rehabilitation of existing residents and more efficient use of land in crowded cities.
Examples of cluster redevelopment in the Mumbai real estate market include, MHADA layouts like Motilal Nagar (Goregaon), Abhyudaya Nagar (Parel), Adarsh Nagar (Worli), Bandra Reclamation and GTB Nagar (Sion), Kamathipura. Several private housing societies also undergo cluster redevelopment.
Why are 26-year-old buildings undergoing redevelopment?
According to residents, the buildings are in dilapidated condition. The structural deterioration is compounded by severe infrastructural deficits. The internal road network is “extremely narrow,” creating daily gridlock and fundamentally compromising resident access and safety in a layout of this density.
As a result, the residents of 53 housing societies are planning to come together to undergo redevelopment.
“We recently conducted a meeting, and our current status is that out of 53 housing societies, 34 housing societies are in favour of the redevelopment, and 19 are still under discussion. We hope to get all the housing societies on board. However, as per the cluster norms, we need a majority of 60% housing societies, which we have, but are hopeful that all the societies will come together,” Sachin Chavan, secretary of one of the building societies and a committee member looking after the redevelopment, told Hindustan Times Real Estate.
According to Chavan, under current norms, as many as 3,488 homeowners reside in 225 sq ft apartments, and post-redevelopment, they can get a 610 sq ft apartment. “The developer will get to construct another 3,488 apartments, which is equivalent to FSI to be sold in the open market, from which he can generate profit for our rehabilitation,” Chavan said.
The committee is preparing tender documents for the redevelopment and has already appointed a project management consultant. Chavan said the tender for redevelopment is expected to be floated after February 15.
According to the minutes of the meeting (MoM), of the redevelopment committee, the residents want a 610 sq ft (Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act) MOFA carpet area for each residential unit, along with a monthly rent of ₹25,000 in the first year, ₹27,500 in the second year and ₹30,000 in the third year. The residents have also sought transportation charges of ₹10,000 per flat and a corpus fund of ₹1,000 per sq ft, amounting to ₹2.25 lakh per flat.
The tender should clearly specify flat planning, electrical fittings, plumbing and amenities, and include a mandatory bank guarantee from the developer as per MHADA norms. They have further insisted that the developer or contractor be a reputed entity, according to MoM.
What is an MHADA layout?
MHADA layout refers to large residential land parcels planned and developed by the MHADA in Mumbai.
These layouts typically include multiple old housing buildings, internal roads, and amenities, and are often taken up for cluster redevelopment to modernise infrastructure, increase housing stock, and rehabilitate residents.
