JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 993

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced February 1 that the Union Budget will allocate Rs 20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage technologies and will support dedicated rare earth corridors in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The measures aim to scale industrial readiness for CCUS and to promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing of critical minerals, including permanent magnets. States proposed corridor plans and allocations — Kerala proposing a Vizhinjam–Chavara link and Andhra Pradesh earmarking coastal hectares — and central support will include technology and policy facilitation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States weather services reported notable regional temperature swings on Sunday with dangerously cold conditions in parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, while the Midwest and Mountain West warmed toward seasonal norms. Local offices issued warnings including an Extreme Cold Warning in Birmingham where wind chills fell to single-digit values. Lake-effect snow ended near Chicago, then gave way to sun and milder readings. Washington experienced blustery conditions and gusts near 40 mph behind a nor-easter, and Denver reported unseasonably mild, sunny afternoons with highs near 60. Forecasts show brief light snow chances. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Fort Worth, Texas — Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican Texas Senate district that President Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024. Rehmet, a veteran and labor union leader, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by 14 percentage points after county officials tallied almost all ballots. Unofficial early and mail-in returns gave Rehmet 56% of the vote. The victory allows Rehmet to serve until early January and requires him to win the November general election to retain the seat. Democrats cited the result as evidence of voter mobilization. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump said Saturday that India has agreed to buy Venezuelan oil, shifting purchases away from Iran, and invited China to do likewise. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States accepted Venezuela's offer of 50 million barrels valued at about $5.2 billion. He repeated that a deal concept exists but New Delhi had not confirmed the arrangement. U.S. officials have discussed resuming Venezuelan oil sales to replace some Russian imports, citing efforts to cut energy revenue funding for Russia's war. Officials cited diplomatic consultations with partners. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Elkland, Pennsylvania, municipal officials issued a boil-water advisory after a Jan. 31 water main break caused loss of positive pressure and risked contamination; the advisory superseded a Jan. 29 elevated-manganese warning. This week, similar advisories were issued in Atoka (Tenn.), Youngstown (Ohio), Maitland (Fla.) and Williamson (N.Y.) following leaks, mechanical failures, pressure drops or intake freezing. Officials advised boiling water one minute or using bottled water, restricting use for infants, and awaiting laboratory testing; advisories will remain until testing confirms safety or consecutive days of passing samples. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research. Local health departments and utilities issued public notifications promptly.

Washington — President Trump said Saturday he ordered the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Noem not to intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities unless local officials request federal assistance or federal property is threatened. He directed ICE and Border Patrol to protect federal buildings and act forcefully when properties are attacked. The statement followed weeks of unrest, federal deployments in several cities, and the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during immigration enforcement operations that prompted scrutiny, video verification. Nationwide "ICE Out" demonstrations continued this weekend in response to enforcement actions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States: Fire departments responded to multiple residential fires this week that displaced residents and caused structural damage across small cities and towns. Crews in Athens, Grimes, Milwaukee, Ansonia, New Haven and Smyrna extinguished blazes, conducted searches, and secured scenes between Friday night and early Sunday morning. Authorities reported no fatalities or firefighter injuries; several households required temporary shelter. Investigations are ongoing into causes including a woodstove and possible electrical or chimney-related origins. Mutual aid units assisted where needed, and officials urged inspections of heating appliances during cold weather and community preparedness. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — The Transportation Security Administration began enforcing a $45 identity‑verification charge on Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers lacking a Real ID, passport, or other accepted identification. TSA implemented the fee through its TSA ConfirmID system, which grants a 10‑day verification window; passengers may pay online in advance or register at airports and must present a receipt to proceed to screening. TSA says about 94% of travelers already carry acceptable ID. New signage with QR codes posted. Officials criticized the charge; TSA cautions payment does not guarantee boarding if identity remains unverifiable. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MINNEAPOLIS, A federal judge on Saturday denied a preliminary injunction that sought to stop an immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota and the Twin Cities as a lawsuit proceeds. The suit, filed this month by state Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, contends the Department of Homeland Security violated constitutional protections, including the 10th Amendment. The Justice Department called the case legally frivolous. Federal officials say the operation, called Operation Metro Surge, aims to remove criminal immigrants from streets; federal officers have shot two people in January. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil emerged at Gobbler's Knob on Monday, and his handlers announced he saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. Tens of thousands of people attended the annual event, which dates to 1887 and expanded after the 1993 film Groundhog Day. Organizers staged multi-day festivities and ceremonial remarks while handlers translated Phil's behavior into a forecast. Local and state figures appeared on the stage during the ceremony. Media outlets reported the announcement and described the ritual and its traditions. And officials encouraged safe attendance amid cold weather conditions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.