Frequent acidity could signal bigger gut trouble. Learn the risks of self-medicating and when to consult a gastroenterologist.
Acidity medicines give quick relief, but they don’t always address the real cause of the problem.
A strip of antacids in the bag, a proton pump inhibitor before bed, a quick chewable tablet after a heavy meal – for many Indians, acidity medication has become as routine as brushing their teeth. Heartburn shows up, a pill follows, and life moves on. But that fast relief can be misleading.
What feels like a minor digestive nuisance may actually be the body’s early warning system. And repeatedly silencing it, experts say, could allow deeper gut problems to develop unnoticed. “Acidity medicines like antacids and PPIs give quick relief, but they don’t always address the real cause of the problem. If someone keeps needing these medicines regularly, it may be a sign of an underlying gut issue,” says Dr. Abhinav Sharma, Director – Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur.
Echoing this concern, Dr. Shaswata Chatterjee, Gastroenterologist, CK Birla Hospitals-CMRI, Kolkata, adds, “Acidity is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Recurrent symptoms can be associated with conditions such as gastritis, H. pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, or GERD.”
Relief Vs. Root Cause
Acidity drugs are designed to reduce or neutralise stomach acid, which helps ease burning sensations and discomfort. The problem arises when these medications become a long-term habit rather than a short-term solution. By suppressing acid repeatedly, you may only be muting the signal while the disease continues in the background.
Dr. Sharma explains, “Persistent reliance on these medicines can temporarily silence the warning signs, but the disease continues quietly, potentially leading to complications such as nutrient deficiencies, infections, or worsening reflux.” In simpler terms, the pain may fade, but the problem doesn’t.
When ‘Acidity’ Isn’t Just Acidity
Chronic heartburn or bloating isn’t always caused by spicy food or late dinners. Doctors frequently see patients who self-treat for months, only to discover more complex conditions later. “In everyday practice, we are seeing a clear pattern. Many patients reach a gastroenterologist only after months of treating themselves. By that time, the burning sensation may have reduced with medication, but the underlying disease has continued to develop,” says Dr. Chatterjee.
Common culprits include chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, bacterial infections like H. pylori, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In some cases, especially with long-standing symptoms, persistent reflux may even signal more serious pathology.
The Acid Myth
There’s also a widespread misconception that stomach acid is harmful by default. In reality, it’s essential for digestion and for protecting the body against harmful microbes. “Gastric acid is necessary for breaking down food and preventing the growth of microorganisms,” Dr. Chatterjee notes. Long-term, unsupervised use of acid-suppressing drugs may interfere with these natural functions and contribute to nutritional deficiencies or increased susceptibility to infections. Iron, vitamin B12, and calcium absorption can all suffer over time – creating issues that extend far beyond the gut.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Occasional indigestion is normal. A pattern isn’t. Doctors recommend evaluation if symptoms return frequently, disturb sleep, or require regular medication for relief. Warning signs like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, anaemia, or loss of appetite deserve immediate attention. As Dr. Sharma puts it, “Frequent acidity is the body’s way of signaling a deeper gut problem.”
Acidity medicines remain effective and often necessary – but they should be used under medical guidance, not as a permanent fix. Early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and lifestyle changes like mindful eating, weight management, and reducing trigger foods can address the root cause more effectively.
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First Published:
February 09, 2026, 16:17 IST
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The latest batch of Epstein files released by the US Justice Department has shaken the world, putting high profile celebrities, royals, businessmen and politicians under scrutiny.
In online discussions on the, false claims have also been made about some people including Hollywood celebrities.
One such claim was made about Anne Hathaway, stating she was mentioned in Epstein files “as highly desired guest for Bill Gates.”
A video with this claim has racked up millions of views on social media especially, X.
However, the actress’s name appears in the files but not in the way the viral clip claims.
Anne Hathaway was mentioned in one Epstein email from 2014 where the late sex offender himself suggested a list of celebrities as potential invitees for a Bill Gates–related fundraiser, sent to Boris Nikolić, an associate of Bill Gates.
There’s no evidence she was a “highly desired guest for Bill Gates” or that she was contacted or attended the event.
The US Justice Department on January 30, 2026 published millions of new files related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a reflection of the elite circles Epstein inhabited, the documents included mentions of many prominent figures in politics, business and entertainment, including US President Trump, who was friends with Epstein years before his crimes came to light.
A Minnesota woman who defrauded the federal government out of more than $325,000 in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits was sentenced last week to a year in prison.
Latasha Thomas, 39, was convicted on one count of mail fraud and will owe restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen on Friday.
Latasha Thomas conspired with her daughter, Ambrosia Thomas, and another relative, Cynthia Thomas, over two years to unlawfully acquire Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are issued by the state government to qualifying applicants and loaded monthly with money from SNAP, the Justice Department said.
A sign at a supermarket entrance with text reading “We welcome EBT customers!” and a SNAP logo. A Minnesota woman defrauded the federal government out of more than $325,000 in SNAP benefits, the Justice Department said.(Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The trio created fake Minnesota temporary drivers’ licenses using false names, with each license picturing one of the Thomases, federal prosecutors said.
The fake licenses were submitted to Hennepin County in applications for EBT cards. Believing their SNAP allotments could be increased if the purported recipients were confined to bedrest, the Thomases repeatedly claimed to be women experiencing a “high risk pregnancy,” prosecutors said.
In addition, they submitted fake doctor’s notes in an effort to maximize their theft of government funds.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has come under fire for the massive amount of fraud uncovered in his state.(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The EBT cards were sent by the state to Cynthia Thomas’ apartment in Roseville. She allegedly lived there under a false name — Sofia Gold — that appears on one of the scheme’s ill-begotten cards.
When authorities searched the apartment, they found several pieces of mail addressed to pseudonyms used in the scheme.
In the inside part of the apartment building’s mailbox — accessible only to building management and mail carriers — law enforcement found notes indicating that mail should be delivered to Cynthia’s apartment for several of the pseudonyms used in the scheme, authorities said.
The trio withdrew government funds from ATMs and used them to make purchases. They also marketed and sold the use of the EBT cards to others, arranging for their customers to pick up an EBT card, use an agreed-upon portion of its monthly allotment, then return the card.
The customers agreed to pay the conspirators a fee, usually 50–60%, for the privilege.
After serving her sentence, Thomas was ordered to repay $325,159 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Cynthia Thomas was convicted last year of mail fraud conspiracy and was sentenced in December to probation for three years, Alpha News reported. Ambrosia Thomas has agreed to plead guilty to mail fraud, according to the news outlet, and her case is still in the pre-sentencing process.
Discord to mandate age verification for full access
Discord has announced that age verification will be mandatory for all users worldwide from early March.
With age verification, the application will automatically restrict activity to “teen-appropriate experience.”
The ban follows a global attempt to make social media a safe place for children.
Under new rules, all accounts will default to restricted settings. To access full features, including age-gated servers, view sensitive content, or fully participate in voice channels, users verify their ages.
For verification, users need to submit a government ID or use facial age estimation through a video selfie.
To record users’ sensitive data, Discord stresses that video selfies are processed on-device and never stored on its servers.
Additionally, submitted Ids are “quickly deleted” by their vendors after confirmation.
The company states verification will be a one-time process for most users.
Discord will take strict actions against unverified accounts. They will have major limitations, including blocked access to age-restricted servers, which will appear obscured, and filtered direct messages from strangers.
The changes come amid rising legislative pressure over online age verification and previous safety incidents on the site.
The rollout also places Discord alongside other prominent platforms embracing strict age verification, marking an evolutionary shift for how users will access 18+ content online.
A critical alleged deadline has passed in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, who remains missing after more than a week.
Alleged captors set a Monday night at 5:00 p.m. deadline for a $6 million ransom to paid. That hour has now passed, with no indication that a ransom was paid.
The supposed captors have been communicating with the Guthrie family through the media since last Monday afternoon, and are reportedly seeking a $6 million Bitcoin transfer. It remains unclear whether the $6 million will lead to Nancy’s release, and despite multiple public pleas from the Guthrie family, proof of life or a means to contact her alleged captors do not appear to have been offered.
However, Monday night at 5:00 p.m. marks a second deadline given by the purported ransomers, one that has been described as “far more consequential” than last Thursday night’s 5:00 p.m. deadline.
An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie was provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of the “Today” show host.(Courtesy of NBC)
Authorities are taking the ransom letters seriously, and Harvey Levin of TMZ, whose outlet received a letter, described details that only the alleged captors could know.
According to an expert who spoke to Fox News Digital, a Bitcoin transaction, even one with a $6 million sum, would be quick and untraceable.
“So the way the payment would work is just wallet to wallet, but the point of it is it wouldn’t be tracked,” Rosecliff Ventures CEO Michael Murphy said. “You wouldn’t be able to trace where my wallet came from, and you wouldn’t be able to trace what wallet it was going to.”
FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night as an investigation into her disappearance continues.(Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
Even if the Guthries have never exchanged cryptocurrency before, they could open a wallet, deposit the money and send it with only a few clicks.
“Click, click done,” he said. “And you wouldn’t know where it went, or you couldn’t even check. A lot of times these people have different IP addresses being found in different places. So you’d be like, ‘oh they were in Russia oh now, wait, they were in Florida, oh no, they’re in Paris.’ So you wouldn’t really know.”
An unconfirmed report from TMZ on Monday said that a Bitcoin wallet for the potential transaction remains empty.
Local and federal authorities have collaborated on the high-profile case, which has captured the attention of the nation.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Annie and Cameron made an emotional plea on Instagram asking anyone with information about their mother Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to come forward.(Credit: Instagram/@SavannahGuthrie/Today)
In their latest message to Nancy’s alleged captors, Savannah and sister Annie, along with brother Camron, once again pleaded for Nancy’s release, and made a promise to pay.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah said on Instagram on Saturday. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Peter D’Abrosca is a reporter at Fox News Digital covering campus extremism in higher education.
Follow Peter on X at @pmd_reports. Send story tips to peter.dabrosca@fox.com.
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María Corina Machado said Monday that a Venezuelan opposition leader was seized in Caracas shortly after being released from jail.
Machado wrote in a post on X that Juan Pablo Guanipa, a key ally, was kidnapped by heavily armed men in civilian clothing in the Los Chorros area of the capital.
“We demand his immediate release,” she said.
Alfredo Romero, the president of the Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal, said 35 political prisoners were released on Sunday, including Guanipa, who was initially arrested in May.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Juan Pablo Guanipa participate in an anti-government protest on Jan. 9, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela.(Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images)
Reuters reported that Venezuelan authorities were seeking court approval to place Guanipa under house arrest.
The country’s Public Ministry alleged that he violated the terms of his release but provided no additional details and did not say whether he had been re-arrested.
Guanipa’s Primero Justicia party said on X that he was forced into a silver Toyota Corolla during the incident.
Juan Pablo Guanipa, opposition leader and recently released from prison, visits relatives of political prisoners near the El Helicoide detention center in Caracas on Feb. 8, 2026.(Jesus Vargas/picture alliance via Getty Images)
“We hold Delcy Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, and Diosdado Cabello responsible for any harm to Juan Pablo’s life,” the party wrote. “We call on the international community for the immediate release of Juan Pablo Guanipa and for an immediate and unconditional end to the persecution of the opposition.”
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Rodríguez has been serving as the interim president of Venezuela since the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores earlier this year.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez speaks during the presentation of the 2025 budget bill at the National Assembly in Caracas on Dec. 3, 2024.(Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)
In late January, President Donald Trump said Venezuela was releasing political prisoners at a “rapid rate,” praising the move as a “powerful humanitarian gesture” by the country’s leadership.
An estimated 687 political prisoners remain in custody in Venezuela as of Feb. 2, according to Foro Penal.
Discover Valentine’s Day gifting ideas across fashion, accessories, beauty, watches, and travel. From style picks to thoughtful luxury gifts, this edit has something for every one
Valentine’s Day 2026: Think gourmet dining under the stars and slow mornings wrapped in nature, perfect for celebrating love, your way.
Valentine’s Day is as much about timing as it is about thought. These new launches arrive just in time for the season, offering fresh fashion, beauty, accessories, and lifestyle picks that lend themselves naturally to gifting. From refined wardrobe updates and statement accessories to thoughtful everyday essentials, each launch feels considered, current, and easy to gift. Whether you’re shopping for a partner or yourself, these new-season arrivals bring a subtle Valentine’s sensibility without being tied to the occasion making them just as relevant beyond February 14.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder unveils the next generation of its iconic NEW Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation SPF10, bringing together high-performance wear, a vibrant matte texture and more skincare benefits in one elevated formula.
With a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, Estée Lauder continues to redefine the foundation category through constant evolution and scientific advancement. The NEW Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation builds on everything that has made the original a global icon, now reimagined with a modern, comfortable matte finish, enhanced skin balancing benefits, and a range of tailored shades developed through the brand’s complexion expertise. The high-performance formula offers buildable, breathable, medium to full coverage with a weightless dimensional finish and 36-hour true color wear. It balances oil control and hydration, helps blur the appearance of pores, and delivers a naturally perfected look that remains comfortable throughout the day. It is Made For More
Availability: Available at Estée Lauder stores and online + in-store across retailers including Nykaa, Tira, Sephora and Myntra.
Retail Price: INR 2300 for 15ml and INR 4600 for 30ml
GAP Reinvents Denim with a New Season Rooted in Comfort, Versatility & Modern Style
GAP redefines everyday dressing with a new denim collection that blends comfort, versatility, and modern style. Staying true to the brand’s heritage while embracing contemporary sensibilities, the range positions denim as a lifestyle essential, effortless to wear, endlessly adaptable, and unmistakably GAP.
The collection introduces refreshed classics and trend-forward silhouettes across dresses, jackets, skirts, shorts, and jeans. From tailored denim moto jackets and cropped floral denim tops to soft plaid mini dresses and skirts, each piece balances structure with ease. Statement silhouettes such as high-rise UltraSoft horseshoe jeans and relaxed longline denim shorts add a modern edge, while refined washes and thoughtful detailing ensure seasonless appeal.
ECCO Introduces the BIOM 720
Danish footwear brand ECCO unveils the next generation of its signature BIOM technology with the ECCO BIOM 720. At the core of the collection is ECCO ENCORE technology, featuring strategically positioned vents in the outsole, a design innovation first introduced in 2011.
The BIOM 720 delivers 720-degree airflow, offering exceptional breathability, energy return, shock absorption, comfort, and ventilation. Extensive testing confirms it as ECCO’s best-performing product to date in terms of breathability. Achieving the coloured ceramic finish required precise material engineering, with zirconium oxide blended with metallic oxides and refined through multiple sintering trials to ensure consistency across the case, dial, and rubber strap.
Victoria’s Secret Kicks Off Valentine’s Day with “A Very VS Valentine’s”, Starring Hailey Bieber
Victoria’s Secret launches its 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, A Very VS Valentine’s, starring global style icon Hailey Bieber. Reimagining the brand’s iconic heritage through a contemporary lens, the campaign highlights romantic silhouettes, playful sets, and bold love-inspired hues.
Celebrated as the season’s Queen of Hearts, Hailey Bieber showcases looks ranging from pale pink lace to ruffled red ensembles. Central to the edit is the Dream Collection — a refined blend of softness, sensuality, and elevated everyday glamour. Featuring delicate lace bras, flattering silhouettes, feminine hues, and luxurious fabrics, the collection balances comfort with allure.
From flirty lingerie to cosy yet chic sleepwear, the Valentine’s edit offers something for every kind of celebration, whether romantic, personal, or indulgently self-focused.
Tribe Amrapali Brings Its India-Modern Aesthetic to Bait Elowal, Sharjah
Bait Elowal presents Tribe Amrapali from the House of Amrapali, marking a landmark collaboration that brings India’s celebrated heritage jewellery to the Heart of Sharjah. The showcase reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and authenticity.
Founded in Jaipur, Tribe Amrapali was conceived as a contemporary expression of silver and tribal craftsmanship, preserving ancestral techniques through a modern lens. Under the leadership of Tarang Arora, CEO and Creative Director of Amrapali Jewels, the brand has become synonymous with artisan empowerment, museum collaborations, and heritage preservation.
The presentation offers collectors an opportunity to engage closely with handcrafted silver jewellery, tribal motifs, and hand-painted enamel, each piece a testament to living heritage and cultural exchange.
Charles & Keith – Valentine’s Collection 2026: Love in Shape
Charles & Keith introduces its Valentine’s Collection 2026, conceptualised around Love in Shape. Moving away from traditional symbolism, the collection explores romance through sculptural form, organic silhouettes, and refined detailing.
Inspired by flowers, lace, and heart motifs, the collection features statement bags in bold red and soft pink, accented with understated gold details. Shoulder bags and structured top-handle styles are elevated with playful bows, clean lines, and refined finishes, offering versatility from day to evening.
Designed for gifting or self-gifting, the collection strikes a balance between romance and modern sophistication.
Ted Baker – Valentine’s Edit
• Men’s Dark Red Geometric Shirt – INR 14,000
A smart-casual essential with an all-over geometric print, structured collar, and tailored finish.
• Women’s Black Leather Jacket – INR 24,500
A sleek statement jacket featuring an asymmetrical wrap design and glossy finish.
• Women’s Red Fluted Sleeve Knit Dress – INR 21,250
A refined mid-length dress with fluted sleeves and a split hem, perfect for evening occasions.
• Women’s Black Crystal-Embellished Shoulder Bag – INR 28,000
An elegant accessory accented with crystals, designed to elevate evening wear.
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russell: IWC Schaffhausen has collaborated with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team driver, George Russell, on the design of two limited edition Pilot’s Watches. Comprising a chronograph and an automatic model, these editions are both crafted in black zirconium oxide ceramic. They feature black dials with printing and luminescence in a striking blue colour, reflecting the signature blue hue also seen on Russell’s helmet. The watches are equipped with titanium case backs and engraved with the driver’s starting number, “63″. The chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre, while the automatic model features the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre. Both watches come with durable blue rubber straps fitted with the EasX-CHANGE system.
Seiko
Inspired by The Pink Phink, this playful reinterpretation of the SKX series blends pop culture with precision watchmaking, making it a standout Valentine’s gift.
Seiko 5 Sports Pink Panther Edition
INR 45,000 | Limited to 9,999 pieces
UNIQLO Essentials
• Tailored Jacket – INR 7,990
Structured shoulders and refined texture for a classic silhouette.
• Smooth Cotton Crew Neck Sweater – INR 2,990
Crafted from 100% cotton for everyday comfort.
• Wrap Sunglasses – INR 2,490
UV400 lenses with flexible construction for all-day wear.
péro
A handwoven silk shirt elevated with péro’s signature playful detailing, blending artisanal craftsmanship with effortless elegance. Available by appointment at the péro studio, New Delhi.
Handwoven Checkered Silk Shirt
Price on request
Bobbi Brown
A cult-favourite skincare essential that hydrates, smooths, and preps skin, creating the perfect base for makeup. Vitamin Enriched Face Base – INR 2,700
Madame
An elegant layering piece featuring pearl detailing, ideal for festive evenings and winter styling. Off-White Pearl-Embellished Blazer – INR 5,699
Casio Vintage
A retro-modern analog-digital watch with a rectangular face and soft metal curves, blending nostalgia with sophistication. AQ-240E-3A – INR 4,995
Michael Kors – Year of the Horse Capsule
The Jana Crossbody Bag emerges as a highlight from the Year of the Horse collection. Crafted in signature logo-print canvas and finished with an embossed horse motif, the bag offers a compact yet versatile design with both top-handle and crossbody styling options.
Nappa Dori – Wingman Luggage Collection
Nappa Dori introduces the Wingman Collection, a contemporary luggage series inspired by the romance of classic travel. Referencing polished leather trunks and deliberate journeys, the collection blends modern engineering with timeless design, creating luggage that feels both nostalgic and current.
Global power styling brand, got2b, makes its debut in India
Global hair styling brand got2b launches in India, with its bold new way to look at hair, that’s not only about self-expression but also about creativity, and breaking the rules.
The got2b India launch introduces a range of styling essentials made for bold looks and real-life wear from the cult-favourite Glued Gel and ultra-strong Glued Hairspray that offers 72 hours of non sticky hair to the Glued Wax for flexible, no-crunch hold for fierce spikes. The lineup also includes two innovative dry shampoos, the Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo with an Apple & Sandalwood scent for up to 48 hours long-lasting fragrance and the Extra Volume Dry Shampoo with Lemon & Bergamot Scent. With got2b, hair becomes a playground, no rules, no limits, just self-expression
The brand will be available across all beauty marketplaces including Nykaa, Tira, Sephora, Blinkit, Amazon & Zepto.
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First Published:
February 07, 2026, 14:10 IST
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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a sweeping win in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, capturing about 316 seats in the 465-member lower house and achieving a governing supermajority alongside allies. The result gives her a strong mandate to advance a conservative agenda focused on defense, immigration and economic reforms, the Associated Press reported.
A heavy metal fan and drummer, Takaichi — who has long cited former British PM Margaret Thatcher as a personal and political inspiration — expressed gratitude for President Trump’s support, thanking him for his congratulatory message following the victory and signaling continued alignment with Washington.
Trump praised her leadership in a post after the results were announced. “Congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Coalition on a LANDSLIDE Victory in today’s very important Vote,” Trump wrote on social media, “Sanae’s bold and wise decision to call for an election paid off big time. Her Party now runs the Legislature, holding a HISTORIC TWO THIRDS SUPERMAJORITY — The first time since World War II. Sanae: It was my Honor to Endorse you and your Coalition. I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda. The wonderful people of Japan, who voted with such enthusiasm, will always have my strong support.”
President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrive to speak to troops aboard USS George Washington at Fleet Activities Yokosuka on Oct. 28, 2025 in Yokosuka, Japan. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The election outcome represents one of the strongest performances for the ruling party in years and solidifies Takaichi’s position only months after taking office as Japan’s first female prime minister.
Following the results, Takaichi said she was prepared to move forward with policies aimed at making Japan “strong and prosperous,” as she seeks to implement reforms and bolster national security, the Associated Press reported.
Her agenda includes boosting defense spending, revising security policies and stimulating economic growth, while maintaining a tougher posture toward regional threats such as China. Known for her hawkish stance on Beijing, Takaichi is expected to maintain Japan’s close alignment with the United States.
“Takaichi’s landslide win shows other leaders that defiance of China can be popular with voters. Nobody has to appease or please Xi Jinping anymore,” Asia analyst Gordon Chang told Fox News Digital.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, is seen playing drums in Tokyo on Sept. 24, 2021, when she was the internal affairs minister.(Kyodo via Reuters)
U.S. officials also welcomed the outcome. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described aid on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures With Maria Bartiromo” that Takaichi is a strong ally and emphasized that her leadership strengthens the strategic partnership between Washington and Tokyo.
Takaichi’s victory is widely seen as a geopolitical signal as well as a domestic political triumph. Analysts say the strengthened mandate could deepen cooperation with the United States on security and economic policy at a time of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The snap election, called just months into her premiership, was widely viewed as a referendum on her leadership. With the opposition fragmented, voters delivered a decisive result that now gives Takaichi political space to pursue her agenda through the remainder of the parliamentary term.
Lawmakers applaud Sanae Takaichi during a lower house session in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, after she was elected Japan’s first female prime minister.(Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo)
Takaichi backs strengthening Japan’s defense posture and supports constitutional revision to expand the role of the military. Economically, she has praised the stimulus-driven policies associated with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Her public thanks to Trump underscores how central the U.S. alliance remains to Tokyo’s strategy moving forward, experts say, as she prepares to translate electoral momentum into legislative and security action at home and abroad.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Efrat Lachter is a world reporter for Fox News Digital covering international affairs and the United Nations. Follow her on X @efratlachter. Stories can be sent to efrat.lachter@fox.com.
Taylor Swift set to make biggest cut from her wedding guest: Blake Lively or Ryan Reynolds
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has been hard at work it seems, working on her guest list and all the bells and whistles for her wedding to the NFL star Travis Kelce.
However, some not-so fun parts also decided to hop on her agenda as she is finalizing her guest list because sources claim Blake Lively, one of her long-time friends may not make the cut.
For those unversed the woes revolving Taylor and Blake have been pretty public, and started back when her texts talking about having a few ‘dragons’ behind her, were revealed as part of the case against Justin Baldoni from It Ends With Us.
Even Ryan Reynolds might get the boot because it appears her biggest motivation is having a “drama-free day”. Which translates to no invite being extended to Ryan or Blake, as she is said to have no trust left in them, according to celebrity news reporter Rob Shuter.
Since the entire drama went public it’s said Taylor’s been feeling exposed and even violated because the comments “crossed a line for her.”
“There’s no ‘will she or won’t she’. She won’t,” they added as well before admitting that the Boldoni drama isn’t the only reason for this decision, in fact the “emotional gap” was there for a long time so with everything now stacked up “rebuilding trust doesn’t feel possible right now.”
