Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Visakhapatnam, launching projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore to boost the development of Andhra Pradesh. The plans include making Andhra Pradesh a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047, setting up a green hydrogen hub, and advancing railway electrification and urban modernization.
Samajwadi Party demanded the Election Commission for webcasting of all polling booths in Milkipur constituency by-elections to ensure free, fair, and transparent voting. This request follows the EC's decision to block public access to CCTV footage, citing voter privacy protection.
A Rajya Sabha MP urges the health minister to enable local production of Risdiplam, a vital drug for spinal muscular atrophy, to reduce costs. Current patents prevent affordable production. Encouraging local manufacturing could make the drug accessible at significantly reduced prices, benefiting thousands of patients in India.
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Rona Wilson and Sudhir Dhawale, accused in the Elgar Parishad Maoist Links case, due to prolonged incarceration and a pending trial. Bail conditions include reporting to the NIA weekly. The case involves inflammatory speeches and alleged Maoist connections.
A 'Mahabharat era' Shivling was found vandalized at Billeshwar Mahadev temple in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. Awadhesh Kurmi, dealing with depression over his wife's illness, was arrested for the act. This incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees, leading to condemnation from local organizations.
Sharmistha Mukherjee criticized Congress MP Danish Ali for linking a memorial for Pranab Mukherjee to his alleged connection with RSS, calling it ignorant. She emphasized the varied responsibilities Pranab held in Congress, questioning the intelligence of past leaders. BJP accused Congress of disrespecting its leaders, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla highlighting Modi's unbiased appreciation of contributions.
An RTI activist has filed a petition claiming that Aligarh's Jama Masjid was built on Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, deeming it illegal. The petition followed responses revealing the mosque was constructed on public land without approval. The case is scheduled for hearing on February 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Andhra Pradesh and launched multiple developmental projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, including NTPC’s Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub and Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub. These initiatives aim to create significant employment and enhance regional connectivity, marking a major milestone for the state.
Several individuals were injured when an elephant turned violent during the BP Angadi 'Nercha' at Tirur in Malappuram, Kerala. The incident, captured on video, shows the elephant picking up and hurling a man. This occurred during the annual 'Nercha' feast at the Pattambi Mosque, which commemorates a revered Muslim saint and attracts thousands of devotees.
The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the appointment process of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners on February 4. The case addresses concerns about the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, which is seen as excessive executive interference.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar defended the amendment to election rules restricting public inspection of CCTV footage at polling booths, emphasizing the need to protect voter privacy and prevent misuse of footage through fake narratives. The new rule limits access to CCTV footage, ensuring voter identities are safeguarded.
The political tension in Delhi escalates as the AAP and BJP clash over accusations regarding the renovation of the Chief Minister's bungalow. AAP leaders tried to inspect the disputed property but were blocked by police, leading to heated exchanges. The BJP condemns the AAP's actions as anarchy, while AAP counters with allegations of baseless claims.
The BJP accuses Delhi CM Atishi of diverting attention from alleged corruption in the construction of 'Sheesh Mahal' at Kejriwal's former residence. They question the necessity of another bungalow when the current one is underutilized and criticize the drama around eviction and delayed possession.
BJP, out of power in Delhi for over 25 years, focuses its campaign on AAP's alleged corruption and the costly renovation of the CM's residence. While countering AAP's welfare schemes, BJP lacks a CM candidate, banking on central leaders' last-minute push to sway voters.
AAP has transformed since 2020, prioritizing electoral victories in Delhi's Feb 5 assembly elections by nominating former BJP and Congress members. With internal challenges and leadership changes, the party focuses on Kejriwal’s leadership and financial strategies to maintain voter trust despite past corruption allegations.
Since the 2020 electoral victory, AAP's governance in Delhi faces significant challenges, with corruption allegations against its top leaders causing disruption. The BJP-led central government enacted a law to control bureaucracy, increasing political tension. Upcoming polls will test AAP's credibility amidst governance shortcomings and internal conflicts.
AIMIM plans to contest 10-12 seats in the upcoming Delhi elections. It has announced two candidates so far and will reveal the remaining soon. AIMIM hopes to challenge both AAP and BJP in Muslim-majority constituencies.
Amidst cheers and celebratory dances, Arvind Kejriwal launched AAP's election anthem 'Fir Layenge Kejriwal,' highlighting the party's achievements in Delhi, targeting opposition, and promoting key schemes like free electricity and water. The anthem promises additional benefits and portrays Kejriwal as a determined leader overcoming obstacles.
Havaldar Baldev Singh, a veteran who fought in all three wars against Pakistan, passed away at the age of 93. Singh joined the Bal Sena Force at 16 and later served in the Indian Army for nearly 30 years. He was recalled from retirement for the 1971 war. Singh’s last rites were performed with military honours.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has warned that beta-blockers, commonly prescribed for irregular heartbeat and hypertension, can cause hypokalaemia or dangerously low potassium levels. The alert stresses monitoring for adverse reactions and encourages reporting them. Elderly and diuretic-using patients should be especially cautious, though such side-effects are rare. Cardiologists advise careful use and monitoring of these drugs.
Seattle police chief Sue Rahr fired officer Kevin Dave after he violated multiple department policies leading to the accident that killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a student from Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which occurred in January 2023, gained attention due to body cam footage and insensitive comments from another officer, Daniel Auderer.
Tigers roaming around Kaliabor tea estate in Assam's Nagaon have led to a 70% attendance drop at Nam Kamakhya Lower Primary School. To ensure student safety during Gunotsav evaluation, armed forest guards escorted children. Recent tiger attacks, including two fatalities, have heightened concerns among residents and officials.
Forest officials in Maharashtra's Bhandara arrested three villagers for chopping and attempting to destroy a tiger's carcass that was electrocuted by an electrified fence. The men dismembered the body and disposed of the pieces after being unable to move it, with some pieces showing burn marks from an attempted incineration.
Bad weather led to over 300 flight delays at Delhi Airport on Tuesday due to poor visibility, though no flights were diverted. Operations returned to normal in the evening. Other Indian airports, including Amritsar, Chandigarh and Patna, were also affected. Airlines monitored the situation closely and advised passengers accordingly.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar denounced VIP culture in religious institutions, advocating for egalitarian practices. He also stressed the importance of dialogue in democracy, the need to lower political divisiveness, and urged corporates to support religious institutions through CSR for educational and infrastructural development.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar plans to detoxify and spend several months in solitude in the Himalayas after retiring on February 18. He intends to teach underprivileged children, reflecting on his own humble educational beginnings. Kumar, known for his poetic addresses, emphasizes the need to appreciate the transparent work of the Election Commission amidst baseless accusations.
The BJP highlighted Prime Minister Modi's consistent leadership since 2014, while comparing it with the frequent changes in leadership in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This was in context of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's recent resignation.
The Maharashtra cabinet announced mandatory FASTag toll collection from April 1 for all toll plazas in the state. Vehicles without FASTag will face double charges. Additionally, the cabinet approved revised rules of business to improve administrative efficiency, transparency, and decision-making processes in the state.
India extended condolences to Tibet over a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the region, resulting in the death of over 126 people. The earthquake caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, while rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors amid the rubble.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the arrest of Punish Nunisa for an 'illegal' coal mine incident in Umrangso, where nine workers have been trapped due to flooding. Rescue operations involving the Navy, Army, and other emergency teams are ongoing to save the trapped miners.
The Supreme Court rejected the custody plea by Atul Subhash's mother for her minor grandson, stating she was a stranger to the child. It advised custody matters be handled in trial court. The child's estranged mother, granted bail in a related suicide abetment case, remains in Bengaluru.
The Election Commission of India announced bypoll dates for the assembly constituencies of Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh and Erode East in Tamil Nadu. Polling will be held on February 5 and votes will be counted on February 8. The vacancies were created by the resignation of Awadhesh Prasad and the demise of EVKS Elangovan.