Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed irregular migration with EAM S Jaishankar, who reiterated India's stance on legal and illegal mobility. Jaishankar highlighted delays in visas for Indian nationals affecting bilateral relations. He also mentioned the need for validation of individuals' origins before addressing migration issues and briefly touched on the Bangladesh situation with Rubio.
India and the US are coordinating a potential visit by PM Modi to the US, though the timing remains uncertain. This visit could depend on India hosting President Trump for the Quad summit. Discussions have occurred between foreign minister Jaishankar and US secretary of state Marco Rubio, with additional possibilities of meetings between the leaders in France.
Sambhal district administration started excavating a centuries-old well near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi. This is part of an initiative to revive historical wells and pilgrimage sites. Authorities aim to restore and preserve these structures, addressing complaints about encroachment and neglect. The excavation includes an area under tension due to past claims about the mosque's history.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the seriousness of the 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, calling for accountability from the US. The assailants attempted arson and vandalized the consulate. Pro-Khalistani protestors were involved. An investigation was initiated, and the FBI assured aggressive pursuit of the culprits.
At the Mahakumbh, the Jal Jeevan Mission's exhibition highlights the transformation in Uttar Pradesh villages through the 'Har Ghar Nal' project. Students from Prayagraj learned about its impact on water-scarce areas and engaged in activities promoting water conservation and safe drinking water. They pledged to save water after touring the informative displays.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar raised concerns over the misuse of judicial access, calling it a threat to India's governance and democracy. He criticized institutions for overstepping their jurisdiction and questioned the parliamentary provision of party discipline, citing it as a restriction on representatives' freedom of expression. Dhankhar also lamented the declining standards of parliamentary decorum.
Several people were killed in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district when they stepped onto tracks due to a fire rumour and were struck by another train. The incident near Pachora station involved the unscheduled halt of Pushpak Express, leading to casualties from the approaching Karnataka Express. Rescue and railway officials are coordinating efforts.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam questions Saif Ali Khan's rapid recovery after a six-hour surgery, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut calls it a medical miracle. The Bollywood actor was stabbed in his thoracic spine by an intruder but discharged from Lilavati Hospital just four days later.
The Central Bureau of Investigation plans to seek the death penalty for Sanjay Roy in the Calcutta high court, following the West Bengal government’s similar appeal. Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a medic. The sessions court's decision against the death penalty sparked widespread discontent.
ISRO's EOS-04 satellite captured detailed images of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. The images reveal extensive infrastructure like tent cities and pontoon bridges. Using radar technology to overcome cloud cover, ISRO's visuals assist in managing crowd control and disaster mitigation. Over 450 million devotees are expected during the event, which runs until February 26.
Protests over the controversial 70th BPSC exam intensified as educator Guru Rahman attempted self-harm. Rahman joined students in demanding a re-examination, alleging a paper leak. Despite the BPSC's denial of any irregularities, the situation is being reviewed in the High Court. Prominent political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, have shown support. The state's response is awaited.
A car accidentally reversed off the first-floor parking of Shubh Gateway Apartment in Pune, crashing to the ground and causing shock among onlookers. The incident, captured on CCTV, has raised concerns about construction quality and the need for stringent safety measures in residential complexes. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizes the AAP-led Delhi government for failing to provide basic needs like clean water, emphasizing the availability of alcohol instead. Modi urges BJP workers to document infrastructure issues and campaigns for the BJP's victory in the upcoming Delhi polls, while AAP's manifesto targets middle-class issues and demands increased education funding.
The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Tahir Hussain's plea for interim bail to campaign in assembly elections. Justice Pankaj Mithal dismissed it, while Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah supported it. The matter now goes to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Hussain, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, has been in custody since March 2020.
The Janata Dal (United) formally withdrew support from the BJP-led Manipur government, directing their lone MLA, Md Abdul Nasir, to join the opposition. JD(U) had initially aligned with the INDIA bloc but rejoined the NDA. Despite this shift, the BJP retains a strong legislative majority in Manipur.
Congress accused Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in a 382 crore health scam based on 14 CAG reports, revealing the mishandling of funds in Delhi hospitals. They allege the expenditure of Rs. 382.52 crores more than the tender amount, calling it a reason for the delay in presenting the CAG report.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the state cabinet participated in a holy dip at Maha Kumbh, while also holding a special cabinet meeting at Sangam. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the move as political, emphasizing that Kumbh should not be a venue for political decisions. Adityanath stated many important decisions would be made during the meeting.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda suggested non-resident Indians (NRIs) be given representation in Parliament due to their growing numbers and unique issues. Various organizations and MPs discussed NRI matters, including skill development and immigration. NRIs currently cannot vote from abroad. A bill focusing on emigration issues is under government consideration, informed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The IEDs, planted by Maoists, were discovered during a patrolling operation on the road from Mutvendi to Pidia under Gangalur police station limits., according to Bijapur Police.
Three private firms in South India have been shortlisted to develop 31 satellites for India's space-based surveillance programme. This is a significant step as private industry partners will produce satellites for strategic needs, enhancing India's space surveillance capabilities alongside 21 satellites developed by Isro.
Two men, including journalist Kamran Alvi, were arrested in New Delhi for making offensive statements about Hindu deities and the Maha Kumbh. Alvi's video drew police attention, leading to his arrest. Abhishek Kumar also faced arrest for objectionable social media comments. Both arrests were for actions intended to insult religious beliefs, with cases registered under relevant legal provisions.
At least two Naxals were killed in an encounter in Jharkhand’s Bokaro, and several weapons were recovered. This follows a major operation where 16 Maoists, including a Central Committee member, were killed in Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces' success in working towards a Maoist-free India.
AAP criticizes BJP leader Parvesh Verma's remarks about Punjab vehicles in Delhi, calling it an insult to Punjabis' legacy and sacrifices. Arvind Kejriwal demands an apology, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann supports the criticism, emphasizing the patriotism of Punjabis amid a heated election campaign.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar attended the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Washington DC, where discussions focused on ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The ministers emphasized rule of law, democratic values, and regional security, and planned for regular meetings leading up to the summit in India.