The Congress party launched campaign song for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, aiming to showcase their promises and criticize the tenure of the ruling AAP and opposition BJP. They highlighted their focus on civic issues and welfare schemes, aiming to position themselves as the better alternative.
Election management bodies from various countries gathered in New Delhi to address the challenges posed by false narratives, fake news, and misinformation campaigns on social media that threaten the integrity of live elections. Technology's role in enhancing election transparency and efficiency, as well as combating these issues, was highlighted, with participants sharing their experiences and solutions.
Indore police have registered a first information report against an unidentified person for giving alms to a beggar, violating a newly imposed ban in the city. This action aims to support the administration's goal to make Indore beggar-free. Violators can face imprisonment, a fine, or both. A reward is offered for those who report begging activities.
Punjab Police have withdrawn their personnel from AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's security detail, but he retains his Z-Plus security cover. This decision follows reports of threats and a recent attack on Kejriwal's campaign. This comes as Delhi Assembly elections approach, with intelligence agencies warning of a possible attack by pro-Khalistan operatives.
On the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demands the Bharat Ratna for Bal Thackeray, citing his contributions to Hindutva. Senior leader Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting Thackeray while honoring undeserving individuals and accused Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah of hypocrisy regarding Thackeray's legacy.
On the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Rahul Gandhi's tribute sparked controversy as he mentioned Bose's death date as August 18, 1945. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar demanded an apology, arguing the death date disrespects Bose. Historical accounts suggest Bose died in a plane crash, but debates about his fate continue.
Ahead of the February 5 Delhi assembly elections, police registered 504 cases for model code violations from January 7 to 22. They seized 270 illegal arms, 372 cartridges, drugs worth ₹20 crores, liquor worth ₹1.3 crores, cash worth ₹4.5 crores, and precious metals. Over 17,800 arrests were made for preventive actions. Police also busted an interstate gang supplying illegal firearms linked to past crimes and arrested a liquor smuggler near the Haryana-Delhi border.
Harish Rawat, former Uttarakhand chief minister, faced a setback as he found his name missing from the voters list during Dehradun's municipal elections. Despite being a resident since 2009, Rawat was unable to vote, alleging BJP's involvement in altering the list. Voting is underway for multiple municipal positions across Uttarakhand.
Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to Ola and Uber following complaints about price differences for identical rides on Android and iOS devices. Investigations found higher fares on iOS. Experts suggest these disparities might be due to how ride-hailing apps access hardware data with user consent during app installation.
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.