The Election Commission has prohibited the conduct, publication, or publicising of exit polls for the Delhi assembly elections and bypolls in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on February 5 from 7am to 6:30pm. Additionally, displaying any election-related content on electronic media will be banned during the 48-hour period leading up to the end of voting.
Rahul Gandhi, attacking Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, accused him of not fulfilling his promises, including providing clean drinking water. He also alleged corruption related to an alcohol distribution scam and highlighted a lack of representation from Dalit and minority communities in Kejriwal's team.
The Supreme Court of India referred a plea regarding safety measures for pilgrims to the Allahabad High Court following a deadly stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where at least 30 died and 60 were injured. Chief justice Sanjiv Khanna noted a judicial inquiry is already underway.
Varun Vummadi, CEO of Giga ML, sparked debate by stating many Indian engineers are unwilling to work hard despite high salaries. His observations highlight the tension between rigorous work culture and the modern emphasis on work-life balance. The discussion reflects broader industry challenges in aligning productivity expectations with employee well-being.
In a tragic accident in Gujarat's Dang, a bus carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh fell into a gorge, resulting in the death of five people and injuring 35 others. The incident occurred early in the morning when the driver lost control. MP CM Mohan Yadav has announced financial assistance for the victims' families.
Two Indian students in their 20s died, and two others were hospitalized with serious injuries after their car struck a tree in County Carlow, Ireland. The accident occurred early Friday. The Indian Embassy in Dublin is providing support to the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in BJP's success in upcoming Delhi polls, praising the newly presented Union Budget as the most pro-middle class in history. He criticized AAP for damaging Delhi over the past 11 years and assured no disruption of welfare schemes if BJP wins. Modi also highlighted support for government employees and Poorvanchali workers.
Parliament is set for a contentious session on Monday with the tabling of the Joint Parliamentary Committee report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha. Clashes between BJP and opposition members have already marked the committee's deliberations, with further heated debates expected.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the Budget’s impact on the economy, emphasizing tax relief for honest taxpayers. She highlighted schemes for agriculture, start-ups, and infrastructure to boost growth. Concerns over inflation, privatization, and fiscal consolidation were addressed, with assurances of sustained public sector expenditure and efforts to widen the tax base.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved India's first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district. Intended to boost wildlife tourism and create local jobs, the centre is part of the revised masterplan for the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo in Mukundpur.
A team from AIIMS Delhi visited Rajouri’s Badhaal village to investigate a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives. No new cases have been reported in the last nine days. Families from the affected village have been relocated to isolated centres, and the village declared a containment zone.
Three construction workers died while repairing a sewer joint at Kolkata Leather Complex, likely due to inhalation of toxic gas. The incident occurred shortly after the Supreme Court banned manual scavenging in major cities including Kolkata. The mayor announced compensation, and an inquiry has been launched to determine accountability.
Former UK PM Rishi Sunak visited Parsee Gymkhana in Mumbai, marking the club's 140th anniversary. He played cricket with local boys and interacted with gymkhana members. Sunak, of Indian origin, noted the historical significance of the venue and the gymkhana's acquisition from the colonial government.
A recent caste survey in Telangana reveals that Backward Classes (BC) make up 56.33% of the state's population, including BCs among minorities. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes constitute 17.43% and 10.45% respectively. The comprehensive and unprecedented survey was conducted across 1.12 crore households.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of making false allegations against the Congress to defame its leaders. He credited former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and Sonia Gandhi for Delhi's development, stating that their efforts were responsible for the capital's progress.
In a bid to boost India's nuclear sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to amend the nuclear liability law and introduce a nuclear energy mission. This aims to attract foreign investment and increase private sector participation. By 2033, five indigenously developed small modular reactors will be operational, with a Rs 20,000 crore allocation for research and development.
The Indian government anticipates a slowdown in highway construction over the next two years due to fewer new project awards in 2023-24. Despite this, the road transport ministry aims to exceed its target of constructing 10,400 km of national highways this fiscal year, hoping to reach 11,000 km, though maintaining this momentum will be challenging.
A miscreant, Ganisetti Gangadhar, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, trespassed into the house of former minister Mudragada Padmanabham with a tractor, causing damage and threatening him. The incident took place in Kakinada district. Police arrested the accused, and YSRCP leaders demanded Janasena chief's response, as the accused claimed Janasena membership.
Ahead of PM Modi's visit to the US, the Union Budget reduces import duties on bigger bikes, benefiting companies like Harley-Davidson. While cars like Tesla saw a customs duty cut, the actual effective tax remains unchanged due to the newly added Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess.
Trinamool Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha visited Delhi to support Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi in her Kalkaji Assembly constituency campaign. Amid AAP and Congress tensions, Atishi accused BJP of using money and liquor to sway voters, urging them to support AAP for a better future.
India's finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, outlines plans for fiscal consolidation, infrastructure investment, and economic growth amidst global challenges. Fiscal deficit targets are set with a focus on reducing debt, boosting manufacturing through 'Make in India', and enhancing digital economy strategies to support sustained growth.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami criticizes AAP for corruption and misgovernance, urging Delhiites to vote for BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Highlighting BJP's achievements like the Uniform Civil Code and the Ram Temple construction, Dhami contrasts BJP's governance in Uttarakhand with AAP's administration in Delhi.