Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav participated in a protest against the UGC draft rules, accusing the RSS of eradicating diverse histories and imposing their own ideology. They criticized the National Education Policy and emphasized the need to resist central government's control over state educational systems.
BJP MP Sambit Patra criticized the Samajwadi Party for presenting a 'funeral shroud' for the Election Commission in Parliament, calling it a blow to democracy. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav had earlier accused the BJP of electoral misconduct, claiming voter intimidation and disruptions at polling stations in Ayodhya's Milkipur constituency.
Akhilesh Yadav accused BJP of electoral misconduct in the Milkipur bypolls, alleging voter suppression and malpractice with police assistance. He criticized the Election Commission's inaction, while Ayodhya police and BJP dismissed the claims as false propaganda. The bypoll is a crucial contest for both parties, aiming to assert dominance in Ayodhya district.
US border authorities have deported 104 Indian nationals on a military aircraft, highlighting the strict enforcement of immigration laws. The deportees, handcuffed and in leg restraints, arrived in Amritsar, Punjab, as part of efforts to deter illegal migration.
Several countries, including India, the US, and Australia, have banned the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek citing security and data privacy concerns. The bans stem from fears of potential data breaches and threats to national security, especially on government devices as seen in measures taken by South Korea, Taiwan, and Italy.
Over 60.42% of Delhi's 1.56 crore voters participated in the 70-member assembly elections, lower than previous years. The turnout was provisional and may be updated. AAP, BJP, and Congress were the main contenders, with polling largely peaceful. Results will be declared on Feb 8, with the government formation by Feb 11 if a majority is clear.
Home minister Amit Shah commends Tripura's Manik Saha government for transparent job appointments given to 2,807 youths, unlike the previous Left regime. He highlights the transformation in the northeast, attributing it to initiatives over the past decade, leading to development and improved lives for tribes like the Bru-Reang.
Families in Haryana are distressed after US President Trump deported illegal immigrants by army plane. Many youngsters from Haryana took the risky 'donkey route' to reach the US at significant financial cost. Parents are now worried about their children's future and finances. Locals urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address this issue with President Trump.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Washington on February 13 to meet President Trump, focusing on trade and defense collaborations. The visit may involve key discussions on military purchases, energy supplies, and artificial intelligence collaboration, with a potential meeting with Elon Musk also anticipated.
Punjab police on Wednesday received 104 deported Indian immigrants from the US amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The deportees, including Jaspal Singh from Punjab, were unaware of their destination and arrived in Amritsar on a US military aircraft. The returnees were transported under tight security.
Madhubala, a 29-year-old third gender, cast her vote for the first time in Delhi’s assembly elections, expressing hope for policies that empower and ensure safety for the community. With 1,261 third-gender voters in the capital, Madhubala, along with others like Tina Kinnar, emphasized the importance of voting as a democratic right. However, some voiced frustration over political parties’ failure to address the community’s needs, urging greater inclusion and support. Results will be declared on February 8.
Three generations of families participated in the Delhi assembly elections on Wednesday, showcasing a strong commitment to democracy. Arvind Kejriwal voted with his family in New Delhi, while other families like the Mittals and Aroras also cast their votes together. The electoral contest remained between the AAP, BJP, and Congress. Voters appreciated the election commission’s arrangements, including an AI-based queue-management app and accessible facilities. Results on February 8 will reveal whether AAP secures a third consecutive win, or if the BJP or Congress make a comeback.
Many women voters in Delhi prioritized education, safety, and employment over financial aid promises by political parties. While BJP, AAP, and Congress pledged monthly allowances for women, voters like Madhu and Priya Sharma dismissed them as mere poll tactics, demanding real development. Others, like house help Meena Kumari, saw the financial aid as beneficial. The election results on Saturday will decide whether AAP retains power or BJP and Congress make a comeback.
Delhi’s Assembly elections saw a voter turnout increase from 8.10% at 9 am to 33.31% by 1 pm. With 699 candidates contesting in 70 constituencies, security was stringent, including paramilitary personnel and drone surveillance. This election is pivotal for AAP, BJP, and Congress, determining their political future in Delhi. Final results will be announced on February 8.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss strategies for developing an AI ecosystem in India, focusing on cost-effective models. Altman expressed willingness to collaborate with India, highlighting its rapid AI adoption. Vaishnaw emphasized India’s capacity for low-cost technological projects, urging startups to contribute innovative solutions.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam took action against 18 employees for engaging in non-Hindu practices while working at the temple. The employees must either transfer to government departments or apply for VRS. This move aligns with TTD’s commitment to maintaining the spiritual integrity of its temples.
Ministry of finance has instructed its employees not to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek on office devices, citing confidentiality risks. A memo issued last month emphasized the potential dangers AI tools pose to government data. This follows similar actions by Australia and Italy over privacy concerns. Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visits India as DeepSeek garners attention for its low-cost, efficient AI offerings.
A unique polling booth in Delhi, themed 'Chandrayan se chunav tak Bharat ki udaan,' features models of Chandrayaan and PSLV along with telescopes and VR equipment. The booth, decorated with astronaut volunteers, impresses voters with its innovative setup. Voting for the assembly election has taken place with tight security.
During a Rajya Sabha session, leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge lost his temper when BJP MP Neeraj Shekhar interrupted his speech on central government policies. Kharge's remark about Shekhar's father led to backlash from Chandra Shekhar’s supporters who burned effigies of Kharge. In response, Kharge highlighted his history with Chandra Shekhar, expressing respect for him.