The Election Commission, chaired by new chief commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, will convene with state CEOs on March 4-5. The conference will address modern election management issues, including IT architecture enhancement and social media reach. CEOs will also present their action plans based on thematic discussions.

The CPM issued a detailed note to explain why their draft political resolution does not label the Modi government as fascist, which has created tensions with its ally CPI. The CPM contends the BJP's rule shows emerging neo-fascist traits but avoids directly naming it a neo-fascist state.

A police constable in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor who sought his assistance after being sexually assaulted by her neighbour. The constable discovered the neighbour's assault, befriended the girl, drugged her with beer laced with sleeping pills, and raped her, threatening to share video evidence if she reported him.

BJP accused Congress of defending foreign donors' interference in India's democracy, citing USAID-funded projects linked to George Soros. Amit Malviya claimed these efforts aim to meddle in India's electoral process, asserting the transparency and legality of such projects within cooperative federalism.

Three women died when firecrackers exploded at a godown in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred while they were working. Local authorities and forensic experts are investigating to determine the cause. Tamil Nadu CM announced a compensation for the victims' families, and a call for intensified safety audits was made.

A study at Christian Medical College, Vellore, reveals over 70% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in India stem from two-wheeler crashes, with less than 1% of patients wearing helmets. The study, conducted from March 2013 to September 2019, shows 31% of patients couldn't cover their medical expenses. Only 4% had health insurance, highlighting the need for improved road safety and healthcare policies.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has removed nearly 900 peer reviewers following corruption allegations during the grading process. This move, alongside shifting to online evaluations and enhanced scrutiny, aims to restore integrity in accreditation practices and ensure transparency in the evaluation of higher education institutions.

A 23-year-old man named Affan murdered his girlfriend, brother, grandmother, uncle, and aunt on Monday evening due to debts from business losses. He also attempted to kill his mother and later surrendered to the police. Affan admitted to the murders, and police are investigating his claims and checking if he is addicted to drugs. The incident occurred in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sutandra Chatterjee, a 27-year-old event manager from Chandernagore, died in a high-speed car accident on NH-2 while traveling to Gaya for work. Her vehicle overturned following a chase with another car. Her colleagues accused occupants of the other car of harassment and drunk driving. Police have seized both vehicles and are investigating, but no arrests have been made yet.

The DGCA has scheduled a meeting with Air India to address Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's complaint about an uncomfortable seat. Air India reported the seat was not broken but was lightly cushioned, leading to discomfort. The regulator will discuss ensuring passenger comfort as air travel becomes more frugal with lighter seats.

Six teams of rat miners join the rescue operation in Nagarkurnool to save eight trapped workers after the Srisailam Left Bank Canal collapse. Despite formidable challenges, including water and obstructions, teams are hopeful. Telangana minister Jupally Krishna Rao, however, admits the survival chances are very remote, but efforts continue tirelessly.

Prayagraj is hosting the Maha kumbh 2025, the largest human gathering event, with significant efforts on cleanliness and water quality improvement. Authorities have installed extensive sanitation facilities and launched public awareness campaigns. Key initiatives include sewage treatment, constructing new ghats, and monitoring sanitation through volunteers and mobile apps.

On the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, India abstained from two UN General Assembly resolutions calling for peace and Ukrainian sovereignty. The US abstained from voting on its own resolution after European amendments altered the text. France and the UK might still influence the outcome in the Security Council.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivkumar will join Mahashivratri celebrations at Sadhguru's Isha Foundation on February 26. Sadhguru will inaugurate the event with a midnight initiation of the Mahamantra and a new meditation app. The night will showcase performances by renowned artists, creating an immersive spiritual experience.

India will present its effective waste management practices from the Mahakumbh at the upcoming 'Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific' in Jaipur. Housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar noted the religious congregation's efficient waste management plan involving 25,000 personnel. The conference will discuss 'waste to wealth' and boosting circular economy.

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab announced the launch of a massive campaign against drugs, involving the establishment of rehab and drug de-addiction centers. Scheduled to begin shortly, the initiative will involve strict inspections and preparations on a war footing. IAS officer Sandeep Kumar will oversee inspections, with District Commissioners held accountable for readiness.

Shashi Tharoor, who once challenged the status quo in Congress by contesting for the post of party chief against Mallikarjun Kharge, has once again challenged the party leadership. His recent praises for rivals have reignited internal tensions within the party

The CBI submitted a status report and plans to file a supplementary chargesheet in the rape-murder case at R G Kar Medical College. Sanjay Roy has been convicted and sentenced to life. Abhijit Mondal and Sandip Ghosh are other accused, with Ghosh still in custody for another case.

The Uttar Pradesh Government on Monday submitted a status report to the Supreme Court stating that the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee's claims regarding the location of a well where Hindu rituals were allegedly being performed were misleading.

IIMC Alumni Association announced winners of the 9th IIMCAA Awards at its Connections meet in Delhi. Notable awards included Anshu Gupta and Neelesh Misra as Alumni of the Year, and Sarvapriya Sangwan as Journalist of the Year. Prof Ashok Ogra and others received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Various jury awards were given, highlighting the achievements in journalism, PR, and advertising.

The Centre plans to revamp Delhi zoo's entrance with a modern multi-utility plaza featuring a food court, cloakroom, security infrastructure, queue management area, souvenir shop, visitor center, and parking. The development aligns with site needs, accommodating 16,000 sq m multi-level parking and 11,000 sq m for future expansion.

India and the UK resumed their FTA talks to boost the GBP 42 billion annual bilateral trade. The discussions, paused due to elections, aim to address key issues such as business visas, duty cuts, and fair treatment of spirits. The deal seeks to support exports, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like textiles.

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that 32 AAP MLAs are considering switching sides, and he suggested Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann may eventually join the BJP. In response, AAP's Aman Arora alleged Bajwa is the one planning to join the BJP.

The central government committee monitoring Delhi-NCR's air quality lifted Stage 2 restrictions under GRAP due to improved pollution levels. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 186. Stage-III measures will be implemented if AQI exceeds 350, and Stage-IV if it surpasses 400.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has criticized the opposition for their negativity towards Maha Kumbh and praised the event's successful management. He highlighted the contrast in experiences among visitors while accusing the previous Samajwadi party administration of neglecting religious sentiments.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) faces criticism for investigating historical mosques' origins, raising debates on its role in religious disputes. While court orders drive these surveys, experts emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage without political influence.

The article highlights the growing acceptance of men's makeup in India, driven by initiatives such as Yaan Man's launch and social media influence. Despite initial skepticism, the market for male grooming products is expanding, with increasing demand for items like concealers and tinted moisturizers.

Darshana Sreedhar Mini explores Kerala's adult film industry during the '90s and 2000s in her book. The soft porn cinema rise was fueled by financial crises in mainstream cinema, but oversaturation led to its decline. Starlets like Shakeela became synonymous with the genre, although their careers in mainstream cinema suffered as a result.