Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia admitted to making a «mistake» with his controversial remarks on comedian Samay Raina's YouTube show leading to backlash. He said he went on the show for his friend and did not charge for his appearance. Social media influencers Ashish Chanchlani and Apoorva Makhija have also been named in the obscenity case. The investigation continues.

Actress Preity Zinta described her third holy dip at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj as a blend of magical, heartwarming, and sad moments. She shared her experiences and reflections on spirituality and the challenges of attachment. Zinta concluded with the notion that humans are spiritual beings having a human experience, emphasizing her continued quest for answers.

Telangana government has mandated Telugu as a compulsory subject for Classes 1 to 10 in all schools, starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This decision fully implements the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act, introduced in 2018 but previously not fully enforced.

India plans to highlight its concerns over the European Union's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) during Ursula von der Leyen's visit. The CBAM, set to be implemented next year, will impose a border tax on carbon-intensive goods, potentially impacting India's trade, particularly affecting small and medium-sized businesses in sectors like steel and aluminium.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot an intruder who was observed crossing the International Border at Pathankot in the early hours, despite being challenged by troops. The BSF stated that the identity and motive of the intruder are being investigated and plans to lodge a strong protest with Pakistani Rangers.

Delhi government incurred a revenue loss exceeding Rs 2,000 crore due to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, as per CAG's report. The policy, which was later withdrawn, faced issues like monopoly risks and improper license allocations, leading to significant financial discrepancies.

Photojournalist SL Shanth Kumar of TOI documents the profound faith and determination experienced at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Despite facing chaos, a stampede, and immense challenges, his journey highlights the pilgrimage's spiritual and cultural essence, culminating in capturing captivating moments of spirituality and human connection.

BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty disputes Mamata Banerjee's claim regarding the Maha Kumbh's occurrence and attendee numbers, emphasizing the event's significance. Banerjee clarifies her comments, urging better planning and compensation for stampede victims to prevent further suffering.

The Supreme Court has reversed the Bihar Legislative Council's expulsion of RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh for mocking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, deeming the punishment excessive. The court reinstated him with a suspension period and emphasized proper conduct and respect in legislative proceedings.

AIIMS doctors successfully removed a 15 kg ‘parasitic twin’ from a 17-year-old boy from Unnao, UP. The complex surgery took 2 to 2.5 hours, involving multidisciplinary specialists. The boy, previously isolated and facing emotional difficulties, is recovering well, with prospects for a normal life.

Prayagraj hosted Maha Kumbh for 45 days, attracting over 64 crore pilgrims. The confluence ends with Maha Shivratri snan and a farewell at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. Naga sadhus will offer prayers, and soon the temporary settlements will be dismantled.

A Delhi court has sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to two life terms for murdering a Sikh man and his son during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Despite the brutal nature of the crimes, mitigating factors such as Kumar's age and health led the judge to opt for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Kumar is already serving another life sentence for similar crimes.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin called for a meeting of registered political parties to discuss the Union government's proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies in 2026. Stalin expressed concern that TN's successful population control measures could reduce its representation in the Lok Sabha by eight seats, affecting the state's rights.

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad called for a CBI probe into allegations of corruption against MMRDA by Systra, emphasizing the impact on Mumbai's reputation. Aaditya Thackeray and Rohit Pawar echoed demands for an impartial investigation, highlighting the gravity of claims presented by the French consultant.

A groom's drunken misconduct at his wedding in Budaun led to its abrupt cancellation. He arrived intoxicated and touched the bride inappropriately during the varmala ceremony, causing the bride to call off the marriage. Despite efforts from the groom's family to proceed, the wedding was eventually formally cancelled.

Controversy has arisen as the Congress' Kerala unit accused Bollywood actor Preity Zinta of a loan waiver from New India Cooperative Bank, based on a news report. Zinta refuted the claims, labeling them as fake news and clarified that she had repaid the loan in full over a decade ago.

In a landmark verdict, a Barrackpore court sentenced five individuals, including Panihati councillor Tarak Guha, to life imprisonment for the lynching of fish trader Sambhu Chakraborty in 2014. The attack, suspected to be over theft, saw justice served after nearly a decade of legal proceedings. Chakraborty's wife, Jyotsna, expressed relief and recounted the struggles of raising her children alone.

The Bombay High Court ruled the MMRDA's termination of Systra's contract for three Mumbai Metro lines as arbitrary and unfair. The court mandated the MMRDA to reassess the contract termination, citing the agency's failure to provide valid reasons. The decision emphasizes that state bodies must act fairly even within private contracts.

The government aims to construct 10,000 km of national highways in 2025-26, marking the lowest target in seven years. This effort includes constructing 5,800 km of high-speed corridors. The plan also involves raising significant funds from highway project monetization and private investment while focusing on road safety and removing hazardous locations.

In the aftermath of a language row in Belagavi, a girl retracted her sexual harassment complaint against a bus conductor under the Pocso Act. The incident sparked tensions between Kannada and Marathi speakers, leading to bus services suspension. Authorities are considering police deployment on buses to ensure safety and resume services.

Akhilesh Yadav accused BJP governments in UP and at the Centre of a spat, suggesting CM Yogi Adityanath's 'pig' comments targeted Delhi. He pointed out the contradiction between state and central pollution boards over Ganga's cleanliness, questioning their coordination and actions.

Shashi Tharoor's recent actions and statements, including praising the government and posting a selfie with BJP minister Piyush Goyal, indicate he is asserting his stance within the Congress. With Kerala assembly elections approaching, the Congress faces a challenge in navigating Tharoor's position while maintaining party unity.

The Karnataka High Court has permitted Hindus to perform puja at the Shivalinga within Ladle Mashak Dargah during Mahashivaratri, while Muslims can perform Urs-related rituals. The court order emphasizes adherence to designated time slots and maintaining the site's status quo amidst heightened security to prevent disturbances.

Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's comments on the Maha Kumbh stampede, which resulted in 30 deaths. Yadav emphasized the inappropriate nature of Adityanath's language and urged sympathy over anger in response. Adityanath had defended the state's arrangements while accusing the previous government of neglect.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi asserted that the CAG report reiterates AAP's claims about losses under the old excise policy, highlighting illegal liquor procurement from Haryana and UP. BJP countered, alleging corruption and revenue losses amounting to Rs 890 crore due to policy violations and lack of re-tendering, criticizing both Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.

After Bollywood actor Preity Zinta slammed Kerala Congress for spreading fake news that the actor got a Rs 19 crore loan written off and for that depositors are on the streets for their money, the party asked the actor to clear the air with proof. «We are glad to accept mistakes if we have made any,» the Congress Kerala handle said.

A Delhi court granted pre-arrest bail to AAP leader Amanatullan Khan, who faced charges for allegedly attacking a police team in Jamia Nagar. The police sought to interrogate Khan over the incident, but he secured anticipatory bail, with the court noting insufficient evidence of his involvement in the accused's escape, who was already on bail.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and his family participated in the Maha Kumbh at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, offering prayers and taking a holy dip. The event included multiple generations of the Ambani family and featured spiritual rituals. Reliance also provided services like meals, healthcare, and transportation to support pilgrims, with the festival concluding on February 26.

The Delhi high court was informed that the Election Commission of India would resolve Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala's request for electoral rolls from Haryana and Maharashtra by April. The court acknowledged the need for a prompt decision, aiming for utmost transparency during the electoral process.

The CAG report accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of causing a Rs 2,002.68 crore loss with a flawed liquor policy. The report highlighted policy lapses, procedural violations, ignored expert recommendations, and alleged irregularities in issuing licenses. The audit also flagged revenue losses due to failure in obtaining timely permissions, surrender of licenses, and violations in pricing regulations.

Congress criticized PM Modi over Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs, arguing they conflict with international trade principles. Congress leaders expressed concerns about the impact on India's agriculture and MSME sectors and demanded clarity on domestic policies to protect farmers and workers from potential adverse effects.

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, specifically for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son. The court cited Kumar's age, health, good conduct, and potential for rehabilitation as reasons for opting for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, disappointing some Sikh leaders.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi asserted that the CAG report reiterates AAP's claims about losses under the old excise policy, highlighting illegal liquor procurement from Haryana and UP. BJP countered, alleging corruption and revenue losses amounting to Rs 890 crore due to policy violations and lack of re-tendering, criticizing both Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.