Union Home Minister Amit Shah will review Manipur's security situation following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and imposition of President's rule. Ongoing violence and political instability have troubled the state for nearly two years. Shah directs Central Armed Police Forces and state police to maintain peace and order, ensuring public safety.
The Supreme Court criticized staying orders by High Courts that discharge accused persons in criminal cases, stressing it should only occur in exceptional cases where the discharge order appears perverse. Staying such orders, the SC emphasized, affects the liberty granted to the discharged accused.
The Indian Coast Guard Ship Sachet departed for Sudan on Friday, carrying over 2 tons of life-saving medicines, including anti-cancer drugs, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
A violent altercation occurred at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura, leading to a BSF jawan and a Bangladeshi intruder being injured. The clash involved 20-25 intruders suspected of smuggling. The incident took place during a BSF patrol, with non-lethal rounds fired to manage the situation. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police detained 16 illegal Bangladeshi nationals in separate raids.
Over 650 weapons have been surrendered in Manipur following Governor Ajay Bhalla's appeal to turn in illegal arms. The deadline for voluntary surrender has been extended to March 6, with village heads mediating the handover to ensure anonymity and mitigate legal repercussions.
The UGC informed the Supreme Court that no suicides were reported from central, state, private, or deemed universities and colleges. However, petitioners, whose children died by suicide, claim that IITs, IIMs, and national law universities did not provide data. An expert committee has submitted draft regulations to promote equity in higher educational institutions.
February saw India's warmest temperatures since 1901, and March-May is predicted to be warmer than usual with increased heatwave days, particularly affecting winter crops like wheat and rapeseed. Key regions include Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana. Vulnerable populations face significant health risks due to heatwaves. Central and South India recorded notably high temperatures.
An avalanche hit an Army construction site near Mana village, India-China border, trapping 55 workers under six feet of snow. Twenty-two workers remain missing while 33 were rescued amid heavy snowfall and extreme conditions. Rescue operations continue, and affected workers are being treated.
PM Narendra Modi and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen emphasized a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and reiterated their support for the two-State solution for Israel and Palestine. Their stance aligns with the recent UN amendments led by France, focusing on respect for sovereignty and international law.
Sanjay Bhandari's appeal against extradition to India was successful due to potential risks of extortion, torture, and an unfair trial in Tihar jail. UK high court judges cited concerns over overcrowding, understaffing, and the frequent occurrence of extortion and mistreatment by prison officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Jahan-e-Khusrau event in New Delhi, emphasized the deep connection between a nation's culture and its music. He highlighted the unique identity of the Sufi tradition in India and praised the event's 25-year legacy. Modi also acknowledged India's shared heritage through performances like Nazr-e-Krishna and extended greetings for the upcoming month of Ramzan.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is under opposition fire over the recent cabinet expansion. Critics argue that Nitish Kumar's dominance in Bihar's politics is waning as BJP takes a firmer grip, evident from the fact that all new ministers were from the BJP. Opposition leaders claim the BJP is using Nitish as a mask, while the JD(U) and BJP firmly rebut these allegations.
February 2025 experienced the highest temperatures since 1901, with IMD predicting March to May will also be unusually warm, impacting crops in India. Most regions anticipate above-normal heatwave days, posing risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and children.
The Miracle of Mind app by Sadhguru achieved over 1 million downloads within 15 hours of its release, trending in 20 countries. This free meditation app features a 7-minute guided session and AI-powered personalized insights. Sadhguru highlights the rising mental health crisis, emphasizing the need for inward access, urging daily meditation to improve well-being.
Professor Manoj Kumar Tiwari officially assumed charge as the director of IIM Mumbai for a second term, with a focus on research, leadership, and strategic collaborations. Tiwari thanked the Board and faculty for their support and emphasized innovation and academic excellence in his vision.
Over 500 rescuers, including personnel from the Army, Navy, SCCL, and disaster response teams, are working to rescue eight workers trapped in the SLBC tunnel after its collapse on February 22. Despite intensive debris removal and specialized rescue operations, no breakthrough has been achieved. Authorities have dismissed rumors of bodies being found, while efforts involving metal cutting, dewatering, and tunneling continue to reach the missing individuals safely.
The recent CAG audit report highlights significant problems in Delhi's healthcare system, including staff shortages, infrastructure issues, and financial mismanagement. Additionally, essential medicines and regulatory compliance are lacking, severely impacting patient care and hospital operations.
Four cases of avian influenza (H5N1) were detected in three pet cats and a live bird in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. This is the first time the strain infecting domestic cats in India, raising concerns about its adaptability and potential impact on humans. Researchers recommend increased monitoring of poultry, wild birds, and mammals to mitigate the threat.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to India was described as unprecedented and landmark. During the visit, she and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed various topics including trade, free trade agreements, digital green technologies, and supply chains. They aimed to finalize the India-EU Free Trade Agreement within the year.
Pune police arrested Dattatray Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station. A ligature mark was found on his neck, suggesting a suicide attempt. Gade, with prior criminal records, was traced and caught in a paddy field after a massive manhunt involving drones and canine units.
Union home minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi, emphasizing expedited handling of 2020 riots cases, deportation of illegal immigrants, and boosting police accountability. He announced that construction approvals won't require police permission and directed actions against narcotics, interstate gangs, and support networks for illegal immigration. Safety measures for women, children, and traffic issues were also prioritized.
Tejashwi Yadav on Friday said he wants chief minister Nitish Kumar's son Nishant Kumar to join politics as soon as possible for the sake of the future of the JD(U). «He is our brother. I want him to join politics as soon as possible. Otherwise, the BJP will finish the JD(U), the party that was formed by Sharad Yadav,» Tejashwi said.
A massive avalanche struck a BRO labour camp between Mana and Badrinath at 7.15 am on Friday, trapping 42 workers under snow. A PTI video shows rescuers braving extreme weather, carrying victims to safety as a crane clears the path. The Garhwal 9th Brigade, BRO, SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and district officials are leading rescue efforts. The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade has deployed over 100 personnel, including doctors and ambulances.
AAP leader Raghav Chadha credited the launch of the 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' at Chennai airport, following its initial launch in Kolkata, aimed at providing affordable food to passengers. He raised concerns about high prices and poor management at airports and emphasized continuing efforts to address public interests.
