Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong cultural and emotional ties between India and Malaysia during his interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. He praised the community for preserving traditions and acknowledged Malaysia's significant Indian-origin population as a «living bridge.» Modi also emphasised the global importance of the Tamil language and culture.
A significant protest is under way in Rajasthan over the felling of the khejri tree. Communities are demanding stronger protection for the state tree, alleging that it is being cut to make way for solar power projects. Political leaders across parties have joined the movement, drawing attention to the tree’s cultural and ecological significance. In an arid landscape where survival is closely tied to ecology, the debate in western Rajasthan now extends beyond development to questions of history, identity and survival.
A US trade representative's map, released alongside an interim trade agreement framework, correctly depicts the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India. This marks a departure from previous US maps and aligns with India's stance, potentially signaling a shift in US policy towards Pakistan and China.
Sonia Gandhi has opposed a criminal revision petition against her, labelling it politically motivated and an abuse of law. She argued that citizenship and electoral roll matters, dating back four decades, cannot be criminalised. Her response, filed in court, asserts the complainant's accusations are based on speculation, not authentic records, and urges dismissal of the plea.
Opposition leaders are raising concerns over the India-US Interim Trade Agreement. They claim the government has compromised national interests. Worries are focused on the impact on farmers, tariffs, and oil imports. Leaders suggest the deal could lead to unrest as its full implications become clear. The agreement is part of broader trade negotiations.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the recent India-US trade framework, alleging it benefits American farmers at India's expense and includes a commitment to stop Russian oil imports. He questioned the value of «photo-ops» given the perceived lack of substantial benefits for India in the deal.
App-based transport workers nationwide protested on February 7, demanding fair incomes and protection against exploitation. Unions cited falling earnings and rising costs, urging governments to implement minimum base fares as mandated by 2025 guidelines. The strike highlighted concerns over unilateral pricing by platforms and financial burdens from device changes, with workers seeking statutory protections.
New rules for the Civil Services Examination will regulate repeated attempts. Candidates appointed to IAS or IFS from CSE 2026 will not be allowed to reappear. Those appointed to IPS or Group A services can get one improvement attempt. The Union Public Service Commission is also adding more examination centres and prioritizing candidates with benchmark disabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a significant two-day visit to Malaysia to bolster defense, security, and economic ties. This trip aims to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on defense cooperation, innovation, and new collaborative areas. PM Modi will also engage with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.
Purnea MP Pappu Yadav was arrested by Patna Police in connection with a 1995 case, expressing fears for his safety and demanding to be taken directly to court. He questioned the police's methods and the timing of the arrest. The MP was later admitted to hospital due to health concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised students at 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' that education is for life, not just exams, emphasizing character and temperament over grades. He encouraged focusing on future goals rather than dwelling on past achievements, urging them to live in the present and plan for what lies ahead.
The Supreme Court sternly criticized the Jan Suraaj Party for challenging Bihar's assembly elections, questioning their motive after a significant electoral defeat. Justices noted the party's failure to win any seats and suggested their petition aimed at gaining popularity. The court emphasized that economic policy issues are for voters to address, not judicial annulment of elections.
Iran reaffirms its commitment to the Chabahar port and cooperation with India, despite US sanctions uncertainty. While a recent budget showed no allocation, India has fulfilled its $120 million commitment and maintains a $250 million credit line for future development. Iran's ambassador highlighted the port's strategic importance for regional access and expressed confidence in India's management of the situation.
India's exports to China surged 37% to $14.2 billion in April-December, with December shipments jumping 67%. Imports, however, rose 13.5% to nearly $96 billion during the same period. The government highlighted that most Chinese imports are capital and intermediate goods, crucial for India's expanding electronics, pharma, and telecom sectors.
The Supreme Court permitted a minor's pregnancy termination, acknowledging her right to reproductive autonomy and the lifelong trauma of an illegitimate child. Despite the Maharashtra government's concerns about a 30-week fetus's viability and the suggestion of an orphanage, the court prioritized the girl's mental well-being, directing the procedure with medical safeguards.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has strongly objected to the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', deeming its title offensive and an attack on a respected community. The VHP has demanded government intervention, while sources indicate Netflix voluntarily removed the film's teaser and promotional content from social media. The organization warned of protests if an apology isn't issued.
Over 50 lakh highway car users have embraced the FASTag Annual Pass in six months, facilitating 26.5 crore toll payments. This scheme has spurred a 50% surge in trips for frequent travelers, with 28% of car transactions now utilizing the pass. Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi lead in adoption, paving the way for barrier-less toll collection.
Commuters using partially operational expressways like Delhi-Mumbai will now pay the same toll as normal national highways. This relief, effective for one year or until full operationalization, addresses concerns that higher tolls deterred usage of incomplete stretches. The decision aims to boost traffic on these corridors.
NEET PG cut-off reduction to zero in 2023 disproportionately benefited private medical colleges, especially for clinical specialties. General category candidates saw the largest gains, with a significant portion of these seats going to them. The analysis highlights admissions with extremely low scores, raising questions about data completeness.
Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.
The Union government has rejected the Supreme Court's suggestion to introduce a «Romeo-Juliet» clause for «genuine adolescent relationships» under the Pocso Act. Citing child safety concerns, the government stated that diluting the age of consent would increase exploitation risks and undermine child protection efforts.
India's tourism landscape is rapidly evolving beyond beaches and hills. A new generation is flocking to spiritual and heritage sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, driven by religious revival, infrastructure growth, and social media influence. These destinations are now vibrant, year-round hubs attracting diverse travellers seeking cultural immersion and authentic experiences.
Seven Naxals, including top leader Prabhakar with a Rs 25 lakh bounty, were killed in an encounter with Maharashtra police in Gadchiroli. The operation, launched three days ago, also resulted in the death of a special force jawan, Deepak Chinna Madavi, while another jawan is out of danger. The anti-Naxal operation is ongoing.
Bhardwaj described the incident as a reflection of the government's and police's «shamelessness.»
A suicide blast at a crowded Shia Imambargah in Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured over 160 during Friday prayers. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son stated no leadership change is expected.
The Supreme Court has permitted a 17-year-old to terminate her 30-week pregnancy, emphasizing a minor's right to decide against continuing a pregnancy. Justices Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan directed JJ Hospital to proceed with the termination, prioritizing the girl's reproductive autonomy and her clear unwillingness to carry the pregnancy to term.
Three Delhi Jal Board engineers were suspended after a 25-year-old motorcyclist died falling into an unbarricaded construction pit. The victim's family alleged gross carelessness by the police in their search efforts, claiming they received no timely assistance. Authorities are investigating the incident and safety protocols.
