Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the India-US interim trade deal, calling it a «pre-committed purchase agreement» that lacks reciprocity. He argued that Union ministers have failed to provide clear details on the agreement's scale, timeline, or fiscal impact. Tharoor also described the Union Budget as an «underwhelming» and «squandered opportunity.»

A political storm brewed in the Rajya Sabha as a BJP MP alleged encroachment of Kolkata Port land, citing the Kolkata mayor's controversial «mini Pakistan» remark. The MoS for Ports acknowledged significant encroachment and ongoing legal battles, admitting the authority's struggle to reclaim the land amidst opposition protests.

Responding to Supreme Court's push, the Centre will establish at least one special court in 17 states for NIA terror cases. Each state will receive ₹1 crore for costs, with existing courts to be designated for these trials. This move aims to expedite justice for serious crimes, preventing prolonged detentions due to overloaded dockets.

The Supreme Court has urged Madhya Pradesh's advocate general to ensure representation of marginalized communities and women as government lawyers. Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh highlighted the lack of ST advocates and low representation of SCs and OBCs, questioning how these communities can emerge without opportunity.

India's unemployment rate for those 15 and above in rural areas dropped to 4% in Oct-Dec 2025, down from 4.4% in the previous quarter. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate also saw a marginal increase to 55.8%, with female participation rising to 34.9%.

Opposition's bid to remove the Speaker failed, exposing internal rifts as pragmatic voices pushed for legislative business. The government emerged stronger, refusing Congress's demands, while regional parties' desire for discussions on their concerns helped end the impasse. The Speaker stepped aside until the notice is addressed.

Rahul Gandhi continues to cite Gen M M Naravane's memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny', despite publisher Penguin India stating it remains unpublished. Gandhi insists Naravane's own social media post confirms its availability, challenging Penguin's claim and suggesting a contradiction. The publisher maintains pre-orders do not constitute publication and warns of legal action against unauthorized circulation.

The ED has issued fresh summonses to Anil Ambani and his wife Tina for questioning next week in connection with an alleged Rs 40,000 crore money laundering probe. The agency has already attached Rs 12,000 crore worth of assets. Tina Ambani's questioning is related to the purchase of a Manhattan apartment using alleged proceeds of crime.

Northern Railway has extended a special Vistadome train, previously running between Budgam and Banihal, to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra. This move enhances travel for tourists and locals, offering panoramic views of Kashmir's stunning landscapes through its wide glass windows and transparent roof. The extended service aims to boost tourism by making journeys more comfortable and visually captivating.

Bunker construction in Jammu and Kashmir border areas remains stalled nearly 10 months after heavy Pakistani shelling. Local MLAs highlight the urgent need for individual bunkers due to the scattered population. While over 500 bunkers are sanctioned for Uri, work is expected in April 2026. A proposal for 5,693 bunkers in Poonch is awaiting approval.

The panel headed by Congress MP Kirti Azad recorded its concern that buyer identification under the DBT in fertiliser subsidy scheme is established only through Aadhaar authentication on a ‘no denial basis,’ without a well-defined mechanism to ascertain the actual beneficiary. It said this highlights the need for further scrutiny to identify genuine beneficiaries.

A gym owner in Kotdwara, Uttarakhand, has seen his business plummet from over 150 members to just a dozen after confronting Bajrang Dal activists. The dispute began when activists protested a shop's name, leading to clashes involving the gym owner, who identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak'. Security has been increased amid threats of further action.

From golden roses to wine workshops, the Love All Members Fest is turning February into a season of daily surprises

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will not begin the Union Budget debate today. He cited concerns over potential disruptions from the treasury benches. Gandhi is now expected to speak on Wednesday. The decision follows a notice by opposition parties to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker. Shashi Tharoor initiated the debate. Several opposition members have been suspended this session.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the Election Commission said the decision was taken in compliance with the Supreme Court’s February 9 order. Earlier, the final voters’ list was scheduled to be published on February 14, with elections to follow after completion of the exercise.