Rekha Gupta expressed, «Today, on the occasion of Mahashivratri, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Shrinathji. I am filled with a profound sense of peace and joy. »

The Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16-20 in New Delhi. The event will feature discussions on AI's impact on education, employability, data governance, and institutional transformation, with sessions held at various venues. Senior ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders are expected to participate.

The External Affairs Minister had earlier met Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Marko Djuric on the sidelines of the conference on Saturday. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, «Greetings to FM @markodjuric, the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day. Appreciate our long-standing partnership.»

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's PM-elect Tarique Rahman, following the BNP's landslide victory. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany Birla. This event marks a significant diplomatic shift for Dhaka, especially after former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent exile in India. The new BNP government's stance will be closely observed.

At the heart of the row is Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government-owned company that manufactures Mysuru Sandal Soap. Founded during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the brand is not merely a commercial product. For many Kannadigas, it is an aromatic symbol of heritage. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K Sudhakar accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of displaying what he called an “anti-Kannada mindset”.

Asaduddin Owaisi alleged the BJP-led government is trying to «snatch citizenship rights» through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming it will be conducted in Telangana and Maharashtra. He also condemned the alleged harassment of a Muslim bun vendor by YouTubers, demanding action against them.

Isha Yoga Center's Mahashivratri, themed 'Ganga', will be a global livestream event on February 15-16, featuring sign language interpretation and broadcasts in 23 languages. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest. The program includes guided meditations by Sadhguru, musical performances, and for the first time, Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has courted controversy by comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. His remarks have led to a police case against him. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the comparison. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of double standards and a polarization agenda, citing past BJP endorsements of Tipu Sultan.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be debated and voted on March 9. The second part of the Budget session, starting the same day, is expected to be «interesting» with crucial legislation. Rijiju warned that continued opposition protests could be detrimental to them and suggested potential cracks in opposition unity.

In a momentous occasion, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated a statue of K B Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, in Shahdara, marking the organization's centennial. The statue stands as a beacon of selfless service and national pride, resonating with healthcare workers at Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan Hospital.