Science & tech, agri, def, trade and investment on the agenda

Prime Minister Modi's Israel visit fostered rare bipartisan support, with opposition leader Yair Lapid calling him a true friend. PM Netanyahu and his wife extended a special airport welcome, highlighting strong India-Israel bonds. Modi received the Knesset's highest honor, underscoring broad political consensus on deepening ties despite internal divisions.

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi ahead of his Israel visit. Priyanka Gandhi expressed hope he would address the Gaza genocide, while Rahul Gandhi questioned his dealings in Israel, referencing the Epstein Files and alleging foreign policy was shaped by the convicted sex offender.

Addressing the Israeli Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly backed Israel on terrorism, condemning the Oct 7 attacks and naming Hamas. He asserted India's unwavering support, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy against terror, drawing parallels to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Modi also endorsed the UNSC-backed Gaza peace initiative, highlighting the need for dialogue, peace, and stability in the region.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has deemed BSNL director Vivek Banzal's lavish, now-canceled trip to Prayagraj «improper and absurd.» Appropriate action will be taken against the senior executive, with a show-cause notice already issued. The extravagant arrangements, including extensive personal kits and nearly 50 officials, sparked widespread concern over misuse of resources.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more individuals, Zameer Ahmad Ahangar and Tufail Ahmad Bhat, in connection with last year's Red Fort area blast. These arrests bring the total to 11, with the duo allegedly supplying weapons to the prime accused. Investigations reveal they were active overground workers for the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind terror outfit.

A pregnant woman and her three young daughters were found murdered with their throats slit in their Delhi home. Police are searching for the woman's husband, a vegetable seller, who is the prime suspect and has been missing since the morning. The motive is under investigation, with potential angles including preference for a male child.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious «Speaker of the Knesset Medal,» Israel's highest parliamentary honour, for bolstering strategic ties. He is the first Indian PM to be so recognized. This visit also saw him address the Israeli parliament for the first time, emphasizing friendship and partnership with the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said, «These 365 days were the days that changed the course of Delhi, and the coming 4 years will change the condition of Delhi. Taking new decisions in the interest of the people of Delhi and carrying out development works in Delhi is our daily routine. On completion of one year, I congratulate the people of Delhi.»

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Tel Aviv, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu noting the matching saffron colors of Modi's pocket square and his wife's outfit. Modi's visit, the first by an Indian PM to the Knesset, aims to strengthen the «robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership» between India and Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit, personally received by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, over 200 passengers were stranded for five hours on an IndiGo flight in Chennai due to technical issues. Union Minister Piyush Goyal refuted Rahul Gandhi's «compromised PM» remark, calling the Congress a «puppet of foreign powers.»

NCERT has withdrawn its new Class 8 Social Science textbook. This action follows the inclusion of a section on corruption in the judiciary. The Supreme Court intervened after the matter was raised. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated the institution would not allow defamation. Senior lawyers highlighted the selective focus on the judiciary.

A Delhi court granted bail to a man accused of abetting his former partner's suicide, stating a breakup alone isn't criminal instigation. The court noted a significant gap between the couple's last contact and the woman's death, suggesting her suicide might stem from personal reasons rather than direct provocation. The trial will determine the true cause.

The minister, while addressing the gathering in Tokyo, also asserted that Uttar Pradesh is the food basket of India and a state with the largest water resources.

Putting all the members of the Gandhi family, who have ruled the nation, in the dock, the Union minister said the clan never «shied away from compromising the country». He went further back to attack the Nehru-Gandhi family as he highlighted the infamous Bofors scandal that was widely reported during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure and had been the reason behind the fall of his government.

Veteran CPI leader R. Nallakannu, aged 101, has passed away. He was admitted to the hospital on February 1 and was in the ICU due to multi-organ failure. His condition worsened on Monday and deteriorated further on Wednesday, leading to his passing. This marks the end of an era for the party.

India's recent steep cigarette tax hike has triggered immediate chaos, with prices soaring and supplies dwindling. Retailers are struggling, and consumers face inflated costs. This mirrors global trends where high taxes, without robust enforcement, fuel illicit trade and organized crime, potentially undermining public health goals and government revenue.

Tragedy struck East Godavari as four died and 15 were hospitalized following suspected contaminated milk consumption. FSSAI is investigating, with authorities detaining a milk vendor and seizing his unit. While urea wasn't found, kidney complications were linked to milk. Police explore a chemical coolant leak as a potential cause, with samples undergoing analysis.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia slammed a BSNL director's extravagant Prayagraj visit plans, calling it a rule violation. The two-day trip, involving nearly 50 officials and detailed personal arrangements, was cancelled after its itinerary went viral. A show-cause notice has been issued, with Scindia promising further action against the 'shocking' incident.

TTV Dhinakaran has mocked VK Sasikala's new political party launch. He compared it to instant food and stated it will not impact the NDA's chances in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Sasikala announced her return to politics and the formation of a new Dravidian party. Dhinakaran asserted that true followers of Jayalalithaa remain united.

Spatial clustering of marginalised communities continues to reproduce inequality—with lower educational mobility constraining access to higher-paying jobs, which in turn shapes where families can afford to live.

Satellite communications are vital for modern society, enabling everything from weather forecasts to national security, Viasat's President Ben Palmer stated at DefSat 2026. He emphasized the need for resilient global SatCom and assured connectivity across various orbits and frequencies. Palmer also highlighted India's strategic approach to space sovereignty as impressive and pragmatic.

Move aimed at enforcing zero-tolerance policy: DGCA

Two commercial flights, an Air India and an IndiGo, departed Ranchi safely Monday night amidst challenging weather. The ill-fated air ambulance, a Beechcraft C90, crashed shortly after takeoff, having requested a weather deviation. This tragedy occurred just minutes after larger airliners navigated the same turbulent conditions successfully.

The Union Cabinet greenlit significant infrastructure upgrades, including three multi-tracking railway projects totaling Rs 9,072 crore to boost train capacity. Additionally, a new integrated airport terminal for Srinagar, costing Rs 1,677 crore, and a Rs 1,067 crore extension for the Ahmedabad Metro were approved. These projects aim to enhance connectivity and cater to growing passenger demand.

A parliamentary committee condemned the Youth Congress's AI summit protest, passing a resolution with a majority vote despite opposition from several parties. While praising the summit's success and significant investment pledges, the dissenters argued the committee was engaging in political maneuvering over the incident. The resolution highlighted the summit's global impact and future AI development commitments.