Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartbreak over West Bengal's current condition in a letter to voters, accusing the state government of «extreme non-cooperation.» He highlighted central government schemes that have benefited millions in the state and pledged to build a developed and prosperous West Bengal if the BJP comes to power.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of hindering development and failing to ensure women's safety. Gupta questioned the utilization of central funds, stating that development has not reached the poor in Bengal. She also highlighted concerns over women's safety, citing specific incidents and criticizing the state's conditions.
Amidst escalating Middle East tensions and fears of war, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has urgently advised all Indian nationals, including students and tourists, to depart Iran. This directive follows previous advisories and comes as US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran regarding nuclear deal negotiations. The embassy has provided contact details for assistance.
Aviation authorities are finalizing summer flight schedules, with pilot availability a key concern. Airlines' requests for extensions on flight duty time limitations are under review, impacting potential flight numbers. Exemptions are crucial for carriers like Air India and IndiGo to manage longer routes and night operations, but safety concerns over crew fatigue loom large.
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India showcased its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a lifestyle experience, exemplified by a coffee stall where Google CEO Sundar Pichai sampled GI-tagged coffee and paid via UPI. This «DPI-first» approach was highlighted in a bilateral partnership with Brazil, aiming to link UPI with Brazil's Pix and establish a DPI Centre of Excellence.
Sam Pitroda, head of Indian Overseas Congress, sparked a row by stating India's IT talent served global firms, not the nation. He questioned why India couldn't build its own tech giants. The BJP swiftly condemned his remarks, accusing him of anti-India rhetoric and highlighting indigenous operating systems as counter-evidence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel soon. He expressed his eagerness for the trip on social media. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the visit as historic. The leaders emphasized the strong bond between India and Israel. They highlighted cooperation in innovation and security. The partnership continues to grow across various sectors.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's overnight airstrikes on Afghanistan. The strikes reportedly targeted alleged terror hideouts. India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence stated that dozens of innocent civilians were martyred and wounded after airstrikes hit a school and residential homes.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the power of organ donation in his Mann Ki Baat address, sharing the story of a one-year-old from Kerala whose parents donated her organs.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the Centre's decision to agree to a trade deal framework with Washington before the US Supreme Court ruled on Trump tariffs. He argued India could have negotiated from a stronger position had it waited for the court's verdict, which ultimately found the administration exceeded its authority on tariffs.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has applauded the launch of the ambitious 82 km Delhi-Meerut 'Namo Bharat' rapid rail corridor, describing it as a significant boon from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Congress faces a significant setback in Assam as former state chief Bhupen Borah joins the BJP, echoing past defections. Borah cited humiliation and marginalization by party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain as reasons for his departure, highlighting internal rifts ahead of assembly elections.
Three women from Arunachal Pradesh alleged racial slurs and humiliation by neighbours in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, after a dispute over repair work. A viral video captured the incident, leading to an FIR against the couple for offensive remarks and intimidation. The women seek an apology and fear for their safety.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed India as a «global power» ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit. Netanyahu emphasized the «special relationship» forged between the two nations and their leaders, highlighting plans to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and security ties. The visit, Modi's second to Israel, will include a speech at the Knesset and a visit to Yad Vashem.
Kshatriya Karni Sena chief Raj Shekhawat issued a stern warning to filmmakers, threatening to confront them at their homes in Mumbai over movies allegedly targeting «Sanatan Dharma» and hurting religious sentiments. The group specifically objected to «Yadav Ji Ki Love Story» and «Ghooskhor Pandat,» accusing filmmakers of disrespecting faith and social groups.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by one of C Rajagopalachari, India's first governor-general. This move signifies the nation's departure from colonial symbols and embrace of Indian heritage. The unveiling of Rajagopalachari's statue is scheduled for February 23rd
A Delhi court has remanded four Indian Youth Congress workers to five-day police custody, deeming their protest at the AI Impact Summit-2026 a «blatant assault on public order» that harmed India's diplomatic image. The activists wore provocative T-shirts, chanted slogans, and assaulted police personnel, raising concerns about potential external conspiracies and absconding associates.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva was touched by India's musical tribute during his state visit, recalling a similar gesture he made for PM Modi in Brazil. The visit saw both leaders aiming to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion in five years and signing agreements on rare earth minerals, digital partnership, and mining cooperation.
Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist groups were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Intelligence reports indicated a potential terror plot targeting Delhi's Red Fort and prominent temples. The arrests followed specific inputs about a module planning subversive activities, with digital materials being analyzed to uncover a wider network.
Prime Minister Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted AI's role in animal healthcare and agriculture, showcasing innovations at the AI Impact Summit. He also remembered Jayalalithaa, urged embracing Indian culture over foreign influences, and cautioned against digital fraud, emphasizing the importance of local products and organ donation.
India and Brazil inked a critical minerals agreement and set a $30 billion trade target by 2030, aiming to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Leaders also discussed UN reforms and technology cooperation, emphasizing Global South solidarity and shared progress.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to remove infiltrators from Assam's electoral rolls and deport them within five years if the BJP returns to power. He accused the opposition of turning infiltrators into a vote bank, claiming they encroached on vast tracts of land.