NEWS AN LIVE

Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar's spiritual visits have triggered criticism within Congress, leading to internal tensions. Shivakumar has reacted strongly to criticism over his "spiritual" pursuits from a section of the party and has said: "I am a born Hindu and I will die as a Hindu but I love and respect all religions."

The Indian Railways successfully operated over 17,000 trains in 45 days for the Maha Kumbh, carrying around 4.5-5 crore people. This large-scale operation was made possible through a Rs 5,000 crore infrastructure upgrade and seamless coordination among departments to ensure a smooth journey for devotees.

PM Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to discuss an India-EU Free Trade Agreement and formalize defence and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The visit aims to enhance collaboration in AI, green energy, space, and defence, with significant progress anticipated during the meetings.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has approved a $397 million package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet fleet, while offering India the advanced F-35 Lightning II jet. This dual approach aims to recalibrate South Asia's power dynamics, but raises concerns about Pakistan's potential misuse of the F-16s.

Rescue operations in Telangana's collapsed SLBC tunnel are ongoing, with Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy assuring completion within two days. Efforts to locate trapped workers continue, involving expert miners and sniffer dogs. Accumulated debris poses challenges, but advancements have been made, with teams preparing plans to mitigate risks and expedite rescue of the eight trapped individuals.

Goa has become the first state in India to issue QR codes for tourists with vehicles to streamline document checks and enhance their travel experience. Implemented through the Quick Pass mobile app, this initiative aims to reduce harassment and improve traffic compliance efficiency. The QR codes are valid for 12 hours.

The government aims to construct 10,000 km of national highways in 2025-26, marking the lowest target in seven years. This effort includes constructing 5,800 km of high-speed corridors. The plan also involves raising significant funds from highway project monetization and private investment while focusing on road safety and removing hazardous locations.

The Karnataka High Court has permitted Hindus to perform puja at the Shivalinga within Ladle Mashak Dargah during Mahashivaratri, while Muslims can perform Urs-related rituals. The court order emphasizes adherence to designated time slots and maintaining the site's status quo amidst heightened security to prevent disturbances.

The government aims to construct 10,000 km of national highways in 2025-26, marking the lowest target in seven years. This effort includes constructing 5,800 km of high-speed corridors. The plan also involves raising significant funds from highway project monetization and private investment while focusing on road safety and removing hazardous locations.

On the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, India abstained from two UN General Assembly resolutions calling for peace and Ukrainian sovereignty. The US abstained from voting on its own resolution after European amendments altered the text. France and the UK might still influence the outcome in the Security Council.

Six teams of rat miners join the rescue operation in Nagarkurnool to save eight trapped workers after the Srisailam Left Bank Canal collapse. Despite formidable challenges, including water and obstructions, teams are hopeful. Telangana minister Jupally Krishna Rao, however, admits the survival chances are very remote, but efforts continue tirelessly.

Maharashtra's Aveo Pharmaceuticals was raided by state and central drug inspectors following a BBC documentary exposing their illegal export of unlicensed, addictive opioid pills to West Africa, leading to halted production and seized inventory. Authorities issued stricter export and manufacturing directives in response.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, received the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his contributions to UK-India business relations. The honor was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi by the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron.

Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Khanna presented an Rs 8.08 lakh crore revenue surplus budget, emphasizing infrastructure with proposed new expressways to enhance connectivity. Major allocations included Rs 1.06 lakh crore for education and Rs 61,070 crore for energy, aiming to boost development per the vision of PM Narendra Modi.

The BJP picked first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as its Delhi chief minister, continuing its trend of choosing relatively unknown figures for top posts. Gupta, who is actively engaged with women-related matters and closely associated with the RSS, becomes the lone woman CM among BJP-ruled states at present.

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. The decision was made by a panel including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent ministers. The appointment faced objections from the Congress party, demanding the meeting should have been deferred till the Supreme Court's final verdict on the selection panel.

Earlier in the day, Indian Railways gave an ex-gratia of rupees 10 lakh to the kin of all the 18 deceased. An amount of rupees 2.5 lakh to grievously injured passengers and a compensation of rupees 1 lakh for passengers with minor injury were distributed to the 15 injured during the day.

Girls from Haryana have excelled at the 38th National Rowing Championship in Tehri, Uttarakhand, winning multiple gold and silver medals. Despite practicing in suboptimal conditions, they have demonstrated remarkable ability. Kiran and Suman urge the Haryana government to arrange for water stoppage in their canal to facilitate further training.

Girls from Haryana have excelled at the 38th National Rowing Championship in Tehri, Uttarakhand, winning multiple gold and silver medals. Despite practicing in suboptimal conditions, they have demonstrated remarkable ability. Kiran and Suman urge the Haryana government to arrange for water stoppage in their canal to facilitate further training.

PM Modi and President Trump reaffirmed the India-US partnership's importance in the Indo-Pacific region. They committed to tackling illegal immigration, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism. Discussions included market access issues, addressing Chinese industrial overcapacity, and strengthening strategic technology collaboration through initiatives like TRUST. They denounced terrorism and agreed on greater cooperation in West Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Billionaire Elon Musk has been invited to bring his satellite internet service Starlink to Bangladesh by the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus. Yunus believes this will benefit Bangladesh's youth and remote communities. Musk has shown interest in visiting Bangladesh. The invitation coincides with Musk's meeting with Indian PM Modi, amidst strained India-Bangladesh relations.

During his visit to the US, PM Modi met with Elon Musk to discuss space, technology, and innovation. Discussions highlight India's governance reforms and cooperation on emerging technologies. Upcoming talks with President Trump aim to strengthen bilateral trade and address geopolitical issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top Trump aides, including US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Elon Musk, to discuss strategic ties and trade issues before his meeting with President Trump. Modi aims to emphasize the broader US-India partnership, while Musk's potential business ventures in India were also deliberated.

Two soldiers, Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas, were killed in an IED blast while on patrol near the LoC. Both were set to marry in April, leaving their families mourning their tragic loss. The articles detail their planned celebrations turned into sorrowful events.

Tensions erupted in Hyderabad’s old city when meat was found inside the Lord Shiva Temple within the Hanuman Temple complex. Protests ensued, leading authorities to investigate. CCTV footage later revealed that a cat had brought the meat, quelling potential unrest after police clarified the situation.

Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh were killed in an IED attack near the LoC in Jammu's Akhnoor sector, marking the first security fatalities in the region this year. The attack occurred amid increased hostilities along the LoC, prompting heightened security measures and a review of hostile activities by military officials.

About 220km from Kolkata, Ed Sheeran enjoyed a smooth scooter and boat ride in Murshidabad's Jiaganj with his friend Arijit Singh. They toured the area and spent five hours together. Despite limited security, their visit went off without a hitch. Sheeran is set to perform in Shillong on Feb 12, while Singh regularly stays in Jiaganj with his family.

India has strongly supported the Chabahar port project in Iran amid the Trump administration's threats to revoke sanctions waivers. The port is seen as crucial for regional connectivity, providing a trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, and has facilitated humanitarian efforts during the Covid pandemic.

Rajya Sabha saw a confrontation between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge when a starred question about non-payment of dues by builders in Noida was withdrawn. BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee had asked for details about developers who owed dues and the measures taken against them.

PDP’s Iltija Mufti claimed she was detained and prevented from holding a press conference in Jammu after visiting Kathua to offer condolences for a suicide victim. Allegedly, the victim died due to police torture. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti criticized the detention, calling it a disregard for fundamental freedoms in democracy.

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal criticized Atishi for celebrating her victory in Kalkaji despite AAP's overall defeat in the Delhi assembly elections. Maliwal, who has raised concerns about the party's leadership, highlighted the failure of prominent leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to win seats.

Punjab police on Wednesday received 104 deported Indian immigrants from the US amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The deportees, including Jaspal Singh from Punjab, were unaware of their destination and arrived in Amritsar on a US military aircraft. The returnees were transported under tight security.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Washington on February 13 to meet President Trump, focusing on trade and defense collaborations. The visit may involve key discussions on military purchases, energy supplies, and artificial intelligence collaboration, with a potential meeting with Elon Musk also anticipated.

Punjab police on Wednesday received 104 deported Indian immigrants from the US amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The deportees, including Jaspal Singh from Punjab, were unaware of their destination and arrived in Amritsar on a US military aircraft. The returnees were transported under tight security.