Opposition leaders criticized the Union Budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for not addressing the middle class and small business owners. The budget favored corporate loans over relief for common citizens, with significant allocations to Bihar ahead of upcoming elections, while neglecting states like West Bengal.
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Sambhal district administration started excavating a centuries-old well near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi. This is part of an initiative to revive historical wells and pilgrimage sites. Authorities aim to restore and preserve these structures, addressing complaints about encroachment and neglect. The excavation includes an area under tension due to past claims about the mosque's history.
The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the trial court proceedings against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case. This case involves allegations that Gandhi made defamatory remarks about home minister Amit Shah during the AICC’s plenary sessions in Jharkhand in 2018. The Court has asked for responses from the Jharkhand government and the complainant within four weeks.
The Centre for Public Interest Litigation argued in SC that the independence of the CAG has diminished because of fewer audits of governments led by the ruling party. Justice Kant disagreed, stating the Constituent Assembly addressed these concerns during its debates.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met Congressman Michael Waltz during his US visit, discussing bilateral partnerships. Waltz is set to become National Security Advisor on January 20, under President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar also engaged with the Indian Embassy and Consuls General in Washington, DC.
Exit polls for the Delhi assembly election predict a strong return for BJP, which is expected to secure 43 seats, while AAP is projected to win 26 seats. BJP leaders express confidence in exceeding these predictions, while AAP and Congress await the final results on February 8.
The Congress party protested in Jammu against the Central government’s handling of terrorism and the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The march was sparked by the recent killing of four police officers in an encounter with Pakistani terrorists. Party leaders called for immediate action to ensure peace and job opportunities in the region.
In celebration of International Women's Day, the Central Railways operates the Vande Bharat Express between CSMT and Shirdi with an all-women crew. This initiative includes loco pilots, train managers, and other staff, showcasing the efforts to empower women in the Indian Railways.
Thirty-six devotees injured in a stampede at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj are receiving optimal treatment. Mostly women aged 50 to 70, they are largely stable with several recovering from asphyxiation. The Uttar Pradesh government assures free treatment and safe journeys home, while ensuring food and care for their attendants.
During his visit to the US, PM Modi and President Trump affirmed their strong personal bond and discussed key issues including trade, energy, and extradition. Both leaders emphasised the future collaboration and the importance of national interest, with commitments to enhance ties and combat human trafficking together.
Following Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's threats regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly condemned Pakistan's support for terrorism. Tensions escalated after the Pahalgam attack, leading India to suspend the treaty and initiate diplomatic measures. BJP MP Tarun Chugh emphasized that treaties require trust, vowing to teach terrorists a lesson, while PM Modi promised severe punishment for the attack's perpetrators.