During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Mauritius, India and Mauritius will sign agreements in capacity building, trade, and tackling financial crimes. Modi will be the chief guest at Mauritius's national-day celebrations. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with India being a significant development partner and major trading partner of Mauritius.
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Private Indian airports will invest over Rs 60,000 crore in infrastructure by fiscal 2027, aiming to handle 65 million more passengers annually. Revenue is projected to rise 17% due to increased traffic and tariff hikes. Despite 70% capex funded by debt, robust credit profiles are expected. Aeronautical revenue will grow by 24%, supported by higher tariffs.
The Election Commission refutes the government's justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved several significant initiatives, including the formation of the Sixth State Finance Commission and the creation of 346 new positions in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. Additionally, key infrastructure projects like a solar energy initiative and irrigation schemes have been sanctioned to improve energy efficiency and land irrigation.
BJP criticized Congress over Karnataka's 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in the state budget, calling it unconstitutional and based on religion. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed Rahul Gandhi influenced the decision, while Karnataka's deputy CM D K Shivakumar argued the quota benefits all backward classes and minorities, not just Muslims.
Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm highlighted India's importance to the company at the ET Now Global Business Summit, citing the country's rapid 5G adoption and digitalisation. With 270 million 5G subscribers, India has significantly contributed to economic growth, inspiring Ericsson to enhance its research in AI and 6G technologies.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivkumar will join Mahashivratri celebrations at Sadhguru's Isha Foundation on February 26. Sadhguru will inaugurate the event with a midnight initiation of the Mahamantra and a new meditation app. The night will showcase performances by renowned artists, creating an immersive spiritual experience.
During a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Vishambar Singh from Dholpur, Rajasthan, managed to pull his mother to safety but couldn't save his 71-year-old grandfather, Kishan Baldev, who was trampled. The family had traveled to the Kumbh for blessings, but Baldev, a farmer, was declared dead at the hospital. His body was returned after post-mortem, and his last rites were performed. A woman from Ajmer district was also killed in the stampede.
Maharashtra Police arrested Sudarshan Ghule and Sudhir Sangle in connection with the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The arrests came three days after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. Valmik Karad, an aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, had earlier surrendered, sparking demands for Munde's removal amid political controversies.
A 23-year-old truck driver, Vikas Bansode, was allegedly beaten to death in Beed, Maharashtra, by ten people, including truck owner Bhausaheb Kshirsagar, over a love affair. Lured under the pretext of Holi celebrations, Bansode and his friend were held captive and assaulted. He was later abandoned at a hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have arrested six suspects and are searching for the remaining accused.
The Ayush drug licensing authority in Kerala warned Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt Ltd for publishing a misleading ad without approval, violating Rule 170. Rule 170 requires state licensing authority clearance for ayurvedic drug ads, despite its contested history and temporary removals from legal enforcement.