The Aam Aadmi Party issued a whip to its Rajya Sabha members for the Waqf Amendment Bill discussion. Both NDA and opposition have directed their members to vote accordingly on the bill introduced by Minister Kiren Rijiju, which claims to improve Waqf property management despite strong opposition resistance.
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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy praised the distribution of fine rice as a historic welfare scheme, stating it would feel like a daily festival for the poor. However, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay argued that PM Narendra Modi's photo should be displayed at ration shops, highlighting the Centre's significant contribution to the initiative.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah omitted the Socio-Economic Survey from the 2025-26 budget, sparking speculation that the caste census could be shelved. The report, facing opposition from dominant caste leaders within Congress, might be withheld or revised once updated population data is available. Some Congress leaders, like BK Hariprasad, affirm the report's eventual release.
India and the EU are making significant progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), according to commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal. The two sides agreed to build a commercially meaningful trade agenda and work towards a mutually beneficial pact, ahead of the 10th round of talks.
The Supreme Court has directed the government to draft a legal framework to protect domestic workers, citing their widespread exploitation and a lack of legal safeguards. The court criticised the absence of legislative action and ordered multiple ministries to form a committee of experts to draft recommendations within six months. The judgment came while quashing a criminal case against a former DRDO scientist.
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.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh accused Muslim groups boycotting Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s iftaar invitation of association with the RJD and Congress. This follows groups like Imarat Shariah rejecting Kumar's invite over his support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that 32 AAP MLAs are considering switching sides, and he suggested Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann may eventually join the BJP. In response, AAP's Aman Arora alleged Bajwa is the one planning to join the BJP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the AI summit in France with President Emmanuel Macron during his visit from February 10-12. He will also address the India-France CEOs forum in Marseille. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri highlighted India's focus on safe and responsible AI development. PM Modi will honor Indian soldiers of World War I and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor site.
PM Narendra Modi will visit France in February to participate in an AI Summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, scheduled for February 11-12, aims to foster discussions on AI with participation from major global powers including the US, China, and India.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has urged all eligible citizens of India to register as electors and participate in the electoral process. He emphasised that voting is the first step towards national service.