No-Confidence Motion Filed Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Opposition parties initiated formal proceedings seeking the presiding officer’s removal, alleging bias, restricted debate, member suspensions, and unfair parliamentary conduct.
Telangana Votes Today in Massive Municipal Elections, 8,203 Polling Stations Ready
Urban voters choose local leadership amid tight security, webcasting oversight, high candidate turnout, and parties testing strength after recent state, national contests.
Pakistan backs down: T20 match against India back on the table
Pakistan ends its T20 World Cup boycott, allowing the India match to proceed. ICC’s mediation avoids disruption, Bangladesh avoids sanctions, and Sri Lanka and BCB interventions help preserve tournament integrity.
BJP-led Mahayuti sweeps Maharashtra Zilla Parishad polls, wins 552 of 731 seats
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won 552 of 731 seats in Maharashtra Zilla Parishad polls, sweeping rural areas. Fadnavis hailed the mandate; opposition raised concerns over fairness and electoral process.
Bangladesh elections: Campaigning wraps up ahead of Feb 12 polls
Campaigning for Bangladesh’s February 12 elections ended Monday. BNP leads amid Awami League boycott, with youth — 25% of voters — emerging as a critical factor shaping the country’s political future.
Andhra Govt Inflating Growth Data to Hide Revenue Slump, Alleges Y. S. Jagan
Opposition leader questions state’s economic projections, citing audit data showing minimal tax growth and demanding transparency in official financial calculations.
Social media ‘addicts children’s brains’, plaintiffs argue in landmark US trial
Plaintiffs allege internal research shows tech firms knew children were especially vulnerable to compulsive use but failed to put effective safeguards in place. Meta has denied responsibility, arguing the plaintiff’s mental health issues stemmed from factors beyond social media use.
Drought leaves over 2 million facing hunger in Kenya’s northeast
Four failed rainy seasons have triggered food shortages in Kenya and the Horn of Africa, threatening lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Israel-Gaza Ceasefire a Travesty: Gaza Ceases, Israel Fires as Death Toll Nears 600
Fresh Gaza deaths test fragile truce while Israel’s finance minister openly rejects the creation of a Palestinian state.
Israeli PM Netanyahu seeks stronger U.S. action against Iran’s missiles and militants
Netanyahu visits Washington to press Trump on Iran nuclear limits, missiles, proxies, Gaza security, and seek assurances amid rising regional tensions.
Municipal Elections Spark Fierce Political Slugfest
As municipal elections approach, Congress, BRS and BJP trade sharp accusations, escalating political rhetoric and intensifying the campaign across Telangana.
Kishan Reddy Terms Makthal BJP Candidate’s Death a ‘Jungle Raj’ Sign
Death of Makthal BJP candidate ahead of municipal polls sparks political controversy, with BJP alleging Congress intimidation and demanding an impartial probe.
Smoke Scare at Narayana School in Miyapur, All Students Moved to Safety
Dense fumes from a basement area triggered alarm, prompting rapid response from staff and firefighters, while authorities began probing the suspected cause.
HYDRA Foils Land Grab, Secures ₹700-Crore Property in Kondapur
HYDRA thwarted a land mafia attempt in Kondapur, reclaiming ₹700-crore government land and restoring an illegally encroached lake.
Fire at Telangana Forensic Lab Triggers National-Level Probe
Central specialists and state police examine blaze damage, dismiss evidence-loss claims, begin data restoration, and assess failure at Hyderabad facility.
“Priority for Common Devotees”, Asserts Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy
Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy directs officials to prioritise common devotees and ensure smooth, safe, hassle-free darshan during Maha Shivaratri.
Double Life Exposed: Software Professional Arrested in 26 Burglary Cases
Visakhapatnam police arrested a software professional involved in 26 night-time house burglaries, recovering gold, silver worth ₹25 lakh and a BMW.
Assembly Questions Must Be Answered On Time, Says Speaker
As the Andhra Pradesh Assembly budget session begins, Speaker *Chintakayala Ayya Narpath* stressed the importance of prompt *responses* from departmental officials to questions raised by members. On Tuesday, ahead of the session, the Speaker held a review with *secretaries* of various departments at
AP CM Seeks Gazette Nod for South Coast Railway Zone, Major Infra Push
Chief Minister pressed Union ministers for irrigation funding, farmers’ dues release, water dispute resolution, and strategic transport expansions during Delhi meetings.
Supreme Court, SIR and the Sanctity of the Electoral Roll
Can democracy survive without clean voter rolls, or should politics stall a constitutional duty?
Income Tax 2.0: A New Era in the Indian Tax System (2026)
The draft Income Tax Rules, 2026 represent a massive administrative overhaul that slashes the number of rules and forms by nearly half to simplify compliance through AI-driven, pre-filled systems. Key highlights include the expansion of "Metro City" status to hubs like Hyderabad and Bengaluru for higher HRA benefits and the implementation of a flat 12.5% LTCG tax on assets like gold and real estate.
EPS-95 sustainability in focus as majority of pensioners get low monthly income
Low pension payouts under EPS-95 have triggered renewed calls from trade unions for increasing the minimum guaranteed pension beyond ₹1,000.
India’s Singhasan whisky sweeps three top titles at World Drinks Awards 2026
India’s Singhasan whisky from Modi Illva won three top titles at the World Drinks Awards 2026, highlighting India’s growing premium spirits market and global recognition for craftsmanship, quality, and innovation.
UP budget growth: Doubling in 9 years, 1/7th of Union government’s spending
Uttar Pradesh’s ₹8.33 lakh crore budget doubles in nine years, exceeds Telangana and Andhra Pradesh combined, about 1/7th of the central budget.
Over one lakh children and youth in Himachal’s Hamirpur to receive deworming medicine
Hamirpur will provide Albendazole to over 1.1 lakh children and adolescents during National Deworming Day, with Vitamin A for ages 1–5, as part of India’s nationwide child health initiative.
UP Jal Shakti minister sets 30-day deadline for 100% water supply
UP Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh has set a 30-day deadline for 100% tap water supply in Bundelkhand and Vindhya under Jal Jeevan Mission, warning of strict action against defaulting companies while highlighting parallel progress in Ganga rejuvenation works.
FSSAI strengthens measures to prevent food adulteration across India
FSSAI has deployed 305 mobile food testing labs across 35 States/UTs and notified over 250 accredited laboratories to strengthen food safety enforcement. These initiatives also focus on consumer awareness and training to curb adulteration.
Siddaramaiah says Congress high command decision on CM post final, committed to it
Siddaramaiah said he will not go to Delhi unless called and is focused on budget preparations. The CM also dismissed comments by Shivakumar and BJP leader Prathap Simha, emphasising his commitment to the high command.
Meghalaya Coal mine blast toll climbs to 30, Judicial probe ordered
Victims include migrant workers from Assam; authorities have announced compensation and launched a criminal investigation into illegal mining operations.
Russia FM Lavrov pledges strong support for India-led BRICS 2026 agenda
Russia pledges strong support for India’s BRICS chairmanship, emphasizing counter-terrorism, energy security, AI norms, and global economic reforms while highlighting continuity with past BRICS initiatives and protecting state sovereignty.
Bengaluru metro fare hike put on hold amid Shivakumar–Tejasvi Surya row
A political clash erupted in Bengaluru after the state government put the Metro fare hike on hold, with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya trading charges over authority, accountability and affordability.
Centre highlights expansion of Primary Healthcare, Admits regional imbalances
The Centre told the Rajya Sabha that under the National Health Mission it is strengthening public healthcare by expanding infrastructure, upgrading PHCs and sub-centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and providing free diagnostics and drugs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. While over 1.82 lakh Arogya Mandirs are now operational and key health indicators like maternal and child mortality have improved, the government acknowledged that access to PHCs and CHCs remains uneven, with shortages of facilities and specialist doctors in several regions.
J&K police detain man for disrespecting national flag
Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district registered an FIR and detained a man after a viral video showed alleged misuse of the national flag, triggering investigation under national honour laws.
Capacity building programme on psychological risk identification launched at Sabarmati Central Prison
A five-day mental health capacity building programme to help ward watchmen identify psychological and behavioural risks has been launched at Sabarmati Central Prison as part of a broader correctional reform initiative.
Internet suspended as violence erupts in Ukhrul: Manipur
Fresh ethnic violence in Ukhrul, Manipur, has left houses burnt, several injured, and prompted a five-day internet suspension as villagers flee and the CM appeals for peace.
14.8 crore pregnant women, children registered on U-WIN portal: Nadda
Union Health Minister J P Nadda told the Rajya Sabha that 14.8 crore children and pregnant women have been registered on the U-WIN portal, India’s digital platform for tracking routine immunisation, as of February 3. The portal enables QR code-based vaccination certificates, sends SMS reminders, and helps health workers identify and follow up with children due for vaccines, strengthening coverage under the Universal Immunisation Programme.
Producers of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan withdraw case against CBFC in Madras HC
The producers of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan have withdrawn their petition against the CBFC in Madras High Court. The film awaits review by the revising committee, with a potential February release.
SC to hear plea against Assam CM over AI video targeting opposition MP
The Supreme Court will consider a plea against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over a controversial AI video showing him aiming at a community member and opposition MP, sparking outrage.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma files ₹500 Cr defamation case against Congress leaders
The defamation case responds to allegations of land occupation and incitement; legal proceedings could intensify political tensions in Assam.
ED re-summons Tina Ambani after first no-show, Anil Ambani to appear next
The ED has summoned Anil and Tina Ambani in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged fraudulent New York property sale, days after Supreme Court warnings and amid a wider bank fraud investigation.
SC quashes SC/ST act charges against VYAPAM whistleblower Anand Rai
The Supreme Court quashed charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against VYAPAM scam whistleblower Anand Rai, ruling that allegations linked to a 2022 protest in Madhya Pradesh did not establish caste-based intent, a mandatory requirement under the law, and that the Act had been wrongly invoked.
TN’s village Vedasandur sees crow deaths, officials deny bird flu link amid state alert
Crow deaths in vedasandur triggered anxiety, but officials denied mass mortality and ruled out immediate bird flu risk, as veterinary teams collected samples amid intensified statewide surveillance and strict precautionary measures.
Four Stars of Destiny: Police probe as Publisher clarifies Rahul Gandhi’s claim
Leaked manuscript of Gen. Naravane’s memoir sparks legal, political, and security concerns; Rahul Gandhi blocked from quoting excerpts in Parliament.
Sachin Tendulkar Invites President, PM to Son Arjun Tendulkar’s Wedding
Cricket icon personally delivers ceremony cards to national leaders as upcoming Mumbai marriage blends sporting legacy, business ties, and attention.
India named Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, spotlighting organic export strength
The recognition gives India high global visibility at a key organic trade platform, with APEDA leading a large country pavilion showcasing diverse organic products from over 20 states. It is expected to strengthen buyer confidence, expand market access and support the growth of India’s organic exports amid rising global demand.
India, Greece Sign Joint Declaration to Boost Defence Cooperation
The declaration sets the stage for a five-year roadmap to align India’s indigenous defence push with Greece’s modernisation drive and expand military engagement.Greece’s plan to post a liaison officer at IFC-IOR highlights growing maritime cooperation and India’s deepening strategic outreach to Europe and the Mediterranean.
SC Order on SIR Triggers TMC–BJP War Over EC’s Role in Bengal
Court clarifies observer limits, upholds EROs’ authority, notes state officer deployment, and fuels rival claims over voter safeguards, institutional balance, and process integrity.
UP Govt School Teacher Arrested for Sexual Harassment of Two Minor Girls
The teacher allegedly harassed two girls after school hours while reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Police have booked him under BNS Section 74 and relevant POCSO provisions, and departmental proceedings have been initiated.
DRI seizes Tiger nails, canine teeth from two traffickers in Hyderabad
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized seven tiger nails and three tiger canine teeth from two traffickers in Hyderabad’s Nampally area while foiling an attempt to sell the protected wildlife parts in the grey market.
India-Saudi defence ties strengthened at World Defence Show 2026
The visit included high-level meetings, industry outreach, diaspora engagement and proposals for joint R&D and supply chain integration.
Tension at Kerala University as SFI protest escalates
Tension gripped Kerala University as SFI activists protested the Vice Chancellor’s decision to block the arts festival and delay student dues, with demonstrators entering the administrative block.
Rahul Gandhi cites Gen Naravane tweet amid Delhi Police probe over unpublished memoir
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cites Gen Naravane’s 2023 tweet on his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny, challenging Penguin Random House; Delhi Police investigate leak amid Lok Sabha disruptions.
Allahabad HC stays FIR against Sambhal Police officers over alleged firing incident
The Allahabad High Court stayed a Sambhal court’s order directing an FIR against police officers over alleged firing on civilians, and will hear the matter on February 24.
Odisha to upgrade all state highways to four lanes
Odisha plans to upgrade all state highways to four lanes over the next 5–10 years, with costs expected to run into tens of thousands of crores, to improve connectivity and traffic flow.
Delhi BJP Government Withdraws AAP-Era Cases in Major Centre - State Reset
After assuming office, the new administration sought court approval to drop disputes over appointments, services control, funding issues, and constitutional authority questions.
ED registers money laundering case in Tirupati laddu ghee scam
ED has launched a PMLA probe into alleged laundering of Rs 250 crore linked to Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration scam.
SC Asks Centre to Compile Nationwide Data to Detect Pattern in Missing Children Cases
Court directs Union government to gather six years’ nationwide child disappearance data, examine trafficking links, identify patterns, strengthen coordination, and improve tracing mechanisms.
Rail projects stuck in Tamil Nadu amid Centre-State blame game
Data on land acquisition and budget allocations reveal execution gaps, while commuters and regional connectivity goals remain stalled amid political sparring.
NZ openers dominate, Netherlands build momentum as Pakistan win at T20 WC
Explosive batting and clear tactical intent defined the day’s action across venues.Commanding chases and disciplined finishes helped teams consolidate their early positions in the group stage.
Five Indian Women Golfers Tee Off at Riyadh in LET Season Opener
The PIF Saudi Ladies International features 120 players from over 30 countries, including top LET and LPGA stars, competing for a $5 million prize purse.India’s golfers, led by Diksha Dagar and Aditi Ashok, showcase depth and consistency, with multiple players capable of finishing in top positions.
Who Is Dhakshineswar Suresh? India’s New Davis Cup Hero
Rising from a modest background in Dindigul, Dhakshineswar Suresh honed his skills through years of disciplined training in Chennai and the US. His composure and relentless work ethic helped India clinch a thrilling 3–2 Davis Cup win over the Netherlands.
Kazakhstan Takes Gold, India Strikes Twice in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Indian shooters Aakriti Dahiya and Anjum Moudgil reached podium, while teenage Kazakh athlete produced historic, record-breaking performance during high-pressure final.
Bengal Crush Andhra by an Innings and 90 Runs to Enter Ranji Trophy Semifinals
Shahbaz Ahmed’s four wickets and Sudip Kumar Gharami’s 299 propelled Bengal to a crushing victory over Andhra. The team will next face Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semifinals starting February 15.
Milano-Cortina 2026: Fontana Guides Italy to Glory on Action-Packed Olympic Day
Arianna Fontana secured her 12th Olympic medal at her sixth Games, cementing her status as Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian.Canada took silver, Belgium bronze, and defending champions China finished fourth in the mixed team relay.
Highway Heist: Chris Hemsworth’s Crime 101 brings back 90s crime-thriller cool
Chris Hemsworth stars as a jewel thief in Crime 101, a 90s-style thriller earning early praise ahead of its global release.
Love, Lust and Backlash: Wuthering Heights ignites critical and fan divide
Robbie and Elordi lead a bold, polarizing retelling that trades literary depth for style, romance, and modern pop-culture appeal.
Couple Friendly wins ‘Prabhas’ praise ahead of Valentine’s release
Couple Friendly, starring Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi, releases on February 14 in Telugu and Tamil. Directed by Ashwin Chandrasekhar, the film explores modern relationships, live-in culture, and family tensions in a realistic middle-class setting. It has an ‘A’ certificate and a runtime of 2 hours 1 minute.
Shakira’s ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ tour set to dazzle fans in Qatar
Shakira’s ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ World Tour arrives in Qatar, promising high-energy performances, classic hits, and a spectacular, unforgettable show.
Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt feature in Saudi action thriller 7 Dogs
The trailer of Saudi action thriller 7 Dogs has been released, featuring Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt in cameo roles alongside Egyptian stars Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz. Directed by Bad Boys filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the $40-million film is set for an international theatrical release later this year, with Indian release details yet to be confirmed.
Allu Arjun’s 42 rules for media go viral, fans defend, critics mock
Telugu superstar Allu Arjun has a strict 42-rule protocol for media interactions, including instructions like “don’t look into his eyes” and “don’t shake hands”. A media professional revealed these rules on the STP Podcast, saying they are enforced by multiple layers of management to protect the star’s privacy amid huge crowds.
EDITORIAL AND SPECIAL STORY
Supreme Court, SIR and the Sanctity of the Electoral Roll
Can democracy survive without clean voter rolls, or should politics stall a constitutional duty?
Income Tax 2.0: A New Era in the Indian Tax System (2026)
The draft Income Tax Rules, 2026 represent a massive administrative overhaul that slashes the number of rules and forms by nearly half to simplify compliance through AI-driven, pre-filled systems. Key highlights include the expansion of "Metro City" status to hubs like Hyderabad and Bengaluru for higher HRA benefits and the implementation of a flat 12.5% LTCG tax on assets like gold and real estate.
SPORTS
Pakistan backs down: T20 match against India back on the table
Pakistan ends its T20 World Cup boycott, allowing the India match to proceed. ICC’s mediation avoids disruption, Bangladesh avoids sanctions, and Sri Lanka and BCB interventions help preserve tournament integrity.
NZ openers dominate, Netherlands build momentum as Pakistan win at T20 WC
Explosive batting and clear tactical intent defined the day’s action across venues.Commanding chases and disciplined finishes helped teams consolidate their early positions in the group stage.
Who Is Dhakshineswar Suresh? India’s New Davis Cup Hero
Rising from a modest background in Dindigul, Dhakshineswar Suresh honed his skills through years of disciplined training in Chennai and the US. His composure and relentless work ethic helped India clinch a thrilling 3–2 Davis Cup win over the Netherlands.
Kazakhstan Takes Gold, India Strikes Twice in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Indian shooters Aakriti Dahiya and Anjum Moudgil reached podium, while teenage Kazakh athlete produced historic, record-breaking performance during high-pressure final.
Bengal Crush Andhra by an Innings and 90 Runs to Enter Ranji Trophy Semifinals
Shahbaz Ahmed’s four wickets and Sudip Kumar Gharami’s 299 propelled Bengal to a crushing victory over Andhra. The team will next face Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semifinals starting February 15.
Milano-Cortina 2026: Fontana Guides Italy to Glory on Action-Packed Olympic Day
Arianna Fontana secured her 12th Olympic medal at her sixth Games, cementing her status as Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian.Canada took silver, Belgium bronze, and defending champions China finished fourth in the mixed team relay.
ENTERTAINMENT
Highway Heist: Chris Hemsworth’s Crime 101 brings back 90s crime-thriller cool
Chris Hemsworth stars as a jewel thief in Crime 101, a 90s-style thriller earning early praise ahead of its global release.
Love, Lust and Backlash: Wuthering Heights ignites critical and fan divide
Robbie and Elordi lead a bold, polarizing retelling that trades literary depth for style, romance, and modern pop-culture appeal.
Shakira’s ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ tour set to dazzle fans in Qatar
Shakira’s ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ World Tour arrives in Qatar, promising high-energy performances, classic hits, and a spectacular, unforgettable show.
Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt feature in Saudi action thriller 7 Dogs
The trailer of Saudi action thriller 7 Dogs has been released, featuring Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt in cameo roles alongside Egyptian stars Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz. Directed by Bad Boys filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the $40-million film is set for an international theatrical release later this year, with Indian release details yet to be confirmed.