The BJP has launched its fourth campaign song, ‘Dil valo ki Delhi ko ab BJP Sarkar chahiye’, for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. BJP leaders praised the Union Budget as a ‘golden budget’. MP Manoj Tiwari highlighted the exemption of income tax on earnings up to Rs 12 lakh, benefiting the middle class.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra face a complaint over alleged disrespectful remarks about President Droupadi Murmu. The BJP demands an apology, accusing them of insulting the President and marginalized communities. The case is set to be heard in a Bihar court on 10 February.
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja, several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended their wishes to the people, praying for wisdom, prosperity, and well-being.
Arvind Kejriwal, chief of Aam Aadmi Party, wrote to the Election Commission of India alleging that AAP volunteers are being harassed and intimidated by BJP workers and Delhi Police. He highlighted multiple incidents where party workers were detained on baseless charges or assaulted, including an attack on his convoy.
Three people lost their lives and four others were injured in a collision on Samruddhi Expressway near Wavi early Saturday morning. The victims were returning home after attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The police have identified the deceased and reported that the condition of the injured is stable.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed diplomats from 73 countries to Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, emphasizing its cultural significance and potential for spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The dignitaries experienced a guided tour, a special boat ride to the Sangam, and visits to various cultural landmarks, with many expressing appreciation for India’s traditions and spiritual heritage.
Opposition leaders criticized the BJP government’s Budget, labeling it as lacking innovation and failing to address key economic issues like stagnant wages and a complex GST system. Rahul Gandhi called it a superficial fix, while former FM Chidambaram and others commented on its focus on wooing specific voter groups rather than driving substantial economic change.
The Indian government is developing a national framework to decentralize Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to tier-2 cities, boosting employment in these regions. This initiative aims to enhance talent access, infrastructure, and regulatory reforms, with GCC units in smaller cities increasing from 5% in 2018-19 to 7% in 2023-24.
The Army is planning a long-term roadmap to expand its fleet of advanced drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision-strike missions. The aim is to develop indigenous UAVs with extended range, high altitude, and long endurance capabilities, meeting the operational requirements amid evolving warfare technologies.
A 21-year-old woman named Mahadevi died Saturday at Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences after childbirth, the sixth such death at the hospital in the past year. The death was attributed to thromboembolism, but her family alleges medical negligence. An investigation has been promised.
Security and crowd management efforts have been intensified at the ghats in Prayagraj for the Basant Panchami sacred bathing ritual, expected to attract 4 to 5 crore devotees. Measures include strict route plans, paramilitary presence, and reinforced barricades to prevent overcrowding after the tragic stampede on Jan 29.