Delhi / The Times of India
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma recently inspected road projects from Bhairon Marg to Sarai Kale Khan, highlighting the need for long-term durability. Emphasizing minimal traffic disruption and addressing local grievances, Verma directed officials to construct roads lasting 10-15 years, reflecting the government's commitment to improving Delhi's infrastructure.
Despite over 60 crore visitors and countless holy dips during Maha Kumbh, the Ganga remains germ-free. A study by Padma Shri Dr. Ajay Sonkar reveals Ganga's unique bacteriophages that naturally purify the water by killing harmful bacteria. These bacteriophages1,100 typeseliminate pollution and ensure self-purification, marking Ganga as the world's only freshwater river with such capabilities.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and addressed infrastructure and road repair issues with PWD officials. PWD minister Parvesh Verma inspected ongoing projects, urging high-quality work. Former CM Atishi expressed concerns over delays in the Rs 2,500 scheme for women, seeking a meeting with Gupta to discuss the matter.
Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan faces a criminal complaint for allegedly insulting Hindu sentiments by referring to Holi celebrations as being marked by 'chapris', a term considered derogatory. Filed by Vikas Fhatak, known as Hindustani Bhau, the complaint urges Khar Police to investigate and potentially register an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
A woman died after being hit by a car in a hit-and-run accident near Dhaula Kuan Metro Station in Delhi Cantt on February 20 at 2:30 AM. The driver, Ram Kumar Dixit from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested after police traced the vehicle using CCTV footage from multiple locations.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has urged current CM Rekha Gupta to meet with the AAP legislative delegation on February 23 to discuss the implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promised Rs2,500 monthly scheme for women. Atishi pointed out that despite the first cabinet meeting, the scheme was not approved, leading women to feel disappointed with Modi's guarantee.
The Uttar Pradesh police's SIT has filed a 4,000-page chargesheet in six of the 12 cases related to the November 24 Sambhal violence during the ASI's examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The violence resulted in four deaths and injuries to several others. Eighty arrests have been made, with 79 still pending. Weapons from various countries were seized.
Delhi Police Crime Branch apprehended three members of the Bhau Gang after a firefight in Rohini. The gang, led by Himanshu Bhau, is notorious for extortion and has been active since 2020. Himanshu Bhau fled India recently following an Interpol notice. Police continue to investigate and interrogate the arrested individuals.
The government plans to focus on implementing early-deliverable manifesto promises within the first 100 days, prioritising water and power management for summer. They will address waterlogging, pollution, road repairs, and social welfare schemes, with efforts to secure more water from neighboring states and form an SIT to investigate AAP 'scams'.
Kash Patel, an Indian-American with roots in Gujarat's Anand district, has been appointed as the head of the FBI. Patel's family migrated to Uganda decades ago before eventually settling in the US. A lawyer with a notable career in defense, Patel is the first Indian-American to lead this prominent agency.
Two men, including the mastermind, were arrested for posing as Enforcement Directorate officials and attempting to extort Rs 20 crore from a businessman at a Mehrauli farmhouse. The suspects, linked to the Prince Tewatia gang, fled when their cover was blown, leading to a police investigation and later apprehension.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah commended the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line after using it to attend the SATTE 2025 tourism event. He highlighted its efficiency in saving time, fuel, and emissions. The expanded line connects key locations, including IGI Airport's Terminal 3 and New Delhi Railway Station, benefiting residents and visitors to the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre.
The Karnataka BJP criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the Lokayukta cleared him and his associates in the MUDA site allotment case. The ED is investigating money laundering allegations, while the petitioner plans to object to the Lokayukta's report, calling it a preplanned drama.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has requested chief minister Siddaramaiah to allow Muslim government employees a two-hour evening leave during Ramzan, similar to the provisions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have already granted this relaxation for Muslim employees to break their fast early. The BJP opposes the move, calling it an appeasement strategy.
Delhi's new chief minister, Rekha Gupta, defended her administration's immediate actions against opposition criticism. She highlighted the quick implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and asserted the BJP's commitment to Delhi under PM Modi's leadership. Gupta also emphasized revealing undisclosed CAG reports as a priority.
A 43-year-old travel agent, Amit Arora, was arrested for facilitating illegal journeys to the US using the Donkey Route. The arrest followed the deportation and investigation of a Jalandhar resident, who disclosed the involvement of multiple agents and fraudulent means to cover illegal migration.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar revealed his critical role in the 1999 no-confidence motion against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, swaying one ruling alliance vote in the opposition's favor, causing the government to fall by a single vote. Pawar shared this during a book launch in Delhi, reminiscing about the old Parliament building.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta allocated portfolios to her ministers after her first cabinet meeting, retaining finance, revenue, and women and child development. Key ministers include Parvesh Verma handling public works and water resources, and Ashish Sood responsible for home, education, and urban development.