The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
Rahul Gandhi voiced support for nationwide worker and farmer protests against government policies, citing concerns over labour codes, trade agreements, and MGNREGA. Ten trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha called for an all-India strike on Thursday to oppose these measures and demand policy changes.
A UN Security Council report has implicated Jaish-e-Mohammed in a car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort last November, which claimed 15 lives. The outfit's leader, Masood Azhar, reportedly established a women's wing to aid terror attacks. Investigations into the incident revealed a 'white-collar' terror module, leading to several arrests.
Stock market today: Indian stock market indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, tanked in opening trade on Thursday morning. While Nifty50 went below 25,900, BSE Sensex was down over 200 points.
Top stock market recommendations: Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends these stocks as the top buy calls for today: BPCL, Power Grid, and SAIL. He also shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for February 12, 2026:
Over 10 central trade unions, farmer organisations, and Left parties called for a 12-hour Bharat Bandh on Thursday, protesting against the Centre's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. The strike, supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, aimed to oppose new labor codes, the Indo-US trade agreement, and changes to MGNREGA, with an estimated 30 crore workers participating across India.
Within the Commission itself, out of 33 sanctioned posts comprising the Chairman, ex-officio members and part-time members 28 are in position. The Secretarys post is filled. However, vacancies are more visible across the autonomous boards responsible for regulating undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and accreditation, and ethics and medical registration.
Nearly one-third of faculty positions across India's AIIMS are vacant, with both older and newer institutes facing significant staffing gaps. Non-faculty positions are also severely understaffed, raising concerns about the pace of recruitment matching infrastructure and patient demand growth.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta disbursed financial aid to 15,700 construction workers' children, totaling Rs 12.40 crore, to support their education. This initiative, marking the BJP government's first anniversary, offers monthly assistance ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 based on educational levels. The government also highlighted other welfare schemes and development projects.
From a US perspective, many H-1B holders remain US Tax residents under the substantial presence test despite prolonged physical absence, particularly where the absence is involuntary and the intent to return to USA is clear.
Practical constraints limit the scale at which Indian refiners can replace existing supplies with oil from the United States or Venezuela. US crude is typically light and sweet, meaning it has lower sulphur content, while many Indian refineries are configured to process medium-grade crude.
Over 10 trade and farmers' unions have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12, protesting the Centre's 'anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate policies.' An estimated 30 crore workers are expected to participate, potentially impacting public banking, transport, and government sectors across over 600 districts.
Tax compliance has been eased for resident buyers purchasing immovable property from nonresidents. The removal of the requirement to obtain a TAN, allowing TDS deposits through the buyers PAN, streamlines crossborder transactions and reduces administrative friction.
Bank unions across India have announced a nationwide strike on February 12, protesting the government's new Labour Codes. Customers face uncertainty as major banks warn of potential operational disruptions, though they are making arrangements for smooth functioning. Unions also advocate for improved work-life balance and a five-day work week.
Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered to Tihar jail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. Following his emotional plea about financial struggles, several Bollywood personalities, including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan, have stepped forward to help clear his debt. His manager expressed optimism for his release soon, with a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

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