The Times of India

Security forces neutralized a top Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist, Usman, in Kathua's Billawar during Operation Trashi-I. This operation, now in its sixth day, has seen intense combing operations and the discovery of a terrorist hideout. The ongoing hunt for more militants continues despite challenging conditions, marking a significant breakthrough for security forces.

Jammu and Kashmir was battered by heavy snowfall and fierce winds reaching 155kmph, causing widespread disruption. Highways were blocked, flights cancelled, schools shut, and power supply severely impacted. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended as snow blanketed the Trikuta Hills. Authorities are bracing for further weather challenges.

Families of Hyderabad youths are pleading with the government for help, claiming their sons were lured to Thailand with fake job offers and are now held captive and tortured near the Myanmar border. These individuals were reportedly forced into long working hours, denied basic necessities, and beaten for attempting to leave.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'double engine' government pitch, asserting the state has achieved growth independently. Stalin accused the BJP of betraying Tamil Nadu and highlighted the growth in non-'double engine' states. Modi, in turn, criticized the DMK government as 'Corruption, Mafia, Crime' and accused them of misgovernance and vote-bank politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the NDA's campaign in Tamil Nadu, asserting voters are ready to oust the corrupt DMK government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin countered, accusing the NDA of betraying the state and highlighting pending demands, including financial aid and NEET exemption.

Tharoor, who is reportedly unhappy after Rahul Gandhi did not meet him during his visit to Kochi, will instead attend the Kerala literature festival. The controversy around Tharoor and his reported rift with the party erupted following a series of events that led to the experts connecting dots of the veteran leader's dissatisfaction with his current position in the grand old party.

In an advisory to passengers, the airline said the suspension could lead to extended wait times, both onboard aircraft and at the airport, as weather conditions continued to affect operations. It added that boarding formalities may be completed in advance so that flights can depart immediately once clearance is granted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met EU ambassadors, emphasizing that stronger India-EU trade, mobility, and security ties will stabilize the global order. He highlighted cooperation on resilient supply chains and public goods like HADR and anti-piracy operations. The upcoming summit is expected to finalize an FTA, a defense partnership, and a mobility agreement.

An FIR in UP details a woman's alleged gang-rape under the guise of 'halala' after an instant triple talaq. The law banning triple talaq has been invoked, alongside provisions for rape and other offenses. This case highlights the legal grey area surrounding halala, a practice not recognized by Indian statutory law.

The Indian Patent Office has rejected AbbVie's patent application for its cancer drug Venetoclax, citing a lack of inventive step and no enhancement in therapeutic efficacy. This decision, if upheld, could allow for the entry of more affordable generic versions of the drug into the Indian market.

A Meitei man visiting his Kuki fiance in Churachandpur was abducted and shot dead on camera, sparking protests and an NIA probe. Graphic footage of the killing circulated widely. The incident occurred amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, highlighting the fragile peace in the region.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit India from February 19-21 to strengthen the strategic partnership and discuss bilateral cooperation for the Global South. The leaders pledged to work together for UNSC reforms and peace in Gaza, with Lula also expected to attend the AI summit and a later BRICS summit.

India has strongly condemned the vandalism of its embassy in Zagreb by the Sikhs for Justice group, which attempted to replace the Tricolour with a Khalistan flag. New Delhi has officially raised the matter with Croatian authorities, demanding justice for the perpetrators and emphasizing the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

The Supreme Court has expedited the legal dispute over the Bhojshala Saraswati Temple cum Maulana Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The court lifted its stay on the case pending with the MP High Court and decoupled it from the Places of Worship Act.

India's upcoming Census 2027 will collect detailed household information, including building materials, amenities like water and sanitation, and ownership status. For the first time since 1931, caste details will be gathered. The houselisting and housing phase runs April-September 2026, with population enumeration in February 2027.

The Supreme Court refused to stop the ED from accessing information from an I-PAC functionary's seized mobile phone, despite pleas of privacy violation. The court stated it knows how to protect innocent citizens. This comes as ED faced interruptions in Kolkata during a search, unlike in Delhi.

Tragedy struck in Ahmedabad as Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil's nephew, Yashrajsinh Gohil, allegedly shot his wife Rajeshwari accidentally with a licensed revolver. Devastated by her death, he then reportedly took his own life. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in their apartment.

Heavy snowfall is expected in Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal regions starting Friday. Two western disturbances will impact the weather for nearly a week. Authorities are preparing for the harsh winter spell. Moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall are forecast for south and north Kashmir. High-altitude areas may receive significant snow. Farmers are advised to postpone agricultural activities.

Security forces engaged in an intense gun battle with terrorists in Kishtwar's Chatroo belt, continuing Operation Trashi-I. Searches were also intensified in border areas and localities with a high concentration of foreign nationals as a precautionary measure ahead of Republic Day.

Congress has issued a strong directive to its Punjab leaders, demanding an end to public displays of internal discord and factionalism. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi emphasized unity for the 2027 assembly elections, assuring no immediate leadership changes. Leaders must raise concerns internally, not through media, to present a united front for victory.

The Bombay High Court sharply questioned the Maharashtra government's adherence to the rule of law, asking if the Chief Minister was too helpless to act against a minister whose son has evaded arrest for weeks. The court's remarks came after the police failed to apprehend the minister's son following the rejection of his pre-arrest bail plea.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, emphasizing the crucial role of their nations in advancing the Global South's interests. Both leaders expressed optimism about scaling new heights in their strategic partnership and anticipate further collaboration, with President Lula expected to visit India soon.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claims he was a victim of a rift between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi during his Congress tenure. He also accused Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and his wife of having links with Pakistan's ISI, emphasizing national security concerns.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal launched the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna', offering free cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh to all 65 lakh families in the state. This universal healthcare cover, accessible to residents with Aadhaar and voter cards, includes over 2,500 procedures at government and select private hospitals.

A Delhi court has acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in two cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate. These cases stemmed from his failure to appear before the agency in connection with the Delhi excise policy probe. The ED had sought action against Kejriwal for not complying with multiple summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved significantly. The Commission for Air Quality Management has lifted Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan. This means some construction and demolition activities can resume. However, measures under Stage-I and Stage-II remain in effect. Citizens are urged to follow guidelines to maintain better air quality.

Ten Army personnel were killed and 11 injured in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, after their vehicle fell into a gorge. In Noida, two more builders were arrested over a software engineer's death in a construction pit. Meanwhile, a Meitei man was shot dead by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur.

Former US President Donald Trump launched his Board of Peace initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. India received an invitation to join this effort aimed at resolving global conflicts. However, India was not present on the stage during the unveiling. Several countries, including some from the Middle East and Asia, were listed as participants in the initiative.

Addressing the National MGNREGA Workers Convention organised by the Rachnatmak Congress, Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi wants to finish the concept of Panchayati Raj and alleged that the ruling BJP wants an India where the King decides everything. With the new law, the Centre will decide the work and allocation of funds with BJP-ruled governments always getting precedence, he said.

The Supreme Court has permitted Hindu prayers at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami, while Muslims can offer namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm. The court also mandated sharing the ASI's expert report on the site's religious character with both communities.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' Davos visit as a 'picnic,' questioning the WEF's relevance for India and suggesting agreements could be made in Mumbai. CM's wife Amruta Fadnavis dismissed the remarks as baseless, highlighting the summit's importance for investment and employment.