The Times of India

India has significantly tightened digital rules to combat deepfakes, mandating clear labelling and traceability for AI-generated content. Social media platforms now face stricter compliance, with reduced timelines for takedown of unlawful material and direct responsibility placed on senior officers. These new regulations aim to enhance user safety and accountability in the digital space.

Chief Justice Surya Kant criticized the Supreme Court's gender stereotype handbook as overly technical and inaccessible to common people and rape survivors. He emphasized the need for practical training for High Court judges on handling sexual assault cases. The bench set aside an insensitive Allahabad High Court ruling on an attempted rape case.

Opposition parties, excluding TMC, have submitted a notice to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of latant partisanship. The move follows repeated denials of permission for Rahul Gandhi to speak, escalating tensions. Birla will abstain from proceedings until the resolution is addressed, likely on March 9.

From golden roses to wine workshops, the Love All Members Fest is turning February into a season of daily surprises

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the Election Commission said the decision was taken in compliance with the Supreme Courts February 9 order. Earlier, the final voters list was scheduled to be published on February 14, with elections to follow after completion of the exercise.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will not begin the Union Budget debate today. He cited concerns over potential disruptions from the treasury benches. Gandhi is now expected to speak on Wednesday. The decision follows a notice by opposition parties to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker. Shashi Tharoor initiated the debate. Several opposition members have been suspended this session.

India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, has launched, empowering drivers with ownership and profit-sharing. Operating on a zero-commission model, it offers social security benefits and aims for a nationwide rollout by 2029, fostering a cooperative-driven mobility ecosystem.

A new report suggests air taxis could revolutionize Delhi-NCR travel, slashing commute times between Gurugram, Connaught Place, and Jewar Airport. Advanced Air Mobility, using electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, aims to ease congestion by utilizing low-altitude airspace. The proposal includes rooftop vertiports and phased deployment for critical services like medical transport.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal humorously linked India's T20 World Cup victory over the US to trade relations, suggesting the US's 18% tariff mirrored their 18% loss margin. He praised the US team's performance, a country new to cricket, while advocating for zero reciprocal tariffs in a light-hearted exchange with the US Ambassador.

India's oil sourcing strategy will prioritize national interest, avoiding dependence on any single country, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Petroleum companies make purchasing decisions based on market conditions, availability, pricing, and risk assessment. The government's primary goal is to ensure adequate, reliable, and fairly priced energy for Indian consumers.

The Enforcement Directorate has formed a special investigation team to probe alleged money laundering of Rs 40,000 crore against Anil Ambani and Reliance Group companies, following a Supreme Court directive. The probe includes investigating a Rs 70 crore Manhattan apartment purchase, with Tina Ambani potentially being summoned again.

Russia has become a major concern for Indian students abroad, with over half of all global complaints regarding exploitation and racial discrimination originating from the country. Data reveals a sharp surge in such incidents, raising serious safety worries for students, particularly those pursuing medical education. Many fear reporting issues due to potential expulsion and visa complications.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted DMK MP P Wilson's claim that Tamil Nadu was ignored in the Union Budget. She highlighted several initiatives for the state, calling his allegations baseless. Wilson had argued that Tamil Nadu, a high-performing state, was being discriminated against in tax devolution and project allocation.

P. Chidambaram criticized the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Rajya Sabha, labeling it 'forgettable' for cutting capital expenditure. He highlighted stagnant capital investment, a collapse in net FDI, and withdrawing foreign portfolio investors, questioning the government's reform momentum. Chidambaram noted a decline in nominal growth and a lack of private investment despite companies holding significant cash.

India's strategic petroleum reserves can currently cover 74 days of demand during global crises, according to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. While the International Energy Agency recommends 90 days, Puri expressed confidence in the current level, noting potential for future increases. This reserve is crucial for economic stability and energy security as India experiences rapid growth.

The Supreme Court has ordered the West Bengal police chief to personally respond to serious allegations from the Election Commission. The EC claims ruling party TMC members are deliberately obstructing the revision of electoral rolls. The court emphasized the importance of constitutional laws and the EC's authority during elections.

A recent survey by VVGNLI reveals that a majority of workers anticipate improved working conditions, including better rest periods and income security, with the implementation of four new labor codes. Employers also foresee enhanced ease of doing business. The codes are expected to bolster protection for women workers and improve social security access and portability for various worker categories.

India has announced a $175 million economic package for Seychelles, including a $125 million line of credit and a $50 million grant, to support projects in housing, health, and defence. The two nations also signed seven pacts, strengthening maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean. This collaboration aims to enhance regional stability and counter transnational maritime challenges.

Satellite data reveals Uttarakhand's Himalayan vegetation is showing signs of strain, with a gradual decline in greenery despite seasonal revivals. Researchers link this to deforestation, pollution, and climate change, warning of threats to wildlife and livelihoods. This analysis highlights the urgent need for monitoring to prepare for environmental challenges.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has filed a breach of privilege notice against Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Siva alleges Goyal shared details of an interim India-US trade deal during a press conference while Parliament was in session. The Rajya Sabha Chairman stated he would review the matter, noting Goyal had already made a statement in the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla defended his decision to advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi against speaking on February 4, citing grave disorder and threats from opposition MPs. He refuted claims of no danger, detailing how MPs used unparliamentary language, tore papers, and aggressively approached the PM's seat, creating an unsafe environment.

Congress women MPs accused Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of making false, baseless and defamatory allegations against them under government pressure. They stated Prime Minister Modi's absence from the House was an act of fear, not a threat from them. The MPs urged the Speaker to act impartially, highlighting alleged pressure from the ruling party.

Punjab's commitment to law and order took a bold step forward with the launch of Operation Prahar-2. In an astounding first-day success, more than 1,200 wanted individuals were apprehended as over 2,000 police teams conducted sweeping raids. This extensive operation serves as a critical component of the states sustained effort to dismantle organized crime networks and combat gang activities.

CM Himanta's remark came after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi lodged an official complaint with Hyderabad City Police seeking criminal action against Sarma over a ow-deleted video allegedly depicting violence against Muslims, describing it as genocidal hate speech. The BJP leader also said he didn't know anything about the video, adding that he would continue to oppose Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, alongside health minister Pankaj Singh, inaugurated a series of advanced medical facilities at GB Pant Hospital on Monday. The new additions include a state-of-the-art 256-slice CT scanner, a modern cardiac catheterisation lab, and a dedicated neurointensive care unit, all designed to significantly enhance diagnostic and critical care capabilities for cardiac and neurological patients.

Chandigarh witnessed chaos as police turned to water cannons to break up a protest organized by AAP leaders, among them ministers, in response to comments made by Congress figure Partap Singh Bajwa. His remarks, criticized as offensive to minister Harbhajan Singha former band playerignited strong backlash from AAP, who are now demanding a public apology.

In plain sight, found too late

Tej Pratap Yadav has denied social media rumors of fathering a child, Anushka Yadav. He accused RJD leaders Sanjay Yadav, Sunil Singh, former MLAs Shakti Singh Yadav and Mukesh Raushan, and Tejashwi Yadav's friend Rameez of hatching a conspiracy against him. Yadav vowed legal action against those he called 'Jaichands' for defamation.

NEET-PG qualifying standards were drastically lowered, resulting in postgraduate medical seats in government colleges being filled with extremely low scores. Candidates secured spots in high-risk clinical specialties and premier institutions with scores as low as single digits, raising significant concerns within the medical community.

Malaysia joined India in condemning cross-border terrorism, signaling a stronger alignment on the issue. Prime Minister Modi highlighted clear messages against terror with no double standards or compromise. The bilateral meeting saw numerous agreements signed, spanning defense, security, and economic cooperation, including semiconductors and social security for Indian workers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advised Gen Z to be flexible and persevere, emphasizing that life is not linear. He shared insights from an interaction with NRI students, addressing their anxieties about confidence, judgment, and self-expression. Gandhi highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures and labels.

CPM and CPI(ML) Liberation have strongly criticized the Indo-US trade deal, alleging the BJP government has made significant concessions detrimental to India's economy, agriculture, and national sovereignty. Both parties demand the deal's details be made public and presented to Parliament, urging the government to halt any agreement harmful to Indian workers and farmers.

India's electronics manufacturing has surged six-fold in production and eight-fold in exports over 11 years, making it the world's second-largest mobile phone maker. Driven by the production-linked incentive scheme, mobile production alone saw a more than 100-fold export increase, transforming India into a net exporter.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the India-US interim trade deal will empower farmers, with key agricultural products like major grains, fruits, and dairy remaining secure from US imports. He asserted that the agreement protects farmers' interests and will boost Indian exports, particularly in textiles.