The Times of India

Industry leaders met to shape digital journalism's future. Discussions focused on making Indian users pay for news. Experts highlighted that subscriptions require more than just content. They emphasized user experience, ease of access, and personalized value. Building trust and offering unique benefits are key to achieving sustainable growth in the digital news landscape.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution sanction order against former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling and aims to expedite the pending trial. The ED alleges Chidambaram granted FIPB approval for the deal in lieu of quid pro quo, with alleged illegal gratification received by his son.

PM Modi's meeting with the star cast comes as various stakeholders in the Indian and Israeli entertainment industries have been seeking collaborative projects and possibilities of utilising each other's strengths in various aspects of the creative space. Last year, amid government efforts to make India a global film production hub, an Indian film festival kicked off in Israel with the screening of filmmaker Kiran Rao's acclaimed feature Laapataa Ladies.

Rahul Gandhi shared a light-hearted anecdote about resolving a sibling dispute with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attributing Wayanad's magic to their reconciliation. He recounted how a planned trip to the constituency, which he previously represented, led to Priyanka speaking to him again after a period of silence, highlighting the special connection he feels with the region.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured action against those responsible for a controversial Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter on judicial corruption. The Supreme Court had ordered a ban and seizure of the book, deeming its content objectionable and a potential conspiracy to defame the judiciary. NCERT has apologized and is rewriting the chapter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer on Saturday, aiming to prevent cervical cancer. The initiative, offering a single dose of Gardasil-4, will be voluntary and require parental consent. States and Union Territories will join virtually for this crucial public health campaign.

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay on the release of 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', scheduled for February 27. The court observed a prima facie non-application of mind by the censor board in granting certification. This decision follows petitions challenging the film's certificate, citing concerns about its portrayal of religious harmony in Kerala.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath experienced Japan's high-speed Maglev train during his official visit aimed at attracting global investment. The tour focuses on manufacturing, mobility, and technology, with the CM highlighting Uttar Pradesh's economic growth and secure investment environment. He also shared a photo with Mount Fuji, expressing gratitude to Japan.

At the DNPA Conclave 2026, media leaders, tech experts, and policymakers emphasized the critical role of technology and verified content in India's evolving digital news ecosystem. Discussions highlighted how AI, regulatory shifts, and India's digital public infrastructure are redefining news organizations' responsibilities towards credibility, inclusion, and accessibility for a resilient future.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins a four-day visit to India, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agenda includes discussions on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, and people-to-people connections, seeking to inject fresh momentum after a diplomatic row.

The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause notice to the NCERT director, calling the inclusion of a chapter on judicial corruption in a Class 8 textbook a deep-rooted conspiracy. The court ordered the seizure of all copies of the textbook in circulation, emphasizing the need for a deeper probe to prevent erosion of public faith in the judiciary.

Trust is now the bedrock of news, dictating audience loyalty and advertiser confidence in a crowded digital space. At the DNPA Conclave 2026, leaders emphasized how AI's rise makes verification crucial, with audiences demanding transparency. Brands are prioritizing credible sources, while revenue models increasingly rely on public faith. India's hyper-digital landscape presents both opportunities and fragility for media.

DNPA chairperson Mariam Mammen Mathew highlighted how AI and digital shifts are transforming news creation, distribution, and monetization. She stressed the importance of credible journalism anchoring technological advancements and DNPA's role in fostering collaboration and policy engagement to navigate these disruptions and ensure sustainable growth.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, dismissing its allegations regarding Jammu and Kashmir as incessant propaganda. New Delhi highlighted the region's development budget exceeding Pakistan's IMF bailout and pointed to infrastructure projects like the Chenab Rail Bridge as proof of progress, asserting that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

A Maoist commander, Anwesh, with a Rs 22 lakh bounty, was allegedly killed by his leader, Sukru, for planning to surrender to Odisha Police. His decomposed body was exhumed, revealing internal conflicts within Maoist groups over surrendering to authorities. The murder is believed to have been executed by Sukru with assistance from other cadres.

NCERT is recalling 38 copies of a Class 8 textbook after the Supreme Court strongly criticized its content on the judiciary. The Chief Justice of India took suo motu cognizance, calling the portrayal a deep-rooted conspiracy to defame the institution.

Canada now believes India is not linked to violent crimes on its soil, signaling a diplomatic thaw ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit. This shift follows months of strained ties and high-level security dialogue, with Ottawa confident alleged activities are no longer continuing. The visit aims to stabilize relations and expand cooperation in various sectors.

'Shows growing power of Indian passport wth more cxountries'

'Practising digital hygiene can reverse effects'

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has reshuffled the three-member panel investigating allegations against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava of Madras High Court has been replaced by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of Bombay High Court, effective March 6. The other two members of the inquiry committee remain unchanged.

HC had dismissed Jharkhand CM's petition to quash prosecution

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has deemed BSNL director Vivek Banzal's lavish, now-canceled trip to Prayagraj improper and absurd. Appropriate action will be taken against the senior executive, with a show-cause notice already issued. The extravagant arrangements, including extensive personal kits and nearly 50 officials, sparked widespread concern over misuse of resources.

Addressing the Israeli Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly backed Israel on terrorism, condemning the Oct 7 attacks and naming Hamas. He asserted India's unwavering support, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy against terror, drawing parallels to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Modi also endorsed the UNSC-backed Gaza peace initiative, highlighting the need for dialogue, peace, and stability in the region.

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi ahead of his Israel visit. Priyanka Gandhi expressed hope he would address the Gaza genocide, while Rahul Gandhi questioned his dealings in Israel, referencing the Epstein Files and alleging foreign policy was shaped by the convicted sex offender.

Kirloskar Oil Engines is on track to deliver India's first indigenously developed 6 MW marine engine to the Indian Navy by April 2028. This initiative, under the 'Make-I' category, aims to achieve self-reliance in marine engine manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthening domestic defense capabilities.

Defence experts at DefSat2026 stressed India's need for a robust space capability amidst global military space infrastructure growth. Discussions highlighted that persistent space power is now vital for national security, not just an ambition. The conference also saw significant B2B collaborations, with six MoUs signed, underscoring private sector confidence in India's defence space sector.

Cabinet ministers will personally present major reforms undertaken by their ministries since June 2024 in the upcoming meeting. This initiative aims to reduce compliance burdens and simplify rules for ease of living and business. Ministries are preparing two-page summaries of their most significant people-centric reforms for the presentation.

In 2006, the Indian Young Lawyers Association approached the Supreme Court of India, arguing that barring women violated constitutional guarantees of equality and freedom of religion. By 2016, the Court began openly questioning whether such a ban could withstand constitutional scrutiny. In September 2018, a five-judge Constitution Bench delivered a 4 to 1 verdict that shook Kerala.

R Nallakannu, who died in Chennai on Wednesday at the of 101, represented a generation of leaders shaped by the freedom struggle and guided by ideological discipline rather than personal ambition.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo to attract investment and boost industrial cooperation. He emphasized India's commitment to citizen welfare and security, stating development should foster global friendship and compassion. Adityanath met with business executives to discuss expanding logistics and warehousing in Uttar Pradesh, and invited them to explore medical device manufacturing opportunities.

India's recent steep cigarette tax hike has triggered immediate chaos, with prices soaring and supplies dwindling. Retailers are struggling, and consumers face inflated costs. This mirrors global trends where high taxes, without robust enforcement, fuel illicit trade and organized crime, potentially undermining public health goals and government revenue.

Veteran CPI leader R. Nallakannu, aged 101, has passed away. He was admitted to the hospital on February 1 and was in the ICU due to multi-organ failure. His condition worsened on Monday and deteriorated further on Wednesday, leading to his passing. This marks the end of an era for the party.

Putting all the members of the Gandhi family, who have ruled the nation, in the dock, the Union minister said the clan never shied away from compromising the country. He went further back to attack the Nehru-Gandhi family as he highlighted the infamous Bofors scandal that was widely reported during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure and had been the reason behind the fall of his government.

The minister, while addressing the gathering in Tokyo, also asserted that Uttar Pradesh is the food basket of India and a state with the largest water resources.