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.

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.

Opposition's bid to remove the Speaker failed, exposing internal rifts as pragmatic voices pushed for legislative business. The government emerged stronger, refusing Congress's demands, while regional parties' desire for discussions on their concerns helped end the impasse. The Speaker stepped aside until the notice is addressed.

India's unemployment rate for those 15 and above in rural areas dropped to 4% in Oct-Dec 2025, down from 4.4% in the previous quarter. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate also saw a marginal increase to 55.8%, with female participation rising to 34.9%.

The Supreme Court has urged Madhya Pradesh's advocate general to ensure representation of marginalized communities and women as government lawyers. Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh highlighted the lack of ST advocates and low representation of SCs and OBCs, questioning how these communities can emerge without opportunity.

Responding to Supreme Court's push, the Centre will establish at least one special court in 17 states for NIA terror cases. Each state will receive 1 crore for costs, with existing courts to be designated for these trials. This move aims to expedite justice for serious crimes, preventing prolonged detentions due to overloaded dockets.

Niti Aayog has proposed a roadmap for India's transport sector to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. The strategy involves phasing out diesel vehicles and promoting cleaner technologies like CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Stricter Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms will also be implemented to support this transition.

The Supreme Court has halted Assam's anti-encroachment drive in reserved forests, emphasizing that environmental protection and rule of law must coexist. Alleged encroachers will now have a chance to submit documents, and action will only be taken after a thorough review and a formal notice to vacate.

The ED has issued fresh summonses to Anil Ambani and his wife Tina for questioning next week in connection with an alleged Rs 40,000 crore money laundering probe. The agency has already attached Rs 12,000 crore worth of assets. Tina Ambani's questioning is related to the purchase of a Manhattan apartment using alleged proceeds of crime.

Rahul Gandhi continues to cite Gen M M Naravane's memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny', despite publisher Penguin India stating it remains unpublished. Gandhi insists Naravane's own social media post confirms its availability, challenging Penguin's claim and suggesting a contradiction. The publisher maintains pre-orders do not constitute publication and warns of legal action against unauthorized circulation.

A brutal killing of a Meitei man visiting his Kuki fiance in Churachandpur has shattered the fragile peace for inter-ethnic couples in Manipur. The incident, captured on video, has reignited fear and deepened the divide, forcing many couples into renewed separation and uncertainty. Hopes for reconciliation are now stalled.

CPM and CPI have filed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking FIRs and an SIT probe against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. The petitions cite alleged hate speeches and a recent video showing Sarma firing at an image of Muslim men, with accompanying phrases like 'no mercy'.

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.