The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the private sector's crucial role in India's economic future, urging bold investments in innovation and capacity. He highlighted his government's commitment to reforms and decisive governance, while also stressing the need for the private sector to share productivity gains with workers and invest in R&D and quality.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Lok Sabha will debate and vote on a no-confidence motion against the Speaker on March 9. This follows a submission by 118 Congress MPs alleging partisan conduct. Historically, such motions against Speakers are rare, with past instances including those against GV Mavalankar, Sardar Hukum Singh, and Balram Jakhar.

Jammu and Kashmir security agencies have frozen over 8,000 mule accounts in three years, identifying them as crucial for global scam networks and potential funding of anti-national activities. These accounts facilitate the conversion of stolen money into untraceable cryptocurrency, with authorities urging banks and law enforcement to curb their rise and identify mulers who manage them.

Isha Yoga Center's Mahashivratri, themed 'Ganga', will be a global livestream event on February 15-16, featuring sign language interpretation and broadcasts in 23 languages. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest. The program includes guided meditations by Sadhguru, musical performances, and for the first time, Sadhguru will perform the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam.

Asaduddin Owaisi alleged the BJP-led government is trying to snatch citizenship rights through the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming it will be conducted in Telangana and Maharashtra. He also condemned the alleged harassment of a Muslim bun vendor by YouTubers, demanding action against them.

At the heart of the row is Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government-owned company that manufactures Mysuru Sandal Soap. Founded during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the brand is not merely a commercial product. For many Kannadigas, it is an aromatic symbol of heritage. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K Sudhakar accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of displaying what he called an anti-Kannada mindset.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's PM-elect Tarique Rahman, following the BNP's landslide victory. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany Birla. This event marks a significant diplomatic shift for Dhaka, especially after former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent exile in India. The new BNP government's stance will be closely observed.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of betraying farmers through the India-US trade deal, raising concerns about GM maize imports and potential pressure on Indian crops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted these claims, calling them lies and asserting that farmers' interests are protected in trade agreements with the US, EU, and UK.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged deep inner reflection and devotion this Mahashivratri, emphasizing meditation and chanting to elevate spiritual practice. Prime Minister Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings, praying for well-being and prosperity. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed with reverence across India.

According to the Pew Research Centers global demographic study How the Global Religious Landscape Changed From 2010 to 2020, the actual Hindu rate of growth today turns out to be strikingly literal. The worlds Hindu population has been expanding almost exactly in line with the growth of humanity itself. Neither surging dramatically nor shrinking in relative terms, Hinduisms demographic story is one of stability in a century defined by rapid religious change.

Kedarnath Temple will welcome devotees from April 22, concluding its winter hiatus. The auspicious reopening date was fixed on Mahashivratri at the shrine's winter seat. This marks the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra, with Badrinath opening on April 23, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19. Thousands are expected to participate in the pilgrimage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be debated and voted on March 9. The second part of the Budget session, starting the same day, is expected to be interesting with crucial legislation. Rijiju warned that continued opposition protests could be detrimental to them and suggested potential cracks in opposition unity.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has courted controversy by comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. His remarks have led to a police case against him. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the comparison. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of double standards and a polarization agenda, citing past BJP endorsements of Tipu Sultan.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday attended the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University at Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that actual vijay lies in demonstrated evidence, referencing India's counterterror actions. He stressed that victory isn't built on rhetoric but on tangible outcomes like damaged terror infrastructure and dysfunctional air defence systems, urging a sober assessment of India's defense preparedness for future challenges.

Bangladesh's BNP chief Tarique Rahman vowed a people-first foreign policy post-victory. Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal defended the India-US trade deal against Rahul Gandhi's criticism, highlighting benefits for textiles and farmers. In Mumbai, a Metro Line-4 parapet collapse tragically killed one and injured three.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging their election victory, expressing eagerness to work with India. PM Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the party's decisive win, which secured a two-thirds majority and signals a move towards political stability in Bangladesh.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized PM Modi for visiting Assam instead of Manipur, which has been experiencing unrest. Khera shared mock flight tickets from Guwahati to Imphal, urging the PM to visit the troubled state. This comes as Manipur faces renewed tensions and violent protests.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that judicial leadership thrives on acknowledging imperfections and embracing continuous growth, not on feigning flawlessness. He advocated for a radical redefinition of judicial leadership, proposing a Commonwealth Apex Body to unify judicial education, the Bar, and the bench across member nations.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the India-US trade deal, calling PM Modi 'Narendra Surrender Modi' and warning of harm to cotton farmers and textile exporters. He alleged a trap where India faces an 18% tariff on garments while Bangladesh gets 0% by importing US cotton, potentially hurting Indian farmers. Minister Piyush Goyal refuted these claims, stating farmers' interests are protected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several key infrastructure projects in Assam, including the Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh and the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the Brahmaputra River. He will also launch the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati, flag off electric buses, and inaugurate the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region, enhancing digital infrastructure and public transport.

Assam is going to witness a historic moment on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will land at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where he will witness the aerial display of fighters, transports and helicopters.