The Times of India

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have strongly criticized the Union Budget 2026-27, labeling it as out of touch with India's critical issues. They argue the budget ignores widespread unemployment, economic distress among citizens, and farmers' struggles, while failing to offer concrete solutions or a clear policy vision for the nation's challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Union Budget 2026 as historic, charting a roadmap for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and boosting India's reform journey. He also highlighted the mother of all deals with the EU, aimed at benefiting youth and MSMEs, and praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's record ninth consecutive budget presentation.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at the INDI Alliance over attempts to seek bail for those who raised slogans about cutting the chicken neck corridor, saying their efforts failed as the Supreme Court rejected the bail pleas and that such intentions against India would never succeed.

Sharad Pawar faces a dilemma over merging NCP factions following Ajit Pawar's death. While initial merger talks were advanced, with a February 12 date set, uncertainty now looms. Sunetra Pawar's swift oath as deputy CM complicates matters, potentially forcing Sharad Pawar to align with the BJP, a move he has previously opposed.

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal asserted Goans desire honest, people-centric politics, pledging his party will fulfill these aspirations. During a Goa visit, Kejriwal met local leaders to bolster the party's base, emphasizing grassroots connections and addressing concerns over ecological damage and land conversion. AAP aims to be the voice of Goa, fighting for citizens' rights and livelihoods.

Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister, stepping into public office following the tragic death of her husband, NCP leader Ajit Pawar. She pledged to carry forward his legacy and continue working for the state's development.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has vehemently dismissed claims linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jeffrey Epstein's leaked documents. The ministry labelled the references as rashy ruminations from a convicted criminal, urging their immediate rejection. These statements follow the US Department of Justice's release of extensive materials related to the late financier.

Jhumpa Lahiri, the acclaimed author, revealed she has no mother tongue, feeling perpetually outside of language. Born to Bengali parents and raised in the US, she embraces linguistic fluidity and creative trespass, finding freedom in writing in Italian. Lahiri advocates for learning other languages, warning against linguistic domination and nationalism, and finds home in experiences, not places.

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra's deputy CM, days after her husband's death. Meanwhile, Epstein files revealed photos of Prince Andrew. Baloch separatists attacked Pakistan's Balochistan, killing officials. India faces a policy contradiction on air pollution deaths, and Amit Shah criticized Mamata Banerjee's governance.

Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, succeeding her late husband Ajit Pawar. Elected NCP legislature party leader, she will assume his portfolios, excluding finance. This move echoes historical instances of women stepping into politics to uphold family legacies after their husbands' passing.

With Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawars wife and a Rajya Sabha member, sworn in as deputy CM on Saturday, stepping into the role held by her husband, the state has formally entered a new and uncertain phase, shaped by the vacuum left by Dadas death. Sunetra Pawars elevation may have filled the immediate constitutional vacuum, but it has also foregrounded larger, unresolved questions about the NCPs future, the ruling Mahayuti alliances stability, and the direction the states politics will take in the abs

Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, stepping into the role previously held by her husband, Ajit Pawar, following his tragic passing. She will assume his responsibilities, excluding the finance portfolio. This significant political transition occurred after her unanimous election as the NCP legislative party leader.

Jailed activist Sonam Wangchuk underwent a medical examination at AIIMS Jodhpur following a Supreme Court directive. The court is reviewing his detention under the NSA, with his wife challenging the grounds. Wangchuk, reportedly suffering from stomach ailments, has raised concerns about his health, prompting the specialist examination.

Prime Minister will visit Adampur airport, where he will unveil the new name of the Airport as 'Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. He will also inaugurate the Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of failing women, people, and land while fostering corruption and infiltration for votes. Shah highlighted concerns over border security, the Anandpur fire incident, and alleged intimidation of communities, urging voters to elect a BJP government for national security and development.

Sharad Pawar expressed ignorance regarding reports of Sunetra Pawar becoming Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, stating decisions were made by her party leadership in Mumbai. He paid tribute to Ajit Pawar, calling him a committed leader, and expressed hope for his family to carry forward his legacy. Sunetra Pawar's potential appointment marks a significant political shift.

New rules are proposed by FSSAI to boost food safety and traceability. Food manufacturers will now record daily production and ingredients. This aims to track contamination and substandard items. Stricter storage rules like FIFO and FEFO will also be enforced. These changes will improve consumer confidence in the food market.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana's opposition leader, accused the BJP government of betraying the poor by arbitrarily canceling ration cards and pensions. He stated that over 70,000 ration cards and 500,000 pensions were stopped in six months due to minor errors in Family IDs, with Haryana leading national cancellations.

The Supreme Court has made significant observations regarding acid attack cases. The court suggested extraordinary punitive measures and questioned why convicted attackers' assets cannot be seized for victim compensation. Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor, shared her long struggle for justice. The court urged high courts to expedite trials and sought data from states.