The Times of India

The Supreme Court ruled that ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from applicable cut-off dates, rejecting the government's plea to limit payments to three years. The court emphasized that disability pension is a vested right, not charity, recognizing sacrifices made for the nation.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the India-US trade deal, dubbing PM Modi as Narendra Surrender Modi and accusing him of betraying farmers. He argued the agreement creates an unfair fight for country's farmers against subsidized foreign crops. Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Shivraj Singh Chouhan refuted these claims, calling them baseless and accusing Gandhi of misleading the public.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated that Jawaharlal Nehru recognized Tibet as part of China to foster a strong relationship, recalling the Panchsheel agreement. He emphasized that India must reconsider its perspective on Himalayan boundaries, particularly in Uttarakhand's middle sector, where the Himalayas have historically served as interaction zones.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 'Seva Teerth', a new building complex housing the PMO, National Security Council Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretariat, alongside Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2. This significant administrative overhaul consolidates key government functions into modern, efficient, and citizen-centric facilities, replacing colonial-era nomenclature with names reflecting public service and duty.

Ob-gyn body says merit, patient safety and professional dignity at stake; seeks fee rationalisation

FOGSI has urged the National Medical Commission to immediately review and withdraw repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile. The body expressed concern that lowering the threshold dilutes meritocracy, compromises academic rigor, and raises questions about specialist training quality and patient safety.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the BNP's decisive election victory, pledging India's support for a democratic Bangladesh. The BNP secured a significant majority, signaling a new political era after months of unrest. Rahman, son of a former president, is poised to become prime minister, marking a shift after former PM Sheikh Hasina's departure.

Delhi government launched the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to empower artisans in khadi, handloom, and unorganised sectors. The initiative offers structured training, financial aid, and digital market access, including ONDC integration. Beneficiaries will receive stipends and toolkits, with a focus on skill enhancement and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of workers.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has clarified that the investigation into the June 2025 Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad is ongoing, refuting reports of conclusions that balmed the pilot for the incident. The AAIB emphasized that investigations are technical and evidence-based, with the final report to be published upon completion, dismissing speculative foreign media claims.

The 33rd Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore will be held on February 15th. The festival will be celebrated from 6 pm on the 15th, before Adiyogi, and will continue until 6 am the next morning.

Bangladesh's Awami League has denounced the recent parliamentary election as a staged charade, asserting it violated democratic principles and the constitution. The party claims widespread voter apathy, intimidation, and ballot stuffing marred the process. They are demanding the election's annulment, the chief advisor's resignation, and fresh polls under a neutral government to reinstate citizens' voting rights.

Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Doordarshans retro era, passed away on Thursday. Maheshwari became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated the television news space in India. For nearly three decades, from 1976 until 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with composure and clarity, earning admiration for her measured tone and flawless diction.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation about a leadership change, stating no discussions on the chief ministerial post occurred during his meetings with Congress leaders. He emphasized the party's focus on its broader vision and goals, with senior leaders to make decisions at an opportune time.

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.