We told them 'target terrorism', they aimed at Modi: PM's big charge at Congress, Sonia Gandhi

Campaigning in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Congress of shielding terrorists when it was in the power in the Centre. Addressing a public meeting in Kheda, PM Modi said Gujarat has borne the brunt of terrorism for ages. Gujarat always wanted to end terrorism; the BJP government in Gujarat cracked down on the sleeper cells of terrorists. In his attack, PM Modi, however, did not take Sonia Gandhi's name.

Dharmendra Pradhan reviews measures for mental wellness of students in educational institutions

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a meeting to review steps taken to ensure mental health wellness of students and zero tolerance towards discrimination. Pradhan directed the ministry to prepare a framework to safeguard mental and emotional well-being, and invited stakeholder suggestions. The meeting discussed topics such as gender equality, caste sensitivity, and counselling. The framework will focus on creating an inclusive environment, sensitisation and capacity building, and early detection mechanisms.

Centre may overhaul key PMSYM pension scheme

The Union government has sought an independent evaluation of PM Shram Yogi Maandhan, a pension scheme for India's large unorganized workforce. Despite a 104% jump in enrolments, the scheme is far from reaching saturation, with only 500,000 subscribers. Issues such as coverage under another pension scheme and income disruptions due to the pandemic could be behind the low participation. An independent evaluation could help address these concerns.

Coded diary revealed PFI’s terror acts, funding: NIA charge sheet

The NIA charge sheet mentions a diary containing coded text in Malayalam on rioting, bomb blasts etc and the transfer of funds to various cadres from six PFI bank accounts, leading to the ban of the organization in September 2022. The diary revealed plans of PFI for India, regular transfer of money to different states to fund violent activities and series of targeted killings. It also talks about PFI's links with Islamic State and its activities to create social unrest.

In letter to Om Birla, Rahul Gandhi cites 2015 case to give reply in Lok Sabha

Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla citing a 2015 incident in which charges were levelled against a minister, to seek time to reply to allegations against him. The BJP is accused of throttling the right to speak, while the government demands an apology from Gandhi for "denigrating India". The House has been adjourned due to disruptions.

Welfare measures in focus as DMK govt presents budget

Tamil Nadu finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan presented his third consecutive budget, pushing the envelope on welfarism and aiming to improve public finances. The Magalir Urimai Thogai (MUT) cash transfer programme will give ?1000/month to 5.8 million women in the state. Revenue deficit reduced from ?62,000 crore to ?30,000 crore. GSDP growth of 14% expected in 2022-23, with infrastructure projects announced in Chennai and Tier-2 cities. Opposition AIADMK and BJP criticize the budget for not bringing relief to the common people.

Time to look at manufacturing aerospace products in India: Scindia

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has called for India to start manufacturing aerospace products, highlighting the potential growth of the country?s aviation sector. With a current fleet of 700 planes, domestic airlines are projected to have 2,000 aircraft in the next 5-7 years. The government is strengthening institutes and increasing air traffic controllers, with daily passenger traffic reaching 4.56 lakh. CAPA India predicts domestic passenger traffic to reach 160 million in 2023-24 and 350 million by 2029-30. 50 flying training organisations are expected to be set up by 2021.

Protests over action against Amritpal Singh erupt in 4 countries, India objects

India on Monday registered a strong protest with the US over the vandalisation of its consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistan elements, asking for measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The protests, coordinated by three groups, were marred by acts of violence and vandalism. India has also registered strong protests with Canada and Australia over activities of pro-Khalistan groups.

‘Averse to sealed cover notes’: CJI to govt over OROP arrears

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, refused to accept a document handed over by the Union government in a sealed cover to justify delay in clearing dues to army pensioners under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. The CJI flatly rejected the practice of sealed cover jurisprudence, which is contrary to judicial processes and transparency. The court gave the government extended time till February 28, 2024 to pay the OROP arrears to around 2.1 million army pensioners.

Strongly suspect ISI’s role in Amritpal’s ascent: Punjab Police

Punjab Police launched a statewide manhunt against pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh and his followers on Saturday. 114 people were arrested and 10 illegal weapons were recovered. Punjab Police IG Sukhchain Singh Gill suspects ISI and foreign funding in the case and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal to remain on alert.

Bishop’s remarks spark political slugfest in Kerala

The politics over rubber in Kerala got a spurt on Monday with the BJP backing the demand for increased MSP and opposition parties attacking the Christian community for supporting the BJP. The Bishop of Mar Joseph Pamplani had offered to support the BJP if they raised the price of rubber, which has been at ?125-150 per kg since the influx of synthetic rubber. The debate has left a heated discussion in the state.

T’gana orders detailed probe into paper leak case

Telangana govt. has ordered a detailed police inquiry into the TSPSC exam question paper leak after an official meeting convened by CM K Chandrasekhar Rao. The DGP was requested to probe whether any political conspiracy was hatched in the entire episode. Reacting to BJP's demand for a judicial inquiry, KTR said a SIT is yet to complete its investigation. He asserted that the government would take stringent action against those involved, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Kerala HC annuls CPI(M) MLA’s election from Devikulam

Kerala High Court annulled the 2021 assembly election of CPI(M)'s A Raja from Devikulam constituency due to his ineligibility as a Christian convert from the SC/ST community. His rival D Kumar had challenged his election claiming forged documents. The court ordered Raja to face trial, but rejected Kumar's plea to be declared winner. Raja plans to appeal the verdict.

Hospital staff held for sexual assault of patient: Police

Kerala police arrested a hospital employee for alleged sexual assault on a female patient in the ICU. The patient informed the duty nurse and doctors after regaining consciousness. Hospital authorities said a male employee was engaged due to the non-availability of women employees. Health Minister Veena George constituted a panel to investigate the case and ensure women's security in hospitals.

‘Millets Man’ Satheesh dies at 78 in Hyderabad

PV Satheesh, popularly known as the 'Millets Man' for promoting millet cultivation and organic agriculture in South India, passed away on Sunday. He was the founder and executive director of Deccan Development Society, and his efforts in millet revival and promotion across the country earned him international acclaim. He was also credited with launching India's first Community Media Trust and rural, civil society-led community radio station. Kavitha Karunganti described him as a "great visionary" and his legacy will continue.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Modi discuss ties, Indo-Pacific plan

India and Japan discussed strengthening cooperation in security, trade and technology, with Japan's PM Fumio Kishida unveiling a new plan for a free and open Indo-Pacific, involving India as an "indispensable partner". They discussed the Ukraine crisis and G20/G7 coordination, and signed an agreement for a high speed rail loan from Japan. Both sides agreed on the importance of rule of law, and shared concerns over Chinese aggression in the Indian & Pacific Oceans.