A large number of people staged a protest by clapping and banging plates at the municipal corporation in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

Angry over the lack of development in several areas of the city, the residents reached the municipal corporation and expressed their frustration by banging plates with spoons to draw the attention of the municipal officials.

According to reports, drains in several parts of the city have not been cleaned. Many streets are in a dilapidated condition, making it difficult to walk on them, and water is flowing in the lanes, causing considerable inconvenience to the residents.

People from several wards, including women, facing similar problems, reached the municipal corporation. They continued to bang plates for a long time.

Residents said that they had repeatedly complained to the municipal corporation about the broken roads, streets, and drains, but no one was listening. Therefore, they resorted to this protest of banging plates to awaken the officials. The protest continued for a considerable time at the municipal corporation, after which some officials arrived and spoke to the people.

During the conversation, the officials assured them that their problems would be resolved soon. After receiving the assurance from the officials, the people dispersed and returned home

The Union Budget 2026–27 lays out a forward-looking roadmap for the next quarter century by advancing technology-driven, AI-integrated structural reforms to shape India’s future, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

Addressing the media during a post-Budget interaction organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Singh said the Budget may take time to be fully appreciated, but it reflects a clear and sequential vision in which structural reforms are powered by cutting-edge technologies, and cutting-edge technologies are increasingly driven by artificial intelligence.

He said this approach makes the Budget inherently futuristic and places a responsibility on informed stakeholders, including the media, to effectively communicate its long-term benefits to citizens.

Responding to concerns about immediate benefits for the middle class, the Minister said the true impact of the Budget lies not in short-term income calculations but in sustained relief from rising healthcare and living costs over the long term.

Dr Singh said large-scale investments in biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vaccines, and gene-based therapies would significantly reduce the financial burden on families dealing with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

Highlighting India’s growing public health challenges, he noted that the country currently has over 11–12 crore diabetics, nearly 14 crore pre-diabetics, and a rapidly increasing incidence of cancer, with projections indicating up to two million cases annually by 2030.

He said affordable drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, backed by domestic bio-manufacturing capabilities, would provide major social and economic support, particularly to the middle class and vulnerable sections of society.

Referring to the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative, Dr Singh said India has already emerged as a global bio-manufacturing hub, ranking among the leading bio-economies worldwide and within the Indo-Pacific region.

The new allocation, he added, would further strengthen this position by expanding capabilities in biologics, biosimilars, vaccines, medical devices, and gene-based technologies.

Describing biotechnology as the next major industrial growth engine, Dr Singh said it would play a transformative role similar to information technology in previous decades. He added that the forthcoming industrial revolution would be a bio-revolution, encompassing recycling, regeneration, the circular economy, and advanced life-science innovations.

A day after the announcement of the Union Budget 2026, the Indian stock market clocked strong gains, snapping its two-day losing run.

At the close, the Sensex was up 943.52 points, or 1.17%, at 81,666.46, while the Nifty gained 262.95 points, or 1.06%, to close at 25,088.40.

The Nifty Midcap also climbed 1%, and the Nifty Smallcap advanced 0.6%.

The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to more than Rs 455 lakh crore from Rs 450.6 lakh crore.

Among the sectors, almost all indices ended with healthy gains, except for Nifty IT, which fell 0.47%, and Healthcare, which was down by 0.08%.

Nifty Auto was up 2.13%, Oil and Gas up by 2.04%, Metal up by 1.88%, Realty up by 1.61%, and FMCG up by 1.16% clocked strong gains. Nifty Bank rose 0.35%, while the Financial Services index rose by 0.37%.

On the Nifty, around 39 stocks ended higher, with key gainers including Power Grid Corporation of India (up 7.42%), Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (up 5.61%), and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (up 4.28%).

The top losers were Shriram Finance (3.17%), Axis Bank (2.33%), and Max Healthcare Institute (1.82%).

The advance-decline ratio remained in favour of decliners, with over 2,200 stocks falling and over 2,000 advancing on the BSE.

On the BSE, around 76 stocks hit their 52-week highs, while 360 stocks hit their 52-week lows in intraday trade.

Those on the highs included Aether Industries and MTAR Technologies, while those at the lows included ITC, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, Havells India, Max Healthcare Institute, and Trent.

The shares of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) gained more than 3%, while the shares of Power Grid Corporation of India jumped nearly 8%.

Shares of oil marketing companies (OMC) rose in trade, with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) shares gaining nearly 5%, while Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) shares also saw sharp gains.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the development journey undertaken by the country in the last 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now clearly visible at the ground level.

“This budget is a balanced document of reform, growth, and fiscal discipline, which will provide new opportunities for development, investment, and employment in Uttar Pradesh, along with building a new India,” he said while talking to the media person here on Monday.

CM Yogi expressed confidence that the Union Budget 2026-27 will enable Uttar Pradesh to play a leading role in achieving the goal of ‘Developed India-2047’.

The Chief Minister said that the budget clearly reflects a balanced inclusion of reform, growth, and fiscal discipline.

“By weaving these three elements together, this budget provides a strong foundation for building a strong and self-reliant India, connecting with future generations. This budget has been prepared keeping in mind the aspirations of all sections of society, including farmers, youth, women, and the poor. Naturally, it opens new avenues to fulfill the expectations and development needs of Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the most important and far-reaching aspect of the budget is the announcement of a provision of Rs 10,000 crore for SMEs.

“Uttar Pradesh leads the country in this sector and has the largest MSME base in the country. Currently, approximately 96 lakh MSME units are active in Uttar Pradesh, through which nearly three crore people are directly or indirectly connected to livelihoods and economic progress,” the CM added.

The CM said that this fund will prove to be extremely important, especially for the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, which Uttar Pradesh has successfully promoted by linking it with branding, designing, packaging, and exports.

“The budget will pave the way for connecting the MSME sector with new technologies, skill training, modern packaging, and global export markets,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the budget has announced the creation of a massive infrastructure fund of Rs 12.20 lakh crore, which will play a decisive role in infrastructure development, strengthening connectivity, and giving a new impetus to various key sectors in Uttar Pradesh.

“The Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors also pass through Uttar Pradesh, as a result of which the country’s largest logistics hub is being developed within the state. Uttar Pradesh will directly benefit from this in terms of industry, trade, and job creation,” Yogi said.

CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in the 20 inland waterways declared in the country. The country’s first inland waterway between Varanasi and Haldia has already been launched in the state, while proposals have been prepared to develop waterways for its expansion to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and the Yamuna River.”

The CM said that Uttar Pradesh has received two important corridors out of the seven high-speed rail corridors announced in the budget.

The Chief Minister said that the budget has further strengthened Uttar Pradesh’s potential in the bio-pharma sector. The process of developing a bulk drug park in Lalitpur over an area of approximately 1,200 acres has been accelerated, while the work on the medical device park in the Yamuna Authority area of Gautam Buddha Nagar has also reached a very advanced stage.

Grammy Awards (Grammys) 2026 : The 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet wasn’t just about music accolades, it was a runway of bold fashion choices, standout glamour and daring statements. From timeless elegance to headline-making risks, stars showed up in looks that sparked admiration, debate and plenty of social-media buzz.

Here’s a list of celebrity fashion hits and misses that defined style at the 68th Annual Grammys.

Also Read: Grammys 2026: All celebs who spoke out against ICE and supported immigrant rights

Fashion Hits of the Night

1.  Sabrina Carpenter — An ethereal crystal-embellished, tiered Valentino gown that perfectly balanced grace and drama.

2.  Laufey — A stunning purple Miu Miu flapper-style dress blending vintage inspiration with modern glamour.

3. Doechii — A dramatic corseted gown featuring an eight-foot train, delivering a high-impact couture moment.

4. Michelle Williams — A sheer black gown adorned with gold leafy embroidery and a sweeping train that turned heads.

5. Kelsea Ballerini — A golden sequined Etro gown channeling old-Hollywood glamour with a contemporary edge.

6. Halle Bailey — A strapless burgundy sequined gown with intricate beading and polished red-carpet appeal.

7. Addison Rae — A custom Alaïa white gown featuring modern classic lines and a bold neckline.

8. Tyla — A champagne slip dress with a fur train and diamond choker, striking the perfect balance between cozy and luxe.

9. Bad Bunny — A sleek black velvet tuxedo accented with gold buttons — timeless, sharp and effortlessly stylish.

10. Sombr — A silver Valentino suit infused with disco-era energy.

11. EJAE — Midnight-blue Dior with an elegant one-shoulder drape.

Fashion Misses & Divisive Red-Carpet Choices

1. Chappell Roan — A sheer custom Mugler look with minimal coverage that shocked audiences and sparked divided reactions.

2. Heidi Klum — Glossy nude latex body‑hugging number that washed out her silhouette and didn’t translate well on camera.

3. Lola Young — A Vivienne Westwood jumpsuit featuring toy prints that leaned quirkier than chic.

4. FKA Twigs — A medieval-inspired nude ensemble that many felt missed the glamour mark despite creative intent.

5. Ali Wong — A custom Vivienne Westwood bridal FW25 look that felt underwhelming and dated.

6. Rosé — While innovative, the black‑and‑white mini with flowing drapes and understated accessories didn’t match the gown’s dramatic potential.

7. Zara Larsson — Golden Germanier bra‑top and maxi skirt combo that split opinion, with some calling it more costume‑like than couture.

8. PinkPantheress — Vivienne Westwood piece that, despite its striking palette, felt cluttered and overly busy for the red carpet.

9. Kesha — Feathered gown that some reviewers felt lacked cohesive shape and fell short of high‑fashion polish.

10. Miley Cyrus  — A leather jacket‑and‑trousers look that leaned more casual than red‑carpet ready.

Red Carpet Trends That Defined the Night

From sheer avant-garde silhouettes to sequined classics and sharply tailored menswear, the Grammy red carpet celebrated fearless self-expression. While some stars embraced understated elegance, others pushed boundaries that dominated the internet and fashion conversations.

Fashion Verdict: When Bold Choices Take Centre Stage

Classic glamour may never go out of style, but it was the daring, unexpected outfits, whether celebrated or debated, that became the most talked-about moments of the night. The 2026 Grammys once again proved that red-carpet fashion isn’t just about what you wear, but the statement you choose to make.

Also Read: Olivia Dean wins a Grammy and lets a Gen Z rebellion slip quietly onto the world’s biggest stage

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday, targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the entry of the Delhi Police into the Banga Bhavan, the state guesthouse here.

“I am going to Banga Bhavan to see our people and the atrocities of the Delhi Police. When the Home Minister comes to Bengal, we give him the red carpet. But when we come to Delhi, you give us the black carpet,’’ she told reporters ahead of her meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters here.

Mamata’s visit to Delhi comes amid her vehement protests against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise undertaken by the ECI.

The chief minister asserted that what she has gained through her struggle, she will preserve through struggle, indicating her resolve to go for a long haul.

Mamata, who is accompanied by her nephew Abhishek, said there is no benefit in showing muscle. Nevertheless, expressing outrage over the entry of the Delhi Police into the Banga Bhavan, she questioned whether the massive presence of the force was out of some fear.

Notably, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has brought to Delhi 50 voters who are listed as ‘deceased’ in the Election Commission’s records. Family members of some of those who lost a relative due to the SIR exercise have also arrived in Delhi. Mamata has alleged that the Delhi Police are harassing these ordinary people who have come from the state.

She claimed that the Delhi Police are exhibiting excessive activity by surrounding the Banga Bhawan. ‘Searches’ are being conducted there, causing distress among the ordinary families arriving from the state.

Meanwhile, both Banga Bhavans are surrounded by Delhi Police personnel with barricades put up on the lanes leading to them and Haily Road, where the Bhawns are located, closed. However, the police didn’t give an reason for their actions.

Delhi Police’s “search” at the Bengal Bhavan prompted Banerjee to react strongly, rushing to Chanakyapuri before visiting Hailey Road, accompanied by Abhishek privately. “We have come to inform the nation about the families whose names were removed from electoral rolls,” she said while addressing the media.

“What we have gained through struggle, we will preserve through struggle. We have emerged through our movement, and the bereaved families wish to express their concerns through the media. Even if no one else fights for the country, I will fight,” she said.

Reacting to the Pakistan government’s decision to boycott the high-profile T20 World Cup February 15 match against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has flagged serious concerns, warning that selective participation undermines the tournament and its global audience.

The ICC has said it is awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but stressed that such decisions can have long-term consequences for the sport.

On Sunday night, the Pakistan government announced on social media that while it had granted clearance for the national team to participate in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan would not take the field for the Group A clash against India scheduled to be played in Colombo. The decision is set to have significant implications for the tournament.

Interestingly, Pakistan’s decision came on the same day their Under-19 cricket team lost to the Indian boys to bow out of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup.

The decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds. At the time, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had said that it would reassess its participation following that decision as it showed solidarity with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, ICC, the global cricketing body, has warned against “significant and long-term implications” that Pakistan could face for boycotting the match against India.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” an ICC statement read.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions. While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” it added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, is yet to make any statement.

Meanwhile, it has been reliably learnt that the BCCI has maintained restraint on the issues, with sources saying that the Indian team will stick to protocol, and travel to Colombo accordingly. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is expected to attend the training sessions and keep their preparations on, leaving the final call to match officials.

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said, “ICC has issued a big statement, they have spoken about sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI won’t make any comments on it until we speak with the ICC.”

The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, drawing peak global viewership, sponsorship interest and broadcast revenues.

While a walkover would hand full points to India, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the PCB.

Not out decision: Agha

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the call was beyond the players’ control and that the team would abide by the instructions given to them.

At the time the announcement was made, Agha was involved in Pakistan’s third and final T20I against Australia. Speaking to reporters later, the skipper clarified that the decision had been taken entirely by the government and reiterated that the players would follow the directives issued by the authorities and PCB.

“Yes, absolutely, we will go. But that is not our decision, sir, and we cannot do anything about it. Whatever our government and our chairman instruct us to do, we have to follow. Only then will we go, and we will do that,” Agha said.

Former cricketers including Kevin Pietersen and Ravichandran Ashwin reacted to the announcement, made just days before the ICC showpiece begins on February 7.

“Not sure if India can meet Pakistan in this World Cup final due to groups and play offs, but if they can, would Pakistan refuse to play the World Cup final?” questioned Pietersen.

Ashwin also mocked the decision, stating, “An India Pakistan clash even in the knockout is ruled out? Sure? We get there it will be a “World T 20 bye”.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has taken a sharp dig at Pakistan’s decision to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 while boycotting its Group A clash against India on February 15, calling the move unnecessary drama aimed at misleading the public.

The Pakistan government has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to play India in the upcoming tournament, even as it granted conditional approval for the national team to take part in the World Cup.

The decision has been taken in protest against the ICC’s refusal to move Bangladesh’s World Cup matches out of India, a demand that Pakistan strongly supported.

Reacting to the development, Harbhajan questioned the logic behind Pakistan’s stance and accused the authorities of creating a false narrative.

“Begani Shadi mei abdullah deewana… Pakistan government has said that their team will participate in the T20 World Cup but will not play against India. There is absolutely no logic to this.”

“This is the same Pakistan government and the same PCB that, after some time, will say that the dispute was actually Bangladesh’s, the ICC imposed the ban, and we were ready to play and resolve the issue. This is nothing but a complete drama being created to mislead people. They are trying to project that we stand with Bangladesh,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier confirmed that the T20 World Cup would proceed as scheduled, with Bangladesh’s matches set to be played in India, despite the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requesting that its fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka.

Subsequently, the ICC announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the tournament after the BCB refused to participate as per the published match schedule.

Harbhajan also questioned Pakistan’s claims of standing in solidarity with Bangladesh, urging the authorities to consider their own cricket-loving public.

“You may say you support Bangladesh, but what have you thought about the people in your own country who want an India-Pakistan match to happen?

“When the ICC voting took place on Bangladesh’s request, it was rejected by a 14–2 margin. The ICC chairman may be from India, but the other 14 members who voted against the request are not from India. Australia, England, South Africa and several other countries were part of that vote and supported the decision to exclude Bangladesh. So why are you unnecessarily picking a fight over this issue, and what exactly do you stand to gain from it?” asked Harbhajan.

He further challenged Pakistan to stand by its decision and questioned whether the move was merely symbolic.

He continued, “You have announced that you will play the World Cup but will not play against India—then stay firm on that decision. Let’s see whether you actually have the courage to stand by it, or whether this was just a shot in the dark. In my view, this decision looks like nothing more than firing an arrow in the air, just to see how far it goes.”

Referring to past precedents, Harbhajan highlighted what he described as Pakistan’s double standards in international cricket. Last year, India and Pakistan played their Asia Cup matches at a neutral venue, with Harbhajan pointing out that financial considerations had often taken precedence over political posturing despite ongoing tensions between the two nations.

“Fair enough, if you don’t want to come, then don’t. India also doesn’t go to your country — fair enough. But this match was being played at a neutral venue. Some time ago, there was an issue during the Asia Cup, yet the match still took place because there was revenue involved, and you were not willing to give up that revenue. It’s possible that sanctions were imposed on you, and it’s also possible that in the future you may not get the opportunity to host any ICC tournament,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said on Monday that it is the collective responsibility of the House to ensure productive outcomes during the ongoing budget session.

The Speaker said that people expect solutions to their problems and reminded members that significant public resources are invested in conducting legislative sessions, and it is the collective responsibility of the House to ensure productive outcomes.

Earlier, welcoming the members of the House, the Speaker said that this institution represents the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the people who have elected us. “Serving the people is both a privilege and a profound responsibility upon all the members of the House,” he said.

The Speaker highlighted that time utilised in the House is precious, adding that every minute spent here belongs to the people. He urged the members that the judicious use of time is essential to live up to the expectations of the people.

The Speaker observed that democracy allows space for disagreements, but it must be expressed in a dignified manner, with mutual respect for one another. He cautioned that the proceedings of the House are closely watched by the public, and even a single mistake does not go unnoticed.

He assured members that during the Budget Session, ample opportunities would be provided to accommodate all voices.

The Speaker also said that the Business Advisory Committee of the House has decided that two sittings will be held during the current session so that every member can raise issues related to their constituency, ensure accountability of the government, and effectively represent public concerns.

He called upon members to set an example through their conduct and expressed hope that the House would fulfil the purpose for which people have elected their representatives.

Another woman on ventilator support died during treatment at a hospital in Indore on Sunday night, taking the unofficial death toll to 32. The deaths are allegedly linked to the consumption of contaminated drinking water from the Narmada river supplied by the Indore Municipal Corporation to households in the Bhagirathpura locality of the city in Madhya Pradesh.

The latest fatality has been identified as Anita Kushwah (65), who had been undergoing treatment for over a month at Bombay Hospital, where she was on ventilator support.

Family members said she was initially admitted to Bhagyashree Hospital on December 28 after suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Although she was discharged two days later, her condition deteriorated within hours of returning home. She was readmitted to Aurobindo Hospital on January 1 and later shifted to Bombay Hospital on January 4 as her health continued to worsen.

Doctors said her kidneys failed during the course of treatment, necessitating continuous haemodialysis. She was subsequently placed on ventilator support and later suffered a cardiac arrest.

Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Hasani said that she was provided treatment at a higher medical facility with government support, but could not be saved.

According to sources, three more patients remain hospitalised, two of whom are in critical condition and on ventilator support.

Local residents claim that at least 32 people have died so far due to the contaminated drinking water. However, the official death toll remains at 16, leading to an ongoing dispute over the actual number of fatalities linked to the incident.

The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court heard the matter on January 27, during which the state government submitted a report stating that 23 deaths had been reported so far, but only 16 were officially attributed to contaminated drinking water.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking a direction that the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state be conducted on the basis of the electoral rolls revised in 2025, instead of those emerging from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Raising concerns of large-scale and irreversible disenfranchisement, Banerjee has contended that the ongoing SIR poses a serious threat to the voting rights of lakhs of eligible electors and would severely undermine the level playing field among political parties ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

In her plea, the Trinamool Congress leader has also sought directions restraining electoral authorities from calling voters for hearings in cases involving name mismatches or spelling variations falling under the “logical discrepancy” (LD) category during the ongoing revision process. According to her, such discrepancies should instead be corrected suo motu on the basis of existing official records, without subjecting voters to further scrutiny.

She has further prayed that all identity documents issued by competent authorities be uniformly accepted for the purpose of verification.

“The Petitioner reasonably apprehends that elections to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal will be immediately declared thereafter as the term of Assembly comes to an end on or about 07.05.2026. This is the ultimate act of injustice as it will practically freeze the voters list for West Bengal with the large-scale disenfranchisement, errors and omissions caused due to the opaque, hasty, unconstitutional and illegal actions of the ECI … without any time for grievance redressal in view of shortage of time,” the plea by Mamata Banerjee states.

Banerjee has alleged that the SIR is designed to exclude existing voters by compelling them to establish citizenship through documentary proof pegged to an arbitrary cut-off year.

“The entire SIR exercise is an effort at disenfranchising the existing voters on the Electoral Roll by forcing them to prove their citizenship with ‘documentary’ evidence against an arbitrary cut-off date of 2002. This violates the Constitution, the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951,” says the PIL.

The Chief Minister has also questioned the urgency with which the exercise is being carried out, pointing out that the revision is being completed in under 90 days, close to the scheduled Assembly elections. She has highlighted several operational gaps and inconsistencies in the process, warning that continuation of the exercise would inevitably result in exclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly migrant workers who frequently travel outside the State for seasonal employment.

“ECI has turned the entire SIR exercise into a battlefield for voters who are scrambling through arbitrary rejection of documents, illogical hearings, inconsistent instructions, opaque rules, shifting stands and complete chaos caused by untested algorithms and software deployed by ECI,” the plea adds.

The petition also accuses the ECI of issuing instructions through informal channels despite directions of the Supreme Court, and of failing to place the list of persons categorised under ‘logical discrepancy’ in the public domain.

“In addition, alarming news have been received from certain Districts including Malda that 20,000 new Logical Discrepancy category cases have been pushed from ‘others’ category to Logical Discrepancy category on the morning of 22.01.2026 which shows a nefarious plan of the Respondent to increase the number of LD cases after order was passed by this Hon’ble Court on 19.01.2026 and then publish a mammoth list of Logical Discrepancy cases. This is highly illegal and in brazen impunity of law and disregard of the order of this Hon’ble Court,” the plea states.

The petition is likely to be listed alongside other challenges pending before the Supreme Court relating to the legality and manner of conduct of the SIR across States.

An Ocean Of Stories is set to unfold in Panaji as the Goa Book Festival 2026 takes place from 4 to 8 February at the Bhausaheb Dayanand Bandodkar Ground.

Organised by the National Book Trust, India (Ministry of Education) in association with the Government of Goa, Samarth Yuva Foundation, and Lokmanya Cultural Foundation, the festival promises a five-day celebration of books, ideas and culture.

The festival will be formally inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 4 February in the presence of Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister of Art and Culture, Sports and Youth, Government of Goa; Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust, India; Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary, Education, Government of Goa; Dr. Kiran Thakur, Chairman, Lokmanya Cultural Foundation; Rajesh Pandey, Trustee and Chief Convenor, Pune Book Fair; and Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India.

Addressing a press conference, Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said in keeping with NBT’s mandate to promote books and reading culture across the country, the Trust is exploring the idea of developing the Goa Book Festival at a national scale, on par with major book fairs held across other states.

He emphasised that all events under the festival are free and open to the public, with the larger aim of reconnecting society with the enduring power of books.

The festival will feature over 250 book stalls by over 100 publishers, showcasing a wide and diverse range of titles in English, Konkani, Marathi, and other Indian languages.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, stating that Uttarakhand’s interests were taken care of in Union Budget 2026-27, said the state would get developmental projects worth ₹40,000 crore under the budget presented in the Lok Sabha on January 31.

Speaking to the media here on Monday, he said the projects would be taken up by the Himalayan state in the next financial year starting from April 1. Although the investment figure was not mentioned in her budget speech by union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announcements made by her on Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states will bring inflow of substantial funds in the state.

“Projects worth ₹40,000 crore will come to Uttarakhand according to the announcement made in the budget speech of the Union finance minister. This substantial allocation for various projects to be taken up in the next financial year will ensure comprehensive development in the state. Besides, the state will get an additional amount of ₹1,800 crore from the 16th Finance Commission” said Pushkar Singh Dhami.

He stated that development of mountain trekking trails, announced in Budget 2026-27 is expected to generate significant employment opportunities with focus on skill development of local tourists guides.

Dhami emphasised that the development in the state would go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation. The chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special liking for “Devbhoomi”. “The prime minister has ensured that the state’s interests were well-represented in the budget this time as well,” he added.

Describing the Union Budget as balanced, The CM said it would bring significant potential for regional development for the states like Uttarakhand.

He further said that the budget reflects the prime minister’s visionary leadership and a step towards fulfilling the resolve for “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

The kin of a BJP MLA allegedly committed suicide, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

In Lucknow’s Sushant Golf City area, Shivam Tripathi, nephew of BJP MLA Vinay Kumar Dwivedi, was found dead in his rented flat, police said on Monday. The body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in a flat located in Tower A2 of Rishta Manhattan Society on Sunday night.

Tripathi, a native of Balrampur district, was involved in the property business and had reportedly been under financial stress for a long time. According to the police, no suicide note was recovered from the spot. The incident came to light when the landlord received no response despite repeated calls, after which the door was broken open with the help of security staff.

Family members have alleged that Tripathi’s business partners cheated him financially and ignored repeated demands for repayment, causing him severe mental distress. The family has stated that they will file a case against the partners.

An Instagram post shared earlier by Tripathi, in which he was seen working out at a gym with an aggressive caption, has also sparked discussions following his death. Police said all angles are being examined, and further action will be taken after receiving a formal complaint.

Shivam Tripathi is survived by his father, Rajesh Tripathi, his mother, and two younger brothers, Prakhar and Abhishek. BJP MLA Vinay Kumar Dwivedi represents the Mankhnoon (Mehnon) assembly constituency in Gonda district.

The efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government to firmly establish the state on the global investment map are receiving continuous support from foreign investors.

In this sequence, the Managing Director of Singapore-based leading integrated container logistics company AP Moller-Maersk, Rene Piil Pedersen, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Monday.

During the meeting, in-depth discussions were held on expanding investments in Uttar Pradesh. Pedersen was accompanied by Vivek Sharma, Head of Business Development & Regulatory Affairs (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka region).

In the meeting, detailed discussions took place on the vast investment potential in Uttar Pradesh, the industry-friendly business environment, and the state government’s investment promotion policies.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh is among the fastest-growing states in the country today and that a safe, stable, and transparent environment is being ensured for investors.

He highlighted that through a single-window system, time-bound approvals, policy-based incentives, and a strong law-and-order framework, the government is providing support to investors at every level.

The Chief Minister further stated that with an extensive expressway network, logistics hubs, industrial corridors, and modern infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh has become an attractive investment destination.

Inviting AP Moller-Maersk to expand its investments in the state, he assured that the government would ensure the availability of necessary land, connectivity, and policy support.

On this occasion, Vivek Sharma said, “We had a very positive and meaningful discussion regarding investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh and the investor-friendly environment here. Our company has been investing in this state for more than 20 years. During this discussion, we shared our positive experiences related to the state’s law-and-order situation, corruption-free environment, and the full cooperation received from the state government in expanding our business. We are keen to explore new investment opportunities to further expand our operations in Uttar Pradesh in the future as well.”

Notably, AP Moller-Maersk is a global leader in shipping, ports, maritime transport, and inland logistics. Its potential investments are expected to strengthen the logistics ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, accelerate industrial activities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities, thereby playing a significant role in achieving the goal of a ‘Developed India’.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has welcomed the bail granted to its senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia by the Supreme Court in a disproportionate assets case, asserting that truth has prevailed and the alleged political vendetta of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has been exposed.

Senior SAD leaders Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler said the decision of the apex court had unmasked the “politically motivated campaign” unleashed by the AAP government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against Mr Majithia. They alleged that the ruling party had made every possible attempt to keep the Akali leader behind bars by fabricating cases that could not stand judicial scrutiny.

The leaders said the AAP government had failed to defend the disproportionate assets case before the Supreme Court, just as it had earlier failed in the alleged narcotics case registered against Mr Majithia. They recalled that the government could not even present a challan in the narcotics case and that its special leave petition challenging the bail granted to Mr Majithia in that matter had already been dismissed by the apex court.

“It is now clear that after failing miserably in the false narcotics case, the AAP government tried to trap Mr Majithia in another fabricated Disproportionate Assets case. This case, too, will meet the same fate as the earlier one,” the SAD leaders said.

Dr Daljit Singh Cheema alleged that the AAP government proceeded against Majithia in a desperate attempt to silence a strong and consistent voice of opposition. He said Majithia had repeatedly exposed the wrong policies of the Mann government and had been vocal in raising issues concerning the rights and interests of the people of Punjab.

“In its bid to suppress dissent, the government not only misused the police and investigating agencies but also violated the human rights of Majithia,” Dr Cheema said. He asserted that the people of Punjab were watching these developments closely and would give a befitting reply to the AAP government for allegedly framing political opponents through false and motivated cases.

The SAD leaders maintained that the bail granted by the Supreme Court had reaffirmed public faith in the judiciary and strengthened the belief that truth ultimately prevails over political conspiracy.

In Lucknow, candidates protesting over the 69,000 teacher recruitment issue clashed with police on Monday. The situation escalated into heated arguments and scuffles, after which police detained the protesters and took them to Eco Garden.

Around 50 candidates gathered outside the Samajwadi Party office at approximately 11:00 am, planning to march towards the Deputy Chief Minister’s residence. The protesters wore banners with slogans such as “I am an unfortunate, backward, and Dalit” and “The Supreme Court is casteist.”

As the protesters attempted to move ahead from the party office, police stopped them. The candidates alleged that police personnel tore their banners, leading to verbal arguments that soon turned into pushing and shoving. The commotion lasted for nearly 20 minutes.

The protesters said they would continue their agitation daily. They claimed they have been struggling for the past two years without getting justice. They accused Union minister Anupriya Patel and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya of betraying backward classes, alleging that both leaders are only focused on protecting their political positions.

Candidates from reserved categories alleged that in the recruitment process, OBC candidates received only 3.86% reservation instead of 27%, and SC candidates received 16.2% instead of the mandated 21%. Due to the dispute, the Allahabad High Court had earlier cancelled the selection list of 6,800 posts and ordered a revised merit list as per rules.

The matter is currently under hearing in the Supreme Court. The protesting candidates continue to demand re-evaluation and the release of a new merit list.