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Around 1.5 crore devotees took ritual baths at the Ganga and Sangam in Prayagraj on Magh Purnima, braving cold conditions. Authorities ensured safety, sanitation, and traffic management, marking the conclusion of month-long kalpvas observances for thousands of pilgrims
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India’s Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 7.84 lakh crore for defence, including Rs 2.19 lakh crore for capital expenditure and Rs 5.53 lakh crore for revenue. Customs duty exemptions on aircraft components aim to boost the defence aerospace sector
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In Jharkhand’s Palamu, a couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspected witchcraft, while their minor daughter was injured. Police have launched a manhunt, and the bodies were sent for post-mortem in Medininagar
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Congress criticised Union Budget 2026-27 as “lacklustre” and “non-transparent,” saying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech omitted key allocations. While capex rises to Rs 12.2 lakh crore and infrastructure plans were outlined, critics say the budget falls short of expectations
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a Rs 12.2 lakh crore infrastructure push in Union Budget 2026-27, focusing on Tier-2/Tier-3 cities, east-west freight corridors, inland waterways, and an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to boost investment, connectivity, and regional development
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Indian markets saw sharp intra-day falls after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. Sensex dropped over 2,300 points, Nifty over 600, as investors remained cautious amid limited tax relief and awaited sectoral and fiscal policy announcements
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A report alleges four Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives traveled from Karachi to Dhaka on Biman flight BG-342, raising security concerns amid resumed Bangladesh-Pakistan flights. Critics warn of lax border controls, state tolerance for militants, and potential threats to India’s eastern frontier
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a high-level Banking Committee for Viksit Bharat, restructuring key financial institutions, reviewing FEMA rules, promoting corporate and municipal bonds, and easing foreign investment limits to strengthen India’s banking sector and boost ease of doing business
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed seven high-speed rail corridors linking major Indian cities, promoting regional growth, faster travel, and lower emissions. She also outlined banking reforms, foreign investment modernization, and an integrated textile programme under the Union Budget 2026-27
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US President Donald Trump claimed India will buy Venezuelan oil instead of Iranian supplies, suggesting a shift in global energy flows and inviting China to participate. New Delhi has not confirmed the deal, and details on timelines or volumes remain unclear
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission report in Lok Sabha, outlining tax devolution between Centre and states for 2026–2031. Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the panel proposes formulas guiding Centre–state fiscal relations
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Fresh snowfall hit higher reaches of Kashmir while rains lashed plains as night temperatures rose above freezing in several areas, including Srinagar. Gulmarg remained coldest. Weather to stay cloudy with more rain or snow likely during Chillai Khurd period
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Sensex and Nifty traded higher in early deals ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27. Sensex rose over 272 points and Nifty gained nearly 67 points amid volatility expectations, stock-specific action, and strong foreign institutional investor inflows
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Gold and silver prices plunged sharply as investors booked profits after a historic rally. MCX gold fell over 7% and silver 9%, pressured by higher CME margins, a stronger dollar, and Budget-related expectations, triggering panic unwinding and short-term bearish trends
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A tiger attacked and killed a calf at Gandamalla village on Yadadri Bhuvanagiri–Siddipet border. Forest officials confirmed pug marks, tracked movement toward Chakkalgudem forest, and warned villagers as the tiger continues roaming nearby areas
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman carried Union Budget documents on a digital tablet in a red bahi-khata, symbolising tradition and technology. Continuing the paperless Budget, she reaffirmed the shift from colonial symbols while engaging students during Budget 2026–27 presentation
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Hyderabad police tightened security at BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao’s Nandinagar residence ahead of SIT visit in phone tapping case. Heavy forces deployed, roads barricaded, traffic restricted, and security enhanced citywide amid anticipated protests by BRS workers
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Commercial LPG cylinder prices rose Rs 49 from February 1, lifting 19-kg rates across metros. Delhi hits Rs 1,740.50; Chennai costliest. Domestic LPG unchanged. Monthly revision may raise business costs, impacting food, hospitality, and consumer prices nationwide overall operations soon
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A POCSO court in Ganjam, Odisha, sentenced six men to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fines for gang-raping a 17-year-old girl. The victim will receive Rs 15 lakh compensation under the state’s victim compensation scheme
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The Directorate General Resettlement held a mega Job Fair at Narangi Military Station, Guwahati, offering nearly 700 vacancies across sectors. Over 700 ex-servicemen engaged with recruiters, with on-the-spot placements highlighting efforts for dignified resettlement and career transition
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EAM S Jaishankar met Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in New Delhi ahead of the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Talks focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors, regional developments, and building on a decade-old India-Arab partnership
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Ahmedabad Police’s SHE Team rescued a 15-day-old newborn from an inter-state child trafficking network. Three suspects were arrested; two key traffickers remain absconding. The infant’s health and safety are being ensured, while a multi-team investigation continues
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Mumbai Police arrested a taxi driver for allegedly cheating an American tourist, charging Rs 18,000 for a 400-metre ride near Mumbai Airport. The case went viral on social media, prompting swift police action; the driver’s associate remains at large
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Four Naxalites, including two women, surrendered with weapons in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the state’s Poona Margem rehabilitation program. Rewards totaled Rs 8 lakh. Security camps, improved roads, and anti-Naxal operations contributed to over 200 surrenders in 2026 so far
