States

A 33-year-old Bengaluru techie, Rohan Chandra Bhat, was referred to NIMHANS for psychiatric evaluation after allegedly stabbing his parents to death over a financial dispute. Police suspect the US-educated suspect suffers from schizophrenia following erratic behavior during interrogation

Kodungalloor police detained 48-year-old temple priest Shaji for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in Thrissur. The abuse occurred last year under the guise of performing rituals. The incident surfaced recently, leading to a case under the POCSO Act

In Chinaur village, Kangra district, a 58-year-old mid-day meal worker, Salochna Devi, was allegedly murdered with a sickle inside a government primary school in broad daylight. The accused, Rakesh Kumar, has been arrested; investigations are ongoing

Four labourers, including three women, died after consuming acid mistaking it for alcohol at a wedding venue in Bhilwara district. The incident occurred in Aloli village, with one person critically injured. Police are investigating safety lapses and storage of hazardous chemicals

The Supreme Court of India criticised the functioning of Real Estate Regulatory Authority, saying it was high time governments revisited RERA’s role. The court stayed the Himachal Pradesh High Court order blocking the office shift from Shimla to Dharamsala

Six people, including four family members, were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Hazaribag district. The herd, roaming across Bokaro, Ramgarh and Hazaribag, had caused earlier casualties, officials said. A seriously injured child is hospitalised

The over 10-day Khejri Bachao Andolan in Bikaner was called off after the Rajasthan government assured no Khejri tree would be felled until a special protection law is enacted, following talks with ministers and community leaders

An on-duty police inspector was killed and 11 others injured at the Surajkund Mela after a giant swing collapsed, just an hour after a gate fell at the fairgrounds. Rescue operations were launched, and investigations into the incidents are underway

Fifty-one Maoists, including 34 women cadres with a combined bounty of Rs 1.61 crore, surrendered in Sukma and Bijapur districts under Chhattisgarh Police’s ‘Puna Margam’ campaign, coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the Supreme Court to intervene in the ongoing electoral roll revision, alleging mass disenfranchisement. The top court issued notices to the Election Commission, stressing that genuine voters must remain on the rolls

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar as BJP and JD(S) members demanded the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur over alleged corruption in liquor licensing and transfers, citing audio evidence and complaints filed with the Lokayukta

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of specialised rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening India’s critical minerals capabilities

CII welcomed the Union Budget proposal to establish dedicated rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, strengthening India’s leadership in rare earth magnets and critical minerals

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

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

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 

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, days after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar. She now faces the challenge of steering the NCP and managing coalition dynamics

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

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

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

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

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

Security forces intensified anti-terror operations in Chatroo, Kishtwar, against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, amid heavy snowfall. Multiple encounters since January 18 caused casualties, while mobile internet remains suspended to prevent misuse. Searches continue in Poonch for two suspected terrorists

The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold heist questioned actor Jayaram, who confirmed gold plates meant for the shrine were taken to his Chennai residence for rituals, supporting claims of unauthorised movement, though investigators ruled out any wrongdoing or financial involvement by him