India News Updates: Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, appointed as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

One of the labourers working there said, "Eight people are still trapped inside the tunnel...We are from Jharkhand..."

After his meeting with farmers' leaders, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the discussion focused on securing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). He mentioned that all farmer leaders presented their views on the matter, and the conversation was productive. Cheema expressed hope that the discussions would continue positively.

After a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalpenta collapsed today, NDRF personnel were deployed to assist in the rescue operation. At least eight workers are believed to be trapped under the rubble. The Indian Army's Engineer Task Force (ETF) has also been called in to support the ongoing rescue efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a three-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam starting on Sunday, February 23. In a post on X, he mentioned that he would attend several programs across various sectors aimed at positively impacting millions of lives. The first event will be the foundation stone laying for the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, which will address healthcare needs and reflect the nation’s long-standing tradition of social service. On February 24, PM Modi will address the Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh, a state with significant investment potential.

Twenty-two Indian fishermen, released by Pakistan, crossed into India through the Attari-Wagah border today. Arunpal Singh, the Protocol Officer at the border, explained that these fishermen had been detained while fishing in 2021-22 and had received various sentences, ranging from one to 36 months. Eighteen of them are from Gujarat, three are from Diu, and one is from Uttar Pradesh. Singh added that their release has been welcomed by everyone.

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated on Saturday that the government is making every effort to rescue eight workers trapped after part of the roof collapsed in an under-construction section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. He also mentioned that the state government has requested the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in the rescue operation.

Before the meeting with farmer leaders in Chandigarh, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

During the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune, Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for states to take the issues of malnutrition and stunting in children seriously and urged them to implement all possible measures to tackle these problems, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the closing session of the 12th International Health Dialogue conference, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that both the global south and the global north require stronger medical partnerships. He pointed out that there is a severe shortage of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in many countries in the global north, including North America, Europe, Japan, and the Far East. Jaishankar noted that mobility partnerships are being negotiated to help address the health needs of these regions, particularly considering their aging populations.

Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, arrived at the Rajendra Park Helipad in Chandigarh to attend a meeting with protesting farmers. A new round of discussions between the protesting farmers and the Centre is scheduled for this evening, focusing on demands such as a legal guarantee for minimum support prices on crops. The meeting will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh at 6pm.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba over the phone at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar regarding the death of a Nepalese girl at KIIT College in Odisha.

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy visited the site of the SLBC tunnel mishap in Nagarkurnool and held a review meeting with senior officials. CM Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences over the incident and directed the District Collector, SP, Fire Services department, and HYDRAA to immediately initiate relief operations.

According to the Delhi Assembly Bulletin, the newly elected Delhi MLAs will take their oath on February 24 at 11 AM, followed by the election of the Speaker at 2 PM. On February 25, the Lieutenant Governor will address the House, and afterward, the CAG report on AAP government spending will be tabled. A discussion on the Motion of Thanks for the Lieutenant Governor's address will begin on February 27 at 11 AM, followed by the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Responding to allegations that Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal ran a "non-existent" department, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann clarified that the department's name was changed, and a new one was established. He explained that the previous department had no staff or office and was merely a name. The new department aims to bring reforms, including in the bureaucracy, and they are considering merging departments with similar functions into a single entity.

Reacting to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's "Mrityu Kumbh" remark, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal condemned it, stating that if Lalu Yadav called the Mahakumbh useless, it would hurt their sentiments. He further criticized Mamata Banerjee for calling the Mahakumbh "Mrityu Kumbh," accusing her of insulting and attacking the followers of Sanatana Dharma. Pal also took issue with Akhilesh Yadav's comment on "Gangajal," saying it undermined its purity.

On the issue of the three-language policy, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan stated that, according to the constitution, the state has the authority to legislate on education as it falls under the concurrent list. He questioned what was new in the Education Policy and suggested that the Department of Education should clarify this. Elangovan further argued that the policy should first be implemented in BJP-ruled states to improve their educational standards. He accused the policy of attempting to impose religious ideologies on the education system and firmly opposed the inclusion of Hindi.

Ahead of the farmers' meeting with the Centre scheduled for this evening, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticized the government, stating that while they may claim the meeting was successful, no real progress would be made. He pointed out that if the government intended to provide MSP, they could have done so earlier, citing numerous past protests. Warring accused the government of deceiving the farmers.

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, wrapped up his official visit to India on February 21, after attending the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), which was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Tobgay also met with Prime Minister Modi during his visit.

Hamas released two Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, were handed over to the Red Cross in Rafah, southern Gaza. Armed Hamas fighters escorted them onto a stage before they were placed into ambulances and transported to an Israeli crossing.

Breaking News Live: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta meets PM Narendra Modi at his residence

BJP leader Madan Rathore re-elected unopposed as the party’s state president. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, election officer and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani congratulated him.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth Rs 1,622 crores in Lakhimpur Kheri.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma inspected road strengthening work from Bhairo Marg to Sarai Kale Khan, Ring Road on Saturday morning.

Fresh snowfall in Bhalessa of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir covered the landscape with scenic beauty.

Devotees continue to arrive at Maha Kumbh 2025 in large numbers

Breaking News Live: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta greets people gathered outside her residence

Snow clearance operation underway by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) from the Budhal-Mahore-Gool Road, ensuring connectivity between the three districts of Rajouri, Mahore and Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir.

An incident of beating a 6-year-old student of Class 1 took place on February 17 at Nagar Nigam School, Shri Ram Colony. The incident was reported through a PCR call on February 18. The student was medically examined at JPC Hospital and it was found that the child had internal bleeding in the ear but there were no external injuries. The child's mother did not lodge any complaint with the police on the pretext that the child's father had gone to his native place in Bihar. An offence has been registered under section 115 (2) BNS and section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and a case is being registered accordingly: Delhi Police