India News Updates: President Murmu grants sanction for ED to prosecute Satyendar Jain

President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honor. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and other prominent leaders, along with a high-level Qatari delegation, attended the event.

PM Narendra Modi tweets, "It was a delight to meet former UK PM, Rishi Sunak and his family! We had a wonderful conversation on many subjects. Mr. Sunak is a great friend of India and is passionate about even stronger India-UK ties."

Students at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar organized a candle march in solidarity with the Nepali student who tragically died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment by a third-year mechanical engineering student.

"A warm welcome for a special friend! President Droupadi Murmu received His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a special gesture, President Murmu welcomed and greeted him in front of the iconic Rampurva Bull at the steps of the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour. The Vice President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries, including members of the high level delegation from Qatar attended the banquet. Speaking on the occasion, the President recalled the deep and historic ties between India and Qatar and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of bilateral relations and establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries," posts President of India

In response to the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at KIIT, protesters vandalized a signboard and raised slogans in frustration. Authorities quickly deployed a strong police presence on the campus to control the situation and prevent escalation.

PM Narendra Modi tweets, "Had a very productive meeting with my brother, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, earlier today. Under his leadership, Qatar has scaled new heights of progress. He is also committed to a strong India-Qatar friendship. This visit is even more special because we have elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership."

The US Border Patrol arrested 29,000 migrants in January as they attempted to cross the US-Mexico border illegally

India and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors, including trade, security, energy, and education, following the establishment of a Strategic Partnership. Both sides welcomed the signing of a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and agreed to fast-track negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The Hemant Soren-led JMM government in Jharkhand raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees by 7% on Tuesday.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin protested against the Central Government, demanding the state's rightful share of funds. Speaking as a DMK youth wing member, Stalin criticized the Union Budget 2025, pointing out that states like UP and Gujarat received allocations, while Tamil Nadu was pressured to accept the three-language policy to receive funds. He reiterated that Tamil Nadu would not be intimidated by such threats.

After meeting with Ukraine's President Zelensky in Ankara, Turkish President Erdogan stated that Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia war align with Turkey's previous policy.

Students in Kathmandu, led by various student organizations, have protested the death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. The accused student, Advik Srivastava, was arrested on February 17 and sent to judicial custody. The Odisha government has responded by forming a High-Level Fact-Finding Committee and taking swift disciplinary actions against involved staff, including suspensions and terminations.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case, according to sources.

India News Live: Newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrives at EC office in Delhi

Self-styled spiritual healer Aijaz Sheikh has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh for repeatedly sexually abusing two victims for over a decade. Advocate Ayshia Zahgeer confirmed the sentence, with the fine divided equally between the two victims. Sheikh is also ordered to pay Rs 45,000 as compensation, and the victims can seek further compensation if desired.

In a press briefing in Delhi, India's Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, made it clear that there are no Guru Granth Sahibs in the custody of Qatari authorities, putting to rest concerns surrounding the issue.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that around 600 Indians are currently incarcerated in Qatar. Secretary Arun Kumar Chatterjee mentioned that Qatar’s leadership has periodically granted pardons, with 85 Indians receiving clemency in 2024. Additionally, an agreement on prisoner sentence transfers is awaiting ratification by Qatar.

Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar described the Election Commission of India as a "place of worship of democracy," reflecting on its legacy built through hard work over the past 75 years. He expressed confidence that the new leadership will elevate the institution further, ensuring India’s democracy remains strong and respected worldwide. Kumar also acknowledged the crucial role of voters and political parties, wishing all the best to the electorate.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that defense cooperation is not currently a focus in the potential strategic partnership between India and Qatar. Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee stated that the discussions are centered on trade, energy, and investment, with no defense agreements or cooperation on the table at the moment.

The four persons detained from the building have been taken away by the police, following the encounter with criminals.

During a bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Amir of Qatar discussed key areas such as trade, investment, and energy. Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), announced that India and Qatar signed an agreement to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. Trade between the two nations currently stands at $14 billion annually, with both sides setting a goal to double this figure in the next five years. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority, has $1.5 billion in FDI in India, and both leaders discussed further investment opportunities. PM Modi praised the Amir for bringing top Qatari business leaders to India during the visit.

PM Modi thanked Amir of Qatar, leaders discussed about increasing investment in India, reports MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is considering the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Qatar at the bilateral level in the near future, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Jogighopa Terminal in Bongaigaon district, emphasizing its importance for enhancing trade between India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. He highlighted that the terminal would create numerous employment opportunities and reduce logistics costs, calling it a significant contribution from PM Narendra Modi to the people of Northeast and Southeast Asia. Sonowal also praised Modi for driving transformative changes in the waterways sector.

Security has been heavily deployed at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in response to student protests following the death of a Nepali student. The situation is being closely monitored by authorities as students voice their concerns.

Police and STF personnel are stationed outside a building on Ramlakhan Path in Patna’s Kankarbagh area, where four to five criminals opened fire earlier today. Authorities are attempting to enter the building as the situation develops. Further details are awaited.

A firing incident occurred in Patna’s Kankarbagh area around 2 pm, with four criminals opening fire outside a house before fleeing and hiding in a nearby building. The Special Task Force (STF) and local police have surrounded the area and are urging the criminals to surrender. Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and other top officers are at the scene, with a search operation underway.

In the West Bengal State Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to promote communalism or incite hatred against any religion. She criticized Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari for using religious rhetoric and stated that she never indulges in instigating religious matters.

Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists staged a protest outside the office of the Kannur Education Deputy Director, alleging irregularities in the SSLC model exam question paper. The protestors were detained by the police following the demonstration.

In the Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized BJP MLAs for attempting to spread hatred and division, stating that freedom of speech does not grant them the right to do so. She also addressed claims from BJP MLAs that they were being silenced, asserting that such accusations were false.

Jammu Kashmir News Live: Fire breaks out at a farm near Baba Demb in Srinagar

Shayam Sundar Beura, Additional Registrar of KIIT University, expressed regret over the tragic death of a Nepalese girl on February 16, calling it a suicide. He said, "What happened on 16th (February) was unfortunate, it was a suicide case. When we got to know about it, it was the immediate efforts of KIIT University and Police that the accused was caught...we are completely dedicated and committed to our students...we are giving full support to the Police investigation that is going on...we have taken stringent action against the staffs who were spotted in the viral video..."

Rekam GC, President of Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, shared details about the death of a Nepalese girl at KIIT College in Odisha,saying, "...We were told that it is a suicide case. The police have made arrests in the case...The body of the girl will be taken to Nepal by flight. The government will make the arrangements..."

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed his satisfaction with the Metro department's efforts, particularly the energy efficiency initiatives. He congratulated them for starting a solar energy program, saying, "We have started the program of solar energy today, installing a 1 MW solar rooftop and setting a target of 60 MW - matching the energy used in Railways... We have considered one suggestion seriously, that people will keep their AC within a limit of room temperature and to implement this, we are engaging with AC manufacturers to decide on certain parameters..."

The entities and trusts and individuals who have received money from Ananthu Krishnan are being searched to trace the proceeds of crime collected from poor people. Role of multiple politicians, electronic dealers, automotive dealers and cooperative banks and a fertiliser manufacturing company are under scrutiny. Total amount collected as per available bank accounts is Rs 450 cr. It is alleged however that more than this has been collected. ED is investigating to ascertain total number of victims and amount collected and where the amount has been diverted.

Members of Indian Youth Congress hold protest demanding resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over New Delhi railway station stampede in Delhi.

A person was arrested with heroin and Yaba tablets worth around Rs 14 crore in Assam's Cachar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. "Massive Drug Bust in Ramprasadpur. In a major breakthrough, @cacharpolice, under the jurisdiction of Dholai Police Station, intercepted a vehicle. Upon a thorough search, police recovered 40,000 Yaba tablets and 260 grams of Heroin, worth a market value of Rs 14 crore," Sarma said in a post on X. During the operation, a suspected drug peddler was arrested, the CM said.

Supreme Court grants interim protection to YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia from arrest in connection with the multiple FIRs lodged against him across India over his recent inappropriate comments during his guest appearance on a show India’s Got Latent.

Sunil Lamsal, father of the Nepali girl student who died by suicide at KIIT University, told ANI, "We just know that an investigation is being done. The post-mortem report will come soon. We have the information that she was harassed and emotionally blackmailed due to which she committed suicide. Yesterday, we had a conversation with the University officials. They did not say anything, but the police and college administration are cooperating. Her brother is also studying here, and he informed us about the incident the day before yesterday. One person has been arrested, and I think he is the reason behind all of this. Her phone, laptop and diary have been given to the forensic department. Police administration and the Govt are helping us. I heard that the studentsare being asked to leave, this is not right. We demand justice and nothing else."

Nepal News Live: Members of the students wing of the Nepali Congress party stage a protest in Kathmandu, demanding justice for the Nepali student

Kumar was convicted in a case of killing father-son duo in November 1984 in the Saraswati Vihar area. The public prosecutor is to file his written submissions. He is pressing for the Death penalty in the guidelines in Nirbhaya and other cases. Senior counsel also files his written submissions. The court has listed the matter for hearing arguments on sentence on February 21.

Two college students died and as many were injured after their speeding car allegedly hit a tree near Ragihalli forest area in the outskirts of the city, police said on Tuesday. Shahuk and Arshu, both aged 23, who hailed from Kollam district in Kerala died on the spot, they said.  According to the police, the incident occurred at around 11.30 pm on Monday. The driver lost control of the vehicle and allegedly crashed into the tree on the roadside resulting in death of two people on the spot. Two others sustained injuries and are being treated at a hospital. (PTI)

Two people who were travelling on a scooty got injured after an Audi car hit them in front of the Jorbagh Post Office. The car was being driven recklessly. Both the injured were rushed to a trauma centre, where Naitik is stable while Tushar is in critical condition. Prima facie an offence under section 281/125(A) BNS (279/337) registered: Delhi Police

Both the accused have been detained. One was driving the car and the other was sitting with him. Both are BBA students: Delhi Police

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on the Richter Scale jolted Afghanistan in the early hours of Tuesday. As per the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 180 kilometres and was recorded at Latitude 36.52 N, Longitude 71.10 E. The earthquake took place at 03:37 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).

Delhi News Live: Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, attend the inaugural event of India-Qatar Joint Business Forum

A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday amid windy weather following a snowstorm, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials said. Three people on the flight that originated at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport suffered critical injuries, among them a child, authorities added. Delta said a CRJ900 aircraft operated by its Endeavor Air subsidiary was involved in a single-aircraft accident with 76 passengers and four crew aboard. The CRJ900, made by Canada's Bombardier, can seat up to 90 people. Canadian authorities said they would investigate the cause of the crash, which was not yet known.