Sports News Highlights: The Paralympic Committee of India has been suspended by the Sports Ministry

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Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri says, "There was a fire here during the day yesterday. According to the information so far, 5 people have died. Around 30 people have jumped from the top. The treatment of the injured is going on, 4 people are still missing. The police have detained the factory manager. His interrogation is going on. All the police officers are here. Once the situation becomes normal, our team will go inside again. Their owners will be brought. SIT has been formed."

Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri took stalk of the spot where a fire broke out at NR aroma perfume factory, near Jharmajri, Nalagarh under Solan district.

On ED filing a complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not complying with the summons, AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar says "The entire case is politically motivated. The people of Delhi are very well aware that there is no such thing as called liquor scam and this is the reason not a penny has been recovered by any of our leaders by the ED or investigating agencies. This matter is now pending in the court and we will submit a response in the court and abide by whatever the court directs..."

The Paralympic Committee of India has been suspended by the Sports Ministry.

Crime Branch officials of the Delhi Police served a notice to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asking him to reply within three days in a probe into his claims that the BJP attempted to poach seven AAP MLAs.

On ED filing a complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not complying with the summons, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "Till date, people of Delhi and India knew Kejriwal as 'Bhashtachari Kejriwal' for the kind of corruption he has done right from 'Dawa' to 'Daru'. But now they are saying he is 'Bhagoda Kejriwal' because the same Kejriwal when he skips summons from the agency five times making all kinds of lame excuses then normally any other agency will pursue the course of law and will approach the court for the next legal action..."

- The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and militias it backs, reportedly killing nearly 40 people, in retaliation for a deadly attack on U.S. troops.
- The strikes, which included the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown from the United States, were the first in response to the attack last weekend in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, and more U.S. military operations are expected in the coming days. (Reuters)

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, BJP leader Dr Prakash Reddy says, "This is a great achievement...I thank PM Modi's government..."

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "The decision to confer Bharat Ratna has brought happiness on the faces of crores of Indians. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulate Lal Krishna Advani."

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi says "He (Lal Krishna Advani) is a role model to us due to his clean image in politics. No one has travelled our country as much as him, he conducted the highest number of Rathyatras. His contribution is very big for the Ram temple. Lal Krishna Advani is a person who perfectly and systematically organised parliamentary practice. He is an example of a crystal clear public personality. Such a person is being conferred with Bharat Ratna is the happiest moment for me..."

Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji will visit Ayodhya on 8 February.

On ED filing a complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not complying with the summons, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "...He is scared of joining the investigation...When he blames then it's 'hit and run' and when he is blamed it's 'out on run'. This has become the character of the INDI alliance...Now Arvind Kejriwal will have to answer..."

Enforcement Directorate has moved to Rouse Avenue Court and filed a complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for not complying with the summons issued by the agency in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case. Court heard some submissions today and put up for February 7, for the remaining submissions and consideration.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. showcased its technologically advanced products at the 1st ever Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. Based on the theme “Mobility for All”, the Hyundai Motor India Pavilion at Hall 6, Pragati Maidan presented company’s vision for India and highlighted its commitment to India.

Centre has appointed Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra as Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tweets "Gratifying to gather that former Deputy Prime Minister and veteran politician, Lal Krishna Advani is honoured with Bharat Ratna. A befitting recognition of his service to the Nation."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Guwahati airport in Assam; Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma received PM Modi.

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, "It is a matter of pride for all Indians. We should thank PM Modi for fulfilling our wish..."

Court remands BJP MLA held for shooting and injuring Shiv Sena leader to police custody till Feb 14

Jharkhand High Court has scheduled the hearing for the petition filed by former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, challenging his arrest by the ED on February 5.

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai says, "Congratulations to Lal Krishna Advani ji, he deserved it..."

On Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader LK Advani, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "... He has contributed a lot, and the whole country is celebrating after this announcement. He is one of our tallest leaders. We are very happy that he has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna, very well deserved..."

All Indian Cine Workers Association writes a letter to the Senior Police Inspector, Vikhroli Police Station, Mumbai to file an FIR against model Poonam Pandey and her manager.

"We have congratulated Lal Krishna Advani via a tweet and expressed gratitude to PM Modi for awarding the Bharat Ratna to LK Advani," says JD(U) leader
Ranjan Singh on the BJP veteran LK Advani being conferred with Bharat Ratna.

"Lal Krishna Advani's life was full of struggles, and he dedicated it to serving other people. He made all possible efforts to serve the country. We are happy that he has been awarded the Bharat Ratna," says Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on BJP veteran L K Advani being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

On the announcement of Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Goa CM Pramod Sawant says, "...I congratulate Lal Krishna Advani ji. He is a true worker. All his works are in front of the country. Under his leadership, good governance, infrastructure and many development works took place...''

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday chargesheeted two accused in the case relating to the revival of violent naxalism in Bihar’s Magadh Zone by the proscribed Naxal organisation, CPI (Maoist). The chargesheet filed before NIA Special Court, Patna, Bihar, names Rohit Rai alias Prakash alias Manoj alias Patrakaar alias Netaji, of Kaimur district of Bihar, and Pramod Yadav alias Pramod Kumar of Aurangabad district of the state...Further investigations into the case are continuing: NIA

Communist Party of India holds meeting with DMK over seat-sharing talks for upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami holds a cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat. The draft report of the Uniform Civil Code will get the approval of the Cabinet, after which the government will present the UCC Bill in the Assembly on February 6.

Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan & wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years in unlawful marriage case: media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "In the last 10 years, we provided electricity even to those villages which were in darkness even after the independence of the country. We brought a new revolution of LED bulbs in the country so that the electricity bill of the poor can be reduced. Now our effort is that the electricity bill of the poor of the country also becomes zero and in this budget, rooftop solar power scheme has been announced for 1 crore families."

25 crore people of India have come out of poverty in last 10 years: PM Modi in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "The country's new budget has come just two days ago. This budget further strengthens the policy following which 25 crore people of the country have come out of poverty in the last 10 years. The budget announcement is a guarantee of empowering the poor. Be it our youth, women, farmers, fishermen, this budget guarantees everyone's development..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "...He (LK Advani) continuously fought to free India's democracy from the prison of one party and one family, he guided everyone, he challenged 'pariwarwaadi vichardhara' and linked India's democracy with the all-inclusive and nationalist ideology, today we all are seeing the results of that. I would like to congratulate Advani Ji again and wish him a long life..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Today is a day of pride and honour for every worker of the BJP. Today, the country has announced to confer Lal Krishna Advani ji with Bharat Ratna. This award is given to honour the tradition of service to the nation...This is a respect for the transformation from a party with two MPs to becoming the largest party in the country and the world..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the decision to confer Bharat Ratna on BJP stalwart and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani is a testament to the fact that the county never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi announced that Advani would be conferred the country's highest civilian award.

"Advani ji's works and services have been inspiring. This honour to Advani ji is a testament to the fact that the nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service. (PTI)

“The bank, while pursuing its own progress, contributes to the progress of the economy and also for the broader ecosystem. As far as slippages are concerned, we have seen a reduction in that,” says State Bank of India (SBI) chairman c while addressing a press conference for Q3FY24 in Mumbai.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, citing personal reasons.

"Due to my personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from the post of governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh. Please accept the same and oblige," Purohit wrote in his resignation letter.

Purohit had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Friday. (PTI)

SBI made a provision of Rs 240 crore on AIF investments, says SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara.

On Paytm Payment Bank, No communication of that sort, they are maintaining some accounts with us. We have a company called SBI Payments and we are reaching out to merchants, says Chairman Dinesh Khara.

Fresh slippages for the quarter at Rs 4960 crore and out of which Rs 900 crore has been pulled back: Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI
Budget has given some reassurance on infrastructure growth and this can work well for corporate growth: Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI

Capital will not be a constraint for growth. We have seen much better utilizationation in our corporate book. Our loan pipeline would be around Rs 4.6 trillion and split into public and private sectors. Around 75 percent in private sector and 25 percent in public sector, said Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI.

Our CD ratio was at 66 percent in December 2023: Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI

We have seen a reduction in the slippages on YoY basis. Agriculture slippages are seasonal in November and December.Credit growth has been broad based. Healthy trend for credit growth and we are hopeful that it will continue going ahead: Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI

Profit for the quarter at Rs 9164 crore after accounting for Rs 7100 crore of one time increase in pension ever since 2002 onwards, said Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI.

"It is a matter of pride that he (LK Advani) has been conferred with Bharat Ratna. All the citizens of Uttarakhand would like to congratulate him," says Uttarakhand CM on veteran BJP leader and former Deputy PM Lal Krishna Advani being honoured with Bharat Ratna.

“We are very happy. LK Advani ji has served his whole life for the country,” says BJP leader and former CM of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Chouhan on PM Modi’s announcement to confer LK Advani with India’s highest civilian award - Bharat Ratna.

Paris police say 3 people were injured in a stabbing attack at Gare de Lyon train station. The attacker was detained, reports AP

- Jayant Advani, son of veteran BJP leader LK Advani, expresses his delight at the conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon his father.
- He stated, "This is a source of immense joy for our family and the nation - a cause for celebration for all".
- Regarding the BJP leader's contributions to the Ram Temple movement and pran pratishtha, he remarked, "...Today, the temple stands before us, and its realization occurred during his lifetime. Consequently, we are filled with immense happiness..."

- Pratibha Advani, daughter of LK Advani, interacting with the media this afternoon said he is profoundly moved.
- "Despite being a person who doesn't speak much, tears welled up in his eyes. He radiates a sense of joy and fulfillment, knowing that he devoted his entire life to serving the nation. As a result, we are delighted and content," said the proud daughter.

- Upon the declaration of Bharat Ratna for Lal Krishna Advani, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav remarked, "Atal-Advani established their presence within the BJP from the era of Jana Sangh... I extend my congratulations to Lal Krishna Advani for receiving the Bharat Ratna. Additionally, I convey my gratitude to the Prime Minister, as this moment fills us with immense pride and joy."

- Upon the declaration of Bharat Ratna for the esteemed BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expresses, "The conferment of Bharat Ratna upon our guiding force, Lal Krishna Advani, is a moment of pride for both us and the entire nation. He devoted his entire life to the service of the country and society...Alongside Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he played a crucial role in the growth of the BJP..."

- While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar retained control of the Home Department, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has been assigned the Finance, Health, and Sports Departments.
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has assumed responsibility for the Agriculture Department.

- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma took to microblogging site X, lauding LK Advani for being conferred the prestigious Bharat ratna.
- "Conferring the Bharat Ratna on Adarniya Lal Krishna Advani is fitting tribute towards his gigantic contribution in nation building. He is an inspiration to millions of Indians. His rise from humble origins is a shining example of conviction and courage in politics, and adherence to strong ideals and values...", wrote the CM.

- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing PLI beneficiaries today, noted, "We are not trying to make you dependent on government subsidy, this is only a kickstart. PLI Scheme should be looked as only an initial support".

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised today that sports shields the youth from various vices.
- Engaging in sports enhances willpower, fosters concentration, and maintains a clear focus. Whether it's avoiding the pitfalls of drug dependency or steering clear of other harmful substances, athletes are able to distance themselves from such detrimental influences. Additionally, sports significantly contribute to the development of one's personality, according to the PM.

- England reached 32-0 at Lunch on Day 2 of the second Test against India at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, after India were bowled out for 396 runs in their first innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal (209 runs off 290 balls) top scoring for the hosts, en route to making his maiden double hundred.

- This morning, a group of officials from the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrived at CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence to deliver a notice regarding the Aam Aadmi Party's accusation against the BJP of attempting to induce AAP MLAs.
- Sources from the Delhi Chief Minister's Office state that the CM office is prepared to acknowledge the notice, but Crime Branch officers are not providing confirmation of receipt to the CM office.

- PM Modi also noted, “Rise of crypto currency and cyber crimes are posing new challenges. 21st century challenges cannot be fought with a 20th century approach. There is a need to rethink, reimagine and reform. This includes modernising justice system.”

- PM Modi said, “We need to expand cooperation to investigation and justice delivery. In recent times nature and scope of crime have seen radical change, criminals have wide networks across various countries and regimes. They use the latest technology for both funding and operation. Economic crimes in our regions are being used to fund activities in other regions.”

- PM Modi further says, “ Worldwide there is a discussion on how to bring more women into every domain. The first step to do so is to bring each domain inclusive at the educational level. When number of women in law schools increases, more women will enter judiciary. Legal education also needs to adopt focus on science and technology. There is a need to help young legal professionals with international exposure.”

- PM Modi stated, “ In the last few months I have interacted with three legal fraternity on many occasions. Such interactions help us appreciate the work of our justice system. These are also opportunities to resolve for better and faster justice delivery.”

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi further noted, “We need to expand cooperation to investigation and justice delivery. In recent times nature and scope of crime have seen radical change, criminals have wide networks across various countries and regimes. They use the latest technology for both funding and operation. Economic crimes in our regions are being used to fund activities in other regions.”

- "The theme of this conference is cross border challenges in justice delivery. In a highly connected and rapidly changing world this is a very relevant topic. Sometime, ensure justice in one country requires working with other countries. When we collaborate we can understand each other’s systems better," noted the prime minister.

- PM Modi said in his inaugural address, “ I am told that there are many friends from Africa here. India has a special relationship with the African Union. We are proud that the AU became a part of the G20 during India’s presidency”.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) - Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) in Delhi today.
- Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and CJI DY Chandrachud also graced the occasion.

- While participating in the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stated, "The mere mention of 'Adani' in India instantly resonates with people... Narendra Modi is synonymous with Adani... We introduced the Land Tribunal Bill... However, Prime Minister Modi subsequently scrapped the Land Tribunal Bill... Injustice prevails against everyone else... Adani receives justice, while others face injustice..."

- In response to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's statement, Jairam Ramesh, the Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, asserts76yu, "We will indeed venture into Uttar Pradesh. Mamata Banerjee should harbor no uncertainty. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is scheduled for an 11-day presence in UP... Despite her comments about the Congress party, I refrain from commenting. What I'd like to emphasize is her repeated assertion of being a part of the INDIA Alliance. We too are integral to it, and it is our responsibility to fortify the alliance. Our singular objective should be clear - we are united against the BJP, combating the RSS ideology. Any internal disparities related to state-level politics must be set aside, and a national perspective should guide us. The INDIA Alliance is designed for the national arena, specifically for the Lok Sabha elections, not Vidhan Sabha elections."

- Jharkhand Congress MLAs have relocated to Hyderabad in anticipation of a Floor Test.
- Rajesh Thakur, the state party president, commented on the situation, stating, "When the 'chaukidaar' turns into a 'chor,' one must exercise caution with their own people. This is not a problem; we have achieved a significant victory after much struggle. When MLAs wish to stand united and face the Vote of Confidence together, what's the concern? We've witnessed governments with a majority being toppled, as seen in tweets. Hence, we are executing this strategy, having already reaped benefits, and we anticipate further gains in the future. In a scenario where a Chief Minister can betray his own MLAs, as seen in Bihar, such matters should be handled attentively."

- On February 2, Ashok Gehlot, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and senior Congress leader, announced that he has contracted both Covid-19 and swine flu.

- In a message shared on microblogging site X, the Congress leader urged individuals to prioritise their health during the transitioning season.

- "Due to fever for the last few days, today I got myself tested on the advice of doctors which confirmed that I have Covid and Swine flu," wrote Gehlot on February 2.

- On February 2, the US military initiated airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, targeting over 85 sites associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the militias it supports, according to a Reuters report.
- This action was in response to the recent attack in Jordan that resulted in the death of three US troops.
- The strikes, featuring the deployment of long-range B-1 bombers from the US, mark the initial phase of President Joe Biden's administration's multifaceted response to the aggression carried out by militants with ties to Iran.
- Additional US military operations are anticipated in the coming days, stated the report.