News Highlights: Bihar Deputy CM says Nitish Kumar won't align with looters

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Former President Ram Nath Kovind while addressing the Karmayogi event in Delhi, said, "We have started import and export transactions with several countries using the Indian currency. Additionally, UPI transactions have been accepted in countries like Sri Lanka, Germany, France, Singapore, and Mauritius. Just two days ago, a similar agreement was made with the UAE. We hope that one day, the Indian currency will be accepted worldwide, akin to the dollar and pound."

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says, "Kerala United Against Rare Diseases' or CARE project will be a crucial step for Kerala in the field of rare disease treatment. The state government is trying to prepare a comprehensive care plan to prevent rare diseases, detect them early, provide currently available treatment, provide therapies and assistive technology devices, ensure home-centred services and ensure psychological and social support for parents. As part of that, CARE - a rare disease care plan, is being announced."

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Congress leader Ajay Maken's statement "Youth Congress' bank accounts have been frozen", says, "I don't know what the case is but I have come to know that it is a false case. They have brought up a 3-4 year-old case of Income Tax and it has no substance. The Government is scared of Congress. This has been done right before elections. This is all about the timing."

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on PM Modi's statement "Congress has only one agenda, to abuse Modi", says, "The PM who sees only Jawaharlal Nehru day and night is telling others. There is no speech where he doesn't speak about Jawaharlal Nehru. Instead of talking about his own 10 years of work, he keeps criticising Congress. This is the first government which only criticised the previous government in its own White Paper. They only criticised the UPA Government across the 53 pages. Today, you (PM) are the tallest leader in politics - you will set the trend. You keep commenting on Jawaharlal Nehru, then why are you telling us?"

EAM Dr S Jaishankar tweets, "Great to meet my friend US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this afternoon on MSC2024 sidelines. Our talk centred on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. Reviewed the continuing progress in our bilateral ties."

The expo is scheduled from February 24-26

Pune International Exhibition and Convention Center (PIECC) is the event venue

Maharashtra aims to exhibit its industrial strength and commitment to innovation

The event draws inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, considered the Father of the Indian Navy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "Congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin on the extraordinary milestone of taking 500 Test wickets! His journey and accomplishments are testament to his skill and perseverance. My best wishes to him as he scales further peaks."

LIC of India launched a new product LIC’s Amritbaal. The plan will be available for sale from February 17, 2024, with the Unique Identification Number (UIN) 512N365V01.

LIC’s Amritbaal is an Individual, Savings, Life Insurance Plan. According to the LIC, the plan is specifically designed to have an adequate corpus to meet the higher education and other needs of the child.

"It facilitates the accumulation of corpus through Guaranteed additions at the rate of Rs 80 per thousand basic sum assured at the end of each policy year from the inception till the end of Policy term provided policy is in force," said LIC of India.

DGCA takes action against Air India for non-compliance with Aircraft Rules, 1937

Air India accused of violating provisions, issued a notice to explain within 7 days

All airlines sent advisory to ensure sufficient wheelchairs for passenger assistance during embarkation and disembarkation

Milind Deora eagerly anticipates contributing to the development of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India through his association with Shiv Sena.

Regarding the disparities between Congress and Shiv Sena conventions, Deora acknowledges many differences but emphasizes a forward-looking perspective, opting not to dwell on the past.

He emphasises Shiv Sena as a democratic party, noting that there are only two such parties in the country

CJI DY Chandrachud, speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony of Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj, underscores the historical significance of Allahabad as a center for knowledge and idea exchange.

He highlights the University of Allahabad's enduring role as a knowledge beacon for the past 137 years, often referred to as the Oxford of the East.

The CJI emphasizes the substantial contribution of lawyers to nation-building, emphasizing their crucial and multifaceted role in society.

Lawyers, he said, actively participate in the functioning of legal systems and the promotion of justice by representing individuals and entities to ensure the protection of their rights.

News updates Live: Bihar Dy CM says Nitish Kumar won't align with looters, slams Lalu Yadav

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary responds to RJD chief Lalu Yadav's statement regarding Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, stating that the RJD looted the entire state.

He asserts that while Rahul Gandhi is accused of looting the country, Lalu Yadav's family is implicated in looting Bihar.

Choudhary emphasizes that Nitish Kumar will not align with those considered as looters.

Regarding Lalu Yadav's endorsement of Rahul Gandhi for the PM position, Choudhary remarks that it is only natural for one accused of corruption to support another individual with similar allegations.

Union Minister Hardeep Puri while addressing PM SVANidhi Program, says, "PM SVANidhi is the most important central scheme under PM Modi's leadership. According to the data, more than 60 lakh people have benefitted from this scheme."

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha on RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's statements for Nitish Kumar and Rahul Gandhi, says, "Bihar's former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav is ailing. He is scared. Ever since CM Nitish Kumar announced that those who looted the people of Bihar won't be spared, the entire family is heaping praises on him. CM has ordered us to implement a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Rule of law will be established here. Double-engine government will take PM's mantra of 'Sabha Saath Sabka Vikas' to every household. He (Lalu Yadav) may make as many attempts as he wants but CM has said that the public mandate was, is and will be with the NDA."

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad speaking on allegations by Congress leaders of BJP interference in the recent Income Tax department actions against the party, said, "The BJP strongly condemns and refutes the false lie made by the Congress party that their bank account is supposedly frozen at the instance of the BJP. The BJP has nothing to do with it at all. It was a routine income tax process.”

MoS V Muraleedharan denies accusations of the Modi government misusing central agencies to harass the opposition

MoS V Muraleedharan says:

- The Karnataka HC has brought attention to a financial deal involving the Chief Minister of Kerala's daughter and a company, where Rs 1.75 crore was received

- Both the recipient and the provider of the funds in the alleged deal failed to produce documents related to the services provided by the Chief Minister's daughter's company

- Muraleedharan suggests that the absence of documentation strongly indicates corruption at the level of the Chief Minister of Kerala

MoS V Muraleedharan says, "The allegations that are being raised against the Modi government is that the government is using the central agencies for harassing the opposition. So, that allegation has fallen flat. The Karnataka High Court has said that the (Kerala) Chief Minister's daughter had a deal with a company in which received Rs 1.75 crore. Both receiver and giver couldn't produce the documents regarding the services provided by (Kerala) CM's daughter's company. It clearly indicates that there was corruption at the level of Chief Minister of Kerala."

Jitendra Singh announces India's first International Conference on traditional medicine

Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, "Such a conference is going to be held for the first time in India. Almost 20 countries are going to participate in the International Conference on Traditional Medicine, and the delegations have already arrived. We all have seen the tableau of Jammu & Kashmir on Republic Day which shows why we are calling Jammu and Kashmir the birthplace of the Purple Revolution. J&K with the help of IIIM CSIR has given a new dimension to agri startups. All this is possible due to PM Modi's vision."

Deputy NSA Vikram Misri highlighted - India has been consistent and steadfast with its policy in support of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. As a contiguous neighbor, India has legitimate economic and security interests in Afghanistan. Ties with the Afghan people date back centuries and are historic and civilizational.

BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on NC Chief Farooq Abdullah's statement that NC will contest the elections alone, says, "Dr Farooq Abdullah's statement has not surprised me at all because right from 2014 after the assembly elections, National Conference leadership has been very keen to tie up with the BJP, have an alliance with the BJP and the BJP has repeatedly not accepted that offer...I'm telling you this with a lot of confidence that repeatedly attempts were made because I was part of the system of the National Conference. Attempts were made even after the abrogation of Article 370 to have some kind of a strategic alliance or understanding with the BJP."

The RBI came out with an FAQ on Paytm Payments Bank. After the MPC monetary policy announcement on February 8, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that the FAQ would address the concerns of all stakeholders.

Full FAQs here

RBI makes partial modification to earlier directions, extends deadline to March 15 from February 29 for not making further deposits or credit transactions or top ups in Paytm Payments Bank customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags, National Common Mobility Cards, etc.

Similarly, the deadline for Paytm Payments Bank to stop providing banking services other than those specified has been extended to March 15 from February 29.

Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence said.

In a statement published on its website, the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District said that Navalny "felt unwell" after a walk on Friday, and "almost immediately lost consciousness".

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "We can see that parties are being broken & governments are being toppled in other states by slapping false cases. In Delhi, they intend to arrest AAP leaders under the pretext of liquor policy case. They want to topple the Delhi Government because they know that they can never win the election in Delhi. To show the people that none of our MLAs broke away and all of them are intact, I present a Confidence Motion."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi speaking at Mohania in Bibar says, "What is the reason behind the atmosphere of hatred being created in the country? We asked the farmers, labourers, children and youth. All of them said that the reason is fear. The cause of this fear is injustice. Every day, injustice takes place in every corner of this country. Financial injustice, social injustice, injustice against farmers, injustice against youth, injustice against women. One more thing has come out now - if an Army jawan loses his life, he will be accorded the status of 'martyr' but if an Agniveer loses his life, he will not be accorded the status of 'martyr' by India's Army and Government. They have created two categories of martyrs."

Rafiq Hussain Bhatuk, accused in Godhra train coach fire, who was absconding from 19 years and was arrested last year by Godhra police has been given the punishement of life imprisonment under conspiracy to murder by Godhra sessions court: RC Kodekar, Special Public Prosecutor

DAC approval for Flight Refueller Aircraft:

Aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and reach of the Indian Air Force.
Signifies a strategic move to bolster air force capabilities.

AoN under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category for Software Defined Radios (SDRs):

Procurement approval for Software Defined Radios designated for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Fulfills the ICG's requirement for high-speed communication with secure networking capabilities.
Aims to facilitate seamless information exchange between the ICG and the Indian Navy units.

DAC initiatives for friendly Defence Start-up ecosystem:

Aim to create a supportive environment for defense start-ups and MSMEs.
Focus on promoting procurement of advanced technologies developed under iDEX and Technology Development Fund (TDF) schemes.

Amendments in Defence acquisition procedure (DAP) 2020:

DAC approves changes in DAP 2020 concerning benchmarking, cost computation, payment schedule, and procurement quantity.
A proactive approach to streamline and enhance the efficiency of defense procurement processes.

"Started my engagements at #MunichSecurityConference by meeting UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. A good discussion on our bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Also exchanged views on the cricket match underway," posts External Affairs Minister EAM Dr S Jaishankar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public event in Rewari, he says "Before 2014, an average of Rs 300 crores was announced in the budget for the development of Railways in Haryana. This year, around Rs 3,000 crores has been kept in the budget for the Railways. This is the difference of just 10 years."

Ravichandran Ashwin achieves a significant milestone by securing his 500th Test wicket in the Rajkot Test against England. He becomes the first Indian bowler since Anil Kumble and the ninth overall in international cricket to accomplish this feat.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi speaking at Mohania in Bihar says, "You - the workers of Congress and RJD - open 'Mohabbat ki Dukan', connect people. Together we will fight against the hatred spread by the people of BJP and we will win. This is not a country of hatred. This is a country of love and brotherhood. You don't have hatred in your blood, in your DNA."

Rising fraudulent marriages involving NRIs worrisome trend: Law Commission

Law panel recommends that all marriages between NRIs, overseas Indians and Indian citizens should be compulsorily registered in India

CM Manohar Lal Khattar says, "This is a special occasion when PM Modi is amongst us. When you (PM Modi) were the CM in Gujarat in 2013 and people were seeing you as the PM, you started your campaign from Rewari. Today, you are fulfilling the aspiration and dream of the people of Rewari by giving AIIMS to them. The Metro station project of Gurugram will not only help people from the Gurugram or the country but also those foreign companies who are here to invest. In the last 10 years the way you have guided us, and especially after the Pran Pratistha, the trust in our leadership has increased."

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on the suspension of BJP MLAs from the Delhi legislative assembly, says, "A few days back in the upper house of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha, it was seen that a few members were suspended for the time till the report of privilege committee came. These small houses (state assemblies) take inspiration from the biggest house (Parliament). Interrupting LG address was a big issue and according to the code of conduct, it is to be seen as contempt of the house."

PM Narendra Modi says, "If the G20 summit was successful, it was because of your blessings, India's flag reached the moon where no one could, it happened with your blessings. In the last 10 years, India rose from 11th position to become the fifth largest economy in the world. In my third term, I need your blessings to make India the third-largest economy in the world in the coming years."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public event in Rewari, he says "Just a short while ago, I got the opportunity to hand over development projects worth Rs 10,000 crores to Haryana including Rewari AIIMS, new Rail line and metro line and a museum. The blessing of Lord Ram is such that nowadays I get the opportunity to be associated with such holy work everywhere."

Communist Party of India (Marxist) says it never accepted electoral bonds on principle and never opened a designated State Bank of India account.

RBI Executive Director P Vasudevan says:

- Enough and more has been said on the Paytm Payments Bank issue. The Governor has mentioned that we will come out with Frequently Asked Questions, so let us wait for that.

- You have to comply with certain requirements as you scale up. Before becoming a bank, Paytm was like a fintech, operating on certain segments. After becoming a bank, there are certain expectations that come in. Those things continuously get looked at.

- Banking is an activity from which there are certain expectations – continuous KYC, ways in which customer accounts get risk-profiled. There have been instances when they have been warned earlier, some penalties have been levied for certain deficiencies.

- In 2022, some actions were taken to prevent fresh on-boarding, etc. It is not about certain entity or sector being targeted, but about general expectation of good behaviour. If that is not there, then we do step in. We know that it can cause some inconvenience. That’s why a lot of time has also been given for whatever activities are unfolding, for people to use their money.

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Congress Leader Ajay Maken's statement about "Youth Congress' bank accounts being frozen", says, "It's very clear that it is a revenge action against the decision of the Supreme Court in the electoral bond case yesterday. This is an attempt to harass the Congress party in its preparation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. Whatever trouble they can create for the Congress party, the government is trying to create because they are not sure whether they're winning the 2024 Lok Sabha election."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public event in Rewari, says "The country wished that a grand Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya, today the whole country is seeing Ram Lalla sitting in the grand Ram temple. The Congress people, who used to think Lord Ram was imaginary, who never wanted Ram temple to be built, have also started chanting Jai Siya Ram."

RBI Executive Director P Vasudevan says, "The fintech sector is still left on its own. We are happy with the sector self-regulating itself. We want to be as hands-off as possible, but of course we will closely monitor what is happening in the eco-system."

England 31 for no loss at tea break in reply to India's first innings total of 445 all out on day two of third Test in Rajkot

RBI Executive Director P Vasudevan speaking at IIM Kozhikode’s inaugural annual conference on macroeconomics, banking, and finance, said: We want to balance innovation with responsibility. When a new player comes in, it has to play by the rules. It can’t be a free for all. There are multiple responsibilities on us when it comes to digital finance – consumer protection, financial stability, and data being safe and secure.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeks public comments on draft guidelines for prevention of misleading advertisement in coaching sector.

Comments on the draft guidelines which look to prevent false claims regarding success rates and number of selections, among other things, are invited till March 16.

Cosy BJD-BJP ties come into focus ahead of simultaneous Lok Sabha-assembly elections in Odisha. Full Story Here

Hours after claiming that its bank accounts have been frozen over an income tax demand of Rs 210 crore, the Congress said that the authorities have allowed the party to operate the accounts. Full Story Here

MPC member Ashima Goyal: "Our target is headline inflation. Core inflation is lower than the target, but it is headline inflation which affects people’s wages and expectations. So we want to see the headline come down to target… Research suggests that core inflation is more steady and affects inflation expectations and that headline comes down to core inflation. So we should see this happen soon."

MPC member Ashima Goyal: "The MPC’s stance has to be understood coming from the pandemic times, when there was expansion of balance sheet, large amount of liquidity injected, and overall stimulus, and therefore withdrawal. But currently, since we are not at the inflation target, we still want to focus on disinflation and reaching the inflation target. So we continue with that ‘withdrawal’ term. But now it has to be strictly interpreted in terms of the real rate or the policy rate still being disinflationary."

MPC member Ashima Goyal, speaking at IM Kozhikode’s inaugural annual conference on macroeconomics, banking, and finance, says: "Our public debt ratios are higher than those of East Asian countries, but that’s partly because we have never been counter-cyclical. This government seems to be conservative… I think we are now understanding the utility of fiscal buffers."

MPC member Ashima Goyal says: "Inclusion of Indian government bonds into JPMorgan’s global indices should not create any volatility. It should be absorbed, bring down (bond) yields, and lower the cost of the government’s borrowing, which should be useful."

Goyal is speaking at IIM Kozhikode’s inaugural annual conference on macroeconomics, banking, and finance.

"To make India a developed country, we're strengthening four biggest castes -- youth, women, farmers and the poor," PM Modi said in his virtual address.

"One of the biggest problems with the Congress is that it can't make positive policies with foresightedness. Congress has no roadmap for the future. It was due to this thinking of the Congress, India was infamous for its electricity system. Congress' sole agenda is 'anti-Modi' agenda. This is what happens when a party gets trapped in vicious circle of dynastic politics," he said.

Attending the Viksit Bharat Rajasthan programme via video conferencing, the PM said: "Lakhs of people are attending this important event from every Assembly (seat) of Rajasthan. I welcome you all and congratulate CM (Bhajan Lal Sharma) for using technology in a wonderful way to connect me with you all."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore in Rajasthan.

Speaking at the 15th Capital Market Summit by ASSOCHAM, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance, Government of India: "In the last two-three years, we've been reviewing and looking at segmented fashion and we have learnt to have an integrated approach for public asset management. If you look at our banks and insurance companies, we have 12 banks and seven insurance companies. Market capitalization of public companies has grown four times in the last three years. We are trying to have consistent government policy and calibrated disinvestment strategy."

"2018-2019 was an election year and Congress had expenditure receipts of Rs 199 core. Many of our MLAs and Ministers had given money in cash and this has become the reason as why they paid in cash," says Ajay Maken

"Democracy has been attacked. Our party's bank accounts have been frozen just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," says Congress's Ajay Maken

Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken said on February 16 that the party's accounts have been frozen, including the youth account. The Youth Congress party's account has been frozen and the authorities have sought tax recovery of Rs 210 crore. "Corporate bonds have been called unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, but BJP can use the money it has received." he said today in a press conference

UP Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi says: "The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi is reaching Uttar Pradesh today. He will reach Varanasi tomorrow and will meet the representatives of several union organisations including farmers, students, and women organisations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a slew of projects today, February 16, in Haryana. Posting on his official X account, the PM said: "Our government is committed to the development and expansion of infrastructure in Haryana. In this series, along with laying the foundation stone of AIIMS and Gurugram Metro Rail project in Rewari today at around 1.15 pm, there will be the privilege of inauguration and foundation stone of many more projects. This will further enrich the health, rail and tourism sectors of the state."

The Indian women's badminton team is assured of its first-ever medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships after progressing to the semifinal with a 3-0 win over Hong Kong.

Senior leader Sharad Pawar has sought an urgent hearing of his plea against the election commission’s order allotting the NCP name and symbol to the Ajit Pawar faction. Senior advocate Singhvi says it will be a strange situation if Sharad Pawar will be subject to Ajit Pawar’s whip in the upcoming session if no symbol is allotted to his faction. CJI notes that he has understood the point and agrees to look into listing the case.

Yadav linking up with Rahul Gandhi will be the first time an RJD leader will be seen sharing the stage with the Congress MP since state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the INDIA bloc. "Today is the 34th day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and Rahul Gandhi will have conversations with farmer leaders in Rohtas today...Today around 2:30 pm, Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi will address a gathering in Kaimur and at around 5 pm, the yatra will enter Uttar Pradesh..." Senior Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh is quoted as saying.

Later today, at 4 pm, the Yatra will move into UP's Chandauli where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will join Rahul. It will be in UP until the evening of February 25, with a two-day break on February 22 and 23.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has linked up with Rahul Gandhi in his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram. The Yatra has reached it's final stage in Bihar and is scheduled to enter Uttar Pradesh later today. Yadav was seen driving Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in the lead jeep as the yatra made its way through Sasaram with the RJD leader ackowledging his ally.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran: "One of the reasons why India could end up growing by 7 percent plus for a fourth straight year in 2024-25 is partly because we did not overstimulate – both of fiscal and monetary variety – the economy during Covid. Whatever stimulus we gave was calibrated and targeted. More importantly, fiscal and monetary policy began to pull back from those levers in time, unlike 10 years ago or unlike what other countries are doling even now."

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran says: "When we talk of de-risking from China’s supply chain, we should be under no illusion that it is something that can be achieved at the speed with which you can put out a tweet. It is going to take much longer."

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran: "I don’t think the world is becoming less integrated or more fragmented, much as the commentary would like us to believe it is the opposite. In terms of global trade volumes, it is very difficult to disentangle the effects of economic slowdown and the fact there could be trade restrictions. We might not be in the golden era of globalisation, but based on trade data, it is difficult to make the case that we are definitely becoming more fragmented.

Nageswaran is speaking at IIM Kozhikode’s inaugural annual conference on macroeconomics, banking, and finance.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his convoy will spend the night on a farm in Bhadohi as the district administration has denied permission for his stay at a government college citing a police recruitment exam, a party member said on Thursday. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra convoy will arrive in Bhadohi on Saturday.

Explaining the refusal, Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Bharti said the college has been chosen as one the centres for a police recruitment exam. The exam will be held on Saturday and Sunday there in two shifts, he said.

District Congress president Rajendra Kumar Dubey accused the district administration of creating obstacles for the Yatra.

Once Rahul Gandhi takes the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in to Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will join him in the evening, according to reports. She will join her brother in Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh, after the yatra enters the state from Bihar.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav will join Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today at a public meeting in Kaimur district of Bihar. This will be the first time Gandhi shares the stage with an RJD leader since Bihar chief Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the INDIA bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rewari, Haryana today, February 16, to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 9,750 crore. The projects include Gurugram Metro Rail project, AIIMS Rewari, and the newly built ‘Anubhav Kendra’ at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra.

According to media reports, an FBI informant has been charged with lying to authorities about a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving US President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy company. This claim is central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in the US house of Congress. The report claims Alexander Smirnov falsely reported in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016, prosecutors said on February 15,Thursday.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Quad bill, aimed at strengthening the partnership between the United States, Australia, India and Japan. The bill directs the Biden administration to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group, which will promote closer cooperation between the four countries.

Full Story Here

The blast at the paint factory caused damage to nearby houses and shops, with some of them also catching fire and causing injuries. The blaze was brought under control by 9 pm, according to media reports. An officer said a few more people are missing and a search operation is on. "Teams have been formed to investigate the matter," the officer said.

At least 11 people were killed and four injured in a fire that broke out in a paint factory in outer Delhi's Alipur on Thursday evening, local police have said. The charred bodies of the seven victims were found from the premises of the factory located in Alipur's Dayalpur Market, an official said. Among those four admitted to hospital, one is a police personnel, who got wounded during the rescue operation. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) official said a call about the incident was received at 5.25 pm and 22 fire-tenders were pressed into service. Police said the fire was preceded by a blast, probably caused by chemicals kept in the factory.

Indian American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria said he was deeply troubled by the tragic deaths of these students in separate incidents and underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for those pursuing education in the US. College authorities, and local police, must address these challenges promptly, he asserted.

"These incidents understandably worry parents and families in India, and their concerns are shared. It's crucial to address safety issues to ensure the well-being of Indian students studying in the USA," he said.

Full Story Here

In another incident, possibly the most gruesome, Indian student Vivek Saini was brutally killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia, US. A video of the incident went viral on social media, but the date of the incident can't be confirmed. Saini was reportedly giving shelter to the murderous homeless man.

On January 30, Neel Acharya, a student at Purdue University, was found dead after being missing for days, according to local authorities.

Another incident involving an Indian student happened in Linder School of Business, earlier in February. Shreyas Reddy, a student of the university, was found dead in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, the details of his death still remains unknown until today.

Another incident involving an Indian student took place in Chicago on February 4. Hyderabad-based Syed Mazahir Ali was brutally attacked by three people on the streets of Chicago, which left him bleeding. Following the attack, the Indian Consulate in Chicago got in touch with the victim and his wife, who is based in India.

The reaction from White House comes on the back of a rise in reported racial attacks on the Indian student community in the US. On February 7, a 41-year-old Indian-origin man died in the United States, days after suffering life-threatening injuries as a result of an assault in downtown Washington. Local police authorities said the deceased man was identified as Vivek Taneja of Alexandria, Virginia. The assault on Taneja happened on Feb 2

White House official John Kirby has stated that US President Joe Biden and his administration have been working very hard to try to thwart and disrupt these kinds of attacks. During a press briefing on February 15, Thursday (local time) Kirby said: "There's no excuse for violence, certainly based on race or gender or religion or any other factor. That's just unacceptable here in the United States and the President and his administration has been working very, very hard to make sure we're doing everything we can to work with state and local authorities to try to thwart and disrupt those kinds of attacks and make it clear to anybody who might consider them that they'll be held properly accountable."

According to some reports, the Israeli Defence Forces apparently raided the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Palestine, firing on the facility and expelling patients and medical workers from one of the last functional hospitals in Gaza. The reports say Israel claims it was searching for captives and fighters, while Hamas and medical groups have denied that armed groups utilise the facility for military functions.

A very good morning to Moneycontrol readers. Follow our live blog as we cover the biggest news that are making the headlines in India and the rest of the world. Stay tuned for updates