News Highlights: Earthquake of magnitude 5.2 hit Kargil, Ladakh today at 21:35 pm

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Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Gujarat Giants with 45-36 points for their fourth win in the Pro Kabaddi League today

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar took stock of the newly constructed buildings.PM Modi will virtually inaugurate the new buildings constructed in IIT Patna campus on February 20.

Delhi BJP MLAs suspension matter, Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain says, "No direction has been passed today. It has been kept for tomorrow for interim directions. Our prayer is to declare the motion, unconstitutional. We want the suspension that is awarded and the punishment that is imposed should be revoked..."

India hosted the third meeting of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) at Vanijya Bhawan. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia. Delegates from ASEAN countries viz. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Viet Nam participated in the meeting. The first two meetings of the Joint Committee were held in May and August 2023. The third meeting held detailed discussions and took stock of the progress in the negotiations.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on launch of PM Shri Yojana said, 6000 exemplary schools were inaugurated under PM Shri Yojana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream is to keep the new generation of India at the top in the world. Therefore, after three decades, a new education policy was implemented in 2020 and is not just in documents.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav will kickstart Jan Vishwas Yatra from Muzaffarnagar tomorrow ahead of Lok Sabha elections. The yatra will 33 districts in West Bengal and will continue till March 1.

Jharkhand CM Champai Soren visited Bhadrakali Temple in Itkori village. In Itkori village, he addressed public gathering and said, in society and even in our state, women play an important role. If we want to gain knowledge, we first pray to Maa Saraswati. To gain wealth, you pray to Maa Lakshmi. In Itkori, there are Buddhism and Hinduism religions. Various religious leaders are also present here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "A big boost to all-round development! I look forward to being in Jammu tomorrow, 20th February to inaugurate key development works which will boost ‘Ease of Living.’ It will also be a landmark day for the education sector as various institutions including IITs and IIMs will get permanent campuses."

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma says, "She (Mamata Banerjee) should resign from her post and should go there (Sandeshkhali) as a woman, then she will be able to see the pain of the people."

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma says, "Today I visited Sandeshkhali and several women came forward and complained about molestation. Those who sit far away and comment that it is a political agenda should once visit here. A home has been built by the Governor for the women of Sandeshkhali. Those who feel that they are not safe in their homes can come here and live. The demand of the women of Sandeshkhali is safety and we will ensure that. I want to request the state police to work without getting afraid and by staying away from the political agenda. In the state, the police are not able to work. They can't do anything without a political agenda despite their willingness to work. Only two people have been arrested, we want the main culprit Shahjahan should be arrested."

Secretary of State at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Poland, Władysław T. Bartoszewski on the India-Poland relationship, says, "The relations have always been extremely good. We have never had any problems. Now, I think we should move to a higher level because India has developed into a phenomenal country, is the 5th largest economy and is very important. We have developed as well and we have more to offer to each other. We want India to play a more active role in global politics because as the largest democracy, we want a country like India would share our values as to how the world should be organised. We want to partner with India...We are looking at potentially creating the India-Central Eastern European Forum to discuss amongst a few countries. There are a lot of topics."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar tweets, "A lively interaction with 35 journalists from 19 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Spoke to them about the ‘New India’, transformational changes underway, our growing global footprint and the opportunities to intensify India-LAC cooperation."

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on PM Narendra Modi's visit to J&K, says, "People of J&K are attached with the PM. He has a special bond with the people here. The biggest package that J&K got after independence was given by PM Modi only. Several development works and transformation works took place here under PM Modi's leadership. Several works which no one thought would happen were done here. During his visit, he will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects."

PM Modi while virtually addressing the inauguration of the Khelo India Games in Guwahati, Assam, said, "All over the country, events related to sports are being organised. Today we are witnessing the Khelo India University Games. Some days back, Khelo India Winter Games was organised in Ladakh. Before that, Tamil Nadu conducted the Khelo India Youth Games. This indicates that youth is getting more opportunities to play and blossom.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address for the 'Khelo India Games' being held in Assam, said, "Today an entire eco-system of new possibilities is being created for our young generation. From training to scholarships. A favorable environment is being created for the players in our country. A record budget of Rs 3,500 crore has been given for sports this year."

President Droupadi Murmu visited the historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column. She also visited the cell of the great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. She shared her experience and wrote an inspiring message in the visitors' book at the memorial

Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy said, in the leadership of BJP, Vijay Sankalp Yatra will start from 5 different places in Telangana. It will be a 10-day Yatra and is being commenced with the hope of winning the majority seats in Telangana in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, said Reddy

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, we are planning how we can rehabilitate the slum areas of Panchkula including Khark Mangoli. There are about 59 acres of land here. Efforts will be made to ensure that the problem of people who are occupying land illegally should also be resolved and people should also get a roof, he added. Khattar took stock of the ongoing development projects, in Panchkula.

MoS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan will represent India at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) in Rio de Janeiro on February 21-22. Brazil assumed the G20 Presidency from India on 1 December 2023, and the G20 FMM would be the first Ministerial meeting under the Brazilian Presidency. Muraleedharan will participate in sessions on G20 ‘s role in dealing with ongoing international tensions and Global governance reform. He will also hold bilateral meetings with partner countries from Global South

MoS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan will represent India at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) in Rio de Janeiro on February 21-22. Brazil assumed the G20 Presidency from India on 1 December 2023, and the G20 FMM would be the first Ministerial meeting under the Brazilian Presidency.

--West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on her claim of BJP-led central government allegedly "deactivating" Aadhaar cards of people in the state said, she has received letters ‘Tapasili Federation’ and other organisations against indiscriminate ‘deactivation’ of Aadhaar cards in the state

-- Cards of several SC and ST community people have been deactivated without prior information to state government or district administration

--Central government didn’t even bother to inform the individuals concerned, of the reason for their card being deactivated. If this continues, the people getting DBT will be deprived of it

A parliamentary delegation from France, led by the President of the French Senate, M. Gérard Larcher, met the Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar at Parliament House today. Discussions were held between the leaders focusing around strengthening Parliamentary exchanges between India and France, built upon close economic and cultural cooperation, and warm people-to-people ties.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Centre’s attempt to introduce CAA said, we will give a separate card to those whose names are being struck off.We will not let any poor person go wrong. We have prepared a portal named 'Aadhaar Grievance Portal of West Bengal Government'. Those whose Aadhaar card has been deactivated should inform us as soon as possible so that they continue to enjoy their democratic, social and economic rights.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there were around 200 cases of Monkey fever in the state out of which 103 cases are active as of now

New Delhi will be hosting roundtable to discuss EU-India cooperation in combating online disinformation, information manipulation on February 21. Over 35 experts from EU are to participate in his roundtable

Supreme Court issued notice on a plea filed by veteran leader Sharad Pawar of NCP against the order of Election Commission of India (ECI) officially recognising Ajit Pawar faction as the ‘real’ Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). It said that ECI’s order of granting Sharad Pawar right to use name Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar shall continue. Sharad Pawar can move ECI for allotment of new symbol, and it has to be recorded within a week of application

Government will name new member to 16th Finance Commission after Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director of Artha Global, expressed his inability to take up this responsibility due to "unforeseen personal circumstances".

Speaking on the Chandigarh mayoral polls issue, Supreme Court said horsetrading is a serious matter and they will examine ballot papers. SC has asked HC registrar general to depute judicial officer to bring ballot papers, videos for its perusal on Tuesday

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma says, the women of Sandeshkhali have been harassed. They are scared and the situation here is bad. Women are crying in front of me. I don't think anything will happen here without the President's rule. She said she has received copies of 18 complaints including 2 rapes and serious molestation.

- Supreme Court remarks that Anil Masih, returning officer in Chandigarh Mayor election, has to be prosecuted as he was interfering with the election process.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the summit said, "We have often seen that when elections approach, people try to avoid new investments. But India has broken this perception today."

- "Investors across the world trust the stability of government policies. This trust is reflected in Lucknow too," he added.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the summit said, "4-5 days back, I returned after visiting UAE and Qatar. Every country is confident of India's growth story, they are filled with confidence."

-'Modi ki guarantee' is discussed a lot in the country. But the entire world is considering India 'the guarantee of better returns'," he added.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the summit said, "I am not assessing today's event only in terms of investment. The hope, the hope for better returns I am seeing in all investors has an extensive context."

- "Today, you can go anywhere in the world - unprecedented positivity regarding India is seen," he added

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the summit said, ""It has been 7 years since a double-engine government was formed in UP. In the last 7 years, the 'red tape culture' in the state has been ended and a 'red carpet culture' has been brought here."

- "In the last 7 years, crime has reduced in UP and business culture has expanded. In the last 7 years, an environment of business, development and trust has been formed in UP," he added.

- He further said, "The double-engine government has shown that if there is a true intention for change, nobody can stop it."

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address said, "I have been told that through technology, lakhs of people from more than 400 Vidhan Sabha seats of UP are connected to this event...7-8 years back, we couldn't even think that there could be such an atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh regarding investment and employment."

- "There used to be news of crime, riots and snatching. At that time, if someone said that UP would be developed, perhaps nobody would have been ready to even hear that," he added.

- He further said, "Today, lakhs and crores of rupees of investment are coming into Uttar Pradesh..."

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address said, "We have come with resolve to make developed UP for developed India."

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 14,000 projects worth more than Rs 10 trillion at the fourth ground breaking ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit (UPGIS) 2023 on February 19 during his one-day visit to Uttar Pradesh.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 14,000 projects worth more than Rs 10 trillion at the fourth ground breaking ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit (UPGIS) 2023 on February 19 during his one-day visit to Uttar Pradesh.

- At the groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "In 2018, during the first Investors Summit, the Prime Minister had said here in Lucknow that UP has values and virtues but in these changing times, value addition is required. Not only in work culture or business culture but UP's strength in every area requires value addition."

- "Today, six years later, I am delighted to say that assimilating these words of the PM, Uttar Pradesh has framed its policies - as a result of which within six years, the fourth edition of this groundbreaking ceremony is being organised," he added.

- Kamal Nath's confidant Sajjan Singh Verma dismissed reports on Monday of the veteran Congress leader contemplating a switch to the BJP, saying the question of the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister leaving the party, in which he has spent more than 40 years, does not arise.

- Verma said Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Nath are both not crossing over to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and asserted that the latter will contest the Lok Sabha polls, likely to be held in April-May, from Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh as the Congress candidate.

- Two children have died of suspected measles, and 17 are infected in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar, prompting the district authorities to shut all schools in eight villages for three days, a health official said.

- "Two children, one of them seven years old, died of suspected measles on February 14 and 16. Another 17 children were found to be infected in eight villages," the chief medical and health officer (CMHO) LK Tiwari said.

- The Budget session of the Haryana Assembly will begin on tomorrow, Feb 20.

- The session -- the year's first -- will begin with the governor's address. Later, there will be general discussion in the House on the address.

- According to the tentative schedule, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the state's budget on Friday.

- National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma on Monday accused the West Bengal government of suppressing the voice of a large number of women in Sandeshkhali where protests were held against alleged atrocities by ruling TMC leaders.

- The NCW chairperson alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government was trying to "suppress the voice of women so that the truth would not come out".

- "I am in Sandeshkhali for the entire day to hear from women. But the culprit must be arrested. Once (Shajahan) Shiekh is arrested, I believe more women will come out with their complaints. We have to instill confidence in them. I will talk to the police," Sharma said.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates an exhibition at the groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates an exhibition at the groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

- The Calcutta High Court on Monday refused to take up for urgent hearing a PIL seeking protection to women residents of Sandeshkhali area over allegations of sexual atrocities on them by people owing allegiance to ruling Trinamool Congress.

- A division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam asked whether the petitioner is an elected representative like an MLA or a panchayat pradhan or a resident of Sandeshkhali or whether the person visited the affected place, saying that only attaching copies of newspaper reports with the petition will not be enough.

- Four-time Congress MLA and former Rajasthan minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya on Monday joined the BJP, in a setback to the grand old party in the state.

- Malviya was welcomed to the BJP by the party's Rajasthan in-charge Arun Singh, state unit chief CP Joshi and other leaders.

- In a significant step towards upgrading and developing education and skilling infrastructure across the country, Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of several projects worth about Rs 13,375 crore.

- The projects which will be dedicated to nation include permanent campus of IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIT Jammu, IIITDM Kancheepuram; Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) - a pioneer skill training institute on advanced technologies - located at Kanpur; and two campuses of Central Sanskrit University - at Devprayag (Uttarakhand) and at Agartala (Tripura).

- Prime Minister will inaugurate three new IIMs in the country viz IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Visakhapatnam.

- He will also inaugurate 20 new buildings for Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVs) and 13 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) buildings across the country.

- Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of five Kendriya Vidyalaya campuses, one Navodaya Vidyalaya campus and five Multipurpose Hall for Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country.

- PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Vijaypur (Samba), Jammu tomorrow

- The institute, whose foundational stone was also laid by the Prime Minister in February 2019, is being established under the Central sector scheme Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

- Commenting on the Sandeshkhali incident, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Mazumdar, stated today, "Mamata Banerjee, as a woman chief minister, should exercise more sensitivity in her statements. The women in Sandeshkhali are alleging atrocities against them, and it is unjust to attribute responsibility to the BJP. Initially, Mamata Banerjee and her party denied any wrongdoing, but now arrests are being made."

- Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced the commencement of the Khelo India University Games in Assam today.
- "Over 4,500 athletes representing 200-plus universities nationwide will partake in the event. The North East has notably risen as a formidable force in sports, with the region's eight states making significant contributions to medal achievements in recent years," said the minister on the occasion.

- Ahead of the launch of projects totaling Rs 10 lakh crore in Uttar Pradesh today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Awanish K Awasthi, advisor to the UP Chief Minister, expressed his delight, "This marks a significant milestone in the history of Uttar Pradesh... The initiative is exceptional, not only attracting investments but also generating employment opportunities for our youth".
- "This endeavor is poised to position the state as a leader in employment creation," he also noted.

- Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, announced today that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be suspended for a day on February 20.
- This decision comes as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been summoned to the District Civil Court in Sultanpur for a defamation case filed by a BJP leader in 2018.
- Ramesh took to microblogging site X to make the announcement, stating that the yatra, currently in its 37th day, will take a pause on February 20 morning and resume from Fursatganj in Amethi at 2 pm.

- "Failing to comply with a summons from an investigative agency is deemed a criminal offense under IPC Section 174, and Arvind Kejriwal has been accused of repeatedly committing such offenses," Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva noted in an interaction with PTI today.
- "The court, acknowledging the provisions of IPC Section 174, has issued a summons to him in accordance with CrPC Section 204. The evasive actions taken by Kejriwal in response to these summonses indicate potential involvement in the Delhi liquor scam and raise questions about the extent of any commissions received," he also added.

- On skipping ED summons, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "We are giving them replies as per the law. Now, they have filed a case. ED should wait for the court's judgement before issuing any fresh summon..."

- The Enforcement Directorate has filed a complaint under section 174 of IPC against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for intentionally disobeying the first three summons issued to him.

- A multi-tier security setup has been put in place and traffic advisories issued for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu on Tuesday, officials said.

- Modi is scheduled to address a public rally at Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir during his visit on February 20, they said.

- According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), he will also distribute appointment letters to about 1,500 newly recruited government employees of Jammu and Kashmir and interact with beneficiaries of various schemes as part of the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu' programme.

- The Samajwadi Party will not participate in the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra till seat-sharing with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh is finalised, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Monday.

- The Gandhi-led yatra will pass through Amethi on Monday. It will then enter Raebareli, where the Samajwadi Party chief had earlier said he would join.

- The Enforcement Directorate has filed a complaint under section 174 of IPC against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for intentionally disobeying the first three summons issued to him.

- The court has taken cognisance of the same thereby court has prima facie accepted that Kejriwal has done an offence for which he is liable to be prosecuted.

- The question in front of the court is not about the validity of the summons but rather the illegal act on the part of Kejriwal of intentionally disobeying the said three summons, ED Sources told ANI

- NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said, "I will have a conversation with the Police. I want the victims to talk to me, NCW is standing with them. We will take action on every complaint received from the victims."

- "Be it murder or rape, the police do not take any action, in fact, they arrest the relatives of the victims. This is not just the situation in Sandeshkhali but the entire state," she added.

- She then said, "I will submit this report to President and she will take further action. Women are scared because Sheikh Shahjahan is not getting arrested. We need to put pressure on the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan,"

- Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP in Telangana would conduct 'Vijaya Sankalp Yatras' (mostly roadshows) across the state from February 20 to March 2.

- Union Minister and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy on Monday offered prayers at the famous temple of Goddess Bhagya Lakshmi at Charminar here and launched the 'Raths' to be used in the 'yatras'.

- The Enforcement Directorate is expected to issue fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the excise policy case, official sources told PTI.

- The ED sources claimed that a local court recently held Kejriwal guilty of "disobeying" the earlier notices issued to him, warranting the seventh summons.

- Israel expects to continue full-scale military operations in Gaza for another six to eight weeks as it prepares to mount a ground invasion of the enclave's southernmost city of Rafah, four officials familiar with the strategy told Reuters.

- Efforts are on to trace three miners from Assam, who have allegedly been abducted by militants in Arunachal Pradesh, police said.

- At least three miners were allegedly kidnapped by suspected militants from Febru Basti in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, Tinsukia police said.

- Supreme Court stays proceedings against Karnataka CM Siddaramiah in a criminal case registered against him over a protest march led in 2022 demanding resignation of the then KS Eshwarappa.

- At the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal, PM Modi said "It is during this period that we have seen Vishwanath Dham flourishing in Kashi. During this period we are witnessing the rejuvenation of Kashi. It is during this period that we have seen the glory of Mahalok of Mahakaal."

- "We have seen the development of Somnath, and the reconstruction of Kedar Valley. We are imbibing the mantra of development as well as heritage. Today, on one hand, our pilgrimage sites are being developed, and on the other hand, hi-tech infrastructure is also being created in the cities," he added.

- He further said, "If temples are being built today, new medical colleges are also being built across the country. Today our ancient sculptures are also being brought back from abroad and foreign investment is also coming in record numbers..."

- At the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal, PM Modi said "...He (Acharya Pramod Krishnam) said that everyone has something to give but I have nothing, I can only express my feelings."

- He then said, "Pramod ji, it is good that you did not give me anything, otherwise the times have changed in such a way that if in today's era, Sudama would give rice to Shri Krishna and the video would come out, a PIL would be filed in the Supreme Court and the judgment would come that something was given to Lord Krishna in corruption and Lord Krishna was doing corruption."

- "It is better that you expressed your feelings and did not give anything," he added.

- The Centre is holding a meeting with a delegation from Ladakh here on Monday on their key demands, including statehood for the high-altitude region, two Lok Sabha seats and bringing the area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

- A 14-member delegation of the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is meeting the High Powered Committee (HPC) for Ladakh headed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

- "We are going to discuss our demands, including statehood for Ladakh and two Lok Sabha seats," Apex Body Leh member Chering Dorjay Lakrook told PTI.

- At the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal, PM Modi said "...Today is also the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, hence this day becomes more sacred and more inspiring."

- "On this occasion, I respectfully bow at the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and pay tribute to him.," he added.

- At the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal, PM Modi said "...Today, with the devotion of saints and the spirit of the public, the foundation stone of another holy place is being laid."

- "I have had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of the grand Kalki Dham in the presence of Acharyas and Saints. I am confident that Kalki Dham will emerge as another great centre of the Indian faith," he added.

- In budget, Rs 1,000 crore allocated for school infrastructure development under Prof Anbazhagan schools development plan

- The college education expenses of third gender persons will be fully borne by govt, says TN FM.

- TN Finance Minister announces forming 10,000 new women SHGs, credit linkages, outlines Rs 35,000 crore allocation in Budget.

- Snowfall in higher reaches, including Gulmarg skiing resort, and rains in plains lashed Kashmir on Monday as precipitation is likely to continue in the valley over the next 48 hours, officials said.

- Gulmarg skiing resort in Baramulla district, which is scheduled to host the fourth Khelo India Winter Games from Wednesday, has received around 1.5 feet of fresh snowfall over the past 24 hours, the officials said.

- A delegation of the National Commission for Women (NCW) led by its chairperson Rekha Sharma is scheduled to visit unrest-hit Sandeshkhali on Monday.

- Last week two members of NCW had visited the area and submitted a report revealing a "troubling pattern of negligence and complicity" by the Bengal government and law enforcement officials.

- "We want to talk to the victims. We will then meet the West Bengal Governor and then President in New Delhi tomorrow. Even if one incident takes place then it is shameful," Sharma said.

- West Bengal top officials move Supreme Court against privileges committee summons for allegedly misbehaving and committing acts of brutality against protesting BJP workers.

- The committee had summoned these officials on a complaint by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar.

- These officials were summoned to be present before the committee today.

- Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and AM Singhvi mentioned the plea before CJI.

- SC stays the proceedings by privileges committee against WB top officials over allegedly committing acts of brutality against protesting BJP MP. Issues notice in the plea

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the foundation stone laying ceremony of Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Sambhal.

- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam also present.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the Maratha empire founder Shivaji on his birth anniversary on Monday.

- "Tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. A visionary leader, fearless warrior, protector of culture and embodiment of good governance, his life inspires generations," he said on X.

- Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presents budget for 2024-25 in state Assembly.

- TN Finance Minister outlines 7-point objective, the 'seven grand Tamil dream' including social justice in Budget.

- Social justice, welfare of marginalised, making Tamil youth global achievers among 7 goals.

- Knowledge based economy, equality focused on welfare of women, sustainable future, Tamil culture among other goals, says TN Fin Min

- Rs 5 crore allocated in TN Budget for archaeological excavations in 8 places including areas in states like Kerala with Tamil links, he added.

- India endured a second consecutive loss at the World Table Tennis Team Championships, going down to hosts South Korea 0-3.

- Veteran Sharath Kamal, reigning national champion Harmeet Desai and G Sathiyan lost their respective singles to go down meekly in their third group stage tie against third seeds Korea.

- Nearly 130 shanties were gutted after a major fire broke out in a slum area near Shahbad Dairy in outer Delhi on February 18 at 10pm, an official of the Delhi Fire Service said.

- No casualty was reported in the blaze that broke out on Sunday night.

- Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal skips ED summons again in excise policy case.

- AAP calls it 'illegal'

- The Chairman of the French Senate Gérard Larcher, is on an official visit to India on 19 and 20 February to strengthen bilateral ties and parliamentary cooperation.

- Gérard Larcher is accompanied by a delegation of five other Senators who are members of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee or the France-India Friendship Group.

- This will mark the first official visit to India of a Chairman of the French Senate, the Upper House of France’s Parliament.

- Election Commission to begin three-day visit to Bihar to review preparations for Lok Sabha Elections.

- During the visit the team will review the security aspects, preparation of polling stations, status of electoral roll, telecom connectivity in remote areas, voter awareness SVEEP campaign and law and order.

- On the first day the team will hold discussions with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), DGP of the state and Nodal Officer of Central Police Forces of Jharkhand to take stock of security related issues.

- The next day, the Commission will hold a meeting with representatives of national and recognized parties of the state.

- On the last leg of the visit, the team will again discuss different points with the CEO of Bihar and Nodal Officer of Central Police Forces of Bihar.

- On BJP's resignation from the Mayor post, party President of Chandigarh Jatinder Pal Malhotra said, "The mayor resigned yesterday afternoon. Aam Aadmi Party and Congress propaganda is out in the open. They are abusing each other in the rest of the country and they are making an alliance in Chandigarh."

- "The Congress workers did not want a Congress Mayor, which is why they cross-voted... To stop AAP's propaganda, we have resigned... More workers and the councillors of the AAP and Congress will join the BJP soon," he added.

- At around 11:30 AM, in a public function at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, PM will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 30,500 crore.

- As per a release, the projects relate to several sectors including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, civic infrastructure, among others. During the program, PM will distribute appointment orders to about 1500 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir.

- PM will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu’ programme

- As per reports, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Sonkar has resigned as the mayor of Chandigarh a day before the hearing in the Supreme Court over the alleged irregularities in the vote-counting process.

- Details here.

- Air Asia Berhad will be operating a direct flight from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, from February 21, an airport statement said.

- Air Asia Berhad will be operating the Thiruvananthapuram-Kuala Lumpur service with an Airbus 320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers, it said.

- At least three miners from Assam have allegedly been kidnapped by suspected militants in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, a police officer said.

- A team comprising police of both states and the Assam Rifles launched a rescue operation to trace the miners, a spokesperson of the paramilitary force told PTI.

- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as well as Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary on Monday at Shivneri Fort in Pune.

- Shinde and the two deputy CMs attended various programmes to mark the occasion, including the 'cradle ceremony' at the fort.

- Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari has said his senior colleague Kamal Nath told him he was not going anywhere and would remain in the party.

- Speculation has been rife for the past few days that Nath and his Lok Sabha MP son Nakul Nath are on their way to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

- "The BJP misuses the media and questions the integrity of a person. I had a talk with Kamal Nath ji who told me that the reports floating in the media were part of a conspiracy. He told me he was a Congressman and will remain in the Congress," Patwari told news agency PTI.

- Yemen's Houthi rebels are suspected in an attack that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, authorities said.

- The attack on the ship came as the US military acknowledged conducting new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one that targeted the first Houthi underwater drone seen since the rebels' began launching their attacks on shipping in November.

- At least 53 men were massacred in a major escalation of tribal violence in Papua New Guinea, Australian media reported.

- A tribe, their allies and mercenaries were on their way to attack a neighbouring tribe when they were ambushed Sunday in Enga province in the South Pacific nation's remote highlands, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Superintendent George Kakas told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

- Police expected to find more dead bodies among the wounded who had escaped into the woods, he said. “These tribesmen have been killed all over the countryside, all over the bush,” Kakas told ABC.

- Japan will host a reconstruction conference for Ukraine on Monday just ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion as Tokyo seeks to showcase its commitment to supporting the war-torn country.

- In his keynote speech at the conference, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to stress Japan's commitment to supporting Ukraine, the importance of investment across industries for the future of that country's development, and ensuring that the support caters to Ukraine's needs.

- Israel has condemned Brazil's president for comparing the war in Gaza to the Holocaust, accusing him of being antisemitic and trivializing the Nazi genocide of European Jews during World War II.

- The outcry further strained relations between the countries, which have deteriorated since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva returned to office last year. Lula has portrayed himself as a leader of the “Global South,” a loosely defined group of developing countries.

- The projects to be rolled out at UPGIS 2023 are spread across a multitude of sectors, including manufacturing, renewable energy, Information Technology and IT-enabled services, food processing, housing and real estate, hospitality and entertainment, and education, among others

- Details here.

- Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "It is a matter of pride for us that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be laying the foundation of Shri Kalki Dham today."

- Giving more details, he said, "PM Modi will reach here around 10:25 am. PM Modi will install the main stone in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Kalki Dham..."