Highlights: INLD Haryana Prez Nafe Singh, associate shot dead in Jhajjar

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The Indian National Lok Dal's Haryana unit president Nafe Singh Rathee and a party worker were killed when unidentified assailants sprayed bullets on their SUV in Bahadurgarh near Delhi on Sunday, a senior party leader said. Three private gunmen hired by Rathee for security also suffered injuries in the attack. The attack, which came weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, drew sharp reactions from opposition parties, which alleged a breakdown in law and order in the BJP-ruled state. INLD leader Abhay Chautala told PTI that Rathee and a party worker accompanying him were shot dead.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Agra on Sunday, days after the two parties reached a seat-sharing arrangement in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls, PTI reported. Party workers of the SP and the Congress raised slogans in their support as the two leaders, accompanied by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, waved at the crowd gathered here for the yatra. Attacking the government in his address on the occasion, Yadav said, "Today, farmers are standing against the government. The government is scared of the power of farmers. In the coming time, the BJP will be removed and the INDIA coalition government will give respect to farmers." He added that the BJP has not given the backward classes, Dalits and minority communities the respect they deserve.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated in Dwarka, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 4,150 crores.

Mobile internet services were restored in seven Haryana districts on Sunday, almost two weeks after they were suspended in the wake of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, officials said. The services were suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa on February 11 and the suspension was extended on February 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23 and 24. Officials said no fresh order has been issued to extend the suspension of the mobile services in the seven districts. According to an earlier order issued by the Home Department, the curbs were imposed "to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in jurisdictions of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa, including Dabwali, districts in Haryana".

The 110th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann ki baat’ begins. During his address he says, 'India's Nari Shakti is touching new heights of progress in every field.' Mann ki Baat won't be broadcast for next three months in view of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, says PM Modi.

PM Modi will inaugurate five All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) in Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). He will inaugurate these facilities at a public function in Rajkot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 'Sudarshan Setu,' a massive cable-stayed bridge connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat, today. The bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹ 979 crore, was inaugurated by PM Modi, who had laid its foundation stone in October 2017. This bridge, previously known as the 'Signature Bridge,' will serve as a vital link between old and new Dwarka. It features four lanes and 2.50-meter wide footpaths on each side, enhancing connectivity in the region. Beyt Dwarka, located near Okha port, is approximately 30 km from Dwarka town, home to the renowned Dwarkadhish temple of Lord Krishna. PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Dwarka town, offer prayers at the Dwarkadhish temple, and address a large gathering nearby.

ALSO READ: PM Modi inaugurates cable-stayed 'Sudarshan Setu' bridge in Gujarat

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley vowed to fight on Saturday after an emphatic primary defeat to Donald Trump in her home state, underlining the steep climb she faces to capture the Republican presidential nomination. "I said earlier this week that no matter what happens in South Carolina, I would continue to run... I'm a woman of my word. I'm not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden," she said.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump wins South Carolina further closing in on GOP nomination

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held the core group meeting of five states on Saturday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Given the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the core group meeting of five states was called at the BJP headquarters. The meeting was led by BJP National President JP Nadda in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Organisation General Secretary BL Santosh. The BJP is likely to release the names of a whopping 100 candidates on Thursday. 

7:55 PM

INLD state Prez Nafe Singh, his associate; no one feels safe in Haryana: AAP leader Sushil Gupta

7:03 PM

Political news Live: INLD Haryana president Nafe Singh Rathee shot dead in Jhajjar, says Abhay Chautala

Unidentified assailants shot dead the Indian National Lok Dal's Haryana unit president Nafe Singh Rathee in Jhajjar district on Sunday, party leader Abhay Chautala told PTI. He was travelling in an SUV when the assailants, who were in a car, attacked him in Jhajjar's Bahadurgarh town, PTI reported.

6:57 PM

Three Naxalites killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh

Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Sunday morning, a senior police official said. The face-off took place around 8 am on a hill between Bhomra-Hurtarai villages under the Koyalibeda police station area, where a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, Kanker Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela said. The security forces had received inputs about the presence of cadres belonging to company no. 5 of Maoists in Bhomra, Hurtarai and Michchebeda villages, he said.

6:40 PM

It makes more sense for IOC to give 2036 Olympics to India: Anurag Thakur

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Sunday "it makes more sense for the IOC" to give India the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games as the country is growing by leaps and bounds in every sphere including sports. Thakur, while speaking at the News9 Global Summit, said India's recent performance at mega international events, such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, gives him hope that the country could become a top-10 sporting nation by 2036 and be in the top-5 by 2047. "We had the largest population to see the Olympic sports last time (in 2020 Tokyo) and this time, it makes more sense for the IOC to give 2036 Olympics to none other than Bharat, our India," said Thakur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already expressed the country's desire to host the Olympics in 2036 during the IOC session in Mumbai last year, and when asked if India was ready to hold the mega event and which city could play host, Thakur said, "PM Modi made it very clear during the IOC session that India is very serious to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, and before that we want to host the 2030 Youth Olympics.

6:38 PM

BJP govt cheating people of Rajasthan over ERCP, says former CM Ashok Gehlot

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the BJP government in Rajasthan of creating confusion over the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project and cheating the people of the state while protecting the interests of Madhya Pradesh. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh -- which also has a BJP government -- last month for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the ERCP. "BJP is creating confusion over the ERCP. They are cheating the people of Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh's interests are being protected as dams are being built there and they are getting all the benefits," Gehlot told reporters in Dausa.

6:37 PM

Chhattisgarh Armed Force personnel killed in IED blast in state's Naxal-hit Bijapur district

A head constable of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) was on Sunday killed after a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in the state's Bijapur district, police said. The incident occurred at around 3.30 pm near Bechapal Padampara village under Mirture Mirtur police station limits in the Naxal-hit district when a team of CAF was out on an area domination operation, an official said. The operation was launched from Bechapal police camp towards Kutulpara village, he said. When the patrolling team was advancing through the area near the camp, Head Constable Ram Ashish Yadav, belonging to CAF's 19th battalion, inadvertently stepped over a pressure IED connection triggering the blast, resulting in his death, he said.

6:32 PM

Paytm issue may be reviewed, scrutiny on Byju's progressing well, says ICAI President Agarwal

Amid the unfolding Paytm Payments Bank Ltd crisis, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal on Sunday said its financial reporting review board (FRRB) may deliberate on issues of the fintech firm in the near future. The FRRB of the statutory body is currently conducting a review of the accounts of tech-based education unicorn Byju's over alleged governance concerns, and the exercise is progressing well, the ICAI president said. "So far, we have not considered it (Paytm issue), but the board meeting of the FRRB will take place in the near future and it will consider appropriate action if required. So far, we have not decided anything as far as this matter is concerned," ICAI President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal told PTI in an interview. Newly elected committees, including FRRB, of the ICAI are expected to hold meetings from March onwards, he said.

6:17 PM

TMC not shielding absconding Shajahan Sheikh: Party leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sandeshkhali issue

TMC not shielding absconding Shajahan Sheikh, said party leader Abhishek Banerjee on West Bengal's Sandeshkhali issue.

5:52 PM

Congress President Kharge claims efforts on to change constitution, warns about dictatorship

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday claimed that efforts are underway to change the Constitution, and warned people that there would "certainly be a dictatorship" in India if they don't stand strong and united in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He was speaking at the valedictory of the 'Constitution and National Unity Convention -2024' here. "Many people are trying to erase or change the Constitution. If you don't stand strong and united in the upcoming election and if the Constitution is affected, it is certain that there will be a dictatorship in this country in the days to come. Whether you want dictatorship or want to lead a life with justice, (deciding that) is important," Kharge said.

5:48 PM

PM Modi inaugurates Aiims at Rajkot, Bathinda, Raebareli, Kalyani and Mangalagiri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) hospitals in Rajkot, Bathinda, Raebareli, Kalyani and Mangalgiri on Sunday. 

4:49 PM

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav joins Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Agra

4:06 PM

Political news Live: Congress means corruption and corruption means Congress, says Amit Shah

Resolve to form Modi-led government at Centre again by winning more than 400 seats, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah to BJP workers in Madhya Pradesh. He further added that "Congress means corruption and corruption means Congress". 

3:50 PM

Realty major DLF to launch properties worth Rs 80k cr in 4 years to encash surge in demand

Realty major DLF plans to launch properties worth nearly Rs 80,000 crore over the next 3-4 years to tap rising demand for housing and commercial projects. DLF, the country's largest real estate firm in terms of market cap, sold properties worth Rs 15,000 crore during 2022-23 and is set to surpass this number in the current fiscal going by sale bookings clocked in the first three quarters. According to an investors presentation, DLF is aiming to launch 10 million square feet of area in the next financial year having revenue potential of Rs 32,000 crore. It has also identified another 22 million square feet area with an estimated revenue of Rs 46,850 crore for 2024-25 fiscal and beyond. Most of the projects to be launched for sale over the next 3-4 years would be residential and that too in luxury and ultra luxury segments. Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Goa and Chennai would be the focus area of the company.

 

3:37 PM

BSP MPs must instrospect whether they followed party guidelines: Mayawati after Ritesh Pandey resigns

 BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday asked her party MPs to instrospect whether they followed the guidelines given to time in the interest of the party. Mayawati's remarks come after BSP Lok Sabha MP from Ambedkar Nagar Ritesh Pandey resigned from the party's primary membership ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and joined the BJP in New Delhi, PTI reported. "Along with the BSP political party, there is also a movement dedicated to the mission of self-respect and self-respect of the most revered Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar due to which the policy and working style of this party is different from the capitalist parties of the country. Keeping this in mind, the party also fields its candidates in the elections," Mayawati said in a series of posts on 'X' in Hindi.

3:31 PM

Devendra Fadnavis trying to kill me, will march right away to his Mumbai home, says Maratha activist Jarange

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday said he would march to Mumbai and protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who he accused of trying to kill him, PTI reported. The announcement, made at the end of a speech of more than one hour in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna in which Jarange made several allegations against Fadnavis, took his supporters by surprise. "Some people are being lured and pressured to make false allegations against me. Fadnavis is behind these conspiracies. He wants to kill me. I am ready to march to Sagar bungalow (Fadnavis' official residence in Mumbai's Malabar Hill) right away," Jarange said. The announcement led to chaos at the site, where the activist's supporters had gathered in large numbers.