Highlights: PM to launch BJP's campaign for LS from MP's Jhabua on Feb 11

News updates: From CM Champai Soren's floor test in Jharkhand assembly to Iran leveraging UK bank account to covertly move money, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

9:39 AM

ED moves to high court against FIR filed against its officials by former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved to the Jharkhand High Court to appeal against the FIRs registered against its officials by former Jharkhand CM and JMM Chief Hemant Soren under the SC/ST act. The probe agency submitted its petition on February 3.

9:28 AM

Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal presents Budget in state assembly

Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal presented the annual Budget in the State Assembly and said "Kerala is planning to bring some out-of-the-box programs for a giant move. We are expecting to attract Rs 3 lakh crore investment. We have also announced interim packages as well as long-term packages. Fast-growing sectors like Tourism, Vizhinjam Port, Kochi Port and Kochi Industrial Corridor will be prioritised," news agency ANI posted on X, formerly Twitter.

9:22 AM

Independent institutions being vitiated under electoral autocracy: Cong MP Tharoor

Slamming the Modi govt, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre is misusing central agencies to target political opponents.

 

9:18 AM

Unusual election year Budget signals PM Modi's sky-high confidence

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented an austere budget last week despite upcoming general elections, a strong display of the administration's confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would return to power for a third straight term, a report pubished Reuters said.

 

8:53 AM

India's largest theatre festival 'Bharat Rang Mahotsav' begins in Gujarat

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav is a 21-day cultural event featuring over 150 plays, workshops, and discussions. The festival will be held in 15 cities across India, showcasing the country's vibrant performing arts and culture.

8:47 AM

Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is a total flop show: Assam Deputy Speaker Numal Momin

Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Numal Momin says, "Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is a total flop show. There is already a crack in the INDIA alliance. The INDIA alliance parties will stay apart from Congress. Congress's position will be at a time low...Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra is disastrous for them..." 

8:41 AM

Iran evaded sanctions, moved money using Santander, Lloyd accounts: Report

The government of Iran used accounts of UK's largest banks, Santander and Lloyds to evade sanctions and was thus able to covertly move money, according to a Bloomberg report which cited Financial Times. The sanctions-evasion plan was supported by Iran’s intelligence services, the report said.

 

8:27 AM

CM Champai Soren's govt in Jharkhand to face floor test today

The newly formed Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Jharkhand under the leadership of Chief Minister Champai Soren is set to face the floor test today, February 5, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir said on Saturday. The Congress leader said that the MLAs will camp at a 'protected place'. Several legislators in the ruling alliance, who left for Hyderabad after the swearing-in, are reported to be staying a private resort in the Telangana capital ahead of the floor test in the Assembly, according to an ANI report. Speaking on the floor test today, Jharkhand State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said, "Whatsoever the result of the confidence motion, one thing is clear that Jharkhand has lost. The way Jharkhand was humiliated in front of the national and international community is absolutely shocking."