National News

A 2023 split in the Nationalist Congress Party, one of Maharashtra’s regional powerhouses helmed by Sharad Pawar, who has been in politics for about 60 years, has altered the course of the State’s politics. With his nephew Ajit gaining political ground and the third generation of Pawars learning the ropes, The Hindu gauges how the battle for succession has impacted the family itself and the State as a whole

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urges DRDO to stay updated with evolving technological ecosystems, focus on cutting-edge and niche technologies, enhance private sector collaboration, and involve start-ups in R&D efforts. DRDO labs are directed to complete two to three critical projects each by 2025, aiming for 100 projects by the next foundation year.

Santiago Martin, known as the 'lottery king,' faces an ED probe with assets worth over Rs 1,000 crore attached. His company, Future Gaming & Hotel Services, had a turnover of Rs 15,000 crore from lotteries. Significant donations to political parties were noted. Illegal sales and prize-winning lotteries manipulated properties acquisition.

The Modi government has shifted its narrative on Jammu and Kashmir to highlight its historic contributions to India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Home minister Amit Shah unveiled a new publication, emphasizing the region's significance and calling for a reassessment of history written from an Indian perspective.

Vijay Sethupathy, playing the role of Perumal Vathiyar, has resurrected Pulavar Kaliyaperumal of Pennadam, the Naxalite leader-turned-Tamil nationalist, who was sentenced to death with his son Valluvan in a case of murder. Five other members of his family were awarded life sentence. Pulavar’s death sentence was commuted by President V.V. Giri

Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK opposed the use of the machines in the 2001 Assembly election, arguing that they had failed in even developed nations. The party went to the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court, but they rejected its plea for ballot papers

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to engage forensic experts to reconstruct a 40-year-old FIR related to Kanpur anti-Sikh riots and ensure leading criminal lawyers are available to oppose closure reports. The 1984 case involved the murder of retired personnel Diwan Singh, highlighting efforts to bring culprits to book.

On February 19, 1926, A.K. Abdul Hameed Baqavi started off on a journey that would take him over two decades to complete. His translation of The Quran, which is written in classical Arabic and organised in 114 chapters, took time. But the elegant style of the work, published in 1949, has made it one of the most enduring versions

Bombay High Court intervened on behalf of a PG medical aspirant, Kalyani Chakrawar, who was denied participation in AIIMS Kalyani admission counselling due to a missed flight. The court deemed the case exceptional and directed AIIMS authorities to allow her in the ongoing admission process. She had an all-India rank of 119.

Nimisha Priya, on death row in Yemen, clings to hope for a last-minute pardon, with her husband Tomy Thomas appealing for forgiveness. Convicted of murdering her business sponsor, Talal Abdo Mahdi, she faces execution within a month. Efforts for her pardon include negotiations with the victim's family and the Indian government’s involvement.

Proposal to be tabled in the Council today. The civic body is likely to allocate funds also for construction of more health centres, classrooms

A 19-year-old social media content creator, Ankur Nath, died by suicide live on Instagram in Janjgir Champa, Chhattisgarh, with 21 followers witnessing the tragic event. Attempts to save her failed, and preliminary investigations suggest heartbreak in love as the reason. Police are examining her mobile for clues.