Times of India

With the influx of devotees for Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj's wholesale medicine market on Leader Road has been unofficially closed, creating a shortage of medicines, including life-saving drugs. Despite multiple pleas from traders, district authorities have not addressed the supply disruption caused by restricted truck access to the market area.

A 4,400-page chargesheet submitted implicates Shariq Satha for orchestrating November's deadly violence in Sambhal. Linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's ISI, Satha fled using a fake passport. Investigators found unusual money transfers and foreign-made cartridges, with further chargesheets expected as the probe continues.

Govt has further reduced wheat stock holding limits for wholesalers, small and big chain retailers to curb hoarding and control price rise. Traders are now allowed only 250 tonnes, down from 1,000 tonnes, and small retailers can hold 4 tonnes. With a production of 1,132 lakh tonnes expected, measures aim to ensure price stability until March 2025.

Rahul Gandhi claimed BJP would lose the 2024 Lok Sabha elections if BSP joined the INDIA bloc, prompting a sharp retort from BSP chief Mayawati accusing Congress of double standards. She claimed past alliances harmed BSP, with votes transferring without reciprocation. The political debate centers on whether BSP was truly invited to join the alliance.

A Lokpal full bench, led by ex-SC judge A M Khanwilkar, reaffirmed that sitting judges are public servants under the Lokpal Act, contradicting a 1991 SC ruling. The SC had mandated prior CJI consultation before filing criminal cases against judges, emphasizing the need for CJI's advice to maintain judiciary integrity and prevent unnecessary harassment.

Approximately 50 Indian deportees from the US have arrived in Panama, awaiting deportation to India. The Indian embassy in Panama has ensured their well-being and is working with local authorities. Around 350 Indian migrants have already been deported to India this year as part of the US government's repatriation efforts.

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the Lokpal's decision to bring high court judges under its jurisdiction and has sought responses from the Lokpal's registrar general and the Centre. The apex court questioned the validity of the Lokpal's order, which was seen as a threat to judicial independence, and restricted any disclosure related to the complaint.

Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi's chief minister at Ramlila Maidan, attended by PM Modi and prominent leaders. As the fourth woman to take the role, Gupta's cabinet reflects a balance of regional and caste representation. The event emphasized NDA unity and concluded with the national anthem.

Kash Patel has been confirmed as FBI director by a narrow Senate vote. As a Trump supporter critical of the FBI and involved in the removal of senior officials, his appointment raises controversy. Conservatives commend his aim to restore the FBI's accountability, while Democrats express concerns over his management experience and past statements. Patel replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned.

Ministers from 100 countries endorsed the Marrakech Declaration for Global Road Safety, promoting political priority and sustained funding to halve road deaths by 2030. Commitments include Thailand's target to reduce road deaths, Bangladesh's new safety law, and Saudi Arabia's updated strategy. The conference, hosted by Morocco, aims to advance safe, green, and equitable mobility.

The Indian government received the Prince Michael Decade of Action Road Safety Award for significant achievements in vehicle safety, including the implementation of a new car safety assessment regime and mandatory ABS for new two-wheelers. The awards were conferred at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech.

On February 28, all seven planets will align and be visible from Earth, a celestial event last seen in January without Mercury. This rare planetary alignment coincides with the end of the Maha Kumbh Mela, occurring once every 144 years.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting advised OTT platforms to comply with Indian laws and ethical guidelines following complaints about obscene content. Attention was drawn to various laws and the Code of Ethics under IT Rules, 2021. Platforms should enforce age-based content classification and self-regulatory bodies must ensure rules' adherence.

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' rising star, is out for the rest of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season due to a shoulder injury. Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama's absence is a major setback for the team. The Spurs will rely on their supporting cast to fill the void left by the standout performer.

Health safety officials in Bengaluru are inspecting eateries to prevent the use of plastic sheets in idli preparation due to health risks. 24 notices have been issued, and many establishments are switching to banana leaves, cloth, or non-stick moulds as alternatives.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that Pakistani climate activist Ali Tauqeer Sheikh visited India multiple times between 2010 and 2018. Assam police are investigating Sheikh for allegedly interfering in the state's internal matters, potentially leading to serious political repercussions and targeting Congress.