Times Group MD Vineet Jain declared "India does not ask whether it can rise. India declares to the world that it is rising" at ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026, addressing PM Modi. Jain highlighted India's decade of transformation: five major trade agreements in one year (US, EU, UK, New Zealand, Oman), 50,000km new highways, world's third-largest metro network, and 100 billion annual digital transactions. India achieved 50% non-fossil fuel capacity five years early, hosts 1,700 Global Capability Centers, and ranks third globally in startups with 100+ unicorns. He emphasized Atmanirbhar Bharat evolved from economic policy to vital strategy countering weaponization of global trade, calling this "India's moment."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Seva Teerth, marking India's first PMO relocation since Independence. The modern integrated complex consolidates the Prime Minister's Office, National Security Council Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretariat under one roof. Modi described the British-era North and South Blocks as "colonial relics," emphasizing Seva Teerth reflects "new India" building toward "Viksit Bharat." He released a Rs 100 commemorative coin and announced key initiatives from the new office: PM Rahat scheme for accident victims, doubling Lakhpati Didis target to 6 crore, expanding Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to Rs 2 lakh crore, and launching Rs 10,000 crore Startup India Fund 2.0. The vacated South-North Blocks will become 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat Sangrahalaya' museum.

Veteran Doordarshan newsreader Sarla Maheshwari has died in Delhi at the age of 71, DD News said on X. She was one of the most familiar faces of DD television news in the 1980s, when anchors were widely known as newsreaders. Doordarshan paid tribute, calling her a respected presenter known for her “gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified presentation.” It said she built deep trust among viewers during the early years of broadcast news. Former colleagues also expressed grief and described her as graceful and courteous. Family sources said her cremation is scheduled at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi. (PC: X)

A Hindu gym owner in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, has drawn national attention after he defended a Muslim shopkeeper during a dispute with Bajrang Dal activists. A video shows Deepak Kumar questioning the group for asking the shopkeeper to remove the word “Baba” from his store name. In the clip, he asks, “Are Muslims not citizens of India?” He later told BBC Hindi his action was spontaneous. After the video spread, he received praise from opposition leaders and many social media users. He has also faced protests and death threats. Police registered cases after complaints from both sides. Kumar said, “First and foremost, I am a human being.” (PC: BBC)

The UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has appointed its first woman Travelling Ticket Examiner in 145 years. Sarita Yolmo of Northeast Frontier Railway took charge on the toy train between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling on February 5. Railway officials confirmed she is the first woman to serve in this role on the route. “I am proud to be the first woman TTE in a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train,” Yolmo said. She added she felt both “thrilled and anxious” as she had no earlier experience on this line. Yolmo joined the railway in 1991 and now works on the NJP–Darjeeling service on rotation. (PC: The Telegraph)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on Thursday rejected reports claiming that the probe into Air India Flight AI-171 crash is complete. The agency called such reports incorrect and speculative. It said the investigation is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached. The bureau added that the enquiry is being conducted under the Aircraft Rules, 2025, and global aviation norms. It stressed that accident probes are technical and based on evidence. Their aim is to find the root cause and improve safety, not fix blame early. The final report will be released only after the investigation is fully completed. (PC: ITG)

The UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has appointed its first woman Travelling Ticket Examiner in 145 years. Sarita Yolmo of Northeast Frontier Railway took charge on the toy train between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling on February 5. Railway officials confirmed she is the first woman to serve in this role on the route. “I am proud to be the first woman TTE in a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train,” Yolmo said. She added she felt both “thrilled and anxious” as she had no earlier experience on this line. Yolmo joined the railway in 1991 and now works on the NJP–Darjeeling service on rotation. (PC: The Telegraph India)

Tobacco tycoon’s son Shivam Mishra was arrested four days after the Kanpur Lamborghini crash and was granted bail within hours by a local court. The crash involved a Rs 10-crore Lamborghini that hit an autorickshaw, a motorcycle and later a pole, leaving six people injured. Police say videos and witnesses show Mishra in the driver’s seat. His lawyer denied this and said driver Mohan was driving. Mohan told the court, “I was driving when the accident happened,” and claimed Mishra had a seizure. The court released Mishra on bail while the probe continues. The car has been seized for inspection and forensic checks. (PC: India Today)

A new report by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claims the 2025 Ahmedabad crash of Air India Flight 171 may have been caused by an “intentional act” and not a technical failure. The report cites unnamed sources linked to India–US probe discussions. It says investigators found engine fuel control switches were manually moved to cut-off. A preliminary note from Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau had earlier confirmed fuel switches were turned off after take-off. Cockpit audio recorded one pilot asking why fuel was cut, with the other denying it. Officials have not released the final report and have not fixed blame. (PC: X)

A nationwide strike — Bharat Bandh — is being observed today as over 10 central trade unions and farmers’ groups protest the Centre’s labour and economic policies. Organisers claim up to 30 crore workers may participate across more than 600 districts, making it one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in recent years. Public sector banks, insurance offices, some state transport services, government departments, and industrial units may face disruption depending on local participation. Rural MGNREGA works could also be affected in protest areas. However, hospitals, ambulance services, pharmacies, milk supply, and other essential services are expected to function normally. (PC: X)