Government tightens grip on social media with three-hour takedown rule
The Government has shortened the deadline for social media platforms to remove unlawful content to three hours from the earlier 36 hours, tightening its 2021 IT rules.
The change, announced on Feb 10, will take effect from Feb 20 and is expected to pose compliance challenges for firms such as Meta, YouTube, and X.
The government gave no reason for the sharper timeline, reinforcing concerns over censorship, reported Reuters.
White House revises India-US trade deal fact sheet
The White House has quietly amended its India-US trade framework fact sheet after New Delhi flagged inaccuracies.
References to tariff cuts on pulses, removal of India’s digital services tax, and a “commitment” to buy US$500 billion (S$630 billion) of American goods were removed or softened.
The revised version now says India only “intends” to expand purchases and will negotiate digital trade rules.
Major farmer group leads strike against US trade deal
Samyukt Kisan Morcha, one of India’s largest farmer groups, led nationwide protests, including a strike on Feb 12, over concessions in the trade framework with the United States.
The pact includes reduced duties on several agricultural and feed products.
Farmer leader Avik Saha said opening agriculture to trade talks was unacceptable and warned of political consequences for the government.
Indian refiners avoid Russian oil amid push for US trade pact
Indian refiners have stopped seeking Russian crude for April delivery, a move traders say could help New Delhi advance a trade agreement with Washington.
State refiners and private major Reliance Industries have declined fresh offers, although some March cargoes remain scheduled, reported Reuters.
The shift follows the Feb 6 announcement of a trade framework between India and the US aimed at lowering tariffs.
Lok Sabha to debate no-confidence motion against Speaker on March 9
The Lok Sabha is expected to take up a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9, after the Congress party submitted a notice signed by 118 MPs.
The Opposition has accused Birla of partisan conduct and denying leaders, including Mr Rahul Gandhi, a chance to speak.
Mr Birla has decided to stay away from House proceedings on “moral grounds” until the notice is resolved.
Home Ministry issues new Vande Mataram guidelines
The Union Home Ministry has issued fresh rules mandating that audiences must stand when the National Song Vande Mataram is sung or played officially.
The full six stanzas must now be performed, lasting about three minutes and 10 seconds.
When played with the national anthem, Vande Mataram must precede it. Schools have been asked to include the song in daily assemblies.
Outrage in Delhi after second sewer-related death in a week
Public anger has grown in Delhi after a 32-year-old labourer fell into an uncovered sewer in Rohini, days after a biker died in a similar incident in Janakpuri.
Residents blamed delayed emergency response and poor maintenance by civic agencies.
The incident has intensified demands for accountability, despite the Delhi government recently announcing an eight-point safety framework for open drains and manholes.
Actor Rajpal Yadav surrenders at Tihar Jail in cheque-bounce case
Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail after the High Court rejected his plea for more time in a cheque-bounce case linked to a Rs5 crore (S$700,000) loan.
The actor said he was financially broke and had no support.
The case, dating back to 2018, relates to funds raised for his directorial project Ata Pata Laapata, released in 2012.
Probe agency summons ex-Punjab CM, son in money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and his son Raninder Singh for questioning in connection with a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violation case, officials said on Feb 11.
The father-son duo have been accused of being the “beneficiaries” of foreign assets, including a Swiss bank account.
The move is related to a September 2025 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The federal probe agency has asked Capt Amarinder to appear at its Jalandhar office on Feb 12, but NDTV reported that he may not depose on that date as he is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mohali.
Nephew alleges sabotage in Ajit Pawar plane crash
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged that the plane crash that killed Maharashtra deputy chief minister and his uncle Ajit Pawar may have involved sabotage.
He demanded an independent investigation, including foreign aviation agencies, and raised questions about maintenance practices at VSR Ventures.
The company’s owner rejected the allegations, calling them baseless. Investigations into the crash are continuing.
Sharad Pawar hospitalised in Pune after throat complaint
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic on Feb 9 after suffering from throat discomfort and persistent coughing. Doctors said he is undergoing medical evaluation.
His hospitalisation comes days after the death of his nephew Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, an event that has reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape and succession dynamics within the party.
Chennai on high alert after H5N1 confirmed in dead crows
Chennai authorities have intensified surveillance after more than 1,500 crows were found dead across several neighbourhoods. Samples tested at the ICAR-NIHAS laboratory in Bhopal confirmed the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.
Civic and animal health teams have begun containment measures and monitoring. Officials urged the public to avoid handling dead birds and report sightings immediately.
Ritu Tawde elected Mumbai mayor, BJP regains post after 44 years
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator Ritu Tawde was elected Mumbai’s mayor unopposed, with Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Ghadi becoming deputy mayor, at a special Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation meeting on Feb 11.
Tawde is the second BJP mayor in the city and the first after a 44-year gap. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the ceremony at the civic headquarters.
Whistle ban row erupts at Chennai T20 World Cup matches
Reports that spectators were barred from carrying whistles into Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium during T20 World Cup matches triggered a political row.
Actor-politician Vijay accused the ruling DMK of targeting fans.
Police and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association denied imposing a ban, though whistles appeared in a list of restricted items circulated at the venue.
Murder suspect from Haryana deported from US
Wanted fugitive Sombir Motta was deported from the United States to India and taken into custody by Haryana Police following coordination by the CBI, MEA and MHA.
He faces murder and firearms-related charges. The CBI said an Interpol Red Notice helped trace him.
The agency also confirmed the recent deportation of another fugitive, Aman Bhainswal, linked to organised crime networks.
