A committee in Uttarakhand, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted a draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The draft proposes significant reforms, including a ban on polygamy, equal inheritance rights, and mandatory declaration of live-in relationships. It suggests setting the marriage age for girls at 18 and boys at 21, along with compulsory marriage registration. Furthermore, it ensures both spouses have equal grounds for divorce and prohibits second marriages while one spouse is alive. The draft aims for gender equality and modernization of civil laws in the state.

The Bombay High Court dismissed Kangana Ranaut's plea seeking a stay on the proceedings of a defamation complaint filed by lyricist Javed Akhtar. Justice P D Naik stated that since the trial in Akhtar's complaint had already commenced, Ranaut's request for relief couldn't be granted at this stage. The court emphasized that Akhtar's complaint preceded Ranaut's, and no relief could be provided considering the circumstances. The ongoing defamation case against Ranaut, filed by Akhtar, alleges that she defamed him by implicating him in Sushant Singh Rajput's death. Ranaut's cross-complaint against Akhtar remains stayed by the sessions court.

In a display of unwavering determination and skill, Yashasvi Jaiswal led India's charge on Day 1 of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. Batting with composure and precision, Jaiswal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 179*, propelling India to a formidable 336/6 at stumps. After captain Rohit Sharma's dismissal, Jaiswal formed crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, thwarting England's bowling attack. Debutant Rajat Patidar also contributed with a promising 32. Despite facing challenges from the English bowlers, India's resilience shone through, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation in this highly anticipated Test match.          

Cash-strapped Pakistan pledged assistance to the Maldives following India's aid reduction. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, in a phone call with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, discussed reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing the Maldives' immediate development needs. The President's Office confirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the island nation. The leaders also explored collaboration on shared priorities and strengthening international cooperation. Additionally, Kakar expressed solidarity with the Maldives in tackling climate change. Despite Pakistan's alliance with China, President Muizzu is known for his pro-Beijing stance, as diplomatic relations between the two nations date back to 1966.

A video capturing Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remark, "Abki Baar, 400 Paar," aimed at BJP, has gone viral, showing PM Narendra Modi chuckling during the Rajya Sabha session. Kharge's statement on BJP's seat projection elicited laughter from the Treasury bench. BJP is eyeing its highest-ever seat tally in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, surpassing its 2019 performance. The party's campaign emphasizes achievements under the NDA government. Union Minister Piyush Goyal previously predicted over 400 seats for NDA, anticipating a significant victory in Uttar Pradesh. The video has stirred interest amid the political landscape gearing up for the upcoming elections.

Several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including MLAs and councillors, were detained by Delhi Police during protests outside the BJP headquarters. The AAP accused the BJP of cheating in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, leading to the police intervention. In response, the BJP demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation, citing corruption allegations. Security was heightened in parts of Delhi as both parties staged demonstrations. AAP's Gopal Rai claimed house arrests of MLAs and councillors, calling it an attempt to conceal the BJP's actions. Meanwhile, Kejriwal expressed concerns about hindrances to peaceful protests and alleged vote theft in Chandigarh.

The unexpected death of actor-model Poonam Pandey at 32, succumbing to cervical cancer, has left fans in mourning. Her final Instagram post, a video from a recent Goa party, takes center stage as followers grapple with the sudden loss. In the footage, Poonam, dressed in white and black, shared her life's balance with the caption "White and black: the yin and yang that balance my life." The news of her demise was shared by her team on Instagram, urging privacy for this challenging time. Poonam's promise of a 'big surprise' in an upcoming project leaves a lot of fans curious.

The Allahabad High Court rejects Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's plea, upholding the district court's decision to permit Hindu worship inside the sealed basement of Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque. Justice Rohit Ranjan Aggarwal orders Advocate General to ensure law and order in and around the premises. The committee's appeal against the district judge's order redirected to the high court. During the hearing, Hindu and Muslim sides debated over basement allocation. The court underscores lack of challenge to earlier orders, refusing relief to the mosque committee and maintaining the status quo on puja proceedings. Next hearing slated for February 6.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been sent to 5-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with a money laundering case involving illegal possession of land parcels. Arrested on Jan 31, Soren was remanded to one-day judicial custody on Thursday. The Supreme Court declined to intervene, directing his lawyers to seek relief from the high court. Soren's petition alleges illegal arrest and infringement of freedom. Meanwhile, Champai Soren took oath as the new CM, forming an alliance with Congress and RJD, holding a combined support of 43 MLAs in the 81-member assembly.

Poonam Pandey, model and reality star, has tragically died of cervical cancer at the age of 32, her manager confirmed. Known for her social media presence and controversial statements, Pandey's popularity soared during the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Her manager highlighted Pandey's unwavering spirit in battling the disease and emphasized the importance of awareness and proactive measures against cervical cancer. Pandey's official Instagram page also released a statement, mourning her loss and requesting privacy. With over a billion followers on Instagram, Pandey's career spanned various entertainment platforms, including reality shows and films.