The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. Instead, the court directed Soren's lawyers to seek recourse in the Jharkhand High Court. Soren, who was arrested following questioning in connection with a land scam case, had appealed to the apex court, alleging his arrest violated his fundamental rights. The Enforcement Directorate, in its case against Soren, alleged he illegally acquired and possessed multiple land parcels in Ranchi. The development comes amid accusations of political conspiracy by Soren ahead of upcoming elections.    

Dense fog blanketed parts of Delhi-NCR, causing chaos for commuters as flight and train services were severely impacted. With visibility reduced to zero, Delhi's IGI Airport reported disruptions since early morning. The India Meteorological Department highlighted very dense fog over Delhi and scattered fog across neighboring states. While rain lashed some regions, the IMD anticipates a reduction in fog density after February 4 and 5. Meanwhile, other states like Rajasthan experienced light showers, and Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall. Despite the challenges, the weather department forecasts a rise in rainfall for February, offering hope for improved conditions in the coming days.

A special bench of three Supreme Court judges, including Justice Sanjeev Khanna, will hear Jharkhand leader Hemant Soren's petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. Soren, accusing the ED of a "conspiracy" by the Centre ahead of elections, resigned as Chief Minister. He seeks immediate release, declaring the arrest as unwarranted and violating fundamental rights. Soren claims his arrest aims to topple his elected government. The plea highlights alleged misuse of ED powers. The special bench will address the case tomorrow, emphasizing Soren's apprehension and the circumstances of his arrest.

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget, labeling it "disappointing" and assigning a "failing grade." Tharoor countered Sitharaman's GDP definition, claiming 'G' represents "governmental intrusion and tax terrorism," 'D' for "demographic betrayal," and 'P' for "poverty and rising inequality." He argued that the government fails in improving the lives of the common person. Tharoor also challenged claims of a rise in foreign investment and questioned the state of democracy, citing recent events. The Finance Minister, confident about the upcoming Lok Sabha election, hinted at a comprehensive budget in July.

Since the consecration ceremony on January 22, the Ram temple has seen a remarkable turnout, with 2.5 million devotees visiting in the past 11 days. The offerings and donations during this period have surpassed Rs 11 crore. Temple trust official Prakash Gupta shared that around Rs 8 crore was deposited in donation boxes, while Rs 3.50 crore came through cheques and online transactions. The temple employs a team of 14, including 11 bank employees, to count the offerings in four donation boxes, all monitored by CCTV cameras for transparency.

The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee swiftly approaches Allahabad HC contesting a Varanasi court's ruling permitting Hindu prayers in 'Vyas Tehkana.' The Muslim side criticizes the hurried opening of the cellar, accusing the administration of bias. Varanasi court's order triggers first prayers in 31 years within hours. The Muslim faction emphasizes supporting evidence favoring them, claiming the Hindu side lacks proof predating 1993. Tensions rise, and legal battles intensify amid a complex historical and religious dispute. Supreme Court may intervene following the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee's plea.

India's Interim Budget for 2024-25 reveals a 22% reduction in developmental assistance to the Maldives, allocating Rs 600 crore compared to the previous year's Rs 770.90 crore. The overall foreign aid allocation sees a 10% decrease, with Rs 4883.56 crore earmarked. Bhutan and Nepal lead in grants, receiving Rs 2068.56 crore and Rs 700 crore, respectively, despite reduced allocations. Amid a diplomatic row, India emphasizes tourism development in Lakshadweep. Aid cuts extend to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Latin American nations, while Sri Lanka, African countries, Mauritius, and Seychelles witness increased allocations.

Ahead of presenting Budget 2024-25, President Droupadi Murmu greeted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with a spoonful of sweet curd at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The customary gesture symbolized goodwill for Sitharaman and was also attended by Ministers of State and Finance Ministry officials. The tradition holds significance as Sitharaman detailed an interim budget outlining government expenses for the election year, with a comprehensive budget slated post-general elections. The heartwarming exchange garnered positive reactions, recognizing the significance of two influential women in key roles.

In the aftermath of the Varanasi district court's historic decision permitting Hindu prayers at Vyas ka Tahkhana within the Gyanvapi mosque complex, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain announced daily aarti timings. The schedule includes Mangla at 3:30 am, Bhog at 12 pm, Apranh at 4 pm, Sanykaal at 7 pm, and Shayan at 10:30 pm. The court's swift implementation faced criticism from the Muslim side, questioning the 'hot haste' in starting puja late at night, prompting them to move the Allahabad High Court challenging the decision. The Tahkhana, a cellar belonging to the Vyas family, holds significant religious importance.

Mumbai police released a pigeon detained for 8 months on suspicion of being a Chinese spy, after investigations revealed it was just a racing bird from Taiwan that had strayed into India. The pigeon was captured near a Mumbai port eight months back with two rings tied to its legs, carrying words that looked like Chinese, raising espionage concerns. Police held the bird and sent it to an animal hospital. However, it was finally identified as an open-water racing pigeon that had escaped and reached India. With its innocence proven after months of detention, the pigeon was set free into the wild on Tuesday, closing an avian spy saga.