After 31 years, puja was performed in the 'Vyas Tehkana' or the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi late in the night on Wednesday. This followed an order from the Varanasi district judge allowing the resumption of the practice that was discontinued since 1993. On Wednesday, The Varanasi district judge permitted the Vyas family and a temple-appointed priest to offer prayers in the cellar. The temple trust opened the southern cellar around 10:30pm on Wednesday and the puja was held at 3am. The Gyanvapi Masjid Committee has challenged the order in Allahabad High Court. The development marks prayers resuming at Gyanvapi mosque's southern cellar after 31 years. [Video: Hindustan Times X handle]

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India's economy is undergoing a profound transformation while presenting the last Modi government budget before the 2024 polls. She emphasized welfare schemes to uplift the conditions of the "garib" (the poor), "mahilayen" (women), "yuva" (the youth) and "annadata" (the farmer). 250 million people were brought out of poverty in 10 years and crop insurance reached 40 million farmers, said Ms Sitharaman. Inflation moderated as economic growth picked up due to tax reforms that widened the tax base and collections. The next 5 years will see unprecedented growth in India, the Finance Minister remarked.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman retained existing direct and indirect tax rates in Budget 2024, including no changes to import duties. Middle-class taxpayers will face no new taxes or get any new relief on incomes. "Keeping with the convention, I do not propose to make any changes relating to taxation and propose to retain the same tax rates for direct taxes and indirect taxes including import duties," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech on Thursday. Tax planning strategies can continue unchanged as deductions, exemptions, and tax-saving investments remain the same. No adjustments are needed for middle-class taxpayers as the tax framework remains unaltered. The budget maintains the status quo on tax rates across direct and indirect taxes. 

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, declared his refusal to accept defeat, stating on X, "As long as there is life, there is struggle," echoing poet Shivmangal Singh Suman's resilience. The arrest followed over seven hours of questioning in a money laundering case. Soren resigned before his arrest, triggering a political crisis. JMM legislative party leader Champai Soren emerged as his successor, staking claim to form the new government with 47 MLAs. Hemant Soren faces allegations linked to illegal possession of immovable assets and connections with the 'land mafia' in Jharkhand. The Enforcement Directorate seeks his remand for custodial interrogation.

India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, shared insights from the Ramayana in an interview with NDTV, highlighting Hanuman's diplomatic role. Jaishankar sees parallels in his own job, emphasizing the importance of using Indian examples. He noted Hanuman's envoy mission to Lanka, intelligence gathering, and activist diplomacy. Referring to Hanuman's tactics in Ravan's court, Jaishankar highlighted psychological advantages. The minister finds relevance in these ancient diplomatic strategies for today. In his conversation with NDTV Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, Jaishankar encourages the use of indigenous references in understanding contemporary scenarios.

Led by RSS-backed Muslim organization MRM, 350 Muslim devotees completed a six-day foot march from Lucknow to Ayodhya. Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', they covered 150 km on foot, enduring biting cold. Resting every 25 km, they reached Ayodhya with worn-out shoes and paid obeisance to Ram Lalla. The dignified darshan conveyed a message of unity, integrity, sovereignty, and harmony. MRM leaders emphasized Lord Ram as the ancestor of all, stressing love for country and humanity over religion. They highlighted the importance of not criticizing, mocking, or disdaining others based on religion.

A former Bigg Boss 11 contestant and TV actress has lodged an FIR at Tigri Police Station, South Delhi, accusing her friend of rape in a flat on Deoli Road in 2023. The complainant, popular from the reality show, claims the incident occurred last year. The Mumbai-based actress alleges intoxication before the assault. Delhi Police are investigating, and the accused is expected to be taken into custody soon. The actress, known for her Bigg Boss stint, has worked in TV serials. The latest season of Bigg Boss concluded with Munawar Faruqui as the winner.

Six individuals arrested in connection with the December Parliament security breach have accused the Delhi Police Special Cell of torture and coercion during a hearing at Delhi’s Patiala House Court. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, who jumped into the Lok Sabha, along with others, claim they were forced to sign blank pages, subjected to electric shocks, and pressured to confess to crimes under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The court has sought a response from the police, scheduling a hearing for February 17. Accused were remanded to judicial custody until March 1.

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez knowingly enjoyed and used proceeds from conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar's crimes, says Enforcement Directorate in Delhi High Court. The agency claims Fernandez concealed financial truths, tampered with evidence, and urged colleagues to destroy evidence. The ED opposes her plea to quash the FIR in the ₹200-crore money laundering case. Fernandez alleges she's a victim of a targeted attack. The court sets the next hearing for April 15. Fernandez, accused of receiving gifts from Chandrasekhar, asserts innocence, while the ED argues she knowingly possessed and used the proceeds of the alleged conman's crimes.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and daughter Suranya Aiyar face eviction from their Delhi home as the Resident's Welfare Association issues a notice, objecting to a social media post criticizing the Ayodhya Ram Temple ceremony. The notice requests refraining from disturbing peace or hurting religious sentiments, suggesting relocation if disagreement persists. Referring to Suranya Aiyar's fasting protest, the notice urges Aiyar to condemn the post or leave. The association emphasizes responsible social media use to avoid division, highlighting its impact on the colony's reputation. The grand Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration was globally celebrated.