Farmers protesting on the Noida Expressway concluded their demonstration Thursday evening after assurances from police and authorities to address their demands. Since December 2023, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been advocating for increased compensation and developed plots for their acquired land. The protest led to heavy traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border, prompting a 24-hour closure of all borders with extensive police deployment. Section 144 was imposed, restricting assembly and processions. Police sealed the route from Noida to Delhi, advising school buses to use alternative routes. Despite disruptions, authorities facilitated dialogue with farmers to resolve grievances.

Police in Noida halted hundreds of farmers near the Mahamaya Flyover as they attempted to march to Parliament, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Farmers were seen trying to breach barricades, prompting police intervention. The Noida traffic police issued advisories for alternative routes due to expected congestion. Protesters demanded increased land compensation and better rehabilitation facilities. Bharatiya Kisan Ekta Sangh leader Sukhbir Yadav cited grievances with the Uttar Pradesh government, including unmet demands for land allocation and compensation. Plans to enter Delhi by tractors and vehicles were thwarted as police monitored the situation.

Several schools in Chennai received bomb threat emails on Thursday, prompting police response and evacuations. Students were sent home with parents as police, accompanied by bomb disposal squads, conducted anti-sabotage checks. Authorities urge calm as investigations to identify the sender are underway. Chennai Public School in DAV Gopalapuram and St. Mary’s School, Parrys, were among those targeted. The threats highlight security concerns in educational institutions, emphasizing the need for vigilance and swift action by law enforcement agencies.          

Tragedy struck as a section of Gokulpuri metro station collapsed, claiming the life of a 53-year-old man and injuring four others in Delhi. The deceased, Vinod Kumar, hailed from Karawal Nagar. Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call, with six fire tenders deployed to aid in rescue efforts. Two bikes and two scooters were damaged in the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Joy Tirkey confirmed the incident, stating that the collapse occurred around 10am. The station has been closed to the public as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse.          

Budget airline IndiGo faces criticism after Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal slammed the carrier for its "inhumane" treatment of passengers. Mittal revealed significant delays on two flights, alleging passengers were kept waiting on the tarmac to cut costs and denied refunds. IndiGo apologized, attributing a 30-minute delay to traffic congestion and a two-hour delay to a medical emergency. The airline assured it values passengers' time and understands the impact of such delays on travel plans. Despite the apology, the incident adds to a surge in complaints against IndiGo, highlighting ongoing challenges for the carrier in maintaining customer satisfaction.

A significant traffic disruption unfolded at the Delhi-Noida border as farmers from Noida and Greater Noida embarked on a protest march towards Parliament. Commuters faced extensive delays as two-wheelers and four-wheelers became stranded at Sarita Vihar, with heavy congestion extending along the Delhi-Noida route. In response, authorities imposed Section 144 and sealed all borders for 24 hours. DIG, Addl. CP (L&O), Shivhari Meena assured heightened security measures and ongoing dialogue with the protesting farmers. Since December 2023, farmers have been advocating for increased compensation and developed plots for land acquired by local authorities.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has chosen to keep its repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on February 8. This marks the sixth consecutive meeting where the central bank has opted for status quo, emphasizing the need for continued dis-inflationary measures amidst uncertain food prices and strong domestic activity. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted expectations of steady global growth in 2024 and further moderation in inflation. The decision comes as retail inflation remains within the RBI's comfort zone of 4-6 percent. The committee aims to balance inflation targets with support for economic growth.

Uttarakhand implements a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with significant reforms in divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Divorce grounds now include equality for men and women, with custody rights favoring mothers of children under 5. Voidable marriages can be annulled, and no divorce is permitted within one year unless under exceptional circumstances. Inheritance laws grant equal property rights, abolishing Hindu coparcenary system. Live-in couples must register with the Registrar and inform upon breakup, facing penalties for non-compliance. Tribal communities are exempt, but LGBTQ+ rights are excluded, limiting definitions to heterosexual couples. The UCC aims for progressive legal reforms in personal matters.

Protests erupted in Kerala as youth organizations, including ABVP and DYFI, demanded action against NIT Calicut professor A Shaija for praising Godse on Facebook. Police used water cannons to disperse the Youth Congress and DYFI members attempting to enter the campus. Shaija, invoking controversy, expressed pride in Godse on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. ABVP led a march burning Godse's effigy, while other student unions joined the calls for the professor's accountability. IPC Section 153 was invoked against Shaija. The incident highlights tensions surrounding Godse's legacy and freedom of expression in academic settings.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has postponed the cabinet expansion ceremony to February 16, originally slated for Thursday. Minister Alamgir Alam cited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state on February 14 and 15 as the reason for the rescheduling. Soren, who assumed office on February 1, will officially expand his cabinet on the new date. The state can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the chief minister. Selection of candidates for the council of ministers is yet to be decided by the Congress and JMM.