A devastating explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 11 people and left 60 injured. The blast, which occurred in the Bairagarh locality, also resulted in the destruction of 60 nearby houses and affected over three dozen commuters. Authorities evacuated more than 100 houses due to ongoing explosions at the factory. Firefighters and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in rescue operations. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to provide immediate assistance, while medical facilities in Bhopal and Indore are preparing to treat the injured.

Delhi Police apprehended Riyaz Ahmed, a retired Army soldier, on Sunday at the New Delhi Railway Station, in connection with a dismantled Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module in Kupwara. Acting upon intelligence, authorities linked Ahmed to a plot aimed at orchestrating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside associates Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, Ahmed allegedly coordinated with handlers across the Line of Control to procure weapons. The arrest follows a recent operation by Jammu & Kashmir Police, uncovering links to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and leading to the detainment of five terrorist associates involved in arms smuggling.          

As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, criticism reverberates from Muslim leaders and opposition members. Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan asserts, "We won't abide by it if it is against the 'hidayat' given to Muslims in the Quran." Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali questions the bill's uniformity, stating, "How can there be uniformity when you have exempted a few communities from it?" Meanwhile, Congress clarifies its stance, with LoP Yashpal Arya emphasizing, "We are not against the Uniform Civil Code." Former CM Harish Rawat accuses the state government of disregarding parliamentary procedures, urging for a more transparent process.

A Hindu petitioner in Varanasi moves a trial court, seeking Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) direction to survey remaining cellars in the Gyanvapi complex. The plea aims to determine the precinct's religious character. It requests ASI to survey blocked entrances and uninvestigated cellars, emphasizing careful preservation. The petitioner asserts ASI's ability to remove obstructions safely. This follows religious rituals permitted by a Varanasi court, allowing prayers in the complex. The court granted permission following a petitioner's claim that their grandfather performed prayers there until 1993. The order specifies prayers by a temple trust-nominated priest.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has called for the prosecution of the returning officer involved in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, asserting that their conduct amounts to a "mockery of democracy." The Supreme Court, in response to allegations of ballot tampering, emphasized the need for legal action against the officer. Chandrachud condemned the officer's behavior, stating, "It is obvious that he has defaced the ballot papers. He needs to be prosecuted." The court has directed the preservation of all election records and postponed the upcoming Chandigarh Municipal Corporation meeting pending further investigation. The move underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and accountability.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Chandigarh mayor elections, directing all ballot papers and original records, including videography, to be handed over to the registrar of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Expressing concern over the alleged defacement of ballot papers, the court emphasized, "It's obvious he (returning officer) defaced ballot papers? He is murdering the democracy? Can't allow democracy to be murdered like this." The move follows a petition filed by AAP's councillor Kuldeep Dhalor, who lamented, "This is a mockery of democracy." The court's decision to defer the municipal corporation meeting on February 7 underscores the seriousness of the situation. Amidst allegations of vote tampering, the apex court's intervention aims to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Indian musicians Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, and others for securing three Grammy Awards. Hussain and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia clinched two awards for their collaborative efforts, while Hussain's ensemble 'Shakti' secured another win. Modi praised their achievements on social media, highlighting India's pride in their global recognition. The accolades underscore India's burgeoning influence in the music industry and serve as inspiration for aspiring artists nationwide. Alongside their triumphs, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish claimed top honors at the prestigious awards ceremony.

Delhi's education department has announced the reinstatement of normal school timings for all government, government-aided, and private schools, effective from February 6. Following improved weather conditions in the national capital, classes will now operate according to their usual schedules. The decision comes after modifications were made due to severe fog and cold weather, with classes previously starting no earlier than 9 am. The move aims to restore regularity to academic activities as Delhi experiences a slight rise in temperatures, accompanied by light rain. The Education Department has instructed school heads to communicate the change to students, parents, and staff promptly.          

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj urged for peaceful resolution over Gyanvapi and Krishna Janmabhoomi temples. Speaking in Pune, he emphasized prioritizing future over past, urging Muslim side's cooperation. His appeal follows Allahabad High Court's denial of stay on Varanasi Court's order allowing Hindu prayers at Gyanvapi mosque's cellar. The court granted time for the mosque's plea amendment until February 6. Giri Maharaj's statement underscores a call for harmony amid legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Varanasi district court allowed Hindu prayers in Gyanvapi's cellar, sparking legal debate over order challenges and temple trust authority.

Light rainfall and gusty winds in Delhi-NCR have led to a dip in temperatures, affecting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts thunderstorms in northern regions and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. Western Disturbance triggers light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh also expect scattered rainfall. Dense fog is likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on February 5-6. The weather pattern signals a shift in the region's climate, impacting daily activities and travel plans.