1. Karnataka implements uniform taxi fare: The Karnataka government has implemented a uniform fare rule for app-based cab services like Ola and Uber, as well as traditional city taxis. This move aims to address concerns about surge pricing and provide a consistent pricing structure for both commuters and drivers. Previously, a four-kilometer ride cost ₹75, but the new rules set the fixed price at ₹100. While the move has been welcomed by Ola and Uber associations, it’s essential to consider the impact on middle-class commuters.
2. Kejriwal says BJP wants him to join them: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asserts that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended an invitation for him to join their ranks, an offer he firmly declined. Amid allegations of poaching AAP MLAs, Kejriwal remains resolute, emphasizing that he will not yield to any conspiracies against his party’s development efforts.
3. Chhagan Bhujbal’s resignation: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declined the resignation of senior OBC leader and state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Bhujbal, who accused the Maharashtra government of facilitating the inclusion of the Maratha community in the OBC quota, had previously resigned from the state cabinet. The matter remains under scrutiny, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expected to provide further clarification.
4. Embassy staff arrested on spying charge: Satendra Siwal, an Indian embassy employee in Moscow, has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Siwal, working as a security assistant, passed on sensitive information about strategic activities of the Defence and Foreign ministries, posing a significant threat to India’s security. The police have filed a case against him under the Official Secrets Act and for waging war against the country.
5. Uttarakhand cabinet clears Uniform Civil Code: The Uttarakhand government has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft report in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The five-member UCC panel submitted the draft, which will be presented during a specially convened assembly session on February 6. Once passed, Uttarakhand will be the first post-independence state to implement the UCC. Assam and Gujarat have also expressed interest in adopting the “Uttarakhand UCC model.”
6. Islamic cleric arrested on hate speech charges: Mufti Salman Azhari, an Islamic preacher, was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly delivering an inflammatory hate speech. The Gujarat Police, who had previously detained two others related to the case, sought assistance from Maharashtra Police to apprehend him.
7. Champai Soren government in Jharkhand wins trust vote: Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren secured a vote of confidence in the assembly. The ruling JMM-led coalition, backed by 47 MLAs, expressed unwavering support during the floor test. Despite the opposition BJP’s skepticism, the government emerged victorious. Soren, invoking his predecessor Hemant Soren, emphasized the impact of their policies across the state. The trust vote outcome reaffirms the stability of the Champai Soren-led administration.
8. Flight operations in Srinagar halted: All flights at Srinagar Airport were canceled due to heavy snowfall, while traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was stopped for nearly four hours following a landslide in Jammu’s Ramban district. Authorities issued avalanche warnings for hilly areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary movement. The weather is expected to improve from Monday onwards.
9. In Bihar, Congress moves its MLAs to Hyderabad fearing poaching: Bihar Congress has relocated 16 out of 19 MLAs to a resort in Hyderabad as a precautionary measure ahead of the Feb 12 trust vote for the new NDA government led by Nitish Kumar. Some MLAs were reportedly in communication with Nitish Kumar’s JD (U), prompting this move to Congress-governed Telangana. The remaining three MLAs will join them on Monday. The MLAs will be flown to Patna on Feb 12 directly from the airport for the trust vote.
10. Karnataka parties propose economic bloc for southern states: Days after Congress MP DK Suresh’s “nationhood for south India” remark, like-minded parties propose an “Economic Alliance of Southern States”. The objective they claim is equitable resource distribution from the Centre, including individual tax shares. Karnataka is urged to take the lead in this federal fabric-strengthening initiative.
11. Pawan Kalyan meets Chandrababu Naidu: TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan met to discuss seat-sharing for the 2024 elections. They agreed to contest 30 seats each in Assembly and Lok Sabha. They also planned a common manifesto and alliance strategy to defeat YSRCP. They resolved to overcome any issues in the alliance and praised each other’s leadership. They will meet again on February 8 to finalize the details.
12. PM Modi’s visit to Assam: PM Modi visited Assam for two days and launched development projects worth Rs 11,600 crore. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for roads, bridges, temples, stadiums, and medical colleges. He also met BJP’s state core committee and discussed party affairs. He praised Assam’s culture and slammed Congress for neglecting the region. He said his government is committed to the progress and welfare of Assam and the Northeast.
13. Ayodhya trust treasurer on not seeking more mosques: Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, said that Hindus will not demand any other mosques once Kashi and Mathura are peacefully liberated. He said that there are about 3,500 temples that were destroyed by foreign invaders, but Hindus will forget them if they get these two holy cities. He urged Muslims to support this peaceful solution and said that it is not a communal issue, but a historical one.
14. Rahul talks to tribals: Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, said his party supports the rights of tribals over water, forest, and land. He was on a roadshow in Dhanbad as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He also raised issues of public sector units, unemployment, and economic imbalance. He criticized the BJP government for selling the country’s assets and ignoring the Northeast. He praised the legacy of Nehru and the achievements of Congress.
15. Myanmar nationals on trafficking charges: The NIA charged three Myanmar nationals for illegal trafficking and infiltration of Rohingyas into India. They used fake Aadhaar cards to buy SIM cards and open bank accounts. They also lured Rohingya women into forced marriages across India. They were part of a well-organized network of traffickers and touts. The NIA started the probe on November 7, 2023, and uncovered the racket.
16. Maldives on renewing treaty with India: The Maldives has decided not to renew its agreement with India for hydrographic surveys in its waters. The agreement, which was valid until June 7th, 2024, allowed India to conduct surveys of Maldives’ territorial waters. The Maldivian government, led by President Mohamad Muizzu, cited concerns about independence and sovereignty as the reason behind this decision. India has been conducting surveys since 2019, but the Maldives now aims to use its army for such tasks. India has not yet commented on the matter.