Opposition MPs are preparing to introduce a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said on Monday. The move follows Opposition claims that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was denied an opportunity to speak during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address.

The controversy intensified last week when the Lok Sabha saw repeated disruptions after Rahul Gandhi referred to former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir while speaking about the 2020 border standoff with China. The Speaker ruled that unpublished material could not be cited and did not allow the reading to continue.

On February 5, Speaker Birla said he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid attending the House that day to prevent any untoward incident, citing information that some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat and create an unprecedented situation. Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted by Opposition sloganeering, with MPs demanding a discussion on the India United States interim trade framework. As a result, no legislative work took place and the House was adjourned till noon, barely seven minutes after it convened for the week.

When Question Hour began, Opposition MPs continued raising slogans. Speaker Birla appealed for order and assured members that everyone would get a chance to speak. Criticising the disruptions, he urged MPs to engage in debate and discussion rather than force adjournments, but eventually adjourned the House amid continued protests. Both Houses of Parliament were scheduled to carry on discussions on the Union Budget 2026 27 on Monday. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation in the Lok Sabha.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A court in Delhi’s Saket has issued notice on an application seeking registration of an FIR and stringent action against the promoters of the Gurgaon-based commercial project “32nd Milestone,” including freezing of bank accounts, forensic audit of finances, suspension of passports, and issuance of Look Out Circulars.

The order was passed on Thursday by Judicial Magistrate First Class Devanshi Janmeja, who directed the police to file an Action Taken Report. The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 13, 2026. The application was moved by investor Arvind Gupta, who has accused the project entities of financial irregularities, cheating, and diversion of funds. The plea seeks action against M/s 32nd Vistas Private Limited, Growth Hospitality LLP, and their promoters, including Dhruv Dutt Sharma, Shirin Sharma, Mamta Sharma, and others, alleging large-scale fraud and mismanagement of investors’ money.

According to the complaint, the investor purchased a commercial unit in the project after being assured demarcation, guaranteed lease rentals for 30 years, and a buyback option. A leasing agreement was executed promising regular monthly rental income. However, lease payments allegedly stopped from August 2025. It is further claimed that TDS was not deposited from September 2024 and that there were defaults in GST payments, statutory filings, and employee contributions such as ESI and PF.

The complainant has alleged that investors were misled through false assurances and fabricated TDS certificates. The plea also claims that possession was not handed over and suggests the possibility of units being sold to multiple buyers. Serious allegations of fund diversion and siphoning have been raised, with claims that dues remain unpaid despite rental income from operational outlets.

The application also refers to protests by investors, closure of project offices, disconnection of utilities, and the promoters allegedly becoming untraceable. It seeks investigation into promotional spending involving celebrity endorsements, without making allegations against the public figures named. Taking note of the allegations, the court has asked police to submit a detailed status report. Separately, Gurgaon Police have recently registered FIRs linked to 32nd Avenue following investor protests over unpaid dues.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Sri Lanka share “deep civilisational and spiritual bonds” while expressing gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the exhibition of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha in Colombo. The exposition, held at Gangaramaya Temple from February 4–11, marks the first international display of these relics, which originate from the Devnimori archaeological site in Gujarat’s Aravalli district. The ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Chief Incumbent Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero.

President Dissanayake welcomed the relics, posting on X: “Respectfully welcoming the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I sincerely thank PM @narendramodi and the Government of India for fulfilling their promise to enable this sacred exposition,” along with photographs of the event.

Sharing the post, PM Modi added: “Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at Colombo’s sacred Gangaramaya Temple. During my April 2025 visit, we decided these relics would come to Sri Lanka, allowing people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha’s timeless message of compassion, peace, and harmony guide humanity.”

The exposition stems from an announcement made by Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and highlights the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between the two countries, according to the Indian High Commission in Colombo. The arrival of the relics on February 4, Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day, added special significance.

This is the first public veneration of the Devnimori relics outside India. India previously organised exhibitions of the Kapilavastu relics in 2012 and the Sarnath relics in 2018 in Sri Lanka. The relics were transported from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda to Colombo aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft with full state honours.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

A Himachal Roadways bus was involved in an accident on Tuesday in a remote stretch of the Kwanu-Meenus Road in Kalsi, located in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, when it fell into a deep gorge, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reported. Preliminary information suggests that more than 30 passengers were on board at the time of the mishap.

Following the incident, SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi ordered immediate deployment of rescue teams from Dakpathar, Chakrata, Mori, and Tyuni to the accident site. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also spoke with the District Magistrate, issuing urgent instructions to ensure swift relief and rescue operations. In a statement on X, CM Dhami confirmed that all nearby medical facilities had been placed on high alert, and seriously injured passengers, if any, would be airlifted to advanced medical centres. He also prayed for the safety and well-being of all passengers. Authorities continue to assess the situation, and further details regarding the number of casualties or the condition of the passengers are yet to be confirmed.

In a separate incident over the weekend, a van carrying devotees returning from the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district overturned near Poiyyur village on the Tiruchy-Chidambaram National Highway. Keezhapazhuvur police quickly reached the site, registered a case, and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Both incidents highlight the ongoing risks on hilly and rural roads, prompting authorities to emphasize caution and readiness for rapid emergency response in such areas.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Uttarakhand SDRF.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.