THE HEADLINES::
- Both Houses of Parliament to adjourn today for a break in ongoing budget session; To reassemble on 9th of next month.
- RBI revises draft norms for Kisan Credit Card for broader loan support to farmers.
- World Radio Day being observed across the globe today.
- Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims sweeping majority in Parliamentary elections; Official results yet to come.
- Month- long sports festival Delhi Khel Mahakumbh commences in National Capital today.
- And in Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, India registers their biggest-ever victory by runs, crushing Namibia by 93 runs in New Delhi.
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Both Houses of Parliament will adjourn for a recess in the ongoing budget session to reassemble on 9th of next month. The budget session is being held in two phases, the first phase began on 28th January with the address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses. The second phase will be held till 2nd April.
In the Parliament today, the Report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on ‘Holistic Development of India’s Tourism Sector will be presented in both the Houses. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are also scheduled to take up Private Members’ Legislative Business, in which several Members will move different bills.
Yesterday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to a discussion on Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha. She said, government is focused on building a resilient and self-reliant India by boosting economic growth and ensuring inclusive development. Citing estimates from the National Statistics Office, the Finance Minister said, India’s GDP is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2025-26.
On the other hand in the Lok Sabha, noisy scenes between the treasury bench and opposition bench members were witnessed, following which the house was adjourned for the day. Amid din, the House took up the matters of urgent public importance, after passing the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
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Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying that Mr Gandhi has little concern for the country’s farmers. In a social media post, Mr Chouhan said, Rahul Gandhi has never been comfortable with the empowerment of farmers and he has been seen repeatedly making anti-national statements. Mr Chouhan emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised farmers’ welfare, stating that every major decision of the government has been taken keeping farmers’ interests in mind.
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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has also accused Mr. Gandhi saying he is attempting to mislead and provoke the farming community through fake narratives.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the name of the building complex Seva Teerth in New Delhi today. He will also inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 and address a public programme at Seva Teerth in the evening. The inaguration marks a transformative milestone in country’s administrative governance architecture.
The inauguration reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located across different locations. The new building complexes consolidate administrative functions within modern, and future-ready facilities.
Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 will accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Both the complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralized reception facilities. These features will foster collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance and improved citizen engagement. It also includes comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors. With Bhanu Pratap Singh, Saumya Sharan, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised draft norms for the Kisan Credit Card scheme, proposing inclusion of expenses on agri-tech initiatives such as soil testing, weather forecasting and organic certification within eligible farm loan components. The draft allows waiver of collateral and margin requirements for agricultural and allied loans up to 2 lakh rupees per borrower. The RBI has standardised crop tenures at 12 months for short-duration crops and 18 months for long-duration crops, and extended KCC validity to six years. Feedback on the draft can be submitted by March 6, 2026.
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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals worth nearly three lakh sixty thousand crore rupees, to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces. The Defence Ministry has informed that Acceptance of Necessity was accorded for the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Rafale and other military hardware, including Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite for the Indian Air Force. The Ministry said, the majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India.
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World Radio Day is being observed today. The Day is observed on 13th February every year to commemorate the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. The theme this year is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” The theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice” – underscores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in the broadcasting ecosystem. In his message on World Radio Day, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan has said radio plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the common people. He also recounted listening to the radio while growing up.
Akashvani has been serving the nation since its inception with the motto “Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya”. Established in 1936 and brought under public ownership after Independence, Akashvani has grown into one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world, in terms of the number of languages broadcast and the diversity of audiences served. Private FM radio complements public broadcasting by delivering local entertainment and information across urban and regional India.
In his message on the occasion of World Radio Day, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan said radio plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the common people. He also recounted listening to the radio while growing up.
As Raipur gears up to host World Radio Day 2026, avid radio listeners from Narayanpur district of Bastar division of Chhattisgarh spoke to Akashvani about their fondness for radio as an informative medium that has led to development in the region.
Radio is intimate yet expansive, simple yet powerful. Radio is a trusted medium, connecting distant geographies, diverse languages and countless lives through shared listening. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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On World Radio Day today, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan extended his greetings to radio listeners and everyone who works to strengthen the broadcasting ecosystem.
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To mark World Radio Day 2026, Akashvani Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in collaboration with UNESCO, is organising a World Radio Day Conclave today. On the occasion, a special programme is being organised in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh under the joint aegis of Prasar Bharati and UNESCO. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will attend the function as the Chief Guest. DG, Akashvani, Rajiv Jain, UNESCO’s Regional Advisor for Communication and Information Hajjaj Male, several public representatives, Padma Shri awardees and experts from various fields will also participate in the programme.
During the programme being held in Raipur today , the next six musical renditions from Akashvani’s special commemorative series titled “Swadhinta Ka Jayghosh – Vande Mataram: Bharat Ki Sanskritik Dharohar – A Musical Journey” will be digitally released. The series is being presented to mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
An exhibition showcasing the evolution and development journey of radio will also be organised on the occasion. The programme will feature audio-visual presentations, interactive sessions and expert panel discussions. The objective is to make the radio medium technologically empowered, inclusive and future-ready. Vikalp Shukla, Akashvani News, Raipur.
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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is heading for a decisive victory in the 13th national election, leading in 208 of the 299 parliamentary seats as of 7:30am, according to unofficial tallies.
The BNP expressed confidence of securing a two-thirds majority, terming the outcome an “overwhelming public mandate.” Senior leaders including Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul have won their seats, along with several other top BNP figures.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies claimed around 60 seats, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) said it secured six.
The Election Commission is yet to announce final results and has suspended outcomes in three constituencies due to pending court cases. While polls were largely peaceful, Jamaat and the NCP alleged irregularities in parts of Dhaka, claims denied by the Chief Election Commissioner.
Alongside the parliamentary vote, counting is also underway for the referendum on the proposed “July Charter” reforms. The BNP has urged supporters to hold prayers instead of victory rallies pending official confirmation. Navalsang Parmar/Akashwani News/Dhaka.
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Khelo Delhi-Delhi Khel MahaKumbh will start today, aimed at strengthening and promoting a vibrant sports culture in the national capital. Hosting a dialogue regarding the event with sports personalities and fitness coaches, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said that the government will organise competitions in seven major sports disciplines. These include Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Kabadi. He added that the event will also help assess and enhance sports infrastructure across Delhi.
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In Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, India defeated Namibia by 93 runs in a Group A clash in New Delhi last night, registering biggest ever victory by runs in T20 World Cup.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HeADLINE,
- Bangladesh’s first national election since the 2024 ‘July uprising’ that ousted long time Prime Minister is covered prominently by most of the dailies this morning. “Khaleda’s BNP heads for big win in Bangladesh, Jamaat lags”; leads The Times of India.
- “Rera only helping builders says Supreme Court, urging a rethink” reports Hindustan Times.
- In another story on traffic woes in Delhi, the paper says “while the capital crawls, where are the traffic cops.”
- Big Defence purchase order by government is promptly covered in all the dailies. The Indian Express leads “Another 114 Rafale for IAF get approval.”
- “India’s AI to be inclusive by design, sovereign by capability, says Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan” states The Pioneer.
- The Statesman quoting the Ministry of External Affairs says “Amendments in White House fact sheet reflect shared understanding between two nations.”
- On the Naravane book, The Asian Age says “ Police launches global probe for source of leak.”
- Hindustan Times in its editorial piece says,”History lessons from Islamabad”. The paper argues” Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif is right about his country’s record on terrorism. But will his government correct its course?”
- “A household name in 1980’s former DD News Reader Sarla Maheshwari no more “reports The Times of India.
- “Indians say no to sweet talk” says The Economic Times. The paper writes “Carbonated, caffeinated or squeezed-more & more people prefer low or no- sugar drinks.”
- And finally, “Century after brits set up air force, three IAF men to train pilots in UK” reports The Tribune.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,
- Both Houses of Parliament to adjourn today for a break in ongoing budget session; To reassemble on 9th of next month.
- RBI revises draft norms for Kisan Credit Card for broader loan support to farmers.
- World Radio Day being observed across the globe today.
- Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims sweeping majority in Parliamentary elections; Official results yet to come.
- Month- long sports festival Delhi Khel Mahakumbh commences in National Capital today.
- In Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, India registers their biggest-ever victory by runs, crushing Namibia by 93 runs in New Delhi.
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