February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Tax Freedom Reached Twelve Lakhs

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Finance Minister Sitharaman's eighth consecutive budget presentation dominated morning coverage with the announcement of income tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakhs under the new regime, affecting approximately 1 crore taxpayers. The focus on Bihar development in her 77-minute speech, mentioned nine times, signals electoral considerations.

By afternoon, attention shifted to Delhi politics as eight AAP MLAs who resigned yesterday joined BJP, intensifying pre-election tensions. Home Minister Shah's subsequent rally promised to "clean Delhi with AAP's own broom."

Evening coverage returned to budget analysis, with opposition leader Chidambaram calling it "beyond government capacity." Markets showed tepid response to tax reforms. The day's coverage notably overshadowed ongoing Mahakumbh management concerns following recent stampedes, though CM Yogi visited hospitals to meet victims.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Trump's Trade Storm Spared India

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Trump's sudden imposition of tariffs on Canada (25%), Mexico (25%), and China (10%) dominated morning coverage, with Finance Minister Sitharaman's budget defense receiving secondary attention. By afternoon, Canada's retaliatory 25% tariffs and Mexico's defiant stance shifted focus to global trade implications, while media noted India's exclusion from Trump's targets.

The Mahakumbh administration announced "Operation 11" for crowd control during Basant Panchami, following previous days' stampede investigations. Over 16,000 mobile numbers are being analyzed by STF.

Evening coverage centered on India's decisive 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20I at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, where Abhishek Sharma's 37-ball century overshadowed political developments. ISRO's latest satellite mission encountered technical difficulties with a key valve malfunction.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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The Gandhi Morning Parliament Storm

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Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary speech criticizing Modi's Make in India initiative as "failed" dominated morning coverage, particularly his claims about Chinese territorial gains. His assertions about Trump's inauguration invite sparked immediate rebuttals from External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.

By afternoon, attention shifted to Opposition Leader Kharge's claims about "thousands dead" in Mahakumbh stampede, leading to parliamentary chaos and Vice President Dhankhar's intervention. BJP filed privilege motions against Sonia Gandhi over alleged disrespectful remarks about President Murmu.

Evening coverage focused on Trump's decision to delay Mexican tariffs and possible February 13 Modi-Trump meeting, while Delhi's election campaign concluded with AAP claiming 55 seats. The day's developments showed continuity with previous days' themes of trade tensions and electoral politics, while adding institutional confrontations between government and opposition.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Trump's Return Plane Found Indian Shore

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Trump's deportation program materialized with a military aircraft carrying 205 verified Indian migrants departing from Texas toward Amritsar, marking the first implementation of his border policy shift. Media attention shifted to Parliament where Modi delivered a 95-minute response to the President's address, targeting opposition leaders without naming them - particularly over "photo-ops in slums" and "jacuzzi focus."

By afternoon, China announced 15% retaliatory tariffs on US coal and gas imports, while Delhi's pre-election tension peaked with an FIR against Kejriwal over his Yamuna water pollution statements. The Election Commission rejected AAP's claims of bias, as 1.56 crore voters prepared for tomorrow's assembly polls.

Evening coverage centered on polling preparations across Delhi's 70 constituencies, while reports emerged of ₹5 lakh cash seized from a staff member at CM Atishi's office.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Delhi's Vote Meets America's Return Flight

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Delhi's 1.56 crore voters began casting ballots across 70 constituencies, with initial controversy over burqa-clad voters and mock polling irregularities. By mid-morning, polling percentages remained low at 8% in first two hours.

The anticipated US deportation flight landed in Amritsar, carrying 104 of the expected 205 Indians, including 13 children and 19 women. Most deportees originated from Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Congress alleged deportees were handcuffed during the 35-hour flight.

PM Modi performed ritual bath at Maha Kumbh, while Delhi's voting pace increased to 46.55% by afternoon. Evening brought fresh controversies with AAP alleging voter suppression and BJP claiming fraudulent voting in Muslim-majority areas. Final turnout reached 57.70% by close of polls, with Northeast Delhi recording highest participation at 63.83%.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Exit Polls Mark BJP Delhi Return

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Multiple exit polls released after Delhi's assembly elections predict BJP's return to power after 27 years, with projections showing the party securing 48% vote share. Axis My India and Today's Chanakya forecast BJP winning over 50 seats, while AAP's presence may reduce to under 20 seats.

Coverage continued of the US deportation case, with detailed accounts emerging of the 40-hour journey of handcuffed Indians who returned to Amritsar. The deportees' stories dominated afternoon coverage, providing context to yesterday's arrival of the military aircraft.

In sports, India defeated England in the first ODI, with Shubman Gill scoring 87 runs. Late evening brought diplomatic tension as Bangladesh's Yunus government protested Sheikh Hasina's recent statements about India, marking a shift in the typically stable bilateral relations.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Gate Guards at Kejriwal's Door

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Morning began with RBI's first interest rate cut in five years, lowering the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. This economic shift was overshadowed by ACB officers arriving at Delhi CM Kejriwal's residence following his allegations of BJP offering ₹15 crore to AAP candidates. The officers left after 1.5 hours without meeting Kejriwal, leaving only a notice.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed 487 more Indians face deportation from the US, while addressing concerns about handcuffed deportees from previous flights. As PM Modi prepared for his February 12-13 US visit, diplomatic tensions rose with Bangladesh after India summoned their envoy over the Yunus government's protest of Sheikh Hasina's remarks.

Evening coverage focused on tomorrow's Delhi election results, with media analyzing potential scenarios for BJP's first victory in 27 years or AAP's fourth term.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Delhi Lotus Blooms Again

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Vote counting in Delhi revealed BJP's return to power after 27 years, securing 48 seats against AAP's 22. Morning trends showed key AAP leaders trailing, including Kejriwal in New Delhi constituency and Sisodia in Jangpura. By noon, both had lost their seats, though Atishi managed to win Kalkaji.

The Delhi Secretariat was sealed to prevent document removal, while the Election Commission reported significant voter demographic changes - including 25% voter deletion in New Delhi constituency over five years. PM Modi arrived at BJP headquarters in the afternoon, opening his victory speech with "Yamuna Maiya ki Jai" and promising to make the river Delhi's identity.

Evening coverage shifted to analyzing potential CM candidates, with Pravesh Verma emerging as frontrunner. Congress lost deposits in 67 of 70 seats, marking its continued decline in the capital.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Twin Falls of Dual Capitals

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Following BJP's Delhi victory, CM Atishi submitted her resignation by early morning, ending AAP's 142-day rule. The Delhi Secretariat restricted file movement while BJP leadership met at Amit Shah's residence to select the new CM, with swearing-in planned after PM Modi's US visit.

By afternoon, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh resigned after meeting Amit Shah, marking a potential shift in the state's governance after 21 months of ethnic violence. The Governor accepted his resignation but asked him to continue until alternative arrangements.

Between these political transitions, security forces reported killing 31 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, while two security personnel died in the operation. The cricket match in Cuttack, where Rohit Sharma scored a century leading India to victory, provided a counterpoint to the day's political upheavals.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Rush and Stasis at Prayagraj's Gates

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The morning began with reports of massive traffic congestion at Mahakumbh, stretching 300 kilometers from Prayagraj to Katni, with vehicles stuck for over 48 hours. The administration closed Sangam station and issued route charts for 11 districts to manage the flow.

By afternoon, attention shifted to Delhi's post-election developments, as RSS reportedly endorsed Pravesh Verma for Chief Minister, while BJP asked the Lt. Governor to restore the "Sheesh Mahal" to its original state.

PM Modi arrived in Paris for the AI Action Summit with Emmanuel Macron, while India prepared to reduce tariffs on American goods before his upcoming US visit. The day closed with controversy around YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina, as Assam Police filed cases against them for objectionable content, showing increasing state intervention in digital content moderation.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Two Soldiers Died Near Line While Leaders Met in Paris

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The morning began with Modi addressing the AI Summit in Paris, announcing India's development of its own Large Language Model while emphasizing the need for bias-free datasets. As markets crashed over 1000 points reacting to Trump's tariff threats, two soldiers died in an IED blast near LoC in Jammu's Akhnoor sector.

Delhi's political aftermath continued with Kejriwal summoning Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and MLAs to Delhi, amid Congress claims of AAP internal rifts. The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission not to delete EVM data, while parliamentary committees prepared to summon YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia over controversial content.

By evening, preparations intensified for tomorrow's Magh Purnima at Mahakumbh, with Prayagraj declared a no-vehicle zone. The day closed with Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from India's Champions Trophy squad.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Magh Bath Millions and Modi's Paris Exit

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The Magh Purnima bath at Mahakumbh drew 1.59 crore devotees by afternoon, with CM Yogi monitoring from Lucknow and helicopters showering 25 quintals of flowers. The administration managed a 15km traffic stretch, showing improvement from yesterday's 300km congestion.

PM Modi concluded his France visit, with Macron seeing him off as they finalized deals on Pinaka rockets and nuclear cooperation. The Supreme Court made strong remarks against electoral freebies, suggesting they create "parasites" - a notable shift in judicial stance on welfare schemes.

India completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, while a new opinion poll showed NDA potentially winning over 300 seats if elections were held today. By evening, attention shifted to Trump's calls with Putin and Zelenskyy about ending the Ukraine war, as Modi headed to the US.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Trump's Tariff Storm Before Modi Landed

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The Waqf Bill Joint Parliamentary Committee report sparked opposition walkouts in both houses over deleted dissent notes, while President's Rule was imposed in Manipur following BJP's failure to resolve its leadership crisis after Biren Singh's resignation.

PM Modi's arrival in Washington began with meetings with US National Security Advisor and Tulsi Gabbard. Hours before Modi's scheduled bilateral with Trump, the US President signed executive orders imposing reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners - a move anticipated since last week's market crash. Modi then met Elon Musk, who brought his children including X to Blair House, followed by talks with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

In Manipur, a CRPF jawan killed two colleagues before taking his own life, injuring eight others, highlighting the continuing instability that led to central rule.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day F-35s Met Deportation Flights

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The Modi-Trump meeting yielded mixed outcomes before dawn: Trump approved Tahawwur Rana's extradition and offered F-35 fighters, while announcing reciprocal tariffs that could impact Indo-US trade. The "MIGA+MAGA=MEGA" partnership aimed at $500 billion trade by 2030 dominated morning coverage.

By afternoon, attention shifted to the controversy over US deportation flights landing in Amritsar, with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioning why his state was targeted. A second flight carrying 119 deportees was scheduled for February 15.

Evening coverage focused on farmers' talks with the government ending inconclusively, with next round scheduled for February 22. The media also reported on Congress's organizational reshuffle, with Bhupesh Baghel becoming Punjab in-charge, while speculation continued about Delhi's next Chief Minister after BJP's victory.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Station Stampede Claims Fifteen Kumbh Pilgrims

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The second US deportation flight landed in Amritsar early morning carrying 119 Indians, despite Punjab CM's objections. The media focused on CVC's probe order into Delhi CM Kejriwal's official residence renovations, while BJP claimed victory in Chhattisgarh municipal elections.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar responded to Western criticism at Munich Security Conference by displaying his ink-marked finger, defending India's democratic credentials. The Mahakumbh's record attendance of 50 crore visitors over 33 days dominated midday coverage.

By evening, a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 15 lives, including 10 women and 3 children, as Kumbh pilgrims rushed to board delayed trains. The tragedy shifted attention from ongoing political developments to crowd management failures at the world's largest religious gathering.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Stampede Day At New Delhi Station

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The death toll from yesterday's New Delhi Railway Station stampede reached 18, with investigations revealing confusion over similarly named Kumbh-bound trains as a key factor. Morning coverage focused on identification procedures at hospitals, where relatives were shown photos instead of bodies. Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for deceased families and Rs 2.5 lakh for the injured.

By afternoon, attention shifted to the third US deportation flight landing in Amritsar with 112 Indians, continuing the controversial returns that began two days ago. The media highlighted accounts of shackled deportees during the 66-hour flight.

Evening coverage returned to the stampede aftermath as Railways announced four special Kumbh trains from Platform 16, with new entry-exit protocols through Ajmeri Gate. BJP's announcement of Delhi's new Chief Minister was postponed to tomorrow, with the oath ceremony scheduled for February 18.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Dawn Tremors and New Election Chief

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A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR at dawn, with its epicenter near Dhaulakuan lake, causing widespread evacuation. The media's extensive coverage of the tremors temporarily overshadowed the ongoing Delhi station stampede investigation.

By midday, the selection of the new Chief Election Commissioner emerged as the central story, with Congress opposing the selection process timing. The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar was announced by evening, despite Congress's objections.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived for bilateral talks, with PM Modi breaking protocol to receive him at the airport. The railways announced new crowd management measures at 60 major stations, implementing holding zones and AI-based monitoring in response to the recent stampede. A Nepali student's death at KIIT University evolved into a diplomatic incident with Nepal.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Night When Delta Flipped in Toronto Snow

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A Delta Airlines plane with 80 passengers overturned during landing in Toronto, dominating early morning coverage with 18 injuries reported. The incident temporarily overshadowed ongoing domestic stories.

By mid-morning, attention returned to the Delhi stampede investigation, with RPF report confirming platform changes for Kumbh trains as the trigger. The Supreme Court's hearing of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's case generated extensive coverage, with the court granting protection while criticizing his content.

US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia about Ukraine peace emerged as a significant international story, with Zelenskyy's criticism of the format and postponed visit generating debate. Tesla's announcement of India hiring following Modi-Musk meeting sparked business coverage, while Mamata Banerjee's characterization of Mahakumbh as "Mrityu Kumbh" (death festival) intensified political tensions around the ongoing religious gathering.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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First-Time MLA Takes Delhi's Throne

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Trump's questioning of USAID's $21 million voter turnout fund for India dominated early morning coverage, with multiple outlets repeating his "they have more money" quote. By noon, BJP's selection of first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as Delhi's Chief Minister emerged as the central story, following three days of speculation since the election results.

The announcement process unfolded gradually, with observers arriving at BJP headquarters, followed by MLAs' meeting and formal selection. Gupta met the Lieutenant Governor in late afternoon to stake claim, with oath-taking scheduled for tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan.

In parallel coverage, the Jamia student crackdown continued generating debate, while New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener in Dubai, where India's matches were relocated despite Pakistan hosting the tournament.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day When Rekha Built Her River Cabinet

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Rekha Gupta's oath-taking as Delhi's fourth woman Chief Minister dominated morning coverage, with PM Modi attending the Ramlila Ground ceremony. By early afternoon, she performed Yamuna aarti with her cabinet, signaling BJP's focus on river cleaning as a governance priority. Her first cabinet meeting approved Ayushman Bharat implementation and promised to table delayed CAG reports.

The cabinet allocation saw Gupta retain Finance while giving PWD to Parvesh Verma, marking clear departmental ownership for key promises. Trump's claims about USAID's India funding generated political debate, with reports highlighting its reduction from $204M during UPA to $1.5M under Modi.

India defeated Bangladesh in Champions Trophy's opening match in Dubai, with Gill's century and Shami's five wickets leading the win. By evening, Sonia Gandhi's hospitalization at Ganga Ram Hospital emerged as a developing story.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Rising USAID Storm and Bombs in Tel Aviv

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Multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv and Bat Yam dominated early morning coverage, with two additional bombs defused and public transport suspended. The incident shifted attention from Delhi's governance transition.

By mid-morning, India's MEA labeled Trump's claims about USAID's $21 million voter turnout funding as "deeply troubling," marking a significant escalation from previous days' political debate. The controversy deepened when reports emerged suggesting the funds were actually meant for Bangladesh.

In the afternoon, ED imposed a ₹3.44 crore penalty on BBC India for FEMA violations, while Operation Dunki investigations revealed extensive human trafficking networks in Punjab. The language politics surrounding NEP implementation intensified, with Education Minister Pradhan responding to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's Hindi imposition claims. PM Modi later addressed the language controversy, emphasizing mutual enrichment among Indian languages.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Gujarat Son Took FBI Helm

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Kash Patel's swearing-in as FBI Director on the Bhagavad Gita dominated morning coverage, with media focusing on his Gujarat roots. The USAID controversy escalated as Foreign Minister Jaishankar termed the organization's presence in India as "allowed in good faith," while addressing Trump's repeated claims about voter turnout funding.

By afternoon, former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's appointment as Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi emerged as a significant administrative restructuring, suggesting enhanced focus on economic management in the PMO. The Telangana tunnel collapse trapped eight workers, including two engineers, prompting PM Modi to contact CM Reddy.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's categorical rejection of NEP implementation "even for ₹10,000 crore" intensified the ongoing language politics, while Congress legislators continued their overnight protest in Rajasthan Assembly over the "Dadi" remark controversy.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Kohli's Century Eliminates Pakistan

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The Champions Trophy match in Dubai dominated media coverage throughout the day, with India's chase of Pakistan's 241 culminating in Virat Kohli's 51st ODI century and a six-wicket victory that effectively eliminated Pakistan from the tournament. The match provided relief from the ongoing USAID controversy, though S. Jaishankar's morning statement that "facts will come out" maintained the issue's prominence.

Bank employees announced a two-day strike for March, while rescue operations continued at the collapsed Telangana tunnel without establishing contact with eight trapped workers. The Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute flared up following a language-related assault on a bus conductor.

Italian PM Meloni's defense of nationalist leaders Modi and Trump against liberal criticism generated significant coverage, while Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's implicit threat to leave the party if not valued added to the political discourse.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Germany Turned Right and Tunnel Hope Dimmed

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Friedrich Merz's conservative victory in German elections dominated morning coverage, with his CDU/CSU alliance securing 28.5% against SPD's 16%. The news coincided with Delhi's new BJP government beginning its first assembly session, sparking controversy over alleged removal of Ambedkar-Bhagat Singh portraits from CM office.

By afternoon, diminishing hopes in Telangana tunnel rescue operation took center stage, as Navy MARCOS joined efforts to reach eight trapped workers. Punjab's crackdown on illegal immigration intensified with cancellation of 40 travel agents' licenses, following previous days' Operation Dunki revelations.

Evening coverage focused on UN General Assembly's vote on Ukraine withdrawal resolution, with India abstaining while US unexpectedly aligned with Russia's position. The anticipated CAG reports on Delhi's liquor policy and CM residence renovation emerged as potential political flashpoints.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Morning America Crossed Lines

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The US position shift at the UN, siding with Russia on Ukraine resolutions while India maintained abstention, dominated morning coverage. This diplomatic realignment coincided with Trump administration's sanctions against four Indian companies over alleged Iran connections.

By midday, Delhi Assembly erupted as 21 AAP MLAs were suspended during presentation of CAG reports on liquor policy losses (₹2,002 crore) and other irregularities. Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar received a second life sentence in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Evening coverage shifted to CBSE's announcement of bi-annual Class 10 board examinations starting 2026, while rescue efforts continued at Telangana tunnel without breakthrough. The Maha Kumbh preparations for final royal bath dominated late coverage, with administration declaring no-vehicle zones and deploying additional security forces.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day of Final Kumbh Dip and Afghan Cricket Victory

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The Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded with administration reporting 1.53 crore devotees taking the final holy dip by evening, bringing the total attendance to 66 crore over 45 days. Morning coverage focused on security arrangements and Naga Sadhus' processions.

Bihar's political landscape shifted as Nitish Kumar inducted seven BJP ministers, carefully balanced across castes, signaling NDA's electoral strategy. The expansion followed BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal's resignation.

A rape inside a parked bus at Pune's Swargate depot sparked protests and NCW intervention, while 23 security guards were suspended. Evening attention turned to Afghanistan's historic Champions Trophy victory over England, effectively eliminating the defending champions through Ibrahim's 177-run innings and Omarzai's final over defense of 13 runs.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Last Kumbh Waters Washed Federation Fight

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The Maha Kumbh's conclusion, with reported 66 crore participants over 45 days, merged with intensifying north-south political tensions over proposed delimitation. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's claims about Hindi "swallowing" regional languages drew sharp responses from central ministers.

By afternoon, focus shifted to concerns about state finances as reports emerged of potential cuts to states' tax share. Meanwhile, Manipur saw signs of stabilization with Meitei groups surrendering 246 weapons following governor's ultimatum.

The appointment of Tuhin Kanta Pandey as SEBI chairman marked a significant institutional change. Law enforcement developments included intensified manhunt for Pune bus rape suspect, with former CJI Chandrachud noting that laws alone cannot prevent such crimes.

AAP-BJP confrontation continued in Delhi Assembly, with suspended AAP MLAs blocked from entering, seeking presidential intervention.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Badrinath Snow Trapped Workers While Markets Fell

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Morning began with reports of 57 Border Roads Organisation workers trapped by an avalanche near Badrinath at 3,200m altitude. Rescue operations evolved throughout the day, with numbers fluctuating as teams battled 6-foot snow and poor visibility, eventually saving 33 workers while 22 remained trapped by evening.

Markets witnessed their most significant drop in 30 years, with Sensex falling over 1,400 points, erasing ₹9 lakh crore of investor wealth. The decline followed Trump's tariff threats and foreign investors' shift toward Chinese markets.

CAG report exposed Delhi's healthcare infrastructure gaps, revealing 14 hospitals without ICUs and widespread deficiencies in mohalla clinics. The report indicated ₹205 crore of Covid funds remained unused.

The Pune bus rape suspect's arrest story concluded with his 12-day police remand, while his lawyer claimed "consent" in court.
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