Sipu Jha
- Pawar faction merger talks: The sudden death of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has reopened speculation about a possible reunion of the split NCP, with a close aide claiming Pawar was “100% keen” on a merger before his death.
- BJP slams Hamid Ansari remarks: The BJP accused former Vice President Hamid Ansari of “whitewashing brutal invasions” after he described Mahmud of Ghazni and the Lodhis as “Indian plunderers,” alleging distortion of history and glorification of invaders.
- Amit Shah on Assam infiltrators: Union home minister Amit Shah alleged that Assam’s demography changed under Congress rule, claiming the infiltrator population rose from zero to 64 lakh, and urged voters to back the BJP to reverse the trend in the upcoming assembly elections.
- Menstrual hygiene a fundamental right: The Supreme Court ruled that menstrual hygiene is part of the right to life and privacy under Article 21, directing states, UTs and schools to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads and ensure separate toilets for girls.
- Gold, silver see sharp crash: Gold and silver futures plunged sharply on MCX as traders booked profits after a record rally, with gold sliding up to Rs 11,000 per 10 grams and silver crashing Rs 68,000 per kg amid a stronger dollar and weak global cues.
Here are five news from the day:
Was Ajit Pawar considering an NCP merger before his death?
The sudden death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has reopened questions about a possible merger within the Nationalist Congress Party. A close aide said Pawar was “100% keen” on reuniting the fractured party. As a key power centre in the Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, Pawar’s absence has created political uncertainty. With the Baramati strongman gone, the future of the Nationalist Congress Party, fractured since its dramatic split in 2023, now hangs in uncertainty. Read full story here
‘Whitewashing brutal invasions’: BJP criticises Hamid Ansari over Mahmud of Ghazni remarks
The BJP strongly criticised former Vice President Hamid Ansari for describing Mahmud of Ghazni as an “Indian.” The party accused him of distorting history and attempting to “whitewash” the brutal invasions of India.“Those whom we describe in our textbooks as foreign invaders—whether it is the Lodhis or Ghazni—were all Indian plunderers. They did not come from outside,” Ansari said. Read full story here
Amit Shah attacks Congress over infiltrators in poll-bound Assam
Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of changing Assam’s demography during its rule due to infiltration. Speaking at an event in Dhemaji, Shah claimed the number of infiltrators rose from zero to 64 lakh and became a majority in seven districts. He also urged the people to vote for the state BJP government in the upcoming assembly elections to “completely free” Assam from infiltration.“Assam’s demography completely changed during Congress rule. The population of infiltrators rose to 64 lakh from nil, and infiltrators became the majority in seven districts,” the senior BJP leader alleged. Read full story here
Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right: Supreme Court
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared menstrual hygiene to be part of the right to life and privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court directed all states, Union Territories and schools to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads to girl students and ensure separate toilet facilities, stressing the need for dignity, health and equality for women and girls.The order was given by the bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan. Pronouncing its judgment on a plea seeking free sanitary pads and adequate sanitation facilities for schoolgirls, the apex court directed all states and Union Territories to provide biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to girl students in all schools. Read full story here
Gold, silver prices crash in exceptionally volatile session – what’s causing the sudden dip?
Gold and silver prices fell sharply in a highly volatile session as investors booked profits after hitting record highs earlier in the week. On the MCX, gold prices dropped by up to Rs 11,000 per 10 grams, while silver fell as much as Rs 68,000 per kg. Weak global markets and a stronger US dollar further weighed on prices.Gold futures expiring on February 5, 2026, slid by as much as Rs 11,000, or 6.5%, to settle at Rs 1,59,984 per 10 grams. Silver contracts for March 5, 2026, delivery saw an even steeper decline, plunging Rs 68,000, or 16.6%, to Rs 3,34,503 per kg – going below the Rs 3.5 lakh per kg mark. Read full story here
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