Breaking News LIVE: Abhishek Banerjee speaks in Lok Sabha, Akhilesh Yadav speaks on Budget, and other key developments

Government tightens AI use on social media

The government has set a deadline of 3 hours for social media platforms to remove content flagged by the authorities for breaking local laws, as per a new order from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Previously, the deadline was 36 hours. These new rules will take effect on February 20, 2026. Read the full story here.

'Bengal's spine was never bent by surrender, nor softened,' says Abhishek Banerjee

"If the government wants to punish Bengal, we won't bow. If they want to freeze our funds, we will persist. The Prime Minister talked about 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. We showed him what a 'Swanirbhar' Bengal looks like. You want to profile and persecute our youth, we will protect them. Bengal's spine was never bent by surrender, nor softened. It is not for sale. Files can be frozen, funds can be stalled, voices can be suppressed - but memories can't be erased," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee highlights how an individual pays taxes throughout his/her life

"A baby is born, and his milk and diapers are taxed. He grows; his education is taxed. He studies; his books, and internet are taxed. His income is taxed as he starts earning. His savings are taxed. His survival is taxed. He goes to work, his fuel is taxed. He falls sick, his illness is taxed. He grows old, his pension and healthcare are also taxed. Even after his death, the family still pays tax," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee speaks on data freeze, taxes

"The RTI Act was diluted. The PMO claimed that the PMCares fund lies outside the purview of the RTI Act, as it is a private fund. NFHS and NCRB data are being frozen. In today's India, tax does not follow income. Tax follows life," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee speaks on healthcare allocations in the Union Budget

"On healthcare, the government spends less than 2.6 percent of the GDP. The National Health Policy promised 2.5 percent of GDP. We get postponements, excuses, and under-allocations instead. This Budget chooses optics over oxygen," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee talks about the representation of the agricultural sector in the Union Budget 2026

"The Budget doesn't talk about any relief for farmers. There is no mention of MSP, diesel support, or fertilizer support. This leaves the majority of Indian farmers trapped in distress. The PM Kisan scheme has been stuck at Rs. 6,000 since December 2018. Farmers are earning less every year," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

'Public property is being sold hastily,' says Abhishek Banerjee

"Over the last decade, the government has treated institutions as its own personal property. Public property is being sold hastily without any accountability. This is described as reform, but is actually a managed handover," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee speaks on the discontinuation of scholarships

"Three cracks in the Constitution - hatred has now been normalised, the number of cases of strife between social classes has tripled between 2021 and 2023. It happened amidst political speeches, rallies, and calculated dog whistles. Hate has become a broadcast. Funds for the development of scheduled categories remain unutilised. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship, the Pre-Metric Scholarship, and Padho Pardesh have been hollowed out," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

'Aparajita Bill withheld' - Abhishek Banerjee highlights in Lok Sabha

"More than 86 women are raped every day in this country. This shows systematic collapse, not isolated crimes. Bengal passed the 'Aparajita Bill' - a stringent anti-rape law, providing the strongest deterrence to crimes against women. For a year and a half, it has been kept pending without any decision. This expresses a lack of intent," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee speaks on underutilisation of funds allocated for youth scholarships

"Less than 5 percent of the amount allocated for the PM Internship Scheme has been utilised. 31 percent of funds were unused in the Prime Minister Young Achiever's Scholarship Scheme in the financial year 2025-26," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee highlights MSP issue in Lok Sabha speech

"Every day, nearly 30 farmers die by suicide, not because they failed, but policy failed them. Five years after the farmers' movement, the Union government has still not legalized MSP. Assurances were made, but delivery never followed. The new trade deal with the US will open Indian markets to heavily subsidized American produce. The deal may benefit American farmers, but it will destroy prices, diminish competitiveness, and further marginalise Indian farmers, who struggle without MSP protection. This is the abandonment of the 'Annadata'", says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee alleges attempts to create oligopoly in the country

"This Budget has given triple bonanzas for the rich, and triple lock on the poor. In this economy, money earns money, but survival earns nothing. Foreign cloud giants are offered tax holidays, while Indian MSMEs are left empty-handed. Corporate India gets a red carpet to flourish oligopoly," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee talks on his 'triple' principle

"My ten principles of triple - tax slab - income tax, GST, inflation. Secondly, the triple pain of proving your existence. Voting is no longer considered enough. Even service to the nation is long enough. In Bengal alone, 150 lives have been lost in the last couple of months, and nearly one crore people are being treated as suspects. If the electoral rolls are doubtful, then the legitimacy of this very house is questionable. Thirdly, three betrayals - as global crude oil prices crash, Indian citizens see no benefit, safeguarding only four percent of the Indian Railways network with Kavach, and driving on unsafe roads after paying income, road, and toll taxes," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee highlights Pahalgam attacks in Lok Sabha

"We are told that India's borders are safe, and cannot be violated, but that promise lies in ruins. Terrorists cross our borders, infiltrate heavily guarded, militarized zones like Pahalgam, and gun down 26 innocent civilians in broad daylight. All of this flows from one unmistakable aspect of this Budget - Triple. Modern India lives with three certainties - pressure that mounts, taxes that multiply, and trust that is betrayed. Today, India lives under triple pressure, triple taxation, and triple betrayal," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee calls Bengal a subject of political vendetta

"Despite repeated requests and appeals, we have been denied employment under MGNREGA, housing under PMAY, road connectivity under Gram Sadak Yojana, and even basic drinking water under Jal Jeevan Mission. Governance means abandonment, poorest of poors have to fight for 'Roti-Kapda-Makaan', where houses are sanctioned on paper, but erased in practice, as the government boasts about 'minimum government, maximum governance'. Minimum drinking water becomes a bargaining chip in political vendetta," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee speaks on the withholding of West Bengal's dues

"What is withheld is dignity, a constitutional promise that every Indian state stands equal before the Union. This is not governance or federalism. Either you stand in line, or you will be made to pay the price. One India is being asked to kneel before the other. The Finance Minister proudly declares that India is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and on the other hand, Bengal is systematically denied its rightful share after paying 6.75 lakh crore in taxes in the last seven years," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

'Bengal wrote courage in blood', says Abhishek Banerjee

"I come from a part of India that gave birth to revolutionaries and wrote courage in blood. I also represent an India, where saying 'Joy Bangla', or singing 'Amar Sonar Bangla' is enough to brand you a 'ghuspetiya'. I come from an India that thunders 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', and where West Bengal's dues to the tune of 1 lakh 96 thousand crore are frozen in cold, bureaucratic silence," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Abhishek Banerjee references comedian Vir Das's 'Two Indias' speech in Lok Sabha

"In November 2021, at the Kennedy Centre, Vir Das, a young stand-up comedian from India, spoke of two Indias. Many laughed, some were offended, few paused to listen, but what he said was not comedy; it was a prophecy. A mirror held up to a nation, standing on the edge of its own contradictions. Because I, too, come from two Indias. I come from an India which proclaims 'Ek Bharat Sreshtha Bharat'. I also come from an India where mother tongue becomes a marker of suspicion. Where speaking Bengali makes you a Bangladeshi, and eating fish makes you a Mughal," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

'Subscription-based federalism', Abhishek Banerjee launches scathing attack at Union Budget

"In her 85-minute-long speech, Bengal was not even mentioned once. Even the freight corridor from Dankuni, referenced in the Budget, was announced by the then-Railway Minister in 2009, which was Mamata Banerjee. The Constitution promises equality amongst states, but this government practices preference, as allies are funded and opponents are starved. This is not a model of cooperative federalism; this is a model of subscription-based federalism," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

'FM practising Robin Hood model in reserve', says Abhishek Banerjee

"This Budget does not offer clarity or show responsibility. It does not heal the economy, rather this Budget curates headlines. It speaks loudly in slogans, but softly in solutions. This is a Budget which rewards those who can avoid taxes through privilege and punishes those who pay them honestly through compulsion. I think the Finance Minister is practising the Robin Hood model in reverse. She drains the poor through taxation and inflation, while rewarding the rich with concessions and privileges," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Lok Sabha.

Ghaziabad sisters’ deaths: 3 BHK flat, yet 9 slept in one room

New details have come to light in the tragic deaths of three minor sisters who allegedly jumped to their deaths from a ninth-floor apartment in Ghaziabad, raising troubling questions about their family life and living conditions, which are viewed against the backdrop created by their father. Pakhi (12), Prachi (14) and Nishika (16) died last Wednesday after jumping from the rooftop of their residential town in Bharat City, which is located in Ghaziabad. Initially, it had been suspected that the girls might have taken the extreme step because the parents had objected to their "gaming" addiction and had confiscated the girls’ mobile phones. However, police investigations showed complexity. Police say the girls lived in a three-bedroom flat where nine family members, including Chetan Kumar and his three wives, as well as five children, all slept in one room. According to the accused, he married three women. Click here to read the full story

Five of a family, including three children, found dead in Mathura; mass suicide suspected

In a shocking incident, five members of a family, including three young children, were found dead in their house in Khapparpur village of Mathura district on Tuesday, police said. Authorities believe this incident may be a case of mass suicide. Police also discovered a suicide note, a message written on a wall, and a video made by the family's patriarch, according to news agency PTI. The deceased include Manish Kumar, 35, a farmer, his wife around 32, and their three children: two daughters and a son, said Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar. "They were found dead inside a room of their house," he added. Details about the contents of the suicide note and the video have not been released yet.

"The government bulldozed Ahilyabai Holkar's statue at the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. The government has destroyed a hundred temples in Varanasi. A bell gifted by the then emperor of Nepal is missing. The Ganges has been ignored. The government has not taken any measures to clean the Yamuna," says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in the Lok Sabha.

"The whole nation understands that we have opened our markets yet again. Where will our self-reliance go? People want to know: is 0 higher or 18? This budget is directionless. There is no vision to make the nation developed by 2047. Per-capita income lies around $3,000. It is not increasing. The Budget doesn't have a route map to alleviate poverty," says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in the Lok Sabha.

"The National Clean Air Program runs on 2009 standards, weaker than the WHO's PM 2.5 norms, even as pollution control funding has been cut from 1,300 crore to 1,091 crore this year. A budget that saves on rupees, but doesn't care about the air the citizens breathe, reduces development to bad arithmetic, not good progress," says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.

"No discussion on employment can go on without a discussion on MGNREGA. Now replaced by VB G Ram G act, it hollowed out the demand-driven employment guarantee. The new act caps central funding, through state-wise normative allocations, shifts 40 per cent of the wage costs to states, and allows for the scheme to be paused for up to 60 days during the peak agricultural seasons, shrinking the real window of guaranteed work. Once a state's allocation is exhausted, a worker's statutory right to employment ends. This converts an open-ended, rights-based programme into a budget-restructured, centrally rationed scheme, while fiscal ceilings override legal entitlements," says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.

"This Budget appears to be a squandered opportunity. It ignores unemployment, rising living costs, and inequality. Behind flashy announcements lie chronic underutilisation. Behind claims of fiscal prudence lie uncomfortable realities. Tax receipts have remained flat relative to GDP. The government has relied on low-cost measures, but the Budget does not provide any real relief to the unemployed. This is what I call an underwhelming Budget," says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.

Dr Simon Grant, Physician and Trustee at Ruby Hall Clinic, confirmed on Tuesday that Sharad Pawar, president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is stable and recovering well. His vital signs are normal, and his overall condition keeps improving, according to a report by Hindustan Times. In an official statement, the doctor noted that the mild discomfort present at admission has improved with ongoing treatment. "As a precaution, he remains under observation. His care follows Ruby Hall Clinic's established medical guidelines, and all tests are closely monitored," the statement said. The NCP president was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital on Monday. His daughter, Supriya Sule, reported that he had developed chest congestion and will need a five-day course of antibiotics.

In its BIGGEST arms deal, India set to approve Rs 3.25 lakh crore Rafale deal for 114 jets

The Defence Ministry is expected to clear a deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore this week to acquire 114 French-made Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme just ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Delhi, according to a report by NDTV. Once complete, it would represent India's largest single weapons procurement to date and will also contain provisions to manufacture approximately 100 of the jets in India through technology transfer and a strategic partnership to bolster the 'Make In India' initiative. Read the full story here.

'Not completely satisfied with answer’: BJP MLA Maithili Thakur grills Health minister over crumbling hospital conditions

At the ongoing budget session on Monday, the poor condition of government hospitals once again came under scrutiny in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, after BJP MLA Maithili Thakur questioned the state health minister over the state of a hospital in her Constituency. Thakur, during Question Hour, outlined that the building of the hospital in her area is crumbling and that under such conditions, it poses a threat to both patients and staff, besides a major accident occurring anytime. Read the full story here.

'Not charity, it's dignity': Sonu Sood steps in to help Rajpal Yadav, offers him film and 'small signing amount'

Just before surrendering and going to Tihar Jail due to the Rs 9 crore debt and cheque bounce case, actor Rajpal Yadav made a heartfelt confession and shared that he was struggling with serious financial problems and had no one to help him. In a gesture of support, actor Sonu Sood has decided to help Rajpal by offering him a film along with a small signing amount. In a post on X and Instagram Stories, Sonu extended his offer. He also urged others in the film industry to come forward and support Rajpal, reminding him that he is not alone during this tough time. "Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us..producers, directors, colleagues to stand together....," he said on X. Read the full post here.

'Very happy with this verdict': Unnao rape survivor expresses relief after SC turns down Kuldeep Sengar's the bail request

The Unnao rape survivor expressed relief after the Supreme Court turned down the bail request of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is linked to her father's custodial death. The top court reviewed Sengar's plea, which challenged the High Court's order from January 19 that declined to suspend his sentence in the death case. After the Supreme Court's decision, the rape survivor was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, "I went to the Supreme Court today. I was in the court when the judge delivered his verdict. I am very happy with this verdict. I am satisfied that the judge has ordered the hearing to be completed within 3 months, as soon as possible..."

Kolkata Metro launches suicide prevention audio message across Blue line corridor

Kolkata Metro Railway has introduced an audio announcement about the consequences of attempting suicide at several of its stations along the North-South route, also called the Blue Line. This comes in the wake of several suicide attempts in the last three months. According to available data, there were three suicide bids on the Blue line in November, two in December, three in January and another two in February. There were 10 individuals who jumped on the tracks, most of whom did not make it in time. Read the full story here.

EPFO to launch new app allowing PF withdrawal through UPI

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is preparing to roll out major reforms to make provident fund withdrawals faster, easier and more technology-driven for subscribers. According to news agency reports quoting a senior official from the Labour Ministry, a new mobile application is expected to be launched in April, allowing EPFO members to withdraw PF money directly into their bank accounts through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Once implemented, this move is likely to significantly reduce reliance on the time-consuming claim-filing process. Read the full story here.

Delhi wakes up to warmer February morning as winter weakens; AQI stays poor

Delhi and other areas of North India felt a sudden increase in temperature on Tuesday, making the atmosphere feel warmer than usual in February. However, this does not mean that winter has suddenly ended. Experts explain that the sudden increase in temperature is associated with the Western Disturbance that is currently being experienced in the Himalayan region. The Western Disturbance has temporarily reduced the strength of the cold winds from the north that keep the winter temperatures under control in the northern plains. Read the full story here.

Property dispute turns deadly as father 'murders own son' in Odisha

A dispute over ancestral property turned fatal in Odisha, with a youth allegedly murdered by his own father. The incident took place in Kampulei village under the Kankadahada area of Odisha. According to police sources, the deceased, Khiroda Sahu (22), was locked in a long-running conflict with his father, Bibhuti Sahu, over the ownership of a piece of land. The tension escalated on Sunday, following which Khiroda lodged a complaint against his father at the police station. While returning home from the station, he was allegedly attacked by Bibhuti with a sharp weapon and was hacked multiple times. The accused has been absconding since the incident, and police have launched a search operation to trace him.

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm

Lok Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 2 PM.

Market focus today: 6 stocks to track, key buy levels and profit targets to watch

India’s stock market opened the week on a positive note and carried that optimism into the second trading session as well. While Monday sessions saw some good upward momentum, experts said investors remained cautious, avoiding aggressive bets amid ongoing global and domestic uncertainties. On Tuesday, the markets extended early gains. The Sensex was trading higher by around 250 points at the opening, while the Nifty was up by nearly 76 points. Bank Nifty, which showed strong momentum on Monday, appeared relatively subdued in early trade on Tuesday, at least until 10 am. Read the full story here.

Sunetra Pawar takes charge as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister

NCP leader Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Ajit Pawar, assumed office as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Tuesday. Ajit Pawar passed away in an air crash on January 28.

DGCA's 2024-25 crackdown: 352 show-cause notices issued to airlines, IndiGo and Air India top list

India’s aviation safety regulator issued 352 show-cause notices to domestic airlines from January 2024 to December 2025, said Murlidhar Mohol, the minister of state for civil aviation, in a written response to Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale. IndiGo, which holds the largest market share and operates 440 aircraft, received the most notices. Air India, with 187 planes, followed closely behind, according to data shared in Parliament on Monday. The notices addressed violations in safety, operations, maintenance, training and passenger rights. India currently has five major airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. Read the full story here.

ED likely to summon Tina Ambani again after she skips money laundering questioning

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to issue new summons to Tina Ambani, the wife of industrialist Anil Ambani, after she missed a questioning session on Monday related to a money laundering investigation involving Reliance Group, according to sources. The federal agency has created a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into cases against the companies led by Anil Ambani, following the Supreme Court's direction last Wednesday.

CBSE goes digital: Class 12 answer sheets to be evaluated on-screen from 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the introduction of On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer book evaluations, starting with the 2026 board examinations in an effort to improve efficiency, transparency and speed in the evaluation process. In an official message to principals and heads of all CBSE-affiliated schools, the Board stated that the evaluation of Class 10 answer books will still take place in physical mode in 2026, as it has in the past. Read the full story here.

IRCTC rolls out on-demand 'E-Pantry' service for seat delivery on 25 trains

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, or IRCTC, has taken another step forward to enhance the comfort of rail passengers. A special 'E-Pantry' service has been launched for passengers of mail and express trains. Now travelers can get their favourite food right at their seat while travelling by train. Initially, this online meal booking facility will be available on 25 important trains across the country. Gradually, this service will be available on all trains. Read the full story here.