The Indian government has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to provide assured pensions to central government employees. Effective April 1, 2025, the UPS guarantees 50% of the average basic salary from the last 12 months before retirement for employees with a minimum of 25 years of service. Employees with at least 10 years of service are eligible for a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month. The government's contribution to the pension fund will increase from 14% to 18.5%. This initiative aims to address concerns over the existing National Pension Scheme (NPS), which links payouts to market returns.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, concludes on February 26 after 45 days, drawing a record 63 crore visitors. The final Amrit Snan takes place on Mahashivratri. Despite grand celebrations, the event saw tragic incidents, including a January 29 stampede that killed 30 and injured 60. Authorities deployed massive security and arranged 350 additional trains for pilgrims. Dignitaries like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu attended. The event, held every 144 years, remains the world’s largest religious gathering, steeped in Hindu traditions and mythology.

Rescue teams in Telangana continue efforts to save 8 trapped workers inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, and GSI experts say the operation is among the “most complex” due to thick silt and water flow. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy cited geological factors for the collapse and stressed safety concerns for rescuers. Authorities are considering drilling from the top or side to reach the trapped workers. No communication has been established yet. Nagarkurnool officials confirm that dewatering efforts continue, but heavy sludge is blocking access beyond the tunnel boring machine.

A 23-year-old man, Afan, allegedly killed five family members in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district before surrendering to the police on Monday. The victims included his teenage brother, grandmother, uncle, aunt, and his girlfriend. His mother survived but remains critical.   According to police, Afan used a hammer to attack the victims across three locations. Reports indicate he showed no remorse and even left money scattered near his brother’s body. Authorities suspect drug abuse played a role in the crime. The investigation continues.

Three devotees were killed and two injured after a herd of 15 elephants attacked them near Talakona temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district. The attack occurred around 2:30 am as 30 devotees walked through the forest road ahead of Mahashivratri celebrations. Police confirmed the deceased included two men and a woman from Railway Kodur and Urlagadda Podu Arundhati Nagar. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan announced ₹10 lakh aid for the victims’ families and ₹5 lakh for the injured. Authorities urged increased safety measures for temple visitors. Survivors were escorted home, while the injured received medical care.

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that the change in Delhi’s government might help solve issues related to the Yamuna. This includes cleaning the river and ensuring fair water supply from Haryana. The court has been monitoring the matter since 2021. Justice BR Gavai said, “With the change of government, all disputes might get resolved.” The BJP now controls Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The party has promised to clean the river. Last week, it launched a three-year plan, deployed machines, and took action against industries polluting the Yamuna. The situation is being closely watched.

Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress leader, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The special court convicted him for the murder of two individuals during the riots, which were sparked by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination. Kumar, accused of inciting the violence, had already been sentenced for other related murders in the Raj Nagar area. The complainant, who lost her family members, sought the death penalty. Despite calls for a harsher punishment, the court awarded a life sentence, citing psychological evaluations due to the complexity of the case and its capital punishment implications.

Preity Zinta Criticised Congress's claim that New India Cooperative Bank wrote off an ₹18 crore loan she took for a Caribbean T20 cricket venture. The bank's alleged irregularities have left thousands of account holders concerned about their funds. Banking expert Vidyadhar Anaskar revealed that the bank waived Zinta's loan without following proper procedures, leading to financial losses. The bank's former president, Hiren Bhanu, and his wife are accused of embezzling crores, with the Reserve Bank of India reportedly overlooking these issues, adversely affecting ordinary account holders.

A central audit has revealed that Delhi's liquor policy failed to meet its intended objectives. The policy aimed to boost revenue and curb illegal liquor trade but fell short in both areas. The audit found that the anticipated revenue increase was not achieved, and the illegal liquor market remained prevalent. Additionally, the policy's implementation faced challenges, including administrative delays and lack of coordination among departments. These findings suggest the need for a comprehensive review and potential overhaul of the policy to address its shortcomings and better align with its original goals.

Indian Railways faces overcrowding issues, recently highlighted by a stampede in New Delhi, claiming 18 lives. Despite this, the railway system continues to sell unreserved tickets, which are vital for low-income travelers. The unreserved category allows flexible, affordable travel but results in overcrowded trains. Social responsibility and complex logistical challenges prevent limiting ticket sales. For many, unreserved tickets are the only affordable travel option. While the overcrowding issue is evident, restricting access could exclude millions of low-income passengers who rely on this service for their daily commute.