In a disturbing case from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, videos of women bathing and changing clothes were allegedly recorded secretly and sold on social media. Reports suggest these videos were circulated for profit, sparking outrage. Upon receiving complaints, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities are tracking the perpetrators involved in this illegal act, which raises serious concerns about privacy violations at large public gatherings. The incident has led to demands for stricter surveillance and better security measures to prevent such crimes in the future.  

The Supreme Court has stayed an order from the Lokpal, which had granted jurisdiction to probe high court judges. The court found the development "disturbing" and issued notices to the Centre, the Lokpal office, and the complainant. The Lokpal had earlier directed that complaints about high court judges influencing cases be forwarded to the Chief Justice of India for consideration. The case concerns allegations that a high court judge had influenced another judge and a district judge to favor a private company with which he had past connections.  

India's Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rejected a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that found high coliform levels in the Sangam waters at Prayagraj’s Kumbh Mela. The report revealed the Ganges' coliform levels were 1,400 times above the limit, making the water unfit for bathing. Adityanath insisted the water is safe, accusing the opposition of defaming the festival. Tens of millions have bathed since January 13. The Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, has also seen two deadly crowd crushes, killing 48 people. The festival concludes on February 26.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed concerns about water pollution at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Speaking in the assembly, he said, "Misinformation is being spread that Kumbh water quality is deteriorating. Kumbh water is absolutely fine to take a dip." His statement came after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported high faecal coliform levels in the Sangam, making the water unsafe for bathing. Adityanath assured that the UP Pollution Control Board is monitoring cleanliness. The CPCB report had raised concerns about sewage contamination, but the CM insisted that the water remains safe.

In her address to the state legislature, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel announced that over the past eight years, the state has received investment proposals totaling approximately ₹45 lakh crore, with more than ₹15 lakh crore already implemented. These investments have generated employment for over 60 lakh youth. The Governor highlighted significant infrastructure developments, including the operationalization of four major expressways—Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand—and ongoing construction of the Ganga Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway. She also noted progress in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, attracting investments of ₹9,500 crore across its various nodes.   

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the handling of the recent Maha Kumbh Mela, referring to it as 'Mrityu Kumbh' (Death Kumbh) due to incidents of stampede. She claimed that authorities have concealed the actual number of fatalities to downplay the severity of the situation. Official reports indicate that at least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj last month, with an additional 18 fatalities occurring during a recent stampede at an overcrowded New Delhi railway station. Banerjee emphasized that under the current administration, the sacred gathering has transformed into a tragic event. 

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim protection from arrest to podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, following multiple FIRs filed against him for alleged obscene remarks made during an episode of the stand-up show 'India's Got Latent'. While staying his arrest, the court reprimanded Allahbadia for his "perverted mind" and "condemnable behaviour," emphasizing the irresponsibility of his comments. The bench highlighted a legislative vacuum concerning online content regulation and urged the Centre to address the issue. As a condition of his bail, Allahbadia is prohibited from airing any shows on YouTube or other platforms until further notice. 

India is striving to develop its own foundational AI model but lags behind global leaders like the US and China. While the government has pledged support through chip supplies and funding, experts highlight structural gaps in research, education, and policy. India’s AI talent is globally recognized, yet many migrate abroad due to limited domestic opportunities. Unlike China’s DeepSeek, India lacks high-quality datasets and deep-tech breakthroughs. With limited AI investment compared to global giants, experts stress the need for stronger industry-government collaboration to bridge the gap and build strategic autonomy in AI development.

The Bombay High Court has upheld a court martial's decision sentencing a former Lieutenant Colonel to five years in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The court noted that the victim clearly identified the inappropriate behavior, rejecting the officer's claim that his actions were out of "grandfatherly" affection. The incident occurred in February 2020, leading to a General Court Martial conviction in March 2021, which was later confirmed by the Armed Forces Tribunal in January 2024. The High Court found no error in these findings, emphasizing the credibility of the victim's testimony. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed officials to ensure the complete enforcement of three newly enacted criminal laws in Jammu and Kashmir by April 2025. During a recent review meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Shah emphasized the importance of training law enforcement and judicial personnel on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These laws, which replace colonial-era statutes, aim to modernize India's criminal justice system. Shah also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the changes.