A high court judge in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh absolved a man of marital rape charges, has sparked outrage and reignited calls to criminalize marital rape in the country. The man was acquitted of rape and homicide charges after the High Court ruled that marital rape isn't legally recognized. Activists, including lawyers and gender rights advocates, condemned the decision, arguing it perpetuates violence against women and undermines their safety. Despite petitions to reform the law, the Indian government maintains that criminalizing marital rape would destabilize marriage, citing outdated beliefs about consent within marriage.

In a devastating accident, one Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus collided head-on with one truck near Balwantapur village, Mallial mandal, Jagtial district. The head-on collision killed the bus conductor and injured eight others, including the driver and travelers. The bus, going from Jagtial to Warangal, had the truck, carrying bamboo, collided head-on. Authorities have registered the case under sections 304-A and 337 of the Indian Penal Code and also investigating the cause of the accident.      

Mumbai and Guwahati police visited podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s residence on Friday after he failed to appear for questioning over an obscenity case linked to his appearance on India's Got Latent. The apartment was locked, prompting authorities to return. Allahbadia, facing multiple FIRs, has approached the Supreme Court for relief. His apology—“My comment wasn’t even funny”—failed to stop criticism. Parliament and the National Commission for Women have intervened, demanding reports on the matter. Meanwhile, co-accused comedian Samay Raina remains in the U.S., seeking more time for questioning.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia has skipped a second police summons in Mumbai. His phone is switched off, and his home is locked. He was asked to appear at Khar Police Station over his controversial remarks on the show India’s Got Latent. Mumbai Police tried to contact him but got no response. Allahbadia has now moved the Supreme Court, seeking protection from multiple FIRs. He also applied for anticipatory bail. Meanwhile, Assam police have filed a case against him and others for promoting obscenity. The National Commission for Women has also summoned him for questioning on February 17.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has superseded the board of directors of New India Co-operative Bank for 12 months and appointed Shreekant, a former SBI Chief General Manager, as an administrator. This follows concerns regarding the bank's liquidity. Restrictions have been placed, including limitations on deposit withdrawals, with eligible depositors entitled to a deposit insurance claim of up to Rs 5 lakh from DICGC. Customers have expressed frustration due to lack of communication while trying to access their funds and services. The RBI’s actions came after supervisory issues with the bank's operations.  

Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, is set to resign, with a new CEC to be appointed soon, according to sources. This development follows the unexpected resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel in March 2024, leaving the Election Commission with a single member. The Supreme Court has previously cautioned against such a scenario, emphasizing the importance of a multi-member commission to ensure balanced decision-making.  

The imposition of President's rule in Manipur has intensified ethnic tensions. Meitei groups oppose the move, feeling it bypasses their democratic rights to select a new CM, while tribal Kuki-Zo communities see it as a hopeful step towards ending violence. The Kuki-Zo leaders, frustrated by the previous CM’s biased handling of ethnic conflicts, believe the President's rule could pave the way for peace. Meanwhile, political leaders, including BJP and Congress, reflect divergent views, with Congress highlighting the prolonged crisis and fatalities.

On Shab-e-Baraat, a significant night of Islamic observance, authorities in Srinagar closed the historic Jamia Masjid, preventing congregational prayers. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized this action, stating it reflects a lack of confidence. The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the mosque's managing body, confirmed the closure, citing security concerns. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among the public and political leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions over religious freedoms in the region.

Mumbai Police have issued a second summons to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia after he failed to appear for questioning over his controversial remark on India’s Got Latent. He requested officers to visit his home, but they refused. Assam Police also summoned comedian Samay Raina, currently in the US, asking him to appear by February 17. Raina removed all show episodes and promised cooperation. The National Commission for Women has also called them for questioning. The controversy has sparked debate on online content laws, with lawmakers considering stricter rules to punish offensive content.

A CRPF jawan in Manipur opened fire at his colleagues, killing two and injuring eight others before shooting himself. The incident happened around 8 pm at a CRPF camp in Lamsang, Imphal West district. The jawan belonged to the F-120 company. Senior police and CRPF officers rushed to the spot. Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the shooting. The injured were taken to a hospital in Imphal. Manipur Police called it a suspected case of fratricide. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.