Velamati Chandrasekhara Janardhana Rao, 86, chairman of Veljan Group, was fatally stabbed 70 times by his 29-year-old grandson, Kilaru Keerthi Teja, in Hyderabad over a property dispute. The attack occurred during an argument at Rao’s residence, where his daughter, Sarojini Devi, was also injured while trying to intervene. Teja, who recently returned from the U.S. after completing his master’s degree, was arrested. Rao, a noted industrialist and philanthropist, had contributions in shipbuilding, energy, and industrial sectors. Police have launched an investigation into the murder.

Indian security forces killed 31 Maoist rebels in the forests of Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, in one of the deadliest clashes in recent years. Two commandos were also killed, while two other personnel sustained injuries. Security forces seized assault rifles and grenade launchers from the rebels. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the operation a "big success," reiterating the government's goal to eliminate the insurgency by 2026. The Maoist rebellion, ongoing since the 1960s, continues in India's "red corridor." Last year, 287 rebels were killed in security operations, mostly in Chhattisgarh. The death toll may rise as operations continue.

A fire broke out at a ‘kalpvasi’ tent in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh township in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, due to a gas leak. Firefighters swiftly contained the blaze within 10 minutes, and no casualties were reported. The tent, owned by Rajendra Jaiswal and set up by Om Prakash Pandey Seva Sansthan, was completely gutted. Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma confirmed that three fire tenders were deployed. This incident follows another fire at ISKCON’s Sector 18 camp two days earlier, which destroyed 20 tents but caused no injuries. Authorities are monitoring fire safety measures at the event.

A fire broke out at the under-construction Sabarmati bullet train station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Thirteen fire tenders controlled the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) stated that welding sparks from temporary shuttering work likely caused the fire. Officials are monitoring the situation. Sabarmati is India’s first bullet train terminal, part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, built with Japanese assistance. The project spans 508 km, with 12 stations planned across Gujarat and Maharashtra. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously showcased its modern design.

The Union Cabinet has approved a new income tax bill to replace the 1961 Income-tax Act, aiming to simplify direct tax laws. The bill removes complex provisions and explanations, ensuring clarity without imposing additional tax burdens. It will be introduced in Parliament next week and sent to the Standing Committee on Finance. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reviewed 6,500 stakeholder suggestions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the bill in Budget 2025-26. The ongoing budget session’s first phase ends on February 13, with the second phase resuming on March 10.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s Kolkata flagship store, located on Lake Road, reportedly costs over ₹20 lakh in rent per month. VJ-turned-content-creator Shenaz Treasury shared a video tour, calling it a “fashion temple.” The store showcases the designer’s signature blend of Indian heritage and luxury, featuring opulent chandeliers, antique frames, velvet sofas, and a red-carpet-worthy staircase. Shenaz tried on an ₹8 lakh lehenga and admired ₹4 crore jewellery pieces, emphasizing the store’s grandeur. She remarked, “Even the washroom feels luxurious!” The store is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts seeking an extravagant shopping experience.

Shantanu Naidu, former manager and close aide of late Ratan Tata, has been appointed General Manager and Head of Strategic Initiatives at Tata Motors. An engineer from Savitribai Phule Pune University and an MBA graduate from Cornell, Naidu first joined Tata as an assistant in 2018. In an emotional LinkedIn post, he recalled childhood memories of his father working at Tata Motors, calling his appointment a “full circle” moment. His relationship with Ratan Tata extended beyond work, as the industrialist named him in his will and waived his education loans. Naidu also founded Goodfellows, a startup for senior citizens.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% for the first time in nearly five years. Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra projected India's GDP growth at 6.7% for 2025-26. Home loan interest rates are expected to decline, boosting the real estate sector. The central bank also forecasted CPI inflation at 4.2% for the next fiscal year. With global uncertainties persisting, the RBI will maintain a neutral monetary stance. Additionally, it launched a financial literacy campaign for women starting February 24 to enhance their role in economic decision-making.

Villagers in northern India are knitting massive sweaters to protect rescued elephants from the winter chill. The initiative, led by the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center, helps 20 elephants previously abused in circuses and logging camps. "It's important to keep our elephants protected from the bitter cold," said Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan, noting their vulnerability to ailments like pneumonia. The colorful, hand-knit garments ensure the animals stay warm and healthy. This compassionate effort highlights India's commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation, providing comfort to the gentle giants during the harsh winter.

The Indian Army ambushed Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, killing 7 infiltrators, including 2-3 Pakistan Army personnel. The attack, foiled on the night of February 4-5, coincided with Pakistan's 'Kashmir Solidarity Day.' Sources suggest the infiltrators included Al-Badr terrorists. This incident comes as Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke of dialogue while terror commanders held a meeting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of the country and ties with Pakistan can improve only in a terror-free environment.