The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has chosen to keep its repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on February 8. This marks the sixth consecutive meeting where the central bank has opted for status quo, emphasizing the need for continued dis-inflationary measures amidst uncertain food prices and strong domestic activity. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted expectations of steady global growth in 2024 and further moderation in inflation. The decision comes as retail inflation remains within the RBI's comfort zone of 4-6 percent. The committee aims to balance inflation targets with support for economic growth.

Uttarakhand implements a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with significant reforms in divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Divorce grounds now include equality for men and women, with custody rights favoring mothers of children under 5. Voidable marriages can be annulled, and no divorce is permitted within one year unless under exceptional circumstances. Inheritance laws grant equal property rights, abolishing Hindu coparcenary system. Live-in couples must register with the Registrar and inform upon breakup, facing penalties for non-compliance. Tribal communities are exempt, but LGBTQ+ rights are excluded, limiting definitions to heterosexual couples. The UCC aims for progressive legal reforms in personal matters.

Protests erupted in Kerala as youth organizations, including ABVP and DYFI, demanded action against NIT Calicut professor A Shaija for praising Godse on Facebook. Police used water cannons to disperse the Youth Congress and DYFI members attempting to enter the campus. Shaija, invoking controversy, expressed pride in Godse on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. ABVP led a march burning Godse's effigy, while other student unions joined the calls for the professor's accountability. IPC Section 153 was invoked against Shaija. The incident highlights tensions surrounding Godse's legacy and freedom of expression in academic settings.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has postponed the cabinet expansion ceremony to February 16, originally slated for Thursday. Minister Alamgir Alam cited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state on February 14 and 15 as the reason for the rescheduling. Soren, who assumed office on February 1, will officially expand his cabinet on the new date. The state can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the chief minister. Selection of candidates for the council of ministers is yet to be decided by the Congress and JMM.

A dispute erupted in the Uttarakhand Assembly during discussions on the Uniform Civil Code Bill when Congress MLA Adesh Singh Chauhan questioned the BJP about the color of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Chauhan claimed, "According to Hindu scriptures, Ram was 'sanwala' (dusky), but you people made the Ram Lalla idol black." BJP ministers countered the remark, defending Lord Ram, while Speaker Ritu Khanduri intervened, urging focus on the UCC. The Ram temple in Ayodhya was inaugurated on January 22, attended by PM Modi, marking a significant event in India's cultural landscape.

Tata Steel announces a partnership with South Eastern Railway to create eco-friendly rail infrastructure using slag-based aggregates. The joint initiative aims to utilize Tata Aggreto and Tata Nirman, sustainable alternatives, in constructing railway tracks' blanketing layers. SER General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra emphasizes the importance of eco-conservation. Tata Steel's efforts involve an accelerated weathering facility to process LD slag for sustainable aggregate production, reducing natural aggregate mining and transportation. The project aligns with the Ministry of Railways' plan to enhance rail infrastructure. The initiative contributes to biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability.

Unknown terrorists opened fire in Srinagar's Shaheed Gunj area, killing Amritpal Singh from Punjab's Amritsar and critically injuring another non-local, Rohit. The attackers fired at close range, fatally striking Singh while Rohit sustained abdominal injuries. The incident occurred around 7 pm in Habba Kadal. Security forces have cordoned off the area, launching efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Rohit is receiving treatment at SMHS hospital. Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the attack, stating that Singh succumbed to his injuries while Rohit was evacuated for medical attention. Further details are awaited as the investigation unfolds.

The Uttarakhand assembly approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2024 after two days of discussion, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailing it as a historic moment. The Congress, while not opposing the bill, called for further deliberation in a select committee. Dhami emphasized the significance of the UCC in ensuring equality for all, regardless of religion or caste. The bill, aimed at providing a common legal framework, received input from extensive public consultations. Provisions include equal rights in marriage, adoption, succession, and divorce, with exemptions for Scheduled Tribes. The house also passed a bill for reservation for statehood agitators in government jobs.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, under ED remand, allegedly held in a basement without sunlight, revealed advocate Rajeev Ranjan. The AG stated that Soren is monitored even while sleeping by armed guards. The ED extended Soren's remand by five days, following 120 hours of interrogation in the past five days. Soren, arrested on January 31, participated in the Champai Soren government's successful floor test on February 5. Soren's wife marked their 18th anniversary, expressing confidence in overcoming the conspiracy. Soren denounced his arrest as oppression against Dalits and tribals during the floor test.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court is set to deliver a verdict today at 4 pm on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ED alleges Kejriwal's non-compliance with summons related to a probe into the liquor policy case. The court's decision follows a hearing on the matter. Kejriwal faces scrutiny over accusations of money laundering, adding to the political tension surrounding his administration. The outcome of this legal battle will significantly impact Kejriwal's political future and could potentially shape the trajectory of his governance in Delhi.