An explosion at a firecrackers factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda town resulted in 11 fatalities and 174 injuries. Three arrests were made, including factory owner Rajesh Agrawal, apprehended while attempting to flee. Police also detained Somesh Agarwal and Rafiq Khan. Charges filed include culpable homicide and attempted culpable homicide. The blast, occurring on Magardha Road, left 174 injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences and announced compensation. Rescue efforts continue as officials work to clear debris. The incident highlights safety concerns in the fireworks industry.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed plans to erect fencing along the entire 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border to enhance surveillance capabilities. This initiative aims to fortify the border, with a 10 km stretch already fenced in Moreh, Manipur. Additionally, a patrol track will be established to facilitate better monitoring. Two pilot projects utilizing a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are underway, each covering a 1 km stretch in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, emphasized the necessity for border security, attributing past ethnic conflicts to porous borders. The move aligns with efforts to address illegal immigration and bolster national security.      

The Lok Sabha has approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, targeting malpractices and irregularities in government recruitment exams with stringent penalties, including up to 10 years in jail and fines up to Rs 1 crore. Rejecting opposition amendments, the Bill aims to address loopholes in exam systems. It covers exams by UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Boards, and others. Those involved in organised crimes face harsher punishment and asset forfeiture. Exam centres will be solely responsible, with violations treated seriously. Individuals may escape liability by proving ignorance and preventive measures. The legislation aims for comprehensive exam integrity.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the Uniform Civil Code in the state assembly, aiming to standardize personal laws for residents, excluding Scheduled Tribes. The code encompasses various facets of civil life, including marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and intestate succession. Under the code, marriage regulations stipulate a minimum age, prohibited relationships, and mandatory registration within 60 days, with penalties for non-compliance. Live-in relationships require registration and entail legal obligations, while intestate succession ensures equitable property distribution among relatives. The state will appoint authorities to oversee property disputes and ensure adherence to the code's provisions, marking a significant legal reform in Uttarakhand.

A devastating explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 11 people and left 60 injured. The blast, which occurred in the Bairagarh locality, also resulted in the destruction of 60 nearby houses and affected over three dozen commuters. Authorities evacuated more than 100 houses due to ongoing explosions at the factory. Firefighters and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in rescue operations. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to provide immediate assistance, while medical facilities in Bhopal and Indore are preparing to treat the injured.

Delhi Police apprehended Riyaz Ahmed, a retired Army soldier, on Sunday at the New Delhi Railway Station, in connection with a dismantled Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module in Kupwara. Acting upon intelligence, authorities linked Ahmed to a plot aimed at orchestrating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside associates Khursheed Ahmad Rather and Ghulam Sarwar Rather, Ahmed allegedly coordinated with handlers across the Line of Control to procure weapons. The arrest follows a recent operation by Jammu & Kashmir Police, uncovering links to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and leading to the detainment of five terrorist associates involved in arms smuggling.          

As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tables the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, criticism reverberates from Muslim leaders and opposition members. Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan asserts, "We won't abide by it if it is against the 'hidayat' given to Muslims in the Quran." Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali questions the bill's uniformity, stating, "How can there be uniformity when you have exempted a few communities from it?" Meanwhile, Congress clarifies its stance, with LoP Yashpal Arya emphasizing, "We are not against the Uniform Civil Code." Former CM Harish Rawat accuses the state government of disregarding parliamentary procedures, urging for a more transparent process.

A Hindu petitioner in Varanasi moves a trial court, seeking Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) direction to survey remaining cellars in the Gyanvapi complex. The plea aims to determine the precinct's religious character. It requests ASI to survey blocked entrances and uninvestigated cellars, emphasizing careful preservation. The petitioner asserts ASI's ability to remove obstructions safely. This follows religious rituals permitted by a Varanasi court, allowing prayers in the complex. The court granted permission following a petitioner's claim that their grandfather performed prayers there until 1993. The order specifies prayers by a temple trust-nominated priest.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has called for the prosecution of the returning officer involved in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, asserting that their conduct amounts to a "mockery of democracy." The Supreme Court, in response to allegations of ballot tampering, emphasized the need for legal action against the officer. Chandrachud condemned the officer's behavior, stating, "It is obvious that he has defaced the ballot papers. He needs to be prosecuted." The court has directed the preservation of all election records and postponed the upcoming Chandigarh Municipal Corporation meeting pending further investigation. The move underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and accountability.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Chandigarh mayor elections, directing all ballot papers and original records, including videography, to be handed over to the registrar of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Expressing concern over the alleged defacement of ballot papers, the court emphasized, "It's obvious he (returning officer) defaced ballot papers? He is murdering the democracy? Can't allow democracy to be murdered like this." The move follows a petition filed by AAP's councillor Kuldeep Dhalor, who lamented, "This is a mockery of democracy." The court's decision to defer the municipal corporation meeting on February 7 underscores the seriousness of the situation. Amidst allegations of vote tampering, the apex court's intervention aims to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.