Assam witnesses escalating protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) as the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and 30 indigenous organizations burn copies of the law. The 16-party United Opposition Forum, Assam, calls for a statewide hartal while AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjya vows to continue peaceful resistance. Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) stages protests, displaying black flags and raising slogans. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urges dissenters to approach the Supreme Court, warning against street protests. With CAA rules notified, the Centre will grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries.          

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act's newly notified rules mandate that individuals seeking Indian nationality must spend at least 12 consecutive months in the country prior to application. Applicants must also prove six years of residency in the preceding eight years. The law, aimed at granting citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries, necessitates an eligibility certificate from a recognized community institution and a declaration of renunciation of existing citizenship. Additional provisions include language proficiency and an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. Successful applicants will receive digital citizenship certificates.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza. The meeting also covered updates on Gaza's situation, efforts for hostage release, and the broader regional developments. Doval also met with Israeli counterpart Tzakhi Hanegbi during his visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's active engagement with regional leaders underscores India's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. India has consistently supported providing essential humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza through the dispatch of necessary consignments.

Amidst escalating tensions over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in Assam, the Guwahati Police has issued a legal notice to organizations planning a statewide hartal. The 16-party United Opposition Forum, Assam, announced the strike in protest against the contentious law. Prompted by fears of an influx of illegal immigrants, protests have erupted across the state, with the All Assam Students Union (AASU) leading demonstrations and burning copies of the CAA. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned against strikes, stating they violate court orders, while opposition parties vow to intensify their resistance, promising further protests and legal action.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act rules, facilitating citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. Shah hailed it as another commitment fulfilled, emphasizing the law's humanitarian aspect. While the Congress and others criticized the move as polarizing ahead of elections, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath lauded it as historic. Opposition parties in Assam burnt copies of the CAA, vowing to continue protests. Despite criticism, Pakistani Hindu refugees welcomed the decision, anticipating Indian citizenship. Security heightened in sensitive areas, with applications for citizenship streamlined online, as per the new rules.

Authorities in Delhi, Noida, and Assam have ramped up security measures following the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules, fearing a repeat of the 2020 unrest. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, conducting flag marches in sensitive areas like northeast Delhi, Shaheen Bagh, and Jamia. Delhi's DCP Joy Tirkey emphasized proactive measures, including tagging potential troublemakers and extensive patrols. In Noida, foot patrolling assures residents of safety. Meanwhile, Assam witnesses protests with organizations burning copies of the CAA. The Modi government's move to grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries sparked heightened vigilance nationwide.          

The Supreme Court mandates the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission by tomorrow. A five-judge bench scrutinizes SBI's delay in complying with the February 15 order to disclose anonymous political funding. The SBI requested an extension until June 30, citing time-consuming data retrieval. However, the court directs SBI to disclose the information by tomorrow. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud warns of consequences for non-compliance. The court emphasizes the necessity of transparency in political funding and may take action against SBI for disobedience.

Farmers in Haveri district, Karnataka, vandalized an APMC mandi, hurling stones and setting ablaze three vehicles due to declining chilli prices. The incident occurred in Byadagi area, where Andhra Pradesh farmers, selling chillies, expressed frustration over prices dropping from Rs 20,000-25,000 to Rs 10,000-15,000 per 100 kgs within a week. Congress MLA Basavaraj Neelappa Shivannanavar confirmed the farmers' grievances. Videos depict farmers chasing police attempting to intervene. The situation underscores agricultural distress amid fluctuating commodity prices, prompting violent protests from farmers seeking redressal.

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi express joy over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), granting them Indian citizenship. Dharamveer Solanki, representing the refugee community, lauds the move, stating around 500 families will benefit. Having waited for over a decade, Solanki expresses relief and gratitude, calling it a significant moment. With the CAA rules notified, persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are eligible for Indian nationality. The CAA, passed in 2019, faced protests but now offers hope to minority communities fleeing religious persecution.          

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cautioned political parties, threatening deregistration if they organize strikes or protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), citing a Gauhati High Court order. Sarma stressed that students can protest but urged parties to refrain. Despite his call to approach the Supreme Court, opposition groups vow intensified protests. The CAA, aiming to grant citizenship to certain refugees, faces criticism for excluding Muslims. Delays in parliamentary rule publication add to tensions. Sarma's warning comes amidst ongoing political debate and opposition to the controversial citizenship law.