In a major security lapse at Assam's Dibrugarh Jail, unauthorized items, including a spy camera and smartphone, were discovered in the National Security Act (NSA) cell housing separatist leader Amritpal Singh. Assam's DGP GP Singh confirmed the recovery, stating that the jail staff lawfully seized the items. The breach triggered a search operation, revealing a smartphone with SIM, keypad phone, Bluetooth devices, and more. The source of these unauthorized articles is under investigation. The highly secure jail, built in 1859-60, now faces scrutiny over its multi-tier security system.

A massive fire erupted in Govandi's Baiganwadi area of Mumbai, causing damage to approximately 15 shops and houses early this morning. The incident, reported around 4 am, led residents to actively engage in firefighting efforts using buckets of water. The fire engulfed various items, including electric wiring, household items, AC sheets, plastic sheets, LPG cylinders, wooden planks, and furniture. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana reinitiated their 'Delhi Chalo' march on the fifth day following a nationwide 'Bharat Bandh.' Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) plans to escalate their agitation, holding meetings in Punjab and Delhi to strategize. The recent talks on February 15 failed to break the deadlock as farmers persist in demanding a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee. Haryana Police used tear gas during Friday's 'Bharat Bandh,' resulting in clashes. Amid the protest, a police sub-inspector, Hira Lal, posted at the Shambhu border, tragically passed away. The SKM accuses the government of secret talks and vows to intensify the agitation.

On the fourth day of the farmers' protest at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, security forces clashed with protesters. Tear gas was deployed as demonstrators attempted to remove barricades at Shambhu border near Ambala. Police reported protesters hurling stones, petrol bombs, and deploying chilli smoke, intensifying the standoff. Haryana Police released CCTV footage implicating protesters in provocative actions. Amidst the chaos, a 63-year-old farmer died of cardiac arrest. Leaders called for unity, urging farmers to attend the upcoming funeral. Union ministers and farmer leaders are set for a fourth-round talk on February 18, seeking a resolution.

80-year-old Air India passenger passed away at Mumbai airport after choosing to walk due to a shortage of wheelchairs. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show cause notice to Air India, citing non-compliance with regulations. The airline explained the shortage and advised the passenger to wait, but he collapsed during immigration. Air India has seven days to respond to the notice. The DGCA issued a broader advisory to all airlines, emphasizing the need for an adequate number of wheelchairs to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As tensions escalate between farmers and the government, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's call for a Gramin Bharat Bandh tomorrow has sparked disruptions nationwide. Scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm, the bandh aims to amplify demands mirroring those of protesting farmers near Delhi. Emergency services, including ambulances and medical shops, will operate unaffected, but villages will suspend all agricultural activities. Public transport will come to a halt, adding to the inconvenience. In Punjab, the state board is urged to postpone exams due to transportation challenges. Meanwhile, a panel of union ministers prepares for the third round of talks, aiming to resolve the deadlock.

Haryana prolongs the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts, including Ambala and Kurukshetra, until February 17 due to ongoing farmers' protests. The government cites a potential disruption of public order, emphasizing the critical and tense situation. The order aims to prevent the misuse of internet services for spreading inflammatory material and false rumors. The 'Delhi Chalo' agitation by farmers seeks to address concerns such as minimum support price and loan waivers. The extension aims to maintain peace and public order, with telecom providers instructed to comply.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed concern as farmers, amid the ongoing protest, moved like an "army with tractors," making political comments. Khattar questioned the approach, suggesting farmers use public transport for their Delhi march. He referenced disruptions caused by previous protests and emphasized the need for dialogue. A video controversy arose over farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's statement on bringing down PM Modi's graph. Khattar labeled it a political statement, questioning public support for such protests. Haryana police engaged with protesters at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, deploying tear gas shells.

The Supreme Court has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing Electoral Bonds, scrapping the scheme allowing anonymous political funding. In its verdict, the court mandated the return of unused Electoral Bonds within the 15-day validity period by political parties to purchasers, with the refunded amount credited to the buyer's account. The judgment highlighted concerns about a potential quid pro quo in political contributions and emphasized the violation of the right to information. The court ruled that the anonymous nature of the Electoral Bonds Scheme infringes on Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

A video circulating on social media, purportedly showing the ongoing farmers' protest, has been debunked. India Today Fact Check reveals the footage predates the farmers' march and, in reality, captures a gathering supporting Punjabi YouTuber Bhanna Sidhu. Arrested in January amid an extortion case, Sidhu's hometown protest occurred weeks before the farmers' protest began on February 13. The video, showcasing a canopy-covered assembly, triggered false claims as it circulated widely. Bhana Sidhu, with ties to Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, is a social media influencer known for addressing rural and youth-centric issues in Punjab, unrelated to the ongoing "Delhi Chalo" protest.