M. K. Stalin announced on Friday that his government has deposited ₹5,000 each into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme, drawing criticism from opposition parties, which claimed the move reflected fear of electoral defeat. The Chief Minister also promised that the monthly assistance of ₹1,000 would be increased to ₹2,000 if his party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), returns to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Stalin said the ₹5,000 amount had been credited directly to beneficiaries’ accounts to prevent any disruption to the scheme, amid concerns that attempts were being made to halt it due to the elections. He clarified that the payment covers assistance for February, March, and April, along with an additional ₹2,000 to help women manage expenses during the summer months. In a video message shared on social media, Stalin urged women to use the funds wisely for essential needs such as children’s education, medical expenses, and household requirements. He expressed confidence that the DMK would secure victory in the elections.

Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office in 2021, Stalin said his government had faced major challenges, including the pandemic and financial difficulties inherited from the previous administration led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Despite financial constraints and criticism, the government successfully launched the Kalaignar scheme in September 2023, initially benefiting 1.13 crore women and later expanding to 1.31 crore beneficiaries.

He described the scheme as recognition of women’s contributions to society, noting that it has helped families cover daily expenses, healthcare, and education costs. Stalin also alleged that certain groups were attempting to block the scheme ahead of the elections, prompting his decision to release advance payments.

Opposition leaders strongly criticized the move. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami said the announcement showed panic over possible electoral loss and dismissed it as an election-time tactic. Actor-politician Vijay questioned the timing of the special summer grant, while Tamilisai Soundararajan also condemned the decision, calling it politically motivated. T. T. V. Dhinakaran said the ruling party would face defeat regardless of such measures. DMK ally the Indian National Congress welcomed the announcement, stating that it would provide meaningful financial relief to poor and middle-class families and serve as recognition of women’s hard work and contribution.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

The Patna Civil Court received another bomb threat on Thursday, a day after a similar email warning was sent. In response, a heavy police presence was deployed outside the court to maintain security. Anti-terrorism teams, local police, bomb disposal units, and dog squads launched a search operation across the court complex to check for any explosive materials.

Anshuman, an advocate at the court, said the District Bar Association (DBA) would convene to discuss measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He added that, based on the information received, the court would remain closed for the day. Calling the situation unfortunate, he questioned how judicial work could continue if such threats persist. He noted that repeated disruptions cause revenue losses for the government, create hardships for lawyers, and affect the general public. He also mentioned receiving phone information about a conspiracy to blow up the building.

On Wednesday, the court had received a bomb threat via email, reportedly sent around 1 am to the office of the District and Sessions Judge, claiming that RDX had been planted inside the premises. As a precaution, the court complex was evacuated and judicial proceedings were suspended. Entry of the general public was temporarily restricted.

Police, along with bomb disposal and dog squads, conducted a thorough search of the premises. Patna City Superintendent of Police (West) Bhanu Pratap Singh confirmed that a comprehensive search operation was underway and that further necessary steps were being taken. The Patna Civil Court has faced similar bomb threats in the past, and an investigation into the latest incident is ongoing.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday assumed charge as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. She has been assigned the departments of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Minorities Development and Auqaf. Before taking office, Pawar visited the Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Prabhadevi to offer prayers. Several senior leaders and dignitaries were present, including NCP MPs Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, Maharashtra State Womens Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Parth Ajit Pawar, Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust Chairman Sadanand Saravankar, and others. She also paid tribute to BR Ambedkar.

The post of Deputy Chief Minister had remained vacant following the death of Ajit Pawar on January 28, after a chartered aircraft crash landed in Baramati. His personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots also lost their lives in the incident. Ajit Pawar last rites were conducted with full state honours on January 29 at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons performed the final rituals. Following his demise, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took charge of the Planning and Finance portfolios that were earlier held by Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar was also elected as the NCP Legislative Party Leader.

A Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Sunetra Pawar is widely recognised for her work in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. In 2010, she founded the Environmental Forum of India, a non governmental organisation focused on promoting environmental awareness. She has led grassroots initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, protection of endangered species, water management, and drought mitigation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Opposition MPs are preparing to introduce a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said on Monday. The move follows Opposition claims that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was denied an opportunity to speak during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address.

The controversy intensified last week when the Lok Sabha saw repeated disruptions after Rahul Gandhi referred to former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir while speaking about the 2020 border standoff with China. The Speaker ruled that unpublished material could not be cited and did not allow the reading to continue.

On February 5, Speaker Birla said he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid attending the House that day to prevent any untoward incident, citing information that some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat and create an unprecedented situation. Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted by Opposition sloganeering, with MPs demanding a discussion on the India United States interim trade framework. As a result, no legislative work took place and the House was adjourned till noon, barely seven minutes after it convened for the week.

When Question Hour began, Opposition MPs continued raising slogans. Speaker Birla appealed for order and assured members that everyone would get a chance to speak. Criticising the disruptions, he urged MPs to engage in debate and discussion rather than force adjournments, but eventually adjourned the House amid continued protests. Both Houses of Parliament were scheduled to carry on discussions on the Union Budget 2026 27 on Monday. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation in the Lok Sabha.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.