Tensions flare in Varanasi's Dal Mandi as demolition drive triggers protests

IANS | February 9, 2026 4:20 PM

Varanasi, Feb 9 (IANS) Protests broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Monday after demolition work began in the Dal Mandi area as part of a road widening project, with the situation turning tense when a shopkeeper allegedly set his own establishment on fire in protest against the action.

Oppn targets BJP over China border, unemployment; Savarkar row resurfaces

IANS | February 9, 2026 4:15 PM

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Opposition parties on Monday mounted a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of avoiding parliamentary debate on critical national issues such as border infrastructure, inflation and unemployment, while raking up ideological controversies for political gain.

Indian women's cricket team reaches Australia for multi-format series

IANS | February 9, 2026 3:48 PM

Sydney, Feb 9 (IANS) The Indian Women's cricket team touched down in Australia for the multi-format series, which will commence on February 15. India's tour will include three T20 matches, three One-Day Internationals, and a historic one-off Test. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India in all the formats, with Smriti Mandhana continuing as vice-captain.

Govt set to release new series of GDP, CPI, and IIP data: Minister

IANS | February 9, 2026 3:37 PM

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) After conducting a comprehensive exercise to enhance key data relevance, accuracy and international comparability, the government is set to release a new series of GDP, CPI and IIP (based on the new base year) on February 27, February 12 and May 28, respectively, the Parliament was informed on Monday.