Under GO No. 15, malls are supposed to offer the first 30 minutes of parking free. However, some malls in Madhapur and Gachibowli use “digital entry” systems that start the timer before vehicles enter, wasting customers’ waiting time. Once 30 minutes pass, charges of ₹50–₹100 are imposed, ignoring rules for one-hour free parking.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy proposed an AI war room in Hyderabad and an AI startup village to advance India’s AI leadership. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, he urged a national AI fund, AI university, reskilling programs, and a dedicated AI ministry to oversee innovation, policy, and global engagement.
The Secunderabad Passport Office will be closed on February 26, canceling walk-in interviews. Hyderabad RPO, awarded nationally in 2025, is praised for citizen-friendly initiatives like Thursday grievance redressal, cleanliness drives, art exhibitions, and cyber awareness programs, highlighting its focus on innovation, efficiency, and public service.
Youth Congress workers were detained after staging a topless protest at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, opposing a trade deal with the US. Delhi Police is probing how they entered the venue. The Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the act, calling it a national shame and blaming Congress leadership.
The Andhra Pradesh Labour Department has begun steps to implement the four new labour codes introduced by the Union Government. It has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders. The reforms aim to simplify laws, protect workers’ rights, and promote industry growth. Feedback must be submitted by March 15.
The West Bengal government ordered an additional egg or seasonal fruit for 81 lakh students in Classes 1-8 under the mid-day meal scheme for 12 days, costing Rs 8 per student. Teachers welcomed the move, while the BJP criticized the timing, calling it election-driven. Education Minister Bratya Basu defended it as routine practice.
A Vande Bharat Express carrying RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was pelted with stones in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, damaging a coach window. Bhagwat remained unharmed and later reached Meerut under security. The Railway Protection Force launched a probe. Separately, another Vande Bharat hit cattle on the Mumbai-Goa route, disrupting services.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for targeting Gaurav Gogoi over alleged Pakistan links, calling the involvement of his family and children “wrong politics.” After paying tribute to Zubeen Garg in Guwahati, she said the late singer stood above politics and spread love throughout his life.
A huge fire erupted in an apartment building near Maitreevanam centre in Hyderabad’s Ameerpet area, triggering panic among locals. The blaze started in a coaching center, leaving several students trapped inside. Police rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts, while firefighters worked to bring the flames under control. Further details about it are awaited.
PM Modi greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Day, praising their cultural richness, natural beauty, and contribution to national progress. He called Arunachal a “shining example of harmony” and lauded Mizoram’s strong community spirit and vibrant heritage, wishing both states continued development and success.
Violence erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur after a Durga temple was vandalised during puja, allegedly over loudspeaker use for namaz. Stone-pelting followed, injuring some and prompting tear gas deployment. Police detained 15 of over two dozen identified rioters. Similar stone-throwing incidents were reported in Karnataka’s Bagalkote and Hyderabad.
The death toll in the Mujesar factory fire has risen to 39 after Abhishek Monga and worker Pradeep Kumar died at Safdarjung Hospital with severe burns. The blaze, triggered by chemical drum explosions, gutted the unit Monday. Owner Vijay Monga is hospitalised and booked. A seven-member probe panel is investigating; two firefighters remain critical.
India is set to fully resume all visa services in Bangladesh, following Tarique Rahman’s assumption as PM. Senior Consular Officer Aniruddha Das confirmed medical and double-entry visas are being issued, with travel visas soon to restart. Officials emphasized that India-Bangladesh relations are grounded in mutual respect and aim for long-term cooperation.
The ECI announced that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in 22 states and Union Territories, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, will begin in April 2026. EC Secretary Pawan Diwan urged Chief Electoral Officers to complete preparations promptly to ensure a smooth rollout of the process.
Telangana govt allows all Muslim staff, including teachers and public-sector employees, to leave work at 4 pm during Ramzan. This helps them return home for iftar, evening prayers, and rest. Starting Feb 18, the move supports religious duties, reduces fatigue, and promotes harmony between work and faith, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusivity.