Onmanorama
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7 dead as car gets crushed between two container trucks in Pune
Seven people were killed and over a dozen injured in a horrific accident on the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway in Pune city. A car became trapped between two container trucks that caught fire after one lost control due to a suspected brake failure, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam. Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who visited the scene, said the fire erupted due to the impact of the collision. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.

Governors cannot sit indefinitely on Bills, says SC, but stops short of fixing timeline
The Supreme Court ruled that neither the Governor nor the President can be subject to fixed timelines for granting assent to Bills passed by state legislatures. The court emphasized that such delays undermine democratic governance and are against the principles of federalism. The bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, unanimously rejected the "deemed assent" mechanism previously granted in a Tamil Nadu case, stating it encroaches upon the constitutional authority of the Governor or President. While several states argued for specific time limits to address delays, the court emphasized that enforcing such timelines would contradict the Constitution's flexibility and separation of powers.

Aadhaar upgrade soon: Update your mobile number in minutes using new app | Aadhaar Updates
UIDAI is launching a new app that will allow users to update their mobile numbers without visiting an enrollment center. The update, which costs ₹75 and may take up to 30 days to process, can be accessed through the mAadhaar app on Android and iOS devices. Users must align their face within the app's frame, enter their Aadhaar number and OTP, and verify the new number using facial recognition.

Cyclone Ditwah leaves 366 dead in Sri Lanka; rain alert in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Cyclone Ditwah, which has weakened into a deep depression, continues to hover near the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin held a review meeting with district collectors to assess the situation, while the Greater Chennai Corporation deployed 103 boats for rescue operations. The IMD predicts further rainfall in the region, leading to disruptions in normal life and damage to crops. Sri Lanka announced a special public-private fund to support recovery efforts after the devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in a death toll of 366 with 367 people still missing. International assistance is pouring in from countries like the UK, China, Australia, and Nepal.

After SCO summit drive, Modi, Putin share car ride again as Russian president begins 27-hour India visit
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, arrived in New Delhi for a 27-hour visit aimed at strengthening an enduring partnership with India. The visit, which includes meetings and events focused on trade, defense, and energy cooperation, follows a shared car ride between Modi and Putin after the SCO summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including India's widening trade deficit with Russia and potential collaboration on small modular reactors. The visit is significant as it comes amidst strained relations between India and the United States.

550 cancellations and several delays; IndiGo says operations to be normal by February | Onmanorama
IndiGo, the Indian airline, informed the DGCA that it would stabilize its operations by February 10, 2026, following over 550 flight cancellations due to implementation gaps of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The airline acknowledged misjudgments and planning gaps in implementing the rules, leading to disruptions and a fall in on-time performance. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expressed displeasure with the airline's response, while the DGCA will monitor real-time operations and ensure passengers are informed of cancellations well in advance. The airline has sought exemptions from specific FDTL requirements for A320 flights until February 10, 2026, which the DGCA will review. The DGCA also inspected IndiGo's passenger handling at Delhi airport and instructed the airline to increase manpower and strengthen support services.

Luthra brothers, who fled country after Goa nightclub fire, detained in Thailand | India News
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Goa nightclub where a fire tragically killed 25 people, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand. The Thailand Police acted on a request from the Indian government, who issued an Interpol Blue Corner Notice for the brothers following their flight from India. The duo booked their tickets to Phuket shortly after learning about the fire and are now being processed for extradition back to India.

Onmanorama Explains | Why is India scrapping its job guarantee scheme MGNREGA? What’s new in VB-G RAM G?
The Indian government is replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new bill called the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). The bill aims to expand rural work opportunities by increasing the guaranteed employment period from 100 days to 125 days per financial year. It also proposes a shift in funding structure, shared between the Centre and states, and allows states to pause employment guarantee work during peak agricultural seasons. Critics argue that renaming the scheme undermines its core promise and shifts a greater financial burden onto state governments.

Slain Australia beach shooting suspect Hyderabad native | Australia Shooting Updates
Sajid Akram, a 50-year-old Indian citizen from Hyderabad, was killed in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration. Akram had migrated to Australia in 1998 and married a woman of European origin, settling permanently in the country with two children, including his son Naveed Akram, who is currently in custody. Australian authorities have identified the attack as a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State, stating that both suspects received military-style training in the Philippines before the incident.

Lok Sabha passes VB-G RAM G Bill amid Opposition protests | India News
The Lok Sabha passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, replacing the MGNREGA with a new rural employment scheme guaranteeing 125 days of work annually. The bill was passed by voice vote after an eight-hour debate marked by Opposition protests and walkouts. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Rural Development Minister, defended the legislation, arguing that it upholds Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, and other opposition leaders condemned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme, calling it an insult to his legacy and a threat to rural workers' rights. The bill will now move to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
