LIVE updates: Top news headlines of today – 19 Feb 2025

New Delhi: Amid opposition's protest against the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commission (CEC), the Supreme Court is hearing the pleas against the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law on Wednesday.

On March 15, 2024, the top court refused to stay the appointments of the new ECs under the 2023 law which excluded the CJI from the selection panel and deferred the hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the appointments.

The apex court told the petitioners that the March 2, 2023 verdict directed for the three-member panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and the CJI to operate till Parliament enacted a law.

However, the opposition and a few other stakeholders continued to press for the inclusion of the CJI on the pretext that democracy is in danger.

Now, the country is intrigued to see if the Supreme Court will budge under opposition pressure simply because it continues to lose elections.

In another big development, Delhi's wait for its new chief minister after the assembly polls will end today, when the BJP Legislature Party is slated to choose the Leader of the House, even as preparations for the February 20 oath-taking ceremony are in full swing at the historic Ramlila Ground here.

Track this LIVE update page for other important developments throughout the day.

Feb 19, 2025 21:06 IST
BJP names Rekha Gupta as the new Delhi chief minister
The BJP on Wednesday named Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta as the chief minister of Delhi. She is the fourth women chief minister of Delhi after Sushma Swaraj, Shiela Dikshit and Atishi.



Feb 19, 2025 17:48 IST
MUDA case: Lokayukta police says no evidence against Siddaramaiah, wife
The Lokayukta police probing the MUDA site allotment case on Wednesday said that the charges against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife Parvathi could not be proved for want of evidence.
 
The probing officers said they have submitted the final report to the High Court. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 17:47 IST
Supreme Court defers hearing on pleas against CEC, ECs appointments
The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the pleas against the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law.
 
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh indicated that the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to paucity of time. However, no date was fixed for hearing the matter.
 
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, said it was an important issue which required an urgent consideration. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 17:47 IST
Sangam water fit for 'snan' and 'aachman: UP CM Adityanath in Assembly
The water at the Sangam is fit for both bathing and ritual drinking (aachman) as confirmed by some recent reports, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Wednesday, amid claims it may contain high levels of fecal bacteria.
 
He told the state assembly that the Uttar Pradesh Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board are continuously monitoring the water quality at the Sangam.



Feb 19, 2025 17:27 IST
Samsung India launches Galaxy A06 5G – ‘Kaam ka 5G’; check price, specs
Samsung smartphone manufacturer today announced the launch of Galaxy A06 5G, bringing an awesome 5G experience at an affordable price.
The affordable budget Galaxy A series 5G smartphone, Galaxy A06 5G is designed to offer consumers reliable performance and longevity.
 
“With the launch of Galaxy A06 5G, we are bringing segment-leading 12 5G bands for a great 5G experience. Designed to offer awesome connectivity, powerful performance, and segment-leading innovations, the device reaffirms our commitment to making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone,” said Akshay S Rao, General Manager, MX Business, Samsung India. Read more...



Feb 19, 2025 15:59 IST
Jharkhand imposes complete ban on gutka, pan masala for one year
The Jharkhand government announced a comprehensive ban on the production, sale, and storage of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine.
 
The decision was announced by the state health minister Irfan Ansari.
 
"A ban has been imposed for one year, with immediate effect, under Section 30 (2) (a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulations 2,3, and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011," read official notification.



Feb 19, 2025 14:55 IST
Water crisis in J&K: Omar Abdullah says govt, people need to work collectively
Jammu and Kashmir is staring at a water crisis this year due to a massive deficit in rainfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday, calling for a more proactive approach and collective efforts towards water management and conservation.
 
Kashmir has witnessed a dry winter this year with an 80 per cent deficit of rainfall overall this year, raising the possibility of drought in the valley this summer. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 14:39 IST
Pakistan opt to bowl against New Zealand in Champions Trophy opener
Defending champions Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener here on Wednesday.
 
Pakistan had won the last edition of the tournament in 2017.
 
The eight-nation ICC showpiece marks the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly 30 years.



Feb 19, 2025 14:36 IST
Status quoists with narrow focus, non-progressive approach: India on UNSC permanent seats
India told a Security Council meeting chaired by China that countries opposing expansion in the UN body’s permanent membership are status quoists with a narrow focus and “non-progressive” approach, asserting that this “can no longer be accepted.”
 
“The Global South cannot continue to be short-changed. India and major players in other parts of the world deserve their due representation in the structures of the United Nations. As regards Security Council, this translates to permanent category membership," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 14:35 IST
Shubman Gill dethrones Babar Azam to become No. 1 batter in ICC ODI rankings
India vice-captain Shubman Gill on Wednesday dethroned Babar Azam of Pakistan from the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for batters on the back of his strong show against England in the recent home series.
 
The ICC issued the latest rankings just ahead of the start of the eight-team Champions Trophy in Karachi with the match between Pakistan and New Zealand. Read more...



Feb 19, 2025 13:53 IST
BJP appoints Ravi Shankar Prasad and OP Dhankar as observers for legislative meet for Delhi CM
BJP on Wednesday appointed senior party leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and OP Dhankar as observers for the legislative meet for appointing Delhi Chief Minister.
 
Swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and the new cabinet of Delhi will be held at Ramlila Maidan tomorrow, 20th Feb.
 
The ceremony will begin at 11 am. Lt Governor VK Saxena will administer the oath to office to CM-designate and the cabinet at 12.35 pm.



Feb 19, 2025 13:38 IST
Swearing-in ceremony of the Delhi CM and new cabinet will be held at Ramlila Maidan tomorrow
Swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and the new cabinet of Delhi will be held at Ramlila Maidan tomorrow, 20th Feb.
 
The ceremony will begin at 11 am. Lt Governor VK Saxena will administer the oath to office to CM-designate and the cabinet at 12.35 pm.
 
PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers and NDA Chief Ministers-Deputy CMs will witness the ceremony.



Feb 19, 2025 13:13 IST
Sheikh Hasina’s extradition is Bangladesh interim govt’s top priority: Spokesman
Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus’ office on Tuesday said the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India was Dhaka’s top priority.
 
“This is the government’s top priority,” Chief Adviser Yunus’ press secretary Shafiqul Alam said in a media briefing, adding that Dhaka would continue its efforts to extradite Hasina to hold her trial in person. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 12:04 IST
India look to rise above selection challenges against Bangladesh in CT opener
A turbulent recent cricketing past has made a resonant effort mandatory for India in the Champions Trophy, and their opening match against a tricky Bangladesh here on Thursday will be the first point in assuaging a set of existential questions surrounding this team.
 
They are vexing even for a pre-tournament favourite like India. Can this Indian bowling unit tide over the absence of injured pace talisman Jasprit Bumrah? Can Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma summon their glory days back? Can young names like Shubman Gill ace the pressure of a multi-nation competition to deliver consistently? Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 11:39 IST
'Time is money': PVR-INOX fined Rs 1 lakh for running ads beyond showtime
A district consumer court here has found theatre chain PVR INOX at fault for delaying film screenings by airing excessive advertisements, calling it an "unfair" trade practice.
 
The court also ordered the multiplex chain to pay Rs one lakh in punitive damages and ensure that the actual start time of movies is clearly communicated to viewers.
 
The case was brought forward by a Bengaluru resident who, along with two family members, attended a 4.05 pm show of Sam Bahadur in December 2023. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 11:09 IST
A$AP Rocky dives into Rihanna’s arms as not guilty verdict is read
A$AP Rocky dove into the arms of Rihanna Tuesday as a clerk read the not-guilty verdict at his trial on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
 
The Los Angeles courtroom, full of fans of the hip-hop performer and his singing superstar partner, exploded into screaming glee as Rocky leapt from the defence table into the gallery, where Rihanna sat between his mother and sister. They embraced and sobbed. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 10:47 IST
"They have lot of money": Trump questions $21M voter turnout fund for India
President Donald Trump questioned the purpose of providing USD 21 million to India for “voter turnout” as he reiterated that the US "can hardly get in there" because of high Indian tariffs.
 
Trump also said "India is one of the highest taxing countries in the world".
 
He made these remarks after Elon Musk-led DOGE’s (Department of Government Efficiency) disclosed that USAID contributed USD 21 million to Election Commission for boosting voter turnout.
 
On February 16, The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire SpaceX CEO Musk, listed items on which the “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent” and the list included “USD 21M for voter turnout in India.” DOGE noted that all of the items have been cancelled. Read More...



Feb 19, 2025 10:38 IST
Vivek Joshi assumes charge as election commissioner
Dr. Vivek Joshi today assumed charge as the Election Commissioner in pursuance of Ministry of Law & Justice, Gazette notification dated 17.02.2025. He is a 1989 batch officer of the IAS of Haryana cadre. Read more...



Feb 19, 2025 09:51 IST
Gyanesh Kumar assumes charge as CEC ahead of crucial SC hearing
Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday took over as the 26th chief election commissioner.
All eyes on Supreme Court amid row over CEC, EC appointment



Feb 19, 2025 09:34 IST
Lights, camera, action! Champions Trophy kicks off today
A minimum of 36 cameras with a host of analytical tools and visual enhancements to elevate the experience for the viewers will be used to broadcast the Champions Trophy matches, the ICC said on the eve of opening game between New Zealand and Pakistan in Karachi.
 
Their drone camera will offer breathtaking aerial views of venues and surrounding landscapes, while the roving buggy cam will deliver immersive ground-level visuals. The signature Spidercams will further enhance the broadcast with its aerial coverage, offering dynamic perspectives of the action.
 
The ICC TV will further collaborate with JioStar in an effort to engage mobile-first audiences and produce a dedicated vertical feed, optimizing the viewing experience for smartphones users.
 



Feb 19, 2025 09:21 IST
Forex market closed for 'Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti'
The forex market will remain closed on Wednesday on account of 'Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti'.



Feb 19, 2025 09:15 IST
Jailed radical sikh preacher Amritpal moves HC to allow him to attend parliamentary
Singh, who hails from Amritsar, has also referred to a recent Delhi High Court order that granted parole to Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer to attend parliamentary proceedings. Read more...