West Bengal: Sporadic incidents of violence mar municipal elections

India has said that its citizens are being evacuated from Ukraine through Romania and Hungary. In its advisory, Indian Embassy in Ukraine said that it is continuously exploring and working to open up more borders with neighbouring countries for Indian citizens. It said, as and when curfew is lifted, and there is considerable movement of people in their respective neighborhoods, Indian Nationals are advised to use nearby railway stations for movement out of regions of active conflict and proceed towards the Western regions. It added that the transportation mode of Railways is operational and safer and if tickets are available on regular trains and they may be booked. In addition, Ukrainian Railways is also operating special trains for evacuation of people free of charge, on first come first serve basis at the Railway Station and for which tickets are not required. The schedule of trains can be seen at the website .

-Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the women of the country for taking the lead in every sphere. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Modi said, women are reaching new heights in different fields and dispelling myths. He mentioned about the International Women's Day to be celebrated on 8th of March. Modi said, daughters of the country are playing new and bigger roles in the Armed Forces. He stressed that a social evils like triple talaq is also coming to an end. Mr Modi said, ever since the law against triple talaq was enacted, there has been a reduction of 80 percent in triple talaq cases in the country.  The Prime Minister expressed happiness that India has been successful in bringing home over one thousand year old idol of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani from Italy. This idol was stolen a few years ago from Kundalpur temple of Gaya in Bihar. He said, in the last seven years, India has successfully brought back more than 200 precious idols. Talking about Indian culture and heritage, Modi introduced two Tanzanian siblings Kili Paul and his sister Nima. They have recently become popular in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He said they have a passion for Indian music. He praised their technique of lip syncing. Recently, a video of Kili Paul singing 'Jana Gana Mana' on the occasion of Republic Day went viral. They also paid a soulful tribute to the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar by presenting her song. The Prime Minister stated that the magic of Indian music is such that it fascinates everyone.

-Sporadic incidents of violence marred the municipal elections in West Bengal on Sunday. 76.51 per cent votes were cast till 5 pm in 107 municipalities. DGP of the state Manoj Malavya said, no major untoward incident took place and polling was by and large peaceful. 797 people were arrested while another 51 persons were detained. However, opposition political parties alleged that the ruling party Trinamool Congress rigged the poll and true voters were prevented from exercising their democratic rights. BJP has called a 12 hours 'Bangla bandh' tomorrow in protest while CPIM will demonstrate in front of all the municipalities which went to polls today. Meanwhile, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar called the State Election Commissioner to brief him in view of alarming disturbing inputs, depicting scenarios of violence and lawlessness.

-In Leh, Fire & Fury Corps’s Parashu Brigade organized an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Nimoo on Sunday. The veterans from Nimoo, Basgo, Likir, Alchi, Rafta, Khalsi and Chilling villages, who served the Indian Army at different times and wars, participated in the rally. Aim of the rally is to ascertain and resolve the problems being faced by the ex-servicemen in regard with post-service issues, pensions and health services. Frontier force Gorkha Rifles has arranged banking, service records of Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, LSRC, and District Ex-Servicemen Board and health checkup stalls for the veterans on the occasion. Over hundred ex-servicemen including Hony Capt Veer Chakra Tsepal Barcha, Hony Capt Veer Chakra Tsering Stobdan, and Naib Subedar Saurya Chakra Tshering Angchok attended the rally. The ex-servicemen were also informed about various rehabilitation and resettlement schemes, financial advice on post-retirement opportunities and health precautions. Parashu Brigade Commanding Officer Brigadier Ranjeet Alva appealed to all the veterans to avail the services provided at various stalls. He thanked the ex-servicemen for their invaluable services at different times and wars. He said, their sacrifices and services inspire future generations.

-Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland launched the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) drive across the 16 districts . The pulse polio vaccination will be administered to an estimated 1, 51,458 children between 0-5 years of age in the state. Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao officially launched the state-level National Immunisation day at Urban Primary Health Centres, Seikhazou, Kohima. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Director, Dr. Khimiao said polio immunization drive has brought about changes in the lives of millions of people in the country by eradicating the poliovirus from the country. He also congratulated the officers for tirelessly working towards the immunization drive for effectiveness and bringing about change. A total of 2,206 Polio Booths has been set up in the state manned by 9,096 health personnel and 441 supervisors along with vaccines and other logistics, while special focus is given to migrant population with an aim to prevent importation of Polio cases. The day’s IPPI campaign will be followed by house-to-house visitation on February 28 and March 1.