The Asean-India commemorative summit, attended by leaders of the 10 countries of the grouping, begins in Delhi. The longdelayed RCEP and maritime security are likely to take centre stage at the summit. Asean leaders are also expected to hold bilateral discussions with PM Modi and other dignitaries.

Reduced GST rates on some 54 services and 29 goods take effect today. On January 18, the GST Council had decided to cut rates on some services and goods, including tailoring, old cars, bio-diesel, drip irrigation systems and cooking gas.

In Karnataka , government offices and associated services are expected to come to a halt on Thursday owing to a State bandh called by various organisations against the “Centre’s apathy” towards the Mahadayi dispute. Several private schools are expected to be closed too. Karnataka is seeking release of 7.56 tmcft water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmavaat will hit screens today, after facing several roadblocks. The SC paved the way for the nationwide release of the film by staying the ban on the screening in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The UN Security Council’s sanctions monitoring team will begin a two-day visit to Pakistan. The team’s visit comes amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him.

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