Mid-day News Nuggets

1. Minister of Railways to replace Agartala Rajdhani Express

The Ministry of Railways will replace the Agartala Rajdhani Express with Tejas sleeper coach from February 15 onwards.

2. Three Manipur labourers, kidnapped by militants, rescued in a daring operation

Three labourers, kidnapped by militants in Manipur's Imphal East district, were rescued from a forest area, following a two-hour-long gunfight with security forces.

3. India vs England 2nd Test: Virat Kohli wins toss, Axar Patel makes debut, Bumrah rested

India opted to bat first against England in the second Test making three changes to their playing XI with left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel making his debut.

4. UK economy suffers biggest drop since 1709

The British economy suffered its biggest decline in more than 300 years in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic closed shops and restaurants, devastated the travel industry and curtailed manufacturing.

5. Indian-origin employee at UN announces her candidacy for its Secretary-General

An Indian-origin employee at the UN has announced her candidacy to be its next Secretary-General, the first person to throw her hat in the ring against incumbent Antonio Guterres, who is seeking a second five-year term beginning January 2022 as chief of the world organisation.

6. Meghalaya: Angry mob attacks tourist cab driver for "abusing" toll staff

An angry mob assaulted a tourist cab driver for allegedly making abusive remarks to one toll gate staff member at Pahammawlein in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district.