From the Newsroom: Modi appeals to farmers to end stir

In your evening news brief, From The Newsroom, Modi appeals to farmers to end agitation; Sensex rallies 617.14 points to end at a new lifetime high of 51,348.77; V K Sasikala returns to Tamil Nadu and Nineteen people confirmed dead after the Nandadevi glacier broke.

Here is the top news of February 8, 2021:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday once again appealed to farmers to end their agitation against farm laws, assuring them that the Minimum Support Regime (MSP) regime will stay even as he targeted the Opposition for their "U-turn" on agriculture reforms.

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Rajya Sabha, Modi also warned the protesters against the "new breed of aandolan jeevis (professional protesters)" who cannot live without protests and the "new FDI or Foreign Destructive Ideology", without mentioning any names or the support they received from international celebrities and others abroad.

Sensex rallied 617.14 points to end at a new lifetime high of 51,348.77 on Monday while Nifty soared 191.55 points to record 15,115.80.

A growth-focused, high-spending federal budget unveiled last week has powered India's stock market to multiple all-time highs. A Covid-19 vaccination drive that is underway and strong corporate earnings have also aided the upbeat sentiment.

Expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala on Monday returned to Tamil Nadu to a grand reception, days after completing her four-year jail term in Bengaluru in a corruption case, amid indications of a confrontation with the ruling party which she once controlled.

Sasikala's return to Tamil Nadu is being keenly watched for political impact as it comes at a time when the assembly elections in the state are to be held in the next few months.

Nineteen people were confirmed dead on Monday after the Nandadevi glacier broke in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on February 7, washing away houses near the Dhauliganga river, officials said.

At least 202 others were still missing after the massive flash flood triggered by a glacial outburst devastated part of the state, with raging floodwaters even washing away two hydropower stations, officials said.