Category: India

A viral video showing a Mahindra Thar allegedly crashing into an NH-48 highway signboard has sparked online debate, with many questioning whether the dramatic clip is real or AI-generated. Moreover, a closer examination of the viral video revealed several inconsistencies.

A video is going massively viral on social media showing a Mahindra Thar crashing directly into a high-positioned highway exit signboard. In the clip, the signboard appears to read “Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur” along with “Exit 22” and “NH-48.”

As the video spread rapidly, many viewers found it hard to believe what they were seeing. The incident looked almost unreal, sparking a debate online: Is the video real, or is it AI-generated? Let’s take a closer look and fact-check the claims.

Galgotias University faces controversy after a robotic dog and drone shown as in-house projects were identified as commercial devices. Here’s who owns and runs the institution.

Galgotias University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh has come under controversy after a robotic dog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit was allegedly presented as an in-house innovation but was later identified as a Chinese-made device.

At the university’s stall on Tuesday, representatives introduced a robot dog named Orion, saying it had been developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence. Soon after, social media users pointed out that the machine closely resembled the Unitree Go2, a quadruped robot made by China-based Unitree Robotics and widely used in robotics training and research.

According to sources, authorities directed the university to vacate its stall at the expo following the dispute. Staff and students were later seen clearing the pavilion, and the power supply to the stall was reportedly cut.

The university faced further scrutiny the same day over a soccer drone displayed on campus. It had been described as a fully homegrown project built end-to-end by staff and students, from engineering design to application. However, online users alleged that the drone resembled the Striker V3 ARF, a commercially available model sold in India for around Rs 40,000. The device is reportedly the Helsel Striker V3 developed by South Korea-based Helsel Group for drone sports.

Amid the backlash, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur said the confusion arose from the use of the words “develop” and “development”. Blaming Prof. Neha Singh for the episode, the university said she was “ill-informed” and not authorised to speak to the media.

Who Owns Galgotias University?

The university is part of the Galgotias Education Group, which traces its roots back to 1933. The family’s association with education began even earlier when the Galgotia family ran a bookstore named E.D. Galgotia & Sons in Connaught Place, Delhi, in 1930.

Later, Suneel Galgotia took over the family business and expanded it further. In the 1980s, he started Galgotia Publications and gradually built a presence in the education sector. The university functions under the Smt. Shakuntala Educational and Welfare Society, established in 1998 and based in New Delhi, which manages the administration and growth of the Galgotias institutions.

The Galgotias Education Group also runs Galgotias Institute of Management and Technology (GIMT), Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) and Galgotias College of Pharmacy (GCP). Over the years, it has expanded from specialised professional colleges into a full university system.

The leadership includes Suneel Galgotia, Padmini Galgotia and Dhruv Galgotia, who oversee academic planning, administration and long-term strategy. Dhruv Galgotia also works on industry collaborations and partnerships to support internships, training and placements.

About the University and Courses Offered

Galgotias University is a private multidisciplinary university located in Greater Noida and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Established in 2011, the campus is situated near the Yamuna Expressway. Currently, the group has over 40,000 students enrolled, including international students from more than 40 countries pursuing higher education.

Source : https://www.news18.com/education-career/who-owns-galgotias-university-tracing-its-roots-from-a-delhi-bookstore-to-campus-empire-9916969.html

Neha is the longtime partner of Bobby Kabutar, a high-profile gunman and weapon supplier for the gang, who was also taken into custody.

The Delhi Police Special Cell Counter Intelligence has arrested Khusnuma Ansari, alias Neha, a woman accused of managing a drug syndicate for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Neha is the longtime partner of Bobby Kabutar, a high-profile gunman and weapon supplier for the gang, who was also taken into custody along with two others.

Bobby Kabutar, whose real name is Mahfooz, allegedly served as a primary logistics link for the Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba gangs. Investigators state he procured high-end firearms from Salim Pistol, reputedly India’s largest illegal arms dealer with links to Pakistan’s ISI.

These weapons were reportedly used in several high-profile crimes, including the Sidhu Moosewala shooting, the firing outside actress Disha Patani’s residence, the Nadir Shah murder in Delhi, and the Seelampur double murders.

The shows a growing trend of women taking operational roles within the Bishnoi gang. Neha is the third “Lady Don” linked to the syndicate to be arrested recently, following Deepa and Zoya Khan (the wife of gangster Hashim Baba).

To the public, Neha operated a beauty parlour in Northeast Delhi. However, police claim this business was merely a front to mask the gang’s illegal activities and manage their drug distribution network. Neha and Bobby have been associated for seven years. During the arrest near the Mahipalpur flyover, police recovered a significant quantity of drugs, leading investigators to refer to her as “Madam Zeher.”

New details have emerged regarding the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. According to police sources, Bobby Kabutar was responsible for conducting the initial reconnaissance (recce). He tracked Moosewala’s movements and routes, passing this critical intelligence to the shooters.

He was reportedly in close contact with Shahrukh, another gangster involved in the planning of the assassination. Bobby had been evading the Special Cell for months by using fake identities and frequently changing his location.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/parlour-owner-by-day-madam-zeher-by-night-delhi-lady-dons-dual-life-11072153?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The Crown Prince was in New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit, underscoring the growing centrality of technology and innovation in India-UAE relations.

India and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday deepened their fast-expanding strategic partnership with a strong push on artificial intelligence, advanced technology and investment, as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan concluded a two-day official visit to India.

The Crown Prince was in New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit, underscoring the growing centrality of technology and innovation in India–UAE relations. The visit marked his second official trip to India, following his September 2024 visit, and reflected the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sheikh Khaled on February 19. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which spans political engagement, economic cooperation, energy security, culture and strong people-to-people ties. They also recalled recent high-profile visits to India by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other members of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai royal families, describing them as milestones that have added depth and trust to bilateral relations.

The leaders reviewed the “tremendous progress” achieved across sectors such as defence and security, trade and investment, education, and cultural cooperation. February 18, 2026, marked four years since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a period during which bilateral trade and investment have recorded robust growth. Both sides expressed satisfaction over expanding two-way investment flows and encouraged UAE sovereign wealth funds to further increase their presence in the Indian economy. In this context, they acknowledged the potential role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign fund, in strengthening long-term economic cooperation.

Beyond trade and finance, discussions covered collaboration in strategic and future-oriented domains including space, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation, signalling a broadening of the partnership beyond traditional areas.

Several concrete initiatives were welcomed during the visit. India and the UAE finalised a Memorandum of Understanding between their health ministries aimed at cooperation in health and medicine. The agreement will promote professional exchanges, joint research, digital health initiatives, pharmaceutical collaboration, and the development of modern medical technologies for the benefit of citizens in both countries.

A key technology milestone was the finalisation of a term sheet between the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, G42, and the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence for the deployment of a supercomputer cluster in India. Announced earlier during the UAE President’s January 2026 visit, the project will now move into the implementation phase. The supercomputer cluster will form part of the AI India Mission and will be accessible to public and private stakeholders for research, application development, and commercial use.

In the financial services sector, the setting up of an office of the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company at Gujarat’s GIFT City was also welcomed.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-uae-ties-get-ai-boost-as-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-wraps-key-delhi-visit-11093453

Ashoka warned that within the next two days, Bengaluru would turn ‘stenchy’ as garbage was not being cleared, and garbage lorries and auto rickshaws were stranded on the outskirts.

Garbage collection in Bengaluru is likely to be disrupted on Thursday due to the ongoing blockade of waste-laden compactors at Bellahalli landfill even as the issue snowballed into a political slugfest. While Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday blamed BJP MLAs for the obstruction, Opposition leader R Ashoka charged that the government has become “garbage mafia”.

Villagers in Mahadevapura on Wednesday continued to block hundreds of vehicles from dumping the waste at Bellahalli, which takes nearly half of the city’s garbage.

The trigger for the blockade, which started on Tuesday, was the death of a two-year-old boy in a road accident on Sunday, with villagers — who obstructed traffic on roads including the stretch leading to the landfill – holding the state government responsible for the poor condition of roads in their area.

While none of the vehicles that went to the landfill could return after emptying their loads, the situation was no different at the seven other processing plants spread across the city.

However, officials of the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) claimed that these facilities were running smoothly.

It is learnt that a few MLAs such as Krishna Byre Gowda (Congress), Manjula Limbavali (BJP), S T Somashekar (expelled from BJP), Dheeraj Muniraju (BJP), M Krishnappa (Congress) have resisted dumping of garbage in their constituencies, especially after the state government did not approve a special grant of Rs 350 crore promised in the Bengaluru civic body’s annual budget.

Shivakumar warned that strict action would be initiated under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) if the blockade continued and alleged that BJP MLAs were behind the obstructions. Stating that MLAs cannot blackmail the government for funds, he warned BJP legislators that the garbage would be dumped in front of their houses and BJP offices if they continued to obstruct the disposal of waste.

“If Arvind Limbavali and Dheeraj Muniraju keep objecting to the disposal of waste in their constituencies for want of funds, where do we dispose of the garbage? We will have to send it to the homes of R Ashoka, Vijayendra or the BJP party office,” he said and added that the processing plants and landfills had existed even before he took over as the Bengaluru development minister.

Reacting to the accident that killed a boy, he said the law will take its course in such cases but the garbage disposal can’t be stopped.

“The waste is being disposed of in the constituencies of S T Somashekar, B Shivanna and Krishna Byre Gowda also.”

Meanwhile, Ashoka warned that within the next two days, Bengaluru would turn “stenchy” as garbage was not being cleared, and garbage lorries and auto rickshaws were stranded on the outskirts.

Cautioning that public anger would mount, Ashoka demanded the immediate release of funds.

“Earlier, there was a garbage contractor mafia from Andhra in Bengaluru. Today, the state government is the mafia. There is a 7% commission to award a tender, another 7% each for settling the bill and issuing a special NOC. The government takes 21%, and the engineers swallow 71%. There is nothing left for picking up the garbage,” alleged the BJP leader.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/garbage-lorries-stuck-tempers-high-bengaluru-stares-at-citywide-waste-chaos-3903721

The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised the Modi government and said the incident has brought “international embarrassement” for the country. Following the controversy, the University was asked to vacate the Expo.

Amid the Galgotias University’s Robodog controversy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP government, accusing them of ‘copy-paste’. In a post on X on Wednesday, he said, “First, they copied UPA Schemes and Congress guarantees and rebranded them as their own grand vision. Now, even technology is copy-paste.”

Criticising the Centre, the Karnataka chief minister wrote that the Modi government does not believe in ‘Make in India,’ instead, “they believe in ‘Fake in India’.’’

He said that the incident has brought “international embarrassment” to the country on such a prominent platform as the AI Impact Summit.

Siddaramaiah alleged that the private institution is BJP-linked, and wrote, “At the AI Impact Summit, a BJP-linked institution passed off a Chinese robot as ‘Indian innovation’. Chinese media quickly exposed it – turning the spectacle into an international embarrassment.” He further said, “As the leader, so the follower.”

The Karnataka CM said that because of this incident, India’s reputation has suffered, and said, “That is the real shame.”

What is the Robodog Controversy? 

At the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Galgotias University presented a robodog, named “Orion,” allegedly as their own innovation. The backlash began after a video went viral on social media, with many people pointing out that the machine closely resembles the Go2 model produced by Unitree, which is available to purchase for around Rs 2–3 lakh.

Following the criticism, the University posted on X and clarified that they never claimed to have built the robotic dog. It said the device had been procured from the Chinese firm and was being used as an instructional tool to help students explore robotics and artificial intelligence.

However, an X Community Note attached to the post claimed the university’s assertion was misleading, stating that the institution had indeed presented the robot as its own by naming it “Orion” and referring to it as developed by its team during the summit.

Later, the controversy fuelled up even more after a video of a woman went viral, in which she introduced the machine as part of the university’s Centre of Excellence, explained the robot’s features, and claimed that “Orion” had been developed internally.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/copied-upa-schemes-now-even-technology-is-copy-paste-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-on-robodog-row-at-india-impact-ai-summit-3903250 

Mallya, who left India in March 2016, is accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments amounting to several thousand crores. He was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Following the declaration, extradition proceedings against him were initiated.

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Wednesday informed the Bombay High Court that he is unable to provide a definite timeline for his return to India as his passport has been revoked and he is barred from leaving England and Wales under orders passed by courts in the United Kingdom.

Mallya made the submission through his counsel Amit Desai before a bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad. The statement was filed in response to the court’s earlier direction asking him to clarify whether he intended to return to India to face trial while pursuing his petitions challenging the order declaring him a fugitive economic offender and the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act.

Mallya, who left India in March 2016, is accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments amounting to several thousand crores. He was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Following the declaration, extradition proceedings against him were initiated.

In his statement, Mallya said he was unable to travel due to restrictions imposed by UK courts.

“Pursuant to orders passed by the Courts in England, the petitioner is not permitted to leave or attempt to leave England and Wales or apply for or be in possession of any international travel document. In any event, the Petitioner is unable to precisely state when he will return to India,” the statement said.

Desai further submitted that Mallya’s presence in India was not necessary for the High Court to hear his petitions challenging the fugitive offender tag and the provisions of the Act.

Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that Mallya had invoked the extraordinary writ jurisdiction of the High Court, which is equitable in nature. He submitted that a person who does not comply with the law cannot seek discretionary relief from the court.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/passport-revoked-uk-ban-in-place-mallya-tells-bombay-high-court-he-has-no-return-timeline-2870686-2026-02-19

With inadequate police deployment to manage the surge, the situation remained tense for some time at Pune’s Shivneri Fort. At narrow entry and exit points such as the Hathi Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza below the Amberkhana, several people moved forward simultaneously, triggering the stampede.

A huge crowd assembled at Shivneri Fort in Pune district for Shivaji Jayanti, resulting in a stampede that injured several people, including women and young children. The incident occurred as attendees arrived to participate in festivities and rituals at the historic site.

Many visitors, including those carrying the ceremonial Shiv Jyot and members of various organisations, have been gathering at the fort since Wednesday night. This heavy turnout led to congested conditions at important access points within the premises.

In a video shot from the top of the fort, a sea of people can be seen carrying Shiv Jyot and saffron flags, moving slowly. Moments later, several people are seen attempting to escape the sluggish, overcrowded line by climbing onto the dilapidated structure of the fort, where others were also present.

In a desperate bid to get out, some people can also be seen climbing up with the help of others who had already taken shelter in the cracks of the fort walls, which were nearly filled.

Authorities noted that the police deployment on-site was not adequate to handle the unexpected crowd surge. The situation escalated at narrow entry and exit points, specifically the Hathi Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza below the Amberkhana, where groups moved forward at the same time, prompting the stampede.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uncontrolled-crowd-at-punes-shivneri-fort-several-women-children-injured-in-stampede-like-chaos-during-shiv-jayanti-2870715-2026-02-19

Galgotias University said Professor Neha Singh mistakenly presented a Chinese-made robotic dog “Orion” as its own during the India AI Impact Summit. The university clarified she was unaware of the robot’s origins and was not authorised to speak to the press, attributing the error to her enthusiasm on camera.

Galgotias University has issued a formal statement on Wednesday following a controversy caused by professor Neha Singh, who mistakenly described a Chinese-made robotic dog as an in-house innovation during the India AI Impact Summit. According to the university, Singh was unaware of the product’s technical origins and, “in her enthusiasm of being on camera”, she gave factually incorrect information. The university in its statement also said that Singh was also not authorised to speak to the press.

Stating that there was “no institutional intent to misrepresent this innovation,” the university said it remains firmly committed to academic integrity, transparency and responsible representations of its work.” Further adding, it said that it has vacated the premises “understanding the organiser’s sentiment”.

Details Of The Robodog Controversy

The controversy erupted at Bharat Mandapam when a video circulated of Singh demonstrating a four-legged robotic dog. In the footage, she explicitly introduced the robot as “Orion,” stating it was developed by the “Centre of Excellence” at Galgotias University.

She further linked the robot to a massive Rs 350 crore investment by the institution, describing it as a sophisticated surveillance tool designed for difficult terrains.

As the video went viral, social media users highlighted that the robot was actually a Unitree Go2, manufactured by China’s Unitree Robotics and commonly used in research and education worldwide. The University faced severe online and offline criticism.

The private university has been asked to vacate its stall at the AI Impact Summit after the controversy. Following which, IT Secretary S Krishnan said the government does not want any exhibitor to showcase items that are not their own. “We do not want such exhibits to continue,” he said.

“If you mislead… we do not want a controversy (and) so we do not want a controversial agency… whom people believe are exhibiting something which is not theirs,” Krishnan said.

Neha Singh On Robodog Controversy

While speaking to about the controversy, Singh told PTI, “The controversy happened because things may not have been expressed clearly and the intent may not have been properly understood.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/enthusiasm-of-being-on-camera-galgotias-university-issues-apology-over-robodog-row-says-representative-was-ill-informed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Ramzan, wishing peace and togetherness. Akhilesh Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, S Jaishankar and Priyanka Gandhi also extended greetings on X. The holy month begins on February 19 after the crescent moon sighting, with Muslims set to observe the first Roza on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his wishes to people on the start of the holy month of Ramzan. Taking to X PM Modi said, “Ramzan Mubarak! May this auspicious month further the spirit of togetherness in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere,” the post read.

Former Uttar Pradesh CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also extended greetings.

“May this sacred month bring peace, compassion and spiritual strength to everyone. Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Ramzan,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju posted on X.

“Greetings on commencement of the holy month of Ramzan. May it bring peace, good health and prosperity,” EAM S Jaishankar posted on X.

“Warm greetings on the blessed month of Ramadan. May this sacred time bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to every home. Ramadan Mubarak,” Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi posted.

As the crescent moon has been sighted today, the first roza (fasting) will be observed on Thursday, 19 February. During Ramadan, it is recommended to perform Taraweeh prayers, which are special night prayers, in addition to the five daily prayers.

City-Wise Taraweeh Prayer Timings for Ramadan 2026 in India (Tentative)

Delhi: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Mumbai: 7:15 PM – 7:45 PM

Hyderabad: 6:50 PM – 7:20 PM

Bengaluru: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Kolkata: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Chennai: 6:35 PM – 7:05 PM

Lucknow: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Ahmedabad: 7:10 PM – 7:40 PM

The above timings are tentative. Please check with your local mosque. The month of Ramadan is one of the most sacred and auspicious periods in Islam. It is the holiest time for Muslims around the world to observe fasting.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/may-there-be-peace-prosperity-pm-modi-extends-wishes-as-ramzan-begins

The Chhattisgarh High Court has reduced the sentence of the accused from seven years to three and a half years after medical evidence indicated that the survivor’s hymen was intact.

Ejaculation without full penetration constitutes attempted rape and not actual rape, the Chhattisgarh High Court ruled on Monday. Consequently, the court reduced the sentence of the accused from seven years to three and a half years after medical evidence indicated that the survivor’s hymen was intact.

A single bench of Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas said that the accused’s intent was “criminal and clear”, the prosecution failed to establish penetration beyond a reasonable doubt, a necessary ingredient for rape under Section 375 of the IPC as it stood in 2004. Consequently, the conviction under Section 376(1) was modified to Section 376/511 (attempt to rape).

The case dates back to May 21, 2004, in Dhamtari district.

According to the prosecution, the accused forcibly dragged the victim from her home to his house, stripped her, and attempted sexual intercourse against her will. The horror did not end there. The victim was allegedly locked inside a room, her hands and feet tied, and a cloth stuffed into her mouth. Hours later, her mother rescued her from confinement. In 2005, the trial court convicted the accused under Sections 376(1) and 342 of the IPC and sentenced him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for rape, along with six months for wrongful confinement.

The appeal pivoted on a single, crucial legal question – Was there penetration? The High Court meticulously examined both the victim’s testimony and the medical report. In her initial statement, the victim alleged penetration; later, she admitted that the accused had only placed his private parts over hers without actual penetration. The medical report confirmed the hymen was intact. Redness on the vulva and the presence of human sperm on clothing were established.

The Court concluded that while there was clear evidence of sexual assault and intent, full penetration, the sine qua non for rape under the pre-2013 IPC, was not conclusively proved. Justice Vyas observed that genital rubbing and partial contact, even accompanied by sperm presence, indicated an attempt but did not satisfy the strict legal definition of rape

Citing multiple Supreme Court precedents, the Court clarified the difference between preparation and attempt. Forcibly taking the victim inside a room, stripping her, and rubbinghis genitals against her were acts that crossed the threshold of preparation and clearly demonstrated an attempt to commit rape. However, without definitive proof of penetration, Section 376 could not be invoked. Thus, the conviction was altered to Section 376 read with 511 IPC attempt to commit rape.

The defence attempted to question the victim’s age. The Court rejected this argument, holding that the school register qualifies as a valid public document under Section 35 of the Evidence Act and that no credible evidence was produced to disprove it.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ejaculating-without-penetration-isnt-rape-chhattisgarh-high-court-11053717?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington’s claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it has “no reason” to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, which it said is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market.

The remarks came in the backdrop of Washington’s claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.

“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing.

“There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” Zakharova said.

Following a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, both sides announced a reduction of the US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.

The reduction included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff that Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

Last week, Rubio said that India has committed to stop buying Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “national interests” will be the “guiding factor” for India’s energy procurement.

While announcing the trade deal with New Delhi early in February, Trump had also claimed India had agreed not to procure crude oil from Russia.

India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington’s claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-reason-to-believe-change-in-indias-stance-on-russian-oil-moscow-11055467?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The woman, who had remarried, had filed a domestic violence case against the man, because of which he could not return to Canada.

Frustrated that a domestic violence case filed by her had prevented him from returning to Canada, where he worked at an IT firm, a man allegedly barged into his ex-wife’s house in Hyderabad and killed her by stabbing her repeatedly in the head.

The man also held the woman, who was 29 years old and also an IT company employee, responsible for his mother’s death.

In his complaint, the woman’s second husband said she was three months pregnant. Police, however, said this has not been confirmed so far, and a post-mortem report is awaited.

The man, who is in his 30s, married the woman in 2022. The wedding was held in India, and the man later moved to Canada, where the woman joined him.

“Some differences arose between the couple and she later returned to India. She subsequently filed a domestic violence case against him in Maharashtra,” an official said.

The couple got divorced in 2024, and the woman married again in April 2025.

The man returned to India in March 2025 following the death of his mother. An official said a look-out circular had been issued against him because of the domestic violence case and his passport was suspended. Because of this, he could not go back to Canada. He was unemployed and was living at his parents’ house in Telangana’s Peddapalli district.

The man, officials said, felt he and his family had faced mental suffering because of the ex-wife. He also believed that his mother’s death was due to this mental agony.

Plot, Execution

The man decided to kill her and managed to track down her address through her social media accounts. He reached Hyderabad two months ago and began staying in a hostel.

“He had also recced the victim’s apartment recently,” an official said.

He reached the woman’s apartment on Wednesday with a bag containing two knives, a drilling machine, and a can with five litres of petrol.

The man barged into his former wife’s residence, entered the room she was in, and locked it from the inside. He stabbed her multiple times in the head with a knife, killing her instantly.

The woman’s mother-in-law was on the balcony when this happened. Family members called the police and a team reached the house, only to find that the man had poured petrol all over the room and locked himself in the toilet.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/man-barges-into-techie-ex-wifes-house-in-hyderabad-stabs-her-to-death-11055907?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

An exciting lineup is set for Day 4 of the AI Impact Summit in India. Among some of the key speakers today are names such as Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Wipro’s Executive Chairman Rishad Premji. Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and Gates Foundation Chair, is also expected to be present at the summit. Earlier, it was reported that Gates might be skipping the summit in Delhi during his India visit. However, as per a statement from the Gate Foundation, the chairman will be in attendance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be addressing the summit today. As per an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the opening ceremony of the summit on Thursday will also be addressed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.

The previous day at the summit saw a firestorm over Galgotias University. The Noida-based university was at the centre of major backlash after it presented a Chinese robotics firm’s robot dog as their own development. While the university has clarified that they never claimed the robotic dog was their product, they were asked to vacate the premises.

Six days later, on February 10, the JJB granted the 17-year-old interim bail to enable him to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.

The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), before which a 17-year-old boy appeared a day after he allegedly drove a speeding Mahindra Scorpio that killed 23-year-old biker Sahil Dhaneshra in Dwarka, observed that the minor “appeared to show no remorse” and “did not understand the preciousness of taking a life,” showed the board’s order accessed by HT.

“Upon enquiry from the CCL [child in conflict with law, the 17-year-old], it appears that he does not understand the preciousness of life of a person and is not remorseful towards his act,” the JJB noted in its February 4 order. The minor was subsequently sent to an observation home for “rehabilitation and appropriate counselling” and for his “safety and security”, according to the order.

Six days later, on February 10, the JJB granted the 17-year-old interim bail to enable him to appear for his Class 10 board examinations, directing him to surrender on March 9 after completion of the exams. The relief came in response to a plea by the juvenile’s counsel, who argued that the boy was “unable to study” in a conducive environment at the observation home.

Principal magistrate Chitranshi Arora observed that the board was conscious of the juvenile’s status as a Class 10 student and that his academic future ought not to be prejudiced. “The need for immediate academic preparation and the continuity of studies constitutes a relevant consideration under the rehabilitative and reformative object of the JJ Act,” the board held.

As an interim arrangement, the juvenile was permitted to remain in his father’s custody upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹10,000 with one surety of the like amount, valid until the next hearing on March 9.

The board, however, imposed several conditions, including that the father ensure the juvenile’s presence before the board whenever directed, that the minor not come into conflict with law during the interim period, and that the time granted be utilised strictly for academic preparation.

The order also clarified that the arrangement was “purely temporary and interim in nature” and would not be treated as a precedent. The father has been directed to appear with his son on March 9, when the regular bail plea will be heard.

The incident occurred on February 3 when Sahil Dhaneshra was travelling on his two-wheeler. Police allege that a speeding SUV with the teenager at the wheel struck him and then rammed into a parked cab, critically injuring its driver. The minor, who did not possess a driving licence, was apprehended and sent to an observation home. Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) dealing with rash and negligent driving, causing death by negligence, and endangering human life. The juvenile’s father has been bound down by police.

In his bail plea, the 17-year-old described himself as a student with a “remarkable academic record” and claimed he was being falsely implicated.

The plea stated the incident was “purely accidental” with no intention or mens rea to cause injury or death. It contended that the accident occurred on a single-lane road and that the juvenile stepped out immediately after the crash and “attempted to assist the victim”.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/teen-driver-behind-suv-accident-in-delhis-dwarka-appeared-to-show-no-remorse-says-juvenile-justice-board-101771457373237.html

At least 26 children died after allegedly consuming the cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh last year.

Hasin Jahan argued that Shami travels across countries and thus has sufficient resources and measures to contest the cases in Delhi.

Petroleum crude usually constitutes about 80% of India’s total merchandise imports from Russia.

India’s merchandise imports from Russia in January fell 40.48% to $2.86 billion compared to $4.81 billion in January 2025, according to latest data released on Monday, with the reduction largely on account of Indian refiners drastically cutting Russian crude purchases .

Petroleum crude usually constitutes about 80% of India’s total merchandise imports from Russia, it is estimated that actual imports of Russian crude oil in the month were around $2.3 billion, perhaps less, people aware of the matter said, requesting anonymity. While the government on Monday released trade data for January 2026, it is yet to release data by product lines and countries. Other than crude, India imports coal, coke, certain petroleum products, fertilizer, iron, newsprint, project goods, pulses, pearl, precious and semi-precious stones from Russia.

The reduction in Russian crude oil imports in 2025-26 started from a peak of $4.73 billion in April 2025, the month that saw the US government announcing its Liberation Day tariffs . It also saw Washington pressurizing India against buying Russian crude. Later, from August 27, the US imposed an additional 25% punitive tariff on Indian merchandise exports — essentially a penalty for purchasing Russian crude. This saw India’s import of Russian crude falling to $3.32 billion in September, nearly 30% drop from the month of April.

The decline in Russian imports is in lines with Indian refiners’ statements that they have stopped buying Russian crude, the people mentioned above said. Reacting to a news report on January 9, India’s biggest private refiner Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said on social media platform X that it was not expecting “any Russian crude oil” deliveries in January. RIL’s refining capacity exceeds 68 million tonnes per annum.

“The fall in merchandise imports from Russia is expected to be sharper in coming months when Indian refiners will move to buy cheaper Venezuelan crude as compared to Russian oil,” one of the people cited above said. Indian refiners are considering the US offer to buy Venezuelan crude, he added. US President Donald Trump on January 31 told reporters aboard Air Force One that India would buy Venezuelan oil . Before US sanctions on Venezuela, India was one of the key buyers of Venezuelan crude.

The Trump administration on February 6 withdrew the 25% punitive tariff imposed on Indian goods in its market saying India has “committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil” and agreed to purchase US energy products. The US is also keen that India should resume purchase of energy from Venezuela.

In 2012-13, India imported crude worth $14.10 billion from the South American country. Imports of Venezuelan crude gradually fell due to various geo-political reasons and became zero in 2021-22, according to official data.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-merchandise-imports-from-russia-drop-40-in-jan-crude-oil-worsthit-101771377793177.html

Renowned Hindi and Marathi actress Pravina Deshpande passed away at 60 after battling multiple myeloma since 2019. Known for Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, and films like Ready, she faced skin eruptions, severe back pain, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant during her cancer journey. The disease affects plasma cells and weakens bones.

Pravina Deshpande, a renowned television and film actress, passed away after a long battle with cancer in Mumbai. The 60-year-old, who featured in famous television shows like Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, and films like Jalebi and Ready, was under treatment for multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer- since 2019.

In an earlier interview, Pravina had spoken about how she started having eruptions on her skin, which spread gradually, before the diagnosis. “It began with minor skin eruptions and gradually spread,” she said in an interview with The Times of India. In 2022, Pravina suffered extreme back pain once her first round of treatment was over.

“While performing in a play, I suffered severe back pain, indicating it was time to start treatment. I completed shooting a web series in September and was admitted for chemotherapy the same month, followed by a bone marrow transplant,” she said.

She had been vocal about her family support, especially her husband Aniruddh, who she said stood like a rock during her long treatment.

Seven villagers, mostly children, have died within weeks in Chayasa village of Haryana’s Palwal district after suffering hepatitis, fever, vomiting and sudden liver failure, triggering panic among residents.

A winter haze hangs low over Chayasa village in Haryana’s Palwal district. The handpumps creak as women draw water, children weave through narrow lanes, and conversations drop to whispers at the mention of hepatitis.

In less than three weeks, seven people — most of them children, have died after complaining of eerily similar symptoms: stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and, in several cases, sudden liver failure.

When India Today’s sister channel, Aaj Tak’s team, reached the village, grief sat heavy inside modest brick homes where charpoys have replaced schoolbags and laughter. Families say the illness struck fast and without warning.

The first death came on January 27. 14-year-old Sariq, a Class 6 student, had complained of severe stomach pain the previous day. He was admitted to hospital on January 26 but died within 24 hours. “He was fine until that evening,” a relative said quietly. “We thought it was just a stomach infection.”

Two days later, on January 29, nine-year-old Hufaiz, a Class 4 student, was rushed to a private hospital in Palwal after his blood pressure spiked at night. Within hours, he was referred to Faridabad. Doctors later told the family his liver had failed. He died the same day.

On January 30, 15-year-old Huma began vomiting and developed a fever along with acute stomach pain. She was admitted to Nalhad Medical College in Mewat. Her uncle, Parvez, recalled the rapid decline. “My niece had stomach pain, vomiting and a mild fever. When her condition worsened, we took her to Nalhad Medical College. She was admitted there for three days. Eventually, she started having seizures.” Huma died on February 3.

By then, fear had begun to spread across Chayasa.

Sixty-five-year-old Jameela fell ill on January 28. Her son, Noor Mohammad, got her admitted to Nalhad Medical College, where she died on February 4. “My mother also had liver problems. Her condition worsened in the last few days, and she died,” said Wasim, her son. “She was 58 years old.” The family says doctors mentioned liver damage but offered few details.

On the same day, Shamshuddin also succumbed. According to his mother, Sakina, “My son had a fever for four days. He was admitted to Faridabad and Gurugram hospitals, but he died. He was 32 years old.” The family says his condition deteriorated despite treatment in multiple facilities.

Seven-year-old Payal’s story follows a familiar pattern. She developed a fever on February 1. Her family first sought medicine from a village practitioner. When she did not improve, another doctor was consulted. On February 4, she was taken to Hathin Government Hospital and referred onwards to Palwal and then Nalhad Medical College. She died on February 5. “My granddaughter had a fever, then her condition worsened,” said Mahendra, her grandmother. “The doctor did not tell us what happened to her. She was only five.”

The most recent death was that of 22-year-old Dilshad. He began experiencing fever and stomach pain on February 1, was admitted to Nalhad Medical College on February 10, and died the next day.

Across households, the pattern is strikingly similar: fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, sudden deterioration, and in several cases, liver failure. Noor Muhammad, who lost his mother, described the sudden turn. “My mother initially had a fever, which subsided. Then she suddenly stopped talking. After that, she was taken to the medical college, where she was admitted for several days. The doctor said her liver was also damaged. She was 60 years old.”

Vasudev Gupta, the nodal officer, said about the deaths that triggered alarm, “There are various reasons for deaths. Among those dead, 3–4 tested positive for Hepatitis B.”

Villagers now avoid shared water sources and speak of contaminated supply and unsafe medical practices in hushed tones. Some allege that injections from unqualified practitioners may have played a role; others blame dirty water. No official cause has yet been confirmed publicly, but health teams have visited the village and collected samples.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chayasa-palwal-haryana-mysterious-illness-seven-deaths-liver-failure-probe-2869909-2026-02-17

Opposition leaders have questioned how 75 files could be processed and signed within a short span, especially on a day when the state administration was reportedly preoccupied with the breaking news surrounding Ajit Pawar.

A fresh controversy has erupted in Maharashtra over administrative decisions taken on January 28, the same day news of senior leader Ajit Pawar’s plane incident emerged, triggering widespread political and bureaucratic activity in the state.

According to sources, the Maharashtra Minority Department cleared as many as 75 files related to minority schools on January 28. The files reportedly included proposals linked to recognition and approvals for minority educational institutions. The development has raised serious questions in political and administrative circles, with opposition parties alleging irregularities in the sudden clearance of such a large number of files in a single day.

Opposition leaders have questioned how 75 files could be processed and signed within a short span, especially on a day when the state administration was reportedly preoccupied with the breaking news surrounding Ajit Pawar.

“The clearance of so many files in one day creates suspicion. It is important to know whether due procedure was followed and whether proper scrutiny was conducted,” an opposition leader said.

The issue has also led to administrative action. Milind Shenoy, Deputy Secretary in the Maharashtra Minority Department, has been transferred amid the controversy.

Sources said the government has initiated an inquiry into the matter and further action is also underway.

Several key questions are now being raised: why and how were 75 files signed on the same day, whether all proposals underwent proper verification and legal procedures, and whether the approvals had been pre-planned or granted suddenly.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/75-minority-school-files-cleared-on-day-of-ajit-pawar-plane-news-spark-controversy-deputy-secretary-transferred-2869996-2026-02-18

A schoolteacher was allegedly lured from Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun to a village in Madhya Pradesh as part of a honeytrap scheme. However, he was strangled to death there after he resisted being photographed with a woman in an objectionable manner.

A murder case in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district has unravelled into a failed honeytrap conspiracy that ended in the killing of a man, police said.

Six people, including a woman, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the case. The main accused has been identified as Krishpal alias Kuldeep, a cousin of the victim’s.

Police said the victim, Raghavendra, was a schoolteacher by profession. Krishpal, described as a gambling and alcohol addict by the police, had accumulated significant debt and had borrowed money from Raghavendra as well.

When Raghavendra began pressuring him to repay the loan, Krishpal allegedly conspired with his girlfriend, Sonia, to silence him through blackmail.

As part of the plan, Krishpal and his associates allegedly lured Raghavendra to a village in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh on the pretext of returning the money.

After reaching a farm, the accused allegedly tried to take objectionable photographs of Raghavendra with Sonia, intending to use the pictures to blackmail him, Jalaun’s Superintendent of Police Durgesh Kumar said.

When Raghavendra resisted, the group allegedly assaulted him and strangled him to death with a data cable, the officer said.

The accused then dumped the body in nearby bushes. A missing person’s report was filed on February 11, a day after Raghavendra disappeared from his village.

Police formed three teams to trace him. His body was recovered days later, and a murder case was registered on February 14.

Relying on informant inputs and technical surveillance, investigators arrested Krishpal and five others, including Sonia. Police said the case was cracked within 72 hours of registering the murder case, prompting the SP to announce a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for the team.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/teacher-killed-by-cousin-his-aides-as-honeytrap-bid-goes-wrong-in-jalaun-teacher-murder-case-uttar-pradesh-up-news-2869995-2026-02-18

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee questioned the Election Commission after it declared certain documents invalid during an SIR hearing. She alleged voter deletions in Bengal, accused the poll body of bias, and claimed officials were being targeted. BJP countered that she fears the SIR exercise.

A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared certain documents as ‘invalid’ during SIR hearing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday had questioned why those documents were ‘valid’ during SIR in Bihar.

“A woman functionary in the BJP IT cell removed names of 58 lakh voters’ from Bengal using AI. The EC is defying Supreme Court orders and undermining democracy. The poll body is working at the behest of BJP and is behaving like Hitler and Tughlaq. The deletion of voters’ names is like Sita being kidnapped by Ravana,” said Mamata addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna.

Speaking about the suspension of seven officials for alleged ‘misconduct’, Mamata said that the victims were not given a chance to speak for themselves.

“In the name of deletion of voters’ names the poll body is snatching away the rights of the voters. If Bengal officers are being victimized then we will 100 per cent protect them. In the name of logical discrepancies Bengal is being targeted to please BJP. Same manipulation was done in Haryana and Maharashtra,” further added the West Bengal Chief Minister.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-describes-election-commission-as-hitler-and-tughlaqi-commission

The massive investment will cater to the development of artificial intelligence technology through “one of the world’s largest integrated energy-compute commitments”. The investment will be made till 2035 and the data centres will be powered by renewable energy, the company said in an exchange filing

The Adani Group on Tuesday announced an investment of $100 billion to build data centres, catering to the development of artificial intelligence technology through “one of the world’s largest integrated energy-compute commitments”. The investment will be made till 2035, and the data centres will be powered by renewable energy, the company said in an exchange filing.

“The initiative will establish a long-term sovereign energy and compute platform designed to position India as a global leader in the emerging intelligence revolution,” the company said in a statement.

The announcement of the massive investment has come at a time when India is hosting the AI Impact Summit, with various global leaders expected to join the gathering.

The company further noted that this investment will attract an additional $150 billion across server manufacturing, advanced electrical infrastructure, sovereign cloud platforms and supporting industries. This is projected to create a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the decade, it said.

“The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution,” said the group’s chairman, Gautam Adani.

“Nations that master the symmetry between energy and compute will shape the next decade. India is uniquely positioned to lead. At Adani, we are building on our foundation in data centres and green energy to expand into the complete five-layer AI stack focused on India’s technological sovereignty. India will not be a mere consumer in the AI age. We will be the creators, the builders and the exporters of intelligence, and we are proud to be able to participate in that future.”

The company said it will also co-invest in domestic manufacturing partnerships of critical infrastructure components, including high-capacity transformers, advanced power electronics, grid systems, inverters and industrial thermal management solutions. This will ensure protection from global supply-chain volatility.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/adani-group-to-invest-100-billion-to-build-ai-data-centres

Bhupen Kumar Borah will join BJP on February 22, confirmed by Himanta Biswa Sarma, with Dilip Saikia present at the event.

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah will officially join the BJP on February 22 in the presence of state BJP President Dilip Saikia, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

“… Bhupen Borah will join BJP on February 22. Dilip Saikia will work out the details. Along with him, a good number of Congress leaders will join the BJP in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur … He is the last recognised Hindu leader in Congress…,” Sarma said at a press conference that was joined by Borah.

He further said: “Our National President Nitin Nabin has already approved his joining and welcomes him… Bhupen Borah will be accorded all due respect and dignity… Joining the BJP will be like a homecoming for him because it is a party with many people like him, whose fathers did not occupy any high offices.”

He further said: “… Bhupen Borah’s joining will completely create an image, which is a reality too, that Congress is no longer a party of mainstream Assamese people.”

The announcement came after Sarma visited Borah’s residence in Ghoramara area of Guwahati, and was welcomed by his wife and son with ‘aarti’.

On Monday, Borah submitted his resignation to the Congress by allegedly blaming Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s “highhandedness” for his decision.

In his resignation letter, Borah said he was being ignored by the party leadership and was not given his due in the state unit. He said he had informed the high command about how the party was functioning in the state and that the situation had affected his self-esteem and dignity.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cities/guwahati/days-after-leaving-congress-bhupen-borah-meets-himanta-sarma-to-join-bjp-9910903.html

Sahil Dhaneshra, who was going to his office, was killed after a Scorpio, allegedly driven by the minor, rammed his motorcycle head-on near Lal Bahadur Shastri College around 12 noon on February 3.

The father of the teen whose SUV ran over a 23-year-old biker in Delhi earlier this month told NDTV that the tragic accident was a “mistake” and that his family is “very, very sorry”.

“I am also a parent. It was a mistake. I am very, very sorry,” the father, who spoke in Hindi, told NDTV.

Sahil Dhaneshra, who was going to his office, was killed after a Scorpio, allegedly driven by the minor, rammed his motorcycle head-on near Lal Bahadur Shastri College around 12 noon on February 3. The impact also led to a collision with a parked cab, leaving its driver seriously injured.

The accused, who did not possess a driving licence, was detained and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), which sent him to an observation home.

On February 10, the Board granted him interim bail, citing his ongoing Class 10 board examinations, police said.

“My wife got a call on the 3rd. It was around 11.30 or 11.45 am. The child met with an accident. I got scared. I asked her, ‘How did this happen? She said, ‘It happened in a car’. She was scared. I was scared too,” the father, who returned to Delhi on the same day, said, recounting the tragic day.

The man said he asked his wife to take the child to the hospital, to “save the child”.

He took a flight and returned to Delhi around 6 pm, nearly four hours after the accident, and went straight to the police station in Dwarka.

“We got all the information about the accident. They said, this is your car. We said, ‘Yes sir’. They asked if this is your son, I said, ‘Yes’. I told them I was away from home and I got to know through you and my wife’s call about the accident. I presented all the documents to the police,” he said, adding there was a lot of crowd at the police station.

“We were being threatened at the police station,” the father said.

Pressed to answer who is responsible for giving an SUV to a minor, the father said,” I was not at home. I was away. The child made a mistake. He made a mistake. This is wrong.”

When questioned about the 13 challans, including nine for speeding, against the car, and why was the teen still allowed to drive the vehicle, the father said,”The car is involved in my business. We have drivers and the challans are because of them not because my child was driving the car around.”

Did you ever stop your son from driving? this reporter asked the father.

“I never knew about it. He was very scared of me,” he said, clarifying that his son did not even have a driving licence.

Asked if the teen’s sister who was with him at the time of the accident was making reels, the father said,”No, she was not making reels. She was taking pictures and making a video.”

Inna Maakan, the mother of the 23-year-old victim, has claimed that the accused teen was “out on his Scorpio to make fun reels”.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sahil-dhaneshra-road-accident-a-mistake-very-very-sorry-father-of-teen-whose-suv-ran-over-delhi-biker-11041291?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Tom Cooper, one of the world’s foremost aviation historians and analysts, says he has plenty of proof to back up his claim.

The question of whether one particular strike was the straw that broke the camel’s back and made Pakistan approach the Indian side and push for a ceasefire after Operation Sindoor last year has long been debated. One of the world’s foremost aviation historians, analysts and experts may finally have the answer.

Despite the Indian Air Force denying that it had struck Kirana Hills, one of Pakistan’s main storage facilities for nuclear weapons and a former nuclear testing site, Tom Cooper is convinced the facility was hit and that “Pakistan was finished by then”.

“It’s a place you hit when you want to send a clear message without causing, let’s put it this way, too much damage. It means, “Listen, guys in Pakistan, we can hit you severely where we want, whenever we want, with as much ammunition as we want. Stop it, finally’,” Cooper told NDTV’s Shiv Aroor in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

“And considering the timing of that strike, and when one cross-checks what was happening in the background on the diplomatic scene, how Islamabad was calling Washington, calling New Delhi, and begging for a ceasefire. Of course, it was not literally begging for a ceasefire… But eventually, that was that… It cannot be clearer anymore,” he asserted.

‘Several Pieces Of Evidence’

Asked what proof he had that the attack actually took place, the aviation expert insisted there was not just one piece of evidence, but several, including videos shot by Pakistanis showing contrails from missiles coming in, diving down, and hitting the hillside. Smoke rising from the radar station of what he described as the 4091st Squadron of the Pakistani Air Force, Cooper said, bolsters this theory.

“And the evidence is so clear that the Indian Air Force hit these radar stations first to disable the Pakistani capability to counter its attack, and then hit at least two entrances to the underground storage facilities. And Kirana Hills is one of the centrepieces of the Pakistani nuclear programme. They have run something like 20-24 non-critical nuclear tests over there. I mean, it’s not Disneyland,” he said.

“Pakistan was finished by then. Its Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos (launched in response to Operation Sindoor) had failed. It was blocked by Indian air defence, and then by this massive strike that morning in May,” he added.

Cooper said this strike was one of the key reasons he had declared the conflict a clear-cut victory for India.

“You don’t target such places without knowing that the enemy or the other side cannot strike back without having absolute certainty,” he explained.

The other evidence, Cooper said, came from “personal contacts” in Pakistan who confirmed the facility was hit.

Nuclear Proof

To a question on how he was sure Kirana Hills housed a nuclear facility, Cooper said a bulletin of atomic scientists in the US had described it in that manner, and analysts in India had arrived at the same conclusion.

“It is really amazing what kind of stuff they are finding. So when you find 40 hardened shelters, two maintenance facilities, 50 or more entrances to underground facilities… When you know the history of the site, with its nuclear tests. I mean, again, it is not a fun park. It is a nuclear facility for testing purposes, for storage purposes. There might not be a reactor over there, but it doesn’t mean there are no nuclear weapons,” he said.

The expert also pointed to Sargodha, one of the Pakistan Air Force’s principal facilities, being very close to Kirana Hills. He asked why a squadron of F-16s was being trained for the delivery of nuclear weapons at the base if there was no storage facility nearby.

“What can be a better storage facility in this area than Kirana Hills, with all of its tunnels, hardened shelters, three complexes of ammunition depots and so on?” he argued.

Escalation?

On the possibility of escalation following such a strike, Cooper said the context was important. Pakistan, he highlighted, had fired missiles and other projectiles and sent drones, and all of them were shot down, except for one or two missiles.

“Everything that was sent India’s way was shot down. Several Pakistani Air Force jets were shot down. Pilots were killed. So this operation (Bunyan-un-Marsoos) was a complete failure… And then the Indian Air Force launched a counter-strike, hit 12 or 13 air bases, and Pakistan was still trying,” Cooper recalled.

“And then came the strike on Kirana Hills. And with this action, you make it clear to the opponent: ‘You can’t do anything. You are finished. You can fire whatever you like at us, and we are still going to shut down everything coming our way and hit you very hard. And if you continue, we are going to hit you even harder because we can, and you can’t,'” he stressed.

This was a big cause of the clear-cut victory, Cooper insisted, and led to Pakistan calling for a ceasefire and India agreeing to a break in the operations.

Weaponry, Integration

On whether specialised aircraft or weapons were needed for the precision strikes on Kirana Hills, Cooper said that was not necessary.

“You had Su-30s launching BrahMos and Rampage – air-launched ballistic missiles. You had Jaguars launching Rampage. You had Rafales launching SCALPs, and so on. This was perfectly enough,” he explained.

Cooper was all praise for India’s integrated air defence system and said that it had made all the difference. Not only did the system function very well defensively and thwart wave after wave of Pakistani missiles and projectiles, but it also made it possible to go on the offensive very quickly.

“…to simultaneously coordinate such a massive operation by the Indian Air Force on the morning of the 10th and to hit Pakistan that hard. This is something that people are not understanding enough,” he maintained.

“So Pakistan can now buy, you know, 200 (Chinese-made) J-20s and whatever else. The Indian air defence system is still good enough to detect this one way or the other, because there’s plenty of built-in redundancy in this system. There are so many different radars that one of them would pick it up. And when you detect that, stealth is not stealth anymore,” Cooper explained.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tom-cooper-kirana-hills-like-sun-rising-in-east-expert-on-india-hitting-paks-nuclear-site-during-op-sindoor-11050914?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Misri conveyed greetings to Shafiqur on his new role and reaffirmed India’s enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties.

New Delhi: Signalling its intent to move on from the acrimony of the past, New Delhi on Tuesday reached out to Jamaat-e-Islami, which was once known for its hostility to India and now emerged as the principal Opposition party in Bangladesh.

Even as of Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had a courtesy meeting with Shafiqur Rahman, the ‘Ameer’ (supremo) of the Jamaat-e-Islami, which won 68 of the 299 parliamentary constituencies in the recent parliamentary elections in the neighbouring country.

Birla met Tarique soon after the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, congratulated him and handed over to him a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who invited his new counterpart to visit New Delhi at the earliest convenience. Misri, on the other hand, met Shafiqur, who was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the newly elected Jatiya Sangsad, the parliament of Bangladesh.

Misri conveyed greetings to Shafiqur on his new role and reaffirmed India’s enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties. Shafiqur highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by India and Bangladesh and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations, New Delhi’s diplomatic mission in Dhaka wrote on X after the meeting.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh, has a history of ties with the radical forces in Pakistan. It had opposed the 1971 Liberation War, which had led to the birth of Bangladesh, ending Pakistan’s rule over what had previously been known as East Pakistan.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-reaches-out-to-jamaat-e-islami-bangladesh-signals-intent-to-move-on-from-past-animosity-3902412

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal on behalf of Wangchuk’s wife submitted that some of the words attributed to the activist were never said by him.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Centre over translations of the transcripts of videos submitted by it against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying it should be precise in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B Varale told Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj that it wanted actual transcripts of Wangchuk’s statements from the government as senior advocate Kapil Sibal on behalf of Wangchuk’s wife submitted that some of the words attributed to the activist were never said by him.

“We want an actual transcript of the speech. What he relied upon and what you say are different. We will decide. There should be an actual transcript of what he says. You may have your reasons. At least, whatever he stated, the true translation should be there… Your translation goes on for 7 to 8 minutes, but the speech is for 3 minutes. We are in the era of Artificial Intelligence; precision is at least 98 per cent for translation,” the bench observed.

Sibal claimed this is a very unique detention order, where the authorities relied on something that did not exist and then, it was said it was based on subjective satisfaction.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/we-are-in-age-of-ai-supreme-court-questions-centre-over-translation-of-sonam-wangchuks-speech-3900885

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor spent a late evening in Bengaluru with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, combining street food with strategic conversation as the two spoke about the growing India-US partnership.

Sharing photographs and videos on X, Surya said he welcomed the ambassador to Karnataka’s capital and hosted him over masala dosa and strong filter coffee in Indiranagar.

The discussion, he said, centred on trade, technology and innovation, particularly in the backdrop of the recently finalised interim trade agreement between the two countries.

In his post, Surya said they had “an engaging conversation on the growing India US partnership, especially in trade, technology and innovation following the interim trade agreement” and added that he also introduced the ambassador to a “Namma Auto” ride, calling it “a memorable ride indeed.”

‘India’s most happening city’

A video shared by the BJP MP shows the two travelling in an auto rickshaw through the city’s streets, with Gor at one point recording the roads on his phone.

In the clip, Surya welcomes him to what he describes as “India’s best city” and “India’s most happening city,” thanking the ambassador for his role in strengthening India-United States relations. Gor, responding to the warm reception, described Surya as the “most incredible host” during his first visit to Bengaluru.

Focus on trade and technology

Surya later said that Ambassador Gor brings “uncommon energy and dynamism to diplomacy” and has a genuine belief in the “limitless potential” of India-US ties. He added that a late-night auto ride was the “real Bengaluru experience” and called the city the “crown jewel of the India-US partnership.”

Gor, in his own post, said he had just arrived in Bengaluru and praised the city’s energy, from startups to street food, calling it unmatched and thanking Surya for hosting him.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gurugram-cops-nabs-woman-running-illegal-telecom-setup-aiding-cyber-fraud-calls-101771294482355.html

IndiGo has extended cancellations of flights to several Central Asian and Caucasus cities amid rising tensions around Iran. The airline prioritises passenger safety while adjusting schedules to manage operational constraints caused by geopolitical developments.

IndiGo on Monday extended the cancellation of flights to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku and Tashkent till March 28 due to developments related to Iran.

Earlier, the carrier had cancelled the services to these cities till February 28.

IndiGo and Air India have stopped using the Iranian airspace and are flying alternative routes for their long-haul flights.

Considering the ongoing developments in the region around Iran and its associated airspace, flights to/from Tbilisi (Georgia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Baku (Azerbaijan) remain impacted, IndiGo said in a post on X.

“The previously announced cancellations have been extended until 28th March 2026. The safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our highest priority, and we continue to closely monitor the situation, while reviewing schedules to minimise inconvenience,” the airline said.

Tensions have escalated between Iran and the United States, and there are apprehensions that the situation could result in a military conflict.

On February 4, IndiGo said it will adjust its long-haul flights operated with leased Dreamliners, wherein services to Copenhagen will be suspended from February 17, while flights on Delhi-London-Heathrow and Delhi-Manchester routes would also be reduced.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigo-extends-flight-cancellations-amid-iran-tensions-check-affected-routes-2869323-2026-02-16

In Bhopal, Pritam Kushwaha, jailed earlier for axing his three sons to death, murdered 50-year-old woman who had sheltered him, stabbing her at an under-construction house. He died by suicide under a train, exposing a chilling past, broken trust, and a crime that shocked the city deeply.

A man who had already served 18 years in jail for murdering his three sons in Madhya Pradesh, struck again, this time killing a woman who had given him shelter, before dying by suicide under a train.

The victim, 50-year-old Durga, was stabbed to death in the Bhopal’s Gautam Nagar area by her gurubhai (fellow-disciple) and relative Pritam Kushwaha, who had been living in her house for nearly a year after being released from prison.

Police said the murder took place inside Durga’s under-construction house in Gautam Nagar. Kushwaha allegedly took her there on the pretext of cleaning and then attacked her repeatedly with a sharp weapon, inflicting multiple wounds to her chest and abdomen.

Investigators believe the crime was triggered by tensions between the two. Durga had reportedly been pressuring him for the past six months to vacate the house, angering the accused.

CONVICTED FOR MURDER OF HIS 3 SONS WITH AXE

Police Station in-charge Mahendra Singh Thakur said Kushwaha, a native of Tendukheda, had earlier been convicted for killing his three sons with an axe and had completed an 18-year sentence. After his release last year, he was socially ostracised in his village, and Durga had given him refuge in Bhopal.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/madhya-pradesh/story/woman-killed-by-triple-murder-convict-she-sheltered-accused-dies-by-suicide-2869362-2026-02-17

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai for a three-day India visit and was welcomed at the airport by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Macron will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to deepen the India–France strategic partnership. The leaders will launch the Year of Innovation 2026 and discuss cooperation in defence, tech and digital sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday, marking the start of his three-day official visit to India, during which he will hold key discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review and deepen the India–France strategic partnership.

President Macron was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present to welcome the French leader and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

CM Fadnavis Extends Warm Welcome Greetings

Shortly after Macron’s arrival, Fadnavis took to X to extend a warm welcome. “Bienvenue à Mumbai! A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai! Maharashtra welcomes you! Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful visit,” he wrote.

Ahead of his departure for India, President Macron had underlined the importance of the visit in a post on X, saying he was travelling with business leaders and representatives from economic, industrial, cultural and digital sectors to further strengthen the tangible ties between the two countries. He described India as a close partner and said the visit would aim to take bilateral cooperation “even further.”

During his stay in Mumbai, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. Their discussions are expected to focus on reviewing progress under the India–France strategic partnership and exploring ways to further diversify cooperation into new and emerging areas, including technology, innovation, defence and digital collaboration. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bienvenue-mumbai-maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-extends-warm-welcome-to-french-president-emmanuel-macron-arriving-in-city-as-part-of-3-day-india-visit

Infighting, strain with allies to senior leaders’ comments: A look at the Congress’s poll position, alliances in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Bengal

Be it the strain with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over power-sharing or Assam senior leader Bhupen Kumar Borah’s resignation which the party said he later withdrew or even the war of words involving Mani Shankar Aiyar in Kerala, the Congress seems to be a divided house in four poll-bound states.

Pradip Bhandari, Bharatiya Janata Party’s national spokesperson, wrote on X: “Loyalists who spent entire life time in Congress; now openly speaking against Rahul Gandhi! When your own leaders do not believe in your leadership; imagine the state of your party. Mani Shankar Iyer-“I am a Rajivian not a Rahulian” Congress vs Rahul Gandhi! Congress rejects Rahul Gandhi!”

A look at the party’s poll position, alliances in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Bengal.

KERALA: THE MS AIYAR ROW

In a move that has left the party red-faced, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Sunday predicted that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will retain power for a third consecutive time in the upcoming Assembly polls. He also praised the ruling LDF government’s panchayati raj model. The Congress was quick to distance itself from Aiyar’s remarks, saying they were made in a personal capacity. The Congress-led UDF, the principal opposition, is fighting against Pinarayi Vijayan and his party to come back to power.

“So in the presence of the Chief Minister, who I’m sure will be the next Chief Minister, I renew my plea to reinforce Kerala as the best Panchayati Raj state in the country,” Aiyar said, speaking at the international seminar titled Vision 2031 International Conference on Democracy and Development.

On X, Vijayan wrote, “The charismatic words of Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar during the #Vision2031 International Conference resonate well with the contemporary scenario. We stand united in the belief that democracy only flourishes when power resides with the people. We will continue to strengthen our local bodies as the heartbeat of growth.”

Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh, reacted to his remarks. Khera said, “Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity.” Ramesh asserted that Kerala would bring the Congress-led UDF back to power by removing the Left Front.

“I want the Congress to win, but I don’t believe it will. Congress leaders hate each other more than they hate the Communists,” Aiyar said in reply. Aiyar also took aim at four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, alleging that the senior leader harbours ambitions of becoming the next foreign minister.

ASSAM: BHUPEN KUMAR BORAH RESIGNS

In a major setback to the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls in Assam, former state unit chief Bhupen Kumar Borah resigned on Monday morning. Borah is learnt to have blamed Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s “highhandedness” for his decision. The development comes just days before Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Assam.

Sources said Borah sent his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. He also wrote to Rahul Gandhi. In his letter, Borah said he was being ignored by the party leadership and was not given his due in the state unit. He said he had informed the high command about how the party was functioning in the state and that the situation had affected his self-esteem and dignity.

Borah said, “I sent my resignation to the Congress High Command at 8 am this morning and explained in detail why I was compelled to take this stand. This is not a personal decision. I have given 32 years to the party and joined it in 1994. This principle is not merely personal; it is driven by concern for the party’s future. That is why I conveyed everything in detail to the Congress High Command.”

By afternoon, the Assam Congress claimed that Borah had withdrawn his resignation.

TAMIL NADU: POWER TUSSLE WITH DMK

The rift within the Congress-DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu is out in the open, with power-sharing a major bone of contention.

Congress leaders are seen clashing with the ruling DMK, and even backing a tie-up with actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party TVK. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has warned of retaliation if Congress is sidelined, while DMK leaders have hit back sharply.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has categorically ruled out power-sharing, signalling tension in the alliance.

Amid this backdrop, Vijay and TVK have been hinted they are open to cooperation against common opponents. Reports claim even the Congress is looking for more “options”.

BENGAL: WILL THEY ALLY WITH TMC?

TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has ruled out any formal pre-poll tie-up with Congress in the 2026 Bengal polls, saying her party will fight alone. This view has been reaffirmed by key TMC leaders, reflecting TMC’s long tradition of contesting state elections independently.

Source : https://www.news18.com/explainers/congress-poll-position-in-assam-tamil-nadu-kerala-bengal-aiyar-borah-to-stalin-tussle-ws-l-9906480.html

Inna Makan seeks justice after Sahil Dhaneshra died in a Dwarka crash caused by a minor driving a Scorpio for fun reels. Police registered an FIR and the accused got interim bail.

Inna Makan, the mother of 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a road accident in Delhi’s Dwarka, has appealed for strict action against the minor allegedly driving the SUV that collided with her son’s motorcycle, calling the incident a “criminal activity” rather than an accident.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “My son was going to the office on the 3rd of February. He (Scorpio driver), along with his sister, was out on his Scorpio to make fun reels. The speed with which the Scorpio is being driven is clearly visible in the reel. He (Scorpio driver) was driving in the opposite lane and came right in front of the bus and performed a stunt. My son looked to the right to see whether there was space. Because there was an e-rickshaw on the left side of the bus. The Scorpio collided with the motorcycle and hit the roadside parked car. The Scorpio driver did not apply the brakes after the collision. Even a cab driver has been seriously injured in the accident.”

“This is a criminal activity. Some people think that they can do anything on the road because their parents are wealthy; this is a criminal mentality. This is not just an accident. My son died due to their fun reel.”

Makan demanded accountability from both the accused and his family. “There are already many speeding challans against him (Scorpio driver), yet his father did not stop him from driving. I want justice for my son. No one is safe on the road due to people like them. Strict action should be taken against them. He (Scorpio driver) does not even have a license,” she said.

She further alleged that there was no attempt to slow down even after the first impact. “The bus driver fled the scene, likely wanting to avoid controversy. However, the taxi driver was in no condition to move; the public had to pull him out. Even after hitting my son, they didn’t brake; they hit the taxi, which then hit the bus. There was no control over their speed. After the destruction, the public caught them.”

“This act demonstrates criminal activity. These children think they can do anything on the roads because their parents have money and they won’t face punishment. This is a criminal mentality, not a ‘mistake.’ You cannot call this a mere accident because they left home specifically to perform stunts for a video. Because of their reel, my child’s life is gone. There are other students there; their lives could have been lost too if more children had been on that road,” she added.

According to Delhi Police, the incident took place near Lal Bahadur Shastri College in Dwarka South. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after a PCR call was received at around 11:57 am regarding a serious crash. Police found three damaged vehicles and a motorcycle at the scene. Sahil Dhaneshra was declared dead at the spot, while an injured taxi driver was shifted to IGI Hospital.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/this-is-crime-not-an-accident-mother-of-23-year-old-dwarka-crash-victim-seeks-justice-ws-l-9908511.html

CCTV cameras installed near the house captured Dhamnotiya, arriving with the student on February 10. Roughly two and a half hours later, the same cameras recorded him leaving alone, carrying a bag.

He lit incense sticks in a secluded corner of Panvel near Mumbai. He watched YouTube videos on “how to summon spirits.” He whispered apologies into the darkness, claiming he wanted to speak to the ‘aatma’ (spirit) of the woman he had murdered hours earlier.

This is not fiction. According to police, this was the conduct of Piyush Dhamnotiya, the accused in the brutal killing of an MBA student in Indore’s Dwarkapuri area. Now on a three-day police remand, the details emerging from interrogation have sent shockwaves across the city.

CCTV cameras installed near the house captured Dhamnotiya, arriving with the student on February 10. Roughly two and a half hours later, the same cameras recorded him leaving alone, carrying a bag.

Investigators say what happened inside that room was calculated.

According to police sources, Dhamnotiya pressured the student for sex. She refused, stating she was unwell. He allegedly forced himself on her. After the assault, he tied her hands and feet with ropes found in the apartment and blindfolded her, claiming he wanted to give her a “gift.”

When she resisted again, he stuffed cloth into her mouth and sat on her chest, choking her until she lost consciousness. Realising she had stopped breathing, he allegedly stabbed her near the chest with such force that the knife broke.

But the brutality did not end with death. Police say he remained inside the room even after killing her. He stepped out, bought beer from a liquor shop, returned, and drank beside her lifeless body. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting the corpse before changing his clothes and fleeing, leaving the young woman naked.

Earlier that day, the student had left home saying she needed to correct her Aadhaar card. Her father dropped her near the collectorate. She later called her younger sister, saying she was going to a birthday party with her classmate Piyush Dhamnotiya and would return by 11 pm.

At 11 pm, a chilling message was sent from her phone: “Tell Papa she won’t be returning home.”

Her phone was switched off soon after. Investigators later discovered that 11 objectionable videos of the two had been shared in a college group. The same clips were uploaded to the woman’s WhatsApp status and sent to contacts saved in her phone, alarming relatives.

During interrogation, Dhamnotiya repeatedly changed his version of events.

In one statement, he claimed he wanted to marry her, but she was distancing herself and had not spoken to him for about 15 days. He said he noticed a dating app on her phone and assumed she was communicating with another man. An argument followed, and he allegedly strangled her.

After the murder, Piyush fled to Mumbai, travelling through Panvel and staying in hotels. He reportedly roamed metro stations and broke the student’s mobile phone to destroy evidence.

What shocked investigators further was what they found in Maharashtra, signs suggesting he had attempted black magic rituals in an isolated area. Indore DCP Krishnalal Chandni provided a detailed statement on the case “Piyush Dhamanotia, the accused in the Uncle Gali murder, was arrested in Mumbai and is currently in police remand. He had been in a relationship with a woman, but her family wasn’t ready for the marriage, which was causing a dispute. He went to her home to resolve the matter, and they had a physical relationship. An argument ensued, leading to the woman’s strangulation. That same night, he returned to Panvel in Mumbai, stayed in a hotel, and the next day, he destroyed her mobile phone. We arrested him with the help of the Mumbai Police.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indore-mba-student-murder-beer-whatsapp-black-magic-boyfriends-trail-after-killing-indore-mba-student-11012029?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

‘The tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure,’ Modi said.

With the Budget providing incentives to turbocharge investments in data centres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, saying the country is ready to host the world’s data and lead the next wave of the technology revolution.

“The tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure,” Modi said in an exclusive interview to PTI.

In a strong global-outreach message, the prime minister said, “We invite the whole world’s data to reside in India!” In the just-unveiled Budget for the financial year starting April, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the likes of Amazon, Google and Microsoft could receive a tax holiday until 2047 on global cloud revenues if they route foreign workloads through Indian data centres.

Also, data-centre services are now eligible for a coverage under the Safe Harbour Rules, with a margin of 15 per cent, as the Budget 2026-27 has pushed to attract AI investment, boost infrastructure and jobs, while managing competition, data protection and enforcement risks.

Modi underscored the importance of data centres. “When we think of technology, we often focus on what is visible, such as applications, platforms and devices. But equally important are the foundational layers that make all such things possible. Data centres are one such critical layer,” he said.

Linking this to AI, the prime minister said, “The importance of this becomes even more apparent when we look at the domain of artificial intelligence. AI needs computing power and data-centre infrastructure. By expanding capacity today, we are laying the foundations for a thriving Indian AI ecosystem.” Recognising this potential, major investments have already been announced in this space by international and Indian companies in the recent past.

“The tax incentives announced in the Budget are designed to accelerate investment in this space, lower the cost of building advanced facilities and position India as a globally-competitive destination for data infrastructure. The result of this, too, will be a massive number of jobs for our youth,” Modi said in the written interview.

In a strong pitch to global investors, the prime minister added: “We invite the whole world’s data to reside in India!” His pitch came a day before India hosts the global assembly of tech tycoons, AI business leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators. The Global AI Impact Summit, to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, will see a host of heads of state and government, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with the representatives of more than 60 other countries.

Modi said India must move beyond digital adoption to digital leadership, arguing that in a technology- and data-driven world, leadership, and not mere participation, will determine inclusion, competitiveness and growth.

“The world has been undergoing significant shifts in its technological landscape. Now, nations cannot be content with just digital adoption but must also aspire to digital leadership. As we saw in the digital payments space, only with digital leadership will digital inclusion become possible,” he said.

Drawing a historical contrast, the prime minister added: “During the Industrial Revolution, we were left behind due to colonisation. During the earlier manufacturing revolution, we were left behind due to neglect by post-independence governments. But now, in this technological and data-driven revolution, it is important that we take the lead.” He said India’s scale and diversity give it a unique advantage.

“India, with an aspirational population of 140 crore people, is one of the world’s largest generators and consumers of data. We are one of the most diverse nations in the world and our data also reflects this diversity. Such a massive and diverse data pool has great potential only when it can be leveraged safely and productively. So we are paying attention to every aspect of the data ecosystem, including security, skills, software and infrastructure,” the prime minister said.

On safeguards, he pointed to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modi-invites-world-to-host-data-in-india-3899749

The high-profile event, which will be held from February 16 to 20 at the Bharat Mandapam here, will focus on inclusive and impact-driven AI.

The India AI Impact Summit, one of the biggest artificial intelligence conclaves in the Global South, will begin in New Delhi on Monday.

The high-profile event, which will be held from February 16 to 20 at the Bharat Mandapam here, will focus on inclusive and impact-driven AI.

It is expected to witness participation from over 100 countries, including 15-20 heads of government, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and over 50 ministers from various countries.

The summit happens at a time when AI is reshaping businesses, industries and daily life.

More than 40 CEOs of leading global and Indian tech companies, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Mistral AI co-founder and CEO Arthur Mensch, are expected to participate in the summit.

The summit has seen more than 35,000 registrations so far, with around 500 startups to engage across 500 sessions, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

There will be sessions on ‘future of employability in the age of AI’, ‘effective AI assessments, verification and assurance’, ‘establishing the foundations for responsible AI’, and ‘building a future-ready workforce in the age of AI’, among others.

The India AI Impact Expo 2026 will be held on the sidelines of the summit, where organisations will display their latest AI solutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the expo on Monday evening.

The summit aims to ensure that AI serves as a catalyst for inclusive human development, environmental sustainability and equitable progress worldwide.

The event will be anchored on three foundational pillars, known as Sutras — people, planet and progress.

While the People Sutra envisions AI as a force for human progress, respecting cultural diversity, preserving dignity and ensuring inclusion in its design and deployment, the Planet Sutra calls for AI to advance innovation responsibly. The Progress Sutra envisages AI as an engine for inclusive growth, aligning its benefits with global development priorities and equitable access to opportunity.

The deliberations at the summit will be organised around seven interconnected Chakras: human capital; inclusion for social empowerment; safe and trusted AI; resilience, innovation and efficiency; science; democratising AI resources, and AI for economic growth and social good.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said that AI will power the Fifth Industrial Revolution, with a focus on societal impact, adoption and governance.

During the summit, Deloitte India will launch GenW.AI, an indigenous, next-generation low-code platform created to enable enterprises to rapidly prototype and deploy diverse applications and AI agents. It is designed to integrate with a wide range of large language models (LLMs). GenW.AI will be officially launched at the India AI Impact Summit.

Also, the national finale of GenAI Innovation Challenge-OpenAI Academy X NxtWave Buildathon will be held on February 17. The buildathon is a key initiative aligned with the IndiaAI Mission, taking AI learning and innovation to students from Tier-2 and 3 cities. Over 300 students from across India have qualified for the national finale, where they will get the opportunity to pitch their ideas on a global stage.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/business/ai-impact-summit-begins-today-focus-on-inclusivity-impact-3899900

Mumbai Traffic Police have imposed major traffic restrictions on the Western Express Highway on Monday due to the visit of the PM Modi and the French President. Heavy Motor Vehicles are banned on 17th Feb from 8 AM to 9 PM between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka. Exemptions include ambulances, fire brigade, police, and VIP security vehicles. Commuters are advised to plan travel accordingly.

The Mumbai Traffic Police have imposed major traffic restrictions on the Western Express Highway on Monday in view of the visit of the Prime Minister of India and the President of France.

According to the advisory, a complete prohibition on the movement of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will remain in force on February 17th from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM a total of 13 hours.

The restrictions will be implemented on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the highway, specifically between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka.

Traffic police officials said the curbs are part of elaborate security arrangements for the visiting dignitaries and are aimed at preventing congestion along the crucial arterial route.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-traffic-alert-13-hour-hmv-ban-on-western-express-highway-today-for-pm-modi-french-president-visit

PM Modi said that New Delhi’s growing manufacturing base, expanding services sector and stronger MSMEs have empowered the country to conclude FTAs with 38 nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India now negotiates trade deals from a “position of strength” because of its growing manufacturing base, expanding services sector, and stronger MSMEs.

In an exclusive interview with news agency PTI, the Prime Minister said that political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India, enabling the country to conclude free trade agreements (FTAs) with at least 38 nations.

“Political stability and political predictability have restored investor confidence in India,” he said, adding that the government’s consistent policy approach has strengthened India’s standing in global trade negotiations.

PM Modi further emphasised that the country’s FTAs are designed to expand market access for MSMEs, particularly in sectors like textiles, leather, chemicals, handicrafts and gems and jewellery. These agreements, he said, aim to create new opportunities for Indian exporters while deepening India’s integration with global supply chains.

He also lashed out at previous Congress-led UPA governments over their economic management, claiming that India was then unable to negotiate trade pacts with confidence. He said that little real substance was achieved at that time despite long negotiations.

“During UPA rule, talks would begin and then breakdown; a little real substance was achieved despite long negotiations,” he said.

PM Modi further highlighted that India’s goods exports have repeatedly broken earlier records in recent years, reflecting the country’s increasing competitiveness and integration with global markets.

He emphasised that while incentives and tariff preferences can catalyse growth, durable competitiveness must rest on innovation, efficiency and scale.

His remarks came following a spate of trade deals India has signed with multiple countries, including the United States and the European Union.

Trump and PM Modi announced the breakthrough trade deal following a telephonic conversation that effectively ended a period of severe trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. The agreement slashes US tariffs on Indian goods from a punitive 50% down to 18% as Washington dropped an additional 25% punitive levy that had been imposed in August last year in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total effective tariff down from the previous 50%.

Last month, India and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations of an EU-India free trade agreement, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it the “mother of all trade deals.”

Von der Leyen described the proposed pact as a “historic” agreement that could reshape economic ties between India and the 27-nation European Union.

The European Union is currently India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods valued at $135 billion in the 2023–24 financial year. Negotiations for the free trade agreement were first launched in 2007, stalled in 2013, and revived in 2022.

Additionally, New Delhi and London signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025. Under the pact, 99% of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while India will reduce tariffs on British products such as cars and Scotch whisky.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/political-stability-predictability-boosted-investment-climate-pm-modi-on-trade-deals-9905294.html

Unless organisations in India abandon the myth that Indians are not private when implementing our new data protection law, they may be in for a surprise.

Indians are not private and do not understand the right to privacy. So goes a myth that possibly emerged in lobbying circles during the years when India was trying to enact a data protection law. Over those 15 odd years, this was repeated so frequently in policy submissions, conferences and consultations that it gradually gained acceptance, including in boardrooms. It now has the tendency to derail the effective implementation of India’s data privacy law in both public and private organisations.

Therefore, it is important to examine this assumption through a historical lens, drawing on the societal, cultural, and linguistic clues that India, as a civilization, offered regarding personal boundaries, dignity, and the ethics of intrusion.

One common argument often used to justify this myth is that Indian languages lack an equivalent of the English word “privacy”.

This is based on a misunderstanding of how Indian languages conceptualise personal boundaries.

In Sanskrit, the term svakarya conveys something personal, a matter belonging solely to oneself. The same idea exists in Malayalam as svakaryatha, in Tamil as ‘thaniyuramai’, and in other Indo-Aryan languages as ‘vyaktigat’.

Meanwhile, the Sanskrit word rahasya suggests secrecy, and antara or antaraṅga indicates something internal, intimate or part of the inner life. Similar words across multiple Indian languages refer to inner secrecy, confidentiality, etc. They have existed for centuries, long before any Western articulation of privacy, that certain things are not meant for public consumption.

It is also important to note that the English language itself does not have an ancient or ‘pure’ word for privacy.

The etymological roots of ‘privacy’ originate from the Latin term privus, meaning ‘to oneself’ or “pertaining to a person’s own domain”. Therefore, the argument that Indian languages lack a precise word for privacy overlooks the context of linguistic evolution.

Another common misconception is that Indians do not value privacy because of our limited physical space. We live in crowded cities and multigenerational households, and we commute in packed trains and overflowing buses, leading some to believe that privacy is unimportant to us.

However, privacy is not solely about physical separation; it encompasses several aspects, including informational privacy, bodily privacy, psychological privacy, communicational privacy, decisional privacy, and more. If members of multigenerational households did not have personal secrets, Indian soap operas would have been devoid of content.

Privacy is also interpersonal. One may choose to reveal salary information to a potential employer but may prefer to hide it from a colleague. One will disclose medical history to a doctor but not to their neighbour.

Privacy is relational and contextual, and we get the right to choose who to reveal that information to and when. This is not a Western construction; it is how any human behaves every single day.

Historically, we have always valued privacy, as shown by our epics. Rama eavesdropped on his citizens to gauge public sentiment, which is justified as a king’s duty to monitor the populace.

However, the epic makes it clear that breaching privacy can lead to grief, moral conflicts and tragic exile.

Likewise, violations of bodily and informational privacy are prevalent throughout the Ramayana, including the abduction of Sita and issues surrounding Agni Pariksha, among others.

The Mahabharata also offers cultural insights into privacy, ranging from secrets to vows, including Karna’s birth secret, Kunti’s mantras, and Draupadi’s disrobing.

It assigns severe consequences to each privacy breach, including death, loss of reputation or insults. Additionally, the Mahabharata addresses mental privacy through tapas, emphasising that the inner self must be protected from intrusion. Disturbing a sage’s meditation is regarded as a serious offence.

These ideas are not just confined to mythology. Modern Indian popular culture has consistently affirmed privacy as a fundamental value. The classic film ‘Anand’ explores the right of the protagonist to selectively share personal medical information, while Kal Ho Na Ho addresses the right to endure suffering in solitude.

The film ‘Pink’ highlights a woman’s right over her choices and her autonomy in decision-making, whereas Masan presents a contemporary tragedy driven by the fallout from unwanted exposure.

These films emphasised the importance of privacy, reached broad audiences, resonated throughout India, and became embedded in our pop culture.

Finally, even before the landmark constitutional recognition in the Puttuswamy case, India had a long, dispersed yet unmistakable privacy jurisprudence.

The right of a pardanashin woman to spatial privacy was acknowledged as early as the 1890s. Post-independence, privacy jurisprudence emerged as a check on the state’s excesses during law-and-order exercises and later evolved to address medical confidentiality, restraint in reporting private facts, bodily autonomy in narcoanalysis cases, and telephone tapping.

There are at least twenty Indian judgments addressing privacy-like rights across various High Courts and the Supreme Court, even before the Puttuswamy case. This clearly indicates that the Supreme Court did not merely invent the right to privacy as a spectrum of rights but formally unified the privacy jurisprudence that has developed over the last 50 years, rooted in India’s civilizational values.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/columns/debunking-the-myth-that-indians-are-not-private

Vinod Khosla warned that AI would wipe out most expertise-based professions, though it could democratise access to healthcare and education

Tech billionaire and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has predicted that IT services and BPOs will “almost completely disappear” within five years due to artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Speaking to HT ahead of the India AI Summit, Khosla warned that AI would wipe out most expertise-based professions within 15 years, though it could democratise access to healthcare and education.

While acknowledging US-China dominance, Khosla backed India’s push for sovereign AI and criticised US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Edited excerpts:

You’ve had a long journey in Silicon Valley over the last 50 years from founding Sun Microsystems to leading your own venture capital firm. Tell us a bit about it.

Well, my dream the day I graduated from IIT was to do a startup of my own, because I heard about a Hungarian immigrant Andy Grove starting a company called Intel in Silicon Valley. I found my way to Silicon Valley and started my first company, which was also quite successful, but people don’t know about it. It went public, and then I started Sun Microsystems right after that, and I’ve been in the business of enabling entrepreneurs, helping entrepreneurs, assisting entrepreneurs my whole life, helping create large impactful companies and social impact. So that’s sort of been my area of interest in how I got where I did. It’s always trying to make things happen that you want to happen.

You first moved to America in the 1970s. You must have been one of the very few Indian entrepreneurs in tech and Silicon Valley, completely in contrast to what we see today. What was that like?

Well, the startup ecosystem back then in 1980 when I started my first company was very, very different. It wasn’t a 20 year old starting a company. It was establishment people starting companies because only they could get large amounts of funding to start a company. So my approach was very simple. Just do it. Don’t worry about the rules, the regulations, the biases, all that. Just ignore it and just go start a company, which is what I did, and I mostly just ignored everything else.

The centre was shut as several families refused to send their children after the Dalit helper, Sharmistha Sethi, was recruited as the helper to prepare food.

The controversial Odisha anganwadi centre, which remained shut after protests erupted over the appointment of a Dalit anganwadi helper, finally resumed operations after the local administration stepped in. The district administration intensified its efforts with the state’s Women’s Commission member Kalpana Mallick, Sub-Collector Arun Nayak, and a local police officer visiting door-to-door and holding meetings with several individuals to do away with their caste prejudices.

In addition to this, a pala (folk celebration) was organised in the village where the artists performed and spread a message against caste-based discrimination through songs and dance performances.

The collective effort soon bore fruit as several villagers who earlier protested and decided not to send their children to the anganwadi centre agreed to send their children from Monday. The district administration confirmed that the issue has been resolved.

The controversy erupted three months ago when the anganwadi centre announced the appointment of the Dalit woman as the anganwadi helper who would help to cook food that was supposed to be consumed by the children. The post was vacant for several months as no one applied until Sharmistha Sethi, a graduate from the local SC community, applied and got the job as the only applicant.

As soon as the announcement surfaced, some families started protesting as the parents refused to send their kids to the anganwadi centre. They reportedly said that their children could not eat food prepared by the lady. Despite multiple appeals from the state administration, the families remained firm in their position.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/odisha-anganwadi-set-to-open-after-being-shut-for-86-days-2868694-2026-02-15

Earlier, AAP MLA from Ludhiana Central, Ashok Parashar Pappi, had also received threats, following which his security was enhanced and he was provided with a bulletproof vehicle.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana’s Atam Nagar, Kulwant Sidhu, has reportedly been receiving threatening calls. The MLA confirmed the development and alleged that Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was behind the threats.

On Saturday night, a suspected recce was conducted outside Sidhu’s residence. A black-tinted ‘i20’ car was seen parked outside his house while he was holding a meeting inside.

The occupants reportedly waited for some time after noticing people present at the house.

When suspicious movement was spotted on CCTV cameras, people inside stepped out to check. Seeing this, the suspects fled the scene.

It is suspected that they may have been planning an attack or attempting to confirm the MLA’s residence as a target.

Earlier, AAP MLA from Ludhiana Central, Ashok Parashar Pappi, had also received threats, following which his security was enhanced and he was provided with a bulletproof vehicle.

SECURITY TRIED TO STOP THEM, BUT THEY ESCAPED

Sidhu stated that around 9 pm on Saturday, a meeting was underway at his residence when a black-tinted car stopped outside for about two minutes, seemingly identifying the house.

By the time his gunman attempted to stop them and went inside to inform him, the suspects had sped away.

‘I AM NOT AFRAID’

Reacting strongly to the threats and suspicious activities, Sidhu said he is not afraid of any threats. He added that he has the blessings of Baba Deep Singh Ji and will continue serving the public without fear.

Sikhs for Justice is a Khalistani terrror organisation banned in India. Its leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has previously issued death threats to MLA Kulwant Sidhu.

In view of the threat perception, the administration has advised him not to answer calls from unknown international numbers.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aap-mla-kulwant-singh-sidhu-threats-sikhs-for-justice-gurpantwant-singh-pannun-police-investigate-2868693-2026-02-15

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was shifted to Mohali to ensure access to advanced medical facilities at the multi-specialty hospital after experiencing exhaustion. Mann’s hospitalisation comes just a day before the Aam Aadmi Party’s mega ‘anti-drug rally’ in Moga on February 16.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on February 15 for observation after experiencing exhaustion, a day before the Aam Aadmi Party’s major rally in Moga.

Mann underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation and standard diagnostic tests. His vital parameters were found stable and within normal limits. He has been admitted for observation and supportive care under a multidisciplinary medical team.

The chief minister had been in Sangrur since Saturday to attend his niece’s wedding and cancelled his scheduled visit to Fazilka after feeling unwell. He was shifted to Mohali to ensure access to advanced medical facilities at the multi-specialty hospital.

Mann’s hospitalisation comes just a day before the Aam Aadmi Party’s mega ‘anti-drug rally’ in Moga on February 16 under its ‘Yuddh Nasheyan Viruddh’ campaign. The rally is expected to be addressed by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal at Killi Chahlan, a prominent political venue in the district.

The event assumes added significance as it comes ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Moga in early March, where the Bharatiya Janata Party plans to kick off its campaign in Punjab following its split with former ally Shiromani Akali Dal in 2020.

WHY MOGA MATTERS

Moga has historically served as a key political stage for parties in Punjab due to its central location, which allows mobilisation from Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions. The district also carries strong associations with farmer movements and political outreach.

For the Shiromani Akali Dal, Moga has been politically significant since its 75th anniversary ‘Moga Convention’ in 1996, when the party broadened its appeal with the slogan “Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat.” The shift contributed to the SAD-BJP alliance forming the government in 1997 under Parkash Singh Badal, and the party later launched major campaigns from the district ahead of the 2007 and 2012 Assembly elections.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/punjab/story/punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-hospitalised-due-to-exhaustion-day-before-mega-aap-rally-2868772-2026-02-16

Day 1 will include a leadership session on leveraging AI for the future of learning and work, examining its impact on global employment and skills. Another session will explore how artificial intelligence can transform India’s judicial system by improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

India is all set to host the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 from Monday in New Delhi. The event marks a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16, 2026 at 5 pm at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The India AI Impact Expo 2026 will be held alongside the India AI Impact Summit and will serve as a national demonstration of AI in action. The Expo will host over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations, structured across three thematic chakras — People, Planet, and Progress.

It will feature over 600 high-potential startups and 13 country pavilions showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. The Expo will bring together global technology firms, startups, academia, research institutions, central and state governments, and international partners.

Welcoming global tech leaders from across the world to India, PM Modi took to X and wrote: “It is a matter of immense pride for us that people from across the world are coming to India for the India AI Impact Summit. This also reflects the potential and capability of our country’s youth. The occasion is proof that our nation is making rapid progress in the fields of science and technology and is contributing significantly to global development.”

In another post, PM Modi declared the theme of the Summit as Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress.

The first day of the summit begins on February 16 and will focus on Artificial Intelligence for Road Safety, featuring data-driven solutions to enhance road safety in India. The first session will explore how artificial intelligence can make a measurable impact in improving road safety, with participation from experts from the Ministry of Transport, IITs, and various sectors.

The session will emphasise data-driven approaches to understanding crash patterns, predicting risks, and enabling proactive interventions. It will also discuss scalable artificial intelligence applications to support safer mobility, driver training, and the development of data-driven hyperlocal models, ensuring technology-led impact for public good.

The first day will also feature a leadership session on harnessing artificial intelligence for the future of learning and work. This session will explore how AI is reshaping global employment and redefining future skills.

Another key session will focus on transforming India’s judicial ecosystem through artificial intelligence. Experts will discuss AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the judicial system.

The session will examine how AI can enable predictive analytics for informed decision-making, automate case management, facilitate legal research, support virtual courts, and contribute to faster dispute resolution, reduced backlog, and improved access to justice.

Culturally grounded artificial intelligence and social norms will also be on the agenda. Discussions will highlight how AI systems deployed across diverse cultural contexts often fail not due to technical limitations, but because they overlook social norms.

The future of employability in the age of artificial intelligence is another major focus area. Experts will discuss how AI may create new job opportunities while also making certain existing roles redundant, requiring large-scale reskilling of the workforce.

A special session on Artificial Intelligence for Smart and Resilient Agriculture — From Research to Solutions — will also be held on the first day. The session will bring together diverse perspectives to explore how AI can support sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agriculture.

The AI Summit also marks the first global artificial intelligence summit of this series to take place in the Global South. It aims to advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, drives inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations to protect the planet.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ai-impact-summit-kicks-off-in-delhi-today-with-pm-modi-address-future-skills-in-focus-2868774-2026-02-16

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge compared the RSS to the “devil” and called the BJP its “shadow”, alleging money laundering and questioning the organisation’s funding sources, registration status and accountability under the Constitution.

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), likening it to the “devil” and describing the BJP as its “shadow”, while also accusing the organisation of financial irregularities and questioning its legal status.

Addressing a public event, Kharge, who holds the IT-BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj portfolios, said the BJP draws its ideological strength from the RSS and that political opponents must confront the parent body rather than just its political arm.

“If there were no RSS, the BJP would have been worse than JD(S). I can give this in writing — it would have been worse than regional parties,” he said. “What we are doing today is fighting the shadow of the devil. Who is the shadow of the devil? It’s the BJP. Who is the devil? It’s the RSS. If we stop fighting the shadow and fight the devil, our country will automatically improve.”

ALLEGES MONEY LAUNDERING, SEEKS SCRUTINY

“Oil companies in India, as in Europe, as probably in other parts of the world, look at availability, look at costs, look at risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest,” Jaishankar said at an event held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

New Delhi: India’s energy companies will factor in costs, availability and risks while making import choices, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankarsaid in Munich on Saturday, even as his United States counterpart, Marco Rubio, once again claimed that President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington, DC, had secured New Delhi’s commitment to stop buying oil from Russia.

“Oil companies in India, as in Europe, as probably in other parts of the world, look at availability, look at costs, look at risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest,” Jaishankar said at an event held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

He was asked if the recently announced trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, DC, would force India to slash its energy imports from Russia.

“So many things are changing, and so many of us are doing our calculations and recalculations,” said the external affairs minister.

Rubio, however, said on the same day that New Delhi had assured Washington, D.C., of its commitment to stop buying oil from Russia. The US Secretary of State was also speaking at the Munich Security Conference.

Jaishankar and Rubio had a brief interaction with Rubio on the sidelines of the conclave.

“We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it’s very much a part of our history and our evolution,” said the external affairs minister, adding: “It is something which is very deep, and it is something which cuts across the political spectrum as well.”

He was replying to a query on the strategic autonomy of India.

“We would not necessarily agree on everything, but I do believe that by doing that, and if there is an inclination to find common ground and overlaps, that would happen. But if the bottom line of your question is, would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions, and would I make choices which sometimes may not agree with your thinking or somebody else’s thinking, yes, it can happen,” said Jaishankar.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jaishankar-says-oil-buys-guided-by-costs-risks-rubio-insists-india-pledged-to-halt-imports-from-russia-3899131

A YouTuber touring in Pakistan’s Karachi was left shocked after he found an Indian film being sold at the market- out in the open. The movie-in-question was ‘Dhurandhar’, which was being sold for just Rs 16! For those not aware, ‘Dhurandhar’ is banned in Pakistan.

For two neighbouring countries that have been clashing with each other from time to time– it’s no surprise that certain services or even forms of arts are banned from being exchanged between the said nations. For those still wondering- we are hinting towards India and Pakistan, and how both countries have banned quite a few services from crossing the border. However, just because the government has banned something, it does not mean that the citizens can also not arrange it– especially if the “service” in question is a mega hit Bollywood movie!

Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ is one of the latest Bollywood hits, which was released in December 2025. However, despite the love the film received, the rules for it in Pakistan were the same- just like other Indian films: a ban in Pakistan. With that said, one can imagine the surprise and shock that followed, after a foreign YouTuber found ‘Dhurandhar’ being sold out in open– in the heart of Pakistan; Karachi.

A video was recently shared on social media by YouTuber Karl Rock, who also lives in India. The man was touring Pakistan when he found a pirated version of ‘Dhurandhar’ being sold just for PKR 50 (around Rs 16) in a Karachi market.

The video went viral in an instant, leaving netizens reacting. Apart from the movie being banned in Pakistan, what was further ironic about Dhurandhar’s sale here was how the film was about an Indian Spy who had infiltrated Pakistan’s mafia and its politics.

The Ranveer Singh-starrer film was star-studded; Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, and more. The role of the spy, Hamza Ali Mazari, was played by Singh. To grow his hold in Pakistan, Singh’s character joined the gang of Rehman Dakait, a mafia character who was played by Akshaye Khanna. The movie’s hype is only bound to skyrocket soon- as its second instalment has been scheduled for March 19, 2026.

Check out the viral post:

“Dhurandhar Found in Pakistan!” the post read.

The video was shared on Instagram by the handle ‘Karl Rock’. The post was shared a day ago and pulled more than 54K views from netizens.

Internet’s reactions:

“Even today they speak Indian languages and eat Indian food,” a user said. “Pak can’t survive without Ind. Pappa things,” commented the next. “It was trending no 1 in Netflix Pakistan,” added another person.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/pakistan-trolled-as-youtuber-finds-pirated-dhurandhar-just-for-rs-16-in-karachi-indian-films-to-ban-thi-na-viral-video-article-153610996

The route will provide direct connectivity to major multinational hubs and corporate parks housing giants like Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, Adobe, and Oracle

In a significant move to overhaul urban mobility in the National Capital Region, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the much-anticipated extension of the Noida Metro’s Aqua Line. This 11.56-kilometre corridor, connecting Noida Sector 142 directly to the Botanical Garden interchange, is envisioned as a transformative project that will bridge a critical gap in the regional transport network.

By integrating the independent Aqua Line with the broader Delhi Metro system, the extension aims to provide a seamless, high-speed alternative for the thousands of commuters who traverse the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway daily.

Strategic Integration and Technical Details
The new corridor will feature eight elevated stations, strategically positioned to serve dense residential pockets and burgeoning commercial zones. The project is estimated to cost Rs 2,254 crore and is slated for completion within the next four years. Once operational, it will expand the active metro network in Noida and Greater Noida to over 61 kilometres.

The crowning jewel of this project is the transformation of the Botanical Garden station into a mega-transit hub. For the first time, Aqua Line commuters will have direct access to the Blue Line (connecting to Central Delhi and Dwarka) and the Magenta Line (providing a swift route to the IGI Airport and South Delhi). This eliminates the current logistical hurdle where passengers are forced to exit at Sector 51 and take a road-based transfer to the Delhi Metro network, a move that often adds significant time and stress to the daily journey.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/game-changer-for-ncr-rs-2254-crore-aqua-line-extension-to-transform-noida-commute-9904379.html

A speeding Indica overturned near Jindal flyover, Bengaluru, crashing into a KSRTC bus and killing five youths from Doddaballapur.

A late-night drive ended in tragedy near Bengaluru’s Jindal flyover when a speeding car overturned and crashed into a state transport bus, killing all five youths inside the vehicle.

The accident took place at around 11.30 PM within the Madanayakanahalli police limits. According to police, an Indica car travelling from Tumakuru towards Bengaluru lost control and struck the right-side divider on the flyover. The impact caused the vehicle to flip twice before it rammed into a KSRTC bus.

There were 42 passengers on the bus, but none suffered injuries and the vehicle sustained only minor damage. The car, however, was completely crushed.

Four occupants died instantly at the scene. The driver, identified as Likhith, was taken to a private hospital but later died during treatment.

Another victim has been identified as Harshith, a second-year degree student at Sai Vidya College in Rajanukunte.

All five youths were reportedly from Doddaballapur and had left home without informing their families.

Source: https://www.news18.com/cities/bengaluru-news/five-killed-after-speeding-car-overturns-and-crashes-into-bus-near-bengaluru-flyover-ws-l-9904528.html

Two Canadian nationals had a memorable 7-hour sleeper class train ride in India, bonding with local children and experiencing community spirit.

Two Canadian nationals travelling across India had a memorable train ride in the sleeper class after their cabin was gatecrashed by curious little children. In a now-viral Instagram post, Kim Greenwood shared how she accidentally booked a ticket in the sleeper class, thinking she and her travelling partner would get more rest. However, over the next seven hours, their journey took a different route.

“One of us, me, booked an early train from Jalgaon Junction to Chandrapura in a sleeping car class, thinking we would get more sleep. Seemed logical. However, one should read more about the multiple ticket classes available on the trains in India. The sleeper seat is in 3rd class on some of the trains,” said Greenwood, who quickly learned that in India’s sleeper class, a ticket grants you a berth, but the space belongs to the community.

In the clip, a few children could be seen curiously watching over Greenwood’s travelling partner, sleeping on the middle berth. Rather than retreating, the Canadians leaned into the chaos. Soon, the man was playing games with the children, and their small cabin transformed into a makeshift community square.

“I was so impressed, amazed and all of the great feelings one can have while watching a community work together and coexist as one large family unit. The people that amassed on our bunk were from disparate families,” wrote Greenwood.

“Some bought food for us to try through train windows at stops, the passing by food salespeople on the train and some that their mother made. The kids loved the attraction of Canadian tourists, but watching the relationships and the level of cooperation between the locals is something that everyone should aspire to.”

Though they didn’t get a minute of sleep, Greenwood said she wouldn’t trade the experience for anything else. “A 7 hour sleepless train ride, but wouldn’t change a thing.”

Check The Viral Clip Here:

‘Hope You Enjoyed The Ride’
As of the last update, the video had garnered over 615,000 views as social media users lauded the Canadian nationals for taking the experience in their stride instead of getting annoyed.

“I really hope you enjoyed that train ride. They truly are core memories for us when we were growing up,” said one user, while another added: “I met a foreigner too. She was alone and I was just a kid travelling to Kota. She departed at Mathura but we spent time. It was so fun.”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/wouldnt-change-a-thing-canadian-tourist-shares-experience-after-sleepless-indian-train-ride-11002627?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Addressing the alarming HIV cases due to sexual transmission in Mizoram, its Health Minister Lalrinpuii called for immediate action, he said the situation is a ‘collective disgrace’ for the Mizo society. On the occasion of International Condom Day, the minister disclosed that 70 per cent of HIV cases are sexually transmitted, placing the state above the national average. He was addressing an event organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with AHF India Cares and the theme for the event was ‘Just Use It’.
Why are HIV cases rising in Mizoram?
Sharing the data on the existing cases of HIV in India, she said, the cases prevalence is 0.2 percent, while Mizoram is one of the worst affected states with 2.74 percent. Lalrinpuii said, “This is not just a health issue, it reflects on us as a society,”. She pointed out that the spread of the virus is mostly linked to infidelity, lack of awareness, and in many cases due to non-usage of preventive steps. She even pointed out that all this goes against the religious values of the Mizo community. Lalrinpuii requested young adults to be cautious while having relationships.
Lalrinpuii spoke on preventives such as condoms, she cited the World Health Organization, and stated that condoms are the safest way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Appealing audiences to forget the misconception around condoms and start using them, “While abstinence before marriage is ideal, those who are sexually active must protect themselves and their partners. Using a condom is a simple act that can save lives.”

Source: https://thecsrjournal.in/hiv-rate-mizoram-13-times-higher-than-national-average-govt-raises-concern/

The case took a grim turn when residents in Dwarkapuri alerted police about a foul smell coming from a locked house in their neighbourhood.

An MBA student who had been missing for two days was found dead inside her classmate’s rented house in Indore on Friday, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the city.

Police suspect she was strangled by her male classmate, believed to be her boyfriend, who now remains untraceable and is being treated as the main suspect.

The 24-year-old victim was pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at a city college. Her family had reported her missing after she failed to return home.

Cops found naked body
The case took a grim turn when residents in Dwarkapuri alerted the police about a foul smell coming from a locked house in their neighbourhood.

When the cops entered the house, they found the woman’s naked body inside, deputy commissioner of police Shri Krishna Lalchandani told news agency PTI.

“She appeared to have died two days ago due to strangling but the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem,” he said.

The investigators believe the murder may have taken place around the time she was reported missing.

Private photo circulated on college group
The woman’s father also shared disturbing allegations about what he believes led up to the tragedy. He claimed that the suspect had been pressuring his daughter for money, allegedly threatening to leak her private photographs if she refused to comply, the PTI report added.

According to him, the situation may have escalated when the man allegedly went ahead and shared objectionable pictures on her college WhatsApp group.

Police confirmed that the alleged boyfriend, who hailed from Mandsaur and lived in rented accommodation in Indore, is the main suspect in the case. “We suspect the murder was committed due to a rift in their romantic relationship,” the DCP said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/private-photos-extortion-missing-boyfriend-mba-student-found-dead-in-indore-101771035554969.html

The plea calls for a CBI probe against Siddaramaiah and others into allegations that certain mining leases were illegally renewed during his tenure as Chief Minister.

The petition seeking directions for the Governor to grant sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a corruption case has been copy-pasted from an earlier complaint on the same issue, Karnataka Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty told the Karnataka High Court on Friday.

The matter was briefly heard by a Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha today, when counsel representing the petitioner, MP Venugopal, sought more time to make arguments.

The Advocate General then urged the Court to ask the petitioner to also address concerns that the petition was copied verbatim from a private complaint filed by activist Ramamurthy Gowda on the same issue.

“This is a copy-paste of a PCR (private complaint register), word to word, filed against the same respondents (Siddaramaiah and mineral companies). If your lordship compares from para 3 onwards of the private complaint with this writ petition, it is identical, including the paragraph number. After, in pencil, they have corrected in the writ petition.. Only complainant has changed here (in the petition). Respondents and pleadings are identical. Let him come and answer on the next date,” AG Shetty told the Court.

The petitioner’s counsel assured that he will answer the allegation when the matter is heard next.

The Court recorded the submissions and posted the case for further hearing on April 17.

The plea before the Court calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against Siddaramaiah and others into allegations that mining leases were illegally renewed during his tenure.

It further seeks directions to the Karnataka Lokayukta to submit a report in the matter, and for the cancellation of mining leases granted to certain companies, on allegations that these leases were given in violation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/petition-for-governors-nod-to-prosecute-cm-siddaramiah-is-copy-paste-ag-tells-karnataka-hc

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Shwetambari Bhatt, wife of filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, in the alleged Rs 30 crore fraud case, questioning the Rajasthan Police over making her and her daughter accused.

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Shwetambari Bhatt, wife of filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, in connection with an alleged Rs 30 crore fraud case.

Shwetambari and Vikram Bhatt were arrested by the Rajasthan Police in the case. Hearing their bail plea, a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the Rajasthan Police over the grounds on which Shwetambari Bhatt and her daughter were made accused in the matter.

The bench observed that provisions of criminal law cannot be used as a tool for recovery of money. It issued notice to the Rajasthan government on the bail petitions filed by Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt, directing the state to file its response within a week.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/shwetambari-bhatt-wife-of-filmmaker-vikram-bhatt-gets-bail-in-rs-30-crore-fraud-case-2867838-2026-02-13

The sudden cave-in trapped several workers beneath the rubble, triggering panic at the site. Eyewitnesses estimated that around 20 to 22 labourers were present when the incident took place.

A child was killed while over a dozen labourers were left grievously injured in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad after an under-construction floor of a building structure collapsed on Friday. The accident occurred while work was in progress on a two-story residential building belonging to a local resident.

Labourers were engaged in laying the base structure for the upper floor when the shuttering and a section of the freshly prepared foundation suddenly collapsed.

The sudden cave-in trapped several workers beneath the rubble, triggering panic at the site. Eyewitnesses estimated that around 20 to 22 labourers were present when the incident took place.

Local residents quickly alerted authorities, prompting an immediate response from police and administrative officials from the local police station.

“A second floor building was being constructed. Today, its roof was being laid on the second floor, then we got the information that it had collapsed. According to the family members, six of their people were injured, in which a child also died. The remaining five people are out of danger. Those who have minor injuries are undergoing treatment,” ASP Firozabad, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said while speaking to reporters.

“According to the contractor, he had 15 people, including labourers and a mason. They are also safe. We have checked the entire thing, now there is no possibility of anyone being trapped in it,” the senior cop added.

Rescue operations were launched without delay, with heavy machinery, including JCB excavators, deployed to clear the debris. Emergency teams worked swiftly to pull out those trapped.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/labourers-injured-as-under-construction-second-floor-of-a-building-collapses-in-firozabad-of-up-2867860-2026-02-13

Ten-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham became Kerala’s youngest organ donor after a road accident. Her liver, kidneys, heart valve and eyes will save five people, including a six-month-old baby.

In a hospital corridor filled with grief, a 10-month-old child became a quiet symbol of hope. Alin Sherin Abraham, a baby from Mallappally in Pathanamthitta, has become the youngest organ donor in Kerala. Her organs will give new life to five people, including another infant.

Alin was critically injured in a road accident at 2.30 pm on February 5 while travelling from Kottayam to Thiruvalla via M.C. Road. A car coming from the opposite direction rammed into the vehicle near a junction. The child suffered severe injuries. Her mother and grandparents, who were with her, were also seriously hurt.

She was first admitted to hospitals in Changanassery and Thiruvalla before being shifted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi on February 7. On February 13, doctors declared her brain dead. In the midst of their grief, her father, Arun Abraham, and mother, Sherin Ann John, consented to donate her organs.

Partap Singh Bajwa criticised reported moves to expel Rahul Gandhi, calling it a dangerous precedent that weakens democracy and undermines Parliament’s role as the highest forum of accountability.

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on Friday condemned reported moves to expel Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, calling it a dangerous precedent that strikes at the core of India’s democratic framework.

Bajwa said Parliament is the highest forum of accountability in a democracy and raising questions on behalf of citizens cannot be treated as an offence.

“If asking questions in Parliament becomes a crime, then democracy itself stands on trial. Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, has a constitutional responsibility to question the government on matters of national importance. Any attempt to penalise him for fulfilling that duty weakens the very foundation of our republic,” he said.

He argued that describing Gandhi’s parliamentary interventions as “anti-national” shows growing intolerance toward democratic scrutiny. “Threatening to expel him exposes a deep discomfort with accountability. A confident government responds to questions with facts and debate, not with intimidation and procedural threats,” Bajwa added.

The Congress leader stressed that the issue goes beyond any specific document or remark. He said the controversy reflects a broader attempt to curb dissent within Parliament. “This is not about a book; this is about silencing scrutiny. India’s parliamentary traditions are built on robust debate and mutual respect. Weaponising parliamentary procedures against opposition undermines these traditions and diminishes the dignity of Parliament,” he said.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/democracy-on-trial-congress-leader-partap-singh-bajwa-on-rahul-gandhi-expulsion-demand-2868070-2026-02-14

Addressing newspersons in Delhi, Saini alleged that AAP first showed false dreams to the people of Delhi and deceived them. Later, in Punjab, it made promises that remained unfulfilled, causing distress among the people there.

Rebutting the allegations of the Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that he tried to lure its MLA into BJP under “Operation Lotus”, the Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini on Friday held that the same were baseless and fabricated and that these were made to hide the party’s (AAP’s) own failures.

Addressing newspersons in Delhi, Saini alleged that AAP first showed false dreams to the people of Delhi and deceived them. Later, in Punjab, it made promises that remained unfulfilled, causing distress among the people there.

It may be recalled that the Punjab ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday had accused Haryana chief minister Saini of “attempting to lure one of its MLA to resign from the party and join BJP’’.

The chief minister alleged the people of Punjab first voted for Congress, but Congress betrayed them. Later, they voted for AAP, which he described as a “mega-deception.” He claimed that law and order in Punjab is in poor condition and farmers are facing severe hardships.

Police claim to have cracked the case within 24 hours, revealing a twisted tale of love, betrayal, blackmail, and murder that began on Instagram and ended in a septic tank.

A decomposed body of a 33-year-old woman was recovered from a septic tank in an empty plot in Bhopal’s Nishatpura area on Thursday evening. Police claim to have cracked the case within 24 hours, revealing a twisted tale of love, betrayal, blackmail, and murder that began on Instagram and ended in a septic tank.

The victim has been identified as Ashrafi alias Siya, a resident of Gondia district in Maharashtra. According to investigators, Siya was strangled on Monday by her married lover, Sameer, with the alleged help of his family members. Her body was stuffed into an iron box and dumped into a septic tank near their home in Kamla Nagar to erase all traces of the crime.

About a year ago, Siya and Sameer connected on Instagram. What began as casual chats soon turned into an affair. Blinded by love, Siya left her home in Maharashtra and moved to Bhopal nearly three months ago to live with Sameer. She believed she was beginning a new chapter of life.

But Sameer was already married and the father of two children. As Siya began living in his Kamla Nagar home, daily disputes erupted. According to police sources, frequent arguments broke out between Siya and Sameer’s wife. Neighbours reported loud quarrels and tension in the household. Sameer had reportedly hidden several facts from Siya, and domestic unrest escalated rapidly.

Investigators say Siya was pressuring Sameer to marry her. Police sources claim she demanded Rs 5 lakh if he refused and allegedly threatened legal action. The situation grew volatile. Sameer’s wife, unable to bear the tension, reportedly left for her parental home in Jabalpur.

On Monday evening, another heated argument broke out between Siya and Sameer. According to police, in a fit of rage, Sameer strangled Siya.

To destroy evidence, Sameer allegedly sought help from his brother, mother, and sister. The body was sealed inside an iron box and, under the cover of the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, thrown into a septic tank in a vacant plot near their home.

On Thursday evening, children playing nearby complained of a foul smell coming from the tank. Residents noticed an iron box floating inside and immediately alerted police. When officers reached the spot and searched the tank, they made the horrifying discovery of Siya’s decomposed body inside the box.

Due to advanced decomposition, visible injury marks were unclear. However, police identified the victim by a distinctive tattoo of a lamp on her hand and the date “26 May 1992,” believed to be her date of birth.

Manoj Patwa, Inspector of Nishatpura police station, confirmed that the body appeared to be three to four days old. He also stated that the initial investigation pointed toward strangulation.

While Sameer remains absconding, police have arrested his brother, mother, and sister for allegedly assisting in disposing of the body. Sameer’s wife is also under the scanner. Investigators suspect that more family members may have had knowledge of the crime.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/33-year-old-killed-by-married-lover-body-dumped-in-septic-tank-in-bhopal-11001297?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

India now ranks 75th in 2026, up from 85th in 2025 but has lost access to two countries to enter without a visa

The latest edition of the Henley Passport Index is out, and it brings a curious twist for India. On paper, the country’s global mobility standing has improved. Yet, when you look at the raw numbers, Indian passport holders actually have access to slightly fewer destinations without prior paperwork than they did last year.

India now ranks 75th in 2026, up from 85th in 2025, marking a significant 10-place climb.

In January this year, the position stood at 80th, making the latest jump even more notable in just a month. However, the total number of destinations accessible without securing a visa in advance currently stands at 56. That is an increase from 55 in January 2026, but still lower than the 57 destinations recorded in 2025.

In other words, India has moved up the global leaderboard even though it has lost access to two countries to enter without a visa.

So, how does a passport gain rank but lose access? To understand this, we need to look at what exactly is the Henley Index.

What Is The Henley Passport Index

Published by Henley & Partners, the Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports to 227 different travel destinations according to how many destinations their holders can access without securing a visa before departure. The ranking draws on data from the International Air Transport Association and includes visa-free, visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorisations in its scoring methodology.

Parameshwara said that the KSCA had been directed to follow the recommendations of the D’Cunha commission report.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday cleared IPL matches at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium but will impose conditions.

“The cabinet has decided to allow IPL matches to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. But conditions will be imposed and the order will be issued by the Home Department. The order will specify the conditions and preparations required. The home minister will provide more details in a day or two,” Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

“The order will be issued factoring in the D’Cunha Commission report and findings of the Maheshwar Rao expert committee. The existing gates need widening. The government has taken a serious view of the Cunha Commission report,” Patil said

Sources said RCB wants to play its first IPL match of the 2026 season at the stadium in Bengaluru as it is the defending champions.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister G Parameshwara held a meeting with key representatives of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Briefing reporters following the meeting, Parameshwara said that the KSCA had been directed to follow the recommendations of the D’Cunha commission report.

“Some of the recommendations are infrastructural in nature and some are not. Some of the recommendations have been complied with. They [RCB] had sought permission to play the inaugural match from Bengaluru, since they won last year and are defending champions,” Parameshwara said.

“Some of the concerns raised by them include gates, parking areas and holding areas, which are infrastructural in nature. Others, like providing ambulances and doctors and creating triage areas, are not infrastructural concerns and can be immediately attended to. They say steps have already been taken,” he added.

The home minister further stated that those hosting the matches would have to bear the responsibility.

“It is RCB and KSCA who are conducting the event, and those who conduct the event will have to be responsible. The government can’t be held responsible,” he added.

Eleven people were killed and several others injured following a stampede outside the gates of the stadium during the RCB’s maiden IPL victory celebrations on June 4, 2025.

Senior police officers, including then Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, were placed under suspicion, which was lifted months later.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-chinnaswamy-stadium-can-host-ipl-matches-but-conditions-apply-order-to-factor-in-dcunha-panel-report-3896583

The CANSSEA members staged a brief dharna outside its office complex for some time from 11 am. However, the protest did not impact the functioning of government offices in Kohima, with official work continuing as usual.

The Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA) on Thursday joined in the nationwide strike called by the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF) and submitted its eight-point charter of demands to the chief secretary.

CANSSEA, an affiliate of AISGEF, said the strike was in pursuance of resolutions adopted at the federation’s 18th National Conference, where issues affecting state government employees across the country were deliberated and a decision to observe a nationwide strike on February 12 was taken.

The CANSSEA members staged a brief dharna outside its office complex for some time from 11 am. However, the protest did not impact the functioning of government offices in Kohima, with official work continuing as usual.

After the programme, they submitted an 8-point nationwide common charter of demand to the state government through the chief secretary.

Appended by CANSSEA Vice President S Chaidok Phom and General Secretary Yhunsenlo Kent, they demanded regularisation of all contractual employees and an end to contractual, outsourced and daily-wage employment, along with filling up of vacancies in government departments and PSUs on a regular basis.

They also demanded repeal of the PFRDA Act, scrapping of NPS/UPS, restoration of the old pension scheme and repeal of the Pension Validation Act, 2025.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nagaland/nagaland-govt-employees-join-nationwide-strike-submit-charter-of-demands-3896648

“We have received an invitation from the US govt to join. We are currently considering this proposal and reviewing it,” Indian spokesperson said.

Will India be going for the maiden meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, widely seen as his alternative to the Unitedin National in global conflict management? New Delhi is reviewing the invitation from Washington, India’s ministry of external affairs said on Thursday.

India’s unfriendly neighbour Pakistan, meanwhile, has announced that PM Shehbaz Sharif is going for the February 19 BoP meeting in the US.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a media briefing on Thursday, “As far as the Board of Peace is concerned, we have received an invitation from the US government to join. We are currently considering this proposal and reviewing it.

Pakistan announced the same day that PM Sharif would attend the meeting being convened in Washington next week.

Pak among first to join BoP

The BoP was originally meant to be only about rebuilding the Palestinian territories, mainly Gaza, ravaged by Israeli military assault. Trump later pitched it as a global force, with no mention of Gaza or any particular conflict in its charter.

None of the major countries, such as G7 members, have yet signed up.

Pakistan was among the first to sign up, though, among around two dozen countries that gave Trump his big photo-op at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, last month.

Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly press briefing, “Yes, I can confirm that the prime minister will attend the upcoming Board of Peace (BoP) meeting. He will be accompanied by the deputy prime minister/foreign minister. As regards the other members of delegation and on engagements of the delegation in the US, we will inform you in due course of time,” he said.

India’s position

In Delhi, the MEA spokesperson reiterated India’s position on Gaza: “As you are aware, India has consistently supported efforts that promote peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-term and lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza.”

Jaiswal said that the government is presently reviewing the invitation and did not provide further details on whether India would participate in the upcoming meeting.

The Pakistan spokesperson said Islamabad joined the BoP “in good faith” and “not in isolation but as part of the collective voice of eight Islamic-Arab countries”.

“Our collective voice is resonating in the Board of Peace, and we will continue to strive for the rights, peace and prosperity of the people of Palestine, aimed at the long-term solution of the Palestine issue — to create a state of Palestine, in accordance with the pre-1967 border with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital,” he said.

India-US relations got back on track this month with a trade deal, after months of Trump’s tariff-linked aggression and apparent coziness with Pakistan. There remain questions in Delhi, however, over Trump’s condition that India will cease buying Russian oil “to stop the Ukraine war”.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-going-for-trumps-board-of-peace-meeting-india-still-reviewing-us-invitation-101770947806686.html

Piyush Goyal criticised Rahul Gandhi for his claims regarding the India-US trade deal, labeling them as unfounded and accusing him of misleading farmers.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, dismissing his allegations on the India-US trade deal as “baseless” and accusing him of having “no concern for Bharat”. In a post on X, Goyal said Rahul Gandhi was a “habitual liar” who was deliberately misleading farmers with what he called a “fake narrative”. Goyal further asserted that the proposed trade pact fully safeguards farmers’ interests and accused the Congress leader of never having worked for the nation’s welfare.

Hitting out at the former Congress chief, Goyal said, “In a video released today, he has broken all records of speaking falsehood and made baseless allegations. He is misleading our farmers with his fake narrative and trying to provoke our annadatas (farmers). He has never cared for our motherland nor can we expect him to ever work for a strong and prosperous future for India.”

“He has never cared for our motherland, nor can we expect him to ever work for a strong and prosperous future for India,” he added.

Defending the agreement, Goyal said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised farmers’ welfare. “The Prime Minister has always been empathetic towards our farmers and has put their interests first, taking decisions aimed at ensuring their prosperity,” he said.

The incident took place around 6 pm near the Hanuman Temple on Kanpur Road. Preliminary information suggests the student was driving a Maruti Swift with his girlfriend when the accident occurred.

A tragic road accident was reported in Lucknow’s Banthra area on Thursday evening after a speeding car allegedly driven by a Class 12 student returning from a school farewell hit an auto-rickshaw and pedestrians, leaving five injured and a six-year-old boy dead, police said.

The incident took place around 6 pm near the Hanuman Temple on Kanpur Road. Preliminary information suggests the student was driving a Maruti Swift with his girlfriend when the accident occurred.

Sources said the car rammed into an auto-rickshaw and struck pedestrians walking along the roadside. After the crash, the student allegedly dropped the girl at another location and fled.

Police traced the vehicle based on information provided by the girl and recovered the Swift car. The driver, however, remains absconding.

Police said the injured have been identified as Armaan (12), Avadh Bihari (42), Sadhana Verma (35), Meena Devi (60) and Dikshant Patel (6). All were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Dikshant’s condition was reported critical, and he was referred to a higher medical facility, but he later succumbed during treatment.

“The child was referred due to his serious condition, but he died during treatment,” police said, adding that panchanama proceedings are underway.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/student-driving-car-after-school-farewell-runs-over-6-in-lucknow-6-year-old-child-dies-2867491-2026-02-13

Bihar woman Kanchan Devi’s Rose Day celebration with her husband, wherein he gave him roses and a bottle of wine, has landed her in legal trouble, considering alcohol is banned in the eastern state.

A woman’s ‘Rose Day’ celebrations in Bihar caused her to face police action and a raid, after a video of her giving her husband wine went viral, considering the eastern state’s strict alcohol prohibition laws.

Kanchan Devi, who has nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram and resides in Bihar’s Munger district, posted the Rose Day video on February 7. It shows her first giving her husband roses and then handing him a glass of wine and bottle. He smiles and takes the items. The reel was shared both on Instagram and Facebook, and quickly went viral.

Devi also shared another video on social media that showed her at a beauty parlour and posing with a pistol.

Munger Superintendent of Police Syed Imran Masood told India Today that no sooner did they receive information about Kanchan Devi’s viral reels, they formed an investigation team and raided her house. During the probe, it was discovered that the pistol belonged to one Vishal Kumar, a resident of Deendayal Chowk.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/bihar/story/bihar-munger-woman-influencer-rose-day-celebration-wine-pistol-viral-videos-police-raid-fir-instagram-facebook-alcohol-banned-2867518-2026-02-13

Addressing newspersons here, the AAP MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj, along with party state media incharge Baltej Pannu, accused the BJP of approaching the former with inducements under its “Operation Lotus’’.

Punjab ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday accused Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini of “attempting to lure one of its MLA to resign from the party and join BJP’’.

Addressing newspersons here, the AAP MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj, along with party state media incharge Baltej Pannu, accused the BJP of approaching the former with inducements under its “Operation Lotus’’.

Stating that a few days ago, Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini tried to contact her, Bharaj alleged that he tempted her with a BJP ticket from Sangrur and said that whatever demand she had would be fulfilled. He also offered a closed-door meeting, she further alleged.

Stating that she joined AAP in 2014 at the age of 19, inspired by the policies of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann, Bharaj said that she was that worker who put up posters for the party. “Only the Aam Aadmi Party can give a small farmer’s daughter the honour of becoming an MLA at the age of 27’’, she added.

Pannu also held that the BJP was once again unsuccessfully trying to crush democracy in Punjab through ‘Operation Lotus’. This is not the first time the BJP has tried to buy AAP MLAs, but they forget that Punjabis are known for their honour.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-aap-accuses-haryana-cm-nayab-saini-of-trying-to-lure-its-mla-into-bjp-under-operation-lotus

In a purported clip, a voice resembling Tharoor appeared to praise Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy after it withdrew its boycott threat.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reacted strongly to a viral video that falsely attributed remarks to him regarding Pakistan’s decision to reverse its proposed boycott of the high-stakes India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash.

Dismissing the clip as fabricated, Tharoor said, “AI-generated ‘fake news’ — and not even very good. Neither my language nor my voice.”

The video, circulated by a Pakistani propaganda social media account, featured a poorly generated clone of Tharoor’s voice. In the clip, a voice resembling Tharoor appeared to praise Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy after it withdrew its boycott threat.

“I think how Pakistan played is indeed brilliant. I don’t know what they would do on field, but what they did diplomatically is absolute brilliance. Indian cricket board was completely pinned, hands down. This serves as a lesson that good diplomacy can even make a weak nation appear as a Goliath. Pakistan has done it, and I want to appreciate them for it. It’s unthinkable,” a voice resembling Tharoor in the purported video said.

Earlier, an AI-altered audio clip allegedly featuring BCCI Vice President and Congress leader Rajiv Shukla was aired on a Pakistani cricket talk show on ARY News, hosted by former cricketer Shoaib Malik.

The supposed audio clip featured a voice resembling Shukla expressing satisfaction over negotiations led by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that persuaded Pakistan to participate in the match. However, Shukla later clarified that the audio had been manipulated.

“A video of my remarks on the India-Pakistan World Cup match has been manipulated using AI to alter the audio. These statements are not mine. I urge everyone not to believe or circulate this misleading content and to report it wherever such videos are seen,” Shukla said in a post on X.

He added that the ICC’s decision to facilitate the match was important for the sport. “This decision is very important for cricket. Cricket must go on and the World Cup will now be a big success,” he said, emphasizing that the global cricket body had taken all stakeholders’ interests into account.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/not-my-language-shashi-tharoor-calls-out-fake-ai-video-of-him-praising-pakistan-9899077.html

2 Indians On ‘Donkey Route’ Redirected To Azerbaijan, Tortured On Livestream

Two people from Gujarat’s Anand district who set out for the United States through an illegal migration, or the “Donkey Route”, have returned from what their family describes as a dungeon-like captivity in Azerbaijan, after a diplomatic intervention by the government.

Dhruv Patel, 22, from Jhakharia village, and Dipika Patel, 32, from Kantharia, were kidnapped in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, while en route to the US. They were held hostage for ransom, beaten, and threatened with the removal and sale of their kidneys, according to statements made by their family and Anand’s MP, Mitesh Patel.

Their release followed what the MP described as a 24-hour diplomatic effort, referred to locally as “Operation Mahisagar”, after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened and coordinated with the Indian Embassy in Baku.

The Donkey Route

The couple left India on January 30, having been persuaded by Mumbai-based agents that they could reach the United States through an irregular route. Such routes, often termed the “Donkey Route”, involve illegal travel across multiple countries with the promise of eventual entry into North America.

According to the families of the two individuals, the couple arrived in Baku on 1 February. Shortly after landing, they were allegedly abducted by unknown individuals and taken to a deserted house, where they were confined.

The plan to reach the US through this network of agents collapsed at that point. Instead of onward travel, the couple found themselves imprisoned.

Livestreamed Torture 

Family members in Anand say the kidnappers made contact through WhatsApp video calls. During those calls, Dhruv was allegedly beaten in front of his relatives. The kidnappers demanded money and threatened to remove and sell both captives’ kidneys on the black market if their demands were not met.

The families say they paid Rs 65 lakh to the kidnappers, in a combination of cash and cryptocurrency. However, despite receiving the payment, the abductors’ demands reportedly continued.

In a video statement issued on Tuesday, Anand MP Mitesh Patel said the couple’s parents had approached him two days earlier.

“Two days ago, parents of Dhruv Patel and Dipika Patel contacted me and told me that they were kidnapped in Azerbaijan. They said they (family members) received a video call in which people (kidnappers) from Azerbaijan demanded ransom for their release,” he said.

According to the MP, the kidnappers had threatened to kill the two if the ransom was not paid.

Political Intervention

Patel said that when he became aware of the situation, he escalated the matter immediately. He travelled to New Delhi, where Parliament was in session, and made what he called a high-level representation to the Ministry of External Affairs. He met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday to explain the situation in detail.

In his public statement, Patel said: “This incident was truly heartbreaking. As soon as I received information, I immediately contacted Dr S Jaishankar. Due to our government’s promptness, the rescue was successful within 24 hours. I express my gratitude to PM Modi and the Foreign Minister and appeal to the public not to fall prey to the deadly shortcuts offered by these fake agents.”

Following the representation, the MEA contacted the Indian Embassy in Baku. According to the MP, within 24 hours, both individuals were rescued and brought to the Embassy premises in Baku.

“The MEA contacted the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan and within 24 hours, both the kidnapped persons were rescued and brought to the Embassy in Baku,” he said.

“The kidnappers had threatened to kill the two if they were not paid ransom. Our government worked very hard to bring them alive,” he added.

Operation Mahisagar

The rescue effort has been referred to as “Operation Mahisagar”, a name evoking the Mahisagar region of Gujarat.

While India has not publicly disclosed operational details, the MP said the embassy in Baku had “activated” the mission after diplomatic engagement from New Delhi.

At present, Dhruv and Dipika are under the protection of the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan. Their return to India is expected once legal formalities are completed.

Dhruv’s father expressed gratitude to the Indian government and to the MP, saying his children had been given a “new life”.

Alleged Gang Links

According to information sources, an Iranian figure known as “Baba Khan” and an associate named Pawan Rocky are suspected of involvement in the network that targeted the couple.

The same group has previously targeted young people from Mansa in Gujarat through similar methods, luring them with promises of overseas passage before extorting families.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-indians-on-donkey-route-redirected-to-azerbaijan-tortured-on-livestream-10995411?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The spokesperson’s statement came in light of a resurfaced clip from Trump’s press conference, where he is praising PM Modi, saying that “Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump.”

The Ministry of External Affairs’s Official Spokesperson for Randhir Jaiswal addressed questions about a video in which U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly said he “doesn’t want to destroy Modi’s political career.”

Jaiswal, during his weekly press briefing on Thursday, clarified that he had not seen the video in question.

When asked about Trump’s remarks, Jaiswal responded, “I have not seen the video. But if indeed there is such a video, whether it is true or false, we will take appropriate action on it.”

The spokesperson’s statement came in light of a resurfaced clip from Trump’s press conference with the Director of the FBI, where he is praising PM Modi, saying that “Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump.” He clarified the cautious interpretation of the word “love” and asked, “not to take that any different.”

“He’s a great man. Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump. Now, I don’t know if the word love, I don’t want you to take that any different. I don’t want to destroy his political career, but you have to understand, I’ve watched India for years. My friend has been there now for a long time,” Trump had said in the video.

Further on the trade and bilateral relations with Russia, Jaiswal said, “Russia-India have ongoing engagement and cooperation across a range of issues – from trade to people-to-people cultural interaction, defence engagement and all those ties. All those aspects of our bilateral relations will continue to grow.”

Meanwhile, responding to the US factsheet, he clarified that the recent amendments made in the United States factsheet on the framework for the India-US interim trade agreement reflect the “shared understandings” on the matter between the two countries.

Jaiswal, when asked about changes made in the White House factsheet on the deal, said that the joint statement on the framework for the interim agreement remains the basis of mutual understanding between the two sides.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-will-take-appropriate-action-response-to-donald-trump-remarks-on-pm-modi-10996881?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Earlier this week, Delhi Police registered an FIR under charges of criminal conspiracy in connection to the memoir’s leak. The move followed questions raised by India Today Digital over how an unpublished book reached Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Amid the ongoing row over former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s memoir Four Stars of Destiny, the Delhi Police Special Cell has launched a multi-nation investigation into its alleged leak. According to sources, the book entered global digital markets before receiving the mandatory clearance from the Defence Ministry.

On Tuesday, Delhi Police registered an FIR under charges of criminal conspiracy in connection to the leak. The move followed questions raised by India Today Digital over how an unpublished book reached Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Preliminary findings have suggested that the leak was not an isolated act of piracy but a “planned and coordinated operation” that bypassed official approval processes meant for defence-related publications.

Investigators are now tracking digital and financial trails in the US, Canada, Germany and Australia, where the book was allegedly made available online prior to official clearance.

The controversy over the unpublished memoir shows no signs of abating, a week after Gandhi attempted to quote from it in Parliament, sparking a major political storm. The book’s publisher, Penguin India, has clarified that the memoir was never published and no authorised copies exist.

GLOBAL CIRCULATION BEFORE APPROVAL

Investigators have found that the leaked version of Naravane’s memoir was not only circulated internationally but was first made available online in foreign markets. Online sales were detected on platforms operating in the US, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Sources said the first upload of the leaked material was traced to a website using the “.io” domain extension — a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) originally assigned to the British Indian Ocean Territory and widely used by tech platforms and startups.

The content was subsequently mirrored across multiple hosting platforms.

ISBN TRAIL RAISES RED FLAGS

A key focus of the investigation is the presence of an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) in the leaked copy. The 13-digit identifier — mandatory for commercial publishing and distribution — indicates that the book had entered the formal publishing system.

Officials say the presence of an ISBN suggests the leaked version was not a raw manuscript or draft, but a processed and publication-ready copy.

Penguin India, the publisher, is being questioned regarding the ISBN registration and distribution process.

An ISBN is a globally recognised unique identifier assigned to each edition and format of a book, facilitating cataloguing, distribution and sales. Separate ISBNs are issued for different formats, such as hardback and e-book editions.

When Aaj Tak and India Today examined online book-selling platforms in the US, Canada, Australia and Germany, it found that the ISBN codes listed on these websites corresponded to Penguin India’s edition of Four Stars of Destiny.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/organised-leak-delhi-police-probe-finds-gen-naravane-memoir-entered-global-markets-before-government-approval-2866937-2026-02-12

Hardeep Singh Puri criticised Rahul Gandhi for making baseless allegations about Epstein and leaving without hearing the replies.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday hit back at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader referred to his alleged links with Jeffrey Epstein in the Lok Sabha, accusing him of making “baseless allegations” and walking out of the House without listening to replies.

Referring to Gandhi’s speech in Parliament, Puri said, “We have a youth leader who placed a few things before the Parliament today. He has a habit of making baseless allegations.”

Without naming Gandhi directly at first, Puri contrasted what he described as two types of political leaders. “There are two kinds of leaders: those who assume responsibility in the political system and dedicate their lives to social service, transforming the country, and those who devote their lives and ensure that, during their lifetime, the country moves from the 10th-largest economy to the 3rd-largest,” he said.

He then took a swipe at Gandhi’s conduct in the House. “And then there are other leaders who occasionally come to the country, and when they come to the Parliament, they walk out of the House when someone gives them a substantive reply and doesn’t listen to them. He left after his own speech today…” the Union Minister said.

Addressing remarks by Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, Puri said, “Congress leader Supriya Shrinate raised in an email – ‘who introduced Hardeep Puri, I presume to Epstein…’ These facts are known in the public domain. Three million emails have been released. I was in New York for 8 years, from May 2009, when I joined as India’s Ambassador to the UN. In 2017, I became Minister. There are references to possibly three or four meetings in 8 years…”

He further said he had clarified the matter directly to Rahul Gandhi. “I decided to tell Yuva Neta, Rahul Gandhi, and in the note to him, I told him that after I retired as India’s Ambassador to the UN, a few months later, I was invited to join the International Peace Institute. I was not part of the IPI per se…As part of the delegation of the IPI or the ICM, I met Mr Epstein on a few occasions. The ICM was dealing with international issues, and Mr Epstein was not part of it.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/my-interactions-with-epstein-hardeep-puri-dismisses-rahul-gandhis-allegation-9895929.html

A joint platform of ten central trade unions—including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, TUCC, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC—has called for the strike.

A nationwide strike, also known as Bharat Bandh, has been called on Thursday, by over 10 central trade and farmers’ unions. The strike protests against labour reforms and other policies that unions say weaken workers’ rights and protections.

The bandh is likely to disrupt public sector banks, transport services, government offices, and some industries, particularly in states such as Kerala and Odisha, where union mobilisation is strong.

The strike has been called by a joint platform of ten central trade unions, including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, TUCC, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC.

Union leaders say the bandh aims to press for stronger social security measures and protection of labour rights. They oppose the four new labour codes, arguing that these weaken workers’ rights, reduce job security, and make it easier for employers to hire and fire staff.

Other demands include scrapping the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the SHANTI Act, restoring MGNREGA, and withdrawing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, The Times of India reported.

Farmers’ Support

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has also extended its support, citing concerns over the India-US interim trade agreement. The group’s convenor Hannan Mollah said the deal would flood Indian markets with cheaper US imports, harming farmers’ livelihoods.

“SKM studied the Government’s Agreements with the US, EU and New Zealand. SKM has been against this since the beginning. Agreement is not beneficial for a weaker country. They will send their goods for free to our country and they will flood our markets with cheaper goods. Our country will not be able to compete with them and our farmers will be finished,” Mollah noted.

AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur said around 30 crore workers are expected to join the strike across 600 districts, surpassing last year’s mobilisation of 25 crore workers.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/bharat-bandh-on-february-12-transport-banks-schools-whats-open-whats-closed-ws-l-9896671.html

Over the last 12 months, Rekha Gupta noted that the administration discovered challenges as the seasons changed.

The Delhi government has assumed full responsibility for the recent fatality in Janakpuri, where a motorcyclist died after falling into a pit dug for civil works, and initiated departmental inquiries into the incident, chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday.

Speaking to HT during an interview on the first year of her administration in the national capital, the CM characterised the period as one where the government was “learning the ropes, repaying old debts and drafting policies”. The coming year, she added, will be focused on developing infrastructure, implementing policy and improving accountability.

It is a tragic accident, she said, when asked about the death of the 25-year-old man on Friday night when his motorcycle crashed into an open pit in West Delhi. The site had been excavated by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for a sewer line.

“Everyone has seen that our government does not shift blame like the previous government did. We have taken full responsibility. An investigation is also underway into the department. Whoever is found guilty will not be spared by our government.”

Over the last 12 months, Gupta noted that the administration discovered challenges as the seasons changed. “Summers came with water shortage, monsoon posed waterlogging risks, and winters brought pollution. At every step, we did whatever we could do best,” she said.

“We are laying pipelines across the city to ensure that every household has a water connection. We ensured that the most persistent waterlogging hotspot at Minto Bridge did not get submerged, and over two lakh metric tonnes of silt were removed from drains.”

The chief minister attributed the pace of development to a “triple engine government,” citing improved coordination with the Centre on large-scale projects, such as the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River and regional pollution action plans.

Addressing the delayed ₹2,500 monthly Mahila Samman scheme — a key BJP campaign promise —Gupta stated that the government is currently scrutinising beneficiary lists to ensure wider coverage and adequate financial provisioning.

“We realised that most of the welfare schemes are linked to ration cards and the same set of beneficiaries avail all these scheme benefits. We are trying to define the eligibility in a way that the scope is widened,” Gupta said.

The chief minister accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration of leaving a legacy of mismanagement, claiming her government has spent the past year clearing a decade of debt. She cited significant losses in the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and a backlog of unpaid claims for 186,000 beneficiaries of the former Ladli scheme, which has now been integrated into the ‘Lakhpati Bitiya’ program.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/nita-ambani-choti-bahu-radhika-merchant-look-lovely-traditional-indian-outfits-sparkling-diamonds-at-family-wedding-101770776962983.html

Under the new guidelines, the composition of the senior designation committee has been changed to limit it to the Chief Justice and two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.

Deepinder Goyal revealed he received over 8,000 emails after inviting former employees to reconnect with Eternal, calling the response overwhelming and unexpected. As his post went viral, he even asked those who worked closely with him to “find my number and WhatsApp me,” sparking a flood of reactions online.

Deepinder Goyal’s attempt to reconnect with former team members has sparked an unexpectedly massive response. The Zomato founder on Wednesday revealed that his recent outreach inviting past employees to write in has resulted in an overwhelming flood of emails, running into the thousands.

Sharing an update on X, Goyal disclosed that the response far exceeded his expectations. “A quick update on back@eternal.com. Over the last week, we received over 8,000 emails. About 4,000 from people who have been part of the Eternal journey at some point. Rest from people who haven’t worked here but want to. Thank you so much for this. I didn’t expect this at all,” he wrote.

According to Goyal, many of the emails were deeply personal, filled with nostalgia, candid reflections and detailed accounts of past experiences. He described them as “full of emotions and honesty,” adding that several messages included years-old context that only someone closely involved in the company’s journey would fully understand. This, he explained, has made it challenging for current teams to filter and evaluate them efficiently.

“Eternal is in its late teens right now. The only person who can truly read these emails and know who to respond to is me. And it is not humanly possible for me to read through 8,000 emails, and pick and choose the right ones to respond to, quickly,” he added, while assuring senders that every message is being reviewed, even if the process takes time.

In a move that surprised many, Goyal also suggested a more personal shortcut for those who had worked closely with him. “If you worked with me directly, and you wrote in, and you are waiting for a reply, here is what will work quickly: find my number and WhatsApp me. Looking forward to reconnect,” he said.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/find-my-number-whatsapp-me-zomato-founder-deepinder-goyal-flooded-with-8000-emails-after-inviting-ex-staff-to-return-article-153597408

Ahead of the upcoming AI summit in New Delhi, UNICEF released guidelines addressing the implications of AI for children and communities.

On the eve of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit in New Delhi later this month, UNICEF has issued a detailed guideline about the “opportunities and risks to children, young people and their families, teachers and communities.” The UNICEF paper speaks of the Need to optimize opportunities, mitigate risks and eliminate harms, including child abuse and exploitation for children.” UNICEF, while addressing governments, business and other organisations, speaks of the need to gather enough evidence on how “AI impacts children and their environments, ideally through participatory research and decision making and to centre children in AI policies.”

Bangladesh will hold its first general elections since the 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday, February 12 and Jamaat-e-Islami, leading an 11-party alliance, has emerged as the main rival to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition.

Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said that his party would work to build “strong, respectful and mutually beneficial” relations with India if voted to power, asserting that New Delhi will remain a “priority”. Bangladesh is holding its first general elections since the 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina today. Jamaat-e-Islami, leading an 11-party alliance, has emerged as the main rival to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition. Earlier, Rahman had described ties with India “colourful”.

Rahman said that the party would work towards national unity, equal citizenship and constructive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. “We seek positive relationships with our neighbouring countries and with friends around the world. India is our nearest neighbour, and it will remain a priority. Our goal is not to create conflict but to build partnerships for development and peace. Mutual respect and trust are essential,” Rahman said on Wednesday while speaking to reporters in Dhaka, as quoted by PTI.

Earlier this month, Rahman called ties with India “colourful”. “When it comes to relations with India, can you see how colourful it is,” he had told reporters while pointing at the chandelier.

Police said the victims were Manish Kumar (35), his wife (around 32), and their three young children, Honey (8), Priyanshi (5) and Prateek (3)

A suicide video recorded by the father and a message scribbled on the wall were found at a home in a village in Mathura where five members of a family were discovered dead on Tuesday. The deaths came to notice after neighbours broke a door to enter the house when the family did not respond in the morning.

Police said the victims were Manish Kumar (35), his wife (around 32), and their three young children, Honey (8), Priyanshi (5) and Prateek (3). According to Manish’s nephew, the couple married in 2018.

Early suspicion suggested that the family may have consumed poison mixed with milk on Monday night, as glasses of milk were found near the bodies. However, the post-mortem report later revealed different causes of death: Manish died due to electrocution, his wife due to hanging, and the three children due to strangulation, Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar informed.

“They were found dead inside a room of their house. The post-mortem reports indicate that Manish died due to electrocution, his wife due to hanging, while the three children died due to strangulation,” the SSP told news agency PTI.

Police officials said they received information when villagers grew uneasy as the children did not come out to play. When Manish’s brother looked through a window and saw no movement inside, he broke a wall to enter, only to find the entire family unresponsive.

A video message recorded by Manish before his death added to the suspicion of mass suicide. In the video, he said, “We have died on our own will. It is no one’s fault. The police should not bother anyone. I was very upset, and that is why I request that no one should trouble anyone.”

He also mentioned that he had recently sold a plot of land for Rs 12 lakh and clearly stated that he was not blaming the buyer in any way.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-couple-die-after-killing-their-3-children-leave-behind-video-message-in-mathura-village-family-suicide-pact-manish-kumar-10985618?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The directive, and the inclusion of four previously-removed stanzas, will kick up a row, particularly as there was a fight between the BJP and the Congress on this topic last year.

‘Vande Mataram’, the national song, must be played  before the national anthem, i.e., ‘Jana, Gana, Mana’ at all government events and in all schools, the Union Home Ministry said in new rules issued Wednesday morning. The new rules also require all persons to stand when ‘Vande Mataram’ is played.

The national song must now also be played at civilian awards ceremonies, like the Padma awards, and all other events attended by the President, during their arrival and departure. It will also be played in public spaces like cinema halls, though standing up is not mandatory in this instance.

And all six stanzas, including the four removed by the Congress in 1937, will be played.

Last month sources told NDTV the government planned to extend protocols covering the national anthem – under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act – to ‘Vande Mataram’.

And, under the law, any person who disrupts, or prevents others from respecting, the national anthem (and now the national song) can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in jail.

The ‘Vande Mataram’ row

The directive, and the inclusion of those four stanzas, will likely kick up a row, particularly as there was a massive fight between the ruling BJP and the Congress on this topic last year.

This was after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused his predecessor, Jawaharlal Nehru, of having followed Muhammad Ali Jinnah in opposing the song because it could “irritate Muslims”.

The BJP subsequently shared letters from Nehru to back its claim and the exchange turned rancorous after a Parliament ‘debate’ on the 150th anniversary of the song being written.

The axed sections referenced three Hindu goddesses, including Durga, which offers political a subtext to the row ahead of the Assembly election in Bengal that is expected in March/April.

The Congress responded by claiming the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, routinely avoids the song; party boss Mallikarjun Kharge called it “deeply ironic that those who today claim to be guardians of nationalism never sang ‘Vande Mataram’…”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra responded with a fierce counter in Parliament, accusing the BJP of trying to gain brownie points ahead of next year’s Bengal election.

She also accused the Prime Minister and BJP of ‘selectively quoting Nehru’, referring to social media posts highlighting excerpts from his letters and presenting them without context.

The deleted stanzas

On November 7, 1875, Bengali author Bankim Chandra Chatterjee – one of India’s most influential 19th century thinkers – wrote the words to a poem that would become a rallying cry for freedom fighters in the battle to liberate India from British colonial rule.

That song, first published in his 1882 novel ‘Anandmath’, was ‘Vande Mataram’.

In his six stanzas, Chatterjee paid homage to the divine feminine and cast India as a fierce yet nurturing ‘mother’ figure, (“… mataram”) offering intellectual, emotional, and physical support.

Chatterjee also made references to the feminine figure’s, or the ‘mother’s, ferocity (“…swords flash out in seventy million hands, And seventy million voices roar they dreadful name from shore to shore”) and gentleness (“…Mother, giver of ease, laughing low and sweet”).

But opening abstract references to the ‘mother’ turn concrete in later stanzas, specifically the last two.

Chatterjee refers to the Hindu goddesses Durga, Kamala (or Lakshmi), and Saraswathi, framing them as the feminine guardians of the country, “pure and perfect without peer”.

In 1937 the Congress, then led by Nehru, decided in Faizpur to use only the first two stanzas for national gatherings. The argument was that direct references to Hindu goddesses were not well-received by some members of the Muslim community; they were seen as ‘exclusionary’.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/new-guidelines-for-vande-mataram-standing-up-necessary-but-not-in-cinemas-10985596?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Court held that tweets and articles accusing Adani Group of cronyism and illegality crossed the line from criticism into criminal defamation.

A Gujarat court recently convicted journalist Ravi Nair in a criminal defamation case filed by the Adani Group and sentenced him to one year of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 [Adani Enterprises Limited vs. Ravi Nair].

The Court held that a series of tweets and online articles published by Nair accusing the Adani Group of numerous unethical practices, went beyond fair criticism and amounted to criminal defamation.

The case stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by the Adani Group in September 2021.

The company alleged that between October 2020 and July 2021, Nair published multiple tweets from his X (formerly Twitter) handle and articles on a website called “adaniwatch.org”, accusing the Adani Group corruption, crony capitalism, manipulation of environmental laws, misuse of government agencies and unethical business practices.

It claimed that these allegations were false, unverified and published with the intention of damaging its reputation among investors, regulators, financial institutions and the general public. It argued that the Adani Group operates in highly regulated sectors and that such accusations directly affect its credibility and goodwill.

Nair denied the allegations. He claimed that his posts amounted to journalistic commentary on matters of public interest. He argued that the tweets were based on material already available in the public domain and were protected by the right to free speech.

He also contended that the publications were fair criticism and did not amount to defamation.

The Court rejected Nair’s defence and held that his tweets and articles were not mere expressions of opinion or policy criticism.

In a contextual finding, the Court said the publications made direct and categorical allegations of illegality, corruption, and cronyism against the Adani Group without due verification and were presented as statements of fact rather than opinion.

It noted that such allegations were capable of harming the reputation of Adani Enterprises and that Nair had failed to prove that his statements were true, made in good faith, or protected by law.

The Court also held that freedom of speech does not extend to making unverified accusations that damage the reputation of others, including corporate entities.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/gujarat-court-convicts-journo-ravi-nair-for-tweets-articles-against-adani-group

The Delhi University (DU) on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that appeals seeking disclosure of information relating to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s degrees were an attempt to sensationalise the issue.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta appeared for DU and stated that there was no merit in the matter.

“This is only to sensationalise. There is nothing in the matter,” SG Mehta said.

SG Mehta made the statement before a Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.

The Court was hearing a set of appeals filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, Right to Information (RTI) activist Neeraj Sharma and advocate Mohd Irshad against the single-judge’s judgment of August 25, 2025, quashing the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) order of December 2016 to disclose the PM’s degree details.

During the first hearing of the case on November 12, the High Court had flagged that there was a delay in filing the appeals and asked the DU to file its objections on that aspect.

Today, SG Mehta appeared for the University and sought more time to file the objections.

“I am seeking time. I would like to file a reply to the delay as well as merits,” Mehta stated.

Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat appeared for the appellants and stated that if the Solicitor General is saying that he will reply to the merits as well, the Court can issue notice in the appeals.

Mehta objected, adding that he was already appearing in the matter, and notice was being sought to sensationalise.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/only-to-sensationalise-du-to-delhi-hc-on-plea-seeking-pm-modis-degree-details

US Lawmaker Greg Steube has introduced the ‘EXILE ACT’ that seeks to end the H-1B visa program. The move will impact Indians as the H-1B visas are used by a large number of Indian professionals to live and work in the US.

A lawmaker in the United States has introduced a bill to end the H-1B visa program, saying corporations have repeatedly abused this system and imported cheaper foreign labour into America. US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the ‘Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act’, which would eventually end the H-1B visa program. H-1B visas are most commonly used by the technology sector to employ skilled professionals in fields like science, math and computing.

Former Chief of Armed Staff General MM Naravane addressed the controversy surrounding his unpublished book, “Four Stars of Destiny,” after Rahul Gandhi displayed a copy, raising questions about its availability.

Former Chief of Armed Staff (CoAS) General MM Naravane on Tuesday broke his silence on the controversy over his unpublished book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, days after Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi showed a copy of his book, raising questions how was he able to get one when the book is yet to be published. As the row continued to roll, the former Army Chief took to X and shared Penguin India — the publishing house — statement saying, “this is the status of the book.”

News agency PTI posted a screenshot of Naravane’s post on its X page, quoting the former army chief’s statement on the status of his book. The post reads, “Former Army Chief, Manoj Naravane (@ManojNaravane) posts, ‘This is the status of the book.'”

On his reported X page, Naravane reposted Penguin India’s statement from yesterday, in which the publishing house had said that they hold the sole rights to the former army chief’s book while making it clear that the book was yet to be published.

Addressing its concern on the matter, Penguin Random House India on Monday wrote, “In light of recent public discourse and media reporting, Penguin Random House India would like to clarify that we hold the sole publishing rights for the book Four Stars of Destiny, a memoir by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, former Chief of the Indian Army. We wish to make it clear that the book has not gone into publication. No copies of the book – in print or digital form – have been published, distributed, sold, or otherwise made available to the public by Penguin Random House India.”

Adding further, the publishing house said, “Any copies of the book currently in circulation, in whole or in part, whether in print, digital, PDF, or any other format, online or offline, on any platform, constitutes an infringement of PRHI’s copyright and must immediately be ceased. Penguin Random House India shall be exercising remedies available in law against the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the book. This statement is being issued to place the publisher’s position on record.”

The sudden spike in patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting led to a rush at G.G. Hospital, with doctors and healthcare staff pressed into rapid response. Residents have also complained to the administration about possible contamination in drinking water pipelines, alleging that dirty water may have mixed with the supply.

Fifteen cholera cases have been confirmed and 31 people hospitalised after an outbreak in Gujrat’s Jamnagar city, prompting an urgent public health response. The Bedeshwar area has reported more than 48 suspected cases in the past two days, triggering concern among authorities and residents.

The sudden spike in patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting led to a rush at G.G. Hospital, with doctors and healthcare staff pressed into rapid response. Residents have also complained to the administration about possible contamination in drinking water pipelines, alleging that dirty water may have mixed with the supply.

With water-borne disease cases rising sharply, the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has moved into alert mode. Arogya Officer Haresh Gori said 20 teams have been deployed for door-to-door surveys and to collect drinking water samples in the affected localities.

The solid waste department and underground sewer branch have launched an extensive cleanliness drive, while the waterworks department is inspecting pipelines to detect possible contamination sources.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/gujarat/story/15-cholera-cases-prompt-survey-of-2700-homes-in-gujarats-jamnagar-2866352-2026-02-11

Officials said Motta was taken into custody by the Haryana Police soon after he landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Tuesday.

Fugitive alleged gangster Sombir Motta, wanted by the Haryana Police in connection with a murder case and the use of firearms, was deported from the United States to India on Tuesday in an operation coordinated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with the Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs.

Officials said Motta was taken into custody by the Haryana Police soon after he landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Tuesday.

Confirming the development, the CBI said in an official release that the deportation was carried out on February 10, 2026. “The subject has been deported from the USA to India on 10.02.2026 and Haryana Police is taking over the custody of the subject (Motta),” a CBI release said.

Officials said the CBI had earlier facilitated the publication of an INTERPOL Red Notice against Motta on February 11, 2025, following a request from the Haryana Police. The Red Notice, which is circulated globally to law enforcement agencies, is used to locate and provisionally arrest wanted persons pending extradition or deportation.

After the Red Notice was issued, the CBI coordinated with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Washington to trace Motta’s whereabouts in the United States and ensure his return to India. The coordinated effort ultimately led to his deportation, the agency said.

The CBI, which serves as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, works closely with law enforcement agencies across the country through the BHARATPOL network to provide international assistance via INTERPOL channels.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fugitive-gangster-sombir-motta-deported-from-us-taken-into-custody-by-haryana-police-2866323-2026-02-11

Taking a sharp dig at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy, who recently made remarks about the Congress-DMK alliance, Selvaperanthugai said the opposition leader should instead focus on the stability of his own party.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperanthugai on Tuesday dismissed speculation about internal discord within the INDIA alliance in the state, asserting that coalition partners remain united and discussions on alliance coordination are currently underway.

Speaking on the sidelines of the introductory meeting and training camp for newly appointed district leaders of the Tamil Nadu Congress Party, Selvaperanthugai said rumours of rifts within the alliance were baseless. He stressed that the Congress leadership has been given full authority to hold negotiations and coordinate with other partners.

“There is no tension in the Alliance. We are talking,” Selvaperanthugai said, indicating that communication among alliance members is continuing smoothly. He added that Congress is actively participating in alliance-related decision-making processes while maintaining constant contact with its coalition partners.

Taking a sharp dig at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy, who recently made remarks about the Congress-DMK alliance, Selvaperanthugai said the opposition leader should instead focus on the stability of his own party.

“Edappadi K Palaniswamy should worry about his own party, lest BJP swallows it whole. Ask him not to leave the AIADMK party and worry about his party,” he said.

Accusing the BJP of weakening regional parties across the country, Selvaperanthugai compared the saffron party’s political strategy to an octopus. “The BJP has swallowed all the parties like an octopus. The next party to swallow is the AIADMK. It has swallowed three-quarters of the AIADMK. The big thing is to keep Edappadi Palaniswami safe,” he added.

The Congress leader also warned that the BJP had already absorbed several political groups and that parties like the AIADMK must remain vigilant if they wish to retain their identity.

Selvaperanthugai’s remarks come amid visible efforts by alliance partners to project unity. Recently, leaders from the INDIA bloc appeared together at the inauguration ceremony of the Karl Marx statue, a move seen as a strong signal of continued cooperation.

The alliance parties are also expected to come together again on the 18th of this month to stage a protest against the BJP-led central government, reinforcing their collective opposition to policies of the Union government.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/no-tension-within-india-alliance-tamil-nadu-state-congress-president-selvaperanthugai-2866318-2026-02-11

The Aam Aadmi Party criticised the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal for joining Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, alleging their previous rule led to a massive spread of narcotics in the state.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for participating in a campaign against drugs in Punjab, alleging that their previous rule was responsible for the spread of narcotics in the state.

AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA said, “With what face are the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP folks sitting on this campaign against drugs, because they themselves have brought drugs into Punjab. It feels like this campaign has been started with some political motive. In your carelessness, don’t end up giving wind to those forces that have drowned Punjab.”

AAP Punjab spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh also spoke on the campaign against drugs launched by the Governor of Punjab. He said, “We are not against the Governor of Punjab’s campaign against drugs, but it is regrettable that this campaign was started by taking along those whose rule saw a flood of drugs in Punjab. The Akali-BJP government brought a sixth river of drugs to Punjab, which drowned thousands of Punjab’s youth.”

The AAP government launched the ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh 2.0 (War against drugs)’ campaign across Punjab. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aims to eradicate drug abuse by promoting cooperation between officials and local residents.

As part of the campaign, authorities have formed ten-member ‘Pind De Pehredar’ (Village Guards) committees in each village. Modelled on defence committees in border areas, these groups are tasked with prevention, monitoring, and reporting efforts at the grassroots level.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aap-slams-bjp-akali-over-punjab-anti-drug-campaign-2866261-2026-02-10

Haryana launches a major crackdown on veterinary NSAIDs lethal to vultures, inspecting 113 chemist shops and collecting 93 drug samples for lab testing. Experts warn drugs like diclofenac and nimesulide can kill vultures within 48 hours. BNHS lauds the state’s proactive enforcement as a national model, urging other states to adopt similar measures to safeguard biodiversity.

In a major push for wildlife conservation, the Haryana government has launched a massive enforcement drive to eliminate the sale and use of veterinary painkillers known to be lethal to vultures.

Toxic Drugs Threaten Vultures
The move aims to reverse the catastrophic decline in vulture populations caused by toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) entering the food chain. Vultures and other carrion birds feeding on domestic animals treated with NSAIDs die after suffering damage to their kidneys.

Statewide Chemist Inspections
On January 15, 2026, authorities carried out extensive inspections at wholesale and retail chemist shops across Haryana. The state has deployed inspection teams to 113 wholesale and retail chemist shops, collecting 93 drug samples for urgent laboratory testing.

Laboratory Testing Underway
Authorities confirmed that the samples have been sent to government-approved labs, warning that strict legal action will be initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act if violations are found.