Category: India

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.

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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.

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A boost to ‘Ease of Living’ for the people of Noida!

The Cabinet has approved the extension corridor from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (Noida). This decision will add momentum to Noida’s development journey. Congestion will be reduced significantly as well.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2026

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:

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‘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’’.

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आम आदमी पार्टी अपने कुकृत्यों को छिपाने के लिए मनगढ़ंत आरोप लगा रही है। pic.twitter.com/Q9TxrodCzp

— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) February 13, 2026

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.

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Annadata Devo Bhava!

Under PM @NarendraModi ji’s leadership, our farmers will always be secure, empowered, and prosperous. pic.twitter.com/tkUCHCsa7w

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 12, 2026

 

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.

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ਇਮਾਨਦਾਰੀ ‘ਤੇ ਡਟੇ ਰਹੇ ‘ਆਪ’ ਆਗੂ, ਨਾਕਾਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਦਾ ‘ਆਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਲੋਟਸ’

‘ਆਪ’ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਤੇ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਇੰਚਾਰਜ @BaltejPannu ਅਤੇ ਵਿਧਾਇਕ @narinder_bharaj ਨੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਖੁਲਾਸੇ

➡️ ‘ਆਪ’ ਵਿਧਾਇਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਨਾਲ਼ੋਂ ਤੋੜਨ ਲਈ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਨੇ ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਵਾਰ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ
➡️ ਕਿਸੇ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਧਾਇਕ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਭਰਮਾਉਣ ‘ਚ… pic.twitter.com/rgJcO0cnOv

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 12, 2026

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.”

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Ai-generated “fake news” — and not even very good. Neither my language nor my voice. https://t.co/J48OMoasyR

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 12, 2026

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.

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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.

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 11, 2026

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.

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#WATCH | On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the House, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, “…Epstein Files, the Yuva Neta should know, are about wrongdoing, criminal offences. The Epstein Files are about charges that he had an island where he used to take people to… pic.twitter.com/v8jnqpR6kA

— ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2026

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.

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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.…

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) February 11, 2026

“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.

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थाना महावन क्षेत्रान्तर्गत ग्राम खप्परपुर में एक ही परिवार के पति-पत्नी सहित 03 बच्चो के मृत पाये जाने पर शवों को पोस्टमार्टम हेतु भेजें जानें व फील्ड यूनिट द्वारा साक्ष्य एकत्र कर अग्रिम विधिक कार्यवाही किए जाने के सम्बन्ध में वरिष्ठ पुलिस अधीक्षक मथुरा, द्वारा दी गई बाइट-… pic.twitter.com/u312xpy4tZ

— MATHURA POLICE (@mathurapolice) February 10, 2026

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.”

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Former army chief Gen MM Naravane’s first response on memoir row, backs Penguin India’s statement

After Penguin says book not published yet, Naravane: This is the status of the book@pragyakaushika & Times Now’s Mayank share more details with @MadhavGK pic.twitter.com/qEkDsqEyRY

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 10, 2026

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.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said that the accused has been identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju, a resident of Chamrang Road in Amritsar. He works as an assistant in a salon in Amritsar.

Punjab police on Tuesday claimed to have foiled a Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror plot with the arrest of one accused person and recovered an RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from his possession in Amritsar area.

Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said that the accused has been identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju, a resident of Chamrang Road in Amritsar. He works as an assistant in a salon in Amritsar.

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In an intelligence-led operation, State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), Amritsar foils a #Pak ISI–backed terror plot with the recovery of an #RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and arrests one accused from #Amritsar.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused… pic.twitter.com/qetpnn7JrK

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) February 10, 2026

DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigation indicated that the accused was in contact with a foreign-based handler acting under the instructions of Pakistan-based handlers. Probe has also revealed that accused Rahul retrieved the consignment from a designated location on the outskirts of the city following the instructions of his foreign-based handler, he said, while adding that the device was concealed in a PVC pipe casing, likely to evade detection.

The DGP said that further probe regarding the ultimate disposal/destination of the IED is being conducted.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pak-isi-backed-terror-plot-foiled-1-held-with-rdx-based-ied

 

After assuming office, the BJP government moved courts seeking early hearings to withdraw multiple cases related to key administrative and policy issues, which were a bone of contention between the former AAP dispensation and the Centre, the L-G’s office, as well as bureaucrats of the Delhi government.

The Delhi government, led by the BJP, has withdrawn all cases filed by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration against the Union government, the Lieutenant Governor, and several senior bureaucrats, officials said on Monday.

After assuming office, the BJP government moved courts seeking early hearings to withdraw multiple cases related to key administrative and policy issues, which were a bone of contention between the former AAP dispensation and the Centre, the L-G’s office, as well as bureaucrats of the Delhi government.

These cases filed by the former AAP government over a period of time included the appointment of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairman, control over service-related matters, implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, funding for the Delhi Jal Board, appointment of lawyers in the Delhi riot cases, and the constitution of a high-level committee on Yamuna river pollution.

According to the officials, the law department of the Delhi government began the withdrawal process for these cases shortly after the BJP assumed power following the Assembly elections in February 2025.

Continuing with these cases posed legal challenges, as it would have been difficult for the BJP, which governs Delhi, to pursue cases against its own government at the Centre and its appointed L-G. Additionally, persisting with the cases would have wasted government resources without producing any benefits, an officer stated.

In May 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to withdraw seven cases filed against the L-G. During the same month, the Delhi High Court also permitted the government to withdraw its petition challenging the L-G’s decision to appoint lawyers to argue cases related to the farmers’ protest and the 2020 Delhi riots.

An internal proposal moved by the law department stated that such litigation caused “hardship” to the bureaucracy and resulted in “administrative paralysis,” delaying policy decisions and execution of projects.

The withdrawn cases also included one concerning the 2023 ordinance promulgated by the president, which amended the GNCTD Act of 1991, the interpretation of Section 45D of the Act, appointments to the DERC, cessation of funding, and issues related to the alderman case pending before the Supreme Court.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-govt-withdraws-all-cases-filed-by-aap-against-centre-l-g-during-its-tenure-3892766

The Court was responding to objections raised by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha against the West Bengal CM’s court appearance.

The Supreme Court on Monday turned down the objections raised by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to the personal appearance of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the case concerning special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and NV Anjaria said that it is not new and shows trust and faith in Constitution and its institutions.

“What is unheard in it? This shows trust and faith in the constitution. Don’t politicise this issue,” the Court told the counsel for Hindu Mahasabha.

“What is unheard in it? This shows trust and faith in the constitution. Don’t politicise this issue.

The hearing in the suo motu case concerning digital arrest scams on Monday saw the Supreme Court express concerns that neglect or connivance by bank officials have often led to such fraudulent transactions.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi has also issued various directions to ensure proper coordination between various agencies when it comes to tackling digital arrest scams and recover lost money, where possible.

“We have seen bank officials are completely hand in gloves with the accused in these cases of digital arrest,” CJI Kant remarked today while hearing a connected matter.

He went on to add that banks must do well to remember that they are custodians of the money entrusted to them.

“These banks are becoming a liability. Banks should know that they are a trustee of the money and they should not get over excited with it. That trust should not be broken. Problem is these banks give loans to these fraudsters and then NCLT, NCLAT (comes into the picture when the fraudulent companies become embroiled in insolvency disputes) etc,” he said.

“These banks are becoming a liability. Banks should know that they are a trustee of the money and they should not get over excited with it.

 

Maithili Thakur had questioned the Health Minister on the dilapidated condition of the government hospital in her constituency. Then, unsatisfied with the minister’s response, she posed a sharp question.

The dilapidated condition of government hospitals once again came into focus in the Bihar Legislative Assembly during the budget session on Monday. This time, Maithili Thakur, known for her outspoken questions, had brought the issue under the scanner. Thakur had questioned Health Minister Mangal Pandey on the dilapidated condition of the government hospital in her constituency. Then, unsatisfied with the minister’s response, she posed a sharp question.

A video of this entire exchange — a new MLA putting her own party’s minister on the spot — was widely circulated on social media. Maithili Thakur, a celebrated folk singer from Mithilanchal, had won her maiden election in November from Alinagar after joining the BJP. She said she had joined politics after being inspired by the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the Question Hour on Monday, Maithili Thakur had raised the condition of the hospital building in her constituency, declaring that it was so dilapidated that a major accident appeared imminent.

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अपने विधानसभा क्षेत्र अंतर्गत तारडीह प्रखंड के कुरसों नदीयामी स्थित अतिरिक्त स्वास्थ्य केंद्र की गंभीर समस्याओं पर सदन में सरकार का ध्यान आकृष्ट कराया। जनस्वास्थ्य से कोई समझौता स्वीकार्य नहीं।क्षेत्र की जनता को बेहतर, सुलभ एवं गुणवत्तापूर्ण स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएँ दिलाना हमारी… pic.twitter.com/HhMRzDEF7S

— Maithili Thakur (@maithilithakur) February 6, 2026

Describing the situation, she said plaster keeps falling from the ceiling, the walls bear deep cracks, and water leaks into the wards during the rainy season. Even so, patients are still being treated in the building, pregnant women are admitted, and children are kept, which is a direct threat to people’s lives, she said.

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“I am not completely satisfied with the answer… Because it is written that the building is not in a bad condition. It just needs to be repaired,” she said.

“But I want the minister to explain once again. Because I myself have seen that the building is in a bad condition. There is a health system running in a small room. There is no MBBS doctor. In the past, there were two MBBS doctors there. But not now,” she continued, listing her reservations in detail.

Thakur questioned why hospital buildings are in such a state when the government is increasing the health budget every year. While a shortage of doctors and medicines is a problem, an even bigger threat is dilapidated buildings that could collapse at any time, she said.

The MLA asked the House whether the government was waiting for a major accident to occur before new buildings would be constructed.

“I am not questioning the minister. I am just making a request to him. Because I was very young. And since then, I have been seeing the health minister as a minister. I have been seeing him working on health. So I want him to solve this in the interest of the public,” she added.

In his response, the Health Minister said the state government is serious about the condition of hospital buildings. New buildings have been approved for several hospitals, and construction is in progress in some locations. He also said hospitals with extremely dilapidated buildings have been identified and will be repaired or renovated in a phased manner.

The minister’s response, however, did not satisfy Maithili Thakur. She immediately intervened, saying the hospital in her area has been on the list for years, but till date, neither repairs nor construction on a new building has started.

Raising the question again, she said every year there is only talk of planning and approval, but the ground reality remains the same. She also said that patients and their families are forced to seek treatment in fear.

After Maithili Thakur’s repeated questions, the atmosphere in the House became heated for a while. Opposition MLAs thumped the table in support, while some members of the ruling party appeared uneasy.

The Speaker had to intervene to help the discussion move forward.
As soon as the video of the debate surfaced on social media, it was widely circulated.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/not-happy-with-answer-bjp-mla-maithili-thakur-questions-minister-over-state-of-hospitals-10978017?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

BJP accused a TMC councillor from Taki Ward 12 of molesting a former BSF jawan’s wife and criticised police inaction, intensifying political tensions in Bengal ahead of elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal after allegations surfaced against a TMC councillor from Taki municipality in North 24 Parganas district.

According to West Bengal BJP Spokesperson Debjit Sarkar, a TMC councillor from Ward 12 in Taki allegedly molested the wife of a former Border Security Force (BSF) jawan. Sarkar claimed that the incident occurred in “retaliation” after the woman’s husband was earlier assaulted and allegedly denied police assistance due to the councillor’s political influence.

Reacting to the matter, the BJP leader wrote on social media platform X, “Shame on TMC. A TMC councillor from Taki (Ward 12) is accused of m0lesting the wife of a former BSF jawan in retaliation after her husband was assaulted and denied police help due to political influence. Power used to silence citizens and target women is an attack on democracy(sic).”

The BJP’s West Bengal unit also issued a statement on X, calling the situation an example of “Mahajungle Raj” in the state.

“A TMC councillor in Taki (Ward 12) is accused of outraging the modesty of a former BSF jawan’s wife after police allegedly refused action in an earlier assault case due to political pressure. When power shields criminals and women are targeted, it becomes clearer how much Bengali society is under threat from TMC,” the party stated.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/attack-on-democracy-bjp-alleges-tmc-councillor-molested-former-bsf-jawans-wife-ws-l-9891221.html

Bombay High Court granted bail to Akashdeep Singh, an accused in the murder of former minister Baba Siddique, observing that prosecution material did not prima facie link him to the alleged organised crime conspiracy under MCOCA.

The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to Akashdeep Karaj Singh, one of the accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, observing that the prosecution material at this stage did not prima facie link him to the alleged organised crime conspiracy.

Court finds prosecution case weak at bail stage

“The entire case of the prosecution… hinges on the two calls made by him,” Justice Neela Gokhale noted, adding that “merely putting through a call… prima facie does not connect the Applicant (Singh) with the organised crime syndicate.” The judge emphasised that any such connection would have to be established during trial.

Singh, 22, becomes the first accused to secure bail in the high-profile case. Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12, 2024, by three assailants outside the Bandra (East) office of his son, former MLA Zeeshan Siddique.

Background of the case

It began with a promise of marriage. Taken from home in the dark, betrayed by trust and gang-raped across cities, before it all ended with one of the harshest punishments under law.

A 14-year-old girl was lured out of her home on the promise of marriage, taken to another city and repeatedly gang-raped before being rescued, a crime that has now led to one of the harshest punishments under law.

A POCSO court in Rajasthan’s Alwar district has sentenced two men to life imprisonment till death in the case of gang rape of the minor. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of the convicts.

GIRL VANISHES OVERNIGHT

The incident came to light on November 6, 2024, when the girl went missing from her home while her family was asleep. In her complaint, the girl’s mother said the family woke up in the morning to find the 14-year-old absent from her room.

The family immediately grew suspicious of Mohit, a youth who had visited the house earlier to meet the girl. When relatives reached his residence, they discovered that Mohit too had been missing since the previous night.

Police were alerted and an FIR was registered.

ACCUSED TRACKED TO BHIWADI

During the investigation, police traced Mohit’s mobile phone location to Bhiwadi. A police team, accompanied by the girl’s family, reached the town and arrested Mohit along with his associate Ankit.

Investigators found that Mohit had first drawn the minor into a relationship and convinced her to run away with him. On the way, he picked up his friend Ankit, after which the two took the girl to Bhiwadi.

REPEATED SEXUAL ASSAULT CONFIRMED

Police said both accused were employed at a company during the day and stayed together at night. During this period, the girl was repeatedly subjected to gang rape by the two men.

The victim was medically examined after her rescue, and the medical report confirmed sexual assault. Both accused were arrested and produced before the court, following which they were sent to judicial custody.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/rajasthan/story/rajasthan-girl-abducted-repeatedly-raped-boyfriend-his-friend-jailed-for-life-2865774-2026-02-10

In an official statement, Penguin Random House India said it holds the sole publishing rights to the memoir but has not released the book in print or digital form.

Penguin Random House India has said that former Chief of Army Staff Manoj Mukund Naravane’s memoir has not been published in any form, hours after the Delhi Police registered a case over the alleged circulation of an unauthorised copy of the book on social media and online platforms.

The publisher issued the clarification amid soaring controversy over Naravane’s memoir Four Stars of Destiny, which is yet to receive official clearance from authorities.

PUBLISHER DENIES ANY RELEASE

In an official statement, Penguin Random House India said it holds the sole publishing rights to the memoir but has not released the book in print or digital form.

“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,” the statement added.

It warned that any version of the book currently in circulation, whether in print, PDF or digital format, amounts to copyright infringement and must be stopped immediately.

The publisher added that it would pursue legal action against those involved in the illegal and unauthorised dissemination of the material, and said the statement was issued to place its position on record.

POLICE PROBE INTO ALLEGED LEAK

The clarification comes after the Delhi Police registered a FIR over the alleged circulation of an unpublished copy of the book.

In an official statement, police said they had taken cognisance of reports on social media and online forums claiming that a pre-print version of the memoir was being shared without mandatory clearance from competent authorities.

According to investigators, a PDF of a typeset book, apparently prepared by the publisher, was found on certain websites. Some online platforms were also seen displaying the book cover as if it were available for purchase.

The police said they registered a case with the Special Cell to carry out a thorough investigation into the purported leak or breach of a yet-to-be-approved publication, and the investigation is being taken up.

CONTROVERSY IN PARLIAMENT

The issue spilt after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen holding what appeared to be a copy of the book in the Parliament complex.

The matter triggered sharp exchanges in the Lok Sabha, leading to repeated disruptions and the suspension of eight MPs for the remainder of the Budget session.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/no-copies-of-ex-army-chiefs-unapproved-book-published-or-sold-penguin-india-2865744-2026-02-09

This comes as the first definitive comment from the Ministry of External Affairs on the much-discussed energy sourcing issue.

India’s energy sourcing will be guided by national interest, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday, just days after the framework of an interim trade agreement was released by India and the United States, with the latter claiming that New Delhi has committed to cutting back direct as well as indirect import of Russian oil.

This comes as the first definitive comment from the Ministry of External Affairs on the much-discussed energy sourcing issue. Just a couple of days back, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, when asked whether India would indeed stop purchasing Russian oil (as claimed by the US), had referred the matter to the MEA.

When asked about the import of Russian oil during a press briefing, Misri emphasised that “the more diversified we are, the more secure we are”. However, he didn’t directly say if India will stop importing Russian oil or continue procuring it — in the wake of US President Donald Trump passing an executive order lifting the 25 percent penalty tariff on India, while warning of punitive action in case Russian oil is purchased.

“India is a net importer in the oil and gas sector. We are a developing economy; we have to be conscious about our resource availability. Naturally, when you are dependent to the extent of 80-85% on an imported resource, you have to have concerns about the possibility of inflation driven by energy costs,” the Foreign Secretary said.

“Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers insofar as energy is concerned— to really ensure that they receive adequate energy at the right price and through reliable and secure supplies,” Misri said.

Trump’s executive order said India has “committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil”, that “it will purchase United States energy products… and has recently committed to a framework with the United States to expand defense cooperation over the next 10 years”.

The 25 per cent penalty tariff stands withdrawn from 12.01 am EST February 7 (10.31 am IST). The order said that the Trump administration has put in place a mechanism to “monitor whether India resumes (buying oil from Russia) directly or indirectly” and that a punitive penalty could be imposed by the US in future.

“In recent years, the global economy has faced significant uncertainties which have had a major impact on the stability of global energy markets,” Misri said, adding, “India is not just one of the largest consumers of energy, but it also plays an important role as a stabilizing factor in global energy markets.”

“That’s one reason why we import energy from multiple sources… the key drivers of our energy policy are adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply. So, we import crude oil from dozens of countries,” said Misri, adding that “India is neither dependent on any single source for this, nor do we intend to be.”

It is natural for the mix of sources to vary from time to time, depending on objective market conditions, the Foreign Secretary said, adding, “Our approach is to maintain multiple sources of supply and diversify them as appropriate to ensure stability. Therefore, I would say that the more diversified we are in this area, the more secure we are.”

However, Misri added that the actual sourcing is done by oil companies. “Oil companies in the public sector, oil companies in the private sector… they make decisions based on market conditions,” he said.

“So, there is a rather complex matrix of issues that these companies have to take into account, which—not to disregard it—also includes very, very important financial and logistical aspects,” he added.

The Foreign Secretary summed up saying: “I can firmly and confidently say that whether it is the government or indeed our business, at the end of the day, national interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices.”

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/india/national-interest-will-guide-how-india-sources-its-energy-foreign-secretary-vikram-misri-10523392/?ref=hometop_hp

Public feedback and comments have been invited before finalising the rules, which will be notified by the first week of March, said CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal.

The simplified income tax rules that will come into effect from April 1 could enable a salaried person with no additional income to verify data through a pre-filled return and submit it directly, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman Ravi Agrawal said on Monday.

Referring to the recently enacted Income-Tax Act, 2025, he said the government has also drafted rules and forms in simple language for ease of taxpayers. Public feedback and comments have been invited before finalising the rules, which will be notified by the first week of March, he said.

Explaining the idea behind the new simplified rules and forms, he said: “The intent is how to cut down on redundant forms… and essentially, the focus is more on capturing the right information.” He said the exercise would not only help the Income-Tax department in analysing data, but also enhance ease of compliance. It will assist taxpayers in filing their income tax returns and ultimately help in widening and deepening of the tax base.

According to an expert, the earlier version of pre-filling (introduced around 2019-20) required taxpayers to still navigate complex ITR forms, make manual entries, and cross-verify multiple sections. This person hoped the new pre-filled forms to be simpler with the use of advance technology..

After the President gave assent to the Income-Tax Act, 2025 in August, the CBDT drafted corresponding income tax rules and forms after broad-based consultation and now it has sought feedback from stakeholders, which will be compiled and considered before finalising the notification, he said. New rules will replace the Income-Tax Rules, 1962.

Presenting the Budget for 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: “In July 2024, I announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This was completed in a record time and the Income-Tax Act, 2025 will come into effect from April 1, 2026.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/prefilled-itrs-to-ease-filing-for-salaried-employees-under-new-income-tax-rules-101770680678370.html

 

Temporary relief for commuters but state-Centre tussle on who controls prices goes on

The 5% hike in Namma Metro fares, slated to come into effect from Monday, has been put on hold following directions from the Union government.

The pause will last “until further orders” and is subject to review by the BMRCL board, the public transporter said on Sunday.

The volte-face came after days of intense public backlash and political bickering over who controls the fares of Bengaluru’s popular metro network: Karnataka or Centre?

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had announced the hike — by Rs 1-5 across all 10 fare zones — under annual automatic revision recommended by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), whose report is binding on it. The minimum was to be Rs 11 and the maximum Rs 95.

The hike was timed exactly a year after the fares had been increased by an average of 51.55% before discounts and 46.39% after discounts, making the Bengaluru metro one of the most expensive in the country.

As public discontent grew and Opposition BJP leaders slammed the hike, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to reconsider the fare levels and explore mechanisms to moderate or rationalise them.

He maintained that the fares were determined by an independent FFC constituted solely by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Neither the state nor BMRCL has the legal authority to override or disregard these recommendations, he had noted.

Bangalore South MP, L S Tejasvi Surya, and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, subsequently announced that the Centre had put the hike on hold.

Wearing a T-shirt printed with excerpts from the FFC report, Surya visited the RV Road metro station on Sunday and stated that the hike had been deferred.

The BMRCL, however, maintained it had not received official communication and that the hike would go ahead as announced. As suspense lingered, the BMRCL received directions from the ministry on Sunday evening, asking to defer the hike.

Well-placed sources said the ministry’s directive could support the state’s claim that it has no role on the fares and that the Centre has the final say.

Surya, however, disagreed.

Speaking to DH, he pinned the blame on the state.

“The scheme of fare fixation is clear. It is the state that requests the constitution of the FFC. The committee considers submissions from the state and BMRCL, and then decides the fare,” he stated.

“They were the ones who asked for such a high increase, citing weak finances and the inability to continue the Shadow Cash Support (SCS) that earlier governments were providing. Because of this, the fares increased, and the recommendation is binding. That is how this problem started.

“What the minister (Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar) has done now is to exercise ministerial oversight and ask for the hike to be put on hold temporarily until a solution is found.”

The BJP MP said the chief minister had last year asked for a reduction in fares. “If today they say fares are controlled only by the union government, then what authority did the CM exercise earlier?”

He demanded that the CM write to the Centre seeking reconstitution of the FFC.

“We are not opposing reasonable fare hikes. Operational costs have gone up, and nobody is saying fares should remain at 2010 or 2015 levels. But public transport must remain affordable. Fare revision should be done in a scientific manner by the FFC, in consultation with commuters and experts,” Surya added.

Independent mobility expert Satya Arikutharam, who has researched the issue, said the BMRCL acted in “bad faith” throughout.

“It made implementation errors and moved to an altogether different system while correcting them. Fares are now based on stations travelled as opposed to the earlier distance travelled,” he noted.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-5-namma-metro-fare-hike-put-on-hold-but-till-when-3891253

The two sides also agreed on posting security and law enforcement liaison officers in each other’s national capital.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to host his counterpart, Mark Carney, in New Delhi next month, India and Canada have agreed on a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security, moving on from the acrimony over the murder of a Khalistani Sikh extremist in the North American country.

The two sides also agreed on posting security and law enforcement liaison officers in each other’s national capital.

With Modi and Carney likely to hold a meeting in New Delhi in the first week of next month, the National Security Advisors of the two prime ministers, Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, recently met in Ottawa. The two sides acknowledged the progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens. They agreed to a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities, according to a readout issued by the Government of India in New Delhi.

Doval and Drouin agreed that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships. This important step will help streamline bilateral communications and enable timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern to Canada and India, such as the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks, added the Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday.

They also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues, as well as continuing discussions on cooperation related to fraud and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations, according to the press release issued by the MEA in New Delhi.

The relations between New Delhi and Ottawa had hit a new low on September 18, 2023, when then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused India of having a role in the killing of Khalistani Sikh terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Ottawa in October 2024 had gone on to accuse New Delhi’s then envoy to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and his five colleagues of having a role in the June 18, 2023, killing.

New Delhi had withdrawn Verma and its other diplomats from the North American country after denying Ottawa’s request to waive their diplomatic immunity and to make them available for questioning by the police investigators in connection with the murder of Nijjar. India had also expelled six diplomats of Canada.

The relations between the two nations returned to track after Carney replaced Trudeau as the prime minister.

Trudeau’s successor, Carney, and Modi had met on the sidelines of the G7 summit at Kananaskis, Alberta, in Canada on June 18 last year. They had agreed to take “calibrated and constructive steps to restore stability in the relationship”, beginning with the early return of Indian and Canadian High Commissioners to Ottawa and New Delhi, respectively.

New Delhi then appointed Dinesh K Patnaik as India’s new High Commissioner to Canada. Ottawa, on the other hand, appointed Christopher Cooter as the new High Commissioner of Canada in India.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/moving-on-from-nijjar-killing-row-india-canada-agree-on-national-security-law-enforcement-cooperation-3891451

Congress’ KC Venugopal said this is not an innocuous video to be ignored as troll content, but as “poison being spread from the very top”.

The Opposition on Sunday strongly criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam over a now-deleted social media post featuring an AI-generated video of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the clip shows the “targeted point-blank murder of minorities”.

The video, posted on Saturday on the X handle of BJP’s Assam unit with the caption “point blank shot”, showed Sarma taking aim with a rifle and firing a shot at a photo of two individuals, both wearing a skull cap.

The video also included a photo of Sarma with text saying, “Identity, land and roots come first; Why did you go to Pakistan; No forgiveness for Bangladeshis”.

Slamming the video, the Congress, in a post on X, said: “The BJP’s official Assam Pradesh handle posted a video that appears to glorify the targeted, ‘point-blank’ murder of minorities. It is deeply abhorrent and disturbing and cannot be dismissed as random troll content. This amounts to a call to mass violence and genocide.”

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, meanwhile, said this is not an innocuous video to be ignored as troll content, but as “poison being spread from the very top”, and there must be consequences for this.

“This is nothing but a call to genocide – a dream this fascist regime has harboured for decades,” the Congress leader said on X.

The CPI(M) also criticised the post, saying the video “amounts to an open call for ethnic cleansing and genocide”. “The Chief Minister must be put behind bars before a catastrophe unfolds in Assam. The Supreme Court should immediately take strict action against him and his coterie for vitiating communal harmony, creating enmity between communities, and publicly calling for violence,” the party said on X.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/neuroscientist-warns-women-to-eat-magnesium-rich-foods-because-your-body-steals-it-from-bones-after-50-101770113882966.html

 

The Ukhrul District Magistrate has requisitioned the services of the central armed forces to maintain law and order in the Litan area following tension between Naga and Kuki-Zo villagers over an assault case

Administration of Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday (February 8, 2026) imposed prohibitory orders in Litan area of the district “until further notice”, following tension between Naga and Kuki-Zo villagers over an assault case.

District Magistrate Asish Das said the restrictions, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, were imposed on apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity in the area. The restrictions came into force from 7 p.m. on Sunday (February 8, 2026).

The district administration also requisitioned the services of the Army and paramilitary forces, including the Assam Rifles, as a preventive measure.

According to reports, a Kuki-Zo group allegedly assaulted a Tangkhul Naga man at Litan on Saturday (February 7, 2026) night. The situation turned tense on Sunday (February 8, 2026) afternoon when Naga villagers approached the chief of a Kuki village and asked him to produce the culprits before them.

The district authorities stepped in after people in several Naga villages called for action against those who thrashed the Naga man.

Earlier, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) issued a statement saying that the “incident originated from a minor altercation involving a few intoxicated individuals from both villages”. It also said that the matter was being addressed peacefully and customarily through the established authority of the Litan Sareikhong village “in consultation with the family of the injured person”.

The Katho Katamnao Long (KKL), a Tangkhul students’ organisation, asked the KSO to retract the statement as “no such step had been taken to rectify the situation”.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/manipur-district-issued-prohibitory-orders-over-kuki-naga-tension/article70608423.ece

West Bengal government employees staged a rally in Kolkata on Sunday, demanding immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s order on Dearness Allowance. The apex court had directed the state to release 25% of pending DA by March 31. Protesters accused the government of delaying implementation.

The protesting West Bengal government employees on Sunday had hit the streets demanding immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s order on Dearness Allowance (DA) issue.

The protestors started their rally from Central Kolkata’s Subodh Mullick Square to Rani Rashmoni Road and highlighted the state government’s delay to comply with the apex court’s ruling.

Notably, two days back, the Supreme Court had ordered immediate release of 25 per cent of the pending DA by March 31.

Bhaskar Ghosh, convener of the joint forum said that the release of the money will give a boost to the economy.

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Kolkata, West Bengal: The Sangrami Joutha Mancha once again took to the streets, demanding the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s order regarding Dearness Allowance (DA), with BJP MP Saumitra Khan also joining their protest. pic.twitter.com/5zVu7HqqwN

— IANS (@ians_india) February 8, 2026

“The value of the laborers has been eroded due to less DA given by the Bengal government. If the money is released then it will not only boost the morale of the employees but will boost the economy as it will get circulated in the market,” mentioned Ghosh.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Saumitra Khan also joined the rally.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-bengal-govt-employees-protest-over-da-demand-compliance-with-supreme-court-order

 

While addressing a public meeting at Chelpur in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district ahead of the February 11 municipal elections, the CM dubbed the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) the ‘Blackmail Rajakeeya (Political) Samiti’.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday alleged that the previous BRS regime blackmailed businessmen and extorted hundreds of crores of rupees through phone-tapping.

While addressing a public meeting at Chelpur in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district ahead of the February 11 municipal elections, the CM dubbed the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) the “Blackmail Rajakeeya (Political) Samiti”.

“They engaged in telephone tapping and did not spare opposition leaders, high court judges, or even journalists. They eavesdropped on private conversations between husbands and wives, listened in on film stars, and even blackmailed businessmen. Is there anything more atrocious on earth? Is there a greater sinner than them?” Reddy alleged.

He noted that Telangana BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy had alleged his phone was tapped.

The CM quoted MP saying that phones were tapped, land buyers were blackmailed, and crores of rupees were collected through electoral bonds.

“I want to say officially that the BRS, which extorted crores of rupees through telephone tapping, should be called the Blackmail Rajakeeya Samiti,” he claimed.

The Telangana CM also claimed that the BRS used phone tapping to collect Rs 1,500 crore in electoral bonds.

“Whose money is this? Is it not true that thousands of crores in assets and hundreds of acres of land were bought cheaply and taken by threatening businessmen?” Reddy asked.

He also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy had not put them behind bars.

He said the sins committed would not go unpunished and that the BRS would be “buried under the weight of these sins”.

Reddy further claimed that the BRS facilitated the BJP’s victory in eight Lok Sabha seats in 2024 only to evade these cases.

“Now the BRS is doing the same to ensure the BJP’s victory in the municipal elections,” he said, adding, “The BJP and BRS are two sides of the same coin. They are directly and indirectly trying to defeat the Congress, and Congress workers should be wary of this.”

Earlier, speaking at Nizamabad on February 7, he described the BRS and BJP as “conjoined twins, like Veena and Vani.”

Veena and Vani are well-known in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and several past attempts to separate them surgically were unsuccessful.

The phone-tapping case involves allegations of widespread unauthorised and illegal phone surveillance and interception affecting politicians, businessmen, journalists, members of the judiciary, and other prominent individuals during the previous BRS government.

BRS President and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) was recently questioned by the Telangana Police SIT in connection with the alleged phone-tapping case.

Reddy strongly objected to what he called the “false propaganda” by the BRS regarding the reorganisation of districts, including claims that Bhupalpally district would be abolished.

He clarified that the government is not considering abolishing any district or creating a new one.

He added that if any such proposal arises in the future, it will be thoroughly discussed in the Assembly before a decision is taken.

The CM also attacked the Central government for not ordering a CBI probe into alleged corruption in the Kaleshwaram project and the Formula-E race case.

He criticised the Centre for registering ED cases against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

“Who is stopping the Centre from ordering a CBI probe into the Kaleshwaram scam? Is Kishan Reddy not protecting K T Rama Rao in the Formula-E race case?” he asked, alleging that Kishan Reddy is shielding BRS leaders KCR, K T Rama Rao, and Harish Rao through a strong personal bond.

“Kishan Reddy rechristened himself as Kishan Rao and became the adopted son of KCR,” he claimed.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/telangana-cm-revanth-reddy-alleges-brs-extorted-crores-via-phone-tapping-2865154-2026-02-09

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in Ottawa. The two sides “acknowledged the progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens.”

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met senior Canadian officials in Ottawa on February 6 and 7, with both sides agreeing on steps to deepen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain.

Doval met Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Adviser to the Canadian Prime Minister, on February 7 as part of a “regular bilateral security dialogue”, according to an official readout.

He also held talks with Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, a day earlier.

SHARED WORK PLAN, LIAISON OFFICERS

The two sides “acknowledged the progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens” and agreed to a “shared workplan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities,” the statement said.

In a key step, India and Canada decided that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers. Their agencies will build on existing working relationships to “streamline bilateral communications and enable timely information sharing” on issues of mutual concern.

These include the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks.

CYBER, FRAUD, IMMIGRATION ON AGENDA

Both governments also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and stepping up information sharing in the domain.
They agreed to continue discussions related to fraud and immigration enforcement, while remaining consistent with domestic laws and international obligations.

INDIA-CANADA TIE RESET

The visit comes amid visible attempts by both capitals to stabilise ties following the rupture triggered in 2023 after the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The then Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government had alleged potential Indian links to the killing, charges New Delhi rejected as “absurd”. The episode led to expulsions of diplomats, suspension of trade talks and a sharp slowdown in political engagement.

Since then, both sides have moved cautiously toward re-engagement. The appointment of high commissioners last year restored full diplomatic representation, while ministers have resumed travel.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in early March, with discussions likely across energy, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, emerging technologies, education and culture.

ENERGY TO ANCHOR ENGAGEMENT

In a recent interview with India Today TV, Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson described the partnership in expansive terms.

“Canada sees not just an opportunity, but a strategic imperative, to partner with India in shaping a secure, resilient, and mutually beneficial energy future,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nsa-ajit-doval-meets-canadian-counterpart-as-delhi-ottawa-look-to-reset-ties-2865142-2026-02-08

 

The loan recovery agent had been reported missing by his family. His body was later recovered from a house in a residential society in Dhanbad.

A loan recovery agent was allegedly murdered, and his body recovered from a residential flat in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, police said on Sunday. The victim, identified as Amit Kumar Agarwal, was reported missing by his family. His body was found inside a flat belonging to a man named Vikas Khandelwal at Surya Highland Society in Dhanbad’s Sadar area.

Police said that Vikas Khandelwal was arrested and confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Acting on technical surveillance and mobile phone location data, the police detained Khandelwal and questioned him, following which the body was recovered based on the information provided by the accused.

After recovery, the body was taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination to Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Memorial Medical College Hospital, police confirmed.

DSP (Law and Order) Naushad Alam said the murder was linked to a financial dispute.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that there was an ongoing dispute between the accused and the deceased over a loan settlement amounting to nearly Rs 1 crore. This dispute appears to be the motive behind the killing,” he said.

The case came to light after the family of Amit Agarwal lodged a missing person complaint.

According to the complaint, ransom calls demanding Rs 15 lakh were being made using Amit’s mobile phone after he went missing.

Based on technical evidence and call details, the police traced the mobile phone location, which led them to the accused.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jharkhand-dhanbad-loan-recovery-agent-murder-loan-settlement-dispute-crime-news-2865075-2026-02-08

The special operation will run from Monday to Wednesday and will be closely monitored by senior officers from the Punjab Police Headquarters.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Sunday launched a 72-hour statewide special operation, Operation Prahaar-2, aimed at arresting wanted criminals and gangsters, further intensifying its flagship anti-crime drive “Gangstran Te Vaar (War against gangsters)”.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav announced the operation after a high-level review meeting with Commissioners of Police (CPs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and range-level IGPs and DIGs.

The special operation will run from Monday to Wednesday and will be closely monitored by senior officers from the Punjab Police Headquarters.

The move follows the recent completion of Operation Prahaar-1, during which the police arrested 3,256 individuals and recovered 69 illegal weapons within 72 hours.

Citing the broader impact of the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, DGP Yadav said police teams have arrested 5,290 criminals, including gang members and their associates, over the last 20 days.

During this period, 128 weapons were recovered and 17,603 raids were conducted across the state.

Police also arrested 344 proclaimed offenders, took preventive action against 2,973 individuals and verified 5,413 persons who were later released after questioning.

“The campaign is completely lawful and targeted. Only those wanted in criminal cases are being arrested,” the DGP said, countering allegations of indiscriminate action.

To ensure strict supervision and accountability, Special DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs and DIG-rank officers have been assigned specific police districts to personally oversee operations on the ground.

Any negligence or lapse will invite strict action, the DGP warned. Senior police officers have been directed to maintain visible police presence, personally visit major crime scenes and conduct field inspections in high-footfall and identified hotspot areas.

Punjab Police has also issued fresh standard operating procedures (SOPs) to strengthen crime response.

These include round-the-clock high-tech nakas, immediate sealing plans after crime incidents, intensive checking of vehicles—particularly two-wheelers without number plates—and strict action against suspicious vehicles.

Officers have been instructed to maximise the use of wireless communication for faster response.

Highlighting gains under the state’s anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh, launched on March 1, 2025, DGP Yadav said police have registered over 34,000 FIRs and arrested more than 48,000 drug smugglers.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aam-aadmi-party-government-punjab-72-hour-operation-prahaar-2-gangstra-te-vaar-campaign-2865094-2026-02-08

Inspector Jagdish Prasad earned a reputation for discipline and commitment to public safety. His service was formally recognised when he was awarded the Police Medal by the Haryana governor in 2019–20.

Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a 58-year-old officer of the Haryana Police, lost his life while trying to save people after a joyride collapsed at the Surajkund International Crafts Festival in Faridabad on Saturday evening. Prasad, who was due to retire next month, is being remembered by colleagues and seniors as a courageous and dedicated policeman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Inspector Jagdish Prasad was cremated with full state honours in his native Dengar village in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.

Inspector Prasad joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and served in the force for nearly 36 years.

A senior police officer said that over the course of his career, he earned a reputation for discipline and commitment to public safety. His service was formally recognised when he was awarded the Police Medal by the Haryana governor in 2019–20.

His impending retirement had been a frequent topic of conversation among his colleagues and family, who were preparing for a new phase of life after decades of service.

Prasad is survived by his wife Sudha, two daughters—Nidhi and Deepti—and a son, Gaurav, all of whom are students.

The family resides in government accommodation at the Sonipat Police Lines. His brother Pradeep said the family received news of the tragedy around 8 pm on Saturday, describing it as an unimaginable loss just weeks before Prasad was to hang up his uniform for the last time.

The fatal incident occurred at around 6.15 pm at the Surajkund fairgrounds when a giant swing, popularly known as the ‘tsunami’ joyride, malfunctioned.

According to officials, the ride tilted dangerously before snapping midair and crashing to the ground. Inspector Prasad noticed the instability and rushed towards the ride, attempting to help people escape as panic broke out.

While pulling people to safety, a portion of the collapsing swing struck him on the head and face, causing critical injuries.

He was rushed to a private hospital in Faridabad, where he later succumbed to his injuries. In total, 19 people were injured in the accident, including two women police constables and several visitors. Most of the injured are reported to be out of danger.

Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha confirmed that the injured were immediately taken to hospital and that the inspector who tried to rescue people was declared dead during treatment. Senior police officers described Prasad’s death as an irreparable loss to the force.

In the aftermath, Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal announced compensation of Rs 1 crore for Prasad’s family and a government job for one family member. He also stated that Prasad would be accorded martyr status for his sacrifice.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/inspector-jagdish-prasad-haryana-police-died-surajkund-festival-joyride-collapse-accident-faridabad-2865041-2026-02-08

The accused, 23-year-old Anjali, met 25-year-old Sanjay at a function where he was working as a waiter. While they exchanged words and he gave her his number, Anjali did not own a mobile phone at the time, and the two lost touch.

What began as a chance meeting seven years ago ended in a brutal crime on January 30, when a newlywed woman allegedly orchestrated the murder of her husband in Rajasthan, just three months after their wedding day.

The case, which is now being called ‘Rajasthan’s honeymoon murder’, traces back to a wedding in 2018. The accused, 23-year-old Anjali, met 25-year-old Sanjay at a function where he was working as a waiter. While they exchanged words and he gave her his number, Anjali did not own a mobile phone at the time, and the two lost touch.

In 2024, after Anjali finally purchased a phone, she reconnected with Sanjay. Gradually, their interactions increased, and they entered a relationship.

However, her family had other plans. Despite her involvement with Sanjay, her parents arranged a match for her.

On October 30, 2025, Anjali’s family married her to Ashish Kumar, an MCom graduate from Rawla.

Anjali herself was a BCom graduate. After the wedding, she moved to Rawla, but she was unhappy.

The 225-kilometre distance between her marital home in Rawla and her hometown in Sadulshahar was not just geographical for her; it became an emotional burden. She continued to stay in touch with Sanjay.

About 16 days before the murder, Anjali visited her parents’ home. According to police, it was during this time that she and Sanjay planned to kill Ashish Kumar.

Although they did not meet in person after the wedding, they frequently spoke on WhatsApp calls. On the day of the murder, both spoke 5 to 7 times.

On the night of January 30, after dinner, Anjali – as part of the plan -asked her husband to go for a walk with her. She then informed Sanjay of their location over the phone.

Sanjay, along with his two associates, Rohit alias Rocky and Badal alias Siddharth, waited in the bushes along the road.

As soon as Anjali arrived at the location with her husband, she allegedly gave the signal to the men. The group ambushed Ashish, striking him repeatedly with sticks. While he lay on the ground, still breathing, they used a muffler to strangle him.

A Staged Robbery Plan

To make the incident appear like a robbery or accident, Anjali handed over her earrings and Ashish’s mobile phone to the attackers. She then lay on the road pretending to be unconscious.

After receiving information from passersby, police reached the spot and took both to a hospital, where Ashish was pronounced dead on arrival.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sri-ganganagar-murder-woman-kills-husband-for-lover-7-years-of-love-arranged-marriage-behind-rajasthan-honeymoon-murder-10970574?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

This is the third time that Chief Minister Mann has failed to secure political clearance for a foreign visit. In January, he was also denied political clearance for a visit to the UK and Israel.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands has been cancelled after the Central government held his political clearance request in abeyance, leaving no response to his scheduled visit.

This is the third time that Chief Minister Mann has failed to secure political clearance for a foreign visit. In January, he was also denied political clearance for a visit to the UK and Israel.

The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had denied political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for a proposed official visit to the United Kingdom and Israel. Before that, his request to visit France was also denied during the Paris Olympics.

The repeated denial of political clearance has once again brought Centre and State relations into focus, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the Union government of targeting opposition-ruled states.

Party leaders argue that such restrictions hamper Punjab’s ability to engage internationally on issues like investment, education and diaspora outreach, especially when chief ministers from other states have undertaken overseas visits in the past.

The Punjab Chief Minister was to lead the delegation to the two European countries to seek investment for the state, ahead of the Investors Summit scheduled for next month.

Under established protocol, chief ministers require political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs for any official foreign travel. While the MEA does not publicly disclose reasons for granting or withholding clearance, the issue has increasingly become politically contentious.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/after-uk-and-israel-centre-blocks-another-punjab-chief-minister-bhagwant-mann-foreign-trip-to-czech-republic-netherlands-aap-slams-centre-10968785?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Faridabad police commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta told HT that Prasad died while trying to rescue those trapped.

A police inspector involved in rescue operations died and 12 others –- including two women constables –- were injured when a 360-degree pendulum swing ride collapsed at the ongoing 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival in Faridabad on Saturday evening, officials said.

The incident took place around 6.15pm, with at least 26 people were partaking in the ride, officials said. They identified the victim as Jagdish Prasad, 59.

Faridabad police commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta told HT that Prasad died while trying to rescue those trapped.

File photo of inspector Jagdesh Prasad. A wild swing collapsed during a ride at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Fair near gate number-2,

“All the injured persons are undergoing treatment at two hospitals and their condition was reported to be stable,” he said.

An FIR has been registered against the vendor operating the swing and an inquiry committee has also been set up.

A video of the incident, capturing the exact moment of the collapse, also went online. This was also the second mishap of the day at the fair. Before the collapse, a visitor was injured when a designer gate collapsed at Entrance No. 2.

Havinder Yadav, the nodal officer for the event, said three suffered minor injuries, while three others suffered head injuries and were rushed for medical tests. “No such swing or ride will be allowed to operate at the venue until thorough inspection is carried out, followed by clearance from experts. Other activities will be permitted as per normal routine,” he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/police-inspector-killed-in-surajkund-mishap-was-trying-to-save-others-101770512724759.html

From a closed 2015 suicide case to three daughters’ deaths, police are now piecing together a troubling timeline that may reveal what went wrong behind closed doors.

Days after three minor sisters jumped to their deaths in Ghaziabad, police on Saturday confirmed that their father, Chetan Kumar, had earlier been linked to another suicide case in 2015, involving his live-in partner, adding a new dimension to the ongoing probe.

Senior police officials said the background is being taken into account as investigators examine the family’s circumstances and the mental state of the children.

2015 CASE WAS CLOSED AS SUICIDE: DCP
DCP (Trans Hindon) Nimish Patil told PTI that Kumar’s live-in partner had died after falling from the roof of a flat in Rajendra Nagar Colony under the Sahibabad police station area in 2015.

“The death was initially treated as suspicious, but later it was declared a suicide after investigation,” Patil said.

He added that there was no evidence at present to link the earlier case with the deaths of the three sisters.

THREE WIVES, COMPLEX FAMILY STRUCTURE: POLICE SOURCES
PTI learnt from police sources after questioning family members that Kumar currently has three wives — Sujata, Heena and Tina — who are biological sisters.

According to the sources, Sujata is the mother of Nishika, while Heena is the mother of Prachi and Pakhi.

Investigators are examining whether the family structure and domestic environment had any bearing on the mental health of the children, the sources said.

SISTERS ADDRESSED FATHER IN SUICIDE NOTE: OFFICIALS

Senior officials said that the suicide note recovered from the room of the girls showed that they were more emotionally attached to their father than their mothers.

“The girls addressed their father in the note and did not mention their mothers,” an officer said.

A nine-page pocket diary was also seized from the room and is being examined as part of the investigation.

PHONES TAKEN AWAY, DISTRESS DEEPENED: POLICE

Police officials reiterated that the sisters had been distressed after their father confiscated their mobile phones.

According to investigators, Kumar took away the phones after noticing their excessive use of Korean apps, online games and foreign friends. He later sold the devices.

On the night of the incident, the girls took their mother’s phone but could not access the Korean applications.

“Forensic examination found no trace of the Korean app on that device,” Patil said.

CYBER, FORENSIC TEAMS WORKING ON EVIDENCE

Cyber crime teams are tracing the buyers of the sold phones through IMEI numbers to retrieve possible digital data, officials said.

Fingerprints, the suicide note and handwritten material have been sent to the forensic science laboratory, and reports are awaited.

“We are probing the case from all possible angles and verifying all claims,” Patil said.

WOMEN’S PANEL FLAGS NEGLIGENCE

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of facilitating a suicide bombing that killed more than 30 people on Friday, Pakistan’s interior minister has said.

Mohsin Naqvi said an Afghan national who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack was among those detained. One counter-terrorism officer was killed and three more were wounded in the raids to arrest the suspects, he added.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the bombing that targeted Friday prayers at the Shia mosque in the Tarlai area, when it was packed with worshippers.

More than 160 people were injured in the blast, which was the deadliest in the capital for more than a decade.

Huge crowds were seen in the city on Saturday, as thousands of mourners gathered for the funerals of the bombing’s 32 victims.

Funeral prayers took place amid tightened security, with soldiers standing guard and police checkpoints set up in key areas.

Ashiq Hussain, who lost his 21-year-old nephew Mujtaba Ali in the attack, told the Reuters news agency his family was “broken”.

Condemning the attack on Friday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep grief”. The country’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, said “targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity”.

Eyewitnesses and survivors of the blast have told the BBC how the attack unfolded, with one saying he “lost his senses” in the moments after the explosion and another saying he saw bodies “lying everywhere”.

Announcing the arrests on Saturday, Naqvi accused India of funding those behind the attack and giving them targets. The Indian foreign ministry has condemned the bombing, and rejected accusations of its involvement as “baseless”.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday suggested Afghanistan had been involved in the attack. The Afghan Taliban government described Asif’s comments as “regrettable”, saying he alleged its involvement “without presenting any credible evidence”.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6w69pj14xo

India’s gems and jewellery industry welcomed the interim India–US trade agreement, which removes tariffs on Indian gems and diamonds, granting exporters wider access to the US market. Industry leaders said the zero-duty move will boost competitiveness, benefit SMEs, raise exports and jobs, and strengthen India’s global presence, even as finished jewellery remains under an 18% tariff.

India’s jewellery and diamond industry has welcomed the unveiling of the interim trade agreement between India and the United States on Saturday, which will reduce tariffs on many Indian exports, including levies on gems and diamonds that have been reduced to zero. The industry, with Mumbai as one of its main hubs, said that the deal will give Indian exporters unprecedented access to the US market.

Unprecedented US Market Access

​Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), said they were grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for securing this landmark agreement.

“This breakthrough strengthens our global competitiveness, boosts margins, and ensures our artisans’ creations reach international audiences at fair prices. While jewellery continues under an 18% tariff, the gains in gems and diamonds are a powerful step forward, positioning Indian craftsmanship as a global symbol of excellence,” said Rokde.

Avinash Gupta, vice chairman of GJC, called the deal a historic zero-duty milestone. Gupta said that the removal of tariffs on gems and diamonds is a game-changer, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of our sector.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/indias-gems-jewellery-sector-hails-historic-us-trade-deal-zero-tariffs-on-diamonds-set-to-boost-exports-and-jobs

Beyond migration, Dendias reflected on the historical and cultural links between Greece and India, referencing Alexander the Great’s expedition to the region.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias on Saturday said India and the wider Indian subcontinent could become among Europe’s most viable partners for legal migration, as the continent grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026 in New Delhi, Dendias described migration as a long-standing global reality and stressed the need for Europe to design structured and balanced migration pathways to address its demographic challenges.

“Migration is a global phenomenon. It existed in the past and will continue in the future,” he said, adding that Europe’s population growth is “almost negative,” creating an urgent demand for younger workers.

Against this backdrop, he noted that the Indian subcontinent’s demographic profile makes it a strong candidate for legal migration partnerships.

“With its current population structure, the subcontinent could be one of the best choices for legal migration,” Dendias said, while noting that such frameworks must be carefully designed to ensure mutual benefits for both countries of origin and destination.

The Greek minister also flagged concerns over illegal migration, calling it a destabilising challenge fuelled by organised human smuggling networks.

He urged stronger international cooperation to counter what he described as a large-scale, profit-driven criminal activity.

Beyond migration, Dendias reflected on the historical and cultural links between Greece and India, referencing Alexander the Great’s expedition to the region.

He described India as an enduring presence in Greek mythology and suggested that contemporary cooperation offers an opportunity to renew and deepen bilateral ties.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-could-be-one-of-the-best-choices-for-legal-migration-to-europe-greek-defence-minister-9887619.html

Kunwar Vijay Shah faced intense criticism last year for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, which prompted the Supreme Court to call for action against him.

Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah has offered another apology for his objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi amid a Supreme Court-mandated deadline for his prosecution, saying he did not intend to insult a woman officer.

In May last year, Shah sparked a political row for his remarks against Col Qureshi, who became one of the most prominent faces of media briefings when India launched Operation Sindoor against terror hideouts in Pakistan. In a viral video, Shah was seen referring to the woman army officer as a “sister of terrorists”.

His remarks were widely criticised by political leaders, and an FIR was filed against him. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Shah said he had never intended to insult a woman officer, the armed forces or any section of society.

“I have said this many times earlier, and I am reiterating it today that I did not intend to insult any woman officer, the Indian Army or any section of society,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV, adding that his remarks were made in a “moment of patriotic excitement”.

“It is extremely painful for me that such a controversy arose due to a small error on my part. I believe my feelings will be seen in the right context. I have always had immense respect for the Indian Army and will continue to do so,” he added.

Shah said maintaining “decorum and sensitivity of words” was extremely important in the public and vowed to exercise control over his speech in the future. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had ordered the police to file an FIR against him last year for the controversial remarks.

Supreme Court Raps MP Govt For Delay

On January 19, the Supreme Court pulled up the Madhya Pradesh government to he delay in granting permission to prosecute Shah for his remarks. The bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the state government to take a call on the grant of sanction to prosecute Shah.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/didnt-mean-to-insult-mp-minister-apologises-again-for-remarks-on-col-sofiya-qureshi-9887409.html

Navjot Kaur Sidhu attacked Rahul Gandhi on X, calling him disconnected from ground realities after quitting Congress, prompting reactions from party leaders and BJP figures amid political fallout in Punjab.

Former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Friday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being disconnected from ground realities and unresponsive to party workers.

In a series of posts on X, Sidhu said Gandhi had no time to listen to issues raised from the grassroots, adding that this lack of engagement had earned him the nickname “Pappu.” She said repeated attempts to reach out to the Congress leadership had gone unanswered.

Sidhu also referred to her past association with the BJP, saying the party had recognised her talent by giving her a ticket in 2012 and appointing her Chief Parliamentary Secretary. She, however, clarified that she was not currently in touch with the BJP.

Sidhu quit the Congress earlier this month after being suspended by the party following her controversial remarks suggesting that a person with a suitcase of Rs 500 crore could become chief minister in Punjab. She had also openly criticised Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, calling him incompetent.

Continuing her attack, Sidhu said Rahul Gandhi had little understanding of ground-level politics and responded to urgent calls only after several months. “If Rahul Gandhi doesn’t have time for party workers, then they also don’t have time for him,” she said in one of her posts.

She also challenged Gandhi to ask Punjab Congress leaders to speak openly against the current government in the state.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel said Sidhu was first suspended from the party and later removed, following her remarks. Sidhu’s attack on Rahul Gandhi came shortly after Baghel’s statement.

Reacting to Sidhu’s comments, Punjab Congress MLA Pargat Singh defended Gandhi, saying he was fighting against authoritarianism. “Rahul Gandhi is our leader, and people across the country are looking up to him. Such statements should be avoided,” Singh said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/former-punjab-mla-navjot-kaur-sidhu-attacks-rahul-gandhi-after-quitting-congress-2864474-2026-02-07

Rallies swept Manipur’s hill districts as protesters opposed three Kuki-Zo MLAs’ participation in the government, burned effigies, called for Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen’s resignation, and drew assurances from authorities that security was in place.

Thousands of protesters on Friday held rallies across Manipur’s hill districts opposing the participation of three Kuki-Zo MLAs in the state government, with demonstrators burning effigies of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and two other legislators – LM Khaute and N Sanate.

In Churachandpur district, a large rally was jointly organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights and the women’s wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF). The march began at Koite Playground and ended at the Wall of Remembrance after covering nearly three kilometres.

Protesters raised slogans demanding Kipgen’s resignation and reiterated calls for a Separate Administration. Slogans such as “We don’t want a popular government” and “Don’t play with our blood” were heard during the rally.

Effigies of Kipgen, LM Khaute and N Sanate, all BJP MLAs, were set on fire as a mark of protest. A 24-hour total shutdown imposed in Kuki-dominated areas was temporarily relaxed to allow the rally to take place.

One protester alleged that the MLAs had “betrayed the expectations of the people” by joining the Manipur government, with particular criticism directed at Kipgen’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.

Similar protests were held at Saikul in Kangpokpi district and in Moreh town of Tengnoupal district, where protesters again burnt effigies of the three MLAs and demanded Kipgen’s resignation.

Security was tightened in and around the residences of the three legislators in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Pherzawl districts, officials said.

Meanwhile, Manipur Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the situation in Churachandpur was under control despite some disturbances. Speaking to reporters in Imphal, he said. “As of now, some disturbances are there in Churachandpur and it cannot be said to be normal. However, things are under control.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/protests-erupt-across-manipur-hill-districts-over-kuki-zo-mlas-joining-government-2864475-2026-02-07

Parliament was told that 17 Indian students died in violent attacks in Canada between 2018 and 2025, prompting the government to outline safety measures, consular support and evacuation efforts abroad.

Seventeen Indian students studying in Canada died in “violent attacks” between 2018 and 2025, the government told Parliament on Friday.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, said Canada recorded the highest number of such deaths during the period under review.

Sharing country-wise data, Singh said 17 Indian students died in violent incidents in Canada, followed by nine in the United States, three in Australia and one each in the United Kingdom, China, Denmark, Germany and Grenada. Two such deaths were reported from Kyrgyzstan.

Owaisi had asked whether the government was aware of what he described as rising incidents of violence against Indian students abroad and whether timely investigations had been conducted.

“The Government accords high priority to the safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them,” Singh said. “Violent and untoward incidents are immediately taken up by the Indian Missions and Posts with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that they are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished.”

He said Indian missions remain in regular contact with students and conduct pre-departure and post-arrival orientation sessions to brief them on “potential challenges, risks and precautions,” along with issuing advisories when required.

To ensure timely support, students are encouraged to register with Indian missions and use platforms such as the MEA’s MADAD portal, dedicated WhatsApp groups, consular camps, open houses and emergency helplines, the minister said.

Responding to questions on diplomatic measures in high-risk countries, Singh said Indian missions “remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability or economic crises,” and that any incident involving Indian students is promptly raised with host governments.

Consular assistance, including emergency medical help and temporary accommodation, is extended when required, with support also provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund, he said.

Singh noted that India has carried out large-scale evacuation operations during emergencies to protect its nationals abroad, including students, citing Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and Operations Ajay (Israel) and Sindhu (Israel and Iran) linked to West Asia.

“These efforts demonstrate the government of India’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad and towards protecting them from miscreants and an unsafe security situation,” he said.

In response to a separate query, Singh said the government of India is aware that “some Indian nationals, including students, in Canada and other countries, such as the USA and the Gulf, are facing deportation proceedings for alleged violations of visa norms, non-compliance with the regulations of host countries and submission of fraudulent letters of admission to academic institutions”.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/17-indian-students-killed-in-canada-since-2018-centre-tells-parliament-2864477-2026-02-07

London Court rejected Nirav Modi’s plea to delay his Bank of India trial, ruling his health and prison constraints caused no disadvantage, and set an eight-day hearing from March 23.

The High Court in London on Friday rejected fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s plea to delay his trial in the Bank of India unpaid loan case because he is suffering from severe vision loss, clinical depression and prison constraints.

The 54-year-old, fighting extradition to India in the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, appeared via videolink from HMP Pentonville prison in north London for a pre-trial review in the unrelated USD 8-million Bank of India case.

Judge Simon Tinkler concluded that the prisoner faced no “substantial disadvantage” and would have “equality of opportunity in an adversarial process” for the eight-day trial to proceed, starting March 23.

“Unfortunately, I regard the application that is made as part of a repeated pattern of delay, non-compliance and general muddying of the case by Mr Modi,” Justice Tinkler ruled.

“I appreciate that Mr Modi is in a difficult circumstance, given the constraints imposed on him in prison. This is, however, a situation in which many litigants find themselves… It seems to me that the threshold for adjournment of a trial which is imminent and for which the claimant (Bank of India) has been waiting for many years in order to receive what it says it is entitled to from Mr Modi is not something that should be subject to further delay,” he said.

Barrister James Kinman, who appeared on behalf of Modi for the adjournment application, raised the issue of “prejudice” faced by his client as he continued to struggle with access to court documents since his shift from HMP Thameside prison in south London last October.

He went on to detail that Modi was suffering from “severe vision loss” of 60 per cent of his sight, clinical depression, which prevented him from “concentrating for sustained periods” and until quite recently was forced to share a prison cell with an inmate who slept until noon.

It also emerged in the course of the online hearing that Modi is housed in the education wing of the prison, where he is preoccupied with the preparation for his latest extradition appeal, also expected to be heard in March.

Bank of India barrister Tom Beasley objected to the “ambush application” made at the very last minute before Friday’s hearing, which did not fundamentally alter Modi’s ability to defend himself.

The judge agreed that proper notice had not been given and cautioned that any further applications without material changes of circumstance would “potentially be abuses of the court process”. He also declared the actions of the Prison Service as “wholly unsatisfactory” since the defendant’s move between the two London prisons, which had caused several “knock-on” consequences of paperwork delays in the case.

However, he dismissed attempts by Modi to include a late claim challenging that he ever signed a “personal guarantee” in connection with the Bank of India loan.

The bank has been pursuing this personal guarantee related to a loan to Dubai-incorporated Firestar Diamond FZE.

Modi has chosen to represent himself as a “Litigant in Person” for the trial and is the “only witness of fact” in the case, besides two Indian law experts who will be providing expert evidence on certain technical aspects of the claim.

Modi remains behind bars in London on an extradition warrant executed in March 2019 and has since lost several appeals and attempts at bail.

In December last year, the High Court in London considered his application to reopen the extradition case on the grounds that he faced a risk of torture in India. That hearing was adjourned after the Indian authorities submitted “chunky assurances” to counter the claim.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vision-loss-depression-claim-fails-as-uk-court-pushes-fugitive-nirav-modi-trial-2864478-2026-02-07

Kamal Dhyani died after his bike fell into a pit in Delhi’s Janakpuri. Family blames Delhi Jal Board and police for negligence while a committee has been formed for probe.

Family members and friends of 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani have accused authorities of negligence and delay after he died when his motorcycle allegedly plunged into a 17-ft-deep pit dug for construction work in West Delhi’s Janakpuri area.

While the police and the Delhi Jal Board say investigations are underway, relatives insist crucial hours were lost during the night when they were desperately searching for him.

DELHI BIKER FALLS INTO PIT: HIS LAST CALL TO FAMILY

According to the family, Kamal was returning home late Thursday from his workplace in Rohini when he spoke to them for the last time.

One of his friends said, “We spoke to him at 11.53 pm. He said he had reached the DC Centre and that it would take him 15 minutes to reach home.”

When he did not arrive, concern quickly turned into panic.

“After 30 minutes, we called him 10 times, but he didn’t answer. We became worried and went out to search for him, but couldn’t find him,” the brother said.

Relatives claimed they went to multiple police stations through the night, seeking help to trace his phone.

“When we went to the Janakpuri Police Station to file a complaint, they said it could only be registered after 24 hours. We requested the police to trace his phone while it was still ringing. They found the location and sent it to us, but then deleted it. When we went back, they said they couldn’t give us the location again as it is confidential,” the brother alleged.

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Delhi: In West Delhi’s Janakpuri area, a 25-year-old bike rider, Kamal Dhyani, died after falling into a pothole while returning home late at night from his job in Rohini.

The brother of the deceased says, “…Last night at 11:30, we spoke to him. He said he had reached the DC… pic.twitter.com/zotmxKg2ty

— IANS (@ians_india) February 6, 2026

Kamal’s brother echoed the friend and said, “We had looked into the pit at nearly 1.30 pm, he was not there,” he said.

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#WATCH | Janakpuri, Delhi | The deceased’s brother says, “… When I last talked to him, he said he would reach home in 10 minutes. When I called him again at 12:30 am, he didn’t pick up. We got worried. We started looking for him. I first went to his office in Rohini then to the… https://t.co/pdXyhZZaLd pic.twitter.com/Ep6FxkZSBx

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

Friends who joined the overnight search echoed the family’s frustration.

One said police initially asked them to look within a 200-metre radius based on the tracking data, but did not share an exact point.

“Seven people were searching for him from midnight to 7 am, but we could not find him,” he said, adding that they had even checked the pit once during the night but did not see anything at the time.

FATHER SAYS THERE WAS NO PIT UNTIL 2 DAYS BACK, FAMILY ALLEGES NEGLIGENCE

Reacting to the incident, Kamal’s father, Naresh Chand, blamed the Delhi authorities and alleged there was no pit on the spot until two to three days back and that it was freshly dug.

“It is the Delhi Jal Board’s and the administration’s mistake,” he said.

“There was no pit at the spot until a few days ago. My son did not know that a pit had been dug, and he fell into it, lost his life,” he said.

See more

#WATCH | Delhi biker, Kamal Dhyani, falls into a pit and dies in Janakpuri

His father, Naresh Chand, says,” It is the Delhi Jal Board’s and the Administration’s mistake. Until a few days ago, there was no pit at the spot.” pic.twitter.com/pQLRHIF5mE

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

Another of Kamal’s friends went further, accusing the authorities of apathy.

“Why could his phone not be traced by the police at night? We suspect he was killed. What must his parents be going through? We still haven’t informed his mother. He was 25 years old and worked at the HDFC Bank call centre in Rohini Sector 10,” he said.

Relatives said they only learnt of Kamal’s death in the morning when police answered a call made to his phone.

“Had the police got into action on time, my brother would have been alive,” the brother claimed.

They have also accused the Delhi Jal Board of failing to secure the site properly and raised suspicions that the body may have been dumped in the pit.

Police, however, have said all such allegations were being examined.

WHAT DELHI POLICE SAY AND HOW WERE THE SEARCH EFFORTS

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Sharad Bhaskar said a pit had been dug for work related to the Delhi Jal Board, and Kamal’s bike fell into it late at night.

“The deceased’s brother came to the Janakpuri Police Station at nearly 2.45 am and informed that his brother had not reached home. The police tracked his mobile phone, which was indicating Janakpuri District Park,” he said.

“Head Constable Ramkesh searched for the man with the family members for nearly two-and-a-half hours, but they couldn’t find him,” he said.

According to Bhaskar, the breakthrough came around 8 am when a woman called the police to say a body was spotted in a 15-foot-deep pit.

“This is when everything came to light,” he added, assuring that complaints about inadequate help during the night would also be looked into.

Hours after the incident unfolded, the Delhi man’s two-wheeler was lifted out of the pit.

See more

#WATCH | Janakpuri, Delhi | Kamal Dhyani’s motorbike recovered from the pit where he fell last night, and succumbed. https://t.co/pdXyhZZaLd pic.twitter.com/5RmESBrSAq

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

DELHI GOVERNMENT ORDERS PROBE

Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood visited the site and said a formal probe had been ordered.

In a post on X, he said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the entire government stood with the bereaved family and promised strict punishment for anyone found guilty.

WHAT THE DELHI JAL BOARD SAID, COMMITTEE FORMED

Meanwhile, the Delhi Jal Board said it had constituted a high-level inquiry committee to conduct an immediate inspection of the site, review barricading, signage, traffic management and safety arrangements, and fix responsibility if lapses were found.

In its X post, the Board expressed sorrow over the death and said “strict action will be taken if negligence is found at any level,” urging citizens to report unsafe worksites.

 

India successfully test-fired Agni-3 from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, validating its 3,000 to 3,500 km strike range and strategic deterrence capability.

India on February 6 successfully test-fired the intermediate-range ballistic missile Agni-3 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha, validating all operational and technical parameters, officials said.

The launch was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, which oversees the country’s strategic nuclear assets.

Agni-3 is a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile with a strike range of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 kilometres, enabling India to cover strategic targets deep inside adversary territory. Defence officials said the successful test reaffirmed the reliability and readiness of the missile system.

Although other missiles from the Agni series, including upgraded variants, have been test-fired in recent times, Agni-3 continues to hold strategic importance as a proven pillar of India’s deterrence capability.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-successfully-test-fires-nuclear-capable-agni-3-ballistic-missile-ws-l-9885376.html

 

Sunil Motilal Sadarangani (59), the owner of the iconic Multani Bakery, jumped from the 17th floor of Panash Apartments on Vijaypur Road.

An entrepreneur and owner of a well-known bakery died by suicide by jumping from the 17th floor of a building in Maharashtra’s Solapur. Sunil Motilal Sadarangani (59), the owner of the iconic Multani Bakery, jumped from the 17th floor of Panash Apartments on Vijaypur Road.

A video that has since gone viral on social media captured the final moments, showing Sadarangani standing on the rooftop with folded hands in prayer before leaping to his death.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, Sadarangani arrived at Panash Apartments in the afternoon. He reportedly chose to climb the stairs rather than use the elevator and proceeded directly to the 17th floor. Residents spotted him on the rooftop in a visibly distressed state, hands folded as if in prayer, prompting them to alert the building’s security guard.

The guard rushed to the scene and managed to persuade and bring Sadarangani down from the ledge, seemingly calming him. However, Sadarangani then told the guard that he had left his keys upstairs. Pretending to retrieve them, he returned to the 17th floor and jumped.

He died on the spot upon impact.

A police team from the nearby station quickly arrived at the scene following the alert. The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination at a government hospital. Authorities have registered the case and launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to this extreme step.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/going-to-get-keys-man-jumps-to-death-moments-after-rescue-attempt-by-guard-10959445?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

High drama unfolded at Pappu Yadav’s house in Mandiri locality when a police team arrived to execute a warrant issued by an MP/MLA court in the case registered under section 467 (forgery of documents) of the Indian Penal Code

Six-time MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who won the last Lok Sabha poll in 2024 as an Independent candidate from Purnea constituency, was arrested late on Friday (February 6, 2026) night in a 31-year old case of his repeated absence from hearings in the court.

Mr. Yadav, of late, has been protesting in favour of the alleged rape and death case of a girl medical aspirant residing in a hostel in Patna. The girl was from the adjoining Jehanabad district. The incident has triggered widespread protests across the State. The state government recently handed over the case to the investigating agency CBI.

The Patna police reached Mr. Yadav’s residence in Patna after midnight and arrested him in the old case related to a dispute registered at Gardanibagh police station in 1995.

Mr. Yadav had arrived in Patna on Friday (February 6, 2026) late evening after attending Parliament. It was due to the regular non-appearance of the accused in the case that the MP/MLA court had issued an arrest warrant against Pappu Yadav under Section 467 (forgery of documents) of the Indian Penal Code.

“A warrant of arrest has been issued against the MP by the MP/ MLA court in connection with a 1995 case lodged under section 467 of the IPC. The police team had gone to his house to produce him before the court on Saturday”, senior superintendent of Patna police, Karrtikeya Sharma told media persons.

A large number of supporters of Pappu Yadav had reached his residence after the police reached his residence to arrest him, where Mr. Yadav had initially refused to be arrested, and a drama unfolded claiming that the police was carrying a warrant for the attachment of property but not for his arrest.

He, however, was later taken into custody and would be produced before a competent court on February 7.

At the time of his arrest, Mr. Yadav posted on social media mocking the Bihar police. “Well done, Bihar police. I was fighting for justice to the NEET student, and the Bihar police had an ache in stomach which had come to arrest me at my residence in Patna, but Pappu Yadav would neither bow down nor keep mum and keep exposing the misdeeds of wrongdoers. Sent me to jail or hang me, Pappu will not stop”. Said Mr. Yadav in his post on X.

In the last parliamentary elections in 2024, Pappu Yadav won elections from the Purnea constituency of northeast Bihar for the sixth time as an Independent candidate. Earlier, he had won Lok Sabha polls in 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2014, representing different constituencies, sometimes on tickets of political parties like Samajwadi Party, Lok Janshakti Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and sometime as an Independent candidate.

Later, Mr. Yadav, while speaking to a media person, said that he had already planned to appear before the court on Saturday (February 7, 2026), “in fact, this was the reason, I came to Patna on Friday (February 6, 2026) late evening”.

“This has always been happening with me, as whenever I expose the misdeeds of government in the state, the police tried to hound me out. It happened to me during covid pandemic, too. Of late, I have been highlighting the ineptitude of the government in handling incidents like the recent death of a NEET (medical) aspirant, which had brought to light the insecurity faced by girl students living in hostels in Patna”, charged Mr. Yadav.

Earlier, he even released videos on social media claiming that he had been receiving phone calls from girl students alleging that their hostel inmates were being pushed into flesh trade.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bihar-purnea-mp-pappu-yadav-arrest-1995-case/article70601728.ece

 

“It is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills,” the Ministry of External Affairs said

India on Friday (February 7, 2026) categorically rejected Pakistan’s allegations of an Indian link to the bombing at a mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), describing the attack as “condemnable”, said it was “unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan chose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills.”

At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured when a bomber blew himself up at a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad. The powerful explosion took place at Khadijah al-Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, police said in a statement.

“The bombing at an Islamabad mosque earlier today is condemnable and India condoles the loss of life it has caused,” the MEA said.

“It is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills,” it said.

“India rejects any and every such allegation, which is as baseless as it is pointless,” it added.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-trashes-pakistans-allegations-of-indian-link-to-islamabad-bombing/article70601709.ece

Close to 65 per cent of frauds involve amounts less than Rs 50,000, and customers will be eligible to get pay-outs in fraud cases even if they have shared a one-time password (OTP).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to compensate up to Rs 25,000 per case for losses arising from small-value fraudulent transactions.

Close to 65 per cent of frauds involve amounts less than Rs 50,000, and customers will be eligible to get pay-outs in fraud cases even if they have shared a one-time password (OTP).

“It is proposed to introduce a framework to compensate customers up to Rs 25,000 for loss incurred in small-value fraudulent transactions,” RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said. “As long as they are defrauded, whether on their own accord or anyone’s accord, no questions asked, and Rs 25,000 or 85 per cent (of the loss amount)…we will compensate them as long as it is unintended and they lost that money,” he said.

Benefit only once in lifetime

A customer will be able to avail this benefit once in a lifetime for the loss of money due to such frauds. Further, they can avail of the compensation even where they have shared a one-time password. The RBI will issue a paper on this for public consultation, the Governor said.

According to him, a customer will also be eligible to get a pay-out in fraud cases, Malhotra said the RBI will compensate 70 per cent of the loss amount and the balance 30 per cent would be shared between the customer and the bank.

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J said the pay-out will be made from surplus income accrued on the Deposit Education and Awareness Fund. “We have a Deposit Education and Awareness Fund, which also includes unclaimed deposits. So, we have adequate income surplus (on the fund) that has accrued over a period of time. We may use that,” he said.

Mis-selling, loan recovery procedures, customer liability in focus

As part of customer-centric measures, the RBI Friday announced that it will issue three separate draft guidelines for public consultation. The first will address mis-selling of financial products, seeking to ensure greater transparency and accountability on the part of banks and financial institutions. The second set will focus on loan recovery practices, including the conduct and engagement of recovery agents, to prevent harassment and unfair treatment of borrowers. The third will deal with limiting customer liability in cases of unauthorised electronic banking transactions, the RBI said.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/business/digital-fraud-cases-rbi-plans-compensation-up-to-rs-25000-even-if-victim-shares-otp-10518253/?ref=hometop_hp

Police allege that the councillor’s son plotted and carried out the fatal stabbing of his stepmother, driven by resentment over his father’s third marriage.

Rubina, the third wife of BJP-supported Mandsaur municipal councillor Shahid Meo, died on-spot after getting stabbed by assailants on Thursday (February 5) evening in Madhya Pradesh, in what police initially treated as a targeted attack by unidentified. However, the investigation, as per reports, took a total U-turn after officials figured out that the attack was a planned murder, orchestrated by Meo’s own son from his first marriage.

The main suspect in the case, according to the investigators, is Sahil, who had a grudge against his father due to his third marriage, as per a report by NDTV, and had been harboring a grudge against the victim, Rubina, for the past several months. Not able to accept the marriage between his father and stepmother, Sahil planned a conspiracy with an accomplice to kill her.

Married seven months ago, Rubina had two young children from a previous marriage, while her husband Shahid Meo had five from earlier marriages.

India has reduced funding for the Chabahar port in its latest Union Budget. Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali highlighted the port’s strategic significance for regional connectivity, particularly for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

As India slashed the allocation for the Chabahar port in its Union Budget, Iran said that it remains open to working with New Delhi and expanding relations on the issue. While addressing a media briefing at the Iranian embassy ahead of the 47th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution on Friday, Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali stressed on the vital location of the port and called it a key part of Iran’s capacity for boosting regional connectivity. In 2024-25, the budget disbursed Rs 400 crore to the External Affairs Ministry for Chabahar Port, and the funds were transferred to Iran. New Delhi has made no comments on its future plans regarding the port following the US sanctions.

“You know that the port of Chabahar is vital and it can play a good role for accessing Afghanistan and Central Asia. We have good relations with some countries, particularly India, and believe that we should expand our relations on this issue,” Fathali said.

“Up to now, we have no comment from the Indian side,” he added.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the deep-water port’s location on the Gulf of Oman, he stated, “We believe that Chabahar is Chabahar, the location won’t change and some countries use this geographical location for access to Central Asia and Afghanistan.”

“We believe that in future, the Indian government wants to manage the situation,” he said, without giving details.

Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the case is unique and raises an important legal issue since the crime has been attributed to an inanimate object.

The interim order was passed while hearing a petition filed by NewSpace , a Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence research company that manufactures drones for the Indian armed forces.

According to the plea, the company holds licences from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for research and development operations.

Appearing for the company, advocate Angad Kamath submitted that NewSpace operates from a leased premises of around 19 acres in Doddaballapura, which falls within a “Green Zone” under the Drone Rules, 2021, and has been used for research and development testing for over four to five years.

He told the Court that on January 29, during routine testing, a lightweight thermocol research drone weighing about six kilograms suffered a battery malfunction. As a result, the drone glided beyond the boundary of the leased premises and landed smoothly on a neighbouring property.

Kamath said that there was no complaint from any landowner or member of the public, or any allegation of injury, damage or danger to life. There was also no human entry onto any private property.

Despite this, the police registered an FIR suo motu, alleging criminal trespass on the premise that “someone had gone and placed the drone” on private land.

Kamath argued that if someone had actually entered private property to place the drone, the incident would have raised a genuine security concern – something that did not arise in this case.

He further submitted that under Rule 42 of the Drone Rules, 2021, research and development operations conducted in a green zone and within leased premises fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the DGCA.

“Once I am operating under an R&D licence in a green zone and within my own premises, no authority other than the DGCA has jurisdiction to question the operation,” he argued.

Kamath also alleged coercive conduct by the police inspector.

According to Kamath, company officials who went to the police station with licences and authorisations were made to sit there for over six hours. Despite repeated requests, the inspector allegedly refused to furnish a copy of the FIR and insisted that notices would be issued only if the Managing Director personally appeared.

It was further alleged that the inspector questioned the company officials about the firm’s turnover, size and number of employees despite these being wholly unrelated to the alleged offence.

Kamath contended that it was only after the intervention of the State Public Prosecutor that a copy of the FIR was eventually furnished.

During the hearing, the State sought to justify the police action by referring to the local context in which the drone was recovered.

The State pointed out that a rally by a Hindu organisation was taking place in the area at the relevant time and that the locality where the drone landed was predominantly inhabited by members of the Muslim community.

According to the State, the recovery of a drone in such circumstances had triggered apprehensions, prompting the police to act.

However, the petitioner countered this submission by pointing out that none of these facts find any mention in the FIR and that the FIR itself does not record any communal angle, threat perception or public complaint.

After hearing the rival submissions, the Court noted that the case raised an unusual legal issue.

The Court also recorded the submission that the petitioner is a company supplying drones to the Indian Armed Forces and holds valid licences to conduct research and development operations in the area concerned.

The Bench took note of the admitted position that no copy of the FIR had initially been furnished to the petitioner and that FIRs ought to be uploaded online, particularly when the offences alleged are bailable.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/can-a-drone-commit-criminal-trespass-karnataka-high-court-to-examine

The Greater Noida Police arrested the director after an FIR was registered over the death of a 27-year-old software engineer.

According to the minister, a joint statement would pave the way for reduction of US tariff on Indian goods to 18% from the current 50%.

New Delhi: India and the United States are likely to issue a joint statement regarding the trade deal in the next four-five days and the first tranche of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) would be signed by mid-March, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

“The first tranche of BTA is almost ready. In the next four to five days a joint statement is expected to be signed between us,” the minister said. “Simultaneously a formal agreement is being drafted which may take a month to a month-and-a-half,” he added.

According to the minister, a joint statement would pave the way for reduction of US tariff on Indian goods to 18% from the current 50%.

Goyal’s statement comes days after US President Donald Trump announced that India and the US have reached a trade deal. The announcement came after months of uncertainty and strained relations following the imposition of a steep 50% tariff by the Trump administration on Indian goods, effective from August 2025.

According to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, the US can lower its tariff on Indian goods through an executive order. In a social media post earlier this week, Trump announced to cut the tariff on Indian imports to 18%. The executive order in this regard can be issued after the release of the joint statement.

However, India would reduce its tariffs on the American goods only after the formal signing of the agreement.

“Their (US) tariffs are executive tariffs. Our tariffs are MFN tariffs. So (our) MFN tariffs reduction only can take place after the legal agreement has been signed,” Agrawal told reporters, referring to the non-discriminatory Most-Favoured Nation tariffs charged on imports.

A bilateral trade agreement between the two countries was proposed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025. The two countries have also agreed to more than double two-way trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Goyal said India has signed eight trade agreements since Prime Minister Modi came into power in 2014. The first tranche of the BTA with the US will soon become the ninth, he added.

Quote – The first tranche of BTA is almost ready. In the next four to five days a joint statement is expected to be signed between us. Simultaneously a formal agreement is being drafted which may take a month to a month-and-a-half Piyush Goyal Commerce Minister.

Source :https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-us-trade-deal-to-be-signed-by-mid-march-piyush-goyal-3888228

The Delhi High Court on Thursday shot down Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav’s final effort to avoid prison in a cheque bounce case, prompting him to state that he will surrender before Tihar jail today.

Yadav was present in court today. Senior Advocate Abhijat appeared for him and stated that they would pay a ₹25 lakh amount today itself and that a repayment schedule for the balance amount has also been tentatively agreed to between the two sides.

However, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said that Yadav had to surrender yesterday (Wednesday) and, therefore, he would be heard only after he hands himself over to the jail authorities.

After this, Abhijat said that Yadav will surrender today at Tihar Jail.

The Court said that once the actor surrenders, he can file an application.

In its order, the Bench observed that those who do not respect and honour the law should not expect any favour from it and that the law rewards its compliance, not contempt.

“Extending continuous leniency to a person who has been disregarding the directions of the law would rather also send a message to the community that the law and Court’s directions can be disregarded repeatedly without being punished for it. This Court, cannot, allow this message to be conveyed, by now recalling its order when the conduct of the petitioner before it does not merit it,” Justice Sharma said.

The Court added that it cannot create any special circumstances for any person merely because they belong to a particular background or industry.

The High Court had on February 2 directed Yadav to surrender in two days before a jail superintendent for failing to make payments to a complainant in a cheque bounce case.

However, on February 4, he made a plea for an extension of time. This plea was rejected by the Court.

The Court had stated that the order for surrender was passed only after Yadav failed to comply with any of the assurances made to the Court.

In May 2024, a sessions court had convicted and sentenced Yadav to six months’ jail in a cheque bounce case.

However, the High Court later suspended his sentence on the assurance of his counsel that he was willing to amicably settle the issue with the production company he was indebted to. He failed to do so.

On February 2, the Court rejected Yadav’s explanation that the payment could not be made due to an inadvertent error in the demand draft, noting that he did not take any steps to rectify the error.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-rejects-rajpal-yadavs-final-attempt-to-avoid-jail-actor-says-he-will-surrender-today

Within the GCC, the UAE and Saudi Arabia has India’s largest trading partners.

Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday announced that India will be restarting talks for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This announcement from Piyush Goyal comes just as India sealed two major trade deals – one with the European Union and one with the United States.

GCC is a union of six countries in the Gulf region which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The negotiations with India also come months after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia renewed their strategic partnership.

GCC FTA to boost trade and investments

As per the union commerce minister, the FTA will strengthen the relation between India and the GCC, which “have been trading amongst each other for over 5,000 years”.

The BJP leader also stated that there are about 10 million Indians living and working in the GCC region, who in turn help power the economies of these nations.

“It is most appropriate that we now enter into a much stronger and robust trading arrangement which will enable a greater free flow of goods, services, bring predictability and stability to policy, help encourage a greater degree of investments,” Goyal added further.

Within the GCC, the UAE and Saudi Arabia has India’s largest trading partners.

Soon after the deaths, the father told police and several media organisations that the girls’ actions were linked to online gaming platforms.

A day after three minor half-sisters jumped to their deaths from their apartment in Ghaziabad, their father alleged that in the hours before the incident, the girls had demanded that he take them to South Korea and told him that if they were not sent there, they “would die”.

Ghaziabad police, meanwhile, said they are questioning family members and verifying a series of claims made by the family to media outlets in the immediate aftermath of the incident, particularly allegations linking the deaths to so-called “online task-based games”.

The three sisters, aged 11, 14 and 16, allegedly jumped from their ninth-floor flat around 2am on Wednesday.

Soon after the deaths, the father told police and several media organisations that the girls’ actions were linked to online gaming platforms. Some police officials also initially echoed this claim. However, investigators said no such evidence has emerged so far.

“As per the investigation till now, there is no involvement of task-based games behind the incident… The claims made by the father will be verified, and he will be questioned in detail. We will also seek evidence to support these claims once the family is in a position to cooperate,” said Nimish Patil, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Trans-Hindon Zone.

Patil said the mobile phone recovered from the room from which the girls allegedly jumped belonged to their mother. “There were no suspicious messages or calls made before the incident. The mobile did not contain any evidence of task-based gaming,” he said.

Their father, meanwhile, described his last interaction with the girls on the night of the incident.

“I spoke to them around 10pm. I asked if they had eaten dinner and told them to sleep. They again insisted that I take them to Korea. I refused. I had taken their mobile phone around 7pm, but they got it back from their mother around 10pm and used it till midnight. After that, they got out of bed and went to the puja room. Some time later, we found them dead on the ground floor,” he said.

The father further alleged that the girls were addicted to videos featuring Korean music and dance. “The three girls used their own photos as profile pictures, and if I removed them, they would stop eating at times,” he said.

Police said that, based on the investigation so far, the girls were deeply immersed in Korean popular culture and spent long hours watching K-dramas, K-pop videos and related online content.

“At present, the case is being investigated as a suicide. If the family provides any evidence related to task-based gaming, we will examine that angle. During the last six to seven months, the father had sold two mobile phones that were previously used by the girls. We are trying to trace those devices as part of the investigation,” Patil said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/karisma-kapoor-at-51-age-looks-unreal-flaunts-bridgerton-vibes-dramatic-gown-dubai-event-see-pics-101770350393889.html