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Venezuela approves amnesty bill that could see release of hundreds detained for political reasons

Acting President Delcy Rodrguez, who proposed the bill late last month, is expected to sign the measure, which outlines the eligibility and exclu

Morning Digest: India attends Trumps Board of Peace meeting as observer nation; ECI asks 22 States and UTs to prepare for SIR expected from April, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

F1 CEO Domenicali Dismisses Verstappen's Retirement Hint Over 2026 Rule Changes

Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the sweeping changes to F1 regulations for 2026, calling the cars, which rely more on electrical power than

Morning Brief Podcast: India AI Impact Summit: Palo Alto Network's Nikesh Arora on Why Your AI Firewall isn't Ready Yet

Johnson & Johnson explores $20 billion sale of orthopedics unit, source says

Johnson & Johnson is planning to sell its orthopedics unit, DePuy Synthes. The deal could be worth more than twenty billion dollars. Private equi

US automakers caught in crossfire of Trump, California EV battle

If California wins, it could force U.S. automakers to comply with two diametrically opposed regulatory schemes: President Donald Trump's anti-EV

Harmanpreet Kaur becomes highest capped woman in international cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur has now played six tests, 161 One-Day Internationals and 189 T20 matches for her country since 2009

Russell outpaces Piastri and Leclerc at Formula 1 testing in Bahrain

World champion Lando Norris was half a second back in fourth place

Is it dangerous to listen to music on the phone while driving?

In Australia, around 16 per cent of major road accidents (such as multi-vehicle crashes and pedestrian collisions) involve distracted driving. Di

Age can be dominant factor influencing antibody production

Age could be a dominant factor in influencing antibody production in response to a virus for a given virus, certain antibodies increase with age

Bangladeshs power shift: What next?

Pushp Saraf pushapsaraf@yahoo.com There has been a dramatic reversal of fortunes in Bangladesh. After 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman of the Ba

When geopolitics enters the kitchen

Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra (Retd) sanjeev662006@gmail.com On an ordinary evening in an Indian home, geopolitics arrives quietly through routine expens

ALLEN dominates JEE Main January results, Kabir Chhillar scores perfect 300

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The National Testing Agency has declared the results of the JEE Main January 2026 session, with outstandin

4-year-old locked in school overnight

Jammu Motors launches all-new E Vitara

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Marking a significant milestone in the regions transition toward sustainable and future-ready mobility, Ja

Trump claims Obamas alien comments included classified info

Barack Obama, in a podcast interview released last week, declared that he believed aliens were real but that he had not seen any evidence of it d

E Vitara SUV launched at NEXA Jamkash Vehicleades

Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 19: The much-awaited premium electric SUV E Vitara was launched today at NEXA Jamkash Vehicleades showroom in

J&K Bank launches revamped credit card suite with enhanced rewards

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir Bank today launched a revamped suite of credit cards, introducing upgraded features and

Why Jammu & Kashmir needs its own RTI Act

Deepak Sharma The Right to Information is not merely a statutory privilege conferred by Parliament but it is a constitutional facet of the fundam

Sena UBT stakes claim to Rajya Sabha, council seats MVA can win

Bombay HC draws curtain on 1947 land dispute

55% Indian Americans Disapprove Of Trump's India Policies: Survey

The 2026 Indian American Attitudes Survey released by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace revealed deep dissatisfaction of Indian American

Murmu holds talks with presidents of Slovakia, Serbia, Estonia; AI, digital ties in focus

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 : President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday held separate meetings with the presidents of Slovakia, Serbia, and Estonia at the Rasht

All tourist destinations likely to reopen by May, 9 new sites being developed: CM

3,000-3,500 MW hydropower potential to be harnessed in 2-3 years Dont believe in media censorship, anti-encroachment drives will begin with big f

India joins over 100 countries in condemning Israels unilateral decisions in West Bank

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 19: India has joined over 100 countries and global organisations in condemning Israels unilateral decisions and measures aime

More than strategic partners: Macron defines India-France ties as one of a kind

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: Days after India decided to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said Mak

India to begin permanent magnets production this year: G Kishan Reddy

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 : India will begin production of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) this year itself, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan

Govts prized properties not in its hands

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The Government has revealed that its prized properties in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh are not in i

Sodhi calls on LG Ladakh

Excelsior Sports Correspondent NEW DELHI, Feb 19: S S Sodhi, Governing Body Member of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and Presiden

Deal offered to Imran Khan twice, refused to accept: Pak PMs aide

LAHORE, Feb 19 : A close aide of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that jailed former premier Imran Khan was offered a deal twice b

Silver futures rise Rs 1,037 to Rs 2,45,305/kg

NEW DELHI, Feb 19: Silver prices on Thursday rose Rs 1,037 to Rs 2,45,305 per kg in futures trade on firm global trends. On the Multi Commodity E

Deptt focusing on strengthening of existing healthcare facilities: Health Minister

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that the department is p

Modi calls for inclusive AI, unveils MANAV framework

Prime Minister Modi advocated for democratizing AI, emphasizing its role in global good and inclusion, particularly for the Global South. He urge

LPU unveils 15 AI innovations at India AI Impact Summit

JALANDHAR, Feb 19: Lovely Professional University (LPU) participated in the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi inaugurated by Prime Ministe

A temporary relief from bonded labour

A landmark law formulated to end bonded labour in India marks its 50th year of passing. Satyasundar Barik examines the Acts relevance and effecti

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Apologises On Behalf Of Kailash Vijayvargiya

A heated exchange between Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar was seen in the State Assembly duri

Silver jumps to Rs 2.6 lakh/kg; gold climbs to Rs 1.58 lakh/10g

New Delhi, Feb 19: Precious metal prices jumped over 7 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, with silver rising to Rs 2.6 lakh per kilogr

Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon collapses while playing futsal; dies

India should ban social media for U-15: Macron; keep AI child-safe: PM

Phulbari-Agia-ona four lane ramako tarina tangka biatenga: Tynsong

SHILLONG: Phulbari-oni Agia-ona four lane ramako tarina gita tarakale tangka-paisarangko chamatchina gita Deputy Chief Minister in charge PWD (Ro

Garo Hills-o NH ramarangna kr 268-ko sualataha: Tynsong

SHILLONG: Garo Hills-o National Highway (NH) ramarangna aarangko raanio dao dipet gong kror 268 tangkarangko, aa nokgiparangna sualataha ine Bris

Cancer Cases Rising Alarmingly

The growing cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as one of the most serious long-term public health crises facing the region. The 32,42

BJP Yuva Morcha announces State office bearers, district presidents

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: Arun Prabhat, president, Yuva Morcha, J&K BJP, in consultation with Sat Sharma (CA), J&K BJP president and

3.61 lakh households yet to be covered under JJM

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 19: The Government today said that about 15.6 lakh households across the Union Territory have been provided fu

Ensure proper mechanism for timely submission of objections in detention matters: HC

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 19: Expressing concern over delay in filing of objections in detention matters, the High Court asked the La

Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal calls on CS, discusses public issues

Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Feb 19: Former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN) today called on Ashish Kundra, the Chief Secretary

Work begins on 2-km ParimporaShalteng flyover

Mahpara Bisati, Mohd Saqib Srinagar, Feb 19: Work has begun on Rs 59-Crore ParimporaShalteng flyover, a two-kilometre elevated corridor aimed at

DC Udhampur reviews drug control measures

Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 19: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under

Terror associate held with 2 pistols

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 19: A terror- associate residing close to the border in Rajouri sector was arrested with two foreign-made pi

Legislative Discourse versus Shouting Match

Editor, It was appalling for all of us to witness the high decibel shouting match which started from the Opposition bench and was aimed at puttin

AI making waves

Artificial Intelligence would power the world across multiple sectors in the years ahead. The five day India-AI Impact Summit in the national cap

Beyond Blame: Rethinking Meghalayas Coal Crisis Through Livelihood and Policy

By Dr. Treemmi Lamare The recent coal mine tragedy in East Jaintia Hills has once again brought the coal issue of Meghalaya into sharp public foc

Terror, new challenges need all navies to join hands, says Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged global cooperation to tackle evolving maritime risks at the opening of India's largest naval exercise, MILAN

The True Cost of Sleeplessness in the Digital Age

By Dr Omarlin Kyndiah Under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Value Added Courses on Health and Wellness aim to equip st

Kota man arrested for threatening to shoot Rahul, 25 Cong MPs in video posted online

Rs 7 Crore Profit Claim Ends In Rs 36 Lakh Cyber Fraud

According to the complaint, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group named Barclays on January 30, 2026, while searching for trading opportunitie

Modern Makeover, Surprise Checks To Enhance Devotee Services Atop Indrakeeladri

A technical team from TTD visited the hill shrine on Thursday and inspected the newly constructed Annadanam building and laddu preparation unit.

Mahua Moitra moves Delhi HC against order denying shared custody of pet

Thought of the day by Emily Dickinson, Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul / And sings the tune without the words / And never stops at all. why this 19th-century poem is resonating again in 2026

Thought of the day by Emily Dickinson, Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul / And sings the tune without the words / And ne

AP Signs Pact With IIC To Digitally Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme

The collaboration will leverage modern tools such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve transparency, streamline monitori

Why SSI recipients are getting their March 2026 Social Security payment early on February 27 is this early Social Security deposit a stimulus check or just a schedule shift?

More than 7.4 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their March 2026 Social Security payment early on February 27, 2

1st time after Manipur violence, CM gets Kukis and Meiteis on 1 platform

Manipur's Chief Minister virtually addressed displaced Meitei and Kuki-Zo families, offering cash relief and urging trust rebuilding. This marks

Thyroid, infection drugs get fresh safety warnings after national review

Two widely used medications, doxycycline and carbimazole, are set to receive stronger safety warnings. Regulators have identified potential menta

Himachal raises entry tax, cars to now pay Rs 170

GST Intelligence freezes Rs 100 Crore For Illegal Online Gaming

Officials have also reportedly arrested one of the key suspects Pankaj Kumar, founder and director of Adsum Advisory Services Limited, for extend

AI is the biggest platform shift of our lifetimes, says Pichai

15,849 vehicles with same chassis, engine number registered in multiple Northeast States: CAG

The latest audit report flagged contract carriage permits for school buses in Assam, resulting in the bypassing of mandatory fitness tests

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit amid Epstein scrutiny

Bill Gates has withdrawn from his scheduled keynote at the AI Impact Summit 2026, with the Gates Foundation citing a desire to keep focus on the

Collector Launches Car Driving Training For Women

Officials said participants will receive support in obtaining permanent driving licences and assistance in procuring vehicles through government-

'Don't want to depend on one or two powerhouses, want to create our own AI'

Petitions filed in Patna High Court challenging election of several MLAs, court issues notices

The petitions have been filed by the candidates who lost the election from their respective constituencies

How AI companies are driving a record $13.6 billion convertible bond surge in the US

AI companies convertible bonds: The US convertible bond market is experiencing a record start in 2026, largely propelled by AI companies. Nearly

Madanapalle: Accuseds Body Handed To Municipality As Family Refuses Claim

Police said his paternal uncle and aunt, younger sister and brother-in-law were present at the hospital after the autopsy but declined to take cu

Amodei red-flags autonomous weapons & mass surveillance

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei voiced concerns over autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, emphasizing AI's compatibility with democracy. He also

57 leaders, one campus: PSMO College hosts rare political reunion

From Washington to Delhi, the shadow of Epstein

India cannot ignore some of the implications of the Epstein connections

Delhi pitch: AI must go beyond English, solve real problems

India championed AI for multilingualism and societal benefit, securing tech giants' adoption of the 'New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments'. T

CSL signs shipbuilding contract with French firm

A dad with two kids laid off right after a promotion- sparking a wave of hard-earned job search advice and community support

A Tampa Bay operations manager faced job elimination shortly after a promotion. He shared his situation on Reddit seeking guidance. The post reso

Chennai Corporation mandates registration of bulk waste generators

Altman: India not just building, but shaping future of global AI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted India's pivotal role in AI, revealing over 100 million weekly ChatGPT users, with a third being students. He em

Traffic Curbs at Tilaknagar for 2 Days After Sewage Leak

Diversions will be in force from February 19 to February 20 until completion of repair works.

Nancy Guthrie DNA evidence update: has the FBI finally identified a suspect after new forensic findings surfaced in the Tucson abduction investigation?

Nancy Guthrie DNA evidence update: A third biological sample recovered from inside her Tucson home does not match the victim, and Pima County She

Monks Yatra to End on March 2 at Buddhavanam

The initiative is jointly organised by Gagan Malik Foundation, Ashray Foundation, M Seeds Foundation, and Triirattanabhumi Society.

Privacy and transparency: On the RTI Act amendment, petitions

There must be no information asymmetry between state and citizens

UK Ex-Royal Andrew Released Hours After Arrest Amid Epstein Files Probe

The former Prince Andrew has been released after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Overreach during flight: On the DGCA and passenger ban rules

Disruptive behaviour must not be confused with airing of grievances

CBI Books Cases Against Contractor and Railway Official

The central investigating agency has also booked cases against some railway officials for allegedly accepting bribes from the contractor.

Sunanda K. Datta-Ray | Bangladesh With Tarique As PM, Cant Ignore Hasinas Legacy

Now that one problem in Bangladesh -- perhaps the most disruptive one -- seems likely to be solved with Tarique Rahman being sworn in as Prime Mi

Bear Attacks Man in Kadapa District

Battala Desaiah of Botumeda Palli village sustained injuries in the incident.