17 C 
TG Minister Thummala Calls On AP CM Naidu
The Telangana minister raised the issues of roads in common border areas, irrigation projects and railway lines and called for their completion in an expeditious manner for the benefit of the people from both the states.
Aggrieved Sportspersons demand review of provisional selection list
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: Outstanding sportspersons who were not selected in the recently notified provisional selection list 2026 today raised serious concerns during a press conference held here, urging authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent review of the selection process. Referring to Notification No JK(YSS) of 2026 dated 11.02.2026, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Youth Services and Sports Department, the athletes said that the provisional selection list has been notified for five posts of [] The post Aggrieved Sportspersons demand review of provisional selection list appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Planning Paralysis Hurts Jammu
The unfolding delay in finalising the statutory framework for urban growth in Jammu has become a defining governance failure with long-term consequences for the regions economic, ecological and social stability. A Master Plan is not merely a cartographic exercise. It is the scientific and legal backbone that determines how a city grows, how resources are allocated, and how future crises are prevented. The continued pendency of Master Plan 2032, despite statutory processes, public consultations, and technical groundwork, reflects a dangerous [] The post Planning Paralysis Hurts Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
World No 1 Para Archers name missing from selection list
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: Rakesh Kumar, World No 1 Para Archer and Arjuna Awardee from Natali village, Katra, has expressed disappointment after his name was missing from recently notified provisional selection list 2026 of outstanding sportspersons by the Government. He has submitted a representation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking a transparent review of the selection process. Rakesh Kumar, who has represented India at the Paralympics and won a bronze medal, has also secured gold medals at the [] The post World No 1 Para Archers name missing from selection list appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hardeep wins Mens singles title at J&K Open Tennis Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: The J&K Open Men & Women Tennis Championship 2025-26 concluded on a high note with thrilling performances and an impressive display of sporting excellence, as emerging tennis star Hardeep Singh clinched the mens singles title in commanding fashion at MA Stadium. The championship, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from talented players across the region, culminated in an electrifying final in the mens singles category. Hardeep Singh delivered a stellar performance to defeat Gurleen Singh by [] The post Hardeep wins Mens singles title at J&K Open Tennis Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sham Lal lays foundation stone for Modern Cricket Playfield
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: In a major boost to sports infrastructure in Jammu North, MLA Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma, today laid the foundation stone for a modern cricket playfield at Ward No 59, Top Paloura (Thatthariyan). The project, sanctioned under the Capex Budget with administrative approval of Rs 200.00 lakh and allotted at Rs 130.14 lakh, will be executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and is expected to be completed within nine months. The planned [] The post Sham Lal lays foundation stone for Modern Cricket Playfield appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
T-20 Cricket tourney concludes
Excelsior Sports Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 16: The T-20 Cricket Tournament concluded today at District Police Lines (DPL) Rajouri with enthusiasm and excellent sportsmanship. A total of 20 teams participated, displaying skill, energy, and team spirit throughout the competition. The final was contested between Kaleem Cricket Club and Thanamandi Sports Club, with Kaleem Cricket Club clinching the Championship title. Thanamandi Sports Club finished as the runner-up after a commendable performance. The closing ceremony was presided over by Gaurav Sikarwar, SSP Rajouri, [] The post T-20 Cricket tourney concludes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Day-2: J&K reach 198/5 against Bengal in Ranji Trophy semi-final
*Auqib takes fifer; Samad, Paras slam splendid fifties Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: Mohammed Shami bowled a couple of incisive spells to get three wickets but Jammu and Kashmir did well enough to reach 198 for 5 against Bengal on the second day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, Kalyani. Explosive Abdul Samad and skipper Paras Dogra unleashed splendid half-centuries, propelling J&K to a commanding 198/5 at stumps on day two. Earlier, Sudip Kumar [] The post Day-2: J&K reach 198/5 against Bengal in Ranji Trophy semi-final appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K will be free of violence by 2029, situation improving gradually: Shah
80 pc issues in JK, NE, Maoist-hit areas under control Eliminating cyber-terrorism, drug-free India priorities Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Feb 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said that country will be free from Maoist violence by March 31, 2026 and from terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East by 2029. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp He made these important announcements while addressing 79th foundation day of Delhi Police in New Delhi this morning. Asserting that security [] The post J&K will be free of violence by 2029, situation improving gradually: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RTGS Meet: CM Calls For Simplifying Laws To Help People Access Services Easily
Naid held a review meeting on Real Time Governance System with the senior officials at Undavalli in Guntur district on Monday. He called for the setting up of a committee to ensure that the government services reached the people.
Pahalgam attack victims kin to get Govt job in Pune
MUMBAI, Feb 16: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday directed the Pune civic chief to induct Asawari Jagdale, daughter of Pahalgam terror attack victim Santosh Jagdale, into Government service. A statement from his office said Shinde had assured the Jagdale family after the attack that Asawari will be inducted in Government service. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Accordingly, Shinde spoke to Pune Municipal Commissioner Navalkishore Ram. Shinde holds the Urban Development portfolio and Pune Municipal Corporation [] The post Pahalgam attack victims kin to get Govt job in Pune appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amit Shah presents 13th report of Parliamentary Official Language Committee to president
NEW DELHI, Feb 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the 13th report of the Parliamentary Official Language Committee to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, according to a statement issued by the government. Shah, along with the members of the committee, called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. According to the statement, the home minister said in order to accelerate its work and further strengthen and modernise the official language, the committee has submitted four reports to the [] The post Amit Shah presents 13th report of Parliamentary Official Language Committee to president appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Only 44 IT staff considered for Common IT Service, over 1,000 allege irregularities
Suhail Bhat SRINAGAR, Feb 16: Serious irregularities and alleged favouritism have been flagged in the framing and implementation of the Information Technology (IT) Service Recruitment Rules-2016 and in the selective finalisation of the Common IT Service in Jammu and Kashmir, with computer professionals across multiple Government departments accusing the IT Department of excluding the vast majority of similarly placed employees. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A group of computer professionals working in various Government departments told Excelsior that [] The post Only 44 IT staff considered for Common IT Service, over 1,000 allege irregularities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SC questions Centre over videos in Wangchuks detention
NEW DELHI, Feb 16: The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Centre about the transcripts of videos submitted by it against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and said the translations should be precise in the age of Artificial Intelligence. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj that it wanted actual transcripts of Wangchuks statements from the Government after senior advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that some of the words attributed to the activist were [] The post SC questions Centre over videos in Wangchuks detention appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Improving timely credit access to MSMEs remains key policy priority: RBI Guv
MUMBAI, Feb 16 : RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Monday said improving access to timely and adequate formal credit for MSMEs remains a key policy priority of the central bank. As a part of the Reserve Bank of Indias continued engagement with stakeholders, the governor held a meeting with select micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and representatives of MSME associations. In a statement, the RBI said Malhotra underscored the pivotal role of the MSME sector in Indias economic landscape, [] The post Improving timely credit access to MSMEs remains key policy priority: RBI Guv appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
KOLKATA, Feb 16:Italy fought hard until the end but England clinched a 24-run victory to book their berth in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup from Group C, here on Monday. Chasing a huge 203, Italy replied with 178 all-out as Ben Manenti top scored with a 25-ball 60 (4x4s, 6x6s), Justin Mosca made a 34-ball 43 and Grant Stewart hit 45 off 23 balls (2x4s, 5x6s). Earlier, Will Jacks scored a brisk 53 not out late in [] The post England beat Italy by 24 runs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajnath Inaugurates Missile Integration Facility at BEL, Flags Off Akash Regiment Combat systems
NEW DELHI, Feb 16: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Missile Integration Facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems, and unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar, marking a significant boost to Indias indigenous air defence capabilities. During the visit, he was briefed on advanced homegrown defence technologies and ongoing R&D initiatives, and remotely inaugurated BELs Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Pune while formally launching the [] The post Rajnath Inaugurates Missile Integration Facility at BEL, Flags Off Akash Regiment Combat systems appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Currency in circulation at record Rs 40 lakh cr despite rise in UPI transactions: SBI Report
NEW DELHI, Feb 16: Even as digital payments scale new peaks, currency in circulation (CiC) in India has surged to an all-time high of nearly Rs 40 lakh crore, presenting what SBI Research has termed a puzzle of simultaneous growth in cash and UPI-led transactions. In its latest Ecowrap report released here on Monday, SBI Research said CiC touched around Rs 40 lakh crore for the fortnight ended January 31, 2026, marking an 11.1 per cent year-on-year growth, more than [] The post Currency in circulation at record Rs 40 lakh cr despite rise in UPI transactions: SBI Report appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HC pulls up Govt for delay in PIL on ST status, warns of action
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 16: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today pulled up the UT Government for failing to file its response in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and warned that appropriate orders would follow in case of further default. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Arun Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal was heading the PIL filed by the Jammu Kashmir Sharnarthi [] The post HC pulls up Govt for delay in PIL on ST status, warns of action appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bhajan Clubbing Emerges As Viral Alternative To Conventional Nightlife
The innovative concept drew more than 2000 attendees, predominantly youth, to its most recent event in Visakhapatnam.
CEA: Tech adoption must align with mass employability
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran stated that AI's impact on India's demographic advantage hinges on current decisions, urging coordinated national action. He emphasized that technological adoption must be deliberately aligned with mass employability, requiring political will and national commitment to ensure human abundance and machine intelligence reinforce each other for co-created prosperity.
Thousands were affected in the recent Amazon layoffs. A 47-year-old senior engineering manager lost his job after 11.5 years at Amazon. The tech layoffs reflect a tighter AI-driven job market. He is now focused on AI upskilling, engineering leadership roles, and career resilience. He applies weekly and builds hands-on AI projects. His story highlights job loss recovery, networking power, and mental strength in todays competitive tech hiring landscape.
Cong disassociates, but Aiyar says unlike Rahul friends, he is with party
Mani Shankar Aiyar hit back at the Congress after the party dissociated itself from his prediction of a Left victory in Kerala. Aiyar asserted his continued loyalty to the party, questioning why anyone would remain if not for belief in the Nehru-Gandhi family's leadership.
T20 World Cup: Rashid Khan becomes first cricketer to take 700 wickets in T20s
The Afghanistan skipper achieved the feat during the 16th over in the first innings when he dismissed Muhammad Arfan by a hit-wicket
Hyderabad Youth Gear Up For Lent With New Habits, Digital Detox
Many young Christians in Hyderabad say they are preparing for Lent in personal and practical ways. Some see it as a time to reset habits.
From robots in healthcare to drones scanning crops, it's India story at work
Fifty years ago | Campaign in China initiated by Mao
India in talks with 30+ nations to curb AI misuse: Ashwini Vaishnaw
A hundred years ago | Leagues anti-malaria campaign
Morikawa ends title drought as Bhatia finishes tied sixth
After six players shared the lead at various stages in a dramatic final round, Collin Morikawa seized control with back-to-back birdies, including a decisive 4-iron from 235 yards on the par-5 18th
Pawtucket Rhode Island shooting: Two people are dead, including the suspected gunman, and four others are hospitalized after a shooting today at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Police say the gunfire erupted during a high school hockey game at the Pawtucket ice rink on February 16, 2026. Authorities confirmed no ongoing threat. The Rhode Island shooting remains under active investigation. One victim died at the scene. Four were taken to hospitals.
India must use AI to make governance efficient, citizen-centric: Anthropic CEO
Unemployment in India rises slightly to 5% in January: Government survey
The UR (unemployment rate) or joblessness recorded a marginal increase in January in both rural and urban areas, showed the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
First Class X Board exam must under 2-test system, says CBSE
CBSE mandates all Class X students to take the first board exam under the new two-exam system starting 2026. Missing three or more subjects in the initial test means an 'essential repeat' and disqualification from the second exam. Compartment candidates can appear in the second exam. No exemptions for additional subjects will be granted.
Madhira To Be Developed As Model Municipality: Bhatti
Development, welfare, and transparency, these three principles will guide us in providing better governance to the people of Madhira. Every promise made by the Congress-Telugu Desam alliance candidates during the elections will be implemented without deviation, and we will repay the peoples trust, he said.
India's January trade deficit widens before U.S. tariff relief kicks in
A trade delegation will travel to Washington next week to finalise a trade agreement, Rajesh Agrawal, Indias trade secretary
Can't let India be maligned, Delhi HC tells journo in OCI card case
The Delhi High Court is hearing a petition from UK journalist Amrit Wilson. Her Overseas Citizen of India card was cancelled. The government cited intelligence reports of anti-India activities. The court stated the country cannot be maligned internationally. Wilson's counsel questioned the allegations. The court asked for written submissions. The case is listed for August 27.
M.P. Assemblys Budget Session begins with uproar over Indore deaths during Governors address
The days proceedings commenced with the singing of six stanzas of the national song Vande Matram in accordance with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs January 28 directive
American Idol Season 24 release time, schedule and how to watch new episode tonight explains when Season 24 episode four airs on ABC and Hulu. Auditions end February 16, 2026. Hollywood Week starts February 23. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood return. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Fans can watch live and streaming next day.
Assam Cong neta 'quits'; Gandhis as well as Himanta try to woo him
Assam Congress faces internal turmoil as campaign chief Bhupen Borah resigns, citing neglect. Party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, are scrambling to pacify him ahead of Priyanka Gandhi's visit. CM Himanta Sarma hinted at a BJP welcome for Borah, a former MLA, as seat-sharing talks remain stalled.
Engineering Dropout Among 3 Held With Cocaine
A private bus operator and driver who allegedly assisted in transportation, and a ridehailing app driver who delivered parcels, have also been named as accused.
10 Indian students make their mark at global nuclear technology programme in Russia
You have 5-7 years to develop 6th gen aero engines: Rajnaths challenge for DRDO scientists
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged DRDO scientists to develop a 6th generation aero engine for fighter aircraft within 5-7 years, emphasizing the need to accelerate indigenous capabilities. He stressed the importance of Aatmanirbharta in aero engine technology for national security and announced joint studies with the UK and France.
Subharti University Wins Strikers Cup 2026; Tournament Showcases Rising Standard Of College Football
New Delhi: The Strikers Cup 2026 concluded successfully at the Delhi Police Grounds, bringing together 24 colleges and over 600 student-athletes in one of the most competitive inter-college football tournaments in the region. Organised to promote structured and high-performance collegiate football, the tournament provided a professional platform for university athletes to compete at an elite level. Teams battled over multiple matchdays for a total prize pool of 1.5 lakh, adding further competitive intensity to an already high-standard tournament. The quality of play reflected the growing strength and seriousness of university football in India. In a thrilling final, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut emerged as champions and lifted the Strikers Cup trophy on Thursday following a consistent and commanding campaign. The runners-up, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), delivered a commendable performance and demonstrated exceptional competitive spirit throughout the tournament. The event was streamed live on FanCode, enabling supporters across the country to follow the action. The tournament also witnessed engagement from multiple participating brands, reflecting growing institutional and corporate interest in the development of collegiate sport. Speaking on the occasion, Niroy Chadha, Founder of Athletic Fever, said: Strikers Cup is focused on strengthening the foundation of college football in India. The scale of participation and the quality of competition this year demonstrate the depth of talent present at the university level. Our goal is to continue building structured, transparent platforms that give young athletes the exposure and competitive environment they deserve. East Bengal Hammer NorthEast United 3-0 In ISL Opener As Ezzejjari Stars With Brace At Salt Lake Stadium The closing ceremony marked the culmination of weeks of preparation and high-intensity competition, recognising the collective efforts of participating institutions, match officials, volunteers, and organisers. With record participation, national live streaming, and a professionally managed format, Strikers Cup 2026 reinforces the growing momentum of inter-college football in the country. Sharing this as well - this is for the Strikers cup event that happened in Delhi.
Robert Duvall net worth: Acting legend Robert Duvall died at 95 with a $70 million net worth. He passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Virginia. His fortune grew from 142 acting credits and massive box office hits. The Godfather and Apocalypse Now star invested in vast real estate and his own production company. His wife, Luciana Pedraza, confirmed his death was from natural causes. Duvall's seven-decade career remains a Hollywood financial marvel.
Priest Gets Life-term for Murder of Devotee
Krishna was arrested after police gathered technical and circumstantial evidence, leading to his conviction.
Siddaramaiah camp to take 27 MLAs abroad 'to counter DKS push for CLP meeting'
A foreign tour by Congress legislators aligned with CM Siddaramaiah has intensified a power struggle with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar over a rumored leadership transition. While legislators claim the trip is routine, insiders view it as a tactic to counter Shivakumar's push for a CLP meeting to discuss a change in leadership.
Bhopal News: Congress To Lay Siege To Assembly On February 24
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress state president Jitu Patwari has demanded that the chief minister either seek the resignation of three ministers or resign himself. We have asked the chief minister to ask three ministers to resign, or quit himself. If he fails to do so, the Congress will lay siege to the Assembly on February 24, said the PCC chief while speaking to media persons on Monday. The Congress is mounting pressure on the government regarding the resignation of three ministers: Kailash Vijayvergiya, over deaths in Baghirathpura due to contaminated water; Bhopal News: Sarv Samaj Madhyasthta Kendra Opens To Provide Free Mediation Services Deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla, for the deaths of children caused by poisonous syrup in Chhindwara; and Vijay Shah, for his remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Congress MLAs have planned to protest against the presence of these ministers inside the House. Talent hunt begins . Patwari said that in the changing political landscape, the party needs energetic, ideologically committed, and research-oriented colleagues who can effectively convey the Congress principles to the public. He clarified that a successful representative will require qualities, like commitment to the Congress ideology and a clear ideological understanding.
MP News: Massive Turnout At Health And Awareness Camp On MP Gajendra Singh Patel Birthday
Sendhwa (Madhya Pradesh): On the occasion of birthday of Lok Sabha MP Gajendra Singh Patel, a massive health and awareness camp and nutrition distribution program was organized by Sushiladevi Umraosingh Patel Seva Sansthan, at Bhilat Dev Dham in Nagalwadi village of the district on Monday. State Governor Mangubhai C Patel paid homage to the late Sushila Devi and praised the Seva Sansthan for its four-year-long work providing sickle cell testing, TB patient support, nutritional supplements and free diagnostic and counselling services to the underprivileged. The governor inaugurated the Every Village One Work (Gramahite Rashtrahitam) campaign, a Lok Sabha-level initiative which aims to complete at least one concrete public welfare work in every Panchayat. Indore Cyber Crime: 43-Year-Old School Teacher Falls Victim To AI Voice Cloning, Loses 97k Union Minister of State Savitri Thakur, national president of the Scheduled Tribes Commission Antar Singh Arya and others participated in the event. The health camp provided consultations in cardiology, cancer, gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, ophthalmology and general medicine. Additionally, tests like ECG, echocardiography, blood sugar, hemoglobin, cataract and cervical cancer screenings were performed. The Governor distributed Divyang certificates to sickle cell patients and nutritional supplements under the Nikshay Mitra scheme. Ratlam-Jhabua MP Anita Nagarsingh Chauhan, Barwani district panchayat president Balwantsingh Patel, BJP leaders, social workers, doctors and locals in large number from the Khargone-Barwani constituency attended the event.
Actor Trisha Condemns BJP Leader's Remark
Trisha posted on her social media, a legal communique in the wake of Nagenthran's comments linking her to Vijay while trying to criticise the actor-politician.
Peace Panels Key to Crime-free Hyderabad: Sajjanar
Broadening the scope of public safety, the meeting also called for collective initiatives to combat cybercrime and eradicate the menace of drugs and ganja from the city.
Kharge Committee Submits Report On Pune Land Deal Involving Parth Pawar's Firm
The Kharge Committee, set up to probe the controversial 40-acre land deal in Pune, has submitted its report to the state government. Headed by additional chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, the panel handed over the report to revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday, sources said. Panel Probes Land Sale Involving Parth Pawar's MS Amedea Enterprises The report runs into over 1,000 pages and includes supporting documents. The committee was appointed to examine the land sale involving MS Amedea Enterprises LLP, a firm headed by Parth Pawar, son of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Parth Pawars mother, Sunetra Pawar, is currently the Deputy Chief Minister and heads the departments of state excise, minority development, sports and youth affairs. The controversy centres around the illegal transfer of a 44-acre land in Mundhva, currently leased to the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). Sheetal Tejwani, who held power of attorney for the land, and Digvijay Patil were accused of manipulating records and illegally transferring ownership rights to Amadea Enterprises. Patil is a cousin of Parth Pawar. MBVV Crime Branch Nabs MCOCA Accused Wanted For 6 Years In Solapur Robbery Case Dismissal of Two Government Officials Recommended by Committee According to sources, the committee has recommended the dismissal of two government officials Ravindra Taru, sub-registrar at the Haveli registrar office, and Suryakant Yeole, a tehsildar. The committee has reportedly not recommended any action against Parth Pawar. It remains unclear whether the government will table the report in the legislature during the Budget Session, which begins on February 23. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Advance of AI creating a governance responsibility
Ajay Kumar Sood noted that more evidence is needed to understand how these tools impact a childs development, mental health and education over time
Navy creates MILAN village in Vizag to welcome naval delegates from 70 countries
India is hosting a grand International Fleet Review and MILAN Exercise in Visakhapatnam, welcoming naval personnel from over 70 nations. A special MILAN village offers cultural immersion with Indian arts, crafts, and cuisine, fostering camaraderie. This significant maritime convergence aims to enhance interoperability and collective security in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing India's role as a key security partner.
MBVV Crime Branch Nabs MCOCA Accused Wanted For 6 Years In Solapur Robbery Case
Mira-Bhayandar: Crime Detection Branch Cell4 of the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate has successfully arrested an accused who had been absconding for the past six years in connection with a robbery and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOCA) case registered in Solapur district. Complainant Lured to Buy Tractor Trolley, Robbed of 2.50 Lakh According to police officials, the crime occurred on June 26, 2021, near Saket Mangal Karyalaya in Kurduwadi, Solapur, where the complainant was called under the pretext of purchasing a tractor trolley. Upon arrival, the complainant was allegedly assaulted by a group consisting of one woman and four men, who forcibly robbed him of 2.50 lakh in cash. Following the incident, Kurduwadi Police Station in Solapur Rural registered a case under Section 395 of the Indian Penal Code along with provisions of the MCOCA, including Sections 3(1)(2), 3(2), and 3(4). Intelligence Inputs Led MBVV Team to Trace Absconding Accused During the investigation, Solapur Rural Local Crime Branch received information that the main accused was residing within the jurisdiction of the MBVV Police Commissionerate. Based on a request for assistance and credible confidential inputs, Crime Branch Cell4 initiated a search operation. South Mumbai Traffic Nightmare Today: Road Closures, Parking Bans For Indo-French Summit Acting on specific intelligence and under senior officers guidance, the team traced and detained the accused identified as Kukan alias Krishna Kaluram Shinde (40), originally from Kurduwadi, Solapur. He was apprehended from Dhaniv Baug, Nalasopara East on February 14, 2026. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the accused is wanted in a total of eight criminal cases. The arrested accused has been handed over to the Solapur Rural Local Crime Branch for further legal action. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Congress Wins Nirmal, Gains In Other Municipalities
In Nirmal municipality, Congress members Appala Kavya and Appala Ganesh Chakravarthi were elected chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively.
RailTel Hosts AI-Driven Healthcare Panels At India AI Impact Summit 2026 In Delhi
RailTel Corporation of India Ltd., a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Railways curated and hosted two important panel discussions on Artificial Intelligencedriven healthcare at the AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam. The mega summit was organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the IndiaAI Mission, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, and innovators from India and across the globe. Sessions Focus on Collaborative Models, AI for Public Health RailTel curated two focused sessions titled Public Health Powered by AI: RailTels Collaborative Model for AI-enabled Inclusive Healthcare for Bharat and Beyond and AI for Inclusive, Accessible, and Universal Healthcare. Both sessions witnessed engaging discussions on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to strengthen public health systems, enhance healthcare accessibility, and ensure inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery. The panel discussion on Public Health Powered by AI emphasized the importance of collaborative models involving government institutions, healthcare providers, research organizations, and technology partners. Panellists highlighted AIs potential to strengthen disease surveillance, enable early detection, enhance clinical decision support, and improve population-scale health management. It was also stressed that AI must be developed and deployed as a catalyst for equity, ensuring it helps bridge healthcare gaps rather than widen existing disparities. Experts Call for Patient-Centric Policies, Realistic Deployment The second session on AI for Inclusive, Accessible, and Universal Healthcare focused on ensuring that AI-driven healthcare solutions reach underserved and remote populations. Experts underscored the need for patient-centric government policies, noting that healthcare innovation cannot be driven solely by profitability. The discussion highlighted key challenges such as limited high-bandwidth infrastructure in remote regions, the need for realistic deployment expectations aligned with on-ground realities, and the importance of measuring meaningful outcome-based indicators to assess AIs impact. Panellists also emphasized that improving healthcare literacy is essential to prevent confusion and ensure AI supports truly universal and inclusive healthcare delivery. South Mumbai Traffic Nightmare Today: Road Closures, Parking Bans For Indo-French Summit The sessions featured distinguished panellists and moderators from government, healthcare institutions, academia, and industry, whose insights helped translate AIs potential into actionable strategies for real-world implementation. RailTel Committed to Enabling Digital Infrastructure for Public Health Talking about the sessions Sanjai Kumar, CMD/RailTel said We express our sincere gratitude to MeitY and the IndiaAI Mission for entrusting RailTel with the responsibility of organizing these important panel discussions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. This summit provided a valuable platform to deliberate on how Artificial Intelligence can drive inclusive and accessible healthcare for Bharat and beyond. As a public sector enterprise committed to supporting national digital initiatives, RailTel sees itself as a key enabler in building secure, scalable, and resilient digital infrastructure that can power AI-driven public health services. RailTels participation and leadership in curating these sessions reaffirm its commitment to supporting Indias digital transformation and enabling next-generation public service delivery through secure and scalable ICT infrastructure. With its nationwide optical fibre network and extensive experience in deploying mission-critical digital platforms, RailTel continues to play a vital role in enabling technology-driven innovation across sectors including healthcare, governance, and citizen services.
Nepalese Woman Held in Jabalpur for Burglaries in Hyderabad
Police tracked the fleeing accused to the Rupedia border, where they were apprehended just before crossing into Nepal.
Robert Duvall movies and TV shows: Robert Duvall built a 60+ year career with 90+ movie and TV credits before his death at 95. The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now leaves behind one of Hollywoods most respected filmographies. From Tender Mercies to Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall movies and TV shows shaped American cinema. His passing marks the end of a legendary era defined by awards, iconic roles, and lasting cultural impact.
10 Days Time for Entries Into UMEED Portal
A fixed timeline was set, with clear instructions to finish pending work within 10 days.
South Mumbai Traffic Nightmare Today: Road Closures, Parking Bans For Indo-French Summit
Thousands of office-goers and daily commuters heading to South Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, are likely to endure long delays and last-mile hardship as extensive security restrictions around the Gateway of India for the IndiaFrance Year of Innovation programme disrupt normal movement across Colaba and Fort. With the Prime Minister of India and the President of France visiting the city, police will enforce strict security arrangements. From 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, regular vehicles will not be allowed in the Gateway precinct only emergency, essential service and VVIP vehicles will be permitted. Commuters to walk long distances Key roads leading to offices and ferry points including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, P. Ramchandani Road, B. K. Boman Behram Road, Adam Street and Mahakavi Bhushan Road will be closed. Taxi stands and bus stops near the waterfront will also remain shut, forcing passengers to get down far away and walk to workplaces, hotels and jetties. Residents too may have to park at distant locations and cross barricaded zones on foot. Traffic diversions via Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Electric House Junction and BEST Marg are expected to create bottlenecks at Regal Junction, Radio Club and surrounding intersections, especially during evening peak hours. Parking ban to worsen chaos Parking will be prohibited on Nathalal Parekh Marg, Jagannath Bhosale Marg, Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg and roads behind the Taj Hotel. In addition, Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg will temporarily operate as a two-way road between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, likely choking already narrow internal lanes and delaying residents trying to reach homes. Office-hour rush worst affected Evening commuters are expected to face the maximum disruption, with travel time across South Mumbai projected to rise sharply due to road closures, diversions and pedestrian congestion The impact will extend beyond South Mumbai as well heavy motor vehicles will be banned from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on the Western Express Highway between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka, potentially affecting city-wide traffic flow. Traffic police have urged citizens to avoid the Gateway of India area and plan journeys in advance, but for many office-goers, Tuesday may still mean crowded roads, longer walks and significantly delayed commutes.
90,000 Govt Staff to Be on Census 2027 Work in State
A conference of district collectors will be convened shortly to sensitise them about timelines, responsibilities and detailed operational planning.
Three-Day Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav Begins At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Birthplace In Junnar
A grand celebration of the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary - Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav' is being organised at the birthplace of the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, in Junnar, from 17 to 19 February 2026. Festival Aims to Preserve Legacy, Introduce Vision to Youth Organised by Maharashtra Tourism and the Pune District Administration, the festival will be held at the Shankarrao Butte Patil Vidyalaya grounds near the foothills of Shivneri. It will feature a rich blend of cultural, sporting, and social activities. The formal inauguration of the festival will take place on 17 February. Highlighting the significance of the event, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the presiding deity of Maharashtra. Through this festival at his birthplace, we aim to preserve his glorious legacy and introduce his visionary thoughts to the younger generation. The event is expected to significantly boost cultural tourism in the region. Tourism Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Khandare noted that the festivals planning is comprehensive, ensuring that Maharashtras traditional arts are showcased effectively while providing world-class facilities for tourists. Director of Tourism Urges Citizens to Participate in Large Numbers Director of the Directorate of Tourism, Dr B. N. Patil, added that the primary objective is to promote local folk arts and heritage, urging citizens and the followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to participate in large numbers. Cabinet Clears 10,154-Crore KasaraManmad 3rd & 4th Line Project To Decongest MumbaiHowrah Route The three-day itinerary begins on 17 February with an inauguration ceremony at 10:00 am, followed by the opening of womens self-help group stalls and a food festival. The schedule also includes a bullock cart race, a kabaddi tournament, and 'Folk Akhyan', a performance based on folk arts. On 18 February, activities will include a bullock cart race, the Kesari Wrestling Competition, and the play 'All the Best'. The festival concludes on 19 February with a morning display of traditional Maratha Mardani Khel, a grand Shobhayatra at 5:00 pm, and a Maha Aarti dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tourism Department Works to Preserve Heritage, Boost Economy The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department of Maharashtra was established on 31 May 2006 to promote the states rich cultural heritage and strengthen its tourism sector. Recognising that tourism and culture are closely linkedwhere historical monuments, folk arts, and local traditions serve as both cultural treasures and tourist attractionsthe Government of Maharashtra created a dedicated ministerial-level department to ensure integrated decision-making on policy matters. The department works to preserve and showcase Maharashtras unique art forms, traditions, and historical landmarks, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing the states visibility as a tourism destination. By combining cultural preservation with tourism development, it contributes to socio-economic growth while creating enriching experiences for both residents and visitors. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
HC holds state, club owners liable for compensation in Arpora inferno case
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has held that the state government cannot avoid responsibility for compensating the victims of the December 2025 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, observing that liability for compensation rests both with the club owners and the state. The court was hearing a suo []
Plan to shut Dabolim put on hold after conspiracy came to light, says Viriato
NT Reporter Panaji South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes said that the state government was aware of plans to shut Dabolim airport for civilian operations, but that the move has been kept in abeyance after the alleged conspiracy came to light. He warned that the plan will be set in motion after the 2027 Assembly polls. []
With no bidders for new sopo contract, BMC cuts levy by 5%
NT Reporter Bicholim The Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC), at its meeting held on Monday, resolved to retender the contract for collecting sopo tax, after no bidders came forward following a 10 per cent hike in the levy. The council has now reduced the sopo tax by 5 per cent and will float the tender again. []
Adopt solar rooftops to achieve self-sufficiency Sawant
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday urged citizens to adopt rooftop solar systems to help Goa move towards self-sufficiency in electricity and reduced carbon emissions. Stating that 3,100 citizens in Goa have registered for solar energy units under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, he said, The state must expand participation to achieve []
Haruki Murakami's quote, Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely, emphasizes the delicate nature of existence and the importance of mindful interactions.
Indias federalism is in need of a structural reset
There is a need for balanced federalism in the form of autonomous States, an efficient Union, and accountable governance
Cabinet Clears 10,154-Crore KasaraManmad 3rd & 4th Line Project To Decongest MumbaiHowrah Route
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Kasara and Manmad in Maharashtra, a major capacity-augmentation project on the heavily saturated MumbaiHowrah high-density corridor recently. Project to Boost Passenger The 131-km project, estimated to cost Rs 10,154 crore, will be executed over five years across Thane and Nashik districts. Railway officials said the additional lines will significantly improve passenger and freight movement on a route that connects western ports with central, eastern and northern parts of India. Kasar is a critical link between Central Railways suburban network and long-distance routes heading toward North, East and Central India. At present, steep gradients in the KasaraIgatpuri ghat section require banking (helper) engines, reducing line capacity and increasing travel time by about 1520 minutes. Most trains are given a halt at Kasara to attach helper locomotives, which are detached at Igatpuri. Currently, Rajdhani Express trains run with twin locomotives from Mumbai CSMT to Hazrat Nizamuddin to provide additional power and avoid this process. The Railways have set a target to complete this project in five years. After completion of the project, trains will no longer require banking locomotives in this section, enabling smoother operations and freeing paths for additional passenger trains. Massive Civil Works: 5 Tunnels, Longest 24 km, 39 Bridges The project involves extensive civil engineering works. The route length will be 131 km, with a total track length of 316 km. It will include 3 important bridges, 16 major bridges and 218 minor bridges. The project will also have 5 road over bridges (ROBs) and 21 road under bridges (RUBs). In addition, five tunnels will be constructed, the longest of which will be about 24 km long. FedEx To Develop First Dedicated Cargo Hub At Navi Mumbai International Airport; Ground Breaking On Wednesday In Presence Of CM Devendra Fadnavis Railway authorities expect the additional lines to substantially increase corridor capacity and reliability, support the introduction of new long-distance passenger trains and increase freight movement by about 46.1 million tonnes per year, while improving connectivity between ports and power plants. Project to Cut CO by 54 Crore Kg, Generate 89 Lakh Human-Days The project is also expected to deliver environmental and economic gains, including a reduction of about 54 crore kg of CO annually, equivalent to planting around 2.2 crore trees, and generation of nearly 89 lakh human-days of employment during construction. The MumbaiHowrah route is among the busiest railway corridors in the country, handling suburban, passenger and heavy freight traffic. Officials said quadrupling of the KasaraManmad section will remove a long-standing bottleneck in the ghat region and improve punctuality of trains across multiple states. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Congress Captures Nine Municipalities In Warangal Region
The party won clear majorities in Narsampet, Bhupalpally, Parkala, Maripeda, Mulugu and Station Ghanpur. In Wardhannapet, Kesamudram and Mahabubabad, it relied on alliances and ex-officio votes to secure control.
Only Stalin can consolidate INDIA bloc to help Rahul become PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar
The Congress leader quotes Dr. Ambedkar to explain his estrangement from the Congress. I am not a part of the whole; I am a part apart, he says. He criticises Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, K.C. Venugopal and Pawan Khera.
Skiddoo is a slang verb that means to leave quickly or go away. It became popular in the early 1900s and is believed to come from the word skedaddle. Today, people use it in a fun or playful way. Even though it is an old word, many still understand it when someone says it.
Tourism footprint adds 1.5 tonne daily to Valpois waste burden
Abulla Khan Valpoi The mounting waste problem in Valpoi is being driven not only by the volume of garbage generated but by changing consumption patterns linked to tourism. Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC), a Class C civic body, generates between 1 to 1.5 tonnes of dry waste daily, most of it comprising plastic and plastic packaging. []
Mumbai: Global logistics giant FedEx is set to formalise its footprint in Maharashtra with its first dedicated cargo hub at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The ground breaking ceremony for the facility will be held on Wednesday in presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Five Global Freighters Planning Shift as CSMIA Upgrades Operations Amid the plans to temporarily shut down cargo operations at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) later this year to make way for airside developments, five global freighters are reportedly planning to shift their operations to NMIA. The American multinational conglomerate FedEx, which is one of the biggest global cargo operators, is now confirmed to set up a cargo hub at NMIA. The airport operator confirmed that a ground breaking ceremony for the facility, which is likely FedExs first cargo hub in India, will be held on Wednesday in presence of CM Fadnavis. The new FedEx facility is designed to serve as a high-tech gateway for both domestic and international shipments. Mumbai News: SHRC Takes Cognisance Of Complaint Over Garbage Dumping, Nallah Overflow In Govandi Cargo Hub to Optimise Supply Chain, Connect to JNPA Port A cargo hub is a centralised and strategic logistical node where goods are consolidated, sorted, and redistributed. These hubs act as central transit points that optimise supply chain efficiency by connecting multiple origins and destinations. With dedicated cargo hubs at NMIA, the freighters aim to benefit from the airports proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. With CSMIA planning significant airside infrastructure upgrades later this year, NMIA is being positioned to absorb the region's heavy cargo demand. NMIA plans to dedicate 29 hectares to cargo facilities, which will include 10 freighter stands and an automated terminal to fulfil its aim of handling 2.6 million metric ton cargo annually. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Cities of debt: On the Urban Challenge Fund
ULBs need more administrative capacity before they can tap the market
Offshore casino licences open to review in 2027, says Babush
Special Correspondent Panaji Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio Babush Monserrate on Monday said that the issue of offshore casinos could be reviewed again at the time of extension of their licences in 2027. As soon as I was elected as the city MLA, I had initiated action to clear land encroachments by the offshore []
28k women SHG entrepreneurs to benefit under natl campaign
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji More than 28,000 women self-help group entrepreneurs and enterprises in the state are expected to benefit under the national campaign Promoting Rural Women Entrepreneurship Har Ghar Udyam, Har Gaon Samriddh launched under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission. The campaign seeks to strengthen rural women-led enterprises through structured []
Around 250 people visit new Tuem hospital daily
NT Reporter Pernem Around 250 people visit the newly inaugurated Government Hospital and Research Centre at Tuem daily, and the mini operation theatre is already operational, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said on Monday. The MLA inspected the GMC-linked hospital to review infrastructure and facilities. This advanced medical facility marks a significant step in strengthening public []
Threat to journo: BJP ST morcha chief apologises
NT Reporter Panaji Hours after allegedly threatening a journalist, from a public platform in SacordaSanvordem, Goa BJP ST Morcha chief and zilla panchayat member Mohan Gaonkar, on Monday, issued an apology for his remark. A viral video showed Gaonkar making the threat without naming the journalist, warning him not to comment on the Sanvordem constituency []
Cruise trip, sea aarti to mark 6-day spiritual festival
Special Correspondent Panaji The Goa Spiritual Festival 2026 will be organised across various parts of the state by the Satguru Foundation in association with the state government, under the vision and guidance of the Peethadheeshwar of Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji. The six-day festival, to be held from February 19 to 24, []
The technology exists, the green premium is manageable, and there is market readiness
Congress Launches 'Talent Hunt' To Select Spokespersons In Madhya Pradesh
After the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh has now announced the launch of a Talent Hunt Programme to recruit a new batch of party spokespersons.
TN Cong seeks action against party MP Manickam Tagore for putting DMK ties under 'strain'
Tamil Nadu Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai met Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru, submitting a report on recent discord with DMK. The friction arose from MP B Manickam Tagore's remarks on power-sharing and alleged disrespect from DMK leaders. Selvaperunthagai urged action against Tagore, warning of potential alliance strain, and cautioned party members against public statements on alliance issues.
DC Edit | India-Pak Contest Is A Damp Squib
There were more furrowed brows in the marketing rooms of the game and corporate boardrooms as the commercial value of the event, which draws more eyeballs in its 350 million-plus viewership than even the Super Bowl in the USA, could go down despite all the hyper-nationalistic and jingoistic hype that is whipped up
Maha CM Fadnavis stays minority tags issued hours after Ajit Pawar's death
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has stayed minority status certificates for at least 75 educational institutes following allegations of irregularities. The decision came after opposition members demanded an inquiry into how these certificates were issued so quickly after the death of then-deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
Inclusive politics in an age of division
Voting is not only about endorsing ideas; it is also about ensuring representation
Greater Chennai Corporation unveils first Climate Budget, plans outlay of 7,200 crore
According to the report, the civic body has earmarked 3,190.61 crore towards capital expenditure for FY 2025-26; out of this amount, 1,341.2 crore has been identified as climate-relevant spending
SC: Educate people on cyber fraudsters modus operandi
Protect those who have lost their hard-earned money in scams New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said the government must make aware, compensate and try to protect vulnerable people who have lost their hard-earned money in cyber scams. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan made the remarks while granting bail to []
The Survey not only highlights the performance of the State's economy, it also indicates areas of concern that need to be addressed to reach the desired twin targets of a trillion-dollar economy and a per capita income on par with developed countries.
