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Days after a 32-year-old man died after falling into an open drain in Delhi's Rohini, a similar case of a vehicle falling into yet another open drain has come to light in NCR. The latest incident happened late Thursday (Feb 12) night near Basai village in Sector 70, Noida, where a parked car slipped into an uncovered drain. The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns around open pits and drains in the National Capital Region. Previously, in yet another incident, a 25-year-old man working with a private bank died when his motorcycle plunged into a deep, uncovered pit allegedly dug by the Delhi Jal Board during roadwork in West Delhi's Janakpuri area.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-man-dies-in-delhi-after-falling-into-open-manhole-days-after-biker-s-death-here-s-what-happened-1770780924483">Another man dies in Delhi after falling into manhole, days after biker's death</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Reports suggest that a car parked near a liquor shop in Basai village in Noida's Sector 70 slipped into an open drain. The driver had stepped out, and fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle at the time, preventing what could have turned into a serious accident.Police said the car owner had parked the vehicle near a liquor shop and stepped away briefly to collect some items. During that time, the car rolled and fell into the adjacent open drain. A video of the car stuck inside the open drain is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">इंजीनियर की मौत के बाद भी नहीं जागा प्राधिकरण, खुले नाले बने खतरा<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%8F%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#नोएडा</a> सेक्टर-150 में इंजीनियर की मौत के बाद भी नोएडा प्राधिकरण ने सबक नहीं लिया। शहर में खुले नाले और डेथ पॉइंट अब भी हादसों को न्योता दे रहे हैं। वर्क सर्किल-5 क्षेत्र में कई जगह खुले नाले पड़े होने का आरोप।… <a href="https://t.co/vR1oARtptT">pic.twitter.com/vR1oARtptT</a>&mdash; निशान्त शर्मा (भारद्वाज) (@Nishantjournali) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nishantjournali/status/2021989190310015181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The vehicle was successfully extracted by the police, with aid of residents.<h2>Accusations of negligence were levelled against Noida Authority officials</h2>Residents in the area, as per a Times Now Navbharat report, said they had repeatedly complained to authorities about the uncovered drain, warning that it posed a danger to pedestrians and motorists. According to locals, no action was taken to secure the site despite multiple requests.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-biker-s-death-sub-contractor-4-others-did-not-call-for-help-despite-knowing-1770530544611">Delhi biker’s death: Sub-contractor did not call for help despite knowing</a><h2>Previous open drain 'accidents' in NCR</h2>The incident comes weeks after a fatal accident in Noida’s Sector 150, where software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died when his car plunged into a water-filled pit. That case triggered public outrage and renewed scrutiny of construction safety and civic negligence across the region.Similar concerns have emerged in Delhi, where the National Green Tribunal has recently issued notices to the Centre and others regarding over 60-80-foot-deep hazardous open pits linked to construction projects. The tribunal issued notices to several agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board, after a bank employee, Kamal Dhyani, died earlier this month when he fell into a 15-foot-deep pit in Janakpuri.

Another car slips into an uncovered drain in Noida, days after a techie died after his bike fell into an open drain in Delhi. The latest incident has raised fresh questions about civic safety in NCR. Residents say warnings were ignored. How many such hazards till authorities take notice?

Days after a 32-year-old man died after falling into an open drain in Delhi's Rohini, a similar case of a vehicle falling into yet another open drain has come to light in NCR. The latest incident happened late Thursday (Feb 12) night near Basai village in Sector 70, Noida, where a parked car slipped into an uncovered drain. The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns around open pits and drains in the National Capital Region. Previously, in yet another incident, a 25-year-old man working with a private bank died when his motorcycle plunged into a deep, uncovered pit allegedly dug by the Delhi Jal Board during roadwork in West Delhi's Janakpuri area. Also read | Another man dies in Delhi after falling into manhole, days after biker's death What happened? Reports suggest that a car parked near a liquor shop in Basai village in Noida's Sector 70 slipped into an open drain. The driver had stepped out, and fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle at the time, preventing what could have turned into a serious accident. Police said the car owner had parked the vehicle near a liquor shop and stepped away briefly to collect some items. During that time, the car rolled and fell into the adjacent open drain. A video of the car stuck inside the open drain is going viral on social media. Watch it here:

Another car slips into an uncovered drain in Noida, days after a techie died after his bike fell into an open drain in Delhi. The latest incident has raised fresh questions about civic safety in NCR. Residents say warnings were ignored. How many such hazards till authorities take notice?

Days after Noida techie's death, car falls into open drain in Sector 70; residents accuse authorities of negligence | Watch

A 25-year-old female nurse died of Nipah virus complications at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, on Thursday evening, marking West Bengal’s first Nipah-related death in recent history. The woman nurse had recently tested negative for the virus but remained in critical condition and was on a life support system. The nurse had been battling a Nipah virus infection at a private hospital, and her death is the first casualty due to the virus in West Bengal in recent history.Health ministry sources said the death cannot be attributed solely to the Nipah virus but added that the complications that led to the deterioration of her health arose due to the viral infection.&nbsp;Hospital sources said the nurse was among the two nursing staff members infected with Nipah and had been under treatment for several weeks. She had tested negative for the virus recently, but her condition remained critical.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bnp-chief-tarique-rahman-demands-prompt-announcement-of-election-results-1770898997185">BNP chief Tarique Rahman demands prompt announcement of election results</a><h2>Nurse passed away despite prolonged CCU care and ventilator support</h2>&nbsp;The second infected staff member, a male nurse, was discharged in January after recovering.The female nurse, however, remained admitted as her health deteriorated. She was in the critical care unit (CCU) for a prolonged period and was put on ventilator support on Wednesday.She died at around 4 pm on Thursday at the private hospital in Barasat, officials said.&nbsp;According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from animals and can also spread through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanpur-lamborghini-crash-tobacco-tycoon-s-son-shivam-mishra-arrested-after-4-days-gets-bail-in-hours-1770895141801">Kanpur Lamborghini crash: Tobacco tycoon’s son, Shivam Mishra, arrested after 4 days, gets bail in hours</a>&nbsp;She passed away despite prolonged CCU care and being put on ventilator support on Wednesday.&nbsp;The casualty of nursing staff highlights the risks in healthcare settings where human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus occurs via close contact with infected fluids.&nbsp;The incident has prompted other Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to enhance screening amid fears of virus spread, given Nipah’s high 40-75 per cent human fatality rate.&nbsp;<h2>What is Nipah virus?</h2>&nbsp;Nipah virus, a zoonotic henipavirus related to Hendra, jumps from animals, primarily via saliva, urine, or faeces of fruit bats to humans, often via contaminated date palm sap or pigs as in the 1998 Malaysia outbreak. Transmission also occurs through infected animals or human-to-human contact in households and hospitals, though less efficiently than respiratory viruses like COVID.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a>&nbsp;Symptoms of the virus appear 4-21 days after exposure, starting with fever, headache and cough, and then escalating to severe pneumonia or encephalitis causing brain inflammation.&nbsp;<h2>Why is Nipah virus so deadly?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Nipah’s high lethality comes from neurological damage, as seizures, coma, personality changes and respiratory failure develop in about half of severe cases fatally.&nbsp;It triggers rapid encephalitis, with survivors risking late relapses even years later.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a>

Sources at the private hospital in Barasat said the woman nurse was among the two nursing staff members infected with Nipah and had been under treatment for several weeks. She had tested negative for the virus recently, but her condition remained critical and kept deteriorating.

A 25-year-old female nurse died of Nipah virus complications at a private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, on Thursday evening, marking West Bengal’s first Nipah-related death in recent history. The woman nurse had recently tested negative for the virus but remained in critical condition and was on a life support system. The nurse had been battling a Nipah virus infection at a private hospital, and her death is the first casualty due to the virus in West Bengal in recent history. Health ministry sources said the death cannot be attributed solely to the Nipah virus but added that the complications that led to the deterioration of her health arose due to the viral infection. Hospital sources said the nurse was among the two nursing staff members infected with Nipah and had been under treatment for several weeks. She had tested negative for the virus recently, but her condition remained critical. Also Read: BNP chief Tarique Rahman demands prompt announcement of election results Nurse passed away despite prolonged CCU care and ventilator support The second infected staff member, a male nurse, was discharged in January after recovering. The female nurse, however, remained admitted as her health deteriorated. She was in the critical care unit (CCU) for a prolonged period and was put on ventilator support on Wednesday. She died at around 4 pm on Thursday at the private hospital in Barasat, officials said. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from animals and can also spread through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. Also Read: Kanpur Lamborghini crash: Tobacco tycoon’s son, Shivam Mishra, arrested after 4 days, gets bail in hours She passed away despite prolonged CCU care and being put on ventilator support on Wednesday. The casualty of nursing staff highlights the risks in healthcare settings where human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus occurs via close contact with infected fluids. The incident has prompted other Asian nations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to enhance screening amid fears of virus spread, given Nipah’s high 40-75 per cent human fatality rate. What is Nipah virus? Nipah virus, a zoonotic henipavirus related to Hendra, jumps from animals, primarily via saliva, urine, or faeces of fruit bats to humans, often via contaminated date palm sap or pigs as in the 1998 Malaysia outbreak. Transmission also occurs through infected animals or human-to-human contact in households and hospitals, though less efficiently than respiratory viruses like COVID. Also Read: ‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Symptoms of the virus appear 4-21 days after exposure, starting with fever, headache and cough, and then escalating to severe pneumonia or encephalitis causing brain inflammation. Why is Nipah virus so deadly? Nipah’s high lethality comes from neurological damage, as seizures, coma, personality changes and respiratory failure develop in about half of severe cases fatally. It triggers rapid encephalitis, with survivors risking late relapses even years later. Also Read: ‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka

Sources at the private hospital in Barasat said the woman nurse was among the two nursing staff members infected with Nipah and had been under treatment for several weeks. She had tested negative for the virus recently, but her condition remained critical and kept deteriorating.

West Bengal reports 1st Nipah-related death, as 25-year-old woman nurse succumbs

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday (February 12) rejected media reports suggesting that the probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash had been completed, calling such claims “incorrect and speculative.” In a statement, the aviation investigation authority, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, stressed that inquiries into the June 2025 tragedy remain ongoing. It stressed that no definitive findings have been issued so far.&nbsp;The clarification follows a report by Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which claimed that investigators had ruled out any technical malfunction involving the aircraft’s fuel switches. The publication, citing sources from Western aviation agencies, suggested that the crash may have resulted from an “intentional act,” alleging that one of the pilots switched off both fuel controls before the aircraft went down. Refuting these assertions, the AAIB reiterated that the investigation has not reached any final stage and warned against drawing premature conclusions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dac-approves-114-rafale-jets-from-france-for-iaf-90-to-be-manufactured-in-india-1770899769494">DAC approves 114 Rafale jets from France for IAF; 90 to be manufactured in India</a>&nbsp;Air India Flight 171, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, moments after takeoff. The aircraft lost power in both engines and descended within 32 seconds, striking a medical students’ hostel. Of the 242 people on board, 241 lost their lives. Several individuals on the ground were also killed, taking the total death toll to 260.&nbsp;In the aftermath of the disaster, Air India has started returning personal belongings recovered from the wreckage to the families of victims. The airline confirmed that thousands of items, including clothing, jewellery, travel papers, electronic gadgets, and other valuables, were retrieved during search operations at the crash site.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-votes-first-time-since-hasina-s-ouster-as-bnp-faces-jamaat-challenge-1770900267156/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-votes-first-time-since-hasina-s-ouster-as-bnp-faces-jamaat-challenge-1770900267156/embed</a>&nbsp;According to the airline, each recovered item was catalogued and preserved before efforts were made to identify and match them with the rightful families. The handover process is being conducted in coordination with local authorities and consular representatives, especially in cases involving relatives living abroad. Families are being approached individually and provided with details about how and when the belongings will be returned. While the initiative aims to offer some measure of closure, it has also drawn scrutiny and raised concerns among affected families.

'Incorrect and speculative': AAIB denies report claiming investigation in Air India AI-171 crash is complete

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday (February 12) rejected media reports suggesting that the probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash had been completed, calling such claims “incorrect and speculative.” In a statement, the aviation investigation authority, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, stressed that inquiries into the June 2025 tragedy remain ongoing. It stressed that no definitive findings have been issued so far. The clarification follows a report by Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which claimed that investigators had ruled out any technical malfunction involving the aircraft’s fuel switches. The publication, citing sources from Western aviation agencies, suggested that the crash may have resulted from an “intentional act,” alleging that one of the pilots switched off both fuel controls before the aircraft went down. Refuting these assertions, the AAIB reiterated that the investigation has not reached any final stage and warned against drawing premature conclusions. Also Read: DAC approves 114 Rafale jets from France for IAF; 90 to be manufactured in India Air India Flight 171, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, moments after takeoff. The aircraft lost power in both engines and descended within 32 seconds, striking a medical students’ hostel. Of the 242 people on board, 241 lost their lives. Several individuals on the ground were also killed, taking the total death toll to 260. In the aftermath of the disaster, Air India has started returning personal belongings recovered from the wreckage to the families of victims. The airline confirmed that thousands of items, including clothing, jewellery, travel papers, electronic gadgets, and other valuables, were retrieved during search operations at the crash site. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-votes-first-time-since-hasina-s-ouster-as-bnp-faces-jamaat-challenge-1770900267156/embed According to the airline, each recovered item was catalogued and preserved before efforts were made to identify and match them with the rightful families. The handover process is being conducted in coordination with local authorities and consular representatives, especially in cases involving relatives living abroad. Families are being approached individually and provided with details about how and when the belongings will be returned. While the initiative aims to offer some measure of closure, it has also drawn scrutiny and raised concerns among affected families.

AAIB rejects claims that the Air India AI-171 crash investigation is complete, saying the probe remains ongoing with no final findings yet

With barely two months to go for the assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, the DMK Government in the Southern Indian state shared a report card on the Investment-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) inked over their five-year tenure. At an event titled 'Conversion Conclave' 2026, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said that the state government had inked 1179 MoUs, with a total investment potential of ₹12.37lakh crore(over $136bn) and projected creation of 36.52 lakh jobs, between 2021 and 2026. "867 of 1179 MoUs inked have reached an advanced stage, and the conversion rate is 73.53 per cent. Of this, 35.11 per cent are in operation," Rajaa added.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/our-missiles-are-not-subject-of-negotiation-will-not-be-iran-dismisses-trump-s-desire-to-include-tehran-ballistic-missiles-in-nuclear-weapon-talks-1770814257366">‘Our missiles are not subject of negotiation, will not be’: Iran dismisses Trump’s desire to include Tehran ballistic missiles in nuke talks</a>Speaking on the economic impact of these investments, Rajaa listed out that Tamil Nadu had recorded an 11.19 per cent &nbsp;Gross State Domestic Product(GSDP) growth in FY2025, 2x growth in exports in a year($52.07bn), 36 per cent growth in electronics exports in five years, and 14.74 per cent manufacturing growth in a year. "Our focus is on jobs, not just investment numbers. We look at how many jobs, the quality of jobs, location of jobs. There have been 29.63 lakh Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) additions since 2021," he said.In what he termed a roadmap for the future, Rajaa highlighted that the state would emphasise products and R&amp;D, high-quality job creation, while focusing on shipbuilding, life sciences, AI, deep tech, semiconductors, and tourism, among others. He also said that the DMK Government believed in "inclusive, distributive growth, where women are empowered, youth are skilled, and development is spread across all regions of the state. &nbsp;Speaking at the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the investment progress report shared by his government is a response to their critics. Tamil Nadu's Opposition AIADMK has been attacking Stalin's government over its investment and job generation data, while also questioning the results of the Chief Minister's foreign tours.&nbsp; He added that the inaugurations of 52 new facilities and 71 groundbreakings for upcoming ones have been carried out during the 'Conversion Conclave 2026'. During the event, the government signed a ₹5,000 crore MoU with Bharat Biotech to set up a biosimilars manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram district, with the potential to create 5,000 jobs. Further, an agreement was signed with Hyundai Motor India Foundation to set up a skill development centre to impart future-ready skills to 7,000 students.

Ahead of Tamil Nadu polls 2026, the DMK government claimed 1,179 MoUs worth ₹12.37 lakh crore and 36.52 lakh jobs, highlighting strong GSDP, export growth and a 73.53 per cent conversion rate.

With barely two months to go for the assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, the DMK Government in the Southern Indian state shared a report card on the Investment-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) inked over their five-year tenure. At an event titled 'Conversion Conclave' 2026, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said that the state government had inked 1179 MoUs, with a total investment potential of ₹12.37lakh crore(over $136bn) and projected creation of 36.52 lakh jobs, between 2021 and 2026. "867 of 1179 MoUs inked have reached an advanced stage, and the conversion rate is 73.53 per cent. Of this, 35.11 per cent are in operation," Rajaa added. Also read: ‘Our missiles are not subject of negotiation, will not be’: Iran dismisses Trump’s desire to include Tehran ballistic missiles in nuke talks Speaking on the economic impact of these investments, Rajaa listed out that Tamil Nadu had recorded an 11.19 per cent Gross State Domestic Product(GSDP) growth in FY2025, 2x growth in exports in a year($52.07bn), 36 per cent growth in electronics exports in five years, and 14.74 per cent manufacturing growth in a year. "Our focus is on jobs, not just investment numbers. We look at how many jobs, the quality of jobs, location of jobs. There have been 29.63 lakh Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) additions since 2021," he said. In what he termed a roadmap for the future, Rajaa highlighted that the state would emphasise products and R&D, high-quality job creation, while focusing on shipbuilding, life sciences, AI, deep tech, semiconductors, and tourism, among others. He also said that the DMK Government believed in "inclusive, distributive growth, where women are empowered, youth are skilled, and development is spread across all regions of the state. Speaking at the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that the investment progress report shared by his government is a response to their critics. Tamil Nadu's Opposition AIADMK has been attacking Stalin's government over its investment and job generation data, while also questioning the results of the Chief Minister's foreign tours. He added that the inaugurations of 52 new facilities and 71 groundbreakings for upcoming ones have been carried out during the 'Conversion Conclave 2026'. During the event, the government signed a ₹5,000 crore MoU with Bharat Biotech to set up a biosimilars manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram district, with the potential to create 5,000 jobs. Further, an agreement was signed with Hyundai Motor India Foundation to set up a skill development centre to impart future-ready skills to 7,000 students.

Ahead of Tamil Nadu polls 2026, the DMK government claimed 1,179 MoUs worth ₹12.37 lakh crore and 36.52 lakh jobs, highlighting strong GSDP, export growth and a 73.53 per cent conversion rate.

In poll-bound Tamil Nadu, DMK govt shares report card on investment MoUs

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is introducing On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books starting with the 2026 board examinations in a bid to speed up evaluation and improve transparency. However, Class 10 answer books will be evaluated in physical mode this year. Under the new system, answer sheets will be scanned and checked on computer screens instead of being physically sent to examiners. Exams are due to begin on February 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations across India and 26 countries annually, catering to nearly 46 lakh students, which makes evaluation an immensely huge and time-intensive exercise.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bnp-chief-tarique-rahman-demands-prompt-announcement-of-election-results-1770898997185">BNP chief Tarique Rahman demands prompt announcement of election results</a>&nbsp;Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, made the announcement, saying the Board is introducing On-Screen Marking as part of its continuous efforts to improve efficiency and enhance transparency in the evaluation of answer sheets.&nbsp;As per the February 9 official communication, the initiative will significantly streamline evaluation while reducing dependence on manual processes.&nbsp;<h2>Why is CBSE moving to On-Screen Marking?</h2>&nbsp;There are several reasons behind the CBSE’s major shift, including faster evaluation through wider participation of teachers across affiliated schools and complete elimination of totalling errors, as marks will now be calculated automatically.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanpur-lamborghini-crash-tobacco-tycoon-s-son-shivam-mishra-arrested-after-4-days-gets-bail-in-hours-1770895141801">Kanpur Lamborghini crash: Tobacco tycoon’s son, Shivam Mishra, arrested after 4 days, gets bail in hours</a>&nbsp;Besides, it will reduce manual intervention and scope for mistakes, besides reducing manpower requirements for verification-related work, therby speeding up final result processing.The move will also help save transportation time and costs, as physical answer books will not need to be moved. Teachers can also now remain in their own schools and continue regular duties while evaluating.It will also enable the involvement of teachers from CBSE-affiliated schools globally, not limited by geography.&nbsp;The new system is also environmentally friendly, as it will reduce the use of paper and transportation, making the process more sustainable.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a><h2>What infrastructure will be needed in schools for digital evaluation</h2>&nbsp;CBSE has asked schools to ensure technical readiness to ensure smooth implementation of On-Screen Marking, and directed them to have a computer lab with a Public Static IP, as per affiliation bye-laws.The board has also told schools that they should have PCs or laptops with Windows OS 8 or above, at least 4 GB RAM, and 1 GB free space on the C drive. The systems should also have updated internet browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Internet Explorer, and Adobe Reader must be installed on them.Besides, they should have reliable internet connectivity with a minimum speed of 2 Mbps and an uninterrupted power supply.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a><h2>How will CBSE help schools and teachers prepare for the transition?</h2>&nbsp;CBSE has also outlined several support measures to help schools and teachers adapt to the new system. It will conduct dry runs and training sessions and set up a call centre to resolve technical issues. It will also release instructional videos to explain how the system works.CBSE will also share detailed guidelines separately to ensure that schools complete preparations on time.&nbsp;It will also allow all teachers with OASIS IDs to log in and familiarise themselves with the OSM platform.&nbsp;

The CBSE decision to introduce On-Screen Marking for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books will also help save transportation time and costs, as physical answer books will not need to be moved. Teachers can also remain in their own schools and continue regular duties while evaluating.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is introducing On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books starting with the 2026 board examinations in a bid to speed up evaluation and improve transparency. However, Class 10 answer books will be evaluated in physical mode this year. Under the new system, answer sheets will be scanned and checked on computer screens instead of being physically sent to examiners. Exams are due to begin on February 17. CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations across India and 26 countries annually, catering to nearly 46 lakh students, which makes evaluation an immensely huge and time-intensive exercise. Also Read: BNP chief Tarique Rahman demands prompt announcement of election results Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, made the announcement, saying the Board is introducing On-Screen Marking as part of its continuous efforts to improve efficiency and enhance transparency in the evaluation of answer sheets. As per the February 9 official communication, the initiative will significantly streamline evaluation while reducing dependence on manual processes. Why is CBSE moving to On-Screen Marking? There are several reasons behind the CBSE’s major shift, including faster evaluation through wider participation of teachers across affiliated schools and complete elimination of totalling errors, as marks will now be calculated automatically. Also Read: Kanpur Lamborghini crash: Tobacco tycoon’s son, Shivam Mishra, arrested after 4 days, gets bail in hours Besides, it will reduce manual intervention and scope for mistakes, besides reducing manpower requirements for verification-related work, therby speeding up final result processing. The move will also help save transportation time and costs, as physical answer books will not need to be moved. Teachers can also now remain in their own schools and continue regular duties while evaluating. It will also enable the involvement of teachers from CBSE-affiliated schools globally, not limited by geography. The new system is also environmentally friendly, as it will reduce the use of paper and transportation, making the process more sustainable. Also Read: ‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif What infrastructure will be needed in schools for digital evaluation CBSE has asked schools to ensure technical readiness to ensure smooth implementation of On-Screen Marking, and directed them to have a computer lab with a Public Static IP, as per affiliation bye-laws. The board has also told schools that they should have PCs or laptops with Windows OS 8 or above, at least 4 GB RAM, and 1 GB free space on the C drive. The systems should also have updated internet browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Internet Explorer, and Adobe Reader must be installed on them. Besides, they should have reliable internet connectivity with a minimum speed of 2 Mbps and an uninterrupted power supply. Also Read: ‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka How will CBSE help schools and teachers prepare for the transition? CBSE has also outlined several support measures to help schools and teachers adapt to the new system. It will conduct dry runs and training sessions and set up a call centre to resolve technical issues. It will also release instructional videos to explain how the system works. CBSE will also share detailed guidelines separately to ensure that schools complete preparations on time. It will also allow all teachers with OASIS IDs to log in and familiarise themselves with the OSM platform.

The CBSE decision to introduce On-Screen Marking for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books will also help save transportation time and costs, as physical answer books will not need to be moved. Teachers can also remain in their own schools and continue regular duties while evaluating.

CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026: What is the new On-Screen Marking (OSM)? How will it affect students and results?

Jaahnavi Kandula death: Kin of Indian student, killed by US police officer, awarded $29mn settlement

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday (February 12) approved a major proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through an inter-governmental agreement. Of these, 90 jets are expected to be produced in India, according to reports. The decision comes just ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to India, scheduled from February 17 to 19.&nbsp;Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC also sanctioned the acquisition of six additional P-8I maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy from the United States. In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for multiple defence projects amounting to approximately Rs 3.60 lakh crore. Besides the Rafale jets and P-8I aircraft, approvals were also granted for combat missile systems and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) platforms.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-deal-mea-responds-to-changes-in-wh-fact-sheet-says-joint-statement-based-on-shared-understanding-1770896562375">India-US trade deal: MEA responds to changes in WH fact sheet, says 'joint statement based on shared understanding'</a>&nbsp;Under the proposed arrangement, 18 Rafale aircraft will be delivered directly by Dassault Aviation in flyaway condition, while the remaining 96 will be manufactured domestically. Reports suggest that the indigenous content requirement, initially discussed at 30 per cent, has now been increased to nearly 50 per cent following commercial negotiations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/madagascar-cyclone-over-250-000-people-affected-by-cyclone-gezani-1770899383209/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/madagascar-cyclone-over-250-000-people-affected-by-cyclone-gezani-1770899383209/embed</a>&nbsp;India will also retain complete freedom to integrate locally developed weapons and systems into the aircraft. The proposal must now receive final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before the deal is formally concluded. Currently, the IAF operates 36 Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, the Indian Navy has ordered 26 Rafale-M variants for deployment on aircraft carriers. Once the new acquisition is completed, India’s total Rafale fleet is expected to reach 176 aircraft, improving operational efficiency while reducing training and logistical overheads.

DAC approves 114 Rafale jets from France for IAF; 90 to be manufactured in India

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday (February 12) approved a major proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through an inter-governmental agreement. Of these, 90 jets are expected to be produced in India, according to reports. The decision comes just ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to India, scheduled from February 17 to 19. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC also sanctioned the acquisition of six additional P-8I maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy from the United States. In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for multiple defence projects amounting to approximately Rs 3.60 lakh crore. Besides the Rafale jets and P-8I aircraft, approvals were also granted for combat missile systems and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) platforms. Also Read: India-US trade deal: MEA responds to changes in WH fact sheet, says 'joint statement based on shared understanding' Under the proposed arrangement, 18 Rafale aircraft will be delivered directly by Dassault Aviation in flyaway condition, while the remaining 96 will be manufactured domestically. Reports suggest that the indigenous content requirement, initially discussed at 30 per cent, has now been increased to nearly 50 per cent following commercial negotiations. https://www.wionews.com/videos/madagascar-cyclone-over-250-000-people-affected-by-cyclone-gezani-1770899383209/embed India will also retain complete freedom to integrate locally developed weapons and systems into the aircraft. The proposal must now receive final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before the deal is formally concluded. Currently, the IAF operates 36 Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, the Indian Navy has ordered 26 Rafale-M variants for deployment on aircraft carriers. Once the new acquisition is completed, India’s total Rafale fleet is expected to reach 176 aircraft, improving operational efficiency while reducing training and logistical overheads.

The DAC on Thursday (February 12) cleared the purchase of 114 Rafale jets, 90 to be made in India, along with six P-8I aircraft; total Rafale fleet to rise to 176

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that recent changes made to the White House fact sheet on the India-US trade deal are consistent with the mutual understanding reached by both countries. Addressing the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the joint statement issued by New Delhi and Washington remains the foundation of the interim trade framework. He said that the changes introduced in the US document align with what was jointly agreed upon.&nbsp;According to Jaiswal, both countries had settled on a joint statement outlining the framework for an interim pact centered on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. He reiterated that this document continues to serve as the guiding basis for shared commitments, and the revised US fact sheet reflects that agreed position.<h2>What were the changes in the White House document?</h2>A few days after the joint statement announcing the trade understanding was released on February 7, the White House published a fact sheet on February 9 providing additional details about the “historic” deal. However, the document was updated the following day, February 10, with several notable modifications. One significant change was the removal of “certain pulses” from the list of agricultural products on which India was expected to lower or eliminate tariffs. The earlier version had included items such as dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, specific pulses, soybean oil, wine, and spirits, along with all US industrial goods.&nbsp;Another revision involved digital services taxation. The updated fact sheet no longer mentions India's removal of its digital services levy. India had already withdrawn its 6% equalisation levy on digital advertising services, effective April 1, 2025, making the reference redundant. Additionally, language regarding India’s financial commitments was softened. The earlier version suggested India would invest $500 billion in American energy products, aircraft, precious metals, and other goods. The revised document now states that India “intends to buy” more American products, replacing the stronger language about investment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-needs-to-grow-up-hardeep-puri-hits-back-at-rahul-gandhi-over-epstein-mention-calls-it-politics-by-innuendo-1770889539798">'Needs to grow up': Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein mention, calls it 'politics by innuendo'</a><h2>Background on the trade deal between India and the US</h2>The trade understanding comes after extended negotiations between the two countries amid heightened trade tensions linked to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The agreement was first hinted at by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor before being confirmed by President Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. The February 7 joint statement laid out the roadmap for an interim trade arrangement, which will serve as a stepping stone toward a comprehensive bilateral trade deal in the future.<h2>MEA responds on UN report flagging role of JeM</h2>On a United Nations report flagging the role of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the blast near Red Fort last year, MEA said, "On the report of the monitoring team, this particular report is available in the public domain. This was the 37th report of the Analytical and Support Sanctions Monitoring Team, published on 4th February 2026. We have seen that they have taken on board India’s inputs regarding our concerns on cross-border terrorism and also as to how we can strengthen the global fight against terrorism."

India-US trade deal: MEA responds to changes in WH fact sheet, says 'joint statement based on shared understanding'

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that recent changes made to the White House fact sheet on the India-US trade deal are consistent with the mutual understanding reached by both countries. Addressing the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the joint statement issued by New Delhi and Washington remains the foundation of the interim trade framework. He said that the changes introduced in the US document align with what was jointly agreed upon. According to Jaiswal, both countries had settled on a joint statement outlining the framework for an interim pact centered on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. He reiterated that this document continues to serve as the guiding basis for shared commitments, and the revised US fact sheet reflects that agreed position. What were the changes in the White House document? A few days after the joint statement announcing the trade understanding was released on February 7, the White House published a fact sheet on February 9 providing additional details about the “historic” deal. However, the document was updated the following day, February 10, with several notable modifications. One significant change was the removal of “certain pulses” from the list of agricultural products on which India was expected to lower or eliminate tariffs. The earlier version had included items such as dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, specific pulses, soybean oil, wine, and spirits, along with all US industrial goods. Another revision involved digital services taxation. The updated fact sheet no longer mentions India's removal of its digital services levy. India had already withdrawn its 6% equalisation levy on digital advertising services, effective April 1, 2025, making the reference redundant. Additionally, language regarding India’s financial commitments was softened. The earlier version suggested India would invest $500 billion in American energy products, aircraft, precious metals, and other goods. The revised document now states that India “intends to buy” more American products, replacing the stronger language about investment. Also Read: 'Needs to grow up': Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein mention, calls it 'politics by innuendo' Background on the trade deal between India and the US The trade understanding comes after extended negotiations between the two countries amid heightened trade tensions linked to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The agreement was first hinted at by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor before being confirmed by President Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. The February 7 joint statement laid out the roadmap for an interim trade arrangement, which will serve as a stepping stone toward a comprehensive bilateral trade deal in the future. MEA responds on UN report flagging role of JeM On a United Nations report flagging the role of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the blast near Red Fort last year, MEA said, "On the report of the monitoring team, this particular report is available in the public domain. This was the 37th report of the Analytical and Support Sanctions Monitoring Team, published on 4th February 2026. We have seen that they have taken on board India’s inputs regarding our concerns on cross-border terrorism and also as to how we can strengthen the global fight against terrorism."

MEA in its weekly briefing on Thursday (February 12), said White House changes to the India-US trade fact sheet match the joint statement and reflect both countries’ shared understanding

In a disturbing incident that has raised serious questions about police accountability in Pune, a Bangladeshi woman who approached the Faraskhana Police Station seeking rescue from alleged forced prostitution was reportedly sent back to the very brothel she was trying to escape. According to initial information, the woman walked into the police station claiming she was being forced into sex work in the city’s notorious Budhwar Peth red-light area.&nbsp;She told officers that she had been trafficked and was being exploited against her will. Fearing for her safety, she requested immediate protection and help to escape the brothel. However, instead of being treated as a victim of trafficking and exploitation, the woman was allegedly taken by a woman constable to a nearby police outpost. Sources claim that after suspected discussions with the brothel operator, the constable handed the woman back to the same establishment she had accused of forcing her into prostitution.&nbsp;The incident reportedly came to light after local activists and senior officials were alerted. Following this, the Pune Police initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. The preliminary findings pointed to serious negligence and misconduct in handling a sensitive trafficking complaint. Taking swift action, Deputy Commissioner of Police Hrishikesh Rawale suspended the accused woman constable, identified as Manisha Pukale. Officials have stated that a detailed departmental inquiry is underway to determine whether there was deliberate collusion or procedural failure.&nbsp;The case has sparked outrage among social activists and anti-trafficking groups, who argue that such actions not only endanger victims but also discourage others from seeking help. Budhwar Peth has long been under scrutiny for illegal trafficking networks operating under the guise of sex work.&nbsp;Senior police officials have assured that strict action will be taken if wrongdoing is established and that the victim’s safety will be prioritised. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger victim-protection mechanisms and greater sensitivity in handling cases of human trafficking. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Bangladeshi woman seeking rescue from brothel returned by Pune police, inquiry launched

In a disturbing incident that has raised serious questions about police accountability in Pune, a Bangladeshi woman who approached the Faraskhana Police Station seeking rescue from alleged forced prostitution was reportedly sent back to the very brothel she was trying to escape. According to initial information, the woman walked into the police station claiming she was being forced into sex work in the city’s notorious Budhwar Peth red-light area. She told officers that she had been trafficked and was being exploited against her will. Fearing for her safety, she requested immediate protection and help to escape the brothel. However, instead of being treated as a victim of trafficking and exploitation, the woman was allegedly taken by a woman constable to a nearby police outpost. Sources claim that after suspected discussions with the brothel operator, the constable handed the woman back to the same establishment she had accused of forcing her into prostitution. The incident reportedly came to light after local activists and senior officials were alerted. Following this, the Pune Police initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. The preliminary findings pointed to serious negligence and misconduct in handling a sensitive trafficking complaint. Taking swift action, Deputy Commissioner of Police Hrishikesh Rawale suspended the accused woman constable, identified as Manisha Pukale. Officials have stated that a detailed departmental inquiry is underway to determine whether there was deliberate collusion or procedural failure. The case has sparked outrage among social activists and anti-trafficking groups, who argue that such actions not only endanger victims but also discourage others from seeking help. Budhwar Peth has long been under scrutiny for illegal trafficking networks operating under the guise of sex work. Senior police officials have assured that strict action will be taken if wrongdoing is established and that the victim’s safety will be prioritised. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger victim-protection mechanisms and greater sensitivity in handling cases of human trafficking. The investigation is currently ongoing.

The incident reportedly came to light after local activists and senior officials were alerted. Following this, the Pune Police initiated an internal inquiry into the matter

Shivam Mishra, son of tobacco tycoon KK Mishra, was arrested on Thursday by Kanpur Police in connection with the high-speed Lamborghini crash that left three people injured four days after the accident but was released by the court within hours. Shivam was presented in court and was released on a personal bond of Rs 20,000. His lawyer, Naresh Chandra Tripathi, said, “... The court has refused the remand. He (Shivam Mishra) is being released now, on an undertaking of Rs 20,000 and a personal bond of Rs 20,000. The police were working under pressure from the government... Police had wrongly arrested him (Shivam Mishra)...”&nbsp;Kanpur Police had managed to arrest Shivam on Thursday, four days after the Lamborghini crash.&nbsp;Initially, the FIR was registered against an unidentified driver but was later amended to name Shivam as the accused. The luxury car was seized for forensic examination.&nbsp;<h2>Police insist Shivam was driving the Lamborghini &nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Police said that Shivam was driving the high-end luxury vehicle at the time of the accident. Cops had sought a 14-day remand of Shivam. During the court hearing, the officials said that Shivam was arrested for non-cooperation in the investigation and evading police.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-congress-govt-surrendered-before-wto-sold-farmers-says-sitharaman-counters-rahul-gandhi-s-charges-1770833732127">‘Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold farmers,’ says Sitharaman, counters Rahul Gandhi’s charges&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;After Shivam’s arrest, DCP Central Kanpur Atul Kumar Srivastava told reporters that police had received specific inputs about his presence in the city, and so five teams were constituted to track him down.He added that the investigation has confirmed that Mishra was behind the wheel of the Lamborghini at the time of the accident.Shivam was taken for a routine medical checkup before being presented before the court. Visuals that surfaced shortly after Shivam’s arrest showed him limping and leaning on police personnel and others for support as he was escorted for a medical check-up.&nbsp;<h2>Police officer removed for alleged procedural lapses in probe</h2>&nbsp;Shivam was arrested a day after police took disciplinary action against a local Station House Officer for alleged procedural lapses. Gwaltoli SHO Santosh Gaur was removed from his post.&nbsp;The accident took place on VIP Road near Ring Wala Chauraha on Sunday when the Lamborghini Revuelto hit an autorickshaw and a stationary motorcycle before mounting the pavement and striking pedestrians.Autorickshaw driver Tauseef Ahmed and two motorcycle riders, identified as Vishal and Sonu Tripathi, sustained injuries in the crash.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a>&nbsp;Based on Ahmed’s complaint, an FIR was initially registered against an “unidentified driver” under sections related to negligent driving, endangering life, and causing hurt by dangerous means under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Police later said their investigation identified Shivam Mishra as the person behind the wheel and added his name to the case.Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Shivam Mishra was driving at the time of the crash and was pulled out of the car by private security personnel accompanying him. Police said claims that Mishra has an underlying medical condition are being examined as part of the probe.&nbsp;<h2>Lamborghini crash claims and counterclaims</h2>&nbsp;Bystanders alleged that bouncers travelling in another vehicle rushed to the spot, broke open the Lamborghini’s window, and pulled Mishra out. Locals accused them of attempting to remove him from the scene, leading to a scuffle before he was taken to hospital.&nbsp;There was speculation that Mishra may have been under the influence of alcohol but his family has claimed he suffered a seizure while driving.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a><h2>Court refused to accept surrender application of ‘driver’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;On Wednesday, a man, who identified himself as Mohan, turned up at a Kanpur court and claimed he was driving the car at the time of the crash.&nbsp;Mohan said he lost control of the vehicle after Shivam Mishra suffered a seizure and collapsed on him. Mishra’s family had claimed he suffers from epilepsy.“I was driving the car when the accident happened. Suddenly, he had a seizure and fell on me… I got scared and was trying to hold him with one hand. The car hit a three-wheeler,” Mohan claimed.In view of the police’s stand, and noting the initial complaint did not name the driver, the court declined to accept Mohan’s surrender.&nbsp;Shivam Mishra is the son of KK Mishra, the owner of Banshidhar Exports Pvt Ltd, who has been under the scanner of the Income Tax Department.&nbsp;In March 2024, the I-T department searched multiple premises in Delhi and Kanpur and found approximately Rs 4.5 crore in cash, besides several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a McLaren, a Porsche, and the Lamborghini involved in this accident.

Senior police officials said that Shivam Mishra was driving the high-end luxury vehicle at the time of the accident. Police had sought a 14-day remand of Shivam and told the court during the hearing that he was arrested for non-cooperation in the investigation and evading police.

Shivam Mishra, son of tobacco tycoon KK Mishra, was arrested on Thursday by Kanpur Police in connection with the high-speed Lamborghini crash that left three people injured four days after the accident but was released by the court within hours. Shivam was presented in court and was released on a personal bond of Rs 20,000. His lawyer, Naresh Chandra Tripathi, said, “... The court has refused the remand. He (Shivam Mishra) is being released now, on an undertaking of Rs 20,000 and a personal bond of Rs 20,000. The police were working under pressure from the government... Police had wrongly arrested him (Shivam Mishra)...” Kanpur Police had managed to arrest Shivam on Thursday, four days after the Lamborghini crash. Initially, the FIR was registered against an unidentified driver but was later amended to name Shivam as the accused. The luxury car was seized for forensic examination. Police insist Shivam was driving the Lamborghini Police said that Shivam was driving the high-end luxury vehicle at the time of the accident. Cops had sought a 14-day remand of Shivam. During the court hearing, the officials said that Shivam was arrested for non-cooperation in the investigation and evading police. Also Read: ‘Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold farmers,’ says Sitharaman, counters Rahul Gandhi’s charges After Shivam’s arrest, DCP Central Kanpur Atul Kumar Srivastava told reporters that police had received specific inputs about his presence in the city, and so five teams were constituted to track him down. He added that the investigation has confirmed that Mishra was behind the wheel of the Lamborghini at the time of the accident. Shivam was taken for a routine medical checkup before being presented before the court. Visuals that surfaced shortly after Shivam’s arrest showed him limping and leaning on police personnel and others for support as he was escorted for a medical check-up. Police officer removed for alleged procedural lapses in probe Shivam was arrested a day after police took disciplinary action against a local Station House Officer for alleged procedural lapses. Gwaltoli SHO Santosh Gaur was removed from his post. The accident took place on VIP Road near Ring Wala Chauraha on Sunday when the Lamborghini Revuelto hit an autorickshaw and a stationary motorcycle before mounting the pavement and striking pedestrians. Autorickshaw driver Tauseef Ahmed and two motorcycle riders, identified as Vishal and Sonu Tripathi, sustained injuries in the crash. Also Read: ‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Based on Ahmed’s complaint, an FIR was initially registered against an “unidentified driver” under sections related to negligent driving, endangering life, and causing hurt by dangerous means under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Police later said their investigation identified Shivam Mishra as the person behind the wheel and added his name to the case. Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Shivam Mishra was driving at the time of the crash and was pulled out of the car by private security personnel accompanying him. Police said claims that Mishra has an underlying medical condition are being examined as part of the probe. Lamborghini crash claims and counterclaims Bystanders alleged that bouncers travelling in another vehicle rushed to the spot, broke open the Lamborghini’s window, and pulled Mishra out. Locals accused them of attempting to remove him from the scene, leading to a scuffle before he was taken to hospital. There was speculation that Mishra may have been under the influence of alcohol but his family has claimed he suffered a seizure while driving. Also Read: ‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka Court refused to accept surrender application of ‘driver’ On Wednesday, a man, who identified himself as Mohan, turned up at a Kanpur court and claimed he was driving the car at the time of the crash. Mohan said he lost control of the vehicle after Shivam Mishra suffered a seizure and collapsed on him. Mishra’s family had claimed he suffers from epilepsy. “I was driving the car when the accident happened. Suddenly, he had a seizure and fell on me… I got scared and was trying to hold him with one hand. The car hit a three-wheeler,” Mohan claimed. In view of the police’s stand, and noting the initial complaint did not name the driver, the court declined to accept Mohan’s surrender. Shivam Mishra is the son of KK Mishra, the owner of Banshidhar Exports Pvt Ltd, who has been under the scanner of the Income Tax Department. In March 2024, the I-T department searched multiple premises in Delhi and Kanpur and found approximately Rs 4.5 crore in cash, besides several luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a McLaren, a Porsche, and the Lamborghini involved in this accident.

Senior police officials said that Shivam Mishra was driving the high-end luxury vehicle at the time of the accident. Police had sought a 14-day remand of Shivam and told the court during the hearing that he was arrested for non-cooperation in the investigation and evading police.

Kanpur Lamborghini crash: Tobacco tycoon’s son, Shivam Mishra, arrested after 4 days, gets bail in hours

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday is probing the disappearance of gold from the Sabarimala temple after collecting fresh samples of artefacts for scientific analysis. The investigation was led by Superintendent of Police (SP) S Sasidharan, who arrived at Pampa base camp in the morning and advanced to Sannidhanam by afternoon.&nbsp;The probe came after the Kerala High Court approved on Monday to collect new samples for examination. Based on the scheduled timing of the Sabarimala, the temple will be open for the monthly pooja at 5 pm on Thursday and close on February 17 at 10 pm. The SIT is likely to collect samples after the closure of the temple, following completion of various poojas at the Sannidhanam.<h3>Donation of gold and theft in the temple</h3>The Sabarimala gold theft case involves allegations that around 4.54 kilograms of gold were misappropriated from sacred temple assets, including the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka idols. The alleged theft took place in 2019, reportedly under the guise of refinishing and re-gold-plating temple structures, according to a report by the news agency ANI.&nbsp;The controversy dates back to a 1998 contribution by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who donated 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for gold plating and cladding at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Later inspections and court-supervised investigations found inconsistencies between the amount of gold donated and the quantity claimed to have been used.&nbsp;Earlier on the same day, former Devaswom Board president N Vasu was granted statutory bail and released from the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub-Jail in connection with the case. He had spent 90 days in custody, and the bail was granted due to the charge sheet not being filed within the stipulated time.&nbsp;In addition, Vasu is the fifth accused to be released in the Sabarimala case, the third accused in the Dwarapalaka gold theft case, and the fifth in the Sreekovil threshold gold theft case.&nbsp;

The Sabarimala gold theft case involves allegations that around 4.54 kilograms of gold were misappropriated from sacred temple assets, including the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka idols.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday is probing the disappearance of gold from the Sabarimala temple after collecting fresh samples of artefacts for scientific analysis. The investigation was led by Superintendent of Police (SP) S Sasidharan, who arrived at Pampa base camp in the morning and advanced to Sannidhanam by afternoon. The probe came after the Kerala High Court approved on Monday to collect new samples for examination. Based on the scheduled timing of the Sabarimala, the temple will be open for the monthly pooja at 5 pm on Thursday and close on February 17 at 10 pm. The SIT is likely to collect samples after the closure of the temple, following completion of various poojas at the Sannidhanam. Donation of gold and theft in the temple The Sabarimala gold theft case involves allegations that around 4.54 kilograms of gold were misappropriated from sacred temple assets, including the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka idols. The alleged theft took place in 2019, reportedly under the guise of refinishing and re-gold-plating temple structures, according to a report by the news agency ANI. The controversy dates back to a 1998 contribution by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who donated 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for gold plating and cladding at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Later inspections and court-supervised investigations found inconsistencies between the amount of gold donated and the quantity claimed to have been used. Earlier on the same day, former Devaswom Board president N Vasu was granted statutory bail and released from the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub-Jail in connection with the case. He had spent 90 days in custody, and the bail was granted due to the charge sheet not being filed within the stipulated time. In addition, Vasu is the fifth accused to be released in the Sabarimala case, the third accused in the Dwarapalaka gold theft case, and the fifth in the Sreekovil threshold gold theft case.

The Sabarimala gold theft case involves allegations that around 4.54 kilograms of gold were misappropriated from sacred temple assets, including the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka idols.

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT reaches temple to collect fresh sample for investigation

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, chaired a high-level joint security review meeting atthe &nbsp;Police Control Room Kashmir in view of the forthcoming important events. The meeting was attended by senior officers of J&amp;K Police, Intelligence Agencies, Army, Railways, and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the Kashmir Zone.IGP Kashmir reviewed the prevailing security situation and took stock of preparedness and coordination measures put in place for the upcoming events. Emphasis was laid on effective intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and sustained public cooperation to maintain peace and security.District Police Chiefs were directed to intensify market checking drives in coordination with the Civil Administration to curb hoarding, black marketing and overpricing of essential commodities. District heads were also instructed to enhance community engagement to ensure the smooth conduct of religious and public events.In view of the anticipated increase in tourist footfall, enhanced security measures were ordered at tourist destinations. Security of railway stations and tracks was reviewed, with directions for intensified patrolling, surveillance and preventive measures, including awareness initiatives to avert mishaps. Security arrangements along the National Highway were also reviewed and directions issued for further strengthening.IGP Kashmir directed all officers to remain vigilant, strengthen intelligence and response mechanisms, and ensure close coordination for the smooth and peaceful conduct of forthcoming events across the Kashmir Valley.

In view of the anticipated increase in tourist footfall, enhanced security measures were ordered at tourist destinations.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, chaired a high-level joint security review meeting atthe Police Control Room Kashmir in view of the forthcoming important events. The meeting was attended by senior officers of J&K Police, Intelligence Agencies, Army, Railways, and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the Kashmir Zone. IGP Kashmir reviewed the prevailing security situation and took stock of preparedness and coordination measures put in place for the upcoming events. Emphasis was laid on effective intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and sustained public cooperation to maintain peace and security. District Police Chiefs were directed to intensify market checking drives in coordination with the Civil Administration to curb hoarding, black marketing and overpricing of essential commodities. District heads were also instructed to enhance community engagement to ensure the smooth conduct of religious and public events. In view of the anticipated increase in tourist footfall, enhanced security measures were ordered at tourist destinations. Security of railway stations and tracks was reviewed, with directions for intensified patrolling, surveillance and preventive measures, including awareness initiatives to avert mishaps. Security arrangements along the National Highway were also reviewed and directions issued for further strengthening. IGP Kashmir directed all officers to remain vigilant, strengthen intelligence and response mechanisms, and ensure close coordination for the smooth and peaceful conduct of forthcoming events across the Kashmir Valley.

In view of the anticipated increase in tourist footfall, enhanced security measures were ordered at tourist destinations.

IGP Kashmir chairs joint security review meeting in Kashmir

Imagine our scientists at ISRO like detectives searching for the perfect place to dig treasure on the Moon. Well, they just found it! They have identified a special location called MM-4 in the Mons Mouton area, right near the Moon’s South Pole. This is where India’s next big space mission, called Chandrayaan-4, will land around 2028. It is like finding the perfect address for your new home—everything has to be just right.&nbsp;Mons Mouton (MM) is a mountain-like highland area near the Moon’s South Pole, and it is considered important because this region may have water ice and safer terrain for future missions.&nbsp;Now, why is this Chandrayaan-4 mission so special and exciting for all of us? Think of it this way: our earlier Moon missions were like sending a camera to take pictures and send them back. But Chandrayaan-4 is different. It is India’s first mission that will actually collect Moon soil and rock pieces and bring them back to Earth. Yes, you read it right—we will have real Moon samples in our Indian laboratories! Scientists will study these samples like examining precious gems under a microscope. The spacecraft will have five special parts working together—first it goes there, then it collects samples, then it launches back, and finally it returns home safely. It is like a perfectly planned operation where everything must work without any mistakes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-japan-annual-summit-pm-modi-hails-isro-jaxa-collaboration-on-chandrayaan-5-mission-1756487042954">India-Japan Annual Summit: PM Modi hails ISRO, JAXA collaboration on Chandrayaan-5 mission</a>&nbsp;So why did our scientists choose the Moon’s South Pole, and specifically this MM-4 spot? Here is the exciting part that affects all of us. The South Pole has special areas that stay in permanent shadow, like the darkest corner of your room that never gets sunlight. These cold, shadowy areas are like natural freezers that have kept water ice trapped there for billions of years. This water ice is not just frozen water—it is treasure! If scientists can find enough of it, we can make drinking water for people, oxygen for them to breathe, and even rocket fuel. Imagine astronauts staying on the Moon without carrying everything from Earth. That is the dream, and it starts with finding this water ice.&nbsp;But landing on the Moon’s South Pole is not easy. The terrain is very rough, with mountains, craters, and huge boulders scattered everywhere, like an obstacle course. A wrong landing can mean disaster—the spacecraft could crash or break. ISRO needed to find a spot that is relatively flat and smooth, gets enough sunlight for solar power to work, is free from dangerous boulders, and has good communication link with Earth. It is like finding a parking space in Mumbai that is not too slanted, not too dark, and not too crowded with obstacles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-japan-discuss-progress-of-chandrayaan-5-lupex-moon-landing-mission-9073130">India and Japan discuss progress of Chandrayaan-5-LUPEX moon landing mission</a>&nbsp;ISRO scientists took high-quality pictures using a special camera on the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft that is still orbiting the Moon. They studied four possible sites like MM-1, MM-3, MM-4, and MM-5. They looked at every detail—the slope angle, the height, how many hazards like rocks and craters were there, and where were the safe flat patches where the lander could touch down. After careful examination, MM-4 emerged as the clear winner. In a one-kilometre area around it, the slope is only about five degrees—that is very gentle, almost like a slightly tilted table. The hazards are the lowest at around nine per cent. There are five hundred and sixty-eight safe spots where the lander can land. It is like comparing four houses for rent, and this MM-4 is the safest one with the best views and strongest foundation.&nbsp;What will India gain from landing here? First is safety—the mission needs to land successfully to collect samples. Second is scientific knowledge—the samples from this highland area near the South Pole will teach us about the Moon’s ancient history, its rocks, and whether water ice really exists nearby. Third is preparation—if we confirm water ice exists here, it will help India plan longer stays on the Moon or even build a base there one day. This would make India a major player in space exploration, earning respect from all nations worldwide.&nbsp;Other countries are watching this spot too. China’s missions have visited different Moon areas. America also wanted to send a rover here to search for ice. The South Pole has become like a hotspot where everyone wants to explore because of the resources it holds. By choosing MM-4, ISRO proves it is making smart, careful decisions using its own Moon data. Success in Chandrayaan-4 will not just bring Moon pieces to our labs but will inspire countless people and open doors to discoveries we cannot imagine today.

ISRO has selected MM-4 near the Moon’s South Pole as its spot for Chandrayaan-4’s 2028 landing. This mission will collect Moon soil and rocks and return to Earth with them, helping India study lunar history and possible water ice.

Imagine our scientists at ISRO like detectives searching for the perfect place to dig treasure on the Moon. Well, they just found it! They have identified a special location called MM-4 in the Mons Mouton area, right near the Moon’s South Pole. This is where India’s next big space mission, called Chandrayaan-4, will land around 2028. It is like finding the perfect address for your new home—everything has to be just right. Mons Mouton (MM) is a mountain-like highland area near the Moon’s South Pole, and it is considered important because this region may have water ice and safer terrain for future missions. Now, why is this Chandrayaan-4 mission so special and exciting for all of us? Think of it this way: our earlier Moon missions were like sending a camera to take pictures and send them back. But Chandrayaan-4 is different. It is India’s first mission that will actually collect Moon soil and rock pieces and bring them back to Earth. Yes, you read it right—we will have real Moon samples in our Indian laboratories! Scientists will study these samples like examining precious gems under a microscope. The spacecraft will have five special parts working together—first it goes there, then it collects samples, then it launches back, and finally it returns home safely. It is like a perfectly planned operation where everything must work without any mistakes. Also Read: India-Japan Annual Summit: PM Modi hails ISRO, JAXA collaboration on Chandrayaan-5 mission So why did our scientists choose the Moon’s South Pole, and specifically this MM-4 spot? Here is the exciting part that affects all of us. The South Pole has special areas that stay in permanent shadow, like the darkest corner of your room that never gets sunlight. These cold, shadowy areas are like natural freezers that have kept water ice trapped there for billions of years. This water ice is not just frozen water—it is treasure! If scientists can find enough of it, we can make drinking water for people, oxygen for them to breathe, and even rocket fuel. Imagine astronauts staying on the Moon without carrying everything from Earth. That is the dream, and it starts with finding this water ice. But landing on the Moon’s South Pole is not easy. The terrain is very rough, with mountains, craters, and huge boulders scattered everywhere, like an obstacle course. A wrong landing can mean disaster—the spacecraft could crash or break. ISRO needed to find a spot that is relatively flat and smooth, gets enough sunlight for solar power to work, is free from dangerous boulders, and has good communication link with Earth. It is like finding a parking space in Mumbai that is not too slanted, not too dark, and not too crowded with obstacles. Also Read: India and Japan discuss progress of Chandrayaan-5-LUPEX moon landing mission ISRO scientists took high-quality pictures using a special camera on the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft that is still orbiting the Moon. They studied four possible sites like MM-1, MM-3, MM-4, and MM-5. They looked at every detail—the slope angle, the height, how many hazards like rocks and craters were there, and where were the safe flat patches where the lander could touch down. After careful examination, MM-4 emerged as the clear winner. In a one-kilometre area around it, the slope is only about five degrees—that is very gentle, almost like a slightly tilted table. The hazards are the lowest at around nine per cent. There are five hundred and sixty-eight safe spots where the lander can land. It is like comparing four houses for rent, and this MM-4 is the safest one with the best views and strongest foundation. What will India gain from landing here? First is safety—the mission needs to land successfully to collect samples. Second is scientific knowledge—the samples from this highland area near the South Pole will teach us about the Moon’s ancient history, its rocks, and whether water ice really exists nearby. Third is preparation—if we confirm water ice exists here, it will help India plan longer stays on the Moon or even build a base there one day. This would make India a major player in space exploration, earning respect from all nations worldwide. Other countries are watching this spot too. China’s missions have visited different Moon areas. America also wanted to send a rover here to search for ice. The South Pole has become like a hotspot where everyone wants to explore because of the resources it holds. By choosing MM-4, ISRO proves it is making smart, careful decisions using its own Moon data. Success in Chandrayaan-4 will not just bring Moon pieces to our labs but will inspire countless people and open doors to discoveries we cannot imagine today.

ISRO has selected MM-4 near the Moon’s South Pole as its spot for Chandrayaan-4’s 2028 landing. This mission will collect Moon soil and rocks and return to Earth with them, helping India study lunar history and possible water ice.

Moon treasure hunt: India finds the perfect location on the map

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi for bringing up his name in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein files during a Parliament session, accusing the Congress leader of immaturity and irresponsible politics. Puri said Gandhi engaged in “innuendo-driven politics” and accused him of making insinuations without proper research. He asserted that he had personally clarified the context in which his name appeared in a small number of emails among millions of documents linked to Epstein. As per Puri, had Gandhi examined the explanation carefully, he would not have raised the matter in the House.&nbsp;Puri dismissed the controversy as a reflection of what he called Gandhi’s lack of seriousness. He argued that Parliament demands informed debate rather than what he described as a “spit-and-fly” style of making allegations without following through. “So, this is not about Epstein. This story is about the lack of maturity and the fact that the Leader of the Opposition, who believes in politics by innuendo and follows a ‘spit and fly’ approach, hasn’t grown up,” Puri was quoted as saying in an interview with India Today.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-rahul-gandhi-to-be-banned-from-contesting-elections-bjp-mp-moves-motion-1770885841345">Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to be banned from contesting elections? BJP MP moves motion</a>&nbsp;The minister further said that public representatives should come prepared with facts and allow space for rebuttal, instead of levelling charges and stepping away from discussion. He emphasised that democratic debate thrives on substance, not suggestion. Taking aim at Gandhi’s criticism of the India-US trade agreement, which the Congress leader had labelled a “wholesale surrender”, Puri accused him of being resentful of India’s progress. He said such allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi were baseless and politically motivated.&nbsp;Puri also echoed remarks made by his colleague Kiren Rijiju, asserting that claims of the Prime Minister compromising national interests were unfounded. He characterised Gandhi’s conduct in Parliament as theatrical rather than constructive. Addressing the Epstein link directly, Puri clarified that his name appears in just two emails out of nearly three million documents made public. He explained that during his tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United States between 2009 and 2017, he met Epstein on four occasions over eight years. These interactions, he said, were connected to his role as Secretary General of the Independent Commission for Multilateralism under the International Peace Institute.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-says-island-not-a-us-bargaining-chip-urges-40bn-defence-boost-1770879558287/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-says-island-not-a-us-bargaining-chip-urges-40bn-defence-boost-1770879558287/embed</a>&nbsp;As ambassador, Puri said, he routinely met a wide range of individuals in an official capacity. He claimed that one of the meetings with Epstein occurred unexpectedly as part of a delegation and stressed that he and others distanced themselves once serious concerns about Epstein surfaced. He denied any inappropriate dealings and clarified that an email exchange referenced in media reports related to discussions about investment prospects in India and advice given to LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman regarding the expansion of Indian-language content.

Hardeep Singh Puri rebuts Rahul Gandhi over Epstein mention in Parliament, calling it immature politics and clarifying limited official interactions

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi for bringing up his name in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein files during a Parliament session, accusing the Congress leader of immaturity and irresponsible politics. Puri said Gandhi engaged in “innuendo-driven politics” and accused him of making insinuations without proper research. He asserted that he had personally clarified the context in which his name appeared in a small number of emails among millions of documents linked to Epstein. As per Puri, had Gandhi examined the explanation carefully, he would not have raised the matter in the House. Puri dismissed the controversy as a reflection of what he called Gandhi’s lack of seriousness. He argued that Parliament demands informed debate rather than what he described as a “spit-and-fly” style of making allegations without following through. “So, this is not about Epstein. This story is about the lack of maturity and the fact that the Leader of the Opposition, who believes in politics by innuendo and follows a ‘spit and fly’ approach, hasn’t grown up,” Puri was quoted as saying in an interview with India Today. Also Read: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to be banned from contesting elections? BJP MP moves motion The minister further said that public representatives should come prepared with facts and allow space for rebuttal, instead of levelling charges and stepping away from discussion. He emphasised that democratic debate thrives on substance, not suggestion. Taking aim at Gandhi’s criticism of the India-US trade agreement, which the Congress leader had labelled a “wholesale surrender”, Puri accused him of being resentful of India’s progress. He said such allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi were baseless and politically motivated. Puri also echoed remarks made by his colleague Kiren Rijiju, asserting that claims of the Prime Minister compromising national interests were unfounded. He characterised Gandhi’s conduct in Parliament as theatrical rather than constructive. Addressing the Epstein link directly, Puri clarified that his name appears in just two emails out of nearly three million documents made public. He explained that during his tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United States between 2009 and 2017, he met Epstein on four occasions over eight years. These interactions, he said, were connected to his role as Secretary General of the Independent Commission for Multilateralism under the International Peace Institute. https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-says-island-not-a-us-bargaining-chip-urges-40bn-defence-boost-1770879558287/embed As ambassador, Puri said, he routinely met a wide range of individuals in an official capacity. He claimed that one of the meetings with Epstein occurred unexpectedly as part of a delegation and stressed that he and others distanced themselves once serious concerns about Epstein surfaced. He denied any inappropriate dealings and clarified that an email exchange referenced in media reports related to discussions about investment prospects in India and advice given to LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman regarding the expansion of Indian-language content.

Hardeep Singh Puri rebuts Rahul Gandhi over Epstein mention in Parliament, calling it immature politics and clarifying limited official interactions

'Needs to grow up': Hardeep Puri hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Epstein mention, calls it 'politics by innuendo'

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday (Feb 12) moved a motion in the Lok Sabha against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, seeking termination of his parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban on him on contesting elections. This comes after Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha on Feb 11 when he accused the Centre of “selling” the country by signing various trade deals. He also slammed Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gandhi is also embroiled in a controversy regarding former Army Chief MM Naravane's “unpublished book.” &nbsp;"I have moved a motion in Lok Sabha today against Rahul Gandhi on how he is misleading the nation with the help of forces like (George) Soros, who want to harm the nation. In the motion I have moved, I have requested that Rahul Gandhi's membership should be terminated and he should be barred for life from contesting elections," Dubey told ANI.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-are-you-not-ashamed-rahul-gandhi-questions-pm-s-era-of-war-is-over-stance-hits-out-at-india-us-trade-deal-1770796969677">‘Are you not ashamed?’ Rahul Gandhi questions PM's 'era of war is over' stance, hits out at India-US trade deal</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech</h2>Gandhi spoke in Lok Sabha on Feb 11 and criticised that the Prime Minister (PM) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) for claiming that the era of war is over. He cited Iran, Ukraine, Gaza war and also mentioned Operation Sindoor to substantiate his claims. He also targeted the Centre for US-India trade deal. "No PM has ever done such a thing, and even no PM after Modi would do such a thing. How can you come to this house and talk this kind of nonsense? Are you not ashamed of yourself?" he questioned.<h2>Hardeep Singh Puri's reaction</h2>Soon after his remarks, Puri addressed a pressed and dismissed allegations made by Rahul Gandhi stating that his meeting with Epstein took place in an official capacity as part of an International Peace Institute (IPI) delegation. "My boss at IPI Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein, and I met him only on a few occasions, 3 or at max 4 times to be precise, as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do (with the crimes he is accused of)," Hardeep Puri was quoted saying.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-congress-govt-surrendered-before-wto-sold-farmers-says-sitharaman-counters-rahul-gandhi-s-charges-1770833732127">‘Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold farmers,’ says Sitharaman, counters Rahul Gandhi’s charges</a><h2>Controversy on Naravane's book</h2>

On Feb 2, during the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address debate, Rahul Gandhi spoke about India-China border clashes from an “unpublished book” allegedly by former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The ruling BJP raised objection by claiming that quoting from "unverified sources" is not allowed. Rahul Gandhi then made the same claims about the clashes as quoted by a magazine that had reportedly accessed the unpublished transcript of Naravane's book. He was once again stopped from making the claims by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Gandhi accused the government of lying to the public and claimed that the unpublished book shed light on India and China's Doklam standoff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a Lok Sabha motion seeking termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership and a lifetime poll ban, accusing him of misleading the nation. The move follows Gandhi’s attack on the Centre over trade deals and remarks linking Minister Hardeep Puri to Jeffrey Epstein.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday (Feb 12) moved a motion in the Lok Sabha against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, seeking termination of his parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban on him on contesting elections. This comes after Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha on Feb 11 when he accused the Centre of “selling” the country by signing various trade deals. He also slammed Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gandhi is also embroiled in a controversy regarding former Army Chief MM Naravane's “unpublished book.” "I have moved a motion in Lok Sabha today against Rahul Gandhi on how he is misleading the nation with the help of forces like (George) Soros, who want to harm the nation. In the motion I have moved, I have requested that Rahul Gandhi's membership should be terminated and he should be barred for life from contesting elections," Dubey told ANI. Also Read: ‘Are you not ashamed?’ Rahul Gandhi questions PM's 'era of war is over' stance, hits out at India-US trade deal Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha speech Gandhi spoke in Lok Sabha on Feb 11 and criticised that the Prime Minister (PM) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) for claiming that the era of war is over. He cited Iran, Ukraine, Gaza war and also mentioned Operation Sindoor to substantiate his claims. He also targeted the Centre for US-India trade deal. "No PM has ever done such a thing, and even no PM after Modi would do such a thing. How can you come to this house and talk this kind of nonsense? Are you not ashamed of yourself?" he questioned. Hardeep Singh Puri's reaction Soon after his remarks, Puri addressed a pressed and dismissed allegations made by Rahul Gandhi stating that his meeting with Epstein took place in an official capacity as part of an International Peace Institute (IPI) delegation. "My boss at IPI Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein, and I met him only on a few occasions, 3 or at max 4 times to be precise, as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do (with the crimes he is accused of)," Hardeep Puri was quoted saying. Also Read: ‘Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold farmers,’ says Sitharaman, counters Rahul Gandhi’s charges Controversy on Naravane's book

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey moved a Lok Sabha motion seeking termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership and a lifetime poll ban, accusing him of misleading the nation. The move follows Gandhi’s attack on the Centre over trade deals and remarks linking Minister Hardeep Puri to Jeffrey Epstein.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to be banned from contesting elections? BJP MP moves motion

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman came down heavily on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his “Bharat Mata sold” remark over the India-US interim trade agreement and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “always acts in India’s interest,” while the Congress regime had surrendered before the WTO and “sold farmers” in the past. “PM Modi will always act in India’s interest, whereas the Congress government surrendered before the WTO and sold poor farmers during its regime,” said Sitharaman while replying to the debate on the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Delhi: &quot;PM Modi will always act in India&#39;s interest whereas Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold poor, farmers during its regime,&quot; said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha reacting to LoP Rahul Gandhi&#39;s &#39;Bharat Mata sold&#39; comment. (Source: Third… <a href="https://t.co/dVASPI99fT">pic.twitter.com/dVASPI99fT</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2021589138781397277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-pam-bondi-defends-doj-handling-of-epstein-files-in-house-testimony-1770828584765">US Attorney General Pam Bondi defends DOJ handling of Epstein files in House testimony</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;She also called Rahul Gandhi’s concerns over India’s data “incorrect” and said she would like to respond to all the points he made. She said the government is incentivising data centres so that the data stays in the country.“…I would like to answer all his (Rahul Gandhi’s) points. He expressed concerns over AI and data, that India’s data is going out to foreign countries. This is not correct,” she said.&nbsp;“We are incentivising data centres through which data can remain in India and Indian youth can get jobs.”Sitharaman later posted a video clip of her speech in the Lok Sabha and said the ‘India AI Mission’ has a dedicated allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for 2026-2027.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a>&nbsp;“Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns over artificial intelligence and data. I want to tell that we are incentivising the setting up of Cloud and Data Centres in India, so that the data is stored here and our youth get employment opportunities. The India AI Mission has a dedicated allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for 2026-27,” she posted on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Leader of the Opposition Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> expressed concerns over Artificial Intelligence and data. I want to tell that we are incentivising setting up of Cloud and Data Centres in India, so that the data is stored here and our youth gets employment opportunities. The India… <a href="https://t.co/4JpQwDXkhy">pic.twitter.com/4JpQwDXkhy</a>&mdash; Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharamanoffc/status/2021593625743040810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a>&nbsp;Sitharaman further targeted Gandhi for his “traitor” remark about Ravneet Singh Bittu. She said Rahul told Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, that he respects him for his past in the Congress but did not show the same courtesy to Bittu.&nbsp;“LoP Rahul Gandhi spoke on several issues. He spoke the language of jujutsu and martial arts—grip and control. He also told Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, that he respects him because he was once in his party. But he called Bittu a traitor, who was also once in his party,” she said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman targeted Rahul Gandhi for his “traitor” remark about Ravneet Singh Bittu. She said Rahul told Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, that he respects him for his past in the Congress but did not show the same courtesy to Bittu.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman came down heavily on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his “Bharat Mata sold” remark over the India-US interim trade agreement and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “always acts in India’s interest,” while the Congress regime had surrendered before the WTO and “sold farmers” in the past. “PM Modi will always act in India’s interest, whereas the Congress government surrendered before the WTO and sold poor farmers during its regime,” said Sitharaman while replying to the debate on the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman targeted Rahul Gandhi for his “traitor” remark about Ravneet Singh Bittu. She said Rahul told Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, that he respects him for his past in the Congress but did not show the same courtesy to Bittu.

‘Congress govt surrendered before WTO, sold farmers,’ says Sitharaman, counters Rahul Gandhi’s charges

Russia has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that India had agreed to stop importing Russian oil. Speaking in the State Duma, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had not heard any such confirmation from Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to a question from a lawmaker, Lavrov said that Trump appeared to be the only person making the claim about India ending its Russian oil purchases. According to him, neither Modi nor any other Indian leader had publicly endorsed such a decision.&nbsp;His remarks follow statements from India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri earlier this week, who reiterated that New Delhi will continue sourcing crude oil from multiple suppliers to safeguard energy stability. Misri underlined that India’s procurement decisions are driven solely by national interest. Echoing that stance, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said ensuring energy security for India’s 1.4 billion citizens remains the government’s top priority. He also clarified that existing agreements between India and Russia remain intact despite recent actions by the Trump administration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-mexican-drug-cartel-drones-breached-airspace-triggered-temporary-closure-at-el-paso-airport-1770818765720">US says Mexican drug cartel drones breached airspace, triggered temporary closure at El Paso airport</a>&nbsp;The US had earlier imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India in August 2025 over its purchases of Russian oil, but later rolled it back. Washington, however, warned it would monitor whether India resumes buying Russian crude, directly or indirectly, and could reinstate the tariff depending on developments. Lavrov has repeatedly criticised Washington’s approach, accusing it of attempting to block India and other nations from trading with Russia. In an interview with TV BRICS, he alleged that the US is employing tariffs, sanctions, and other restrictive steps to maintain what he described as global economic dominance.&nbsp;He further claimed that Washington seeks to influence trade, investment cooperation, and defence partnerships between Russia and key partners such as India and other BRICS nations. Lavrov argued that Western countries are unwilling to relinquish their earlier dominant position in global affairs. According to him, the push to counter competitors has intensified under the Trump administration.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-dhaka-decoding-the-mood-in-bangladesh-on-the-eve-of-elections-1770820540056/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-dhaka-decoding-the-mood-in-bangladesh-on-the-eve-of-elections-1770820540056/embed</a>&nbsp;He also said the US is trying to exert control over global energy routes, referencing oversight of pipelines in Europe such as Nord Stream, the Ukrainian gas transit system, and TurkStream. Emphasising his point, Lavrov said the US strategy reflects an attempt to consolidate economic power through measures he described as inconsistent with fair competition, including tariffs, sanctions, and restrictions targeting communication and trade. He added that Russia must factor in these developments while shaping its international economic strategy.

'Not heard from anyone except...': Russian FM Sergei Lavrov counters US claim on India oil deal

Russia has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that India had agreed to stop importing Russian oil. Speaking in the State Duma, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had not heard any such confirmation from Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to a question from a lawmaker, Lavrov said that Trump appeared to be the only person making the claim about India ending its Russian oil purchases. According to him, neither Modi nor any other Indian leader had publicly endorsed such a decision. His remarks follow statements from India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri earlier this week, who reiterated that New Delhi will continue sourcing crude oil from multiple suppliers to safeguard energy stability. Misri underlined that India’s procurement decisions are driven solely by national interest. Echoing that stance, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said ensuring energy security for India’s 1.4 billion citizens remains the government’s top priority. He also clarified that existing agreements between India and Russia remain intact despite recent actions by the Trump administration. Also Read: US says Mexican drug cartel drones breached airspace, triggered temporary closure at El Paso airport The US had earlier imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India in August 2025 over its purchases of Russian oil, but later rolled it back. Washington, however, warned it would monitor whether India resumes buying Russian crude, directly or indirectly, and could reinstate the tariff depending on developments. Lavrov has repeatedly criticised Washington’s approach, accusing it of attempting to block India and other nations from trading with Russia. In an interview with TV BRICS, he alleged that the US is employing tariffs, sanctions, and other restrictive steps to maintain what he described as global economic dominance. He further claimed that Washington seeks to influence trade, investment cooperation, and defence partnerships between Russia and key partners such as India and other BRICS nations. Lavrov argued that Western countries are unwilling to relinquish their earlier dominant position in global affairs. According to him, the push to counter competitors has intensified under the Trump administration. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-dhaka-decoding-the-mood-in-bangladesh-on-the-eve-of-elections-1770820540056/embed He also said the US is trying to exert control over global energy routes, referencing oversight of pipelines in Europe such as Nord Stream, the Ukrainian gas transit system, and TurkStream. Emphasising his point, Lavrov said the US strategy reflects an attempt to consolidate economic power through measures he described as inconsistent with fair competition, including tariffs, sanctions, and restrictions targeting communication and trade. He added that Russia must factor in these developments while shaping its international economic strategy.

Russia denies Trump’s claim that India will stop buying Russian oil, as New Delhi reiterates that energy decisions are based on national interest

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday rejected all opposition claims that states have been neglected in the Union Budget and asserted that the Centre has transferred the full 41% share of divisible taxes to states as recommended by the Finance Commission. Replying to the debate on the budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the headline capital expenditure stands at Rs 12.2 lakh crore, while the effective capital expenditure, including grants to states, totals Rs 17.1 lakh crore, amounting to 4.4% of GDP.&nbsp;“This Rs 17.1 lakh crore is being spent to build assets across states and Union Territories,” she said, emphasising that the money is going directly to strengthen infrastructure across the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-before-bangladesh-polls-jamaat-leader-arrested-at-saidpur-airport-with-tk50-lakh-in-cash-1770813630948">Day before Bangladesh polls, Jamaat leader arrested at Saidpur Airport with Tk50 lakh in cash</a><h2>Centre has not diluted tax devolution: FM</h2>&nbsp;Sitharaman also dismissed allegations that the Centre has diluted tax devolution. “We have transferred 41% of the divisible pool to the states. No state’s share has been reduced,” she said.&nbsp;Underscoring the scale of the transfer, she said that for 2026-27, Rs 25.44 lakh crore have been transferred to states, including tax devolution and releases under centrally sponsored schemes, an increase of Rs 2.70 lakh crore over the current year’s revised estimate and Rs 3.78 lakh crore more than the 2024-25 actuals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a>&nbsp;Sitharaman also said that there is no shortage of lending to industry, including small and medium enterprises, as total credit increased by 13.8% in the current financial year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 16th Finance Commission report tabled in Parliament reviewed transfers from 2018-19 to 2022-23 and concluded that the Centre’s devolution matched its recommendations in each year.Addressing criticism over cesses, she said collections earmarked for sectors such as education, health, and roads ultimately support states. She pointed members to Annex 4A and 4B of the budget receipt documents, audited by the CAG, for detailed data on how funds are allocated.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a><h2>Sitharaman emphasises Centre’s push for infrastructure</h2>&nbsp;She also talked about the Centre’s push for infrastructure. “It’s not just roads, it’s not just national highways. We are also looking at waterways, so that the cost of logistics may come down and states which are not connected to sea ports will have advantage of moving goods faster at a lesser cost,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sitharaman said the Centre is willing to work with states for Mega Textile Parks, particularly looking at industrial textiles, which are going to be “new age” and becoming a part of the manufacturing sector.&nbsp;Lok Sabha took up discussion on the Union Budget on Tuesday. Sitharaman is expected to reply to the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-general-election-2026-why-bangladesh-polls-matter-for-hindu-minority-s-safety-1770817177549">Bangladesh General Election 2026: Why Bangladesh polls matter for Hindu minority’s safety</a>

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed allegations that the Centre has diluted tax devolution and said the Union government transferred 41% of the divisible pool to the states and the share of no state has been reduced.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday rejected all opposition claims that states have been neglected in the Union Budget and asserted that the Centre has transferred the full 41% share of divisible taxes to states as recommended by the Finance Commission. Replying to the debate on the budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the headline capital expenditure stands at Rs 12.2 lakh crore, while the effective capital expenditure, including grants to states, totals Rs 17.1 lakh crore, amounting to 4.4% of GDP. “This Rs 17.1 lakh crore is being spent to build assets across states and Union Territories,” she said, emphasising that the money is going directly to strengthen infrastructure across the country. Also Read: Day before Bangladesh polls, Jamaat leader arrested at Saidpur Airport with Tk50 lakh in cash Centre has not diluted tax devolution: FM Sitharaman also dismissed allegations that the Centre has diluted tax devolution. “We have transferred 41% of the divisible pool to the states. No state’s share has been reduced,” she said. Underscoring the scale of the transfer, she said that for 2026-27, Rs 25.44 lakh crore have been transferred to states, including tax devolution and releases under centrally sponsored schemes, an increase of Rs 2.70 lakh crore over the current year’s revised estimate and Rs 3.78 lakh crore more than the 2024-25 actuals. Also Read: ‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Sitharaman also said that there is no shortage of lending to industry, including small and medium enterprises, as total credit increased by 13.8% in the current financial year. The 16th Finance Commission report tabled in Parliament reviewed transfers from 2018-19 to 2022-23 and concluded that the Centre’s devolution matched its recommendations in each year. Addressing criticism over cesses, she said collections earmarked for sectors such as education, health, and roads ultimately support states. She pointed members to Annex 4A and 4B of the budget receipt documents, audited by the CAG, for detailed data on how funds are allocated. Also Read: ‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka Sitharaman emphasises Centre’s push for infrastructure She also talked about the Centre’s push for infrastructure. “It’s not just roads, it’s not just national highways. We are also looking at waterways, so that the cost of logistics may come down and states which are not connected to sea ports will have advantage of moving goods faster at a lesser cost,” she said. Sitharaman said the Centre is willing to work with states for Mega Textile Parks, particularly looking at industrial textiles, which are going to be “new age” and becoming a part of the manufacturing sector. Lok Sabha took up discussion on the Union Budget on Tuesday. Sitharaman is expected to reply to the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Also Read: Bangladesh General Election 2026: Why Bangladesh polls matter for Hindu minority’s safety

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed allegations that the Centre has diluted tax devolution and said the Union government transferred 41% of the divisible pool to the states and the share of no state has been reduced.

‘No state neglected in Budget’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman shreds Opposition’s claims

Nine months on, the murmurs on Kirana Hills, a military installation site in Pakistan, continue, putting a stop to chatter on Wednesday (Feb 11), Vice Air Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said “we did nothing”. After the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that killed innocent people, Indian armed forces retaliated by launching Operation Sindoor, which conducted precision strikes on nine terrorist hubs located in neighbouring Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The locations included prominent hubs in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and Kotli. These were command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the latter is the parent organisation of The Resistance Front (TRF), the offshoot, which orchestrated the attack in April 2025.&nbsp;Reiterating, IAF Vice Chief Kapoor said, "We attacked terror infrastructure and several of their (Pakistan's) military installations. This is absolutely true. If you see any video, whether it's from open sources or generated by them, or what they're trying to portray, we don't know.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-rafale-was-the-hero-iaf-vice-chief-kapoor-confirms-major-expansion-post-operation-sindoor-1770799731419">'Rafale was the hero': IAF Vice Chief Kapoor confirms major expansion post-Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;He assured that the videos circulating on social media are created by people from across the border. He continued, “Whether we did something, or whether the explosion was caused by an insurgency there, or by what weapon, we don't know about all this. But these videos (of Kirana Hills) were presented by their people; they made them; we did nothing. We only struck terror into military installations."&nbsp;<h3>WATCH VIDEO HERE:&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | On being asked about the attacks on Pakistan&#39;s Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, Vice Air Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor says, &quot;We attacked terror infrastructure and several of their (Pakistan&#39;s) military installations. This is absolutely true. If you see… <a href="https://t.co/kZ7FJmmOlj">pic.twitter.com/kZ7FJmmOlj</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2021524007489827308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-helicopters-forest-fire-anjaw-arunachal-pradesh-1769751495066">Indian Air Force's Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air</a><h2>Within just three hours, India targeted 11 military installations</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>Noor Khan</li><li>Rafiqui</li><li>Murid</li><li>Sukkur</li><li>Sialkot</li><li>Pasrur</li><li>Chunian</li><li>Sargodha</li><li>Skardu</li><li>Bholari</li><li>Jacobabad &nbsp;</li></ul>In the special Operation Sindoor briefings, the armed forces showed satellite images before and after the strike on Shahbaz Airbase in Jacobabad, which clearly showed the scale of destruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India targeted 11 military installations within three hours during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. It has been over eight months and the question of Kirana Hills being targeted continues to surface.

Nine months on, the murmurs on Kirana Hills, a military installation site in Pakistan, continue, putting a stop to chatter on Wednesday (Feb 11), Vice Air Chief Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said “we did nothing”. After the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that killed innocent people, Indian armed forces retaliated by launching Operation Sindoor, which conducted precision strikes on nine terrorist hubs located in neighbouring Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The locations included prominent hubs in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and Kotli. These were command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the latter is the parent organisation of The Resistance Front (TRF), the offshoot, which orchestrated the attack in April 2025. Reiterating, IAF Vice Chief Kapoor said, "We attacked terror infrastructure and several of their (Pakistan's) military installations. This is absolutely true. If you see any video, whether it's from open sources or generated by them, or what they're trying to portray, we don't know.” Also read: 'Rafale was the hero': IAF Vice Chief Kapoor confirms major expansion post-Operation Sindoor He assured that the videos circulating on social media are created by people from across the border. He continued, “Whether we did something, or whether the explosion was caused by an insurgency there, or by what weapon, we don't know about all this. But these videos (of Kirana Hills) were presented by their people; they made them; we did nothing. We only struck terror into military installations." WATCH VIDEO HERE:

India targeted 11 military installations within three hours during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. It has been over eight months and the question of Kirana Hills being targeted continues to surface.&nbsp;

Did India attack Kirana Hills? IAF Vice Chief Kapoor addresses question on Operation Sindoor targets

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday (February 11) dismissed allegations made by Rahul Gandhi that linked him to the controversial Epstein Files, saying that his meeting with Jeffrey Epstein took place in an official capacity as part of an International Peace Institute (IPI) delegation. Puri offered the clarification during a press conference following Rahul Gandhi’s sharp remarks in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;&nbsp;He stressed that his interaction with Epstein was strictly professional and unrelated to the allegations surrounding the disgraced American financier. He explained that the meeting took place while he was serving on a commission associated with the IPI. "My boss at IPI Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein, and I met him only on a few occasions, 3 or at max 4 times to be precise, as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do (with the crimes he is accused of)," Hardeep Puri was quoted as saying.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-food-safety-crisis-how-contaminated-and-ultra-processed-foods-threaten-public-health-1770805799519">India's food safety crisis: How contaminated and ultra-processed foods threaten public health</a>&nbsp;The minister said that all relevant details are already publicly available, noting that the US Department of Justice has released more than three million documents related to the case.&nbsp;"Three million emails have been released, covering the period from May 2009, when I joined as India’s Ambassador to the UN in New York, until I became a minister in 2017. During this period, there are references to only three or four meetings, and my interactions were entirely professional, related to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and other international work,” Hardeep Puri was quoted as saying. "In eight years, there are just two references and one email exchange (with Epstein) because these people introduced me to him," he added.&nbsp;Referring to the Epstein files, he said Rahul Gandhi should understand that they concern allegations of serious criminal misconduct. He explained that the files relate to accusations that Epstein owned an island where individuals were allegedly taken to engage in illicit activities, including charges of paedophilia. He added that victims have filed cases against those in positions of authority and emphasised that his own interaction was unrelated to any of these matters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-teacher-turned-predator-40-victims-identified-in-french-teacher-abuse-case-1770802577030/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-teacher-turned-predator-40-victims-identified-in-french-teacher-abuse-case-1770802577030/embed</a>&nbsp;Addressing an email exchange that also included Jeffrey Epstein, the minister said he had written to Reid Hoffman, the former LinkedIn CEO, expressing strong confidence in India’s potential for internet-driven economic growth. Quoting from the message, he highlighted that India, with 200 million users at the time, was the fastest-growing market for internet users globally.

'I met him only on a few occasions': Hardeep Singh Puri admits meeting Jeffrey Epstein

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday (February 11) dismissed allegations made by Rahul Gandhi that linked him to the controversial Epstein Files, saying that his meeting with Jeffrey Epstein took place in an official capacity as part of an International Peace Institute (IPI) delegation. Puri offered the clarification during a press conference following Rahul Gandhi’s sharp remarks in the Lok Sabha. He stressed that his interaction with Epstein was strictly professional and unrelated to the allegations surrounding the disgraced American financier. He explained that the meeting took place while he was serving on a commission associated with the IPI. "My boss at IPI Terje Rod-Larsen, knew Epstein, and I met him only on a few occasions, 3 or at max 4 times to be precise, as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do (with the crimes he is accused of)," Hardeep Puri was quoted as saying. Also Read: India's food safety crisis: How contaminated and ultra-processed foods threaten public health The minister said that all relevant details are already publicly available, noting that the US Department of Justice has released more than three million documents related to the case. "Three million emails have been released, covering the period from May 2009, when I joined as India’s Ambassador to the UN in New York, until I became a minister in 2017. During this period, there are references to only three or four meetings, and my interactions were entirely professional, related to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and other international work,” Hardeep Puri was quoted as saying. "In eight years, there are just two references and one email exchange (with Epstein) because these people introduced me to him," he added. Referring to the Epstein files, he said Rahul Gandhi should understand that they concern allegations of serious criminal misconduct. He explained that the files relate to accusations that Epstein owned an island where individuals were allegedly taken to engage in illicit activities, including charges of paedophilia. He added that victims have filed cases against those in positions of authority and emphasised that his own interaction was unrelated to any of these matters. https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-teacher-turned-predator-40-victims-identified-in-french-teacher-abuse-case-1770802577030/embed Addressing an email exchange that also included Jeffrey Epstein, the minister said he had written to Reid Hoffman, the former LinkedIn CEO, expressing strong confidence in India’s potential for internet-driven economic growth. Quoting from the message, he highlighted that India, with 200 million users at the time, was the fastest-growing market for internet users globally.

Hardeep Singh Puri, during a press conference, admitted that he met Jeffrey Epstein only in an official IPI delegation role at a UN event in 2013

Across India, food is deeply connected to culture, tradition, and daily life. Yet an uncomfortable reality is emerging: many commonly consumed foods are increasingly compromised by adulteration, contamination, and excessive industrial processing. What was once viewed as isolated malpractice is now being recognised as a systemic vulnerability within the modern food supply chain. Milk, paneer, spices, vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, and packaged foods, items consumed daily by millions, are under growing scientific scrutiny. Public-health experts warn that unsafe food exposure is becoming a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. This is a study by Dr. Naval Kumar Verma, MD (Hom), Hon PhD (Doctor of Science), Global Wellness (AYUSH), and a food safety expert<h2>The expanding scope of food adulteration</h2>Food adulteration in India is no longer limited to sporadic incidents. Surveillance reports, food testing data, and regulatory findings indicate recurring lapses at multiple stages of production and distribution.&nbsp;Products frequently flagged include:• Milk, curd, paneer, and ghee • Spices and blended condiments • Fruits and vegetables exposed to pesticide residues • Eggs, poultry, meat, fish, and seafood • Packaged and processed ready-to-eat products&nbsp;The concern is structural rather than individual. From animal feed and farm inputs to processing facilities, cold-chain storage, and retail handling, weaknesses across the supply chain allow contamination risks to persist. Scientific assessments have reported antibiotic residues, hormonal growth stimulants, and microbial contamination, including Salmonella and E. coli, in egg production systems. Chemical traces originating from poultry feed further complicate safety concerns. Chronic exposure to such residues may contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disruption of gut microbiota, and persistent low-grade inflammation.<h2>Poultry and meat</h2>In many industrial systems, antibiotics are used not only for treatment but also for growth promotion. Excessive or irrational use increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the human food chain. Inadequate slaughter hygiene and the addition of chemical preservatives to extend shelf life add further risks. The World Health Organization recognises antimicrobial resistance linked to animal agriculture as one of the most serious global health threats, affecting infection management and modern medical care.<h2>Fish and seafood</h2>Reports frequently highlight artificial preservation using chemicals such as formalin, as well as contamination from heavy metals, including mercury and cadmium. Fish sourced from polluted waters may accumulate toxins over time, posing neurological, hormonal, and long-term cancer risks.<h2>Ultra-processed foods and metabolic disruption</h2>Beyond contamination, another major concern is the rapid expansion of ultra-processed foods. These products, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, are typically characterised by:• Refined carbohydrates • Industrially modified fats • High sodium content • Synthetic additives and stabilisers • Low fibre and micronutrient density&nbsp;Research increasingly links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and certain cancers. Large international cohort studies suggest that these risks persist even when total calorie intake is controlled. Ultra-processed diets can alter gut microbiota composition, promote abnormal fat storage, and accelerate biological ageing.<h2>Food adulteration as chronic biological stress</h2>Unsafe food should not be viewed merely as a regulatory violation. Repeated low-dose exposure to contaminants acts as sustained biological stress.Key mechanisms involved include:• Oxidative stress • Endocrine disruption • Chronic systemic inflammation • DNA damage • Impaired immune response&nbsp;These pathways form the biological foundation of many modern chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions, infertility, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers.<h2>The link to India’s rising disease burden</h2>India is experiencing an earlier onset of diabetes and obesity, an increase in hormone-related and digestive cancers, and a surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While genetics play a role, environmental and dietary factors are central drivers. International health agencies emphasise that unsafe, ultra-processed, and contaminated food systems are closely intertwined with the global epidemic of NCDs. The growing burden of chronic disease suggests that food safety must be treated as a preventive healthcare priority, not merely a commercial regulation issue.<h2>Global best practices in food governance</h2>Countries with stronger public-health outcomes implement comprehensive food safety strategies, including:• Rigorous monitoring of antibiotic residues • Farm-to-plate traceability systems • Rapid recall and food alert mechanisms • Clear front-of-pack nutritional warning labels • Restrictions on marketing highly processed foodsThese measures recognise food as a public-health intervention rather than solely a market commodity. Nutritional policy must prioritise purity, safety, and long-term metabolic outcomes, not just caloric availability. Animal-based foods should adhere to strict residue limits and responsible farming standards aligned with human health protection.<h2>Reduction in ultra-processing</h2>Industrial formulations that disrupt endocrine and metabolic balance require stronger regulation and consumer awareness. Traditional dietary systems emphasise seasonal eating, digestive strength, and individual constitution. Emerging microbiome and systems-biology research increasingly validates these principles.<h2>Cancer prevention through food policy</h2>Healthcare systems manage disease; food policy has the power to prevent it.What citizens can do:<ul><li>Choose fresh, minimally processed, and traceable foods</li><li>&nbsp;Limit consumption of packaged and processed meats</li><li>&nbsp;Reduce refined and high-carbohydrate packaged products</li><li>&nbsp;Support responsibly sourced, antibiotic-free animal products</li><li>&nbsp;Demand transparency, testing, and stronger enforcement</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2>Food adulteration and ultra-processed dietary patterns represent a significant public-health challenge in India. The evidence indicates that unsafe food contributes to inflammation, and chronic inflammation drives non-communicable diseases and cancer. The future of public health will depend not only on hospitals and medicines, but on the integrity of the food system itself. Strengthening regulation, improving transparency, and promoting informed dietary choices are essential steps toward reversing this silent crisis.

India's food safety crisis: How contaminated and ultra-processed foods threaten public health

Across India, food is deeply connected to culture, tradition, and daily life. Yet an uncomfortable reality is emerging: many commonly consumed foods are increasingly compromised by adulteration, contamination, and excessive industrial processing. What was once viewed as isolated malpractice is now being recognised as a systemic vulnerability within the modern food supply chain. Milk, paneer, spices, vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, and packaged foods, items consumed daily by millions, are under growing scientific scrutiny. Public-health experts warn that unsafe food exposure is becoming a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. This is a study by Dr. Naval Kumar Verma, MD (Hom), Hon PhD (Doctor of Science), Global Wellness (AYUSH), and a food safety expert The expanding scope of food adulteration Food adulteration in India is no longer limited to sporadic incidents. Surveillance reports, food testing data, and regulatory findings indicate recurring lapses at multiple stages of production and distribution. Products frequently flagged include: • Milk, curd, paneer, and ghee • Spices and blended condiments • Fruits and vegetables exposed to pesticide residues • Eggs, poultry, meat, fish, and seafood • Packaged and processed ready-to-eat products The concern is structural rather than individual. From animal feed and farm inputs to processing facilities, cold-chain storage, and retail handling, weaknesses across the supply chain allow contamination risks to persist. Scientific assessments have reported antibiotic residues, hormonal growth stimulants, and microbial contamination, including Salmonella and E. coli, in egg production systems. Chemical traces originating from poultry feed further complicate safety concerns. Chronic exposure to such residues may contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disruption of gut microbiota, and persistent low-grade inflammation. Poultry and meat In many industrial systems, antibiotics are used not only for treatment but also for growth promotion. Excessive or irrational use increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the human food chain. Inadequate slaughter hygiene and the addition of chemical preservatives to extend shelf life add further risks. The World Health Organization recognises antimicrobial resistance linked to animal agriculture as one of the most serious global health threats, affecting infection management and modern medical care. Fish and seafood Reports frequently highlight artificial preservation using chemicals such as formalin, as well as contamination from heavy metals, including mercury and cadmium. Fish sourced from polluted waters may accumulate toxins over time, posing neurological, hormonal, and long-term cancer risks. Ultra-processed foods and metabolic disruption Beyond contamination, another major concern is the rapid expansion of ultra-processed foods. These products, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, are typically characterised by: • Refined carbohydrates • Industrially modified fats • High sodium content • Synthetic additives and stabilisers • Low fibre and micronutrient density Research increasingly links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and certain cancers. Large international cohort studies suggest that these risks persist even when total calorie intake is controlled. Ultra-processed diets can alter gut microbiota composition, promote abnormal fat storage, and accelerate biological ageing. Food adulteration as chronic biological stress Unsafe food should not be viewed merely as a regulatory violation. Repeated low-dose exposure to contaminants acts as sustained biological stress. Key mechanisms involved include: • Oxidative stress • Endocrine disruption • Chronic systemic inflammation • DNA damage • Impaired immune response These pathways form the biological foundation of many modern chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions, infertility, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers. The link to India’s rising disease burden India is experiencing an earlier onset of diabetes and obesity, an increase in hormone-related and digestive cancers, and a surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While genetics play a role, environmental and dietary factors are central drivers. International health agencies emphasise that unsafe, ultra-processed, and contaminated food systems are closely intertwined with the global epidemic of NCDs. The growing burden of chronic disease suggests that food safety must be treated as a preventive healthcare priority, not merely a commercial regulation issue. Global best practices in food governance Countries with stronger public-health outcomes implement comprehensive food safety strategies, including: • Rigorous monitoring of antibiotic residues • Farm-to-plate traceability systems • Rapid recall and food alert mechanisms • Clear front-of-pack nutritional warning labels • Restrictions on marketing highly processed foods These measures recognise food as a public-health intervention rather than solely a market commodity. Nutritional policy must prioritise purity, safety, and long-term metabolic outcomes, not just caloric availability. Animal-based foods should adhere to strict residue limits and responsible farming standards aligned with human health protection. Reduction in ultra-processing Industrial formulations that disrupt endocrine and metabolic balance require stronger regulation and consumer awareness. Traditional dietary systems emphasise seasonal eating, digestive strength, and individual constitution. Emerging microbiome and systems-biology research increasingly validates these principles. Cancer prevention through food policy Healthcare systems manage disease; food policy has the power to prevent it. What citizens can do: Choose fresh, minimally processed, and traceable foods Limit consumption of packaged and processed meats Reduce refined and high-carbohydrate packaged products Support responsibly sourced, antibiotic-free animal products Demand transparency, testing, and stronger enforcement Conclusion Food adulteration and ultra-processed dietary patterns represent a significant public-health challenge in India. The evidence indicates that unsafe food contributes to inflammation, and chronic inflammation drives non-communicable diseases and cancer. The future of public health will depend not only on hospitals and medicines, but on the integrity of the food system itself. Strengthening regulation, improving transparency, and promoting informed dietary choices are essential steps toward reversing this silent crisis.

Widespread food adulteration and ultra-processed diets are driving inflammation, antimicrobial resistance, and rising chronic diseases in India

In a bizarre twist of events, a woman from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh went missing from her home in Auraiya. This case took a surreal turn when her family found a snake skin on her bed, along with her clothes. Connecting the dots, the family prematurely concluded it to be a case of metamorphosis. Indian soaps with ‘naagins’ (cobra) as the lead character could have possibly been the source of this imaginative plot. Human-to-serpent transformations are not a rarity on these shows.&nbsp;&nbsp;But as the matter was brought to the police, an investigation was ordered. During the probe, authorities found that 24-year-old Reena had eloped with her lover, who is a resident of the same village. The couple reportedly eloped on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, while the planning had been on for much longer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The case seemed twisted at first as Reena left behind a misleading trail of planted evidence, which led her family to believe she had transformed. Reports suggest she had been planning this for about three months and had been making claims that she saw snakes in her dreams. This may have tricked her family and neighbours into believing the story she loosely sketched.&nbsp;<h2>Investigation and big revelations</h2>&nbsp;The police traced the 24-year-old from her mobile, which led to her lover, who had also gone missing the same night. Reena is the youngest among six siblings and was to be married soon, as her family had looked for a match. Unwilling to go ahead with her family’s choice, she may have considered this her safest alibi.&nbsp;Along with the snake skin, Reena had also kept bangles and rings, and was carrying an idol of the serpent god she had recently brought from the Sheshnag temple in Mainpuri.

A 24-year-old woman named Reena from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, staged a bizarre 'Naagin' transformation, leaving a 5-foot snake skin on her bed, to elope with her lover and avoid an arranged marriage.

In a bizarre twist of events, a woman from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh went missing from her home in Auraiya. This case took a surreal turn when her family found a snake skin on her bed, along with her clothes. Connecting the dots, the family prematurely concluded it to be a case of metamorphosis. Indian soaps with ‘naagins’ (cobra) as the lead character could have possibly been the source of this imaginative plot. Human-to-serpent transformations are not a rarity on these shows. But as the matter was brought to the police, an investigation was ordered. During the probe, authorities found that 24-year-old Reena had eloped with her lover, who is a resident of the same village. The couple reportedly eloped on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, while the planning had been on for much longer. The case seemed twisted at first as Reena left behind a misleading trail of planted evidence, which led her family to believe she had transformed. Reports suggest she had been planning this for about three months and had been making claims that she saw snakes in her dreams. This may have tricked her family and neighbours into believing the story she loosely sketched. Investigation and big revelations The police traced the 24-year-old from her mobile, which led to her lover, who had also gone missing the same night. Reena is the youngest among six siblings and was to be married soon, as her family had looked for a match. Unwilling to go ahead with her family’s choice, she may have considered this her safest alibi. Along with the snake skin, Reena had also kept bangles and rings, and was carrying an idol of the serpent god she had recently brought from the Sheshnag temple in Mainpuri.

A 24-year-old woman named Reena from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, staged a bizarre 'Naagin' transformation, leaving a 5-foot snake skin on her bed, to elope with her lover and avoid an arranged marriage.

'Naagin' act: UP woman elopes with lover, leaves snake skin on bed to escape arranged marriage

Three people found dead inside a parked vehicle on Delhi’s Peeragarhi flyover were victims of a calculated murder plot, police confirmed on Wednesday (February 11). Authorities have arrested a self-styled godman who allegedly poisoned the trio after promising to multiply their money through occult rituals. Initially, investigators believed the deaths might have been a case of suicide since the bodies showed no external injuries, ligature marks, or signs of physical struggle. However, further forensic and technical analysis pointed toward foul play.&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma identified the accused as Kamruddin, also known as a ‘baba’, a resident of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, he ran a fake tantric centre and targeted vulnerable individuals by claiming he could bring ‘dhanvarsha’, sudden financial gain, through special rituals. During questioning, investigators found that Kamruddin allegedly built trust with the victims before executing his plan. He is accused of mixing poison into laddoos and serving them along with liquor and cold drinks. Once the victims lost consciousness, he reportedly escaped with their cash and valuables.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-rafale-was-the-hero-iaf-vice-chief-kapoor-confirms-major-expansion-post-operation-sindoor-1770799731419">'Rafale was the hero': IAF Vice Chief Kapoor confirms major expansion post-Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;Police said the accused has a criminal history and has previously been involved in serious offences. Items recovered from the car included liquor and soft drink bottles, empty glasses, cash, mobile phones, helmets, jackets, Aadhaar cards, and other personal belongings. The deceased were identified as Randhir (76), Shiv Naresh (42), and Laxmi (40), residents of Nangli Dairy, Baprola, and Jahangirpuri in Delhi.&nbsp;Family members dismissed the possibility of suicide. Investigators relied on call records, location tracking, and questioning of related individuals to establish that the victims had been in regular contact with Kamruddin, who had assured them of financial benefits through rituals. Police revealed that the three had travelled to Loni a day before their deaths and returned there again on the day of the incident. Technical evidence indicated that a fourth person was present in the vehicle during their return journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-2026-dmk-forms-key-committee-to-negotiate-seats-with-allies-1770800792894/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-2026-dmk-forms-key-committee-to-negotiate-seats-with-allies-1770800792894/embed</a>&nbsp;That person was later confirmed to be Kamruddin, who allegedly boarded the car in Loni and exited before the vehicle was discovered. During interrogation, Kamruddin initially attempted to mislead officers, but later admitted that he had been introduced to Laxmi two months earlier. Through her, he met Shiv Naresh and Randhir. He allegedly instructed them to bring ₹2 lakh in cash, along with liquor and soft drinks, for a ritual ceremony.&nbsp;Police allege that after consuming the poisoned sweets and drinks, the victims became unconscious, allowing the accused to steal the money and flee. The car was eventually noticed by passersby parked along the service lane of the flyover, with three unresponsive occupants inside. Authorities were alerted, and preliminary findings indicated death due to poisoning. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events.

Self-styled godman allegedly poisoned three Delhi residents with laced sweets, stole ₹2 lakh cash, and fled; arrested after investigation ruled out suicide

Three people found dead inside a parked vehicle on Delhi’s Peeragarhi flyover were victims of a calculated murder plot, police confirmed on Wednesday (February 11). Authorities have arrested a self-styled godman who allegedly poisoned the trio after promising to multiply their money through occult rituals. Initially, investigators believed the deaths might have been a case of suicide since the bodies showed no external injuries, ligature marks, or signs of physical struggle. However, further forensic and technical analysis pointed toward foul play. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma identified the accused as Kamruddin, also known as a ‘baba’, a resident of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, he ran a fake tantric centre and targeted vulnerable individuals by claiming he could bring ‘dhanvarsha’, sudden financial gain, through special rituals. During questioning, investigators found that Kamruddin allegedly built trust with the victims before executing his plan. He is accused of mixing poison into laddoos and serving them along with liquor and cold drinks. Once the victims lost consciousness, he reportedly escaped with their cash and valuables. Also Read: 'Rafale was the hero': IAF Vice Chief Kapoor confirms major expansion post-Operation Sindoor Police said the accused has a criminal history and has previously been involved in serious offences. Items recovered from the car included liquor and soft drink bottles, empty glasses, cash, mobile phones, helmets, jackets, Aadhaar cards, and other personal belongings. The deceased were identified as Randhir (76), Shiv Naresh (42), and Laxmi (40), residents of Nangli Dairy, Baprola, and Jahangirpuri in Delhi. Family members dismissed the possibility of suicide. Investigators relied on call records, location tracking, and questioning of related individuals to establish that the victims had been in regular contact with Kamruddin, who had assured them of financial benefits through rituals. Police revealed that the three had travelled to Loni a day before their deaths and returned there again on the day of the incident. Technical evidence indicated that a fourth person was present in the vehicle during their return journey. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-2026-dmk-forms-key-committee-to-negotiate-seats-with-allies-1770800792894/embed That person was later confirmed to be Kamruddin, who allegedly boarded the car in Loni and exited before the vehicle was discovered. During interrogation, Kamruddin initially attempted to mislead officers, but later admitted that he had been introduced to Laxmi two months earlier. Through her, he met Shiv Naresh and Randhir. He allegedly instructed them to bring ₹2 lakh in cash, along with liquor and soft drinks, for a ritual ceremony. Police allege that after consuming the poisoned sweets and drinks, the victims became unconscious, allowing the accused to steal the money and flee. The car was eventually noticed by passersby parked along the service lane of the flyover, with three unresponsive occupants inside. Authorities were alerted, and preliminary findings indicated death due to poisoning. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events.

Self-styled godman allegedly poisoned three Delhi residents with laced sweets, stole ₹2 lakh cash, and fled; arrested after investigation ruled out suicide

Delhi triple death case: 'Fake baba' arrested for allegedly poisoning trio with laced sweets

On Wednesday (Feb 11), Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said during Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on terrorist hubs, Rafale was a “hero”. In May 2025, after Pakistan’s inaction against terrorist organisations operating from its soil, New Delhi was compelled to take action in which the tri-forces came together for an operation against the&nbsp;perpetrators.&nbsp;Air Marshal Kapoor mentioned that the Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more Multi Role Fighter Aircraft.He said,&nbsp;"Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft), which is going to be Rafale or any other, which are under deliberations, and a concrete decision has yet to be taken."&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO HERE: &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor says, &quot;Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft), which is going to be Rafale or any other, which are under… <a href="https://t.co/nRlGGMCdyA">pic.twitter.com/nRlGGMCdyA</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2021490673883693400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking on Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 in Pokhran, Air Marshal Kapoor added, "Our work is to hold a demonstration. It is up to those seeing this demonstration to take the message they want from it."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-air-superiority-during-operation-sindoor-forced-pakistan-for-ceasefire-swiss-think-tank-1769428571237">India's air superiority during Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan for ceasefire: Swiss think tank</a>&nbsp;He reiterated India’s stance on terrorism as he noted “every act of terror conducted on our soil will be responded”.&nbsp;After the dastardly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam which claimed innocent lives, India shared enough proof with the world Pakistan about The Resistance Front’s (TRF) role in the planned attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-operation-sindoor-an-exemplar-of-restraint-indian-army-releases-video-with-details-on-precision-strikes-in-pakist-1756961554346">'Operation Sindoor, an exemplar of restraint...': Indian Army releases video with details on precision strikes in Pakistan</a>&nbsp;"The message from Operation Sindoor was clear: terrorism will not be tolerated. Every act of terror conducted on our soil will be responded to, and there will be a price to pay. You will get glimpses (of Operation Sindoor) of precise targeting (during Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026)."&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor reiterated India’s stance on terrorism as he noted “every act of terror conducted on our soil will be responded to”. 

On Wednesday (Feb 11), Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor said during Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on terrorist hubs, Rafale was a “hero”. In May 2025, after Pakistan’s inaction against terrorist organisations operating from its soil, New Delhi was compelled to take action in which the tri-forces came together for an operation against the perpetrators. Air Marshal Kapoor mentioned that the Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more Multi Role Fighter Aircraft. He said, "Rafale was definitely the hero during Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force is looking forward to inducting more MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft), which is going to be Rafale or any other, which are under deliberations, and a concrete decision has yet to be taken." WATCH VIDEO HERE:

&nbsp;Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor reiterated India’s stance on terrorism as he noted “every act of terror conducted on our soil will be responded”.&nbsp;

'Rafale was the hero': IAF Vice Chief Kapoor confirms major expansion post-Operation Sindoor

In a dramatic press conference held in Delhi on Tuesday, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar publicly alleged that the plane crash which claimed the life of his uncle, senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar, was not an accident but a “100 per cent conspiracy.” His remarks have reignited political debate and intensified scrutiny around the ongoing investigation into the January 28 Learjet crash near Baramati. Addressing the media, Rohit Pawar said he was speaking not just as a politician but as a family member seeking answers. “There are too many unanswered questions. This does not look like a simple accident,” he said, adding that certain developments before and after the crash raise serious suspicion.&nbsp;He pointed to what he described as last-minute changes in travel plans and flight arrangements. According to Rohit, Ajit Pawar was initially scheduled to travel by road but switched to air travel shortly before departure. He also questioned reported changes in the flight crew and demanded clarity on why those decisions were taken.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ajit-pawar-death-the-chief-minister-maharashtra-never-got-1769588926892">Ajit Pawar: The Chief Minister Maharashtra never got</a>&nbsp;Rohit Pawar further raised concerns about the aircraft operator and the maintenance history of the jet involved in the crash. &nbsp;He claimed there were discrepancies in the information made public so far and called for complete transparency in the probe. “If everything is clean, then why not put all the facts in the public domain?” he asked.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncpsplit-early-morning-swearing-in-longest-serving-deputy-cm-ajit-pawar-maharashtra-s-dada-dies-in-plane-crash-1769579395592">NCP split, early-morning swearing-In, longest-serving Deputy CM: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s ‘Dada’ dies in plane crash</a>&nbsp;One of his key demands was for an independent, multi-agency investigation. He urged the Centre to consider involving international aviation investigation bodies alongside Indian authorities to ensure impartiality. According to him, such a move would help eliminate doubts and restore public confidence in the findings.The crash, which killed Ajit Pawar and four others, sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Initial investigations were launched by state authorities along with aviation regulators, and technical data including flight recorders were reportedly recovered for analysis. However, no final cause has yet been officially declared. Rohit Pawar stressed that his allegations should not be seen as political opportunism. “This is about truth. We owe it to the people of Maharashtra and to our family to know exactly what happened,” he said. &nbsp;He also alleged that certain timelines and technical details shared so far do not fully align, though he did not provide documentary evidence during the press conference.&nbsp;

Rohit Pawar alleged that the January 28 Learjet crash near Baramati that killed Ajit Pawar was a “100 per cent conspiracy,” not an accident. Citing last-minute travel changes and crew questions, he demanded a transparent, multi-agency probe, as probe continue.

In a dramatic press conference held in Delhi on Tuesday, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar publicly alleged that the plane crash which claimed the life of his uncle, senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar, was not an accident but a “100 per cent conspiracy.” His remarks have reignited political debate and intensified scrutiny around the ongoing investigation into the January 28 Learjet crash near Baramati. Addressing the media, Rohit Pawar said he was speaking not just as a politician but as a family member seeking answers. “There are too many unanswered questions. This does not look like a simple accident,” he said, adding that certain developments before and after the crash raise serious suspicion. He pointed to what he described as last-minute changes in travel plans and flight arrangements. According to Rohit, Ajit Pawar was initially scheduled to travel by road but switched to air travel shortly before departure. He also questioned reported changes in the flight crew and demanded clarity on why those decisions were taken. Also Read: Ajit Pawar: The Chief Minister Maharashtra never got Rohit Pawar further raised concerns about the aircraft operator and the maintenance history of the jet involved in the crash. He claimed there were discrepancies in the information made public so far and called for complete transparency in the probe. “If everything is clean, then why not put all the facts in the public domain?” he asked. Also Read: NCP split, early-morning swearing-In, longest-serving Deputy CM: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s ‘Dada’ dies in plane crash One of his key demands was for an independent, multi-agency investigation. He urged the Centre to consider involving international aviation investigation bodies alongside Indian authorities to ensure impartiality. According to him, such a move would help eliminate doubts and restore public confidence in the findings. The crash, which killed Ajit Pawar and four others, sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape. Initial investigations were launched by state authorities along with aviation regulators, and technical data including flight recorders were reportedly recovered for analysis. However, no final cause has yet been officially declared. Rohit Pawar stressed that his allegations should not be seen as political opportunism. “This is about truth. We owe it to the people of Maharashtra and to our family to know exactly what happened,” he said. He also alleged that certain timelines and technical details shared so far do not fully align, though he did not provide documentary evidence during the press conference.

Rohit Pawar alleged that the January 28 Learjet crash near Baramati that killed Ajit Pawar was a “100 per cent conspiracy,” not an accident. Citing last-minute travel changes and crew questions, he demanded a transparent, multi-agency probe, as probe continue.

'100% conspiracy': Rohit Pawar demands global probe into uncle Ajit Pawar's plane crash

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, stating that while the Prime Minister and the National Security Adviser have claimed the era of war is over, the country is in fact heading towards war.&nbsp;In addition, he argued that the world is moving closer to conflict, citing ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and growing tensions involving Iran.&nbsp;Lashing out at the PM, he said that the central government has opened doors for the USA to crush Indian farmers. "No PM has ever done such a thing, and even no PM after Modi would do such a thing. How can you come to this house and talk this kind of nonsense? Are you not ashamed of yourself?" he questioned.<h3>Rahul Gandhi alleges of hand over of digital trade routes</h3>He further criticised, questioning, "Do you not have any shame that you have sold our mother India? I know our pm will not sell our mother India under normal circumstances. PM Modi is not able to look us in the eye. He has sold India because the USA is choking him. We can see PM Modi is frightened, we can see it in his eyes."&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi went on to criticise PM Modi, alleging that control over digital trade routes has been handed over under his leadership. Our farmers have been left to the mercy of the massive American farms. He also warned that the domestic textile industry faces the risk of being wiped out, with Bangladesh emerging as a major competitor. India’s energy security has also been undermined. Calling it a tragedy, Gandhi said this amounted not just to the Prime Minister’s surrender, but to a surrender of the future of 1.5 billion Indians.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-introduces-new-rules-for-national-song-vande-mataram-to-be-sung-before-jana-gana-mana-1770783909370">India introduces new rules for national song: 'Vande Mataram' to be sung before ‘Jana Gana Mana’</a>

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also argued that the world is moving closer to conflict, citing ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and growing tensions involving Iran.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, stating that while the Prime Minister and the National Security Adviser have claimed the era of war is over, the country is in fact heading towards war. In addition, he argued that the world is moving closer to conflict, citing ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and growing tensions involving Iran. Lashing out at the PM, he said that the central government has opened doors for the USA to crush Indian farmers. "No PM has ever done such a thing, and even no PM after Modi would do such a thing. How can you come to this house and talk this kind of nonsense? Are you not ashamed of yourself?" he questioned. Rahul Gandhi alleges of hand over of digital trade routes He further criticised, questioning, "Do you not have any shame that you have sold our mother India? I know our pm will not sell our mother India under normal circumstances. PM Modi is not able to look us in the eye. He has sold India because the USA is choking him. We can see PM Modi is frightened, we can see it in his eyes." Rahul Gandhi went on to criticise PM Modi, alleging that control over digital trade routes has been handed over under his leadership. Our farmers have been left to the mercy of the massive American farms. He also warned that the domestic textile industry faces the risk of being wiped out, with Bangladesh emerging as a major competitor. India’s energy security has also been undermined. Calling it a tragedy, Gandhi said this amounted not just to the Prime Minister’s surrender, but to a surrender of the future of 1.5 billion Indians. Also read: India introduces new rules for national song: 'Vande Mataram' to be sung before ‘Jana Gana Mana’

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also argued that the world is moving closer to conflict, citing ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, India’s recent Operation Sindoor, and growing tensions involving Iran.

‘Are you not ashamed?’ Rahul Gandhi questions PM's 'era of war is over' stance, hits out at India-US trade deal

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