Month: February 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity.

In an ‘X’ post, the Prime Minister invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva, emphasising that the divine grace of Lord Shiva brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to individuals and the nation.

“To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keeps His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.

Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity’s blessings.

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati’s house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai also prayed at the Pataleshwar Temple in Hajipur on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.

The devotees turned out in large numbers at the Sangam ghats on Sunday to participate in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela.

The administration has implemented strict security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrol squads actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to arrive for the sacred dip.

Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said that Mahashivaratri marks the last ‘snan parv’ of the Magh Mela, drawing a massive influx of devotees. He informed that around 10 lakh people have already taken the holy dip so far.

In addition to Prayagraj, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings.

Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence. (ANI)

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, devotees at Shree Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Mandir in Jharkhand’s Deoghar prayed for India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan on Sunday.

India is set to face Pakistan on Sunday at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium in both teams’ third group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

On Mahashivratri, devotees at Deoghar’s Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar prayed for India to win today’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.

Devotee Randheer Singh prayed for an emphatic India win over Pakistan, saying, “Today I prayed to god Mahadev and Maa Parvati that Pakistan has to be buried and reduced to dust. We need to win at all costs. Their players also need to be reduced to dust. They are not playing in the spirit of the game. They are not playing in the spirit of the game. First, they said they would not play. When they saw they were incurring losses and facing pressure to play, the ICC slammed them, and only then did they agree to play.”

Another devotee, Shubham Kumar Jha, prayed for India to win the match, hoping India secures a big victory.

“Mahadev wants India to win. Today is Shivratri too, and the India-Pakistan match is being held today. Today is a very auspicious day, and watching the match is going to be fun. I prayed to God that Pakistan’s premium bowler Shaheen Afridi should be dropped and India wins by a good margin,” he said.

Another devotee prayed for India to score 200 runs, take all 10 wickets of Pakistan, and defeat Pakistan decisively.

“I wish to Mahadev that India scores 200 runs and defeats Pakistan, takes 10 out of 10 wickets and puts Pakistan to shame,” said the devotee while speaking to ANI.

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash is set to take place at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Both India and Pakistan have played two matches each in the tournament so far. Both have registered victories in those games. While India will enter the contest on the back of wins against the United States of America and Namibia, Pakistan has defeated the Netherlands and the USA.

While the Suryakumar Yadav-led India are placed on top of Group A standings with four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050, Pakistan are placed second with four points, too, and an NRR of +0.932. (ANI)

The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath coming Tuesday and the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported.

According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reported Prothom Alo.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party’s inclusive foreign policy vision “friends to all, malice to none”.

Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, “I don’t know exactly what they’re doing, but hopefully they’ll invite everyone. I don’t know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It’s general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us.”

Highlighting the party’s broader stance on international relations, he added, “Friends to all, malice to none.”

The BNP acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party’s sweeping victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections earlier this month.

In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi’s message and recognition of its leadership. “Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing the BNP’s decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process.”

The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. “Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens.”

Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. “We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP’s electoral triumph, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh’s leadership landscape.

In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate.

“I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78”

The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition.

Voter turnout was around 59%, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. Results triggered reactions across Bangladesh’s political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal. (ANI)

As New Delhi transforms itself into the epicentre of the world’s most consequential conversation on artificial intelligence, an unprecedented roster of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Crown Princes, and the brightest minds from Silicon Valley and beyond will converse at the Bharat Mandapam as India is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 next week.

From February 16 to 20, the Impact Summit, the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, showcases New Delhi’s ambition: to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful.

French President Emmanuel Macron, making his fourth visit to India, will arrive with a clear focus on deepening AI cooperation and emerging technologies.

His presence underscores the strength of the India-France strategic partnership, culminating in the joint inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit from February 18 to 22, leading a large business delegation of up to 200 executives eager to forge new ties in this burgeoning market. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, fresh from his own AI engagements in Paris last year, will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi and highlight Finland’s prowess in ethical AI innovation, accompanied by executives from Nokia and two dozen other cutting-edge firms.

Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini is set to meet PM Modi and other leaders, emphasising technological sovereignty and responsible AI as strategic priorities for his nation.

The United Arab Emirates will be represented by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will lead a delegation on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

And in a powerful nod to multilateralism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will join the fray, alongside ministerial delegations from over 45 countries.

The full list of heads of state and government is dazzling: Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Bolivia’s Vice President Edmand Lara Montano, Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Estonia’s President Alar Karis, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois, Mauritius’s Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez, Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Seychelles’ Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin, and the Netherlands’ Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

Beyond the world leaders, the summit’s real energy is expected to come from the tech industry’s heavyweights, who see India not just as a participant but as a pivotal player in AI’s next chapter.

Leading the charge from the United States is a powerhouse delegation organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and the US-India Business Council (USIBC)–the largest American industry presence at such an event to date.

The delegation from the USISPF will be co-led by Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen and FedEx President and CEO Raj Subramaniam, and will include more than 120 senior executives from more than 100 companies, including luminaries such as Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith.

White House adviser Michael Kratsios, Assistant to US President Donald Trump and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, will lead the official US government delegation, joined by senior officials from the US Department of State, Commerce, and other agencies.

“Looking forward to leading the US delegation to the AI Impact Summit in India this month,” Kratsios posted on X, adding, “America is setting the gold standard for AI innovation, and we want to share it with our global partners.”

Vishal Sikka, founder and CEO of Vianai Systems and a vocal champion of India’s AI ecosystem, captured the excitement perfectly: “India is so important to AI that this is really going to be, I think, the best AI conference that has ever happened in the last several years.”

He pointed to India’s unique blend of talent, infrastructure, and societal challenges as the perfect crucible for tackling AI’s biggest questions–from energy demands to ethics and safety.

John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF, echoed the optimism: “As Prime Minister Modi said best, AI stands for America and India.”

The delegation’s mission is clear: to accelerate collaboration across AI infrastructure, quantum computing, critical minerals, and trusted technologies, under the banner of “Together, we can lead the future of AI.”

Even former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will lend his voice, addressing a curtain-raiser event organised by Carnegie India titled “AI for All: Reimagining Global Cooperation”.

Iran’s participation, led by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Sattar Hashemi, signals deepening tech bonds, while a high-level Israeli delegation–headed by Ilan Fluss, policy coordinator at Israel’s Foreign Ministry–will spotlight bilateral innovation in AI for climate resilience and ethical governance.

“India and Israel have a joint responsibility to lead with innovation guided by ethics,” Fluss declared.

At the core is India’s audacious vision for sovereign AI.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, the country is unveiling 12 indigenous foundation models developed by homegrown startups and consortia, trained on vast Indian datasets and tailored to the nation’s 22 official languages.

From Sarvam AI’s multilingual reasoning engines to BharatGen’s sector-specific tools from IIT Bombay, Gnani AI’s voice-first breakthroughs, and Fractal Analytics’ pioneering reasoning models–these innovations promise to democratise AI for everything from agriculture to healthcare and governance.

The summit will showcase them alongside the AI Impact Expo, a sprawling 70,000-square-metre showcase of real-world applications, from precision farming to accessible education.

The agenda is structured around three guiding “sutras”–People, Planet, and Progress–with seven thematic “chakras” delving into skilling, sustainable AI, trusted governance, and economic empowerment.

Seven working groups, co-chaired by voices from the Global North and South, will deliver actionable proposals: shared compute resources, AI commons for the public good, and compendia of use cases that could transform lives in the developing world.

For India, a nation projected to see its AI market surge past USD 17 billion by 2027, this summit is more than a diplomatic triumph–it’s a declaration of intent.

With 800 million internet users, a booming startup scene, and world-class digital public infrastructure, India is positioning itself as the bridge between innovation and impact.

As PM Modi himself has said, “We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity. Some people worry about machines becoming superior in intelligence to humans. But no one holds the key to our collective future and shared destiny other than us humans.”

As the world’s eyes turn to New Delhi, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 isn’t just about technology–it’s about rewriting the rules of the AI era.

In a world racing toward intelligent machines, India is ensuring that the future remains equitable, ethical, and human. (ANI)

United States President Donald Trump intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war “once and for all,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday (local time).

Rubio met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“Met with Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa on Ukraine’s security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. President Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all,” Marco Rubio wrote on X.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18.

Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that he briefed Rubio on Ukraine’s situation amid the ongoing war, ahead of the peace talks. He also discussed with Rubio the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy resources.

“During the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio, I briefed him on the situation at the front, Russian strikes, and the impact of attacks on Ukraine’s energy system. We discussed how to help Ukraine protect lives during the winter cold and strengthen our resilience. We also had a detailed discussion about the diplomatic process and trilateral meetings. It is crucial that the talks planned in Geneva be productive, and I thank the United States for their constructive approach. We also addressed the matter of sequencing steps. It is important to make progress on the issues of security guarantees and economic recovery. I am grateful to the United States and to every American heart for the substantial support provided to Ukraine,” the Ukrainian premier wrote on X.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday (local time) discussed the upcoming trilateral meetings in Geneva with United States envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, stating that Kyiv expects the peace talks to be “truly productive.”

In an X post, the Ukrainian President wrote, “I had a conversation with envoys of President Trump, @SteveWitkoff and @JaredKushner, ahead of the trilateral meetings in Geneva. We count on the meetings being truly productive. We also discussed some developments following the meetings in Abu Dhabi. Not everything can be shared over the phone, and our negotiating team will present Ukraine’s position next week.”

“I also spoke about our meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We greatly appreciate that America consistently maintains a constructive approach and is ready to assist in protecting lives. I thank President Trump, his team, and the people of the United States for their support,” he added.

Earlier, the US, Russia and Ukraine held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in January 2026.

As reported by TASS, the Russian delegation will be headed by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky for the fresh rounds of talks on February 17 and 18. (ANI)

The devotees turned up in large numbers at the Sangam ghats on Sunday to take part in the holy Mahashivaratri snan of the Magh Mela.

The administration has implemented strict security measures, with Uttar Pradesh ATS mobile patrol squads actively monitoring the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 as pilgrims continue to arrive for the sacred dip.

Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said that Mahashivaratri marks the last ‘snan parv’ of the Magh Mela, drawing a massive influx of devotees. He informed that around 10 lakh people have already taken the holy dip so far.

“Today is the last ‘snan parv’ of the Magh Mela, and devotees are coming in large numbers to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivratri 2026. 10 lakh devotees have already taken a holy dip so far. The administration has made proper arrangements,” Rishi Raj told ANI.

In addition to Prayagraj, devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri. The temple premises witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with worshippers lining up since early morning to seek blessings.

Similarly, devotees flocked together at temples across the country. Aarti ceremonies were performed at the Mini Somnath Temple in Ahmedabad, the Aap Shambhu Mahadev Temple in Reasi, and the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya, where devotees offered prayers with deep reverence.

Mahashivratri, celebrated across India with great devotion, marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in night-long vigils to seek the deity’s blessings.

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva was escorted to Goddess Parvati’s house by a diverse group of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The Shiva-Shakti duo is considered the epitome of love, power, and togetherness. The festival marking their sacred union, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. (ANI)

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has shared his admiration for Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster release ‘Dhurandhar’, even listing the film’s songs among his current favourites.

In a special video, shared on the official Instagram page of the actor’s lifestyle brand ‘ARKS’, Ranbir responded to fan questions when he expressed appreciation for Ranveer’s latest work.

“My current favourite song…I am still listening to all the amazing tracks from Dhurandhar. That’s right up there,” Ranbir said, further mentioning music sensation Talwiinder.

The ‘Animal’ star also went on to call ‘Dhurandhar’ his current favourite movie.

“My current favourite movie is Dhurandhar. I think the entire cast and crew really smashed it…Really good times at the movies,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Ranbir Kapoor stepped out in the city to visit the ‘ARKS’ Bandra store, marking one year of his lifestyle brand.

Before entering the outlet, he met with paps, fan and happily posed for them. And as expected, he once again won the hearts of fashion aficionados with his look.

On the work front, Ranbir will be seen playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited two-part epic ‘Ramayana.’ He also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial ‘Love and War’ and ‘Brahmastra 2’ in the pipeline.

Coming to ‘Dhurandhar’, the film is currently regarded as the biggest hit, achieving cult status. It has rewritten box office history by surpassing ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.

Apart from Ranveer Singh, the film features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan in pivotal roles.

The makers are set to bring the sequel ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ in March this year.

The official teaser for the film was unveiled earlier this month, featuring a relentless, blood-soaked action montage that underscores the psychological and physical transformation of Jaskirat Singh Rangi into the spy Hamza Ali Mazari.

Glimpses of returning cast members Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan are featured.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, with T-Series taking over as the music label, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is slated for a pan-India theatrical release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.

It will release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. (ANI)

Former Pakistan prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have approached the Islamabad High Court seeking suspension of their sentences in the Toshakhana-2 (Bulgari jewellery) case, Dawn reported.

The petition, filed by Advocate Salman Akram Raja, along with Barristers Salman Safdar, Gohar Ali Khan, and Qausain Faisal Mufti, under Section 426 read with Section 561-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, seeks their release on bail pending the final decision on their criminal appeal.

On December 20, 2025, the Special Court Central-I convicted the couple and imposed a 10-year simple imprisonment term under Section 409 of the PPC (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), along with a fine of PKR 16.425 million. They were also sentenced to seven years’ simple imprisonment under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The petition argued that such a dual conviction for the same alleged act is wholly beyond the mandate of law, as the petitioner could, at best, have been convicted under either of the two provisions, but not under both. It contended that this violated the principle of double jeopardy under Section 26 of the General Clauses Act, 1897.

Medical concerns featured prominently in the plea. Dawn reported that the petition referenced a Supreme Court proceeding on February 10, 2025, where a medical report from Muhammad Arif of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences indicated severe damage to Imran Khan’s right eye, with a blood clot leaving only 15 per cent vision, and treatment not feasible within jail premises.

The petitioners challenged the trial court’s classification of Imran Khan as a “public servant” under Section 21 PPC, citing PLD 2024 SC 102 to argue that elected officeholders do not qualify for Section 409 PPC applicability.

They maintained that the gifts from the Toshakhana were properly deposited and retained after paying 50 per cent of the value above the basic exemption of PKR 30,000, in line with the Toshakhana Policy 2018.

The plea objected to treating prosecution witness Sohaib Abbasi as an approver without following the mandatory procedure under Section 337 CrPC. It further argued that witness Syed Inamullah Shah, as a material participant in the alleged transaction, should have been arrayed as an accused rather than examined as a routine prosecution witness, reflecting a “selective approach manifestly demonstrative of mala fide intent”.

The petitioners noted that they remained on bail throughout the trial and complied with all conditions set by the trial court.

The accompanying criminal appeal raises substantial questions of law and fact, with no immediate hearing likely, making sentence suspension essential to avoid “manifest miscarriage of justice”.

Separately, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi filed petitions for an early hearing of the 190 million pound corruption case. The registrar’s office is expected to place the matter before a bench next week. (ANI)

Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh has expressed deep concern and solidarity with actor Rajpal Yadav, days after he surrendered at the Tihar Jail for a series of cheque dishonour cases against him.

Speaking to the media, Akshara urged people to come forward and support Rajpal Yadav.

“Every artist is very saddened by this. His fans are also very saddened. I want those who are capable and can help at their level to provide help,” she said.

Akshara Singh also reacted to the financial assistance provided by National President of Janshakti Janta Dal, Tej Pratap Yadav and added, “Thank you very much to Tej Pratap Yadav, who helped them. They are very good people.”

Earlier this month, Tej Pratap Yadav announced financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh to the family of Rajpal Yadav, further expressing solidarity on the behalf of his party.

In a post on X, Tej Pratap Yadav wrote, “I just received information about the pain of the family of the honorable Rajpal Yadav ji through the post of my elder brother Rao Inderjeet Yadav ji. In this extremely difficult time, I and my entire JJD (Jan Shakti Janata Dal) family stand in complete empathy and solidarity with their grieving family. With a spirit of human compassion and support, on behalf of the JJD family, I am providing financial assistance of ₹11,00,000 (eleven lakh rupees) to their family.”

Many celebrities have also come forward to share financial help for the actor, including the likes of Sonu Sood, Mika Singh, Guru Randhawa, and Gurmeet Choudhary, among others.

The financial support comes after the Delhi High Court rejected Bollywood actor Rajpal Naurang Yadav’s final attempt to avoid imprisonment in a series of cheque-dishonour cases and directed that he must surrender to the jail authorities before any further hearing could be held.

The order came after Yadav failed to comply with the surrender deadline fixed by the Court, following repeated violations of undertakings regarding payment of settlement amounts to the complainant company. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal on Saturday criticised the Opposition for obstructing proceedings in Parliament, stating that the discussion on the President’s address could not take place due to their disruptions.

Speaking to reporters, Pal specifically condemned the statements and allegations made by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi against the Centre, calling them “low-level and baseless.”

“The discussion on the President’s address could not take place…Rahul Gandhi made baseless and low-level allegations in the Parliament and created obstruction during the motion of thanks. Several opposition parties also wanted the discussion to take place, but it did not. The way they obstructed the House, the kind of statements they make in democracy, the kind of allegations they level, they should think about it…,” he said.

The first part of the Budget session concluded on Friday, which was marked by heated political debates over the India-US interim trade deal and the memoir of former Army Chief MM Naravane, whose publication had sparked controversy even outside the Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha will reconvene on March 9 after a three-week recess. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned and is scheduled to meet again on March 9 after a three-week recess.

The Parliament budget session, which began on January 28 with the President’s address to a joint sitting of the two Houses, comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and is scheduled to conclude on April 2. The recess will allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.

The first part of the session was devoted primarily to the Budget for 2026-27 and to a discussion of the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.

During the session, the INDIA bloc discussed proposals such as replacing MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, as well as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll before the start of the session.

During President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both Houses, opposition parties staged protests in a “dignified” manner against the scrapping of MGNREGA, highlighting their concerns over employment and rural livelihoods. (ANI)