Month: February 2026

The Bombay High Court on Thursday denied permission to underworld gangster Abu Salem to visit his native place in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh to mourn the death of his brother Abu Hakim Ansari.

Salem has been in prison for over 23 years.

On January 12, the Supreme Court rejected the petition of extradited gangster Abu Salem for a premature release in the 1993 Bombay serial bomb blast cases, asking him to justify his claims of completing 25 years of his life sentence.

The convict was challenging the Bombay HC’s rejection of his remission plea.

Earlier, the Bombay HC rejected his plea for early release.

Abu Salem is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the 1993 Bombay bombings and other cases. He was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005 and has been jailed since then.

On September 18, 2002, Abu Salem was detained in LISBON (Portugal). After lengthy proceedings in the Court of Appeal in Lisbon and the Constitutional Court of Portugal, the extradition of Abu Salem was granted, and his custody was transferred to Indian authorities on November 10, 2005. (ANI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday organised briefing meetings for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed as Central Observers for the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

According to an official release, 1,444 Officers, including 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers, have been called for the briefing meetings.

The briefing meetings are being held in three batches over two days – February 5 and 6 – at IIIDEM in the national capital.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, briefed the Central Observers.

CEC Kumar said that the Observers have been selected to serve as beacons for the ECI. He added that the Observers should ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He said that their presence will energise the entire election machinery across 824 constituencies where elections are going to be held.

Election Commissioner SS Sandhu said the Observers should serve as a friend, philosopher, and guide to election officials on the field.

“Their arrival must be well publicised, and they should remain accessible, ensuring grievances of the electors are swiftly redressed to avoid even perceptions of favouritism,” he added.

Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi said that the Observers must ensure ECI instructions are implemented in letter and spirit, upholding impartiality and democratic values. He also instructed that Voter Information Slips (VIS) be distributed well in time to voters so they are not inconvenienced on election day.

The Commission also interacted with the Observers in a doubt-clearing session. Senior officials of the Commission also briefed the Observers on various aspects of the preparation of Electoral Rolls and the Conduct of Elections in the five poll-bound States/UTs.

As per the release, the Commission appoints Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 16 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident.

Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each.

The ex-gratia will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PMO posted on X.

Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the state government has ordered an inquiry into the coal mine incident that claimed 16 lives.

He said that accountability will be fixed for the incident at a suspected illegal coal mine, and those responsible will face strict legal action.

“Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives,” Sangma posted on X.

“In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected,” he added.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been moved to carry out rescue operations after at least 16 people were killed and several labourers were feared trapped in an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in a village on Thursday, officials said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar said that 16 bodies have recovered so far.

“The incident took place in the Thangsku (Thangskai) area on Thursday. Several labourers trapped inside the coal mine following an explosion. SDRF, police, and local administration engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, 16 bodies have been recovered. One person received burn injuries,” SP Kumar said.

Several people are still trapped inside the coal mine.

More details are awaited. (ANI)

Social media has a significant impact on children, shaping their behaviour, emotions, and mental well-being at a young age. Constant screen time can reduce real-life interaction, weaken family communication, and affect concentration and emotional development.

After three minor sisters died after jumping off the 9th floor of their residential building in Ghaziabad during the late hours of Tuesday, actor Sonu Sood expressed concern over online gaming addiction and excessive social media use among children, urging parents and authorities to impose strict restrictions on minors’ access to digital platforms.

Reacting to the incident, Sood shared a video message on Instagram, saying that children today face immense, unseen pressure from constant exposure to online gaming and social media, while lacking emotional support and meaningful interaction at home.

“…. three children lost their lives in Ghaziabad. These children were not defeated, they were left alone. In the world of online and social media, we have left our children so far that we cannot hear their silence,” the actor said.

Reiterating his earlier stance, Sood said that children under the age of 16 should be kept away from social media and online gaming, except for educational purposes. He added that while technology is essential for education, unrestricted access can put young lives at risk.

“Some time ago, I said that we have to keep children under 16 years of age away from the world of online and social media. But we get so busy in our lives that we forget that there is another member of our family who is our mobile phone, our social media, with whom the children want to spend more time than us,” he said, calling for stronger parental involvement and emotional support.

“If we want their lives, our lives, their future, the future of our country to be better, then it is necessary to put a ban. You think that they do not need a screen, they need our support. Children do not need a mobile, they need our presence, they do not need scolding, they need our conversation,” said the ‘Dabangg’ actor.

Parents, often due to busy lifestyles, unintentionally replace their own time and attention with mobile phones for their children. Giving a phone becomes an easy way to keep children occupied, but it gradually reduces real interaction, conversation, and emotional bonding within the family.

Sood acknowledged that technology is important for education, but he also warned that uncontrolled use, especially access to social media and online gaming, can harm children’s mental and emotional well-being.

“But we do not have time for them either. Because we have given them a mobile phone with social media so that they can keep reading, keep watching. Technology is necessary for education, but it does not mean that we are putting the lives of our children at risk for that technology,” he noted.

The ace star stressed that young children should use phones strictly for learning purposes, not for social media, and calls for collective action to limit digital exposure so children grow up with family support and human connection rather than screens and virtual platforms.

“There should be a mobile phone for education, but not for social media, especially for children of a young age. Let’s try together today to remove that member who is dividing our family. Before that, let’s make a law together so that our children can live with us, not with social media, not with online gaming,” he said.

Sonu Sood wrote in the caption, “Social media can wait. Childhood can’t”

According to the preliminary information by the Ghaziabad police, the minors used to play an online task-based game.

The tragic incident took place at around 2:15 am last night under Tila Mod Police Limits in the Loni area. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Atul Kumar Singh, stated that the deceased minor girls have been identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12), daughters of Chetan Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The ACP further stated that the minors were immediately taken to a 50-bed hospital, where they were declared dead.

After the incident, Sood wrote on X, “Three young girls lost their lives in Ghaziabad today. Not to violence. Not to poverty. But to the unseen pressure of online gaming and digital addiction. I’ve raised my voice before, and I’ll say it again. Social media and online gaming must be restricted for children under 16, except for education. Childhood needs guidance, not algorithms. Care, not constant screens. This isn’t about blame. It’s about protection, before it’s too late. Let this not become another headline we forget. It’s time to act.”

Nimish Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trans-Hindon, on Thursday, stated that the three minor girls who died in Ghaziabad, after jumping off the 9th floor of their residential building, were clearly influenced by Korean culture.

DCP Patil stated that the police have found a suicide note at the residence, which clarified that they were influenced by Korean culture. However, no specific name of any game application was mentioned in the note.

“In the early hours of 4th February, we received information that three girls jumped from a building. They were declared dead at the hospital. We have found a suicide note in the case. From the suicide note, it is clear that the three girls were influenced by Korean culture. No particular app was named. At the time of the incident, the whole family was present in the house, but they were sleeping…” he said.

An eyewitness, Arun Kumar, told ANI that he saw the girls jump off from the building, and it seemed like one of them planned the jump while the others were trying to save her.

“I saw all three of them jumping. It was so sudden, it occurred before I could have done anything or called anyone. They were sitting on the balcony glass… It was abnormal. It happened at around 2 AM… From what I saw, one of them planned to jump, and the others fell while trying to save her. I called the police and the ambulance…” he said.

As per Sonu Sood, without proper guidance and boundaries, social media can overwhelm children who are still developing the ability to process stress and emotions. Balanced use, parental involvement, and age-appropriate restrictions are essential to protect children’s mental and emotional health. (ANI)

Ahead of the theatrical release of ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain: Fun On The Run’ on Friday, actor Shubhangi Atre has opened up about one of the most challenging and memorable experiences from the film- driving an ageing Ambassador car through the winding mountain roads of Mussoorie.

The upcoming film marks the official big-screen expansion of the hugely popular television sitcom ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain’, bringing the residents of the fictional Modern Colony to cinemas across India.

While the franchise is best known for its situational comedy and sharp one-liners, Atre’s behind-the-scenes account highlights the show’s humour to a cinematic scale.

Recalling the shoot, Atre said the yellow Ambassador car she was required to drive was “very old” and not ideal for the hill terrain.

“The condition of the car was… interesting. It was a very old Ambassador and it didn’t have proper brakes,” Atre disclosed while speaking to ANI.

She added, “I had to drive that car on the mountains of Mussoorie. As soon as I landed in Dehradun, the Assistant Directors (ADS) team asked me if I knew how to drive. When they pointed to the Ambassador, I was skeptical, but we made it work.”

To ensure safety during the shoot, the production team conducted several practice rounds around their hotel premises until the crew was confident in Atre’s ability to manage the vintage vehicle.

Directed by Shashank Bali, the film takes the beloved rivalry between Vibhuti Narayan Mishra (Aasif Sheikh) and Manmohan Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) to a larger scale.

The plot follows the duo as they embark on a trip with each other’s wives, only to be intercepted by two brothers, Shanti and Kranti, who attempt to marry Anita and Angoori.

The film serves as the official cinematic expansion of the sitcom, featuring the original core cast, including Vidisha Srivastava as Anita Bhabhi. Adding to the star power are special appearances by Ravi Kishan, Mukesh Tiwari, and Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua). (ANI)

Amid US President Donald Trump’s claim that India has agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated that ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains the top priority for the Government of India, especially amid evolving global energy dynamics.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s energy decisions are guided by national interest.

“In so far as India’s energy security or sourcing is confirmed, the government has publicly on several occasions, including me here, stated that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion is the supreme priority of the government,” Jaiswal said.

He further outlined the government’s strategy, adding, “Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India’s decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind.”

Trump made the remarks following the announcement of the India-US trade deal, claiming that New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil and shift toward increased purchases from the United States and Venezuela.

“We spoke about many this including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more fr the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social post earlier this week.

The trade deal was later confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though no statement was made regarding stopping Russian oil imports.

Responding to questions on Venezuela, Jaiswal said India remains open to sourcing oil based on commercial considerations.

“India’s stand is clear. We have long-standing partnership with Venezuela. And we remain open to buying oil from Venezuela or other places depending on its commercial viability,” he said.

The bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States was announced on Monday, with tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 50 per cent to 18 per cent. In a press conference on Tuesday, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the final agreement is in its last stages, a view echoed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who stated the deal is “still being papered.” A joint statement outlining the details is expected later.

Meanwhile, Russia also weighed in on the developments. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova said there was no reason to believe India would reconsider its energy cooperation with Russia.

“No reason to believe India has reconsidered its approach to energy cooperation with Russia,” Zakharova said, adding, “The trade in resources is beneficial for both sides and contributes to maintaining stability in the international energy market.”

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said, “We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here.”

Separately, Goyal reiterated the government’s position, saying, “wish to clarify once again, as the government has stated publicly on several occasions, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India’s actions are taken with this in mind. I would therefore urge the honourable members to consider these issues in their proper perspective.”

These remarks come as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in the United States for the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jaishankar said the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation during his meetings, with discussions also covering the Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine.

“We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It’s natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar – what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation,” he said.

At the Critical Minerals meeting, the EAM underlined India’s support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. (ANI)

BJP leaders on Thursday condemned Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MRK Panneerselvam’s alleged statement targeting North Indians.

The minister in the Tamil Nadu government allegedly made derogatory remarks against North Indians, calling them “panipuri sellers” and “table cleaners.”

Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Darshan Singh Choudhary said that such statements undermine prosperity in North India.

“This is a shameless and problematic statement. Such people try to ruin the Sanatani atmosphere of North India. They should not engage in such practices,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal provided a pluralistic stance, saying that everyone’s contribution must be “accepted well,” underscoring the potential role in the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“Every person, be it a labourer, entrepreneur or an industrialist, has an important role to play in the economy of the nation. Everyone’s contribution and role must be accepted well. We are moving towards Viksit Bharat 2047, and everyone’s contribution will play an important role in realising it,” the BJP MP said.

Congress leader Udit Raj said, “I condemn his statement. Even though I agree that South India is ahead of North India in terms of industrialisation, the services sector, technology and education sectors,” Raj said.

Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi chaired the party’s Election Manifesto Committee meeting yesterday at the party headquarters, Arivalayam, in Chennai.

She said alliance talks are ongoing with the Congress party, adding that decisions on the number of constituencies will be made by the negotiation committee, and any new party joining the alliance will be announced by the Chief Minister.

The developments come as Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections in the first half of this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the official election schedule. (ANI)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of rising concerns around gyms and fitness centres across India, particularly allegations of sexual exploitation and health risks linked to unregulated practices.

Acting on multiple complaints, the Commission has issued notice to all State governments, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and sports authorities concerned, seeking detailed information on existing rules and guidelines governing the establishment and operation of gyms and fitness clubs.

Member of the National Human Rights Commission Priyank Kanoongo said several disturbing cases have emerged from different parts of the country. “Numerous cases of sexual exploitation of women/girls/adolescent girls targeted by trainers in gyms and fitness clubs have come to light at various places across the country,” he stated, highlighting the vulnerability of young women and minors in poorly regulated fitness spaces.

Beyond safety concerns, Kanoongo also flagged serious health risks associated with the sector. He noted that the use of substandard food supplements and engagement in uncontrolled physical activities pose a direct threat to human life. “Additionally, from a health perspective as well, substandard food supplements and uncontrolled physical activities also pose a threat to human life,” he said.

The NHRC has sought comprehensive inputs from authorities to assess whether adequate regulatory mechanisms are in place. “Therefore, notices have been issued to all state governments, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and sports authorities, summoning information regarding the rules and guidelines related to the establishment/operation of gyms/fitness centres. So that steps can be taken in the direction of controlling unethical activities in this sector,” he said.

Earlier on January 8, the Central government appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers Anand Swaroop and Anupama Nilekar Chandra to key posts in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), respectively. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved these appointments following a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The appointments were officially announced through an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) late on January 8. (ANI)

Asserting that the India-US trade deal is “a new example” of diplomacy, development and dignity, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the agreement was finalised with due care to safeguard the “interests of Indian farmers.”

The India-US trade deal reduces tariffs on Indian goods in the US to 18 per cent, while Washington has claimed the deal will help it export more agricultural products to New Delhi.

Chouhan added that major agricultural sectors, including major crops and dairy, remain “fully protected.” He said that the agreement does not compromise domestic agricultural interests in any manner.

Speaking to ANI about the impact of the agreement on India’s agriculture sector, Chouhan said, “This trade deal is a new example of diplomacy, development, and dignity. We believe in balanced and strong dialogue, not conflict. The interests of the farmers have been fully protected. Farmers’ interests are completely secure. Our main grains, fruits, major crops, and millets are all safe. Dairy products are safe.”

“The farmer is the provider of food. A food provider means a life-giver. Their interests are the interests of the nation, which have been protected. Serving the farmers is like serving God for us,” he added.

Taking a dig at the Congress and other Opposition parties, the Agriculture Minister accused them of spreading misinformation and engaging in “blind opposition”. He alleged that rumours were spread to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and disorder.

“The Congress and the opposition are frustrated. They are mentally disturbed. They cannot compete with us on the ground. They are engaging in blind opposition. They have become a machine of lies. They are a market of rumours,” he said.

Chouhan further highlighted that the trade agreement would boost India’s exports, particularly through tariff reductions, with a positive ripple effect on farmers. “Our exports will be boosted by the reduction in tariffs. When textile exports increase, cotton farmers will benefit,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about the impact of the US-India trade agreement on India’s agriculture sector, especially small and marginal farmers, the Agriculture Minister offered a categorical assurance.

“I assure that all our major crops and the dairy sector are secure. This deal has been done keeping in mind the welfare of farmers and the country’s interests,” he said.

Responding to a tweet by the US Treasury Secretary suggesting that more American farm products would be exported following the agreement, Chouhan reiterated that India had not opened its markets in a way that would harm domestic producers.

“Our Minister Piyush Goyal also clarified the entire situation in Parliament. I reiterate that the interests of Indian farmers are completely protected. Whether they are small farmers or large farmers, all our agricultural products will remain secure. The market has not been opened up for anything that would jeopardise their interests,” he explained.

Earlier on Wednesday, speaking in Parliament, Piyush Goyal highlighted that both countries have finalised several areas of a bilateral trade agreement following intensive negotiations.

Goyal informed the House that both sides will now work to complete technical processes and finalise paperwork to expeditiously unlock the potential of the deal. He described the framework as a landmark step in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the vision of a developed India by 2047.

He added that the 18 per cent rate announced by US President Donald Trump is lower than tariffs imposed on several competing countries, which enhances India’s export competitiveness. (ANI)