Gir Somnath, Feb 18 (PTI) A woman and her two minor daughters drowned in a river in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district on Wednesday after slipping into the water, police said.

The bodies of the deceased, identified as 36-year-old Ilaben Vaish and her daughters, aged nine and seven, were recovered from the Shingoda river in Kodinar taluka, they said.

They belonged to Adpokar village, the police said.

"Ilaben had gone to wash clothes at the river around 12.30 pm. Her two daughters were with her at that time. But all three of them accidentally fell into the river and drowned," an official said.

The deceased woman's husband is a bus driver.

An accidental death report has been filed and further investigation is underway, the police said. PTI KVM NP

Jabalpur, Feb 18 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court, based in Jabalpur, on Wednesday directed its Indore bench to hear a clutch of petitions related to the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf said the disputed structure is located in Dhar district, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Indore bench.

As the concerned parties also belong to the same region, the petitions should be heard there, it said.

The principal bench listed the next hearing of the case on February 23 in the Indore bench.

Hindus consider Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community claims the 11th-century monument to be the Kamal Maula Mosque. The complex is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

As per the existing arrangement under the ASI's April 2023 order, which was initiated after the dispute over the Dhar complex, Hindus are allowed to worship there every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz every Friday.

One of the litigants, Hindu Front for Justice's counsel Vinay Joshi, who attended the hearing online from Indore, told PTI that the HC's direction was issued for the convenience of all parties.

The case will now be heard by the senior-most judge of the Indore bench, he said.

On February 16, the Indore bench, citing a Supreme Court order dated January 22, 2026, had directed that the writ petition pending before it be placed before a division bench headed by the Chief Justice or a senior judge of the high court within three weeks.

The Indore bench had also said that pending petitions related to the dispute be placed before the Chief Justice at the principal bench in Jabalpur for appropriate orders, along with a pending writ appeal.

The apex court on January 22 directed the high court to make public the scientific survey report of the disputed complex submitted by the ASI in a sealed cover and make it available to the parties to file objections.

The SC said the matter would be taken up for final hearing after objections are filed and directed all parties to maintain status quo at the disputed complex and comply with the ASI's April 2023 order until a final decision is taken. PTI COR LAL NP

Jammu, Feb 18 (PTI) Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday issued an order regulating the collection of donations during the holy month of Ramzan, citing concerns over unauthorized fundraising activities.

Kishtwar District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma said it is the statutory obligation of the administration to ensure that public contributions intended for relief, welfare or religious purposes are not misappropriated, laundered or diverted for extraneous or subversive activities.

There has been a tendency of unauthorized collection of donations by certain individuals and organizations during Ramzan, necessitating immediate regulatory intervention, Sharma said in the order.

“While the tradition of Zakat and Sadaqah (charitable giving) is an integral and sacred facet of the religious and social fabric during Ramadan, any act of artifice, misrepresentation, or fraudulent solicitation of funds not only desecrates the sanctity of the Holy Month but also exploits the altruism of the public,” the DM said.

He said regulatory oversight is essential to safeguard transparency and maintain public trust.

Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the DM laid down specific guidelines for compliance.

According to the order, no individual, NGO, trust, society or committee shall undertake donation collection within the territorial jurisdiction of Kishtwar district without valid registration under relevant laws and prior intimation to the executive officer, Waqf board unit Kishtwar or the president, Majlis Shura Committee Kishtwar, wherever applicable.

All fundraising entities have been directed to maintain proper records of collections and expenditures. Any solicitor found without authenticated copies of registration and authorization documents shall be treated as unauthorized, it said.

The order strictly prohibits coercive tactics, harassment of commuters or obstruction of public pathways for donation collection.

Sub-registrars have been asked to publish within five days a list of registered charitable trusts operating in the district to guide the general public.

A dedicated vigilance helpline has been activated for reporting instances of fraudulent solicitation or harassment.

The senior superintendent of police, along with sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order in letter and spirit.

The directive has come into immediate effect and shall remain operative throughout the holy month of Ramzan, the order said, adding any violation shall invite action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws. PTI TAS TAS KVK

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Jaipur, Feb 18 (PTI) Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sent a requisition to issue a lookout notice against retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal in connection with alleged irregularities to the tune of Rs 900 crore in the tender process of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), officials said on Wednesday.

ACB Deputy Inspector General Dr Rameshwar Singh said the request was forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration amid apprehension that Agarwal might attempt to flee the country.

He said teams are also searching for absconding Superintending Engineer Jitendra Sharma, erstwhile Superintending Engineer Mukesh Goyal and a private individual named Sanjeev Gupta.

The ACB on Tuesday arrested nine persons, including senior engineers and retired officials, in connection with the alleged multi-crore corruption case.

Singh said a special investigation team (SIT) is questioning the arrestees over the alleged irregularities in the tender process under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Subodh Agarwal served as additional chief secretary of the Public Health and Engineering Department when the alleged scam took place. Two private firms allegedly secured tenders by submitting forged completion certificates, officials said.

The ACB raided Agarwal's residence on February 17 but did not find him.

Meanwhile, the ACB produced the other accused before a court, which remanded them to three days' police custody on Wednesday.

Those sent on remand include Dinesh Goyal, Chief Engineer (Administration), Jaipur; K D Gupta, Chief Engineer (Rural); Subhanshu Dixit, Additional Chief Engineer (Jaipur Region-II); Sushil Sharma, Financial Advisor (Renewable Energy); Niril Kumar, Chief Engineer, Churu; suspended Executive Engineer Vishal Saxena; retired Additional Chief Engineer Arun Srivastava; retired Chief Engineer and Technical Member Dilip Kumar Gaur; retired Superintending Engineer Mahendra Prakash Soni; and alleged middleman Mukesh Pathak. PTI SDA ARB

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Nagpur, Feb 18 (PTI) As many as 65 crocodiles were recorded in the third survey of predatory reptiles in the Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, officials said on Wednesday.

The annual crocodile census of the water bodies in the Tiger Reserve concluded on February 18.

Field Director Akshay Gajbhiye stated in a release that 17 volunteers from across the country actively participated in the survey, and modern technology was effectively used for data collection through the Epicollect application.

Gajbhiye said direct sightings of 65 crocodiles were recorded, while the number of indirect sightings was 120.

He stated that the data generated from this survey will play an important role in crocodile conservation, habitat protection, and long-term biodiversity management in the Pench landscape.

The survey was led by Assistant Conservators of Forests, Sandip Bharti and Pooja Limbgaonkar, supported by various range forest officers, wildlife biologists and others. PTI CLS NSK

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy on Wednesday indicated that artificial intelligence may never supercede human mind despite oft-repeated claims.

"Nothing is superior to the human mind," the entrepreneur said at a Delhi University talk.

The interaction, titled 'Leaders Talk', was held in collaboration with the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) at the Viceregal Lodge Convention Hall, an official statement said.

According to the release by the varsity, Murthy described AI as a blessing rather than a threat, and stressed the importance of reskilling and "learnability" for youth.

He called the youth the nation's most important asset and recalled lessons from his upbringing and a school incident on responsible use of common resources, which he said shaped his business ethics at Infosys.

Murthy said revenue and profit are secondary, and he always aimed to be the "most respected" rather than the most successful entrepreneur.

He said a mid-1990s setback involving a Fortune 100 US company that accounted for nearly 25 per cent of Infosys' business reinforced long-term thinking in him.

Murthy said he follows the principle of praise in public and criticism in private, noting that Infosys' Performance Improvement Programme gives employees six months to improve.

The welcome address was delivered by Hasmukh Adhia, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the statement read. PTI VBH VN

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Gondia, Feb 18 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will take over as the national president of the NCP on February 26, senior party leader Praful Patel said on Wednesday.

The announcement marks the leadership transition in the Nationalist Congress Party following the death of Sunetra's husband and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.

"After Ajitdada, we are in the process of filling the vacuum in our party. We are a separate party, and we are in the process of doing what's right for our party. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar will take over as the national president of NCP on February 26", Patel told reporters.

Replying to a question about the merger of the two factions of the NCP, Patel emphasised that it's not the right time to speak about the issue.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when a chartered plane, a Learjet 45, crashed while landing near Baramati in Pune district. PTI COR NSK

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Kerala government on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging a Kerala High Court order that set aside its decision to allocate Rs 20 crore for the Nava Kerala Citizen Response Programme.

The move came a day after the high court described the decision as a "colourable exercise of executive power" that violated the Rules of Business, delivering a setback to the ruling CPI(M).

In its appeal, the state government submitted that while exercising its Public Interest Litigation (PIL) jurisdiction, the high court has set aside a policy programme approved by the Council of Ministers of the State and further set aside consequential financial sanction and budgetary proceedings.

It said the court erred in failing to appreciate the constitutional scheme under Articles 202 to 205 of the Constitution.

Kerala government stated that the high court granted reliefs in the PIL that were not even sought, thereby transgressing the settled limits of PIL jurisdiction.

"It is submitted that the high court interfered with the government's power to implement governance and development outreach programmes and seriously prejudiced the ability of the state to take policy decisions involving public expenditure and thus disturbed the constitutional balance between the executive and judiciary," the plea said.

A high court bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M on Tuesday held that the expenditure incurred for implementing the programme is in violation of the rules of business.

The court's order came on two pleas, one of them by Kerala Students Union (KSU) state president Aloshious Xavier, seeking to quash the order launching the programme and restrain the government from "misusing public funds for personal and political gain of the ruling party or front".

The opposition Congress has criticised the Kerala government over the matter, also known as the Nava Kerala Survey initiative, alleging that it was an attempt to channel government funds to the ruling CPI(M) and its youth wing, the DYFI, for election campaigning.

The party claimed that the survey was being conducted to further the CPI(M)'s electoral prospects. PTI TGB HMP SSK PKS RHL

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Baripada (Odisha), Feb 18 (PTI) In a rare display of courage, a 41-year-old tribal woman saved her husband from the jaws of death by fighting a wild bear in a dense forest in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Tuesday at Hatisalabeda forest near Milu village under Karanjia range when a tribal couple, Malde Soren (48) and Lili Soren (41), had gone to the forest for collecting leaves.

“When the couple entered the dense forest, they encountered a group of six wild bears and one among them attacked Malde, mauling him viciously and inflicting serious injuries, including deep scalp wounds,” range officer Prasant Kumar Swain told reporters.

Swain highly praised the woman who, instead of running away from the scene, picked up an axe and attacked the animal.

The bear sustained injuries from the axe attack and fled to the jungle, the officer said.

A seriously injured Malde was first taken to Karanjia government hospital, and later shifted to Keonjhar District Hospital for better treatment. PTI COR AAM NN

Patna, Feb 18 (PTI) The Patna High Court has pulled up the Bihar government over the “failure” of the state machinery in effectively implementing the prohibition law, warning that citizens’ lives were being put at risk.

Justice Purnendu Singh, while hearing a plea for pre-arrest bail by a 19-year-old petitioner, observed that prohibition had led to a parallel economy of illicit liquor and a rise in alcoholism rather than curbing the menace.

“This court finds that the lives of citizens of the state are risked by the failure of the state machinery in effectively carrying out the provision of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016,” the bench said.

The Bihar government in 2016 enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, sale, and consumption of liquor and intoxicants in the state.

The court noted an “alarming trend” of minors and young adults, including those who have just turned 18 or 19, being used for smuggling illicit liquor. It also observed that consumption of hooch allegedly laced with methyl alcohol and other substances, such as urea, had claimed a large number of lives in the state.

Referring to scientific findings, the bench said even five millilitres of methyl alcohol can cause blindness and more than 10 millilitres can be fatal. It also pointed to severe side effects such as acidosis and kidney failure.

The court granted the petitioner pre-arrest bail, directing that he be released in the event of arrest or surrender within four weeks on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10,000.

It further directed the Gopalganj district court to verify the petitioner’s criminal antecedents, stating that the relief would automatically lapse if he was found involved in other cases.

The bench also said courts must not “abdicate” their constitutional duty to advise the Chief Secretary to ensure proper rehabilitation of young offenders, particularly those aged between 18 and 35 years.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand sought a “detailed review” of the prohibition law enacted a decade ago by the then Grand Alliance government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The state government, however, rejected the demand.

“It is 10 years since the prohibition law was enacted. My suggestion is that the government should make a detailed review of the law,” Anand told reporters outside the Assembly. PTI COR PKD NN

Kathmandu, Feb 18 (PTI) Nepal's oldest and newest parties intensified election campaigns on Wednesday, with just 15 days left for the March 5 general elections.

While the oldest party, the Nepali Congress (NC), released its election manifesto on Wednesday, the newest, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will officially unveil its manifesto on Thursday.

NC's newly elected President Gagan Thapa unveiled the manifesto known as "Commitment Paper", in the party's first grand public meeting in Janakpurdham, the capital of Madhesh province.

"Prosperity, inclusiveness and economic development are the primary agenda of Nepali Congress," stated the manifesto.

Its 10-point commitments include a "life with dignity", "big dreams", "employment creation and prosperity", "good governance" and "self-respect".

While unveiling the election manifesto, 49-year-old Thapa, who revolted against the party's old generation leadership by convening a Special Convention a couple of months ago, announced, "I am not the leader but the son of Madhesh."

Thapa, who had been elected from Kathmandu- 4 constituency in the 2022 election and earlier polls, chose Dhanusha district in Madhesh province to build momentum for the NC.

He is the prime ministerial candidate of the NC.

Similarly, the RSP led by Ravi Lamichhane will unveil its manifesto, known as "Citizens' Contract Paper" on Thursday, which lays emphasis on employment and economic growth.

It will be unveiled in western Nepal's Karnali province and includes, among other things, employment for 1.2 million people and increasing the per capita income of each citizen to USD 3,000, up from the current USD 1,450, within a five-year period.

RSP's senior leader and prime ministerial candidate Balendra Shah "Balen" on Wednesday addressed the party's first grand election rally called "Parivartan Udghosh" in Sudurpaschim province's Dhangadi.

"We have come here not to seek 'vote' but to ask for work," Balen said in his four-minute brief speech addressing thousands of people.

"We will work for the prosperity of the Far Western Nepal (Sudurpaschim), whether we win or lose the election," he said.

Some leaders talk about converting our country into Switzerland, but we don't talk like that, as we have more beautiful places than Switzerland, he said.

"Though you have great artists in Sudupaschim, who have one million subscribers, but your songs are not heard in Kathmandu. The country will be united only when the songs of the Far-Western Nepal are also played in the capital city," said the former rapper turned Mayor of Kathmandu, who is aiming at the top executive post of the country.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), chaired by deposed Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, has announced that it will unveil the election manifesto at a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The House of Representatives election will be held on March 5 in the Himalayan nation. PTI SBP GRS GRS

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Kathmandu, Feb 18 (PTI) Nepal and India have signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance to cooperate in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, the law and justice ministry here said.

The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed on Tuesday during a function at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The agreement will enable the two countries to cooperate in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

It aims to strengthen cooperation in the investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes related to criminal cases.

“The agreement is aimed at facilitating the exchange of legal assistance between the two countries on criminal matters, including evidence collection, information sharing and coordination between competent authorities during investigations and court proceedings,” according to the ministry.

"The agreement will prove to be a milestone to minimise financial crime in Nepal as well as making criminal investigation, accusation and judicial procedure more effective," it said.

"This will also help in combating money laundering and financial investment in terrorist activities," it added.

The agreement was inked on behalf of the Nepal government by Joint Secretary Binod Kumar Bhattarai, while Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava signed on behalf of the Indian government.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha, ministry officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion. PTI SBP GRS

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Moscow, Feb 18 (PTI) Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it has "no reason" to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, which it said is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market.

The remarks came in the backdrop of Washington's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.

“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing.

“There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” Zakharova said.

Following a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, both sides announced a reduction of the US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.

The reduction included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff that Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil.

Last week, Rubio said that India has committed to stop buying Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “national interests” will be the “guiding factor” for India’s energy procurement.

While announcing the trade deal with New Delhi early in February, Trump had also claimed India had agreed to not procure crude oil from Russia.

India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington's claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.

Earlier too, Russia had accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of “coercive” measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

In her strongly worded statement, Zakharova also criticised the European allies of the Ukrainian regime, saying that they do not want a peace solution. PTI VS GRS GRS

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Dhaka, Feb 18 (PTI) Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday vowed to strengthen the rule of law and said his government will turn the country into a safe land for people of all faiths, regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity.

In his maiden televised address to the nation after assuming office, Rahman outlined his government's priorities and said that improving the law and order situation and strictly controlling corruption to restore peace and security are his top priorities.

"We want to turn this country into a safe land for every citizen. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians -- regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity -- whether living in the hills or the plains, this country belongs to all of us,” said the prime minister , who is also the chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"Whether you voted for BNP, or did not vote for BNP, or did not vote at all -- everyone has equal rights over this government...As a Bangladeshi, every one of us has equal rights in this country, in this state," he asserted.

The Hindu population in Bangladesh has been affected by a series of incidents against minority communities in the country after the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, Bangladesh experienced a rise in mob violence, extrajudicial killings and attacks on minority communities, especially Hindus.

Rights group Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) said that in January 2026 alone, they documented 21 incidents of lynching and 28 incidents of mob beatings.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 522 communal attacks in 2025, including killings, rapes, and temple vandalism, with murders of 116 people of minority faiths, mostly Hindus, between June 2025 and January 2026.

The reports suggested leaders and activists of the Awami League, disbanded by the Yunus’ regime, were the victims of most attacks.

India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.

Earlier, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the senior-most minister in the new government, said that the law and order issue was one of three priorities and the administration would take steps to end "mob violence".

Alamgir, who is also the party's secretary general and entrusted with the charge of the local government ministry, said, “This (mob violence) will be controlled."

"We must strive to improve the law and order situation, regardless of how much it has deteriorated," he added.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also said, "The mob culture in no way can be tolerated."

In his address, Rahman said every constitutional, governmental, and non-governmental institution will operate according to established laws and regulations.

“Not party or political influence or force, but the rule of law will be the final word in governing the state,” he said.

He said establishing a self-reliant, secure, humane, and democratic Bangladesh is the goal of his party's government.

Rahman also said the new government has begun its journey amid a fragile economy battered by corruption and misrule, a weak governance structure, and a deteriorating law and order situation.

He also extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

On the supply of gas, water, and electricity during the month of Ramadan, Rahman said he has already instructed the authorities concerned to ensure the civic amenities during iftar, tarawih, and sehri times.

Referring to his previous pledge that if the BNP was voted to power, the government would follow the ideal of justice of the Holy Prophet, he said, "I believe that this decision of the BNP parliamentary party reflects that very ideal of justice".

Rahman, 60, was sworn in as the 11th prime minister on Tuesday after leading his party to a forceful victory in the 13th Parliamentary polls held on February 12. He replaced interim government chief Yunus.

Rahman, the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former premier Khaleda Zia, returned home in December after living in London in self-exile for 17 years.

Along with Rahman, 25 ministers and 24 state ministers also took the oath of office on Tuesday. PTI ZH ZH

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Dhaka, Feb 18 (PTI) Bangladesh's new BNP-led government on Wednesday warned that "mob culture" will not be tolerated, amid a rise in mob violence, extrajudicial killings and attacks on minority communities.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the senior-most minister in the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, said that the law and order issue was one of three priorities and the administration would take steps to end "mob violence".

"Absolutely,” he told reporters when asked if the new administration would take proper steps to contain the “mob violence”.

Alamgir, who is also the party's secretary general and entrusted with the charge of the local government ministry, said, “This (mob violence) will be controlled."

"We must strive to improve the law and order situation, regardless of how much it has deteriorated," he added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of his newly formed cabinet, which set a 180-day priority plan with a focus on controlling commodity prices, maintaining law and order and stabilising supply chains.

After the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed described the restoration of law and order issue as a priority, alongside controlling prices of essentials and ensuring uninterrupted power and energy supply.

“The mob culture in no way can be tolerated,” Ahmed told reporters.

Bangladesh has witnessed several cases of mob lynching in recent months, mostly targeting members of the Hindu community, during the interim regime of Muhammad Yunus.

The Yunus regime took charge after a violent student-led street movement toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

Since then, Bangladesh has experienced a rise in mob violence, extrajudicial killings and attacks on minority communities.

Rights group Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) said that in January 2026 alone, they documented 21 incidents of lynching and 28 incidents of mob beatings.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 522 communal attacks in 2025, including killings, rapes, and temple vandalism, with murders of 116 people of minority faiths, mostly Hindus, between June 2025 and January 2026.

The reports suggested leaders and activists of the Awami League, disbanded by the Yunus’ regime, were the victims of most attacks.

Media watchdogs suggested over 640 attacks on journalists since the interim government took power, including two major incidents in which the right-wing mobs set alight the mass circulation Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices. PTI AR ZH

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London, Feb 18 (PTI) Around 500 students based in India are believed to be among over 20,000 international applicants seeking compensation from 36 UK universities in a class action legal case for not receiving the level of education they paid for during the COVID pandemic.

Student Group Claim, made up of around 170,000 potential student claimants as part of the collective lawsuit, said this week that a pre-action letter with information about the proposed claim has been issued to all 36 institutions.

The group, represented by law firms Asserson and Harcus Parker, has claimed that students should be compensated for not receiving the level of education expected.

While they paid for in-person teaching and access to university facilities like libraries and studios, their teaching was moved online and facilities were closed for lengthy periods during COVID. 

“UK undergraduates at university during the pandemic borrowed money at ridiculous interest rates to fund courses which were ruined by online teaching and closed facilities," said Shimon Goldwater, partner at Asserson.

“Student Group Claim is helping students challenge universities to do what they should have done during COVID: pay students compensation for not providing them with the in-person teaching for which they paid," he said. 

Fees for online degree courses in the UK are typically 25-50 per cent less than fees for traditional in-person courses. According to the group's legal team, universities should have paid that difference in value to students as compensation during the pandemic. 

“Students who were at university during COVID, particularly in the 2020-21 academic year, had a very rough ride, but they have received no compensation or tuition fee reductions. 

"Instead, they have been saddled with eye-watering debt from fees and costs for an educational experience that utterly failed them. We are helping them seek fair financial compensation through the courts because this is perhaps the biggest misjustice coming out of the pandemic,” said Adam Zoubir, partner at Harcus Parker.

It comes as a confidential settlement was agreed by University College London (UCL) with its group of students, while admitting no liability and stressing that it followed “UK government guidance and implemented comprehensive safety measures” during the lockdown period.

“We recognise that the COVID years were incredibly difficult for students. COVID-19 created disruption across society, and universities were no exception," Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, said in a statement last week. 

“UCL has never disputed the principle that individuals may seek legal remedies. Throughout the pandemic, we provided clear routes for students to seek redress, and many secured compensation through those established processes. This resolution enables us to focus on our core mission of delivering world-leading research and education," he said. 

Student Group Claim says it is pursuing compensation for students linked with the other leading British universities on the basis that under English law, a consumer who pays for a service but is provided with a different service of a lower value is entitled to compensation.

This means they should receive damages reflecting the difference between the market value of the service they paid for and the market value of the service they actually received, it adds. 

It is inviting other students who may have a claim relating to the 2020-21 academic year, which was the worst affected by COVID, before the September 2026 deadline under the UK's Limitation Act.

“Anyone who was at university during the pandemic, particularly in the 2020-21 academic year, could have a substantial claim for compensation,” the group said. 

Universities UK International (UUKi), the representative body for 140 UK universities, said the COVID-19 pandemic threw two years of “unprecedented challenge” at universities and their students.

“Institutions – like other sectors – followed government guidance to adapt to a fast-changing situation. During some periods of lockdown, universities were not permitted to offer in-person teaching as usual and instead they adjusted quickly and creatively to allow students to complete their degrees," a UUKi spokesperson said. PTI AK GRS GRS

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Dhaka, Feb 18 (PTI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of his newly formed cabinet, which set a 180-day priority plan with a focus on controlling commodity prices, maintaining law and order and stabilising supply chains.

Rahman, the 60-year-old chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the 11th prime minister on Tuesday after leading his party to a forceful victory in the 13th Parliamentary polls held on February 12.

The first meeting of the new cabinet was held at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said it is customary for a newly formed government to hold a session on its first day in office.

The government has set a 180-day priority plan, with initial focus on controlling commodity prices, maintaining law and order, stabilising supply chains, and ensuring uninterrupted gas and electricity supply, Ahmed was quoted as saying by The Daily Star newspaper.

He added that while governments often set priorities for the first 100 days, the new Bangladesh cabinet has outlined a 180-day plan, with details to be shared later.

“As part of our initial priorities, we will work to further improve the situation regarding commodity prices, keep the supply chain intact, and ensure that there is no disruption in the power and energy sectors, particularly gas and electricity,” he said.

Salahuddin said Prime Minister Rahman also met with secretaries of various ministries, urging them to implement the government’s manifesto and prioritise the people’s mandate, the newspaper said.

State-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), quoting sources familiar with the development, said that the prime minister “provided guidelines as per his party’s election manifesto to the ministries concerned.”

Separately, Ahmed also warned that “mob culture” will no longer be tolerated, BDNews24 news portal reported.

Speaking after a meeting with officials at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Salahuddin said, “Mob culture is over in Bangladesh. It will not be encouraged in any way. People may hold rallies and programmes as part of democratic practice, but highways cannot be blocked to realise demands.”

Bangladesh has witnessed several cases of mob lynching in recent months, mostly targeting members of the minority communities.

Rahman, who became the prime minister for the first time, replaced Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who had taken charge in August 2024 after the collapse of the Awami League regime.

Rahman, the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former premier Khaleda Zia, returned home in December after living in London in self-exile for 17 years.

Along with Rahman, 25 ministers and 24 state ministers also took the oath of office on Tuesday.

Earlier Wednesday, Rahman paid rich tributes to his parents, President Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, by placing wreaths at their graves at Zia Udyan in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area at noon.

Later, flanked by the new cabinet colleagues, he also placed another wreath at the graves and offered prayers. PTI NPK ZH NPK

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Beijing, Feb 18 (PTI) China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the past five years to the point where it is launching subs faster than the US, threatening to negate a sea-power advantage that has long belonged to Washington, according to a think-tank report.

The build-up in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) nuclear-powered sub force includes both ballistic-missile and attack subs, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said.

During the years 2021 to 2025, China's submarine building surpassed that of the US in both numbers of subs launched – 10 to 7 – and tonnage – 79,000 to 55,500, CNN said, quoting the IISS report.

China does not disclose fleet numbers.

It’s a stark turnaround from the 2016 to 2020 period, when China only added three subs (23,000 tons) to the US Navy's seven (55,500 tons), according to the IISS analysis.

The numbers represent subs launched but not necessarily completed and added to the active-duty fleet, where the US still maintains a large advantage.

As of early 2025, China had 12 active nuclear-powered submarines, six ballistic-missile boats and six guided-missile or attack boats, according to the IISS' "Military Balance 2025."

The US had 65 total subs, with 14 of those being ballistic-missile boats.

China also maintains a large conventionally powered submarine fleet, with 46 boats, according to the "Military Balance."

The US has zero conventionally powered subs, which – unlike nuclear-powered subs – need to refuel regularly.

To accommodate its nuclear-powered sub fleet growth, Beijing has significantly expanded the Huludao yard of Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. in northern China, according to the report, headlined "Boomtime at Bohai."

It comes after a US Congressional Research Service report last month said the US Navy is falling well behind its submarine-building goal of two Virginia-class attack boats per year, with US shipyards delivering only 1.1 to 1.2 subs a year since 2022.

The US is also building new Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines, but that program is at least a year behind schedule, with first-in-the-class USS District of Columbia not expected to be delivered to the Navy until 2028, the admiral in charge of the program told Breaking Defence last week.

"The greater numbers in the water present a growing challenge to (the US and other Western) countries as they struggle to increase their own output," the IISS report said.

Military observers say the Chinese navy is also building ships at a feverish pace, adding a ship a month and building almost a ship a month.

According to a recent BBC report, the Chinese navy has emerged as the world's largest, operating 234 warships compared to the US Navy's 219.

Between 2019 and 2023, China's four largest shipyards - Dalian, Guangzhou, Jiangnan and Hudong-Zhonghua - produced 39 warships with a combined displacement of 550,000 tonnes, according to a study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

With the addition of Loudi, the Chinese navy has added 11 combat vessels, including the aircraft carrier 'Fujian' in 2025.

In addition to building its own fleet, China is supplying modern naval ships and submarines to its all-weather ally Pakistan.

Last December, China launched a fourth Hangor-class submarine named Ghazi to Pakistan. PTI KJV ZH

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London, Feb 18 (PTI) Researchers from India and the UK are collaborating on a new 5.3 million pounds project to adapt and scale-up an artificial intelligence (AI) enabled digital mental health programme for adolescent girls living in Indian villages. 

The international project, unveiled to coincide with the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi this week, involves partners from Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Milaan Foundation, alongside community-based organisations.

The team will work to develop and test the use of an AI chatbot for girls with low mood and anxiety in low-resource settings of rural India. 

“This project sits at the intersection of AI, data science, digital health and global mental health equity," said Professor Ceire Costelloe, Imperial College project lead as Chair in Health Informatics at the university’s School of Public Health. 

“Our role at Imperial is to ensure that AI-enabled interventions are properly evaluated using real-world data, and implemented in ways that are ethical, transparent and responsive to local context. This is essential if digital mental health tools are to deliver meaningful impact at the scale needed,” she said. 

Funded by Wellcome, the research will support a scale-up study to culturally adapt and contextualise a clinically-validated AI tool which will be delivered through digital mental health platform Wysa – which provides chatbots for self-help and directs users to appropriate healthcare resources. 

The aim will be to establish if the tool can help address anxiety and low mood among adolescent girls, a section of the world's population known to experience some of the most pronounced mental health inequalities.

The tool will be made available to girls who face significant barriers to mental health support, including limited autonomy, restricted access to technology, lower literacy, stigma and family gatekeeping.

“We already see through Wysa’s ‘phygital AI’ DreamKit implementation how the right support can help a girl build skills and emotional resilience in her daily life. Now we want to go further; developing a clinically tested, culturally grounded programme that’s there for her not just in prevention, but in the moments when she’s truly struggling,” said Jo Aggarwal, CEO at Wysa. 

Wysa is designed as a global digital mental health platform that combines AI and human support, working with healthcare providers including the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and public health programmes in India.

According to official data, India is home to more than 253 million children and young people aged between 10 and 19, making it the largest adolescent population in the world.

Around half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 14, and suicide is among the leading causes of death among young people. Girls are particularly vulnerable, experiencing higher rates of anxiety and depression alongside social, cultural and technological barriers to care. 

The new international study will begin by mapping the cultural, social, technological and practical barriers that shape adolescent girls’ access to digital mental health support in rural India.

These insights will be used to adapt Wysa’s AI-enabled content and delivery model, ensuring it reflects the lived realities of girls, their families and their communities. The adapted intervention will then be evaluated for its effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility in real-world low-to-middle-income settings. 

“This funding allows us to go far beyond simple translation. By working closely with academic and community partners, we aim to co-design a digital intervention that is not only clinically effective, but genuinely usable and relevant for adolescent girls living in rural India,” said Chaitali Sinha, Principal Investigator on the study as the Chief Clinical and Research & Development Officer at Wysa. 

Digital mental health interventions are typically app-based programmes that provide guided tools to help users manage anxiety and low mood. These can include the use of AI chatbots, where users can ask questions about their health and speak to AI-powered large language models in a secure environment.

When rigorously evaluated, these interventions have the potential to extend access to evidence-based mental health support in settings where traditional services are limited or difficult to reach. 

“We are delighted to support Wysa in their work to adapt and scale up this evidence-based digital intervention to address anxiety and depression in adolescent girls across rural India," said Miranda Wolpert, Director of Mental Health at Wellcome.

“This funding was awarded as part of our call to find the best ways to develop and scale digital innovations for early intervention,” she said.

Imperial College London said its team will provide scientific leadership for the AI, data and digital health research, overseeing the study’s design, evaluation framework and its implementation, and ensure the intervention is clinically effective, ethically sound and informed by real-world data, while being designed for delivery at scale in low-resource settings. 

Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President, Communications and Strategic Engagement at Imperial College London, added: “This project exemplifies our ambition with Imperial Global India – to strengthen and expand our academic, industrial and innovation partnerships between the UK and India.  

“Through international collaboration with our global partners, we can use science for humanity to improve the health of millions of people around the world.” PTI AK GRS GRS

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Colombo, Feb 18 (PTI) Maithri Wickremesinghe, wife of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, will face a financial crime investigation unit on Friday in connection with a case of alleged corruption by her husband, a Sri Lankan court was informed on Wednesday.

Ranil Wickremesinghe faces charges that he had misappropriated state funds to the tune of LKR 16.6 million for travelling to the UK in 2023 to attend the convocation of Maithri Wickremesinghe at a British university.

The former president, who was arrested late August and granted bail two days later, is to be indicted in March after completion of investigation.

On Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that Maithri Wickremesinghe has been notified to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on February 20, according to news portal Adaderana.lk.

The CID has issued summons to record a statement from the former first lady in connection with the ongoing investigation involving the former president, the news portal said.

Meanwhile, in a related development on Wednesday, Saman Ekanayake, former Secretary to Ranil Wickremesinghe, was granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly, Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara ordered Saman Ekanayake be released on two surety bails amounting to LKRs 2 million each.

Ekanayake was arrested and remanded in connection with the case against Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of public funds. PTI NPK NPK

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Chandigarh, Feb 18 (PTI) To enhance horticulture crops and help farmers earn more, Punjab will adopt the horticulture model of Maharashtra which focuses on scientific crop planning, quality control and marketing network, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said on Wednesday.

The minister led a delegation to the Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Limited in Nashik, Maharashtra and studied how farmers can work together through FPOs to improve production, grading, packaging, processing and exports.

A memorandum of understanding was signed with Sahyadri to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Punjab through training and institutional support.

Sahyadri is working with thousands of farmers over more than 30,000 acres and exports fruits and vegetables to 42 countries, which shows how collective efforts can bring prosperity to farmers, he said.

The delegation visited modern pack houses, processing units, research farms and training centres, where they interacted with farmers and experts, the minister said.

He further said that Punjab farmers can benefit from scientific crop planning, better quality control and strong market connections, which were key features of the Maharashtra model.

Sahyadri will help in forming strong farmer groups in Punjab, providing training, technology support and guidance so that farmers can benefit from working collectively and get better prices for their produce.

Bhagat said that Punjab has the potential to emerge as a leading horticulture hub in the country, and the state government is fully committed to promoting crop diversification towards horticulture, increasing value addition and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers. PTI CHS HVA

Moscow, Feb 18 (PTI) Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it has "no reason" to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil, which it said is beneficial for both countries and maintains stability in the global hydrocarbons market.

The remarks came in the backdrop of Washington's claim that New Delhi has agreed to stop importing Russian crude oil.

“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing.

“There is nothing new in the claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” Zakharova said.

Following a recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump, both sides announced a reduction of the US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.

The reduction included the removal of a 25 per cent tariff that Trump had slapped on India in August last year for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil.

Last week, Rubio said that India has committed to stop buying Russian oil, days after New Delhi reiterated that “national interests” will be the “guiding factor” for India’s energy procurement.

While announcing the trade deal with New Delhi early in February, Trump had also claimed India had agreed to not procure crude oil from Russia.

India has not yet confirmed or denied Washington's claim that it has committed to stopping the procurement of Russian crude oil.

Earlier too, Russia had accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of “coercive” measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

In her strongly worded statement, Zakharova also criticised the European allies of the Ukrainian regime, saying that they do not want a peace solution. PTI VS GRS GRS

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New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Amid global fears of an AI bubble, Google CEO Sundar Pichai defended the massive spending around Artificial Intelligence, likening tech infrastructure being built to the historical expansion of railroads and highways, which became essential foundations for long-term economic value and growth.

Fielding questions on how CEOs can overcome boardroom scepticism regarding AI returns, Pichai urged a long-term view, calling the current era an 'extraordinary' and 'transformational' moment.

"I think we are investing to meet that moment. In some of the contexts Dennis (CEO of Google DeepMind) has spoken about, this is the industrial revolution, but 10 times faster and 10 times larger," Pichai said at a media event held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit.

Drawing parallels with foundational infrastructure bets such as the US railroad expansion and the National Highway System, the Google CEO said such leveraged investments historically unlocked massive growth and long-term value, and AI should be viewed through a similar lens.

"At Google, I think we're fortunate that we've been focused on this technology for over a decade. And be it search, YouTube, the cloud, the emerging businesses like Waymo and Isomorphic Labs (both subsidiaries of Alphabet), I think they're all getting better and growing based on this one technology underneath, so we can generate a return there," he said.

Citing an example, he said, for 'cloud' alone, in the last year, the backlog has doubled year-on-year to USD 240 million, which reflects the potential for demand and potential returns.

"And so we are investing to meet that demand. And you know, that's what makes this an exciting moment. So I think, the investment makes sense given the progress in the technology we are seeing, and the opportunities we see on top of it," Pichai asserted.

The comment assumes significance as Alphabet expects 2026 capex to be about USD 175 billion to USD 185 billion; anything at the higher end of that range would make it more than double the company's last year's capex tab.

The tech industry is currently navigating a high-stakes debate where staggering capital expenditure, like Alphabet's USD 185 billion commitment for this year, collides with intensifying fears of an 'AI bubble'..

Pichai, who is currently in India to attend the India AI Impact Summit, on Wednesday announced a new subsea cable initiative to boost AI connectivity between India, the US and other locations, and outlined a slew of partnerships around scaling AI and workforce readiness.

He said the recently announced USD 15-billion AI hub at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh will house a gigawatt-scale compute facility and an international subsea cable gateway.

Also, Google DeepMind has announced a new partnership with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to provide access to frontier AI for Science models such as AlphaGenome, AI Co-scientist, and Earth AI, alongside hackathons, mentorship, and research enablement. PTI MBI RKL HVA MR

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) State-owned FCI and World Food Programme (WFP) have signed initial pact for supply of rice to eradicate global hunger.

According to an official statement on Wednesday, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of rice in support of global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger.

The MoU was signed by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, CMD, FCI and Carl Skau - Deputy Executive Director, WFP in presence of Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.

Under the MoU, FCI will supply 2 lakh tonnes of rice (up to 25% broken) to WFP.

The MoU will be valid for a period of five years from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual consent.

The price will be mutually agreed on an annual basis, with the current price fixed at Rs 2,800 per quintal up to 31 March 2026.

Union food secretary Sanjeev Chopra said, "Through our partnership with WFP, we are exporting hope, nutrition, and dignity to those facing hunger. This agreement showcases India's resolve to ensure no one goes hungry. India will continue to stand with the international community in combating malnutrition and food insecurity.”

Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, UN World Food Programme, said This agreement with India marks a key milestone in fighting global hunger.

“India's support will help WFP reach vulnerable populations with nutritious food more effectively over the next five years," Skau said.

This partnership reinforces India’s commitment to global food security, strengthens cooperation with WFP in addressing humanitarian needs worldwide, the food ministry said in a statement. PTI MJH MR

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Micro lender Annapurna Finance on Wednesday announced that it has raised USD 100 million through a syndicated multi-currency social loan facility.

The facility is denominated in US dollar and Japanese yen, and Standard Chartered Bank acted as the sole mandated lead arranger, underwriter, and book-runner, according to a statement.

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* Kotak Alts invests Rs 40 cr in Zeroharm Sciences

Kotak Alts on Wednesday announced a Rs 40 crore investment in Zeroharm Sciences, which will be deployed by the nutraceutical company for expansion and branding.

The company, founded in 2020, is a plant-based nutraceutical D2C brand with fully integrated in-house capabilities across extraction, formulation R&D, and manufacturing, a statement said.

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* Axis Bank, IndiGo launch co-branded credit cards

Private sector lender Axis Bank and largest carrier IndiGo on Wednesday launched a co-branded credit card offering.

Launched in two versions catering to retail and affluent segments, the cards will be available on the Rupay and Visa networks, according to a statement. PTI AA HVA

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Amid global fears of an AI bubble, Google CEO Sundar Pichai defended the massive spending around Artificial Intelligence, likening tech infrastructure being built to the historical expansion of railroads and highways, which became essential foundations for long-term economic value and growth.

Fielding questions on how CEOs can overcome boardroom scepticism regarding AI returns, Pichai urged a long-term view, calling the current era an 'extraordinary' and 'transformational' moment.

"I think we are investing to meet that moment. In some of the contexts Dennis (CEO of Google DeepMind) has spoken about, this is the industrial revolution, but 10 times faster and 10 times larger," Pichai said at a media event held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit.

Drawing parallels with foundational infrastructure bets such as the US railroad expansion and the National Highway System, the Google CEO said such leveraged investments historically unlocked massive growth and long-term value, and AI should be viewed through a similar lens.

"At Google, I think we're fortunate that we've been focused on this technology for over a decade. And be it search, YouTube, the cloud, the emerging businesses like Waymo and Isomorphic Labs (both subsidiaries of Alphabet), I think they're all getting better and growing based on this one technology underneath, so we can generate a return there," he said.

Citing an example, he said, for 'cloud' alone, in the last year, the backlog has doubled year-on-year to USD 240 million, which reflects the potential for demand and potential returns.

"And so we are investing to meet that demand. And you know, that's what makes this an exciting moment. So I think, the investment makes sense given the progress in the technology we are seeing, and the opportunities we see on top of it," Pichai asserted.

The comment assumes significance as Alphabet expects 2026 capex to be about USD 175 billion to USD 185 billion; anything at the higher end of that range would make it more than double the company's last year's capex tab.

The tech industry is currently navigating a high-stakes debate where staggering capital expenditure, like Alphabet's USD 185 billion commitment for this year, collides with intensifying fears of an 'AI bubble'. PTI MBI HVA

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Aviation watchdog DGCA has proposed stricter norms to deal with unruly passengers, including allowing airlines to directly impose a flying ban on such passengers for up to 30 days.

"A 'No/ Zero Tolerance Policy' has been adopted to ensure the safety of the aircraft/persons/property and to maintain good order & discipline on board an aircraft," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in its draft revised rules.

Among other proposals, the regulator has mentioned that an airline shall formulate and implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the handling of unruly passengers and for reporting the incidents to the DGCA, and shall circulate the same among all concerned stakeholders.

An independent committee set up by the airline that will include a representative from another carrier, among others, will take a decision on the flying ban.

"... an airline may directly impose a flying ban for a disruptive passenger for a period not exceeding thirty days (30) days without referring the matter to the Independent Committee, where the passenger is found to have committed any of the following disruptive acts on board an aircraft," the regulator said.

Such an action can be taken by an airline for various violations, including smoking on board the aircraft, consumption of alcohol onboard a domestic flight and misuse of an emergency exit or unauthorised use of life-saving equipment, including life jackets.

Under the existing Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), pending decision of the independent committee, the concerned airline may ban such unruly passenger from flying for up to 45 days.

This provision also remains in the proposed revised CAR for handling unruly passengers.

Unruly passengers can face varying periods of flying ban depending on the level of offences. For Level 1, the ban can be up to three months and for Level 2, the same can be up to six months. In the case of Level 3 and 4 cases, the minimum ban can be for two years or more without a limit.

While Leve1 refers to unruly behaviour such as physical gestures, verbal harassment or unruly inebriation. Level 2 refers to physically abusive behaviour, including pushing, kicking, hitting, grabbing or inappropriate touching or sexual harassment.

Level 3 refers to "life-threatening behaviour (damage to aircraft operating systems, physical violence such as choking, eye gouging, murderous assault etc)" and Level 4 refers to attempted or actual breach of the flight crew compartment, as per DGCA.

Also, persons are banned from flying on the grounds of national security risk.

Stakeholder comments on the changes to the CAR have been sought till March 16. PTI RAM IAS MR

Indore, Feb 18 (PTI) Industrial organisations in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday said the provisions made in the state Budget will boost investment, infrastructure, and job creation.

Earlier in the day, State Finance Minister Jagdish Devda unveiled the state's budget for the financial year 2026-27 -- probably the first rolling budget of the country -- with an outlay of Rs 4.38 lakh crore and a six-pronged development framework focusing on the women, poor and farmers.

He announced that no new taxes have been levied.

Yogesh Mehta, the president of the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh, said that a positive initiative has been taken to promote investment and industrialisation through a budgetary provision of Rs 5,957 crore.

The Association represents micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Mehta said the development of 48 new industrial parks will accelerate investment.

He added that the budget emphasises infrastructure expansion, skill development, and employment-oriented training programmes, which will help the state develop into a major industrial hub in the country.

Dr Gautam Kothari, President of the Pithampur Industrial Association, said that the provisions made in the budgets unveiled by the Central and state governments, respectively, will make Pithampur a global manufacturing hub.

"The significant allocation for the Pithampur Economic Corridor, in particular, will open new doors to prosperity. This corridor will reduce freight costs by 12 to 15 per cent, making products manufactured in Pithampur factories more competitive in the global market," he added.

Kothari said the budget provisions for the development of a FinTech City and data centres have opened the way for new investments of approximately Rs 15,000 crore in these sectors. PTI HWP MAS NSK

Noida, Feb 18 (PTI) India has transformed from a food-deficient country to one with surplus food grain production, and is now in a position to assist other nations facing food security challenges, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said on Wednesday.

Addressing the 26th edition of the International Business Summit and Research Conference - INBUSH ERA 2026 - at the Amity University here, the food processing minister said that the country is poised to become a developed nation by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"From being a food-deficient country, today India has a surplus production of food grains, where it can even extend its support to other countries that are facing the problem of food security," he said.

The four-day conference is being organised from February 17 to February 20.

Emphasising the role of young people in nation-building, Paswan said the youth are the future of the country and must take the lead in realising the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

"We have crossed the first quarter of the 21st century, from 2000 to 2025, and the next quarter, from 2025 to 2050, will be extremely crucial. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of the youth," he said.

He said India's youth would soon occupy important leadership positions and face numerous challenges.

"When faced with challenges, one has two options -- either give up or transform every challenge into an opportunity," he added.

Paswan asserted that India is prepared to face global challenges and is not only adopting new technologies but also aiming to become a global leader in technology.

"Despite global challenges, India is the fastest-growing economy in the world. We have transformed challenges into opportunities and become the fourth-largest economy globally," he said.

Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President of Amity Education Group, said India would become a developed nation by 2047, and that the country's youth would play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

"Hard work, determination, perseverance and the blessings of the Almighty assure success. Students must define their goals and work diligently towards achieving them," he said.

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, said India has a vast youth population and stressed the need to cultivate a research- and innovation-oriented mindset.

"Skill development along with a multidisciplinary approach will ensure students' success in all areas," he said. PTI COR KIS HVA

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Industrialist Nadir Godrej on Wednesday flayed the decision to carry out development works at National Parks, pitching instead for "monetisation" by nurturing biodiversity through activities like tourism.

The chairman of Godrej Industries also went public with his concerns on pollution, pointing out that 60 per cent of Indians are grappling with the issue, and wondering why we are unable to address the problem.

Recalling that his uncle was associated with the Project Tiger that is widely credited for increasing the big cat population in India, Godrej spoke against "damage" to national parks.

"People are trying to damage national parks for the sake of development. I don't think that is a good idea. Lets have development but without damaging the national parks," he said while speaking at the Mumbai Climate Week here.

Making it clear that he is not against monetisation, he urged for more efforts to popularise tourism and using the jungles for other aspects like forest products, pointing out that his company procures some oils from forest produce.

"There are lots of ways of monetising biodiversity. But we must be very careful that we preserve the biodiversity while we monetise it," he said.

The remarks come amid a raging controversy over the Maharashtra government decision to allow iron ore mining in tiger corridor near the Tadoba Reserve by having an open-cast mine.

Pollution is leading to loss of life, impacting its longevity or damaging the quality of life for 60 per cent of Indians at present, Godrej said, expressing a shock that presence of sea has not helped the city.

"I think we all need to speak up," the septuagenarian said, pointing out that other cities in the world, like Los Angeles and Beijing, have solved the problem.

There is no single authority to tackle the problem of pollution, he said, suggesting a GST-like structure between the Centre and states to tackle the problem. PTI AA MSU MR

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 18 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed concern over the upcoming release of the second part of 'The Kerala Story', claiming that its first installment was made with the "intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition."

Vijayan, in a statement issued by his office, also questioned how "poisonous works produced to spread division and hatred in society" were allowed to be screened, while a film like 'Beef' was barred from a film festival.

He further said that Sangh Parivar centres had taken over and spread the false narrative conveyed by 'The Kerala Story'.

“They are spreading false propaganda by portraying even marriages conducted with mutual consent as examples of communalism and forced religious conversion,” the CM said.

He contended that such forces view Kerala—with no communal riots and a tradition of mutual respect among communities—with hostility, and termed them “enemies of the state” attempting to destroy the peace and tranquility of the region.

“We must collectively reject attempts to portray Kerala, a land of religious harmony that stands at the forefront of sustainable development and is a model in maintaining law and order, as a center of terrorism,” Vijayan said.

“It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that Kerala’s secular foundation is not undermined by false propaganda and to reject it by upholding the values of secularism and brotherhood,” he added.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the teaser of 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', was released recently.

The first film, 'The Kerala Story', won awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards. PTI HMP SSK

Shahjahanpur (UP), Feb 18 (PTI) Actor Rajpal Yadav on Wednesday thanked the film fraternity and audiences for their support following his release from jail and urged the prison authorities to introduce smoking rooms inside the premises.

Speaking to PTI Video at his ancestral village in Shahjahanpur district after his release from Tihar Jail in connection with a cheque-bounce case, Yadav said he received immense love from people.

Yadav said there should be "designated smoking areas inside jails, similar to facilities at railway stations and airports".

He also stressed that prisons should function as reform centres where inmates should be given structured opportunities to change, though the law remained supreme for those unwilling to reform, he added.

"It is often difficult to judge from outside who is a hardened criminal and who made a one-time mistake," he said.

"My advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay will officially respond to all legal questions," he said, adding that he would not speak to the media for the next two days due to a family wedding and would address queries through a press conference later.

Yadav said he was born in India, had never changed his passport and continued to remain a voter in his village.

"I want to increase my earnings, not change my currency," he said, adding that he sought time, not sympathy.

Yadav said he does not mind if his photos or videos benefited others.

"Laugh at Rajpal Yadav or laugh because of Rajpal Yadav," he said.

Speaking about his smoking habit, the actor said he had tried to quit a lot many times and clarified that he was not promoting tobacco use.

Yadav, known for films such as "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", "Waqt", "Phir Hera Pheri", "Partner", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa", "Hungama" and "Chup Chup Ke", was sent to jail last week after the high court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay the outstanding amount in a cheque bouncing case. He is required to pay nearly Rs 9 crore.

The Delhi High Court on Monday suspended his sentence till March 18 in the cheque bounce cases and allowed his release from jail. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order after noting that Yadav had deposited Rs 1.5 crore in the bank account of the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.

After he surrendered to Tihar Jail authorities, actors Sonu Sood and Gurmeet Choudhary, along with music composer Rao Inderjit Yadav, offered financial assistance to his family and appealed to others to extend support. PTI JKY CDN

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New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Film shoots return to the national capital as pollution levels eased with the receding winter. Authorities have received five applications on film shoots in January and February after getting none in December when air quality was "severe".

The applications were received under the Delhi Film Policy by the city's tourism department, with one project already beginning its shoot in the capital, an official told PTI.

Kartik Aaryan and Shreelila starrer Naagzilla received approval to shoot in key locations that include Connaught Place, parts of Delhi Metro Blue Line, Paharganj and stretches near Laxmi Nagar, he said.

Other applications also list similar locations such as Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, and metro stations, the official added.

He also said Delhi is set to host its own film festival on March 25.

According to official, no applications were received in December, while three proposals came in between October and November. Prior to that, around 15 applications have been filed in total.

To attract more productions and promote the film policy, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) has been participating in international and domestic industry events, including the Berlin Film Festival and WAVES, he mentioned.

Launched in 2022, the Delhi Film Policy offers a single-window clearance system that promises approvals for film shoots within 15 days, with DTTDC acting as it's nodal agency.

The Delhi government had allocated Rs 3.01 crore last year for implementing the policy. Official said over 20 applications are expected to be received through the e-film clearance portal this year.

DTTDC also said efforts are underway to develop the animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) segment, including plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to set up a regional centre of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Delhi.

Steps are also being planned to link Delhi's e-film clearance system with the ministry's India Cine Hub, alongside upgrading manpower and maintenance systems. Publicity material will be rolled out to raise awareness about the film policy, he added. PTI SHB SHB SKY

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Mumbai, Jan 18 (PTI) In the upcoming film “Assi”, actor Kani Kusruti takes on the role of a rape survivor and she believes it is impossible to comprehend the trauma but she has tried to bring authenticity to it based on the collective reality that women face in India.

The Anubhav Sinha-directed movie follows Parima (Kusruti), a married woman living in Delhi who is abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of men. The film tracks the traumatic aftermath, focusing on the police investigation and the subsequent legal battle. Actor Taapsee Pannu plays her lawyer.

"I don't think one can tap into the trauma (of a survivor) exactly. As an actor we tried to go closest to it and there can be moments you are probably in it because you are almost believing this has happened to you.

"But I’m not an actor who would fully go in like that, (because) then it will kind of affect you. I don't tend to do that,” Kusruti, who has garnered acclaim for her work in “All We Imagine as Light”, “Biryaani”, and OTT series, “Maharani”, told PTI.

The actor said it is a reality that one often encounters.

“As a woman growing up in this country from childhood to now, do I have a sense of such assaults or traumas? Yes, possibly I do as my close people have gone through it. So, every now and then, this is one of the things that you are closely associated with even when you don't want it to be that way,” she said.

The 40-year-old actor said the film allowed her to understand the nature of the legal system in India in such cases and added that often courtroom proceedings can reignite past pain.

Recalling her conversations with friends who are navigating similar cases and said, “To get justice, you’ve to go through it (pain), so there is an absurdity and irony within the system, but that's how you get justice, you cannot forget it. In the film, there's also a line, ‘They won't let you forget this’.”

As for portraying the resilience of her character, Kusruti said she relied on Sinha and writer Gaurav Solanki, who allowed her creative freedom while presenting a nuanced portrayal of a survivor.

“There are all kinds of survivors and everybody responds to it differently. I watched the film a few days ago for the first time, and I’m contemplating, ‘Is this the right way to say it? This interpretation of this particular survivor, is that the right way for this story?’ I always think that I would like to watch a survivor who is a little stronger.”

Acknowledging the emotional weight of the film, Kusruti said her approach was to maintain a boundary from her role.

“I protect myself from the emotional journey of the character. Most of us are very sensitive. As an actor, I like to have this little detachment, unless sometimes, some scenes are not working and my director is saying, then (I get into the character) to give in that feeling, to get the scene right,” she said.

The real understanding of the film, Kusruti said, came when she watched the final product recently, and described her reaction as one of surprise and admiration.

“In the script, you don't write descriptively, shot by shot, it's not needed. The experience is when I watch it. As an actor, I’m very clueless. I was impressed by the director and the editor, I’m like, ‘Wow, they put this together, how this happened’. I’m like a child and I looked at sir, and thought, ‘I didn't think this was the rhythm’. I’m always amazed by cinema, like how it changes from script to this (screen).”

Actors Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Revathy, round out the cast of “Assi”, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa.

The film is produced by T-Series and Sinha's own Benaras Mediaworks. PTI KKP RB BK

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Actor Pravina Deshpande, known for playing supporting characters in films such as “Ready”, “Gabbar is Back” and “D Day”, has died.

The actor's family shared the news in a post on her Instagram page, saying that Despande breathed her last on Tuesday.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mrs Pravina Deshpande has left for her heavenly abode on 17th February 2026,” the note read.

According to media reports, Deshpande died after a prolonged battle with blood cancer at the age of 60. She is survived by her husband and two children.

Desphande worked extensively in Marathi theatre, shows and films. She gained wider recognition for her work in Hindi cinema.

Some of her popular shows and films were “Pariniti”, “Avagat”, “Ghar Ek Mandir”, “Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan”, “Ek Villian”, “Parmanu” The story of Pokhran”, among others.

She was last seen in the Netflix series, “Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web”.

The Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), a trade union body of actors, wrote on X, “CINTAA expresses its condolences on the demise of Pravina Deshpande ji (member since 2008).”

Deshpande’s colleagues from the film industry also took to social media to express grief.

“Beautiful person. She’d met me in 2017 to audition for our film. It was a very pleasant experience," filmmaker Aditya Kriplani said on X.

Actor Vaishnavi Dhanraj said, “May her soul rest in peace.”

Her last rites were held on Tuesday afternoon at the Hindu crematorium, Chakala Parsiwada, in suburban Andheri. PTI KKP

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan suffered a brain haemorrhage which has been tackled, is on ventilator support as a safeguard and stable, doctors treating him said on Wednesday, a day after he was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here.

The 90-year-old, one half of the celebrated Salim-Javed duo which scripted films such as "Sholay", "Deewar" and "Don" with Javed Akhtar, is in the ICU and recovery might take some time given his age.

"His blood pressure was high for which we treated him and we had to put him on a ventilator because we wanted to do certain investigations. Now the ventilator was put as a safeguard so that his situation doesn't get worse. So it is not that he is critical," Dr Jalil Parkar told reporters.

"We did the investigations that were required and today we have done a small procedure on him, I will not go into the details. The procedure done is called DSA (digital subtraction angiography). The procedure has been accomplished, he is fine and stable and shifted back to ICU. By tomorrow, we hope to get him off the ventilator. All in all, he is doing quite well," he added.

Asked whether he suffered a brain haemorrhage, the doctor said, "Unko thoda haemorrhage hua tha, which we’ve tackled. No surgery is required.

As concern over Khan's health mounted, his children, including superstar Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan, daughter Alvira, and sons-in-law Atul Agnihotri and Aayush Sharma, have been seen outside the hospital along with other well-wishers. His long-time partner Akhtar was also seen coming out of the hospital.

Khan, a household name in the 70s and 80s, turned 90 on November 24 last year. It was the day Dharmendra, the star of many of his films, including "Sholay", "Seeta aur Geeta" and "Yaadon Ki Baraat", passed away.

Hailing from an affluent family in Indore, Khan arrived in Mumbai in his 20s with dreams of stardom. He was good looking and confident he would make a mark in the industry as an actor. But that did not happen. And then, after struggling for close to a decade and getting confined to small roles in films, he changed lanes.

He worked as an assistant to Abrar Alvi and soon met Akhtar to form one of Hindi cinema's most formidable writing partnerships. They worked together on two dozen movies with most of them achieving blockbuster status.

Other than "Sholay", "Deewar" and "Don", Khan and Akhtar also penned "Trishul", "Zanjeer", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Haathi Mere Saathi", "Yaadon Ki Baarat" and "Mr India". PTI KKP RB RB MIN

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New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) "The Mandalorian and Grogu", the new big-screen adventure from the iconic sci-fi franchise "Star Wars", will release in theatres in India on May 22, Disney-owned studio Lucasfilm has announced.

The movie will bring back two beloved characters from the smash hit series "The Mandalorian" -- Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter Din Djarin aka The Mandalorian and his young companion Grogu.

The studio on Tuesday evening unveiled an action-packed trailer for the film, which will open exclusively in Indian cinemas in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, a press release said.

Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Pascal in the lead role, alongside Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White.

Favreau is also producing the project with Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni and Ian Bryce, while the music is composed by Ludwig Goransson.

Set in a galaxy still recovering from the collapse of the Empire, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" follows a period where Imperial warlords remain scattered across space and the fledgling New Republic is working to protect the peace the Rebellion fought for.

Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted to take on new threats in this next chapter of their journey, according to the official logline.

"The Mandalorian" began as a live-action series for Disney+ in 2019 and quickly emerged as one of Lucasfilm’s most successful "Star Wars" spin-offs.

Created by Favreau, the show follows the adventures of lone bounty hunter Din Djarin in the outer reaches of the galaxy after the fall of the Empire and introduced Grogu, the Force-sensitive child who became a global pop culture phenomenon.

"The Mandalorian and Grogu" is positioned as a major theatrical event for the franchise. It will be followed by filmmaker Shawn Levy's "Star Wars: Starfighter", which will feature Hollywood star Ryan Gosling in the lead role. PTI RB RB

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Los Angeles, Feb 18 (PTI) Actor Mckenna Grace has joined Netflix’s upcoming live-action “Scooby-Doo” series, playing the role of a young Daphne Blake.

According to Variety, the eight-episode show, which was announced by the streamer in 2025, is billed as a modern reimagining of the popular cartoon franchise and will explore how the Mystery Inc. gang first met.

Grace previously voiced a young Daphne in the animated film “Scoob!” (2020). She was set to reprise the part in the prequel “Scoob! Holiday Haunt”, which was later shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery as part of cost-cutting measures.

The official logline says that during their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get drawn into a mystery involving a lost Great Dane puppy that may have witnessed a supernatural murder.

Along with the pragmatic Velma and the new kid Freddy, they set out to solve a case that pulls them into a dark and unsettling adventure.

Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg will serve as writers and showrunners and executive produce alongside Andre Nemec and Jeff Pinkner under the Midnight Radio banner.

Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman will also executive produce through Berlanti Productions. The series is being produced by Warner Bros. Television, which controls the rights to the Hanna-Barbera characters.

“Scooby-Doo” has previously been adapted into live action, most notably with the 2002 film starring Freddie Prinze Jr, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini, which grossed over USD 250 million worldwide.

A sequel, “Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed”, released in 2004, earned more than USD 180 million.

The franchise has also seen live-action TV films as well as numerous animated series and movies since the original cartoon debuted in the late 1960s.

Grace is best known for featuring in shows such as “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “The Young and the Restless”, “The Haunting of Hill House", and “Young Sheldon”.

She has also featured in movies such as “Gifted”, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2". PTI RB RB

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Los Angeles, Feb 18 (PTI) More than 80 artists, including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton and prominent directors Miguel Gomes and Adam McKay have signed an open letter to the Berlinale condemning the festival's "silence" on "Gaza" and for "censoring" those who have spoken out.

The open letter comes just days after Indian author Arundhati Roy criticised the comments of jury head Wim Wenders in the opening press conference.

She said she was looking forward to but now won't attend the premiere of the restored version of her film "In Which Annie Gives it to Those Ones" as she is disappointed by Wenders' comments about staying out of politics when asked about Gaza.

The open letter, which was also shared by Mark Ruffalo on his social media page, has been signed by Angeliki Papoulia, Saleh Bakri, Tatiana Maslany, Peter Mullan and Tobias Menzies, as well as directors Mike Leigh, Lukas Dhont, Nan Goldin, and Avi Mograbi.

After the uproar on Wenders' comments, festival head Tricia Tuttle defended the jury in a statement, saying,"Artists should not be expected to comment on all broader debates about a festival’s previous or current practices over which they have no control.”

But that has done little to defuse the situation.

In the open letter, the signatories said they fervently disagree with Wenders views on filmmaking and politics.

“You cannot separate one from the other,” they said, pointing out how the tide is changing across the international film world as more than 5,000 film workers, including several major Hollywood names, have declared that they will not work with “complicit Israeli film companies and institutions".

The open letter also said that Berlinale has made clear statements in the past about the atrocities in Iran and Ukraine.

“We call on the Berlinale to fulfil its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel’s genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinians, and completely end its involvement in shielding Israel from criticism and calls for accountability,” the letter concludes.

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Following her success in Telugu cinema with “Sita Ramam” and “Hi Nanna”, actor Mrunal Thakur says she has made a conscious choice to engage with both Bollywood and south cinema.

Born to a Marathi-speaking family in Maharashtra’s Dhule city, Thakur garnered acclaim for her performance in her debut in Telugu films in the 2022 period romance drama, “Sita Ramam”, opposite Dulquer Salmaan, and followed it with yet another romantic-drama, “Hi Nanna” with Nani.

“When I started my career, there were so many things on the planner, I needed to do this or that, but the time was not correct then. Now when the time is right, I want to make sure that I give my all out and balance both the industries,” Thakur, who started her acting career with TV shows like "Mujhse Kuch Kehti... Yeh Khamoshiyaan" and "Kumkum Bhagya", told PTI in an interview.

The actor hopes to make her debut in the Tamil industry as well.

“I’ve been listening to narrations, and hearing fantastic stories. But I’ve to be careful with regards to what I choose as my debut Tamil film as the audience in Telangana, watch my content.

"The debut with ‘Sita Ramam’ has set the benchmark so high, so I’m waiting for that best Tamil script, I hope that happens (soon). Language of films does not matter to me, what matters is the emotion. I’m comfortable with Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, let’s see where I go,” Thakur said.

The actor is now looking forward to the release of her upcoming Hindi film, “Do Deewane Seher Mein”. The romantic-drama is directed by Ravi Udaywar of “Mom” fame, and stars Siddhant Chaturvedi opposite her.

The film is billed as an “imperfectly perfect” love story between two socially awkward millennials – Shashank and Roshni -- navigating their journey amidst their personal insecurities and societal pressures.

She said unlike her previous Hindi films including “Super 30”, “Batla House”, “Do Deewane….”, allows her to explore a character set in the 2020s.

“As an actor you should do something that resonates with you and has not been made before. We wanted to do a film (‘Do Deewane…’) which is out of the box. There are a lot of Shashank’s and Roshni’s around us.

"It's about how you overcome (difficulties) and when you are with the right partner you rise in love and not fall in love,” Thakur said, adding that the film's journey taught her the importance of self-love.

The actor is thrilled to have fulfilled her dream of being a ‘David Dhawan heroine’ in his upcoming film, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai”. She features alongside Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde.

Describing the experience “like a party”, Thakur expressed her joy in working with the veteran director.

“It's a classic David Dhawan movie, I grew up watching his movies. Irrespective of whether I'm happy or sad, I watch his movies. It’s surreal to be there on a set with him,” she said, adding, Karisma Kapoor is her all-time favourite David Dhawan heroine.

As for the rumours of a collaboration with South director Atlee and superstar Allu Arjun on their upcoming film, tentatively titled, “AA22xA6”, Thakur said she is keeping her “fingers crossed”.

“I want to be (part of it). After watching ‘Pushpa 1’ and ‘Pushpa 2’, and all the films Allu sir has done, and his dancing, and rhythm... I'm just a big fan of sir. I've interacted with him a couple of times and I can say that as a person, he's very kind and genuine. I’m manifesting it.”

Backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Zee Studios, “Do Deewane Seher Mein”, is set to release theatrically on February 20. PTI KKP

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Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his team has ticked almost all the boxes in the group stage, expressing satisfaction with the collective batting effort as it heads into the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup.

India’s top order found it tough against off-spinner Aryan Dutt before Shivam Dube struck a 31-ball 66 to power them to 193 for six.

In reply, India restricted the Netherlands to 176 for seven in 20 overs to seal a 17-run win, their fourth successive victory in the tournament, and finish atop Group A.

"We have ticked a lot of boxes. Even when you win, you learn a lot of things, and we did today," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.

"We wanted to bat first, went on to score 190. There was a bit of dew, a little challenging for the bowlers but all in all, very happy."

India were 69 for three in nine overs before Dube counter-attacked in the middle overs.

Suryakumar said such contributions were crucial, especially if the team finds itself in similar situations later in the tournament.

"We might be in a similar situation (losing early wickets), but it is important for the batters to understand what the responsibility is. We have firepower (later).

"Contributions coming from every batter. One or two might have a beautiful day, but we need contributions from each and everyone."

Praising Dube’s knock, he said: "When he (Dube) played at Vizag (against NZ), he had another knock. He wanted to get the Player of the Match award that day too but (for India) to get to 190 (tonight), it was amazing."

India used as many as seven bowlers in the match, something the skipper described as a positive dilemma.

"Sometimes it is a good headache to have. Have a lot of options. On a given day, whatever the wicket demands, they can chip in. Happy with the way things are moving."

Dube said he had to curb his natural attacking instincts to suit the surface.

"It was a little tough, this is the situation I love to bat. I was enjoying, although I was under pressure. It was skidding and keeping low. One of the balls spun as well,” Dube said.

“For me, I knew I could hit, but the situation demanded something different. I try to hit boundaries and enjoy hitting sixes. I know all the bowlers are going to bluff me, and are going to bowl slower balls, so I prepared myself.”

Dube added that while he is encouraged to maintain a high strike rate, match awareness remains key.

“As (the) captain and (the) coach have told me, I have to keep (the) strike rate high. But it also depends on the situation. Today, I could not keep the strike rate high (immediately). There was something and I thought this is the time I can go now.”

The left-hander also pointed to improvement in his bowling.

“Working hard towards bowling. Results are coming. You are going to get hit sometimes, but you will also pick wickets,” he said. PTI ATK DDV

Netherlands’ innings:

Michael Levitt c Sundar b Pandya 24

Max O’Dowd b Chakravarthy 20

Bas de Leede c Chakravarthy b Dube 33

Colin Ackermann c Rinku b Chakravarthy 23

Aryan Dutt b Chakravarthy 0

Scott Edwards b Bumrah 15

Zach Lion-Cachet c Sundar b Dube 26

Noah Croes not out 25

Logan van Beek not out 4

Extras: 6 (lb-2, w-4)

Total: 176/7 in 20 overs

Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-51, 3-94, 4-94, 5-112, 6-125, 7-172

Bowling: Arshdeep Singh 3-0-22-0, Jasprit Bumrah 3-0-17-1, Washington Sundar 4-0-36-0, Varun Chakravarthy 3-0-14-3, Hardik Pandya 3-0-40-1, Abhishek Sharma 1-0-10-0, Shivam Dube 3-0-35-2. PTI DDV

Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) Varun Chakravarthy (3/14) returned with three wickets after Shivam Dube (66) shone in the first innings as India topped Group A with a 17-run victory over Netherlands in the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.

After posting 193/6, India restricted the Dutch to 176/7 in 20 overs to record their fourth win in a row in the tournament.

Bas de Leede top scored with 33 as the Netherlands batters kept fighting till the end.

Earlier, Dube’s 31-ball 66 took India to a daunting 193/6.

Abhishek Sharma fell for a third consecutive duck, while other batters, including Ishan Kishan (18), Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (34) made key contributions.

Hardik Pandya (30) and Dube then put on 76 runs for the fifth wicket.

Aryan Dutt (2/19) was the pick among bowlers for the Dutch.

Brief scores: India 193/6 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 66; Aryan Dutt 2/19) beat Netherlands 176/7 in 20 overs (Bas de Leede 33; Varun Chakravarthy 3/14, Shivam Dube 2/35) by 17 runs. PTI DDV ATK

Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) The Netherlands laboured to 72 for two after 10 overs in their chase of 194 against India in a Group A T20 World Cup match here on Wednesday.

Bas de Leede (15) and Colin Ackermann (9) were batting at the half-way mark after spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya plucked one wicket each.

Earlier, opting to bat first, India put on board a strong 193 for six with Shivam Dube (66) striking a vital half-century.

Pandya (30) and Dube added 76 runs for the fifth wicket.

Brief scores: India: 193/6 in 20 overs vs Netherlands: 72/2 in 10 overs (Michael Levitt 24; Varun Chakravarthy 1/9). PTI UNG ATK

Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) The UNICEF-ICC partnership on Wednesday highlighted children's empowerment and their right to play, at the ongoing men's T20 World Cup.

Soledad Herrero, chief of field services, UNICEF India, along with two young athletes from Ahmedabad did a "trophy walkout" at the start of the India-Netherlands match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

"Cricket is a powerful unifier for equity and inclusion. It reminds us that every child, everywhere, deserves a fair chance. UNICEF is proud to partner with the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with a key simple objective: 'enhancing children's rights to play'," said Soledad while interacting with media before the trophy walkout.

"Play powers stronger generation tomorrow. The best way in which children learn, explore and understand the world is through play. Play is also the entryway through which they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills while boosting confidence emotional regulation," she said.

Stressing the importance of safe spaces for children, she pointed that "feeling safe allows children to explore, to try, to fail, and try again. When there is play without fear, there is learning without anxiety, and a space to nurture confidence and sense of belonging."

Amplifying the message of 'right to play' were two upcoming sportspersons from the city -- 15-year-old Rangi Niyati Mohanlal and 14-year-old Ray Ankit Umashankarbhai -- who were part of the trophy walk.

While Rangi has brought glory for the state in various national and international competitions, Ankit is a promising young cricketer.

UNICEF and the ICC have been working together for more than a decade now through the Cricket for Good initiative, using the reach of the sport to support children's rights and well-being.

Over these years, the partnership has helped speak on issues that matter in every child's life, from sanitation, empowerment, education and the right to play, ensuring that girls as well as boys have the opportunities they deserve. PTI AH AH DDV

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ryan Group of Institutions to introduce structured football and futsal programmes across the group's schools.

Under this partnership, AIFF will provide comprehensive technical support including designing grassroots football and futsal frameworks, delivering standardised coaching curricula and session plans, conducting grassroots leader courses and safeguarding training for school staff.

Ryan Group of Institutions will, on the other hand, offer education for the players in the AIFF TDS centres in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.

This initiative places special emphasis on the development of school futsal and girls' football, two critical areas for growing the sport at the grassroots level.

The partnership will create dedicated programmes and competitions in futsal, making the sport more accessible within school environments, while also establishing structured pathways to encourage and support female participation in football across all age groups.

AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan said, "This partnership will help expand structured football programmes in schools and strengthen the development pathway for young players.

"Working with a large school network allows us to introduce organised training, coach education, and safeguarding standards at the grassroots level."

Ryan Group of Institutions CEO Ryan Pinto said, "This collaboration will support student participation in organised sport while helping create opportunities for football training and competition across our network. Through this partnership we would like to focus on futsal at the youth level, and girls’ football." PTI AH AH APS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) Scoreboard of the T20 World Cup Group A match between India and the Netherlands here on Wednesday.

India’s innings:

Abhishek Sharma b Dutt 0

Ishan Kishan b Dutt 18

Tilak Varma c van der Merwe b van Beek 31

Suryakumar Yadav c sub (van der Gugten) b Klein 34

Shivam Dube c sub (van der Gugten) b van Beek 66

Hardik Pandya c van der Merwe b van Beek 30

Rinku Singh not out 6

Extras: 8 (b-1, w-7)

Total: 193/6 in 20 overs

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-39, 3-69, 4-110, 5-186, 6-193

Bowling: Aryan Dutt 4-0-19-2, Logan van Beek 4-0-56-3, Colin Ackermann 3-0-36-0, Kyle Klein 4-0-38-1, Bas de Leede 4-0-28-0, Roelof van der Merwe 1-0-15-0. PTI MORE DDV

Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (PTI) Shivam Dube (66) struck a vital half-century to lift India to a daunting 193/6 against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup Group A match, here on Wednesday.

Abhishek Sharma fell for a third consecutive duck while other batters including Ishan Kishan (18), Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (34) made key contributions earlier in the innings.

Hardik Pandya (30) and Dube then put on 76 runs for the fifth wicket.

Aryan Dutt (2/19) was the pick among bowlers for the Dutch.

Brief scores: India 193/6 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 66; Aryan Dutt 2/19) vs Netherlands. PTI DDV ATK

Bengaluru, Feb 18 (PTI) The upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir is set to be played at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi, from February 24.

Karnataka have built a massive overall lead of 802 runs against Uttarakhand in Lucknow at the end of the fourth and penultimate day of their semifinal.

Jammu and Kashmir sealed their maiden Ranji Trophy final entry, beating Bengal by six wickets at Kalyani on Wednesday.

"Karnataka vs Jammu and Kashmir, five days final from February 24 is to be played in KSCA Stadium, Rajnagar, Hubballi," a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has received conditional nod from the Karnataka state cabinet to host domestic, IPL and international matches after being on the sidelines since June 4 last year.

But the KSCA management, perhaps, wanted to have a seamless match experience during the Ranji title clash, while carrying on with the security enhancement works at the Chinnaswamy as directed by various government offices.

Hosting a match at Hubballi, a prominent remote centre, also aligns with the vision of KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad of taking the sport to various corners of the state.

While taking over as the KSCA chief, Prasad had expressed his commitment to upgrading cricketing infrastructure across Karnataka, focusing on bringing top quality facilities to places beyond the urban centres.

True to his words, Prasad and his team had recently visited several centres across the state to assess the development works needed to be done. PTI UNG UNG AH

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Berhampur (Odisha), Feb 18 (PTI) A POCSO court in Odisha's Berhampur on Wednesday sentenced a 28-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl four years ago, a government counsel said.

Additional district judge cum POCSO special court judge Pranati Pattnaik also imposed a Rs 10,000 fine on the convict, and failure to pay the amount would attract an additional six months in prison, special public prosecutor Narayan Panda said.

The court also directed the district legal service authorities to pay Rs 3 lakh to the victim.

The entire fine amount will be paid to the survivor after recovery, the court ordered.

Police said the convict had taken the victim from her house on some pretext on May 30, 2022. Her family searched the area extensively but did not find her. On June 1, the convict called the victim's mother up and said he had brought her to Bhubaneswar.

The victim's mother lodged an FIR in Gangapur police station on the same day.

A POCSO Act was registered and the accused was nabbed on June 6 and the girl was rescued. The accused was on bail since August 28, 2023, police said. PTI COR BBM BBM ACD

Cuttack (Odisha), Feb 18 (PTI) A man was allegedly shot dead from a close range during a feast here on Wednesday, police said.

A group of youth had assembled at Press Colony in Madhupatna police station area for a feast when a person opened fire at the man, identified as Soumyaranjan Jena.

Jena suffered gunshot wound in the chest and was taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, a police officer said.

A suspect is being interrogated, and further investigation is underway, Cuttack ACP Ashok Giri said.

The reason behind the murder will be known after further investigation, he added. PTI BBM BBM ACD

Hyderabad, Feb 18 (PTI) A 29-year-old woman software employee was allegedly killed by her former husband at her house here on Wednesday, police said.

The victim's husband in a complaint stated that his wife was three months pregnant. However, police said it was not confirmed so far as the post-mortem report is awaited.

The accused, in his 30s, who worked as a software employee in Canada earlier, barged into the victim's residence and after noticing her in a room locked it from inside and allegedly stabbed her multiple times on her head with a knife resulting in her instant death.

The woman's mother-in-law was in the verandah of the house at the time of the incident.

After being informed by her family members and neighbours, police reached the spot and found that the accused had poured petrol in the room, which he brought with him in a can, and had locked himself in the washroom.

He threatened to set off fire in the room with a lighter he was carrying and after being convinced by the police officials he came out of the washroom and was taken into custody, a police official said.

The couple got married in 2022 and mutually divorced in 2024. She had a second marriage in April 2025, police said.

Based on preliminary investigation, police said the accused bore grudge against his ex-wife as she filed domestic violence case against him.

Police said after their marriage in India, the accused went to Canada, and the deceased later joined him there.

"Some differences arose between the couple and after staying with him for five days she later returned to India and subsequently filed domestic violence case against him in Maharashtra," they said.

The accused came to India from Canada in March 2025 following the death of his mother, a police official said.

A Look-out Circular was issued against him because of the case and his passport was suspended and he was unable to go back to Canada since then and was presently residing in his native place in Peddapalli district of Telangana, without any work.

The accused felt that he and his family faced mental suffering due to the case. He also felt that his mother's death was due to the mental agony caused by the estranged wife, police said.

The accused developed a grudge against her and decided to eliminate her, police said. He managed to locate her residential address through her social media account and came to Hyderabad two months ago and stayed in a hostel.

He also "recceed" the victim’s apartment recently.

As per his plan, he came to the apartment on Wednesday with a bag containing two knives, a drilling machine, a can containing five-liter petrol among other items.

CCTV footage broadcast by local TV channels showed the man carrying a bag and walking in the corridor of the apartment. PTI VVK SJR VVK SA

Gadchiroli, Feb 18 (PTI) In a synchronised operation aimed at erasing the symbols of Naxalite terror, police and security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on Wednesday demolished 44 "memorials" or structures that were once built by Maoists in remote villages to instill fear among people, officials said.

Gadchiroli, a district in eastern part of the state, has long been a hotbed of Naxalite activity, serving as a key part of the 'Red Corridor' of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. The dense forests of the region offered ideal terrain for Maoist insurgents.

A press release by Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) office said the district is highly sensitive from the Maoist perspective.

To instill fear in the minds of the local people and to demonstrate their existence, Maoists had been constructing memorials in extremely remote areas, it said.

But due to the effective anti-Maoist campaigns conducted by the Gadchiroli police in recent times, the Maoist movement in the district has nearly been completely eliminated, and the fear of Maoists in the minds of ordinary citizens is visibly diminishing, the release said.

Against this backdrop, the Gadchiroli police department destroyed a total of 44 Maoist memorials across the district, which were symbols of Maoist terror, it said.

"Maoists had erected memorials at various places in Gadchiroli district to create fear among the people. The police force undertook security measures and launched search operations in various forest areas with 16 Bomb Detection and Disposal (BDD) squads, special operation teams, CRPF, and a total of 18 teams from various posts/sub-posts," it added.

"During this, a total of 44 memorials built by Maoists were found within the jurisdiction of 15 posts/sub-posts. The BDD squads thoroughly inspected these Maoist memorials and the surrounding areas, after which the personnel demolished them," it said.

Eighteen of these memorials were in Etapalli sub-division, 17 in Hedri sub-division, five in Bhamragad sub-division, two in Jimalgatta sub-division, one each in Dhanora and Pendhari sub-divisions, the police said.

By destroying Maoist memorials in extremely remote villages like Pengunda, Kavande, Tumarkothi, Gardevada, Wangeturi, and Gatta (Jan), considered Maoist strongholds, the police have eradicated the terror of Maoists among the local people, they added.

"These were not just physical memorials but symbols of Maoist violence and terror. However, by destroying them, the police have created an atmosphere of security among the villagers, increasing their trust in the police department and the administration," the police said.

Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal said, "The Maoist movement in Gadchiroli district has nearly been eliminated and the police are always committed to creating a secure environment for the citizens. The police stand firmly with the people of the district, and no one should fall prey to the Maoists' deceptions." PTI COR CLS NP

Vijayapura (Karnataka), Feb 18 (PTI) A 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing his wife and burying her body inside their home before falsely claiming she had gone missing, police said on Wednesday.

The accused, Prabhu Ratnakar, had reportedly borrowed money from multiple sources in the name of his 45-year-old wife, Sarojini, and issued cheques to lenders under her name, they added.

Frequent disputes between the couple allegedly arose over these financial transactions.

The investigation began following a complaint filed on February 17 by Sarojini’s 70-year-old mother, Kamala, a resident of Devar Hippargi.

The complaint stated that Ratnakar, a contractor, had taken loans in his wife’s name and failed to repay them, resulting in a cheque bounce case being registered against Sarojini in the Yadgir district court.

A warrant was subsequently issued against her.

Despite family advice, Ratnakar allegedly failed to clear the dues, and Sarojini reportedly demanded repayment, leading to repeated quarrels.

On January 24, at around 8 am, Ratnakar told the family that Sarojini had left for the market and did not return. He also claimed to have filed a missing person report at the Devar Hippargi police station on February 2.

However, during questioning on February 17, Ratnakar allegedly confessed to killing his wife after a dispute on the night of January 23 over repayment of the loans.

According to police, he attacked Sarojini in the early hours of January 24, at around 5 am, with a wooden pounding stick used for crushing spices, and buried her body inside the house to destroy evidence.

"We have registered a murder case against the accused and arrested him on February 17," a senior police officer said.

The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway. PTI AMP SSK

Ranchi, Feb 18 (PTI) Ranchi Police have lodged two FIRs in connection with the incident of dragging a man on the bonnet of a speeding car in broad daylight here, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred near Rajendra Chowk in Doranda police station area on Tuesday.

SP (City) Paras Rana said, "As soon as the incident was reported, the police took cognisance of it and both parties were taken to the police station. Later, they submitted written complaints, on the basis of which FIRs were lodged."

The victim, a motorcyclist, told the police that he had an altercation with the car driver and was trying to stop the vehicle to demand compensation money. During this bid, the man drove the vehicle with the victim on the bonnet, the SP said.

Police identified the car driver as Manoj Tandon, an advocate of the Jharkhand High Court.

Tandon claimed the motorcyclist had suddenly come from the wrong side.

"The motorcyclist suddenly came in front of my car from the wrong side, causing a slight knock. Neither was the motorcyclist injured nor was his motorcycle damaged. I was harassed and abused by a mob, who wanted me to come out of the car," he said.

"There was no choice but to leave the spot; otherwise, I would have faced death," he stated.

In his written complaint, the car owner said the victim demanded money, which he refused to give. He further claimed a group of people had begun moving to surround his car. Becoming frightened, he abruptly drove the car forward, Rana said.

The police are investigating the matter thoroughly and will take further action once the probe is over, he said.

A purported video of the dramatic over 40-second episode had also surfaced on social media. PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. PTI RPS ACD

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya informed the Bombay High Court on Wednesday that he is unable to provide a definite timeline for his return to India, citing the revocation of his passport and also being legally barred from leaving the UK.

A statement from Mallya was submitted by his counsel Amit Desai in response to a mandate from a bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, which had last week signalled that it would refuse to hear Mallya's petitions against his "fugitive economic offender" status unless he clarified his intent to return to face trial.

Based in the UK since 2016, Mallya has filed two petitions in the high court -- one challenging an order declaring him a fugitive economic offender and the other questioning the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

The 70-year-old liquor baron is accused of defaulting on multiple loan repayments of several thousand crores and facing money laundering charges.

Mallya's legal team argued that his absence is a consequence of international legal constraints rather than choice, noting that his Indian passport was revoked in 2016 and that the orders of courts in England and Wales prohibit him from leaving the country.

The businessman said in his statement that he cannot give a definite date of return to India as he did not have an active passport after it was revoked by the Indian government in 2016, and also because there are orders of courts in England and Wales that prohibit him from leaving the country.

"Mallya is not permitted to leave or attempt to leave England and Wales or apply for or be in possession of any international travel document. In any event, the petitioner is unable to precisely state when he will return to India," Desai read out the statement in the court.

The senior counsel reiterated that Mallya's presence was not required in the country for the court to hear his pleas against the fugitive tag and the provisions of the Act.

"If he (Mallya) were to appear in India, then all these proceedings would be rendered irrelevant as the statute says that once the offender appears in the concerned court of law, then all these orders would be set aside," Desai told the court.

The bench directed the Union government to file its reply to Mallya's statement and posted the matter for further hearing next month.

Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in January 2019 by a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The businessman left India in March 2016. PTI SP SKL GK KRK NP

Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Feb 18 (PTI) A Youth Congress leader was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the alleged suicide of a 35-year-old woman in this southern district, police said.

The accused has been identified as Suhail Ansari, a state-level leader of the Youth Congress.

According to police, the woman was found hanging at her husband’s house in Kadambanad four days ago.

An alleged suicide note recovered later reportedly named Ansari as the reason for her extreme step, a police officer said.

“The accused was taken into custody in the morning, and the arrest was recorded after a detailed interrogation. He was later remanded to judicial custody,” the officer added.

Police said Ansari was arrested under BNS Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 78 (stalking).

Authorities added that the woman and the accused were reportedly in a friendship, which he allegedly exploited.

Her family later learned about their association, and Ansari allegedly continued to stalk her via phone and social media.

In the purported suicide note, the woman accused him of harassment and stalking and identified him as the reason for her death, police said. PTI LGK SSK

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Feb 18 (PTI) Police on Wednesday said they arrested a 42-year-old alleged rowdy-sheeter who had been absconding for nearly nine years and was wanted in multiple serious criminal cases across Mangaluru and Udupi.

Addressing a press conference, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the accused, Sajwan Hussain of Haleangady, is allegedly involved in about 21 cases registered with the Mangaluru City police and several stations in Udupi.

The cases include two murders, four attempted murders, a gang rape, five robberies, kidnapping, extortion, assault on police personnel, theft, chain-snatching, assault inside prison, unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy and preparation for robbery.

Police said Hussain had evaded arrest for several years despite multiple court-issued warrants.

Authorities added that he was convicted by the High Court on February 28, 2020, in connection with a 2008 kidnapping, robbery, and murder case registered at Mulki police station and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In another 2008 robbery case registered at Karkala police station, he received a three-year prison term from a trial court.

Police said 13 cases against Hussain are currently pending trial, with arrest warrants active, while in five other cases, courts have declared him a long-pending accused.

Further investigation is ongoing, they added. PTI GMS SSK

Madanapalle (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 18 (PTI) A 30-year-old man, Kulavardhan, accused of raping and murdering a minor girl in Annamayya district, was found dead in a pond on Wednesday, police said.

Kulavardhan was accused of raping and killing his seven-year-old neighbour at Neerugattuvaripalli village.

“Yes, he was found dead in a pond beside a flyover at Angallu, about five to six km from Madanapalle town,” Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen told PTI.

“We received information at 7 am today about an unidentified male body, and within an hour, we confirmed it was Kulavardhan,” he added.

The girl had gone missing at around 4 pm on Monday, prompting her family to file a police complaint at 7 pm. She was later found dead, concealed in a drum inside Kulavardhan’s home.

Police said the girl’s cause of death was drowning and that there were signs of sexual assault.

According to authorities, the accused killed the girl and hid her body in a drum inside his residence. PTI STH SSK

Nainital, Feb 18 (PTI) The Uttarakhand High Court on Wednesday cancelled the appointment of Prakash Chandra Dhyani, who held the additional charge of managing director of Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PITCUL), stating that it was against the prescribed rules.

A division bench of Justice Ashish Naithani and Justice Subhash Upadhyay issued the order while hearing a petition filed in the matter.

The petition filed by chief engineer Rajiv Gupta and others challenged the government order issued on September 10, 2022, which granted Dhyani the additional charge of managing director.

According to the petitioners, due to the pending regular selection process, the post should have been assigned to the most senior eligible officer.

They argued that rule 9-A of the Uttarakhand (Determination of Selection and Appointment Procedure of Managing Director and Directors) Rules, 2021, requires an engineering graduate qualification for the post, which Dhyani allegedly does not possess.

Allowing the petition, the bench held that the rule cited was violated in the appointment.

The court stated that the educational qualifications prescribed in the 2021 rules are mandatory unless a legally valid exemption is granted, and in this case, the state government failed to clearly demonstrate that the exemption was properly utilised.

The court found that there was no cogent or rational basis on record to prove that any alternative qualification was accepted as equivalent to the required degree, and therefore, the appointment could not be legally valid.

The order stated that the government was free to reconsider the matter, but any new decision must be in strict compliance with the 2021 rules.

It stated that if the exemption is granted again, the government must provide objective and documented grounds and explain how the equivalence of qualifications was determined.

The court also clarified that it did not comment on the respondent's qualifications, leadership abilities, or suitability for the position.

It said that until a new appointment is made, the Uttarakhand government can make interim arrangements as per the law. PTI DPT VN

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Jabalpur, Feb 18 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court, based in Jabalpur, on Wednesday directed its Indore bench to hear a clutch of petitions related to the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf said the disputed structure is located in Dhar district, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Indore bench.

As the concerned parties also belong to the same region, the petitions should be heard there, it said.

The principal bench listed the next hearing of the case on February 23 in the Indore bench.

Hindus consider Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community claims the 11th-century monument to be the Kamal Maula Mosque. The complex is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

As per the existing arrangement under the ASI's April 2023 order, which was initiated after the dispute over the Dhar complex, Hindus are allowed to worship there every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz every Friday.

One of the litigants, Hindu Front for Justice's counsel Vinay Joshi, who attended the hearing online from Indore, told PTI that the HC's direction was issued for the convenience of all parties.

The case will now be heard by the senior-most judge of the Indore bench, he said.

On February 16, the Indore bench, citing a Supreme Court order dated January 22, 2026, had directed that the writ petition pending before it be placed before a division bench headed by the Chief Justice or a senior judge of the high court within three weeks.

The Indore bench had also said that pending petitions related to the dispute be placed before the Chief Justice at the principal bench in Jabalpur for appropriate orders, along with a pending writ appeal.

The apex court on January 22 directed the high court to make public the scientific survey report of the disputed complex submitted by the ASI in a sealed cover and make it available to the parties to file objections.

The SC said the matter would be taken up for final hearing after objections are filed and directed all parties to maintain status quo at the disputed complex and comply with the ASI's April 2023 order until a final decision is taken. PTI COR LAL NP

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Kerala government on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging a Kerala High Court order that set aside its decision to allocate Rs 20 crore for the Nava Kerala Citizen Response Programme.

The move came a day after the high court described the decision as a "colourable exercise of executive power" that violated the Rules of Business, delivering a setback to the ruling CPI(M).

In its appeal, the state government submitted that while exercising its Public Interest Litigation (PIL) jurisdiction, the high court has set aside a policy programme approved by the Council of Ministers of the State and further set aside consequential financial sanction and budgetary proceedings.

It said the court erred in failing to appreciate the constitutional scheme under Articles 202 to 205 of the Constitution.

Kerala government stated that the high court granted reliefs in the PIL that were not even sought, thereby transgressing the settled limits of PIL jurisdiction.

"It is submitted that the high court interfered with the government's power to implement governance and development outreach programmes and seriously prejudiced the ability of the state to take policy decisions involving public expenditure and thus disturbed the constitutional balance between the executive and judiciary," the plea said.

A high court bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M on Tuesday held that the expenditure incurred for implementing the programme is in violation of the rules of business.

The court's order came on two pleas, one of them by Kerala Students Union (KSU) state president Aloshious Xavier, seeking to quash the order launching the programme and restrain the government from "misusing public funds for personal and political gain of the ruling party or front".

The opposition Congress has criticised the Kerala government over the matter, also known as the Nava Kerala Survey initiative, alleging that it was an attempt to channel government funds to the ruling CPI(M) and its youth wing, the DYFI, for election campaigning.

The party claimed that the survey was being conducted to further the CPI(M)'s electoral prospects. PTI TGB HMP SSK PKS RHL

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Patna, Feb 18 (PTI) The Patna High Court has pulled up the Bihar government over the “failure” of the state machinery in effectively implementing the prohibition law, warning that citizens’ lives were being put at risk.

Justice Purnendu Singh, while hearing a plea for pre-arrest bail by a 19-year-old petitioner, observed that prohibition had led to a parallel economy of illicit liquor and a rise in alcoholism rather than curbing the menace.

“This court finds that the lives of citizens of the state are risked by the failure of the state machinery in effectively carrying out the provision of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016,” the bench said.

The Bihar government in 2016 enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, sale, and consumption of liquor and intoxicants in the state.

The court noted an “alarming trend” of minors and young adults, including those who have just turned 18 or 19, being used for smuggling illicit liquor. It also observed that consumption of hooch allegedly laced with methyl alcohol and other substances, such as urea, had claimed a large number of lives in the state.

Referring to scientific findings, the bench said even five millilitres of methyl alcohol can cause blindness and more than 10 millilitres can be fatal. It also pointed to severe side effects such as acidosis and kidney failure.

The court granted the petitioner pre-arrest bail, directing that he be released in the event of arrest or surrender within four weeks on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 10,000.

It further directed the Gopalganj district court to verify the petitioner’s criminal antecedents, stating that the relief would automatically lapse if he was found involved in other cases.

The bench also said courts must not “abdicate” their constitutional duty to advise the Chief Secretary to ensure proper rehabilitation of young offenders, particularly those aged between 18 and 35 years.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand sought a “detailed review” of the prohibition law enacted a decade ago by the then Grand Alliance government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The state government, however, rejected the demand.

“It is 10 years since the prohibition law was enacted. My suggestion is that the government should make a detailed review of the law,” Anand told reporters outside the Assembly. PTI COR PKD NN

Balrampur (UP), Feb 18 (PTI) A court here on Wednesday sentenced two men to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment for abducting a 20-year-old girl, gang-raping her, and attempting on her life by dousing her in acid.

According to the prosecution, on March 4, 2025, the 20-year-old student was abducted by Ajay Kumar alias Gauri Shankar (26) and Dharmendra Soni alias Akash (20), when she was returning after appearing for her intermediate (Class 12) examination.

The accused allegedly took her away in a car, gang raped her and, when she resisted, assaulted her with a hammer and pliers, causing grievous injuries and severing her tongue.

They later dumped her by the roadside after pouring acid on her and fled, presuming she was dead, District Government Counsel Kuldeep Singh said.

Acting on information, police rushed the critically injured woman to a hospital in Lucknow, where she survived after prolonged treatment.

On the basis of the survivor's statement and other evidence, District Judge Utkarsh Chaturvedi convicted Ajay and Dharmendra, and awarded them two consecutive life terms along with a fine of Rs 4 lakh each, the counsel said, adding that the verdict was delivered within 10 months of the incident. PTI COR ABN ARB

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Lucknow, Feb 16 (PTI) The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Wednesday sought the reply of the Uttar Pradesh government as to why there was no uniform policy in the state on giving grant-in-aid to institutions whose recognition has been suspended.

A bench of chief justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh passed the order on a PIL filed by Azaj Ahmad who claimed that grant-in-aid was paid to certain institutions with suspended recognition, but it was not being paid to others.

The petitioner's counsel, Ashok Pande, said the registrar of UP Board of Madarsa Education had recommended that grant-in-aid to suspended madrassas be stopped but the state government had not taken any decision on the matter.

Taking note of this, the bench asked the state government to file its response before the next hearing on March 30. PTI COR ABN SKY

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) A child raised exclusively by her mother cannot be compelled to carry her father's name, surname and caste merely because a format once demanded it, the Bombay High Court has said while permitting a girl to change her name and caste in school records.

Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten Venegavkar of the Aurangabad bench said in their February 2 judgement, a copy of which was made available on Wednesday, that recognition of a single mother as a complete parent for purposes of a child's civic identity is not an act of charity but constitutional fidelity.

"It reflects the movement from patriarchal compulsion to constitutional choice, from lineage as fate to dignity as right," the HC said.

A society that claims to be developing cannot insist that a child's public identity must be anchored to a father who is absent from the child's life, while the mother, who bears the entire burden of upbringing remains administratively secondary, the court said.

"A child raised exclusively by her mother cannot be compelled to carry, as the state's chosen description of her, the father's name and surname merely because the format once demanded it," the court said.

The order came on a petition filed by a 12-year-old girl seeking correction of her name in school records and also correction of the caste entry from 'Maratha' to 'Scheduled Caste- Mahar'.

As per the plea, the child's mother is a single parent and her natural guardian. The child's father was accused by the mother of sexual assault. But later both the parties reached a settlement, and it was agreed that the child would remain in the permanent custody of the mother.

The child's request to change her name and caste was rejected by the school authorities last year, following which she approached the HC.

The petition said the mother has exclusive custody of the child and the father is not part of the minor's life in any legal or functional sense.

The court in its order said that when the Maharashtra government has, as a matter of policy, accepted that a mother's name is central to identity documentation, then a subordinate authority can not deny such a request.

"The Constitution provides a life with dignity which includes the right to an identity that is not forcibly tethered to an absent parent where such tethering serves no welfare purpose and causes avoidable social harm," HC said.

A school record is not a private note but a public document that follows a child across years, institutions and sometimes into the professional domain, the court said.

The assumption that identity must flow through the father is not a neutral administrative default, but a social presumption inherited from a patriarchal structure that treated lineage as male property and women as appendages for purposes of public identity, the court said.

"To insist on this presumption in contemporary India especially in cases of single motherhood and exclusive maternal custody imposes a structural burden upon women and their children," the court said.

It makes the mother fully visible for responsibility and accountability, but insufficiently visible for purposes of identity, HC said, adding such an asymmetry violates the equality principle.

"An administration that insists the father's name is indispensable, but the mother's name is optional does not merely follow a custom; it reproduces inequality through documentation," the bench said in its order.

The Constitution requires the State to evolve, the HC said, while also noting that the father was accused of a grave offence in the present case.

Moreover, the child has grown up exclusively in the social environment of the mother and within her caste community, it noted, directing the school authorities to make necessary changes in its records as per her request. PTI SP KRK

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) A Delhi court has acquitted a man accused of murdering an 18-year-old flower vendor in Paschim Vihar in 2017, giving him the benefit of doubt and holding that the prosecution failed to establish the chain of circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt.

Additional Sessions Judge Pooja Talwar acquitted Rahul Kumar, booked under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The victim, Pushpender, was found dead in a park near Jawala Heri Chowk in the early hours of February 8, nine years ago.

"The prosecution has not been able to prove that all the facts so established are consistent only with the hypothesis of the guilt of the accused. The prosecution has not been able to establish a chain of evidence so complete as to establish that it was only the accused and nobody else who could have murdered the victim," said the court in its judgment dated February 9.

According to the prosecution, Pushpender, who worked at a flower shop, had left for Multan Nagar on the evening of February 7 after informing his sister that he had collected Rs 30,000 from his clients and would return soon.

When he did not reach home, and his phone went off, his family began searching for him.

They later found his motorcycle near a park in Paschim Vihar, and his body inside with wounds to the head and his face crushed.

During the investigation, police relied on call detail records of the deceased to track down his mobile phone and allegedly found his phone in Kumar's possession in Siraspur, Rohini.

The prosecution claimed that the accused had confessed to the crime and led the police to the recovery of certain articles, including a SIM card and shoes.

However, the court noted shortcomings in the prosecution's case, including hostile witnesses and gaps in the circumstantial evidence. Key witnesses, including relatives and co-workers, did not fully support the prosecution's version during the trial, it pronounced.

"There are discrepancies not only with respect to the place of arrest and recovery of mobile phones but also with respect to the same being affected in the presence of a number of persons," said the court.

The court doubted the alleged recovery of the evidence, citing a possibility of tutoring of witnesses, as one witness deposed in his initial testimony that he did not remember the place of recovery of the SIM card, but later in the witness box, he remembered the exact place of recovery.

Considering Kumar was connected to the crime only through the alleged recovery of the mobile phone, the court said, "Once the prosecution failed to prove the recovery of the mobile phone which is the basis of connecting the accused with the offence beyond reasonable doubt, the benefit of same would accrue in favour of the accused."

Kumar in court claimed he was framed at the instance of one of the prosecution witnesses, Brahmjeet. He also accused Brahmjeet of killing Pushpender for having an affair with his niece.

The court also took note of the cordial relations between Kumar and Pushpender, claimed by all the witnesses.

The post-mortem report stated that the cause of death was "due to combined effect of asphyxia as a result of manual strangulation and cranio-cerebral damage subsequent to blunt force impact on the head," confirming the cause of death to be homicidal. PTI MDB VN

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Prayagraj (UP), Feb 18 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to form a high-level committee into the death of a woman patient allegedly because of wrong transfusion of blood, asking it to curb such incidents and fix accountability.

The direction was passed after the state government admitted before the court that a woman patient at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj died last year due to the wrong transfusion of blood by the hospital.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan also sought assistance from the additional advocate general (AAG), who is representing the UP government and the petitioner's counsels regarding the parameters within which a constitutional court can grant compensation in such cases.

The court passed this order on February 2 while hearing a plea filed by one Saurabh Singh, the son of the deceased woman.

The SRN Hospital is an associated hospital of Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, a state-run medical college of UP.

During the proceedings, the AAG admitted that while the deceased was 'O' Positive, the blood group 'AB' Positive was administered to her, leading to severe post-operative complications and death.

The high court also noted that the medical documents placed on record prima facie indicated that the subsequent treatment given to the deceased was merely an attempt to "offset/ counter the ill-effects of the transfusion of wrong blood group".

Taking a stern view of the incident, the court observed that the Right to Life is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

The court said that it is a constitutional obligation on the state and its functionaries to ensure that this right is not violated in any manner. The court explicitly noted that the principal of the concerned medical college was under a duty to ensure that the rights of the patients admitted there are protected, and that the admitted incident clearly reflected a failure of that duty.

Since the state did not dispute that the cause of death was the transfusion of the wrong blood group to the woman, the court observed that it did not need to adjudicate on the issue of negligence.

Apart from this, to prevent a recurrence of such cases, the court directed the newly impleaded director general of medical education (DGME), UP, who is the sixth respondent in the case to instruct the hospital administration to constitute a committee.

The court said that this committee will be chaired by the principal of the medical college and will have members from different departments and it will collect data and recommendations necessary for the overall functioning of the medical college.

The court added that the committee must ensure that in future, just because of a lack of facilities and the availability of a mechanism to curb such incidents, which may result in the death of a patient, no such untoward incident takes place.

In this backdrop, the court ordered that a comprehensive report outlining necessary "infrastructural or procedural directives" must be submitted to the director general within five weeks. The court further clarified that the director general is under an obligation to provide all necessary assistance, whether financial or administrative, to implement these safety measures.

The court has also directed the principal of the Moti Lal Nehru Medical College to file a personal affidavit bringing on record the committee's report and the response of the director general.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 23. PTI COR ABN KSS

KSS

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) A special court here has refused bail to Santosh Shelar, an accused in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case, saying there was ample prima facie evidence against him.

An SUV with explosives inside was found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence 'Antilia' in South Mumbai On February 25, 2021.

Thane-based businessman Hiran, who had said he was in possession of the SUV before it was stolen, was found dead in a creek on March 5, 2021, under mysterious circumstances.

The accused in the case include former policemen Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma.

Shelar, a co-accused, had sought bail from the special National Investigation Agency court stating that he was in prison for over four years, and he had been falsely implicated in the case.

Judge Chakor Baviskar, in the order passed on February 13, said there was enough material on record to show that Sharma and Waze were in touch with Shelar through cell phones and communication apps.

Statements of witnesses establish that Shelar arranged tickets through his daughter so that he and other co-accused could flee to Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Nepal, Dubai and other places, the court noted.

"Huge evidence is available which prima-facie establishes connection of present accused with the offences inter alia commission of murder of Mansukh Hiran," said the court, rejecting the bail application. PTI AVI KRK

Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) The Bombay High Court pulled up naval authorities on Wednesday, asking if officials had been "sleeping" while a 23-story high-rise began to come up near INS Shikra, the Navy's premier air station in South Mumbai.

The rebuke came as a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri heard a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra. The Navy is seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation.

"Were you sleeping all this time," the court said, asking why the construction -- which according to the Navy began in 2021 -- was allowed in the first place.

On Monday, the court had temporarily halted the construction activity citing urgent security concerns ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city.

On Wednesday, advocate R V Govilkar, representing the Navy, said construction up to 53.07 metres was permitted in the area.

The bench said while it was aware of the security concerns, it could pass an interim order allowing construction up to this height, and posted the matter for further hearing on Friday.

The bench, however, also noted that the naval authorities should have been more alert.

"Were you sleeping all this time.... Navy should have been more diligent. You should have regularly scouted the area near the air station to ensure that such constructions do not come up," Justice Ghuge said.

Installations such as naval air stations are of paramount importance for the country's security, the HC said, adding, "These are defence forces. Because of them we are alive. We will not take security issues lightly."

The court will ensure in its interim order that if, after the final hearing, the building is found to be a security concern, it would be demolished, the bench said. PTI SP SKL KRK