SD NEWS agency

Mumbai Court Orders Return of Gangster Kumar Pillai to Hong Kong After 10 Years

17Feb

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Maharashtra, State

Mumbai Court Orders Return of Gangster Kumar Pillai to Hong Kong After 10 Years

Mumbai, February 17, 2026: The Special MCOCA Court in Mumbai on Friday directed that alleged gangster Kumar Krishnan Pillai be sent back to Hong Kong. The court ruled that since he has been acquitted in the three specific cases for which he was originally extradited, no further trial can be initiated against him in India without the permission of the extraditing country. Special MCOCA Court Judge Satyanarayan R. Navandar noted in the order dated February 13 that the Supreme Court has clarified that in the absence of consent from the extraditing nation, the applicant cannot be prosecuted in India for any other pending cases. As a result, the prosecution has no option but to facilitate Pillai’s return to his home country. The court also pointed out that there is no record indicating that ...

Telangana MLA T. Raja Singh Targets Owaisi Brothers, Warns of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ in Chhindwara

17Feb

By sd newsNo Comments

Madhya Pradesh, State

Telangana MLA T. Raja Singh Targets Owaisi Brothers, Warns of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ in Chhindwara

Chhindwara, February 17, 2026: During the concluding session of the ‘Hindu Garjana Rally’ held to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Telangana MLA T. Raja Singh made controversial remarks targeting Hyderabad leaders Asaduddin and Akbaruddin Owaisi. Singh referred to the Owaisi brothers using objectionable language and criticized their alleged statements regarding Tipu Sultan, branding them as anti-Hindu and accusing them of misrepresenting history. Addressing the crowd, Singh called for vigilance among youth to protect the nation, religion, and culture. He spoke against ‘Love Jihad’ and religious conversions, urging supporters to pledge to safeguard their families, faith, and country. He reiterated the demand for a ‘Jihad-free Madhya Pradesh’ and praised the stat...

Jaipur Doctors Caught Taking Bribe for Stray Dog Sterilization and Vaccination

17Feb

By sd newsNo Comments

Rajasthan, State

Jaipur Doctors Caught Taking Bribe for Stray Dog Sterilization and Vaccination

Jaipur, February 17, 2026: In a shocking case of corruption, two municipal doctors and a computer operator in Jaipur were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for demanding a bribe of ₹16 lakh in connection with stray dog sterilization and vaccination programs. The case revolves around a pending bill of ₹75 lakh from a private firm engaged in sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. Dr. Yogesh Sharma of the Heritage Municipal Corporation allegedly demanded ₹12 lakh, while Dr. Rakesh Kaloria of the Greater Municipal Corporation sought ₹4 lakh in exchange for clearing the bill. Reports indicate that Dr. Rakesh even attempted to increase his monthly bribe from ₹2 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh starting January. When the firm expressed inability to pay the full amount, a compromise was re...

Supreme Court to Hear Cases on Women’s Entry in Religious Places from April 7; Spotlight on Sabarimala Temple

17Feb

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Nation

Supreme Court to Hear Cases on Women’s Entry in Religious Places from April 7; Spotlight on Sabarimala Temple

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India is set to begin hearings on April 7 regarding the entry of women into religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, access for Muslim women to mosques, and rights of Parsi women after inter-community marriages. A nine-judge Constitution Bench will hear the petitions, which were referred to the larger bench as a consolidated group of cases. Timeline for Hearings The Chief Justice-led bench indicated on Monday that the hearings are likely to conclude by April 22. All parties have been asked to submit written statements by March 14. Review of Sabarimala Verdict Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union of India, expressed support for reviewing the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, which granted women of all ages the right to enter the...

India’s AI Summit Signals Strategic and Diplomatic Leadership, Potential Setback for China and the US

17Feb

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Nation

India’s AI Summit Signals Strategic and Diplomatic Leadership, Potential Setback for China and the US

New Delhi: India has strategically organized the AI Impact Summit 2026 at a time of global geopolitical turbulence, offering the country a unique opportunity to assert leadership in a critical, non-controversial field. With tensions persisting across regions—ranging from US domestic challenges under Donald Trump to the ongoing Middle East crises and China’s expansionist ambitions—India’s initiative to convene a global dialogue on Artificial Intelligence could serve as a significant diplomatic advantage. India’s Position in the Global AI Ecosystem The summit comes shortly after India’s successful trade deals with the United States and the European Union, further enhancing the country’s international profile. Analysts suggest that a robust AI ecosystem requires four pillars: a strong c...

NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project; India to Monitor 40% of Global Oil Tanker Traffic

17Feb

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Nation

NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project; India to Monitor 40% of Global Oil Tanker Traffic

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday approved the Union Government’s Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, valued at over ₹90,000 crore. Citing its strategic importance, the NGT dismissed all petitions challenging the project, emphasizing its significance for national security. Notably, around 40% of the world’s oil tanker traffic passes through the Great Nicobar region in the Indian Ocean. NGT Affirms Environmental Clearance A bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava upheld the 2022 environmental ministry approval for the project. The NGT stated that sufficient safeguards have been implemented, and there is no valid basis to halt the initiative. Concerns raised earlier have been reviewed by a high-level committee in 2023, which also endorsed the project. The t...

Sheikh Hasina’s Presence Won’t Hinder India-Bangladesh Ties, Says BNP Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s Oath

17Feb

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Nation

Sheikh Hasina’s Presence Won’t Hinder India-Bangladesh Ties, Says BNP Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s Oath

New Delhi: With a new government set to take office in Bangladesh, speculation had emerged that the presence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India might affect bilateral ties. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has clarified that there should be no such impact. Tarique Rahman to Be Sworn In as Prime Minister Following BNP’s decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman, son of former PM Khaleda Zia, will assume office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister today. BNP Secretary-General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Indian media that Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India would not become a barrier to India-Bangladesh relations. Alamgir expressed hope that India will consider legal procedures regarding Sheikh Hasina, but emphasized that the broader relations...

VVIP Aircraft with Office, Bedroom, and Advanced Missile Systems: France’s President Macron Arrives in India

17Feb

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Nation

VVIP Aircraft with Office, Bedroom, and Advanced Missile Systems: France’s President Macron Arrives in India

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening the India-France strategic partnership. He was welcomed at Mumbai Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with Macron, and together they will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Macron’s Advanced Aircraft President Macron traveled on a specially configured Airbus A330-200 (F-RARF), often operated under the call sign “Cotam 001”. The aircraft functions as a flying command center, equipped with advanced security systems, long-range capabilities, and VVIP-grade secure communication. It allows Macron to travel anywhere globally without stopping, while maintaining command ...

After the U.S., India Eyes Major Trade Deal with France: PM Modi’s Message Signals Strong Bilateral Focus

17Feb

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Nation

After the U.S., India Eyes Major Trade Deal with France: PM Modi’s Message Signals Strong Bilateral Focus

New Delhi: Following recent trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, India is now looking forward to a major trade deal with France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent social media post regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit signals strong enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi Welcomes Macron On Tuesday, PM Modi expressed his excitement about Macron’s three-day official visit to India, tweeting on ‘X’ in response to a post by the French President. In his message, Modi wrote: “Welcome to India! We are excited about your visit and taking our bilateral relationship to new heights. I am confident our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors and contribute to global progress. My dear friend Emmanuel Macron...

Indigenous Fighter Jet Engines: Just 5 Years to Develop Sixth-Generation Powerplants Under National Aero Engine Mission

17Feb

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Nation

Indigenous Fighter Jet Engines: Just 5 Years to Develop Sixth-Generation Powerplants Under National Aero Engine Mission

New Delhi: The Indian government is taking a major step toward self-reliance in fighter jet technology, emphasizing rapid development of indigenous engines for fifth- and sixth-generation combat aircraft. Under the National Aero Engine Mission (NAEM), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday announced that India aims to develop advanced fighter jet engines within the next five to seven years. Focus on Sixth-Generation Jet Engines India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tasked with achieving this ambitious target, building on nearly two decades of experience in aero engine development. Minister Singh stressed that the strategic importance of these engines necessitates shortening timelines and accelerating research. During a visit to DRDO’s Gas Turbine ...