Natioanal

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: A statue of C. Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, will be unveiled today in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ celebrations. The announcement was made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 131st episode of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat. The statue will replace that of British architect Edwin Lutyens, marking what the government describes as a symbolic step toward shedding colonial-era imprints and honoring Indian icons of national importance. PM Modi Highlights ‘Freedom from Colonial Mindset’ In his address, Prime Minister Modi recalled his call for “Panch-Pran” during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, emphasizing the need to free the n...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: India is set to significantly tighten control over the waters of the Ravi River as the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Dam project nears completion, a move that could intensify water stress in Pakistan ahead of the peak summer season. Simultaneously, India has accelerated desilting operations on the Chenab River, further altering the regional water equation. The developments come amid heightened bilateral tensions and the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty by India in 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack. Shahpur Kandi Dam Nears Completion The Shahpur Kandi Dam, located along the Punjab–Jammu and Kashmir border in Pathankot district, is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Once operational, the dam will enable India to fully util...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: A Delhi court has remanded four Youth Congress workers to five days of police custody for allegedly staging a dramatic protest at the AI Impact Summit in the national capital. The demonstrators had reportedly removed their shirts during the event to protest the proposed India–US trade agreement. The order was passed by a judicial magistrate at the Patiala House Court, who allowed police custody for further interrogation. Accused Sent to Custody The four individuals remanded to custody are: Krishna Hari, National Secretary, Bihar Youth Congress Kundan Yadav, State Secretary, Bihar Youth Congress Ajay Kumar, President, Uttar Pradesh Youth Congress Narasimha Yadav, Youth Congress leader from Telangana All are affiliated with the Indian Y...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: The Supreme Court of India has once again expressed concern over the growing trend of state governments announcing “freebies” just ahead of elections, raising fundamental questions about fiscal responsibility and democratic fairness. During recent oral observations, the Court questioned how long the practice of declaring free schemes immediately before elections would continue. “Why are such schemes announced only when elections approach?” the Bench remarked, signaling unease over the timing and intent behind such measures. Ongoing Legal Challenge A petition filed in 2022 seeking regulation or prohibition of pre-election freebies is still awaiting final adjudication. The matter was recently mentioned again before the Court, which indicated that it is ...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: Widespread violence has erupted across parts of Mexico following the reported killing of notorious cartel leader “El Mencho.” The unrest has prompted the Embassy of India, Mexico City to issue a security advisory for Indian nationals residing in or traveling to affected areas. According to reports, supporters of the cartel have taken to the streets, torching vehicles and government property, and attempting to disrupt law enforcement operations. Security forces have launched extensive operations in multiple regions to restore order. Areas Under Security Watch The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, especially in the following regions: Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajar...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: As winter gradually retreats across India, rising temperatures are already signaling the early arrival of summer in several regions. Daytime temperatures in the national capital have touched nearly 30°C, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for 11 states across the country. Rain Alert in 11 States According to the IMD, rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is likely in the following regions: Eastern Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand Chhattisgarh Himachal Pradesh Odisha Telangana Assam West Bengal Meghalaya Arunachal Pradesh Andaman & Nicobar Islands These areas may witness light to moderate showers, with isolated thunderstorms and strong winds in certain pockets. Delh...

New Delhi, February 23, 2026:The proposed India–United States trade agreement may be nearing conclusion, but rapidly shifting global trade dynamics suggest that New Delhi must proceed with calculated caution before putting its final stamp on the deal. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down former global tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump brought temporary relief to exporters worldwide. However, the relief proved short-lived. Within hours of the verdict, Trump invoked alternative legal provisions to reintroduce tariffs, underlining the continued unpredictability of American trade policy. Swift Policy Reversals Shake Global Confidence Earlier, Trump had imposed sweeping tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. After the Supreme Cour...

New Delhi, February 22, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for Israel on Wednesday for an official visit, marking another significant step in the deepening partnership between the two nations. The announcement follows remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who highlighted the growing strength of India-Israel relations. Responding to Netanyahu’s message on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the upcoming visit. “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Modi said. “I fully agree on the strength of the bonds between India and Israel and the diversity of our bilateral relationship. India deeply values its unbreakable friendship with Israel, founded on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and...

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: The Delhi AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to release the Delhi Declaration on AI today, with 80 countries expected to sign, according to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. So far, 70 countries have already expressed their agreement. Speaking at the summit’s closing press conference, Vaishnaw said, “Last year, the outcome document at the Paris Action Summit was signed by 60 countries. At the Delhi Summit, major nations have already signed, and we expect approximately 80 countries to endorse the declaration by the conclusion of the summit on February 21.” Massive Participation at the Summit The summit witnessed participation from over 5 lakh people, showcasing India’s capabilities as a major AI player. Vaishnaw highlighted that India plans to train 20 lakh yout...