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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Forms Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Over 60 Nations

24Feb

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Nation, Politics

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Forms Parliamentary Friendship Groups with Over 60 Nations

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s parliamentary diplomacy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday announced the formation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) with more than 60 countries. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to deepening institutional ties with legislatures across the world through structured and sustained engagement. The newly constituted groups include Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum — notably, several opposition leaders and even some MPs who were recently suspended from the House for disciplinary reasons. The inclusive composition signals a bipartisan approach to international parliamentary outreach. Senior Leaders Across Parties Included Prominent parliamentarians appointed to various friendship groups in...

Headline:Rahul Gandhi Hits Back at PM Modi, Calls Alleged Links in ‘Epstein Files’ a Matter of Shame

24Feb

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Nation

Headline:Rahul Gandhi Hits Back at PM Modi, Calls Alleged Links in ‘Epstein Files’ a Matter of Shame

In a sharp political rebuttal, former Congress president and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of deflecting attention from serious issues by branding opposition protests as “shameful.” Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Gandhi released a video statement on Monday, asserting, “Prime Minister, you speak of shame. Let me tell you what is truly shameful.” He alleged that references to the Prime Minister, his ministers, and close associates in the so-called “Epstein files” constitute a matter of grave concern. “Being associated in any manner with such a heinous criminal is a shameful matter,” Gandhi said. Questioning Government Priorities Gandhi further argued that demo...

After Five-Day India Visit, Brazil’s Lula Signals Firm Message to Trump Ahead of Possible U.S. Trip

23Feb

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Nation

After Five-Day India Visit, Brazil’s Lula Signals Firm Message to Trump Ahead of Possible U.S. Trip

New Delhi | February 23, 2026 : After concluding a five-day visit to India, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reportedly preparing for a possible trip to the United States next month — a visit that could carry a pointed diplomatic message for U.S. President Donald Trump on trade tariffs and global stability. A Strategic India-Brazil Partnership During his India tour, Lula held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in a significant bilateral agreement in the mining and minerals sector. The cooperation is expected to play a crucial role in the global race for critical minerals, essential for steel production, clean energy transitions, and high-technology manufacturing. Brazil, the world’s largest producer of iron ore, possesses vast reserves of ...

Nearly 4 in 10 Adults in India May Have Fatty Liver Disease, Study Reveals Alarming Trend

23Feb

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Nation

Nearly 4 in 10 Adults in India May Have Fatty Liver Disease, Study Reveals Alarming Trend

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: A new large-scale study has revealed that nearly 40% of adults in India, including residents of Delhi, may be affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, highlight a growing public health concern linked not only to alcohol consumption but also to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Disease Often Progresses Silently One of the most alarming aspects of MASLD is that it frequently develops without noticeable symptoms. By the time it is diagnosed, significant liver damage may already have occurred. The study analyzed participants from 27 cities across India and found...

From PoK Training to Bangladesh Module: How ‘Raja Kashmiri’ Allegedly Orchestrated Anti-India Conspiracy

23Feb

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Nation

From PoK Training to Bangladesh Module: How ‘Raja Kashmiri’ Allegedly Orchestrated Anti-India Conspiracy

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: Indian security agencies have uncovered what they describe as a significant cross-border terror module allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with operational threads stretching from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Bangladesh and multiple Indian states. At the center of the investigation is Shabbir Ahmad Lone, also known as “Raja Kashmiri,” a former accused in a 2007 terror case who has resurfaced on intelligence radar as an alleged handler of a Bangladesh-based LeT cell. 2007 Arrest and Background According to officials, Lone first came to prominence in the summer of 2007 when Delhi Police’s Special Cell received intelligence inputs that he had been recruited for a fidayeen attack in the capital on the directions of LeT’s launching commander Abu Al-...

Statue of C. Rajagopalachari to Be Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan

23Feb

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Nation

Statue of C. Rajagopalachari to Be Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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...

India Moves to Harness Ravi Waters, Accelerates Chenab Desilting; Pakistan Faces Mounting Water Pressure

23Feb

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Nation

India Moves to Harness Ravi Waters, Accelerates Chenab Desilting; Pakistan Faces Mounting Water Pressure

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...

Four Youth Congress Workers Sent to Police Custody Over Protest at AI Summit

23Feb

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Nation

Four Youth Congress Workers Sent to Police Custody Over Protest at AI Summit

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...

Supreme Court Questions Pre-Poll “Freebies” Trend; Calls for Serious Reconsideration

23Feb

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Nation

Supreme Court Questions Pre-Poll “Freebies” Trend; Calls for Serious Reconsideration

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 ...

Violence Erupts in Mexico After Death of Cartel Leader; Indian Embassy Issues Advisory for Citizens

23Feb

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Nation

Violence Erupts in Mexico After Death of Cartel Leader; Indian Embassy Issues Advisory for Citizens

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...