The Supreme Court (SC) of India on Tuesday adjourned to March 18 the hearing on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during search operations at the I-PAC office and the residence of its director in connection with an alleged coal pilferage scam, news agency PTI reported. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan deferred the proceedings after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that a rejoinder would be submitted later in the day. On January 15, the top court observed that the West Bengal Chief Minister’s alleged “obstruction” of the ED’s probe was “very serious” and agreed to examine whether a state’s law enforcement agencies can interfere with a Central agency’s investigation into a serious offence. The court also stayed FIRs registered against ED officials who had raided the political consultancy I-PAC on January 8. While staying the FIRs filed in West Bengal against ED officials, the apex court directed the state police to preserve the CCTV footage of the raids, reported PTI. The court had issued notices to Banerjee, the West Bengal government, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, and other senior police officers on the ED’s petitions seeking a CBI probe against them for allegedly obstructing the raids at the I-PAC premises. West Bengal CM accused of taking away crucial evidence from premises The ED has alleged that Banerjee entered the raid sites and removed “key” evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices, from the I-PAC premises, thereby obstructing and interfering with the investigation. The agency further claimed in its plea that the chief minister’s presence at the search site and the alleged removal of documents had an intimidating effect on officers and seriously compromised the federal probe agency’s ability to discharge its statutory functions independently, reported PTI. The ED’s plea in the apex court follows events of January 8, when the agency conducted searches at the premises of I-PAC and its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata as part of a money-laundering probe into the alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam. During the search operation, Banerjee reached the I-PAC office along with senior TMC leaders, confronted ED officials, and allegedly took away documents from the premises. The chief minister has accused the central agency of overreach. According to PTI, the West Bengal Police has also registered an FIR against ED officers. TMC denies obstruction charges, questions ED’s intent The TMC has denied the ED’s allegations of obstruction. It has further been alleged that the ED’s action against I-PAC, the party’s election consultant, was aimed at accessing confidential election strategy material. The party has maintained that I-PAC functions as its election strategist and that the ED’s action was intended to disrupt its electoral preparations rather than pursue a bona fide investigation. Assembly elections in West Bengal are due in a few months. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 05:17 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a series of high-level meetings with global leaders and industry heads on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening India’s leadership in artificial intelligence and deepening international partnerships. The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. PM Modi meets Google CEO Sundar Pichai During the summit, PM Modi met Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, to discuss India’s growing AI ecosystem. Sharing details of his meeting on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “It was a delight to meet Mr. Sundar Pichai on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Talked about the work India is doing in AI and how Google can work with our talented students and professionals in this field.” The meeting focused on collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and opportunities for Indian talent. India-Finland aim to double trade, says PM Modi PM Modi also held extensive discussions with his counterpart from Finland, Petteri Orpo. A key topic was the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “Thanked him for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which ushers in a golden era in India-Europe relations. India and Finland aim to double trade,” PM Modi posted on X. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in emerging sectors such as 6G, innovation, clean energy, biofuels, and the circular economy. '2026 to be observed as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI' PM Modi later met Spanish President Pedro Sánchez to explore ways to expand bilateral cooperation. “Had a productive meeting with President Pedro Sanchez in Delhi. Discussed ways to boost the India-Spain friendship, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology and more,” he said. PM Modi also announced that 2026 will be observed as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. “This will deepen people-to-people linkages,” he noted, welcoming a large delegation of universities from Spain. PM Modi added that the EU-India FTA would create new economic opportunities for both countries. India's IT sector a key driver of economic growth, says PM Modi The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South. It has brought together representatives from over 110 countries and 30 international organisations, including heads of state, ministers, policymakers, industry experts, and academics. The summit is guided by three core principles — 'People, Planet, and Progress' — and promotes human-centric and sustainable AI development. It aligns with India’s vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya (welfare for all, happiness for all)" and the broader goal of AI for Humanity. In a special interview with ANI, PM Modi spoke about AI’s growing impact on India’s IT sector. “India's IT sector has been the backbone of our services exports and a key driver of economic growth,” he said. “AI presents both a tremendous opportunity and a challenge.” He added that projections show India’s IT sector could reach USD 400 billion by 2030, driven by AI-enabled outsourcing and automation. Highlighting the government’s approach, he emphasised preparing the workforce for the future, ensuring that innovation leads to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through these engagements at the summit, India has underlined its ambition to play a leading role in shaping the global future of artificial intelligence. (With ANI inputs)
18 February,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAtharva Avinash Chauhan, a student from Maharashtra’s Jalgaon, has secured an impressive 99.78 percentile in the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)-Main 2026 (Session 1) examination, breaking a 10-year record at his coaching centre and registering one of the best results in the entire Khandesh region. Speaking to ANI, an elated Atharva credited his parents, teachers, and friends for his achievement, while emphasising the importance of honesty and regularity in exam preparation. "I am very happy today. Seeing such good marks from me, my parents, teachers, and friends are all happy... I used to be in class from 7 am to 7 pm, attending lectures and studying both... I credit my success to my teachers, friends, and parents... Honesty and regularity are essential in exam preparation," Atharva said. His father, Avinash Chauhan, expressed confidence in his son’s abilities, citing his consistent academic performance over the years. "I'm very happy today. I was fully confident that he'd score so many marks... His scores in school have always been good. In class 10th, he also scored 97 per cent and came first in the district... He was always a topper in studies," Avinash said. He added that while Atharva maintained a disciplined study routine, he also took short breaks to refresh himself. "Whenever he came home from coaching, he would play games on his mobile for 15-20 minutes or look at his laptop for a little while. But it was limited to that much, and after that, he would sit down to study on his own," Avinash noted. Atharva’s coaching teacher, Savita Vani, highlighted that he broke the 10-year-old record at her centre, calling it a golden moment. "I am very happy that Atharva has broken the 10-year record at my coaching centre. He got 99.78 percentile in the January shift of JEE Mains... He has achieved such a good result in the entire Khandesh region. That is a golden moment for me," Vani said. Speaking to reporters, she also praised Atharva’s passion and focus, expressing confidence in his performance in upcoming exams. "He possessed the qualities necessary for a good result... Atharva has passion, and he will perform equally well in the upcoming exams," she added. Atharva’s success has brought pride not only to his family but also to the Jalgaon district and the wider Khandesh region. With JEE-Main Session-2 and JEE-Advanced still ahead, Atharva is now preparing to maintain his momentum and secure a seat at one of India’s premier engineering institutions. (With ANI inputs)
18 February,2026 04:13 PM IST | Jalgaon | mid-day online correspondentThe India AI Expo Summit 2026 will remain closed to the public on February 19. Expo will also remain closed for an additional day on February 21, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said on Wednesday. As reported by news agency IANS, the decision comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the summit on February 19. Due to the high-level presence and security arrangements for the inaugural session, authorities have decided to keep the expo closed for general visitors on that day. Krishnan further said that the event has been extended by one day because of the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from the public. He stated, “The expo will now remain open on Saturday, February 21, allowing more visitors to attend and explore the exhibits,” as cited by news agency IANS. The minister further informed that around 20 heads of state will be present at the inaugural session. “Among them will be French President Emmanuel Macron highlighting the global importance of the summit,” he added. The AI Summit is to be closed for an additional day on Feb 21 The Minister further said that the government does not want to cause any inconvenience to the public due to security restrictions and traffic arrangements on the opening day. Therefore, it was decided that the expo area would remain closed on February 19 and instead operate for an additional day later in the week. The India AI Expo Summit has drawn significant attention for showcasing cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovations from across the country and abroad, with strong participation expected from industry leaders, startups and international delegations. Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square meters, it will bring together global technology firms, startups, academia and research institutions, Union Ministries, state governments, and international partners. The event will also feature 13 country pavilions, showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. These include pavilions from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and African countries. (With inputs from IANS)
18 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt has lashed out the national federation after returning from a tumultuous tour of Australia during which his side didn't just have to roam the streets for lack of accommodation but also "wash dishes before going to play a match". Butt told the media at the Lahore Airport early this morning that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had been telling them lies and "enough was enough"."We can't work with this current management of the federation. When players have to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going to play a match what result do you expect from us?" a livid Butt asked angrily. The PHF has drawn severe criticism after the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed it had given them more than 10 million rupees to arrange hotel accommodation of the national team in Australia. The Pakistan hockey team had to wait for 13-14 hours at Sydney airport before their onward flight to Canberra. More disturbing reports came in when the team checked into its hotel ahead of the FIH Pro League matches. The players were told that they had no bookings since no advance payment was made to the hotel management. The players had to wait for hours and roamed the streets before an accommodation was arranged for them. The next afternoon, they had to play their first match against Australia which the team lost 2-3. Pakistan all its matches during the Australia leg, losing to the hosts as well as Germany. "What was pathetic was that even the Airbnb accommodation was arranged for 10 days when we had to stay for 13 days. We had to move into a cheaper residence after 10-days," Butt said. The PSB Director-General Noor us Sabah told the media that they were preparing a detailed report for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he ordered an inquiry into the whole fiasco. The Sharif is the patron-in-chief of the PHF. Butt disclosed that the PHF had warned the players of disciplinary action if they spoke to the media "I am speaking up because of what we have been through in Australia," he said. "We need a foreign coach if we have to move forward. We have a good combination of players but we need a foreign coach and good management," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 03:23 PM IST | Karachi | PTIMadhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented a Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the state Assembly on Wednesday, placing strong emphasis on welfare measures for women, farmers, and marginalised sections while outlining ambitious plans for infrastructure, industry, and sustainable growth. The budget also includes the recruitment of 15,000 teachers to strengthen the education system and 22,500 in the police department. The flagship 'Ladli Behna' Yojana received the largest single allocation of Rs 23,882 crore, continuing to provide direct financial assistance to women and reinforcing the government's focus on gender empowerment and household economic stability. In the agriculture sector, Devda announced the distribution of subsidised solar irrigation pumps to one lakh farmers, fulfilling Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's commitment to promote renewable energy in farming, cut electricity expenses, and boost productivity through eco-friendly practices. A target of Rs 25,000 crore in Kisan loans was set, alongside efforts to promote natural farming methods. Rural development emerged as a priority with Rs 40,000 crore earmarked for comprehensive rural infrastructure. The G Ram G scheme for Gram Panchayat advancement received Rs 10,428 crore, while Rs 9,000 crore was allocated for the PM Janman scheme targeting tribal and underprivileged communities. The Jal Jeevan Mission was provided Rs 4,454 crore to accelerate piped drinking water coverage across households. Infrastructure saw substantial investments, including Rs 12,690 crore for road repairs and connectivity enhancements in rural and urban areas. Housing for all received Rs 6,850 crore under the PM Awas Yojana. Urban development was allocated over Rs 21,561 crore, with a dedicated Rs 3,600 crore for preparations related to the upcoming 'Simhastha Mahaparva', supported by Rs 13,851 crore overall for the event and ongoing work on the six-lane Indore-Ujjain Highway. The energy sector was strengthened with a provision of Rs 34,650 million and the establishment of a 604 megawatt power unit. The state has implemented its Space Policy and is developing 48 industrial parks, while a special package was approved to spur industrial growth in Bundelkhand. Telecom manufacturing initiatives have commenced in Gwalior. Education and youth development featured free tetra pack milk for students up to Class eight in government schools to enhance nutrition and school attendance. Rs 530 crore was set aside for PM Shri Yojana, Rs 800 crore for sports and training infrastructure, and hostels will be built for working women. The Devi Ahilyabai Lok development project has begun, while Rs 793 crore was allocated for Dharti Aba Yojana and Rs 1,335 crore for labour welfare. Environmental conservation received Rs 6,151 crore, religious and cultural activities secured Rs 2,055 crore, and the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Darshan Yojana got Rs 50 crore to support senior citizens' pilgrimages. The presentation was briefly disrupted by opposition Congress MLAs, who entered the House with placards and symbolic empty piggy banks to protest the absence of an increase in legislators' funds, creating momentary chaos during the speech. This budget reflects the government's vision for inclusive, sustainable, and self-reliant progress in Madhya Pradesh, balancing welfare commitments with long-term developmental goals amid global economic uncertainties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 03:00 PM IST | Bhopal | IANSThe Maharashtra government has cancelled the five per cent reservation for members of the Muslim community in government jobs and educational institutions. A government resolution (GR) to this effect was issued on Tuesday, following the lapse of the previous ordinance granting the quota, which also faced an interim court stay, news agency PTI reported. The earlier Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government had issued an ordinance providing a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims. According to the new GR, all previous decisions and the ordinance concerning the five per cent reservation for the socially and educationally backward Muslim group under the Special Backward Category (A) have been revoked, PTI reported. This includes government and semi-government jobs, as well as seats in educational institutions. The GR also cancelled earlier notifications from 2014 and directed that caste and non-creamy layer certificates for Muslims in the Special Backward Category will no longer be issued. Opposition slams move, calls BJP-led govt ‘anti-minority’ The opposition, criticising the government’s decision, on Wednesday called the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra regime “anti-minority”. Former state Congress Working Committee member Naseem Khan alleged that the ruling Mahayuti coalition had committed an injustice by scrapping the quota, while NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the move shows that the BJP does not value Muslim leaders of the party or its allies, PTI reported. Speaking to reporters at Tilak Bhavan, Khan said the decision to remove the quota for socially and educationally backward sections within the Muslim community was “extremely wrong” and would deprive minorities of opportunities to join the mainstream of development. He added that the previous Congress-NCP government had issued the ordinance in 2014 granting the Muslim quota. “The subsequent Devendra Fadnavis government did not take the process forward, and even after the Bombay High Court granted interim relief for the five per cent educational reservation, its implementation was not ensured,” Khan alleged. Crasto said, “The decision proves that the BJP doesn’t value Muslim leaders of the party and its allies. It also shows that these Muslim leaders won’t get justice from the BJP.” As noted, the earlier Congress-NCP ordinance had provided a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims. The new GR issued on Tuesday cancels all previous decisions and related ordinances regarding the five per cent reservation for the socially and educationally backward Muslim group in government, semi-government jobs, and educational institutions. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe AI-India Impact Summit 2026 strengthens India's role as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. Anchored in the Seven Chakras and the Three Sutras of People, Planet, and Progress, the Summit advances a development-oriented framework for artificial intelligence. By linking policy with implementation and innovation with public purpose, the Summit establishes a structured approach to responsible AI deployment. It aligns technological advancement with inclusive growth and sustainable development. The Summit positions India as a convenor and partner in global AI cooperation, supporting shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions for public good. It marks a transition from dialogue to delivery, reinforcing India's commitment to responsible, inclusive, and development-focused AI pathways. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind has appreciated India for hosting the seminal Global AI Impact, noting that it comes at an opportune time as the world is on the cusp of Artificial Generative Intelligence. The DeepMind CEO highlighted several areas where AI is making strides and underscored the importance of the AI Summit in promoting global dialogue and cooperation to mitigate risks that may arise from the technology. Demis Hassabis hailed the gathering of the top minds from India and across the world at the Summit and said, "We are at a threshold moment where Artificial Generative Intelligence is on the horizon in the next 5-8 years. So this summit comes at a critical moment as we start seeing more autonomous AI systems. The opportunities are incredible." He highlighted the avenues where AI can play a crucial role-- science, medicine, climate change, human health. "AI is going to be the most transformative technology in human history that's just on the horizon now and it is going to affect everybody across the world. It's very important to have summits like this to bring the international community together to make sure the opportunities benefit the whole world and how do we mitigate the risks- which would need international cooperation and the first step to that is to have international dialogue," he said. Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and chairman of Axilor Ventures emphasised that the true impact of AI will be determined by the applications built and deployed using the technology. "I believe that we can become the top three in the world in different aspects of AI. The impact of AI will be through the applications that we deploy using AI. India is a huge country with a large number of applications and a large number of developers. At the application level, India can actually become number one," Gopalakrishnan said, underlining the country's strength in building and deploying AI-driven solutions. The Tech leaders were echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the diffusion and deployment of AI in India. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, the Prime Minister noted that Artificial Intelligence is a force multiplier which will further help push the boundaries "of what we thought possible". Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government is confident that by "combining innovation with inclusion", AI will strengthen India's workforce. "I understand the concern of our youth about AI-driven disruptions in the job market. Preparation is the best antidote to fear. That is why we have been investing in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future. The Government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem but we're treating it as a present imperative," PM Modi said. "I view AI as a force-multiplier which will further help us push the boundaries of what we thought possible. It will help doctors and teachers and lawyers to reach out to and help a larger group of people," he added. The Prime Minister said that history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. "Its nature changes and new types of jobs are created. While some jobs may be redefined, digital transformation will also add new tech jobs to India's economy. For centuries, there have been fears that innovation and technological revolutions will eliminate jobs. Yet history teaches us that whenever innovation happens, new opportunities emerge. The same will be true in the age of AI," he said. The Prime Minister said India is already well-equipped to adapt to this change. In the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025, India ranked 3rd, reflecting strong growth in AI R&D, talent, and economy. "Combining innovation with inclusion, we are confident that AI will strengthen India's workforce. With the right skills and preparation, our youth will lead the future of work," he said. India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 February,2026 02:44 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIRSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for uniting and empowering the Hindu society, saying there is no threat but vigilance is necessary, and suggested that Hindu families should consider having at least three children. He also said that infiltrators should be "detected, deleted and deported". Addressing a social-harmony meeting at the Saraswati Shishu Mandir here on Tuesday, Bhagwat expressed concern over what he described as a declining Hindu population and said inducement- or coercion-based religious conversions should be stopped. He also emphasised accelerating efforts to bring people back to the Hindu-fold and ensuring their welfare. "There is a need to unite and empower Hindus. There is no threat to us but vigilance is necessary," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief said. Raising concerns over infiltration, Bhagwat said infiltrators should be "detected, deleted and deported", and should not be provided employment. He also said Hindu families should consider having at least three children, citing scientific opinions that societies with an average fertility rate of below three could disappear in the future. Bhagwat said newly-married couples should be made aware of this and added that the purpose of marriage is to carry forward creation, not merely fulfilling one's own desires. He said a lack of harmony leads to discrimination and stressed that all citizens share one country and one motherland. "The Sanatan thought is a philosophy of harmony," Bhagwat said, adding that differences that have emerged over time must be addressed through understanding and practice. He said those who disagree should not be viewed as enemies and emphasised coordination over conflict. The RSS chief described "matrushakti" (women power) as the foundation of the household, saying women should not be seen as weak and should receive training in self-defence. He said the Indian tradition accords women a revered place and values nurturing qualities over physical appearance. Responding to a question on University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, Bhagwat said laws must be obeyed and if a law is flawed, there are constitutional ways to change it. He said caste divisions should not become a cause of conflict and called for uplifting the disadvantaged with a sense of belonging. Bhagwat said India would guide the world in the near future and that solutions to many global problems lie within the country's civilisational ethos. He said regular community-level meetings should promote social harmony, remove misconceptions and address social issues, while extending support to the weaker sections of the society. The RSS chief cautioned that some elements in the United States and China are working against India's social harmony, and called for vigilance and mutual trust. Representatives from Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities, along with organisations such as the Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON and Art of Living Foundation, among others, attended the programme. Addressing another programme at the Madhav Sabhaghar of the Saraswati Vidya Mandir here, Bhagwat said temples, wells and cremation grounds should be open to all Hindus, without any discrimination. He said children must be taught that a career is not merely about earning more or consumption, but about sharing and serving others. The RSS chief urged families to impart values that place the country above everything else and encourage the earning of knowledge and wealth for the nation's benefit. Emphasising social harmony, he said efforts must begin at the individual and family levels through greater mutual interaction, adding that harmony comes through practice rather than speeches and that caste distinctions should have no place in the society. Bhagwat said the family and not an individual is the basic unit of the society and that social conduct is shaped within it. He also stressed the importance of mother-tongue proficiency, patriotism, integrity, discipline and family pride. The RSS chief called for reaching out to those sections of the society that are not close to the organisation and for the development of warm social bonds, extending from public spaces to families. On technology, he said it cannot be stopped but must be used with discipline, such as limits on viewing time, and that the younger generation should be made aware of the potential harms of excessive exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), television, mobile phones and films. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Lucknow | PTIThe Supreme Court (SC) has held that grabbing a woman’s breasts and pulling the string of her pyjama constitute an “attempt to rape”, overturning a controversial Allahabad High Court (HC) ruling that had termed the acts merely as “preparation to commit rape”, news agency PTI reported. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and NV Anjaria observed that the HC’s order was liable to be quashed due to the “patently erroneous application of the settled principles of criminal jurisprudence”. The top court delivered its order on February 10 while hearing a suo motu case in which it had taken cognisance of the HC’s March 17, 2025, ruling, PTI reported. The lower court had stated that merely grabbing breasts and pulling a pyjama string did not amount to the offence of rape. Setting aside the HC’s judgment, the apex court restored the original charge of attempt to rape against the two accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. “The facts alleged being so, we cannot agree with the finding of the High Court that the allegations only amount to preparation, but not an attempt, towards the commission of the offence of rape. The attempt made by the accused persons appears clearly and inevitably leads us to conclude that, prima facie, a case for invoking the provisions of attempt to commit rape has been made out by the complainant and the prosecution. The impugned judgement, thus, is liable to be set aside on account of the patently erroneous application of the settled principles of criminal jurisprudence,” the bench said. SC sets aside Allahabad HC order, restores attempt-to-rape charge against three accused The apex court further noted that a bare perusal of the allegations left no “modicum of doubt” that the accused had acted with a pre-determined intent to commit an offence under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), PTI reported. “The impugned judgement dated March 17, 2025, is set aside, and the original summons order dated June 23, 2023, passed by the Special Judge (POCSO), Kasganj, is restored. “It goes without saying that the observations made by this Court through this judgement are only from a prima facie perspective on the case made by the complainant, and they shall not be taken to be any opinion on the guilt of the accused persons, which is the subject matter of the ongoing trial,” the bench said. In its March 17, 2025, order, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra of the Allahabad HC had ruled that while the alleged acts did not amount to rape, they fell within the ambit of assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to disrobe or compel her to be naked. The HC’s order was passed on a revision petition filed by two accused challenging the Kasganj special judge’s decision summoning them under Section 376 of the IPC, along with other provisions. According to the case details, an application was filed before the special judge under the POCSO Act alleging that on November 10, 2021, the complainant was returning from her sister-in-law’s house with her 14-year-old daughter when the three accused — all from the same village — encountered them and offered the girl a lift. It was alleged that the accused stopped their motorcycle on the way and began groping the minor. One of the accused allegedly dragged her towards a culvert and pulled the string of her pyjama. Two persons arrived at the scene after hearing the girl’s cries, prompting the accused to flee. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 02:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCheetah 'Gamini' has given birth to three cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking the number of these big cats in India to 38, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday. Gamini was translocated to India from South Africa as part of the ambitious project to revive the population of the world's fastest land animal in India, which had gone extinct decades ago. South African cheetah Gamini, gives birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, #MadhyaPradesh.@moefcc @byadavbjp @CMMadhyaPradesh @DrMohanYadav51 pic.twitter.com/f9xXowaxQV — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 18, 2026 Yadav, in a post on X, said that in a roaring success to the Cheetah re-introduction programme, Gamini, the South African cheetah and second-time mother, has brought three new cubs into the world at Kuno National Park (KNP) in MP's Sheopur district. This joyful arrival marks the ninth successful cheetah litter on Indian soil and takes the number of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27, he said. With these newest additions, India's total cheetah population has now reached 38 - a powerful symbol of the country's determined and historic conservation effort, Yadav added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 February,2026 02:07 PM IST | Sheopur | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1771409347230_d.png "PM Narendra Modi with Sundar Pichai, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Pic/PTI")
-1771407683677_d.png "Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Ammad Butt. Pic/X (@AmmadButt96)")
-1771405011332_d.png "Visitors at the AI Impact Summit 2026. Pic/PTI")
