Inna Makan, the mother of Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a road accident on February 3 in Delhi’s Dwarka after an SUV driven allegedly by a minor collided with his son’s motorcycle, sought justice for her son’s death. “He [driver], along with his sister, was out on his Scorpio to make reels. He [driver] was driving in the opposite lane and collided with my son’s motorcycle. My son died due to their fun reel,” said the grieving mother. The post-mortem report shows that Sahil had fractured his skull, multiple ribs, and his elbow due to the impact from the SUV. Juvie driver gets bail The accused driver, a minor, was found to be without a driving licence and was apprehended at the scene. He was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an Observation Home. On February 10, 2026, the JJB granted him interim bail on the grounds of his Std X examinations. 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 10:44 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesRJD working president Tejashwi Yadav announced that his party would "expand its base" beyond Bihar, moving away from its earlier policy of refraining from contesting polls in other states to avoid division of "secular votes". The former Bihar deputy chief minister was addressing a function here on Tuesday to mark the 38th death anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, the political mentor of his father and RJD founding president Lalu Prasad. "From March, we will embark on a drive to strengthen the party. Lalu Prasad had made the RJD a major force in the state. We must take his work forward and aspire to achieving the status of a national party," said Yadav. "In the days to come, we will try to expand our base not just in Bihar but also in other states, where we had so far not been entering the fray to help our allies so that there is no division in secular votes," he added. The RJD is a key constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc. Yadav also urged party workers to remember that "we lost the assembly polls in Bihar not because we were weak, but because we had fallen on hard times. Our time is bound to come". "Lalu Prasad gave me a big responsibility last month when I was made the national working president of the RJD. With the support of you all, I see no reason why we shall not become a force to reckon with," he added. Yadav, who is currently the leader of the opposition in the Bihar assembly, also alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was "achet" (not in his senses) and was running his government as a "kathputli" (puppet) of influential bureaucrats and his domineering ally, the BJP. "I had said that I would keep quiet till this government completes 100 days. The deadline will be over in four days. We will take the ruling dispensation to task for its failure to fulfil promises made during elections, many of which were ideas borrowed from us," he said. 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 10:43 AM IST | Patna | PTICheetah '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. 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 10:42 AM IST | Sheopur | PTISocial media platform X on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that any content in the realm of satire, fair comment and public speech should be protected from takedown orders in cases seeking protection of personality right. Justice Jyoti Singh was hearing a lawsuit by Baba Ramdev alleging large-scale misappropriation and commercial exploitation of his personality, image, and identity across various online and social media platforms. The counsel for X, formerly Twitter, opposed the “indiscriminate” blocking of accounts in personality right suits.
18 February,2026 10:42 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesEx-Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah will soon join the BJP, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarm on Tuesday as he met eith the for state Congress chief at his residence. The meeting comes a day after Borah submitted his resignation from Congress, raising concerns within the party just weeks before the polls. Borah said he would withdraw his resignation if senior leaders Pradyut Bordoloi and Debabrata Saikia convinced him that the party unit was functioning in its true spirit. 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 10:40 AM IST | Guwahati | AgenciesA sub-inspector, Santosh Kumar, was killed and four police personnel, including a woman officer, were injured after a speeding police SUV rammed into a tree in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district on Tuesday morning, an official said. Circle Officer Yogendra Singh said the accident took place around 6.30 am near the Katarari area when a team from Gorakhpur was returning after conducting a raid in Maharajganj. According to a preliminary investigation, the driver allegedly dozed off while driving on the highway. The vehicle first mounted the divider and then crashed into the tree, Singh said. 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 09:20 AM IST | Gorakhpur | AgenciesThe Railway Ministry has directed all zonal railways to replace low-level water taps and chained stainless steel mugs with jet sprays in train lavatories. This comes after a successful trial by the Northern Railway aimed at preventing water stagnation and improving hygiene standards for passengers. In a circular issued on February 17, 2026, the ministry noted that water accumulation on coach lavatory floors results in unhygienic conditions and adverse passenger feedback. Over time, undulations develop on the toilet floor, and continued use leads to puddle formation and water accumulation, it stated. The circular referred to initiatives taken by the Northern Railway's Delhi and Ambala divisions in Shatabdi Express coaches. "Northern Railway has taken the following initiatives: (a) disconnection/isolation of the low-level water taps (installed near floor level) through dummy plugs inside the lavatories; and (b) removal of stainless steel mugs along with chains, after duly ensuring the proper fitment and functioning of health faucets in the lavatories of the coaches," the ministry said. According to the ministry, these initiatives have resulted in noticeable improvement in maintaining dry and hygienic lavatory floors. Complaints regarding water stagnation on lavatory floors have reduced significantly, thereby improving hygiene standards. "In view of the above, it is advised to implement these initiatives on a pilot basis in AC coaches of ten identified trains of your Railway," it urged. The ministry has requested a compliance report and performance feedback after a three-month trial period. Before this order, the Northern Railway had informed the Ministry that 182 Shatabdi coaches had already been equipped with health faucets after replacing water taps installed near floor level and stainless steel mugs chained to the walls. Housekeeping staff engaged in cleaning and maintenance of the lavatories pointed out that while installing jet sprays is a positive step, the railway administration should also ensure timely repairs and replacement of faulty equipment to maintain these standards. 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.
17 February,2026 09:05 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi has invited newly sworn-in Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India and on Tuesday conveyed his best wishes to the leader. The invitation was delivered through a letter handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who met Rahman in Dhaka shortly after he assumed office, officials said, reported news agency PTI. After attending the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, Birla said India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Om Birla conveys good wishes, extends India visit invitation “Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation,” Birla posted on X. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveyed his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi during a courtesy meeting with visiting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla following the swearing-in of the new government.” “Speaker Birla conveyed good wishes and an invitation to visit India. Both leaders expressed optimism about working together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric agenda of cooperation,” he added, reported PTI. Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and other leaders on the sidelines of the event. BNP secures two-thirds majority in Bangladesh, wins 209 seats Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority, securing 49.97 per cent of the vote and 209 seats in the February 12 polls. The results were declared on February 13. According to PTI, the Jamaat-e-Islami registered its best-ever performance, winning 31.76 per cent of the vote and 68 seats. The National Citizen Party secured six seats and 3.05 per cent of the vote. Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the Prime Minister could not attend as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. On arriving in Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between the two neighbours. “Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister. It is an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations,” Birla said, reported PTI. Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. (With PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 09:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks the "next frontier of inclusive development," asserting that India's experience offers practical lessons for the Global South. Speaking to ANI, PM Modi emphasised that India's digital transformation was built on replicable principles that prioritised public good and inclusion over proprietary interests. "India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey offers crucial and practical lessons for the Global South. The convergence of DPI and AI is the next frontier of inclusive development. Our success with Aadhaar, UPI and other digital public goods was not accidental. It stemmed from a few replicable principles," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister elaborated that India built its digital architecture as a public good. "First, we built digital infrastructure as a public good, not a proprietary platform. This open and interoperable architecture allowed innovation to flourish on top of a common base layer. Second, we designed for scale and inclusion from day one. Our systems work for 1.4 billion people, irrespective of their socio-economic status, literacy level, region or language," he said. Highlighting the potential of AI layered over DPI, PM Modi said governance can become significantly more responsive and efficient. "AI can improve welfare targeting, strengthen fraud detection, enable predictive maintenance of infrastructure, support urban planning, and enhance transparency in public systems. We understand the importance of robust digital infrastructure, strong data privacy protections, thoughtful regulatory frameworks and AI literacy across society," he noted. With its human-centric DPI model, the Prime Minister said India is well positioned to ensure that AI benefits reach farmers in villages, students in small towns, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, informal workers and youth across rural and urban India. "Technology must serve every citizen, regardless of geography, gender or income. The goal is not AI adoption for its own sake. It is AI that genuinely empowers citizens and accelerates India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, and offers a scalable model for the Global South," he added. Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI) has been developed across various domains, aimed at enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. Aadhaar is the world's largest digital identity programme that provides biometric and demographic-based unique digital identity, which can be authenticated anytime, from anywhere and also eliminates duplicate and fake identities, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT statement. Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is India's leading digital payment platform. In the month of June 2024 alone more than 1,388 Crore financial transactions were done through UPI. DigiLockern has facilitated more than 30 crore users and made available 675 crore issued documents. Several fintech companies, working in the banking and financial sector, are using DigiLocker for easy on boarding of users. The Government of India has also taken several measures to enhance the reach of Indian Digital Public Infrastructure at the national and international levels. India Stack Global has been developed and rolled out with the aim to share the success of Indian DPIs with the global community and to facilitate replication in friendly countries. Global DPI Repository - Under Indian Presidency of G20 in 2023, Global DPI Repository (GDPIR) portal was designed, developed and rolled out by India. India has signed MoUs on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale with 10 countries namely Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba and Colombia, a release 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.
17 February,2026 08:53 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Junnar Forest Division arrested two men for allegedly possessing and attempting to trade body parts of protected wildlife, including leopard claws and sambar antlers, officials said. The action followed a tip-off received on February 16, 2026, about wildlife contraband being transported near Manchar. A trap was set near Morade Foods Company, behind Jhatka Khanavali, where officials intercepted a white Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. During the search, the forest team seized approximately 3 kg of leopard claws, 3 leopard canine teeth and 4 sambar antlers, the officials said. The vehicle used in the offence was also confiscated. Suspects held The arrested men were identified as Uday Shankar Surve, resident of Shirset, Shrivardhan, Raigad, and Nazim Karim Khan, resident of Vadvali, Shrivardhan, Raigad. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Sections 9, 39, 48(A), 51) at Manchar Forest Range (Offence No. WT-04/2026). Hunting, possession, transportation, and trade of protected wildlife species are serious offences, punishable with up to seven years in prison and fines, according to forest officials. Team's effort The operation was conducted under the guidance of Ashish Vankore, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Pune, and Prashant Khade, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Junnar Division. The team included Vikas Bhosale (RFO), Lokesh Patil (Deputy RFO), Amrut Shinde (Forester), and several forest guards. The accused were presented before the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, Ghodegaon, and granted bail. Investigations are ongoing to trace further links in the illegal wildlife trade network.
17 February,2026 08:14 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Class 10 and 12 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) began on Tuesday, with more than 46 lakh students appearing at over 8,000 centres in India and abroad, officials said. Class 10 students sat for the Mathematics examination, while Class 12 students appeared for Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (Hindi) and Shorthand (English) on February 17, they said, reported the PTI. According to school authorities, the Mathematics paper was conducted smoothly. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, said both the Standard and Basic Mathematics papers were well structured. She noted a difference in students’ perception and performance between the two levels. “The Mathematics (Standard) paper was balanced and well structured. It covered all prescribed topics and ensured a fair distribution of marks across the syllabus. The paper was not lengthy and students were able to complete it within the given time. Overall, it was manageable and student-friendly,” she said, according to the PTI. Exam schedule and guidelines The Class 10 board examinations will conclude on March 10, while the Class 12 exams will continue until April 9. The board had advised students to reach their examination centres by 10 am, taking into account local conditions, traffic, weather and travel distance. The CBSE also cautioned students and parents against misinformation circulating on social media. A senior CBSE official said that certain elements attempt to mislead students by spreading false claims about question paper leaks. The board urged parents, students and schools to remain vigilant and avoid believing or sharing unverified information, warning that such rumours can cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion during the examination period, as per the PTI. On Wednesday, Class 10 students will appear for the Home Science examination, while Class 12 students will take the Physical Education test. Mandatory to appear in first board exam from 2026 for class 10 students: CBSE Meanwhile, the CBSE on Monday has clarified that it will be compulsory for Class 10 students to appear in the first board examination from 2026 onwards, reported the PTI. The CBSE board is introducing two board examinations for Class 10 students starting in 2026. However, officials have made it clear that students cannot skip the first exam and appear directly for the second one. (with PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771342118600_d.png "Northern Railway trials show improved lavatory hygiene. Representational Image")
-1771340173855_d.png "PM Modi highlights Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker as scalable public goods. File Pic")
