Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley on her third consecutive electoral victory. PM Modi expressed readiness to work closely with Mottley to further strengthen bilateral ties for the benefit of the people of the two nations. "Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on her historic third consecutive electoral victory. India deeply values its long-standing friendship with Barbados, which continues to expand across diverse areas of cooperation. I warmly recall our meeting on the sidelines of the India-CARICOM Summit in 2024 and look forward to working closely with her to further strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our peoples," PM Modi posted on X. Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on her historic third consecutive electoral victory. India deeply values its long-standing friendship with Barbados, which continues to expand across diverse areas of cooperation. I warmly recall our meeting on the… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 PM Modi's congratulatory message came after Barbados Labour Party (BLP) claimed every seat in the House of Assembly for the third consecutive general election, delivering yet another 30-0 mandate to Mia Amor Mottley. Mottley marked the election win by announcing on Friday a national public holiday and a national thanksgiving and celebration rally to be held at the National Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 'Barbados Today' reported. She said, "Friday will be a national bank holiday in Barbados." "All roads on Saturday afternoon, 4 pm at the National Botanical Gardens. Saturday is not only the day of love. Saturday is the day of red, red, red," Barbados Today quoted her as saying. In November 2024, PM Modi and his Barbados counterpart Mia Amor Mottley held a meeting on the margins of the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana's Georgetown and reviewed cooperation across several key areas, including health, Pharma, climate change action, culture and people-to-people ties. India and Barbados share friendly bilateral ties, and this relationship is reinforced by the two nations' commonwealth membership, the English language and love for cricket, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Both countries interact actively in the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Barbados has committed support for India’s bid for Permanent Membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India and Barbados work closely with each other in multilateral fora. 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.
13 February,2026 01:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSUttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the organisation of special medical and health camps for journalists, considering their lifestyle, heavy workload, and irregular routines. In compliance with these instructions, a one-day medical camp was organised on Thursday at the Haldwani Media Centre by the Information and Public Relations Department in collaboration with the Health and Medical Department. District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Chief Medical Officer Nainital, and Joint Director Information Nitin Upadhyay attended the camp and reviewed the health services being provided. On this occasion, the District Magistrate said that healthy journalism is the foundation of a strong democracy, as free, fair, and fearless media play an important role in making the administration accountable and spreading awareness in society. He also said that the state government is sensitive towards the health and welfare of media representatives and ensuring their health security is among its priorities. In line with the public welfare vision of Chief Minister Dhami, the camp provided modern health facilities, including X-ray, ECG, BP, sugar, thyroid, and various blood tests. During the camp, cardiologists, orthopaedic specialists, gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, dentists, and physicians conducted comprehensive health check-ups of the beneficiaries. Necessary medicines were also distributed free of cost after the tests. Media representatives from print, electronic, and social media, along with their family members, from Haldwani, Ramnagar, Lalkuan, and Kaladhungi, participated in the camp. More than 100 journalists and their family members benefited from the camp. Joint Director Information Nitin Upadhyay, who was present at the camp, said that as per government instructions, such health camps will be organised from time to time in all regions so that maximum media personnel and common citizens can benefit from quality health services. This camp is an excellent example of the state government's visionary approach, under which health services are being expanded to every section of society with the spirit of "Health for All, Development for All." The camp was jointly inaugurated by District Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harish Chandra Pant and Joint Director Information Nitin Upadhyay. 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
13 February,2026 12:43 PM IST | Uttarakhand | ANIA 33-year-old man was killed and another critically injured in a late-evening firing incident in Goregaon town of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, stemming from a long-standing rivalry between two groups, police said. Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra: A violent clash broke out late at night in Ghodegaon, Nevasa taluka, due to an old rivalry between two groups. In the firing, Nitin Vilas Shirsath (33) died, while Suraj Fulmali (23) from the rival group was seriously injured( Visuals From the Hospital… pic.twitter.com/aeuylJg2RN — IANS (@ians_india) February 13, 2026 The victim was identified as Nitin Vilas Shirsath, while Suraj Fulmali (23) from the rival group, sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment. Ahilyanagar Police say old dispute led to firing Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge told IANS: "This evening in Goregaon, which is a town area, an incident occurred at a hospital involving Nitin Shirsath and another person, Suraj Fulmali. They had a dispute with each other during which one side opened fire. Nitin died, and Suraj is injured. Police is investigating. The primary information that we have got is that they had a fight with each other due to some old issues. And one of them fired at the other." Police have registered a case under relevant sections and launched a probe to identify all involved parties and gather evidence. Authorities have assured strict action against those responsible. Further details are awaited.
13 February,2026 12:28 PM IST | MumbaiTelangana's ruling Congress party has taken the initial lead in the municipal elections as the counting of votes is underway on Friday. The Congress party secured majority in six municipalities while main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) bagged on municipality. Over 73 per cent voters had cast their votes in the municipal elections in 116 municipalities and seven corporations on Wednesday. Counting of votes was taken up from 8 a.m. on Friday amid tight security. Out of 2,582 wards in municipalities, results were declared for 400 seats by 10.30 a.m. The Congress party bagged 229 wards while BRS secured 123 wards. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was distant third with 36 seats. The first result among municipalities went in favour of BRS. It won 14 out of 18 wards in Gaddapotaram municipality in Sangareddy district. The Congress party could get three seats. The Congress party secured majorities in Nandikonda and Halia municipalities in Nalgonda district, Ashwaraopet in Khammam district, Dornakal and Maripeda in Mahabubabad district, and Sultabanad in Peddapalli district. A total of 52,17,413 voters were eligible to cast their votes in 2,981 wards in the 123 urban local bodies. According to State Election Commission (SEC), 38,09,406 voters cast their votes. The voter turnout in municipalities was 75.88 per cent while in municipal corporations 66.05 per cent electorate exercised their franchise. The political fortunes of 12,944 candidates were sealed in the ballot boxes. Polling was held for 2,569 wards in 116 municipalities. Twelve candidates in nine municipalities were elected unopposed. A total of 10,719 candidates were in the fray 116 municipalities. They include 2,358 candidates of Congress party, 2,478 of BRS and 2,252 of BJP. Polling was held in 412 wards in seven municipal corporations. Candidates in two wards in Mahabubnagar and Ramagundam were elected unopposed. As many as 2,225 candidates were in fray in these corporations. They included 410 candidates of Congress, 401 of BRS and 382 of BJP. Notification for elections to Municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons and corporation mayors and deputy mayors will be issued on Saturday. Newly-elected councillors and corporators will take oath on February 16 (Monday) and the same day they will elect Municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons and corporation mayors and deputy mayors. 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.
13 February,2026 12:27 PM IST | Hyderabad | IANSThe State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has secured a major breakthrough in wildlife crime enforcement with the conviction of notorious international tiger poacher Adin Singh, alias Kalla Bawariya. Under the direction of MP Chief Minister, comprehensive efforts are being continuously made for forest and wildlife conservation in the state, the strike force said. Based on intelligence input received from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, the strike force arrested notorious international tiger poacher and smuggler Adin Singh, alias Kalla Bawariya, from Gyaraspur (Vidisha) on August 18, 2023. Recently, a local court sentenced him and the other two accused to four years of rigorous imprisonment. Singh had been on the radar of enforcement agencies across multiple states and neighbouring Nepal for several years. Investigations revealed that a case related to tiger hunting and smuggling of tiger parts was registered against him in Nepal in 2012. Another case involving the illegal trade of tiger parts was lodged in Maharashtra in 2013. Authorities, including the forest department, police from various states, and Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau, had been on his lookout. Following his arrest, Singh was handed over to the forest department of Akola (Maharashtra) on a production warrant. During further investigation, STSF also arrested Pujari Singh from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, identified as a key link in the network, as well as Riddick Teropi from Assam, alleged to be involved in tiger parts smuggling. Madhya Pradesh court convicts all three accused On Wednesday, the court of chief judicial magistrate in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, held all the three accused guilty. The court awarded each of them four years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25,000. Officers said that the MP Forest Department will approach the Central government to initiate steps for handing over Singh to Nepal to face the pending cases there. The authorities believe that coordinated action across states and countries is essential to dismantle the broader network of tiger poaching and illegal wildlife trade operating across South Asia. The conviction is being viewed as a significant step in ongoing efforts to strengthen wildlife protection and curb organised poaching activities.
13 February,2026 12:05 PM IST | Narmadapuram | Ranjeet JadhavAt least six people, including four members of a family, were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday, a forest officer said. The herd, which had attacked several people over the last few days, entered Gondwar village in Churchu block on Thursday night and trampled six people to death early on Friday, Hazaribag East Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vikas Kumar Ujjwal told PTI. "Among those killed are four members of a family. One child was also seriously injured," Ujjwal said. The child has been admitted to the Sadar Hospital in Hazaribag for treatment, he said. The herd had been roaming in Bokaro, Ramgarh and Hazaribag districts for the past few days and had earlier caused casualties in Bokaro, Ujjwal 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.
13 February,2026 11:38 AM IST | Ranchi | PTIThe Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is set to move from the British-era building at South Block to its new address — ‘Seva Teerth’, the newly constructed complex at Kartavya Path — on Friday. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new Seva Teerth complex today, marking the first time since Independence that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will move from the British-era South Block pic.twitter.com/oiSQCxxUgF — IANS (@ians_india) February 13, 2026 PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Seva Teerth complex along with Kartavya Bhavan-1 and Kartavya Bhavan-2. The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture, as Seva Teerth will house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat. Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 will accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Defence, Health and Family Welfare and Education. According to officials, PM Modi will first unveil the name of the building complex, Seva Teerth, around 1.30 pm. He will then inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2, and later address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 pm. The new complex includes digitally integrated offices, centralised reception areas, and dedicated public interface zones. It will house the PMO, key ministries, and the National Security Council Secretariat. Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan set to host key ministries with modern facilities These features are expected to boost collaboration, enhance efficiency, ensure seamless governance, improve citizen engagement and promote employee well-being. Built in line with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation mechanisms, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. “These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors,” an official statement said. The state-of-the-art complex in the Central Vista area has been equipped with future-ready facilities and is designed to provide an optimal, modern working environment — something that was lacking in South Block. As per available information, the ministries to be housed at Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. (With IANS inputs)
13 February,2026 10:42 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said his government will consider the demand to rename the Ladki Bahin scheme after Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. A day earlier, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Amol Mitkari had demanded that the government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for financial assistance to women be renamed after Pawar. Speaking to the media in Haridwar, CM Fadnavis said, "There are several demands. We will sit together and think how to go about it," as cited by news agency PTI. Pawar, the NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM, was killed along with four others in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Mitkari had said Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favourite brother of women in the state. "His wrist would be full of rakhis when he travelled across the state during his yatras." The state government would give a tribute to him if it named the scheme the Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada's Ladki Bahin scheme)," he emphasised. About Ladki Bahin Yojana The Ladki Bahin scheme, announced by Pawar when he was the state finance minister, was started in July 2024. It provides assistance of Rs 1,500 every month to eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 through direct bank transfer. The scheme is believed to have played a crucial role in the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti in the 2024 assembly elections. On Monday, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde had stated that the government will not stop the monthly financial assistance to women under the scheme, as it is helping them immensely, and that the aid will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 at the right time. Sunetra Pawar takes charge of Ajit Pawar's post Days after Pawar’s untimely demise, his wife Sunetra was sworn in as the deputy CM. She became the first woman to hold the post in the state. Ajit Pawar had earlier set a record by serving as deputy chief minister six times. On January 31, Sunetra was administered the oath of office by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan (formerly known as Raj Bhavan) in Mumbai. (With inputs from PTI)
13 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentAn 85-year-old retired entrepreneur from Hadapsar in Pune was duped of over R22 crore in one of Pune’s biggest online share-trading frauds. The scam, executed in November 2025, involved fraudsters posing as investment advisors who lured the victim with promises of high returns through bogus online trading platforms. According to the Cyber Police, the accused used 26 mobile numbers, fraudulent websites, and a fake trading application to gain the senior citizen’s trust. Subsequently, he was persuaded to transfer large sums in phases, believing he was earning substantial profits. So far, eight accused have been arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ambernath in Thane district. The police have frozen Rs 3.24 crore after examining nearly 40,000 bank transactions. Investigators revealed that the money was routed through layered mule accounts across states to obscure the trail. An FIR has been registered at Pune Cyber police station. The accused have been remanded to police custody till February 12. The police are probing whether the gang targeted other victims. ‘Be smart, be safe’ >> The police have repeatedly cautioned citizens, especially senior citizens, not to trust schemes promising returns higher than bank rates. The police say…>> Do not click on unknown investment links shared on WhatsApp or social media>> Verify platforms with SEBI or official financial institutions>> Avoid downloading trading apps from unknown sources>> In case of fraud, immediately register complaints on www.cybercrime.gov.in>> Remain vigilant in the virtual world and report suspicious transactions immediately
13 February,2026 09:40 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe United Nations has linked Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to the November 10, 2025, Red Fort attack in New Delhi. In its report, the UN Security Council stated that JeM claimed responsibility for a series of attacks and was also linked to the assault on the Red Fort. The report further mentioned that Jaish leader Masood Azhar has formally announced a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, intended to support terror operations. On 10 November last year, a car exploded near the Red Fort in which at least 15 people were killed while another 20 injured. Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar. FILE PICS The Delhi Police indicated that there were likely two to three individuals inside the vehicle during the explosion, with initial investigations suggesting it may have been a suicide attack. Days later, on November 12, the government classified the incident as an act of terrorism. The UN has listed JeM as an entity associated with Al-Qaida. JeM has a history of terrorist activities in India, especially in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the case. So far, eleven persons have been arrested in connection with this tragic event. 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
13 February,2026 09:14 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA Former Doordarshan news reader Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognised faces of TV news in the 1980s and 1990s, died on Thursday in Delhi, said family friend Shammi Narang. She was 71. Maheshwari, who served as a news reader on Doordarshan from 1976 to 2005, was among the pioneers of TV news in India at a time broadcast was limited to a few hours throughout the day. Narang, who was Maheshwari’s co-anchor, also posted on X and Instagram announcing the news. 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
13 February,2026 09:08 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
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