The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the forthcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats across 10 states, as the sitting members are set to complete their term in April 2026, news agency ANI reported. According to a press note released on Wednesday, the tenure of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will end in April, thereby vacating the seats for fresh elections. The notification for the elections will be issued on February 26, marking the commencement of the poll process, ANI reported. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, with scrutiny scheduled for the following day. Candidates may withdraw their nominations by March 9. Polling will be held on March 16, and counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm. The entire election process will be completed by March 20. ECI has directed that only integrated violet colour sketch pens of pre-fixed specification, supplied by the Returning Officer, shall be used for marking preferences on the ballot paper. "The Commission has directed that only integrated violet colour sketch pen(s) of pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, shall be used for the purpose of marking preference(s) on the ballot paper. No other pen shall be used for marking preferences in the above said elections," the press note stated. The poll body further emphasised that adequate measures, including the appointment of observers, must be undertaken to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the elections. ECI launches EVM-VVPAT awareness drive across five poll-bound states Meanwhile, ECI has launched an extensive awareness campaign on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units across poll-bound states and Union Territories, namely Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, to familiarise electors with their functioning. According to the ECI press note, more than 1.20 lakh electors took part in camps at EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) across five states and UTs, while over 1.16 lakh electors cast mock votes during these demonstrations. As on February 10, more than 29,000 Polling Station Locations (PSLs) have been covered by Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs). The awareness drive is being carried out through EDCs and MDVs in a structured and time-bound manner, ECI said. (With ANI inputs)
18 February,2026 01:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine war, agreeing to support lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. In a joint statement issued by India and France, following bilateral talks during Macron's visit to India, "the two leaders reiterated their concern over the war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences." "They stressed the importance of cessation of hostilities and expressed support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," the joint statement shared by the External Affairs Ministry read. The statement comes in the backdrop of the upcoming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva, mediated by the United States, to negotiate to end the war that began in February 2022. Meanwhile, as per the India-France joint statement, PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron expressed their support for the implementation of the Peace Plan for Gaza in accordance with Resolution 2803 adopted by the United Nations Security Council and principles enshrined in the New York Declaration. New Delhi and Paris called for a "two-state solution" through dialogue. "They (PM Modi and French President Macron) encouraged all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety. Both sides restated their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and stressed the need for rapid, safe, and unimpeded aid delivery throughout the Gaza Strip. Both leaders reiterated the commitment of India and France for a just and lasting solution, based on the implementation of the two-state solution, through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said. This comes amid a US-led Board of Peace meeting scheduled on February 19. The Board of Peace, launched by US President Donald Trump in Davos in January, was initially designed to oversee Gaza's post-war transition under a broader peace framework. However, its expanded mandate to promote "global peace" and elements of its charter, including provisions allowing Trump to serve indefinitely as chairman, have raised legal and political concerns in several EU capitals. Adding to the international matters, India and France reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and called for closer collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with their 'Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region' of 2018 and 'India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap' of 2023. They also looked forward to enhanced engagement under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India's Chairship. They welcomed the latest development of joint initiatives in the region, including recent new solar energy trainings in countries in the Indo-Pacific region through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with both Indian and French funding, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures (CDRI) and the AFD Group to reinforce disaster resilience in third countries. They appreciated the progress on the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation (IPTDC) aimed at supporting climate- and SDG-focused projects from third countries of the Indo-Pacific, with the two sides having jointly identified projects in the fields of digital startups, health, and digital public infrastructure to be implemented together, the joint statement said. New Delhi and Paris' stand on international issues was based on their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges, and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement came as a result of the bilateral talks between PM Modi and Macron in Mumbai, during the French President's fourth visit to India. 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 12:52 PM IST | New Delhi | ANISpanish President Pedro Sanchez, Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay have arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026, which underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. World leaders were warmly received by Indian ministers, reflecting India's commitment to fostering international cooperation in AI, digital partnerships, and cultural exchange. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome posting on X, "Welcome, President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, for the India-AI Impact Summit. Warmly received by Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Singh. The visit of President Sanchez will add further impetus to the ongoing celebrations of India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI." A warm welcome was also extended to the Mauritian PM by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The Mauritian leader's wife, Veena Ramgoolam, also accompanied him. "Welcome to a close friend and maritime neighbour! Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius was warmly received by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary on his arrival in India for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Digital cooperation remains a key pillar of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, anchored in deep-rooted and historic people-to-people ties," the MEA said. The Vice President of Seychelles, Sebastien Pillay, was also accorded a warm welcome by MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary upon his arrival in New Delhi. "A close and longstanding maritime partner, Seychelles' participation in the Summit offers an opportunity to harness AI for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen our partnership," the Ministry stated. The five-day Summit has attracted over 110 countries and 30 international organisations, including about 20 Heads of State or Government and around 45 ministers. It seeks to align AI initiatives with India's national vision of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya' (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the global principle of AI for Humanity. India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is the fourth in its series, following editions in the UK (Bletchley Park, 2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025). The Summit offers a platform for leaders to discuss AI's ethical, economic, and social impacts while strengthening partnerships across digital technology, culture, tourism, and maritime cooperation. Several more dignitaries are expected to arrive later in the day, continuing the Summit's focus on collaboration and inclusive AI-driven development. 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 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSInna 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771342118600_d.png "Northern Railway trials show improved lavatory hygiene. Representational Image")
