A special court in Maharashtra’s Latur district on Wednesday sentenced a 46-year-old man, Govindrao Koli, to three years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him for sexually assaulting a minor girl, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police. Judge SV Jadhav also imposed a fine of Rs 4,000 on Koli. According to court records, a woman had lodged a complaint in 2022 alleging that Koli had assaulted her minor daughter. The MIDC Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The prosecution presented statements of the survivor, medical evidence, and other documents, with Special Public Prosecutor MS Mahindrakar handling the arguments, police said. Woman police constable BT Hingde coordinated the case proceedings. After considering the evidence and submissions, the court held Koli guilty and sentenced him to three years’ rigorous imprisonment. Thane court sentences man to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting 13-year-old A special POCSO court in Thane has sentenced Saddam Akkach Molla to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2021, describing the crime as “heinous” and saying it deserved no leniency, PTI reported. Although the DNA report of the accused did not match the victim’s foetus, Additional Sessions Judge DS Deshmukh said sufficient oral and documentary evidence proved the sexual assault. Molla was convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, directing that the amount, if recovered, be paid to the victim. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in May 2021 in Kashimira, Thane district. Molla intercepted the minor on her way to tuition classes, lured her to his house under the pretext of needing help to write a letter in Hindi, and sexually assaulted her, PTI reported. The crime came to light in August 2021 when the victim complained of severe stomach pain and was subsequently found to be pregnant. It also surfaced during the trial that the victim had been assaulted by two individuals in separate incidents, and the police registered two cases. The defence argued for acquittal, pointing out that the DNA report of the accused did not match the foetus. The judge, however, dismissed this contention, relying on the consistent testimony of the victim and medical evidence. Though the DNA report of the accused did not match with the foetus, it can not be said that he has not sexually assaulted the victim, when there is sufficient oral and documentary evidence against him, it observed. (With PTI inputs)
25 February,2026 07:42 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentA total of 41 tigers died in Maharashtra in 2025, with most succumbing to natural causes, state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik told the Assembly on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The government is stepping up efforts to prevent tiger deaths caused by accidents, electrocution, and poaching. According to the minister, of the 41 tiger deaths 28 were due to natural causes, 8 were accidental deaths, 4 were caused by electrocution, 1 resulted from poaching. The minister highlighted the Ballarshah–Gondia railway line, which passes through sensitive forest divisions and buffer zones of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve. Between 2011 and 2025, five tigers were killed along this route, as per the PTI. Statistics show that five tigers lost their lives on this specific railway route between 2011 and 2025, he said. To prevent railway-related wildlife deaths, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Regional), Chandrapur, has formally communicated with the railways. Proposed steps include - Construction of underpasses and overpasses on new railway lines for safe animal movement - Enforcement of a 40 kmph speed limit for trains in sensitive forest zones - Proper disposal of food waste by passengers to avoid attracting wildlife near tracks Tackling human-wildlife conflict Naik noted that effective conservation has increased wildlife populations, which has also raised the risk of migration-related human–wildlife conflict. To manage this, the government has submitted a proposal to recruit 368 personnel on a contract basis for Rapid Rescue Units (RRU), Tiger Cell (TCC), Elephant Tracking Teams, high-tech monitoring and anti-poaching measures, the news agency reported. Current measures to protect tigers include: - M-Stripes mobile-based monitoring system to track suspicious activity - Strengthened Wildlife Crime Cell in Nagpur - Cyber Cell in Melghat using digital footprints to track poachers - Deployment of Special Tiger Protection Forces (STPF), dog squads, and metal detectors to detect traps near waterholes Naik added that district-level tiger committees meet regularly to refine protection strategies, and a Secret Service Fund maintains a network of informants at the range level. "To prevent the deaths of wild animals in railway accidents, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Regional), Chandrapur, has formally communicated with the Railway Department to implement specific safety measures," Naik stated in his reply, according to the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
25 February,2026 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Wednesday cited several email exchanges made public under the 'Epstein Files' in the US to allege that the foundation of the India-Israel relationship post-2014 was laid down and shaped by convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said India's foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine has always been based on the 'two-nation' theory but an "America-Israel lobby" changed the state and direction of the decades-old foreign policy. "Jeffrey Epstein is a notorious sex offender for the common people, but a hero for the Modi government's foreign policy. Even after death, Jeffrey Epstein lives on in the Modi government's decisions and policies," Khera alleged at a press conference, with a big movie-like parody poster, 'Jeffrey Ne Bana Di Jodi', behind him. "Recently, I heard Narendra Modi say -- 'I built a robot in my childhood, for which I even received a medal'. The same thing is said by (US President Donald) Trump, (Israeli premier Benjamin) Netanyahu, and Epstein -- that we have built a robot named Narendra Modi, who is the prime minister of India," Khera said, taking a swipe at the prime minister. The Congress made the allegations against the government while the prime minister is in Israel for a two-day visit. Khera said on January 4, 2017, BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri, emails Epstein stating that he needs to meet, and the meeting is fixed for January 6. "Immediately after this, Epstein emails another person, Deepak Chopra, and inquires about Anil Ambani. Finally, Epstein and Anil Ambani meet on February 21, 2017. The question is -- on whose signal did Epstein set out to find Anil Ambani with someone else's help," he asked. Khera cited several email exchanges between Epstein and Ambani. He claimed that Epstein introduced Anil Ambani to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak via email on February 23, 2017. Khera also cited email exchanges between Epstein and Barak related to India. "India's Israel strategy's framework was decided like this. The foundation of India-Israel ties post-2014 was laid down by Jeffrey Epstein....Ehud Barak, Jeffery Epstein, Hardeep Puri...this is how our foreign policy was shaped," he alleged.There was no immediate reaction from Ambani, Puri, the BJP or the government on the allegations made by Khera. Between 2014 and 2017, when Hardeep Puri, now a Union minister, was meeting Epstein, Ehud Barak's close associate and a major Mossad agent, Yoni Koren, was living in the same apartment, Khera alleged. "It's deeply alarming. In whose hands is our country's government playing? In this situation, India's biggest threat today comes from those who are seated in the government itself," he alleged. 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.
25 February,2026 07:14 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Supreme Court on Wednesday sought more details such as costs and availability of the facility to conduct Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) in government hospitals across the country to detect Transfusion Transmissible Infections like HIV and hepatitis. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi asked lawyer A Velan, appearing for PIL petitioner 'Sarvesham Mangalam Foundation', to provide details as to how much cost will be incurred in conducting NAT tests and whether the facility was available in government hospitals so that poor can also avail it. The foundation made the union ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all the states and UTs (union territories) as parties to the plea. The PIL sought an order to the Centre and the states to declare that the "Right to Safe Blood" is an intrinsic facet of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also sought directions to "implement mandatory NAT in all blood banks across the territory of India for the detection of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis C Virus (HCV), hepatitis B Virus (HBV), malaria, and syphilis, in the blood collected from all donors, to ensure the supply of safe and infection-free blood to all recipients." The Delhi-based NGO highlighted a "systemic and ongoing failure" of the state to protect vulnerable patients, particularly those with Thalassemia, from life-threatening TTIs such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder requiring patients to undergo blood transfusions every 15 to 20 days for survival. However, the petition said that for thousands in India, these transfusions have become a "gamble with death." "Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which is caused by the body's inability to produce enough haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs. As India is the Thalassemia capital of the world, there is a need to strengthen blood safety practices across the country, particularly the need for a standardised test to screen blood donations," it said. The PIL cited a string of recent "preventable tragedies" across the country and said in Madhya Pradesh, in 2025, at least six Thalassemic children tested HIV-positive after transfusions at Satna District Hospital. In Jharkhand, five children were infected with HIV following transfusions at Sadar Hospital, Chaibasa in 2025, it said, adding that in Uttar Pradesh 14 children contracted hepatitis and HIV at a medical college in 2023. 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.
25 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday to a red-carpet welcome with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara receiving the Indian leader at the Ben Gurion airport. It is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017. Netanyahu greeted the Indian prime minister with a warm hug, following which Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport, located 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv. The Indian prime minister will address Israel's parliament later in the day and will have a tete-a-tete with Netanyahu. The two leaders will hold wide-ranging talks on Thursday. In his pre-departure statement, Modi said he was confident that the visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between India and Israel and set new goals for the strategic partnership. "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," Modi said. "I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said. Modi said he and Netanyahu will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. "I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," Modi said. The prime minister's visit assumed greater significance as it is taking place amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran. There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation. The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India. In November last, during the visit of India's defence secretary to Israel, an important agreement on defence cooperation was signed. As India is looking at developing an indigenous air defence shield called "Sudarshan Chakra", it is learnt that New Delhi would like to explore the possibility of incorporating certain elements from Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defence system that can intercept and destroy missiles and artillery shells. The trade and investment ties between the two sides are also witnessing steady progress. During the visit to Israel of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in November, the term of reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed. In September, the two sides had inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) to expand economic cooperation. The people-to-people ties between the two countries are also an important aspect of the overall relations, with over 41,000-strong Indian diaspora playing a key role in the two-way engagement. 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.
25 February,2026 06:56 PM IST | Jerusalem | PTIThe Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal of Kerala government to change the name of the state to Keralam, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its first meeting held at Seva Teerth, the new PMO complex. The Union Cabinet chaired by the prime minister approved the proposal for alterating the name of state of Kerala as 'Keralam', Vaishnaw said. After approval of Union Cabinet, the president of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receipt of the views of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the government of India will obtain the recommendation of the president for introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to alter the name of Kerala as 'Keralam' in Parliament, an official release said. The Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution on June 24, 2024 to alter the name of Kerala to 'Keralam'. "The name of our State is 'Keralam' in Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. "Since the time of National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution the name of our State is recorded as 'Kerala'. This Assembly unanimously appeals to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as 'Keralam'", the Kerala Assembly resolution read. Thereafter, the Kerala government requested the central government to take necessary steps to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by altering the name of 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' according to Article 3 of the Constitution. The Article 3 of the Constitution provides for alteration of names of existing states. According to Article 3, Parliament may by law alter the name of any state. Further proviso to Article 3 states that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the president and unless where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the states, the Bill has been referred by the president to the legislature of that state for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the president may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired. The matter regarding alteration of the name Kerala as Keralam was considered in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the draft note for the Cabinet for the alteration of name of Kerala as Keralam was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice for their comments. The Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice have concurred with the proposal for the alteration of name of Kerala' as 'Keralam'. 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.
25 February,2026 04:27 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAn FIR has been registered in connection with a late-night firing at a car carrying a lawyer associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi near the ISBT in Kashmere Gate, police said on Wednesday. Gangster Naveen Boxer allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post purported to be from him. The case has been registered at Kashmere Gate Police Station under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at the complaint of advocate Deepak Khatri, the police said. Khatri had earlier received threats of violence, a police source said. On Tuesday at around 10.10 pm, a car came under gun attack near the Marghat Wale Hanuman Temple close to ISBT. There were five occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident. One of the occupants sustained a bullet injury to his shoulder and was admitted to a hospital. He is stated to be stable and out of danger, an officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said the occupants of the car have given varying accounts regarding the number of assailants involved in the attack. Meanwhile, a social media post surfaced shortly after the incident in which gangster Naveen Boxer purportedly claimed responsibility for the firing. The post, shared from a profile bearing his name and photograph, stated that the attack was carried out by him and his associates and also issued threats to Khatri. "He acts as an informant and middleman for Lawrence. You arrange extortion deals and bring information during meetings, stop doing this. Otherwise, your actions will be punished and your entire family will have to suffer the consequences," the post read. The police said they are verifying the authenticity of the social media account and the claim. "We are examining the post and its origin. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings," an officer said. A forensic team inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being scanned to identify the attackers and trace their route of escape, police 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.
25 February,2026 02:43 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIA video showing some government employees and activists offering namaz inside the premises of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation office has sparked controversy, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya demanding strict action against those involved. According to Somaiya, certain employees of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation performed namaz at the government office and subsequently uploaded a video of the act on social media. He described the behaviour as illegal and inappropriate for a government workplace. Kirit Somaiya writes to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Somaiya stated that police and municipal officials have confirmed the incident. He has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging stern disciplinary measures against the employees responsible. मालेगांव सरकारी कार्यालय में नमाज़कुछ सरकारी कर्मचारियोने मालेगांव नगर पालिका कार्यालयमें नमाज़ अदा की। उन्होंने इसका वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर अपलोड भी किया।अधिकारियों ने इस अवैध व्यवहार की पुष्टि की।मैंने मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस से सख्त कार्रवाई करने का अनुरोध किया है pic.twitter.com/FbcVy6s3Hl — Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) February 25, 2026 The development has raised questions about the use of official government spaces for religious activities during working hours. Somaiya emphasised that such actions violate norms and called for immediate intervention to uphold administrative discipline. Further details on any official response or inquiry from the Malegaon Municipal Corporation or state authorities are awaited.
25 February,2026 02:40 PM IST | MumbaiAccording to Hindu calendar calculations published by DrikPanchang, Holi 2026 will be observed over two days — Holika Dahan on March 2 and Rangwali Holi on March 3 in Mumbai. The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna and is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the triumph of good over evil, with deep roots in Hindu mythology and seasonal transition. Holika Dahan – March 2, 2026 Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi, will be observed on the evening of March 2 after sunset in Mumbai. The ritual involves lighting a sacred bonfire to commemorate the legend of Prahlad and Holika. According to Hindu scriptures, demon king Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his devotee son Prahlad with the help of his sister Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. However, Holika was consumed by the flames while Prahlad emerged unharmed, symbolising the victory of faith and righteousness. Ritual timings for Holika Dahan are determined carefully. The bonfire is traditionally lit during Pradosh Kaal and when Bhadra is not prevailing, as performing the ritual during Bhadra is considered inauspicious. Panchang-based calculations are used to identify the most appropriate muhurat. Communities gather in open grounds and residential societies to perform the ritual. Devotees circle the bonfire, offer prayers, coconuts, and grains, and seek blessings for prosperity and protection from negative forces. Holika Dahan Muhurta - 06:44 PM to 09:11 PM; duration - 02 Hours 26 Mins Holika Dahan during Pradosh with BhadraPurnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on Mar 02, 2026Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on Mar 03, 2026 Rangwali Holi – March 3, 2026 The main festival of colours, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, will be celebrated on March 3 in Mumbai. Streets and neighbourhoods come alive with vibrant hues as people smear each other with gulal and splash coloured water. Celebrations typically begin in the morning, with friends and families visiting each other’s homes and exchanging festive delicacies such as gujiya, malpua, and thandai. Music, dance, and community gatherings form an integral part of the festivities. Holi also carries a strong social message of inclusivity, encouraging people to rise above barriers of caste, class, and age. The popular phrase “Bura na mano, Holi hai” reflects the playful and forgiving spirit associated with the festival. Bhadra Punchha - 01:25 AM to 02:35 AM, Mar 03Bhadra Mukha - 02:35 AM to 04:30 AM, Mar 03 Regional celebrations across India Holi is celebrated in diverse ways across the country, reflecting India’s rich cultural tapestry. In Mathura and Vrindavan, associated with Lord Krishna, festivities extend over several days and include traditions such as Lathmar Holi and Phoolon ki Holi. In Barsana, women playfully strike men with sticks as part of the famous Lathmar Holi ritual. In Maharashtra, the festival is marked by community celebrations and traditional sweets like puran poli. In West Bengal, Holi coincides with Basanta Utsav, popularised by Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan. Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Sikh community celebrates Hola Mohalla with displays of martial arts and valour. Each region adds its own cultural flavour, making Holi a truly pan-Indian festival. Cultural and seasonal significance Beyond its mythological importance, Holi also signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It represents renewal, fresh beginnings, and the strengthening of social bonds. Traditionally, natural colours derived from flowers and herbs were used, highlighting the festival’s close connection with nature. Preparations underway With Holi 2026 falling on March 2 and 3 in 2026, markets are expected to witness brisk sales of colours, pichkaris, sweets, and festive items in the days leading up to the festival. Authorities across cities are also likely to issue advisories promoting safe and eco-friendly celebrations. As per DrikPanchang, Holi 2026 will once again bring communities together in a vibrant celebration of colour, faith, and unity — reflecting a cultural tradition deeply woven into the fabric of India.
25 February,2026 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHoli in 2026 will be observed on different dates across India due to a Total Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) coinciding with Phalguna Purnima, according to calculations by DrikPanchang. Since Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna, the occurrence of a lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, directly impacts ritual timings. The Sutak period begins several hours before the eclipse and continues until it ends in the evening, making religious rituals inauspicious during that time. Considering that Holika Dahan must be performed after sunset during Pradosh Kaal and outside both Bhadra and Sutak, several states have adjusted their dates. Why Holi will be celebrated on different dates across India? In 2026, the Purnima tithi spans March 3 and continues into March 4. However, because the lunar eclipse is visible in India on the evening of March 3, many regions cannot perform Holika Dahan during the eclipse period. As a result, some states advance Holika Dahan to March 2, and others perform it on March 3 after the eclipse ends. The festival of colours is observed the following day State-wise Observance North India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab) Holika Dahan: March 3 (after eclipse ends) Holi: March 4 In Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana, celebrations begin earlier, but the main Holi falls on March 4. Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) Holika Dahan: March 2 Dhulivandan: March 3 Following the Amanta calendar and due to Sutak on the evening of March 3, Maharashtra advances the ritual. Gujarat March 2 (Holika Dahan)March 3 (Dhuleti) South India (Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu) March 2 March 3 West Bengal & Odisha March 3 (post-eclipse timing dependent) March 4 (Dol Purnima) In Punjab, Hola Mohalla will be observed on March 5. Why the Difference? The variation in 2026 is due to: Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3 Sutak restrictions before sunset Ritual prohibition during eclipse Regional calendar systems (Amanta vs Purnimanta) Despite the date differences, the essence of Holi; celebrating the triumph of good over evil and welcoming spring remains unchanged. Holi 2026 stands out as a year where a rare celestial event shapes regional observance across India.
25 February,2026 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA tense situation erupted in Shivarampalli after 'Gow Rakshak' members stopped a truck carrying cows, the Attapur Police said. According to the officials, the members blocked the truck, leading to slogans being raised by opposing groups. The Attapur police arrived at the scene, shifted the cows, and took custody of the truck. The police are currently investigating the matter. According to a police official, "This incident occurred on Tuesday evening. We have shifted the cows and the truck to the police station and are investigating the matter." In a separate incident in Rajasthan's Baran, a 'complete shutdown' was observed on February 9 after an incident involving the death of a calf was reported in the district, prompting people to come out on the streets and demanding arrest of any alleged culprits responsible for the death. The incident pertains to certain groups claiming that an unknown person slaughtered a calf in Baran's Mahadev colony, causing controversy in the city, and prompting people to demand the arrest of the supposed culprits. The group started protests on February 7 and demanded an investigation into the incident. The people have also said that the government did not reply to their demands. In view of the incident, the Baran police have deployed additional security in the area amid the complete shutdown and have called on the people to maintain law and order. Police have been deployed in 'sensitive areas' and patrolling to maintain order. Police officials have also said that, according to a preliminary investigation, the owner of the calf has claimed it died of natural causes. It was found that the calf had been eaten by animals after its body was found on the highway. Police have not found any suspicious elements in the case till now, but the investigation into the case is continuing. "We got information about a dead calf from the Gau Sevak Samithi. A complete shutdown has been observed in Baran following the death of a calf. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, and police parties are patrolling to maintain order. We have requested those who called for the shutdown to cooperate and ensure that law and order are maintained," said Assistant Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chaudhary. However, no FIR or report on the incident has been filed by the local police. 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
25 February,2026 08:26 AM IST | Hyderabad | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1772015700788_d.png "The Supreme Court questions availability of NAT in government hospitals. File Pic")
-1772020915321_d.png "PM Modi being welcomed by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel. Pic/PTI")
-1771992241597_d.png "File Photo")
