An air ambulance carrying seven people to Delhi from Ranchi reportedly crashed near Jharkhand's Simaria, Ranchi airport director said, reported the PTI. "An air ambulance from Ranchi with seven people onboard crashed near Simaria in Chatra district. The report of the crash was received from the state administration," Airport Director Kumar told PTI. The ambulance had lost contact with air traffic control, he said. An air ambulance, with seven people (including 2 crew members) on board, crashed in Kasariya Panchayat, Simariya block of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. It was a Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating a medical evacuation (air ambulance) flight on the… pic.twitter.com/tlJKFbKASs — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026 According to the ANI, a charter plane carrying an unknown number of passengers and crew has disappeared from radar shortly after departing from Ranchi airport. Officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed late Monday evening. As per Ranchi Airport sources, "A medical flight took off. Its contact was established with the next station, then the control was handed over to the next station. After this contact was lost. The plane did not contact the Ranchi Airport. The State has been informed about this. All necessary SOPs are being followed. A medical flight took off. Its contact was established with the next station, then the control was handed over to the next station. After this contact was lost. The plane did not contact the Ranchi Airport. The State has been informed about this. All necessary SOPs are being… — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026 In an official statement, the DGCA said, "On 23.02.2026 Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight on sector “Ranchi-Delhi” crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. There were seven persons on board including two crew members. The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata, at19:34 IST aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi. District Administration search and rescue team is at the location and AAIB team is being dispatched for investigation. Further information will be shared." Further details of the crash are awaited. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
23 February,2026 11:14 PM IST | New | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Rajasthan from February 24 to February 27, 2026, officials said. According to ANI, on Tuesday, she will inaugurate the nationwide campaign ‘Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat’, organised by PD Hinduja Hospital at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The initiative aims to promote public health awareness and strengthen healthcare outreach across the country. President to attend National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon On February 25, she will attend the ‘National Arogya Fair 2026’, organised by the Union Ministry of AYUSH in Shegaon, Buldhana. On the same day, she will grace the state-level launch of ‘Golden Era of Maharashtra through Unity and Trust’, organised by the Brahma Kumaris in Nagpur, reported ANI. On February 26, the President will participate in the bhoomi pujan ceremony of Sri Jagannath Temple in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, organised by the Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Charitable Centre Trust. She will also visit Manipal Tata Medical College and interact with students. On February 27, the President will witness Exercise Vayushakti at Pokharan in Rajasthan. President Murmu unveils Chakravarti Rajagopalachari bust at Rashtrapati Bhavan Earlier today, Murmu unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reported ANI. According to a post by the official Rashtrapati Bhavan handle on X, the bust of Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens. The post stated that this initiative is part of a series of steps being taken to shed the vestiges of a colonial mindset and to honour individuals who served India with extraordinary contributions. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust… pic.twitter.com/xEkZHcwVhA — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 23, 2026 “President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” said the President of India’s official handle. “The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens. This initiative is part of steps being taken to shed the vestiges of a colonial mindset and to embrace, with pride, the richness of India’s culture, heritage, timeless traditions, and to honour those who served Bharat Mata with extraordinary contributions,” the post read. (With ANI inputs)
23 February,2026 10:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA teacher was arrested in Maharashtra’s Latur district for allegedly thrashing around 32 students with a bamboo stick on suspicion that they had damaged his motorcycle, police said on Monday. Some of the students reportedly sustained injuries in the incident. The alleged assault took place on the night of February 21 at a school hostel near Ahmedpur, where students from Classes 5 to 10 reside, reported PTI. The accused, identified as Ujjwal Prakash Soni, suspected that the students had damaged his motorcycle. Acting on this suspicion, he allegedly lost his temper and assaulted dozens of minor students with a bamboo stick. He also allegedly threatened the children, claiming that he would soon become the school principal and would deal with them then, police said. According to PTI, the principal of Christ International School, Zeba Nadar, lodged a complaint at Ahmedpur Police Station. Police arrested Soni after booking him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. In an official statement, Principal Nadar said the school had lodged the complaint on February 22 and assured that student safety remains the institution’s top priority. “The incident is deeply unfortunate and condemnable. The school administration stands firmly with the students and will ensure their well-being,” the principal said, reported PTI. Navi Mumbai tutor booked for allegedly beating 13-year-old student In a similar incident last week, a private tutor in Navi Mumbai was booked for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old Class VIII student after she failed to memorise multiplication tables. The incident took place at a home-run tuition class in Ghotivali village, where the girl had been studying for nearly five years. Police said the minor was allegedly struck repeatedly on her hand with a wooden roti-flipping stick during class. The child suffered swelling and visible red marks and later complained of severe pain. Her family took her for a medical examination, which confirmed soft-tissue injuries but ruled out any fracture. The girl’s mother approached the police after confronting the tutor, who allegedly defended the act as disciplinary action and claimed that other students were punished similarly. The family subsequently filed a formal complaint, prompting police action. The Rabale police have registered an offence and begun an investigation into the matter to determine whether similar instances of corporal punishment have occurred. Inspector Shyam Bansode of Rabale police said, “We have registered an offence based on the complaint. The child has undergone a medical examination. We are recording statements of other students and verifying the facts. Further legal action will be taken as per the findings of the investigation.” (With PTI inputs)
23 February,2026 10:40 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentUnseasonal rain and hailstorms lashed Latur district in Maharashtra, prompting the administration to order a detailed damage assessment survey, officials said on Monday, reported the PTI. Parts of Renapur tehsil witnessed strong winds and hail during the day, damaging tin-roofed houses in several villages. Standing crops were also affected in multiple areas, according to the PTI. Officials said crops such as wheat, gram and sorghum have suffered partial damage due to the sudden change in weather. Renapur, Ahmedpur and other tehsils reported losses to agricultural produce as well as structural damage to some homes. Farmer killed In a separate incident, a 60-year-old farmer, Digambar Ram Belkunde, died after being struck by lightning while working in his field at Vaigaon in Udgir tehsil, as per the PTI. Local authorities stated that the death and said further formalities are underway. Survey and relief ordered Guardian Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale reviewed the situation with District Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge and Resident Deputy Collector Keshav Netke. Following the review, the minister directed officials to carry out spot inspections, prepare panchnamas (official loss assessment reports) and provide immediate assistance to families whose homes were damaged. Collector Thakur-Ghuge said information from other affected tehsils is still being compiled and field teams have already begun preparing reports, the news agency reported. Mumbai witnesses hot weather and clear skies Meanwhile, Mumbai woke up to mostly clear skies and relatively pleasant weather on Monday, February 23, but a lingering layer of smog continued to affect overall air quality across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar conditions for the day, with clear skies likely to prevail and temperatures expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. The gradual rise in daytime temperatures in recent weeks is the transition towards the summer season. As per IMD’s 8:30 am observations, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered 20.3 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported at either location. Despite stable weather conditions, pollution levels continue to remain a concern for residents. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 104 on Monday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.
23 February,2026 10:29 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Jadhav on Monday accused the Maharashtra government of depriving farmers of their livelihoods by acquiring land for the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. Sanjay Jadhav, a Member of Parliament, was leading a protest by farmers in Parbhani. Similar agitations were also organised in parts of Beed district. The Rs 86,300 crore expressway is planned to stretch 810 kilometres and pass through 12 districts of Maharashtra. The corridor is expected to cut travel time between Nagpur and Goa to around eight hours. Addressing the gathering, Jadhav alleged that the land acquisition drive was aimed at benefiting the Adani Group by enabling easier transport of minerals from the Vidarbha region to Goa. He claimed that farmers were being forced to part with ancestral land that sustains their families. According to him, the government was structuring tenders in a way that would favour large corporate interests. Criticism of deputy CM Jadhav also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, questioning his change in stance on the project. He said Shinde had earlier suggested that the Shaktipeeth Expressway would be scrapped. Referring to Bal Thackeray, Jadhav said leaders should remember his teachings about standing up for ordinary people. Jadhav further alleged that compensation offered to farmers would be inadequate and that such large infrastructure schemes could become avenues for corruption. In a post on social media platform X, Jadhav said the message from farmers was clear — the Shaktipeeth Expressway must be scrapped. He questioned the need for a new highway when a parallel Ratnagiri-Nagpur national highway already exists. He alleged that the new project would only benefit contractors. शक्तीपीठ महामार्ग विरोधात आज माझ्या नेतृत्वात हजारो शेतकरी बांधव रस्त्यावर उतरले. आमचा संदेश स्पष्ट आहे, शक्तीपीठ महामार्ग त्वरित आणि पूर्णपणे रद्द करा! रत्नागिरी-नागपूर असा समांतर राष्ट्रीय महामार्ग आधीच आहे. शक्तीपीठ जोडण्यासाठी हा नवीन मार्ग कशासाठी? फक्त कंत्राटदारांच्या… pic.twitter.com/onXogghy5Z — MP Sanjay Jadhav (@SanjayJadhavPbn) February 23, 2026 Jadhav claimed that thousands of acres of fertile agricultural land across 12 districts, including Parbhani, Nanded, Sangli and Kolhapur, would be affected. He said plantations of banana, turmeric and grapes would be destroyed if the project goes ahead. “If our land is gone, what will we eat? How will we survive?” he wrote, adding that the issue concerns not only him but farmers across Parbhani district. Farmers opposing land measurement being arrested The MP also alleged that farmers opposing land measurement were being arrested at night, issued village restriction notices and even assaulted. He claimed that in the Sajapur-Jawala area, farmers and women were beaten and a large police force was deployed. He questioned whether such actions were in keeping with democratic values. Jadhav said the government had earlier promised during elections that the project would be cancelled, but was now pushing it forward forcefully. He warned that farmers would not remain silent and would continue their agitation until the expressway plan is withdrawn. “This fight will continue till the end,” he said.
23 February,2026 09:35 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentAs February draws to a close, Maharashtra is witnessing hot, dry and sunny conditions, with a steady rise in temperatures and increasing dryness across several regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), most parts of the state recorded dry weather on Monday. Jalgaon hotest, tops temperature chart Jalgaon recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 35.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Solapur at 35.4 degrees Celsius and Jeur at 35.0 degrees Celsius. Thane-Belapur logged a high of 35.2 degrees Celsius, while Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Sangli each recorded 34.5 degrees Celsius. In western Maharashtra, Kolhapur recorded 33.7 degrees Celsius, Baramati 33.6 degrees Celsius and Nashik 34.3 degrees Celsius, with relatively low humidity at 21 per cent in Nashik. Ahilyanagar touched 34.9 degrees Celsius, while Dharashiv recorded 33.3 degrees Celsius. Warm and humid conditions in Mumbai region Mumbai region stations reported warm and humid weather. Santacruz and Colaba recorded maximum temperatures of 34.5 degrees Celsius and 33.0 degrees Celsius, respectively, with relative humidity levels ranging between 60 per cent and 68 per cent. Alibag reported high humidity at 89 per cent with a maximum temperature of 31.2 degrees Celsius, while Dahanu recorded 32.2 degrees Celsius with 75 per cent humidity. Evening haze was reported in parts of the region, and Satara noted smoky and cloudy conditions. Light rainfall in parts of Marathwada In Marathwada, Parbhani recorded 34.3 degrees Celsius and reported light rainfall of 0.4 mm. Beed recorded 1.02 mm rainfall, the highest in the state during the period, while most other stations reported nil rainfall. Jalna and Udgir recorded maximum temperatures of 34.0 degrees Celsius and 32.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Coastal stations, including Ratnagiri (32.8 degrees Celsius) and Harnai (31.6 degrees Celsius) experienced humid conditions but no rainfall. Overall, the state continued to experience warm daytime temperatures, with isolated light rainfall confined to parts of Marathwada. Air Quality Index (AQI) across Mumbai Air quality across Mumbai remained in the satisfactory to moderate category at most monitoring stations: Bandra Kurla Complex: 158 Borivali East: 107 Byculla: 89 Andheri East: 137 Colaba: 82 Deonar: 142 Ghatkopar: 123 In surrounding areas, Thane recorded an AQI of 87, Navi Mumbai 118, Kalyan 110 and Badlapur 119, indicating satisfactory to moderate air quality levels. AQI across Maharashtra Across other parts of the state, AQI levels were largely in the satisfactory range: Jalgaon: 78 Jalna: 58 Sangli: 89 Akola: 89 Amravati: 72 Kolhapur: 72 Solapur: 86 Parbhani: 73 Pune: 115 Nashik: 91 Nagpur: 143 While most cities reported satisfactory air quality, a few urban centres including parts of Mumbai and Nagpur recorded moderate levels.
23 February,2026 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP workers along with several residents staged a protest in Baramati on Monday, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the lives of local MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. According to PTI, the protesters assembled outside the administrative building in the town, holding placards and paying tribute to Pawar while pressing for a detailed and transparent probe into the incident. “It has been 25 days since the plane crash. There is suspicion surrounding the incident. Leaders like Rohit Pawar (NCP-SP MLA) have analysed the technical aspects of the crash, and there is a demand from the people for a detailed probe,” a resident said. Protesters demand clarity and accountability in crash probe The protesters said there was a strong sentiment that the investigation should be conducted in a transparent and comprehensive manner. “With the delay in the probe, there is concern about whether justice will be delivered,” another resident said, reported PTI. He added that a memorandum had been submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate seeking a thorough investigation into the crash. A woman said the exact reason behind the crash should be made public before February 28, the first monthly anniversary of the tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI investigation into the plane crash. The Mahayuti government will ensure that all doubts regarding the crash are cleared, Fadnavis said at a press conference on Sunday. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol had earlier said that the preliminary report on the plane crash would be released on or before February 28. ‘Never imagined Ajit Pawar and we would ever come together as our parties were opposed’: Uddhav Thackeray Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said he had never imagined that he and the late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would join hands, given that their parties were political rivals. Speaking during the condolence motion in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Thackeray praised Pawar’s administrative acumen and described him as a pillar of support during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. “I never imagined that Ajit Pawar and we would ever come together, as our parties were politically opposed. We witnessed two significant mornings — one that shocked everyone with Ajit Pawar’s decision, and another that left Maharashtra grieving,” he said. “We came together unexpectedly. Initially, I had reservations. I had no administrative experience when I became Chief Minister. I was surprised when it was decided that Ajit Pawar would be the Deputy Chief Minister. However, once we began working together, I realised I had gained an excellent and generous colleague and friend in Ajit Dada. He became my pillar of support in governance and administration. Whenever I did not understand something, I would consult him. He had the habit of studying every subject in depth,” Thackeray added. (With PTI inputs)
23 February,2026 09:02 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentA court in Mumbai on Monday granted bail to Anant Garje, the personal assistant to Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde, who was arrested in connection with the alleged abetment of the suicide of his wife last November, news agency PTI reported. The bail was allowed by Additional Sessions Judge Rupali Pawar, though a detailed reasoned order is yet to be made available. In his plea, Garje argued that the case against him was “based merely on suspicion and assumptions without any substantive facts” and asserted that he was “absolutely innocent” and falsely implicated. Police had opposed the bail, stating that the accused caused physical and mental distress to his wife, 28-year-old wife Dr Gauri Palve, who tragically died by suicide in her Worli flat in Mumbai on November 22, 2025. The incident reportedly followed a domestic dispute, occurring about nine months after their marriage, PTI reported. Palve was employed as a dentist at the civic-run King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital. The case was registered by Worli Police following a complaint by Palve’s father under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt, among others, leading to Garje’s arrest on November 24, 2025. Palve’s family had alleged that she took the extreme step due to alleged torture and harassment by her husband. In his bail plea filed through advocate Mangesh Deshmukh, Garje stated that the allegations were vague and lacked substantive evidence. He contended that the first information report (FIR) was a result of afterthought and emotional distress following the tragic incident, and that it did not disclose any direct, specific, or proximate act of abetment or cruelty attributable to him that could constitute an offence under BNS. Victim’s family alleges accused had extramarital affair Police, however, claimed that on the day of her death, Garje threatened to die by suicide to hide his own mistakes and recorded a voice clip, which he allegedly sent to his wife. Fearing that he would tarnish her social image by sending the clip to others, Palve was reportedly driven to end her life, PTI reported. The victim’s family alleged that Garje had an extramarital affair, and Palve had discovered him chatting with another woman on his mobile phone. Police added that Garje frequently quarreled with his wife over trivial matters, rarely gave her time, and behaved rudely. The prosecution had described the case as highly sensitive, noting the suicide of a female doctor and the serious nature of the allegations. Despite these claims, the court granted bail to Garje, allowing him temporary relief while the investigation and trial proceed. (With PTI inputs)
23 February,2026 08:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Thursday claimed that nine of its videos created using artificial intelligence (AI) were “forcefully deleted” by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at the Centre and in various states. The party said the move was a “blatant misuse” of blocking rules and called for more transparency from the government. At a press conference, Congress social media department head Supriya Shrinate accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP-ruled state governments of curbing dissent. She claimed the deleted AI videos all carried proper disclaimers indicating they were AI-generated and were not meant to mislead anyone. Shrinate said, “Throughout the entire duration of the videos, 'AI-generated video' is prominently displayed at the top, which clearly proves that there was no attempt to mislead or deceive anyone,” as per PTI reports. According to her, deletion orders came from both state authorities in Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, as well as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Criticism of AI management and national policy Shrinate criticised the Modi government’s handling of AI initiatives, citing the controversy over Galgotias University displaying a Chinese-made robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit as its own innovation. She argued this reflects broader issues of imitation over innovation. “Imitation is not innovation, but does the government care? Modi ji, no matter what you say, your legacy is that private university which has brought us global shame,” she said. She also claimed that instead of deleting AI videos and curbing dissent, the Prime Minister should focus on national interests, farmers’ rights, and governance issues. The Congress leader called the video deletions a misuse of the IT Rules, 2021, noting that there is no public explanation for the take downs. “This is how authoritarian regimes work — by giving orders to social media platforms to take down or block content arbitrarily in complete secrecy,” Shrinate said, stressing that citizens deserve clarity on what was illegal in the videos. The party also questioned if political satire and commentary using AI would be treated the same way, warning that such censorship undermines democratic freedoms. (With PTI Inputs)
23 February,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday unveiled India’s first National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled ‘PRAHAAR’, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms. The comprehensive policy establishes a structured national framework to address evolving security threats, including cross-border terrorism, drone-based attacks, cyber-enabled risks and organised terror networks, news agency IANS reported. The eight-page document, made publicly available on the MHA website, formalises a unified and institutionalised approach to counter-terror operations that India has followed over the years amid increasingly complex threats. Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance, the policy states that terrorism cannot be justified under any pretext and rejects attempts to link terror with any religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation, IANS reported. It also emphasises support for victims and strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law. The strategy adopts a multi-layered approach focusing on prevention, swift and proportionate response, enhanced inter-agency coordination and accountability through established legal and judicial processes. The term ‘PRAHAAR’, meaning “strike”, represents seven core pillars: prevention of terrorist attacks; swift and proportionate response; capacity-building across security and intelligence agencies; ensuring human rights-compliant operations; addressing conditions conducive to radicalisation; strengthening international cooperation; and promoting societal resilience and recovery, IANS reported. Policy flags cross-border terror, drone, and cyber threats The threat assessment section highlights persistent and emerging challenges to India’s security architecture. Cross-border terrorism remains a major concern, with extremist groups attempting to activate sleeper cells and incite violence. Global outfits such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS are cited as continuing efforts to influence or inspire attacks. The document also flags the growing use of advanced technologies by terror handlers, including drones in sensitive regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. It notes increasing convergence between terror networks and organised crime groups that facilitate logistics, recruitment and financing. Digital platforms have become key enablers for terrorist activities, enabling anonymous communication through social media, encrypted messaging applications, dark web platforms and cryptocurrencies for propaganda, recruitment and operational coordination. The policy also raises concerns over attempts to access chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive and cyber capabilities, along with rising cyber intrusions by non-state actors and hostile entities. Prevention remains central to the framework, with emphasis on intelligence-led operations and coordinated surveillance. Institutions such as the Multi-Agency Centre and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence will serve as core nodes for real-time intelligence sharing and threat assessment. Security agencies are tasked with dismantling terror support ecosystems, including overground worker networks, illegal arms supply chains and terror financing channels. Border management will be strengthened through advanced surveillance and detection technologies across land, maritime and aerial domains. Focus on infrastructure security and rapid response Critical infrastructure — including power plants, railways, aviation networks, ports, defence installations, space assets and atomic energy facilities — will receive enhanced protection. Under the response mechanism, local police will act as first responders, supported by specialised state counter-terror units and elite national forces such as the National Security Guard for major operations. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will lead investigations into terror-related offences, focusing on effective prosecution and high conviction rates. The policy also calls for modernisation of equipment, training and infrastructure, standardisation of counter-terror mechanisms across states and bridging operational gaps. Addressing radicalisation, the framework outlines community engagement initiatives, outreach through civil society and religious leaders, youth programmes, prison monitoring and socio-economic interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability. At the international level, India will strengthen intelligence-sharing arrangements, pursue extradition of terror suspects and continue efforts at the United Nations to designate terrorist entities and deny safe havens. Described by officials as a dynamic and forward-looking framework, ‘PRAHAAR’ adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to dismantle terror ecosystems, safeguard national security and enhance long-term resilience. (With IANS inputs)
23 February,2026 06:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a writ petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging Andhra Pradesh’s constitution of a one-man committee to recommend suitable departmental action against erring officials in the case relating to the supply of allegedly adulterated ghee for Tirumala laddus. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the administrative inquiry ordered by the state government and the top court-directed investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) operate in distinct spheres and can continue simultaneously. The writ petition alleged that the one-man committee interfered with the SIT investigation earlier ordered by the apex court in relation to allegations of adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of prasadam laddus at the Tirupati temple. Dismissing the plea, the CJI Kant-led bench observed that the top court’s only concern was to ensure that there was no overlap between the two processes. “In our opinion, the administrative inquiry cannot be overlapping with the probe directed by this court,” the Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed, adding that it was satisfied that the petitioner lacked a foundational basis to seek interference. In its order, the Supreme Court directed that both processes should continue strictly in accordance with the law. During the hearing, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, submitted that the petition was filed with “complete malice” only to derail departmental proceedings. The decision to constitute a committee to identify the masterminds behind the alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddu was taken in the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on February 3. As per a government order (GO) issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar has been tasked with examining the Self-Contained Note (SCN) submitted by the SIT and recommending initiation of action against committee members and senior officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for lapses, omissions and failures in relaxation as well as enforcement of ghee tender conditions. Asking the committee to submit its report within 45 days, the state government’s GO sets out the terms of reference, under which the committee will assess administrative lapses, examine whether decisions were taken with due diligence and procedural compliance, identify administrative responsibility of officials and recommend appropriate disciplinary or administrative action, confining its examination strictly to governance and administrative aspects. The Supreme Court, on October 4, 2024, had entrusted the investigation of the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus to an independent SIT under the supervision of the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). After completion of the investigation, the CBI-led SIT filed its final charge sheet before an Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Nellore on January 23, 2026 and submitted the SCN recommending administrative action against certain officials. The charge sheet cited findings of the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, which analysed four sealed ghee samples drawn by TTD from tankers supplied in July 2024. The laboratory report found no presence of lard or animal fat in the samples. However, investigators concluded that the ghee was adulterated with a cocktail of vegetable oils and laboratory esters designed to chemically mimic dairy parameters. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to probe alleged financial irregularities linked to the adulteration case. The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of chargesheets filed by the CBI-led SIT. Sources indicated allegations of hawala-based transactions, with private dairy firms and intermediaries allegedly routing bribes through hawala channels to influence TTD officials responsible for ghee tenders and quality clearances. The agency will examine the money trail and the role of the alleged hawala network. 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.
23 February,2026 04:44 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1771504437793_d.png "Congress social media department head Supriya Shrinate. File Pic")
