Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates on Monday visited Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre at Andhra Pradesh Secretariat here to view utilisation of technology in governance. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu explained to him how faster civic services are being provided and the results being achieved through Real Time Governance. Bill Gates enquired about the functioning and progress of Data Lake, Aware 2.0, WhatsApp Governance, Sanjeevani project and Amaravati projects. He also witnessed presentations on the display walls in the RTGS during which CM Naidu apprised him of the fact that all government wings are interconnected with Data Lake. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Bill Gates appreciated the efforts being made to simplify citizen services through Data Lake and WhatsApp governance. The Chief Minister also informed him that Real Time information is being gathered through Aware 2.0 following which decisions are being taken expeditiously. Bill Gates examined the way the state government is gathering public opinion on the implementation of various schemes and policies. The Chief Minister told Gates that the growth of the GSDP is being assessed regularly through Key Performance Indicators. When Bill Gates asked about the steps being taken for the safety and security of property records, the officials informed him that land records are being preserved with the help of Block Chain Technology and similarly steps are being taken to ensure transparency with policies such as QR Codes for land records. While Bill Gates termed the tax collection system as amazing, Chandrababu Naidu informed him that the tax collection in the country has increased significantly with the GST system. Bill Gates enquired about the implementation of the Sanjeevani project, which is being run in Chittoor district with the support of the Gates Foundation and also asked how the details of tests like blood pressure and diabetes are being recorded. He expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Sanjeevani project at Kuppam. The officials explained that they are providing advice to the patients on their lifestyle and diet, based on their digital health records. CM Naidu said that they are planning to take further steps to improve public health services by using AI. Bill Gates praised the effort and termed it as 'Great'. He felt that if diagnostic services are made available at a lower cost, it will further help the poor. Bill Gates also enquired about the progress of the ongoing construction works in the state capital of Amaravati and appreciated 30 per cent green and blue plan. CM Naidu explained in detail the ongoing construction works in the capital. Earlier, CM Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and ministers welcomed Bill Gates and his delegation on arrival at the Secretariat. The Chief Minister introduced the ministers to Bill Gates 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
16 February,2026 06:07 PM IST | Amaravati | IANSAt least seven people were killed in a major fire at a chemical manufacturing unit in Bhiwadi of Rajasthan, on Monday morning. Two others were feared trapped inside the factory premises, according to officials, reported the IANS. The fire broke out at around 9.30 am at plot number G-1-118 B in the Khushkheda Industrial Area. Around 25 workers were reportedly present when the blaze started. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire incident in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said in a post on X. PM Modi, CM express grief Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences. The Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying, “The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the incident as heartbreaking. He said the district administration had been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations and prayed for the peace of the departed souls. Fire spread rapidly According to initial reports, the blaze erupted suddenly inside the private industrial unit and spread quickly, engulfing large parts of the factory within minutes. The RIICO Fire Brigade received information from the police control room at about 9.22 am and responded immediately. Fire engines from the Khushkheda and Bhiwadi fire stations were rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly one and a half hours before bringing the situation under control. Rescue and investigation underway Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra said the fire was first noticed during routine police patrol in the area. Rescue operations began soon after confirmation. Police personnel, fire brigade teams, medical staff and administrative officials reached the site quickly and sealed off the area to carry out relief work. Several bodies were recovered in a charred condition. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. Tijara Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivraj Singh is leading the initial investigation. Senior district officials are also reviewing the situation. The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the blaze and examine whether there were any lapses in safety measures. The incident has left the industrial area in panic. (with IANS inputs)
16 February,2026 05:57 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Monday gave the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) one week to submit a compliance affidavit detailing its plan for providing screen-reader software and other accessibility measures for visually-impaired candidates in its examinations, reported the PTI. The matter was heard by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. During the hearing, the counsel for UPSC said, "We are completely complying with it (directions). We just require a period of one week to place the compliance affidavit on record." The bench accepted the request and posted the matter for further hearing on February 23 as per PTI. Background: Directions on accessibility According to the PTI, the Supreme Court had originally passed directives on December 3, 2025, emphasizing that the rights of differently-abled individuals are constitutional guarantees, not acts of benevolence. The court had directed UPSC to ensure that its examination notifications include provisions allowing candidates to request a change of scribe at least seven days before the exam. The court had also mandated UPSC to submit a comprehensive compliance affidavit within two months. This affidavit was to outline the plan of action, timeline, and methods for deploying screen-reader software. Steps for testing, standardising, and validating the software and related infrastructure as well as the feasibility of making these facilities operational for all eligible candidates from the next examination cycle was also to be outlined. The directions came in response to a plea by Mission Accessibility, an organisation working for the rights of differently-abled people. The plea sought a modification in the timeline for scribe registration in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and permission for laptops with screen-reader software and accessible digital question papers for eligible candidates, the news agency reported. The Supreme Court had noted that requests for scribe changes should be objectively considered and disposed of within three working days. Guidelines for assistive technology The court had also directed UPSC to work with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities to formulate uniform guidelines and protocols for the use of screen-reader software and other assistive tools and ensure standardisation, accessibility, and security of the examination process across all centres, reported the PTI. UPSC now has a week to submit its compliance affidavit to the Supreme Court, after which the matter will be heard again on February 23. The court’s focus remains on ensuring that examinations are truly accessible to visually-impaired and differently-abled candidates.
16 February,2026 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by gangster Abu Salem, who claimed that he had been in “illegal custody” for more than 10 months after completing his 25-year sentence in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, reported the PTI. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said Salem should argue his case before the Bombay High Court, which is already hearing the matter. Salem had challenged a July 2025 order of the Bombay High Court, which had observed that, at first glance, it appeared that his 25-year prison term was not yet complete. He had approached the high court seeking release, arguing that if remission for good behaviour was included, he had already completed his 25-year sentence. While the high court admitted his petition, it refused to grant him interim relief, according to the PTI. During Monday’s hearing, the Supreme Court told his lawyer that the high court had only denied interim relief. “Go and argue it finally before the high court,” the bench said. The petition was later dismissed as withdrawn, with liberty granted to Salem to seek early listing and disposal of his case before the high court. Referring to the Maharashtra Prisons (Remission System) Rules, 1962, Salem’s lawyer argued that he had already spent over 10 months in “illegal custody” beyond the 25-year limit. However, the court noted that, according to an affidavit filed by prison authorities, Salem had completed 19 years of his sentence. Justice Nath remarked that Salem had been given 25 years in prison after being convicted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). Earlier, on January 12, the apex court had asked Salem to justify his claim that he had completed 25 years in jail — a claim which, if proven, could make him eligible for release. Extradition terms with Portugal Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal on November 11, 2005, after a long legal process. Under the extradition agreement between India and Portugal, he cannot be awarded the death penalty and his imprisonment cannot exceed 25 years. In a July 2022 judgment on a separate plea, the Supreme Court had said the Centre was bound to honour its assurance to Portugal and release Salem after completion of his 25-year sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Other convictions In February 2015, a special TADA court sentenced Salem to life imprisonment in another case for the 1995 murder of Mumbai-based builder Pradeep Jain. The matter regarding his sentence calculation in the blasts case will now continue before the Bombay High Court. (with PTI inputs)
16 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that it will be compulsory for Class 10 students to appear in the first board examination from 2026 onwards, reported the PTI. The board is introducing two board examinations for Class 10 students starting in 2026. However, officials have made it clear that students cannot skip the first exam and appear directly for the second one. The clarification came after the board received requests from some schools and parents. They had asked whether students who are unable to sit for the first exam due to certain reasons could instead appear only in the second edition. CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said that appearing in the first board examination is mandatory for all students. “It is mandatory for all students to appear in the first board examination. All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science and languages,” he said, according to the PTI. This means that students who pass the first exam will get an opportunity to improve their marks in up to three subjects during the second board examination. ‘Essential repeat’ category explained The board has also clarified what will happen if a student fails to appear in multiple subjects in the first examination. “If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first examination, then he or she will not be allowed to appear in the second examination. Such students will be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category and can take the examination only next year in the main examinations in February,” Bhardwaj added. Students placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category will have to wait until the next academic year to sit for the board examinations again. Thane police helpline turns lifeline for students stuck in jams during board exams Meanwhile, with Std XII board exams underway and Std X exams approaching, Thane Traffic Police have activated a special helpline to help students stuck in traffic reach centres on time. Since February 10, 54 traffic riders across 18 zones have been deployed to respond to distress calls during peak morning congestion. “Students are expected to reach their centres at least 30 minutes early, but exam timings clash with office rush hour,” said Police Inspector Yuvraj Sarnobat. This initiative was also carried out last year, and saw great response from parents and students. Helpline numbers 82863003008286400400WhatsApp: 7039003866 (with PTI inputs)
16 February,2026 05:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Nashik Police in Maharashtra on Monday said that a truck driver’s claim about being kidnapped and assaulted over a robbery of Rs 400 crore has turned out to be completely false, reported the PTI. The complaint was filed by Sandeep Patil, who told police in Ghoti that seven men had stopped his vehicle, kidnapped him and beaten him on October 22 last year. He claimed the incident was linked to a truck carrying Rs 400 crore in now-discontinued Rs 2000 notes. According to Nashik Rural Police, a detailed investigation found that no such robbery had taken place. Officers said there was no evidence of any truck carrying such a large amount of cash, the news agency reported. Patil had told police that the attack happened in the Chorla Ghat area of Belgaum district in neighbouring Karnataka. He also claimed the truck was transporting hawala money from Karnataka to Maharashtra. Police in Karnataka were informed at the time, as per the PTI. The driver had shared videos on social media describing his alleged ordeal. Based on his complaint, seven people were arrested for assaulting him. However, during the investigation, officers found several gaps in Patil’s account. These included inconsistencies in the truck’s route, call records and timing of events. Complaint was fabricated After further checks, police concluded that the complaint was fabricated, officials said. The case was heard in the Igatpuri court, which ordered the release of all seven accused. Police are now considering legal action against Patil for filing a false complaint. An official said further steps in the matter will be decided soon. Maharashtra ATS conducts raids over suspected terror activities Meanwhile, in an another matter, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has launched a massive search operation at multiple locations in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts, and detained several suspects for inquiry following a tip-off about terror-linked activities, officials said on Sunday, as per the PTI. The ATS combed more than 20 locations in the two districts in the raids launched around midnight and has rounded up over a dozen suspects, they said. According to the PTI, based on specific intelligence about the radicalisation of youths in the state, the ATS, along with district police teams, launched operations in Pusad and Umarkhed cities in Yavatmal, a senior police official said. Searches are underway at 14 locations, including homes, offices, and other places connected to the suspects, the official said, adding that the teams have seized objectionable documents, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, and examined CCTV footage, the news agency reported on Sunday. (with PTI inputs)
16 February,2026 04:56 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP has consolidated its influence in the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) with nine of the 16 members of the standing committee elected unopposed on Monday. The committee, which oversees major expenditures and approvals, now has a clear BJP majority, giving the party strong control over the city’s administrative decisions. Alongside the BJP, the standing committee includes four members from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, two from Shiv Sena (UBT), and one from the NCP. The members are: BJP: Madhuri Bolkar, Nitin Nigal, Pallavi Ganore, Deepali Kulkarni, Indubai Khetade, Aditi Pande, Sarita Sonawane, Jayashree Gaikwad, Machhindra Sanap Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): Mayuri Pawar (registered under Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) Shiv Sena: Kiran Gamane, Rahul Dive, Ranjana Borade Shiv Sena (UBT): Yogesh Gadekar, Bharati Tajanpure NCP: Mukesh Shahane (independent registered as NCP member) Earlier in January 15 during the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections, BJP won 72 seats, Shiv Sena 26, Shiv Sena (UBT) 15, Congress three, and NCP four. BJP Corporator Ganesh Khankar appointed as Leader of House in BMC Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Monday declared BJP corporator Ganesh Khankar, from Dahisar's ward 7, as the leader of the house in the BMC. After electing BJP corporator Ritu Tawde as the BMC Mayor and Sanjay Ghodi from Shiv Sena as her deputy, the 227-member BMC general body on February 16 also elected the leader of the house and the leader of opposition. Khankar is also the group leader of the BJP in BMC and also the party whip. The BJP during the BMC election 2026 turned out to be the largest party in the 227-member civic elections, with 89 elected members. Khankar has been appointed the leader of the house. BMC Mayor Tawde was chairing the general body meeting at BMC headquarters on Monday afternoon. This was the second meeting after the elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor on February 11. Kishori Pednekar to be the Leader of Opposition in BMC BMC Mayor Tawde also announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator and former Mayor of the Mumbai civic body, Kishori Pednekar, will be the Leader of the Opposition in BMC's General Body. Shiv Sena (UBT), after the BMC elections 2026, turned out to be the largest opposition party with 65 elected representatives. (With PTI Inputs)
16 February,2026 03:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMinister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand discussed "deepening cooperation" and "partnership opportunities" between the two countries on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's likely visit to India next month. This marks the fifth meeting between the ministers since September 2025, reflecting the growing momentum in the Canada-India relationship, a statement issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said on Sunday. "Was great to sit down and catch up with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada. India-Canada ties continue their steady progress," Jaishankar posted on social media after the meeting on Saturday. The two ministers discussed deepening cooperation in several areas, including energy, technology, and trade. "Good to see my Indian counterpart Minister @DrSJaishankar to discuss the Canada-India relationship and the work ahead to advance our shared interests," Anand posted on social media. Anand noted India's importance as a partner for Canada as the two ministers shared technological benefits and significant partnership opportunities for businesses, industries and workers of both countries. "Canada remains committed to constructive engagement, and I look forward to continuing our efforts in India," she added.The ministers also underscored the substantive progress made on the joint roadmap for Canada-India relations announced in October 2025. They emphasised their commitment to strengthening ties through the implementation of roadmap priorities as well as expanding and diversifying Canada-India trade in support of economic resilience and stability. The India-Canada relations hit rock bottom following then prime minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India had dismissed Trudeau's accusation as "absurd". In October 2024, India recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats after Ottawa attempted to link them to the Nijjar case. India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats. However, Liberal Party leader Carney's victory in the parliamentary election in April last year helped in beginning the process to reset relations. Both sides have already posted their high commissioners in each other's capitals. 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.
16 February,2026 03:20 PM IST | Munich | PTISeven people were burnt alive in an illegal firecracker-manufacturing factory in the Bhiwadi town of Rajasthan's Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said. "Seven persons have died in the incident. It was a garment factory but firecrackers were being manufactured inside it illegally," Sumitra Pareek, Additional District Magistrate, said. She said that two people were trapped in the factory. The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area in Bhiwadi. "The premises was leased out in the name of a garment factory but as per the preliminary report, firecrackers were being manufactured illegally," she said. She said that the police came to know about the incident during a routine patrol, following which a rescue operation was launched immediately. District Collector Artika Shukla and other senior district administration and police officials rushed to the spot. Shukla ordered an inquiry in the matter. As per the preliminary report, there were more than 20 people inside the factory. As soon as the fire broke out, many workers managed to come out, while nine were trapped. Seven of them were burnt alive. The fire was brought under control after more than one-and-a-half hour. Some skeletons were also recovered. CM Bhajanlal Sharma instructed district administrations to carry out relief and rescue work immediately. He directed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra said that it was an unfortunate incident and demanded an investigation in the matter. Former CM Ashok Gehlot and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also expressed condolences on the death of seven labourers. 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.
16 February,2026 03:17 PM IST | Jaipur | PTIUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday laid the e-foundation stone for the integrated headquarters of the Delhi Police Special Cell. Home Minister Shah also described it as the country's "most modern centre" for tackling narcotics and terrorism. Addressing the 79th Delhi Police Raising Day programme in New Delhi, Amit Shah said, "Today, the e-foundation stone was laid here for the integrated headquarters of the Special Cell to further strengthen the Delhi Police. The integrated headquarters of the Special Cell is being constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 400 crore," as reported by news agency ANI. Shah further said that the facility would be equipped with a state-of-the-art indoor firing range, a war room, a cyber lab, a training hall and advanced equipment to effectively counter crimes across the national capital. The Home Minister also highlighted, "It will, in a way, become the country's most modern centre for tackling narcotics and terrorism. Equipped with a state-of-the-art indoor firing range, war room, cyber lab, training hall, and various advanced equipment, this headquarters will be fully modernised. I am confident that it will emerge as an ideal Special Cell headquarters for police forces across the country," as per ANI. Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for 10 new projects In view of strengthening the Delhi Police department, the Union Home Minister also laid the foundation stone for 10 new projects of the Delhi Police and inaugurated the first phase of the Safe City Project. Shah, while briefing about the advanced system that will be ready in a few months, said, "An advanced Integrated Command, Control, Communication and Computer Centre (C4I), built at a cost of approximately Rs 857 crore, is being dedicated to the people of Delhi. Along with this, 11 district-level C3I centres and 75 police station-level C2I units will also be integrated into the system," reported ANI. Shah said that under the first phase of a programme to connect the capital through 10,000 cameras, 2,100 cameras have already gone live. The process of integrating over 15,000 existing cameras across Delhi into the centralised system has also been completed. Highlighting the Centre's record on internal security, Shah said the period from 2014 to 2026 would be remembered as a "golden era" for the country's internal security. Shah says, “Violence in Kashmir reduced by 80 per cent” Indirectly taking a dig at the opposition, Shah said that before 2014, three major challenges had persisted for decades: the situation in Kashmir, unrest in the Northeast, and Maoist insurgency across several states. Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Shah claimed that incidents of violence in Kashmir, the North-East and Maoist-affected areas had been reduced by up to 80 per cent. He further added, "The day is not far when these three regions will become completely free from violence," as per ANI. Amit Shah on Naxalism and Maoist insurgency Talking about Naxalism, Shah added, "Maoist insurgency, which had spread across 11 states, had long been considered a major challenge to the country's internal security. However, I am glad to convey to the nation, through the people of Delhi, that we are very close to permanently freeing the affected regions from Naxalism," he said."I would like to once again assure the people that by March 31, 2026, we will succeed in freeing the entire country from Maoist violence. This will be a major achievement for our security forces," the Home Minister further added. (With inputs from ANI)
16 February,2026 03:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentKamruddin alias 'Baba', who is an accused in connection with the discovery of three bodies in a car on Peeragarhi flyover, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. According to Sachin Sharma, Additional DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police), the accused allegedly used a scheme of "curing illnesses" to trap his victims. "He used to trap people by curing illnesses. The people who have come so far have been illness-related. He has been taken into police custody and is being interrogated. We are looking into the financial aspects," said DCP. He further stated that, "the main method of trapping people that has come to light so far is that he would claim to cure people. If someone has health-related issues, most people we have interacted with so far have said similar things. His card mentions "medicine for every illness" and such things. So, anyone in pain or distress would come to him. But those who have come forward so far have sought him out for illness-related cures. In this case as well, it was similar," DCP further stated. He also said that he targeted everyone who came to him, or some specific people, would be part of the investigation. "Currently, we have him in police custody, and interrogation is ongoing. Based on the places he mentions during the interrogation, whether it's related to this case or any other suspicious thing that comes up, it will be taken under investigation. We are currently looking into the financial aspects. So we are working on that. Whosever role comes up, we cannot say as of now. But as the investigation expands and further developments occur, if anyone else's role emerges, they will also be included in the scope of this entire probe, " DCP added. Earlier, three people, including a woman, were found dead inside a car in the Peeragarhi area of the national capital, with the investigation reportedly leading to a Baba seen with the victims before their deaths. Sources said the Baba had met the three victims prior to their deaths and was acquainted with them, making him a possible crucial link in the case. The incident came to light after Delhi Police received a PCR call reporting three people lying unconscious inside a car near the Peeragarhi flyover. Upon reaching the spot and opening the vehicle, police found the bodies of Randhir, Shivnaresh and Laxmi. Police sources said the car in which the bodies were found had been parked at the spot for nearly an hour. 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
16 February,2026 02:10 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1771235859160_d.png "BJP dominates Nashik civic body with nine members in standing committee. Representational Image")
-1771233202453_d.png "EAM S Jaishankar with Canada's Foreign Affairs' Minister Anita Anand during the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Pic/PTI")
-1771234188066_d.png "A firefighter tries to douse a fire at a chemical factory at the Khushkhera-Karouli Industrial Area, in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Pic/PTI")
