In an extremely shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh, five members of a family were found dead in a village under the Mahavan police station area of Mathura district. The police officials present at the crime scene suspect that this could be a case of mass suicide. As reported by news agency IANS, the deceased include a man, his wife, and their three children. The incident came to light after villagers grew suspicious when the family did not come out of their room for a long time in the morning. Neighbours peeped inside through a window and were shocked to see the family lying motionless, following which the police were informed, as reported by IANS. As soon as the officials reached the spot, they found that glasses of milk were lying near the bodies, raising suspicion that a poisonous substance may have been mixed with the milk. Furthermore, the forensic team was called to the scene, and evidence was collected. Video indicates mass suicide Mahavan Circle Officer Shweta Verma said that a video has been recovered from the house, which indicates that the family took the extreme step on their own. Verma also emphasised, "Prima facie, it appears that the man first killed his wife and children and then ended his own life. There is no indication of involvement of any third party at this stage," as per IANS. She also added that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated. Police officials, while further briefing about the incident, said, “The bodies were found unconscious inside the house and were declared dead after medical examination,” as cited by IANS. While the initial suspicion points to consumption of poisonous substances, the exact cause and time of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem reports are received. As of now, all five bodies have been sent to the district hospital for post-mortem. Senior police officers are questioning family members, relatives, and nearby residents to ascertain whether the family was under any financial stress, family tension, or any other pressure. The family’s recent activities and social circumstances are also being looked into by the police officials. This incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village. Police said the full picture will emerge once forensic findings and post-mortem reports are available. (With inputs from IANS)
10 February,2026 01:31 PM IST | Mathura | mid-day online correspondentThe Lok Sabha was adjourned at 11:01 a.m. on Tuesday, having reconvened just a minute earlier at 11:00 a.m. This resulted in only one minute of proceedings in the House. The adjournment occurred as Opposition MPs continued their sloganeering, a pattern they have followed throughout the past week. They have been demanding that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, should be allowed to speak in the House. However, the Speaker gave him permission to speak on the Union Budget, but Gandhi remained adamant on speaking on the "unpublished book" of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane (Retd.). Lok Sabha adjourned amid row over Rahul Gandhi's demand to speak before Budget debate Earlier on Monday, Gandhi claimed that Speaker Om Birla assured him that he would be allowed to speak before the Union Budget discussions in the House, triggering a rebuttal from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and subsequent pandemonium, which led to an adjournment for the day. The Lok Sabha reconvened at 2 p.m. after being adjourned for the second time in the day. However, just seven minutes after reconvening, it was adjourned for the day. As Sandhya Ray, who was in the Chair, called Congress member Shashi Tharoor to speak on the Union Budget as per the order of speakers in the list of business, but he urged her to "let the LoP speak". "Our members of the House went to the Speaker. He personally committed to us that I will be allowed to speak here and raise some points before the Budget discussion. Now, you are going back on your word. I would like to know if I am allowed to speak about those points or not?" Gandhi asked. "No," Ray replied. Opposition MP's did not agree with the Union Minister; a ruckus was created leaving the House adjourned fo the day The Parliamentary Affairs Minister then said, "I was also at the Speaker's Chamber, as was (Congress member K.C.) Venugopal. I can confirm that the Speaker had said that if everyone agrees, then the House should proceed smoothly. Then, K.C. Venugopal had said that he wants the LoP be allowed to speak. Then everyone decided on what they wanted to speak about, and only then would they give permission to speak. What Rahul Gandhi is saying is not 100 per cent correct. The Speaker did not say that Congress will get the opportunity to speak exclusively, but he said that every party will be allowed to speak." However, the Opposition MPs did not agree with the Union Minister and started creating a ruckus in the House. Following this, the House was adjourned for the day. The Opposition members refused to maintain silence and continued with their relentless sloganeering. Earlier on Monday, also, just minutes after the Question Hour started, Speaker Birla suspended the Lok Sabha session until noon because Opposition members refused to stop their slogan chanting. Members of the Congress party demanded to let Rahul Gandhi speak Members of the Congress party requested that the Speaker allow the Leader of the Opposition to address the House. The Speaker responded that all members would be given a chance to speak according to the rules after the Question Hour. He noted that Gandhi could raise his concerns during the upcoming debate on the Union Budget as well. However, due to the continued disruption from the members, he chose to adjourn the session. Gandhi was unable to finish his speech during the Motion of Thanks for the President's Address the previous week, as he was not allowed to mention the "unpublished book" of the former Army Chief. (Inputs from IANS)
10 February,2026 12:53 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentUnion Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju during the Budget Session 2026 launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the disruption in Lok Sabha proceedings on February 4. Rijiju slammed Congress when PM Modi was scheduled to deliver his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. He further alleged that Congress women MPs created chaos inside the House. Earlier in the day, Rijiju also shared a video that he claimed captured the sequence of events that unfolded during the proceedings. Addressing the media while referring to the video, Rijiju said, "BJP and NDA MPs are very angry and agitated because of the actions of Congress MPs after climbing the tables, and because women MPs of Congress crossed over to the Treasury benches, where we sit, even crossing past the seat of the Prime Minister, and went up to the second row," as reported by IANS. "So, the women BJP MPs were trying to come forward in anger, but we asked them to show restraint. We told all the women MPs that this behaviour of Congress is not right, but we should act with restraint and not get physical," he continued. Kiren Rijiju says that the situation would have escalated if BJP MPs had reacted similarly Rijiju warns of escaltion amid BJP-Congress face-off, women MPs peotest allegations Rijiju also mentioned, "Just imagine, if we had let our BJP women MPs move forward, what would have happened? We have the greater numbers too. Our women MPs demanded permission to confront the five-six women Congress MPs who had come towards our Treasury Benches; however, we told them that this is against the parliamentary tradition and will go against its dignity," as cited by IANS. This comes a day after the women MPs of the Congress party wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing strong objection to what they described as "grave allegations" that they had "threatened or attempted to obstruct." Prime Minister Modi inside the House on February 4. However, Congress dismissed the reports and said that the Prime Minister was "too scared to speak" in the House. The video showed women MPs of Congress, holding banners and placards, surrounding the seat where the Prime Minister sits. Following this, the Prime Minister's scheduled reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address was cancelled. Rijiju accuses Congress of violating parliamentary decorum Continuing his criticism, Rijiju also emphasised, "Congress has no relation with the Parliamentary traditions and upholding its dignity. Above all, they are celebrating it on their social media handles, stating that their women MPs 'scared' the PM away. How shameful it is for the party to say that?... Our women MPs have raised the issue by writing to the Speaker," as per IANS. He further alleged that the protest was planned by Rahul Gandhi and Congress leadership, and they had "deliberately" sent women MPs forward with banners and planned to move towards the Prime Minister's seat. He added, "We showed restraint and stopped our MPs. We always tell our MPs not to go down and not to engage in any scuffle with other MPs. But they were sending their MPs forward. The video that I shared today clearly shows how the Congress MPs came towards the PM's seat. The entire Congress party and Rahul Gandhi should apologise for this." Rijiju slams Opposition over ‘planned disruption’ Questioning the conduct of the Opposition, Rijiju stated, "How will the Parliament proceed by sending the parliamentarians forward for a free boxing? Is this how the Parliament will work? Does Congress have any rules? I never imagined that Congress would stoop so low." The controversy erupted after Speaker Birla stated that he had received information suggesting opposition MPs could do "something unexpected", adding that he decided to adjourn the House to prevent unpleasant scenes in what he described as the temple of democracy. According to the sequence of events, as the clock approached 5 p.m. on February 4, members were waiting for the Prime Minister to enter the Lok Sabha and begin his address, as reported by IANS. However, protests continued inside the House, during which about eight to nine women MPs from the Opposition benches reportedly gathered around the Prime Minister's designated seat. Among those named were Geniben Thakor, Varsha Gaikwad, Jyotimati, R. Sudha, K. Kavya and Shobha Bachhav. This can be seen in the video shared by Rijiju. (Inputs from IANS)
10 February,2026 12:51 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening received a phone call from Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam as the two leaders reviewed progress in the wide-ranging cooperation between both countries ahead of their meeting during the next week's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. "Happy to receive a phone call from my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam. We reviewed progress in the wide-ranging cooperation between India and Mauritius since our memorable meeting in Varanasi last year," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call. "Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the special, historic and people-centric ties that unite our two nations. India and Mauritius will continue to work together to achieve shared objectives of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. I look forward to welcoming him to India for the AI Impact Summit next week," he added. India–Mauritius ties deepen under Vision MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First policy India and Mauritius share a close and special relationship rooted in shared historical, cultural and people to people ties. As India's key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Mauritius holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and is a key partner in the Global South. Following PM Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025, Ramgoolam undertook a State Visit to India in September 2025 which was his first overseas bilateral visit in his present term. Prime Minister Modi and his counterpart from Mauritius had held delegation-level talks in Varanasi where both sides comprehensively reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between both countries and identified new opportunities to deepen collaboration across sectors of mutual interest that will drive shared prosperity for both countries, their peoples, and the region. "It is a matter of pride for India to be a trusted and primary partner in Mauritius' development. Today, we have decided on a Special Economic Package keeping in mind the needs and priorities of Mauritius. It will strengthen infrastructure, create new employment opportunities and strengthen health facilities," PM Modi said while addressing a joint press meet alongside Ramgoolam during which he announced India's special economic package for Mauritius that supports infrastructure, employment and healthcare sectors. "The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been established in Mauritius. Today, we have decided that India will support the construction of AYUSH Centre of Excellence 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National (SSRN) Hospital and Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius. We will also take forward projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area, the ATC tower of the SSR International Airport and the expansion of the highway and ring road. This package is not an assistance, it is an investment in our shared future," he added. PM Modi hails India–Mauritius ties as ‘family bond’, highlights education and research partnerships PM Modi had also announced that India's IIT Madras and Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius and stressed that these agreements will take mutual partnership in research, education and innovation to a new level. Welcoming the Mauritian leader to Varanasi, PM Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for me to welcome you in my parliamentary constituency. For centuries, Kashi has been a symbol of India’s civilization and culture. Our traditions and values reached Mauritius centuries ago and became deeply rooted in its way of life. And today, when we welcome friends from Mauritius in Kashi, it is not just a formality but a spiritual union. That is why I proudly say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family." "Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar. In March, I had the privilege of attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. At that time, we gave our relations the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Today, we have reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation in detail. We also exchanged views on regional and global issues," he had added. (Inputs from IANS)
10 February,2026 11:41 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Confederation of Indian Industry report has proposed a pilot air taxi corridor for the Delhi-NCR region connecting Gurugram, Connaught Place, and the soon-to-be Jewar International Airport in Noida which could cut down travel time and ease infrastructure bottlenecks. According to the report, in crowded urban areas, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, also referred to as “air taxis,” could reduce transit times from hours to minutes. Such services could be used in the early stages for medical logistics, such as emergency missions and the transportation of organs. 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
10 February,2026 10:00 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe police in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargaon district have arrested a man for stealing Rs 100 worth of wheat 45 years ago. Salim, 65, was arrested on Saturday for stealing wheat in 1980 when he was 20 years old, along with six other people. At the time, a quintal of good-quality wheat fetched around one hundred and fifteen rupees. 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
10 February,2026 09:57 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesA minor boy was stabbed to death late last night in the Khyala area of West Delhi, police said on Tuesday. According to Delhi Police, the boy has been identified as Sohail. Delhi Police are searching for those who committed the murder and reviewing CCTV footage from the area around the crime scene. Further updates, including the identities of the suspects and the circumstances of the murder, are awaited as the investigation continues. 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
10 February,2026 09:54 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIUnion Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman shared the key priorities and reform direction of the Union Budget 2026-27, with a focus on policy stability, manufacturing growth and long-term investment. The minister on Monday, addressed the Board Members of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New Delhi and shared the budget priorities. According to a social media post by the Ministry of Finance, the meeting focused on strengthening India-US economic engagement and sharing the outcomes and intent of the Union Budget. The ministry said the interaction underlined the government's broader objective of creating a predictable and stable policy environment to encourage businesses and industry to plan long-term investments. Outlining the key tenets of the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Sitharaman said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Budget reflects the government's commitment to continuity, certainty and predictability from a policy perspective. She noted that such an approach is aimed at enabling businesses and industry to foster long-term plans and make sustained investment commitments. During her address, the finance minister highlighted major announcements related to reforms across multiple sectors. She specifically pointed to government support for semiconductors and electronic components manufacturing, Bio Pharma Shakti initiatives, development of Rare Earth Corridors, and the upgradation of legacy industry clusters. Sitharaman also underlined the government's focus on building and strengthening India's manufacturing capacity through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She said special emphasis has been placed on medium enterprises, with the objective of creating strong manufacturing champions that can drive growth, innovation and employment. The finance minister reiterated that these measures are aligned with the broader vision of enhancing India's industrial base and improving competitiveness in key strategic sectors. Participants at the meeting acknowledged the policy efforts being made by the government to support the reform momentum. They appreciated the commitment towards fiscal discipline, particularly in the backdrop of heightened global uncertainty. The participants also noted that policy clarity and fiscal prudence would help reinforce investor confidence and deepen economic cooperation between India and the United States. 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
10 February,2026 09:51 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIA law student in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Monday allegedly shot dead a woman student in the head inside the classroom as horrified classmates watched on. He then turned the gun on himself and pulled the trigger. While Prince Raj is critically injured, Sandeep Kaur died on the spot, police said. Both the attacker, Prince Raj, and the victim, Sandeep Kaur, were first-year law students and classmates. They were about 19-20 years old. DSP Jagbir Singh said Prince opened fire on Sandeep inside the classroom, leading to her death, and thereafter, he shot himself too. Police said an investigation was underway to determine the motive. 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
10 February,2026 09:44 AM IST | Chandigarh | AgenciesIndia will continue to procure crude oil from multiple sources and diversify its imports to ensure stable supply, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday. Misri's remarks came amid controversy over US claims that New Delhi agreed to stop importing Russian oil. “National interests will be the guiding factor for us in our choices for energy procurement,” Misri emphasized, adding that India’s key priorities are adequate supply, fair pricing, and reliability according to PTI. Misri said India’s foremost concern is to protect the interests of Indian consumers, ensuring they receive sufficient energy at reasonable prices through secure and reliable channels. “Our import policy for energy is driven entirely by these objectives,” he said, stressing that India neither depends on a single source nor intends to. The mix of sources naturally varies over time based on market conditions. “Our approach is to maintain multiple sources of supply and diversify them to ensure stability. The more diversified we are, the more secure we are,” Misri added as per PTI. US Claims on Russian Oil US President Donald Trump, while announcing a trade deal with India last week, claimed that India had agreed not to purchase crude oil from Russia. In response, Trump’s executive order rolled back the additional 25 percent tariffs imposed in August 2025 on Indian imports, including Russian crude. The US will monitor India’s purchases to determine whether tariffs are reinstated. India’s global role and dependence Highlighting India’s role in global energy markets, Misri said the country is one of the largest energy consumers and also helps stabilize global markets. India imports crude oil from dozens of countries, and actual sourcing decisions are made by oil companies based on market conditions, availability, cost, and logistics. “These companies also follow internal accountability and fiduciary processes. National interests remain the ultimate guiding principle in our decisions,” Misri said. Misri noted that India is heavily dependent on imported oil and gas, covering 80–85 percent of its needs. As a developing economy, the country must remain cautious about resource availability and the risk of energy-driven inflation. Relations between New Delhi and Washington had previously strained after Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, including 25 percent on Russian crude imports. Following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, tariffs on Indian goods have now been reduced to 18 percent from 50 percent. (With PTI Inputs)
09 February,2026 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple in Pune district of Maharashtra will remain closed to devotees during Mahashivratri 2026, an official statement said on Monday. The decision comes amid ongoing construction work on the temple’s assembly hall (sabhamandap) and the stone steps leading to the shrine, part of the Bhimashankar Development Plan. Earlier, the district administration had announced that the temple would be closed for three months from September 9, 2026 to complete the construction, but it had also stated that the shrine would reopen for devotees during the Mahashivratri period (February 12-18, 2026). However, the latest update states that large stones have been brought into the temple premises for the construction work. Because of the heavy materials and the risk of accidents due to crowds, the temple cannot be opened even during the festival period. A press note announcing the closure has been issued by the District Planning Officer of Pune, urging the devotees to stay informed. One of most sacred festivals Mahashivratri, one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be observed on February 15, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival holds deep religious and spiritual significance and is marked by night-long prayers, fasting and devotion. Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. Since the festival is centred on worshipping Lord Shiva throughout the night, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15. Devotees observe the night with special rituals, including offering milk, water and bel leaves to the Shiva lingam, chanting prayers and performing meditation. The night symbolises gratitude, spiritual awakening and the victory of light over darkness. Special Mumbai-Sawantwadi trains for Maha Shivaratri Meanwhile, the Railways on Monday announced that special trains will be operated between Mumbai CSMT and Sawantwadi Road for Maha Shivratri. The Central Railway will run these special trains, an official statement said. The special train announcement comes ahead of the occasion of Maha Shivratri, which is on February 15. Train No. 01129 Mumbai CSMT–Sawantwadi Road Special will depart from Mumbai CSMT at 12.20 am on February 14, 19 and 21, 2026, and reach Sawantwadi Road at 12.30 pm the same day, railway officials said. In the return direction, Train No. 01130 Sawantwadi Road-Mumbai CSMT Special will leave Sawantwadi Road at 5.20 pm on the same dates and arrive at Mumbai CSMT at 4.05 am the following day. The special trains will halt at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Pen, Roha, Mangaon, Veer, Khed, Chiplun, Sawarda, Aravali Road, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Nandgaon Road, Kankavali, Sindhudurg and Kudal stations. Each train will have 22 coaches, including one AC 2-tier, five AC 3-tier, ten sleeper coaches, four general coaches and two SLR coaches.
09 February,2026 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1770650536240_d.png "India unlikely to discontinue Russian oil imports. Representational Image")
