Just days after a biker lost his life after falling into a pit in Delhi’s Janakpuri, another fatal accident has been reported from the national capital, where a labourer died after falling into an uncovered manhole in the Begumpur area of Rohini Sector 32, police said on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Birju, a native of Samastipur district in Bihar. Police stated that the sewer lid was allegedly left open on a vacant piece of land belonging to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

According to police officials, a PCR call was received at Begumpur Police Station at around 2.36 p.m. on Tuesday, informing authorities that a person was suspected to have fallen into a sewer. A second call was received around 4 p.m., prompting a police team to immediately reach the location.

Amir Hussain, who informed the police about the incident, said that his friend Birju Kumar had fallen into an open manhole on Monday night.

Another labourer, Budhan Das, told the police that he and Birju had consumed alcohol on Monday evening and were returning to their jhuggi at around 7:30 p.m. when Birju reportedly lost his balance and fell into the uncovered sewer.

Budhan Das admitted that he did not alert anyone immediately after the incident, as he was heavily intoxicated at the time. He later revealed the incident after regaining his senses.

Meanwhile, residents alleged serious negligence by the authorities and claimed that the response to the emergency was delayed.

“In the evening, while returning, one of them fell in. There was no cover on this sewer, and not just here but along the entire road. The covers were only placed after the incident. I called, and only then did the rescue and other officials come,” an eyewitness told IANS.

Another eyewitness alleged poor infrastructure and a lack of lighting in the area.

“There are no street lights in the area, and the drains were left open. Anyone can fall into it; it’s so dark out here. The labourer was missing since Monday afternoon, and when people tried to search for him, they found his slipper here, and hence it was found that he fell into the open drain,” the eyewitness said while speaking to IANS.

Expressing anger over the incident, another local said, “The administration is at fault. Anyone can fall into these open drains. The drains were covered only after the incident happened. Our kids usually take this route. What if they had fallen? The administration should answer.”

Police said that the fire brigade, DDA and other concerned agencies were immediately informed following the complaint, and a rescue operation was initiated.

The body was later recovered from the manhole with the assistance of the fire brigade personnel and subsequently sent to a hospital for further legal formalities.

Police confirmed that further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The incident occurred shortly after another fatal accident in Delhi, where Kamal Dhyani, an assistant manager at the Rohini branch of HDFC Bank, died last week after his motorcycle reportedly fell into a deep pit allegedly dug by the Delhi Jal Board for sewer-related work and left inadequately secured.

India’s left-handed opener and current world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma is in doubt for Thursday’s 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Namibia, with his availability looking increasingly unlikely after he was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi due to a stomach infection.

The 25-year-old missed India’s training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday evening and remains under medical observation. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the update in a press conference, saying Sharma was down with a “tummy issue” but that the team remained hopeful about his recovery.

“As for Abhishek, he’s dealing with a tummy issue, but we are hopeful that he’ll be fit in time for the match against Namibia,” Doeschate said.

Sharma had already appeared unwell during the team dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence on Sunday, where he was the first player to leave. According to sources tracking the development, he has been hospitalised since Monday, with further tests being conducted to determine his recovery timeline and match availability.

Sharma had featured in India’s opening Group A match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium despite suffering from a high fever but was dismissed for a duck and later did not take the field in the second innings due to the stomach bug. India eventually won the match by 29 runs.

Given his condition, the team management is unlikely to rush him back, especially with a high-profile clash against Pakistan scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, followed by a game against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad, ahead of the Super Eight stage.

His absence could open the door for Sanju Samson to partner in-form Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, although Samson struggled as an opener during India’s recent 4–1 home series win over New Zealand.

Samson spent significant time batting alongside Kishan during Tuesday’s practice session. India will have another training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday evening before facing Namibia on Thursday.

Tension swept across Mohali on Wednesday morning after leading private schools reported receiving bomb threats through email, triggering urgent evacuations and a large-scale security operation.

Authorities said at least sixteen institutions were affected, with campuses such as Yadavindra Public School (YPS), Learning Paths School, and Shivalik Public School dismissing students as a precaution. Police teams, along with bomb disposal and anti-sabotage units, were deployed to thoroughly search the premises.

Speaking to UNI, SP City Mohali Dilpreet Singh said that 16 prominent schools across Mohali received a bomb threat via email in the morning, following which around a 250-member force, including the bomb disposal squads were pressed into action.

“Around 7:30 am, several prominent schools in Mohali received a threatening email, prompting an immediate security response. Bomb disposal squads, anti-sabotage teams, and personnel from local police stations were deployed, along with senior officers, to carry out detailed checks of the campuses. As a precautionary measure, the schools were cordoned off, and students and staff were sent home. So far, no suspicious object has been found,” the official added.

He also added that the schools will resume on Thursday if nothing suspicious is found. The threat came two days after several schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Monday, causing panic among students, parents, and school authorities and prompting immediate intervention by security agencies, an official said.

A threatening email warning of an explosion was received by several schools, triggering an immediate security alert. The message, which included incendiary slogans and claimed a blast would occur at 1:11 pm, was reported to authorities. “Delhi will become Khalistan. In memory of Afzal Guru. There will be an explosion at 1:11 pm,” the email read.

The email also threatened an attack on Parliament later this week, stating, “There will be a blast in Parliament on February 13 at 1:11 pm. Punjab is Khalistan.”

In response, local police teams, along with K9 units and bomb detection and disposal squads, were swiftly deployed to the affected campuses to conduct thorough searches and ensure the safety of students and staff.

At least nine schools reportedly received bomb threat emails between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, including Loreto Convent in Delhi Cantonment, Venkateshwar Global School in Rohini, Cambridge School’s Srinivaspuri and New Friends Colony campuses, The Indian School in Sadiq Nagar, CM Shri School in Rohini, DTEA School in INA, Bal Bharti School in Rohini, and Manav Sthali School in New Rajinder Nagar.

The schools were promptly evacuated, and thorough anti-sabotage checks were conducted to ensure the safety of students and staff. Police said no suspicious objects were found during the searches. Investigations are underway to trace the source of the threatening emails and identify those responsible.

A 24-hour Bharat Bandh will begin at midnight on February 12, 2026, after major central trade unions called for a nationwide strike across the country. The shutdown, scheduled for Thursday, is likely to affect routine life in several parts of the country.

Banking operations, public transport, government offices, and industrial activity could see disruption, particularly in states such as Kerala and Odisha, where trade union participation is usually strong.

While trade unions claim crores of workers will participate, essential services such as hospitals and ambulance operations have been exempted.

Also Read: Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Trade unions, farmers unite for nationwide strike on February 12

Is there Bharat Bandh tomorrow on 12 February?

Yes. A nationwide general strike, often referred to as Bharat bandh, will begin at midnight on 12 February and continue for 24 hours. Trade unions have called upon workers across organised and unorganised sectors to abstain from duty in protest against the Centre’s labour policies, particularly the implementation of the four new labour codes.

Union leaders say the strike is aimed at pressing for stronger social security measures and protection of labour rights. They argue that the new labour codes weaken worker protections and collective bargaining rights.

Further action, unions have indicated, may follow if their demands are not addressed.

What will be closed during Bharat Bandh on 12 February?

Disruptions are expected across several sectors, though the impact may vary from state to state.

Employees from public sector undertakings, government departments, banks, insurance firms, transport services, factories and other service sectors are expected to take part. Depending on how widely the call is observed, people may find government offices either partially functioning or shut for the day.

Bank branches and insurance offices may not function as usual. Some could open with fewer staff, while others may stay shut depending on participation. Buses and other public transport services might run less frequently, and in some places, they may not operate at all.

Factory work and business activity are also likely to slow down. Schools and colleges could see disruption in case a large number of staff members join the strike.

In Kerala, where general strikes often draw strong support, the impact could be more visible. Public transport and government services there are expected to feel the strain. Parts of Odisha and Karnataka may see similar disruption, but much will depend on how widely the strike call is followed in each state.

Commuters and businesses are advised to check local advisories, especially if travelling during the 12 February strike.

What will remain open during the nationwide strike?

To avoid public hardship, several essential services have been kept outside the strike ambit.

The following services are exempt:

• Hospitals and emergency medical services
• Medical stores and pharmacies
• Ambulance services
• Fire and rescue operations
• Milk supply
• Newspaper distribution

In Kerala, vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims and participants of the Maramon Convention have also been exempted from strike restrictions.

Authorities have said measures are in place to ensure that emergency and essential services operate smoothly during the bandh period.

Why has the Bharat Bandh been called?

The nationwide strike is being organised in protest against the Centre’s labour policies, particularly the rollout of four new labour codes. Trade unions say the new labour codes could weaken job security and reduce the protections that workers currently enjoy. They believe the changes may make it harder for employees to safeguard their rights.

Union leaders have claimed that crores of workers from different sectors will take part in the strike. They describe it as one of the biggest coordinated labour protests seen in recent years.

The Bharat Bandh is set to begin at midnight, and how much it affects daily life on 12 February will largely depend on how many workers join the strike in each state.

England Test captain Ben Stokes underwent a successful surgery for the facial injury, which left him significantly bruised after being struck on the cheek by a cricket ball.

Sharing the news of the surgery via his Instagram story on Tuesday, the 34-year-old jokingly wrote, “May not look like it… but the surgery was a success.”

Bro Ben Stokes surgery looks so scary pic.twitter.com/iSAccoEafB

— Ayush (@yush_18) February 10, 2026

Last week, he shared the news of his injury in an Instagram story, saying, “You should see the state of the ball.”

What happened with Ben Stokes? pic.twitter.com/S3LrJirbJ5

— Desi Monarch (@Desi_Monarch) February 8, 2026

According to ESPNcricinfo, it was understood that Stokes was not batting or bowling when he sustained the injury, and was instead standing at the side of a nets session.

The flamboyant all-rounder has been out of cricketing action since leaving the field due to an adductor injury during the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney last month.

Stokes hasn’t played any white-ball cricket for England since the 2023 World Cup, and he was not included in the squad for the T20 World Cup, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.

The England Test captain’s next international appearance is likely to come in the first Test of England’s home series against New Zealand in June, though he may play for Durham in the County Championship before then.

Stokes and the former England player Moeen Ali were set to join another former cricketer, Andrew Flintoff, on the England Lions coaching setup for a white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi in February-March.

The selectors have named a 17-player squad for the three-match T20 series, with a 16-player squad announced for the five 50-over matches.

England Lions T20 squad: Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox (capt), Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Saqib Mahmood, Ben McKinney, Tom Moores, Dan Mousley, Matt Revis, Will Smeed, Nathan Sowter, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe.

England Lions 50-over squad: Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley (capt), Liam Patterson-White, Matthew Potts, Matt Revis, James Rew, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe, James Wharton.

The United States has designated two senior public office holders from Palau and the Marshall Islands for “significant corruption”, making them and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the US.

According to a State Department press release issued on Tuesday (local time), Palau’s Senate President Hokkons Baules was designated “for his involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors”, while Anderson Jibas, former mayor of the Kili/Bikini/Ejit community in the Marshall Islands, was designated “for his involvement in significant corruption and misappropriation of US provided funds during his time in public office”.

The State Department stated that Baules abused his public position by accepting bribes in exchange for providing advocacy and support for government, business and criminal interests linked to China. “His actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected US interests in Palau.”

In Jibas’ case, the department said he abused his position “by orchestrating and financially benefiting from multiple misappropriation schemes involving theft, misuse, and abuse of funds from the US-provided Bikini Resettlement Trust”.
It added that the actions resulted in most of the funds being stolen from the Kili/Bikini/Ejit people, who are survivors and descendants of survivors of nuclear bomb testing in the 1940s and 1950s.

“The theft, misuse, and abuse of the US-provided money for the fund wasted US taxpayer money and contributed to a loss of jobs, food insecurity, migration to the United States, and lack of reliable electricity for the Kili/Bikini/Ejit people.
“The lack of accountability for Jibas’ acts of corruption has eroded public trust in the government of the Marshall Islands, creating an opportunity for malign foreign influence from China and others.”

US law permits the government to publicly name foreign nationals and their close family members when credible information links them to serious corruption or human rights violations.

The designations come amid intensified strategic competition between the United States and China for influence in the Pacific region. Both Palau and the Marshall Islands maintain Compacts of Free Association with the US, granting Washington exclusive military access in exchange for economic assistance.

“The United States will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain and steal from our citizens to enrich themselves. These designations reaffirm the United States’ commitment to countering global corruption affecting US interests,” the State Department said.
US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott echoed the position in a post on X.

“The Trump Administration will not allow foreign public officials to steal from U.S. taxpayers or threaten U.S. interests,” he wrote.
Highlighting the action, Pigott added, “Today @StateDept is publicly naming and banning from U.S. entry two corrupt government officials from the Pacific.”

Senior Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK General Secretary Durai Murugan, one of the state’s most experienced political leaders, was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai on Wednesday after he complained of leg pain linked to age-related health concerns.

Doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable and that he is under observation.

The 87-year-old leader, known for his sharp wit and spirited responses to opposition members in the Assembly, has been undergoing regular medical check-ups in recent years due to recurring health issues associated with old age.

Party sources said that as a precautionary measure, he was taken to Apollo Hospital on Greams Road after experiencing discomfort and persistent pain in his leg.

Upon admission, a team of specialists conducted immediate medical evaluations and provided intensive care to ease the pain.

Doctors prescribed medication, including pain relievers, and advised complete rest for the next few days to ensure a quick recovery.

Hospital authorities indicated that there is no cause for serious concern and that the minister is responding well to treatment.

Sources close to the family said Murugan remains under constant medical supervision and is expected to be discharged within two days if his condition continues to improve.

Party colleagues and well-wishers have been enquiring about his health, and several senior DMK leaders are said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Durai Murugan is widely regarded as one of Tamil Nadu’s most seasoned politicians, with decades of legislative and administrative experience.

A trusted confidant of the DMK leadership, he has played a key role in the party’s organisational and political strategies over the years.

His presence in the Assembly is often noted for his humour-filled yet pointed rebuttals during debates.

Party workers expressed relief after learning that his hospitalisation was precautionary and not linked to any major complication.

They said he is expected to resume his official duties soon after adequate rest. The DMK leadership has appealed to supporters not to worry, assuring them that the veteran leader is recovering steadily and will be back home shortly.

Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth has revealed that his idea of romance is far from dramatic. The actor recently admitted that his proposal to Elsa Pataky was anything but fairytale-like, calling it extremely casual and unplanned.

Also Read: O Romeo advance booking report: ₹25.2 lakh without block seats, 12,892 tickets sold across 3,431 shows

A proposal without grand gestures

The 42-year-old actor looked back at the moment he proposed to the 49-year-old model and actress, whom he married in 2010, and shared that there was very little build-up involved, according to Female First UK.

‘Why not?’ energy

Speaking on Nova’s Fitzy, Wippa and Kate, Hemsworth explained that the topic of marriage came up naturally between the two even before he officially popped the question.

He said, “We talked about getting married, before I even asked her to get married, and it was like, ‘Yeah, why not, why not?’. So that kind of takes the air of the build-up. It felt like a, ‘Why not? I’ve got nothing better at the moment, we’ll see how it goes’, type of energy.”

The actor joked that Elsa is “still thinking about” the underwhelming proposal even now, more than a decade later. The couple share three children, daughter India, 13, and 11-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan.

The chocolate box twist

Despite the laid-back approach, Hemsworth said he did try to add a small romantic touch to the moment. As reported by Female First UK, he said, “I had it in my hand, in my pocket, and I thought, I’ve got to do something cool with it. This is about as creative as I got, I put it in a chocolate box.”

What keeps their marriage strong

Chris and Elsa tied the knot in December 2010 after dating earlier that same year. Over the years, the actor has often credited “having fun” as one of the key reasons their relationship has lasted.

Speaking last year on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Hemsworth reflected on how balancing work, children and marriage can sometimes be overwhelming.

He said, “Both having a sort of adventurous spirit, making time for one another. I think the complicated times have been when it’s been all work, all kids, and all of a sudden the ‘us’ in the relationship is sort of non-existent.”

Making time for each other

The actor admitted that life can quickly turn into managing schedules rather than nurturing a relationship, especially when both partners are working.

He added, “You’re just kind of managing a household or the work-family schedule… removing ourselves from all of that and just having time for the two of us and making space for each other rather than the rest of the world that can be so all-consuming.”

‘Marriage takes effort’

Chris also acknowledged that married life is challenging, but said he and Elsa have always been determined to make it work.

He said, “I think it’s hard for anyone, really. It’s all relative. Yeah, it’s challenging, but we also have opportunity to make it work. We have no excuse as far as how much time we can make for each other due to the support we can get due to our situation.”

Also Read: Govinda targets Karan Johar over ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ for using his name and touching his personal life

In a crucial Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan and South Africa played out a thrilling tie at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Afghanistan finished on 187 all out after 19.4 overs, chasing a target of 188.

Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive 187/6, thanks to half-centuries from Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61). After the early dismissal of captain Aiden Markram, de Kock and Rickelton added a 114-run partnership off 61 balls before both fell in the same over to Rashid Khan.

Afghanistan’s chase was led by a brilliant Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 84 off 42 balls, including 7 sixes, keeping his team in contention before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.

Drama in the Final Over

The match went down to the wire in a chaotic final over bowled by Kagiso Rabada. Afghanistan needed 2 runs off the last 3 balls. Noor Ahmad hit a massive six, but Afghanistan suffered a run-out on the penultimate delivery, tying the scores and sending the game into a Super Over.

First Super Over

Afghanistan: 17/0 off 1 over, with Azmatullah taking strike and Gurbaz supporting.

South Africa: Target 18.

Dewald Brevis started with a 97-metre six but was dismissed by Gurbaz off Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Tristan Stubbs then hit a six off the final ball, tying the Super Over and forcing a second Super Over.

Second Super Over – South Africa Batting

South Africa scored 23 runs in the first over of the second Super Over, with Stubbs smashing a huge six off Azmatullah’s first delivery.

Afghanistan needed 24 runs to win.

Mohammad Nabi failed to make an impact, swinging and missing on the first ball and then mistiming a shot to David Miller at point on the second. Afghanistan were 0/1 after 0.2 overs, needing four sixes off the remaining balls.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz walked in and delivered a spectacular show:

Third ball: Six down the ground – score 12/1 after 0.4 overs.

Fourth ball: Another six over long-on – 18/1, two sixes needed from two balls.

Fifth ball: Massive six over deep midwicket – leaving six required off the final ball.

On the last delivery, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sliced the ball to point, and David Miller completed the catch.

Result: South Africa won in a historic thriller.

Score: Afghanistan – 19/2 in the second Super Over (target 24)

South Africa’s innings 

The Proteas’ innings was built around a dominant century partnership between Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton before a late Afghan fightback, led by Rashid Khan, kept the total in check.

Aiden Markram’s stay was brief, as Fazalhaq Farooqi removed the South African captain for 5 in the third over with a well-disguised slower ball. After the early setback, de Kock and Rickelton took control, adding a brisk 114-run stand for the second wicket. Rickelton was the aggressor, smashing 61 off 28 balls, while de Kock anchored the innings with a fluent 59 off 41 deliveries.

The pair especially targeted Noor Ahmad, taking 23 runs off his first over, which included two sixes and two fours, to put South Africa firmly in command. However, Afghanistan clawed their way back through skipper Rashid Khan, who dismissed both set batters in the 13th over to halt the momentum.

Azmatullah Omarzai further dented South Africa’s hopes of crossing 200, picking up Dewald Brevis (23) and Tristan Stubbs (1) in the 18th over. Despite the setbacks, David Miller (20* off 15) and Marco Jansen (16* off 7) provided a late flourish, adding valuable runs in the death overs to push the total to 187/6.

Afghanistan now need 188 runs to secure a crucial win in this must-win Group D encounter, while South Africa will look to defend the total and move closer to qualification for the Super Eight stage.

Captains take at the toss

Winning the toss, Rashid Khan said Afghanistan opted to chase on a fresh surface.

“Fresh wicket and we’re looking forward to chase. Against the big teams in the World Cup, it’s a must-win game for us. Just need to put our energy on the field and not worry too much about the result. This is like a home ground for me after playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL,” Rashid said.

He added that the pitch is expected to improve as the game progresses and highlighted areas for improvement from their previous match. Noor Ahmad replaced Ziaur Rahman in the playing XI.

“Batting in the powerplay and hitting our lengths were areas we missed in the last game. Noor comes in for Ziaur,” he said.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted they would have preferred to bowl first but were comfortable batting.

“We would have bowled first as well. There’s quite a bit of moisture, but it’s not a bad thing to bat. Put runs on the board and apply pressure,” Markram said.

He confirmed one change, with George Linde replacing Corbin Bosch to add an extra spin option.

SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026: Head-to-Head

Matches played: 3

South Africa wins: 3

Afghanistan wins: 0

SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026: Playing XIs

South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

As the Uttar Pradesh government prepares to present its budget on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted what he described as a transformative decade for the state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

In a post on ‘X’, CM Yogi said, “New Uttar Pradesh in a New India” has experienced unprecedented development and prosperity over the past ten years. Calling the upcoming budget a “decennial testament,” the Chief Minister said it reflects his government’s sustained commitment to the aspirations of the state’s 25 crore citizens.

“Under the illustrious leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India’ is witnessing an unprecedented decade of development and prosperity. As a result of the unwavering trust and blessings of every individual, your government is today set to present the budget for the state’s all-inclusive development in the Uttar Pradesh Legislature for the 10th consecutive time. This budget for the financial year 2026-27 stands as a ‘decennial testament’ to our commitment toward the hopes and aspirations of 25 crore residents of the state,” CM Yogi wrote on ‘X’.

In another post, CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh is steadily moving toward becoming a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous state through policies centered on good governance, inclusive development, and public welfare. He said the e-budget for the financial year 2026-27 will outline a clear vision, renewed direction, and a concrete action plan to achieve the goal of a “Self-reliant and Developed Uttar Pradesh.”

“Under the illustrious guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘New Uttar Pradesh’ is continuously advancing towards the construction of a strong, self-reliant and prosperous state with the policy of good governance, inclusive development and public welfare. The budget for the financial year 2026-27, presented today in the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, will provide new direction, new energy, clear policy-vision and concrete action plan to the resolution of ‘Self-reliant and Developed Uttar Pradesh’,” CM Yogi said.

He further emphasised that the budget would accelerate progress toward the state’s ambitious target of building a USD 1 trillion economy. According to him, the financial plan prioritises the dignity of the poor, empowerment of youth and women, and the prosperity of farmers, while laying a solid foundation for the broader vision of “Developed India-2047” and a brighter future for Uttar Pradesh.

“At the same time, it will ensure the state’s progress towards achieving the USD 1 trillion economy target. Keeping the dignity of the poor, the self-respect of the youth, the empowerment of mothers and the prosperity of farmers at the centre, this budget will become a strong foundation for the construction of ‘Developed India-2047’ and the bright future of ‘New Uttar Pradesh’,” CM Yogi added.

Earlier on February 9, the budget session of the Uttar Pradesh assembly began with the Governor’s address and is set to conclude on February 20

Voting for the municipalities and municipal corporations elections began on Wednesday morning across Telangana amid tight security arrangements.

Polling commenced at 0700 hours in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations and will continue until 1700 hours.

According to the Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC), elections are being held for 2,582 municipal wards. Of these, 12 wards have been declared unanimously elected, one ward has seen polling adjourned, and voting is underway in the remaining 2,569 wards across 6,017 polling stations. A total of 10,719 candidates are contesting the municipal ward elections.

In municipal corporations, polling is underway in 412 wards across seven corporations, with two wards declared unanimously elected. As many as 2,174 polling stations have been set up, and 2,225 candidates are in the fray.

The electorate comprises 52,17,413 voters, including 25,49,750 men, 26,67,025 women and 638 voters in the ‘others’ category. Overall, 12,930 candidates are contesting the municipal elections.

For the conduct of the polls, the Commission has appointed 1,379 Returning Officers and deployed 41,773 polling personnel. Webcasting facilities have been arranged at over 8,100 polling stations, and 16,382 ballot boxes are being used.

Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy said elaborate security arrangements had been made, with the deployment of around 25,000 police personnel. He assured voters that they could cast their votes without fear and added that 100 per cent webcasting had been ensured at polling stations.

Meanwhile, the state government has declared Wednesday a holiday in municipalities and municipal corporations where elections are being held. The holiday applies to factories, shops, industries and offices within the respective municipal limits to facilitate voter participation.

The results of the municipal elections will be announced on February 13.

The Centre on Wednesday laid down a formal code governing the use of Vande Mataram at official programmes, making its rendition compulsory at government functions and clearly defining how it is to be observed.

In a detailed directive, the Union Home Ministry outlined the occasions on which the national song must be played, fixed its sequence in programmes that also feature the national anthem, and specified how those present are expected to conduct themselves. The move effectively fills a long-standing gap in ceremonial guidance surrounding Vande Mataram.

Order of rendition and state occasions specified

The ministry has directed that the full official version of Vande Mataram – comprising six stanzas and running approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds – be included in major state ceremonies.

It will be played during events such as the unfurling of the national flag, the formal arrival and departure of the President and Governors at official engagements, and immediately before and after their scheduled addresses.

Where both Vande Mataram and the national anthem form part of the same programme, the national song is to precede the anthem. The directive also makes it clear that attendees are expected to stand at attention during both renditions.

Emphasis on schools and institutional platforms

Beyond state ceremonies, the Home Ministry has asked educational institutions to actively promote the singing of Vande Mataram during morning assemblies and at important institutional gatherings. The intention, the directive notes, is to strengthen awareness of national symbols among students and the broader public.

In cases where the song is performed by a band, the ministry has recommended that a drum roll or bugle call be used to formally signal the start of the performance, ensuring uniformity in ceremonial practice.

Clear exemption for cinema halls

The guidelines distinguish official functions from entertainment venues. Audiences in cinema halls will not be required to stand if Vande Mataram features in a film soundtrack. The ministry observed that imposing such a requirement in theatres could disrupt screenings and cause confusion among viewers.

Bringing structure to an uncodified practice

Unlike the national anthem, which is governed by executive instructions and statutory provisions detailing both its rendition and audience conduct, Vande Mataram has not until now been backed by a clearly articulated official protocol.

The Home Ministry is examining whether the framework governing the national song could be aligned more closely with that of the national anthem, particularly on expectations of standing and gestures of respect. However, no statutory amendments or fresh legal provisions have been introduced at this stage.

The directive comes during the ongoing observance of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, a moment that has renewed public discussion about the song’s historical significance and ceremonial status.

With this step, the Centre has formally positioned Vande Mataram within the structure of state protocol, placing its observance alongside that of the national anthem at official functions.

The White House on Tuesday updated its factsheet on the proposed India-US interim trade framework, a day after its release, toning down several assertions about India’s commitments on American product purchases, tariff cuts, and digital trade.

The changes made in Washington come amid discussions on a reciprocal trade agreement announced last week following a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The revisions matter because they recalibrate the scope of what India has formally agreed to under the proposed arrangement.

The framework for the interim agreement was finalised after the Modi-Trump conversation, with both sides projecting it as a step towards expanding bilateral trade. However, the updated factsheet reflects more cautious language compared to the original version issued earlier.

What changed in the White House factsheet on India-US trade?

In its initial release, the factsheet stated: “India committed to buy more American products and purchase over USD 500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal, and other products.”

The revised version now says India “intends” to buy more American products. The updated version no longer mentions “agricultural” in the list of product categories, trimming the scope of what was earlier described.

The tariff section, too, has been reworked. The earlier document had stated, “India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.”

In the updated factsheet, the reference to “certain pulses” has been removed from that list.

In the earlier version, the section on digital trade had said, “India will remove its digital services taxes” and “committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade.”

That line about India removing its digital services taxes has now been dropped from the updated document. It retains only that “India committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules.”

Tariff relief and oil imports context

Under the proposed arrangement, the United States will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the existing 50 per cent.

Separately, US President Donald Trump has removed the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India in August last year over its purchases of Russian oil. He noted that New Delhi has committed to stopping direct or indirect imports of oil from Moscow and has taken “significant steps” in that direction, according to ANI.

The recalibration in language in the updated factsheet is likely to draw attention as both countries work towards finalising the interim agreement. Even though the overall push to deepen trade ties remains the same, the revised language makes it clear that New Delhi’s commitments are being framed more cautiously for now.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday visited the residence of Chandan Kumar, the techie from Nelamangala taluk who was shot dead in Toronto, and said efforts are underway to bring his body back to India within the next three to four days.

The minister met the bereaved parents in Thyamagondlu village and assured them of the state government’s support, even as Canadian authorities continue their investigation into the killing.

Minister meets family, repatriation process underway

“Personally visited the residence of Chandan Kumar from Tyamagondlu village in Nelamangala taluk, who lost his life in an accident that occurred in the city of Toronto, Canada, and offered condolences to the grieving family members,” Parameshwara said.

“The talented Chandan Kumar, who was working as a project manager in a software company in Toronto, was the only son of the retired teacher couple, Nandan Kumar. Seeing the parents’ wail of grief at losing the son who was supposed to live well and be their support filled his heart with immense distress. I pray that the divine grants the family the strength to bear this sorrow,” he added.

Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said the motive behind the killing is yet to be ascertained. “Chandan Kumar (techie from Karnataka) has been murdered in Canada. We have not yet received information about the reason behind the killing. May his soul rest in peace. I will meet his family today. An investigation into the murder is underway there. Our High Commissioner to Canada is in discussions to repatriate the body. The body may be brought back within the next three to four days,” he said.

Earlier, he had urged the Canadian government to conduct a detailed inquiry. “I urge the Canadian government, through the Central Ministry of External Affairs, to conduct a thorough investigation into the Chandan Kumar murder case and ensure justice is served. Kannadigas living in Canada need not fear because of this incident. The Karnataka government is committed to the safety of all Kannadigas,” Parameshwara posted on X.

Toronto police confirm shooting at shopping centre parking lot

According to Toronto Police, Chandan Kumar was shot in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre in the Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27 area. Officers found him with gunshot wounds at the scene.

He was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, police said.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Cancer has always been perceived as a frightening diagnosis. It is often associated with the fear of pain, prolonged treatment and uncertainty. For many, especially those from underprivileged households, the fear multiplies when the disease demands complex surgical intervention. Cancer procedures are often associated with high cost and limited access, which makes them seem impossible outside private hospitals. However, cancer is treatable, and with the advent of robotic-assisted surgery in government setups, it is becoming more precise and increasingly accessible.

Recently, the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) showcased how technology is transforming cancer care in the public healthcare system. CNCI hosted a press conference on World Cancer Day in association with SS Innovations International. The conference highlighted the growing role of robotic-assisted surgery in improving cancer outcomes while keeping treatment affordable.

Medical Superintendent, Dr Sankar Sengupta, noted that this initiative is particularly significant because it has been set up in a government hospital. “Robotic surgery is common in private hospitals, but rare in public institutions. We want people to know that robotic surgery is now available at CNCI. This is probably the first government hospital where robotic surgery has been introduced. We have been working with robotic surgery for over four months. On World Cancer Day, we wanted people to know about this advancement,” he said.

The conference was attended by notable dignitaries, including the doctors of the institute. Surgeons highlighted the clinical advantages of robotic-assisted procedures. Dr Durga Prasad Nanda explained that robotic surgery minimises hand tremors, enhances precision and offers superior reach. These features are beneficial for surgeries in deep and complex areas such as the pelvis. The 3D camera with 360-degree visualisation provides depth and clarity that surpasses laparoscopic surgery. Dr Sagar Sen further added that this magnification significantly reduces the chances of error and allows cancer-directed surgeries to be performed in a more nuanced manner. However, they emphasised that laparoscopic surgery is equally important and that not all surgeries require robotic assistance. “In some surgeries, robotic surgery has an upper hand, but in some cases, laparoscopic surgery might be more useful,” Dr Nanda claimed.

In his address, Dr Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO of SS Innovations International Inc., shared, “When we speak about advancing cancer care in India, the conversation must go beyond innovation to include access. For a long time, advanced surgical technologies were available only to a limited few in large cities. Our vision at SS Innovations has been to change that by building affordable, Made-in-India robotic systems that can be adopted widely.”

Robotic surgery has shown particular promise in gynaecological and endometrial cancers. Dr Dipanwita Banerjee stressed that affordability remains central to cancer care. “Patients below the poverty line should not feel that advanced treatment is beyond their reach. Even in a government hospital, we can provide updated and advanced technology,” she stated. She went on to add that doctors have undergone rigorous training to deliver such care.

Beyond surgery, CNCI also announced an innovative step towards infection control. “Hygiene is very important, along with advanced treatment. This is why we have also started floor cleaning through a robotic system on this day,” Dr Sengupta affirmed.

As the world evolves, initiatives like this signal a shift in which advanced, Made-in-India technology brings world-class care within reach of those who need it the most.

How much do your genes determine how long you’ll live? It’s a question that fascinates us, and one that’s been debated for decades. For years, the answer seemed settled – genes account for about 20–25 per cent of the variation in human lifespan, with the rest down to lifestyle and environment.

But a new study published in Science has challenged this view, suggesting the genetic contribution might be considerably higher.

The reason, according to the researchers, is that previous estimates failed to account for how the causes of death have changed over time. A century ago, many people died from what scientists call extrinsic causes – accidents, infections and other external threats.

Today, in developed countries at least, most deaths result from intrinsic causes: the gradual wearing out of our bodies through ageing and age-related diseases like dementia and heart disease.

To get a clearer picture, the research team analysed large groups of Scandinavian twins, carefully excluding deaths from external causes. They also studied twins who were raised apart and siblings of centenarians in the US.

When they stripped away deaths from accidents and infections, the estimated genetic contribution jumped dramatically – from the familiar 20–25 per cent to around 50–55 per cent.

The pattern makes sense when you look at individual diseases. Genetics explain much of the variation in dementia risk, has an intermediate effect on heart disease, and plays a relatively modest role in cancer. As environments become more favourable, populations age and diseases caused by the ageing process itself become more common, the genetic component naturally appears larger.

Our genes haven’t become more powerful

But here’s where interpretation becomes crucial. A higher estimate doesn’t mean genes have suddenly become more powerful, nor does it mean you can only influence half your chances of reaching old age. What’s changed is the environment, not our DNA.

Consider human height as an example. A hundred years ago, how tall you grew depended heavily on whether you had enough food and whether childhood illnesses stunted your growth.

Today, in wealthy nations, nearly everyone gets adequate nutrition. Because these environmental differences have narrowed, most of the remaining variation in height is now explained by genetic differences – not because nutrition has stopped mattering, but because most people now reach their genetic potential. However, a malnourished child will still fail to grow tall, regardless of their genes.

The same principle applies to lifespan. As we’ve improved vaccination, reduced pollution, enhanced diet and adopted healthier lifestyles, we’ve lessened the overall impact of environmental factors.

When environmental variation decreases, the proportion of remaining variation attributed to genetics – what scientists call ‘heritability’ – increases by mathematical necessity. The earlier estimates weren’t wrong; they simply reflected different historical circumstances.

This reveals something fundamental: heritability isn’t a fixed biological property but a measure that depends entirely on the population and circumstances you’re looking at. The traditional 20–25 per cent figure described lifespan as it was actually experienced in historical populations, where external threats loomed large.

The new 50–55 per cent estimate describes a different scenario where those threats have been largely removed – essentially describing a different trait.

The headline figure of lifespan being around ‘50 per cent heritable’ risks being misunderstood as meaning genes determine half of a person’s life chances. In reality, the genetic contribution for any given individual can range from very small to very large, depending on their circumstances.

There are countless routes to a long life: some people have robust genetic profiles that protect them even in difficult conditions, while others compensate for less favourable genetics through excellent nutrition, exercise and healthcare. Each person represents a unique combination, and many different combinations can result in exceptional longevity.

Which combinations prove most common depends entirely on the population and the conditions in which people live and age. As external causes of death continue to decline in the real world – though they won’t disappear entirely – it will be fascinating to see how these patterns evolve.

The authors of this latest study admit that about half of lifespan variation still depends on environment, lifestyle, healthcare and random biological processes, such as cells dividing out of control in cancer. Their work, they argue, should renew efforts to identify the genetic mechanisms involved in ageing and longevity. Understanding how different genetic factors interact with different environments is probably the key to explaining why some people live much longer than others.

The study offers valuable insights into how different types of mortality have shaped our understanding of lifespan. But its results are best understood as showing how heritability changes across different contexts, rather than establishing a single, universal genetic contribution to how long we live.

In the end, both genes and environment matter. And, perhaps more importantly, they matter together. So, whether that feels like good news or bad news, you will probably never get a simple answer to how much of your lifespan is determined by genes alone.

(The writer is an Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet. This article was published on www.theconversation.com.)

A video recently released by the ESA’s Solar Orbiter and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory showed a magnetic avalanche on the surface of the sun. A powerful solar storm of magnitude four, the strongest in the past 23 years, struck Earth on 18-19 January. The framework for the study, published recently in Astronomy & Astrophysics, was created in 2024; the Solar Orbiter recorded the video as it approached the Sun on 30 September of that year.

Why did such a severe solar storm happen?

Following an analysis of the recent footage, heliophysicists said that a magnetic avalanche triggers these solar flares. This process involves the violent snapping and reforming of twisted magnetic field lines. High-resolution images from the Solar Orbiter showed smaller reconnection events growing into a massive flare, producing fiery plasma blobs. Chandra’s X-ray observations substantiated the presence of high-energy emissions from accelerated particles as they entered the solar atmosphere.

Science behind magnetic avalanches

The Sun’s magnetic field is like a complex, tense web, similar to a tangle of rubber bands. Meanwhile, there is hot burning plasma inside the sun, which exerts pressure on the magnetic force lines. Because of this increasing pressure, the magnetic lines begin to stretch and eventually break. After being released, they are again connected to other lines immediately. This is known as magnetic reconnection. Due to this newly formed magnetic rearrangement, the Sun’s inner plasma is heated, and a plasma jet is released at high speed (about 1000 km/s).

The initial reconnection following the recent event, although short-lived, triggered a chain reaction. Each quick release of energy disrupted the surrounding areas, similar to a snowball gaining momentum. Superheated plasma, reaching millions of degrees, then collapsed, leaving behind visible ‘ribbons’ that traced the flare’s trajectory. This sequence of events demonstrates how flares can release energy comparable to billions of hydrogen bombs, all in just a few minutes. Unlike the consistent solar wind, these explosive outbursts lead to coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive, magnetised plasma clouds (consisting of electrons, protons, and some heavy nuclei) racing toward Earth at around 1,700 km/s.

The CMEs unleashed by the 18 January flare struck Earth’s magnetosphere on 19 January at precisely 2:38p.m. and saw the onset of a G4 geomagnetic storm, classified as severe and the second most intense on the scale. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre verified that the peaks persisted into the evening, and solar wind speeds exceeded 1,000 km/s.

At the same time, a severe S4 solar radiation storm pummeled satellites, the most powerful since the Halloween storms of 2003. High-energy protons surged through space, threatening blackouts for high-frequency radios, GPS malfunctions, and radiation surges for astronauts and flights over the poles. Auroras flared to life, visible as far south as France, Germany, and the U.S. Midwest. Charged particles, colliding with atmospheric gases, painted the sky with green and purple. This storm’s unusual strength is a product of Solar Cycle 25’s peak, a period when sunspots generate more intense flares.

Why do avalanches matter?

Magnetic avalanches connect solar physics with the realm of space weather. Solar flares and CMEs are not just spectacular; they have the potential to cause significant damage. They can knock out power grids through induced currents, interfere with satellites, and pose a threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The 1989 blackout in Quebec and the Halloween storms of 2003 caused billions in damages, and those incidents triggered worldwide warnings.

It’s evident that reconnection speeds up particles: electrons spin in magnetic loops and send out X-rays, and ions erupt out in CMEs. Solar Orbiter’s close-up (within 0.3 AU) revealed structures as small as 250 km, showing fine features that Earth-orbiting telescopes can’t see. Chandra used X-rays to look into the hottest plasmas, which confirmed how intense the cascade was.

This January’s show highlights the Sun’s volatile nature. Although G4 storms are a regular occurrence, their conjunction with S4 radiation is rare, the last instance being in 2003. So far, no significant disruptions have been reported, but potential weaknesses remain. Satellite constellations, like those used by Starlink, are susceptible to atmospheric drag, and air travel is being adjusted. Researchers are now using avalanche models to improve predictions. Early warnings from the Solar Orbiter, positioned ahead of Earth, provide a crucial few hours of advance notice for grid operators. As Solar Cycle 25 approaches its conclusion in 2030, we can anticipate more of these displays, illustrating the importance of robust technology.