Politics News in English

Financial Express

Feb 8, 2026, 05:16 PM

Convicted Terrorist Seeks Public Office in UK, Sparks Controversy

A 60-year-old convicted terrorist who is now seeking public office in UK ‘s Birmingham has sparked controversy across Britain’s political and public spheres. According to multiple reports, the man, identified as Shahid Butt, was tried and convicted by a court in Yemen for his role in an armed terror plot that included planning bomb attacks on the British consulate in Aden, an Anglican church and a Swiss-owned hotel in 1999. Butt, who has announced his candidacy for Birmingham City Council’s Sparkhill ward, had received a five-year prison sentence for conspiracy and related offenses, BBC reported. Butt was 33 at the time of the crime. The plot, carried out by an armed cell that prosecutors at the time said was linked to extremist networks, involved detailed planning and explicit intent to target Western and religious sites in Yemen. Butt served his sentence before returning to the UK in the early 2000s, according to Yahoo News UK. He has consistently denied the conviction and maintained that his confession was coerced under torture and that the evidence against him was fabricated. He also claimed that he has since redirected his efforts toward preventing radicalisation among young people, including involvement with initiatives linked to the UK government. Most recently, he defended his candidacy in the upcoming local elections in Birmingham, saying that while he understands people’s concerns, there’s little he can do to alter public opinion. “If they think I’m an extremist then I can’t change that opinion – at the end of the day it comes down to the people of Sparkhill,” he said. Despite his conviction, UK election law does not bar Butt from standing for local office because his sentence was served more than five years ago and was imposed overseas, meaning he is legally eligible to run. Butt’s candidacy has been welcomed by a small activist group, the Independent Candidates Alliance, which is campaigning on community representation in Sparkhill, an area with a large British-Pakistani and Muslim population, according to News Minimalist. Reacting to his announcement, American television personality Sharon Osbourne suggested on social media she might stand in the Birmingham elections too. The leader of the city’s Conservatives, Robert Alden, also invited her to join them to “help keep extremists out of Birmingham City Council”. Local elections in Birmingham are scheduled to be held on May 7.

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Financial Express

Feb 8, 2026, 05:12 PM

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Secures Decisive Victory in Snap Elections

Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi has secured a decisive victory in rare winter snap elections, delivering a strong mandate that solidifies her leadership. Takaichi, who made history last year as Japan’s first female prime minister, called the early election to bolster support for her policy platform and secure a clear majority in the House of Representatives. Preliminary results and exit polls indicate that her ruling coalition, led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), is poised for a thumping victory. According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, the coalition is well above the 233-seat threshold needed for a majority in the 465-member lower house, with projections suggesting it could win between 274 and 328 seats. Popularly dubbed as the “iron lady” of Japan, is a graduate of Kobe University. She began her career as an author and television broadcaster before stepping into politics. At 64, she has built a reputation for straight-talking leadership and an assertive policy agenda that has resonated with many voters, including younger age groups. Her platform focused on economic stimulus, tax relief measures, and increased national defence capabilities, alongside tougher immigration controls. One of her most popular pledges was to suspend the 8% sales tax on food for two years, aimed at easing the burden of rising living costs for households. The policy, along with broader economic reforms, helped her appeal to voters dissatisfied with stagnating wages and inflation-related pressures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Takaichi. In an X post, PM Modi said, “Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity.” “I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights,” he added. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni also extended her wishes to Takaichi. Taking to X, Meloni posted, “Heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi for the significant success achieved in the elections” “Our nations are united by a deep friendship and a strategic partnership that continues to grow stronger thanks to the relationship of sincere trust and constructive collaboration that we have been able to build over these years between our governments,” she added.

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The Indian Express

Feb 8, 2026, 04:31 PM

Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Elections Conclude with 67% Voter Turnout

Maharashtra Zilla Parishad (ZP), Panchayat Samiti Election Results 2026: The voting for the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election concluded on Saturday (February 7) with a reported voter turnout of around 67 per cent till 5:30 pm. Maharashtra Zilla Parishad & Panchayat Samiti Election Results LIVE Updates: Follow here The districts that went to polls were Pune , Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv and Latur. A total of 2.09 crore people were eligible to vote in these elections, out of which 1.07 crore were men and 1.02 crore were women. Maharashtra Zilla Parishad & Panchayat Samiti Election Results 2026: Key details on counting date, time, where to check Following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28, the state government declared mourning from January 28 to January 30. Owing to the this, the State Election Commission of Maharashtra postponed the elections from February 5 to 7. The counting of votes for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra will be held on February 9. The process will begin at 10 am. After the Maharashtra government declared mourning for Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the State Election Commission postponed the election to February 7 and the counting from February 7 to 9. A total of 2,624 candidates are contesting for 731 zilla parishad seats, of which 369 are reserved for women, 83 for Scheduled Castes, 25 for Scheduled Tribes and 191 for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Similarly, 4,814 candidates are contesting for 1,462 panchayat samiti seats, of which 731 are reserved for women, 166 for Scheduled Castes, 38 for Scheduled Tribes and 342 for the Other Backward Classes. To follow the election results live and check which candidates have won, visit indianexpress.com and track the live blogs, where reporters will provide real-time updates. The polling on Saturday was peaceful and there were some complaints relating to bogus voting or “errors” in EVMs. However, in Wadgaon Haveli area of Karad taluka (Satara district), BJP and NCP workers indulged in a verbal duel following allegations of bogus voting. Police intervened and defused the situation in the polling station area. Similar scenes were reported in Parbhani district. In Dharashiv district, a purported audio clip of a former Shiv Sena minister containing conversations regarding distribution of money among voters went viral, stirring controversy. In Balgavde village of Sangli district, as many as 2,200 voters boycotted polling to protest the felling of around 15,000 trees for a solar energy project. Happening soon after Ajit Pawar’s death, the elections are being viewed as a litmus test for the NCP factions, which contested in an alliance in their strongholds in western Maharashtra. Following the tragedy, CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde , along with senior leaders, decided not to campaign, leaving the polls to local leaders.

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Deccan Herald

Feb 8, 2026, 04:27 PM

Bangladesh Abandons Plan to Lease Container Terminal Amid Protests Ahead of Election

Dhaka:Bangladeshon Sunday retracted from its plan to lease out a major container terminal at the strategic sea port town Chattogram to a foreign operator amid intensified protests ahead of the February 12 election. Experience a more refined e-paper today The announcement by a key functionary of Yunus' administration came as dockers called a fresh indefinite shutdown after two days of pause following previous six days of stop work protest against the interim government's plan to lease out the port to the foreign private entity. "In practical terms, the discussion (over leasing out) may move beyond this government's tenure and after the upcoming election, will continue under the next government," Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) chairman Ashik Bin Harun told a media briefing in the capital. Officials said discussion to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World had reached its final stage. The BIDA chief, however, said DP World recently sent a letter to Bangladesh praising the progress of the ongoing negotiations but requested more time to review the draft concession agreement. Earlier, Shipping Adviser retired Brig Gen Sakhawat Hussain said the interim government decided to take a "hard line" in the matter. "The port strike cannot be allowed to continue," Hussain told reporters at his office in Dhaka, adding that several people were detained and further detentions might follow as a "handful of people are trying to hold the entire port hostage." Harun said the negotiations would not stop even if the agreement was not signed during the interim government's term, adding, "most likely, the next government will take it forward after the election." Workers at Chattogram seaport last week called an indefinite strike against the government move to lease out the key container terminal to the foreign operator. "This is a suicidal decision," Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad coordinator Humayun Kabir said last week. The strike badly disrupted vessel movements, local reports said. Bangladesh's High Court earlier ruled the contract between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the DP World was legal, removing legal barriers to the 25-year lease agreement for the NCT, which was launched in 2007. According to officials, 95 per cent of Bangladesh's international trade is handled through four terminals with NCT accounting for 40 per cent.

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The Indian Express

Feb 8, 2026, 04:07 PM

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation's General House Meeting to Discuss Key Agenda Items

Approval for Rs 135.69 lakh rough cost estimate (RCE) for the extension of a shed at the 10 TPH segregation plant at Dadumajra will be the key agenda item during the 358th meeting of the General House of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on Wednesday. The meeting will be the first General House session after Saurabh Joshi assumed office as mayor, making it significant both administratively and politically. The proposed shed extension, listed as an agenda item, has been prepared to address persistent space constraints at the Dadumajra segregation plant, which handles around 10 tonnes of waste per hour. Civic officials have pointed out that the existing covered area is inadequate for routine operations, especially during the monsoon season. Due to limited space, activities such as stacking of incoming waste, installation and movement of machinery and segregation processes are affected, leading to operational bottlenecks. The proposed extension aims to provide sufficient covered space to ensure uninterrupted processing of daily waste and improve the overall efficiency of the facility. The expenditure is proposed to be met under the capital head — solid waste management (SWM). Another major agenda item relates to the election of members of the Finance and Contract Committee for the year 2026. As per the agenda note, only five councillors submitted nomination papers within the stipulated time. Consequently, the General House is expected to declare Harjeet Singh, Jasbir Singh, Kanwarjeet Singh, Rajinder Kumar Sharma and Yogesh Dhingra as elected unopposed. The term of the committee will be co-terminus with the tenure of the mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The House will also take up the reconstitution of three statutory committees — the Water Supply and Sewerage Disposal Committee, the Roads Committee and the House Tax Assessment Committee. These committees are constituted annually in accordance with provisions of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, as applicable to Chandigarh , and play a key role in policy formulation and oversight of civic services. On the infrastructure front, the councillors will deliberate on a proposal for the reconstruction of damaged footpaths around various parks in Sector 40C, with an estimated cost of Rs 85.83 lakh. The project includes dismantling and refixing kerbs and channels, laying interlocking paver blocks and improving pedestrian pathways to enhance public convenience and safety.

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Financial Express

Feb 8, 2026, 04:02 PM

Maharashtra Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Elections: 67% Voter Turnout Amidst Rare NCP Factions' Consensus

Maharashtra Zila Parishad Election Voter Turnout: In a significant display of democratic engagement following the demise of a popular leader, Maharashtra recorded an estimated 67% voter turnout on Saturday during elections for 12 Zilla Parishads (ZP) and 125 Panchayat Samitis. The polling, held on February 7, 2026, served as the first major electoral test following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. The elections were marked by a rare “tactical electoral consensus” between the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) . In a symbolic tribute to the late leader, the factions set aside their two-year-long bitterness to contest under the original ‘clock’ symbol in the critical belts of Pune, Satara, Solapur, and Sangli. While grassroots coordination was high, top leadership remained divided. NCP veteran Praful Patel characterized the alliance as purely tactical, whereas NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil suggested a formal merger was Ajit Pawar’s “last wish,” originally planned for a February 12 announcement. The polls, initially slated for February 5, were rescheduled to February 7 following the three-day state mourning period. The scale of the rural local body polls involved nearly 7,500 candidates vying for representation across the state’s 12 districts. A total of 2,624 candidates contested for 731 Zilla Parishad seats, of which 369 are reserved for women, 83 for Scheduled Castes, 25 for Scheduled Tribes and 191 for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Similarly, 4,814 candidates contested for 1,462 Panchayat Samiti seats, of which 731 are reserved for women, 166 for Scheduled Castes, 38 for Scheduled Tribes and 342 for the Other Backward Classes. Voters casted two votes, one for the Zilla Parishad constituency and another for the Panchayat Samiti electoral division. White ballot papers were used for Zilla Parishad elections; pink ballot papers were used for Panchayat Samiti elections. The State Election Commission (SEC) deployed a massive administrative workforce to ensure a smooth transition of the rural mandate. The elections prompted participation from a large population as 67% of a total of 2.08 crore eligible voters exercised their right to vote on Saturday. A total of 25,471 polling stations were set up, with around 1.28 lakh personnel deployed for election duty, including 125 returning officers and 125 assistant returning officers. The Election Commission arranged sufficient electronic voting machines (EVMs), including 51,537 control units and 1,10,329 ballot units, and officials were trained for their use. These rural polls follow a period of dominance by the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP). The alliance swept 207 out of 288 municipal council president posts. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 29 municipal corporation elections, including a historic victory in the BMC where it secured 89 seats. Results for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections are scheduled to be announced on Monday (February 9) marking the first major political test of the state following Ajit Pawar’s demise, post which Sunetra Pawar took charge as Maharashtra’s deputy CM.

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NorthEast Now

Feb 8, 2026, 04:00 PM

AICC Accuses Assam Chief Minister of 'Media Trials' and Diversionary Politics

Guwahati:The All India Congress Committee(AICC) on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief MinisterHimanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of resorting to “media trials” and diversionary politics instead of adhering to due judicial process.Speaking at a press conference at theSribhumi DistrictCongress office, AICC Media Cell Convenor Nighat Abbass said that if the Chief Minister possesses any concrete evidence linking Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi toPakistan, he should approach the court and file a formal FIR rather than making allegations in the public domain.Abbass alleged that Sarma’s statements reflected political frustration and aimed to tarnish the image of the Congress leadership through insinuations before the media. “Matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the judiciary should not be casually debated in press briefings,” she said.Taking a swipe at both Prime MinisterNarendra Modiand the Chief Minister, Abbass noted that senior BJP leaders often urge political opponents to “go to Pakistan.” “If they are confident about their claims, they should themselves go to Pakistan, obtain documentary evidence concerning Gaurav Gogoi, and submit it to the court,” she added.She further accused the BJP leadership of being disconnected from the ground realities in Assam’sBarak Valley, asserting that both the Centre and the state government were more focused on political narratives than on addressing the concerns of the people of Karimganj and the wider Barak region.Concluding the remarks, Abbass said the Chief Minister’s repeated public comments on sensitive matters reflected growing impatience and a disregard for institutional processes, warning that such conduct undermines democratic norms and public trust.Related

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 03:52 PM

Sarvam AI Leads India's Shift in Core AI Innovation with Sovereign Models

Bengaluru, February 8:While the global AI conversation is often dominated by the US and China, India is beginning to assert itself in core AI innovation, and Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam AI is leading that shift. The company is building what it calls a “sovereign AI” by developing foundational models entirely in India. Its latest tools, Sarvam Vision and Bulbul V3, are now drawing global attention for their strong performance. Sarvam Vision, the company’s optical character recognition (OCR) model, is outperforming major AI systems such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude on key benchmarks. According to Sarvam AI, the model achieved an accuracy score of 84.3 percent on the olmOCR-Bench, beating Gemini 3 Pro and DeepSeek OCR v2, while ChatGPT ranked significantly lower.India AI Impact Summit 2026: UN Secretary-General António Guterres Hails India’s Leadership Ahead of Key Event. On OmniDocBench v1.5, which evaluates how well AI systems read and understand real-world documents, Sarvam Vision scored an impressive 93.28 percent overall. The model showed especially strong performance on complex layouts, technical tables and mathematical formulas, areas where traditional OCR systems often struggle due to messy formatting and dense content. Sarvam AI co-founder Pratyush Kumar shared details of these achievements in a series of posts on X, highlighting the progress of the company’s in-house AI models. The strong benchmark results have helped Sarvam gain global recognition, particularly after earlier criticism over its focus on Indic-language models.'Ethical Use of AI Is Non-Negotiable': PM Narendra Modi Meets CEOs to Push India’s AI Mission Before India AI Impact Summit 2026. Tech commentator Deedy Das, who had previously questioned the value of training smaller Indic-language models, publicly acknowledged that he had underestimated Sarvam AI. In a post on X, Das praised the company’s OCR and speech models for Indian languages, calling them highly valuable and noting that large global AI labs have largely ignored this space. Users have echoed similar sentiments, with many praising the accuracy and reliability of Sarvam’s tools. In addition to Sarvam Vision, the startup has launched Bulbul V3, a new text-to-speech AI model designed for Indian languages. The tool aims to generate natural and expressive voices, competing with global players like ElevenLabs. Bulbul V3 currently supports more than 35 voices across 11 Indian languages, with plans to expand to 22 languages in the future. Bulbul has also received strong praise from the ecosystem. Pratik Desai, founder of KissanAI, said that Bulbul is their go-to text-to-speech model for Indic use cases and noted that it has improved with every release, while global alternatives remain expensive and less practical for Indian languages. TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (India Today ), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 09:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Feb 8, 2026, 03:50 PM

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Claims Victory in Parliamentary Elections

Thailand's conservative Prime MinisterAnutin Charnvirakulon Sunday claimed victory in the country's parliamentary elections after television projections showed his party winning nearly 200 seats. The vote was a three-way race between the reformist People's Party, the conservative Bhumjaithai Party of incumbent Prime Minister Charnvirakul and Pheu Thai, the party backed by the still-influential Shinawatra family. "We are likely to take first place in the election," Charnvirakul told reporters at his party headquarters in Bangkok. "The victory today belongs to all Thais, no matter whether you voted for us or not." "We acknowledge that we did not come first," People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut told reporters at his party headquarters in Bangkok. "We stand by our principle of respecting the party that finishes first and its right to form the government." Going into the polls, analysts had been predicting a close race that was unlikely to yield an outright winner and were anticipating difficult coalition negotiations following the vote. The vote was held with the country's economy and its vital tourist sector struggling, and amidheightened tensions with neighbor Cambodiathat have resulted in deadly clashes along the border. The country has churned through three prime ministers in under three years since thelast general election in 2023. Thailand, which has seen 13 successful military coups since becoming a constitutional monarchy in 1932, has a longhistory of political instability. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video Ahead of the vote, surveys suggest that the People's Party (PP) would win the most votes for the 500-seat lower house. Its candidate for prime minister is 38-year-old entrepreneur Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. The PP is the successor to the progressive and reformist Move Forward party, which won the last election in 2023 by a landslide. But Move Forward's candidate for prime minister was blocked, and the party was later dissolved after the Constitutional Court found that its reformist agenda amounted to an attempt to overthrow the monarchy. The PP softened that reformist messaging during the campaign for this election. Even if the People's Party were to win the most votes on Sunday,analysts say it is unlikely to win enough of a majority to govern. The other major players are Pheu Thai and conservative Bhumjaithai, led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin, who is widely expected to retain his job in a coalition deal. Pheu Thai, which has long dominated Thai politics, has seen its influence decline after Anutin's predecessor,Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from office last year. Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin, and the political dynasty he leads have shaped Thai politics for more than two decades. Thaksin, a telecoms tycoon and former prime minister, is currently serving aone-year prison sentence for corruption and abuse of power. Thais also voted Sunday in a constitutional referendum on whether the current military-backed charter from 2017 should be replaced. The ballot asked voters if they "approve that there should be a new constitution," with options of "Yes," "No," or "No opinion." The referendum is not an immediate vote on a new constitution. A majority "Yes" vote would give parliament a public mandate to start a multi‑stage drafting process that would require two more referendums before a new charter could be adopted. Edited by: Sean Sinico and Zac Crellin

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 8, 2026, 03:42 PM

Bhiwandi Mayor's Post Enters Decisive Phase as Former Mayor Secures Anticipatory Bail

Bhiwandi:The political landscape in Bhiwandi witnessed a significant shift on Saturday after former mayor and Konark Vikas Aghadi leader Vilas Patil was granted anticipatory bail by a Bhiwandi court. His son, newly elected corporator Advocate Mayuresh Patil, was also granted similar relief. The development has added a fresh twist to the already intense contest for the mayor’s post, triggering renewed political activity across party lines. Case Stems from Post-Election Clashes The case dates back to violent clashes that erupted between supporters of Konark Vikas Aghadi and BJP MLA Mahesh Choughule following the declaration of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation election results. The altercation had led to the registration of cases against as many as 51 persons at Nizampur police station. Among those named were Vilas Patil, his son Mayuresh Patil, and several workers from both camps. On Saturday, the court granted anticipatory bail to a total of 26 accused—23 from Konark Vikas Aghadi and three from the BJP. With Vilas Patil now relieved from the immediate legal threat of arrest, political observers say the mayoral race has entered a decisive phase. Case Stems from Post-Election Clashes The timing of the bail order is politically crucial. On Friday, the BJP officially announced Narayan Chaudhary as its candidate for the mayor’s post. However, the decision reportedly triggered discontent within the party, with corporator Sumit Patil—nephew of former Union Minister of State Kapil Patil—openly expressing dissatisfaction. This has exposed internal divisions within the BJP at a critical juncture. Against this backdrop, Vilas Patil’s re-emergence has intensified speculation. Although Konark Vikas Aghadi has only four elected corporators, Patil is believed to command considerable influence among corporators from the NCP SP, Congress and Samajwadi Party. In the past, Patil had successfully engineered cross-voting by Congress corporators to ensure his wife, Pratibha Patil, was elected mayor. Mayoral Post “Passes Through Patil Family”: Son’s Remark While Vilas Patil had earlier denied contesting the mayoral election, his son Mayuresh Patil had made a statement suggesting that the mayor’s post traditionally “passes through the Patil family,” fuelling political buzz. Attempts to contact Vilas Patil for his response were unsuccessful. With shifting alliances, internal party rifts and renewed manoeuvring, the race for Bhiwandi’s mayoral post is set for a high-voltage showdown in the coming days. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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Republic World

Feb 8, 2026, 03:38 PM

India and Canada Strengthen Security Cooperation Against Khalistani Terrorists

New Delhi:India and Canada are taking steps to renew bilateral relations and strengthen their security cooperation, with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent visit to Canada. During his visit, Doval met with Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, on February 7, as part of the regular bilateral security dialogue. Following the meeting, Canada has promised to crack down on anti-India forces, which had been a safe haven for Khalistani terrorists, for a long time. The two counterparts also discussed cooperation on counter-terrorism and information sharing. Canada's latest statement comes after its intelligence agency confirmed that Khalistani extremists are using Canadian soil to plan and fund violence in India. The agency's report stated that these groups pose a national security threat to Canada and its interests. The Indian side raised concerns about the activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil, including threats to Indian officials and diplomatic premises. The Canadian side assured India to address these concerns, while also emphasising its own concerns about transnational criminal gangs. The meeting between Doval and Drouin focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing concerns over Khalistani separatism. India has been pushing Canada to take concrete actions against these extremist groups, and the recent arrest of Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a key Khalistan Referendum coordinator, is seen as a big step in this direction. Gosal's arrest was followed by threats from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against India and NSA Doval. India has cautioned Canada that Khalistan networks pose a real and urgent threat, and it's expected that Ottawa will take further action to address these concerns. The meeting also focused on enhancing cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues, with both sides agreeing to establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers. The move is expected to streamline bilateral communications and facilitate timely information sharing on issues like the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized criminal networks. Canada has also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing, as well as continuing discussions on cooperation related to fraud and immigration enforcement. The meeting is seen as a major step forward in India-Canada relations, which had been strained in recent years due to differences over Khalistani terrorists. Doval's visit has led to a renewed focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, with India providing Canada with detailed dossiers on Khalistani terrorists, including financial trail intelligence and evidence linking them to terrorist activities. A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each country, facilitating streamlined bilateral communications and timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern. The analysts expected that the move was to strengthen cooperation on countering the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized criminal networks. India-Canada Shifting Bilateral Equation The meeting between Doval and Drouin was a crucial step forward in India-Canada relations, which had been strained in recent years due to differences over Khalistani terrorism and other issues. The two sides have been working to reset their relationship, with a focus on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Both sides acknowledged the clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement. The MEA also noted that the two NSAs had "productive discussions on advancing the bilateral relationship, including in areas such as counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime and intelligence exchanges". The meeting outlined the shared worries of India and Canada regarding terrorism, transnational organised crime, and cybersecurity threats. The two sides agreed to strengthen security cooperation and reinforce existing mechanisms of engagement, with a focus on practical collaboration on respective priorities. Here's Is What Ministry Of External Affairs said on the latest development:

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Financial Express

Feb 8, 2026, 03:37 PM

Indian Markets Rebound as US Announces Trade Deal with India

The markets hit a four-month low on Budget day. But subsequent developments suggest that the stars are finally aligning for India. The US, which had been in a threatening and punitive mode on trade tariffs since April 2025, finally relented on February 2 and announced a trade deal, the contours of which will be chiselled later. A combination of restraint, studied silence, and some plain speaking backed by facts and figures by the government drove home the point that India was not anti-US but was merely ensuring fair play for its people. The US buckled under pressure when it saw that the India-EU deal was imminent. Its representatives were in South Block even while the EU team was in India during the January 25–27 period. Not wanting to lose India, the US even released a map showing PoJK and Aksai Chin as part of India. Technically speaking, it was a highly volatile week, not seen in months. The Nifty made a low of 24,571 on Sunday, February 1, after the presentation of the Union Budget, and closed at 24,825. The apprehension was that when FIIs returned in full force on Monday, markets could tumble further. But that didn’t happen. The Nifty made a higher low of 24,679 — 108 points higher than Sunday—and closed still higher at 25,088. On Tuesday, the Nifty opened sharply higher with a gap of 1,200 points—the largest rise ever in point terms in the index’s history—as the US announced its intention to strike a trade deal with India. The markets have largely lingered lower since that Tuesday gap-up but still managed to close the week with a gain of 373 points, or 1.47%. The Nifty is now above its 50-, 100-, and 200-day exponential moving averages. A positive divergence is also visible in the Relative Strength Index, which augurs well. However, continued weakness persists in the mid- and small-cap indices. Both have recovered some lost ground intraday, indicating a possible trend reversal—something that will require positive follow-up this week. A gap of 51 points exists between the high of 25,400 seen on Budget day and the low of 25,491 on Friday. This zone will act as a strong support. In terms of resistance, 25,818—the high seen on Wednesday—is the first major hurdle. Above this, strong resistance comes from trendline number 85 and the highs of 26,341 seen on February 3 and 26,373 registered on January 5. It must be remembered that the trade deals are still a work in progress and will take time to be implemented. They will first need to be agreed upon, signed, and passed by the respective parliaments before coming into effect. Investors will have to be patient.

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Republic World

Feb 8, 2026, 03:34 PM

Boney Kapoor Acquires Rights To Jiiva's 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil' For Hindi Remake

Jiiva delivered the surprise Pongal hit Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil this year. While Thalapathy Vijay was poised to bring Jana Nayagan, his final film, on January 9, censor hurdles caused a delay and now, the movie stands indefinitely postponed. Since there was no biggie releasing on Pongal, fans had lost all hopes util Jiiva came and delivered with political comic drama TTT. After conquering box office, the movie is all set to stream on OTT soon. Also read:Kritika Finalises Wedding 2 Months After Making Relationship Official Meanwhile, according to latest reports, producer Boney Kapoor has acquired the rights to TTT. It seems like he intends to make a Hindi remake of the movie. It is said that Boney was in Coimbatore for Celebrity Cricket League when he happened to watch the film in theatres. Boney loved TTT and immediately approached the producers with the offer of buying the film's rights. Also read:Ramayana: Vikrant Sets The Record Straight On Meghanad Casting Switch

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 03:20 PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Over Peter Mandelson's Appointment Amid Epstein Scandal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday resigned over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, who was allegedly linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself," Morgan McSweeney said in a statement. Also Read: Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM’s Future? “I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice," he added. Starmer is facing the gravest political crisis of his premiership after a scandal involving the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States triggered anger within his own Labour Party and fresh public backlash. Starmer on Thursday apologised to victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Mandelson, a longtime associate of Epstein, to the prestigious diplomatic post. The apology came as opposition parties called for his resignation and some Labour lawmakers questioned his judgement. Also Read: ‘Don’t Want To Cause Embarrassment’: Ex-British Envoy Resigns From Labour Party Over Epstein Links Newly released files last week revealed intimate email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein, as well as evidence of financial dealings and the sharing of potentially sensitive information. Starmer admitted he knew Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, but said he was unaware of the “depth and darkness" of the relationship. He fired Mandelson in September after only seven months in the post, but the damage to his own credibility has been severe.

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Feb 8, 2026, 03:07 PM

German Skier Emma Aicher Wins Silver in Dramatic Olympic Downhill as Lindsey Vonn Suffers Serious Injury

German skier Emma Aicher won silver in a dramatic Olympic downhill race in Italy's Cortina d'Ampezzo on Sunday, securing Germany's first medal of the2026 Winter Olympics. However, celebrations on the podium were somewhat overshadowed after US star Lindsey Vonn suffered a fall and was taken to the hospital. Aicher finished second in the downhill, earning a silver for Germany. The 22-year-old was beaten by just 0.04 seconds by US world champion Breezy Johnson, who clinched gold. Italy's Sofia Goggia took bronze in front of a home crowd. The result marks Germany's first individual Olympic skiing medal in 12 years. Aicher told German broadcaster ZDF that the course had been aggressive over every jump, and that she had initially not been able to work out how good her performance had been. "It just felt absolutely wild. Every jump kind of tore me apart," she said. "To be honest, I didn't think it would work out after the run." After learning about the medal, Aicher at first expressed frustration at narrowly missing gold before realizing the scale of her achievement. "Emma is already a true star on the Olympic stage," said German Olympic Sports Confederation President Thomas Weikert. Aicher has long been regarded as a leading future prospect in German alpine skiing. She first emerged on the global stage five years ago at the World Championships in Cortina, contributing to a team bronze. Vonn's big dream of a second Olympic gold after 16 years ended after just 13 seconds. The 41-year-old, who had torn a left knee ligament nine days earlier, was thrown off at the first tricky bump, somersaulted, and lay screaming in the snow with her legs twisted. Rescue services evacuated her by helicopter using a winch. "My heart goes out to her, I hope it is not as bad as it looks," US teammate Johnson said. Aicher also expressed her concern. "I immediately looked away; I hope it's nothing serious," she said. The games began with anopening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadiumon Friday, when US Vice President JD Vance was booed by the crowd on Friday. On Saturday,Italian police fired tear gas and a water cannonat protesters who threw firecrackers and tried to access a highway near a games venue. The protests were against thepresence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officialsat the games as part of the US security detail. ICE has faced criticism for their treatment of immigrants in the US, as well as thekilling of two US citizens by its agents on the streets of Minneapolis. Edited by: Zac Crellin

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Republic World

Feb 8, 2026, 03:04 PM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Criticizes Congress Party Over Corruption and Maoist Support in Chhattisgarh

Raipur:Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack at the Congress during his visit to Raipur saying that Chhattisgarh had to bear the brunt of several corruption scams when the Congress was in power in the state just like “a horror film”. Shah even claimed that the Congress government was supporting the Maoist movement in the state. “As soon as the Congress government came to power here, a small state was suddenly confronted with numerous corruption issues, like something out of a horror film. At that time, I was the Home Minister, and Bhupesh Baghel's government was in power,” Shah said while speaking at a session in Nava Raipur. The Union Home Minister was speaking at the valedictory session of Organiser’s conclave titled “Chhattisgarh @ 25: Shifting the Lens: Security, Prosperity and Stability” Amit Shad even went ahead to claim that the state government in Congress has been supporting the Maoist movement. "I can say without hesitation that the Chhattisgarh Congress government has been supporting the Maoist movement. There is no need for anyone to doubt this. How can a government provide support and shelter to those who are armed?" he said. Calling for statistical data to find out which government had carried out better policies in the state, Shah asked, “Governments of three different ideologies have been in power, more or less everywhere, for long periods. The Congress party was in power, and now the Bharatiya Janata Party is in power, and the Communists have also been in power. Wouldn't it be appropriate for all statisticians, irrespective of ideology, to present comparative data on the statistics of the governments that operated under these three ideologies to the people of this country?” “I can tell you, the Bharatiya Janata Party has performed the best among all three ideologies, and there is no denying this. Chhattisgarh is an example of this,” he answered. Elaborating on his claim, Shah said, “Twenty-five years ago, when Chhattisgarh was formed, it was considered a state plagued by Maoism. For about eighteen of those twenty-five years, the Bharatiya Janata Party government was in power, and for seven years, the Congress government was in power. And when we look back after twenty-five years, the state, which was considered a backward state, is on the verge of becoming a developed state, and Maoism is on the verge of being completely eradicated. This qualitative change in Chhattisgarh has been brought about by the Bharatiya Janata Party government, which operates on the basis of its ideology.” Shah held two high-level meetings in Raipur to review anti-Maoist operations in the state during his day long visit to Chhattisgarh. The Union Home Minister said on X that the security-centric strategy, strengthening of infrastructure, crackdown on Maoist financial networks, and the surrender policy have yielded positive results. Shah also reiterated that Maoists will be completely eliminated from the country before the March 31, 2026.

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 03:00 PM

UK Ambassador Appointment Scandal: Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Over Peter Mandelson's Jeffrey Epstein Ties

London, February 8:British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff resigned Sunday over the furor surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Morgan McSweeney said he took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson, 72, to Britain's most important diplomatic post in 2024. “The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself,” McSweeney said in a statement. “When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice."Epstein Files: British Politician Peter Mandelson Faces Pressure To Quit House of Lords Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties. Starmer is facing a political storm and questions about his judgement after newly published documents, part of a huge trove of Epstein files made public in the United States, suggested that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to the convicted sex offender when he was the U.K. government’s business secretary during the 2008 financial crisis. Starmer’s government has promised to release its own emails and other documentation related to Mandelson’s appointment, which it says will show that Mandelson misled officials. Mandelson, a former Cabinet minister, ambassador and elder statesman of the governing Labour Party, has not been arrested or charged.Epstein Files: Viral Video Shows S*x Offender Jeffrey Epstein Chasing Young Girls in Kitchen As DoJ Releases New Documents. Metropolitan Police officers searched Mandelson’s London home and another property linked to him on Friday. Police said the investigation is complex and will require “a significant amount of further evidence gathering and analysis.” Starmer had fired Mandelson in September from his ambassadorial job over earlier revelations about his Epstein ties. But critics say the emails recently published by the U.S. Justice Department have brought serious concerns about Starmer’s judgment to the fore. They argue that he should have known better than to appoint Mandelson in the first place. TruLY Score 4 – Reliable | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 4 on LatestLY. The information comes from reputable news agencies like (AP). While not an official source, it meets professional journalism standards and can be confidently shared with your friends and family, though some updates may follow. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 08:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 02:52 PM

Lindsey Vonn Airlifted to Hospital After Crash in Women's Downhill Final at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

American alpine skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to a local hospital on Sunday after a heavy crash during the women’s downhill final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old, who was attempting a historic comeback, lost control just 13 seconds into her run. Vonn clipped the fourth gate of the course with her right arm, which sent her into an unbalanced rotation off a jump. She landed sideways on the hard-packed snow and tumbled several times before coming to a rest.Penisgate at 2026 Winter Olympics: What is Ski Jumping Gold Medal Scandal? The race was immediately halted as medical personnel rushed to the scene. Witnesses reported hearing the three-time Olympic medallist crying out in pain as she was attended to on the snow for approximately 15 minutes. Due to the location of the accident on the steep Tofane slope, a mountain rescue helicopter was deployed to the course. Vonn was strapped to a gurney and hoisted from the mountain to be transported for further evaluation. The U.S. Ski Team has not yet released a formal medical update, stating only that she is undergoing a thorough assessment by specialists. 🚨🇺🇸 US skiing star Lindsey Vonn is airlifted to the hospital after crashing just 13 seconds into her downhill run in the Olympic final. The three-time medalist came into the Games with a “completely ruptured” ACL in her left knee.pic.twitter.com/bXpWTNms2m — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews)February 8, 2026 Vonn’s appearance in Sunday’s race was considered an extraordinary feat of endurance. Only nine days prior, she had suffered a ruptured ACL, bone bruising, and meniscus damage during a World Cup event in Switzerland.Where to Watch 2026 Winter Olympics Live Streaming in India? Despite the severity of that injury, and having previously undergone a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee, Vonn had insisted on competing. She successfully completed two training runs on Friday and Saturday, clocking the third-fastest time in her final practice session. BREAKING🚨: U.S. skiing veteran Lindsey Vonn crashes at the Winter Olympics; medevac’d by helicopterpic.twitter.com/J7Vamo3C6r — Officer Lew (@officer_Lew)February 8, 2026 The crash cast a sombre mood over the Olympic venue, where thousands of fans, including celebrities like rapper Snoop Dogg, had gathered to witness Vonn's final Olympic bid. Following a 30-minute delay, the race resumed. Vonn’s teammate, Breezy Johnson, eventually secured the gold medal with a time of 1:36.10. Germany’s Emma Aicher took silver, while home favourite Sofia Goggia of Italy claimed the bronze. Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), described the incident as "tragic but part of the reality of ski racing," praising Vonn for her immense contribution to the sport and her tenacity in reaching the starting gate at 41 years of age. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Deccan Herald

Feb 8, 2026, 02:51 PM

Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney Quits

London: British ‌Prime ⁠Minister ‌Keir Starmer's chief of staff Morgan ‌McSweeney ‌has quit, ⁠Sky News ⁠and Guardian ⁠reporters ‌said ‌on Sunday. Experience a more refined e-paper today

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NorthEast Now

Feb 8, 2026, 02:49 PM

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee Files Complaint Over Alleged Assault on Women Leaders During Party Convoy

Guwahati:TheAssam Pradesh Congress Committee(APCC) has approached theAssam State Commission for Women, seeking a formal inquiry into the alleged assault and harassment of women leaders during the party’sParivartan Yatraahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.According to the complaint, the incident occurred at Bihaguri under the Barchalla CDC when the Congress convoy was travelling fromTezpurto Dhekiajuli along National Highway-15. The party alleged that individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blocked the convoy, heckled women leaders, and made obscene and derogatory remarks in public, thereby amounting to an affront to their dignity.The Congress further alleged that a woman leader who tried to intervene and protect the convoy was physically assaulted and sustained injuries. Those injured include senior APCC spokesperson Rupa Kalita Das,Assam Pradesh Mahila Congressgeneral secretary Trishna Bora Kakati, and Sonitpur District Mahila Congress president Sampurna Saikia.At the time of the alleged incident, the bus near which the assault took place was carrying several senior Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, Assam PCC presidentGaurav Gogoi, CLP leader Debabrata Saikia, AICC special observer Bandhu Tirkey, MPs Pradyut Bordoloi and Rakibul Hussain, and Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress presidentMira Borthakur.The complaint submitted to the Commission includes digital evidence and seeks action under provisions of theAssam State Commission for Women Act, 1994, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The alleged offences cited range from insulting the modesty of women and voluntarily causing hurt to wrongful restraint and unlawful assembly.The Congress has also sought an examination of the role of police personnel deployed at the site, alleging possible negligence or dereliction of duty, and urged the Commission to take cognisance of the matter and initiate strict legal action against those responsible.Related

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Feb 8, 2026, 02:44 PM

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff Resigns Over Controversial Ambassador Appointment

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned on Sunday aspressure intensified over Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelsonas Britain's ambassador to the United States. The departure deepened a political crisis for Starmer after newly published US documents raised questions about Mandelson's past relationship with the late convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein. McSweeney, Starmer's closest adviser, said he took responsibility for recommending Mandelson's appointment. "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong," McSweeney said in a statement. "He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself," McSweeney said. "When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice." Mandelson was sacked last Septemberover his relationship with Epstein. However, the controversy escalated after documents released in the United States suggested Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with Epstein. The documents formed part of a larger trove of files made public in the US. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video The material raised questions about Mandelson's conduct at the time, when he was serving as Britain's business secretary during the 2008 financial crisis. Starmer faced mounting criticism — and suggestions that he should also step down — over his judgment in sending Mandelson to Washington in 2024. The 48-year-old Irish strategist has been keeping a low profile but is being described by some as "the most powerful man in politics" after playing a key role in Starmer's decisive election victory in July 2024. He was credited with helping steer Labour toward a more centrist agenda after the left-wing tenure of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. McSweeney was said to have been close to Mandelson. Mandelson was an influential figure in British politics and the Labour Party for decades. He was central to Labour's shift toward the political center in the 1990s, in a similar way to McSweeney,helping former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair modernize the partyand win the 1997 landslide election. The now 72-year-old was long dubbed the "Prince of Darkness," a term widely used to describe his reputation as a highly skilled, behind-the-scenes political operator. However, he proved to be a divisive and controversial figure, and was forced out of government twice under Blair over allegations of misconduct. McSweeney's resignation came as the Foreign Office said it was reviewing an exit payment to Mandelson, who was sacked over renewed scrutiny of the nature of his contacts with Epstein. Mandelson received an estimated payout of up to £55,000 (€64,000, $74,000) after only seven months in the job. He now faces a police investigation over potential misconduct in public office. Mandelson is not accused of any sexual offenses.

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Siasat News✓

Feb 8, 2026, 02:43 PM

West Bengal Chief Minister's Supreme Court Appearance Challenged in Special Intensive Revision Hearing

An application has been filed againstWest BengalChief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s personal appearance in the Supreme Court in relation to last week’sSpecial Intensive Revision(SIR) hearing against the Election Commission of India. Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHS) Vice President Satish Kumar Aggarwal filed the application seeking intervention in the matter. According to his application, the Bengal CM’s petition raising issues to the SIR is a matter of the State governance. Her appearance in the court looks like a more personal or private dispute. “Such personal appearance by a sitting Chief Minister is constitutionally improper, institutionally undesirable, and legally untenable, as it runs contrary to settled judicial conventions, established court practice, and principles of judicial discipline, particularly in proceedings where professional legal representation is already in place,” the application read. Satish Kumar Aggarwal has also questioned the maintainability of the writ petition, arguing CM Banerjee could not have approached the Supreme Court under Article 32 in the absence of any violation of her fundamental rights. He further emphasised the significance of the SIR exercise in West Bengal, citing reports of illegal immigrants fleeing the state to evade the process. The SIR case is scheduled for its next hearing on Monday, February 9. In her first appearance, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called theECIa “WhatsApp Commission,” alleging the poll body issued informal orders through the messaging platform to booth-level officers (BLO). “Bengal is being unfairly targeted. People are being bulldozed,” she urged a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi to “save democracy.” She also welcomed the top court’s earlier order to include Aadhaar as one of the supporting documents, but alleged that the poll panel is not allowing it and is seeking other documents from the voters for electoral roll revision. “Four states are going to elections. Why, after 24 years, was the hurry to do it in three months? The ECI is hell-bent on targeting Bengal as elections are due this year,” she said and claimed that many living persons have been declared dead by the poll body during SIR.

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Deccan Herald

Feb 8, 2026, 02:36 PM

Assam CM Accuses Congress MP of Violating Visa Rules and National Security Norms During Pakistan Visit

Guwahati: In what may charge up politics ahead of Assembly elections in March-April, Assam CM Himanta Biswa on Sunday said that investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed that Congress MP, Gaurav Gogoi was issued visa by Pakistan during his visit in 2013 by deviating from the 2012 India-Pakistan visa regime. Experience a more refined e-paper today Releasing the much-waited SIT report, Sarma said the 2012 visa regime allowed only city specific visas. "Gaurav was initially granted visa on December 12, 2013, to visit only Lahore but on December 16, when Gaurav was in Pakistan, the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan granted special permission to visit Islamabad and Karachi. Further investigation is warranted as to how this special clearance was obtained from the Government of Pakistan in such a short duration," the SIT report, a copy of which was also given to DH, said. Sarma said it also revealed that Gaurav's British wife, Elizabeth Colburn was paid salary from Pakistan even as she was transferred to India chapter of an NGO in 2012. This, Sarma said, while quoting the SIT report, was violation of Section 3 (1) (g) of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010. Sarma further stated that the SIT probe revealed that Elizabeth had send a 50-page "confidential report" to Ali Tauqueer Sheikh, a Pakistan national, who headed the NGO, Lead Pakistan. Sheikh, Sarma and the SIT said, had maintained an anti-India stand. He also headed Climate Development Knowledge Network. The SIT was formed by Assam government in February 2025 after Sarma alleged that Gogoi and Elizabeth had links with Pakistani agencies including the Inter Service Intelligenc (ISI). Parliament questions - The SIT said five months after his Pakistan visit, Gaurav was elected as Lok Sabha member for the first time from Kaliabor in Assam. After his election, Gaurav had asked questions in the Parliament related to India's military preparedness, espionage at Pakistan High. Commission, Kashmir conflict and climate change, an area close to his wife's area of work. "Further investigation is warranted to determine the intention behind asking these questions given Elizabeth Colburn's extensive networks in Pakistan," said the SIT report. Sarma on Sunday said he suspected that Gaurav must have undergone "some kind of training" as he had maintained "digital silence" during his 10-day-long visit to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. "Pakistan's military headquarters is in Islamabad. Let him answer on what he did, whom he met during the 10-days. Why did he go silent on social media for those 10 days?" Gaurav is now a national security threat." When asked why Gaurav had not been arrested if he was a national security theft, Sarma said, "If I arrest him now, I will be accused of doing politics ahead of Assembly elections." Sarma, however, said Gaurav had not been questioned by the SIT for being an MP but Elizabeth was grilled. "So the government of Assam yesterday decided to refer the matter to the MHA for a through investigation by a central agency. We have left the matter of questioning Gaurav to a central agency." Sarma said Elizabeth, during questioning refused to reply to some of the questions. "When the SIT asked her how did she get the IB report which she cited in her confidential report to Ali Tauqueer, she just said she got in public domain. Someone must have helped her." Sarma asked why Elizabeth had not changed her British citizenship after marriage on September 24, 2013. Gaurav's two children are also British citizen. "Three out of his four family members are British citizens and he wants to be Assam CM." Sarma also challenged Gaurav's claim that he had gone to Pakistan to meet his wife. "When Gaurav had gone there in 2023 but Elizabeth shifted to India and joined Lead India as a consultant on climate change issues in 2012." Sarma said Elizabeth had even visited Pakistan nine times after marriage. "Even if she joined Lead India, she was not reporting to Lead India head Bhabna Luthra. Luthta told the SIT that Elizabeth reported to Sheikh." Super flop show - Gaurav, who now is the face of the Congress-led Operation alliance, gearing up for the Assembly polls, called Sarma's allegations a "super flop show." "He even could not convince the journalists in the room about the allegations. He is doing all these as we are exposing his corruption and how his family grabbed 4,000 acres of land across Assam." Gaurav, however, did not clarify on the allegations made by Sarma and the SIT. Sarma was supported to release the SIT report on September 10 last year. The same was postponed due to singer Zubeen Garg's death on September 19.

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 02:30 PM

Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim: Bundesliga 2025-26 Live Streaming and TV Telecast Details

Bundesliga 2025–26 Free Live Streaming and TV Telecast Details:Bundesliga 2025-26 leaders Bayern Munich host third-placed TSG Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena on February 8, seeking to end a rare two-match winless streak. The Bavarians are under pressure to protect their six-point lead over Borussia Dortmund. While Bayern remain the league's most potent offensive force, they face a Hoffenheim side that has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, entering the fixture on a five-match winning run since the turn of the year.Harry Kane Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland In Unique European Record, Becomes Fastest Player Ever To Reach 100 Goals For Bayern Munich. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8. Venue:Allianz Arena in Munich Time:10:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) Indian viewers can follow the Bundesliga action through the following options: Live Streaming:SonyLIV, the OTT platform of Sony Sports Network, will be providing the live streaming of Bundesliga 2025-26 in India. Fans can tune into the SonyLIV app and website to watch the Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim 2025–26 live streaming online. Telecast:Sony Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the Bundesliga 2025-26 in India. Fans in India might find the Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim 2025–26 live telecast on the Sony Sports Network Ten TV channels.Dietmar Hamann Urges Bayern Munich To Rethink Early Contract Extension for Harry Kane, Says ‘Extending His Contract Would Be Madness’. The hosts have been bolstered by positive medical news. Talismanic striker Harry Kane, who leads the league with 22 goals, has recovered from a mid-week illness and is expected to start. Captain Manuel Neuer is also tipped to feature after overcoming a gastrointestinal infection, meaning Kompany should have a near-full strength squad at his disposal as they look to replicate their 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim from earlier this season. The visitors' success has been built on an aggressive, high-intensity style that mirrors Bayern's own approach. However, they will have to navigate today’s clash without key midfielder Wouter Burger, who is suspended. Defensive mainstay Koki Machida remains a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury, while forward Adam Hlozek is also ruled out with a calf problem. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 08:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Odisha TV

Feb 8, 2026, 02:26 PM

Odisha's Malkangiri District Becomes Temporary Home for Chhattisgarh MLA Kawasi Lakhma After Bail

After interim bail, Chhattisgarh MLA Kawasi Lakhma shifts base to Odisha’s Malkangiri Photograph: (OTV) Chhattisgarh MLA and former minister Kawasi Lakhma will temporarily reside in Odisha’sMalkangiri districtfollowing the grant of interim bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged liquor scam case. As per the conditions laid down by the apex court, Lakhma has been barred from entering or staying in his home state of Chhattisgarh during the bail period, prompting him to shift to the neighbouring district of Malkangiri in Odisha.

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First Post

Feb 8, 2026, 02:22 PM

Bangladesh Seeks UN Assistance to Investigate Murder of Political Activist Sharif Osman Hadi

Bangladesh has sought assistance from the United Nations human rights office to investigate the killing of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure linked to the mass protests in 2024 that led to the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to an interim government press release cited by AFP, Bangladesh’s mission in Geneva has sent a diplomatic note to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), seeking support for a “fair, impartial and expeditious” investigation. The note requests technical and institutional assistance from the UN body to aid the probe. Hadi, a 32-year-old spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was shot in the head by unidentified masked assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 while leaving a mosque. He was airlifted to Singapore for specialised treatment but died six days later, on December 18, at Singapore General Hospital. After his body was repatriated from Singapore, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus declared a one-day state mourning on December 20, 2025. In an attempt to ease tensions, the government and Dhaka University granted permission for Hadi to be buried near the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, close to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Hadi emerged as a prominent figure during the July 2024 uprising and was preparing to contest the Dhaka-8 constituency as an independent candidate in the February 2026 elections. His political rhetoric was marked by strong anti-India messaging, including allegations of “Indian hegemony” and claims that New Delhi was sheltering the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Hadi’s killing sparked violent protests in several parts of Bangladesh. Supporters attacked the offices of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, accusing them of pro-India bias. Cultural and political sites were also targeted, including the vandalisation of the Chhayanaut cultural centre and the demolition of an Awami League office in Rajshahi. NHPC has floated a Rs 5,129 crore tender for the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir, the first major project after suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The project will have a total capacity of 1,856 MW, be developed in two stages, and is expected to boost power generation and infrastructure in the region. Bid submissions for construction open on March 12 and close on March 20, with the overall completion period set at 3,285 days. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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Financial Express

Feb 8, 2026, 02:16 PM

Norway's Crown Princess Embroiled in Fresh Controversy Over Jeffrey Epstein Correspondence

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette‑Marit has been thrust into a fresh controversy after her name appeared repeatedly in newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents. Documents released in January by the US Department of Justice as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act included hundreds of emails between Mette‑Marit and Epstein from 2011 to 2014. In one exchange from 2012, Epstein wrote that he was on a “wife hunt,” saying “Paris is proving interesting but I prefer Scandinavians,” to which the Norwegian royal responded that Paris was “good for adultery” and that “Scandis [are] better wife material.” The correspondence, which also included messages in which Mette‑Marit referred to Epstein as “sweetheart,” “soft hearted,” and “very charming”, has dominated media coverage in Norway, as per reports. The files also showed that the princess stayed several days in 2013 at a Palm Beach property owned by Epstein, arranged through a mutual acquaintance, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Her name appeared nearly 1,000 times in the recently released emails. Mette‑Marit has publicly responded to the revelations with multiple apologies, admitting she showed “poor judgment” in maintaining contact with Epstein. “Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen,” her statement read. She also expressed “deep sympathy and solidarity” with Epstein’s victims, People reported. The controversy has spurred political and public scrutiny in Norway, with critics questioning whether Mette‑Marit should ascend to the throne. Polls show declining public support for her becoming queen, with a significant portion of the population now opposed, according to TV2. The revelations come as the princess is already coping with ongoing legal troubles involving her 29-year-old son Marius Borg Høiby. Høiby faces 38 charges, including the rape of four women and assaults on former partners, and could be jailed for up to 16 years.

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 02:09 PM

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses UP Government of Misusing Special Intensive Revision Process

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused the state government of large-scale misuse of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that professional agencies hired by the government were selectively targeting booths where his party had won elections. “The government has hired certain agencies comprising professionals sitting in Delhi, Lucknow and other places across the country," Yadav said during a press conference in Lucknow. “They have access to the entire electoral roll data and, using that, they are identifying booths where the Samajwadi Party won elections previously." He further alleged that Form-7 of the SIR process, which is used to object to someone’s inclusion in the electoral roll or request deletion of a name already listed, is being systematically filled and sent from such booths. “The forms are properly filled, printed and then sent. At many places, this has led to protests and disturbances," he added. ‘Influencing Election Outcomes’ The SP chief claimed the SIR process was being used to influence elections across the country, including in Bihar and West Bengal. “Through the SIR, they (the BJP) have managed to win the Bihar elections… The BJP is trying to do the same thing in Bengal. That is why the Bengal government and its chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) are repeatedly saying that the poll panel has become the BJP’s commission," he remarked. He also lent support to Mamata Banerjee’s fight against the SIR, saying her personal appearance in the Supreme Court displayed how the Election Commission had become a ‘Sahyogi Dal’ (key ally) of the BJP. He also said several Samajwadi Party workers had long flagged the suspicious workers. Yadav also demanded an immediate halt to the use of Form-7 and expressed concerns over the safety of booth-level officers (BLOs. “It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to remain impartial and protect constitutional values. The more the system is strengthened, the stronger democracy will become," he said. BJP Says Akhilesh ‘Misleading Public’ The BJP hit back at Akhilesh Yadav’s claims, accusing him of misleading the public. UP Minister Narendra Kumar Kashyap said the SP chief has been continuously misleading voters in the state since the beginning of the SIR exercise. He said it was not a good sign of democracy in UP that the opposition party was exploiting the issue instead of following a legal process. “If Akhilesh ji is calling SIR the NRC, then understand that he is trying to mislead the public. Akhilesh Yadav has realised that the Samajwadi Party is headed for a crushing defeat in 2027," BJP leader SN Singh told PTI. “He is already scripting excuses for that loss, wondering where he will hide his face and what he will say afterward. That is why sometimes he calls it SIR, sometimes NRC; sometimes he says it will help the BJP win, sometimes that it will help the Samajwadi Party," he added. (with PTI inputs)

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 02:01 PM

Bangladesh Seeks UN Human Rights Assistance to Investigate Killing of Student Leader Osman Hadi

Bangladesh has requested assistance from the United Nations human rights office in investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a young leader who emerged from the student uprising that reshaped the country’s political landscape last year. AFP quoted the interim government’s press wing stating that the Bangladeshi mission in Geneva had sent a diplomatic note requesting the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support a “fair, impartial and expeditious" probe into the killing. “The note requests technical and institutional assistance from the UN human rights office to support the investigation," it added. Also Read: Who Was Osman Hadi, The Student Leader Whose Killing Has Triggered Unrest Across Bangladesh? Osman Hadi was a prominent figure in the violent 2024 student-led protests, known as the July Uprising, that led to the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. He was also a candidate in the February 12 parliamentary elections. Hadi was shot in Dhaka on December 12 while campaigning and later died of his injuries. Hadi’s killing has not only devastated supporters of the Inqilab Mancha, the anti-Hasina platform he helped lead, but has also triggered large-scale protests, attacks on media offices, and demonstrations outside Indian diplomatic premises. For many who took part in the July Uprising and the toppling of the Awami League government, Hadi had come to embody the spirit of the movement, and news of his death has intensified anxieties among his supporters. Also Read: At Least 40 Injured In Dhaka As Police, Protesters Clash Over Osman Hadi Killing Fresh clashes broke out in Dhaka on Friday evening as police confronted activists of Inqilab Mancho in the Shahbagh area during a protest demanding justice for slain student leader Osman Hadi. According to Dhaka Tribune, around 40 to 50 people were injured in the confrontation, including Mohiuddin Roni, an independent candidate from Dhaka-18. Police used baton charges, tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. The violence marked the second protest on Friday near the residence of Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus.

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The Indian Express

Feb 8, 2026, 02:00 PM

Vinod Khanna's Cancer Journey: Breathwork, Meditation, and Alternative Treatment

Legendary actor and politician Vinod Khanna breathed his last in April 2017. While he died of bladder cancer, a little known fact is that he was also diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2001, which he reportedly overcame after undertaking weeks of breathwork and meditation. His wife Kavita Khanna has revealed the details of Vinod’s cancer journey in the first video of her new YouTube channel. “It was 2001 when Vinod had a diagnosis of lung cancer. He’d gone for his annual checkup, and they saw patches in the lungs. He’d smoke 40 to 80 cigarettes a day. We went to the leading MRI specialists of Mumbai , and they all said it was lung cancer,” recalled Kavita. They were told half of his lung would be removed, but life would go on as usual. Kavita and Vinod Khanna kept the diagnosis to themselves, and only consulted spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar before going in for surgery. “Gurudev,” as they’d address him, suggested they should consult the head of oncology at AIIMS Delhi whether they can wait for a month or two and focus on breath work instead. Once the head of oncology approved, Gurudev directed Vinod to visit the Rishikesh ashram and do the sudarshan kriya there three times a day. “Later, we went to Germany. One evening, Vinod got this terrible pain somewhere around his shoulder. He was just lying in pain for two days. Then Gurudev came to see how he was, and then suggested we get an X-ray done. There was no broken rib, but the important thing was there’s no cancer. Unbelievable! We came back via London, they saw all the reports, and couldn’t accept there’s been a complete cure. They just thought reports get mixed up in India,” recalled Kavita. While the lung cancer was cured completely, a new cancer was diagnosed in the bladder in 2010. “The prognosis is if he did everything that allopathy had to offer, there was a 25% chance he’d be alive after two years. Vinod then called Gurudev and said, ‘I’ve lived a full life. And if my time to go has come, I’m ready to go. But I don’t want to torture my body.’ So, Gurudev asked him to come to the ashram and do the panchkarma . In two years from he was first diagnosed, the cancer was gone. We did the scans in America, and it was gone,” Kavita Khanna revealed. Also Read — Vinod Khanna meditated naked at Chowpatty Beach, worked as gardener at Osho Rajneesh’s ashram: ‘After 5 deaths in family, he left Bollywood’ However, once Kavita called up Gurudev to inform him of the same, his response was rather stoic. He warned Vinod Khanna to quit drinking since the actor would consume one or two glasses of alcohol every evening. “A year later, he thought it’s completely behind me now. He was still in very good health, but it started declining. He finally died of bladder cancer,” said Kavita. Her recent account reveals that as much as Vinod is known for his spiritual surrender to Osho , it was also Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who played a key role in his life, particularly in the final days.

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The Indian Express

Feb 8, 2026, 01:46 PM

Bengaluru Metro Fare Hike: Congress and BJP Engage in War of Words

The war of words over the Bengaluru Metro fare hike intensified on Sunday, with Karnataka’s ruling Congress taking a dig at the BJP after Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya claimed the Union government had put the hike on hold. The BJP leader, however, doubled down by conducting an outreach with metro commuters and blamed the “financially hollow” state government for the fare hike. This came even as Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) sources maintained that there won’t be a reversal in the fare hike applicable from Monday, February 9. “Till now, there is no communication on a rollback,” an official said. The two parties have been at loggerheads ever since an annual metro fare revision of 5 per cent was announced last week. The revision will see fares increase between Rs 1 and Rs 5, depending on trip duration. The Congress seemed to fire first, accusing Surya of “shameless hypocrisy”. Pointing out the BJP MP’s stance that the Centre had no role in the metro fare hike, it said in a post on X, “..yet now they’re pleading with Delhi to temporarily hold it. If they don’t have the power to set the price, how do they suddenly have the power to pause it?” In another post, the Congress said that BJP MPs cannot wash their hands of the fare hike and then claim influence over such decisions when public anger rises. Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge hit out at BJP leaders, saying that if the metro line was extended by one meter, “Modi was responsible, but if the metro fare is hiked by one rupee, the state government is responsible”. “This is the logic used by BJP leaders,” he said. Accusing the BJP of indulging in a “politics of lies”, Kharge said there were reports of the Centre withholding the hike. “Doesn’t this prove that the subject of fare hike rests on central government decisions?” he said. The BJP has highlighted the 2024 request to the Centre to form the fare fixation committee (FFC), while alleging that the state was behind the hike. Tejasvi Surya’s letter to Manohar Lal Khatter Surya, who sported a printed t-shirt during his campaign against the hike, said the Congress seeking the constitution of the FFC was “the undeniable truth”. “It sought an upward fare revision to reduce the burden on state finances. It even pushed for annual fare hikes. They cannot run away from this responsibility now,” he said. Surya said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah “must stop evading responsibility”, adding that the only honest course was to ask for a fresh FFC and correct the “injustice” to commuters. The MP had petitioned Manohar Lal Khatter, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, urging him to put the annual hike on hold. He had also sought the formation of a new FFC to rationalise the fares. According to BMRCL sources, although statements were issued regarding the fare hike reversal, there was no official communication yet. “As per the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act 2002, the hike determined by the FFC will apply,” a source said.

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Kalinga TV

Feb 8, 2026, 01:40 PM

Pakistan and ICC Meet Amid India Match Boycott Controversy

Islamabad: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam arrived in Pakistan on Sunday ahead of a crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting on the India match boycott, according to Geo News on Sunday. During the BCB chief’s stay in Pakistan, Aminul Islam will attend an emergency ICC meeting scheduled to be held later today, with other board members also expected to participate, the sources added. According to Geo News, Islam will also meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi before departing for Dhaka. An ICC delegation led by its Deputy Chairman is also likely to arrive in Pakistan later today. The delegation is expected to hold discussions with PCB officials regarding Pakistan’s boycott of the high-profile group-stage match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played on February 15 in Sri Lanka. The development comes after the official X handle of Pakistan announced that the Men in Green would not take the field in the Feb 15 clash, and later Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked this boycott to the controversy with Bangladesh, citing it as a symbol of solidarity. Bangladesh was removed from the tournament and replaced by Scotland, as their wish to have all their matches played outside India could not be agreed upon by the ICC, which they put in place because of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mustafizur Rahman being removed from the squad after instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid concerns related to atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the ICC is understood to have asked the PCB to demonstrate what it had done to mitigate the ‘Force Majeure’ event, as it is needed by the Members Participation Agreement (MPA). Also, ICC is believed to have conditions in detail under which ‘Force Majeure’ can be invoked legimately and the evidentiary threshold needed for non-participation in the tournament, sporting, commercial and governance implications of such a step. ICC informed PCB of the potential material damage the former could incur if the match does not go ahead. The global governing body does not want any confrontation, but under their constitution, they are allowed to go ahead with suspension/termination of a membership if there is a massive breach of obligations supposed to be fulfilled. PCB also believes that if the matter becomes contentious, they have a strong case because there is a reference to an old PCB-BCCI dispute that reached the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) regarding a bilateral series. It was about BCC allegedly failing to honour a 2014 MoU between the two boards to play six bilateral series between 2013 and 2015. PCB lost their claim for damages but believes the Indian government’s refusal to grant BCCI permission to proceed with the series sets a precedent for them, according to ESPNCricinfo. At present, both sides are engaged in back-channel discussions, with ICC directors Imran Khwaja and Mubashir Usmani continuing dialogue with the PCB to resolve the impasse. Neither the ICC nor the PCB has issued an official statement on the matter so far. (Source: ANI)

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Economic Times

Feb 8, 2026, 01:38 PM

Unused Reserve Electronic Voting Machines Found in Car in Solapur, Maharashtra

SynopsisTwo reserve Electronic Voting Machines were discovered in a car in Solapur, Maharashtra. The machines were found near an eatery. Political parties raised concerns about tampering. Officials clarified the EVMs were reserve devices and unused. They were found sealed. All used EVMs were secured by late Saturday night. An inquiry confirmed the machines were not part of the day's voting.

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 8, 2026, 01:37 PM

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Defends Dalai Lama Against Jeffrey Epstein Link Claims

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has come out in support of the Dalai Lama after the Tibetan spiritual leader’s office rejected reports attempting to link him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Rijiju cautioned against associating the “revered institution” of the Dalai Lama with controversies that could harm its sanctity. In a statement responding to Dalai Lama's X post, Rijiju said the institution “should not be casually linked with the ‘Epstein Files’ or any other issues, with the motive of damaging the sacred institution.” He further remarked that society “shouldn’t become the casualties of immoral lifestyle, hookup culture and unconventional relationships.” Let us know! 👂What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The minister’s reaction follows a clarification issued by the Dalai Lama’s office stating that His Holiness never met Epstein and had not authorised any interaction with him. The denial came after media reports claimed the Dalai Lama’s name appeared multiple times in documents released by the United States Department of Justice as part of the Epstein case files. The controversy resurfaced amid renewed scrutiny of the records, which reportedly reference several global political and business figures. While speculation circulated about indirect links, the Dalai Lama’s office categorically dismissed the claims as misleading. Rijiju’s intervention adds political backing to the spiritual leader at a time when discussions surrounding the documents continue to generate debate across media and social platforms.

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First Post

Feb 8, 2026, 01:35 PM

Iraqi Traders Protest Against New Customs Duties Amid Economic Concerns

Hundreds of traders and owners of customs clearance firms staged protests in central Baghdad on Sunday, urging the Iraqi government to withdraw newly introduced customs duties that they say have driven up costs and disrupted commercial activity. The revised tariffs which came into force on January 1 were introduced as part of government efforts to curb rising public debt and reduce dependence on oil revenues amid falling crude prices. Iraq is grappling with debt exceeding 90 trillion Iraqi dinars ($69 billion), while oil continues to account for around 90% of state revenue, highlighting the country’s limited progress in economic diversification. Traders argue that the new levies which reach as high as 30% in some categories place an excessive burden on businesses. Legal challenges have been filed seeking to overturn or scale back the measures, with Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court scheduled to deliver a ruling on Wednesday. On Sunday, demonstrators assembled outside the General Customs Directorate, chanting against corruption and opposing the new charges. Haider al-Safi, who runs a transport and customs clearance company, said costs had surged dramatically. He noted that fees per container had risen from roughly 3 million dinars to as much as 14 million in some cases, while duties on infant milk had climbed from about 495,000 dinars to nearly 3 million. According to al-Safi, the higher tariffs have created congestion at the Umm Qasr port in southern Iraq. He added that electric vehicles, previously exempt from customs duties, are now subject to a 15% charge. Wholesale trader Mohammed Samir said the impact would ultimately fall on ordinary citizens. He argued that people on fixed or limited incomes including government employees struggling with daily expenses, rent, and school fees would bear the brunt through higher market prices. Protesters also alleged that powerful groups were helping secure the release of goods in exchange for reduced unofficial payments, describing the practice as entrenched corruption. Many traders, they said, are now considering diverting imports through the Kurdistan region, where customs charges are lower. The demonstrations coincided with a wider strike by shopkeepers across Baghdad, with markets and stores shut in several areas. In key commercial districts, closed shops displayed banners reading: “Customs fees are killing citizens.” With inputs from agencies Senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal rejected US and Israeli demands for Hamas to disarm or accept foreign intervention in Gaza, calling armed resistance a legitimate right under occupation. The US-brokered ceasefire's second phase calls for Hamas's disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but Hamas insists disarmament is a red line. A Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by the US-backed Board of Peace, has been set up to govern Gaza, but its approach to demilitarisation remains unclear. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 01:32 PM

Delhi Government Launches 500 Electric Buses, Boosts Transportation and Connectivity

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government on Sunday launched 500 electric buses, taking the total EV fleet of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to 4,000. She attended the launch of 500 EV buses and the Delhi–Panipat inter-state bus service at Ramlila Maidan. Rekha Gupta said that Ramlila Maidan symbolises a turning point in Delhi’s political history, recalling how previous governments had “deceived the people and betrayed their trust" at the same venue. She added that it was now through Ramlila Maidan that her government had earned the confidence of Delhi’s citizens and presented them with a promise of development. “This step will not only boost transportation and connectivity in the city but also help in cutting down air pollution," Gupta said at the launch event which was also attended by BJP president Nitin Nabin. She said by 2028, the DTC plans to increase its total bus fleet to 14,000. “These EV buses will help improving the air quality and the transport needs of the city. These are AC buses, low-floor with panic buttons and several other features," she added. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said that three inter-state bus services connecting Delhi and Panipat have also been launched. “Delhi government is constantly working on the transport sector. One such measure is providing last mile connectivity to residents. We have recently signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi in this regard and soon a new EV policy and an E-rickshaw policy will also be in place," the chief minister said. Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday spoke about the launch of 500 electric buses and the Delhi–Panipat inter-state bus service at Ramlila Maidan, saying the developments marked the beginning of a larger transformation. He said the initiatives were “just the trailer" and that the “full picture is yet to come," recalling that exactly one year ago the people of Delhi had given the Bharatiya Janata Party 48 seats. Thanking the public for their support, Verma added that several projects had already been initiated and many more would be rolled out in the coming months.

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 01:31 PM

Russian Man Suspected of Shooting Senior Military Intelligence Officer Arrested in Dubai

A Russian man suspected of shooting and wounding senior military intelligence officer Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow has been arrested in Dubai, the Russian FSB security service said on Sunday. The man, believed to be in his 60s, was “arrested and handed over to Russia" after fleeing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Russian media reported that a suspected accomplice was arrested in Moscow, while another remains at large in Ukraine, according to the FSB. Alekseyev, the deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, was shot in a Moscow apartment last Friday and admitted to hospital. He is under Western sanctions for his alleged role in cyberattacks and for organising the 2018 nerve agent attack on Russian defector Sergei Skripal in Britain. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the shooting. Kyiv, which has claimed responsibility for the killing of several high-ranking Russian military figures since the start of the war, has not commented on this incident. The attack comes amid a series of assassinations targeting senior Russian officials both inside Russia and in Moscow-controlled parts of Ukraine since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had acknowledged the risks faced by military leaders during wartime but said their protection is the responsibility of the security services, not the Kremlin. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being kept informed and hopes Alekseyev will recover. Alekseyev, born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union, has been the first deputy chief of the GRU since 2011. He has previously led intelligence operations in Syria, participated in negotiations with the Wagner Group during its 2023 mutiny, and has been sanctioned by the West for his alleged role in cyberattacks and the Skripal poisoning. ALSO READ: Who Is Vladimir Alexeyev? Russian Intelligence Veteran Shot Near Moscow Residence

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 01:27 PM

India-US Trade Agreement: A Smart Negotiation or a Surrender?

Pakistani analyst Najam Sethi called the India-US interim trade agreement “a negotiation". “It is not a surrender. It is a negotiation. These decisions don’t happen overnight. The negotiations must have gone on for months. PM Modi was quiet throughout," said Sethi. “It is not zero tariff on all items…It includes items that are no threat to Indian industries," he said The analyst said PM Modi negotiated smartly while the Indian opposition is creating unnecessary fuss. Sethi said that India’s zero-tariff concessions apply only to a small, specific list of US items such as certain wines, cosmetics, soybean oil, tree nuts, and processed fruits, not a broad flood of goods These reductions cover very few products and won’t significantly hurt domestic sectors or undermine Make in India, as the deal protects sensitive areas like dairy, grains, and key agriculture, he said. Many in Pakistan, including analysts like Sethi, see this as a smart bargain by Modi and India gains better access without losing much, making the opposition’s noise seem unnecessary and politically motivated. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday underlined the government’s commitment to farmers while concluding the framework of the bilateral trade agreement with the US. In his statement, the Minister said that dairy, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other grains have been protected in the India-US trade deal to safeguard the interests of domestic farmers. In a post on X, Piyush Goyal said the trade deal will mark a powerful step forward in the direction of a self-reliant India. “Farmers Safe, Country Developed… In the India-US trade agreement, dairy, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other grains have been protected. This will safeguard the interests of domestic farmers, strengthen local agriculture through preferential access to such a large market, and mark another powerful step forward in the direction of a self-reliant India," he said. “India is not losing anything in trade deal and even Pakistani voices have openly admitted that India lost nothing but only the Indian opposition spreading fear. Domestic political outrage is not linked from actual economic impact and the opposition is creating anxiety unnecessarily," said Indian government sources. Pakistani commentators see continuity in India’s trade posture and they also feel it was India’s calculated move without losing anything.

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Republic World

Feb 8, 2026, 01:25 PM

Bangladesh's Islamist Politics Rise: Widespread Negative Consequences Expected

Dhaka:A sharp rise in Islamist politics following the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh could have widespread negative consequences, particularly for women, according to a new research report released in Dhaka on Sunday. The report, titled "Rupture, Reform, and Reimagining Democracy: Navigating the Agony of Transition," was published by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD). It examines the political and ideological shifts that have taken place since the uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Explaining the findings, Mirza M. Hassan, PhD, one of the authors of the report, said the uprising did not result in the deep structural transformation many had anticipated. "I'll be very brief about it. We thought there would be a change in the political order in terms of, party system, in terms of, reforms, and massive changes in the elite structure. There has to be a new elite structure, a new elite circulation. These things should have happened, and also a certain degree of rule of law. That didn't happen. Rather, we saw a chaotic situation, chaotic governance, a weak interim government who couldn't control the mobocracy and promote the democratic aspiration of the people. So in that sense, it would be an exaggeration to call it a rupture. It's rather, you know, some kind of, you know, some changes. More than regime changes, but not more than that. It wasn't a rupture. So that's the outcome of the uprising," Hassan said. Hassan noted that the political vacuum created after the collapse of what he described as an oppressive regime allowed previously suppressed Islamist groups to gain prominence. "Since, you know, the extremely oppressive regime was overturned, we got rid of that. So there's an opening of the space. And through that, different, you know, formerly suppressed Islamist political parties, Islamist civil society, they took their advantage and they've become very prominent. So what we've seen is a shift in the ideology. The ideology for the last several decades was essentially right of the center, with Awami League, BNP, and JP (Jatiya Party). You know, they had this kind of ideology. That ideology has changed with the rise of Islamist politics, political Islam, and particularly Jamaat. So we've observed a tremendous shift to the right wing, right of the center and also right. And right has gained. So what we're witnessing after the uprising is this ideological shift," said Hassan, who is also an Advisor and Faculty Member at BRAC University. The report also warns that the rise of political Islam could disproportionately affect women in Bangladesh.

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Republic World

Feb 8, 2026, 01:17 PM

Takaichi's Coalition Set to Win Majority in Japanese Parliamentary Election

TOKYO:The governing coalition of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is almost certain to win a single-party majority in a key parliamentary election Sunday, NHK public television and other major networks say, citing their exit polls. NHK says Takaichi’s governing coalition led by her Liberal Democratic Party could win more than two-thirds of the 465-seat lower house, the more powerful of the country’s two-chamber parliament. That’s a level that would allow her governing bloc to dominate house committee chairs to steer policy and budget bills. The huge jump from the preelection share could allow Takaichi to make progress on a right-wing agenda that aims to boost Japan’s economy and military capabilities as tensions grow with China and she tries to nurture ties with the United States. Takaichi is hugely popular, but the governing Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan for most of the last seven decades, has struggled from funding and religious scandals in recent years. She called Sunday’s early election only after three months in office, hoping to turn that around before her popularity fades. The ultraconservative Takaichi, who took office as Japan’s first female leader in October, pledged to “work, work, work,” and her style, which is seen as both playful and tough, has resonated with younger fans. The opposition, despite the formation of a new centrist alliance and a rising far-right, is seen as too splintered to be a real challenger. The new opposition alliance of LDP’s former coalition partner, Buddhist-backed dovish Komeito and the liberal-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, is projected to sink to half of their combined preelection share of 167 seats. Takaichi bet that her LDP party, together with its new partner, the Japan Innovation Party, would secure a majority. If the LDP fails to win a majority, “I will step down,” she said. A big win by Takaichi’s coalition could mean a significant shift to the right in Japan’s security, immigration and other policies, with its right-wing partner, JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, saying his party will serve as an “accelerator.” Japan has recently seen far-right populists gain ground, such as the anti-globalist and surging nationalist party Sanseito. Exit polls projected a multifold gain for Sanseito. Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defense policies by December to bolster Japan’s offensive military capabilities, lifting a ban on weapons exports and moving further away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles. She has been pushing for tougher policies on foreigners, anti-espionage and other measures that resonate with a far-right audience, but ones that experts say could undermine civil rights. Takaichi also wants to increase defense spending in response to Trump’s pressure on Japan to loosen its purse strings. Though Takaichi said that she’s seeking the public’s mandate for her “nation splitting policies,” she avoided contentious issues such as ways to fund soaring military spending, how to fix diplomatic tension with China and other issues. In her campaign speeches, Takaichi enthusiastically talked about the need for “proactive” government spending to fund “crisis management investment and growth,” such as measures to strengthen economic security, technology and other industries. Takaichi also seeks to push tougher measures on immigration and foreigners, including stricter requirements for foreign property owners and a cap on foreign residents. The early election after only three months in office “underscores a problematic trend in Japanese politics in which political survival takes priority over substantive policy outcomes,” said Masato Kamikubo, a Ritsumeikan University politics professor. “Whenever the government attempts necessary but unpopular reforms ... the next election looms.” The governing party’s expected win comes despite uncertainty over the timing of the election. The hastily called election that gave little time for people to prepare invited complaints. Sunday’s vote also coincided with fresh snowfall across the country, including in Tokyo. Record snowfall in northern Japan over the past few weeks blocked roads and was blamed for dozens of deaths nationwide. Kazuki Ishihara, 54, said that she voted for the LDP for stability and in hopes for something new under Takaichi. “I have some hope that she could do something” her predecessors could not, Ishihara said. A 50-year-old office worker, Yoshinori Tamada, said that his interest is wages.

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News18✓

Feb 8, 2026, 01:02 PM

Chennai Police Ban Whistles at Chepauk Stadium Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections

As the much-anticipated T20 World Cup kicked off on Saturday, Chennai police banned spectators from bringing whistles to the Chepauk stadium during Sunday’s match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, citing security concerns ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. According to reports, Chennai Police banned whistles at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the T20 World Cup match between New Zealand and Afghanistan on Sunday. The decision has attracted particular notice because whistles are a familiar and widely used feature of cricket matches in Chennai. The decision came after actor Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was allotted the whistle as an official election symbol for the Tamil Nadu polls by the Election Commission. The TVK is contesting the elections for the first time. Reactions To Whistle Ban The decision to ban whistles at the Chepauk Stadium surprised many cricket fans, as whistles are part of the cricket culture. During the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings’ popular slogan “Whistle Podu" – derived from Vijay’s popular 2024 song of the same name – is frequently heard in the stadium. Fans have raised questions about whether the political context associated with the whistle symbol played a role in the restriction. “If they ban whistles during IPL, DMK will face backlash from CSK & Thala Dhoni fans," an X user posted. The TVK also reacted sharply to the ban. “Across the globe, be it a football match or any other match, people use whistles… This is so funny. Is it a product, is it a criminal product? It’s just a symbol. A whistle literally means stopping a foul game, right? This state, this government, is full of fouls," said TVK spokesperson Felix Gerald. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Responds The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) clarified that the ban on whistles was not imposed by the stadium authorities, and was solely a police decision. The Chepauk Stadium management also stated that the ban has no connection with the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As a rule, common items like water bottles, power banks and umbrellas are barred from stadiums on security grounds. The decision to add whistles to the list of prohibited objects is considered unusual, but some fans argue that the rules are different for ICC matches. Vijay, who is rumoured to be contesting from Chennai, has been highly critical of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu and has been insisting that the electoral fight is confined between his TVK and the ruling party only.

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 12:56 PM

Indian Farmers Protest Against India-US Trade Agreement, Citing Threats to Agricultural Interests

New Delhi, February 8:Several major farmer organisations have announced a nationwide protest on February 12 against the recently signed India-US trade agreement, calling it a “total surrender” of India’s agricultural interests. The agitation will be led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, with demonstrations planned across multiple states. Farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher have alleged that the trade pact will allow heavily subsidised American agricultural products to enter the Indian market. According to the unions, the removal of certain import duties will place Indian farmers at a disadvantage.US-India Interim Trade Framework: What’s Inside the Deal That Could Reshape US-India Trade Ties. The groups have expressed particular concern over the dairy and poultry sectors, warning that cheaper US imports could drive down prices and push small-scale farmers out of business. Another major flashpoint is pressure linked to global trade norms and the World Trade Organization. Farmer outfits allege that the US has consistently pushed India to roll back public stockholding programmes and reduce farm subsidies.Farmers’ Interests Protected in Trade Deal; US Cut Tariffs on Several Agri Products to 0%, Says Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. They claim the new trade deal moves India closer to these demands, potentially undermining food sovereignty. The unions have reiterated their long-standing demand for a legal guarantee on MSP for all crops, an issue central to farmer movements in recent years. Protests are expected to take different forms across states. In Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, farmers are likely to block major highways and hold demonstrations at district headquarters. In other regions, unions plan to burn effigies and submit memorandums to local authorities addressed to the Prime Minister. Organisers have said the February 12 protest will be peaceful but warned it marks the beginning of a larger movement if the government fails to address their concerns. The fresh call for protests comes amid lingering tensions between the Centre and farmer unions following the 2020–2021 farm protests, which ultimately led to the repeal of three contentious farm laws. While the government maintains that the India–US trade deal will boost exports and strengthen bilateral ties, farmer groups remain unconvinced. They argue that the agreement primarily benefits multinational corporations and industrial sectors, while the risks are borne by India’s farming community. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 06:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 8, 2026, 12:50 PM

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses Election Commission of Misusing Form 7 to Favor BJP

Lucknow:Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused the Election Commission of 'misusing' the Form 7 (used to object to the inclusion of a name or to request the deletion of an existing name from the electoral roll), to alter his party's vote share. Yadav, alleging "coalition" between BJP and Election Commission, said that the poll body should "simply hoist the BJP's flag." "At the last press conference, we raised questions about Form 7, and the government has engaged agencies and professionals based in Delhi, Lucknow, and other parts of the country. They have the complete voter list and are using it to identify the booths where the Samajwadi Party won the elections. Form 7 is being completed and printed at these locations, and disturbances have occurred at many of them," he said. #WATCH| Lucknow, UP | SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "At the last press conference, we raised questions about Form 7, and the government has engaged agencies and professionals based in Delhi, Lucknow, and other parts of the country. They have the complete voter list, and using…pic.twitter.com/LBCnV4snrm "They (the BJP) have already won the Bihar elections through the use of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)... They are now trying the same approach in West Bengal with SIR. The state government and the Chief Minister there repeatedly claim that the Election Commission has become the BJP's commission... The Election Commission should simply hoist the BJP's flag," he added. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has extended the period for filing claims and objections in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh until March 3, 2026. The decision comes in response to a request from the state's Chief Electoral Officer to allow additional time for citizens to submit their inputs. According to an ECI letter dated February 5, the extension follows the publication of draft electoral rolls on January 6, 2026. Originally, the window for filing claims and objections was scheduled to close on February 6. However, under Rule 12 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the Commission has now extended the period to March 3, 2026, to facilitate thorough verification and public participation. The extension aims to ensure that citizens have adequate opportunity to verify their entries, raise objections and claim inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral rolls. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and auto-generated from an agency feed.)

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Feb 8, 2026, 12:49 PM

Bad Bunny's Historic Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Political Debate

Bad Bunny's historicUSSuper Bowl halftime show is drawing nationwide attention — not only for being the first mostly Spanish‑language performance, but also for the political debatesurrounding his criticism of ICE. While conservative groups push back, many fans say they're excited to see the Grammy‑winning Puerto Rican star bring his energy to the NFL's biggest stage.

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 8, 2026, 12:46 PM

Pakistan's Boycott Decision Raises Questions: Sourav Ganguly Weighs In

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has had his say on the IND vs PAK boycott controversy. Pakistan are engaged in discussions with ICC after their government announced a boycott of the February 15 clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. "I'm really surprised with Pakistan backing out of the World Cup. You come to a World Cup to win it, and every point is important. You can't lose points in a World Cup, so I'm a little surprised — but that's the decision they're taking," he said. Let us know! 👂What type of content would you like to see from us this year? Should a boycott go through, India will be awarded the two points from the game. Pakistan would suffer heavily on net run rate and depending on the outcome of other games, could hurt their chances to qualify for the Super 8s. That alongside several other sanctions the ICC could impose on the PCB for boycotting the game. An ICC delegation, led by deputy chairman Imran Khawaja arrived in Lahore for face to face talks with PCB in a bid to de-escalate the controversy. CEO Sanjog Gupta also held talks in Colombo with PCB on Saturday. BCB chief Aminul Islam was also in attendance for the meet. As per TOI, after initial discussions the IND vs PAK game is likely to get a green signal. The ICC has already sought an explanation from Pakistan on how the 'Force Majeure' clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play the T20 World Cup match against India after the PCB tried to wriggle out of the situation by putting the onus on its government.

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 8, 2026, 12:46 PM

NCP MLC Raises Serious Doubts About Ajit Pawar's Death

Pune:Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Amol Mitkari has raised several serious doubts regarding the accidental death of the state’s late Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. On Sunday, he reached a tipping point by questioning whether a “suicide bomber” was used on the plane to kill Ajit Pawar. Furthermore, Mitkari questioned whether the deceased pilot of the aircraft, Sumit Kapoor, had been hypnotised before he took control of the flight. He made these sensational claims while speaking to the media on Sunday. A post shared by The Free Press Journal (@freepressjournal) According to Mitkari, the pilots for the VSR company aircraft that Ajit Pawar was travelling in were changed twice. He claimed the company was already in poor standing and had been banned for a year, yet that specific aircraft was provided for Ajit Pawar on the 28th January. He further alleged that in December 2025, the VSR company had taken out an insurance policy of Rs 50 crore for each of its pilots. Mitkari said, “If a Rs 50 crore insurance policy was taken out, and the pilot was changed at the last minute -- was he hypnotised? Was he offered a bribe? In many places, suicide bombers are used via hypnosis. Similarly, Ajmal Kasab was sent for a terrorist attack, and a similar method was used during the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Was the pilot sent after being hypnotised?” MLC Mitkari also claimed, “This is a major question because the pilot never issued a ‘MAYDAY’ call. After takeoff, he could have reached Pune in a short time, but he didn’t. Therefore, we have huge suspicions regarding the VSR company. Did they force the pilot to commit this act after securing a Rs 50 crore insurance? This must be investigated!” MLA Mitkari also noted that Karjat Jamkhed MLA Rohit Pawar is holding a press conference as a family member regarding the crash. “The eyes of Maharashtra and the entire country are on his press conference. I expect many things will be covered in the briefing on 10th February. Whatever evidence he has, he will present it. Therefore, I believe it is extremely important to watch Rohit Pawar’s press conference,” Mitkari added.

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 12:45 PM

French Culture Minister Jack Lang Resigns Amid Allegations of Financial Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Paris, February 8:France’s former Culture Minister Jack Lang has resigned as head of a Paris cultural center over alleged past financial links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that prompted a tax investigation. He is the highest-profile figure in France impacted by the release of Epstein files on Jan. 30 by the U.S. Department of Justice. He is known for his role as a culture minister under Socialist President François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s. Lang, 86, was summoned to appear at the French Foreign Ministry, which oversees the Arab World Institute, on Sunday, but he submitted his resignation.Epstein Files: Jeffrey Epstein Revelations Toppled Top Figures in Europe While US Fallout More Muted. He “is very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves,” his lawyer Laurent Merlet said Sunday on RTL radio. “He put the interests of the Arab World Institute first,” Merlet said, adding that his client denied the allegations and called them inaccurate. The Foreign Ministry confirmed his resignation Saturday evening. The financial prosecutors' office said it had opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, over alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering.”Epstein Files Video: List of Unverified Viral Clips Linked to Jeffrey Epstein. French investigative news website Mediapart reported last week on alleged financial and business ties between the Lang family and Jeffrey Epstein through an offshore company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Jack Lang's name was mentioned more than 600 times in the Epstein files, showing intermittent correspondence between 2012 and 2019. His daughter was also in the released files. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has “taken note” of Lang's resignation and began the process to look for his successor, the foreign ministry said. Lang headed the Arab World Institute since 2013. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 06:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Economic Times

Feb 8, 2026, 12:41 PM

Rise of Islamist Politics in Bangladesh: Concerns Over Women's Rights and Minority Groups

SynopsisA new report highlights concerns over rising Islamist politics in Bangladesh after the July 2024 uprising. Researchers suggest this shift could negatively affect women and minorities. The analysis indicates a move towards right-wing ideology, with previously suppressed Islamist groups gaining prominence. This transition may introduce formal and informal Islamic governance, posing challenges for women's rights in the country.

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Latestly

Feb 8, 2026, 12:37 PM

Tamil Nadu Government Employees Who Resign Will Not Be Entitled to Pension Benefits: Madras High Court Ruling

Chennai, February 8:In a significant ruling, a full bench of the Madras High Court has held that government employees in Tamil Nadu who resign from service, even on medical or health grounds, will not be entitled to pension benefits under the Tamil Nadu Pension Rules, 1978. The bench observed that “resignation from a service or post as per Rule 23 of the Tamil Nadu Pension Rules, 1978, entails forfeiture of past service. Therefore, resignation from service even on medical or health grounds entails forfeiture of past service. The grounds on which resignation is sought are immaterial and resignation shall only mean forfeiture of past service.”West Bengal SIR Hearing: Supreme Court Issues Notice to Election Commission After CM Mamata Banerjee’s Historic In-Person Appearance Challenging Electoral Roll Revision. The ruling was delivered by a full bench comprising Justices S M Subramaniam, D Bharatha Chakravarthy and C Kumarappan, following a reference seeking clarity on pension eligibility under Rule 23 of the Pension Rules. Clarifying the legal position, the bench said there is a “valid distinction” between resignation and voluntary retirement, as already settled by the Supreme Court of India. “Therefore, resignation from service cannot be treated as voluntary retirement,” the court said. Upholding an earlier division bench judgment, the court reiterated that employees who resign cannot later claim pensionary benefits, even if the resignation was tendered on medical grounds. “Resignation is a condition of service with a statutorily recognised procedure. Employees cannot turn around and claim pension benefits on medical grounds after agreeing to the consequences of resignation,” the bench noted.‘Are Standards Being Compromised?’ Supreme Court Seeks NBEMS’s Reply On NEET-PG 2025 Cutoff Reduction. The court further pointed out that separate provisions exist under the Pension Rules for medical situations, and that Rule 56(3) of the Fundamental Rules exclusively governs voluntary retirement. “Medical grounds are not an element of Rule 23,” the bench said, adding that courts cannot create new grounds or legislate provisions not provided under the rules. TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (LiveLaw), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2026 06:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Economic Times

Feb 8, 2026, 12:24 PM

Assam Leaders Slam Congress MP Gogoi Over Anti-National Allegations

SynopsisUnion Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have strongly criticized Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Allegations suggest his involvement in anti-national activities and direct links with Pakistan. The Chief Minister presented a Special Investigation Team report as evidence. Gogoi has been called upon to prove his innocence.

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