Saturday, February 21, 2026
Home Blog

Assam set to become industrial hub of eastern region: HM Amit Shah

HM-Amit-Shah

Guwahati, Feb 21, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that Assam is poised to emerge as the industrial hub of eastern and northeastern India, asserting that the state is witnessing a transformational phase under the BJP’s double-engine government.

Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for the new campus of the 10th Battalion of Assam Police in Kamrup district, HM Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated nearly Rs 15 lakh crore for Assam’s development, laying the foundation for rapid industrial growth and expansion of infrastructure.

He said that over the next five years, the people of Assam will witness a major industrial push, which will create employment opportunities and further strengthen the state’s economy.

“Assam is moving decisively towards becoming a key industrial centre of the eastern and northeastern region,” HM Shah said.

Highlighting the government’s action against encroachment, the Union Home Minister said that the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state have freed more than one lakh bighas of land from encroachers.

He noted that the new campus of the 10th Battalion of Assam Police will be constructed on 174 bighas of land that was previously under encroachment.

HM Shah said that issues which were once seen as security challenges are now being converted into strengths for the security forces through improved infrastructure, better training, and enhanced facilities.

“The concern regarding security has been transformed into a strong point for our forces,” he added.

He also highlighted the extensive development of infrastructure in Assam in recent years, citing major improvements in road connectivity, railway networks, and bridge construction across the state.

According to HM Shah, improved infrastructure has not only accelerated economic activity but has also enhanced connectivity and accessibility in several regions of Assam.

The Union Home Minister said the Centre remains committed to the overall development of Assam, with a focus on ensuring peace, progress, and prosperity.

He added that strong governance, decisive action against encroachment, and sustained investment in infrastructure are collectively contributing to the emergence of a new Assam.(Agency)

Srinagar court sentences guardian to three-year imprisonment in minor driving case

Court-Judge-Hammer

Srinagar, Feb 21, 2026
In a significant judgement, a court in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city sentenced the guardian to three-year imprisonment and fine of Rs 25,000 in connection with a case related to a minor driving a vehicle.

Shabir Ahmad Malik, Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Kashmir sentenced the guardian of a minor caught driving a vehicle, to three-year imprisonment, fine of Rs 25,000 and cancelled the registration of the vehicle driven by the minor.

In its judgement, the court said,”From the perusal of Section 199-A (supra), it transpires that where an offence under this Act has been committed by a juvenile, the guardian of such juvenile or the owner of the motor vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty of the contravention and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.”

“It has been further provided that, In addition to the penalty under sub-section (1) such guardian or owner shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with a fine of Rs 25,000, besides the registration of the motor vehicle used in the commission of the offence shall be cancelled for a period of 12 months and such juvenile shall not be eligible to be granted a driving license under Section 9 or a learner’s license under Section 8 until such juvenile has attained the age of twenty-five years,” it read.

It said, “Since Section 199-A makes the guardian of the juvenile or the owner of the motor vehicle liable, as such the Challan has been issued against the guardian of the minor-violator and he was directed to appear before the court, accordingly the guardian/accused along with his counsel appeared before this court and his statement has been recorded. The accused pleaded guilty and did not claim trial.

The statement of the accused has been reduced into writing and is made part of the record.”

On consideration of the statement of accused, nature of offence and satisfaction of this Court as to the voluntariness of plea of guilty of accused person, it is evident that the accused does not want to avail the opportunity to defend himself against the offence mentioned above, despite sufficient opportunity.

“Since, the accused has pleaded guilty and does not want t o avail the opportunity to defend himself, as such there is no need to proceed further with the trial.

Therefore, keeping in view the above mentioned facts and circumstances and the statement of the accused person wherein h e pleaded guilty, the accused person is accordingly convicted for the commission of offence under Section 199A of Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

Therefore, under Section 199-A I propose to sentence the accused to Three (3) Years simple imprisonment and Rupees Twenty Five Thousand (Rs. 25,000/-) as fine. “Further the registration of vehicle bearing registration number JK04K-0673 shall be cancelled for a period of twelve months.”

Since the offence does not involve any moral turpitude and the violator has not been previously convicted and having regard to his age and antecedents the purpose of justice shall be served if the case is considered under Probation of Offenders Act, and accused is given benefit of probation, it said.

“Therefore, considering the above mentioned facts and circumstances the accused is directed to execute a bond to the tune of rupees Two Lakhs (2,00,000) for keeping peace and good behavior for the period of Two (2) year and in violation of any conditions of bond during the period o f these Two (2) year the accused shall receive the proposed sentence and the bond amount of rupees Two Lakhs shall be forfeited to the government.

The vehicle bearing registration No. JK04K-0673 and documents (if any) shall be released in favour of the registered owner. The Challan is accordingly disposed of and shall be consigned to records after its due completion,” it said.(Agency)

Should raise issues at right place and time: INDIA bloc allies slam Youth Cong protest

Youth Congress Protest India AI Summit 1

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
As the Indian Youth Congress, on Saturday, shared a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi on social media to defend its dramatic shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, leaders from the constituents of the Opposition INDIA bloc criticised the move, citing concerns over the country’s image on international platforms.

Allies of the Congress within the INDIA bloc, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), expressed reservations about the manner of the protest, saying there were more appropriate ways to raise concerns.

The Congress’ allies said that the protest was not carried out at an appropriate venue, as, according to them, holding such demonstrations at any international platform harms the global standing of the nation.

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha told IANS, “Grievances exist, and no one can deny that. Whether it’s about the lack of clarity in a deal or issues with Epstein Files, there could have been a better way to address these concerns.”

“In my view, the Youth Congress acted, but personally, as I see it, any movement needs to be handled responsibly. In the past, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members have done similar things, but that doesn’t make it right for anyone. The point is, grievances exist, people, especially a section of farmers, are worried, and there could have been a better option for how and where these concerns were expressed,” he added.

Reacting to the Youth Congress workers’ protest against the AI Summit, SP Spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand, told IANS, “Our party believes that the topic of the protest was nice, but the venue was not. Every matter should be placed in a democratic country, but it is equally important that these should be raised in the right place and at the right time.”

“The protest by the Congress workers should not have happened in that event venue. It was not the right thing to do,” he added.

This came a day after the Youth Congress members carried out a protest inside New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile India AI Impact Summit, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government over alleged “unemployment, inflation and the reported India-US trade deal”.

The protest triggered strong reactions from leaders of the BJP-led NDA, who accused the Congress of attempting to “tarnish” the country’s image at an international event attended by global delegates.

Amid the backlash, the Youth Congress posted on X, seeking to justify its actions.

In the X post, the Youth Congress wrote, “Hum Gandhiji ke Vanshaj hai, Shirtless hi sahi (We are descendants of Gandhiji, even if we are shirtless).”

The message was accompanied by a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi bearing the tag ‘Shirtless Congressi’.

The BJP strongly objected to the social media post, saying it was inappropriate to justify such an act by drawing a comparison with the Father of the Nation.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma told reporters, “This was not a shirtless protest, but a shameless protest. If they (Congress) felt there was any discrepancy in a major process, then ‘gheraoing’ (cornering) a Minister or concerned official would have been understandable. However, doing such a protest on a platform where global leaders have arrived, is that the right thing to do?”

“This should never have happened. Doing politics by placing the country in such a position is not right. Not every place is for politics,” he added.

BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh compared the incident with protests linked to former JNU Umar Khalid, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots.

Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “A few years ago, Umar Khalid did something similar. The timing of the CAA protests was deliberately chosen when the then US President Donald Trump was visiting India. It was done intentionally to send a message to the world and to defame India globally.”

“What Rahul Gandhi has done today is the same as what Umar Khalid did. By sending his party workers to protest at a time when heads of state from 20 countries and representatives from around 100 countries were present in Delhi, it was a deliberate act. This was not a protest; it was an attempt to malign the country,” he added.

BJP National Spokesperson Rohan Gupta also criticised the comparison with Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking to IANS, he said, “It is unfortunate that they (Congress) are drawing parallels for this indecent protest with such a big personality (Mahatma Gandhi). Doing such things on an international platform is not right. Did Congress not feel that? The Congress youth wing cannot do this without directions from the high command. They should apologise instead of providing such baseless explanations.”

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said, “The naked reality of Congress mentality is being clearly exposed before the people of the country. They stand with an anti-national mentality. They do not want to see the growing pride of the nation, the growing development of the nation.”

“Rahul Gandhi’s mental nakedness is embarrassing. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is working to make India a ‘Viksit Bharat’, while on the other hand, you are trying to defame it,” he added.(Agency)

BJP Yuva Morcha workers clash with police during march to Congress office in Jaipur

BJP Yuva Morcha workers clash with police

Jaipur, Feb 21, 2026
Workers of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha clashed briefly with police on Saturday while attempting to march towards the state headquarters of the Indian National Congress in Jaipur.

The BJYM workers were protesting against the Youth Congress’s shirtless protest at the AI summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Friday, which has drawn sharp political reactions.

The Yuva Morcha had already announced plans on Friday to gherao the Congress office on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, Yuva Morcha workers gathered at Martyrs’ Memorial in Jaipur and held a protest against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Following the demonstration, they began marching on foot towards the Congress office via Sansar Chandra Road.

As the group approached the party headquarters, police set up barricades to stop them from proceeding further. When some protesters attempted to scale the barricades, a brief scuffle broke out between the workers and the police. The situation was brought under control shortly thereafter.

Yuva Morcha State President Shankar Gora criticised the Congress during the protest, accusing it of targeting the Prime Minister and acting against national interests.

On Friday evening, Yuva Morcha workers had also burned an effigy of Rahul Gandhi and raised slogans against the Congress in Jaipur.

Saturday’s march was part of the BJP youth wing’s continued protest campaign in response to the developments at the AI Summit in New Delhi.

In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress had said that the demonstration was meant to highlight concerns that “corporate interests are being prioritised over national interests” and alleged that the government’s foreign policy stance had weakened.

The group also linked the protest to economic issues such as rising prices and joblessness, claiming that young people were increasingly frustrated.(Agency)

Kareena Kapoor reveals son Jeh’s birthday was all about ‘planting trees & being free’

Kareena Kapoor with hubby Saif Ali Khan

Mumbai, Feb 21, 2026
Actress Kareena Kapoor and actor Saif Ali Khan’s younger son Jeh is celebrating his 5th birthday on Saturday.

Wishing her little one on his special day, Bebo revealed that Jeh spent his birthday painting trees with his parents and brother Taimur.

Kareena took to her official Insta handle and uploaded a couple of adorable snaps of the family getting their hands dirty for a good cause.

“Birthday’s are all about planting trees and being free (Red heart and raindown emoji) Happy birthday Son…(Red heart emoji) Jeh Baba (Red heart emoji) (sic),” she wished her little munchkin in the caption.

For the unaware, Kareena tied the knot with actor Saif Ali Khan in October 2012 in a close-knit ceremony. The couple welcomed their first child together, son Taimur, in 2016, followed by another boy, Jeh, in 2021.

Jeh’s ‘bua’ and actress Soha Ali Khan also used social media to provide a peek into his Naruto-themed birthday celebration.

Soha took to her Insta account and uploaded some photos from the fun birthday party, which was attended by Soha, Saif, Kareena, Karisma Kapoor, Saba Ali Khan, and Neha Dhupia, along with several children.

For the caption, Soha penned, “Blink and he’s five. Cake cutting photos have to be chaos. Can see the cake – birthday boy, not so much! (But we could hear him) And through it all is Bebo looking as cool as a cucumber – how??!!”

Jeh’s another aunt, and Saif’s sister Saba Pataudi also published some more pics from the birthday album on social media, along with a special birthday note that went, “Jehjaan! 1..2…then its suddenly 5;) How…When? Time flies..watching you grow from a little ball of energy to an amplified version, my warrior prince! Love you to the moon n back! Keep being YOU. Happy happy 5th Birthday my darling Jehbaba.”(Agency)

US tariff cut to 10 pc brings relief for India, other emerging economies: Expert

Tariffs

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
Calling the US decision to reduce tariffs to 10 per cent a ‘very positive development’ for emerging markets, an expert on Saturday said the move helps normalise global trade and brings much-needed clarity to businesses and investors.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of an event organised by All India Management Association (AIMA) here, Vishal Kampani, Senior Vice President of AIMA and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of JM Financial Limited, said the US move to reset tariffs to 10 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent is a welcome step. The revised rate will remain in place for the next 150 days.

“I think this is a very positive development for emerging markets. Tariffs have been reset to 10 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent,” he mentioned.

“We were expecting them to settle around 18 per cent, but they have now been reduced to 10 per cent for the next 150 days,” Kampani told IANS.

He explained that the move helps bring uniformity to global trade. According to him, many countries earlier had different tariff rates, but setting a 10 per cent rate across countries, including India, helps normalise the system. “It just resets it back to where we were,” he said.

However, Kampani also urged caution, noting that the US has several policy tools at its disposal.

“Let’s just wait and see what tools they come up with to change some of these rules again,” he told IANS, pointing out that there are internal conflicts within the US that could influence future policy decisions.

Speaking about the AIMA event, Kampani said he was delighted to be part of the leadership team in its 70th year.

He described the gathering as exciting, with discussions covering politics, economics, finance and several other key topics.

The US decision to lower tariffs to 10 per cent across countries, including India, is being seen as a major relief for emerging markets that were dealing with higher trade barriers.

Market participants believe the move could help improve trade flows and boost investor confidence in developing economies.(Agency)

Strong India-Brazil ties hold significance for entire Global South: PM Modi

Narendra Modi BJP leader and India PM

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
Hailing the “win-win partnership” between India and Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised that both countries remain dedicated to enhancing their relationship across all sectors and are committed to increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion.

Addressing a joint press meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following the delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted that India-Brazil ties have benefited a lot over the years under the “visionary and inspirational” leadership of President Lula who, he said, has displayed deep friendship and trust for India.

PM Modi stated that President Lula’s visit enhanced the “splendour” of the historic AI Summit and provided new energy to the strategic partnership between the two nations.

“I thank him for the friendship and commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two nations,” mentioned PM Modi, adding that both countries discussed ways to move forward with “shared purpose and aspirations”.

Calling Brazil the “largest trading partner of India in Latin America”, PM Modi said, “In the coming 10 years, we are committed to taking our bilateral trade beyond $20 billion. Our trade is not just figures, but a reflection of trust. The business delegation that came with the President shows this trust.”

He said that the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries.

“In the field of technology and innovation, our cooperation holds significance not only for both countries but for the entire Global South. I am happy that we are working on establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil,” he added.

India and Brazil are also prioritising cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, supercomputers, semiconductors, and blockchain, Prime Minister Modi said, adding, “Both our countries believe that technology must be inclusive and it must become a bridge for social progress. Technology must be inclusive and must become a bridge for shared progress.”

PM Modi mentioned that energy cooperation has been a “strong pillar” of the India-Brazil relations. “Along with hydrocarbons, we are also accelerating cooperation in several areas such as renewable energy, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s active participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance reflects our shared commitment to a green future,” he added.

“Brazil has also proposed joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). I believe Brazil’s extensive experience will make a significant contribution to strengthening CDRI. The agreement reached on critical minerals and rare earths is a major step towards building a resilient supply chain,” he said.

“Our cooperation in the defence sector is also continuously growing. This is a concrete example of mutual trust and strategic coordination,” the Prime Minister noted.

He said that both countries are giving “new dimensions” to the collaboration in the agriculture, animal husbandry sectors and food security and stated that the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for oilseeds, pulses, and integrated Farming in Brazil is going to be “an important step in this direction”.

“We will continue to further strengthen this win-win partnership,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi noted that there are “immense possibilities” for cooperation in the health and pharma sector and added that India will continue to increase the supply of affordable and quality medicines to Brazil. Along with this, he said, Ayurveda and traditional medicine will also be expanded in Brazil to promote holistic healthcare.

“On global platforms, the partnership between India and Brazil has remained strong and influential. As democratic nations, we will continue to advance the priorities and aspirations of the Global South,” he added.

Stressing that “every problem should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”, the Prime Minister said, “India and Brazil are unanimous that terrorism and its supporters are enemies of all humanity. We also agree that reforming global institutions is extremely necessary to deal with contemporary challenges. We will continue to work together in this direction as well.”

“I am fully confident that your visit will further deepen our strategic partnership and establish new dimensions of cooperation in the coming years. I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your visit and your deep friendship,” PM Modi added.(Agency)

Jemimah Rodrigues completes 2500 T20I runs

Jemimah Rodrigues cricketer

Adelaide, Feb 21, 2026
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues completed 2500 runs in the T20 Internationals, achieving the feat during her outing with the willow against Australia in the final and deciding T20I of the three-game series at the Adelaide Oval.

Before walking into the crease at No. 3 for the third T20I, Rodrigues had accumulated 2492 runs in 104 innings. Playing her 118th T20 International, the Delhi Capitals skipper went past the 2500-run landmark with a boundary off Kim Garth in the fifth over of the first innings, having opted to bat first.

Rodrigues became only the fourth female Indian cricketer to reach the landmark in women’s T20Is after skipper Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and opening batter Shafali Verma. The India opener, also Rodrigues’ teammate at Delhi in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), reached 2500 T20I runs earlier this week while scoring a quick 29 off 23 balls at the top of the order in the Canberra T20I.

During the same match, Kaur set an impressive record by becoming the most-capped international player in women’s cricket. On February 19, in her 356th international game, the Indian World Cup-winning captain overtook New Zealand legend Suzie Bates to secure the record for the most international appearances by a woman.

Following Kaur and Bates, Ellyse Perry, who made her historic 350th international appearance for Australia on Saturday, ranks third among women cricketers with the most appearances.

The all-rounder made history by becoming the first Australian woman to reach 350 international games, celebrating her 20th year at the highest level.

Speaking of the series so far, the visitors dismissed the Aussies for 133 at the SCG in the first match, then quickly reached 50/1 in 5.1 overs before rain interrupted. India were significantly ahead of the DLS par score and managed to seal a win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia made a strong comeback at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Sent in to bat again, they achieved a higher-than-average total, thanks to Georgia Voll’s aggressive 88. They faltered slightly near the end of their innings, but India responded with a quick start. Nevertheless, the Australian bowlers changed their pace effectively, causing a collapse that allowed the hosts to defend their total convincingly and level the series.

The two sides are currently locked in the third and final game of the T20I leg of India’s tour, with the Women in Blue reaching 101/1 in 12 overs courtesy of Mandhana’s powerful half-century and Rodrigues’ firepower.(Agency)

Sabarimala Tantri’s arrest: Kerala govt rejects conspiracy charge, Oppn seeks HC-monitored probe

Sabarimala Temple

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 21, 2026
A political row has intensified over the arrest of the Sabarimala tantri in the gold theft case, with the Vijayan government rejecting allegations of conspiracy and the Opposition demanding a High Court-monitored probe into the circumstances that led to his 40-day incarceration.

Law Minister P Rajeev dismissed claims that the arrest was politically motivated, stating that the government had not interfered at any stage of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

He said the arrest was based on clear evidence and termed allegations of conspiracy baseless.

The controversy follows the arrest of Tantri Kantarar Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case.

In his bail plea, the Tantri alleged that his arrest stemmed from resentment within the ruling establishment over his opposition to the entry of women into Sabarimala.

The Kollam Vigilance Court granted him bail early this week, observing that there was no evidence linking him to the theft.

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has now demanded that the SIT publicly clarify the precise offence allegedly committed by the tantri and explain the grounds for his arrest.

The Opposition questioned whether the move was intended to divert attention from allegations raised against the CPI(M).

It also pointed to social media posts by party supporters claiming the arrest as a “credit” to the Chief Minister.

The Opposition had on January 11 sought clarity on the specific role of any accused person, whether a Minister or a tantri, in a criminal case.

“If he has committed a wrongdoing, let him remain in jail. But the public must be told about it,” the Opposition said, calling for a High Court-supervised investigation into the episode.

While the SIT initially considered appealing against the bail order in the High Court, it has now reconsidered the move, reportedly to avoid the perception of targeting the tantri.

With the probe already under judicial supervision, the Left Democratic Front government faces mounting political pressure to defend both the arrest and the subsequent developments.(Agency)

123...8,208Page 1 of 8,208
© Yes Punjab Media