Ludhiana based businessman arrested for ₹9 crore GST scam: Harpal Cheema

Chandigarh, 12 Feb, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday announced decisive action on two fronts, underscoring the Punjab Government’s commitment to fiscal integrity and administrative accountability.

The Punjab Minister informed that a Ludhiana-based businessman has been arrested in a ₹9 crore GST fraud case, while an Excise and Taxation Inspector has been dismissed from service due to prolonged unauthorised absence.

In a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that a major operation conducted by the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit, Ludhiana, led to the arrest of Rohit Gupta, Proprietor of M/s MAA STEEL, Ludhiana, by the Taxation Department.

Elaborating on the case, he stated, “The Taxation department has unmasked a significant GST fraud where M/s MAA STEEL was found issuing fake invoices for HR/CR Coils and Strips without any actual supply of goods.

This fraudulent network managed to pass on Input Tax Credit exceeding ₹9 crore to various beneficiaries, causing a direct and substantial loss to the state exchequer. During the search, the Taxation department teams also discovered glaring discrepancies between the physical stock available on the premises and the firm’s official book records.”

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further revealed that the investigation is widening in scope. “We are currently investigating several manufacturers of cycle parts and spare parts who are suspected of being part of this scam.

These entities are under the scanner for improperly claiming export refunds or benefits through an inverted duty structure. Our government remains committed to vigorously combating tax evasion, protecting government revenue, and ensuring a level playing field for every compliant taxpayer in Punjab,” he said.

Turning to internal administrative discipline, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the Punjab Government has dismissed an Excise and Taxation Inspector with immediate effect under the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970, following due process in connection with the official’s prolonged unauthorised absence.

Emphasising the government’s firm stand on discipline, he said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government remains resolute that no form of indiscipline will be tolerated under any circumstances. We have already terminated four employees for similar misconduct, and disciplinary proceedings are currently underway against another Excise and Taxation Inspector and one Clerk for comparable acts.”

Reaffirming the AAP-led state government’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and a disciplined work culture, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said these actions reflect that resolve. “We will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards tax evasion and any malfeasance by public servants,” he added.

Veteran Doordarshan anchor Sarla Maheshwari passes away, heartfelt tributes pour in

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
Veteran Doordarshan anchor Sarla Maheshwari passed away at the age of 71, Doordarshan National said on social media, extending a “heartfelt tribute” to the former news presenter, remembering her for her “gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified delivery”.

“On behalf of the Doordarshan family, we pay our heartfelt tribute to Mrs Sarla Maheshwari. She was a respected and revered Doordarshan newsreader, who carved a special place in the Indian news world with her gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified delivery. Her simplicity, restraint, and personality instilled a deep trust in her viewers,” the post on X read.

Veteran news anchor and Maheshwari’s ex-colleague, Shammi Narang, also expressed grief as he shared the news of the death of his ex-co-anchor.

“She was the embodiment of grace and courtesy. Beautiful not just in appearance but even more so at heart, she had a remarkable command over language and was a reservoir of knowledge. Her presence on the Doordarshan screen had a unique aura,” Narang wrote in a social media post.

“She respected everyone and uplifted every space she was part of. I pray that God grants her soul eternal peace and gives strength to the Maheshwari family,” he added

The Mahila Congress described Maheshwari’s death as the “end of a golden era of television journalism”.

“Her credibility and decency will always be an inspiration for generations to come,” the organisation added.

Maheshwari began her career with Doordarshan in 1976 as a news announcer while pursuing her PhD at Delhi University. She later became among the earliest anchors to read news live on Indian television, at a time when Doordarshan served as the country’s primary news platform.

She worked with Doordarshan until 1984 before moving to the United Kingdom, where she served as a newsreader with the BBC till 1986.

After returning to India, she rejoined Doordarshan in 1988 and continued with the broadcaster for several more years.

Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Maheshwari became a familiar and trusted face in Indian households, especially during the era of black-and-white and early colour television. She was widely known for her calm, formal and composed style of presentation.(Agency)

HM Amit Shah to attend Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in Tripura on Feb 20

Agartala, Feb 12, 2026
The Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs will organise a Joint Regional Official Language Conference — the Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan — for the eastern, northeastern and northern regions in a grand manner in Tripura’s capital Agartala on February 20, officials said on Thursday.

A senior official said that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with a host of dignitaries, will attend the conference, which will be held at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre at Hapania on the outskirts of Agartala.

Officials from various Central government offices, public sector undertakings, banks, Town Official Language Implementation Committees (TOLICs) and other organisations are expected to participate in the conference.

To make the event more attractive and meaningful, an exhibition showcasing outstanding work carried out by different organisations in the field of Official Language implementation has also been planned, the official added.

All participating organisations have been requested to submit details of any special innovations or noteworthy initiatives undertaken by them in the field of Official Language, which can be displayed at their respective stalls during the exhibition.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, while speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event, also confirmed the participation of Union Home Minister Shah in the Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources said that during his visit to Tripura, the Union Home Minister is also likely to hold a few meetings with the Chief Minister Saha and other senior BJP leaders to discuss various political and organisational matters.

Amid ongoing differences between the BJP and its ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), Union Home Minister Shah is also likely to hold meetings with TMP leaders, including party supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the sources added.

Ahead of the crucial elections to the 30-member Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), the BJP, TMP and other political parties have intensified preparations for the polls, which are expected to be held in March–April.(Agency)

India now has market access to 70 pc of global GDP at mostly zero duty: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
India now has market access to 70 per cent of global GDP, in most cases at zero duty for domestic products, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event here, Goyal said that nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have been concluded in the last three years, covering 38 countries with strong per capita incomes, and most developed markets now have trade arrangements with India.

“Agreements include the 27-nation EU bloc, four-nation EFTA bloc, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the United States of America, while Japan and Korea were concluded earlier, along with ASEAN nations,” the minister said.

He also urged medtech startups to look beyond the domestic market, leverage India’s expanding trade agreements covering nearly 70 per cent of global GDP, and scale affordable innovations to serve both India and the world.

The minister emphasised that affordable, scalable medical technology can help reach the remotest parts of India and also access global markets across Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and developed economies.

According to the minister, startups should not limit themselves to the domestic market and should participate in global fairs and exhibitions.

He assured that Commerce Ministry would support delegations and that India’s missions in over 190 countries are available to assist innovators. He also encouraged collaboration with global companies, present in over 100 countries, to access developed markets.

Affordable and scalable medtech products can reduce costs and improve quality through economies of scale. Referring to startups present at the programme, he noted that many had secured CDSCO approvals and some were on the verge of receiving FDA approvals, enabling them to expand internationally.

Innovation must address India’s day-to-day needs and ground-level imperatives.

The minister underlined the importance of showcasing success stories and urged ‘Startup India’, the private sector and the media to encourage entrepreneurs, including those who may not succeed initially.

Three more National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) are being established alongside the upgradation of seven existing NIPERs. A new National Institute of Design (NID) will be set up in East India, with states competing to provide the best proposal.(Agency)

Rahul snaps at reporters, when questioned about ‘privilege’ motion against him

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi lost his cool at a section of media persons on Thursday, as they questioned him about a possible privilege motion against him by the ruling party in the ongoing Budget session.

Rahul, visibly agitated at the question, snapped at the scribes, asking, “Have you been given this code word for today”? In the same breadth, he asked them to “stay objective” in their work and uphold the sanctity of their profession.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha erupted in protest as Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the Modi government, accusing it of surrendering India and its people before foreign powers and also selling the Bharat Mata. Rahul’s fierce attack was met with protest from treasury benches, who objected to LoP’s “unparliamentary” language and demanded that his remarks be expunged from House proceedings.

Later, BJP lawmakers stated that the privilege motion will be brought against the LoP for “misleading” the House with “baseless and malicious” claims.

Congress party, however, stood firm that no violation of Parliamentary norms took place as the LoP was well within the right to lambast the government and Prime Minister for “capitulating and surrendering” India’s energy and farmers’ interests in the India-US trade deal.

Today, as Rahul walked down to his car outside the Parliament complex, the scribes gathered around him to seek his reaction on the privilege motion being mulled against him.

This apparently triggered him, and he asked the scribes, ”Is privilege the code work for today? Have you been given this word for today?”

Further lashing out at scribes, he said, “Yesterday the word was authentication, today it is privilege. You should try to do some objective stuff. You are not totally employed by the BJP; it gets really shameful.”

“You are responsible people, you have media people, you have a responsibility to stay objective. You are doing a disservice to this nation. Are you not able to recognize that?” he told them.

There is yet no clarity, however, about treasury benches moving any motion against him. Top sources in the government said that a privilege motion is unlikely; however, a substantive motion may be brought against him.(Agency)

Black Box reports Q3 FY26 results with revenue growth and strategic expansion

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026
Black Box Limited, a leading provider of digital infrastructure solutions, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. The Company delivered sustained growth, with improvements across revenue and operating profit, driven by broad-based performance across its key markets.

With its transformation program now stabilized and a focused go-to-market architecture in place, the Company continues to advance toward revenue acceleration and a higher-quality business mix. Supported by growing order wins, expanding backlog, improved execution, deepening client relationships, and a healthy pipeline, the Company is firmly positioned for a growth trajectory in the quarters ahead.

Revenue for Q3 FY26 stood at ₹1,660 crore compared to ₹1,585 crore in Q2 FY26, reflecting an 11 per cent year-on-year growth and 5 per cent quarter-on-quarter, driven by sustained execution and improved momentum.

EBITDA for the quarter was ₹147 crore, representing a 10 per cent year-on-year growth and a 3 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase. EBITDA margins remained stable at 8.9 per cent, supported by better fixed-cost absorption and a balanced business mix.

With ongoing operational efficiency and cost optimisation initiatives, there remains further potential for incremental margin expansion as strategic priorities continue to be executed in the quarters ahead. Profit after tax (PAT) stood at ₹50 crore compared to ₹56 crore in Q3 FY25 and Q2 FY26, respectively.

PAT was primarily impacted due to one-time exceptional impact amounting to ₹6 crore due to changes in employee benefit provisions arising from the New Labour Code. As revenue growth accelerates, PAT expansion is expected to outpace topline growth, driven by margin normalisation, improved revenue quality, and greater contribution from high-value opportunities.

Business and Operations Highlights

For the 9mFY26 the company booked orders worth $626 million (approx. ₹5,466 crore). The company is on track to book $1 billion (approx. ₹9,000 crore) of orders in FY26 on the back of a strong pipeline. Order backlog as of December 31, 2025, was $601 million (₹5,402 crore). Order backlog has grown by about $100 million in the 9 months of the current fiscal year on the back of strong order booking, including from datacentre vertical.

Our investments in datacentre vertical have started to yield results and the momentum is expected to continue in the coming quarters. Order backlog at the end of FY26 (Mar 31, 2026) is expected to reach $800m+, exceeding our initial estimate of $700mn (₹6,300 crore).

Notable orders during the quarter include data centre orders from hyperscalers, multiple orders from the US public sector, a large order from an Indian internet giant, and a large order from a bank in Australia.

Strategic Expansion

Black Box has executed definitive agreements to acquire 100 per cent equity of 2S Inovações Tecnologicas S.A., a Brazilian technology company, headquartered in Sao Paulo subject to customary closing conditions, certain consents and approvals.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2026. The transaction reinforces Black Box’s global growth plan focused on technology, innovation, and the expansion of its technological capabilities through the 2030 cycle.

The transaction is aligned with Black Box’s global strategic plan to achieve US$ 2 billion in annual revenues by 2030.

In this context, Brazil plays an important role in Black Box’s global expansion, given the strength of its technology ecosystem, access to highly qualified talent, and its potential as a hub for the development of technological solutions to other markets.

The acquisition of 2S reinforces this strategic positioning and further expands Black Box’s presence in the country, and reinforces Brazil as a core platform for its global operations.

Sanjeev Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Black Box, said: “Our Q3 performance reflects the strength of our focused go-to-market strategy and improving execution across regions.

With order bookings on track to reach $1 billion in FY26 and backlog expected to grow meaningfully ahead of earlier estimates, we are entering FY27 with strong revenue visibility and momentum.

As the business mix continues to improve and higher-value opportunities scale, we are confident of accelerating growth while enhancing the quality and resilience of earnings. The acquisition of 2S is a significant milestone for Black Box.

By combining 2S’s CISCO and cloud expertise with Black Box’s infrastructure and A/V capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver a unified enterprise solution, accelerate digital transformation across the high-growth LATAM market, and strengthen our networking and data centre business. This will allow us to drive greater efficiency and innovation for our customers in the LATAM market, while creating long-term value for our shareholders.”

Deepak Bansal, Chief Financial Officer, Black Box, added: “We delivered steady revenue growth with stable operating margins during the quarter, supported by disciplined execution and improved cost absorption.

While PAT was impacted by a one-time provision related to the New Labour Code, the underlying profitability trajectory of the business remains intact. With a growing backlog, improving revenue mix, and continued operational efficiencies, we expect earnings growth to progressively strengthen in the coming quarters.

Our balance sheet and cash flow position us well to support both organic expansion and strategic inorganic initiatives maintaining financial discipline.

The proposed acquisition of 2S represents disciplined and strategically aligned capital allocation that enhances both our growth and profitability profile.

We are expecting to add around ₹500 crore of revenue in FY27 and expect to complete integration and synergy within 90 days of closing. This acquisition strengthens our long-term shareholder value, while our balance sheet remains well-positioned to support disciplined organic and inorganic growth.”(Agency)

NCB secures 15-year jail term for four traffickers held with ganja in UP

Lucknow, Feb 12, 2026
A Special NDPS Court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced four drug traffickers, including one each from Gujarat and Odisha, to 15 years’ rigorous imprisonment in connection with the seizure of 601 kg ganja in 2018, an NCB official said on Thursday.

In June 2018, the traffickers were apprehended at Zadeswar Chowkdi, Bharuch, Uttar Pradesh, with over 601 kg of ganja in their possession, said an NCB statement.

The Special Court, Bharuch, sentenced Pramod Kumar and Shishupal from Bulandshahar, UP; Manish Harish Bhai from Bharuch, Gujarat, and Kamal Lochan Shamal from Ganjam, Odisha to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The Special Court also slapped a fine of Rs one lakh each on the four convicts, the statement said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the NCB, Gorakhpur Zonal Unit, received a shot in the arm when a Special Court convicted two accused in a 2024 case and sentenced them to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs one lakh each, under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act.

The Additional District and Session Judge, Sonbhadra, held Sarvesh Singh (Kanpur Dehat district) and Abhiraj Singh (Gopalganj district, Bihar) guilty of illicit drug trafficking.

The two were arrested while transporting the contraband in their truck, the statement said.

On July 19, 2024, the NCB, Gorakhpur Zonal Unit, intercepted a truck and seized 825 kilograms of Ganja in Sonbhadra, said the statement.

In connection with the seizure, two accused were arrested, and a case was registered for violation of provisions under Section 8, 20, 25 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, it said.

The agency, in a statement, urged citizens to report narcotics-related information through MANAS Helpline (Toll-Free: 1933), assuring that informers’ identities would be kept strictly confidential.

The NCB, Gorakhpur Zonal Unit, reaffirms its commitment to combating drug trafficking and illicit drug abuse in the region. This successful prosecution underscores the Bureau’s sustained and relentless efforts to disrupt and dismantle organised drug trafficking networks.(Agency)

Delhi HC tells Centre to inform Celina Jaitly’s jailed brother about law firm engaged by govt

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to inform Major Vikrant Jaitly (retd), presently lodged in a UAE prison, about the law firm appointed by the Indian government to represent him in legal proceedings abroad.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav was hearing a petition filed by Jaitly’s sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who claimed that her brother has been “illegally abducted and detained” in the United Arab Emirates and sought legal representation and consular access for him.

During the hearing, the Ministry of External Affairs informed the high court that it has already requested consular access to Jaitly and has issued a letter authorising an Emirati law firm to represent him in the UAE. The Union government further submitted that necessary steps are being taken to ensure appropriate legal assistance.

Taking note of these submissions, Justice Kaurav directed the Centre to communicate to Jaitly details of the law firm appointed for his representation so that he can take an informed decision regarding the conduct of his defence.

The Delhi High Court also recorded the statement made by Jaitly’s wife that she had met him in a UAE jail earlier and that he was opposed to the inclusion of the law firm suggested by his sister.

According to her, Jaitly has expressed his preference that the Union Ministry of External Affairs appoint and oversee the legal representation in the UAE.

Jaitly’s wife claimed that Celina Jaitly had approached the Delhi High Court without her consent and asserted that the right to appoint a lawyer for her husband rests solely with her.

Taking note of the submissions, the Delhi High Court observed that if Jaitly is unwilling to avail the services of the firm suggested by Celina Jaitly, he may propose an alternative. It also directed that a copy of the petition filed by Celina Jaitly be furnished to clarify whether Jaitly is willing to meet his sister.

The Delhi High Court had earlier expressed its inclination to speak directly with Jaitly through video conferencing to ascertain his wishes regarding the future course of action and whose assistance he intends to accept. It had stressed that the focus of the proceedings was to ensure that Jaitly’s legal rights were adequately protected and that any representation was in accordance with his informed consent.

The matter is now listed for further hearing on February 19.

Celina Jaitly had moved the Delhi High Court seeking assistance for her brother, claiming that the retired Indian Army officer, who had been residing in the UAE since 2016, was “illegally abducted and detained” in September 2024, and sought directions for consular access and legal aid.(Agency)

Karnataka govt reviews proposal to host IPL opener in Bengaluru, Cabinet to take final call

Bengaluru, Feb 12, 2026
The Karnataka government on Thursday held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and senior officials to discuss the proposal to host the IPL inaugural match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A final decision will be announced after the State Cabinet meeting in the evening.

The meeting, chaired by Home Minister G. Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha, assumes significance as the iconic stadium was barred from hosting matches following the June 4, 2025, stampede during celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL title, in which 11 people lost their lives.

Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Tushar Girinath, DGP and IGP M.A. Saleem, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Home Secretary K.V. Sharath Chandra, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, the KSCA Secretary, and RCB office-bearers.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Parameshwara said discussions were held on implementing key recommendations of the retired Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission, constituted to probe the stampede. “We have directed KSCA and RCB to implement the major recommendations. They have already begun compliance in several areas,” he said.

He added that the Cabinet would take a final call on permitting matches in Bengaluru. “The Cabinet entrusted the Home Ministry with holding consultations and reporting back. I will brief the Cabinet this evening, after which an official announcement will be made,” he said.

Parameshwara noted that stakeholders had addressed short-term recommendations and initiated steps on infrastructure-related and long-term measures. “As per tradition, the IPL season opens at the home ground of the defending champions. Since RCB won the trophy, the inaugural match is proposed at Chinnaswamy Stadium. They have sought government permission in this regard,” he said.

A committee headed by GBA Chairman Maheshwar Rao, with representatives from the police, PWD, Health Department and other agencies, had examined the issue. Its report was received and deliberated upon during Thursday’s two-hour meeting.

The Home Minister said some recommendations relate to infrastructure upgrades such as gates, walkways and holding areas, while others involve immediate non-infrastructure measures including ambulance deployment, availability of doctors and triage facilities. “They have informed us that steps have already been taken on these fronts,” he said.

On accountability in the event of any untoward incident, Parameshwara clarified that responsibility would lie with the event organisers — KSCA and RCB. “Can the government take responsibility?” he asked.

He reiterated that while short-term measures have been completed, medium and long-term works are underway. “Some will be completed before the match, possibly by March. Others, such as demolition and reconstruction of certain sections, will take longer,” he said.

“RCB can only place its request and conditions before the government. They have formally sought permission to host the inaugural match here,” he added.

The Cabinet’s decision later in the day is expected to determine whether cricketing action returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL opener.(Agency)

PIA privatisation flies into corruption cloud in Pakistan

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been sold as a big reform to end decades of losses, but the opaque deal has turned out to be an example of institutionalised corruption, according to a media report.

The Pakistan government has parked around Rs 650 billion of PIA’s historic liabilities into a holding company, which insulates the buyer from huge accumulated losses.

A clean operating entity has been sold to a private consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation on a headline valuation of about Rs 135 billion, of which only around Rs 10 billion translates into actual cash inflow to the state, while the rest is injected as equity into the airline itself, the article in the Colombo-based Asian News Post observed.

Against Rs 650 billion in retained debt, a one-time cash benefit of Rs 10 billion barely registers, leaving the public with a heavily negative net position.

Public funds have absorbed past losses and recapitalised the airline, while the private buyer acquires a de-leveraged asset with prospects of future profitability if even modest operational improvements are achieved.

“This is not a correction of past corruption; it is its consolidation, where the costs of misrule remain social while the upside of reform is reserved for a small circle of private actors,” the article stated.

Over decades, taxpayer money built a sizeable PIA fleet, international routes, and valuable landing rights at key global hubs. Critics point out that these assets have been transferred at valuations below replacement cost, especially once adjusted for the network effects, brand value and regulatory privileges that such routes and slots confer in a congested aviation market.

When the state absorbs liabilities, injects equity and then transfers these strategic assets at favourable terms to private hands, the transaction resembles a wealth transfer masked as reform rather than a fair market divestment, the article noted.

“PIA’s privatisation, in its current form, is therefore less a solution than a reallocation of burdens and benefits.

The public continues to service a Rs 650 billion debt burden incurred through years of political interference, leakage and mismanagement. In return, it receives limited cash, a minority equity stake, and the hope that private managers will succeed where the state failed, even though the surrounding governance ecosystem remains largely unreformed,” it contended.(Agency)

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