Bihar: Rabri Devi leads RJD protest amid row with CM Nitish Kumar

Patna, Feb 11, 2026
Political tensions escalated in Bihar on Wednesday as several Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), led by Leader of the Opposition Rabri Devi, staged a protest against the Nitish Kumar-led government outside the Bihar Legislative Council.

The protesting RJD MLCs gathered at the entrance of the Council holding posters bearing slogans accusing the Chief Minister of intimidating opposition members and running a corrupt administration.

The posters read: “Chief Minister, come to your senses (Chief Minister hosh mein aao). Stop threatening MLAs. Government of corrupt people, come to your senses.”

The protest followed a heated exchange between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rabri Devi in the Bihar Legislative Council earlier this week.

During the exchange, Nitish Kumar allegedly referred to Rabri Devi as a “girl”, a remark that the RJD termed derogatory and insulting towards women.

The comment triggered sharp reactions from the opposition, with Rabri Devi’s son and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, strongly criticising the Chief Minister.

Tensions in the Legislative Council have been simmering since Monday, with repeated confrontations between members of the ruling alliance and the opposition.

A day before the protest, a verbal altercation reportedly took place between RJD MLC Sunil Kumar and Minister Ashok Choudhary, during which allegations of abusive language were also levelled.

Senior RJD leader and Maner MLA Bhai Virendra further intensified the political rhetoric on Wednesday by launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

He alleged that the Chief Minister’s mental condition was not sound and claimed that those around him were failing to provide proper guidance.

In a controversial remark, Bhai Virendra sarcastically said that the Chief Minister should be given medication and brought back to health, further heating up the political atmosphere.

Responding to the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha attempted to downplay the incident, stating that Nitish Kumar and Rabri Devi share a brother-in-law–sister-in-law relationship.

He said it was inappropriate to misrepresent the Chief Minister’s sentiments and politicise the issue.

The developments have intensified political debate in Bihar, with both the ruling alliance and the opposition locked in sharp exchanges inside as well as outside the legislature.(Agency)

Deve Gowda backs Budget; calls for focus on jobs, farmers, inclusive growth

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Former Prime Minister and JD(S) MP H.D. Deve Gowda expressed support for the Union Budget 2026-27 during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha. He praised its overall direction while calling for greater emphasis on employment, inclusive growth and regional priorities.

Deve Gowda appreciated the budget’s focus on economic reforms, tax simplification and structural changes intended to sustain growth in the face of global challenges.

He, however, cautioned that growth by itself is not enough unless employment becomes the central concern of policy.

The former PM pointed out that manufacturing and MSMEs can generate substantial jobs only when backed by strong skilling initiatives, local supporting ecosystems, affordable credit and predictable regulations.

He asked whether success should be judged merely by investment announcements or by the actual number of dignified jobs created for young people, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

Regarding taxation, he welcomed efforts to simplify the system but stressed that taxpayers’ confidence is equally vital. He said any changes that affect cash flow or previously settled matters must come with proper safeguards so that honest taxpayers feel secure rather than worried.

Deve Gowda also urged for more attention to India’s future beyond the national capital and major corridors.

He argued that real progress will take shape in cities and districts across the country.

He called for stronger measures in urban governance, water security, climate resilience and balanced regional development to ensure equitable advancement.

In a specific suggestion to help farmers, he proposed the creation of a national board for jackfruit, tamarind and jamun. He noted that these crops are resilient, need less water, grow well under varying conditions and face rising market demand.

A dedicated board, he said, could encourage wider cultivation, improve value addition and raise farmers’ incomes in regions facing water scarcity.

In his closing remarks, the veteran JD(S) said that ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is not merely a slogan but a serious responsibility. It requires openness to criticism, readiness to correct course when needed, and a firm commitment to growth that is inclusive, sustainable and just.

He observed that India has the talent, enterprise and ambition required to lead the world.

The former PM expressed hope that this budget would be remembered not only for its financial figures but for the wisdom shown in building an economy that remains strong today while securing a better tomorrow.(Agency)

Trade deal will increase India’s share in US plastics market: Industry

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The India-US trade deal has brought a major business opportunity for domestic plastic exporters, which will help the country increase its share in the US plastics market, according to industry leaders.

Speaking to IANS, Arvind Goenka, Managing Director (MD) of RMG Polymers India Limited, said, “The India-US trade deal will open up a large US market for domestic plastic exporters.”

He further said that the US imports plastics annually are worth around $75 billion. Currently, India’s plastic exports to the US are about $2.2 billion.

“Therefore, this agreement is a golden opportunity for Indian companies to increase exports. Our plastic exports to the US could double in the next few years,” he mentioned.

He further added that the US is also a major buyer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). If the US purchases plastic and PVC products from India in large quantities, these goods will be exported to other countries as well. This will give Indian products a new identity in the global market, said Goenka.

According to his, this agreement will not only prove beneficial for the plastic industry but will also help establish India as a strong and reliable supplier.

He further stated that the US economy is worth $30 trillion and its population is approximately 340 million.

Consequently, due to higher incomes, there is a high demand for high-quality products. When demand for high-quality products increases in the US, similar products will be manufactured in India, which will then be sold in India, benefiting the general public.

According to Goenka, India-US trade will also increase the country’s exports to other countries.

He cited the example that whenever a product is exported to the US, its acceptance automatically increases in countries like the Gulf, Europe and Russia. Therefore, as trade with the US increases, India will also benefit from trade with other countries.(Agency)

Shahid Kapoor reveals he once etched his crush’s name on his arm using a compass

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
The latest episode of Netflix’s “The Great Indian Kapil Show” is going to be full of romance, nazakat, and non-stop nok-jhok as the team of the forthcoming romantic entertainer “O Romeo” – Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal, and Director Vishal graced the set.

During the episode, host Kapil Sharma casually asked Shahid if, following his marriage to Mira Rajput, the DMs still find their way to him.

Reacting to this with a grin, he said, “Bachon ki mummy ko pata chal jaata hai yaar, (the mother of my children comes to know)”.

Shahid further recalled his first crush and revealed how he once wrote her name on his hand using a compass. However, it turned septic later, proving once and for all that love literally hurts.

When the leading lady Triptii was asked about her college love-letter era, she shared, “Likha kabhi nahi… par padha bohot saare, (I did not write any, but have read many)”.

Not sparing Avinash either, Kapil said to him, “career ke peeche bhaag rahe ho ya Triptii ke? (Are you running behind your career or Triptii?)”, leading to blushes and some light laughter.

Further adding to the Valentine drama, actor Kiku Sharda arrived on the set as the hyper-protective saas while Sunil Grover joined him as an overly emotional bahu, bringing some daily soap twist to romance.

Next, the stage suddenly turned into a TGIKS News Debate mode, with Sunil’s fiery avatar pulling the cast and Mastiverse crew into a hilarious prime-time love showdown.

Made under the direction of Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, “O’Romeo” is believed to be inspired by Hussain Zaidi’s novel “Mafia Queens of Mumbai”.

Along with Shahid, Triptii, and Avinash, the project will also feature Nana Patekar, Disha Patani, Farida Jalal, and Tamannaah Bhatia in crucial roles.

“O’Romeo” is slated for a theatrical release on February 13.(Agency)

T20 WC: ‘I don’t see Washington Sundar playing in Delhi,’ says Bangar ahead of Namibia clash

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Washington Sundar is unlikely to feature in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Namibia in Delhi, even though the all-rounder has regained fitness.

India opened their campaign with a 29-run victory over the USA, but the batting unit endured a few nervy moments despite securing the win. As the team prepares for its next group stage encounter, attention has turned to the possible composition of the playing XI, particularly with Sundar back in the mix.

The off-spin bowling all-rounder, who has been recovering from a side strain and rib injury, participated in fielding drills during Tuesday’s practice session and later bowled to Tilak Varma alongside Kuldeep Yadav. He was also seen engaged in extended discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar as the team management assessed his match readiness.

“It’s great news that Washington Sundar is going to join the team, because the Indian management has been patient with him and has a lot of confidence in his abilities.

The fact that they persisted with him in the squad despite his unavailability at the start of the tournament shows they want to maintain a similar team combination. If, say for instance, a spin-bowling all-rounder is required, Washington Sundar can certainly come in.

But I don’t see him playing in Delhi. I certainly see Jasprit Bumrah making it to the playing eleven, with the in-form Mohammed Siraj the one likely to miss out,” Bangar told JioStar while speaking on Sundar’s improved fitness and possible changes in the playing XI.

Bangar also advised India’s batters to remain confident in their approach despite the hiccups against the USA, stressing that their aggressive philosophy has brought consistent success in recent times.

“I don’t think Indian batters should overanalyse what happened at Wankhede against the USA, because the approach this Indian batting line-up plays with nowadays in T20 cricket is obviously fraught with risk. On days like that, when a couple of wickets fall, and you still want to keep going hard, you are bound to lose wickets in clusters.

If there is one learning, it is to maybe slow down slightly, but not have too much of a doubt in your approach, because that fearless style has given you a lot of success. Keep backing your abilities and keep playing the way this Indian batting unit has approached T20 cricket over the last 18 months or so,” he said.

Highlighting the balance within the batting order, Bangar pointed to the blend of composure and attacking intent among key players.

“When I look at this Indian batting line-up, it has a great mix of maturity as well as fearlessness. Now, in terms of maturity, you have players who can adjust to the needs of the situation. Tilak Varma bats in that fashion, as do Surya and Hardik.

So, if India find themselves in a similar position again, the onus may be on one of those three to steady the innings a little bit, while the batters around them continue to play the way they have been playing. That is something the team and the batting group might discuss going forward,” he added.

India will look to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum as they continue their campaign in the capital.(Agency)

Left Front-Cong alliance in Bengal unlikely, says CPI(M); backs joint Oppn stand on SIR

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby on Wednesday indicated that the possibility of an electoral understanding between the Left Front and the Congress in West Bengal is remote, even as he underlined that Opposition parties remain united on select national issues, including concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to IANS in an interview on the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in various states, Baby said the political context varies sharply from state to state.

In Kerala, where the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has been in office for two consecutive terms, the alliance is aiming for a third successive mandate. In West Bengal, the CPI(M)-led Left Front is likely to contest independently without the Congress.

“In the previous elections, there was understanding between the Left Front and the Congress in Bengal. This time, such an understanding is remote,” he said.

Baby noted that the broader INDIA Bloc was gearing up for elections in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. In Tamil Nadu, he said, parties within the Bloc are contesting under the leadership of the DMK.

“As INDIA Bloc, we are contesting only in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of the DMK, while in other states we are contesting as the situation warrants,” Baby said.

Turning to West Bengal, the CPI(M) leader criticised both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. He accused the BJP of attempting to polarise voters through communal propaganda, while alleging that the Trinamool government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had failed to address unemployment and educational backwardness and had been tainted by corruption charges.

“So defeating the Trinamool government and isolating and exposing the BJP are the two things the CPI(M) and the Left Front are focussing on in Bengal,” he said.

“We are not equating BJP and the Trinamool. But for the entire country the biggest danger is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-controlled BJP,” he claimed.

Baby also referred to CM Banerjee’s past association with the BJP at the Centre. “Mamata Banerjee had an alliance with the BJP at the Centre and she was a Union Minister too. We are not sure that old ties are still active or not. Before the people they are accusing each other,” he said.

The CPI(M) leader added that discussions were underway within the Left Front regarding electoral strategy in Bengal.

“After consolidating the Left Front and making progress on seat-sharing within the Left Front, we will consider whether we need an understanding or arrangement with other political parties. We are very clear that we cannot have any association with forces known to be communal,” he said.

Despite political differences with the Trinamool Congress, Baby said the Left and the TMC shared concerns over the Election Commission’s SIR exercise. CM Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court over the issue.

“On her criticism regarding the wrongdoing associated with the SIR and the Election Commission, we are on the same page despite our political differences,” Baby said.

He contended that what is officially termed as a Special Intensive Revision amounts, in effect, to large-scale deletion of names from voter lists.

“There is widespread removal of names from voter lists, which is unacceptable. On the substance of the issue, we agree with Mamata Banerjee’s criticism,” he said.

At the same time, he remarked that Banerjee’s style of handling the issue differed from that of the Left.

“However, the way she handles the issue, turning it into a spectacle, is her style of political mobilisation,” he added.

On the controversy surrounding former Chief of Army Staff, General M.M. Naravane’s forthcoming book ‘Four Stars of Destiny’, Baby said the matter could be discussed in Parliament if handled responsibly.

He noted that the publisher, Penguin Random House, holds the rights to the book and has clarified that it has not been officially released. The display of a copy in Parliament by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has triggered a procedural dispute over the authenticity of documents cited in the House.

“There is nothing wrong in discussing the issue, provided it is done in a responsible manner. The government can clarify its position, and the author can state whether he stands by the contents. This should be resolved within parliamentary norms,” Baby said.

The CPI(M) leadership is expected to firm up its state-wise electoral approach in the coming weeks as Opposition parties calibrate strategies ahead of a busy election calendar.(Agency)

Agniveer Recruitment Rally under Unit Headquarter Quota at Punjab Regimental Centre, Ramgarh Cantt

Jalandhar, 11 Feb, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

1. The Punjab Regiment Centre is conducting a Agniveer Recruitment Rally under Unit Headquarter Quota with effect from 16 Feb 2026 onwards at Dhyan Chand Stadium, Ramgarh Cantt. Candidates are required to report at Longewala Gate, The Punjab Regimental Centre, Ramgarh Cantt by 04:00 hours on the respective scheduled dates.

2. Schedule of Rally:-

16 Feb 2026. Categories – All Trial Sponsored/ Outstanding Sportsmen.

2.1. Sikh Sportsperson (except Mazhabi, Ramdasia, SC and ST) meeting certification norms.

2.2. National/ International level sportsperson can be recruited from AIAC irrespective of State and Class.

2.3 Games & Sports: Athletics incl Track & field events, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Handball, Volleyball, Wrestling & Kabaddi.

17 Feb 2026. Categories – All Trial Sponsored/ Outstanding Sportsmen- Reserve Day.

18 Feb 2026. Categories – Agniveer GD (Sikh only as well as Sportsmen selected during Trial).

2.4. Sikh (except Mazhabi, Ramdasia, SC and ST) from any states/UT of India (Only for relationship Candidates of any Regiment)

2.5. Categories – Agniveer Tdn 10th Pass (Chef & Dresser) – Agniveer Tradesman (All India All Caste). Any State/ UT of India only for the wards of serving and ex- servicemen belonging to Indian Army.

2.6. Categories – Agniveer Tdn 10th Pass Musician – All India All Class (AIAC) any State of India incl UTs (OPEN CATEGORY). Desirous candidates’ talented in playing musical instruments.

2.7. Categories – Agniveer Tdn 8th Pass (House Keeper) – Agniveer Tradesman 8th Pass (All India All Caste). Any State/ UT of India only for the wards of serving and ex-servicemen belonging to Indian Army.

19 Feb 2026 Aptitude test of Musician (To be conducted by IOAB Inspector of Army Band).

3. Eligibility Following will be applicable:-

3.1. Age Limit The Age limit for the applicants will be from 17 ½ years to 21 years.
1st day of the month of Oct of recruiting year (01 Apr-31 Mar) will be taken as affective date for determining the age eligibility for the candidates.

3.2. Gender & Martial Status As applicable to respective categories/ trades being
enrolled as on date for the IA.

3.3. Medical Standards A candidate must meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the IA as applicable to respective categories/trades.

Bomb Threat to Mohali Schools; Police Swing into Action, 16 Schools Evacuated

SAS Nagar, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Mohali Police swung into action immediately after receiving bomb threat emails sent to around 16 schools in Mohali city and one each in Zirakpur and Kharar on Wednesday morning.

Divulging details outside Learning Paths School, Sector 67, SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said the threatening emails were received by private schools between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. Acting swiftly on the information, police teams led by SPs, DSPs and SHOs rushed to the schools along with Anti-Sabotage Teams and Bomb Disposal Squads.

He said the checking of all schools was completed within about two and a half hours with the support of additional force and specialised teams from neighbouring districts and Chandigarh headquarters.

All schools were evacuated and closed for students and staff well before the search operations began. “With the grace of God, no explosive material was found at any of the locations,” SSP Hans added.

The search operations were supervised by SP City Dilpreet Singh along with SPs Navneet Singh Mahal, Mohit Aggarwal, Sukhnaz Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Talwinder Singh Gill; DSP City-1 Prithvi Singh Chahal, DSP City-2 Harsimran Singh Bal and all SHOs.

Schools covered during the search included Amity School, Doon School, Learning Paths, Gurukul School, Vivek High School, Paragon School, YPS, St. Mary’s School, Manav Rachna School, Lawrence School, Gem Public School, Ram Tirath School, Shiwalik Public School and Sant Ishar Singh School, among others.

SSP Hans said Mohali Police remains fully alert to such incidents. An FIR is being lodged and the case has been referred to the Cyber Police Station, Phase-7, Mohali to ascertain the origin of the threatening email and carry out a detailed investigation.

PM Modi highlights how carbon capture can power India’s next steel revolution

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted how carbon capture can power India’s next steel revolution as the country’s guided efforts towards Net Zero 2070 commitment, strategic investments, and hydrogen initiatives drive growth, global competitiveness, and lead the road to a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi referred to an article by Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy about India’s iron and steel sector being at a defining moment in its development journey.

As the second largest crude steel producer in the world, with an output of around 152 million tonnes (MT) in FY 2024-25, the sector is fundamental to the country’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion and employment generation.

With a target of achieving 300 MT of crude steel capacity by FY 2030–31 under the National Steel Policy 2017 and a longer-term vision of reaching 500 million tonnes by 2047, steel will remain central to India’s industrial and developmental aspirations.

The minister points out that at the same time, steel production is energy-intensive and emissions-intensive. India’s steel industry continues to rely predominantly on blast furnace and coal-based direct reduced iron production routes that use coal as the primary energy and reducing agent. As a result, the sector contributes nearly 10 to 12 per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing this challenge is not only an environmental imperative to achieve Net Zero by 2070 but also a strategic necessity to ensure the competitiveness of Indian steel in an increasingly carbon-conscious global economy. The government has begun laying the foundation for a decisive transition towards cleaner steelmaking, the minister observes.

The introduction of the green steel taxonomy marks an important milestone by defining emission intensity benchmarks (less than 2.2 tCO2e/t-fs) and providing a clear framework to identify and reward low-emission steel products as ‘green steel’ with 3 to 5 star ratings.

This policy clarity can unlock demand for cleaner steel across infrastructure, construction and manufacturing sectors, while encouraging producers to invest in emissions reduction technologies, he said.

Kumaraswamy also underscored that in parallel, the Steel Ministry has been allocated Rs 455 crore under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to pilot the use of green hydrogen in steel production. This initiative signals a strong commitment to transformative technologies that can reshape steel production pathways in the coming years. Together, these measures reflect a growing recognition that decarbonising steel is integral to India’s broader climate and industrial strategy.

He said that these measures will accelerate the low-carbon steel production; however, to achieve Net Zero, the Indian steel industry is also working towards carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.

Against this backdrop, the allocation of Rs 20,000 crore in the Union Budget for piloting carbon capture utilisation and storage technologies across five sectors, including steel, represents a decisive policy intervention. For the steel industry, carbon capture holds exceptional relevance towards the complete elimination of emissions, which is so far challenging even with improved energy efficiency and renewable power.

Carbon capture systems offer a direct and effective solution to address these process-related emissions. By capturing carbon dioxide from blast furnaces and direct reduced iron operations before it is released into the atmosphere, CCUS technologies can deliver substantial emissions reductions while allowing existing plants to continue operating.

This makes CCUS a powerful tool for India, where a large base of steelmaking assets will remain in service for decades, the minister added.(Agency)

‘Nothing alarming’, Sonam Wangchuk cannot be released on medical grounds: Centre tells SC

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that Ladakh-based social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is under preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA), is “fit, hale and hearty” and cannot be released on health grounds.

Appearing for the Union government, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta submitted before a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B. Varale that Wangchuk’s medical condition has been periodically reviewed and there was “nothing alarming” warranting his release.

Opposing any relaxation on medical grounds, SG Mehta told the apex court: “It will not be possible to release him on health grounds. It may not be desirable, either. We have given utmost consideration.”

“We have examined his health periodically 24 times. He is fit, hale and hearty. He had some digestive issues; he is being treated. There is nothing to worry about, nothing alarming. We cannot make exceptions like this,” added the Centre’s second-highest law officer.

The submissions were made during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenging her husband’s detention under the NSA as “illegal” and an “arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights”.

In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had orally asked the Union government to reconsider the continued preventive detention of Wangchuk, particularly in view of his “not very good” health and advancing age.

The Justice Kumar-led Bench had observed that Wangchuk has been in custody since September 26, 2025, and suggested that the government “give it a thought” on whether his detention needed to continue.

Earlier this week, the top court had cautioned against granting further adjournments in the matter and had declined a request for more time from the government’s law officer. Directed that the matter be listed for hearing at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, it had told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K.M. Nataraj: “You must understand it is a habeas corpus matter”.(Agency)

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