Deeply Shocked: PM Modi offers condolences over Canada shooting incident

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the shooting incident at a school in Canada’s British Columbia and offered his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones while wishing speedy recovery to those who were injured.

“Deeply shocked by the horrendous shooting in Canada. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada in this moment of profound grief,” PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi’s statement came after nine people were killed in a mass shooting allegedly by a person, possibly a woman, who committed suicide in a mining town in British Columbia on Tuesday (local time), according to officials.

The area’s federal police Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd said on Tuesday night (local time) that seven people were found dead in a local high school in Tumbler Ridge and two others in a home.

While addressing a virtual news conference, he stated that the alleged shooter was discovered dead in the school.

Floyd, who commands the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) northern district in the province, said that about 100 staff and students at the school were safe and were evacuated.

There were indications that the shooter was a woman or someone in female attire.

Citing privacy reasons and the ongoing investigation, Floyd did not disclose if the shooter was a student or an adult, but confirmed that it was the same person mentioned in an active shooter alert sent to phones in the area.

That message described the suspected shooter as a brown-haired female wearing a dress.

Two people with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital, while 25 were checked for injuries at a local medical centre, according to police.

British Columbia’s Premier David Eby termed the incident an “unimaginable tragedy” and said the “government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days”.

Floyd said that they have not yet been able to ascertain the motives for the attack.

“I think we will struggle to determine the ‘why’, but we will try our best to determine what transpired”, he said.

The house was near the school, and the shootings were connected, Floyd said.

Tumble Ridge is a small coal mining town of about 2,400 people in an area famed for dinosaur footprints and fossils.(Agency)

Udit Narayan named in marital fraud complaint lodged in Bihar’s Supaul

Patna, Feb 11, 2026
Renowned Bollywood playback singer Udit Narayan has been named in a written complaint filed by his first wife, Ranjana Narayan Jha, at the Supaul Women’s Police Station in Bihar on Wednesday.

The complaint alleges marital fraud, criminal conspiracy, and mental as well as physical harassment against the singer, his two brothers and his second wife.

According to the complaint, Ranjana Jha stated that she married Udit Narayan on December 7, 1984, following traditional Hindu customs.

She alleged that after the singer moved to Mumbai to pursue his career, he gradually distanced himself from her.

One of the most serious allegations pertains to her medical treatment.

Ranjana Jha has claimed that in 1996, she was taken to a hospital in Delhi on the pretext of undergoing treatment, where a major surgical procedure was allegedly carried out without her informed consent.

She stated that she became aware of the nature of the surgery only years later after consulting other medical professionals, and has described the incident as part of a deliberate conspiracy.

The complainant further alleged that she came to know about Udit Narayan’s second marriage through media reports.

When she sought clarification, she claimed that she did not receive any satisfactory response.

Now 61 years old, Ranjana Jha stated that she is facing serious health issues along with financial hardship, and alleged that despite repeated assurances over the years, she received no support, prompting her to approach the police.

“Recently, Udit Narayan came to the village and assured me, but did not fulfil his promises. I only want the status and respect of a wife from him,” Ranjana Jha said.

Police officials at the Supaul Women’s Police Station confirmed that a complaint has been received and that the matter is under preliminary inquiry.

Officials noted that since the allegations relate to incidents dating back several decades, legal complexities may arise during the course of the investigation.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by Udit Narayan or his family regarding the allegations.

The developments in the case are being closely followed by sections of the film industry as well as the public.(Agency)

Siddaramaiah should apologise to nation for remarks on PM: K’taka BJP leader

Bengaluru, Feb 11, 2026
Senior BJP leader and former Minister M.P. Renukacharya has said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s use of the word “coward” against the Prime Minister of the country is an insult to all Indians.

He was speaking to the media on Wednesday at the BJP office, ‘Jagannath Bhavan’, in Bengaluru. He demanded that Siddaramaiah apologise to the nation in this regard and seek forgiveness from 140 crore people. He said that in 2014, Siddaramaiah had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “mass murderer” and that the people rejected him in the elections for such remarks.

“Just for the sake of a chair, you bow before Sonia Gandhi, the immature politician Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Does an experienced politician like you behave like this?” he asked.

Renukacharya said PM Modi did not run away in fear of him. The Congress party had attempted to stage a protest through its women members. On the advice of the Lok Sabha Speaker, he did not participate at that time. “Are you speaking like this because you have a loose tongue?” he questioned.

“When it comes to the issue of power, you speak like this. It has been three years since Siddaramaiah came to power. What is your achievement?” he asked. “By speaking in this manner, the Congress party has lost its address in the country,” he said.

“Isn’t a tea seller the Prime Minister of the country today?” he remarked, adding that there was a time when it was said ‘Indira is India’. Now, Congress has no address and no future, he said.

He also pointed out that senior leaders are leaving Siddaramaiah.

“Siddaramaiah, you speak about PM Modi’s strength… The people of this country, the wise voters, did not even allow your party to become the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Didn’t the US President reduce tariffs? That is PM Narendra Modi’s strength,” he said.

“When the Pahalgam attack took place, weren’t people shot after being asked whether they were Hindu or Muslim? In retaliation, within a short period, the terrorist hideouts were destroyed — that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strength,” he said.

“Siddaramaiah, you are a senior politician. I have respect for you. But you must tender an unconditional apology for insulting PM Modi,” he demanded.

He alleged that misinformation is being spread about the VB- G Ram G scheme. The scheme has received approval from the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President. He further alleged that Siddaramaiah attempted to make the Governor speak falsely and said that the Congress party is now in power in only three states.

Recently, following the passing of the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha without a traditional reply from PM Modi, Siddaramaiah had termed this “an act of cowardice”.(Agency)

T20 WC: Skipper Marsh suffers injury; Australia call up Smith as cover

Colombo, Feb 11, 2026
Australia faces another injury blow as skipper Mitchell Marsh missed the campaign opener against Ireland on Wednesday after sustaining a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, which caused internal testicular bleeding.

Travis Head is leading the side against Ireland in Marsh’s absence, as he did in the first T20 in Pakistan last month, with his fellow opener requiring a period of rest and rehabilitation.

Reacting to the injury, standby player Steve Smith, who last featured in T20Is in February 2024 but remains a mainstay in Australia’s Test side, has been called in to travel to Sri Lanka. Smith will acclimatise and be ready to step in if needed.

“He is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement. Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice. Standby player Steve Smith will travel to Sri Lanka as cover to acclimatise and prepare, should he be required,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Smith hasn’t been officially added to Australia’s World Cup squad yet, but the 2021 champions do have a spare spot available if they need to bring him in quickly after opting not to replace Josh Hazlewood in their 15-man group.

Marsh’s injury adds another layer to Australia injury list after Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were both ruled out from the initial squad.

Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis has been declared fit after recovering from a hamstring niggle and will lead the pace attack in their first-up clash with Ireland.

2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-

Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott.(Agency)

This speech is purely fictional: Shrikant Shinde’s ‘disclaimer’ jibe at Rahul Gandhi in LS

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Wednesday expressed strong support for the Union Budget 2026 while launching a sharp attack on the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his criticism of the India-US trade agreement.

Speaking during the debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Shinde congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.

He said the scale of the Budget reflects the country’s economic progress over the past decade.

“As a youth, I would like to tell today’s generations how far the country has come. In 2013-14, the Union Budget was only Rs 16.5 crore, but now, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is Rs 53.5 crore. The victory for the third time means three times development,” he said.

Shinde also criticised Opposition MPs for repeated disruptions in the House and took aim at Rahul Gandhi over the controversy surrounding former Army chief General M.M. Naravane’s unpublished memoir.

Mocking Gandhi’s speech during the Budget discussion, Shinde referred to the LoP’s martial arts analogy.

“Even today, I only heard ‘grip, choke’. Is this a discussion on Budget or martial arts? If we were to like a martial arts class, we would surely come to you. However, I think that next time, the LoP comes to deliver a speech, a disclaimer should be flashed, stating, ‘This speech is purely fictional and has no relation to the true events,” Shinde said.

He also cited observations from former Reserve Bank of India Governor D. Subbarao’s autobiography to counter Opposition claims about the state of the economy.

Quoting the former RBI Governor, Shinde said, “Finance Ministry pressurised RBI to soften interest rates and project an overly optimistic economic view.”

He alleged that those who are currently questioning the economy had earlier manipulated economic projections.

“The people here today, who were claiming that the economy is under threat, used to do this to manipulate the picture of economic growth,” he said.

Responding strongly to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the India-US agreement, Shinde dismissed the criticism and took a dig at the INDIA bloc’s internal cohesion.

“He was saying that the government’s policies lack grip. Along with this, he was also dreaming of the INDIA bloc making a deal with America. See, dreaming is good, but daydreaming is very harmful. Before dealing with America, the INDIA bloc allies should deal amongst themselves,” he said.

He further criticised the Opposition alliance’s political track record.

“Those whose political deal is getting cancelled in every state are talking about international dealings… they should first worry about their home, their country and then the world,” he added.

Continuing his attack on Gandhi, Shinde referred to the LoP’s remarks about choking and claimed that the Congress party has faced repeated electoral setbacks in recent years.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) was also talking about choking. People have choked his party in the past 12 years,” he said, adding that Congress has lost elections 96 times during this period.

Countering Gandhi’s claim that India’s textile sector would suffer under the trade arrangement, Shinde asserted that the sector is performing strongly on the global stage.

“They (Opposition) say, we have sold Bharat Mata, and Rijiju said that no one has the courage to sell India. However, it is worth noting that during their time (UPA tenure), who defied Bharat Mata,” he said, citing Aksai Chin and Katchatheevu island as examples.

Shinde also criticised Gandhi’s claim that the United States views India and Pakistan on equal footing. Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Shinde said the statement highlighted Pakistan’s position in global geopolitics.

He quoted Asif’s remark that the “US used Pakistan as a piece of toilet paper and threw it away.”

“This is the level of Pakistan. However, some people try to defame India, while outside the country as well as in this House,” Shinde said.

The Shiv Sena leader praised the Budget, describing it as a representation of a “New India” where emphasis is being laid on education, healthcare and employment generation.(Agency)

Budget is ‘Sarva Mangalkari’: Anurag Thakur hits out at Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Wednesday praised the Modi government for the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it a ‘Sarva Mangalkari’ and ‘Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhaye’ budget aimed at inclusive growth and national progress.

Participating in the budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Thakur said the budget reflects the continuation of what he described as a “12-year reform express” that has moved India from “policy paralysis to policy performance”, from “leakage to delivery”, from “megabytes to gigabytes”, from “megawatts to gigawatts”, and from “corruption to confidence”.

Taking a swipe at the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Thakur said, “Sir (Rahul Gandhi) was talking about the grip. He showed his shortcomings. During their tenure, they did so much corruption that they brought India’s economy to a trembling position.”

He said that after the Modi government came to power, India became the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Thakur said, “He was talking about the smile of Nirmala ji. Under the Modi government, there have been such decisions… Look at women’s empowerment — there is a woman President and a woman Finance Minister.”

Thakur congratulated Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget for the ninth time. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to speak in the House.

“I want to congratulate Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget for the ninth time. Not only a budget, but she has given a reason to smile for 140 crore people,” he said.

Highlighting the role of women, he said, “The Finance Minister is a woman. It is the blessing of God on women as they take care of the kitchen, save and take care of the family. Our women are skilled at the ‘ease of managing the budget’.”

Thakur said there are three main responsibilities — knowledge, power and money — and women have proven their capability in handling them.

“Indian women are born economists with rare foresight and natural accounting skills. It will not be wrong to say this,” he said.

Calling the budget “Sarva Mangalkari” and “Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhaye”, he said it reflects the government’s intention to include everyone.

“Earlier governments ran schemes; this government runs systems. Earlier, there was file movement; now there is fund movement under the leadership of PM Modi. This budget is a beacon of hope and progress for Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Thakur said the budget is not merely a physical document but a roadmap for inclusive growth, fiscal prudence and national rejuvenation.

“In this budget, everyone is included and cared for. This government’s thought is clear — not to leave anyone behind and not to make anyone sad. There is something for everyone,” he said.

Comparing the UPA and NDA eras, Thakur said earlier budgets were prepared in “drawing rooms”, while the current government prepares budgets based on ground realities.

“Their budget was a political document, but our budget includes everyone and is like a national mission. When we make the budget, we include everyone’s expectations,” he said.

He said the Modi government’s key focus areas remain the poor, women, youth and farmers.

“This is not a budget of mere talk and promises. It is a budget of trust. This budget is like a booster dose for Viksit Bharat,” he added.

Thakur said the government has finalised three duties that form the base of the budget: increasing production, fulfilling expectations of the people, and strengthening public trust.

“To achieve this, it is necessary to maintain structural reforms. We have to make them adaptive and forward-looking,” he said.

He further outlined priorities such as making the financial sector more robust and integrating Artificial Intelligence with the economy and financial governance.

Thakur said the budget carries an “A to G reform express” towards a Viksit Bharat. Recalling 2014, he said questions were raised about whether reforms would truly come and whether the government would be anti-corruption. “The answer was yes. The Modi government did all the work. The Modi government has delivered a corruption-free government,” he said.

He also claimed that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. “Modi hai to mumkin hai,” he added.(Agency)

‘One of the craziest games ever’: SA vs AFG double super-over thriller leaves cricket greats in awe

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
In what can only be described as the greatest T20I, South Africa survived a breathtaking Afghanistan challenge in a double super over thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and former cricketers shared their thoughts on the game after the Proteas clinched a dramatic victory after two pulsating super overs.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa wrote on X, “Has to be one of the craziest games I ever watched in a T20 World Cup. Feel for Gurbaz who stood tall for Afghanistan!! SA hold their nerves under pressure which was great to watch!! BLOODY BRILLIANT FOR CRICKET!!”

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn, who was also commentating during the game, reacted, “THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!”

Former India player Irfan Pathan, meanwhile, tweeted, “Ohhhhh Afghanistan… so near, yet still so far.”

Sreevats Goswami penned, “Stand up and applaud. A cricket match that we will remember for ages !! Unreal scenes, Absolute cinema !! Both teams deserve to win but South Africa finally getting across the line. Well done Afghanistan.”

Proteas legend Faf du Plessis summed it up simply, writing, “What a game …!! SAvsAFG”

“As a neutral, was this one of the best matches you have ever watched?? My heart rate was sky hight for the last hour,” Tabraiz Shamsi posted on X. During the match, he shared, “What on earth is going on in Ahmedabad. My worrrrrrd this is a crazy game.”

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan opted to field first in a must-win Group D clash. Early strikes from Fazalhaq Farooqi, who dismissed South Africa captain Aiden Markram, suggested a tight contest. However, Quinton de Kock (59 off 41) and Ryan Rickleton (61 off 28) put the Proteas in control with a devastating 116-run partnership. Cameos from Dewald Brevis (23) and David Miller (20 not out) helped South Africa reach a competitive 187/6.

Chasing, Rahmanullah Gurbaz led Afghanistan with a 26-ball fifty, including seven sixes. Despite three quick wickets, Afghanistan kept the scoring rate up through Azmatullah Omarzai (22) and Rashid Khan (20). The match went down to the final over, and a crucial run out brought Afghanistan level at 187, forcing a super over.

In the first super over, Afghanistan batted first, posting 17 runs with Azmatullah and Gurbaz producing some exquisite hitting. South Africa’s reply, led by Brevis and Stubbs, matched the total to force a second super over.

In the second super over, Stubbs and Miller set a daunting target of 23. Afghanistan’s chase saw Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes, bringing the equation down to four off the final delivery. But Keshav Maharaj held his nerve to dismiss Gurbaz and secure a historic win for South Africa.

The encounter will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 matches in World Cup history, featuring breathtaking hitting, nerve-wracking tension, and a showcase of skill and resilience from both sides.(Agency)

NHRC takes suo moto cognisance of Meghalaya coal mine tragedy

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that 18 workers died following a blast at an illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya.

The incident reportedly occurred on February 5, and several other workers are feared trapped at unspecified depths inside the mine.

Observing that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights of the victims, the NHRC has issued notices to the Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

The NHRC has said that the report is expected to include the status of the ongoing rescue operation, compensation provided to the aggrieved families, progress of the police investigation, and the steps taken or proposed by the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Meanwhile, taking a stern view of the continued operation of illegal coal mines in the state, the Meghalaya High Court has ordered immediate arrests in connection with the deadly explosion.

A division bench of Justices H.S. Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports relating to the blast and expressed serious concern that illegal mining activities were still being carried out despite an earlier fatal incident reported on January 14 this year.

Observing that repeated tragedies point to grave administrative lapses, the Meghalaya High Court directed the district administration and police to act without delay.

It ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners, operators and all those involved in the alleged illegal mining operations.

It also directed authorities to seize all equipment, documents and other incriminating materials connected with the mining activity.

Stressing the need for urgent relief measures, the Meghalaya High Court directed the district administration to ensure that all affected persons, including the injured, are provided immediate medical assistance and necessary support.

It also sought an explanation on how such prohibited activities were allowed to persist despite previous incidents and existing legal restrictions, cautioning that stringent directions would follow if the authorities failed to demonstrate concrete and effective action.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said the Meghalaya government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforced.

“The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action,” Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said.(Agency)

Vande Mataram guidelines in nation’s interest, says former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari on Wednesday welcomed the Union Home Ministry’s fresh guidelines mandating the rendition of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at designated government functions and in schools, saying the move was in the interest of the nation and should not be opposed.

Speaking to IANS, Ansari said, “It is a good thing. Everyone should say ‘Vande Mataram’. We also say it. There is nothing wrong in it. Some people try to find fault in everything.”

He added that the song had been part of the curriculum since primary school. “We have studied from primary to high school and intermediate, and it was taught from the primary level itself. Now the government has made it mandatory, which is a very good step. Everyone should recite ‘Vande Mataram’. There should be no discrimination in this. Along with education, it is also very important. People have been reciting it earlier as well, and they will continue to do so,” he said.

Responding to those opposing the proposal, Ansari remarked that a few individuals tend to object whenever something good is done.

The new rules state that when both the national song and the national anthem are performed at the same event, ‘Vande Mataram’ must precede ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The Ministry has also clarified that those present are required to stand to attention during the rendition of the national song. However, this requirement will not apply in cinema halls when the song is played as part of a film or documentary.

Until now, ‘Vande Mataram’ did not have a clearly defined national protocol, unlike the national anthem, which is governed by formal rules. The Centre said the move aims to remove what it described as an artificial distinction between “acceptable” and “excluded” verses and to treat the song as a complete composition as originally written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

The guidelines come amid the Narendra Modi government’s year-long programme marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and follow an extended parliamentary debate on its usage.(Agency)

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)

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