Experts recall UPA’s ‘nuclear concessions’ as Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘sellout’ over India-US trade deal

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s charge that the present government has “sold out Bharat Mata” over a trade and tariff framework with the United States would carry more weight if his own party’s record did not tell a very different story, say political observers.

Before accusing others of compromising national interest, it is worth revisiting what happened in 2008, when the Congress-led UPA government negotiated and signed the Indo–US Civil Nuclear Agreement, often celebrated by them as a historic diplomatic triumph, analysts argue.

The 123 Agreement was projected as a breakthrough that would end India’s so-called “nuclear isolation.” And indeed, it did open doors to global nuclear commerce and secured a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group. But unfortunately, that access came with explicit, binding commitments that reshaped the structure of India’s nuclear programme in ways that critics even today describe as deeply intrusive.

Under the agreement, India was required to submit a formal “Separation Plan”. This was not a symbolic gesture. “India had to divide its nuclear infrastructure into civilian and military streams and place the entire civilian programme under permanent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.” Fourteen out of twenty-two power reactors at the time—including future civilian facilities—were brought under inspection “in perpetuity.” In simple terms, a large segment of India’s energy infrastructure was opened to continuous international monitoring.

According to observers, the United States made its expectations clear. In its own statement, it declared: “India has committed to separate its military and civil activities and submit its entire civil program to international inspection.” This was not an interpretation by critics; it was Washington’s official position.

The Hyde Act, a US domestic law that operationalised the deal, required the US President to submit annual compliance reports to the US Congress regarding India’s conduct, say nuclear watchers. Effectively, an aspect of India’s sovereign programme became subject to foreign legislative scrutiny, they add.

By agreeing to perpetual safeguards and restrictions on the transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technologies, India accepted limits that affected its long-term three-stage nuclear vision and closed fuel cycle strategy, experts explain. Moreover, the arrangement was linked to India’s unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, creating strategic constraints in a volatile regional security environment.

At the time, this was hailed by the UPA as one of its greatest achievements. “Yet today, the same political leadership questions the patriotism of a government negotiating trade terms that are transparent, reciprocal, and subject to parliamentary oversight,” experts argue. According to them, sweeping accusations about “selling out” ring hollow when viewed against history.(Agency)

Himachal CM blames previous BJP government of plundering coffers

Shimla, Feb 11, 2026
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday accused the previous BJP government in the state of plundering the coffers and spending lavishly instead of investing in development and infrastructure.

The Chief Minister questioned the BJP’s defence of the 16th Finance Commission’s observations regarding the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), pointing out that the BJP tenure benefited from a whopping Rs 54,296 crore of RDG.

“This grant, which accounted for 25 to 30 per cent of the state’s total revenue receipts along with Rs 16,000 crore in GST (Goods and Services Tax) compensation, is utilised for political stabilisation and freebies rather than addressing the state’s long-term fiscal health,” CM Sukhu told the media here after visiting Delhi.

The Chief Minister detailed a stark contrast in the financial support received by the two administrations, noting that while the BJP received over Rs 54,296 crore across five years, the current government has been provided only Rs 17,563 crore in the past three years, nearly half of the previous allocation.

Detailing, he said the BJP got Rs 8,449 crore in 2018-19 during the 14th Finance Commission as RDG, Rs 8,271 crore in 2019-20, Rs 8,062 crore in 2020-21, besides Rs 11,431 as interim grant, Rs 7,834 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 10,249 crore in 2022-23 by 15th Finance Commission, totalling Rs 54,296 crore.

Whereas, CM Sukhu claimed, the present Congress government just got Rs 8,058 crore in 2023-24 during the 15th Finance commission, Rs 6,258 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 3,257 crore in 2025-26, totalling Rs 17,563 crore, which is almost less than half of the amount the BJP got in the form of RDG. Despite the substantial funds available to them, the BJP government failed to disburse employee arrears or announce dearness allowance (DA).

Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted that the previous regime did not invest significantly in health infrastructure, a sector the current government is now prioritising with a Rs 3,000 crore modernisation plan and an additional Rs 1,300 crore under JICA Phase-II to upgrade healthcare delivery systems.

He said the fiscal landscape inherited in December 2022 was described as one defined by a massive accumulation of debt and deferred financial commitments. By the end of the BJP’s term, the state’s total outstanding debt had surged to approximately Rs 76,185 crore, an increase of nearly Rs 28,000 crore in just five years.

This burden was exacerbated by a Rs-10,000 crore liability in revised pay scale arrears and DA, which the Chief Minister labelled a ‘last-minute’ political manoeuvre performed without any budgetary provisions. This ‘opening spree’ of over 900 institutions in the final six months of the BJP tenure created an additional annual unfunded liability of Rs 5,000 crore, forcing the current government to de-notify many of these units to prevent total economic collapse.

Concluding his remarks, CM Sukhu stated the BJP’s current “hue and cry” over the state’s fiscal position is hypocritical given their history of vandalising the state’s treasury.(Agency)

58 rescued after balcony slab collapse in Ahmedabad; one injured

Ahmedabad, Feb 11, 2026
The collapse of a balcony slab in the Sukhram Nagar slum quarters of Amraiwadi locality in Gujarat on Wednesday morning led to a major rescue operation, with the fire brigade personnel safely evacuating 58 residents trapped inside the dilapidated building, officials said.

The incident occurred at approximately 08:15 am when a portion of the balcony slab of a G+2 residential building gave way.

The falling debris blocked the principal access route to the structure, hindering movement in and out of the building, triggering alarm among those trapped inside.

The affected building forms part of slum quarters in the area where ageing and makeshift structures are a common sight.

Fire brigade personnel were dispatched immediately after the collapse was reported. More than four rescue vehicles, including an emergency tender, a mini fire fighter, two first responder vehicles and an ambulance, were deployed to the scene of the mishap.

A 22-member team — comprising 15 firemen, two supervisors, four drivers and a divisional officer — worked swiftly to clear debris and reach the frightened residents trapped inside.

The fire brigade’s efforts ensured that all 58 people were taken out of the building safely.

One woman, identified as Dahiben Rathod, suffered injuries to both hands and her head and was transported to LG Hospital in a private vehicle for treatment.

Authorities reported no further serious injuries among the evacuees.

Officers from the municipal estate department, including representatives from the Memco Estate Department and the East Zone Estate Department, were present at the location to assist with coordination efforts and support the rescue operation.

Residents expressed concern over the condition of older structures in the area.

One resident said, “We have been living here for years, and cracks were visible in the gallery for a long time. Today, we were lucky that no one was killed.” Further details about the structural condition of the building were awaited.(Agency)

Neelam Kothari shares how Akshay Kumar turned up at her jewellery store at 9:00 am

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who is known for his discipline and punctuality, often becomes the cause of trouble for other people. Actress Neelam Kothari recently spoke about the superstar’s punctuality, and how he landed at her jewellery store while she was still at her home in her pyjamas.

The upcoming episode of Wheel of Fortune was filled with laughter and candid confessions as the Bollywood Wives opened up about one thing that genuinely intimidates them about Akshay Kumar, his punctuality.

Neelam revealed her brush with Akshay Kumar, as she shared that Akshay once visited her jewellery store at 9:00 am. The unexpected visit left her amused and slightly embarrassed, further proving that Akshay operates on a clock of his own. She asked Akshay, “ Kaun aata hai Jewellery store pe 9 baje?”.

Sharing a personal anecdote, Bhavana recalled an early morning shoot where she made a special effort to leave home extra early just to impress Akshay with her punctuality, only to reach the set and find that he had already arrived before her. The moment perfectly summed up why AK’s reputation precedes him.

Bhavana Pandey shared that Akshay’s punctuality kept her up all night. “Main poori raat so nahi paayi. Ek hota hai IST aur doosra hota hai AKT, i.e., Akshay Kumar Time (I couldn’t sleep the whole night. One is IST and the other is AKT, i.e., Akshay Kumar Time)”.

The playful banter turned into a light-hearted tribute to Akshay Kumar’s discipline and professionalism, traits that have made him one of the most respected names in the industry. The conversation gave viewers a rare, humorous glimpse into behind-the-scenes moments.

‘Wheel of Fortune India’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.(Agency)

Boman Irani bids emotional farewell to his furry friend

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
Actor Boman Irani has bid adieu to his furry friend. The actor recently took to social media to share a heartfelt note as he said goodbye to his beloved pet, Lisa.

He also penned a note in the caption, as he remembered her not just as a pet, but as family, a royal, noble and gentle soul.

He wrote, “You were the most demanding, attention-seeking, pampered, prioritised, and mentioned-per-day dog that ever will be. Why would that be? Simply because you were the most royal, noble, and gentle soul that ever lived. I have seen non-dog lovers melt before you. Dog haters become dog lovers. Then there are dog lovers who gave you the endorsement of the ‘greatest’”.

He recalled how her presence could instantly change the mood of a room. Anger faded, sadness lifted, and even arguments would fall silent with one dignified bark as if she simply wanted peace.

He further mentioned, “I have seen anger fade to love in the room when you magically demanded it. I have seen sadness evaporate the minute you entered the room and snapped your pawed finger. I have seen arguments silenced by one noble bark (bow), simply because you hated to see people argue. Your energy repelled all that was evil and attracted all that was good. Simple. We will miss you, my darling Lisa”.

Earlier, the actor celebrated 1 year of his directorial debut, ‘The Mehta Boys’. Reflecting on the milestone, the actor shared that for him, the biggest thing is that the drama didn’t stop with its release.

“Films often have a brief moment, but this one seems to have stayed with people in a quieter, lasting way”, he shared.

During the last year, discussions around the film have continued both online and offline, with viewers often pointing out how the story mirrored their own family dynamics. The actor also used social media to thank the audience for showering the project with so much love and appreciation.(Agency)

SC seeks status report on Ahmedabad air crash inquiry within 3 weeks

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted three weeks’ time to the Centre to place on record the status of the probe into the Ahmedabad air crash that claimed 260 lives.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing pleas, including one filed by the father of late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal — the Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI-171 that crashed June on 12, 2025 — seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the tragedy.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), submitted that the inquiry by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was in its final stages.

“We are at the fag end of the enquiry, and the report will soon be prepared,” the Centre’s second-highest law officer told the apex court, adding that certain aircraft components had been sent to foreign jurisdictions for specialised testing.

Since victims of multiple nationalities were involved, SG Mehta said that international protocols were being followed in the inquiry. T

Taking note of the submission, the CJI-led Bench granted three weeks to the Centre to complete the exercise and directed that the report be filed in a sealed cover along with an affidavit detailing the procedural protocol followed so far.

“What is the procedural protocol followed? Tell us in three weeks,” the top court said, also asking for a progress report to be placed on record on the next date of hearing.

Appearing for NGO Safety Matters Foundation, advocate Prashant Bhushan submitted that pilot associations had flagged concerns regarding the safety of Boeing 787 aircraft and had sought that such planes be grounded pending a thorough examination.

“The entire pilots’ association is saying there is a problem in the Boeing 787 aircraft which needs to be grounded,” he contended, adding that neither the government nor the AAIB had responded to the representations raising these issues.

Appearing for Captain Sabharwal’s father, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan reiterated the plea for a court-monitored investigation, alleging that in previous instances involving aircraft crashes abroad, initial findings had attributed blame to pilots, only for subsequent inquiries to reveal technical defects.

He referred to past Boeing 737 crashes where, according to him, pilots were initially faulted before US regulators found defects in the aircraft, contending that crucial documents in those cases were not immediately made public.

Observing that the tragedy was “very unfortunate”, the bench cautioned against making sweeping remarks against any particular aircraft model or airline without conclusive findings.

“Let us be very careful while making remarks against any particular brand of aircraft. Dreamliners were once considered the best,” the apex court remarked.

Referring to recent media reports about an alleged fuel switch issue in another Dreamliner flight, the bench said that initial claims were later clarified by official sources. “Last week, it was said that a Dreamliner from London to Delhi had some problem with the fuel switch. Later, it was said from the official account that it was perfectly fine. But this incident, of course, was very unfortunate. Let us be very conservative while making comments on a particular airline,” it said.(Agency)

Several criminals arrested as police conduct raid at Bhopal’s Irani Dera

Bhopal, Feb 11, 2026
In a major crackdown, the Bhopal Police conducted a massive raid on the Irani Dera in Aman Colony, located in the jurisdiction of Nishatpura police station, during midnight on Tuesday and arrested several persons, who are facing criminal charges in different cases.

Over 400 police personnel conducted the raid around 2 a.m., and the entire operation was kept highly confidential to ensure that none of the accused were alerted.

Panic gripped the area after police cordoned off the area from all sides in the dead of night.

During the operation, police searched every house and interrogated suspects and arrested over 40 persons, including women, for questioning.

According to police, some of the arrested persons are facing serious criminal cases in Madhya Pradesh and some other states.

Sources told IANS that the police have also arrested a wanted criminal, Shahadat, on whom a reward of Rs 138,000 was announced. The police had been searching for him for a long time.

“A raid was conducted at Irani Dera, in Bhopal’s Aman Colony, during midnight, and several accused persons were arrested. They are being interrogated. The operation was led by DCP Mayur Khandelwal with the assistance of 2 ADCP, 9 ACP, 20 TI,” Bhopal Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of the newly appointed Bhopal Police Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar, who has replaced Harinarayanchari Mishra. The statement also mentioned that Bhopal CP Sanjay Kumar will share further details during a press conference later in the day on Wednesday.

The significant development came one month after Bhopal Police arrested Abid Ali alias Raju alias ‘Rahman Dakait’, the alleged mastermind of a multi-state crime syndicate operating from Bhopal’s infamous Irani Dera.

According to police, Raju Irani was operating a network of gangs active in at least 14 states, committing crimes ranging from robbery and fraud to extortion, impersonation, arson, and attempted murder.

Irani is also charged under the stringent MCOCA in Maharashtra. He often disguises himself as a fake CBI officer, a police official in safari suits, or even as a sadhu to exploit religious faith.(Agency)

Woman, lover arrested for murder of 15-year-old son in Jharkhand

Sahibganj (Jharkhand), Feb 11, 2026
A woman and her lover have been arrested from Ratanpur village in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district for the murder of her 15-year-old son, police said on Wednesday.

The accused have been identified as Meenu Devi and Rohit Sah. Both were taken into custody and later sent to judicial custody after they were produced in a court.

According to police officials, the crime came to light during an investigation into the suspicious death of a teenager, Ayush. Preliminary findings revealed that Meenu Devi was involved in an illicit relationship with Sah, who is her nephew.

Police said that on February 7, when Meenu Devi’s husband, Hemant Sah, had stepped out for some work, Rohit Sah visited the house. During this time, Ayush saw the two in a compromising position and began shouting. Fearing that he would reveal the matter to family members and villagers, the duo overpowered the teenager and strangled him with a rope.

After the murder, the body was dumped near a pond located behind the house in an attempt to make it appear as a case of accidental death or disappearance.

When Hemant Sah returned home, Meenu Devi fabricated a story, claiming that Ayush had stepped out to use the bathroom and had not returned. Alarmed by his disappearance, family members and villagers launched a search operation and later found the boy lying unconscious near the pond.

He was rushed to the Barharwa Community Health Centre and subsequently referred to Sonajori Hospital in Pakur, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

While the family was preparing for the funeral, police were alerted about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Officers reached the spot, took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Based on a complaint lodged by the deceased’s father, a case of murder was registered. During the investigation, police pieced together the sequence of events through circumstantial evidence and sustained interrogation of the accused.

The inconsistencies in the woman’s statements raised suspicion, ultimately leading to the revelation of the crime.(Agency)

Trinamool takes separate route from Congress on LS Speaker impeachment issue

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
By proposing an “alternate” path of restraint with a constructive and calibrated approach before rushing to seek the impeachment of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Trinamool Congress has sent a clear signal of dissent to the Congress leadership, despite the latter holding the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The move can also be seen as an attempt to reprimand the Congress, particularly Rahul Gandhi, over what the Trinamool perceives as a lack of adequate response to its earlier initiative to bring an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Neither move may help secure a favourable outcome for the Opposition bloc, given its numerical disadvantage compared to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament. However, it is the rhetoric that counts in shaping a broader political narrative.

“The Trinamool Congress aspires to grab centre stage in Delhi among Opposition parties. It wants recognition as one of the largest groups on the Opposition benches. Party leaders believe the Congress is not granting them that recognition,” opined Sambit Pal, In-Charge Director at the International School of Broadcasting and Journalism at MIT Art, Design and Technology University and author of the book Bengal Conundrum.

“Additionally, party leaders revere Mamata Banerjee as among the country’s three foremost leaders still active in politics, along with Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi, and she cannot be seen as trailing behind Rahul Gandhi,” he added.

Although the Trinamool has 28 MPs in the Lower House — about 28 per cent of the Congress’ strength of 99 — and is followed by the Samajwadi Party with 37 MPs, it has signalled that it will not automatically follow the line taken by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Senior journalist Gautam Hore, who has spent more than three decades with several prominent Bengali media outlets, also linked the Trinamool’s stand to its differences with Rahul Gandhi. He added that the decision may also be viewed in the context of the upcoming Assembly election in West Bengal.

“At this point, the Trinamool Congress would not like to take a hurried stand on such a sensitive issue as the removal of the Speaker. If you notice, its position is not directly against the Congress’ initiative; rather, it wants to move an impeachment motion itself, but only after giving the Speaker proper intimation and time to rectify what the Opposition considers wrong,” said the veteran journalist.

“It is also the Trinamool’s way of asserting its status as the largest political party in West Bengal ahead of the coming Assembly poll. The party wants to send a message that it is not prepared to play second fiddle, even in Delhi,” he added.

Incidentally, the Congress has attempted to recalibrate ties since the Trinamool withdrew support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, leading to strains in relations.

When Congress state unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a sharp critic of Mamata Banerjee, was replaced with the more conciliatory Subhankar Sarkar, it was widely seen as an attempt to placate the Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo.

The Congress’ decision to snap ties with the Left Front — earlier stitched together as a possible third front against the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress and principal Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party — ahead of the 2026 state poll was also interpreted as a sign of recalibration.

However, the Trinamool has largely kept its distance from such overtures, choosing instead to plough a solitary furrow — successfully, at least for now.(Agency)

India leading initiator in addressing key challenges facing Global South: SA envoy

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Highlighting that India is not only a leading voice but a leading initiator in addressing key challenges of the Global South, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal on Wednesday lauded the role played by India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in consistently voicing concerns of the developing nations on global platforms.

“Since the attainment of its independence, even prior to that, India has been fully immersed in the Global South and providing leadership. We saw that more recently during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. It was through India’s initiative, and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that the African Union was brought on board as the full member of the G20,” Sooklal told IANS in an interview.

“The entire African continent, including South Africa, was very appreciative that India put this firmly on the agenda and now we have the African Union, rightfully so as a full member and participating on behalf of the continent fully on the G20 matters. Of course, India also during its presidency, initiated the Voice of the Global South Summit, twice chaired by PM Modi which again brought sharp focus on the key issues confronting the Global South and seeking solutions as a collective. India is not only a leading voice but a leading initiator in addressing key challenges of the Global South,” he added.

Lauding PM Modi’s leadership, the South African Ambassador stated that the Indian PM is widely respected globally and his presence at international forums, such as the G20, adds a significant weight.

“Under his leadership, India’s GDP has more than doubled over the past decade and India has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. Millions have been lifted out of poverty. He has played a strong role in BRICS, the G20, and Global South initiatives. India’s leadership in global forums continues to shape the emerging multipolar world. Prime Minister Modi is seen as a decisive and influential global leader, particularly among countries of the Global South,” said Sooklal.

The seasoned diplomat also hoped that the forthcoming elections in neighbouring Bangladesh will see return of a democratically-elected government in the South Asian nation.

“It is important to see a return to democratic governance. Democracy is a fundamental ingredient of our societies and governments. Any country where you have had unconstitutional changes of government, as was the case in Bangladesh… we welcome that now the interim government has set elections and hope that they will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible. A stable Bangladesh is also beneficial not only for its people but also for the region and the international community,” the South African High Commissioner mentioned.(Agency)

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