Punjab BJP chief Jakhar invites farmers for talks on India-US trade pact

Chandigarh, Feb 11, 2026
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Punjab unit President Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday invited farmer organisations for dialogue, stating that “if they see any shortcomings in the India-US trade agreement, they should choose the path of discussion rather than agitation”.

He reiterated that the agreement would not have any adverse impact on farmers, especially those in Punjab, and will instead benefit industry and trade while creating new employment opportunities for the youth.

Speaking to the media after a meeting in Mohali with BJP district executive members and mandal presidents to provide detailed information about the trade agreement, the BJP state President again emphasised that crops grown in the state such as wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane have been kept outside the scope of the agreement and will not affect farmers in any way.

Jakhar said today every farmer acknowledged that agriculture is not a highly profitable occupation.

“While it sustains families, it does not generate enough income to fulfill their children’s aspirations. Every family wants their children to find employment beyond farming. However, this will only be possible if new industries are established and trade expands.”

He said this deal is a step in that direction, as it will provide access for India’s industry and trade to the $30 trillion US economy.

“As industry and trade grow, new employment opportunities will be created for the youth.”

The BJP President appealed to farmer groups to clearly state what impact they believe the deal will have on Punjab’s farmers. He invited them for discussions, assuring that if any farmer organisation feels the agreement will affect Punjab’s farmers, they should come forward for talks, and all their concerns will be addressed. He added that “protests are undertaken only after the path of dialogue has been closed”.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is firmly committed to protecting farmers’ interests, and the same resolve has ensured that Punjab farmers’ interests are safeguarded in this agreement.

The BJP President also urged farmer groups to press for the implementation of an agricultural policy in the state, which farmers had protested for a year ago but has still not been implemented.

He said the law-and-order situation in the state has “deteriorated significantly” and that drug abuse is destroying the next generation.

“If protests are to be held, they should focus on these real issues rather than on a non-existent issue, as there is nothing anti-Punjab in the deal,” he said.

Speaking as a farmer himself, he asserted this with confidence. He further said while the US President is speaking about making America great again, Prime Minister Modi, in the current global circumstances, has successfully pursued the policy of making India great while safeguarding national interests through this agreement, for which he deserves appreciation.

Responding to a question, he condemned the firing incident involving two migrant labourers in Moga town.

He said earlier businesspersons were facing such situations, and now even labourers were being targeted. Urging the state government to wake up, he said such divisive actions must be strictly curbed, as they go against the philosophy taught by the Sikh Gurus.

He emphasised that the role of migrant laborers in Punjab’s industry and agriculture cannot be overlooked.(Agency)

Nitish Katara murder case: Delhi HC affirms denial of furlough to Vikas Yadav

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea filed by Nitish Katara murder case convict Vikas Yadav seeking 21 days’ furlough to maintain social ties and spend time with his wife following his recent marriage.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja held that there was no arbitrariness, illegality or violation of constitutional rights in the order passed by the Director General (DG) of Prisons rejecting Yadav’s request for release.

“This Court finds no arbitrariness, illegality or violation of constitutional rights in the order dated October 29 or the corrigendum dated December 1, 2025. The petition is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Dudeja said while pronouncing the verdict.

Yadav, who has been convicted in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, is serving a fixed 25-year sentence and has undergone over 23 years of actual incarceration.

In his petition, Yadav challenged the October 29, 2025 decision of the jail authorities denying him furlough. He contended that the rejection was arbitrary and failed to take into account that he had earlier been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court for over four and a half months on account of his mother’s medical treatment, which was later extended on the ground of his marriage.

The plea stated that Yadav has remained in continuous custody for 23 years without being granted furlough and now seeks temporary release to maintain social ties, particularly with his wife.

However, the prison authorities opposed the plea, citing the gravity of the offence, the severity of the sentence imposed and the absence of requisite annual conduct reports.

The jail authorities further stated that there were concerns that the convict might flee the country, disturb public order or cause harm to the victim’s family.

The victim’s family also expressed apprehensions regarding their safety in the event of his release. Rejecting the plea, the Delhi High Court upheld the decision of the prison authorities, observing that no grounds were made out to interfere with the impugned orders.

Vikas Yadav and his cousin Vishal Yadav, among others, were convicted and sentenced to 25 years of actual imprisonment without consideration of remission for kidnapping Katara from a marriage party in February 2002 and then killing him for his alleged affair with their sister Bharti Yadav.

Katara was murdered as the Yadav duo did not approve of his alleged relationship with Bharti because they belonged to different castes, the trial court had observed in its verdict.(Agency)

Mouni Roy calls Mahek from ‘The Wives’ one of her ‘craziest characters’ yet

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
Actress Mouni Roy called Mahek from Madhur Bhandarkar’s “The Wives” one of the craziest characters she ever got a chance to play.

Dropping some photos from the shoot diaries on her official Insta handle, Mouni spilled her emotions through the caption.

“Wrapped this beautiful film #thewives and it’s gonna be one of my most favourite ones in my story book of life. (sic),” she shared.

Thanking Bhandarkar for trusting her with the role, she wrote, “Grateful to @imbhandarkar sir for trusting me with Mahek, one of the craziest characters I have ever played.”

Lauding her co-stars Sonali Kulkarni, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruvala, the ‘Naagin’ actress added, “Thank you sir, working with you has been on my bucket list. To my wonderful costars. Thank you for being the kindest loveliest most giving costars. Coming soonly in theatres near you. All love. Only love x.”

Reacting to the post, the ‘Fashion’ maker commented, “It was fun working with you, @imouniroy…Sure, the role of Mehek will be an eye opener for the audiences and your fans. #TheWives”.

As the team recently wrapped up the shoot for “The Wives”, Bhandarkar penned a note on social media, saying, “Today marks the wrap-up of my 16th film, #TheWives,#IntheShadowofStardom an original & captivating story set in the glamorous world of star wives that we have delved into.

Bringing this project to life is beyond exciting. Your unwavering support means the world as we completed the principal photography of the film. Endless gratitude to the dedicated actors & technicians who poured their hearts day and night into this project. Thanks to the team of Bhandarkar Entertainment & PJ motion pictures.”

“The Wives” has been jointly backed by Bhandarkar Entertainment and PJ Motion Pictures.(Agency)

Data shows disparity in reserved category certificates between Jammu Division and Kashmir Valley

Jammu, Feb 11, 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday tabled data in the Legislative Assembly showing a disparity in the issuance of reserved category certificates between Jammu Division and the Kashmir Valley.

Official figures presented by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Assembly revealed a significant regional imbalance in the issuance of reserved category certificates between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

The data was tabled in response to a cut motion moved by Peoples Conference (PC) president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone.

According to the figures, Jammu division dominates across almost all seven reserved categories, with particularly sharp disparities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) segments.

In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, out of a total of 7,49,970 certificates issued across the Union Territory, as many as 6,93,781 were granted in Jammu, accounting for over 92.5 per cent.

In contrast, only 56,189 certificates, or 7.4 per cent, were issued in Kashmir division.

The gap is even wider in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. Of the 1,41,419 SC certificates issued, an overwhelming 1,39,664 (over 98 per cent) were granted in Jammu, while Kashmir accounted for just 1,755 certificates, representing barely 1.24 per cent.

In the Reserved Backward Area (RBA) category, however, the figures show a near-equal distribution. Out of 1,00,848 certificates issued, 50,982 (50.5 per cent) were granted in Jammu and 49,866 (49.4 per cent) in Kashmir.

Similarly, under the Actual Line of Control (ALC) category, 7,192 certificates were issued in total, with Jammu receiving 6,732 (93.6 per cent) and Kashmir 460 (6.3 per cent).

Notably, all 6,732 International Border (IB) certificates were issued exclusively in Jammu division.

In the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jammu again leads with 78,324 certificates (59.8 per cent), while Kashmir accounts for 52,652 certificates (40.2 per cent).

The data highlights variations in the distribution of reserved category certificates, with Valley-centric politicians stating that this has broader implications for representation and access to government benefits across Jammu and Kashmir.(Agency)

Bigamy case: Calcutta HC grants anticipatory bail to actor and BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee

Kolkata, Feb 11, 2026
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Bengali actor and BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee in connection with bigamy case.

His first wife Anindita Chatterjee had filed a case against him at Anandpur police station.

After that, the BJP MLA had filed a plea for anticipatory bail at Calcutta High Court.

Hearing the case, Justice Jay Sengupta’s bench granted him anticipatory bail. However, Hiran will have to appear before the investigating officer once every 15 days.

It is worth mentioning that the hearing date for Hiran’s anticipatory bail case was fixed for February 4. But that date was postponed. In the meantime, Hiran had started campaigning for the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls in West Bengal.

As soon as Hiran’s second wedding’s picture became public recently, his first wife had filed a complaint against the actor at Anandpur police station. A case was filed based on that complaint.

On January 28, his lawyer sought an urgent hearing and drew the attention of Justice Jay Sengupta. He told the court that his client is currently an MLA. Therefore, he requested an urgent hearing for Hiran’s anticipatory bail plea. However, that request was turned down.

Police sources said that a case has been registered against Hiran under Section 494 (If a person remarries while his wife is alive, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both) and Section 85 (Husband’s torture of a married woman and domestic violence. He shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Neither Hiran nor his first wife Anindita have made any official comments in this regard.

Notably, ahead of 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls, popular Bengali actor Hiran Chatterjee had joined the BJP. That same year, he won the Assembly election from Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency in West Midnapore district.

In January this year, Hiran married model Ritika Giri in a ceremony held in Varanasi. Photographs from the ceremony showed the bride in a red Banarasi saree and Chatterjee in a yellow kurta went viral on social media.

Chatterjee’s first wife, Anindita Chatterjee, publicly questioned the legality of the second marriage, calling it illegal.

Anindita said, “We are neither divorced nor legally separated. She also alleged that the marriage had harmed their family, particularly their daughter. She later filed a case against him.”(Agency)

Sudhanshu Trivedi slams Rahul’s ‘venomous’ charge, says LoP lowering the dignity of House

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday took strong exception to Rahul Gandhi’s distasteful and “venomous” diatribe at the government, during debate on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha and accused him and the Congress party of undermining the dignity and sanctity of the House.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, addressing a press conference at party HQs, soon after Rahul’s speech, left the BJP MPs seething over his bitter barbs on the Prime Minister, saying that the Leader of Opposition went on a lie-spreading spree and made repeated false accusations, driven purely by his disdain and scorn for PM Modi.

“Congress is decimated and depressed over a series of electoral defeats and is hence resorting to repeated instances of theatrics, despite being called out on multiple occasions by the House Speaker, in recent times,” Trivedi told the press.

Rahul Gandhi, speaking on the Union Budget 2026-27, claimed that the government capitulated before the US in inking the trade deal and surrendered India’s interests.

Responding to the charge, the Rajya Sabha MP said that Rahul’s claims of the nation being “sold out” is a bundle of venomous lies and then went on to dig multiple “sell-out” instances from the Congress era.

“During the oil deal with ex-Iraq president Saddam Hussein, Congress leader Natwar Singh was forced to resign, during the Indo-US nuclear deal, a Congress leader was under the lens for “money arranged” claims,” he stated.

Showing the mirror to Rahul’s claims of capitulation and surrender by the Indian govt, Sudhanshu Trivedi cited instances of Congress eras, when its own foreign ministers admitted to “intense US pressure” on record and also deferred India’s nuclear tests, slated in 1995.

“I want to ask Congress as to why it always stands against the nation and in the interests of foreign firms and entities. Be it Howitzer, AgustaWestland deal or Hindenburg, it was the Congress party which stood by their side,” he remarked.

Slamming Rahul over the memoir book row, he said that the Congress MP was fact-checked by both the former Army Chief as well as the publisher, yet he kept raising the issue with shamelessness.

He also pointed to the Doklam gaffe by Rahul, when questioning the Centre over General MM Naravane’s unpublished book.

“Rahul Gandhi wanted to speak on Galwan but kept harping on Doklam. This is what happens when you read the text given to you,” Trivedi stated.

“When Doklam happened, neither General Naravane was the Army chief, nor Rajnath Singh was the Defence Minister,” he added.

He also asked Congress why it manufactured a controversy over Naravane’s book when this marked a clear violation of the Official Secrets Act, Army Act and also reminded the party that the conversations between then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and General Manekshaw during the 1971 war still remain a secret.

He further said that the personalised hatred against the Prime Minister and repeated electoral setbacks have left the Leader of the Opposition anguished, and this was the reason that the Congress party was ‘feeling compelled’ to disregard the House and subvert long-standing Parliamentary conventions.(Agency)

CBI arrests Delhi Police ASI for accepting bribe in property dispute case

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Delhi Police for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a complainant in connection with a property dispute, officials said on Wednesday.

The arrested accused has been identified as ASI Sunder Pal, posted at the C.R. Park police station.

According to the CBI, a case was registered on Tuesday following allegations that the accused had demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 25 lakh from the complainant. In return, he allegedly assured the complainant that he would “settle” the property dispute and ensure that no legal action was initiated against him.

After verifying the allegations, the agency laid a trap on Tuesday itself and caught the accused red-handed while he was allegedly demanding and accepting Rs 10 lakh as part payment of the total Rs 25 lakh bribe from the complainant.

Officials said the bribe amount was recovered during the trap operation, and the accused was immediately taken into custody.

The CBI stated that the arrest was made following due procedure and that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and whether any other persons were involved in the matter.

Searches and other legal formalities are being carried out as part of the ongoing probe.

The arrest comes a day after the CBI nabbed another Delhi Police ASI, Om Prakash, posted at Paschim Vihar police station in west Delhi, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000. In that case, the accused had allegedly demanded Rs 25,000 to extend favours in securing bail for the complainant’s brother and was caught red-handed in Rajouri Garden during a trap operation.

The back-to-back arrests have once again brought the spotlight on corruption-related complaints within law enforcement agencies. The CBI reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against public servants found indulging in corrupt practices.(Agency)

Sadia Khateeb wraps up ‘Silaa’, recollects shooting inside cave with no phone, electricity

Harshvardhan Rane Sadia Khateeb-starrer Silaa

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
Actress Sadia Khateeb, who has wrapped up the shooting of her upcoming film ‘Silaa’ on Wednesday, has recollected her fondest memories from the shooting of the film. In the film, she stars alongside Harshvardhan Rane.

The actress shared her experience of shooting for the film inside the Son Doong Cave with no phone or electricity.

Talking about the same, she said, “I have too many great memories from the shooting days, but I’ll start from when we started shooting this film in the cave and four days when we were in the cave without any phone, without any electricity, without any bed. We were sleeping in tents. We’re the first filmmakers, we’re the first film to be ever shot in that cave. The experience was exhilarating”.

She further mentioned, “That cave has its own ecosystem, that cave has its own ground and sky, literally. It’s not just a flat walking cave. You have to climb mountains and all of us, all the crew used to climb mountains, walked for like 25 kilometres. It’s a long stretch though. Sweat, blood, tears, you name it”.

“We even shot a song in Gulmarg where I was dressed and presented like a full-fledged Bollywood heroine, something I hadn’t experienced before. In Shikara and The Diplomat, I was immersed in very different, rooted characters. But in Silaa, I got to embrace the classic heroine space as well, and that felt incredibly special. I’m truly grateful for that experience”, she added.

‘Silaa’ is slated to release this year. The actress will also be seen next to Kapil Sharma, Neetu Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.

Touted to be an intense action romance with layered characters and high-stakes drama, ‘Silaa’ has been presented by Zee Studios. It is jointly backed by Omung Kumar, Umesh KR Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Himanshu Tiwari, Ajay Singh, Abhishek Ankur, and Captain Rahul Bali, under the banners of Blue Lotus Pictures, Stark Entertainment, and Innovations India, “Silaa” has been co-produced by Rahhat Shah Kazmi.(Agency)

BJP claims Mahua Moitra used husband’s shell company to carry out ‘wilful’ tax evasion

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday raised questions about Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra’s alleged tax evasion and “abetment” under the income tax law.

Bhandari posted documents and references on his X handle in this regard and said, “Rather than filing fake cases in an attempt to intimidate people on social media; she should answer.”

He questioned whether she engaged in “wilful tax evasion” and abetment under income tax laws through transactions linked to a company owned by her husband, former BJD MP Pinaki Misra.

In the reposted content, Bhandari demanded answers from Moitra regarding her alleged provision of “professional services” to “White Lilly”, a company controlled by Misra.

He highlighted Misra’s purported admission in a May 8, 2014, interview that the entity had no active business, labelling it a shell company.

The post asked if the firm was used to disguise payments as “professional fees” to commit fraud, and whether such arrangements between Moitra and her husband constituted tax evasion under Section 276 of the Income Tax Act or related improprieties.

Bhandari further contended that these dealings raised concerns about impropriety, potential abetment under tax laws, and a serious violation of parliamentary ethics as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.

He tagged the Income Tax Department, urging official attention, and contrasted Moitra’s actions with her reported practice of filing cases to intimidate critics on social media.

The allegations come amid Moitra’s recent personal developments, including her marriage to Pinaki Misra in a private ceremony in Germany in 2025. Misra, a senior advocate and four-time former Lok Sabha member from Puri, Odisha, has family interests in several companies, including real estate and hospitality firms like White Lily Estates Pvt Ltd, Jupiter Estates Pvt Ltd, and others, as noted in earlier media reports.

Moitra, the Krishnanagar MP from West Bengal, known for her outspoken style and past controversies such as the cash-for-query allegations, has not publicly responded to the latest claims as of now.

Bhandari’s post, which garnered significant engagement, including hundreds of likes and reposts, reflects ongoing political sparring between the BJP and opposition leaders, particularly those from Trinamool Congress. Such accusations, if substantiated, could invite scrutiny from tax authorities and ethics bodies.(Agency)

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)

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