Punjab FC announce a balanced squad for ISL 2025-26 season

Chandigarh, Feb 11, 2026
Punjab FC have announced its 27-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, their third season in India’s top-flight football league.

The Shers will start their ISL campaign against Jamshedpur FC on February 21 in Jamshedpur and will play their first home game on March 9 against the NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Blending a strong domestic core with carefully selected reinforcements, the Shers head into their third ISL campaign with a squad built to compete while staying true to their commitment to player development.

Head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, in his second season with the club, has picked a squad which has a balance of youth and experience. He has maintained the core from the last season and the team which played in the Durand Cup and AIFF Super Cup. Dani Ramirez, Samir Zeljkovic, Nsungusi Jnr Effiong, Bede Amarachi Osuji, and Pablo Renan Dos Santos are the foreign signings of the squad.

The squad also comprises seven players from the academy, highlighting the importance of the youth structure within the club. Muhammad Suhail F, Pramveer Singh, Manglengthang Kipgen, Vishal Yadav, and Singamayum Shami, who have already made their senior team debuts, will be joined by Ayush Deshwal and Thoungamba Singh Usham this season.

The head coach will be supported by assistant coach Konstantinos Katsaras and Indian assistant coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, along with Papaioannou Ioannis as the strength and conditioning coach and Vinay Singh as the goalkeeping coach.

The goalkeeping department sees the arrival of Arshdeep Singh, whose presence adds assurance and leadership at the back. He is joined by Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal, giving Punjab FC a well-rounded unit equipped to handle the demands of a long and competitive season.

Defensively, the Shers boast a robust and versatile lineup. Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer Singh, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei and Khaiminthang Lhungdim bring physicality and composure, while Pablo Renan Dos Santos adds experience to the backline. Young defenders such as Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Leon Augustine, and Thoungamba Singh Usham further strengthen the defensive structure.

In midfield, Punjab FC possess a dynamic blend of creativity, control, and energy. Dani Ramirez is expected to play a pivotal role in orchestrating attacking moves, with Samir Zeljkovic and Vinit Rai offering stability and balance in central areas. Princeton Rebello’s attacking instincts complement the work rate of Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, and Singamayum Shami.

The forward line carries both variety and attacking promise. Nsungusi Effiong and Bede Osuji provide strength and finishing ability in the final third, while emerging talents such as Ninthoi, Suhail, and Bikash Singh add pace, movement, and unpredictability. Vishal Yadav and Ranjeet Singh Pandre round off a unit capable of stretching opposition defences and creating scoring opportunities.

Punjab FC Squad for ISL 2025-26:

Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal

Defenders: Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Pramveer Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Pablo Renan Dos Santos, Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Leon Augustine, Thoungamba Singh Usham

Midfielders: Dani Ramirez, Samir Zeljkovic, Vinit Rai, Princeton Rebello, Ricky John Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Singamayum Shami

Forwards: Nsungusi Jnr Effiong, Bede Amarachi Osuji, Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Vishal Yadav, Ranjeet Singh Pandre

Coaching and Support Staff:

Head Coach: Panagiotis Dilmperis

Assistant Coach: Konstantinos Katsaras

Indian Assistant Coach: Sankarlal Chakraborty

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Papaioannou Ioannis

Goalkeeping Coach: Vinay Singh

Team Doctor: Dr. Sidak Dhillon

Physiotherapist: Disharth Jain

Team Manager: Kaustuv Kashyap

Team Masseur: Gonesh Dalui.(Agency)

RBI compounds FEMA violations in Deccan Digital Networks case: ED

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a compounding order of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations in the case of Deccan Digital Networks Pvt Ltd, according to a statement issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday.

The compounding order was passed by the Reserve Bank on January 14 under Section 15 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), “in the case of Deccan Digital Networks Private Limited, which has resulted in termination of proceedings against the company for alleged contraventions of provisions of FEMA, 1999”, the ED statement said.

The agency statement further added that the said order has been passed by the RBI after issuance of ‘No Objection’ by the ED.

In this case, based on the credible information received, an investigation was taken up by the ED under the provisions of FEMA.

After completion of the investigation, ED filed a complaint under Section 16 of FEMA before the Adjudicating Authority on December 27, 2012, against Deccan Digital Networks, pointing out several contraventions under FEMA, 1999, for which compounding has been passed by the RBI.

These contraventions are late reporting of “foreign inward payments under Para 9(1) (A) of Schedule 1 to FEMA 20/2000-RB, covering Rs 11,82,84,399 and late filing of Form FCGPR after issuing shares under Para 9(1) (B) of the same Schedule 1 to FEMA 20/2000-RB, covering Rs 11,82,84,400”.

As per the provisions of FEMA, the adjudication proceedings were initiated by the Adjudicating Authority by issuance of a Show Cause Notice under Section 16 of FEMA to the company and its Directors/officers who were in charge and responsible for the conduct of the business of the company during the relevant period of contravention.

The ED statement said that the company, later on, filed an application before the RBI for compounding of the said contraventions under FEMA as per the provisions of Section 15 of the Act. On reference from the RBI, the ED issued no objection for such compounding in line with the true spirit of the Act.

Accordingly, the RBI, on the basis of no objection issued by ED, has compounded the said contraventions vide compounding order with a one-time payment of Rs 1,03,333.

“This has resulted in termination of adjudication proceedings under the provisions of FEMA, 1999, against the company for the said contraventions as well as further litigation,” said the ED statement.(Agency)

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)

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