Buddhist monks end 2,300-mile peace walk in Washington

Washington, Feb 12, 2026

Nineteen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace to Washington, drawing lawmakers, faith leaders, and thousands of supporters as they delivered a message of compassion in the heart of the American Capital.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng led 22 House and Senate Democrats in welcoming the monks at the Peace Monument west of the US Capitol on Wednesday (local time).

“It is a great honour to welcome the Venerable Monks who have walked thousands of miles across the United States to spread a message of peace that our nation desperately needs,” said Meng.

“Their journey inspired millions of people from different faiths and backgrounds to live each day with greater compassion, understanding, and respect for others. It is a movement we must sustain,” she said.

The monks began their 108-day journey on October 26, 2025, from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Fort Worth, Texas. Wearing saffron and maroon robes, they walked through winter storms and along icy sidewalks, accompanied by a rescue dog named Aloka.

Over 100 days, their simple message — peace, loving kindness and compassion — resonated widely. Thousands lined Washington’s streets as the monks walked single-file into the city. Nearly 3,500 people packed American University’s Bender Arena for their first public stop, observing silence as a sign of respect.

At the Washington National Cathedral, more than 100 Buddhist monks and nuns joined them for an interfaith gathering hosted in part by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde.

“It is overwhelming for us,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s leader. “This is the moment I will remember for the rest of my life. And I hope you do the same.”

The trek was not without peril. In November, outside Houston, their escort vehicle was struck by a truck. Two monks were injured, and Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan lost his leg in the accident. He rejoined the group near Washington, entering the university arena in a wheelchair.

“There are so many things happening in the world,” said Jackson Vaughn, who travelled beside the monks after they passed through his hometown. “To see people gathering peacefully and setting an example, I think, is a wonderful thing.”

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the temple, stressed that the walk was not political.

“It’s a spiritual offering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts,” he said. “We believe when peace is cultivated within, it naturally ripples outward into society.”

On Wednesday, the monks walked through Capitol Hill and held a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial before returning to Texas by bus. From downtown Fort Worth, they will walk six final miles back to the temple where their journey began.

Peace walks are a long-standing tradition in Theravada Buddhism. Vipassana meditation, which the monks practice and teach, traces its roots to ancient India and emphasises mindfulness of breath and the connection between mind and body.

In recent years, interfaith gatherings and public peace processions have gained visibility in the United States amid political polarisation and social tensions, drawing diverse communities seeking shared civic and spiritual space.(Agency)

Trump, Netanyahu hold talks on Iran, ‘progress’ in Gaza

Washington, Feb 12, 2026

US President Donald Trump said he had a “very good meeting” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, as both leaders focused on negotiations with Iran and the situation in Gaza.

“I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives. It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two countries continues,” Trump said on Wednesday (local time)

The Oval Office meeting marked Netanyahu’s fifth visit to the White House since Trump began his second term.

Trump said no final decisions had been taken, but stressed that diplomacy with Tehran should continue.

“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that it will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”

Referring to past tensions, Trump added, “Last time, Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them. Hopefully, this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”

He also said the two leaders discussed Gaza and broader regional developments. “Additionally, we discussed the tremendous progress being made in Gaza and the Region in general. There is truly PEACE in the Middle East.”

Netanyahu had indicated before departing Israel that Iran would top the agenda. “On this trip, we will discuss a series of issues: Gaza, the region, but first and foremost, the negotiations with Iran.”

He said he would outline Israel’s position to the US President. “I will present to the President our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations — the essential principles, which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East.”

In a prior statement, his office said: “The Prime Minister believes any negotiations must include limitations on ballistic missiles and a halting of the support for the Iranian axis.”

The visit comes after US officials held indirect talks with Iranian negotiators in Oman last week aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement. Trump told Israel’s Channel 12: “The Iranians really want to make a deal. Either we make a deal, or we have to do something very tough like last time.”

According to US officials, additional negotiations are expected this week. Tehran has said it will not negotiate beyond its nuclear activities and will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium.

The meeting also comes ahead of the first session of the newly formed Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19, which is intended to oversee a reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The Trump administration brokered a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, under a 20-point peace plan agreed on by Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu, 76, has served multiple terms as Israel’s prime minister and leads a coalition government. He has long maintained that any agreement with Iran must address not only its nuclear programme but also its regional activities, a position that has shaped Israeli policy across successive US administrations.(Agency)

Son stabs retired Navy captain father, dentist mother to death in B’luru

Bengaluru, Feb 11, 2026

In a shocking incident, a 33-year-old man has allegedly stabbed his father and mother to death at their residence in Adarsha Vista Apartments in Vignan Nagar. The accused has been arrested by the police.

The deceased have been identified as Naveen Chandra Bhatt (60), a retired Captain of the Indian Navy, and Dr Shyamala Bhatt (55), a dentist. The couple were residing in the apartment along with their son, the accused, Rohan Bhatt.

According to the police, the incident is suspected to have occurred following a domestic dispute. During an argument, Rohan allegedly attacked his parents with a knife in a fit of anger.

The injured couple were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital; however, they were declared dead despite medical efforts, police said.

The jurisdictional HAL police have arrested Rohan Bhatt and are questioning him in connection with the case. A detailed investigation is under way to ascertain the exact motive behind the crime.

The couple’s daughter, who is currently in the United States, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The bodies have been kept at the mortuary of Bowring Hospital, and the post-mortem examination will be conducted thereafter.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield) M. Narayan stated that the incident took place at around 7.30 a.m. When they were taken to Manipal Hospital for treatment, they were found dead at 8.15 a.m., he said.

In this regard, on the complaint of Dr Madhavi Nair, a doctor at Manipal Hospital and a resident of Adarsha Vista Apartments, a murder case has been registered against the deceased couple’s son, Rohan Chandra Bhatt, at the HAL police station, and an investigation has been initiated, the DCP stated.

Rohan Chandra Bhatt, accused of murdering his parents, has been arrested and will be produced before the court. The exact reason for the alleged murder is yet to be known. The bodies of the deceased are currently kept at the mortuary at Bowring Hospital.

The deceased couple’s daughter is returning from the United States, and the post-mortem will be conducted thereafter, the DCP added.(Agency)

Morphine worth Rs 3.5 crore seized in Mizoram, two arrested

Aizawl, Feb 11, 2026

Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the state Police, seized 3.518 kg of morphine by arresting two drug peddlers in Mizoram, officials said on Wednesday.

A defence spokesman said that acting on specific intelligence inputs about narcotics trafficking in the Ngopa area under Saitual district, Assam Rifles troops, along with the state Police and the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), launched a joint operation on Tuesday night.

During the operation, the security personnel intercepted a vehicle and, upon thorough checking, recovered 3.518 kg of morphine with an estimated market value of Rs 3.5 crore. The contraband was being transported by two persons identified as Kasim and Mukeem Ali.

The apprehended persons, along with the seized narcotics and the vehicle, were handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary legal action.

An official statement said that the successful recovery underscores the Assam Rifles’ unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and eradicating the drug menace in Mizoram.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous mountainous border with Bangladesh, making it vulnerable to cross-border smuggling.

Myanmar’s Chin state is a major hub for the smuggling of narcotics, exotic wildlife, foreign-made goods, Myanmarese areca nuts (betel nuts) and other contraband through six Mizoram districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.

Myanmar, which shares a 1,643-km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram — serves as a key transit point for drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has on several occasions urged the youth and all sections of society to stay away from drugs and actively fight the growing drug menace.

Last year, the Mizoram government conducted a special four-month-long operation between September and December 2025 to curb the smuggling of drugs from outside the state, particularly from Myanmar.

The state police, in coordination with the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest civil society organisation in the state, carried out the operation along with awareness campaigns.(Agency)

Threatening voice-note to Ranveer Singh was sent using VPN

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026

The threatening voice-note sent to threaten Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was shared over a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The identity of the accused has been withheld, the officer said.

The actor received the threat in the form of a WhatsApp voice-note. The security has been beefed up outside Ranveer Singh’s house after the voice-note was sent to him, demanding crores of rupees through the message, after which the Mumbai Police was informed. Police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the threatening voice note.

In a similar incident of threat to a celebrity, Salman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma also received a threatening email.

The email was sent through a Proton email. The emailer claimed to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and issued the threat. The Mumbai Crime Branch official made the revelation with regards to the usage of a Proton email.

Aayush Sharma’s case is another addition to the long list of crimes against celebrities in the entertainment capital.

In a more serious incident, earlier, shots were fired outside director Rohit Shetty’s house. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune. The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago.

According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire.

The Mumbai Crime Branch said that the culprit Subham Lonkar wanted to spread terror in Mumbai and had told the arrested accused that he had to do something big in Mumbai .The arrested accused was in touch with absconding accused Subham Lonkar through a single app and Rs 40,000 was transferred to the account of one of the arrested accused by Subham Lonkar.

A Mumbai Crime Branch official told the court that absconding accused Shubham Lonkar had given three weapons to his brother Praveen Lonkar and that weapon was given to the accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case.(Agency)

Kerala girl’s family cries foul over interfaith marriage in Karnataka

Mangaluru (Karnataka) Feb 11, 2026

The parents of a 23-year-old college student in Mangaluru have alleged a “Muslim conspiracy” behind their daughter’s marriage to a youth from another community and have sought police intervention, claiming she was brainwashed and coerced.

Addressing the media in Mangaluru on Wednesday, the parents of the girl, Vishwanath and Latha, alleged that their daughter, Vaishali, was blackmailed and threatened into entering the relationship. “She is not someone who would fall in love like this. She has been brainwashed. There is a conspiracy,” they claimed, urging authorities to ensure her safety and bring her back home.

Based on a complaint filed by the parents, the Surathkal police in Mangaluru have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. Police said efforts are underway to trace the woman and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the case.

Mother Latha stated, “We have brought up our child with all the love. She was with us and never hurt our feelings. We don’t know what happened. We suspect a conspiracy by Muslims behind this development.”

“She was studying well and spoke to us regularly. We didn’t get any suspicion. After coming to know about the incident, we were shocked. We got to know about the development through a WhatsApp message. We rushed to Surathkal and lodged a police complaint. She aspired to pursue a career after her studies and told us that she would marry the boy whom we chose for her,” mother Latha stated.

“We want our daughter back. She should return to us. We don’t know anything about the boy,” she stated.

Vaishali, a native of Kasaragod district in Kerala, was pursuing a degree in Criminology at a college in Mukka near Surathkal and was staying in a paying guest accommodation.

According to police, she entered into a registered marriage with Mohammad Midlaj, a native of Wayanad in Kerala, on January 31 at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Wayanad.

Her parents said they came to know about the registered marriage through social media. Her father, Vishwanath, who was abroad, rushed back after learning about the development. The family later visited the PG hostel where Vaishali had been staying and obtained CCTV footage showing her leaving the premises on February 9.

As they were unable to establish contact with her thereafter, they lodged a missing persons complaint at the Surathkal police station. Following this, an FIR was registered, and further investigation was taken up.

The parents also stated that they had travelled to Wayanad in Kerala and met their daughter at a local police station.

According to them, Vaishali initially expressed willingness to return home and gave a written statement to that effect. However, they alleged that they were allowed to speak to her only briefly and claimed that the police there favoured the young man. They further alleged that Vaishali later tore up the earlier statement and submitted another one.

Mother Latha alleged that the Wayanad police allowed them to speak to their daughter for only five minutes. They further claimed that the police sided with him. As a result, Vaishali reportedly tore up the earlier written statement and submitted another one, she reiterated.

Police officials said the matter is under investigation and that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.(Agency)

AAP in Punjab asks farmers, traders to join Bharat Bandh call

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal

Chandigarh, Feb 12, 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced support for the nationwide Bharat Bandh called on Thursday by 10 central trade unions and farmer organisations.

The AAP appealed to all workers, farmers, shopkeepers, small traders and common citizens in Punjab and across the country to make the Bharat Bandh a success in a peaceful manner.

The party said this bandh is not about any one political party, but about the self-respect, justice and rights of crores of hardworking people, and affirmed that the AAP stands in the frontline of this struggle.

The AAP condemned the BJP-led Union government’s anti-worker labour policies and anti-farmer economic decisions, and announced that its cadres across Punjab and the rest of the country would join the shutdown shoulder to shoulder with workers and farmers.

The party said the protest represents a larger struggle for justice, dignity and rights of millions of working people across the country.

AAP spokespersons said the BJP-led Centre has launched a direct attack on workers’ rights by implementing the new labour codes. They stated that these new codes have reduced job security, weakened legal protection provisions and granted unchecked freedom to employers in matters of hiring and retrenchment, thereby putting the rights and interests of crores of hardworking people at serious risk.

They said the support extended to the bandh by farmer organisations proves that the BJP’s economic policies have not only harmed workers but have also severely affected farmers. Leaders of the AAP said the party has always taken to the streets to fight for the rights of workers, farmers and common people.

They pointed out that in Punjab, the AAP government has increased minimum wages for workers, ensured timely procurement of wheat and paddy crops from farmers, and provided facilities such as free electricity, healthcare services and education to the common people, thereby demonstrating which party truly stands for the people.

Taking strong exception to the Centre’s policies, the party stated that the Central government is snatching away workers’ rights to safeguard the profits of its preferred corporate houses.

Under the new labour codes, employers have been given open freedom to dismiss workers without accountability, while farmers are not being given fair prices for their crops. It is for this reason, the party said, that 10 trade unions and farmer organisations have been compelled to jointly call for a Bharat Bandh.(Agency)

Threat email sent to Salman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma through Proton email

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026

The threat email sent to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma was sent through a Proton email.

The emailer claimed to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and issued the threat. The Mumbai Crime Branch official made the revelation with regards to the usage of a Proton email.

Aayush is married to Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan. The details about the nature of threat haven’t been revealed.

Aayush Sharma’s case is another addition to the long list of crimes against celebrities in the entertainment capital.

Earlier, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune.

The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago. Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire.

The special court remanded all the five accused in police custody till February 17, 2026. The Mumbai Crime Branch had sought a 15-day custody from the court, but the court did not grant a 15-day custody and sent him to police custody till February 17, 2026. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (Mah. 30/1999) is a law enacted by the state of Maharashtra in India in 1999 to combat organised crime and terrorism.

The Mumbai Crime Branch said that the culprit Subham Lonkar wanted to spread terror in Mumbai and had told the arrested accused that he had to do something big in Mumbai.The arrested accused was in touch with absconding accused Subham Lonkar through a single app and Rs 40,000 was transferred to the account of one of the arrested accused by Subham Lonkar.

PM Modi meets Rolls-Royce CEO, welcomes plans to scale up operations in India

PM Narendra ModiCEO of Rolls-Royce Tufan Erginbilgic

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met CEO of Rolls-Royce, Tufan Erginbilgic, saying that the government welcomes the luxury automaker’s enthusiasm towards scaling up its activities in India.

“It was wonderful meeting Mr. Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce earlier today. We welcome Rolls-Royce’s enthusiasm towards scaling up its activities in India and partnering with our innovative and dynamic youth,” said PM Modi in an X post.

Rolls-Royce earlier posted that their CEO met PM Modi to discuss how Rolls-Royce is scaling up to be a part of Viksit Bharat, including expanding its GCC to be the largest globally, co-creating complex manufacturing and building high-value engineering capabilities.

Last October, Rolls-Royce said it was proud to be participating in industry dialogues as part of the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India since the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

The company aimed to be part of further consolidating the India-UK economic partnership, in line with the India-UK Vision 2035. Rolls-Royce CEO Erginbilgic was in India as part of the industry delegation with the UK Prime Minister.

Erginbilgic highlighted that the company has an ambition to develop India into a home market for Rolls-Royce. “We have deep ambitions to develop India as a home for Rolls-Royce, building on our strong and successful partnership. Our competitively advantaged technologies across air, land and sea applications position us to successfully build in-country capabilities and foster strategic partnerships that will accelerate India’s progress towards a Viksit Bharat,” he said.

“We are determined to be India’s partner on its Atmanirbhar journey, driving further growth and promoting self-reliance, innovation and a global presence in critical industries,” he added.

According to the company, its unique portfolio of capabilities across civil aviation, defence, and energy will enable it to grow its presence and partnerships in India and continue to power, protect and connect India for decades to come. “Its expertise aligns with India’s ambitions for self-reliance in defence, for energy independence, and for growth in connectivity, including through the creation of world-class AI infrastructure,” the carmaker said.(Agency)

India tops global index in AI skills penetration, hiring

New York, Feb 11, 2026

India, which is hosting the International Artificial Intelligence Summit next week, ranks at the top in diffusion of AI skills and AI hiring in an international ranking of countries harnessing the power of AI.

India comes second in economic competitiveness in the 2026 Global Vibrancy Index (GVI) produced by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centred AI.

Only the US has a better score in this category.

Overall, in the GVI, India now ranks behind only the United States and China.

Within the subcategory of talent within the competitiveness criteria of the GVI, India overtakes the US, propelled by its performance in the AI Skills Penetration and AI Hiring Ratio headers.

India is also second in the “AI-Related Social Media Conversations Net Sentiment”, “AI GitHub Projects” and “AI GitHub Projects Stars” sub-categories.

GitHubs are used for integrating projects and making components easily accessible.

The Institute attributed India’s rankings to renewed major initiatives to strengthen its position in the global AI ecosystem.

“This focus illustrates how nations worldwide continue to treat AI as a strategic national priority,” the institution at the heart of Silicon Valley added.

India, which ranked seventh in the first GVI released in 2017, overtook countries like Japan, Germany, Singapore and Britain in the latest version, propelled by progress in research and development.

India is set to host the India AI Impact Summit from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Being hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, the summit will bring together governments, industry leaders, researchers, startups, students and citizens from across the world.

It is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible and impactful AI and aims to move beyond high-level discussions and deliver tangible outcomes that can support economic growth, social development and sustainable use of AI.

The Summit will be structured around three core pillars — People, Planet, and Progress — with discussions focusing on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic as well as social development.

Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, will present concrete deliverables, including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure, and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases.(Agency)

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