Prashant Kishor meets Darbhanga victim’s kin, slams Bihar govt on law and order

Patna, Feb 11, 2026

Jan Suraaj convener Prashant Kishor on Wednesday visited the family of the six-year-old minor girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered in Darbhanga and consoled them.

During the visit, Kishor launched a sharp attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, alleging a complete collapse of law and order in the state and terming the prevailing situation as the “Jungle Raj of officers”.

After meeting the victim’s family members, Kishor raised serious concerns over women’s safety in Bihar, stating that girls are not safe and that the administration is functioning in what he described as a state of lawlessness.

He accused the police of targeting those who raise their voices for justice instead of fixing accountability and holding officials responsible.

Referring to police action following protests in Darbhanga, Kishor said that six people were arrested and sent to jail, and that frequent police raids have created an atmosphere of fear in the locality.

“Here, two incidents have taken place — one involving the rape and murder of a minor girl and another involving the people who came out demanding justice for the victim and her family. When such a brutal incident occurs, it is natural for people to protest. The biggest culprit here is the police, but instead of fixing accountability, FIRs have been lodged against the protesters,” Kishor said.

He added that ensuring public safety is the primary duty and responsibility of the police.

“If such a horrific incident had not occurred, people would not have come out on the streets,” he said, reiterating that this is why he describes the situation as the “Jungle Raj of officers”.

Kishor also criticised the absence of public representatives, including local MLAs and MPs, who he claimed failed to visit the victim’s family.

“Why would MLAs or MPs come when people keep voting for them regardless? When elections come, they will again divide people on Hindu-Muslim and caste lines. People will forget the pain of their children and vote in the name of Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar or Lalu Prasad Yadav,” he said.

He claimed that the Jan Suraaj movement has been warning people for the past three years that without prioritising children’s safety, education and employment, Bihar’s future will remain insecure.

Kishor demanded that the government refrain from taking harsh action against more than 30 people reportedly absconding in connection with the protests and instead ensure that the actual accused in the case is punished at the earliest in accordance with the law.

He said that the administration’s response to public outrage reflects what he termed an insensitive attitude and is further deepening public insecurity in the state.(Agency)

Amira Foods promoters declared fugitive economic offenders in Rs 1,201 crore bank fraud case

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026

A special PMLA court has declared Amira Pure Foods Private Limited Chairman and Managing Director Karan A. Chanana, and Whole-Time Director Anita Daing as fugitive economic offenders and ordered the confiscation of assets worth Rs 123.85 crore belonging to the accused persons and companies.

This declaration has been made under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), on the basis of an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate’s Gurugram Zonal Office, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

Recently, Interpol has also published a Silver Notice against Chanana on a request from the ED for tracing and freezing his assets worldwide.

The ED investigation in the case revealed that Amira Foods Group, which is in the business of manufacturing and selling branded packaged food, especially Indian basmati rice, had availed huge bank loans and cash credit loans to the tune of approximately Rs 1,201.85 crore from a consortium of banks led by Canara Bank, which subsequently became NPAs during 2017.

Amira Pure Foods Private Limited, through its promoters, employees and others, have committed fraud by siphoning and diverting funds, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, cheating, fraud and causing a wrongful loss to the tune of approximately Rs. 1201.85 crore to the consortium of banks.

The ED had identified the accused persons and companies involved in the offence of money laundering. Investigation also revealed that Amira Pure Foods Private Limited and its promoters and directors have committed the offence of money laundering, and accordingly, a prosecution complaint against 21 persons and entities has been filed in this case.

Further, investigation by the ED has identified properties/assets which are proceeds of crime, and the quantum of total attachment made so far in this case stands at Rs 131.51 crore, which has been duly confirmed by the authority.

The ED investigation under FEOA has revealed that Chanana and Daing have left India, and it is reasonably ascertained that they are residing in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, respectively.

The accused persons have been evading the process of law by staying outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts so as not to face criminal prosecution. Non-bailable warrants of arrest and Look-Out Circulars have been issued against the accused.

Further investigation in respect of tracing other assets, including foreign assets of Chanana and his family members are in progress.(Agency)

US No Longer Interested in Containing China in Southeast Asia: Report

Washington, Feb 11, 2026

The National Security Strategy (NSS) of US President Donald Trump’s administration serves as a wake-up call for Southeast Asia, signalling that the US may no longer act as a counterbalance to China’s assertiveness in the region.

The era of US security guarantees for parts in the region may also end sooner than anticipated, a report said on Wednesday.

According to a report in Eurasia Review, the emerging environment shifts towards a more uncertain, competitive, and fragmented order, requiring Southeast Asian countries to reinvigorate ASEAN-led regional institutions and broaden their strategic partnerships with regional powers.

“As the Philippines takes over as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, it is clear that the South China Sea dispute and maritime security issue will form the very core of the Philippine agenda for ASEAN 2026.

The best case scenario for the Philippines would be a revised and fortified code of conduct on South China Sea, the chances of which have gone weaker latterly, particularly keeping in view the Trump administration’s long-awaited 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS), released in December 2025, which mark a fundamental shift from liberal internationalist values to a more transactional, interest-based, America-first ‘chaos’ in US foreign policy,” the report detailed.

“Apparently, the US no longer seems interested in containing China and is open to accepting ‘the outsized influence of larger, richer, and stronger nations’ as ‘a timeless truth of international relations’.

In other words, China and Russia are no longer its competitors or threats to the Rules-based international order, and both Beijing and Moscow can have their own spheres of influence.

Trump’s Venezuela adventure and statements about taking Greenland from Denmark have only encouraged China and Russia to establish their own versions of the Donroe doctrines in their respective spheres of influence,” it added.

The report emphasised that as Washington sharpens its focus on its immediate hemisphere, Southeast Asian nations could face strategic uncertainty, particularly as many countries in the region have long depended on the US as a counterbalance to China’s growing presence and as a partner in maintaining regional stability.

However, the shift in American focus, it said, reflected in the NSS may prompt Southeast Asia’s political and economic elites to reassess their approach amid the evolving great-power dynamics.

“While a document, be it NSS, cannot truly guide Trump’s often impulsive and flippant foreign policy, Southeast Asia has already been less than a second fiddle for Trump. In the absence of a clearly defined US strategy for Southeast Asia, the region must adapt.

The challenge for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will be to strengthen their own institutions, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ADMM+, and EAS, while deepening intra-regional trust and cooperation vis-a-vis China,” the report noted.(Agency)

Air quality in Delhi remains in poor category with AQI at 209

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026

The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 209 around 7 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A layer of smog covered several parts of Delhi, affecting visibility during the early morning hours.

As per CPCB data, the AQI near India Gate and Kartavya Path stood at 209, which falls under the ‘poor’ category.

At 8 a.m., several monitoring stations across the city also reported poor air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 218, Bawana 259, Chandni Chowk 162, DTU 169, ITO 193, Jahangirpuri 240, Mundka 201, Okhla Phase-2 200, Pusa 124, Patparganj 201, Rohini 229, Sonia Vihar 204, and Wazirpur 257.

Weather conditions remained relatively warm for mid-February. The maximum temperature on Thursday is expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to settle near 12 degrees Celsius, as per India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Mist was observed during the early hours, and no weather warning has been issued for the city.

The IMD stated that misty conditions are likely to continue over the coming days, particularly during the mornings, while temperatures are expected to rise gradually.

On February 13, Delhi is likely to record a maximum temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 12 degrees Celsius. Mist is expected during the morning hours, with no warning in place.

February 14 is expected to see slightly warmer conditions, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 28 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 13 degrees Celsius. Mist may persist during the early morning hours.

Similar weather conditions are expected to continue on February 15, with the maximum temperature likely to remain near 28 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 14 degrees Celsius. Morning mist is forecast, and no weather alerts have been issued.

On February 16 and 17, temperatures are expected to remain steady, with daytime highs of around 28 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures near 14 degrees Celsius. Misty mornings are likely to continue, while overall weather conditions are expected to remain stable.(Agency)

PSEB Leverages Technology to Ensure Smooth, Transparent and Foolproof Board Examinations

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has undertaken extensive technological and administrative measures to ensure the smooth, transparent and foolproof conduct of the upcoming board examinations across the state.

Dr. Amarpal Singh, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, stated that this year PSEB has introduced an advanced digital tracking system through the newly launched MATQ App, designed to monitor the secure movement of question papers.

The app tracks the transportation of confidential question papers from the PSEB headquarters to designated banks for safe custody and subsequently to the concerned examination centers.

Photographic evidence is mandatorily uploaded at the time of handing over and receiving the sealed packets. The app captures GPS coordinates and automatically matches them with pre-saved authorized locations, ensuring complete accountability and eliminating the possibility of any discrepancy.

The Chairman also stated that a Control Room to solve the grievances is being established at Head Office, to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.

To enhance convenience for students, roll number slips have been issued with clearly mapped examination centers, enabling candidates to easily locate their respective venues well in advance.

In order to maintain strict secrecy and discipline, observers will be appointed for crucial examinations on the same day. Additionally, more than 300 flying squads have been constituted across Punjab to curb the menace of unfair means and ensure a fair examination environment.

For greater transparency, answer sheets will be distributed in a controlled manner at examination centers. Further strengthening confidentiality, PSEB is introducing barcoding of answer sheets, which will conceal the identity of candidates during evaluation and ensure unbiased marking.

Dr. Amarpal Singh further informed that in a significant reform aimed at fair assessment, practical examinations are being conducted through external examiners for the first time. The practical exams, scheduled from February 2 to February 12, are progressing smoothly across the state.

The Board has established approximately 2,366 examination centers to facilitate candidates. This year, around 2,77,316 students will appear in Class 8 examinations, 2,72,560 students in Class 10, and 2,68,794 students in Class 12. The Class 8 and Class 12 board examinations will commence on February 17, while the Class 10 examinations will begin on March 6.

With these comprehensive technological interventions and strict monitoring mechanisms, PSEB aims to uphold the highest standards of transparency, security and fairness in the conduct of the 2026 Board examinations.

AAP Announces Full Support for ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 12, Says Struggle of Workers & Farmers is Its Own

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday declared full support for the nationwide Bharat Bandh called on February 12, 2026, by ten central trade unions and farmer organisations, sharpening the political battle over labour and agrarian reforms.

Throwing its weight behind the protest, 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 AAP has reiterated its complete support to the nationwide Bharat Bandh called by ten central trade unions and farmer organisations, stating that the protest represents a larger struggle for justice, dignity and rights of millions of working people across the country.

AAP spokespersons said that the BJP-led Union government 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 further said that 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 that 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is snatching away workers’ rights to safeguard the profits of its preferred corporate houses like Adani and Ambani.

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 ten central trade unions and farmer organisations have been compelled to jointly call for a Bharat Bandh.

The AAP appealed to all workers, farmers, shopkeepers, small traders and common citizens in Punjab and across the country to make the February 12 Bharat Bandh successful in a peaceful manner.

The AAP stated that 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 front line of this struggle.

AAP leaders also said that if the BJP government fails to accept the legitimate demands of workers and farmers, the AAP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the hardworking people in the next phase of the struggle as well.

Jalandhar: Agreement Reached Between District Administration and Latifpura Rehabilitation Front Regarding Demands

Jalandhar, February 11, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

An agreement regarding the demands was reached in a meeting held on Wednesday in a very cordial atmosphere between the District Administration, the Latifpura Rehabilitation Front, and the affected families of Latifpura.

During the meeting at the District Administrative Complex, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, along with Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, interacted with the affected families of Latifpura and leaders of the Latifpura Rehabilitation Front and assured them that the District Administration is committed to providing every possible help and support for the rehabilitation of the affected families.

DCP Manpreet Singh Dhillon and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Jasbir Singh were also present on the occasion.

The Deputy Commissioner assured the allotment of 49 flats and 15 plots to the affected families at Bibi Bhani Complex and Surya Enclave. He said that the families should submit their verified documents and the administration will complete the allotment process within 24 hours. He also said that the 5 percent amount usually required to be deposited for allotment of flats and plots will not be charged from these families. Besides this, he assured necessary repairs of the flats by the administration.

Dr. Aggarwal said that a dedicated team is also being deployed to resolve other related issues of these families and ensure proper solutions to their problems. He further said that every possible help will be extended to meet the immediate needs of the seven families recently shifted from Latifpura.

When leaders of the organizations raised the demand for compensation, he said that the matter would be brought to the notice of the competent authority so that an appropriate solution could be found.

On this occasion, the Police Commissioner also assured that necessary action would be considered regarding the cancellation of cases registered in this matter.

The meeting was attended by SDM Randeep Singh Heer, officials of the Jalandhar Improvement Trust, Santokh Singh Sandhu of Kirti Kisan Union, Mandeep Singh of BKU Rajewal, Kashmir Singh Ghuggshor and Hans Raj Pabbwan of Pendu Majdoor Union Punjab, Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala from Kisan Union Amritsar, Gurdeep Singh Bhandal of Punjab Kisan Union (Baghi), Dharminder Singh of BKU Dakaunda, Bibi Pinde Basi and Lakhvir Singh Saunti of Kisan Union Amritsar, Sukhjit Singh Droli, Gurmukh Singh Bajwa, Gurpratap Singh, Haji Bittu Chauhan, Baljinder Singh Lasoi, Mahinder Singh Bajwa, Amrik Singh Chhina and others.

15 killed after passenger ferry capsizes in Sudan

Khartoum, Feb 12, 2026

At least 15 people have died after a passenger ferry sank in the River Nile State in northern Sudan, a source at Sudan’s civil defence authority said.

The source on Wednesday (local time) said the wooden boat was travelling between the villages of Tayba Al-Khawad and Deim Al-Qarai, carrying more than 27 passengers, including women, elderly people and children, reports Xinhua news agency.

The source said the boat capsized due to high waves, noting that civil defence units rushed to the scene and recovered more than 15 bodies, and that eight people survived while about four others remain missing.

Meanwhile, the Sudan Doctors Network, a voluntary group, also confirmed the accident in a statement, noting that more than 15 bodies had been recovered and six people survived, while local residents and civil defence forces are continuing to search for the remaining missing passengers.

The group highlighted the vulnerability of river transport and the absence of basic safety standards, urging relevant authorities to act swiftly by deploying specialised rescue teams and search-and-recovery equipment. It also called for immediate measures to strengthen river transport safety and prevent similar tragedies that cost innocent lives.

Sudan frequently experiences accidents involving traditional boats, which are used to cross the Nile due to the limited number of bridges connecting its two banks, especially in villages and rural areas.

Sudan’s civil defence authorities have warned of the dangers of travelling in rudimentary wooden boats, particularly during flood seasons, to prevent drowning accidents that have caused significant loss of life in recent years.(Agency)

Ajj Da Hukamnama – Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar – February 12, 2026

ED Summons Former Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh in FEMA Case

Capt Amarinder Singh former CM Punjab BJP

Chandigarh, February 11 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh in connection with an old case related to alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), official sources said on Wednesday.

According to information available, the summons has been issued by the Jalandhar office of the Enforcement Directorate as part of an ongoing investigation. Amarinder Singh has been directed to appear before the agency at its Jalandhar office on February 12, 2026.

Seeks Time Due to Health Condition

Sources revealed that Capt Amarinder Singh has sought additional time to appear before the agency, citing his current medical condition. He is presently undergoing treatment for knee-related issues at a private hospital in Mohali and remains under medical supervision.

Officials said the request for deferment has been conveyed to the ED, and further action will be taken after reviewing his medical status.

Political Background

Amarinder Singh, who earlier served as Chief Minister during the Congress regime, later floated his own political outfit, Punjab Lok Congress, ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections. After the party failed to make a significant electoral impact, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

However, political observers note that the veteran leader has, on several occasions, expressed dissatisfaction over his role and position within the party, suggesting that his experience and political stature were not fully utilised.

Renewed Political Engagement and Growing Speculation

After remaining largely out of the political spotlight for a long period, Capt Amarinder Singh has re-emerged in active public discourse over the past few weeks. He has recently participated in multiple media interactions, where he shared his views on key political developments, including the possibility of an SAD-BJP alliance and the internal functioning of the BJP’s leadership.

Simultaneously, political circles in Punjab have been abuzz with speculation about his future course, particularly regarding a possible return to the Congress party ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Although no official indication has been given by Amarinder Singh or the party leadership, the speculation has triggered wide-ranging discussions across the political spectrum.

In this backdrop, the ED summons has further intensified political activity in the state. Parties, analysts, and observers are closely tracking the developments, viewing the matter as a significant factor in Punjab’s changing political equations.

The issue has attracted considerable attention, especially since Amarinder Singh is currently a senior leader of the BJP, which holds power at the Centre. Political commentators believe that the timing of the summons has introduced a fresh element into the state’s evolving political scenario, adding to uncertainty and debate ahead of future electoral contests.

Case Linked to Family Member

According to reports, the investigation is linked to an earlier case involving Amarinder Singh’s son, Raninder Singh. He had reportedly been questioned by investigating agencies regarding alleged overseas fund transfers, including the creation of the Jacaranda Trust and associated entities in the British Virgin Islands.

The case is also said to involve suspected financial links to Switzerland, which had earlier come under the scanner of central agencies.

No Official Statement Yet

So far, neither Capt Amarinder Singh nor the Enforcement Directorate has issued any official statement on the latest developments. Sources, however, said that the agency is continuing its probe and will proceed further in accordance with legal provisions.

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