Politics News in English

Financial Express

Feb 9, 2026, 04:51 PM

India AI Impact Summit 2026: Luxury Hotel Room Prices Soar to Several Lakhs Per Night in Delhi

If you’re trying to book a five-star hotel room in Delhi next week, be prepared for a shock. As the capital gears up for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 , room rates at top luxury hotels have shot up dramatically, with some touching several lakhs per night. The development has elicited reactions from a lot of people across the country. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai called the pricing “absurd”, warning that such spikes could create a poor impression among international visitors. “(It is) giving a bad name to India that overseas visitors are not welcome and we fleece them…Hotel chains need a code of conduct,” Pai wrote on X. He also pointed to a deeper issue of India’s limited hotel capacity. “India has only 185000 rooms, Dubai, Shanghai, New York have more rooms than India. Need huge capacity increases,” he added and tagged PM Narendra Modi, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and few others. The summit, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, is expected to bring more than 35,000 delegates from across the world, including tech leaders, policymakers, researchers and business executives. With such a large global crowd arriving at the same time, hotels across Delhi are already reporting near-full occupancy. And the surge in demand is clearly showing up in prices. Rooms that usually cost between Rs 20,000 and Rs 40,000 a night are now being listed at much steeper rates. Travel platforms showed that during peak dates, especially February 19 and 20, several five-star properties are charging well above Rs 1 lakh per night. In premium categories, suites at some hotels are priced between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for a single night. According to Ixigo CEO Aloke Bajpai, the summit has had a clear impact on the market. “Several five-star hotels in Delhi-NCR are going at Rs 1 lakh-plus per night between February 16 and 20,” he noted in a post on X. Iconic properties such as The Leela Palace, ITC Maurya and Taj Palace have revised their tariffs for the summit period. Many high-end rooms are either priced at peak-season levels or come with minimum stay conditions. The demand pressure isn’t limited to diplomatic enclaves. Central Delhi hotels including The Imperial, Shangri-La Eros and The Park are nearly sold out between February 18 and 20. A room at The Imperial for February 17 was reportedly listed at over Rs 2.4 lakh, while Radisson Blu is charging around Rs 1.1 lakh for the same date. The India AI Impact Summit itself is being positioned as the largest of its kind so far. More than 100 countries are expected to participate, along with 15-20 heads of government, over 50 ministers and representatives from more than 40 global and Indian companies. Around 500 leading voices from the global AI ecosystem will also attend.

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Breezy Scroll

Feb 9, 2026, 04:21 PM

Epstein Files Release Sparks Global Political Crisis

The release of the Epstein files has sparked one of the most far-reaching political and diplomatic reckonings in decades. Within days of the documents becoming public, senior officials across 10 countries stepped down, investigations multiplied, and governments were forced into damage-control mode. At the center of the storm are more than three million pages of material released by the United States Department of Justice, detailing the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s global web of contacts. The files include emails, flight manifests, calendars, and contact logs referencing hundreds of influential figures. While many names appear without any allegation of criminal wrongdoing, the scale of the disclosures has proven politically explosive. The Epstein files are a vast collection of documents tied to federal investigations into Epstein’s long-running sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors. According to officials familiar with the release, the records reference between 700 and 1,000powerful individuals worldwide. Being named in the documents does not imply guilt. In many cases, individuals appear because of social, professional, or political interactions. Still, the disclosures have raised uncomfortable questions about access, accountability, and how long warning signs were ignored. The fallout has been swift. At least 15 high-ranking officials have resigned, with investigations reportedly underway into around 80 prominent figures.

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Times of India

Feb 9, 2026, 04:08 PM

Assam Chief Minister Ready to be Arrested Over Controversial Video

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (File photo)NEW DELHI: Assam chief ministerHimanta Biswa Sarmaon Monday said he was ready to be arrested afterAIMIMchiefAsaduddin Owaisifiled a police complaint against him over a now-deleted Assam BJP's controversial video.The BJP leader also said he didn't know anything about the video, adding that he would continue to oppose Bangladeshi infiltrators."I am ready to go to jail, what can I do? I do not know anything about any video. If he has filed a case against me, arrest me; what objection do I have? I have no objection. But I stand by my words, I am against Bangladeshi infiltrators and I will continue to be against them," the Assam chief minister told news agency ANI.Effort To Protect Assam’s Identity, Says Himanta Defending ‘Miyan’ RemarkHis remarks came after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi lodged an official complaint with Hyderabad City Police seeking criminal action against Sarma over a "now-deleted video" allegedly depicting violence against Muslims, describing it as "genocidal hate speech."In a post on X, Owaisi said he had approached the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner on Monday, alleging that the video showed Sarma symbolically shooting at persons "very obviously depicted as Muslims." "I have lodged an official complaint with @CPHydCity demanding criminal action against Himanta Sarma for his (now deleted) violent video showing him shooting Muslims. Unfortunately, genocidal hate speech has become a norm.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeGrand Living at Dwarka E-way, Hero HomesHero HomesLearn MoreUndo"He also attached a copy of the complaint, stating that the imagery and phrases used in the video, including "Point blank shot" and "No Mercy," were intended to outrage religious feelings, promote communal hatred, and incite violence.According to the complaint, the video was uploaded on February 7 from the official X account of the Assam BJP and was taken down a day later, though it continues to circulate on social media.Owaisi argued that law enforcement agencies are constitutionally bound to act suo motu in cases of hate speech, even without a formal complaint.Owaisi also raised the issue during a public rally in Zaheerabad on Sunday while campaigning for the Telangana municipal elections scheduled for February 11. Shifting focus from local civic issues to what he described as a national crisis of dignity, Owaisi accused the BJP of spreading communal hatred and urged voters to strengthen AIMIM as an antidote to communalism.Addressing supporters, Owaisi highlighted AIMIM's relief work during incidents such as the Jainoor violence and the Medak town clashes, alleging inaction by both the Congress and BRS governments. He said municipal elections were crucial for everyday governance and appealed to voters to back AIMIM candidates for inclusive development and effective grassroots leadership.

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Deccan Herald

Feb 9, 2026, 04:07 PM

Bengaluru Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Heads to Delhi Amid Power-Sharing Speculation

Bengaluru: Amid continuing speculation over power-sharing in the Congress, Deputy Chief MinisterD K Shivakumarannounced on Monday that he would be travelling to Delhi, skipping the pre-budget meeting of his water resources and Bengaluru Urban Development portfolios scheduled to be chaired by Chief MinisterSiddaramaiah, who is also the finance minister. Experience a more refined e-paper today Shivakumar is leaving for Delhi on Tuesday morning. On the same day, Siddaramaiah is slated to hold the pre-budget meeting for two of Shivakumar's departments. Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar played down his absence from the meeting, saying the department's work was already on track. "The chief minister is the chairman of the water resources department. Our officers are present and I have already briefed them. There is nothing much to do in the department as everything is planned," he said. On the purpose of his Delhi visit, Shivakumar said he would be meeting central ministers, the party’s legal team and senior Congress leaders. "I am going to meet central ministers, our legal team, Congress leaders and the high command, which has called me,” he said. When asked whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had summoned him, Shivakumar remarked cryptically, "I can’t reveal all that.” Brushing aside persistent queries from the media, he said, "Why are you so curious? I am the state Congress president, besides being deputy CM. I will be completing six years as KPCC president on March 6. It is my duty to meet our leader of Opposition, leaders and MPs. I will keep meeting them, sharing my troubles and pain, and perhaps all your desire (of me becoming the CM) too". Elaborating on his visit, Shivakumar said he would be visiting Indira Bhavan in Delhi and meeting some leaders at their residences. "Whomever I meet, they will tell you," he quipped. On being reminded that one of his supporters had expressed a desire to see him as chief minister during this term, Shivakumar shot back, "Don’t you people desire it?" On skipping the pre-budget meeting, he said, "I am going to Delhi tomorrow. I will take the chief minister’s permission. Since he is the chairman, he knows things better than me". When pressed on whether power transfer would be discussed in Delhi, Shivakumar replied briefly, "I am a political man," and walked away.

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 04:01 PM

Discord Introduces Mandatory Global Age Verification to Bolster Teen Safety

San Francisco, February 9:Discord has announced a significant shift in its operational framework by introducing mandatory global age verification starting in March. The platform aims to bolster teen safety by automatically transitioning all accounts to a "teen-appropriate" experience unless users successfully verify their adult status. The initiative follows increasing pressure from international legislative bodies to strengthen child safety measures on social media. Under the new system, unverified accounts will face restricted communication settings, content filtering for sensitive material, and a total block on entering age-restricted servers and channels.Spotify New Feature Update: Offline Lyrics and Universal Translations Rolled Out for Free and Premium Users Worldwide. To maintain access to adult-oriented spaces, users must prove their age through facial age estimation technology or by submitting a government-issued identity document. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy, confirmed that age-restricted servers will be "obfuscated" with a black screen for any user who has not completed the check, even if they were previously members of those communities. In addition to server blocks, unverified users will be unable to participate in "Stage" channels or view graphic content. To further protect younger audiences, the platform will automatically filter direct messages from unfamiliar users into a separate inbox and provide warning prompts for suspicious friend requests. Addressing privacy concerns, Discord clarified that facial age estimation uses on-device processing, meaning video selfies do not leave the user’s hardware. For those opting to submit identification, the company stated that documents are deleted by third-party vendors almost immediately after confirmation. The move comes after a data breach involving a former vendor in October last year. Badalich emphasised that Discord has since switched providers and does not perform biometric facial recognition or store personal details such as names or addresses from the documents provided. Discord is also deploying an "age inference model" to minimise friction for long-term users. This background system analyses metadata, including gaming habits, activity patterns, and time spent on the app, to determine if an account likely belongs to an adult without requiring a formal ID check.Arattai New Feature Update: Sridhar Vembu Announces ‘Polls’ Feature in India-Made E2EE Chat App, Hints Big Updates in January 2026. While the company acknowledges that the rollout may lead to a temporary decline in user numbers, it remains committed to the safety overhaul. The platform expects that a majority of users will not experience significant changes unless they frequently access explicit or age-gated content. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 09:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 03:50 PM

Pakistan Cricket Board Hints at 'Good News' Amid Uncertainty Over India Clash

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) keeps on mulling over its stance to boycott the February 15 clash against India, former chairman Najam Sethi has hinted at “good news" for Pakistan cricket, which would be announced by Mohsin Naqvi in the coming days. According to the Hindustan Times, both Naqvi and Sethi attended the auction of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise on Monday. Speaking at the event, Sethi teased some upcoming ‘good news’ for Pakistan cricket but did not provide specific details. “I think you will hear some good news beyond the PSL, thanks to Mohsin Naqvi, in the next day or two. I think the less said, the better about that right now," Sethi said. Naqvi welcomed the former PCB chief to the stage after Multan Sultans was sold to Walee Technologies, a media, technology, and finance firm, for a record Rs2.45 billion during the auction held in Lahore on Monday. “This franchise was created by Najam Sethi sahib, who started this journey. We are pleased that he is with us here today," Naqvi said while inviting Sethi to the stage. Earlier on Monday, a Cricbuzz report stated that the uncertainty surrounding the India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo on Sunday is likely to end soon, with indications that the Pakistan government may take a U-turn. Following discussions involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul and ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja, the issue has reached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is expected to give his nod. In another report by PTI, Naqvi had proposed several demands, including the resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and a tri-series involving Bangladesh, to offset the losses incurred by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after not travelling to India for the global event. While the ICC does not oversee Indo-Pak bilateral cricket, the demand for a tri-series was rejected. India has not played in any tri-nation tournament for over a decade. However, the ICC might consider awarding the next men’s U19 World Cup to Bangladesh. (With PTI Inputs)

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Financial Express

Feb 9, 2026, 03:45 PM

Presidents Day: A Three-Day Weekend to Honor America's Past Leaders

Cold days can feel endless, especially when winter refuses to loosen its grip. But there is a small pause to look forward to. In the middle of February, Americans get a three-day weekend with Presidents Day, a federal holiday that offers a break from routine and a moment to look back at the country’s past leaders. This year, Presidents Day will be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026. The holiday always falls on the third Monday of February, creating a long weekend during one of the coldest stretches of the year. Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday , most federal offices will be closed. Banks, post offices, the stock market and many schools will not operate that day. However, most retail stores and grocery shops usually remain open, which is why the holiday often comes with sales and shopping offers. People who work for the federal government typically get the day off. Some state and local offices may also close, depending on where you live. Presidents Day is officially known as Washington’s Birthday. It was first created to honor George Washington, the nation’s first president. His birthday is February 22, though the date changed over time due to a shift from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Later, the holiday also came to recognise Abraham Lincoln , whose birthday falls on February 12. Because the holiday sits between the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln, many people began calling it Presidents Day, a name that eventually stuck. Americans celebrated Washington long before the holiday became official. In 1879, Congress made February 22 a legal holiday for federal workers in Washington, D.C., and by 1885 it became a paid holiday for all federal employees. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law moved the celebration to the third Monday of February. The goal was to reduce midweek work disruptions and give Americans more long weekends. That change is why Presidents Day never falls on Washington’s actual birthday, but still carries his legacy forward each year.

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 03:43 PM

Nine Suspects Booked in Bengaluru for Kidnapping Pregnant Pet Cat and Selling It to Breeders

Bengaluru, February 9:The Bengaluru police have registered a case against nine individuals for allegedly kidnapping a pregnant pet cat and selling it to commercial breeders. The incident, which has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates, involves the abduction of a high-breed cat from a residential area. Authorities are currently investigating the commercial network behind the theft. The complaint was filed by the cat's owner, who alleged that the group targeted the animal specifically because of its pregnancy and pedigree. According to the police report, the suspects allegedly coordinated the abduction before selling the cat to breeders who intended to profit from the upcoming litter.Techie Turns Burglar: Achhi Mahesh Reddy Arrested for 60 Burglaries To Fund Lavish Lifestyle and Luxury BMW by Police in AP. The owner noticed the cat was missing and initially launched a search in the neighborhood. After reviewing local footage and gathering information from witnesses, it was revealed that the pet had been forcibly taken. Further inquiry led to the identification of several individuals allegedly involved in the logistics of the kidnapping and the subsequent transaction. The police have booked the nine suspects under various sections related to theft and animal cruelty. Preliminary investigations suggest that this may not be an isolated incident, pointing toward an organised racket that targets expensive pet breeds for illegal breeding and sale.Bengaluru: Woman Moves Court Against Husband for Not Buying Body Lotion. Illegal breeding has become a growing concern in major Indian cities like Bengaluru. High-demand breeds are often kept in poor conditions to produce multiple litters for the "pet market." When a pregnant pet is stolen, the value of the "merchandise" increases significantly, as the thieves stand to profit from both the mother and the kittens. Animal welfare activists emphasise that such thefts are not just property crimes but severe cases of animal trauma. "A pregnant animal requires specific medical care and a familiar environment; being abducted and shifted into a commercial breeding setup is incredibly stressful," noted a local animal rights volunteer. The Bengaluru police are currently working to locate and rescue the cat. While some of the accused have been questioned, others remain at large. The police are also examining the digital records of the accused to trace the buyer who allegedly purchased the cat for breeding purposes. Officials have urged pet owners to be vigilant and ensure their pets are microchipped, which can help in identification and recovery in cases of theft. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS), those found guilty could face significant fines and imprisonment. TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (Bangalore Mirror), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 09:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Financial Express

Feb 9, 2026, 03:41 PM

Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Results 2026: Mahayuti Alliance Poised for Victory

Maharashtra Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti Election Results 2026 Live Updates: The results for Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election results 2026 are being announced. Counting of votes began at 10:00 am and the ruling Mahayuti appears poised for victory in several areas. You can track live trends on leading and losing candidates here. The polling was held on February 7 across 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis after earlier postponement due to the state mourning declared following Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death. The polling was held in Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Latur districts. Voters turned out in impressive numbers (nearly 67%) to shape the rural governance for the coming years. It is worth noting that these elections are being held after almost 12 years in Maharashtra. Today, February 9, the spotlight shifts to the counting centres as votes for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis are tallied, starting at 10 am. Stay tuned right here for round-by-round updates on district-wise and ward-wise trends. Know who is leading and who is trailing, key wins, surprises, as well as reactions from political leaders as the results unfold in real time. The last Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections were held in 2017. Then the Nationalist Congress Party emerged as the single largest party, winning 225 Maharashtra Zilla Parishad seats. It put up strong numbers in Pune, Satara, Osmanabad and Parbhani, strengthening its hold in western Maharashtra and parts of Marathwada. The BJP came second with 141 seats, driven mainly by big wins in Latur, Sangli and Aurangabad. The Congress won 123 seats, with noticeable performances in Sindhudurg, Aurangabad and Kolhapur. Shiv Sena secured 119 seats, doing particularly well in coastal districts like Raigad and Ratnagiri, and also in Pune. The vote counting for 12 Maharashtra districts and 125 Panchayat Samitis will begin at 10:00 am today and the results will be declared soon after. To catch live trends on who’s winning and who’s losing, you can track this live blog at The Financial Express. Once the results are announced today, the Model Code of Conduct will be lifted in the areas where elections were held. The State Election Commission said the list of newly elected members will be officially notified in the Government Gazette by February 11, 2026. Track Live Election Result Trends below: Pune ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Solapur ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Sangli ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Kohlapur ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Dharashiv ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Latur ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Satara ZP Election Results 2026 Live | Sindhudurga ZP Election Results 2026 Live According to a PTI update citing officials, the Mahayuti alliance is set to retain power in the Latur Zilla Parishad. This comes even as the BJP saw a drop in seats and the Congress took center stage as the largest parety. There has been no official confirmation from the Election Commission so far. “We have broken the poll record of 2017. Opposition lacked the will to fight, says CM Devendra Fadnavis,” reports quoted him as saying. The BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance has achieved a historic victory and swept away the opposition. The alliance won 41 out of the total 50 Zilla Parishad seats --- with the BJP crossing the majority mark on its own. MP Narayan Rane has once again proven that his stronghold in Sindhudurg is impregnable. Newly elected members of Pune ZP and panchayat samiti today met Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar in Baramati. The members expressed their resolve to remain committed to the development of the taluka in the future and paid their respects by offering a floral wreath at the portrait of Ajit Pawar. https://twitter.com/IndianExpress/status/2020839440940483005 Mangesh Sable --- a vocal face of the Maratha reservation movement who recently set his own car on fire to make a point --- has been defeated. He had also staged a protest in the Panchayat Samiti area to draw attention to the corruption going on in the well subsidy in the Panchayat Samiti. He had won a lot of votes as a Maratha reservation activist in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. In the Phulambri Assembly elections, Sable had received more than one lakh 63 thousand votes. In the closely fought election held in the Vadodabazar group, he had to face defeat again. Mangesh Sable got 8234 votes while the winning candidate Gopal Wagh got 9831 votes. In the elections in this group, Kavita Mete of the Congress got 8041 votes. The NCP is leading in 43 out of 73 Zilla Parishad seats in Pune district. "Voters have paid tributes to Ajit Pawar by ensuring victory of NCP candidates in Pune ZP polls," said NCP Pune district president Sambhaji Holkar. “Today’s results of the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis once again remind us of his immortal maxim of the revered Atalji!" added BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. According to TV reports, the BJP has established a lead in 200 out of 731 seats by 2:00 pm. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was reportedly ahead in 137 Zilla Parishad seats. No official confirmation has come from the state election commissioner and counting remains underway in some areas. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena suffered a major blow on Monday as Rachna Mahadik lost to the rival party faction led by Uddhav Thackeray in the Kasba Zilla Parishad. Shiv Sena (UBT) newcomer Vishakha Kuvalekar secured a resounding win. The area has traditionally been a Shiv Sena bastion --- and the victory shows a major change in the political equation. The Mahayuti appears poised to win the Latur Zilla Parishad elections --- even as the BJP lags behind. The Congress has emerged as the largest party in the district with 23 seats. But it lacks the majority number required to form the government. The BJP has won in 18 groups and Ajit Pawar's NCP has won 12 seats. Therefore, the alliance between the BJP and the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) has strengthened the chances of a grand alliance forming power in the Zilla Parishad. Solapur district NCP president Umesh Patil has been defeated in the Zilla Parishad elections. He had contested the elections from the Kurul Zilla Parishad group in Mohol taluka. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has expressed confidence that BJP will be the president of eight to nine district councils in the state . A high-octane fight in the Sawantwadi Kolgaon Zilla Parishad saw BJP rebel Michael D'Souza win by 250 votes. He defeated BJP candidate and Zilla Bank Director Mahesh Sarang. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is close to securing the Kolhapur Zilla Parishad. The BJP has already won 12 out of 68 seats while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has secured seven. The NCP has 18 seats while the Congress has 13 in the area. According to an update shared by the Indian Express, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has reached Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. He is accompanied by his wife Pratibha Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule. The veteran leader was reportedly feeling unwell and was rushed to Pune from Baramati. No party or coalition has secured a clear majority in the Sangli Zilla Parishad. The BJP emerged as the largest group with 18 out of 61 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar group) has 15 seats while Ajit Pawar's NCP has7 seats. The Congress has 11 while the Shinde group has seven. The Uddhav Thackeray group) has one seat while the Janasurajya – 1Ryot Revolution Organization (Sadabhau Khot) also secured one seat. Alibaug MLA Mahendra Dalvi's daughter-in-law Aditi Dalvi has won from the Chendhare Zilla Parishad constituency in Alibaug. Her main contest was against Praveena Ghase. BJP takes the lead in Amboli Zilla Parishad as Shobha Gawde secures win. Mahayuti candidates also emerged victorious in Malvan taluka of Sindhudurg. Sonali Sunil Ghadigaonkar won in Adavli Maldi Zilla Parishad group. While Deepak Chavan won in Shirwande Panchayat Samiti. NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar was rushed from Baramati to Pune on Monday afternoon. He has been hospitalised after feeling unwell. The BJP has taken the lead in Latur with 16 seats. This is followed by Congress with 15. The NCP has 10 seats, Shiv Sena 2, Independents 2 and the NCP (SP) and MNS have won one seat each. The Shiv Sena is leading with 12 seats in the Dharashiv Zilla Parishad. This is followed by BJP with 10 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) has secured 5 seats, while both the NCP and Congress have won 4 seats each. Independent candidates have secured 3 seats, and the Samajwadi Party has won one seat. Members of former minister Suresh Varpudkar contested the Zilla Parishad election from various political parties. But only one out of five candidates could secure a victory. His children --- Shamsher and Sunbai Prerna--- faced a crushing defeat as BJP candidates in the Zilla Parishad elections Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) candidate Arjunsinh Mohite Patil has won from the Fondshiras Zilla Parishad group in Malshiras taluka. He is the cousin of Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil and recently lost the Panchayat Samiti elections. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) candidate Atul Pawar won from the Jala Zilla Parishad group in Sangola taluka. Yashraj Salunkhe, son of former MLA Deepak Aba Salunkhe Patil, had to accept defeat in this election. According to a Loksatta update, here are the Ratnagiri Zilla Parishad election results for 2026: Handrail – Suyog Kamble (Shiv Sena) Guhagar Gana – Pranav Polekar (Shiv Sena) Vaddahsol – Prateek Matkar (Shiv Sena) Talwade – Samiksha Chavan (Thackeray group) Gambling – Ramesh Sood (Shiv Sena) Dhopeshwar – Prasad Kuvalekar (Shiv Sena) Skin – Sonali Thukarul (Shiv Sena) Skin – Ajay Kashingkar (Thackeray group) Rajapur Panchayat Committee Vaddahsol Gan – Gautam Jadhav (Shiv Sena) Raipatan Gana – Umesh Paradkar (Shiv Sena) Talwade Gana – Bhamini Sutar (Thackeray group) Tamhane Gana – Yogi Dange (Thackeray group) Kelavali Gana – Bhagyashree Lad (Shiv Sena) Gambling gana – Prasad Moharkar (Shiv Sena) Dhopeshwar Gana – Yogesh Maps (Independent) Pendkhale Gana – Rajesh Gurav (Shiv Sena) Ansure Gana – Dipali Medhekar (Thackeray group) Shringarataali – Pramod Gandhi (MNS) Spade – Rupesh Pawaskar (Rebel) Mirjole Gana – Vaibhav Patil (Shiv Sena) Bhambed Group – Vinaya Gangan (Shiv Sena) Bhambed Gana – Shailesh Khamkar (BJP) Prabhavanalli Gana – Umesh Patki (Shiv Sena) Agloli Group – Vikrant Jadhav (Thackeray Group) The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has opened its account in Ratnagiri after Shringar Talati candidate Pramod Gandhi won. Shivraj Bhumre has won from the Pachod area of Sambhajinagar Zilla Parishad. He is the nephew of former MP and state minister Sandipan Bhumre. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena has opened its account in the Ratnagiri Zilla Parishad elections with former ZP President Vikrant Jadhav winning from the Asgoli Zilla Parishad group. Vikrant Jadhav, son of MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, secured the victory, marking the party’s first success in the district as counting continues across other seats. Arjunsinh Mohite Patil, candidate of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Chandra Pawar, won from the Fondshiras Zilla Parishad group in Malshiras taluka. A cousin of Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, he made a strong comeback by winning the ZP seat after losing the Panchayat Samiti election. Meanwhile, NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate Atul Pawar secured victory from the Jala Zilla Parishad group in Sangola taluka, while Yashraj Salunkhe, son of former MLA Deepak Aba Salunkhe Patil, faced defeat. Shiv Sena has dominated the Asage and Bhambed Zilla Parishad groups in Lanja taluka of Ratnagiri district, reinforcing the Mahayuti’s position in the region. In the high-profile Bhambed ZP group, Shiv Sena’s Vinaya Gangan emerged victorious. BJP alliance candidate Shailesh Khamkar won the Bhambed Panchayat Samiti seat, while Shiv Sena’s Umesh Patki secured a win from the Prabhanavalli Panchayat Samiti constituency, underlining the alliance’s growing dominance in Lanja taluka, according to Loksatta. Suyog Kamble of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has won the high-voltage Hatkhamba Zilla Parishad group in Ratnagiri district. He defeated rebel independent candidate Parashuram Kadam in a closely watched contest. The victory adds to the Shinde-led Sena’s gains in Ratnagiri as counting concludes across the district. Early trends from the Solapur Zilla Parishad elections show the BJP leading in 21 of the 68 seats. Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party is ahead in 9 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has taken the lead in 4 seats. Other parties and candidates are leading in four seats as counting continues., according to Loksatta

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 03:41 PM

BJP Wins Big in Solapur Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026: Full Results

In the Solapur Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026, BJP wins on 38, NCP wins on 10, SS wins on 8, NCPSP wins on 6, INC wins on 0, SSUBT wins on 0 MNS wins on 0 at 09:11 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub.Follow this page for the live election result of Solapur in the 2026 Maharashtra zilla Parishad. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this district. Click here for detailed Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Result tally 2026 The counting of votes for Solapur zilla Parishad took place on February 9, 2026. ABOUT Solapur district consists of 11 Panchayat Samitis in total. The district has a population of 43,17,756, comprising 22,27,852 males and 20,89,904 females. The overall literacy rate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is 77.02%, with 85.03% of males and 68.55% of females being literate. Around 67.6% of the district’s population lives in rural areas. LOCATION Solapur district lies in southern Maharashtra and is largely drained by the Bhima, Nira, Sina, and Man river systems. It extends between 17°10′N–18°32′N latitudes and 74°42′E–76°15′E longitudes. The district is bounded by Ahmadnagar to the north, Dharashiv to the northeast, Karnataka to the southeast, Sangli to the southwest, Satara to the west, and Pune to the northwest. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Solapur zilla Parishad was issued on 16 January 2026 (Friday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was 26 January 2026 (Monday). This district voted on Saturday, February 7, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Monday, February 9, 2026. PREVIOUS ELECTION RESULTS The last elections of the Solapur zilla Parishad were held in 2017, in which the Nationalist Congress Party secured 23 seats. The Indian National Congress won seven seats, while Shiv Sena secured five seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 14 seats, and seven independent candidates were also elected to the Solapur zilla Parishad.

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Feb 9, 2026, 03:41 PM

Sindhudurg Zilla Parishad Election 2026: BJP Leads on 16 Seats

In the Sindhudurg Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026, BJP is leading on 16, SS is leading on 6, NCP is leading on 0, INC is leading on 0, SSUBT is leading on 0, NCPSP is leading on 0, MNS is leading on 0 at 12:18 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub. Follow this page for the live election result of Sindhudurg in the 2026 Maharashtra zilla Parishad. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this district. Click here for detailed Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Result tally 2026 The counting of votes for Sindhudurg zilla Parishad took place on February 9, 2026. ABOUT Sindhudurg district consists of 8 Panchayat Samitis in total. The district has a population of 8,49,651, comprising 4,17,332 males and 4,32,319 females. The overall literacy rate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is 85.56%, with 91.58% of males and 79.81% of females being literate. Around 87.41% of the district’s population lives in rural areas. LOCATION Sindhudurg, the southernmost district of Maharashtra, is located on the west coast of India. It spans 15°37′N–16°40′N latitudes and 73°19′E–74°13′E longitudes. Kolhapur borders it to the east, Ratnagiri to the north, while the Arabian Sea forms its western edge. Karnataka and Goa lie to the south, and the district enjoys a coastline of roughly 121 km. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Sindhudurg zilla Parishad was issued on 16 January 2026 (Friday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was 26 January 2026 (Monday). This district voted on Saturday, February 7, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Monday, February 9, 2026. PREVIOUS ELECTION RESULTS The last elections of the Sindhudurg zilla Parishad were held in 2017, in which the Nationalist Congress Party secured one seat. The Indian National Congress won 27 seats, while Shiv Sena secured 16 seats. Six Bharatiya Janata Party candidates were also elected to the Sindhudurg zilla Parishad.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 03:41 PM

BJP Wins Big in Satara Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026

In the Satara Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026, BJP wins on 27, NCP wins on 20, SS wins on 15, SSUBT wins on 1, INC wins on 0, NCPSP wins on 0 MNS wins on 0 at 09:11 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub.Follow this page for the live election result of Satara in the 2026 Maharashtra zilla Parishad. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this district. Click here for detailed Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Result tally 2026 The counting of votes for Satara zilla Parishad took place on February 9, 2026. ABOUT Satara district consists of 11 Panchayat Samitis in total. The district has a population of 30,03,741, comprising 15,10,842 males and 14,92,899 females. The overall literacy rate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is 82.87%, with 89.42% of males and 76.31% of females being literate. Around 81.01% of the district’s population lives in rural areas. LOCATION Satara district is positioned along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau in southern Maharashtra. The region falls within the drainage system of the Krishna River and also includes parts of the Bhima basin. It stretches between 17°05′N–18°11′N latitudes and 73°33′E–74°54′E longitudes. Pune lies to the north, Solapur to the east, Sangli to the south, and Ratnagiri to the west, with a short boundary adjoining Raigad in the northwest. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Satara zilla Parishad was issued on 16 January 2026 (Friday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was 26 January 2026 (Monday). This district voted on Saturday, February 7, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Monday, February 9, 2026. PREVIOUS ELECTION RESULTS The last elections of the Satara zilla Parishad were held in 2017, in which the Nationalist Congress Party secured 39 seats. The Indian National Congress won seven seats, while Shiv Sena secured two seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party won seven seats, and two independent candidates were also elected to the Satara zilla Parishad.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 03:30 PM

Shabana Mahmood Emerges as Leading Contender to Succeed Keir Starmer as Labour Party Leader

Shabana Mahmood has emerged as a leading contender for the top job in British politics as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over revelations linked to the Epstein files, triggering unrest within the ruling Labour Party. Starmer’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny following disclosures concerning former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson’s past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has sparked sharp criticism from across the political spectrum and fuelled calls from sections of Labour for Starmer to step aside, plunging the party into its most serious internal crisis since coming to power. As speculation grows over a possible leadership change, attention has increasingly shifted to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, widely seen as one of Labour’s most credible and experienced figures. If she were to succeed Starmer, Mahmood would make history as the United Kingdom’s first Muslim prime minister. Mahmood, 45, has been Home Secretary since 2025 and is regarded as a formidable administrator with a strong grasp of law and governance. Before taking charge of the Home Office, she served as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, where she led high-profile reforms addressing prison overcrowding, sentencing policy and civil unrest. A trained barrister, she represents the Birmingham Ladywood constituency in Parliament and is associated with Labour’s socially conservative Blue Labour tradition. Born in Birmingham to parents of Pakistani origin, Mahmood spent part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia before returning to the UK. She went on to study law at Lincoln College, Oxford, and built a legal career as a barrister specialising in professional indemnity law before entering politics. Mahmood was first elected to the House of Commons in 2010, becoming one of the country’s earliest female Muslim MPs. Over the years, she steadily rose through Labour’s ranks, holding a series of key shadow cabinet roles, including Shadow Justice Secretary, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and National Campaign Coordinator, earning a reputation as a disciplined strategist and effective communicator. Her transition into government leadership roles further elevated her profile. Appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in 2024, she oversaw controversial early-release schemes aimed at easing pressure on overcrowded prisons and coordinated the government’s response to episodes of civil disorder. As Home Secretary from 2025, Mahmood adopted a firm approach to immigration, introduced significant refugee policy reforms and led the country’s largest-ever deployment of live facial recognition technology in policing, moves that drew both praise and criticism.

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 03:27 PM

Mumbai Girl Narrowly Escapes Serious Injury After Being Attacked by Pack of Stray Dogs

Mumbai, February 9:A seven-year-old girl narrowly escaped a severe injury on Monday morning after being swarmed by a pack of approximately 10 to 15 stray dogs in the Palava City township of Dombivli in Thane. The incident was captured on a residential CCTV camera and has since gone viral, reigniting the debate over stray dog management in high-rise townships. The child was reportedly on her way to school when she entered a lane within the Orchid Society of the Khoni-Palava area. According to witnesses and local reports, the attack began when a single dog sleeping in a corner started barking at her. As the girl panicked and began to run, the entire pack was triggered into an aggressive chase, surrounding her within seconds.Dog Bite Incident in Thane: Minor Boy Dies Weeks After Being Bitten by Stray Dog in Bhiwandi; Hospital Says Victim Received Anti-Rabies Shots As Local MLA Alleges Negligence. The situation was prevented from escalating into a fatal tragedy by the quick intervention of a society security guard. Upon hearing the child’s screams, the guard rushed to the spot with a stick, successfully driving the pack away and shielding the girl from further bites. While the girl did not sustain life-threatening physical wounds, residents report that she is severely traumatised. Local families have expressed growing concern over the safety of children within the gated community, noting that the number of stray dogs inside the society premises has increased significantly in recent months.Dog Attack Caught on Camera in Mumbai: Stray Dog Jumps and Bites School Security Guard's Shoulder in Goregaon, Disturbing Video Surfaces. The Palava township, known as one of the region's premium residential developments, has seen a rise in "stray dog menace" complaints. Residents have called for immediate action from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to implement sterilisation and relocation programs. "The society is meant to be a safe space for our children to walk to their buses," said one local resident. "Seeing 15 dogs chase a small child in a gated area is terrifying and points to a major lapse in animal control and society management." TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (India Today), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 08:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Feb 9, 2026, 03:16 PM

Munich Security Conference Report Blames US President Donald Trump for 'Wrecking-Ball Politics'

The organizers of theMunich Security Conference (MSC)did not hesitate to name who they think is behind the "period of wrecking-ball politics." "The most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions is US PresidentDonald Trump," they wrote in theMunich Security Report 2026released on Monday. The release came as organizers announced that US Secretary of StateMarco Rubiowill lead "a sizable delegation" of officials to the MSC this weekend. "At the moment, trans-Atlantic relations are, in my view, in a considerable crisis of trust and credibility," conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said on Monday. "That is why it is particularly gratifying that the American side is showing such strong interest in Munich," Ischinger said. The MSC will bring together about 65 world leaders, including German ChancellorFriedrich Merz, along with nearly 100 foreign and defense ministers, top military brass and high-level policymakers for three days of discussions. At the 2025 MSC, Vice PresidentJD Vance launched a blistering attack on the US's European allies, accusing EU leaders of curbing free speech, permitting too much migration and ignoring voters' views. The MSC, set to kick off Friday, has in the past acted as an indicator of how good transatlantic relations are, but it is clear from Monday's report that there has been a deterioration since Trump began his second term. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Munich Security Report focuses squarely on what Ischinger called "the elephant in the room," the broader backlash against the principles that have underpinned global governance since 1945. "For generations, US allies were not just able to rely on American power but on a broadly shared understanding of the principles underpinning the international order," Ischinger wrote in his foreword to the report. "Today, this appears far less certain, raising difficult questions about the future shape of transatlantic and international cooperation," he added. While Rubio will lead the Trump administration's delegation, some prominent US critics of the president will also speak at the MSC. California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York are all scheduled to participate. The report warns that across Western democracies, public trust in institutions is eroding, and parties promising radical change are gaining ground. "The result is a new climate in which those who employ bulldozers, wrecking balls, and chainsaws are often cautiously admired if not openly celebrated," the report says. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video Trump's disruptive approach appeals to supporters who believe breaking established institutions can overcome political gridlock, as seen in moves on NATO spending and an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. But the long-term result may be a shift toward transactional, interest-driven global politics. "Ironically, this would be a world that privileges the rich and powerful, not those who have placed their hopes in wrecking-ball politics," the report stresses. Globally, the US "renunciation of core elements of the existing international order" is straining systems already under pressure, from the WTO to humanitarian aid, the report states. In Europe, Washington's wavering support for Ukraine and shifting security signals are deepening fears as Russia intensifies military and hybrid attacks. Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyis among the most prominent guests expected in Munich. In the Indo-Pacific, partners face growing uncertainty as China pushes for dominance and US commitments appear increasingly unpredictable. Ischinger emphasized that regardless of how one views current US foreign policy, it is already reshaping the world in profound ways, with consequences that are only beginning to unfold. Edited by:Dmytro Hubenko

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 9, 2026, 03:16 PM

Karnataka Police Chief Issues Guidelines for Registering Hate Speech Cases

Bengaluru:In the wake of Karnataka police invoking criminal proceedings against social media posts and the account holders, the Karnataka DG & IGP Dr M A Saleem has asked the police to restrain from registering cases mechanically, without verifying the merit of the cases. Besides, he has also directed the police to subject the complaints regarding hate political speeches to legal scrutiny before registering the case and has asked them to adhere by various court orders regarding the hate speeches and social media posts. The DG&IGP's circular assumes significance at a time when the Karnataka Legislature has passed the `Hate Speech' bill and is awaiting Governor's consent for it. The Governor has forwarded it to the President of India and awaits a nod from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a circular, Dr Saleem has noted that the police were mechanically registering criminal cases against certain social media posts, without following the guidelines laid by the Supreme Court in Imran Pratapgadi v/s State of Gujarat. Besides, the Supreme Court has upheld the guidelines framed by the government of Telangana with regard to registering cases against social media posts, which has to be followed. Whenever a complaint is filed regarding either social media post or a political statement, the police have been asked to verify the `locus standi' of the complainant and check if the complainant is indeed aggrieved by the post or the speech. Complaints from unrelated persons should not be entertained. While preliminary inquiry in cognizable offence cases are mandatory, no cases regarding allegations of alleging promotion of enmity, intentional insult, public mischief, threat to public order or sedation should be registered, unless the police have sufficient prima facie proof to prove that in the court, the circular noted. Also Watch: Directing the police to be cautious while registering cases against harsh, offensive and critical political speeches, the circular has directed the police to seek prior legal scrutiny in such sensitive cases. The circular also directs the police to consider defamation cases as non-cognizable and ask the complainant to approach the judiciary directly. While making arrests with regard to the above cases, the police should follow all the guidelines laid down in Arnesh Kumar v/s State of Bihar case and the police should close the cases where the complaints are found to be frivolous, vexatious or politically motivated, the circular added.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 03:11 PM

Maharashtra Zila Parishad Elections: PM Modi Credits Mahayuti Alliance's Victory to People's Faith in Good Governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the results of the Maharashtra Zila Parishad elections reflect the people’s continued faith in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, describing the mandate as a vote for good governance across both rural and urban parts of the state. PM Modi also praised Mahayuti workers for their grassroots efforts, saying they had worked tirelessly to highlight the performance of the Maharashtra government and the NDA’s broader vision. “Once again, Maharashtra blesses BJP and Mahayuti," said PM Modi, noting that following the alliance’s strong showing in the Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council elections, the Zila Parishad results had delivered another clear endorsement. “Across rural and urban Maharashtra, the people of the state want good governance and an alliance which works in the spirit of Maharashtra’s glorious culture," he said, expressing gratitude to the people of the state. “My compliments to every worker of the Mahayuti for elaborating on our solid track record and commitment to good governance," he added. According to the latest trends, results have been declared for 587 of the 731 Zila Parishad seats, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance registering a commanding lead. The BJP has emerged as the single-largest party, winning 208 seats so far. It is followed by the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party with 126 seats and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 120 seats. Together, the Mahayuti alliance has secured 454 seats. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has so far won a total of 103 seats. The Congress is leading on 46 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) on 38, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP on 19 seats. Other parties and independent candidates have collectively secured 30 seats. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the results show that voters have once again expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance. He noted that the BJP has emerged as the number one party across urban, semi-urban and rural Maharashtra. Counting of votes is still underway in some districts, but the trends point to a decisive victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti in the local body polls.

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Feb 9, 2026, 03:03 PM

Delhi Police Register FIR Over Leaked Pre-Print Copy of Former Army Chief's Unpublished Memoir

New Delhi, February 9:The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) after taking cognisance of reports that a pre-print copy of an unpublished book titled 'Four Stars of Destiny', authored by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, is being circulated online without mandatory official clearance. According to police sources, information surfaced on social media platforms and several news forums claiming that a pre-print version of the book was available on the internet even though the necessary approvals from competent authorities for its publication were yet to be obtained.Manoj Mukund Naravane Memoir: Why Unpublished Passages About 2020 India-China Standoff and the Agnipath Scheme From ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ Are Making Headlines. A preliminary verification by the police revealed that a type-set PDF copy of the book, bearing the same title and apparently prepared by Penguin Random House India Private Limited, was accessible on certain websites, sources said. In addition, some online shopping and marketing platforms were found displaying the final cover of the book, giving the impression that it was already available for sale. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, especially given the author's former position as the Army Chief, the case has been registered with the Special Cell of Delhi Police to probe the alleged leak or breach.Lok Sabha Budget Session 2026: Fierce Government-Opposition Showdown Over Rahul Gandhi’s Mention of Ex-Army Chief Mukund Naravane’s Unpublished Memoir. Investigators are examining how the manuscript was leaked, who uploaded it online, and whether any organised network was involved in circulating the unauthorised material. The police are also scrutinising digital trails and coordinating with online platforms to trace the origin and spread of the PDF copy. The development comes a week after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen holding what was claimed to be a copy of the book inside the Parliament complex. The incident triggered a major political controversy, leading to disruptions of the Lok Sabha proceedings and the suspension of eight Members of Parliament for the remainder of the ongoing Budget session. TruLY Score 4 – Reliable | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 4 on LatestLY. The information comes from reputable news agencies like (IANS). While not an official source, it meets professional journalism standards and can be confidently shared with your friends and family, though some updates may follow. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 08:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Feb 9, 2026, 03:00 PM

Munich Security Conference: Transatlantic Relations, Russian Links, and European Voice

This year'sMunich Security Conferencewill kick off on February 13. DW’s chief political correspondent Nina Haase spoke with Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the MSC, about the state of transatlantic relations, whether US Vice PresidentJD Vancewill attend after his widely debated speech last year, why politicians from the far-rightAfDwere invited, and the latest developments surrounding theEpstein files. Ischinger also discussed potential Russian links to the unfolding scandal, Germany’s role onNATO’s eastern flank, and why he still believes Europe can find its voice.

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 9, 2026, 02:59 PM

BJP Emerges as Largest Party in Maharashtra Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samiti Elections

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, February 9, reacted to the BJP's historic performance in the elections to Maharashtra's 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samiti polls 2026. While addressing the press conference, CM said that the BJP has once again emerged as the largest party in 12 Zilla Parishads. And it is now clear that the Mahayuti will come to power in these 12 Zilla Parishads. Extending his congratulations, the CM added, "The BJP and Mahayuti have achieved a major victory in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra. Rural Maharashtra has shown its trust in the BJP and Mahayuti. I heartily congratulate the people and the BJP workers for this victory." Let us know! 👂What type of content would you like to see from us this year? At the press conference, CM Fadnavis also dismissed the narrative that the BJP is only an "urban party", pointing to the ZP leads as evidence of deep-rooted support in rural Maharashtra. He stated that the people have chosen the "politics of development" over the "politics of emotional appeals" used by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). "BJP has also broken its 2017 record by winning more seats. As the results declared so far, the BJP is number one in about 60 places. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sindhudurg, Sangli, Dharashiv, Parbhani and Satara. Shiv Sena is number one in two places, Ratnagiri and Raigad. Nationalist Congress is number one in Pune. And in Kolhapur and Latur, where all three parties fought together, the grand alliance is number one, said Devendra Fadnavis. But in the results declared so far, the BJP has got 236 seats," said CM Fadnavis. Talking about the Panchayat Samiti election results, CM Fadnavis said that in 2017, the BJP had a total of 284 seats, but in the trends announced so far, the BJP has won 410 seats. "If we look at the trends of 125 Panchayat Samiti, out of these, 50 Panchayat Samiti will be with the BJP, 26 with the Shiv Sena, 23 with the Nationalist Congress Party, the remaining 7-8 with the Congress, 7-8 with Sharad Pawar's party and 5 seats with the Shiv Sena (Thackeray) party. Therefore, here too, the Mahayuti has been able to win more than 100 out of 125 Panchayat Samiti," he remarked. Slamming the opposition, the CM said that the results show that the opposition has lost the will to fight and has failed to judge the pulse of the people. "They (falsely) believe that their political aspirations are aspirations of the people, and that is why they lose. The Opposition has lost the will to fight. When they attack PM Modi, they lose because people don't like such criticism," he added. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 9, 2026, 02:55 PM

Panvel Municipal Corporation to Hold Elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor on February 10

Panvel, Feb 09:The election process for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Panvel Municipal Corporation will be conducted on Tuesday, February 10. Special General Body meeting convened For this purpose, a Special General Body Meeting No. 01 of the Panvel Municipal Corporation has been convened at 11.00 am at the “Adya Krantiveer Vasudev Balwant Phadke Natyagruha” in Panvel. Collector to preside over election The meeting will be presided over by the Thane District Collector, Dr Shrikrishnanath Panchal, who has been appointed as the Presiding Officer for the election. Also Watch: Corporators directed to attend The election is expected to determine the civic leadership of the Panvel Municipal Corporation for the forthcoming term, and all corporators have been directed to attend the meeting. Further details regarding nominations and voting procedures are expected to be announced during the session. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 02:55 PM

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Hangs in Balance Amid Diplomatic Row

The cricketing world remains on edge as the highly anticipated Group A fixture between India and Pakistan, scheduled for 15 February 2026, hangs in the balance. While the match is officially still on the calendar for the R. Premadasa Stadium, a diplomatic row involving the Pakistan government, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has cast a significant shadow over the event.India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Match ‘99 Percent Certain’ To Go Ahead After ICC-PCB Negotiations Begin: Sources. As of Monday, 9 February, high-level discussions are ongoing in Lahore and Islamabad to resolve a "boycott" threat issued by the Pakistani authorities. The current impasse was triggered by the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the 2026 tournament. This followed the BCB's refusal to play its scheduled matches in India, citing security concerns after the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL franchise. In a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, the Pakistan government instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that while the team could participate in the World Cup (playing their matches in Sri Lanka), they were "not to take the field" against India. Recent reports from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore suggest that the PCB is preparing for a strategic reversal. During a four-hour meeting on Sunday with an ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, the PCB reportedly set three conditions to reconsider the boycott: Increased Revenue Share:A larger portion of the ICC’s central financial pool for the PCB. Bilateral Ties:A push for the ICC to mediate the restoration of bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan. Handshake Protocol:Enforcement of formal sportsmanship and handshake policies during ICC events to avoid political friction on the pitch. The ICC has reportedly rejected the demand regarding bilateral ties, stating it falls outside its jurisdiction, but remains open to discussing financial and administrative concessions.Fact Check: Fake ICC Circular Claiming Pakistan Cricket Board Ban Goes Viral Amid India T20 WC 2026 Match Boycott Call. The ICC has taken a firm stance, warning the PCB of "material damage" and severe sanctions if the match is forfeited. An India vs Pakistan World Cup clash is estimated to generate upwards of £200 million (Rs 2,200 crore) in global revenue. Potential sanctions against the PCB could include: Forfeiture of Points:India would be awarded a walkover (2 points) and also Pakistan's Net Run-Rate (NRR) could take a hit due to penalty. Financial Penalties:Massive fines and the potential withholding of Pakistan’s annual ICC revenue share. Membership Review:The ICC constitution allows for the suspension of boards that commit a "massive breach of obligations." The final decision now rests with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to brief the Prime Minister today, 9 February, following his marathon session with ICC officials. Despite the administrative drama, the Indian team is proceeding as planned. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the squad’s travel to Colombo is booked and they intend to be at the stadium on Sunday. Sri Lankan police have also confirmed that security arrangements for the match remain in place and have not been cancelled. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 08:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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The Indian Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:54 PM

Congress Signals Independent Political Course in Maharashtra Amid Underwhelming Election Performance

Despite a largely underwhelming performance in the Zilla Parishad elections, results of which were declared Monday, the Congress has signalled that it may chart an independent political course in Maharashtra, even as talks of realignments and mergers among other Opposition parties gather pace. Of the 12 Zilla Parishads that went to polls, the Congress emerged as the single largest party only in Latur. While the party improved its performance in Latur, Kolhapur and Sangli, it failed to open its account in key districts such as Pune , Satara, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. In Sangli, the Congress is expected to share power with the NCP(SP), which emerged as the single largest party. In Kolhapur, where the Congress finished second, it is set to play the role of the principal Opposition in the Zilla Parishad. Despite its position as the largest party in Latur, the Congress is unlikely to secure the post of Zilla Parishad president as the ruling Mahayuti is expected to cross the majority mark. Reacting to the results, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said the party had contested the rural local body elections largely on its own to strengthen its organisational base. “The Congress contested the local self-government elections across the state independently to expand its ideology and organisational base. In some places, alliances or fronts were formed at the local level after assessing the political situation. Since these elections belong to grassroots workers, they should be given maximum opportunities, which is not possible when alliances are formed. The people have given a positive mandate to Congress’s ideology in these elections,” Sapkal said, adding that the party has emerged as the largest Opposition force in the state. The Congress’s stance comes amid discussions on a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party . Sources within the Congress have indicated that the party is prepared to go solo in Maharashtra, with an eye on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. “We cannot go with the BJP, that’s for sure. As far as the issue of merger between the two NCPs is concerned, we haven’t talked about it nor anything has been informed to us. There is still time until 2029, and decisions will be taken after assessing the political situation then,” Sapkal said. Explaining the party’s evolving electoral strategy, Sapkal pointed to recent shifts in alliance politics. He said that while the Maha Vikas Aghadi was formed under specific circumstances in 2019 and the Congress contested the 2024 Assembly elections as part of the alliance, the approach differed in local body polls. “However, in the local self-government elections, Congress contested independently in many places. The Congress party also brought new allies such as the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, OBC Bahujan Aghadi, and RSP on board. In these elections, Congress has emerged as the largest Opposition party in the state,” he said.

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The Indian Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:49 PM

Karnataka Government Asks Bengaluru Metro to Recalculate Fare Hike Amid Political Row

A day after the Union Government directed Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited to put the annual fare revision on hold, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday that the state government suggested that BMRCL recalculate the proposed fare hike. Citing a letter from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, he said the Union government wrote to BMRCL stating that the annual fare revision of 5 per cent, which was expected to be implemented from Monday, should be discussed in the company’s board meeting. “They asked us to withhold the hike until the board meeting was over. It was supposed to be held today. It is postponed,” he told a news conference. The annual revision, as mandated by the fare fixation committee (FFC), meant a 5 per cent increase in all Bengaluru Metro fares. “FFC decided on a 5 per cent hike one year ago. On February 9, 2025, it was decided to implement the annual hike from the subsequent year. Nobody spoke then. Whoever is raising their voice now was silent,” Shivakumar said, criticising the campaign by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya opposing the fare hike. The hike was based on an increase in expenses incurred by BMRCL for operation and maintenance, energy and manpower costs, among others. Drawing a comparison, he said that while security for Delhi Metro was handled by the Centre by deploying CISF personnel, BMRCL was bearing security costs apart from paying GST for the services availed of. On whether the next revision will be on the higher side, he said that it would be discussed once the metro reworked the fares. “We will also await the Centre’s decision on the issue,” he said, maintaining that the decision to withhold the hike was taken by the state. “Right now, within the powers vested with the state government, we looked for ways to help the commuters. We have asked to recalculate the metro fare,” Shivakumar said. The metro fare revision is at the centre of an intense political row, with the state government blaming the Centre and the BJP pointing fingers at the ruling Congress for it. On Monday, Surya was detained by the police while attempting to protest against the fare hike at the RV Road Metro station.

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Financial Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:43 PM

Bad Bunny's Instagram Wipe: A Mysterious Move After Super Bowl Halftime Show

The buzz around the Super Bowl halftime show didn’t end when the game was over. Instead, it has now surged after fans noticed that Bad Bunny had wiped his Instagram account clean. Soon after his performance, the Puerto Rican singer deleted all his posts, removed his profile picture, and cleared his Following list. His account, which had more than 51 million followers, is now suddenly empty with no explanation from the artist yet. Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium on February 8. His performance stood out because it was delivered entirely in Spanish and focused on celebrating Latin music and culture. Many viewers praised the energy and representation on such a huge global stage. Others questioned whether a fully Spanish performance fit a traditionally English-language event, sparking debate across social media. As reactions poured in, Bad Bunny became one of the most talked-about names online. The discussions around it blew after US President Donald Trump criticised the show. He claimed people could not understand the language used in the performance and called the dancing inappropriate. His comments added a political angle to the conversation and widened the debate beyond music and entertainment. Trump wrote on Truth social, “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching throughout the U.S.A…” He added, “The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.” Trump also said, “There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD — And, by the way, the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule.” Amid the backlash and praise, fans noticed that Bad Bunny’s Instagram profile had gone completely blank. The singer has not shared any reason for the sudden move. Without any official statement, speculation has grown. Some fans believe the Instagram wipe could hint at new music or a fresh creative phase, while others see it as a silent response to the controversy. For now, Bad Bunny has chosen not to explain his actions and his empty Instagram page has only kept the spotlight firmly on him.

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The Indian Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:41 PM

BMC Floats 361 Tenders Worth Rs 600 Crore After Model Code of Conduct Withdrawal

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has floated 361 tenders worth around Rs 600 crore in the month following the civic elections according to official records, with most of them issued immediately after the withdrawal of the model code of conduct. Of the total tenders floated between January 17 and February 9, 355 are currently live. The tenders were issued after the State Election Commission lifted the code of conduct imposed ahead of local body polls, ending a month long freeze on civic contracting activity. The tenders cover a range of infrastructure and civic works across Mumbai including resurfacing of roads in the eastern suburbs and repairs to portions of the Bandra Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF). Civic officials said a large number of these tenders had been pending since December but could not be floated due to the code of conduct. BMC records show that no tenders were floated between December 15 when the code came into effect and January 16, when the civic elections were announced. “Usually five-ten tenders are floated every week. However, during the month-long period of code of conduct no new tenders could be floated and a backlog was created. Therefore, after the elections they were uploaded immediately to prefer any delay in executing the civic works” an official told The Indian Express on Monday. Among the key works tendered during this period are repairs at the municipal-run KEM Hospital, hiring of vehicles for waste collection in Borivali, drainage and passage repairs in Malad, procurement of vehicle-mounted mist spray machines to address air pollution and maintenance of CCTV cameras at HBT College. The tendering push comes as the civic body prepares to transition out of administrator’s rule which has been in place since March 7, 2022 after the dissolution of the elected body. During this period, all tenders were cleared by the municipal commissioner as the powers of the mayor and statutory committees were vested in the post. “The administrator rule will continue in BMC till the Mayor is elected. If any of these projects whose tenders are already live faces a road block then they will be sent back to acquire a fresh process of approvals from the statutory committees which are currently not there for the past four years” a civic official said.

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The Indian Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:39 PM

Karnataka CM Slams PM Modi for Skipping Parliament Reply, Calls it 'Act of Cowardice'

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for skipping his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address to Parliament, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called it an “act of cowardice”. He also criticised the conduct of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while contending that the developments in Parliament were part of a larger pattern to weaken constitutional offices in the country. In a post on X, the CM said on Monday, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address is an act of cowardice. For the first time in India’s parliamentary history, this motion was passed without the Prime Minister replying. A Prime Minister who avoids Parliament avoids accountability.” The episode was made even more disturbing as the Government first silenced the Opposition and then chose to silence itself, the CM said. He highlighted that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to complete his speech when he raised national security concerns and sought to place on record a book by former Army chief General M M Naravane. Referring to the assertions made in the book, Siddaramaiah said that Modi did not want Parliament to examine his “evasive leadership”. As per the book, he said, the prime minister’s purported direction for the Army chief during the China border crisis was simply, “ Jo uchit samjho, woh karo (do whatever you deem appropriate)”. “In doing so, the Opposition, which represents a majority of the people of India, was denied its rightful voice,” he said. Accusing Birla of “partisan conduct”, the CM said the Speaker had “justified this unprecedented departure from parliamentary convention…”. “The Speaker is meant to defend Parliament, not act as a shield for the executive,” he said. Siddaramaiah said Parliament becomes meaningless when the Opposition is silenced and the prime minister “runs away” from it. “This is part of a larger BJP–RSS pattern—weakening Parliament, abusing constitutional offices and hollowing out India’s democratic institutions,” he added.

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Financial Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:36 PM

Lamborghini Crashes into Pedestrians in Kanpur, Driver Identified as Shivam Mishra

At least six people were injured on Sunday after a speeding Lamborghini rammed into pedestrians in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place in the upscale Gwaltoli area of Kanpur around 3:15 pm. Police have identified the driver as Shivam Mishra — the son of businessman KK Mishra — and registered an FIR in the matter. Eyewitnesses said the car first hit an auto-rickshaw and then rammed into a parked Royal Enfield motorcycle. The impact threw the rider nearly 10 feet into the air before the vehicle snagged on the front wheel of the bike and began dragging it. It finally hit an electric pole and stopped moving. By some accounts, Mishra had tried to flee the scene with help from the bouncers who had been following in another car. They were stopped by a passerby after the accident. Debate has persisted around who was driving the car when the accident took place — with the FIR initially registered against an “unidentified” person. Mishra was eventually named amid widespread outrage and police officials have confirmed him as the driver. His lawyers have insisted that the case does not stand since “he was not driving” the Lamborghini. “We have found the details of the car. The car has been seized. The car was driven by Shivam Mishra. His father is KK Mishra. After the accident, Shivam Mishra’s bouncers pulled him out of the car. It is being said that he has some medical issues. The FIR of the accident was registered earlier, and now, in our investigation, we have learned that the name of the driver is Shivam Mishra…he is in the hospital,” confirmed Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal. “The hearing proceedings will be held tomorrow. Shivam was not driving; his driver, Mohan, was. This is an accident case. When he was not driving, then there can be no case against him,” countered lawyer Mrityunjay Kumar in conversation with ANI. Officials said a police team had also reached his residence for further investigation. Commissioner Lal insisted that the law applied equally to all as he assured action against the accused. “Six people have been injured and one of them has been admitted to the hospital. Previously, FIR was registered against an unknown driver, but now Shivam Mishra has been named, against whom the FIR has been registered. The police are taking appropriate action,” said BJP Kanpur MP Ramesh Awasthi. “The accused is the son of a businessman. FIR has been registered and strict action will be taken against him. We are not protecting anyone. The accused has been named and he will be sent to jail. The Samajwadi Party are making rhetoric just for the sake of elections, which they will lose, just like in Bihar,” he added.

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The Indian Express

Feb 9, 2026, 02:36 PM

Indian Parliament Sees Multiple Adjournments Over Leader of Opposition's Speaking Rights

Amid a logjam between the government and the Opposition over Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on being allowed to speak before the commencement of discussion on the Union Budget, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Monday, minutes after being reconvened at 2pm. In all, the Lok Sabha saw three adjournments. As the House met on Monday afternoon after being reconvened following the second adjournment, Sandhya Ray, who was in the Chair, asked Congress member Shashi Tharoor to start the discussion on the Union Budget . Tharoor told the Chair that Gandhi, being the LoP, should be allowed to raise certain points before the Thiruvananthapuram MP starts speaking. Ray said she had no issues if Gandhi wanted to speak on the Budget and asked him to begin. Gandhi claimed that at a meeting between Speaker Om Birla and some Opposition MPs earlier in the day, an agreement was reached that he would be allowed to raise certain points before the Budget discussion, adding the Chair was now backtracking “on its word”. Ray said she was not aware of any such agreement and that she could not allow anyone to raise any issue without a notice being submitted. At this point, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said there was no such agreement and if the LoP wanted to say something about the Speaker, Birla should also be present in the House to respond. Rijiju further said that other members of the House would also speak on the subject and there would be a broader discussion. With neither side budging from its position, Ray adjourned the House for the day. Earlier in the day, the House saw two adjournments as Opposition members started raising issues, which they demanded should be immediately addressed. Birla, who was in the Chair, said these issues could be raised during the discussion on the Union Budget. He said members, including the LoP, were free to speak during the debate. With the opposition members not relenting, Birla slammed them for “planned” disruptions and asked them to let the House run according to rules. As the protests over various issues continued, the Speaker adjourned the House proceedings briefly. At 12 noon, when the House reassembled, Opposition parties insisted that Gandhi be allowed to speak before the House took up the discussion on the Budget. As Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the Chair, called Tharoor to initiate the debate on the Budget, Opposition members dug in their heels and demanded that Gandhi be allowed to speak first. The Rajya Sabha , too, saw several disruptions on Monday. Opposition members walked out of Rajya Sabha after LoP Mallikarjun Kharge was not allowed to raise the issue of his Lower House counterpart Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. At the beginning of the question hour, before opening the floor to Kharge, Rajya Sabha chairperson C P Radhakrishnan asked him not to raise matters related to the other House. Kharge said: “I am only raising concern about the Constitution…” The chairperson again told him that the RS could not discuss matters of the other House. “I have already quoted Jawaharlal Nehru ji’s quotation, what he said about that, so I am not allowing anything,” he said. It was not clear what quotation he was attributing to. At the beginning of the zero hour at 11am, DMK member Tiruchi Siva said he has given a notice of breach of privilege against Union Minister Piyush Goyal, stating that he has given an interview about government policy outside the House when the Parliament was in session. The Chair said that the matter has already been discussed and he has made a statement in the house, adding it will be looked into later.

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 02:36 PM

Sharad Pawar Admitted to Hospital Due to Chest Congestion and Breathing Issues

Pune, February 9:NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar has been admitted to a hospital after developing chest congestion, with doctors confirming that his condition is stable and that his vital parameters are normal. Providing an update on Pawar's health, Dr Abhijit Lodha said that appropriate investigations have been conducted and treatment has been initiated. "There was some congestion in the chest. We have sent the appropriate investigations and started the appropriate treatment. Further modifications to the treatment will be decided once we receive the investigation reports... He has been admitted to a private room, and at present, all vital parameters are stable. The oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level have all been normal", he said.Sharad Pawar Health Update: NCP-SCP Supremo Admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic as Precaution After Chest Congestion and Breathing Issues (Watch Video). Earlier in the day, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune after some complaints of cough and difficulty in breathing. He was in Baramati. According to his office, the former union minister had "some complaints of cough and difficulties in breathing". NCP suffered a shock last month when its chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, nephew of Sharad Pawar, died in a plane crash. Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the state Deputy Chief Minister. Sharad Pawar had earlier this month expressed happiness over Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.Sharad Pawar Pays Emotional Tribute to Ajit Pawar; Meets Sunetra Pawar First Time After Swearing In As Maharashtra Deputy CM (Watch Video). He also talked about merger discussions that were taking place between the two groups following a split. He said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has no right to talks about these talks as he was not aware. "I am happy that Sunetra Pawar is sworn in as Deputy CM....Merger discussions were held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil. CM Fadnavis was not involved in the talks. What right did he have to talk about it? At present, our entire focus is on taking care of everyone and moving forward together with those who are grieving. As of now, there is no discussion at all about any political decisions," he said. (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY) TruLY Score 4 – Reliable | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 4 on LatestLY. The information comes from reputable news agencies like (ANI). While not an official source, it meets professional journalism standards and can be confidently shared with your friends and family, though some updates may follow.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 02:35 PM

Parliament Stalemate Continues: Four Key Issues Blocking Progress in Lok Sabha

The Parliament stalemate resulting from last week’s ruckus in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget session continues, with neither the ruling side or the opposition willing to yield ground. From a possible no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker by the opposition to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s “grievances", the situation in Parliament is fraught with uncertainty despite high-level meetings. But central to this deadlock are four specific issues raised by Rahul Gandhi , who is leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. According to government sources, these have become the primary hurdles to achieving any form of consensus, not only between the ruling and opposing sides but also within the opposition. Here is all you need to know: ALSO READ | Can Lok Sabha Speaker Be ‘Impeached’ And What Is The Process? The sources said the government has defended its stance, relying heavily on House rules and video evidence. Regarding the allegations against women MPs, it said video footage clearly shows they were moving towards the Prime Minister’s seat contradicting the opposition’s version. The government has adopted a firm line on the suspended MPs, insisting that discussions on revoking it can only take place once the “normal functioning of the House" is restored. The opposition, however, is itself navigating internal fractures. The sources said a proposed no-confidence motion against the Speaker lacks unanimous support within. Specifically, the Trinamool Congress and NCP are reportedly not in favour of the move. Instead, a majority of opposition parties are said to be keen on ensuring the House functions properly, preferring to prioritise public interest issues over confrontations. A meeting on Monday between leaders from the ruling and opposition sides failed to achieve any breakthrough as both stood firm on their positions.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 02:34 PM

Delhi Police Investigates Leak of Former Army Chief's Memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny'

Delhi Police on Monday registered a case over the alleged leak of a pre-publication copy of Four Stars of Destiny , the memoir of former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane, after reports surfaced that the book was circulating online without mandatory clearances. According to the police, they took cognisance of information found on social media platforms and news forums claiming that a pre-print version of the book was in circulation, even though official approval for its publication had not yet been granted by the competent authorities. During verification, investigators found that a PDF version of a typeset book bearing the same title, apparently prepared by publisher Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd., was available on certain websites. In addition, some online marketing platforms were found displaying the finished book cover as if the title were available for purchase. In view of the suspected breach and unauthorised circulation of an unpublished work, Delhi Police said a case has been registered with the Special Cell and a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the leak and the extent of the violation. Four Stars of Destiny is a memoir chronicling nearly four decades of General Naravane’s service in the Indian Army, tracing his journey from a Second Lieutenant to Chief of the Army Staff. The book reportedly offers insights into key moments of his career, including India’s most serious military standoff with China since the 1962 conflict. Penguin Random House India is the publisher of the memoir. The controversy surrounding the book gained attention during the post-Budget session of Parliament. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to move the Motion of Thanks on the Union Budget, Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi read out portions of a magazine article said to be based on General Naravane’s unpublished memoir. Though Gandhi spoke for only a few minutes, his remarks drew sharp reactions from the BJP leadership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused the Leader of the Opposition of citing material from an unpublished book. Singh questioned the propriety of referring to content that had not formally entered the public domain. Within days, Gandhi returned to Parliament holding a copy of Four Stars of Destiny, saying he intended to “gift it to the Prime Minister", further fuelling the political controversy.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 02:32 PM

Iran May Dilute Uranium Stockpile if US Lifts Sanctions, Atomic Chief Says

Iran may agree to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to 60% if the US lifts all sanction on the country, Tehran’s atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday. “In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60% enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organization said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported. Diluting uranium means mixing it with blend material to reduce the enrichment level. According to AFP, before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June last year, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60%, far exceeding the 3.67% limit allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015. Western countries, led by the US, have alleged Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. According to the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60%. Also Read: Iran Signals Readiness To Suspend Nuclear Programme Ahead Of Istanbul Talks With US: Report It is also unknown where more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran possessed prior to the war has ended up, with UN inspectors last recording its location on June 10, AFP reported. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for total ban on enrichment for Iran. Iran is offering significant concessions in an effort to calm tensions in the Middle East. Tehran has informed the United States that it is ready to suspend its nuclear programme. However, it has said it would prefer a proposal made last year to create a regional consortium to produce nuclear power. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow with a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran signalled it could ship its enriched uranium stockpile to Russia, similar to what was done under the 2015 nuclear deal. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to the Supreme Leader, said Iran would not remove its stored nuclear materials but was open to reducing enrichment from 60 per cent to 20 per cent, if it received something in return.

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First Post

Feb 9, 2026, 02:31 PM

China Rejects US Accusations of Secret Nuclear Tests, Calls Claims 'Outright Lies'

China on Monday rejected US accusations that it had conducted secret nuclear explosive tests, calling the claims “outright lies” and accusing Washington of using them as a pretext to restart its own nuclear trials. At the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Friday, Thomas DiNanno, US under secretary of state for arms control, accused China of carrying out nuclear tests, including one on 22 June 2020, and of preparing for additional tests with massive yields. “The US allegations are completely groundless and are outright lies. China firmly opposes the US attempt to fabricate excuses for its own restarting of nuclear tests,”AFPquoted China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying in a statement on Monday. It also urged the United States to “immediately stop its irresponsible actions.” US President Donald Trump said in October that Washington would start testing nuclear weapons “on an equal basis” with Moscow and Beijing, without specifying the type of testing it planned to resume. DiNanno’s remarks accompanied the presentation of a new US proposal calling for three-way talks with Russia and China to set new limits on nuclear weapons, following the expiration of the New START treaty — the last arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow — which lapsed last Thursday. China has already declined to participate in disarmament negotiations “at this stage.” With inputs from agencies India emphasized its energy import choices are based on national interest, affordability, and supply security. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated India must ensure reliable and reasonably priced energy as a large net importer. India did not confirm any halt to Russian oil purchases despite a new US trade deal. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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News18✓

Feb 9, 2026, 02:22 PM

UK Police Arrest Journalist for Inciting Racial Hatred Amid Anti-Zionist Movement Launch

A London‑based journalist working for Iran’s state‑funded Press TV was arrested by UK police on Sunday while travelling to the launch event of the Anti-Zionist Movement (AZM) in Birmingham, a new group advocating against “Jewish supremacy" and supporting Palestinian resistance. West Midlands Police said 35‑year-old Latifa Abouchakra was arrested on suspicion of “inciting racial hatred". She was stopped while travelling in a car in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham at around 2.30pm and remains in custody. “A woman, aged 35, was held in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham at around 2.30pm. Officers were acting on information that she was due to attend a launch event for the ‘Anti-Zionist Movement’," the statement said. The police added that Abouchakra was wanted by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of a Public Order Act offence, connected to speeches and social media posts made in London and Birmingham between May and October last year. Press TV called the arrest as linked to her participation in the Anti-Zionist Movement, whose social media posts declared it “unapologetically pro-Armed Resistance." Abouchakra, a regular contributor to Press TV’s coverage of Middle East affairs, first drew attention for praising the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. In a widely shared video from that day, she called the assault as: “Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment, this moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise, this moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity." The Hamas attack killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and saw around 250 taken hostage, triggering the war in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 70,373 people, according to the territory’s health ministry, figures considered reliable by the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies)

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Times of India

Feb 9, 2026, 02:21 PM

Indian Government Rejects Opposition Claims of No Security Threat to PM Modi During Lok Sabha Chaos

NEW DELHI: In a fiery rebuttal on Monday, the Centre categorically rejected opposition claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced no security threat on the day he was set to deliver a crucial reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.The high-profile address was abruptly cancelled after Lok Sabha SpeakerOm Birlaannounced that he had advised the PM against entering the House due to credible security risks.Lok Sabha secretariat sources provided details of the "grave and unprecedented disorder" that unfolded on Wednesday inside the House with some "MPs climbing onto tables, tearing official papers, and hurling them towards the Chair." They even alleged that the opposition members used "unparliamentary language and made threatening remarks, including statements such as "dekhte hain PM ka kya karte hain (let’s see what we do with the prime minister)".'Speaker Personally Committed': Rahul Gandhi-Kiren Rijiju Showdown In Lok Sabha Over LoP Speech"At the initial stage of the proceedings, MPs belonging to opposition parties entered the Well of the House in open defiance of established parliamentary norms. The situation escalated rapidly as certain Members climbed onto tables, tore official papers, and hurled them towards the Chair," the sources said.They said that amid chaos, several women MPs surged towards the prime minister’s seat with banners, crossed into the treasury benches, and crowded the area around senior ministers, sharply escalating disorder and security concerns.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeConfirmed - This is the deadliest snake in the worldNovelodge"They not only laid siege to the Prime Minister’s seat but also advanced deep into the Treasury Benches, encroaching upon the space where senior Ministers were seated, thereby heightening the sense of disorder and insecurity within the Chamber," they said."These acts signified a complete breakdown of discipline and constituted one of the most unfortunate and undesirable episodes witnessed in the Lok Sabha, drawing widespread attention and concern both within the House and beyond, in India and abroad," they added.

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The Free Press Journal

Feb 9, 2026, 02:14 PM

RSS Chief's Hint Sparks National Debate Over Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar

Mumbai, Feb 09:A question asked by FPJ to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has triggered a fierce national debate. At the two-day RSS centenary conclave held at the Nehru Centre, Worli, this correspondent posed a question about the delay in conferring the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Veer Savarkar. Bhagwat’s response draws applause In his reply, Bhagwat said he was not on the committee that decided the award, but significantly observed that the prestige of the Bharat Ratna would be enhanced tremendously if it were conferred on the legendary freedom fighter. He added that even without the top award, the legacy left behind by Savarkar was strong in India and abroad. His response met with resounding applause from the 900-strong audience, which comprised the who’s who of Mumbai. RSS hints to Centre Sources in the RSS said Bhagwat’s reply was a direct hint to the Modi government not to delay the award any further. “Modi is a big admirer of Savarkar and had only recently inaugurated his statue at the Andaman island along with Bhagwat. There is absolutely no justification for the delay, especially in the context of the fact that the government had conferred the award on leaders like Pranab Mukherji and Karpoori Thakur,” an RSS participant pointed out. BJP endorses demand On Monday, the BJP picked up the cue from Bhagwat’s reply and endorsed the demand, stating that it would be a “proud moment” for the nation. Speaking outside Parliament, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said the opinion expressed by Bhagwat reflected people’s sentiment. Said she: “The sentiment that Mohan Bhagwat has expressed for Savarkar is shared by every Indian. Savarkar is certainly above the Bharat Ratna in stature. If the award is given, then it would be a proud moment for every Indian.” President of the Rajasthan unit of the BJP, Madan Rathore, and party MP Dinesh Sharma too echoed similar sentiments and supported the view expressed by Bhagwat. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also adopted a similar stand, saying that her party has long been voicing such a demand. Opposition voices dissent However, the Congress, in line with its earlier political line, sharply opposed any move to confer the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar. Party MP Imran Masood said there was no basis for giving the award to Savarkar. Also Watch: AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali alleged that Savarkar had written an apology letter to the British. John Brittas of the CPI(M) said the proposal was divisive in nature and warned that it would mark an “unfortunate chapter” in Indian history. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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Deccan Herald

Feb 9, 2026, 02:11 PM

Confident Group Denies Tax Harassment Claims in Chairman's Death

Thiruvananthapuram: Confident Group managing director T A Joseph has said that the company chairman C J Roy was not facing any harassment from Income Tax officials. Experience a more refined e-paper today Joseph told reporters in Kochi on Monday that the initial reaction of Roy's brother C J Babu that Roy was facing pressure from IT department officials could be out his shock over Roy's death. Joseph also said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Roy's death had strictly restricted him from making any statements that could affect the ongoing investigation. "IT department raids are quite routine in business. It happened in our offices earlier also. It took place in the Kochi office also recently. They were very reasonable and respectful in their approach and never caused any difficulties to us. I'm sure that in Bengaluru also they never caused any difficulties, " said Joseph. "Babu came down from abroad on hearing the news about Roy's death. He was in shock and was unaware of what was happening here. That could be why he made such a statement. I immediately asked him not to make any such statements without knowing the facts," Joseph, who heads Confident Group's operations in Kerala and also a founder director of the firm, said. While asked about the allegations by political parties that Roy, who ended life by shooting himself at his Bengaluru office on January 30 amidst an Income Tax search, was a victim of the tax system, Joseph said that there could be politics, which he was not sure about. "We have no alliance with any political parties. We have no politics. We have no such complaints that he was a victim of the tax system," he said. Asked if Roy, who ended life by shooting himself at his Bengaluru office on January 30 amidst an Income Tax search, was a victim of the tax system, Joseph said that there could be politics, which he was not sure about. "We have no alliance with any political parties. We have no politics," he said. While strongly rejecting the chances for any business or family related stress for Roy, Joseph said that there could be other reasons like genetic or biological issues like thyroid imbalances that could lead to stress. He also said that the note that Roy left was for his family only and hence he did not read it. Joseph said that a section of fringe media, mostly youtube channels, were giving baseless reports tarnishing the image of Roy and the company. This was causing difficulty to Roy's family and all of them. Hence the press conference, which was earlier postponed, was being held now. The probe is also progressing satisfactorily, he said. "We were not into any sorts of illegal business and didn't face any probe for money laundering or foreign exchange violations. Roy had a love for movies and he had a good personal bonding with actor Mohanlal and producer Antony Perumbavoor. He used to financially support films. But the maximum support was limited to Rs. 20 lakhs only. Roy's social media videos were also part of the business branding," said Joseph. Joseph, who was closely associated with Roy, also said that the reports that Roy was building a palatial house of 1.5 lakh square feet in Bangalore is an exaggerated one. An around 35 years old house on 12 cents of land at Koramangala, where he used to live, is being renovated, he said. He reiterated that the company has zero debt and was running with the money received from clients through sales. The company is now working in full swing and hence clients need not have any sorts of concern. We have 26 ongoing projects in Kerala now and 65 were completed. Two projects will be soon launched as part of the company's anniversary, said Joseph.

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Latestly

Feb 9, 2026, 02:09 PM

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected Features, Launch Date, and Price

Mumbai, February 9:Samsung is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra at its Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25, 2026. Rather than opting for a dramatic redesign, the company is reportedly concentrating on measured upgrades that enhance daily usability. The next Ultra flagship is said to introduce improvements to the display, charging speeds, camera hardware, and overall build refinement. One of the key updates could be the addition of a new 10-bit M14 privacy display, aimed at improving viewing angles while reducing screen visibility for bystanders. The panel is also tipped to feature an enhanced anti-reflective coating to improve outdoor readability. Samsung may further refine the design with a slimmer 7.8mm aluminium frame and could add a new purple colour variant to refresh the device’s appearance.Samsung Galaxy F70e 5G Price in India, Features and Specifications. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to sit at the top of Samsung’s smartphone lineup in India, with pricing likely to reflect its premium positioning and hardware upgrades. Official pricing and availability details are expected to be revealed closer to the global launch. The device is rumoured to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which is expected to deliver gains in efficiency, sustained performance, and overall responsiveness. Charging technology is also expected to see an upgrade, with reports pointing to support for 60W wired fast charging, alongside Qi2 wireless charging compatibility. Samsung is likely to continue with its 200MP HP2 primary camera featuring an f/1.4 aperture. The camera setup may include a revised telephoto system with a 12MP 3x lens, complemented by software upgrades such as a new 24MP capture mode to improve image output, particularly in low-light scenarios. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to sport a Dynamic AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate and improved thermal management. Design refinements may include the slimmer aluminium chassis and the introduction of a new purple colour option.Samsung Galaxy S26 Series To Feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; Check Anticipated Price and Launch Date. The smartphone is likely to launch with the latest One UI interface based on Android 16. Additional expected features include high-speed RAM and storage configurations, S Pen support, and subtle refinements aimed at delivering a more polished flagship experience. TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (Forbes), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 09, 2026 07:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).

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Feb 9, 2026, 02:01 PM

Mandelson's Tainted Appointment Sparks Crisis in British Government

Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has resigned after advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as theUnited Kingdomambassador to the United States.The decision has been widely criticized due to Mandelson's connections with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.In his resignation letter, McSweeney admitted that advising Mandelson's appointment was a "serious error."

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Feb 9, 2026, 02:01 PM

Telangana CM Accuses BJP of Favoring Northern States, Slams BRS for Extortion

In a sharp attack on the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy alleged that the BJP-led Union government does not provide funds to Telangana or Southern states. Further, he alleged that BJP favours states like UP, MP, and Bihar while considering “southern states as second-grade citizens." Reddy addressed a press conference at his residence on Monday. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We are extending funds to redevelop temples while the BJP is seeking votes in the name of temples. We will not seek votes in the name of temples or religions. We are not like the BJP. We will carry out our responsibility. We are giving funds for all temples…We don’t do things to show off." “People will respond to them. People will give them a reply over the language they are speaking. Everyone will get a reply. People are going to decide on 11th February." Reddy further said that he has reported these issues before NITI Aayog. “Injustice is being done to southern states. They are giving special packages to Bihar, UP, MP. But the BJP considers southern states as second-grade citizens. This is not right. We raised this issue before NITI Aayog," he added. BRS ‘Extorted Crores Via Phone Tapping’: Revanth Reddy Earlier, Telangana CM also slammed BRS and alleged that the party blackmailed businessmen and extorted hundreds of crores of rupees through phone-tapping during their regime. While addressing a public meeting at Chelpur in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district on Sunday ahead of the February 11 municipal elections, the CM termed the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) the “Blackmail Rajakeeya (Political) Samiti".

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Feb 9, 2026, 02:00 PM

China Overturns Death Sentence of Canadian Man Convicted on Drug Charges

China’s Supreme People’s Court has overturned the death sentence of a Canadian man convicted on drug charges, his lawyer said on Monday, marking a major development in a case that has weighed heavily on diplomatic relations between Beijing and Ottawa for years. The decision comes just weeks after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China, adding to signs of a cautious thaw in ties. Robert Schellenberg was detained in China in 2014 on suspicion of drug smuggling. He was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. However, following a retrial in January 2019, his sentence was escalated to death — a move that came shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver on a US extradition request, sharply escalating tensions between the two countries. Beijing-based lawyer Zhang Dongshuo said the Supreme People’s Court last Friday rejected the death sentence imposed by the lower court and ordered the case to be sent back to the Liaoning Provincial High People’s Court for a retrial. The ruling comes about a year after Canada disclosed that four Canadian citizens had been executed in China on drug-related charges, underscoring the sensitivity of such cases. The court decision follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s four-day visit to China less than a month ago, during which both sides spoke of stabilising relations after years of strain under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. A spokesperson for Canada’s foreign ministry said Ottawa was aware of the ruling and would continue to provide consular assistance to Schellenberg and his family. Zhang suggested the timing of the decision was likely linked to recent diplomatic engagement, though he cautioned that the chances of an eventual acquittal remain slim given the seriousness of the charges. China’s foreign ministry rejected any political link, insisting the case was handled independently by the judiciary. “Chinese judicial organs independently heard the relevant case and issued a judgement in accordance with the law,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said. Schellenberg’s death sentence had been upheld by the Liaoning court in 2021, prompting strong condemnation from Canada. Relations had already deteriorated after China detained two Canadian citizens on espionage charges following Meng Wanzhou’s arrest — a move widely criticised as “hostage diplomacy”. The two were released in 2021 on the same day the US dropped its extradition request and Meng returned to China. Ties worsened further in 2024 when Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, echoing similar US measures. China retaliated with tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, including canola oil, meal and seed. Following Carney’s visit, both countries agreed to roll back tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, signalling a significant shift in policy. Analysts say the warming of Canada–China ties could reshape the political and economic dynamics of China–US rivalry, even as Ottawa is expected to remain closely aligned with Washington. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to strengthen Japan's defence and intelligence, including creating a national intelligence bureau and tightening security on foreign investments. Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party won a historic two-thirds majority in the lower house, boosting her mandate for reforms. Her stance on defending Japan's sovereignty and possible military response to China over Taiwan may heighten tensions with Beijing. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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Feb 9, 2026, 02:00 PM

BJP Leads in Solapur Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026: Live Updates

In the Solapur Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026, BJP is leading on 42, NCP is leading on 9, SS is leading on 7, SSUBT is leading on 1, INC is leading on 0, NCPSP is leading on 0, MNS is leading on 0 at 07:30 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub.Follow this page for the live election result of Solapur in the 2026 Maharashtra zilla Parishad. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this district. Click here for detailed Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Result tally 2026 The counting of votes for Solapur zilla Parishad took place on February 9, 2026. ABOUT Solapur district consists of 11 Panchayat Samitis in total. The district has a population of 43,17,756, comprising 22,27,852 males and 20,89,904 females. The overall literacy rate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is 77.02%, with 85.03% of males and 68.55% of females being literate. Around 67.6% of the district’s population lives in rural areas. LOCATION Solapur district lies in southern Maharashtra and is largely drained by the Bhima, Nira, Sina, and Man river systems. It extends between 17°10′N–18°32′N latitudes and 74°42′E–76°15′E longitudes. The district is bounded by Ahmadnagar to the north, Dharashiv to the northeast, Karnataka to the southeast, Sangli to the southwest, Satara to the west, and Pune to the northwest. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Solapur zilla Parishad was issued on 16 January 2026 (Friday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was 26 January 2026 (Monday). This district voted on Saturday, February 7, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Monday, February 9, 2026. PREVIOUS ELECTION RESULTS The last elections of the Solapur zilla Parishad were held in 2017, in which the Nationalist Congress Party secured 23 seats. The Indian National Congress won seven seats, while Shiv Sena secured five seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 14 seats, and seven independent candidates were also elected to the Solapur zilla Parishad.

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Feb 9, 2026, 02:00 PM

Sangli Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026: NCPSP Leads with 18 Seats

In the Sangli Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election 2026, NCPSP is leading on 18, BJP is leading on 16, SSUBT is leading on 11, SS is leading on 7, NCP is leading on 6, INC is leading on 1, MNS is leading on 0 at 07:30 PM according to the latest data from News18 Live Results Hub.Follow this page for the live election result of Sangli in the 2026 Maharashtra zilla Parishad. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this district. Click here for detailed Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Result tally 2026 The counting of votes for Sangli zilla Parishad took place on February 9, 2026. ABOUT Sangli district consists of 10 Panchayat Samitis in total. The district has a population of 28,22,143, comprising 14,35,728 males and 13,86,415 females. The overall literacy rate of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is 81.48%, with 88.22% of males and 74.59% of females being literate. Around 74.51% of the district’s population lives in rural areas. LOCATION Sangli, one of the southwestern districts of Maharashtra, extends from 16°45′N–17°33′N latitudes and 73°42′E–75°40′E longitudes. It is bordered by Satara and Solapur to the north, Karnataka to the east and south, Kolhapur to the southwest, and shares a small boundary with Ratnagiri to the west. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the Sangli zilla Parishad was issued on 16 January 2026 (Friday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was 26 January 2026 (Monday). This district voted on Saturday, February 7, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Monday, February 9, 2026. PREVIOUS ELECTION RESULTS The last elections of the Sangli zilla Parishad were held in 2017, in which the Nationalist Congress Party secured 14 seats. The Indian National Congress won 10 seats, while Shiv Sena secured three seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 23 seats, and four independent candidates were also elected to the Sangli zilla Parishad.

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:55 PM

Gavaskar Slams Pakistan's Boycott as Politically Motivated Move

Sunil Gavaskar has slammed Pakistan’s touted boycott of the 2026 T20 World Cup match against India as a politically motivated move, aimed at ‘cosying up to Bangladesh’ ahead of their general elections. The Indian legend also said Pakistan should have skipped the entire tournament, and not threatened to boycott just one group stage game, if they wanted to express solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh is due for its general elections on February 12. The current, e Muhammad Yunus’ interim government is said to be a Pakistan-leaning one and has signed several deals with Islamabad. It violently ousted the Sheikh Hasina government last year, which was famously India-favoring. Many in Bangladesh believe that if Yunus were to go — and he’s under pressure — the Indo-Bangla relations could be restored. At the moment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been accused of being run like a political subsidary of the Yunus government, and thus taking a hardline stance against traveling to India. “With the political situation in Bangladesh in massive churn, and with general elections due in a few days, Pakistan saw a chance to cosy up to Bangladesh," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. “Their government instructed their team to play the tournament, but not play against India. It was baffling. If they felt Bangladesh had been hard done by by the ICC, they should have opted out of the entire tournament, and not just the match against India." Gavaskar also questioned Pakistan’s stance of not being ‘bullied’ by India when they themselves were the only board to vote in favor of Bangladesh’s demand of shifting their matches. “Over the next few days, we were told by many distinguished people connected with Pakistan cricket and politics that they had decided they were not going to be bullied by India. Hence, the decision not to play India. Only they can explain how India bullies other nations into voting with them," he said. The stand-off between the ICC and Pakistan has been going on for a few weeks now. Some reports suggest that a thaw is on the horizon and a U-turn in Pakistan’s boycott could be achieved soon.

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:48 PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Position Hangs by a Thread Amid Mandelson Scandal

London:British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position hung by a thread on Monday as he tried to persuade his Labour Party lawmakers not to kick him out of his job after just a year and a half in office. The prime minister lost his chief of staff on Sunday and is rapidly shedding support from Labour legislators after revelations about the relationship between former British Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson, appointed by Starmer, and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a sign of the deepening crisis, Starmer’s director of communications, Tim Allan, said he was quitting Monday to allow a new “team to be built.” Starmer was due to address Labour lawmakers behind closed doors in an attempt to rebuild some of his badly weakened authority. He told staff on Monday morning that the Mandelson scandal had hammered the public’s respect for politicians, and “we must prove that politics can be a force for good.” The political storm stems from Starmer’s decision in 2024 to appoint Mandelson to Britain’s most important diplomatic post, despite knowing he had ties to Epstein. Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. Critics say Starmer should have known better than to appoint Mandelson, 72, a contentious figure whose career has been studded with scandals over money or ethics. A new trove of Epstein files released in the United States has brought more details about the relationship, and new pressure on Starmer. Starmer apologized last week for “having believed Mandelson’s lies.” He promised to release documentation related to Mandelson’s appointment, which the government says will show that Mandelson misled officials about his ties to Epstein. Police are investigating Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office over documents suggesting he passed sensitive government information to Epstein a decade and a half ago. The offense carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Mandelson has not been arrested or charged, and does not face any allegations of sexual misconduct. Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, took the fall for the decision by quitting on Sunday, saying that “I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice.” McSweeney has been Starmer’s most important aide since he became Labour leader in 2020, and is considered a key architect of Labour’s landslide July 2024 election victory. But some in the party blame him for a series of missteps since then. Some Labour officials hope that his departure will buy the prime minister time to rebuild trust with the party and the country. Senior lawmaker Emily Thornberry said McSweeney had become a “divisive figure” and his departure brought the opportunity for a reset. She said Starmer is “a good leader in that he is strong and clear. I think that he needs to step up a bit more than he has.” Others say McSweeney’s departure leaves Starmer weak and isolated. Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said Starmer “has made bad decision after bad decision” and “his position now is untenable.” Since winning office, Starmer has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living. He pledged a return to honest government after 14 years of scandal-tarred Conservative rule, but has been beset by missteps and U-turns over welfare cuts and other unpopular policies. Labour consistently lags behind the hard-right Reform UK party in opinion polls, and its failure to improve had sparked talk of a leadership challenge, even before the Mandelson revelations. Under Britain’s parliamentary system, prime ministers can change without the need for a national election. If Starmer is challenged or resigns, it will trigger an election for the Labour leadership. The winner would become prime minister. The Conservatives went through three prime ministers between national elections in 2019 and 2024. One, Liz Truss, lasted just 49 days in office. Starmer was elected on a promise to end the political chaos that roiled the Conservatives’ final years in power. That proved easier said than done. Labour lawmaker Clive Efford said Starmer’s critics should “be careful what you wish for.”

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:46 PM

Prince Andrew Accused of Sharing Confidential Documents with Jeffrey Epstein Amid Mounting Pressure on UK PM Keir Starmer

A latest email has emerged claimed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had shared confidential documents with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy, UK media reported. “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures," Thames Valley Police said. According to SkyNews, an email exchange from November 30, 2010 – part of the latest release in the Epstein files – suggests Andrew forwarded Epstein “visit reports for Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen" relating to a visit he carried out around that time to South East Asia. Andrew as UK’s special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to July 2011 used to frequently visit countries to promote British business. He has, however, rejected the claims. Also Read: Former British Prince Andrew Moves Out Of Windsor’s Royal Lodge Amid Epstein Links Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday made it clear he would not resign despite mounting pressure over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, telling staff at 10 Downing Street that his government remained driven by “public duty" and a shared purpose. The remarks came as Starmer faces his biggest political crisis yet, with opposition leaders and some Labour MPs calling on him to step down. Also Read: UK PM Keir Starmer Vows To Go On, Rules Out Resignation Amid Epstein-Mandelson Row On Sunday, Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned over Jeffrey Epstein links and the next day British director of communications Tim Allan stepped down. Jeffrey Epstein, who died of suicide in 2019 in Manhattan jail while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. So far, names of several leaders, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles, have been revealed. In October last year, King Charles stripped Andrew of his title of prince.

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:40 PM

Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Under National Security Law

Hong Kong’spro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Laihas been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The billionaire, a vociferous China critic, was convicted under the city’s controversial national security law. Lai was arrested in August 2020 and was convicted last year. The judges in his case have claimed Lai is the driving force behind “persistent” foreign collusion conspiracies. Lai has been granted minor reprieves on his sentence due to health issues, according to media reports. His case is far bigger than just one man being put on trial.Lai's supporters argue that it's a crackdown on dissent and journalismby China. In fact, Australia, Britain, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan expressed concerns about the impact of the sentencing. Lai's conviction is among the most prominent under the lawand is widely viewed as a test case for media freedom. But who is Lai? These graphics decode the tycoon, the case and the conviction: CII has proposed an air taxi system connecting Gurugram, Connaught Place, and Jewar International Airport to reduce NCR traffic congestion. The report suggests using building rooftops as landing spots for electric air taxis, but regulatory changes are needed for commercial operations. Funding for air taxi infrastructure could come from dedicated financial instruments, sector-specific funds, and venture leasing models. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:33 PM

Karnataka Government Defends Granting Cabinet Rank to Party Workers Amid Criticism

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday defended the decision to give cabinet rank to party workers, saying it was a matter of status and recognition for those who helped bring the party to power. Responding to criticism, Shivakumar questioned what the BJP had done during its time in power and dismissed the objections raised by the opposition. “They have got us to power, they will get power. It’s about status. More will get it," he said. Reacting to the move, BJP leader and Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, N Ravikumar criticised the government, saying that the Congress had 139 MLAs but cabinet rank had been given to 150 individuals. “Some of them are MLAs, some are not. Whoever complained that they did not get cabinet ranks, to appease them, the state government has given them the status. Whose money are they spending on it? It’s the people’s tax money. How can they do this?" Ravikumar said. He demanded that the Chief Minister release a list of all those given cabinet rank and disclose how much money was being spent on them. “There is no development in the state. Bengaluru has turned into a pothole city. Funds are not being given to MLAs for development, but they are spending people’s tax money to appease some individuals," he added. According to details, the Siddaramaiah government has handed out cabinet and minister of state ranks to a total of 149 individuals so far. This includes 32 full-fledged ministers who are constitutionally appointed cabinet ministers, 43 MLAs granted cabinet rank as chairpersons of various corporations and boards, and 11 MLAs given minister of state status as heads of smaller corporations. Among non-MLAs, cabinet rank has been granted to nine advisers and special representatives, while minister of state rank has been given to 54 Congress leaders and workers. Recently, 54 more people serving as heads of boards and corporations were given minister of state status, raising serious questions over the burden on the exchequer. Those granted cabinet or minister of state rank are entitled to a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, a hospitality allowance of Rs 3,000, daily travel allowance of Rs 2,000 within the state and Rs 2,500 outside the state, and a fuel allowance of 1,000 litres of petrol or diesel per month. They are also provided house rent allowance of Rs 80,000 per month, house maintenance and staff allowance of Rs 20,000 per month, medical expense reimbursement, and staff facilities including a personal secretary, personal assistants, drivers and an attender. At government programmes, they are given seating arrangements and protocol equivalent to those of state ministers.

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Feb 9, 2026, 01:31 PM

British PM Keir Starmer Vows to Continue Leading Amid Controversies

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday made clear he has no intention of resigning, vowing to continue in office as his government grapples with mounting political pressure. Addressing staff at 10 Downing Street, Starmer said they were united by a “driving purpose” rooted in “public duty”, signalling resolve to push on despite recent controversies. “We must prove that politics can be a force for good. I believe it can. I believe it is. We go forward from here. We go with confidence as we continue changing the country,”Reutersquoted Starmer as saying. Referring to revelations surrounding Peter Mandelson, Starmer said, “The thing that makes me most angry is the undermining of the belief that politics can be a force for good and can change lives.” “I have been absolutely clear that I regret the decision that I made to appoint Peter Mandelson. And I’ve apologised to the victims which is the right thing to do,” he added. Starmer also paid tribute to his departing chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, describing him as a close colleague and friend of eight years. McSweeney quit on Sunday over his role in backing Mandelson over his known links to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer’s director of communications Tim Allan also resigned earlier on Monday to “allow a new No10 team to be built”. “I’ve known Morgan for eight years as a colleague and as a friend. We have run up and down every political football pitch that is across the country. We’ve been in every battle that we needed to be in together. Fighting that battle,” Starmer said. “We changed the Labour Party together. We won a general election together. And none of that would have been possible without Morgan McSweeney.” Starmer will meet Labour lawmakers later on Monday and try to ease anger over the handling of Mandelson’s appointment and quieten those voices saying he should quit. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to strengthen Japan's defence and intelligence, including creating a national intelligence bureau and tightening security on foreign investments. Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party won a historic two-thirds majority in the lower house, boosting her mandate for reforms. Her stance on defending Japan's sovereignty and possible military response to China over Taiwan may heighten tensions with Beijing. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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