France proud to stand with India: Defence Minister Vautrin

IANS | February 17, 2026 11:47 PM

Bengaluru, Feb 17 (IANS) France's Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Tuesday that establishing the H125 helicopter assembly facility in India marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and France.

Hindu society must organise, have three children & halt conversions: Mohan Bhagwat

IANS | February 17, 2026 11:40 PM

Lucknow, Feb 17 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday called upon Hindu society to unite, strengthen itself and take decisive steps to reverse population decline, halt forced or inducement-based conversions, and accelerate “Ghar Wapsi” efforts, while remaining alert to external and internal challenges.

$198M World Bank boost for India rooftop solar

IANS | February 17, 2026 9:28 PM

Washington, Feb 17 (IANS) India’s ambitious rooftop solar expansion plan on Tuesday secured a $197.67 million guarantee from the World Bank Group’s guarantee arm. ​

A green salute to KCR at 72: Rebuilding the Sundarbans’ natural shield

IANS | February 17, 2026 8:43 PM

Sundarbans (West Bengal), Feb 17 (IANS) At a time when environmental protection was often treated as secondary to economic growth, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), Founder of Telangana and its first Chief Minister, reshaped the development narrative by placing ecology at the centre of governance. Through the flagship afforestation programme Telanganaku Haritha Haram, KCR did more than initiate tree plantation drives.