Mamata Banerjee critical to INDIA bloc's survival: Mani Shankar Aiyar

IANS | February 22, 2026 5:23 PM

Kolkata, Feb 22 (IANS) Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, on Sunday, stirred political debate by asserting that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is central to the survival of the Opposition INDIA bloc, while also expressing uncertainty over his own existence in the Congress.

Weak growth, fractious polity pose hurdle for Pakistan

IANS | February 22, 2026 4:34 PM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) While the IMF loan has bailed out Pakistan from the brink of economic collapse for the time being, weak growth and fractious domestic politics suggest that the current period of stability may prove difficult to sustain over the medium term, according to an article.

'AI Impact Summit sees India emerging as key player on global stage'

IANS | February 22, 2026 4:29 PM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi has turned out to be a landmark event with world leaders and innovators recognising India's growing capabilities and potential to play a key role in the new technological era, as per a report.

FairPoint: When the State calls your parents

Deepika Bhan | February 22, 2026 4:07 PM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) It was an unexpected exchange between two otherwise composed senior women professionals in their mid-fifties that briefly cut through the din of the bustling newsroom. And the argument seemed to rival the drama of the flash shirtless protest by the Youth Congress workers during the AI Summit.

Congress slams India-US trade pact as 'imbalanced', flags risks to farmers

IANS | February 22, 2026 2:51 PM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the reported India–US trade understanding, with senior leaders alleging that the proposed arrangement is "one-sided", detrimental to farmers, and amounts to yielding under pressure rather than securing a balanced deal.

'Revered leaders cannot be above law': Maulana Rashidi demands strict action in Avimukteshwaranand case

IANS | February 22, 2026 2:41 PM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) All India Imam Organisation chief, Maulana Sajid Rashidi, on Sunday slammed Swami Avimukteshwaranand, saying the recent special court order for registering an FIR against him under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual abuse of minors exposes the shocking reality that revered religious leaders, often worshipped like gods, may hide a dark and criminal side.