Unlike Bangladesh, Nepal’s former PM in contest for March 5 election

IANS | February 18, 2026 9:50 PM

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) When the general election is held on March 5 in Nepal, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be among the candidates aspiring to govern the tiny Himalayan country, unlike its South Asian neighbour, Bangladesh, where former premier Sheikh Hasina had to flee and seek refuge in India.

Chhattisgarh: PM JANMAN scheme brings transformative change in lives of tribal women in Jagima 

IANS | February 18, 2026 9:02 PM

Raipur, Feb 18 (IANS) The impact of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme is becoming visible in the hamlets and remote villages of Chhattisgarh. The tribal women in Jagima village of Balrampur district are witnessing a transformative shift in their lives as well as livelihood, as the flagship scheme of the Central government is aiding them with monetary assistance and necessary support and training to help them become self-dependent.

Utpal Parrikar launches 'Ami Panjekar' citizens' panel for Panaji civic polls

IANS | February 18, 2026 8:14 PM

Panaji, Feb 18 (IANS) Utpal Parrikar, son of former Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, has said that his initiative ‘Ami Panjekar’ (We Panjimkars) is an independent citizens’ forum aimed at addressing civic issues in the upcoming Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections and is not a direct political confrontation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Stage II GRAP curbs revoked in NCR as Delhi AQI improves

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:58 PM

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revoked Stage II restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) following a steady improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

'Attended Mayapur ISKCON event as devotee, not Home Minister': HM Shah

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:33 PM

Kolkata, Feb 18 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that he was attending a religious congregation at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia district not in his official capacity but as a follower of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.