Escalating Aggression: Civilian bloodshed and widening Afghanistan-Pak rift (IANS Analysis)

IANS | February 26, 2026 8:13 PM

New Delhi/Kabul, Feb 26 (IANS) Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have entered a dangerous new phase, marked by deadly airstrikes, mounting civilian casualties, and a steadily deepening diplomatic rift. Recent Pakistani air operations in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces -- particularly Nangarhar and Paktika -- have triggered outrage after reports confirmed that civilians, including women and children, were among the victims.

T20 WC: 'We bowled really nicely,' says Markram after Proteas' commanding win against West Indies in Super 8s

IANS | February 26, 2026 8:12 PM

Ahmedabad, Feb 26 (IANS) South Africa captain Aiden Markram credited his bowlers for executing plans to perfection in the Power-play and making full use of the conditions after his side registered a commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in a Super 8s clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Govt launches CBDC-based digital food currency pilot in Puducherry

IANS | February 26, 2026 8:06 PM

New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) The Government on Thursday launched a new pilot project that uses Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to distribute food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Puducherry.

Vijay Deverakonda's brother Anand addresses Rashmika as 'Vadina'; Welcomes her to the family

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:58 PM

Mumbai, Feb 26 (IANS) As Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna embark on a new journey as 'Mr and Mrs' after getting hitched in a traditional ceremony, VD's younger brother, Anand Deverakonda, addressed Rashmika as his 'Vadina' (sister-in-law) in a sweet social media post.

PM Modi concludes landmark Israel visit, Netanyahu sees him off in another heartwarming gesture

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:56 PM

Tel Aviv, Feb 26 (IANS) In yet another special gesture, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu bid farewell to PM Narendra Modi at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv as the visiting leader concluded his two-day State Visit to the country on Thursday.

PGTI NexGen 2026: Abhishek Kumar produces record low of 64 for come-from-behind victory

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:55 PM

Faridabad, Feb 26 (IANS) Abhishek Kumar produced a tournament low score, a sublime bogey-free eight-under 64 in the third and final round, to register a sensational come-from-behind victory in the first leg of the INR 25 lakh DP World PGTI NexGen 2026 played at the Aravalli Golf Club in Faridabad, Haryana, on Thursday.

T20 WC: 'Losing so many wickets in Power-play cost us,' says Shai Hope after loss against South Africa

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:41 PM

Ahmedabad, Feb 26 (IANS) West Indies skipper Shai Hope has admitted that losing four wickets in the Power-play while batting first turned out to be a crucial moment in their staggering nine-wicket defeat to South Africa in the Super 8s clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

In Israel, PM Modi reiterated India's belief in dialogue and peaceful solutions of conflicts

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:37 PM

Jerusalem, Feb 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi in talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed India's firm belief in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions while resolving regional conflicts, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at the conclusion of the two-day State Visit.

Maggie Gyllenhaal reveals her inspiration behind 'The Bride!'

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:32 PM

Los Angeles, Feb 26 (IANS) Actress-director Maggie Gyllenhaal has spoken up on her source of inspiration for her upcoming film ‘The Bride!’.

Indian Railways to recruit over 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen on contract basis

IANS | February 26, 2026 7:30 PM

New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) Indian Railways will recruit more than 5,000 ex-servicemen as Pointsmen on a contract basis to quickly fill vacancies, as part of a new cooperation framework with the Indian Army aimed at supporting retired soldiers and Agniveers, Ministry of Railways said on Thursday.