'There should be freedom, can’t force it on anyone': Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad on new 'Vande Mataram' protocol

IANS | February 11, 2026 2:06 PM

Lucknow, Feb 11 (IANS) As the Union Home Ministry issued fresh guidelines mandating that all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' be sung or played at designated government functions and in schools across the country, Shia Muslim cleric Kalbe Jawad on Wednesday said there should be freedom and that it cannot be forced on anyone.

Imprisonment of human rights attorney couple represents escalation in suppression of dissent in Pakistan: Report

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:58 PM

Islamabad, Feb 11 (IANS) The sentencing of human rights attorney couple Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha in Pakistan has sparked condemnation from the United Nations, international legal bodies, and the country's rights groups, according to a report.

Yogi govt presents Rs 9.12 lakh crore UP Budget with focus on law and order, health, infra

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:50 PM

Lucknow, Feb 11 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Wednesday presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Assembly, an increase of nearly 12.9 per cent over the previous year.

Ameesha Patel relives her college days as she returns to Boston

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:47 PM

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Actress Ameesha Patel decided to relive some of her fond memories from her college days as she visited Boston, U.S., where she went to university.

Jindal Polo Team edge Jaipur Aravali to secure golden goal victory in Raffles Sirmour Cup

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:40 PM

Jaipur, Feb 11 (IANS) In a spectacular display of skill the Jindal Polo Team secured a nail-biting 13–12 victory against Jaipur Aravali in the Raffles Sirmour Cup (14 Goals). The match, held at the RPC Ground, was a rollercoaster of momentum that ultimately required an extra chukker to decide the winner.

India-Taiwan ties developing into structured partnership: Report

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:40 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) India-Taiwan relations are evolving from cautious commercial relations into a structured partnership that covers technology, labour mobility and supply chains.

Central schemes deliberately stalled in Bengal, says BJP MP in Rajya Sabha

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:31 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya, on Wednesday, accused the West Bengal government of deliberately “stalling” the implementation of numerous Central government schemes across various ministries.

Magenta Line to become longest Delhi Metro corridor with maximum interchanges, underground stations

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:23 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) The Magenta Line (Line-8) of the Delhi Metro network is set to emerge as the longest corridor in the system, featuring the highest number of interchange stations and underground stations. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance cross-city connectivity across Delhi-NCR, officials said on Wednesday.

Bengal revolutionaries who never wrote 'mercy petitions' forgotten: Trinamool MP in Rajya Sabha

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:14 PM

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday highlighted during Zero Hour the overlooked legacy of 12 fearless freedom fighters from West Bengal, deported to the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands following the landmark Alipore Bomb Case (also known as the Alipore Conspiracy Case) of 1908-1909.

Farah Khan calls happy memories 'the best inheritance' as her triplets turn 18

IANS | February 11, 2026 1:06 PM

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Film director and choreographer Farah Khan is also a loving mother to her triplets, Czar, Diva, and Anya. As the three celebrate their 18th birthday on Wednesday and officially enter adulthood, she claimed that the best inheritance a parent can leave for their children is some happy memories.