India

Sitharaman Defends Union Budget 2026-27, Announces Medical Hubs and Support for Labour-Intensive Sectors

Sitharaman Defends Union Budget 2026-27, Announces Medical Hubs and Support for Labour-Intensive Sectors

New Delhi, Feb. 11 — Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday addressed the Lok Sabha, outlining key priorities of the Union Budget 2026-27 and emphasizing employment generation through sector-focused investments. Responding to discussions on the Budget, Sitharaman said the government plans to establish medical hubs across several states, a move aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure while creating substantial job opportunities. She noted that the initiative would not only improve access to quality medical services but also boost local economies through allied industries and services. Highlighting the government’s employment strategy, the Finance Minister said special attention would be given to…
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Nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ Call on February 12: Clarity on Schools, Banks and Transport Services

Nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ Call on February 12: Clarity on Schools, Banks and Transport Services

National Times Bureau :- Several organisations have called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 12 (Thursday) to press for various demands. A number of central trade unions and farmer groups have extended support to the strike, raising concerns among the general public about possible disruption to daily life. With the bandh announcement gaining attention, many people are anxious about whether essential services, educational institutions and financial operations will be affected. Here is the current situation: Schools and CollegesThe decision to keep schools and colleges open or closed largely rests with respective state governments and local administrations. As of now,…
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‘Security remove them’: Jasmine Sandlas halts Delhi concert midway, alleges harassment with female fans

‘Security remove them’: Jasmine Sandlas halts Delhi concert midway, alleges harassment with female fans

National Times Bureau :- Dhurandhar singer Jasmine Sandlas' Delhi concert has sparked outrage but for all the right reasons. The singer, who sang the title track track of Dhurandhar and the popular dance number Shararat from the Ranveer Singh movie, paused her live performace midway when she spotted a couple of men harassing some of the women fans.  A video clip of the concert is doing rounds on the social media in which the singer is heard saying "Security, can you please remove these two guys? They are troubling these women." She could be heard saying, “They are troubling the…
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Indian Railways to Phase Out UTS Mobile App from March 1, Introduces RailOne as Unified Platform

Indian Railways to Phase Out UTS Mobile App from March 1, Introduces RailOne as Unified Platform

New Delhi, February 10: Indian Railways has announced that the UTS on Mobile application, commonly used for booking unreserved and suburban train tickets, will be discontinued from March 1, 2026. After this date, passengers will no longer be able to book tickets or access any services through the UTS app. Railway authorities have advised commuters to shift to the RailOne application well in advance to avoid inconvenience. RailOne has been launched as a comprehensive digital platform that integrates multiple railway services into a single application, replacing several existing apps. A large number of daily passengers rely on mobile ticketing, particularly…
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EC Revises SIR Timeline in West Bengal; Final Electoral Rolls to Be Published on February 28

EC Revises SIR Timeline in West Bengal; Final Electoral Rolls to Be Published on February 28

Kolkata, February 10: The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday revised the schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal, announcing that the state’s final electoral rolls will now be published on February 28. In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, the Commission said the revision was carried out in compliance with an order passed by the Supreme Court on February 9. Earlier, the final voters’ list for the state was scheduled to be released on February 14, ahead of the elections slated to be held after the completion of the…
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Macron to Visit India from February 17; Talks with PM Modi, AI Summit on Agenda

Macron to Visit India from February 17; Talks with PM Modi, AI Summit on Agenda

New Delhi, February 10: French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a three-day official visit to India starting February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. The visit is expected to further deepen the strategic partnership between India and France. During his stay, President Macron will hold comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi covering a wide range of bilateral issues. The talks will focus on strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including defence, technology, innovation, climate action and economic engagement. The French President is also scheduled to attend the AI Impact Summit, reflecting the growing collaboration between the…
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Hindu Shopkeeper Killed in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh, Family Alleges Robbery After Attack

Hindu Shopkeeper Killed in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh, Family Alleges Robbery After Attack

Mymensingh (Bangladesh) February 10: A 62-year-old Hindu businessman was brutally killed inside his shop in Trishal upazila of Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections. The incident occurred late Monday night at the Bogar Bazar intersection under Trishal Police Station limits. Police said unidentified assailants attacked the trader with a sharp weapon, left him inside the shop and locked the shutters before fleeing. The victim was identified as Susen Chandra Sarkar, the owner of Bhai Bhai Enterprise and a resident of Southkanda village. According to Trishal Police Station officer-in-charge…
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Former Army Chief Clarifies Memoir Status Amid Publishing Row

Former Army Chief Clarifies Memoir Status Amid Publishing Row

New Delhi, February 10: Former Chief of the Indian Army General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday stated that his memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, has not yet been published in any form. Sharing a clarification on social media platform X, Naravane said that no printed or digital copies of the book have been released to the public so far. Naravane reposted a statement issued by Penguin Random House India, the official publisher of the memoir, which sought to clear confusion arising from recent public discussion and media reports. The publisher said it holds exclusive publishing rights for the book and…
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T20 World Cup 2026: BCCI sticks to policy, bars players from staying with families during tournament

T20 World Cup 2026: BCCI sticks to policy, bars players from staying with families during tournament

National Times Bureau :- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to allow players to stay with their families during the T20 World Cup. The board has chosen to continue with a policy introduced after India’s 1-3 defeat to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.  According to a report, the current team management sought clarification from the BCCI on the matter but was told that the rule would remain in place. Under the existing policy, players can have their families accompany them for up to 14 days only if an overseas tour lasts longer than 45…
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Fresh violence in Manipur: Curfew imposed, internet suspended for five days in Ukhrul district

Fresh violence in Manipur: Curfew imposed, internet suspended for five days in Ukhrul district

National Times Bureau :- A significant security clampdown was triggered in Manipur's Ukhrul district with authorities imposing a curfew and suspending internet services for five days after fresh violence erupted after armed miscreants allegedly set houses on fire, forcing residents to flee their homes overnight. The tensions escalated late on Monday after armed groups set afire several houses in Litan Sareikhong village and fired several rounds in the air, triggering panic among the residents through the hill district.  Fearing further violence, many villagers fled with essential belongings to safer areas in neighbouring Kangpokpi district, while several Tangkhul villagers were also…
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