Latest India News LIVE: Mamata Banerjee criticises PM's post, MANAV vision, Official Secrets Act, Vijay Deverakonda’s house decked up and other key developments

Techie’s ex-husband stabs her to death in Hyderabad, cites domestic violence case blocking Canada return

A man in his 30s allegedly forced his way into his former wife’s home in Hyderabad and stabbed her to death, police said. Investigators believe he was angry that a domestic violence case filed by her had stopped him from returning to Canada, where he had been working at an IT firm.

The 29-year-old woman, also an IT professional, had remarried after their divorce. In a complaint, her second husband stated that she was three months pregnant. However, police said this has not yet been confirmed and that a post-mortem report is awaited. Read the full story here.

Fresh out of jail, Rajpal Yadav thanks fans, says jails should have 'designated smoking areas'

Actor Rajpal Yadav on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the film fraternity and audiences after being released from Tihar Jail in connection with a cheque-bounce case. Speaking to PTI Video from his ancestral village in Shahjahanpur district, he said he received immense love and support during his time in custody.

He suggested that prisons should introduce “designated smoking areas inside jails, similar to facilities at railway stations and airports.” At the same time, he clarified that he was not promoting tobacco use and said he had tried to quit smoking several times. Read the full story here.

Vijay Deverakonda’s house decked up ahead of wedding with Rashmika Mandanna, fans can’t keep calm

Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are going to get married this month in Udaipur. The couple hasn’t spoken about it publicly, but fans noticed them appearing together recently. Along with their appearance, a leaked wedding invitation shared on social media has been confirmed by an authentic source. A new video also shows Vijay Deverakonda’s house decorated with flowers and lights, which makes the fans even more sure that the wedding is happening soon. On Wednesday, a paparazzo shared a video showing Vijay Deverakonda’s house being decorated with lights. The house looked mesmerising, gleaming with bright lights to welcome Rashmika Mandanna home. Read the full story here.

DA hike in March, arrears from January? Here's what Central government employees must know

Although the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) officially came into force as of January 1, 2026, more than one crore Central government employees and pensioners will continue under the 7th CPC structure for the time being. While the new commission has been set up, the shift to a revised pay structure will take time. The panel needs to review and finalise its recommendations. Until those are implemented, the 7th CPC framework will remain applicable. Read the full story here.

'Hinders economic growth': Supreme Court questions states over freebie culture

The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised political parties in various states for promoting a "freebie culture". It stated that this practice hinders economic growth and mentioned that it is time to reconsider these policies, reported Hindustan Times. The court addressed a request from the DMK government-led Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, which suggested providing free electricity to all citizens, regardless of their financial situation. The court acknowledged that it makes sense for states to assist those in need.

Bengaluru horror: Woman killed inside house in front of wheelchair-bound husband; accused arrested

A 69-year-old woman was strangled in her home in Nelamangala, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, on Wednesday. Her wheelchair-bound husband was inside the house at the time. A neighbour was arrested a few hours later on suspicion of killing her and stealing her gold ornaments, according to the police, reported Hindustan Times. The victim, named Shobha, was the only caregiver for her husband, who has been bedridden since a brain stroke 12 years ago. The couple had no children and lived on Pete Beedi in Nelamangala. Investigators reported that the suspect, Shivakumar, 36, entered the house under the pretense of asking for water. He allegedly noticed the gold jewellery Shobha was wearing. The attack occurred around 4 pm, shortly after she returned home. Police stated that he used a knife during the assault and strangled her before fleeing with more than 100 grams of gold ornaments. Cops of Nelamangala Town Police Station registered a case and examined CCTV footage from nearby areas, which led to his arrest within six hours.

Sharing confidential information with media? Govt staff could face Official Secrets Act proceedings

The Union government has issued a fresh warning to its officials over leaks of sensitive information. Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent a classified note to secretaries of all ministries and departments. The note updates a circular first issued in December 1998. Read the full story here.

Bengaluru startup claims 'India's most powerful robot dog' — here's what 'Param' can do

A Bengaluru-based robotics firm has drawn attention at the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in Delhi with the unveiling of its quadruped robot, 'Param'. Developed by General Autonomy, the machine is being described as a fully indigenous innovation. Read the full story here.

Why did India change course on Israel's West Bank measures?

India has become the latest country to voice criticism of Israel's unilateral actions in the West Bank as it added its name to a joint statement ahead of crucial meetings in the United Nations and in Washington. Read the full story here.

Mamata Banerjee criticises PM Modi’s post on Ramakrishna, flags ‘cultural insensitivity’

A fresh political flashpoint has emerged on social media after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in a post marking his birth anniversary. Read the full story here.

Six Odisha workers allegedly held captive in Thailand factory

At least six workers from Odisha have reportedly been held captive by their employer at a plywood factory in Chon Buri near Bangkok, Thailand, for the past six months, The New Indian Express reported. The issue came to light on Tuesday after the workers recorded a video explaining their situation. They claimed they are being kept inside the factory and are facing physical and mental harassment. The workers have urged the Odisha government to help them return home. They said they each paid Rs. 2 lakh for travel after being promised a monthly salary of Rs. 50,000 by an agent.

PM Modi unveils 'MANAV Vision' at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his keynote speech at the AI Impact Summit 2026, spoke about the growing impact of artificial intelligence and India’s vision to make the technology accessible to all citizens. He said AI must be democratised and used as a tool for inclusion and empowerment, especially for countries in the Global South. The Prime Minister also introduced India's 'MANAV Vision' for AI, a human-focused framework aimed at ensuring ethical, transparent, and inclusive governance of artificial intelligence, The Hindu reported.

India to join plan to ban social media for children, says Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country is moving ahead with a ban on social media for children under 15. He added that India will join this effort to protect children and teenagers. "Protecting our children is not regulation, it is civilisation," Macron said in his address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday. He also stressed the need to make artificial intelligence more sustainable and accessible. Macron said India proved critics wrong by bringing over a billion people into the digital economy.

Bill Gates to skip India AI Impact Summit keynote

Bill Gates will not deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit today, his philanthropic group, the Gates Foundation, said on Thursday morning. The foundation will instead be represented by Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices. He is scheduled to speak later in the day at the summit in New Delhi, the organisation added. Read the full story here.

PM Modi to address India AI Impact Summit today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at the AI Impact Summit on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He will be joined by global leaders and top technology executives at the event. After his speech, keynote addresses will be delivered by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO Dennis Hassabis, and Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani.

CRPF sets up 43 temporary camps in J&K

The CRPF has set up 43 temporary camps across the Union Territory, officials said on Wednesday. Each camp has 16 to 25 personnel who will track and eliminate terrorists hiding in the higher areas. Out of the 43 camps, 26 are in the Kashmir division, and 17 are in the Jammu division. These camps are located at heights of 6,000 feet and above. CRPF teams, along with a few J&K Police officers, stay at these camps for a few days to carry out search and attack operations. Terrorists often hide in small mud and stone huts, known as 'dhoks', and wait for instructions from handlers based in Pakistan before carrying out attacks. Read the full story here.

Nifty slips after early rise, hovers near 25,800

Indian stock markets are moving carefully today. The Nifty had opened higher but later gave up some gains and is now trading close to the 25,800 level, still about 20 points up. The Sensex is also slightly higher, gaining around 23 points to trade near 83,750.

Horoscope today: February 19, 2026

Aries: Take a step back and collaborate rather than doing everything yourself today.Taurus: Reassess your life with gratitude and reset your foundations gently.Gemini: Speak with confidence and move forward decisively instead of staying in your comfort zone.Cancer: Challenges transform into confidence and joy, so embrace your rising energy.Leo: Choose yourself and stand up for what you believe in without fear of shining.Virgo: New partnerships and roles are emerging - stay committed and unwind gracefully.Libra: Your creativity and support network help you navigate and finish tough roads.Scorpio: Fresh beginnings are here - what you start now will grow into something meaningful.Sagittarius: Commit to your goals honestly and trust your instincts.Capricorn: After hard work, focus on rest and trusting your intuition.Aquarius: Channel restless energy into something productive and claim your peace.Pisces: Enjoy support, but stay aware of reality and intentions around you.