Tag: Breaking news

Bangladesh election results: PM Modi congratulates BNP’s Tarique Rahman on ‘decisive victory’ | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman on his party’s “decisive victory” in the country’s parliamentary elections, and affirmed India’s continued support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh.“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

BNP’s Tarique Rahman Set To Become Bangladesh PM After Sweeping Victory In Historic Comeback

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he added.The BNP secured a commanding two-thirds majority in the general elections, winning more than 200 seats — one of its strongest performances, surpassing its 2001 tally of 193 seats. The outcome is widely seen as paving the way for political stability after months of unrest that followed the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising in August 2024.Rahman, son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. He returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years abroad. His father ruled Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981 and remains a prominent figure in the country’s independence-era politics.Soon after the results became clear, the BNP thanked voters and urged restraint among supporters. “Despite winning … by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised,” the party said in a statement, instead calling for nationwide prayers.The election marked the first since Hasina fled to neighbouring India. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, had been serving as interim head of government following her departure. Hasina, now in exile in New Delhi, had dominated Bangladesh politics for years alongside Khaleda Zia, Rahman’s mother and a former prime minister.The Awami League, which governed for 15 years but was barred from contesting this election, had earlier recorded a larger mandate of 230 seats in 2008.Meanwhile, the head of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami conceded defeat, stating that his party would not engage in the “politics of opposition” merely for its own sake. The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by youth activists who were instrumental in the movement against Hasina and part of a Jamaat-backed alliance, managed to win only five of the 30 seats it contested.

February 13, 2026
Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin’s major poll outreach for women; Rs 5,000 credited to 1.3 crore accounts | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu government on Friday credited Rs 3,000 in advance to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries, along with an additional Rs 2,000 as a “summer special package” under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme ahead of the assembly elections.In a social media post on X, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin Rs 3,000 amount was given as an advance payment for the months of February, March and April. He also alleged that “some” were trying to block the Women’s Rights Grant for three months, citing the upcoming elections, but said his government acted ahead of time to ensure beneficiaries did not face any disruption.“For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women’s Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it. Citing the elections as a reason, they are trying to block the Women’s Rights Grant for three months,” Stalin said. “But our #DravidianModel government has acted ahead of them! As an advance for the months of February, March, and April – ₹3,000, along with a summer special package of ₹2,000! A total of ₹5,000 has been credited this morning to all 1.31 crore beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme,” he added.He added that under “Dravidian Model 2.0,” the current ₹1,000 monthly assistance would be doubled to ₹2,000 if voted back to power, calling it a promise to Tamil Nadu women.“With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! Under #DravidianModel 2.0, we will increase the ₹1,000 Women’s Rights Grant to ₹2,000! This is the promise that Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin makes to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether,” the post further read.Meanwhile, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam unveiled a set of five election promises, including raising social security pensions from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 for senior citizens, elderly widows, unmarried elderly women, women abandoned by their husbands, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons.In the midst of the electoral buildup, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to hold a tightly controlled election meeting on Friday at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem. Party chief Vijay is expected to address 4,998 participants at the KVP Garden venue.The meeting will be strictly limited to those holding entry passes with QR codes, with heavy police deployment, vehicle checks, and traffic diversions in place to ensure safety. Authorities emphasised that those without passes should watch the programme through live broadcast channels.Heightened security measures come in the wake of a September stampede at a previous TVK gathering that claimed 41 lives, prompting authorities to ensure strict crowd management during high-profile political events.The 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly will go to the polls in the first half of the year. The DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4, and others won 8.

February 13, 2026
FOGSI seeks rollback of NEET-PG percentile cuts, flags ‘pay-to-enter’ risk | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), representing clinicians and academicians committed to maintaining high standards in medical education and patient care, has sought an immediate review and withdrawal of repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile.In a statement issued on February 11, FOGSI expressed serious concern that lowering the qualifying threshold in a national merit-based examination dilutes meritocracy and compromises academic rigour, raising concerns about the quality of specialist training and patient safety.The body urged the National Medical Commission, particularly its Postgraduate Medical Education Board, to urgently revisit the policy.FOGSI pointed out that the NEET-PG Information Bulletin already lays down a structured and transparent algorithm for filling vacant seats, including category conversion and sequential counselling rounds. These mechanisms, it said, must be strictly followed and exhausted before any lowering of qualifying standards is considered.Addressing the issue of vacant seats, the federation said the root cause is not lack of merit but “highly irrational and unaffordable” fee structures in several private and deemed universities. With postgraduate fees running from tens of lakhs to several crores, specialist education risks turning into a “pay-to-enter” system where financial capacity outweighs competence. “Postgraduate medical education is not merely about seat occupancy; it is about training competent specialists who will serve the nation for decades,” the statement said, adding that dilution of entry standards alongside unchecked commercialisation threatens academic excellence, professional dignity and public trust.FOGSI called upon authorities to withdraw repeated percentile reductions, ensure strict adherence to counselling and seat-conversion rules, initiate urgent rationalisation and regulation of postgraduate fee structures, and engage specialty societies and academic stakeholders before implementing policy changes with long-term consequences.The federation reiterated its commitment to safeguarding merit, affordability and the integrity of medical education in the larger interest of patients and public health.

February 13, 2026