Deccan Herald's 'Speak Out' Forum: Public Discourse Platform (18.02.2026)
Deccan Herald's 'Speak Out' forum on February 18, 2026, provides a vital platform for public opinion, fostering democratic dialogue and diverse perspectives on key issues.
Category : Politics
Calcutta HC: Broken Marriage Promise Not Rape, Quashes Case
Calcutta High Court ruled that a consensual sexual relationship turning sour does not constitute rape merely because marriage was promised but not fulfilled. The court quashed a case against a man, emphasizing mutual consent over deception.
Gurgaon Delivery Executive Arrested for Food App Fraud
A 30-year-old delivery executive in Gurgaon was arrested for allegedly cheating an online food delivery platform by convincing customers to cancel orders on the app and delivering food offline at discounted prices, bypassing company payments.
Jal Jeevan Mission Tank Cracks, Corruption Allegations Fly
A newly built overhead water tank in Mahoba's Nagardang village developed major cracks and leaked massively, leading to corruption charges and a probe.
Kerala Minister: No Hasty Decision on Sabarimala Women's Entry
Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu stated the government will not make rushed decisions on Sabarimala women's entry, emphasizing the need for societal consultations and a mature, collective cabinet view.
Mevani: 20,000 Acres Land for Dalits, OBCs, Tribals Pending
Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani highlights in Gujarat assembly that 20,000 acres of land allotted to Dalits, OBCs, and tribals remains undelivered, citing encroachments and inaction.
Farrukhabad Demolishes Illegal Constructions Linked to Rape Accused
The Farrukhabad tehsil administration demolished illegal encroachments allegedly connected to three gang-rape accused in Kampil. Bulldozers razed shops and structures on government land following a high-profile case.
Kanpur DM Finds Serious Negligence at Uttaripura Health Centre
District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh's surprise inspection at Uttaripura Primary Health Centre revealed severe negligence, including staff absenteeism, poor record-keeping, and non-functional biometric systems.
Kanpur Bar Association Elections Record 78.6% Voter Turnout
The annual Kanpur Bar Association elections witnessed a robust 78.60% voter turnout as 5,658 advocates cast their votes peacefully. Polling was held under strict security at DAV Degree College, with counting scheduled for Wednesday.
Kerala Police Association Demands New Stations for Safety
Kerala Police Officers Association passes resolution calling for new police stations in Ernakulam Rural to enhance dam security, reduce workload, and combat drug cases with special courts.
Noida to Expand DTC Bus Services to Greater Noida Areas
Noida Authority plans to sign an agreement with Delhi government to extend DTC bus services to outer sectors, Greater Noida, and Greater Noida West, enhancing public transport connectivity.
Kerala HC Stops LDF's Nava Kerala Survey Over Political Concerns
The Kerala High Court has suspended the LDF government's 'Nava Kerala Citizens Response Programme', a Rs 20 crore survey, ruling it violates constitutional norms and appears politically motivated ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
SC Criticizes PIL Targeting BJP CMs, Seeks Impartial Guidelines
The Supreme Court criticized a PIL targeting BJP chief ministers for hate speech, urging petitioners to file an impartial petition for guidelines applicable to all political parties.
Himanta Sarma on Borah's Congress Exit, Demographics, and Politics
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed skepticism about former Assam Congress chief Bhupesh Borah rejoining the party, while addressing demographic issues and political controversies in Varanasi.
Rajasthan Assembly Disrupted Over Cow Status Demand
The Rajasthan Assembly faced nearly five hours of disruption as BJP demanded 'Rajya Mata' status for cows and Congress alleged cow slaughter in Jaipur, leading to six adjournments.
Kerala BJP Demands Sabarimala Appeal, Cases Dropped, CBI Probe
BJP's Kerala election committee has decided to launch statewide protests demanding a fresh Supreme Court appeal on Sabarimala traditions, dropping police cases against protesters, and a CBI probe into the temple gold heist.
Chennai Metro Phase-II Poonamallee-Vadapalani Stretch Soon
Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced the imminent commissioning of the Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani metro stretch in Chennai's Phase-II. He highlighted state funding issues and urged Centre's approval for Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects.
Maharashtra ATS Busts Radicalization Network Using Soccer Club
Maharashtra ATS raids 21 locations, uncovers alleged radicalization network using a soccer club in Pusad as a front. Youths indoctrinated, sent to camps in Kerala and West Bengal.
Six Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested in Kolkata for Visa Overstay
Kolkata police arrested six Bangladeshi nationals for overstaying their visas after a verification drive at Park Street hotels. The men, who entered India on medical visas, were found staying in a hotel despite expired documents.
Kanpur DM Finds Paddy Procurement Irregularities, Orders Probe
Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh discovered serious irregularities at four paddy procurement centers, with farmers unable to sell crops for months. He ordered suspensions and a three-member committee investigation.
Gurgaon, Faridabad Sewer Crisis: Most Homes Lack Legal Links
Municipal data reveals a sanitation crisis in Haryana: 66.6% of Gurgaon and 79.1% of Faridabad households lack legal sewer connections, relying on septic tanks or informal disposal.
Ladakh Havildar's Suicide in Kochi: Body Handed to Relatives
Central police in Kochi have handed over the body of Maram Kesava Reddy, a havildar from Telangana posted in Ladakh, to his relatives after he reportedly jumped to his death from a building on MG Road. Police suspect suicide following a family dispute.
Chabbewal MLA Felicitates Football Team for Gold Win
Chabbewal MLA Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal felicitated the local football team for winning gold at a state-level tournament, praising their dedication and promoting sports in Punjab.
Jalandhar Reviews Progress of Pre-SIR Exercise
A review meeting was held in Jalandhar to assess the progress of the Pre-SIR exercise, focusing on disaster preparedness and coordination among departments.
Hoshiarpur-Himachal Road via Chohal Plagued by Potholes
The crucial road connecting Hoshiarpur in Punjab to Himachal Pradesh via Chohal is severely deteriorated, with deep potholes and erosion causing hazards for commuters and locals.
Ludhiana-Doraha NH Potholes Cause Public Outrage
Residents and commuters in Ludhiana express fury over the deteriorating condition of the National Highway to Doraha, riddled with potholes, demanding urgent repairs for safety.
Punjab Budget 2025-26: Health, Anti-Drug, Village Plans
Punjab's Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, emphasizes universal health coverage, anti-drug initiatives, and village development. This budget is vital for competitive exam aspirants, covering key schemes and allocations.
Varanasi Police Foil Bid Over False Cow Slaughter Rumors
Police in Varanasi's Old Paan Dariba area prevented communal tension by debunking false rumors of cow slaughter near Kashi Vishwanath Dham. No evidence found, legal action initiated against rumormongers.
Man Killed in Beed Village After Friend's Mistaken Stabbing
A 23-year-old man was accidentally stabbed by his friend during a Mahashivaratri procession in Beed, Maharashtra, following a dispute over Instagram content that divided village youths.
Indore Murder: Accused Bought Beer, Attempted Occult After Killing
Police investigation reveals chilling details in Indore MBA student murder case. Accused allegedly bought beer after killing, engaged in necrophilia, then attempted occult practices to communicate with victim's spirit.
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