Here are the top news for the day from The Hindu’s Morning Digest, on February 23, 2026

India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory

India on Sunday (February 22, 2026) strongly condemned Pakistan’s fresh airstrikes on Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties. New Delhi described the strikes as another attempt by Pakistan to “externalise its internal failures”, and reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Indian movie ‘Boong’ bags BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film

In a major achievement for Indian cinema, ‘Boong’, an Indian Manipuri-language film, won the BAFTA award for the category of Best Children’s & Family Film. Boong is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The makers, including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Lakshmipriya Devi and Alan McAlex, were present at the event held at London’s Royal Festival Hall to receive the award.

Looking forward to Israel visit: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 22, 2026) said he was looking forward to his upcoming visit to Israel. The Prime Minister said this on X in response to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comment that Mr. Modi would visit Israel on Wednesday (February 25, 2026). “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I fully agree with you on the bond between India and Israel as well as the diverse nature of our bilateral relations. India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress. Looking forward to our discussions during my upcoming Israel visit,” Mr. Modi said.

Ruling powers conspiring to weaken Constitution: Tejashwi Yadav

Leader of Opposition and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) working President Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday (February 22, 2026) targeted the ruling Nitish Kumar government, alleging that those in power are conspiring to destroy the constitution. He said it during the birth anniversary celebration of Sant Shiromani Ravidas, a medieval-era saint associated with the Bhakti movement and an icon of the oppressed castes, organised by the RJD at Patna Miller High School campus. He also alleged that the BJP, following the policies of Godse and Golwalkar, is promoting hatred in society and is engaged in activities that weaken the country.

Months before his death, Manipur MLA wrote to PM, sought probe on mob attack

Five months before his death, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Manipur, Vungzagin Valte, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi detailing how he was brutally attacked by the “Meitei militia [Arambai Tenggol]”. Valte had said that the attack left him with severe injuries that paralysed him, and despite the gravity of the incident, no special inquiry, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was ever initiated.

Calcutta HC sets up committee to shift urgent matters to other courts, focus on final touches to SIR

The Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Paul, has constituted a committee to oversee interim arrangements for shifting urgent matters to alternative courts, following the engagement of judicial officers for work related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The development comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s order of February 20, in which the apex court has directed judicial officers be assigned to complete the ongoing SIR in West Bengal. The SC pointed out that the persistent “trust deficit” between the State government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Election Commission of India (EC) had led to a “stalemate”, with time running out.

Gunshots fired at student outside BHU hostel

Gunshots were allegedly fired at a student outside the Birla hostel at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), officials said on Sunday (February 22, 2026). Roshan Mishra, a third-year Bachelor of Arts student, claimed three persons arrived on a motorcycle and suddenly opened fire when he was standing outside the hostel on Saturday (February 21) night. No one was injured in the incident. “We have registered a case against five individuals at the Lanka police station and efforts are underway to catch them,” said the police. Police teams from several stations, along with the outpost in-charge of BHU, rushed to the spot.

Strong 7.1-magnitude quake hits eastern Malaysia

A strong 7.1-magnitude quake struck early Monday (February 23, 2025) off Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo island, U.S. seismologists said. The epicentre of the quake was located less than 100 kilometres (62 miles) northeast of the coastal state capital Kota Kinabalu at a depth of 619.8 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck at 12.57 a.m. (1657 GMT Sunday).

Iran vows to defend itself but sees diplomatic solution to U.S. standoff

Iran’s top diplomat said Sunday (February 22, 2026) that his country would strike back at U.S. interests in West Asia in the event of an attack, though he still saw a chance for a diplomatic resolution. Speaking to U.S. broadcaster CBS, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he expected new talks on the details of a deal, “probably” Thursday, as fears loomed of renewed conflict after Washington carried out a major redeployment of military assets to the region.

T20 World Cup | All-round Proteas bring Men in Blue crashing down

A Sunday night that commenced on a boisterous note lapsed into silence as the hours ebbed away at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Defending champion India suffered its first defeat in the current T20 World Cup as South Africa emphatically won the Super Eight Group 1 match by 76 runs. Pursuing South Africa’s 187 for seven, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. During the chase, India suffered a double blow up front.

Published – February 23, 2026 06:35 am IST