Top news of the day: CBI challenges Delhi court order discharging Kejriwal, others in excise policy case; Taliban seek ‘dialogue’ to resolve Afghan-Pakistan conflict, and more

CBI challenges Delhi trial court order discharging Arvind Kejriwal, others in liquor policy case

The CBI has filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court, challenging a special court’s order discharging former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and others in the liquor policy case, officials said on Friday (February 27, 2026).

Taliban seek ‘dialogue’ to resolve Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict

Afghanistan’s government on Friday (February 27, 2026) said it wanted “dialogue” to resolve its conflict with neighbouring Pakistan amid deadly fighting. “We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution, and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a news conference.

Economy grew by 7.8% in third quarter as per new GDP series: Govt. data

India’s economy grew by 7.8% during the October-December quarter of 2025-26, up from 7.4% a year ago, according to the new series of national accounts with 2022-23 as the base year. According to the new series, the gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to grow at 7.6% during the current fiscal, as against 7.4% in the advance estimates released by the Ministry in January.

Canada PM Mark Carney arrives in Mumbai on four-day India visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney landed in India on Friday (February 27, 2026) as he hopes to reset ties and double trade, offsetting the damage from his country’s fracturing relations with the U.S. He arrived in Mumbai, where he is expected to attend several events before travelling to New Delhi. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 2, 2026).

Three-time T.N. CM, Jayalalithaa’s trusted lieutenant O. Panneerselvam joins DMK ahead of Assembly polls

In a seismic realignment of the Tamil Nadu political landscape just a few months ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections, O. Panneerselvam, three-time former Chief Minister, five-time AIADMK MLA, and a staunch loyalist of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, joined the DMK in the presence of party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (February 27, 2026).

Magnitude 5.4 earthquake strikes Bangladesh; tremors felt in Kolkata, adjacent Bengal districts

Tremors were felt in Kolkata and adjacent districts of West Bengal on Friday (February 27, 2026) afternoon, after an earthquake of 5.5 magnitude on the Richter Scale jolted parts of Bangladesh, officials said. The epicentre of the quake was at a place named Nayabazar in Bangladesh, some 100 km from Kolkata.

‘The Kerala Story 2’: HC stays single judge order halting film release

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Friday (February 27, 2026) permitted the release of the Hindi feature film The Kerala Story 2 -Goes Beyond, a day after a Single Bench of the court issued a fortnight-long stay on its release. The court permitted the screening if the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) issues a certificate stating that the alleged controversial portions in the film’s teaser and trailer do not find mention in the film.

Kerala Govt. files appeal before High Court against acquittal of Dileep, others in actor rape case

The Kerala Government on Friday (February 27, 2026) filed an appeal before the Kerala High Court, challenging the acquittal of actor Dileep and a few others, in the 2017 actor rape case. The Government has also sought enhanced punishment to the other accused persons whose prison term had been lessened by the trial court.

Meghalaya issues health advisory after meningococcal infection scare

Days after two Agniveer trainees died of suspected meningococcal bacterial infection at a training centre in Shillong, the Meghalaya government has issued an advisory urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols. One of more than 30 trainees at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) died at the Military Hospital Shillong a week ago.

Stock markets fall: Sensex, Nifty tumble over 1%

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled over 1% on Friday (February 27, 2026) due to fresh foreign fund outflows and subdued global trends amid rising geopolitical risks. The lack of progress in U.S.–Iran nuclear talks has intensified concerns of further escalation of West Asia tensions, experts said.

U.S. allows some embassy staff to leave Israel, citing safety risks

The U.S. ​will permit non-emergency government personnel and ‌family members to leave Israel over ​safety risks, the U.S. ⁠Embassy in Jerusalem said on Friday (February 27, 2026), amid growing concerns about the risk of ‌a military conflict with Iran. The embassy did not elaborate ‌on the safety risks leading ‌to the “authorised ⁠departure”, which allows affected ⁠personnel to decide whether to leave. 

AUS vs IND 2nd WODI: Voll, Litchfield fire as Australia hosts take 2-0 lead against India

Georgia Voll (101) made the most of three lifelines while Phoebe Litchfield hit a belligerent 80 to power Australia to a five-wicket win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match women’s ODI series against reigning world champions India in Hobart on Friday (February 27, 2026).