Top news of the day: February 23, 2026

India releases first anti-terror policy PRAHAAR

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (February 23, 2026) released the country’s first-ever anti-terror policy, emphasising that other than terror sponsored from across the border, “criminal hackers and nation states continue to target India through cyber-attacks.” The policy said that India faces terrorist threats on all three fronts — water, land and air — and capacities have been developed to protect the critical sectors of the Indian economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy, from State/non-State actors.

5.67 crore voters in Tamil Nadu voter list after SIR

The final electoral roll in Tamil Nadu was published on Monday (February 23, 2026) following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The District Election Officers (Collectors) released the numbers in their respective districts in the morning. Later, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik held a press conference in the afternoon at Chennai during which she said there are 5,67,07,380 electors across the State, as per the final electoral roll.

CJI says ‘general’ directions in 2018 hate crime judgment may be ‘unmanageable’, favours case-to-case action

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday (February 23, 2026) referred to “general directions” issued by the Supreme Court in a 2018 judgment to the Centre and States to prevent and prosecute cow vigilantism and mobocracy as “unmanageable”. Rather, the CJI observed in favour of an individualistic approach, taking up each crime on its singular facts and merits, and acting on any infraction of a person’s right or abuse of law with immediate effect.

Indian Embassy in Tehran advises its citizens to leave Iran

In an advisory issued on Monday (February 23, 2026), the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals (students, pilgrims, business persons, and tourists) currently in Iran to leave the country by available means of transport, including commercial flights. “All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard,” it added.

Jharkhand civic polls: 23% voter turnout recorded in 48 ULBs till 11 a.m.

Over 23% voter turnout was recorded till 11 a.m. in the civic polls to 48 urban local bodies in Jharkhand on Monday (February 23, 2026), an election official said. Voting, which commenced at 7 a.m., is underway amid tight security. It will continue till 5 p.m., he said. “Voter turnout of 23.23% was recorded till 11 a.m. Polling is underway peacefully,” State Election Commission (SEC) Secretary Radhe Shyam Prasad said. Basukinath Nagar Panchayat recorded the highest turnout of 31.05%, while Ranchi Municipal Corporation registered the lowest at 14.60%, followed by Dhanbad Municipal Corporation at 14.79%.

U.S. to stop collecting tariffs deemed illegal by Supreme Court on February 24

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said it will halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), more than three days after the U.S. Supreme Court declared the duties illegal. The agency said in a message to shippers on ‌its Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) that it ‌will ⁠de-activate all tariff codes associated with President ⁠Donald Trump’s prior IEEPA-related orders as of Tuesday (February 24).

Bulldozer demolition drive: Supreme Court asks district election officer to address issue of people lacking ‘identifiable abode’

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (February 23, 2026) said persons whose homes have been demolished by local authorities can approach the district election officer regarding their inclusion in the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was hearing a petition filed by Sana Parveen on the plight of residents of Akbar Nagar in Lucknow whose buildings, both residential and commercial, were razed after eviction notices in September 2023.

18 people killed in bus accident in Nepal’s Dhading

At least 18 people were killed when a passenger bus fell into the Trishuli river near Gajuri in the Dhading district of Nepal early morning on Monday (February 23, 2026). Twenty-six passengers were injured in the accident that occurred when the bus coming towards Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli river along the Prithvi Highway, about 90 km west of Kathmandu at 1.30 a.m., according to Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson at the Armed Police Force.

White House confirms providing ‘intelligence support’ to Mexican govt for operation that killed cartel leader El Mencho

The White House has confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for an operation that resulted in the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, in Jalisco. In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States assisted Mexican authorities in carrying out the operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, which led to the elimination of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Mexico fears more violence after army kills powerful drug lord El Mencho

School was cancelled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.

Russian overnight strikes across Ukraine kill three

Russian strikes killed three people and wounded several others overnight, regional authorities said Monday (February 23, 2026), as Moscow continued its assaults on the eve of the war’s four-year anniversary. In the south, two people were killed when Russian drones hit industrial, energy and civilian infrastructure in the Odesa region, regional governor Oleg Kiper said on Telegram. At least three people were wounded, he added. In Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack on industrial facilities killed a 33-year-old man and wounded another, according to regional chief Ivan Fedorov.

Mukul Roy, former Union Railway Minister, passes away after prolonged illness

Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy passed away in the early hours of Monday (February 23, 2026) morning. He was 71 years old. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata and was suffering from several ailments. Mukul Roy’s son Subhranhshu Roy said that his father suffered a massive cardiac arrest and passed away at 1:30 a.m. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death on X, saying, “Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah demands re-implementation of MGNREGA, abolition of VB -G RAM G

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 23 urged the Centre to abolish the newly-enacted Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and re-implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Asking the Centre to re-establish the right to employment and right to self-governance for gram panchayats, the Chief Minister said that the Centre should declare a uniform minimum wage of ₹400 per day for rural employment.

Rahul Gandhi meets Uttarakhand’s ‘Mohammad Deepak’, tells him ‘will take membership in your gym’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday (February 23, 2026) met a gym owner from Uttarakhand who shot into the limelight as “Mohammad Deepak” for taking on Bajrang Dal activists allegedly harassing a Muslim shopkeeper, and expressed support by telling him that he would come to Kotdwar to take membership in the gym. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia, the gym owner Deepak Kumar and his friend Vijay Rawat, along with several others, were present at the meeting, which took place at the 10, Janpanth residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi. Mr. Deepak also met Sonia Gandhi.

AUS Women vs IND Women: In first ODI outing after World Cup, India eyes another triumph over Australia

Having secured a stunning T20I series triumph, reigning world champions India will have the psychological edge when they take on Australia in the first women’s ODI of a three-match series in Brisbane on Tuesday (February 24, 2026). India had beaten Australia in the World Cup semifinal last year in Navi Mumbai and the hosts would be looking to avenge that stunning defeat. What makes the series even more significant is the fact that one of Australia’s greatest players, Alyssa Healy, will be making her swansong ODI appearance in this rubber. She will be ending her illustrious career after the one-off Test against India starting on March 6 in Perth.

Published – February 23, 2026 06:09 pm IST