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DD Iconic newscaster Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71 India News

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February 12, 2026

DD Iconic newscaster Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71 India News

DD Iconic newscaster Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71

New Delhi: Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognizable faces of Durdarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. She is 71 years old.Doordarshan National confirmed her death through a post on social media, where the broadcaster remembered her as a cherished and distinguished newscaster whose voice and presence left a lasting mark on the world of Indian television journalism.Doordarshan National wrote onHer understated style and calm demeanor won her the trust and affection of viewers across the country, the public broadcaster wrote.Senior news anchor Shami Narang, who worked with Maheshwari, also paid his respects.“I am extremely saddened to announce the untimely demise of my former syndicated news anchor Sarala Maheshwari at Doordarshan. She was the epitome of elegance and courtesy. She was not only beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside, she had an extraordinary command of languages and was a treasure trove of knowledge. She was a treasure trove of knowledge at Doordarshan Her presence on screen has a unique aura. She respects everyone and uplifts every space she belongs to. I pray God grant her eternal peace to the Maheshwari family. Om Shanti,” Narang wrote in a post on X.Maheshwari became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated Indian television news. For nearly three decades, from 1976 to 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with calmness and clarity, winning praise for her measured tone and impeccable diction.Her broadcasting journey began while she was pursuing her PhD at Delhi University. After successfully auditioning as an announcer, she gradually moved into news reading and remained a steady presence as Indian television transitioned from the black-and-white era to color broadcasts.With her calm authority and elegant delivery, Sarla Maheshwari represents a generation of news anchors that defined on-screen credibility.

Dubai’s much-loved Wild Wadi water park to reopen on Valentine’s Day 2026: Special offer for UAE residents | World News

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February 12, 2026

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Dubai’s much-loved Wild Wadi water park to reopen on Valentine’s Day 2026: Special offer for UAE residents | World News

Dubai’s much-loved Wild Wadi water park to reopen on Valentine’s Day 2026: special offer for UAE residents

Dubai’s Wild Wadi Waterpark to reopen on 14 February 2026: 2026 Season Guide

One of Dubai’s most popular family attractions, Wild Wadi Waterpark, will officially reopen for the 2026 season on Friday, February 14, marking the return of residents and visitors to sun-drenched thrills and unforgettable water fun. After an annual maintenance hiatus, the water park returns with more than 30 rides and attractions, seasonal events and special offers for an energetic start to the new year.

The adventure season is about to begin at Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai

Located in Umm Suqeim with the Burj Al Arab as its backdrop, Wild Wadi is the UAE’s original outdoor water park and has been a top destination for families, thrill seekers and holidaymakers since it opened in 1998. The reopening of Wild Wadi is a highlight on Dubai’s leisure calendar, renowned for its attractions for all ages, from thrilling slides to relaxing wave pools.From the high-speed descents of Jumeirah Sceirah and the winding tubes of Tantrum Alley, to family favorites like Burj Surj and the massive wave pool, visitors can jump right in for a full day of water fun. In 2026, Wild Wadi is more than just water rides, it will also feature interactive experiences, seasonal shows and live music to keep you energized throughout the day. Travel media consultants note that these entertainment elements help transform a classic water park trip into a complete experience suitable for all ages. Whether you’re planning Children’s Day, a romantic outing or a family outing holiday The combination of thrilling slides and relaxing spaces ensures every guest will find the perfect atmosphere.

Dubai: Wild Wadi Water Park offers special offers for UAE residents

To celebrate the reopening, Wild Wadi has launched a limited-time ticket offer for UAE residents, with tickets priced at AED 149, a discount that makes this season particularly attractive for local families. Such promotions are often designed to boost attendance early in the season and give regulars a chance to return at a lower price.The park operator also offered similarly discounted tickets at the start of last season, reflecting a wider trend among Dubai attractions to make family fun more accessible.

Seasonal Highlights at Wild Wadi Dubai: Al Wulfa and Festival Celebrations

The reopening also kicks off Wild Wadi’s “Al Wulfa Season”, which coincides with Hag Al Leila, Ramadan and eid al-fitr Celebrations. Details are expected to be rolled out closer to the actual season dates, but these celebrations traditionally bring themed programming and cultural entertainment to add an extra layer of fun to the park’s water activities. This makes Wild Wadi not only a place for splashing around and slides, but also a seasonal social hub during one of the busiest events in the UAE. The reopening of the Wild River Trail is more than just a recreational announcement. It reflects Dubai’s broader tourism rebound post-pandemic and its ability to anchor family-oriented attractions year-round rather than just during the peak summer period.As international travel demand increases and UAE residents favor local experiences, attractions like Wild Wadi play a key role in keeping Dubai’s entertainment ecosystem thriving all year round. Tourism analysts note that while other water parks, such as Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, continue to innovate and expand, the seasonal opening of Wild Wadi remains a cornerstone of family travel plans and local recreation, especially as warmer weather accelerates regional tourism.

Tips for visitors to Dubai’s Wild Wadi Water Park

To make the most of the reopening season –

Book in advance: The park often sells out on weekends and holidays.
Check out seasonal programming: Special performances and live performances may vary by date and may require separate bookings.
Take advantage while the deals last, as sales aimed at residents are often limited-time only.
Consider flexible scheduling: Visiting on a weekday afternoon means shorter queues and a relaxing experience on rides like Tantrum Alley or Juha’s Journey.

Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai will officially reopen on February 14, 2026, kicking off a new season of excitement, family-friendly fun and seasonal festivities. With over 30 rides, live entertainment, dining options and special offers for UAE residents, it promises to be one of the city’s biggest highlights of the year, whether you’re a repeat local or a traveler looking for unforgettable moments under the Arabian sun.

South Africa beat Afghanistan in Super Premier League, referee row costs Mohammad Nabi Cricket News

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South Africa beat Afghanistan in Super Premier League, referee row costs Mohammad Nabi Cricket News

Referee row costs Mohammad Nabi as South Africa beat Afghanistan in double-super epic

Image source: T20 World Cup

New Delhi: Afghanistan veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for disobeying the umpire’s instructions during his team’s loss to South Africa.The incident occurred at the beginning of Afghanistan’s 14th innings when Nabi had a lengthy argument with officials over the South African bowlers Good luckwristband.

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An ICC statement read: “Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘disobeying the instructions of the referee during international matches’.”As well as the fine, one point was deducted from Nabi’s disciplinary record, his first offense in 24 months.The statement added: “Nabi admitted his guilt and accepted the sanctions proposed by David Gilbert of the ICC Panel of International Match Referees, so a formal hearing was not necessary.”The charge was made by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, as well as third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan.South Africa defeated a spirited Afghanistan in one of the most exciting matches of the T20 tournament on Wednesday, sealing victory after two super overs.

2026 U.S. Tax Refunds: How to Check IRS Refund Status? Steps to monitor progress

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February 12, 2026

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2026 U.S. Tax Refunds: How to Check IRS Refund Status? Steps to monitor progress

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides taxpayers with convenient tools to track their tax status tax refund and related payments. The primary tool for monitoring the progress of your refund is the “Where’s My Refund?” feature, available on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app.

2026 U.S. Tax Refunds: How to Check IRS Refund Status? Here are the steps to monitor progress (Pexel)

You can track your IRS refund status by

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of your refund is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go app. You can check the status of your refund 24 hours after the IRS confirms receipt of your electronic return, 3-4 days after you electronically filed your previous year’s return, and four weeks after you mailed your paper return.

The tool is updated daily, usually overnight. It is typically unavailable between 4:00 and 5:00 AM Eastern Time while updates are being processed.

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What information is needed to check status?

To use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, taxpayers need to provide:

social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly)
The exact total amount of the expected refund

What are the stages of refund status?

The tracker shows refund progress in three stages:

Tax Return Received – The IRS has received and is processing the tax return.
Refund Approved – The IRS has approved the refund and payment is now being prepared.
Refund Sent – The refund has been sent to the taxpayer’s bank or mailed as a check.

Learn more | February 11 Social Security Contributions: What to know about eligibility, schedules, special circumstances, and more

Once approved, the tool will provide a personalized refund date.

While most refunds are issued within 21 days of receipt of an electronically submitted return, some refunds may take longer due to certain circumstances.

SC tells Center in Wangchuck speech, you read too much | India News

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February 12, 2026

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SC tells Center in Wangchuck speech, you read too much | India News

SC tells Center on Wangchuck's speech, you read too much

New Delhi: Detention of climate activists justified, as Center justified on Wednesday sorry Pointing to his alleged inflammatory remarks and use of Gandhian principles as cover, the Supreme Court said too much was being read into his remarks.Deputy Attorney General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government would not review Wangchuck’s detention order on health grounds because he was “in good spirits”. Mehta said the activist was being cared for in prison and had a minor infection. The SC last week asked the Center to reconsider his continued detention.

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Wangchuk compared with China, Pakistan provinces: Govt.Referring to one of the speeches, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale said the activist himself was concerned about people resorting to violent protests and any conclusion would have to be drawn by reading the entire speech. Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj argued that the speeches and statements were intended to incite people to resort to violent means to protest against the government and he invoked Gandhi’s name and his principles to protect himself.The judge asked whether it would be objectionable for someone to say he was worried about people abandoning Gandhian principles and resorting to violence. As the government cited various speeches and interviews he gave in previous years, the judge asked it to mention only those leading up to last September’s violence. The Abu Sayyaf Group claimed that Sonam Wangchuck was trying to internationalize Ladakh’s domestic issues, making statements about referendums and plebiscites and comparing Ladakh to provinces in China and Pakistan. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the authorities to conduct a medical examination of Wangchuck by a professional doctor and submit a report to him. The activist is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail. Medical reports were submitted to the court at the last hearing. Wangchuck was detained on September 26 on charges invoking the National Security Agency after protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

NASA’s SPHEREx mission observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightening in a surprising solar outburst |

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February 12, 2026

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NASA’s SPHEREx mission observes interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightening in a surprising solar outburst |

Comets usually disappear quietly after passing by the sun. Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS did not follow the same path. Instead, it burned dramatically as it began to exit the solar system. NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope captured the burst in December 2025 and found water vapor, carbon dioxide and complex organic compounds flowing into space. For astronomers, this is not only a beautiful display, but also a rare one. A chemical snapshot of the material forming around another star. 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar visitor ever, and it provides the clearest observations yet of alien ice outside of the solar family.

NASA’s SPHEREx observes Comet 3I/ATLAS still glowing

By December 2025, Comet 3I/ATLAS has left the inner solar system. It passed its closest approach to the sun two months ago. Typically, activity peaks around this point. The heat rises. The ice evaporates. Gas and dust leak outsideNASA’s SPHEREx (short for Spectrophotometer for Cosmic History, Era of Reionization, and Ice Explorer) observed the comet in infrared light. The comet is exploding, getting brighter and brighter. Throws out a puff of gas and dust. Study co-author Phil Korngut explained that the comet likely formed a radiation-treated shell during its long journey between stars. Beneath this shell, the original ice remains locked away.The comet is “going full blast” after a close flyby of the sun, said the study’s lead author, Carey Lees of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Even water ice sublimates into gas in interplanetary space.

What SPHEREx actually detects

SPHEREx detected water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, methanol and traces of cyanide from comet 3I/ATLAS. The same goes for organic molecules. The comet appears to have developed a luminous coma rich in these components. When rock fragments are ejected, a pear-shaped dust tail forms. This is only the third interstellar object to be confirmed, following 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

‘A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room’: Gautam Gambhir reflects on cricket news ahead of India vs Namibia

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February 12, 2026

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‘A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room’: Gautam Gambhir reflects on cricket news ahead of India vs Namibia

'A winning dressing room is a smiling dressing room': Gautam Gambhir reflects before India vs Namibia

India head coach Gautam Gambhir undergoes training in New Delhi. (Press Trust photo)

New Delhi: As India prepares to face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the game will be deeply personal for the head coach Gautam Gambhir. Derry is not only his hometown but also a place where his legacy is commemorated and has a stand named after him.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The former India opener welcomed the team to his home for dinner upon their arrival, stressing the importance of unity in what he described as an emotionally demanding profession. in speech BCCI In the video, Gambhir talks about the reality behind the scenes of elite sport.

Special dinner hosted by Team India at Gautam Gambhir’s home in Delhi | T20 World Cup

“You’re with your family, so for me, home has always been special… It’s also a very challenging profession at times,” Gambhir said, highlighting the loneliness and pressure that often accompanies life in international cricket. He emphasized that there are often more support staff than colleagues. “Support staff is more than just support staff; it’s actually more than just a family,” he adds, noting how shared experiences create strong bonds in a team environment.Despite the intense preparations for the game, Gambhir believes it is crucial to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and stay away from the heat of the competition. “Once the game starts, it’s always tense… but in the dressing room and during training, you try to relax; you can joke around,” he explained, adding that the captain’s leadership plays a key role in shaping the team’s mood.

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However, the Indian coach spoke candidly about the ruthless nature of professional sports. One of Gambill’s striking statements epitomizes his philosophy, “The only time a player or support staff can smile is when you walk into a winning locker room…A winning locker room is a smiling locker room.” For Gambhir, returning to Delhi is ultimately about balance – finding peace amid stress. “No matter how your day goes, you come home…home is love, home is where you find peace,” he concluded.

‘Sectarian agenda’: Ulama India chief criticizes govt’s mandate for Vande Mataram News India

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February 12, 2026

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‘Sectarian agenda’: Ulama India chief criticizes govt’s mandate for Vande Mataram News India

'Sectarian agenda': India's Ulama Party chief criticizes government's mandate for Vande Mataram

Chairman, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani (ANI)

New Delhi: Chairman Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani on Thursday strongly criticized the federal government’s decision to compose all six stanzas of the national anthem.van der matalan” is a compulsory subject in schools, universities and official offices, saying it reflects “electoral politics and sectarian agendas”.Madani said in a post onHe added that the move went against the fundamental beliefs of the monotheistic religion and “forcing” Muslims to sing the song was a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution.“Muslims do not prevent anyone from singing or playing ‘Vande Mataram’; however, certain verses of the song are based on the belief that portrays the motherland as a god, which contradicts the fundamental beliefs of monotheistic religions. Since Muslims worship only one Allah, forcing him to sing this song is a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution and several judgments of the Supreme Court. Enforcing the song and trying to impose it on citizens is not a sign of patriotism; rather, it reflects electoral politics, sectarian agendas and deliberate diversion of public attention from fundamental issues,” he added.His remarks came after the Union Home Ministry directed that whenever the national anthem is played along with the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”, all six stanzas of the national anthem “Vande Mataram” composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay should be sung first.In a January 28 order, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the first set of protocols for the singing of the national anthem, stating that all six verses of the song, which are 3 minutes and 10 seconds long, should be sung at official functions such as the arrival of the president, hoisting of the national flag and speeches by governors.The order stipulates: “When the national anthem and the national anthem are played or played, the national anthem should be played or played first.” It also stipulates that when the national anthem is played, the plenary session should stand at attention.“The audience should stand whenever the official version of the national anthem is sung or played. However, when the national anthem is played as part of a newsreel or documentary, the audience should not stand as doing so may interrupt the screening and cause confusion rather than adding to the dignity of the anthem,” it added.The directive further states that in schools, events should begin with the playing of the national anthem.The move coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Here’s what it means | Tech News

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February 12, 2026

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Xiaomi is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone series, with early reports suggesting the company may change its processor strategy for the upcoming Mi 18 series. With Qualcomm planning to launch the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series later this year, smartphone makers are deciding how to use the new chips in their devices. A recent report in China suggests that Xiaomi may segment its models based on chipset choice to manage costs and pricing.

Due to rising processor costs this year, Xiaomi Mi 18 may skip the Pro chip. (Millet)

Standard models may skip professional chips

According to a report shared on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, the base version of Xiaomi Mi 18 is likely to be equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor. It may not include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro variant that Qualcomm is also expected to launch. The higher cost of the Pro version may prevent Xiaomi from using it in the standard model, the source said.

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There are reports that Qualcomm may price the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro higher than regular Gen 6 chips. If Xiaomi installs the Pro chip in the base version of the Mi 18, it may push up the retail price of the phone. To avoid this, the company may reserve the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for the Mi 18 Pro and Mi 18 Pro Max models.

Xiaomi 18 series: release schedule

Qualcomm is expected to launch the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series in September. Xiaomi may launch the Mi 18 series soon after the chip is released. The current Mi 17 series, including Mi 17, Mi 17 Pro, Mi 17 Pro Max, and Mi 17 Ultra, all use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Qualcomm has not released a professional version of the chip.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra to launch in India on February 25 – all the details

In another update, the source said that Xiaomi is testing two 200MP camera sensors for a compact 6.3-inch flagship device believed to be the Mi 18 Pro. One sensor can be used as the main camera, while the second sensor can be used as a telephoto or periscope lens. If Xiaomi goes ahead with this setup, the Mi 18 Pro may come with dual 200MP cameras. Oppo, another Chinese smartphone brand, is also expected to feature a similar dual 200MP camera system in its upcoming flagship device.

Xiaomi has not confirmed these details yet. More information will likely surface when it is officially launched later this year.

Marina del Rey fire: Two boats on fire, shocking video surfaces

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February 12, 2026

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Marina del Rey fire: Two boats on fire, shocking video surfaces

Two ships caught fire at the Marina del Rey port, NBC Los Angeles reported. Firefighters responded to a boat fire in Marina del Rey late Wednesday night, February 11. Authorities said the fire spread to at least one other vessel.

Several ships caught fire in Marina del Rey port, shocking video surfaced (Pexel - Representational Image) — Several ships caught fire in Marina del Rey port, shocking video surfaced (Pexel – Representational Image)

Multiple social media posts claimed several ships were on fire at the Marina del Rey port in Los Angeles County. california. According to OC Scanner, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is at the scene of the incident. Shocking video of fire emerges on X.

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“Several ships were burned in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, others are still burning,” a war reporter wrote on X, sharing photos of the scene.

What we know about the incident so far

According to NBC Los Angeles , Cruise responded to the fire in the 4500 block of Via Marina, accessible via Tahiti Way, around 10:06 p.m. A 50-foot power boat that was docked between two other boats was involved in the fire, according to officials. The flames then spread to at least one neighboring vessel.

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Authorities confirmed no one was on board at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation.

Marina del Rey witnessed another shocking incident in July 2025, when a yacht crashed into a wall, scaring people dining at a nearby restaurant. collapse The yacht reportedly suffered a mechanical failure, ABC 7 reported at the time.

Video from inside the El Torito restaurant shows the boat heading toward diners, who watch through the windows. However, no one was injured. Later video showed damage to the front of the yacht. The vessel was towed shortly after the accident.

Los Angeles County firefighters who responded to the incident said the luxury cruise ship crashed after experiencing mechanical failure. The captain couldn’t reach the engine fast enough to stop it, so they deliberately crashed the ship into a concrete barrier.