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In SIR Phase 2, 9 states/Union Territories polls down by Rs 17 Crore (8%) | India News

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In SIR Phase 2, 9 states/Union Territories polls down by Rs 17 Crore (8%) | India News

9 states/Union Territories polls reduced by Rs 17 Crore (8%) under SIR Phase 2

NEW DELHI: Nine of the 12 states covered under the Special Intensified Amendment (SIR) phase-2 have released their final electoral rolls (including six states on Saturday), with their electorate falling by 7.9 per cent to Rs 19.7 crore as compared to Rs 21.4 crore when the SIR was announced on October 27, 2025.Over 170 million voters have been omitted from the electoral rolls of nine states/Union Territories – Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Goa and Andaman and Nicobar Islands – due to SIR. The final electoral rolls for Gujarat, Puducherry and Lakshadweep were released earlier, while those for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa and Andaman and Nicobar were released on Saturday.Interestingly, the magnitude of the net voter decline at the end of the SIR varied from a steep 16.9% decline in Andaman and Nicobar and 13.4% in Gujarat to just 0.3% in Lakshadweep and 3.2% in Kerala. While four of the nine states/Union Territories had a net deletion rate higher than the overall average of 7.9%, the opposite was true for five States/Union Territories.Three states – West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – are yet to announce the final electoral lists as part of the second phase of the SIR. While Tamil Nadu’s list will be announced on February 23, West Bengal’s schedule is February 28 and Uttar Pradesh’s schedule is April 10.Among the six states where the SIR ended, Gujarat had the highest net decline in voters since the start of the SIR, about 6.8 million people, or 13.4%. The number of voters in Chhattisgarh decreased by 11.8% and in Goa by 10.7%. The remaining three states saw slight declines: Kerala’s final voter turnout fell by 3.2%, Madhya Pradesh by 5.9% and Rajasthan by 5.7%.Among the Union Territories, only the Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw a net decline of 16.9% in the number of voters. Puducherry has 7.6% fewer voters than on October 27, 2025; Lakshadweep has a decline of just over 0.3%.While the first phase of the SIR completed last year was unique to Bihar, Assam has only undergone a special summary revision. Another 22 states and union territories are yet to conduct SIR. The EC recently said it may start the next phase of the SIR in April.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor receives unexpected support in Epstein battle; ‘Not a crime’

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor receives unexpected support in Epstein battle; ‘Not a crime’

Amid renewed scrutiny surrounding former prince Andrew Mountbatten-WindsorGhislaine Maxwell’s brother has come out to publicly defend him, saying that while some of his behavior may have been “vulgar,” there is no evidence of sexual misconduct.

Ian Maxwell publicly supports Andrew following his arrest (AFP and IMDb)
Ian Maxwell publicly supports Andrew following his arrest (AFP and IMDb)

Maxwell’s brother defends Andrew

According to an interview with Ian Maxwell in The Daily Telegraph, Ghislaine MaxwellThe incident happened on Thursday, the same day Andrew was arrested.

Andrew has long been linked to Maxwell and her late partner Jeffrey Epstein. Because of this connection, his arrest quickly attracted attention.

Ian Maxwell said in the interview that he believed Andrew faced a tougher time than his sister. While he and other family members continue to support Ghislaine, he said the royal family has largely distanced itself from Andrew.

He told The Telegraph: “Look, he’s a single man and the things he did or didn’t do to different women were despicable and a humiliation for him and an embarrassment to the royal family.”

Maxwell also stressed that Andrew had not been arrested for any alleged sexual misconduct. Instead, he is accused of official misconduct while serving as Britain’s international trade envoy, when he allegedly shared confidential reports with Jeffrey Epstein.

Also read: Andrew’s arrest could cause problems for King Charles, with royal insiders calling it ‘wake-up call’

Andrew arrested and loses title over links to Epstein

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday over his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011. He is accused of sending Epstein reports from an official visit to Vietnam and Singapore in 2010. Under the Official Secrets Act, such information must remain confidential even after leaving office. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Last year, Andrew lost his royal title and honor of “prince” and was removed from the royal family. royal Rocky for his ties to Epstein

Delhi Declaration: 86 countries support India’s “Artificial Intelligence for All” plan; Pakistan and chip giant Taiwan are not among the list of signatories India News

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Delhi Declaration: 86 countries support India’s “Artificial Intelligence for All” plan; Pakistan and chip giant Taiwan are not among the list of signatories India News

Delhi Declaration: 86 countries support India’s “artificial intelligence for all” plan; Pakistan and chip giant Taiwan are not on the list of signatories

New Delhi: this Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration, marking the success of India and other countries in the global South in promoting artificial intelligence as a global shared benefit rather than the exclusive technical advantage of the rich and developed countries.The declaration, endorsed by 86 countries and two organizations, sets out a shared global vision for what it calls “collaborative, trustworthy, resilient and efficient” artificial intelligence, the potential of which can be realized “only if humanity shares in its benefits”, warning that “the choices we make today will shape the AI ​​world that future generations will inherit”.Signatories range from AI powerhouses the United States and China to other technology leaders such as the Netherlands, South Korea and the European Union.Notably, Pakistan does not appear on the list.Leading semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan appears to have been excluded due to China’s sensitivities, which have blocked Taiwan’s presence in international forums.Rooted in the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (welfare and happiness for all), a theme elaborated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his inaugural speech on Thursday, the declaration puts fairness and access at the center of AI governance and commits participants to “promote a common understanding on how to make AI work for humanity, while respecting national sovereignty.”For many developing countries, this focus addresses long-standing concerns that technical rules are being developed without their participation.The manifesto is organized around seven action pillars (or chakras) covering democratizing AI resources; economic growth and social good; safe and trustworthy AI; scientific AI; gaining social empowerment; human capital development; and resilient, efficient and innovative AI systems. Together they work to translate broad principles into coordinated global action.

Human capital development is critical to realizing the potential of artificial intelligence

Several voluntary commitments were announced to support this effort. These include the Global AI Impact Commons, described as “a practical platform to encourage and enable the adoption, replication and scale-up of successful AI use cases across geographies”.The idea is for countries to share proven applications in areas such as public services, development and governance, reducing duplication and accelerating impact. Trust and security form another core chain, and the declaration emphasizes that “advancing safe, trustworthy and powerful artificial intelligence is the basis for building trust and maximizing social and economic benefits.” To support this, it noted the Trusted AI Commons – a voluntary repository of tools, benchmarks and best practices designed to help governments and developers build trustworthy AI systems in different legal, cultural contexts. With concerns about the democratization of AI being one of the driving factors of the declaration, it is predictable that it emphasizes that “removing structural barriers to and increasing the availability of AI research infrastructure can promote the use of AI in scientific research and development in various countries.” The international network of AI-enabled science institutions is expected to connect researchers around the world and accelerate AI-driven discoveries. Human capital development is considered critical to realizing the potential of artificial intelligence. The declaration emphasizes that “realizing the full promise of AI requires equipping individuals with relevant skills,” and supports this with voluntary reskilling guiding principles and a workforce development playbook.

Who is Scott McEary? Quakertown police chief faces resignation call after photo of student being choked goes viral

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Who is Scott McEary? Quakertown police chief faces resignation call after photo of student being choked goes viral

Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree is facing calls to resign over the way he and his department handled student protests. ice recent. Bucks County District Attorney’s Office pennsylvania It was announced on February 21 that an investigation into the matter was under way.

Scott McElree is the chief of police for the Quakertown Police Department. (Linkedin/Scott McElree, x/@allenanalysis)
Scott McElree is the chief of police for the Quakertown Police Department. (Linkedin/Scott McElree, x/@allenanalysis)

Earlier, Upper Bucks County students clashed with police. During the protest, a plainclothes man was seen charging into the crowd. This was none other than Police Chief McEary. He allegedly placed a teenage girl in asphyxia It has also gone viral.

“During an anti-ICE protest, Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Police Chief Scott McElree was caught on video, in plainclothes and not in uniform, choking a teenage girl. Her ‘crime’? Exercising free speech. Local reporters identified him through photos, videos, and witnesses. He declined to comment. This is an abuse of power. Stop it completely,” the person who shared the photo wrote.

ALSO READ | Zachariah Meyers: Peterstown student faces more than 300 charges in ‘sextortion’ scheme with minors; 5 things to know

Others at the scene described the confrontation to local outlet WHYY. “From what we saw, the students were on the sidewalk. From our perspective, a man in a brown jacket rushed toward a group of students, grabbed one of them, and then the students began beating the man in the brown jacket,” they explainrequesting anonymity.

Witnesses said the man kept the woman in a chokehold and eventually spoke to police at the scene before driving off in an unmarked white car with flashing lights. The man in the brown jacket has now been identified as McEary. He has yet to comment on the matter.

Who is Scott McEary?

McElree is the Borough Manager/Police Chief of Quakertown LinkedIn profile. He served as a Detective Sergeant with the Whitemarsh Township Police Department for over 29 years from 1975 to 2004.

His education details list Liberty University, Andrew Jackson University, Pennsylvania State University, and FBI National Academy. He also holds a Certified Borough Officer (CBO) license from the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs (PSAB).

An old Reading Eagle report from 2007 raised questions about McEary’s roles as police chief and district manager. “I’ll plow the snow if I need to,” he said Replied then.

Now, McErry faces calls to resign. A petition has been started calling for him to step down. “Our law enforcement leaders must be held to the highest standards of conduct, which is critical to the safety and security of our communities. Police chiefs must be a symbol of integrity, fairness and justice — qualities that have been called into question by recent actions,” the Change.org petition states.

“As a community, we must demand accountability,” it further added.

‘Forced to live in India…’: MAGA commentator weighs in on H-1B worker visa setback

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‘Forced to live in India…’: MAGA commentator weighs in on H-1B worker visa setback

'Forced to live in India...': MAGA commentator weighs in on H-1B worker visa setback

The debate over the H1B visa setback took a turn after a MAGA commentator made sweeping comments about India and Indian workers in the United States.US lawyer and conservative commentator Andrew Branca sparked outrage after commenting on the plight of an Indian professional in the US employment-based immigration system. “No one fears being forced to live in India as much as Indians,” Blanca said of immigration pressures.The altercation took place over a post on the Reddit r/H1-B forum, in which a worker described the difficulties he encountered after his employer’s green card sponsorship process stalled. The man said that he moved to the United States on an H1B visa in 2020 and worked as an Oracle and SAP manager in the Bay Area. His company began the PERM labor certification process but failed the labor market test due to an overflow of U.S. applicants.“H1B to PERM problem, LMT failed, too many applicants. What to do next?” the post read. He added that he was nervous because permanent residency was central to his long-term plans and asked whether he should restart the process, change employers or prepare to leave at the end of his visa period.Branca has frequently criticized the H1B system and has responded with other attacks on Indian immigrants. In a video posted on He wrote that even though the Indians paid $100,000 in taxes, he still supported the deportation, saying their presence harmed American culture.He also linked reports of fake degree seizures to claims that Indians are abusing academic credentials to obtain visas, describing them as “low IQ, low trust, high fraud” and claiming their goal is to “make America more Indian.”

Kehlani Rogers: Where’s the three-year-old? Amber Alert issued after child disappears from Arizona home in Nancy Guthrie case

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Kehlani Rogers: Where’s the three-year-old? Amber Alert issued after child disappears from Arizona home in Nancy Guthrie case

Three-year-old Kehlani Rogers was allegedly kidnapped from her Avondale home. ArizonaFriday night, and an Amber Alert was issued. When everyone is watching this Tucson82 of whom Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home. The FBI is working with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to track down the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.

Kehlani Rogers was last seen on February 20. (X/@901Lulu)
Kehlani Rogers was last seen on February 20. (X/@901Lulu)

What you need to know about the Kehlani Rogers case

Keilani Marie Rogers was last seen at her home near 118th Avenue and Edgemont Street, just south of Thomas Road, according to the Avondale Police Department.

In a follow-up update, they said she was last seen “on February 20 at approximately 1:30 p.m. near Avondale Avenue and Thomas Road.”

ALSO READ | Is the Nancy Guthrie case connected to Walmart? Former FBI agent says Savannah’s books mentioning “kidnapping game” are also being sold there

Authorities described her as three feet tall with brown eyes and hair. She was reportedly last seen wearing pink pajamas and her hair in pigtails. Rogers is believed to have been last seen with a woman named “Merena” – described as a short, thin white woman with brown hair in a ponytail. She reportedly had hazel eyes and was wearing a white shirt and pink or purple pants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Avondale Police Department at (623) 333-7000.

Reaction to Amber Alert

Several people shared news of Rogers’ disappearance and posted on X. “Have you met Kehlani Rogers?” someone asked. Another asked “Where is Kehlani Rogers?”

Someone else commented: “Omg so sad, pray this little girl is found soon.” Rogers is currently missing and authorities are asking for help locating the child.

Someone immediately brought up the Guthrie case. “Did Nancy get a Silver Alert?” one person asked, while another commented “What’s going on with Arizona being a place to retire?” However, aside from the kidnapping, there’s nothing to suggest the two cases are related.

Latest updates on Nancy Guthrie case

News of Rogers’ kidnapping comes at a time when the Guthrie case has attracted a lot of attention. Authorities believe she was taken from her home near Tucson, Arizona, and her family reported her missing on February 1.

While authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, the FBI has released a description based on doorbell video footage from Guthrie’s home, in which a man wearing a ski mask is seen. According to authorities, they are looking for a man who is approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and of average build.

Avalanche kills 6 outdoor moms

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Avalanche kills 6 outdoor moms

Avalanche kills 6 outdoor moms

The family of six friends and their mother killed in an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada this week identified the victims Thursday and said they were “devastated.”The victims include Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt, their families said in a statement. The women, mostly raising families in the Bay Area and traveling regularly to the Tahoe area, are close-knit.“They were mothers, wives and friends, all connected by their love of the outdoors,” the family said. “They are passionate, skilled skiers who cherish the time they spend together in the mountains.” The women’s two-night guided trip to Frog Lake, a remote cabin outside Truckee, Calif., was planned in advance, the statement said. They were experienced skiers “equipped with full avalanche safety equipment.” Family members said they still have many questions that remain unanswered. Sekar, 45, lives in San Francisco, and her sister Clabaugh, 52, lives in Boise, Idaho. Sekar’s husband, Kiren Sekar, 46, provided a separate statement to The New York Times, recalling his wife as “authentic, unapologetic and unvarnished” and a woman who spread joy and enthusiasm to her circle of friends, her children’s school and her community. He said he and his wife have been together for more than 20 years, and she has raised two children who enjoy hiking, biking and skiing in the mountains.“Caroline spent her last few days doing her favorite things in her favorite place with the people who loved her most,” Seka wrote.In addition to the sisters and Atkin, the other avalanche victims were from Marin County, California, north of San Francisco.The avalanche was the deadliest in modern California history and one of the deadliest in the United States.Eight women were on the friends’ ski trip, family members said, suggesting two survived. Three of the four guides were killed in the avalanche, according to their employer, Blackbird Mountain Guides. Many of the mothers were contacted through Sugar Bowl Academy, a private ski school that said Wednesday that multiple victims were connected to its community in Norden, Calif., a few miles from where the avalanche occurred.Marin County is an affluent, family-oriented town, and children’s sports and ski vacations in the Tahoe area have become a regular part of the local culture.According to officials in Nevada County, which includes the area where the avalanche occurred, rescuers have not yet been able to free eight victims on the mountain because of the storm. A ninth person is still missing.

Javonte Williams contract details: Dallas Cowboys make big move for star RB; depth chart updated

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Javonte Williams contract details: Dallas Cowboys make big move for star RB; depth chart updated

The Dallas Cowboys have made a big move for star running back Javonte Williams. On Saturday, it was revealed that Jerry Jones and Co. have agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal to retain the 25-year-old. Williams had a strong first season in Dallas, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 35 receptions for 137 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after a touchdown (Photo: Reuters Connect)
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after a touchdown (Photo: Reuters Connect)

Williams is also guaranteed $16 million, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

“Sources say the #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to a 3-year deal worth $24M. Dallas retains a big-name player. He’s making $8M per year following a breakout season for @KlutchSports’ @AgentNicoleLynn,” Rapoport wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

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UP court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand in sexual exploitation case, seer responds | India News

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UP court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand in sexual exploitation case, seer responds | India News

UP court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand in sexual exploitation case, seer responds
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: A special POCSO court in Prayagraj on Saturday directed the police to register an FIR on charges of sexual exploitation against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri.ADJ (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia ordered registration of an FIR and a detailed investigation into the matter. The case will be registered at the Zhunxi Police Station in accordance with the court’s instructions. According to news agency ANI, Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj filed an application under Section 173(4) seeking strict action. The Prophet responded to the court order by saying: “Yes, it is appropriate. Only after the case is filed can the subsequent investigation and evidence collection process be completed. Only then will the truth about the false cases against us come to light and those responsible be punished. Therefore, this is necessary. All we can say is that the court should speed up the trial and not take too much time because a lot of people are paying attention to this matter. Testimonies should be recorded and a decision made as soon as possible. Wrong is always wrong, and false cases that have been filed will eventually be proven to be false. “The move comes in the backdrop of controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Last month, the seer claimed that he was barred from performing ritual baths in the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, leading him to stage an 11-day sit-in protest. “No official asked me to take a bath when I was sitting there for 11 days. It is too late now. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a bath respectfully,” he told reporters in Varanasi.“The seer also urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and name the cow “Rajya Mata”, saying it was a manifestation of the government’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathizer”.The controversy dates back to January 18, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand was traveling to Sangam in a palanquin for Mauni Amavasya and officials asked him to get off the vehicle and walk on foot due to crowds. Mehra’s government claimed that his supporters broke through barricades on the pontoon, causing problems with crowd management.Following the incident, the prophet protested outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a dignified escort for ritual ablution. The government also issued a notification challenging his use of the title Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal pending in the Supreme Court.The row sparked political and administrative reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of the Uttar Pradesh GST department, resigned citing ethical reasons, as did Bareilly Municipal Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, highlighting concerns over alleged insult to the Prophet. The Congress party announced a campaign against the insult, demanding that Somotu be recognized by the governor.

Republicans slam Indiana University for using H-1B visas to fill digital marketing jobs: ‘Are zero Americans qualified for this job?’

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Republicans slam Indiana University for using H-1B visas to fill digital marketing jobs: ‘Are zero Americans qualified for this job?’

Republicans slam Indiana University for using H-1B visas to fill digital marketing jobs: 'Are zero Americans qualified for this job?'

Indiana Republicans criticize Indiana University for using H-1B visa Hiring for digital marketing positions questions why taxpayer-funded agencies can’t find qualified U.S. candidates.Andrew Ireland writes on X: “Taxpayer-funded Indiana University is using H-1B visas to fill digital marketing positions in Indianapolis.”He added, “Does anyone really believe that zero Americans are qualified for this job? This university has graduated thousands of marketing students. America’s jobs are for Americans.”According to recruitment documents, the position will begin on March 3, 2026, and run until the end of February 2029.Ireland has repeatedly expressed concerns about the use of the H-1B visa program by the state’s universities. In another article, he criticized Purdue University for hiring a foreign software engineer on an H-1B visa at an annual salary of $149,000. “Does anyone believe that not a single qualified American can do this job for $149,000 per year? The same schools have graduated tens of thousands of computer science students,” he wrote. “This has to stop.”He also objected to Purdue University Northwest’s H-1B petition for an assistant professor of marketing making $127,500 a year, asking: “Does anyone really believe that there are no Americans in the Chicago area who can teach marketing at a salary of $127,500 a year? The same university even has a PhD program for marketing students.”In fiscal year 2024, 399,395 H-1B applications were approved nationwide, an increase of 3% from the previous year, of which educational institutions accounted for 5.6%.The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers. The MAGA base believes it undermines the status of domestic graduates and takes away American jobs, while supporters including Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say it helps attract top global talent.

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