Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is grappling with a severe water crisis, with residents of Gilgit city struggling to access even basic drinking water. Prolonged power outages have disrupted water supply systems, according to a Facebook post by WTV. The shortage has sparked protests, particularly led by women, who accuse authorities of administrative negligence and poor governance. For several days, taps in multiple neighborhoods have run dry. The crisis is largely due to limited electricity, which has halted the water pumping system, preventing citywide distribution and forcing residents to seek alternative sources.
Political leader Amjad Hussain Azar, who visited protest sites, explained that water scarcity typically worsens in February and March, when demand rises while supply drops. He noted that electricity shortages during this period severely impact water distribution, leaving the city struggling.
Protests have been reported in areas such as the Bazaar locality and Jutial. Azar highlighted that women are particularly affected, as household chores become increasingly difficult without a steady water supply. Officials were reportedly aware that Gilgit’s main water pump needed a dedicated power line to operate efficiently. The Gilgit Development Authority had formally requested the Water and Power Department to install the line, but despite assurances, the infrastructure was never provided, as cited in the WTV post.
During his visit, Azar contacted representatives from the electricity and water departments and administrative officials to assess the situation. It was found that the pump near the Tablighi Centre could not function properly due to the lack of a dedicated power line. With electricity available for barely an hour, supplying water to the entire city became impossible, prolonging the shortage and validating protesters’ grievances.
Residents say the water crisis reflects wider systemic mismanagement in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan. Beyond water scarcity, the region also suffers from frequent power outages, weak infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and healthcare facilities lacking doctors and essential medicines, according to the WTV post.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of Red Notice fugitive Anil Kumar Reddy Yeddula from the UAE through INTERPOL channels. Yeddula is wanted by the Andhra Pradesh police in multiple cases involving cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal intimidation.
The CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, brought Yeddula back to India on Thursday. He was escorted by Dubai Police and arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, where he was handed over to the Andhra Pradesh police.
The Red Notice for Yeddula was issued by INTERPOL on September 5, 2022, following a request from the Andhra Pradesh police. After his arrest by UAE authorities, a decision was made to extradite him to India. Over the past few years, more than 130 wanted criminals have been repatriated to India through INTERPOL coordination. Red Notices issued by INTERPOL are circulated globally to help track fugitives. As India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, the CBI coordinates with law enforcement agencies across the country via BHARATPOL, providing assistance through INTERPOL channels.
Earlier, on February 11, the CBI, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and MHA, successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Sombir Motta from the United States. Motta, wanted by Haryana Police for murder and firearms-related offences, was deported on February 10, 2026, and taken into custody by Haryana police.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CBI.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series at its Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. The latest models in the flagship S-series bring several new features, including a Privacy Display, an AI-powered Samsung Browser, and Now Nudge, an assistant inspired by Google Pixel’s Magic Cue. On the hardware side, the series features a redesigned camera module, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra standing out as the thinnest Ultra variant Samsung has ever produced.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display that ensures only the user can see what’s on the screen. This feature protects sensitive information by hiding content from others, and users can choose specific apps or notifications to conceal. Another addition, Now Nudge, is an AI-powered assistant designed to support users subtly during conversations. It can surface relevant content, such as shared photos or calendar events, based on the context of a chat, allowing users to access and share information instantly without leaving the app.
Samsung has also revamped its Internet browser, adding an “Ask AI” feature powered by Perplexity. This tool allows users to ask questions in a conversational manner and gather information from multiple open tabs, compiling it into a single AI-generated summary. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also becomes the first Samsung phone to support APV (Advanced Professional Video), a pro-grade video codec that enables efficient compression while maintaining near-lossless quality, making it ideal for content creators.
Bixby has been upgraded with enhanced AI capabilities, enabling users to navigate settings and features using natural language commands, similar to Microsoft Copilot for Windows. The series also integrates multiple AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, allowing users to perform complex, multi-step tasks with a single voice command or button press. For example, booking a taxi can be done simply by asking, reviewing details, and confirming.
On the security front, the Galaxy S26 series introduces AI-powered call screening, which identifies unknown numbers and summarizes the caller’s intent. Privacy Alerts notify users when apps with device admin rights attempt to access sensitive data such as location, call logs, or contacts. Samsung has also enhanced its Photo Assist feature, allowing users to edit images through text prompts. The AI can transform a daytime photo into night, reconstruct missing elements, fix small details, or even modify clothing, with edits applied step by step and easily reviewed or undone for a more flexible experience.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday paid tribute to Veer Savarkar, calling him an “unparalleled warrior” and acknowledging his immense contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Speaking at the inauguration of Border Out Posts ‘Leti’ and ‘Indarwa’ and the e-unveiling and foundation-laying of various Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) projects, Shah said Savarkar’s writings had inspired a wave of patriotism across the nation.
“Today is the death anniversary of revolutionary Veer Savarkar. He was not only a fearless warrior but also a patriot whose pen wielded immense power. Through his literature, he ignited patriotism across the country and remained committed to fundamental principles,” Shah said. He also highlighted Savarkar’s efforts in eradicating untouchability, promoting linguistic purity, and advocating for pure nationalism, noting that he worked tirelessly on these causes until his death. “On behalf of the nation, I pay heartfelt tribute to our great freedom fighter,” he added.
Shah also underscored the importance of vigilance along India’s borders, even with friendly neighboring countries. He urged the Armed Border Force to maintain strong intelligence networks, stay alert, and communicate closely with soldiers and officers in border villages to ensure accurate information and effective national security.
Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating all infiltrators from Indian territory. “Freedom from infiltrators is not just about removing names from voter lists. The Modi government is determined to remove every infiltrator from Indian soil, and this initiative will soon begin across the Seemanchal region,” he said.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday called India “an essential part of a great future for the Middle East” during a meeting with PM Modi on his two-day state visit. He highlighted India-Israel cooperation, praised India’s economic growth, and emphasized collaboration between universities, including student exchanges. Herzog said closer ties could reshape the geostrategic landscape, benefiting the Global South. The leaders also planted a sapling, and PM Modi earlier paid respects at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Youtube@NarendraModi.
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address showcased America’s economic successes and ambitious promises, projecting a confident vision for the nation’s future. But how accurate are these claims, and what issues still linger? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyze the main themes and their potential implications for the country’s future, with insights from Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump increased the US global import tariff to 15%, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated much of his previous tariff program. Trump described the new 15% rate as “fully allowed and legally tested,” replacing the earlier 10% plan, and said it would be temporary under current trade law for 150 days. Questions remain about how enforceable this measure is and what will happen once the 150-day period ends. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications with Angela Mancini, Partner and Head of the Global Risk Analysis Practice for Asia Pacific at Control Risks.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
