Decision taken after national review

NEW DELHI: Two medicines used widely – antibiotic doxycycline and thyroid drug carbimazole – will soon carry stronger safety warnings, following a national review of adverse drug reaction reports.After examining patient-level safety data, regulators have flagged possible mental health symptoms linked to doxycycline and a rare but potentially life-threatening blood disorder associated with carbimazole. In separate communications issued this month, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) directed all State and Union territory licensing authorities to ensure manufacturers update prescribing information and package inserts for both medicines and report compliance.For doxycycline – commonly prescribed for respiratory infections, acne, sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infection and numerous vector-borne diseases – the authorities have asked that specific central nervous system side effects be explicitly mentioned. These include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, nervousness and dizziness.The decision follows an assessment by Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, which reviewed adverse reaction reports and individual case safety data. The issue was examined at a Signal Review Panel meeting in March 2025 and later discussed by Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs in Jan 2026, which endorsed updating the official prescribing documents.While gastrointestinal discomfort and photosensitivity were already known side effects of doxycycline, the latest directive formally adds neuropsychiatric symptoms to the safety profile. Regulators have directed manufacturers of carbimazole – prescribed for hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease – to prominently warn about agranulocytosis, a rare but serious condition marked by a sharp fall in white blood cells.Agranulocytosis can leave patients vulnerable to severe infections. Early warning signs include fever, sore throat and unexplained infections. The recommendation emerged from the 26th Signal Review Panel meeting and was subsequently reviewed by SEC on endocrinology and metabolism before being approved for inclusion in prescribing information leaflet.Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital, Saket, said the move reflects a maturing safety system. “CDSCO’s decision on for doxycycline and carbimazole reflects a proactive and responsible pharmacovigilance system. While the medicines remain safe and effective when used appropriately, clearer warnings help both doctors and patients recognise rare but important side effects early. In the case of carbimazole, prompt attention to symptoms like fever or sore throat can be life-saving. Such regulatory steps strengthen patient safety without creating unnecessary alarm,” he said.For patients, the updated leaflets mean clearer information on risks. For clinicians, the advisory reinforces the need to counsel patients on warning symptoms and monitor use appropriately.

Govt sources said the robotic dog, presented by the university as “Orion”, was identified as the Unitree Go2 — a commercially available quadruped robot made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree, priced in India around Rs 2-3 lakh.

NEW DELHI: It was supposed to be its date with fame on a global stage, but turned out to be a moment of embarrassment for the Greater Noida-based Galgotias University, which also left organisers of the India AI Impact Summit red-faced.The private institution was asked to pack its bags and leave the summit’s expo zone at Bharat Mandapam after a robotic dog it tom-tommed as an in-house innovation turned out to be a made-in-China project available online.

MeitY secretary S Krishnan said the organisers took a firm view as they did not want any controversy around exhibits showcased at the Impact Expo. “We want genuine exhibits. We don’t want a controversy over exhibits in the expo or to encourage plagiarism. The issue is about misleading and the claim to have made something which they have not,” Krishnan said.

Galgotias sorry for ‘confusion’, blames it on ‘ill-informed’ rep

The action taken, Krishnan added, is also to ensure that “such exhibits don’t overshadow other genuine and excellent works showcased in the exhibition”.Govt sources said the robotic dog, presented by the university as “Orion”, was identified as the Unitree Go2 — a commercially available quadruped robot made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree, priced in India around Rs 2-3 lakh. As scrutiny intensified, the university was asked to vacate its stall at the expo.The controversy was triggered after a faculty member, Neha Singh of the university, told DD News, “We are the first private university investing more than Rs 350 crore in artificial intelligence… So, Orion has been developed by the Centers of Excellence and as you can see, it can take all shapes and sizes.” She added that the robot was “quite naughty” and could perform surveillance and monitoring tasks.As criticism mounted online, Galgotias issued a series of statements that appeared to walk back the claims. In its first clarification, the university said it had not built the robodog and stressed student learning through exposure to global technologies. In a later post, it alleged a “propaganda campaign” against the institution.Singh later said the row stemmed from unclear communication, adding, “We cannot claim that we manufactured it.”In its final statement, the university apologised “profusely for the confusion”, blamed an “ill-informed” representative for giving “factually incorrect information”, denied any institutional intent to misrepresent the innovation and said it had vacated the premises in line with the organisers’ sentiments.The episode drew sharp reactions on social media, with some of the netizens questioning credibility of participants and quality of vetting at a summit meant to spotlight Indian innovation.

The world of Pakistan cricket has been plunged into a state of disbelief following a series of explosive allegations made by Sannia Ashfaq, the former wife of star all-rounder Imad Wasim. In a series of harrowing social media disclosures, Ashfaq has levelled grave accusations against the cricketer, ranging from emotional abandonment to what she describes as a “murderous” act regarding a forced medical procedure. The controversy has quickly transcended the sports pages, sparking a national conversation about accountability, the private lives of public icons, and the protection of women’s rights within high-profile marriages.

Sannia Ashfaq urges to Mohsin Naqvi and Shehbaz Sharif over allegations against Imad Wasim

Breaking her silence months after their December 2025 divorce, Ashfaq released a deeply personal video statement that has since gone viral. The core of her grievance centres on a traumatic event in December 2023. Ashfaq alleges that she was coerced into undergoing a forced abortion, an experience she describes as a source of profound physical and emotional scarring. According to Ashfaq, the procedure was not her choice, and the subsequent lack of support from her then-husband exacerbated an already devastating situation.

“I am recording this video with immense courage because I want the truth for my children and justice for the life that was lost,” Ashfaq stated. She claims to possess documented evidence of these events and has publicly appealed to the highest offices in the country.

Ashfaq specifically called upon the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice of her plight. She is demanding a formal investigation into the matter, insisting that her pursuit is for “respect and accountability” rather than personal revenge. Furthermore, she urged the Islamabad United franchise to review the conduct of their player, emphasizing that no woman should have to endure such silenced agony.

Also READ: Pakistan all-rounder hits back at Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf over remarks on team’s T20 World Cup 2026 performance

“He is a murderer…”: Ashfaq’s allegations and WhatsApp revelations against Imad

The controversy took an even darker turn when Ashfaq shared a third post late Wednesday, explicitly labeling the cricketer a “murderer” in relation to the lost pregnancy. To ground her claims, she released screenshots of purported WhatsApp conversations. These messages allegedly show a stark lack of empathy from Wasim during her pregnancy. Ashfaq claims that while she was carrying his child and seeking emotional support, she was met with legal threats instead of comfort.

The screenshots suggest that when she reached out to Wasim to share the vulnerability of her pregnancy, he allegedly threatened to file a harassment case against her if she continued to contact him. “I simply asked him to see his unborn son… and instead, he threatened me,” she wrote.

Ashfaq’s narrative paints a picture of a systematic “negative campaign” run against her on social media to silence her voice. By coming forward now, she maintains that her primary motivation is the future of her children and ensuring that the “truth” behind the dissolution of her marriage and the loss of her unborn child is acknowledged by the public and the authorities alike.

Also READ: Explained: Which teams will Pakistan face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid vs New Orleans Pelicans (Image via Getty)

Joel Embiid will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Atlanta Hawks on February 19, 2026. The team has ruled him out as he continues to deal with a right knee issue along with soreness in his right shin that worsened during the All-Star break.This is a setback for Philadelphia as it tries to stay in the playoff race. Without Embiid, the team loses its main presence inside on both ends of the floor. That puts more pressure on the guards and wings to handle scoring and playmaking against an Atlanta team that plays at a fast pace.

Joel Embiid’s injury status vs Atlanta Hawks and recent games missed (February 19, 2026)

Joel Embiid felt discomfort in his shin while going through his knee management routine during the break. The issue required daily treatment and further checks, which led to the decision to keep him out of this game.He had already missed the final two games before the break. This adds to his limited availability this season. He has played 31 games so far, averaging 26.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. The team plans to evaluate him again before upcoming road games against New Orleans and Minnesota.

Philadelphia 76ers injury report and expected rotation (February 19, 2026)

Paul George is also unavailable. He is serving a suspension through March 25 after violating the league’s anti-drug policy. Before that, he was averaging 16 points and 5.1 rebounds.The rest of the roster is mostly available. Tyrese Maxey is expected to lead the offense. Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, and Kyle Lowry will handle backcourt and wing minutes. Andre Drummond is likely to take on a larger role in the paint. Younger players such as VJ Edgecombe, Adem Bona, and Johni Broome could also see time.

Hawks injury report and available players

Atlanta has a few minor issues in the frontcourt. Jonathan Kuminga is listed as questionable with a left knee bone bruise. N’Faly Dante is out with a knee injury.Most of the main rotation is available. Jalen Johnson has been productive with averages of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker add scoring support.

What this means for the game

Without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia loses its main rim protector and post scorer. That could be a problem against a team like Atlanta that scores often in transition. The Hawks average 18 fast-break points per game, one of the highest marks in the league.Maxey has been playing well and is averaging 28.9 points in recent games, but the overall balance of the team changes without Embiid. Philadelphia 76ers scored 116.2 points per game, while Atlanta allows 118.6, so the game could come down to shot-making and pace.Also read: Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 19, 2026)Both teams are near the bottom of the standings and dealing with absences. Atlanta comes in with some momentum after ending a losing streak, while Philadelphia will need to adjust again without its best player.

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V Umashankar (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Mere awareness drives or campaigns will not be enough to reduce violations of road traffic rules and road crashes; rather, the “certainty of enforcement” will have a greater deterrent impact, Union road transport secretary V Umashankar said on Thursday while sharing details of the recently notified e-challan rules. Speaking at the release of the New Delhi Road Safety Declaration at the National Road Safety Confluence held at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Umashankar questioned whether a juvenile (referring to a recent case in Delhi) did not know that he was underage and should not have been driving a car, or whether the vehicle owner who modified a tourist bus — resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people in a fire — did not know that such modifications were illegal. “Forty-five percent of fatalities involve two-wheelers or people riding two-wheelers. We find that most of these deaths occurred because the rider was not wearing a helmet. Does he not know that wearing a helmet is good for him?” he observed. Umashankar said, “Awareness is not enough — what we need is organised, district-level action, backed by certainty of enforcement and supported by strong institutions. When compliance becomes a habit and accountability becomes certain, road safety will move from intention to impact.” Mats-Ake Belin, global lead for the Decade of Action for Road Safety at the World Health Organization, said that road safety is now firmly on the global agenda, with strong political and media attention. “Our responsibility is to move beyond awareness and ensure consistent, evidence-based implementation so that no country is left behind in preventing road traffic deaths,” he added. The New Delhi Road Safety Declaration, aligned with the WHO Decade of Action for Road Safety, states that India records the highest number of road fatalities globally, with vulnerable road users — such as pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheeler riders, gig workers, and rural communities — being the most affected. Despite several initiatives, the absence of coordinated, institution-led action has limited national impact. “The declaration addresses this gap by adopting a Safe System approach, placing human life at the centre of all mobility decisions,” it said. The declaration, spearheaded by the Bharat Association of Road Safety Volunteers (BARS), an organisation comprising members from diverse fields, has set five pillars of action: strengthening road safety management through leadership at all levels; promoting open crash data, annual public reviews, dedicated funding, and enhanced enforcement; ensuring safer vehicles and fleets; promoting safer road users and improved post-crash response; and creating a safer driving environment.Participants included representatives from ministries, WHO and other multilateral agencies, civil society, academia, industry bodies, OEMs, technology innovators, and youth groups.

NAGPUR: Exactly a year after his arrest in Mali, a 42-year-old engineer from Nagpur, Nitin Gulhane, continues to languish in prison, despite securing bail 5 months ago as the Noida firm which deputed him to the West African nation is yet to pay the 3.25cr bail bond.A project manager with Noida-based Aar Ess Exim Pvt Ltd (AEEPL), Gulhane was arrested in Bamako on February 25, last year, just four days after returning to Mali to resume work. He had taken a work break as the project was halted due to rains.

According to his wife, Priyanka Gulhane, and his brother-in-law, Gaurav Choudhari, the arrest stemmed from a financial dispute between the Noida company and its African partner, Energie du Mali, over the validity of bank guarantees linked to hydropower and rural electrification projects. The family raised the matter with the ministry of external affairs and is currently camping in Delhi.Gulhane oversaw electrification of 22 villages in Djenne on behalf of the firm. Priyanka said tendering for the project was done much before he took the Mali assignment in November 2022. “My husband was neither involved nor had the decision-making authority in financial matters. His role was limited to execution of the project in line with specifications, timelines and budgets,” she said.He was taken into custody with AEEPL director Rajesh Ramachandran after a meeting convened by the Malian entity. On August 15, 2025, Gulhane was granted bail on a bond of roughly 3.25 crore — but the amount was not deposited. Ramachandran did not receive bail.Gaurav said she approached the company’s office in Noida, officials at South Block, the Indian Mission in Mali, and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, citing their shared Nagpur connection. “I made repeated requests to the AEEPL management, but no effort was made by the employer to facilitate this bail,” she said.His wife expressed concern over her husband’s health, stating, “My husband is a heart patient and suffers from diabetes and hypertension. His health deteriorated in prison due to inadequate medical care. Continued detention poses a grave threat to his life.” Priyanka, who lives in Nagpur with their 2 children, said the company paid only half his salary since the arrest and she often had to request funds for his medical treatment in Kenioroba Prison.In September, officials in the ministry’s Central and West Africa division met AEEPL managing director Rajendra Mishra. “Since that meeting, Mishra has been postponing the deadline given by the ministry and giving excuses for not arranging the bail amount. Authorities should extend diplomatic and legal support to my husband,” she said.Mishra, however, told TOI he was busy in a meeting and therefore could not offer his comments. TOI tried calling him again, but he said he would respond on Wednesday. However, he didn’t. Efforts to contact Indian embassy officials in Mali did not bear fruit, as they kept passing the responsibility to other officials.Gulhane’s wife said the entire case arose due to the company’s decisions and technical errors. The court in Mali did not hold her husband responsible and granted him bail. However, despite repeated assurances, the company failed to deposit the bail amount, she said..

Australia’s underwhelming campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has not only ended their title hopes but also ignited serious discussions about the future of some of their biggest stars. Among the names under the spotlight is the explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, whose international career could be nearing its final chapter.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has openly suggested that Maxwell may not feature in the next T20 World Cup cycle, hinting that the veteran’s time in Australian colours could soon draw to a close.

Australia’s group-stage elimination in the T20 World Cup 2026 came as a shock to many, with the team failing to secure a Super 8 berth. The early exit has intensified scrutiny on the side’s senior players, particularly those who have been part of multiple World Cup campaigns.

Ricky Ponting’s candid assessment on Glenn Maxwell’s future

Speaking during the tournament coverage, Ponting did not shy away from sharing his honest view about Maxwell’s future. Ponting’s comments reflects a growing belief that Australia could be preparing for a transitional phase. Maxwell, known for his fearless strokeplay and match-winning brilliance, has been one of Australia’s most dynamic white-ball cricketers over the past decade. However, recent performances have not quite matched the lofty standards he once set.

“Glenn Maxwell, I don’t think will be there. I think it looks to me like his career is coming towards an end,” Ponting remarked.

A lean patch at the wrong time

Maxwell’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign has been modest by his standards. The 37-year-old managed just 62 runs across three matches, with starts that failed to convert into impactful scores. While flashes of his trademark innovation were visible, the finishing touch was missing.

The struggles did not begin at this tournament. Maxwell has not registered a T20 half-century since August 2025. In his last 12 T20 appearances, he has averaged just 15.55 with a strike rate of 113.82 — numbers that fall significantly short of his career benchmarks.

His selection for the World Cup squad was already under debate following a disappointing Big Bash League season, where he scored only 76 runs in eight innings. For a player renowned for turning games single-handedly, such numbers inevitably raised eyebrows.

One last appearance in Kandy?

Australia still have one final group-stage match remaining — a February 20 clash against Oman in Kandy. For Maxwell, the fixture could carry emotional weight. If Ponting’s prediction proves accurate, it may mark his final T20 World Cup appearance — or possibly even his last outing in international cricket.

Maxwell’s journey with Australia has been filled with unforgettable highs, including breathtaking centuries and match-defining cameos. His ability to dismantle bowling attacks in a matter of overs made him one of the most feared batters in the shortest format.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan pays heartfelt tribute to outgoing coach Jonathan Trott