Evening news wrap: Arvind Kejriwal challenges PM Modi to hold fresh Delhi polls; HC gives nod to 'The Kerala Story 2' release; & more

• Arvind Kejriwal challenged PM Narendra Modi to hold fresh Delhi polls, claiming a court found “no evidence” in the alleged liquor scam case.
• Kerala High Court stayed its single-judge order halting the release of The Kerala Story 2, allowing temporary relief to the filmmakers.
• Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghan cities including Kabul and Kandahar, escalating tensions as the Taliban government sought dialogue.
• India’s GDP grew 7.8% in Q3 FY26 under the revised base year series, with manufacturing and services driving momentum.
• BSE Sensex and Nifty50 fell over 1% amid FII selling, weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.

Here are the top news of the day:

Kejriwal dares PM Modi to call fresh Delhi polls after court relief

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold fresh elections in Delhi, saying he would quit politics if the BJP wins more than 10 seats. Citing a court order in the alleged liquor scam case, Kejriwal claimed the 600-page ruling found “not even an iota of evidence” to proceed with trial, and accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of hatching a political conspiracy. Follow live updates

Kerala high court stays order halting release of ‘The Kerala Story 2’

The Kerala high court stayed for two weeks a single judge’s order that had paused the release of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. The earlier ruling had cited concerns over communal disharmony and questioned the CBFC’s scrutiny. A detailed division bench order is awaited. Read full story

Afghanistan seeks dialogue as Pakistan launches airstrikes

Afghanistan’s Taliban government called for dialogue to resolve escalating tensions with Pakistan after Islamabad carried out overnight airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar and other areas, reportedly killing 133 people. Pakistan described the strikes as retaliation for cross-border firing that allegedly killed 55 of its troops. Follow live updates

India’s GDP grows 7.8% in Q3 FY26 under revised base year series

India’s real GDP expanded 7.8% in the October–December quarter of FY 2025-26, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) under the new 2022-23 base year series. Full-year growth is projected at 7.6%, with nominal GDP rising 8.6%. Read full story

Sensex, Nifty slide over 1% amid FII selling and global jitters

Benchmark indices Nifty50 and BSE Sensex tumbled over 1%, marking a second straight day of losses as foreign fund outflows, weak global cues and geopolitical tensions dented sentiment. FIIs offloaded Rs 3,466 crore in equities, while Wall Street weakness—led by a sharp fall in Nvidia—added pressure. Read full story
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