February 9, 2026 - Page 2 of 2

Amit Shah sets March 31 deadline to end naxalism

February 9, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed confidence that Naxalism will be eliminated before the upcoming March 31.

Shah asserted this while chairing a security review meeting on Left-Wing Extremism in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The meeting focused on the prevailing security situation and the progress of development initiatives in the state.

Addressing officials, the home minister said the Centre’s security-driven approach, implemented in coordination with the Chhattisgarh government, has delivered tangible results. He cited improved infrastructure, sustained action against Naxal financial networks, and an effective surrender policy as key factors contributing to the decline in Naxal activity.

The home minister said Chhattisgarh, once regarded as a major hub of Naxal violence, has undergone a marked transformation under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the State is now moving steadily on the path of development, with its youth advancing in areas such as sports, forensic science, and technical education, while continuing to preserve cultural traditions.

Shah said the government remains determined to eliminate Naxalism from the country, according to an official statement.

Emphasising the need for sustained coordination, he said operations against Naxal groups must remain focused and seamless. He called for close cooperation among states and central agencies to ensure that remaining Naxal elements are not able to regroup or shift bases across state borders.

The home minister also noted the progress made by Chhattisgarh on both security and development fronts, stressing that people in previously Naxal-affected areas must receive equal access to development opportunities.

NSA Ajit Doval holds security talks in Canada

February 9, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held high-level meetings in Ottawa during his visit to Canada from February 6 to 7, as part of the ongoing bilateral security dialogue between the two countries.

On February 7, Doval met Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the prime minister of Canada. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across key national security and law enforcement domains, th External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Both sides acknowledged progress made on initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of their countries and citizens. They agreed on a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues, with an emphasis on practical collaboration aligned with mutual priorities.

During the meeting, India and Canada agreed to establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers. The two sides also decided that their respective agencies would further build on existing working relationships.

The move is expected to streamline bilateral communication and enable timely information sharing on issues of common concern, including the illegal flow of drugs – particularly fentanyl precursors – and transnational organized criminal networks.

The discussions also covered cybersecurity cooperation. Both sides are committed to formalising collaboration on cybersecurity policy and enhancing information sharing on cyber-related issues, the statement added.

They further agreed to continue discussions on cooperation in areas such as fraud and immigration enforcement, in line with domestic laws and international obligations.

As part of the visit, Doval also met Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, on February 6.

Davis Cup: India stun World no. 6 Netherlands in qualifier

February 9, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Bengaluru on Sunday witnessed a dramatic Davis Cup night as India stunned world No. 6 and 2024 Davis Cup runners-up Netherlands in the first round of the qualifiers, powered by a remarkable performance from college student Dhakshineswar Suresh.

India will next travel to face the Korea Republic away in September, with a place in the season-ending Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna on the line.

Suresh emerged as the standout figure of the tie, playing a decisive role in all three of India’s points, the official daviscup.com reported. The World No. 457 first put India on the board on Saturday, defeating the Dutch team’s highest-ranked player, Jesper De Jong, in singles under the lights.

On Sunday, Suresh returned to court alongside Yuki Bhambri for the doubles, facing David Pel and Sander Arends. Playing together for the first time, the Indian pair delivered an inspired display, edging past the Dutch combination 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) after three hours. The victory handed India the lead in the tie for the first time.

India needed a win in the first reverse singles to seal the contest, but De Jong bounced back to defeat Sumit Nagal 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 and restore parity. Nagal competed despite a grade two tear in his right thigh, an effort that proved crucial as it allowed Suresh time to recover before the decider.

Suresh then returned for the final singles against Guy Den Ouden. The Dutchman served strongly, firing 15 aces and not facing a single break point, but it was the Indian who struck first. Suresh broke serve in the seventh game of the opening set and held to love to take control as the home crowd intensified the atmosphere.

The second set was tightly contested. Den Ouden survived a tense fifth game by saving two break points, and neither player could gain separation as the match moved into a tie-break. Den Ouden went ahead 3-1, but Suresh responded with four consecutive points. He sealed a famous 6-4, 7-6(4) victory with an inside-out forehand, before collapsing to the court in celebration.

With the feat, Suresh became the first Indian since Leander Paes in 2004 to win three matches in a single Davis Cup tie. The result also marked India’s deepest run in the World Cup of Tennis since their last-16 exit against defending champions Serbia 15 years ago.