Month: February 2026

Tibetans in exile are celebrating Losar, also known as the Tibetan New Year.

They are welcoming the Fire Horse Year 2153 and bidding farewell to the Wood Snake Year 2152. The Religion and Culture Department of the Tibetan government-in-exile is organising special traditional prayers on this occasion at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang, in the North Indian hill station of Dharamshala on Wednesday morning.

The Sikyong (political leader) and President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, ministers, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, and staff members of the exile government, gathered on the rooftop of the temple this morning for prayers. Monks of the Namgyal Monastery led the traditional prayers and worshipped their official deity, Palden Lhamo.

Losar is celebrated as a three-day festival, with people wearing traditional dresses. On the first day, they offer traditional prayers, perform rituals, and visit monasteries. On the second day, they visit each other’s houses and exchange gifts, and on the third day, they again practice the same rituals.

Tenzin, a Tibetan artist, told ANI, “This is the first day of our Losar and we are offering prayers to our official deity Palden Lhamo and after the prayers, we enjoy our traditional foods. We celebrate it for 3 days. On the second day we go to each other’s house and exchange gifts, and there is another Pooja on the third day.”

Tenzin Lhamo, an exiled Tibetan girl, told ANI, “I am here to celebrate Losar and to encourage Tibetans to come and celebrate Losar. Firstly, in the morning we wake up early and wear our traditional dresses, eat traditional foods and come to the temple here in Dharamshala to offer prayers and celebrate Losar. I’m feeling very great to be here today with my family and we are having fun.”

Tenzin Phuntsok, a Tibetan artist, told ANI, ” it is the first day of our lunar Losar. Normally, we have to go to temples to celebrate the first day and we also call it the King’s Losar so on the first day we offer prayers for a good luck. People are gathering here in the Dalai Lama Temple to have blessings. In Tibet people celebrate it for 15 days but in India we celebrate it for three days.” (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced that France will streamline visa and sourcing procedures for Indian students and expand the availability of courses to be taught in English, as he attended high-level academic and scientific meetings on the future of Indo-French cooperation in the national capital.

Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus, President Macron underlined France’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with India and significantly increasing student mobility between the two countries.

“We want to welcome more Indian students and have more French students coming here. We are currently speaking about 10,000 per year. We have decided with Prime Minister Modi to increase this number to 30,000 per year by 2030. From the French side, we will simplify the sourcing and the visa process,” Macron said.

He further assured that France would streamline procedures to make them more practical and aligned with students’ expectations.

During his time there, President Macron, along with Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, inaugurated the Indo-French Campus on AI in Global Health at AIIMS.

The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening India-France collaboration in artificial intelligence-driven healthcare solutions.

Highlighting France’s academic strengths, Macron said Indian students choosing France would have access to world-class teaching and leading research centres with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and also emphasised that France would offer diverse academic programmes in English to make higher education more accessible for Indian students.

“We will clearly streamline the approach in order to meet expectations and make it much more practical for students. We will establish better connections in order to support students more effectively,” the French President said.

“I would also like to tell all Indian students who come to France that we have best-in-class teaching and access to research centres with strong interdisciplinary collaboration. I want you to be sure that we can offer you different approaches in English,” he added.

The Indo-French Campus at AIIMS aims to advance research, innovation and capacity building in AI for global health while fostering deeper academic excellence and international partnerships between the two nations. (ANI)

The Telangana Government on Tuesday issued an order granting permission for all Muslim Government employees, teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, employees of Boards/Corporations, and Public Sector employees in the State to leave their offices and schools at 4:00 PM during the holy month of Ramzan.

The decision was communicated through Memo no. 677/Poll.B/26 dated February 17, 2026, issued by the Telangana government.

The early departure facility is designed to enable Muslim employees to observe religious practices and break their fast during the month of Ramzan, which involves fasting from dawn to sunset.

The permission applies to a variety of Muslim employees, including teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, employees of Boards and Corporations, and Public Sector employees across Telangana.

Similar provisions have been granted by the Telangana government in previous years as well, reflecting a long-standing practice of ensuring that Muslim employees can observe their religious obligations without compromising their professional duties.

This year’s holy month of Ramzan is set to begin today, February 18, 2026, and will continue for approximately 29 to 30 days. (ANI)

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, who is currently being treated at Lilavati Hospital, suffered a minor brain haemorrhage, doctors confirmed on Wednesday.

The 90-year-old is currently stable and under close observation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Dr Jalil Parkar clarified that no surgery was performed. “There was no surgery performed. It was a procedure, which we usually do. Yes, he had a brain haemorrhage which was very minimal, which did not require any surgical intervention. There was no need of any surgery,” he said, adding that the haemorrhage was “very minimal.”

According to an official statement issued by the hospital yesterday, Salim Khan was admitted at 8.30 am under the care of Dr Jalil D. Parkar, Pulmonologist, Department of Chest Medicine. He was brought to the emergency department by the family doctor, following which he was shifted to the ICU for monitoring.

A team of specialists, including neurologist Dr Vinay Chavan, cardiologist Dr Ajit Menon, neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange and Dr Bineet Ahluwalia, attended to the veteran screenwriter following his hospitalisation.

Several family members visited the legendary screenwriter at the hospital. Superstar Salman Khan, Salim Khan’s wife Salma Khan, producer Arbaaz Khan and his wife Shhura Khan, daughters Alvira and Arpita, as well as Helen, were among the visitors.

Arbaaz’s son Arhaan and Sohail Khan’s son Nirvaan were also spotted at the hospital.

Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar was seen visiting his longtime friend and former creative partner on Wednesday. Politician Rahool N Kanal and Iulia Vantur also paid a visit. (ANI)

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Wednesday endorsed the statement made by senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin should lead the INDIA alliance.

Thirumavalavan told ANI that Stalin’s leadership would be appropriate for heading the opposition bloc.

“I endorse the statement made by senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar that Chief Minister MK Stalin should be the leader of the INDIA alliance. MK Stalin’s leadership would be appropriate for heading the INDIA alliance”, the VCK chief said.

Earlier on Monday, Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar suggested that DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as the “best man to consolidate” the INDIA bloc, while emphasising that a united national opposition requires strong leadership and strategic coordination.

Aiyar reasoned that Stalin focuses on raising substantive issues rather than sloganeering and would not stand in the way of Rahul Gandhi becoming Prime Minister.

Speaking to ANI, Aiyar, who served as the Union Minister for Panchayati Raj in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA-I) government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said, “What Stalin has done over the past one year is to raise every single point that is relevant to federalism in India.”

“He has never said ‘suit-boot ki sarkar.’ He has never said ‘chowkidar chor hai.’… He has the great virtue that he won’t stand in the way of Rahul Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister,” Aiyar said.

Further, Aiyar drew a historical parallel between Stalin and former Congress chief K Kamaraj, who had declined the prime ministership after Jawaharlal Nehru, stressing that leadership roles should prioritise unity over personal ambition. The former Union Minister seemed to imply that Stalin could play a kingmaker role similar to that of former Congress president K Kamaraj.

“If the INDIA bloc is consolidated, I think the best man to consolidate it is MK Stalin. When Kamaraj was asked to become the PM of India in succession to Jawaharlal Nehru, he had one sentence to say to everybody who asked him – “No English, No Hindi. How?” So, MK Stalin is in same position. Rahul Gandhi can become the PM of India, provided there is somebody to spend all his time consolidating the INDIA bloc,” he said.Aiyar’s endorsement of Stalin to unify the national opposition alliance came amidst a critique of him by the Congress party.

Aiyar also did not hold back his criticism of key figures of Congress, expressing “complete contempt” for spokesperson Pawan Khera.

“How stupid can a party be than to make Pawan Khera the spokesman. He’s not a spokesman, he’s a parrot. He is saying whatever Jairam Ramesh tells him,” Aiyar said. He also took a sharp jibe at AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, calling him a “rowdy.

“Can you imagine what is the condition of a party which raises a rowdy like KC Venugopal to the level of the Sardar Patel to Rahul Gandhi?” Aiyar said.

Aiyar also predicted a win in the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), despite his personal wish for a United Democratic Front (UDF) victory. “As a Congressman, I want the UDF to come to power. As a Gandhian, I’m telling the truth that after the brilliant achievements of the Pinarayi government, the Left government is bound to come to power,” he said.

“The electorate of Kerala is the most intelligent and the most independent thinking of any people in India. So, therefore, I want the UDF to come, but I’m afraid, as a Gandhian who’s required to tell the truth, I cannot see anyone but the LDF coming to power,” he said.

Aiyar’s remarks sparked a row with Congress distancing itself from his statement and saying Aiyar was not a part of the party.

To this, Aiyar said, “Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that I am a member of the party. And therefore, I am a Gandhian. I am a Nehruvian. I am a Rajivian, but I’m not a Rahulian.” (ANI)

Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia on Wednesday expressed his disappointment over former Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah’s decision to join the BJP, and criticised the BJP for divisive politics, reaffirming his loyalty to Congress.

Speaking to the media, the Congress leader said that Borah had been a guiding light for him during his early days as an MLA. He said that while he respects his guidance and support, he has no information about the reason for Borah’s party switch.

“Let him go. I will give him my blessings. He was my president, we worked together, and when I first became a new MLA in 2001, he also told me a little about how to present my views in the Assembly. He gave me good advice. I don’t know what happened afterwards. I respect his guidance, when I was a first-timer in the Assembly,” Saikia said.

Further addressing questions regarding his loyalty to Congress, he hit out at the BJP, saying that he will not be joining a party that “divides Assamese people in the name of ideology.”

“Anyone who has the public service at heart, who wants to do politics as a public servant, will do so for policy and ideals. We have no good feelings for this outside party, that divides Assamese society in the name of ideology, so I won’t join the BJP,” he added.

The announcement comes a day after Borah submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Addressing a press conference alongside Borah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that BJP Assam President Dilip Saikia will work out the details of the joining, which has been approved by the party’s National President Nitin Nabin.

“Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on 22nd February. Dilip Saikia will work out the details. Along with him, a good number of Congress leaders will join the BJP in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur. He is the last recognised Hindu leader in Congress. Our National President Nitin Nabin has already approved his joining and welcomes him,” CM Sarma said. (ANI)

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday hailed India as a key innovator and leader in addressing climate change, stressing the urgent need for creative, collaborative models in adaptation and mitigation during a fireside chat at the inaugural Mumbai Climate Week.

Speaking at the event, Clinton emphasised that meaningful progress cannot wait for political shifts in the United States.

“We cannot wait for the political change that I know will come to the United States because that’s a few years off. We have to build the models here. We have to do the innovation here,” she said.

Clinton pointed to successful grassroots innovations as proof of scalable impact, citing an insurance product that has reached 500,000 women policyholders who previously had no coverage.

“This insurance product that I mentioned to you, 500,000 policyholders now, women who’ve never had insurance for anything. So this is not only a good thing to do, it is smart. It is a new market,” she added.

She called for greater integration of public, private, and philanthropic sectors to drive systemic change.

“We have to be creative about how we bring the public and private and philanthropic sectors together. So I could not be more enthusiastic, I think you could tell, about being here with all of you and representing the Clinton Global Initiative because we look for partners who want to do hard things and make a difference. And then when we see results, let’s scale them,” Clinton said.

Praising the Mumbai Climate Week as a landmark beginning, she expressed confidence in its potential to spark wider transformation.

“So you bringing everyone together for this first inaugural climate session here in Mumbai is, I am confident, the beginning of the change that needs to happen,” she remarked.

Addressing the role of philanthropy amid the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, Clinton urged a shift from traditional charity to tackling structural inequities that fuel the climate crisis.

“It is one of the most fundamental economic justice issues of our time and it is built on those extractive systems that right now are accelerating the climate crisis… philanthropy really need to now address a systems challenge, which is to fundamentally redistribute the source of power, wealth, accountability to those who need it the most,” she said.

She stressed that philanthropy must simultaneously alleviate immediate suffering and dismantle root causes.

“I have always thought that philanthropy needs to do two things at once. It needs to help alleviate the kind of suffering, misery, disease, hunger that we can all see… However, that is not enough… We’ve got to address the structural, systemic problems that have created the kinds of issues that you all are concerned about,” Clinton explained.

Highlighting the Clinton Global Initiative’s Climate Resilience Fund, she noted its focus on seeding systemic shifts in adaptation and mitigation.

“I mentioned this Climate Resilience Fund that we are establishing that began as a commitment through the Clinton Global Initiative. Philanthropy is providing the first dollars,” she said.

Clinton linked fossil fuel legacies to both climate change and public health crises, particularly air pollution affecting children.

“And you know, when I talk about fossil fuels, I’m not just talking about climate change. I’m talking about the pollution that fills the air in Delhi or Beijing… The particulates and what we breathe in is affecting our health, and particularly the health of our children. So that’s why when I talk about climate, I always talk about climate and health,” she added.

She urged businesses, communities, and individuals to act independently of political resistance.

“Just because the President of the United States does not want corporations to care about climate change, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about climate change… We have to say, no, we see it, and we’re going to respond to it,” Clinton asserted.

Recalling her earlier work in India on clean cooking solutions, she underscored the life-saving potential of small-scale innovations.

“I remember being in India when I was Secretary of State… we launched a big effort to change the way to create a market for clean cooking utensils. Now, that’s a small thing, but it could have a big impact,” she said.

Clinton concluded with a strong call for multi-sector collaboration through platforms like the Clinton Global Initiative.

“And that’s why at the Clinton Global Initiative, we partner with all these different groups… Because I honestly believe now is the time for us to get creative, focused, and determined to address climate change in all the ways that each of us can,” she said.

The fireside chat at Mumbai Climate Week underscored India’s pivotal role in driving innovative, inclusive climate solutions amid global urgency. (ANI)

The authorities have asked Galgotias University to vacate the AI Impact Summit Expo following allegations that the institution presented a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own invention, sources said. The University faced severe online and offline criticism after a robot allegedly manufactured by a Chinese company was seen at the University display stall.

Earlier, amid ythe rising heat over the controversy, the institution issued an official clarification claiming concern about the “propaganda” against the university.

The University said that robotic programming is part of its endeavour to teach students to build AI applications, enabling them to develop and deploy real-world skills using globally available tools and resources.

“We at Galgotias, faculty and students, are deeply pained by the propaganda campaign against our university. We would like to clearly state that the robotic programming is part of our endeavour to make students learn AI programming and develop & deploy real world skills using globally available tools and resources, given developing AI talent is need of an hour,” the statement said.

The institution said its vision focuses on student learning and innovation, providing students with access to modern technologies to gain practical experience and prepare for the future.

“Our university’s vision is focused on student learning & innovation and we provide students with access to modern technologies so they can gain practical experience and prepare for the future. Spreading negativity can harm the morale of students, who are working hard to innovate, learn, and build their skills using global technologies,” said the statement.

The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or “Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital yesterday. He emphasised that the country’s progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement.

Over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders are participating at the Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South.

Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India’s vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. (ANI)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (local time) claimed Russia launched a massive strike with 29 missiles and about 400 drones before the Geneva trilateral talks began.

According to a statement by Zelenskyy, nine people, including children, were injured in the attack.

In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy slammed Moscow, saying that the strike shows its “true intent.” The Ukrainian President claimed that Kyiv shot down 25 of 29 missiles fired by Russia.

He said, “In the massive strike with which the Russians began the day, 29 missiles of various types were fired, and 25 were shot down. This is an important result for our air defense, and once again, we emphasize that air defense is a daily necessity. I thank all our partners who understand this. Russia greets with a strike even the very day new formats begin in Geneva–trilateral and bilateral with the United States. This very clearly shows what Russia wants and what it is truly intent on. Almost 400 drones were launched as well.”

Further, he asked the Ukrainian delegation to flag the strike with the US counterparts in Geneva. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is ready for an agreement to end the war.

The Ukrainian President said, “Later today, there will be a report from the delegation following the first round of talks in Geneva. The team absolutely must raise the issue of these strikes–first of all with the American side, which proposed that both Ukraine and Russia refrain from attacks. Ukraine is ready. We do not need war. And we always act symmetrically–defending our state and our independence. Likewise, we are ready to move quickly toward a just agreement to end the war.”

“The only question is for the Russians: what do they want? And also, whether there will be consequences for Russia for the fact that ‘shaheds,’ missiles, and fantasy chatter about history matter more to them than real diplomacy and lasting peace,” he added.

The Geneva talks are part of ongoing international efforts, mediated by the US, to find a negotiated settlement to the war between Ukraine and Russia, which began in February 2022. According to Al Jazeera, the Geneva discussions follow two rounds of negotiations brokered by the US, held in the United Arab Emirates in January and early February.

Earlier on Tuesday (local time), Zelenskyy said that people in Odesa were left without a water supply following Russia’s recent aggression. He informed that about 10 residential buildings were damaged.

In an X post, the Ukrainian premier wrote, “It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector. Nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types were used, including ballistic ones. A significant number were shot down, but unfortunately there were also hits. In Odesa, tens of thousands of people are without heat and water supply after the drone strike. All necessary services are working to help. In total, 12 regions were targeted, and, unfortunately, nine people have been reported injured, including children. More than ten residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged. Partners must respond to all these strikes against life.”

“Russia must be held to account for its aggression. Our diplomacy will be more effective if there is justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation – sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defense. For peace to be real and just, action must target the sole source of this aggression – because it is Moscow that continues the killings, massive attacks, and assaults,” the X post read. (ANI)

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt is set to take the stage as a presenter at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) 2026 – one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in international cinema.

At this year’s ceremony, Alia will be joining an illustrious line-up of global talent including Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Kate Hudson, Michael B. Jordan and others.

Notably, this is not the first time that the ‘Jigra’ star has represented India globally. Her previous stints were at the iconic Met Gala and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, further cementing her position as a powerful global voice from Indian cinema.

The BAFTA Awards 2026 will bring together an exceptional roster of presenters and nominees from around the world, according to a release.

Presenters confirmed to date include Aaron Pierre, Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Alia Bhatt, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Emily Watson, Erin Doherty, Ethan Hawke, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Hannah Waddingham, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Kerry Washington, Little Simz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Milly Alcock, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Noah Jupe, Olivia Cooke, Patrick Dempsey, Rege-Jean Page, Riz Ahmed, Sadie Sink, Stellan Skarsgard, Stormzy, and Warwick Davis.

The nominations for the BAFTAs 2026 were announced in January this year, with Michael B Jordan’s ‘Sinners’ and Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ leading the race followed by Timothee Chalamet’s ‘Marty Supreme’.

Paul Thomas Anderson directorial political satire ‘One Battle After Another’ bagged 14 nods overall, just two shy of the record set by ‘Gandhi’ and leveling with ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ ‘Atonement,’ ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ reported Variety.

Ryan Coogler directorial Sinners closely follows Leonardo’s film with 13 nominations providing the first trip for the director and actor Michael B Jordan to BAFTA’s as nominees.

Just below, ‘Hamnet’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ both came away with 11 nominations, with Timothee Chalamet returning to BAFTA’s leading actor race for a second year in a row.

The BAFTA Film Awards will take place on February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with Alan Cumming on hosting duties, reported Variety. (ANI)