Month: February 2026

Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor shared that it was an “honour and privilege” to be part of a private roundtable in the presence of Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, where women leaders engaged in discussions on empowerment and leadership.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she shared a picture with Rania Al Abdullah, Isha Ambani and others with a caption describing it as an inspiring exchange focused on women’s empowerment, leadership and the future.

“It was an honour and privilege to be part of a private roundtable in the esteemed presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah alongside such inspiring women engaging in heartfelt dialogue on women’s empowerment, leadership and the future,” she wrote.

Highlighting the importance of collective dialogue, she added, “Moments like these are a powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose, honesty and vision they don’t just shape conversations they help shape the future for the next generation.”

Expressing gratitude, the actor thanked Isha, saying, “Grateful to have been part of something so meaningful. Thank you Isha for a wonderful and memorable evening”

Karisma is known for her roles in Jigar, Anari, Raja Babu, Andaz Apna Apna , Coolie No. 1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Jeet, Murder Mubarak, among others. (ANI)

Actor Chiranjeevi has shared a key health update, shortly after fans were left worried after spotting him in an arm sling.

Taking to Instagram, Chiranjeevi shared a picture with a black arm sling, along with details of his condition.

“Several well-wishers have enquired about my health after noticing the arm sling. It was just a minor shoulder keyhole surgery. I am recovering well and already getting back to my routine,” he wrote in the caption.

While thanking his doctor for a “smooth and comfortable” procedure, Chiranjeevi also expressed his gratitude to his fans for love, concern, and blessings.

Fans quickly took to the comments section and extended their messages and greetings for the actor’s quick recovery.

This came days after the ‘Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu’ star announced the names of his son, actor Ram Charan, and Upasana Kamineni’s twin babies, marking a heartwarming moment for the Konidela family.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Chiranjeevi shared the first glimpse of the twins, with the proud grandfather appearing delighted as he held one of them in his arms.

In his caption, Chiranjeevi revealed the twins’ names as Shiva Ram Konidela and Anveera Devi Konidela.

“With boundless joy and divine grace. We are delighted to announce the beautiful names of our two little blessings. ‘Shiva Ram Konidela’ & ‘Anveera Devi Konidela'”, a part of his post read.

Along with the post, Chiranjeevi also shared a picture which shows Ram Charan and Upasana seated on chairs, with their eldest daughter, Klin Kaara, comfortably accompanying her father. Their parents joined the frame as the entire family came together for the naming ceremony of the twins.

On the work front, Chiranjeevi was recently seen in ‘Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu’, which turned out to become a box office hit.

Written and directed by Anil Ravipudi, ‘Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu’ features an ensemble cast that includes Nayanthara, Chiranjeevi, and Venkatesh Daggubati. (ANI)

Inna Makan, the mother of the 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a road accident after an SUV driven allegedly by a minor collided with his motorcycle, appeals for justice.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “My son was going to the office on the 3rd of February. He (Scorpio driver), along with his sister, was out on his Scorpio to make fun reels. The speed with which the Scorpio is being driven is clearly visible in the reel. He (Scorpio driver) was driving in the opposite lane and came right in front of the bus and performed a stunt. My son looked to the right to see whether there was space. Because there was an e-rickshaw on the left side of the bus. The Scorpio collided with the motorcycle and hit the roadside parked car. The Scorpio driver did not apply the brakes after the collision. Even a cab driver has been seriously injured in the accident. This is a criminal activity. Some people think that they can do anything on the road because their parents are wealthy; this is a criminal mentality. This is not just an accident. My son died due to their fun reel.”

Makan called for strict action against the accused. “There are already many over-speeding challans against him (Scorpio driver), yet his father did not stop him from driving. I want justice for my son. No one is safe on the road due to people like them. Strict action should be taken against them. He (Scorpio driver) does not even have a license,” she said.

“The bus driver fled the scene, likely wanting to avoid controversy. However, the taxi driver was in no condition to move; the public had to pull him out. Even after hitting my son, they didn’t brake; they hit the taxi, which then hit the bus. There was no control over their speed. After the destruction, the public caught them. This act demonstrates criminal activity. These children think they can do anything on the roads because their parents have money and they won’t face punishment. This is a criminal mentality, not a ‘mistake.’ You cannot call this a mere accident because they left home specifically to perform stunts for a video. Because of their reel, my child’s life is gone. There are other students there; their lives could have been lost too if more children had been on that road,” said Makan.

She further stated, “It shows a mentality where they believe money allows them to twist the system. This boy has many prior challans (fines) for overspeeding in Delhi. Despite that, his father did not stop him and let him continue to drive. He was repeatedly out on the roads in the car. No action has been taken against the father yet; we haven’t received any report. These people think their money lets them do whatever they want for ‘fun’ on the road. This makes every child walking on the road unsafe. This system, where the wealthy feel they are above punishment, must stop. My child is gone, but these activities must end. I want justice for my son.”

A man was killed in a road accident in Delhi’s Dwarka after a car allegedly driven by a juvenile without a licence collided with his motorcycle, police said.

The incident took place near Lal Bahadur Shastri College in Dwarka South. According to the preliminary investigation, the car allegedly collided with a motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction and then hit another parked car.

According to Delhi Police, an FIR was registered at Police Station Dwarka South under Sections 281/106(1)/125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) after a PCR call was received at around 11:57 am regarding a serious road crash. Upon reaching the spot, police found three vehicles in an accidental bad condition and a motorcycle. The motorcycle rider, later identified as Sahil Dhaneshra (23), was found dead at the scene.

Police said that Sahil’s post-mortem has been conducted and the report has been obtained. The injured taxi driver was shifted to the IGI Hospital. His statement has been recorded, and the final medical opinion is awaited.

The accused driver, a minor, was found to be without a driving licence and was apprehended at the scene. Being a minor, he was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an Observation Home.

On February 10, 2026, the JJB granted him interim bail on the grounds of his Class 10 board examinations. According to police, all three vehicles have been seized and mechanically inspected. Relevant documents have been verified, and CCTV footage from the area has been collected as part of the investigation.

Further investigation into the matter is currently underway, police added. (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Maharashtra’s Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled India visit till February 19.

The French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport.

“Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

This visit marks Macron’s fourth visit to the country at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi.

This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies.

According to the French Embassy, this engagement marks another significant chapter in the expanding ties between New Delhi and Paris. The visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily deepening partnership across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education.

This trajectory began with Macron’s first visit in 2018, followed by his attendance at the 2023 G20 Summit and his 2024 State Visit as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day.

During that milestone, the two leaders declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, a forward-looking initiative they will jointly inaugurate in Mumbai during this trip. As part of the current itinerary, PM Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on February 17 in Mumbai to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a growing strategic convergence.

Following their Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.

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

The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. (ANI)

Anand Ramanand Sagar Chopra, son of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, passed away on February 13, 2026. A prayer meet was held in Mumbai on Monday, where several prominent members of the film industry gathered to pay their last respects.

Those present included veteran actors Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Padmini Kolhapure, Poonam Sinha, Raza Murad, popular singer Sonu Nigam, ace film director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, acclaimed actors Poonam Dhillon and Suresh Oberoi.

Anand’s funeral was held at Pawan Hans Crematorium. Several members of the film industry, including Poonam Dhillon, Bhagyashree, and Ramesh Sippy, attended his last rites. A prayer meeting in fond memory of Anand is likely to take place on Monday. Anand, who was 84, is survived by wife Nisha Sagar, son Shakti Sagar, daughter Gauri Sagar, son Amar Sagar, daughter-in-law Vaishali Sagar, grand daughter Aanya Sagar, and grandson Arjun Sagar.

Son of the legendary Ramanand Sagar, creator of the original 1987 TV series Ramayan, Anand Sagar was part of the second generation and managed Sagar Pictures Entertainment. Anand Sagar made a lasting impact on Indian mythological storytelling, most notably with the 2008 television epic Ramayan. In addition to his work in television, he was also associated with the film Armaan, whose popular song ‘Ramba Ho Ho Ho’ was recently recreated for the Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Durandhar’. (ANI)

Elon Musk-owned X experienced a sudden outage on Monday, with users across India and other countries reporting difficulties accessing the social media platform, according to Downdetector.com.

Users attempting to use the platform encountered issues logging in, refreshing their feeds, and posting updates, as complaints surged on the tracking website.

According to data from Downdetector, a website performance tracking tool, about 3,357 users in India reported issues. Of these, 46 per cent experienced website issues, and 45 per cent experienced application issues.

A 9 per cent share of users reported issues refreshing the X feed.

Meanwhile, users in the United States and the United Kingdom were hit by the outages.

According to Downdetector, the number of users reporting issues in the UK peaked at 7:11 pm, with 10.958 reports.

Of them, 56 per cent faced issues with the X application, while 21 per cent with the timeline. The other 17 per cent reported problems with the website.

Likewise, the outages spiked across the United States at 7 pm with 41,369 reports.

Within about an hour of the problem reports, while X services appeared to be restored for many users, the company is yet to react to the same.

This came exactly a month after thousands of users reported issues with the social media platform. Around 2,00,000 people reported issues with X, according to Downdetector.

Most problems reported on Downdetector (56 per cent) were related to the X app, while 33 per cent were related to the website and 10 per cent cited a server connection, Variety reported. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel “next week,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Addressing the conference of presidents of major American Jewish organisations, Netanyahu announced PM Modi’s upcoming visit, noting a “tremendous alliance” between the two nations.

This will be PM Modi’s second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said that leaders from several nations are approaching Israel for defence technology.

According to Israel PMO, Netanyahu said, “The war showed the prowess of Israel, the enormous capacities here, the high-tech, deep-tech capabilities that astonish the world. That is not only in the military field; it has immediate consequences in the civilian field, and people understand it, so they come here. The Chancellor of Germany was here in his initiative; we’d like to talk about our defense industry, in which they want to invest a very, very large amount of money.”

“Who’s coming here next week? (Indian PM) Narendra Modi. Tremendous alliance between Israel and India, and we are going to discuss all sorts of cooperation. India is not a small country. It has 1.5 billion people. In India, Israel is enormously popular,” he added.

Last month, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar confirmed that an invitation has been extended to PM Modi to visit Israel, adding that preparations are underway and official announcements on dates will be made in due course.

“The invitation was extended. We are in preparations, and in due time, there will be declarations regarding specific dates,” Azar said in an interview with ANI on the sidelines of International Holocaust Remembrance Day in New Delhi.

Speaking on the future of India-Israel ties, Azar described the partnership as a strategic one and said 2025 has been a particularly productive year, marked by ministerial engagements and the signing of key agreements, which include a bilateral investment treaty, security agreements, and progress toward finalising a free trade agreement and financial protocols, adding that cooperation in counter-terrorism remains a key pillar of the relationship.

PM Modi’s scheduled Israel visit comes in the backdrop of the Board of Peace meeting on February 19. Board of Peace is an initiative originated from US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan endorsed by the UN Security Council but has since expanded beyond its original scope. Administration officials said around 35 nations had committed to join, while 60 received invitations, with Trump suggesting the new body could assume roles currently held by the United Nations. (ANI)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan was examined by a team of doctors at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, and the report highlighted a 6/24 partial vision in the right eye and 6/9 in the left eye unaided, Dawn reported.

According to the report, with glasses, Khan’s vision was 6/9 partial in the right and 6/6 in the left eye.

In standard eye test measurements, 6/6 vision indicates that someone can clearly see at a distance of six metres what a person with typical eyesight is expected to see at the same distance. By contrast, 6/9 vision means that at six metres, the person can only make out details that someone with normal vision could see from nine metres away.

As per Dawn, the medical board comprised of Dr Prof Nadeem Qureshi, the head of the vitreoretinal department at the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi, and Dr Prof M Arif, the head of the ophthalmology department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

A slit lamp examination showed that the “cornea was clear bilaterally” and there were “no cells in the anterior chamber.”

The report further stated that in the right eye, the vitreous was clear with a “few fibrillar opacities seen, no cells appreciated.” “Mild intragel haemorrhage seen at 6 o’clock periphery,” the report said.

“Moderately dense retinal haemorrhages in all four quadrants. Four to five cotton wool spots seen in different quadrants. Resolving macular oedema seen. Foveal contour visible. Retina is attached,” the report added, according to Dawn.

The results of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) test said that in the right eye, the macular oedema was “resolving and reduced”. “Central macular thickness reduced from 550 to 350,” the OCT test findings added.

According to the report, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas visited PIMS in Islamabad on Sunday, where doctors briefed them on Imran Khan’s condition. Even Imran Khan’s personal physicians were briefed over a phone call.

However, earlier, PTI leader Latif Khosa formally approached Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, expressing serious reservations over the manner in which incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan was examined by a medical team. His letter highlighted deep concerns regarding the former premier’s check-up, which reportedly took place in “secrecy” at the Adiala jail. (ANI)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman will take the oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, along with elected MPs, on Tuesday, as politics in Dhaka enters a new dawn following PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of former PM, the late Khaleda Zia, led the BNP to a landslide victory in the general elections after returning from a 17-year exile.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh, the External Affairs Ministry said. The Speaker’s participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, the MEA statement read.

Elected BNP MP Rashiduzzaman Millat told ANI, “The oath-taking ceremony for the parliament members will be held at 9:30 am at our parliament bhawan. At 4.00 pm, there will be another session for the ministerial oath. PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan will not be coming,” the elected BNP MP told ANI on Monday.

However, an uncertainty remains over whether elected MPs will take a second oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council, according to Prothom Alo. Questions remain about whether the constitutional reform council will be formed immediately to implement the proposals in the July National Charter, Prothom Alo reported.

Multiple sources from the BNP told Prothom Alo that the party believes it is appropriate to adhere to the existing constitution, which provides only for the swearing-in of MPs and contains no mention of a constitutional reform council or similar body.

They argued that such an oath could only arise if it were incorporated into the constitution. The BNP also questioned the legal basis of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order from the outset.

In the February 12 elections, BNP secured a commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, winning over 151 seats and positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate.

Jamaat-e-Islami, previously an ally of the BNP, contested as a rival and emerged as the second-largest party, establishing itself as a key opposition force.

According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating in the polls. (ANI)

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah on Monday tendered his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, but later retracted it within a few hours, All India Congress Committee (AICC) state in-charge Jitendra Singh said.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said that Borah, who has been associated with the Indian National Congress for nearly three decades, had earlier submitted his resignation to the party’s national president.

However, the resignation was not accepted.

“Senior Congress leader Bhupen Borah is an important member of the Congress family. He had sent his resignation to our party’s national president. Sometimes, differences arise within the Congress family. The Congress president has not accepted his resignation. Party leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, had a long conversation with him. We have resolved it through dialogue. I thank Bhupen Borah for withdrawing his resignation,” Singh said.

Later in the day, Assam Congress president and MP Gaurav Gogoi visited the residence of Bhupen Kumar Borah after he tendered his resignation from the party today.

Gogoi praised Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, calling him a “strong Congress leader” and an “asset” to the party amid ongoing internal discussions within the state unit.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Gogoi said that senior party leaders held detailed deliberations with Borah for nearly three hours in an effort to address concerns.

“Bhupen Kumar Borah is our asset. He is fighting against evil. We held discussions with Bhupen Kumar Borah for the last three hours. He is a strong Congress leader. If any wrong was done, as a brother, I apologise to him,” Gogoi said.

He further informed that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also spoke with Borah.

“Rahul Gandhi also spoke with Bhupen Kumar Borah,” he added.

It started when Assam Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah said earlier this morning that he had submitted his resignation to the Congress high command, but did not elaborate on the reasons immediately. Borah said he would provide details when he deems it necessary.

“I don’t deem it necessary to speak on why I resigned. I have certainly resigned and sent my resignation to the high command…Whenever I think it necessary, I will call you and speak in detail,” Borah told reporters.

While refraining from elaborating on the reasons behind his decision, Borah hinted that the developments stemmed from internal issues beginning with the Behali episode.

“You know a little about why I resigned; everyone knows it. All of this started from Behali,” he said.

He also suggested dissatisfaction over the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding participation in the Majuli yatra.

“I have told the PCC chief that if the Congress party can’t even decide on who they want with them in the Majuli yatra, then we need to look at the future of the party,” he remarked.

Amid the ongoing turmoil, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at Congress, terming its future in the state “grim” in the wake of the episode.

The CM called Borah’s decision a “symbolic message” reflecting the party’s changing dynamics and internal challenges.

Speaking to the reporters, Assam CM said, “Bhupen Borah was the last Hindu leader in the Assam Congress party who did not occupy the post of MLA or minister. His resignation carries a symbolic message that in Congress, no one from a normal family can prosper. He has accused Congress of appeasement politics. I welcome the resignation.”

He further added that, “Borah has not contacted us for any joining. Tomorrow (February 17) evening I will visit his house. Three years ago, we were ready to welcome Bhupen Borah and give him a safe seat.”

Highlighting the Congress’ situation in Assam, CM Sarma remarked, “Congress’s position in Assam is terrible. Three observers have come here for the selection of candidates. They have been assigned an MLA from the minority community. The situation is really grim. In many district offices of Congress in Assam, meetings begin with a religious prayer from a particular community. The Congress in Assam is changing fast. People are noticing it. Bhupen Borah’s resignation carries a symbolic message that Congress has lost its last Hindu leader.”

Assam is set to hold Assembly elections later this year, where the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP is looking to defend its power against Congress. (ANI)