Month: February 2026

Olympian shuttler Saina Nehwal was honoured with the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore.

After receiving the award, Saina Nehwal expressed deep gratitude and pride.

“I feel very different because it’s such a huge gathering today. I’d like to thank Sadhguru Ji (Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev) for honouring me. I just love this place. You feel very peaceful and have a positive outlook. And today he honoured a lot of us. He presented us with the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award, which is one of the most prestigious for me. It feels really special to be in front of him, and our Defence Minister was also here to give the award. It’s a very proud day for me. So I would like to thank Sadhguru Ji and hope in the future that we have many more such recognitions for the sportspersons and for the different fields as well,” the London Olympics 2012 bronze medallist said.

Notably, Saina Nehwal confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton on January 20 this year, after nearly two years out of action due to a chronic knee condition.

“I had stopped playing two years back. I actually felt that I entered the sport on my own terms and left on my own terms, so there was no need to announce it,” Saina Nehwal said in a podcast as quoted by the Olympics.com.

The former World No. 1 revealed that the decision was made after severe cartilage degeneration in her knees rendered sustained high-intensity training impossible.

The badminton player added that her body could no longer meet the demands of top-tier badminton. (ANI)

If you’re a fan of celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma and have been eagerly waiting to see them make a public appearance, given how they prefer to keep a low profile and stay away from the media spotlight, then this Monday morning comes as a delightful surprise, as the duo were spotted together at Mumbai airport.

A while ago, Virat and Anushka were seen jetting off from Mumbai. They were captured by the paps before they made their way to the airport’s departure gate.

Anushka was seen in an off-white ethnic suit with a floral block-print motif across the kurta, dupatta, and pants. Virat, on the other hand, was spotted in a cream shirt that he paired with brown barrel pants.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Virat recently played a three-match ODI series against New Zealand. He emerged as India’s top run-scorer, yet under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, the team fell short and lost the series. He scored 240 runs in three matches, including a century and a fifty. Before the Black Caps series, Kohli had showcased his form for Delhi in the opening two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

Virat Kohli is set to take the field next in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Next time he would be seen in Indian colours, which would be from July 14 onwards for a three-ODI tour to England.

Speaking of Anushka, her cricket drama Chakda Xpress, a biopic chronicling the life of Indian women’s cricket icon Jhulan Goswami, is yet to be released. The film’s makers have not officially confirmed whether it has been shelved, leaving its future uncertain. (ANI)

The Indian Army released Bhairav, a short film voiced by Amitabh Bachchan, showcasing the Bhairav Battalions and their role in protecting national security.

Taking to the official handle of Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), the Indian army exprerssed gratitude and wrote, “With profound gratitude to Shri Amitabh Bachchan for lending his iconic voice for the film.”

The release coincided with Maha Shivratri, a symbolic choice as Bhairav is regarded as a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with protection and the destruction of evil.

The Bhairav Battalion is positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units. The battalion was raised to meet modern warfare requirements to provide a quick and precise offensive solution against enemies’ threats to the nation.

The unit has been raised as part of the Army’s recent restructuring, drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor.

Taking to X, Big B called it an honour to get associated with it, “For the brave warriors of the army – #Bhairav .. an honour and a privilege to be associated,” he wrote.

Bhairav, the latest Special Force raised by the Indian Army- is being readied to tackle the challenges of modern warfare, as all operatives are capable of handling drones and use them in real operations for targeting bases and formations inside enemy territory.

The Bhairav battalions raised by Army Headquarters with lessons from global and own conflicts in mind, have been created to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations to carry out the Special Forces tasking at multiple levels as per requirements.The Indian Army has raised around 15 of these battalions already, and they have been assigned to different formations on both borders and have plans to raise around 25 of them in total in the near future.

The Bhairav battalions would also bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces and the regular Infantry battalions. The Bhairav would also be tasked to carry out Special Operations at tactical to operational depth. (ANI)

Music composer Palaash Muchhal is gearing up for his next directorial project, starring Shreyas Talpade and Daisy Shah. However, the title of the film is not revealed

The announcement was made by trade analyst Taran Adarsh on social media on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Sharing the update, he revealed that Daisy will star opposite Shreyas in the Mumbai-set thriller, which is expected to go on floors soon.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Taran wrote, “DAISY SHAH JOINS SHREYAS TALPADE IN PALASH MUCHHAL’S NEXT FILM… On the auspicious occasion of #MahaShivratri, director #PalaashMuchhal has signed #DaisyShah as the female lead opposite #ShreyasTalpade for his upcoming, as-yet-untitled thriller. Set against the backdrop of #Mumbai, the filming is expected to commence shortly.”

The film, set against the backdrop of Mumbai, will reportedly feature Shreyas in the role of a common man. However, details regarding the storyline, supporting cast and release date have been kept under wraps.

The project marks Palaash Muchhal’s next directorial venture after ‘Ardh’, starring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik, and ‘Kaam Chalu Hai’, which featured Rajpal Yadav, Giaa Manek and Kurangi Nagraj.

Meanwhile, Palaash Muchhal and India cricketer Smriti Mandhana were set to tie the knot on November 23, 2025, after dating for several years. However, the wedding was later called off, confirmed by Mandhana in her social media post.

“Over the past few weeks, there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that wa,y but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off. I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace,” Mandhana’s post read. (ANI)

Pakistan’s 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo entered the record books of T20 World Cup history after they bowled the joint-most overs in the tournament’s history.

The Salman Agha-led Pakistan bowled a remarkable 18 overs of spin against India in Colombo, equalling the record for the most overs of spin delivered in a T20 World Cup innings.

The only other instance of 18 overs of spin in a T20 WC innings came when Pakistan employed a similar tactic against Australia at the same venue during the 2012 edition.

Other notable spin-heavy efforts in T20 World Cup history include Afghanistan’s 16 overs of spin against England in Delhi in 2016 and against West Indies in Nagpur the same year. Pakistan also bowled 16 overs of spin against the USA in 2026.

The 18-over spin effort against India also places the match among the most spin-reliant innings in all T20Is between full member sides.

Zimbabwe bowled 18 overs of spin against West Indies in Port of Spain in 2010, while Pakistan’s 18 overs against Australia in 2012 remains another standout. New Zealand’s 17 overs of spin against India in Lucknow in 2023 also features high on the list.

Coming to the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. The masterclass knock by Ishan Kishan (77 off 40) and crucial knocks from skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 in 29 balls, with three fours) and Shivam Dube (27 in 17 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to a competitive total of 175/7 on a tough pitch.

Ayub (3/25 in four overs) was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, while Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/31 in two overs), Usman Tariq (1/24 in four overs) and Agha (1/10 in two overs) were also among the wickets. (ANI)

India endured a 2-4 defeat against Argentina in the last match of the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Sunday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, as per a release.

Tadeo Marcucci (28′, 49′) led the Argentinian attack with a brace, while Tomas Domene (18′) and Lucio Mendez (43′) made vital contributions as well. For India, Aditya Lalage (50′) and Sanjay (59′) were the goal scorers in a hard-fought encounter.

Argentina controlled possession and generated most openings in the first quarter, but India managed to navigate the phase without conceding. The South Americans registered their first attempt as early as the third minute when Lucas Martinez struck on the turn from inside the circle, beating Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, only to be denied by the post.

Karkera was called into action repeatedly, including at the 10-minute mark when he did well to keep out a powerful effort from Tomas Domene. The pressure continued to mount as Argentina earned as many as four penalty corners in the opening quarter.

India conceded early in the second quarter, and yet another penalty corner hurt the hosts. In the 18th minute, Domene made the most of the set-piece to slot it past the Goalkeeper and give his side the lead.

Argentina doubled their advantage soon after, with India struggling to hold and win possession in the midfield. Lucas Tosceni delivered a precise aerial ball to find Tadeo Marcucci in the box, who buried it with a thunderous strike.

Just seconds before half-time, India earned their best chance of the encounter. A series of sharp passes in the circle put Aditya Lalage in a dangerous position, but the forward’s hurried shot sailed over the post.

India returned with intent and won two consecutive penalty corners early in the third quarter. However, Captain Harmanpreet Singh was unable to convert, as Argentina’s defence stood firm.

The visitors soon extended their lead. Toscani produced a brilliant run, beating two defenders before squaring the ball to Lucio Mendez, who made no mistake with a clinical finish to put Argentina 3-0 ahead.

In the early exchanges of the final quarter, India came close to cutting the deficit as Rajinder made a powerful pass from the right flank, but Karthi Selvam could not get his stick there for the tap-in. In response, Argentina made it 4-0 on their ninth penalty corner of the night. Marcucci found the ball after a scramble and finished it from close range.

It was Hardik Singh who set up the first goal for India, using a 50th-minute free hit to expertly position himself and thread it goalwards. Lalage pounced on the opportunity to etch his name on the scoresheet with a swift deflection. Minutes before the final hooter, India were awarded a penalty stroke, and Sanjay stepped up to finish with composure, narrowing the margin to 4-2. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that member states of the newly formed Board of Peace have pledged over USD 5 billion towards humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, ahead of a key meeting scheduled for February 19.

In a post on the Truth Social Platform, Trump said, “On February 19th, 2026, I will again be joined by Board of Peace Members at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where we will announce that Member States have pledged more than $5 BILLION DOLLARS toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts.”

He added that member states have committed ” thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans,” and stressed that “Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization.”

Trump said the Board of Peace was formally celebrated in Davos, Switzerland, last month with two dozen founding members and described it as having “unlimited potential.” He claimed that a plan he released in October for a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza had been unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council and that humanitarian aid had been facilitated at record speed alongside the release of hostages.

“The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honour to serve as its Chairman,” Trump said.

Earlier, on January 26, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that 20 additional countries had “signed up to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace,” but did not disclose the names of the new participants.

Leavitt said the Board of Peace, originally mandated by the UN Security Council to oversee the management of Gaza for the next two years, is now being positioned by the Trump administration to address conflicts elsewhere. She acknowledged that the initiative has faced resistance from some Western nations, uneasy about what they view as the board’s attempt to sideline the United Nations.

Addressing reporters at the White House, Leavitt also described the return of the last remaining Israeli hostage from Gaza as a “huge foreign policy feat” for Trump, Israel and the global community.

The announcement follows Trump’s signing of the charter to formally launch his “Board of Peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22.

Trump had previously described the body as potentially the “most prestigious board ever formed.”

Calling it a “very exciting day, long in the making,” Trump said, “We’re going to have peace in the world,” adding, “And we’re all stars.”

In his opening remarks, Trump said, “Just one year ago, the world was actually on fire, a lot of people didn’t know it,” but claimed “many good things are happening” and that threats worldwide “are really calming down.”

Trump said his administration was “settling eight wars” and claimed “a lot of progress” had been made towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The initiative originated from the US president’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.

Trump said, “We have a lot of great people that want to join,” during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, whose country has confirmed membership. He added that some leaders required parliamentary approval before committing, while other countries not invited were seeking inclusion.

Defending the inclusion of Russia’s Vladimir Putin and other leaders, Trump said he wanted “everybody” who was powerful and could “get the job done.”

Several European allies declined to participate, citing concerns about the board’s expanded mandate and its impact on the international system under the UN Charter. The UK also said it would not sign the treaty during Trump’s ceremony, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, referencing concerns over Putin’s invitation.

Earlier, according to a copy of the charter cited by media outlets, it was reported that countries seeking permanent membership would need to contribute USD 1 billion, while non-paying members would receive a three-year mandate. The charter also designates Trump as permanent chairman even after leaving office.

Trump linked the initiative to his approach on Iran and said it played a role in securing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. “If we didn’t do that, there was no chance of making peace,” he said. (ANI)

An earthquake of magnitude 3.4 struck Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday at 08:50 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The earthquake, with a depth of 10 km, was located at coordinates 27.32° N latitude and 96.12° E longitude.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.

“EQ of M: 3.4, On: 15/02/2026 20:50:28 IST, Lat: 27.32 N, Long: 96.12 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh,” NCS said in a post on X.

Earlier this month, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck Myanmar on Sunday at 08:17 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The earthquake, with a depth of 100 km, was located at coordinates 22.16° N latitude and 94.51° E longitude.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.

Earlier this month, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck Myanmar on February 3 at about 9:04 pm, followed by another quake of magnitude 5.3 at 9:21 pm. (ANI)

In a swift and coordinated operation amid extreme weather conditions, 69 RCC and 118 RCC of 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) under Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully reopened the strategic Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli road at Chattergala Pass following heavy snowfall.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the recent spell of intense snowfall had disrupted vehicular movement along the 65-kilometre stretch, temporarily snapping the crucial link between the mountainous regions.

Demonstrating operational readiness and commitment to maintaining all-weather connectivity, BRO teams launched an intensive snow-clearance drive in challenging terrain near the Ashapati Glacier and the foothills of Mount Kailash.

Despite deep snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and challenging working conditions, the teams deployed personnel and equipment around the clock to restore traffic well ahead of the usual seasonal schedule.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this timely reopening has ensured the safe movement of essential supplies, emergency services, local commuters, and private vehicles, providing significant relief to residents and businesses in the region.

The reopening of this vital highway underscores BRO’s unwavering commitment to maintaining strategic and socio-economic connectivity in remote and high-altitude areas. The operation also reflects the organisation’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to weather-induced disruptions in the Himalayan belt.

With the road now open to traffic, normal movement has resumed along the corridor, reinforcing BRO’s motto of delivering infrastructure excellence under the most demanding conditions.

Earlier, BRO Project HIRAK will celebrate its 46th Raising Day at Tanakpur, Uttarakhand, marking over four decades of dedicated service in some of the most strategically sensitive and geographically challenging regions of the country.

Since its establishment on 15 February 1980, the Project has played a pivotal role in transforming remote and inaccessible terrains into vital corridors of connectivity, contributing significantly to national security and socio-economic development.

Initially established as a Special Task Force (STF) for the construction of link roads in the Dhanbad coalfields under Bharat Coking Coal Limited, the Headquarters later shifted to Nagpur in April 1998 to undertake works in the Gadchiroli and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. In February 2011, STF HIRAK moved to Champawat, Uttarakhand and subsequently relocated its Headquarters to Tanakpur on 11 November 2012, an official release stated.

On 15 February 2022, it was upgraded to a full-scale Project as Chief Engineer (Project) HIRAK. In the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, Project HIRAK achieved a historic milestone during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 (05 July – 18 August 2025), when, for the first time, pilgrims were able to travel by vehicle up to 500 metres short of Lipulekh Pass. Despite heavy monsoon conditions and frequent landslides, the Project ensured safe and seamless pilgrimage movement through continuous road maintenance and upgradation efforts. (ANI)

Ashish Vidyarthi shared his thoughts on the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the ICC T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Speaking to ANI, Vidyarthi said, “Let’s go and win the game…”

The arch-rivals have faced each other eight times in T20 World Cup history. The Men in Blue have secured seven victories; Pakistan won only one game.

Overall, both sides have faced each other 16 times in T20I cricket. India has clinched 13 wins, whereas the Men in Green have secured three victories.

Both India and Pakistan have played two matches each in the tournament so far and have won their respective fixtures. While India will enter the contest on the back of wins against the United States of America and Namibia, Pakistan has defeated the Netherlands and the USA.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side currently tops Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050, while Pakistan are placed second with four points and an NRR of +0.932.

Vidyarthi also spoke about the upcoming West Bengal elections, and congratulated Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee on being conferred the Padma Shri.

Highlighting the value of professional integrity, the actor added, “..I am an actor, a speaker, a storyteller. I try to do things so that people are inspired to do their work well. That is the first step for people to make right choices in life.”

The actor also expressed happiness over Prosenjit Chatterjee being honoured with the Padma Shri.

“Very happy. What an honour. He has worked for so many years. The service that he has given, it takes a lot to keep yourself relevant for so many years. And he has done that,” Vidyarthi said.

Recalling his association with the Bengali superstar, he added, “I have had the privilege of working with him many years back. For an award, of course, it is such a big recognition. But I salute him that he has been able to keep himself relevant for so many years. So I congratulate him from the bottom of my heart”.

Ashish Vidyarthi is known for his work across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Marathi, and Odia films. He is widely recognised for his powerful antagonist and character roles. In 1995, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Drohkaal. (ANI)