Month: February 2026

Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding music composer AR Rahman’s alleged “communal” remark, calling the latter a “saintly person.”

Speaking to ANI, Anuradha Paudwal backed the Oscar-winning composer. She shared, “From what I know of AR Rahman is through his music. I have never met him personally, but his music tells that he is a very saintly person.”

In response to media reports about Rahman’s communal comments, Paudwal highlighted how media questions are tweaked in a manner to evoke provocative answers.

“I have been in the industry, and I have seen that when any artist, not only AR Rahman, but when any artist sits for an interview, the interviewer usually likes to frame questions in such a way to incite their desired response. The media, the channels, they don’t like straight interviews. Because they want something else,” she said.

The ‘Nazar Ke Samne’ singer maintained that Rahman has delivered countless tracks to the music industry.

“AR Rahman has given us the greatest of numbers, and he is beyond all this. He has achieved so much. He is not at that stage where anybody can influence his career. That’s what I feel as a senior artist, he has done wonders with his songs. There is no meaning in it,” she added.

Paudwal’s reaction came in the wake of the controversy that erupted after Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, said that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this to changes in the industry over the past eight years.

After that interview, reactions came from both fans and distinguished personalities, including the likes of Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal, Ranvir Shorey, Subhash Ghai, and Shobhaa De among others. (ANI)

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 12 (ANI): The alleged accused Shivam Mishra in the Lamborghini car accident case in Kanpur was arrested on Thursday, four days after the luxury vehicle rammed into multiple vehicles, leaving one person injured. Mishra was taken into custody from a hospital, Uttar Pradesh police said.

Speaking to ANI, DCP Central Kanpur Atul Kumar Srivastava confirmed that the investigation has established that Mishra was driving the car at the time of the accident.

“We got information that he (Shivam Mishra) is in Kanpur. Five teams were formed, and we have arrested him, and he has been presented in court. In the investigation, it has been found that during the accident, Shivam Mishra was driving the car,” he said.

The accident occurred near Jhula Park Crossing on February 8 afternoon when the Lamborghini hit an autorickshaw, a bullet motorcycle, and later crashed into a pole. Eyewitnesses had claimed that the car was being driven at a high speed at the time of the incident.

Yesterday, the driver of Shivam Mishra admitted that he was driving the Lamborghini, which rammed into an autorickshaw, a bullet motorcycle and then a pole in Kanpur, leaving one person injured.

Driver, Mohan said that Shivam Mishra was sitting beside him and had a seizure and fell on him.

When asked if Shivam Mishra was sitting beside him when he (Mohan) was driving the car, driver Mohan said, “…Yes. He (Shivam Mishra) had a seizure. Suddenly, his arms and legs started shaking, and he fell on me. I was there (at the spot). I was there on the day the accident happened. The bouncer pulled me out (of the car).”

Mishra’s lawyer, Narendra Kumar Yadav, said the driver had submitted an affidavit accepting responsibility for the accident.

“The injured and the plaintiff in the case reached a settlement and have received all the compensation, and after receiving it, he has written a line below that he does not want any action in this case. Now that he has received the compensation, he does not want any action. After this, who can make a better plea than him? He himself has identified the driver,” Narendra Kumar Yadav said.

However, earlier, Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal confirmed that Shivam Mishra’s name has been mentioned in the FIR.

Raghubir Lal clarified that Shivam Mishra is considered the driver based on the evidence collected so far, including CCTV footage.

“When Shivam’s name comes up in our investigation, it means that we are satisfied that the driver was Shivam, so they can keep saying anything. We have CCTV footage. His name has been included in the FIR,” he said.

The case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 281, 125(a), 125(b), and 324(4). The investigation has been assigned to Sub-Inspector Dinesh Kumar. (ANI)

New Delhi [India], February 12 (ANI): In a significant show of solidarity, singer Mika Singh has pledged Rs 11 lakh in financial assistance to actor Rajpal Yadav, who surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, to begin serving a six-month sentence in a series of cheque dishonour cases.

Taking to Instagram, Mika shared a message addressed directly to the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ actor, expressing both financial and moral support during what he described as a difficult phase.

“I have one humble request please don’t just post announcements. Let’s make sure we actually contribute and make it happen,” Mika wrote in his post.

Alongside the message, the singer posted a follow-up video appeal urging members of the film fraternity to step forward with meaningful assistance. He emphasised the need for tangible and transparent financial aid rather than limiting support to social media announcements.

Mika further stressed that the industry must organise properly to ensure that funds reach the right place and are utilised effectively.

Actors Sonu Sood, Guru Randhawa and Gurmeet Choudhary have also publicly backed Rajpal Yadav, calling on others within the industry to step in during his time of need.

Rajpal Yadav’s imprisonment follows a Delhi High Court order after the actor failed to comply with a surrender deadline in connection with cheque dishonour cases. The Court had directed him to surrender before any further hearing could be held.

The matter stems from repeated violations of undertakings regarding the payment of settlement amounts to the complainant company.

During the hearing, Yadav’s senior counsel submitted that the actor was prepared to deposit Rs 25 lakh immediately and that both parties had tentatively agreed on a repayment schedule for the remaining dues.

However, the Court declined relief, noting that Yadav had already been directed to surrender on February 4, 2026. Justice Sharma observed that since the actor had not complied with the surrender order, he would be heard only after handing himself over to jail authorities.

Following this observation, Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail later on February 5. The Court clarified that he would be free to file an appropriate application in accordance with the law after surrendering.

With the actor now serving his sentence, several members of the film industry have stepped forward to offer support as he navigates his legal and financial challenges. (ANI)

As voting gets underway across Bangladesh, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment following the dramatic political upheaval of 2024 that removed long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. The elections, described by observers as both a referendum and a general vote, are being closely watched at home and abroad for signals about the nation’s democratic future.

Senior political analyst Chris Blackburn, speaking to ANI, described the current period as transformative. “Well, I think what we’re seeing in Bangladesh, it’s a historic sort of generational shift,” he said. “We’ve seen obviously that Sheikh Hasina fell in 2024, but we’ve also seen the death of Khalid Aziz. He was a major figure in Bangladeshi politics.”

With two towering personalities gone, he noted that what was once called the “Battle of the Begums” has effectively ended. “Two of these major figures, Shikha Seen and Khaleda Zia, are now out of the picture. What used to be known as the Battle of the Begums is now over and we’re seeing like a new breed coming through,” Chris said. The 2024 “monsoon uprising,” which he described as a “massive violent shift in Bangladesh’s politics,” has led to the current vote. “So I think everybody’s eyes are on Bangladesh, hoping that these elections will be a new chapter.”

However, concerns over security and fairness have already surfaced. Chris pointed to reports of intimidation and alleged financial misconduct. “We’ve seen Jamaat-e-Islami, the fundamentalist Islamic party in Bangladesh that is trying to sort of perceive and show itself as being a moderate or a moderating factor,” he said, adding that “some of their leaders have been arrested and under allegations that they’ve been distributing cash.”

The absence of the Awami League’s leadership from the contest has also raised questions about legitimacy. “Bangladesh has suffered from having a lack of democracy over decades,” Chris said. “So this isn’t just a thing about the Awami League, it’s the whole political system.” He emphasized that Sheikh Hasina’s removal poses challenges to the credibility of the current process. “How can it be seen as all-inclusive when a very popular party and the oldest party in Bangladesh has been sort of banned from having a say and having a part within the election,” he asked, calling the situation “disenfranchising” and “disappointing for the region.”

On the ground, he said, anxiety is palpable. “If you just talk to normal people on the ground in Bangladesh, there’s a lot of fear and anxiety.” He cited attacks on media outlets and incidents of mob violence as troubling signs. “The election monitors, the international observers just need to be honest about what’s actually happened. Like there’s been violence, there’s intimidation at the sort of polling booths,” he said.

Economic concerns are also shaping voter sentiment. “At the end of the day it’s for the Bangladeshi voter like can I get a job can I buy oil can I get fuel,” Chris noted, suggesting that unemployment, inflation and cost-of-living pressures may weigh more heavily than broader geopolitical questions.

The outcome could have significant regional implications. “I think this election could transform the region and global politics as well,” he said, pointing to potential effects on relations with India and even political dynamics within the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United Kingdom. While parties such as the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have expressed a desire for friendly ties with India, Chris cautioned that “we know the track records being rather patchy.”

As ballots are cast and counted, both domestic and international observers face what Chris described as a “very difficult job.” The credibility of the vote, and the direction Bangladesh takes next, may well shape the country’s democratic trajectory for years to come. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday marked a milestone by overseeing the presentation of his government’s 10th budget, which proposes a significant allocation of over Rs 43,565 crore for new schemes. The Chief Minister highlighted that the 2026-27 plan prioritises economic stability to drive growth across the state.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, said, “In the budget, an amount exceeding Rs 43,565 crores has been proposed solely for new schemes. An amount over Rs 2 lakh crores is for capital expenditure… It plays a major role in strengthening the economy, and from here, employment generation will also happen…This is our government’s 10th budget, and for the first time, a Chief Minister has had the opportunity to present the 10th budget in a state like Uttar Pradesh.”

“In the last 9 years, Uttar Pradesh has made efforts to change its perception… This budget represents those very sentiments… In 9 years, Uttar Pradesh’s budget has increased more than threefold. This budget focuses on the safety of women, the capabilities of youth, the welfare of farmers, and employment”, Yogi Adityanath added.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Wednesday presented the State Budget for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, highlighting what he described as “all-round development” achieved during the previous and current tenures of the Yogi Adityanath government.

Highlighting the state’s improved national standing and industrial progress, the Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister cited improved rankings in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

“Uttar Pradesh’s ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index has improved from 29th in 2018-2019 to 18th in 2023-2024. The state government successfully organised the fourth Global Investors Summit in February 2024. MoUs worth approximately Rs 50 lakh crore have been signed so far, potentially creating approximately 1 million jobs. Of these, four groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for over 16,000 projects involving an investment of approximately Rs 15 lakh crore,” Khanna said while addressing the state assembly.

The Budget Session is scheduled to run from February 9 to February 20, with the state budget for the 2026-27 financial year to be presented on February 11. (ANI)

Superstar Rajinikanth had a special meeting with the cast and crew of ‘With Love’ after the film’s strong start at the box office.

The romantic drama, led by Abhishan Jeevinth and Anaswara Rajan, hit theatres on February 6 and saw impressive footfalls during its first three days. The film has been receiving praise from film buffs for its simple, relatable story and strong performances.

The meeting was especially meaningful for Soundarya Rajinikanth, as she is one of the co-producers of the film.

She posted a video from her meeting with her “appa,” calling it a “priceless moment.” Her caption read: “With love, with the one and only, my appa. This is not just a meeting; this is an emotion. Superstar Rajinikanth appreciates the With Love team. Priceless moment.”

The gathering included producers Soundarya Rajinikanth and Magesh Raj Pasilian, lead actors Abhishan and Anaswara, and music composer Sean Roldan.

‘With Love’ is the first film directed by Madhan and marks Abhishan’s first lead role after Tourist Family last year. For Anaswara Rajan, it is her debut as the female lead in a Tamil film. The cast also includes Saravanan, Ayaz Khan, Harish Kumar, Kavya Anil, Sacchin Nachiappan, and Ravi Mariya. Shreyaas Krishna handled the cinematography, and Sureshkumar K edited the film.

On the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen in ‘Thalaivar 173.’ The film is backed by Kamal Haasan and will be directed by Cibi Chakravarti. Rajinikanth was last seen in ‘Coolie,’ directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film, set in the Visakhapatnam docks, follows the story of a former coolie who uncovers a smuggling racket while investigating his friend’s death. (ANI)

Shortcomings have been found in the notice for the no-confidence motion submitted by Opposition MPs, seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said on Wednesday.

The notice reportedly mentioned the events of February 2025 four times, which, under the rules, could have led to rejection.

However, the Speaker has directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to have the deficiencies in the notice rectified and proceed with further action, sources said.

Birla has ordered expeditious action in accordance with the rules. The notice will be listed after the commencement of the second phase of the Budget Session.

After receiving the revised notice, it will be examined promptly as per the prescribed rules.

On Tuesday, the Congress submitted a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker, signed by 118 MPs.

The Opposition MPs alleged “blatantly partisan” conduct and that leaders of opposition parties were not allowed to speak, according to sources.

The notice of motion of no-confidence cited four incidents against the Speaker, including the Opposition’s allegation that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak in the House during the discussion on the motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

The Opposition MPs also flagged the suspension of eight MPs, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s “objectionable and personalised attacks” against former Prime Ministers and Speaker Om Birla’s statement, where he said he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to come to the House to prevent any unpleasant incident, after receiving information that some Congress MPs could come to the PM’s seat and “resort to an unprecedented incident”.

Meanwhile, Speaker Om Birla has decided on moral grounds that he will not attend the proceedings of the House till the disposal of the no-confidence motion notice against him, sources informed.

The discussion on the motion to remove the Speaker is likely to take place on March 9, the first day of the second part of the Budget Session, according to the Lok Sabha Secretariat sources. (ANI)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The discussion is expected to focus on energy issues and deregulation.

During a press briefing, Leavitt also announced Trump’s rescission of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding.

She said, “The President will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a bilateral meeting. The remainder of the week will be focused on energy and deregulation. On Thursday, President Trump will be joined by Administrator Lee Zeldin to formalise the rescission of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding. This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history, and it will save the American people $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations.”

Heading to Washington on Tuesday to meet Trump, Netanyahu said he planned to convey Israel’s position on US nuclear talks with Tehran during the meeting, The Times of Israel reported.

Before boarding Wing of Zion for his flight, Netanyahu told reporters that he would “present to the president our approach around our principles on the negotiations.”

He added that these principles are important not only for Israel, but for every country around the world “that wants peace and security,” as per The Times of Israel.

Trump’s administration is set to finalise on Thursday its repeal of a foundational scientific determination that underpins the US government’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, France 24 reported.

The Environmental Protection Agency last summer proposed reversing the Endangerment Finding of 2009, in what was seen as a major blow to climate action in the world’s biggest historic contributor of planet-warming pollution, as per France 24.

The finding under the then-President Barack Obama concluded that six greenhouse gases – including carbon dioxide and methane – endanger public health and welfare by driving climate change, France 24 reported.

That determination flowed from a 2007 Supreme Court decision, Massachusetts v. EPA, which ruled that greenhouse gases qualify as pollutants under the Clean Air Act and directed the EPA to determine whether they pose a danger to public health and welfare. (ANI)

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ongoing law and order situation in Manipur would be resolved, emphasising the collective efforts of the government, security forces, and civil society to restore peace.

While speaking to reporters during his visit to Ukhrul district to inspect areas affected by the violent clash, Dy CM Dikho said, “We are all actively involved in taking part to bring an immaculate solution. We try to meet all stakeholders to understand the situation. Everyone is involved: the government, the security forces, and civil society are now working to solve the problem. It is a positive sign. Immediately, we can’t help it because of the situation, but hopefully, in no time, the situation will cool down.”

The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke on the rising tensions in Litan Sareikhong village in Ukhrul district. Dikho said that the situation in Litan Sareikhong is now “much clearer” after a violent outbreak that saw the burning of houses and firing.

According to Dikho, the situation was more volatile the previous day due to the immediate nature of the incident, which led to a moment of confusion. However, he assured that the authorities are working to identify those behind the movement and restore peace.

“It was under control because we don’t know who the people behind this movement are. We want to identify that. Yesterday was immediate; that’s why something very serious has occurred. Burning of houses and firing have taken place. That’s why it could not be controlled yesterday. There was a moment of confusion. But now things are much clearer, so don’t worry. We will give our best. We are holding meetings there. Last night there was not much, but it is happening again now.,” he added.

Manipur government on Tuesday ordered a five-day suspension of internet and mobile data services in Ukhrul District, Manipur, after miscreants set fire to several houses in villages around Litan a day earlier.

The move was taken as a precaution to prevent the spread of provocative content on social media that could worsen the law-and-order situation, officials said.

The order reads, “In view of the volatile law and order situation in Ukhrul District, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions on the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur.”

“The State Government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its possible co-relation with the general operation of internet services, decided to order for temporary suspension/curbing of internet/data services including services through Broadband, VPN and VSAT in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul District for 5 (five) day as preventive and precautionary measure,” the order reads.

Earlier, Manipur Police said that while the situation in the affected areas remains tense, it has largely been brought under control. A Joint Control Room has been set up at Litan Police Station to coordinate urgent security measures, and senior officers are camping in the area to closely monitor the situation on the ground.

The police added that the overall law-and-order situation in the state during the last 24 hours remained normal. Security forces continued search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable areas across districts, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition.

On January 6, a protest against the swearing-in of new Deputy Chief Ministers of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, turned violent on Thursday as security forces clashed with the mob in Churachandpur district.

The unrest reportedly began on Thursday at around 6 pm in the Tuibong Main Market area, where hundreds of young protesters attempted to push security forces back to their barracks. (ANI)