Month: February 2026

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 juggernaut kept rolling in Doha, where he stormed to the Qatar Open crown with a blistering 6-2, 6-1 straight-set masterclass in just 50 minutes to secure the trophy against Frenchman Arthur Fils on Saturday night in Doha.

Alcaraz’s triumph in Qatar comes just 20 days after becoming the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

From the start, Alcaraz set the tone, striking early and defending with jaw-dropping athleticism. Even as Fils lifted his game and they exchanged fierce baseline rallies, the Spaniard kept delivering spectacular retrievals and clutch winners, sealing his 12th straight victory this year in just 50 minutes.

“I came this year hungry for more. I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court,” Alcaraz said as per the ATP Tour website.

“It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy. I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m just playing great tennis, and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me,” he added.

Alcaraz’s victory clinched his ninth ATP 500 crown, pulling him even with Andy Murray for the fourth-most titles in that category since it launched in 2009.

He now boasts a perfect 3-0 record over Arthur Fils in their Head2Head series and has stretched his outdoor hard-court winning streak to 30 matches, a run that already includes Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open.

The Doha showdown on Saturday night marked their first encounter since Alcaraz claimed back-to-back clay victories over Arthur Fils in 2025, and their maiden clash on hard courts unfolded in much the same fashion. (ANI)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stressed that India is witnessing a “golden opportunity” to regain global respect decades after Independence, asserting that no power in the world can destroy the country as long as society remains united in the “Hindu spirit.”

Highlighting the sacrifices of ancestors in protecting the Hindu religion, culture and society, he said India is rapidly advancing in technology, science and economic growth despite challenges from other nations.

Addressing a gathering here in Jaipur on Saturday, Hosabale said, “You all know the bravery with which our ancestors sacrificed to protect this Hindu land, Hindu religion, culture, and society…After so many decades of independence, India is getting a golden opportunity to regain respect in other countries around the world. We are experiencing it…Many countries around the world may be ahead in technology, science, industry, and economic wealth. India is progressing in that area as well.”

“We are advancing rapidly there, too. Some other countries may even try to suppress and crush us. But as long as this nation, this society, stands united in the Hindu spirit, no one in the world will have the power to destroy India,” the RSS leader said.

Similar ‘Hindu Unity’ remarks were also echoed by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat recently, stating that the Hindu Society need to be “cautious,” even though he said they are “not threatened” by anyone.

Speaking at a social harmony meeting at the Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Nirala Nagar, Lucknow, Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the declining Hindu population. He called for a halt to conversions driven by greed and coercion, according to a release.

He said that the process of Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) must be accelerated, and that we should care for those who return to Hinduism.

Expressing concern about the increasing infiltration, he said infiltrators must be detected, eliminated, and deported, and that they must not be given employment.

“We are all sons of one country, one motherland. As human beings, we are all one. There was once no discrimination, but with the passage of time, discrimination has become a habit, which must be eradicated. He said that the Sanatan ideology is an ideology of harmony,” Bhagwat said, as per a release.

“We do not believe that those who oppose us must be eliminated. There is only one truth everywhere. Understanding and practising this philosophy will eliminate discrimination,” he added. (ANI)

Telangana BJP Chief N Ramchander Rao was placed under house arrest late on Saturday night as a preventive measure ahead of his proposed visit to Kamareddy scheduled for Sunday, February 22.

Speaking over the phone, Rao said, “Police have placed me under house arrest tonight.”

Tensions had escalated in Kamareddy following a “ghastly attack” by alleged Congress workers on the camp office of BJP MLA Katipalli Venkata Ramana Reddy. Rao planned to meet the stone-pelting victims in Banswada.

On February 20-21, violent clashes broke out between BJP and Congress workers in Kamareddy town. The tension was sparked by a dispute over Government Degree College land, which BJP MLA Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy alleged was being illegally sold or handled by Congress leaders, specifically targeting Shabbir Ali.

During protests on Saturday, a vehicle belonging to a Congress leader was overturned, and stones were pelted, leading to injuries among party workers and police personnel.

BJP Telangana also condemned the arrest of BJYM (Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha) leaders who were planning to protest against the alleged misconduct of Youth Congress workers during the India AI Global Summit in New Delhi.

Rao accused Congress of implementing Sharia Law and neglecting citizens. Rao questioned the Congress government’s intentions, asking if they can stand with the citizens.

Rao argued that being prevented from meeting victims of violence is a message that the government will not allow the opposition to stand with citizens. Rao confirmed via phone that he was placed under house arrest at his residence in Tarnaka.

Other senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, have called the state government’s tactics “dictatorial” and an attempt to cover up political failures.

Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao on Tuesday expressed happiness over the party’s performance in the recent state civic polls, stating that for the first time it has been able to secure both mayor and deputy mayor positions in a municipal corporation.

Rao emphasised that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party in Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, and also attacked the opposition, stressing that they came together to defeat the BJP.

“For the first time in Telangana, the BJP has clinched a municipal corporation in Karimnagar, capturing both the mayor and deputy mayor posts… In most municipal parties, such as Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, where the BJP is the single largest party, the Congress, BRS, and AIMIM came together to defeat the BJP. Similarly, in 15 smaller municipalities, the BJP is the single largest party… We are happy that the Telangana people have given us a good number of wards,” Ramchander Rao told ANI.BJP candidate Kolagani Srinivas was elected as the Mayor of Karimnagar Municipal Corporation on Monday.

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other BJP leaders facilitated him at the Municipal office in Karimnagar following his victory in the elections that were held on 11 February in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities.

Meanwhile, the Congress emerged as a major force in the Telangana municipal corporation elections, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi finished second.

On February 11, elections were held in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities. (ANI)

BJP and Congress workers clashed at a Congress office protest in Indore, resulting in stone-pelting and injuries on Saturday.

The Pandharnath Police Station has registered cases against 20 named Congress leaders and workers, including city Congress president Chintu Chowkase and district president Vipin Wankhede, for rioting and molestation.

Congress has also filed a case against unknown individuals for assault and abuse. A separate case is being registered for obstructing police duty and unauthorised protest. Two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed at the Pandrinath Police Station in Indore.

Both reports involve a violent clash between political workers from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Indian Youth Congress at Machhi Bazar.

As per the FIR filed by Avesh Rathore (BJYM worker), Chintu Chokse (City Congress President), Amit Patel, Vipin Wankhede, and approximately 17 other named Congress members and various workers.

The complainant stated that while BJYM was holding a peaceful protest against a Youth Congress demonstration in Delhi, they felt “tarnished India’s image,” a group led by Chintu Chokse arrived. The report alleges that the Congress workers used abusive language and attacked the BJYM workers with stones, bricks, and bottles containing liquid.

Multiple injuries were reported, including a female worker (Bindu) whose eye was allegedly seriously injured and several other BJYM leaders who sustained rib, head, and limb injuries. The FIR was filed under sections including 115(2) (voluntary hurt), 189 (unlawful assembly), 191(1) (rioting), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy)

A clash erupted between BJP and Congress workers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, during a BJP protest against Congress’s demonstration at the India AI Impact Summit. Stone-pelting and injuries were reported, with police deploying to control the situation.

Additional Police Commissioner Amit Singh told ANI that police had received information in the morning that workers of the BJP Yuva Morcha would gather near the Congress office.

” In the morning, information was received that the workers of Yuva Morcha would gather around the office of the Congress Party… Double barricading was done on both sides… Suddenly, someone threw a water bottle, and then a situation of stone pelting arose. In this stone pelting, some protesters, 2-3 media persons and a sub-inspector were injured… Two FIRs have been filed, one by the Congress party and one by the BJP, and one FIR by the police is in the process for obstruction of government work… We will identify the people who created the nuisance and file a chargesheet against them… A case has been filed against 20 people and some unknown people by the BJP. Another case has been filed by the Congress against some unknown people. Charges have been filed for assault, stone pelting, and rioting…” he said.

“A case has been filed against 20 people and some unknown people by the BJP. Another case has been filed by the Congress against some unknown people. Charges have been filed for assault, stone pelting, and rioting,” Singh added.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Wakliwal (City Congress Committee Organisation General Secretary) filed FIR against “Unknown 1” participating in a BJYM-led gherao. The complainant stated he was at the Congress office when he learned that BJYM workers were planning to surround (gherao) the building.

He alleged that unknown persons gathered at Machhi Bazar near the office and began stone-pelting and throwing pouches containing liquid when he stopped them from shouting abuses.

The report mentioned that several Congress workers, including Vipin Wankhede and Akshay Pawar, were injured and admitted to the hospital, and several vehicles parked outside were damaged.

The FIR was filed under sections 115(2) (voluntary hurt), 125 (act endangering life), 191(2) (rioting with deadly weapon), 296(a) (obscene acts/songs), and 324(2) (mischief).

Congress SC ST Morcha President, Pradeep Ahirwar, said, “… Around 4 p.m., BJP Yuva Morcha workers attempted to break into the Congress office. They hurled stones at our party workers, who were equipped with rods and sticks. They threatened us. We have filed an FIR against them at the Habibganj police station.”

MP BJYM President, Shyam Tailor said, “… After Congress workers staged an anti-national protest at the AI Summit event at Bharat Mandapam, we declared a protest at the state Congress party office. When we reached outside the office, stones were thrown at us by the Congress party workers. Two of our party members were seriously injured in this incident… We have registered our case and submitted video evidence to the police.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Krishna Lalchandani said a clash broke out between two groups near the Congress office during a protest, resulting in stone-pelting and injuries.

He added that the area had been barricaded with proper police arrangements.

Speaking to the reporters, Lalchandani said, “There were two parties involved. One party was protesting. The protest was near the Congress office. The area had been barricaded, and proper police arrangements had been ensured.

“Suddenly, some rumour-mongering occurred, and some stones were thrown. Then, the other side also threw stones. Some people were injured… It’s too early to say who threw the first stone,” he said.

This comes after, on Friday, Youth Congress workers carried out a “shirtless” protest inside the venue, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “compromised” and alleging that the country’s identity had been traded at the AI event.

During the protest, party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent.

The Patiala House Court rejected the bail applications of all four arrested Indian Youth Congress workers and sent the accused to police custody for five days.

The arrested accused, who have been identified as Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav.

The counsel for the accused argued and submitted that the accused belongs to a political party. They used their right to organise a protest at Bharat Mandapam. The protest was peaceful; no video shows any violence. It is also submitted that they are office bearers and educated individuals with degrees. (ANI)

India and Brazil on Saturday set an ambitious target to boost their bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030, up from the previous goal of $20 billion.

Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, informed that the decision was made during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to India, where he emphasised that the earlier target wasn’t ambitious enough.

Kumaran, while speaking at the Special Briefing by MEA on the State visit of the President of Brazil to India, said that Silva thought that the earlier target was not ambitious enough, hence proposed a larger target.

“We had set a target during PM’s visit to Brazil for increasing bilateral trade from USD 15 billion to 20 billion by 2030. But President Lula today mentioned to the PM that 20 billion doesn’t seem ambitious enough and that we should therefore try and target something higher, like 30 billion by 2030. And he said with the kind of excitement and interest there is on both sides. He said I have brought 11 ministers with 300 businessmen, which shows the kind of commitment there is to enhancing India-Brazil trade and investment. So he said our ambition should be much bigger,” he said.

The two countries are looking to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including Oil, gas, and renewable energy, launching Brazilian satellites and building satellites together, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, agriculture, livestock, and healthcare, as well as Yoga.

“You know the number of areas identified is in great detail in the joint statement. I would, for example, name the energy oil and gas sector, space opportunities to launch Brazilian satellites, work together to build satellites, there is a lot of cooperation possible in the area of bio energy, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, green economy, agriculture and livestock, healthcare, and traditional medicine. Yoga is also a subject of great interest in Brazil,” Kumaran said.

This move is expected to strengthen India-Brazil ties and promote economic growth.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18, 2026. During the period February 19-20 participated in the India AI Impact Summit. Today, he was given a traditional welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He, alongwith 11 ministers, met the Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House. This is President Lula’s fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of the PM to Brasilia on July 8, 2025. (ANI)

Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday visited Salim Khan at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, showing support to Salman Khan’s family during a concerning time.

Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on February 17 and is recovering slowly. Shah Rukh Khan was seen departing from Lilavati Hospital after visiting veteran Salim Khan, who has been admitted there since February 17.

Salim Khan is a famous screenwriter, actor, and film producer. He wrote the screenplays, stories and scripts for numerous Bollywood films. He is best known as one half of the prolific screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, along with Javed Akhtar.

Together with Javed Akhtar, he revolutionised Indian cinema in the 1970s, creating the “Angry Young Man” archetype and penning blockbusters like Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer.

Earlier, on February 19, Aamir Khan also visited the hospital along with his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to check on the senior writer’s health.

Salim Khan, 90, was admitted on Tuesday after he suffered a minor brain haemorrhage. Doctors confirmed on Wednesday that his condition is stable and that he is being kept under close watch 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 for 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. Several well-known names from the film industry have been visiting Salim Khan since his admission.

Veteran writer Javed Akhtar was seen at the hospital on Wednesday to meet his longtime friend. Politician Rahool N Kanal and actor Lulia Vantur also paid visits. (ANI)

Actor Hrithik Roshan expressed grief over the demise of veteran filmmaker MM Baig.

In a post on X, Hrithik reflected on the profound and lasting influence his “teacher,” Baig, has had on both his career and his life.

“My dear Baigji, I will forever be grateful to you for being the teacher I so needed at the start of my journey as an actor. You helped me gain confidence in my speech and delivery … you were instrumental in shaping the actor in me. For helping me overcome my shyness, at the same time, empowering my vulnerability. I was lost. And you helped me find my way. Back when I was only 18years old. I still practice the lessons to this day. I will miss you. Rest in peace, my teacher – M.M Baig. My thoughts and prayers for the Baig family,” Hrithik wrote.

MM Baig was reportedly found dead at his Mumbai home earlier this week. He was in his seventies.

As an independent director, he helmed two films, such as Maasoom Gawah (1990), featuring Naseeruddin Shah, which remains unreleased, and Chhoti Bahu (1994), starring Shilpa Shirodkar. (ANI)

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan tied the knot with his girlfriend Sophie Shine on February 21. The couple shared heartwarming glimpses from their wedding ceremony, giving fans a sneak peek into the joyous moments of their special day.

Both Shikhar and Sophie looked stunning in Manish Malhotra’s outfit.

Taking to Instagram handle, Shikhar wrote “Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan”

The pictures captured their happy moments in which the couple can be seen celebrating. In one of them, they can be seen dancing with joy, and another one shows Dhwan putting sindoor on Sophie’s head, marking the traditional wedding ritual.

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and many others congratulated and showered blessings on the newly-married couple in the comment section.

Ranveer wrote, “Congratulations and God bless, Shikhar Bhai!”

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also shared photos from the ceremony with a sweet caption, “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai”

In the photos, the family can be seen enjoying the ceremony.

Shikhar and Sophie announced their engagement on January 12 through a social media post.

The couple shared the news on Instagram with a dreamy picture, by writing a heartfelt caption that read, “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever. -Shikhar & Sophie”.

As per reports, Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine have been dating for a while. They also confirmed their relationship by sharing a post captioned, “My love,” with a red heart emoji.

Since then, they often share adorable pictures and reels with each other on social media. Earlier, Shikhar was married to Ayesha Mukherje and had a son named Zoravar. In October 2023, they parted ways after eight years of marriage. During the separation, the Delhi family court granted Dhawan a divorce decree. Dhawan said has not been able to meet his son Zoravar in person for two years since the end of the marriage. He also opened up on his relationship with his son, Zoravar, in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Dhawan revealed that it has been one year since he talked to his little one. He said that it had been two years since he had seen his son Zoravar. He accepted that it’s hard but one learns to live with it.

“It’s been two years since I saw my son. It’s been a year since we talked. Because I’m blocked from everywhere. Of course, it’s difficult. But… You learn to live with it and I miss him,” Dhawan said. (ANI)

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East), P Kumaran, said on Saturday that Brazil underlined the significant partnership between Brazil and India, with the former being a key member of BRICS too.

Kumaran, while speaking at the Special Briefing by MEA on State visit of President of Brazil to India, said that during the meeting at Hyderabad House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora. MEA’s statement comes as India began the term of its BRICS presidency earlier in the year.

“India holds the presidency of BRICS this year and Brazil is an important strategic partner and a key member of BRICS. During the meeting today at Hyderabad House, PM and President Lula held bilateral conversations and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, the need to reform global governance and matters of importance to the global south. Prime Minister Modi hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. The state visit gave the leaders an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our partnership, including trade and investments, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and critical minerals, defense and security, agriculture and livestock, healthcare and traditional medicine, tourism, space, science and technology, including digital public infrastructure, as well as people-to-people relations,” he said.

“The visit is a significant milestone in India-Brazil strategic relations and would add renewed momentum to our strategic partnership elevated in 2006,” Kumaran added.

Kumaran highlighted that India’s trade with Brazil is the largest compared with any other country in South America.

“On the trade front, India’s bilateral trade with Brazil is the largest compared to any other country in South America. It currently stands at USD 15.21 billion. In July 2025, the two leaders had set a bilateral trade target of $20 billion by 2030,” he said.

“However, today the two leaders agreed that the trade should at least double to 30 billion by 2030. India enjoys a trade surplus of about $1.5 billion with Brazil with our exports totaling about $6.7 billion against imports of about $5.4 billion,” he added.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen and diversify trade.

“During the meeting, the leaders also discussed ways to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade, including through expansion of the India Mercosur preferential trade agreement, which currently covers 450 tariff lines. India and Brazil along with other Mercosur countries have agreed to significantly and substantially expand the PTA,” he said.

Kumaran further said that PM Modi and Silva discussed ways to address the relevant tariff and non-tariff barriers.

“Both leaders also discussed ways to facilitate market access and address the relevant tariff and non-tariff barriers. India and Brazil are strong and vocal proponents of south-south cooperation. Both countries collaborate closely across global platforms including in BRICS G20, IBSA and the United Nations. We also collaborate at members of G4 seeking comprehensive reform of the UN security council,” he said.

“Several bilateral MoUs were signed. we have a full statement a joint statement which lists out the various agreements that were signed. Principally they relate to the MOUs between FICCI India and ApexBrasil between Whale Group and Tata Focus and Biocon Pharma and Unica Brazilian sugarcane industries association and Indian sugar and bio energy manufacturing association. President Lula also appreciated the revival of the business leaders forum and he also met with Indian business leaders,” he added.

Kumaran added details of President Silva’s previous visits to India.

“Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18, 2026. During the period February 19-20 participated in the India AI Impact Summit. Today, he was given a traditional welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He, alongwith 11 ministers met the Prime Minister and his delegation at Hyderabad House. This is President Lula’s fifth visit to India as President of Brazil. The visit comes seven months after the state visit of PM to Brasilia on July 8, 2025,” he said.

“President Lula had earlier visited India in 2004 as guest of honour for the republic day, in 2007 and again in 2008 to attend the IBSAA Summit and in September 2023 for the G20 Summit. He also visited India in 2012 to receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. But he did not hold office at that time,” he added.

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that the visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was ‘filled with outcomes across all dimensions of partnership’.

The MEA said that the outcomes focus on rare earth minerals, cooperation in MSMEs and more. (ANI)