Month: February 2026

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said that strict action will be taken if the Kanpur Lamborghini accident was caused intentionally, while the police continue to investigate the incident that injured several people.

Speaking to the media, Maurya said, “If someone has committed this accident intentionally, a case will be registered, and action will be taken against them. I don’t have complete knowledge of the entire matter. If someone has been negligent, the police will do their job.”

Kanpur SHO Santosh Kumar added, “Whatever comes to light, action will be taken accordingly. Investigation is underway.”

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MLA from Kanpur Cantonment, Mohd Hassan Roomi, criticised the behaviour of wealthy young drivers, saying, “The power-protected young men from these wealthy families, driving their expensive cars on the roads, treat the poor as if they are just concrete on the road, crushing them under their wheels. Who will take action against them? The public will take action against them.”

He further added, “The time has come for the public to overthrow them. In 2027, the Samajwadi Party is the only alternative for the people; there is no other option.”

The accident occurred near Jhula Park Crossing on Sunday, when a Lamborghini, driven at high speed, hit pedestrians and a parked motorcycle. Police have identified the driver as Shivam Mishra, son of businessman KK Mishra, and have registered an FIR. The injured have been treated in hospital, and the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier in the day, Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said, “We have found the details of the car. The car has been seized. The car was driven by Shivam Mishra. His father is KK Mishra. After the accident, Shivam Mishra’s bouncers pulled him out of the car. It is being said that he has some medical issues. The FIR of the accident was registered earlier, and now, in our investigation, we have learned that the name of the driver is Shivam Mishra.”

Providing further details, he added, “Shivam Mishra is in the hospital. Our police team has reached his residence for further investigation. An FIR of the accident has been registered. One person was injured. He has been treated in the hospital.”

Commissioner Lal further stated that action would be taken against the accused, as the law applies equally to all, whether it concerns a luxury car or a smaller car.

“Law is equal for everyone, whether it is a Lamborghini or a smaller car. Actions will be taken against Shivam Mishra, who was driving the car,” he said.

BJP MP from Kanpur, Ramesh Awasthi, confirmed, “Six people have been injured and one of them has been admitted to the hospital. Previously, FIR was registered against an unknown driver, but now Shivam Mishra has been named, against whom the FIR has been registered. The police are taking appropriate action.”

He further said, “The accused is the son of a businessman. FIR has been registered and strict action will be taken against him. We are not protecting anyone. The accused has been named and he will be sent to jail. The Samajwadi Party are making rhetoric just for the sake of elections, which they will lose, just like in Bihar.”

According to an FIR, the incident took place near Jhula Park Crossing at around 1:45 PM, when the Lamborghini hit a parked Bullet motorcycle before striking a passerby. The complainant suffered serious injuries to his left leg, ankle, and outer body. The motorcycle was also badly damaged.

The case has been registered under relevant sections of BNS 2023, including sections 281, 125 (a), 125 (b), and 324 (4), and the investigation has been assigned to SI Dinesh Kumar.DCP Central Kanpur Atul Kumar Srivastava confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.

Speaking to ANI, Srivastava said, “Those who were injured in the incident have been taken to the hospital. A case has been registered, and a serious investigation is underway. Action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation. No one has been taken into custody yet.”

According to police,the vehicle involved in the incident has been seized by the Gwaltoli police station, and further investigation is underway.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, an eyewitness, Satyendra Singh Chandel, described the incident and the aftermath, saying that the driver was taken away from the spot shortly after the accident.

“A luxury car hit some people yesterday at the VIP Road. I heard that some bouncers of the luxury car driver broke the window and pulled the driver of the car. They took him away in another car. The Lamborghini car has been taken to the Police Station. Around four to five people were injured in the incident.” (ANI)

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the injured people in violence hit Urkhul district.

As the CM shook hands and inquired about the health of the injured getting treatment at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences he urged people to maintain “peace and harmony.”

“I urge all sections of society to maintain peace and harmony. Dialogue and restraint are essential to prevent further escalation of tensions…” CM Singh said.

Earlier today, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, along with Ukhrul Assembly Constituency MLA Ram Muivah and Saikul Assembly Constituency MLA Kimneo Hangshing Haokip visited Litan Sareikhong, where a clash between members of the Tangkhul and Kuki communities was reported a day earlier.

According to official sources, more than 20 houses were set ablaze during the incident, while three four-wheeler vehicles were also burnt down.

Following the violence, security forces were deployed in large numbers in and around the area to prevent further escalation and to maintain law and order. Prohibitory orders have been issued in the area.

Meanwhile, residents from both communities have begun leaving the affected areas, packing their belongings and moving to safer locations amid fears of renewed violence.

Authorities have assured that the situation is being closely monitored and appealed to the public to maintain calm and cooperate with the administration.

Violence in Urkhul comes just a few days after clashes between security forces and a mob in Manipur’s Tuibong area continued for nearly nine hours, from around 6 pm on Thursday till approximately 3 am on Friday, prompting authorities to impose a total shutdown in the affected areas.

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

The unrest reportedly began in the Tuibong Main Market area, where hundreds of young protesters attempted to push security forces back to their barracks. The clash erupted near the Tuibong Forest Gate area, where a mob allegedly began pelting stones at security personnel deployed in the region. (ANI)

Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) Working president KT Rama Rao on Monday claimed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was once “caught with money bags” in an attempt to influence legislators for the benefit of Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu.

While addressing a public event in Bhupalpally ahead of the local body polls in the area, KTR also alleged that the Telangana CM resorts to “threats and aggressive language” instead of addressing questions regarding the state’s welfare scheme.

The BRS leader strongly criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, terming him as ‘Lagula Thondala’ Reddy

“The Chief Minister uses abusive language against former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao, accusing him of doing politics through personal attacks instead of focusing on administration. Revanth Reddy had once been caught with money bags while allegedly attempting to influence legislators for the benefit of N. Chandrababu Naidu,” the BRS leader told during the meeting.

KTR claimed that whenever people question the Congress government about its promises, Revanth Reddy responds harshly rather than offering clarity.

“Instead of answering questions about the implementation of welfare schemes, the CM resorts to threats and aggressive language. Whenever people question the Congress government about its promises, Revanth Reddy responds harshly rather than offering clarity,” he added.

KTR also questioned Revanth Reddy’s participation during the Telangana statehood movement and challenged his political credentials from that period.

Referring to past controversies, KTR alleged that Revanth Reddy had once been caught with money bags while allegedly attempting to influence legislators for the benefit of N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Earlier on Sunday, KTR launched a scathing attack on Revanth Reddy, calling him the most incompetent and lowest-quality Chief Minister that Telangana has ever had.

Addressing a public meeting as part of the municipal election campaign in Tandur, KTR alleged that Reddy uses vulgar and disgraceful language against the public, the opposition, and even women. (ANI)

NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune after some complaints of cough and difficulty in breathing. He was in Baramati.

According to his office, the former union minister had “some complaints of cough and difficulties in breathing”.

NCP suffered a shock last month when its chief and Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, nephew of Sharad Pawar, died in a plane crash. Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the state Deputy Chief Minister.

Sharad Pawar had earlier this month expressed happiness over Sunetra Pawar taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

He also talked about merger discussions that were taking place between the two groups following a split. He said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has no right to talks about these talks as he was not aware.

“I am happy that Sunetra Pawar is sworn in as Deputy CM….Merger discussions were held between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil. CM Fadnavis was not involved in the talks. What right did he have to talk about it? At present, our entire focus is on taking care of everyone and moving forward together with those who are grieving. As of now, there is no discussion at all about any political decisions,” he said. (ANI)

Amid escalating political controversy in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma once again reiterated his ‘Pakistan link’ claims of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife, stating that both were involved in a plot to undermine India’s development by associating with Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

Sarma had earlier announced that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged links involving Gaurav Gogoi and his wife with Pakistan-based individuals would be transferred to a central agency.

Backing his previous claims, in a post on X, the Chief Minister described the development as a “significant step in exposing a broader Pakistan-linked network aimed at destabilising India through proxy actors”.

“Today marks a significant step in unearthing a global nexus to destabilise India by Pakistan and its proxy players. I have placed on record, to the people of Bharat, the deep conspiracy hatched by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a Pakistani national to embed an agent Elizabeth Coleburn to study India’s development and find ways to derail it through environmental activism,” Sarma wrote on ‘X’.

The Chief Minister further alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, son of a former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, played a role in this network, either directly or indirectly.

According to Sarma, Gogoi facilitated these activities by allegedly sourcing sensitive parliamentary information, undertaking undisclosed travel to Pakistan, and maintaining links with Pakistani officials under the pretext of youth exchange programmes.

“Through layers of shady employment contracts, concealed funding patterns, suspicious travel activity and transmission of sensitive information, this setup ran a web of anti-India activities. What’s deeply unfortunate is that a Congress MP from Assam, who also happens to be the son of a former Chief Minister, was also a key player in this entire network and directly or indirectly facilitated these activities through sourcing sensitive parliamentary answers, undertaking secret Pakistani trip and maintaining relations with Pakistani officials in India in the guise of youth exchange,” said the ‘X’ post.

Sarma praised the Assam Police for uncovering what he called a dangerous nexus despite institutional limitations.

He added that although the scale of the alleged activities was not initially apparent, he felt it was his responsibility to present the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the public.

“I commend my officers of Assam Police, who despite their limitations have been able to reveal this dangerous nexus and bring startling revelations to the fore. The depth of material in hand and the many unanswered questions call for greater scrutiny by a Central Govt agency and we have referred the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further directions. When this matter surfaced, we did not imagine the sheer scale of the anti-India activities but having known about the facts, it was my duty to bring to light the findings of the SIT. While a Central Agency will delve deeper now, I leave it to people’s court to also decide how a leader of the Congress party in Assam, in cahoots with Pakistani state actors, worked against the interests of India,” CM Himanta said.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi hit back at Sarma on Sunday, accusing Chief Minister of raking up old allegations of anti-national activities against him as the issue of 12,000 bighas of land is coming to the fore, with people coming out and wanting to see a new Bor Assam. (ANI)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi emphasised that the Indian Constitution begins with the English words ‘We the People’, and not with the name ‘Bharat Mata’.

Speaking at a public rally in Sadasivpet on Sunday, he addressed the long-standing parliamentary debate over the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, underscoring the importance of the Constitution’s secular and inclusive principles.

He noted that it does not invoke the name “Bharat Mata,” underscoring that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25. The preamble, he noted, enshrines the values of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity for all citizens.

“When the debate was going on, on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, I stood up and told the entire Parliament that on January 24, 1950, we gave ourselves a constitution, and that constitution begins with the English words ‘We the People.’ This constitution does not begin with the name of Bharat Mata. The constitution states, under Article 25, that you will have religious freedom. The preamble of this constitution speaks of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity,” Owaisi said.

He emphasised that linking patriotism solely to religion undermines the sacrifices of many freedom fighters and is inconsistent with the principles of the Constitution.

“If you connect religious worship with love for the nation, then what answer will you give to Bahadur Shah Zafar, who sacrificed his life and whose remains are in Rangoon?… What answer will you give to Yusuf Meherally? Who told Gandhi to use the words ‘Quit India,’ and who gave the slogan ‘Go Back, Simon’? If you connect one thing with religion and say that religion is love for the nation, it is not acceptable to us,” said Owaisi.

During the Parliament’s winter session last year, a detailed debate was held on the occasion of Vande Mataram’s 150th anniversary. (ANI)

Amid uncertainty over India vs Pakistan, group-stage fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla on Sunday said that the Indian board has left the matter entirely to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will abide by whatever decision the global body takes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian team’s dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence in New Delhi, Shukla said, “We have left everything on the ICC. We will follow whatever decision the ICC takes,” underlining BCCI’s stance of deferring to the tournament organisers on the sensitive issue.

His remarks came after Pakistan announced it would not play its much-anticipated group-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Pakistan’s decision was reportedly taken in support of Bangladesh, which had earlier expressed its unwillingness to travel to India for the tournament.

The development has sparked strong reactions in the cricketing fraternity.

Earlier on Sunday, former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise over Pakistan’s move, calling it an unusual decision in the context of a World Cup. “Backing out of a World Cup for what? They are playing in Sri Lanka, in any case. I am surprised Pakistan is backing out. In a World Cup, every point is important,” Ganguly told reporters in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Indian team continues to focus on its on-field commitments. Ahead of their next group-stage match, head coach Gambhir hosted a special dinner for the squad at his residence in the national capital on Sunday evening. Rajeev Shukla was also present at the gathering, which came ahead of India’s clash against Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

India began their title defence with a solid 29-run win over the United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted 161/9 in 20 overs, with captain Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma provided valuable support in the middle order.

In reply, the USA were restricted to 132/8, thanks to disciplined bowling from Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh. With momentum on their side, India will look to consolidate their position in the group stage when they take on Namibia in Delhi on Thursday.

T20 World Cup squad for India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh. (ANI)

India and Canada have agreed to establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers during a meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, as part of the former’s visit to Ottawa.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release, at a meeting on Saturday as part of the NSA’s two-day visit to the country, both sides agreed to build on their working relationship.

These were part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between India and Canada, during which the two sides acknowledged progress on initiatives to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and agreed on a shared work plan to guide cooperation on national security and law enforcement priorities.

As per the statement, the establishment of liaison officers is expected to streamline bilateral communications and facilitate timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern, including the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks.

“During the meeting, it was agreed that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships,” the statement stated.

“The two sides acknowledged the progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens. They agreed to a shared workplan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities,” the release added.

During the discussions, both countries also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues. They agreed to continue collaboration on matters related to fraud and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations.

“They also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues, as well as continuing discussions on cooperation related to fraud and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations,” it added.

In addition to his meeting with Drouin, Doval held talks with Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, on Friday.

The visit highlights India and Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in national security, law enforcement, and cybersecurity. (ANI)

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who attended a special lecture series marking the 100th year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), described RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address as “inspiring.”

The event, held at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Mumbai, brought together prominent figures from the film industry and beyond to commemorate the RSS’s 100 years.

Speaking to the media, Johar expressed his admiration for Bhagwat’s delivery, describing Bhagwat’s lecture as “inspiring” and also praising his “sense of humour,” which he found particularly striking.

He said, “I came here on the occasion of 100 years of the RSS and heard Mohan Bhagwat’s insightful lecture. I extend my best wishes to the RSS on its 100th anniversary. His words were not only inspiring but also reflected his great sense of humour…”

Actor Vicky Kaushal also attended the event on the second day and spoke to the media about his experience. He said it was special for him to be part of a programme marking such a significant journey for the RSS. Kaushal also shared that this was his first time hearing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speak in person, and it made a strong impression on him.

“It’s wonderful that the RSS journey has completed 100 years. For the first time, I got to hear Mohan Bhagwat speak in person, and I was deeply impressed,” Kaushal said.

The two-day centenary celebration, which commenced on February 7 and concluded on February 8, 2026, featured reflections on the organisation’s historical contributions to society, its ongoing initiatives, and visions for the future.

The opening day saw Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in attendance, setting a tone of star-studded participation. The second day witnessed an even larger turnout from the entertainment world, with actors and filmmakers including Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Ananya Panday, Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Ravi Dubey, Madhur Bhandarkar, and others.

The second day also saw the presence of music composer Pritam and actor Jackie Shroff, among others. The programme reflected on the organisation’s long journey, its work in society, and its ideas for the future. (ANI)

It’s a special day at actor Vikrant Massey’s home as his son Vardaan just turned two, and to mark the moment, his wife Sheetal Thakur shared a heartfelt message for their little one.

Sheetal took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone with a series of adorable mother-and-son pictures. In the photos, Vardaan is seen nestled close to her, and the moments feel intimate and full of affection. Along with the images, Sheetal shared a heartfelt message that reflected how deeply motherhood has changed her.

Sheetal reflected on how her son has become the center of her world, the reason her “heart beats louder” and her life feels “brighter” every single day. She also wrote about wanting Vardaan to remember their bond just as it appears in these captured moments.

In her post, she wrote: “Dear Vardaan, you are the reason my heart beats louder… my dreams stretch further… and my world feels brighter every day.”

“Can’t believe you are 2 already! This is how I want to remember us when you grow up. I love you so much it hurts… Happy birthday, baby.”

Vikrant and Sheetal welcomed Vardaan on February 7, 2024. The couple, who had been together for several years, first registered their marriage in a civil ceremony on February 14, 2022, and later celebrated with a traditional wedding in Himachal Pradesh on February 18 of the same year.

Vikrant also made news earlier in the day when he refuted rumors about Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana. Reports had suggested that he was being replaced by Raghav Juyal in the second installment. Vikrant firmly shut down the speculation, saying he was never part of the project to begin with.

Taking to Instagram Stories, the National Award-winning actor wrote that the reports were misleading and should have been verified, adding that he was “disappointed” by the rumors. (ANI)