Month: February 2026

Showcasing a warm and personal rapport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared a car ride with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, following the former’s arrival in Malaysia as part of his two-day visit in the Southeast Asian nation, as both leaders head towards a community event in Kuala Lumpur.

Sharing glimpses from the car ride on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur.”

Upon landing in the Malaysian capital, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport, who personally came to receive PM Modi as a special gesture, showcasing the deep ties between the two leaders.

In a separate post on X, PM Modi said, “Landed in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the airport. I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia.”

Prime Minister Modi was also received at the airport by Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Dato’ Seri R Ramanan and Deputy Foreign Minister Dato’ Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni.

The arrival was followed by a vibrant cultural welcome showcasing the shared heritage of India and Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

The MEA in a post on X said, “Selamat Tengahari Malaysia! Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is an important partner in India’s Act East policy, Vision MAHASAGAR and the Indo-Pacific vision. The visit is expected to impart significant momentum to our close & multi-faceted partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi is heading to a community event called ‘Selamat Datang Modiji,’ where a massive display of cultural and soft-power diplomacy will be showcased. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia is set to attempt a prestigious entry into the Malaysia Book of Records during the high-profile event.

The record attempt will take place at the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart.

Under the banner of the Indian Community Cultural Committee, approximately 800 dancers will perform a single, continuous five-minute choreographed piece.

The attempt is titled “Largest Number of Dancers in a Single Choreographed Dance Representing a Wide Variety of Indian Classical and Folk Dance Forms Performed by the Indian Diaspora.”

According to a statement from the MEA, Prime Minister Modi will visit Malaysia from February 7 to February 8 at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart. This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Malaysia since 2015.counterpart

The visit aims to further strengthen the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024 and underscores India’s commitment to deepening ties with Malaysia, a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision, and Vision MAHASAGAR.

PM Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Ibrahim and participate in engagements to enhance cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people domains during the visit.

This is not the first time Prime Minister Modi has shared a car ride with global leaders, underscoring the strong ties he maintains with them.

In December last year, PM Modi broke with protocol to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport during the latter’s visit, and both shared a car ride to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

He also shared a car ride with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was on a two-day official visit to India last month, following their engagements in Gujarat.

PM Modi also received and travelled together in the same car with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from the Delhi airport when the UAE leader arrived in the national capital on an official visit in January. (ANI)

A reply has been filed on behalf of Sonia Gandhi before the Rouse Avenue Court opposing the revision petition that alleges her name was fraudulently included in the voter list before she acquired Indian citizenship. In her response, she has contested the plea, stating that it is based on incorrect and misleading facts.

The matter is now scheduled to be heard on February 21. The revision petition has been filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, challenging the Magistrate Court’s September 2025 order, which had dismissed his complaint seeking registration of a case and investigation into alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls.

According to the petition, Sonia Gandhi acquired Indian citizenship on April 30, 1983, but her name had allegedly appeared in the 1980 voter list of New Delhi. The plea questions how her name was included in the electoral roll at that time. It also raises concerns over the deletion of her name from the voter list in 1982 and seeks clarification on the documents used for her inclusion in the 1980 rolls, alleging that the earlier entry may have been based on forged documents.

Opposing these claims, Sonia Gandhi, in her reply, has maintained that the allegations are unfounded and that the petition is built on incorrect and misleading assertions.

Recently, the Sessions Court at Rouse Avenue had issued a notice to Sonia Gandhi while hearing the revision petition. The direction was passed by Sessions Judge Vishal Gogne after preliminary submissions were made on behalf of the revisionist.

Senior Advocate Pavan Narang, appearing for Vikas Tripathi, had argued that the material placed on record indicated serious irregularities in the manner her name was entered into the electoral roll before she became an Indian citizen. He submitted that certain documents may have been forged or falsified to secure her inclusion in the 1980 rolls and pointed out that her name was later deleted and then re-entered in 1983 on the basis of an application filed in January 1983.

He further argued that under the Representation of the People Act, only an Indian citizen can be enrolled as a voter, and therefore, the entries require judicial scrutiny. He also stated that while the initial complaint relied on an article containing clips of electoral rolls, the revisionist has since obtained attested copies from the Election Commission of India and placed them on record to support the allegations.

The revision petition stems from Tripathi’s earlier complaint, which was dismissed by the Magistrate at the threshold on the ground that it lacked legal foundation and relied on uncertified photocopies of electoral records. The Magistrate had also observed that issues relating to citizenship and electoral rolls fall within the jurisdiction of the Central Government and the Election Commission of India and cannot be adjudicated through a criminal complaint. (ANI)

The Board of Control for India (BCCI) announced Rs 7.5 crore as reward money for the Indian Under-19 cricket team after they secured the 2026 Under-19 World Cup by defeating England in the finals on Friday.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed pride in India’s Under-19 team for winning the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, remaining undefeated, and defeating England in the final. He announced that the BCCI will award the team a cash prize of Rs 7.5 crore.

The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, while speaking to ANI, said, “The whole country and BCCI are proud of our Under-19 side on their Under-19 World Cup 2026 victory. The way our team defeated England in the finals, and how they remained undefeated in the tournament, we are all proud. The BCCI will reward the team with Rs 7.5 crore cash prize.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated the Under-19 team for its stupendous showing at the World Cup, “India’s cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours.”

India U19 defeated England U19 by 100 runs in the final to lift the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, securing their sixth title in Harare, Zimbabwe. The young Indian side produced a record-breaking performance in a high-octane final.

Electing to bat first, India posted an imposing 411/9, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing a scintillating 175 off just 80 balls, hitting 15 fours and 15 sixes. Captain Ayush Mhatre added 53 runs from 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu contributed a brisk 40 off 31 balls. England’s Caleb Falconer fought valiantly with 115 runs, but the visitors fell short of the mammoth 412-run target.

India’s dominant performance also set a new record for sixes in a Youth ODI final, hitting 31 sixes — well clear of the previous record of 23. The victory adds to India’s Under-19 World Cup wins in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, while England are yet to win their second title since 1998. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order reaffirming the national emergency with respect to Iran and establishing a mechanism to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to do business with Tehran, the White House said.

Under the order, beginning on its effective date, the United States may impose an additional ad valorem duty-for example, up to 25 per cent- on goods imported into the US from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The move is aimed at protecting US national security, foreign policy and economic interests.

The White House said the order establishes a system that allows Washington to levy tariffs on imports from countries maintaining economic ties with Iran, while giving the president authority to modify the measures if circumstances change in response to retaliation. or if Iran or an affected country takes “significant steps” to align with the United States on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters.

The executive order authorises the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to take all necessary actions, including issuing rules and guidance, to implement the tariff system and related measures.

According to the White House, the action is part of a broader effort to counter what it described as Iran’s “malign influence,” including Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development and regional destabilisation. The administration accused Iran of backing proxy militant groups across the Middle East, repressing its own population, and diverting resources toward nuclear and missile programmes instead of domestic needs.

The White House said these actions constitute an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, its allies and interests, requiring a sustained and intensified response.

The order builds on President Trump’s long-standing hardline approach toward Iran. During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, reinstated “maximum pressure” sanctions and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. After returning to the office, Trump restored maximum pressure policies to deny Iran any path to a nuclear weapon.

The White House also pointed to recent US military and diplomatic actions, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional US forces to the region, aimed at pressuring Tehran to negotiate a deal that would permanently block its nuclear ambitions.

Separately, the US government issued a security alert for Iran, warning of heightened security measures, internet disruptions, flight cancellations, and nationwide restrictions on communications. The advisory urged US citizens to leave Iran immediately if it is safe to do so, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile and prepare for prolonged disruptions.

The United States currently has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran. Switzerland, through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for US interests in the country, the advisory said. (ANI)

The lead cast of the ‘Rang De Basanti’ reunited at the 20th anniversary of the film for the special screening at Mumbai on Friday. The star-studded evening was attended by Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan and others.

‘Rang De Basanti’, the film that raised the standards of patriotic cinema, has completed 20 years in the industry.

Aamir Khan arrived at the event in a custom hoodie bearing the name “Rang De Basanti,” paired with black pants and brown shoes.

The lead cast followed the same dress code for the reunion. It included actors Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and others

Rang De Basanti, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, is a modern classic that connects the past with the present. The film follows a group of young Indians who are inspired by freedom fighters to take a stand against corruption in contemporary India.

Featuring a stellar cast including Aamir Khan, Siddharth, and Soha Ali Khan, the film resonated deeply with the youth and sparked conversations about patriotism, activism, and responsibility. It’s a film that continues to inspire new generations to contribute to the nation’s progress. (ANI)

The United States and India have announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade, marking a significant step toward advancing the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations launched by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025, a joint statement released by the White House and Commerce Ministry stated.

The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes, the statement mentioned.

As part of the framework, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine and spirits, among others.

According to the Joint Statement, the United States will, in turn, apply a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on Indian-origin goods under the relevant executive order, covering sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastics and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery. “Subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, the US will remove reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of goods, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.”

The framework also provides for the removal of US tariffs on certain Indian aircraft and aircraft parts imposed under national security-related proclamations on aluminium, steel and copper. India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota for automotive parts, consistent with US national security requirements. Depending on the outcome of a US Section 232 investigation, India is also set to receive negotiated outcomes for generic pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, the statement mentioned.

Both countries committed to providing each other with preferential market access in sectors of mutual interest on a sustained basis and to establishing rules of origin to ensure that the benefits of the agreement accrue primarily to the United States and India, it added.

The statement said the two sides would address non-tariff barriers affecting bilateral trade. India agreed to take steps to address long-standing barriers in areas such as US medical devices, information and communication technology goods, and food and agricultural products, and to review the acceptance of US-developed or international standards in identified sectors within six months of the agreement’s entry into force, it stated.

The United States and India also agreed to enhance cooperation on standards and conformity assessment procedures to improve compliance ease and to allow modifications to commitments in the event of changes to agreed tariffs by either side.

Beyond the Interim Agreement, both countries said they would work toward further expanding market access through the BTA negotiations. The US said it would consider India’s request to continue efforts to lower tariffs on Indian goods during the talks.

The framework also outlines strengthened economic security alignment, including cooperation on supply chain resilience, investment reviews, export controls, and the addressing of third parties’ non-market policies.

As part of the broader economic engagement, India expressed its intention to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft and aircraft parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years. The two sides also agreed to significantly increase trade in technology products, including graphics processing units used in data centres, and to expand joint technology cooperation.

The United States and India further committed to addressing barriers to digital trade and to establishing a pathway for robust, mutually beneficial digital trade rules under the BTA.

Both sides said they would promptly implement the framework and work toward finalising the Interim Agreement, with a view to concluding a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement in line with the agreed roadmap. (ANI)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) appealed to the film, television producer bodies and the OTT platforms on Friday to refrain “from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles” like ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ as they find it “offensive and derogatory.”

In the written letter to lndian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (lMppA), Producers Guild of lndia (PGl), lndian Film and Television Producers Council (lFTPC), Western lndia Film and TV Producer’s Association (WlFpA) and different OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Sony Liv and others, FWICE expressed their objection to film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’s title, saying that it allegedly appears to target a particular community and its livelihood in an “offensive manner”, potentially disturbing social harmony.

“The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing 36 affiliated associations and scores of members comprising workers, technicians, and artists of the media and entertainment industry, writes to you with serious concern regarding a controversial film being produced under the title “Ghuskhor Pandat” by Mr. Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks,” read FWICE.

The letter continued, “FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner. Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony.”

FWICE appeals to producer bodies to stop registration of provocative titles and advises director Neeraj Pandey to withdraw the title with immediate effect for the sake of “social harmony and unity.”

The letter read, “FWICE firmly believes that there should be no division in society on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, or profession. All professions are equally dignified and deserving of respect. The film industry, being a powerful medium of expression, carries a moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles do not promote hatred, disrespect, or unrest among citizens.”

“We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians. FWICE strongly condemns the registration of the said title and advises Mr. Neeraj Pandey and his production house Friday Filmworks to withdraw the same with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity,” continued the letter.

FWICE also advise its members and affiliated associations to distance themselves from the producer’s projects.

“Please note that if the needful is not done forthwith, FWICE shall be compelled to advise all its affiliated associations and its scores of members to distance themselves from any project of the said producer. We trust that you will appreciate the seriousness of this matter and take appropriate corrective action in the interest of the industry and society at large,” noted the letter of FWICE.

The controversy centres on the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, which roughly translates to “Corrupt Pandit,” with “Pandat” commonly associated with a Brahmin surname.

Critics argue that this could perpetuate stereotypes and harm the community’s sentiments. Actor Manoj Bajpayee also broke his silence on the controversy surrounding his upcoming web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, as the project faces mounting legal action and public backlash over its title.

On his official X handle, Bajpayee said he respects the emotions of those who felt hurt and stressed that the series was not intended to target any community.

“When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote, adding that his role focused on portraying “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.

“He underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement.

Bajpayee also expressed confidence in filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, noting the director’s “consistent seriousness and care” in storytelling. (ANI)

Netflix’s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, directed by Neeraj Pandey and featuring Manoj Bajpayee, has ignited political and social controversy following the release of its promo on Tuesday, with sections of the public opposing the title, calling it offensive, hurtful, and disrespectful.

On Friday evening, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the government had formally directed the streaming platform to remove the film’s title and other promotional content.

“A film titled Ghooskhor Pandat was announced for release on an OTT platform, which was creating very negative and hurtful feelings in our community. We had requested the Government of India to take action. The Government of India promptly took cognisance and instructed OTT platforms like Netflix to remove the film’s title…” Pathak said.

Earlier in the day, following the backlash, Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey posted on their respective Instagram accounts to apologise, confirming that all promotional materials had been removed from social media.

“When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote, adding that his role focused on portraying “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.”He underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement.

Bajpayee also expressed confidence in filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, noting the director’s “consistent seriousness and care” in storytelling.

Director Neeraj Pandey clarified that the series is a fictional cop drama and that “Pandat” is used purely as a colloquial name for a fictional character.

He said the story focuses on individual actions and choices, not caste or religion, and reiterated that the project was created with sincere intent to entertain.

Political reactions continued, with Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticising the BJP, saying, “Be very careful and wary of the BJP, because who gave permission for this to be streamed on OTT platforms? The BJP did… I can bet that the money used to produce this also came from the government,” Yadav said.

On the same, Swami Chakrapani told ANI, ” It is very unfortunate…Deliberate attempts have been made through Bollywood to instil a sense of division within Hindu society…This is deeply condemnable and utterly intolerable.”

On February 6, an FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow against Pandey and his team, citing concerns over hurt religious sentiments and public harmony. A writ petition has also been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the series’ release. (ANI)

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on 15 entities targeting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, accusing Iran of using the funds for “destabilising activities” worldwide and in response to the protests in the country.

A statement by Tommy Pigott, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, noted, “The Department of State is sanctioning 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 shadow fleet vessels connected to the illicit trade in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. These targets have generated revenue that the regime uses to conduct its malign activities. “

The statement said, “Instead of investing in the welfare of its own people and crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilising activities around the world and step up its repression inside Iran.”

“So long as the Iranian regime attempts to evade sanctions and generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund such oppressive behaviour and support terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will act to hold both the Iranian regime and its partners accountable.”

The statement concluded by saying that Trump is committed to bringing down Iran’s oil exports: “The President is committed to driving down the Iranian regime’s illicit oil and petrochemical exports under the Administration’s maximum pressure campaign.”

These sanctions follow the US had imposed sanctions in January on Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and several other officials, citing Tehran’s violent response to recent anti-government protests.

Announcing the measures, the US Treasury Department said Momeni “oversees the murderous Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (LEF), a key entity responsible for the deaths of thousands of peaceful protesters.”

The sanctions package also targets multiple senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with Iranian investor Babak Morteza Zanjani, who is accused of having “embezzled billions in funds from the Iranian people.

“In a first-of-its-kind move, Treasury also imposed restrictions on digital currency exchanges connected to Zanjani “that have processed large volumes of funds associated with IRGC-linked counterparties.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday shared Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s remarks on X following the conclusion of talks between the US and Iran.

In his remarks, he said that the Iranian viewpoints and concerns were expressed. Calling it a good start, he said there was consensus to continue the consultations.

“Our interests, the rights of the Iranian people, and all matters that needed to be stated were presented in a very positive atmosphere, and the other side’s views were also heard. Regarding the very principle of continuing the negotiations, there is almost a consensus, and it was agreed that they should continue.” (ANI)