Month: February 2026

Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra’s ‘Vadh 2’ hit the theatres on Friday morning, but some viewers have already shared key plot details on X and Instagram, unintentionally spoiling it for those who haven’t watched it yet.

As a mystery thriller, the film’s true impact lies in the unpredictability of its story, and any plot revelations can take away from the audience’s viewing experience. Through their post on social media, both Neena and Sanjay Mishra urged everyone to help preserve the suspense and allow audiences to enjoy the film as intended.

Taking to her Instagram Story, Neena wrote, “We request you to please not give away the spoilers or climax of Vadh 2. The film has been made as a thriller mystery, and we hope the experience remains intact for everyone watching it in theatres.”

Sanjay Mishra in Hindi posted, ” Hum aap sabse guzarish karte hain ki Vadh 2 ke spoiler ya climax ka khulasa na karein. Yeh film ek thriller mystery ke taur par banayi gayi hai aur hum chahte hai ki ise dekhne wale darshak ka anubhav waisa hi bana rahein.”

Earlier, speaking to ANI, Sanjay Mishra shared how the title ‘Vadh’ essentially captured the moral complexity that remained at the heart of the story.

“The name of our film was ‘Gwalior’. It was fun to do it, but it wasn’t released for about three to four years. However, the word ‘Vadh’ was in our dialogues. It was then that Luv Ranjan said, ‘Vadh is your own title’. I didn’t even expect it to become so popular. The speciality of ‘Vadh’ is that the more you get carried away by the death, the more it will work. You will want to kill that kind of person,” he said.

In a follow-up, actor Neena Gupta referred to the grim scenes from the first film that seamlessly blended with the title.

“One day, Sanjay had said, ‘Pauses are very important’. In the film, there is a scene when he and I cleaning the blood. We sleep in a small room on a small bed. After the act, we have to go there and sleep. He removes the bedsheet and even forbids the wife to not clean. Those moments, the silences – they are unbelievable,” the ‘Panchayat’ star said. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Friday lauched an attack on Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliances in Kerala, accusing them of undermining Sanatana Dharma and hindering the state’s progress, asserting that BJP would protest against their actions.

While addressing the Booth Presidents’ Conference in Karukutty, Ernakulam, Nabin said, “For years, the politics of development here could have been taken forward, Kerala could have been moved forward in the direction of making it a top state. But both these parties, whether it is UDF or LDF, have worked to stop the development here by wrestling for power one after another. The youth here, who could have made a leading contribution to the development of this state by moving forward, were stopped. But I can say that today Kerala is standing at that turn where the youth are going to lead this storm of complete change.”

He accused them of complicity in corruption and appeasement politics, calling them an “anarchic government.”, expressing confidence that people would side with the BJP ideology.

“We have seen that through the collusion of these two, there has been an anarchic government here, a government immersed in corruption, and we have seen the height of politics of appeasement. If we take all their actions to the public, then definitely the public will stand with this change.” Nabin accused.

“I say that if we go among the people by exposing the corruption and appeasement of both fronts, the people will surely accept the ideals put forward by the Bharatiya Janata Party with both hands.” he added.

Taking further aim at UDF and LDF, Nabin claimed that both of them work to hurt Sanatan Dharma and its traditions, accusing their “partners” of working towards the same goal.

“We see how UDF and LDF are competing to become fully anti-Santana. On one side, UDF openly make agreements and works with parties such as the Muslim League and at the same time, also stops us from reading Ramayana.”, Nabin claimed.

“LDF, along with corruption, didn’t even leave Lord Ayappa. I will say, accomplices of LDF and UDF, in this country, have worked to harm Sanatana traditions and sentiments.”, he added, stating that there are many examples and cited the Tamil Nadu state government, he alleged that they are working to stop the ‘Deepam Poojam’.

Expressing confidence in Kerala citizens, he said, “Now they want to use Sabrimala for their political gain, but the people of Kerala would not fall for their facade.”

He further expressed the resolve to punish those involved in the Sabarimala gold theft, stating that he believes it was carried out by the UDF and LDP. “BJP workers will take to the streets to protest against this”, he stated.

He also criticises them for hindering the state’s development despite its rich potential in fields like Ayurveda and science.

“This land is rich in natural beauty, Ayurveda, sports, science, and all fields. But despite this, the two parties here, by taking power one after another, have only exploited its vast potential and worked to keep Kerala backward in its development.Kerala is a progressive state. This land is rich in many things, including our great Ayurveda and science. But the two fronts have ruled Kerala one after another and hindered the development of the state.” (ANI)

The death toll in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills coal mine incident has risen to 25 as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.

Vikash Kumar, Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district, confirmed the fatalities and said authorities are working around the clock to ensure safety and recover the remaining personnel.

Earlier today, Meghalaya Minister Lahkmen Rymbui confirmed that two persons have been arrested during the ongoing investigation into the mishap. Details regarding the circumstances of the incident and the identities of the deceased are still being ascertained.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, calling the incident painful.

“It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” the President said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000.

“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, which occurred at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. He asserted that accountability would be fixed and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasised the pressing issue of illegal mining in Meghalaya, stating that the problem needs to be fixed under the supervision of the state government.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday about the recent coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, Reddy noted that Meghalaya has no government-operated coal mines and that no coal block has been auctioned so far.

“An accident has occurred in illegal coal mines in Meghalaya. Several people died. There is no Govt of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not even one block of coal mine has been auctioned to date. Neither PSU coal mines nor commercial coal mines exist there. Illegal coal mining occurs there. This needs to be stopped under the supervision of the State Govt,” G Kishan Reddy said.

He added that the Union government has repeatedly urged state governments to curb illegal coal mining, but mafias continue to operate illegal mines, exploiting innocent workers.

Reddy has requested a detailed report from the Meghalaya government and reiterated that illegal mining must be stopped immediately.

“We have been writing to State Govts again and again to stop illegal coal mining. Still, mafia runs illegal coal mines at various places and makes innocent people work there…I have sought a report from Meghalaya Govt…I urge all State Govts to stop illegal mining. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not occur. Illegal mining should not take place,” G Kishan Reddy added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of labourers in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of many labourers in the coal mine blast in Meghalaya. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Her message came amid growing political reactions to the deadly incident that has claimed at least 16 lives so far.

Congress MP Saleng A Sangma expressed profound grief over the tragic coal mine accident, emphasising that the government’s response to coal mining accidents has been repetitive and insufficient, pointing out that such tragedies are not isolated incidents.

“This particular response was already said when so many people died in the coal mining. This is not the only one. How many numbers has he already suspended?… It’s not just about the owner who is involved in this particular coal racket, illegal coal mining. Who has allowed such activities to happen within the state, within the jurisdiction? Who are the officers, who are the ministers, who are the MLAs who are involved in this particular illegal racket? Just tell me how many numbers so far? If he had been responsible from day one, these illegal activities would not have happened by now,” he said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over the incident and called for accountability. In his post on X, Yadav said, “The news of the death of workers in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya is extremely tragic. A thorough investigation into the causes should be conducted, and appropriate financial assistance should be provided to the bereaved families for their livelihood.” (ANI)

A massive fire broke out at an NDMC godown in the Safdarjung area on Friday evening. Upon receiving the information, eight fire engines arrived at the scene, and efforts are underway to control the blaze.

Delhi Fire Services shared that the SHO/PS Sarojini Nagar received information around 6.pm about the fire, which prevented any potential tragedy. Police personnel arrived immediately and safely evacuated everyone from the area, and DFS dispatched eight fire engines. While efforts to fully douse the fire are ongoing, officials have confirmed no loss of life or casualties so far.

Delhi Fire Services said, “Today at about 6.00 pm, information was received by the SHO/PS Sarojini Nagar, from a responsible public person regarding a major fire at an NDMC godown located under the Safdarjung Flyover, near Prachin Shiv Mandir. The police staff promptly and safely evacuated all persons from the fire-affected area. Due to the timely information provided by the public person, any major incident was averted. Six fire tenders are present at the spot, and efforts are underway to bring the fire under control. As of now, no loss of life has been reported.”

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic alert about heavy congestion on Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, AIIMS Flyover and roads leading towards AIIMS Flyover, advising commuters to use alternate routes like Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg.

Traffic Alert

Traffic is affected on Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, AIIMS Flyover and roads leading towards AIIMS Flyover due to a major fire at an NDMC godown near Safdarjung Flyover. Traffic is being diverted from Aurobindo Marg towards Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg. Commuters…

— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) February 6, 2026

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

A scintillating 175-run knock by Vaibhav Suryavanshi helped India U19 overpower England U19 by 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final on Friday, securing their sixth title in the tournament’s history.

After opting to bat first, India posted a mammoth 411/9, with Suryavanshi smashing 15 fours and 15 sixes off just 80 balls. Captain Ayush Mhatre added a steady 53 off 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu contributed a brisk 40 off 31 balls, ensuring a formidable total for the young English side. Despite Caleb Falconer’s valiant 115 off 67 balls, England fell short, unable to chase down the record target of 412.

Speaking after the historic win, India U19 all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan said, “I will try and keep doing well and want to contribute to the team as much as I can. Sir (Kanitkar) just told me to be calm and do my role well, not think about the score. We knew they would come hard at us; 700 runs were scored. We just wanted to bowl the correct line and lengths,” according to Cricbuzz.

Opener batter Aaron George, who made a century in the semi-final match against Afghanistan while chasing a big target, added, “It hasn’t really sunk in; I want to celebrate with my teammates. Vaibhav did a great job; we batted them out of the game. Nothing specific, but let’s see (on the celebrations).”

Head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar praised his players’ composure, saying, “Great feeling, I’ve been here before, but it’s special for the boys. After the fight the England team put up, it was a good win for us. It is one of the major goals, that’s what we do at the CoE (Centre of Excellence) in the BCCI Academy. Trophies are good, but it’s the development which is very important. Just have dinner and go to sleep.”

Reflecting on the pressure moments during the match, Abhigyan Kundu said, “I did feel the pressure at times, we just needed to hold onto it, back our bowlers and the fielders — our lines and lengths were good. We’re going to celebrate, it’s a good reward for all the hard work over the past two years. We lost against Australia then, and this is a sort of revenge. I really liked the way Vaibhav played.”

India’s record-shattering total and disciplined bowling performance highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the BCCI Academy, further cementing their status as a dominant force in Under-19 cricket. The victory also extended England U19’s wait for a second World Cup title, the last being in 1998.

Brief Scores: India: 411/9 (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat England: 311 (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66, RS Ambrish 3/56). (ANI)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that Tehran is approaching talks with the United States “with open eyes,” while firmly asserting that the Islamic Republic will not yield on its rights.

Araghchi made the comments in an X post upon his arrival in Oman’s capital, Muscat, where he is leading negotiations with US officials to reach a fair resolution on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Iran enters diplomacy with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year,” he said, adding, “We engage in good faith and stand firm on our rights.”

He further outlined “equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest” as the “pillars of a durable agreement” that demand genuine commitment from both parties.

The Iranian team includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Hamid Qanbari, as well as Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. The US delegation is headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior adviser to US President Donald Trump.

The discussions, scheduled to start later on Friday, are taking place amid an increased US military presence in West Asia and continued threats that have heightened regional tensions.

Baghaei had earlier posted on X that the talks are proceeding “with strength and with the objective of achieving a fair, mutually satisfactory and dignified agreement.”

The current engagement follows five rounds of indirect discussions last year that were halted due to military actions initiated by Israel on June 13, 2025, ahead of the planned sixth round in Muscat, with subsequent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran responded with successful counter-operations on June 24, 2025, which brought an end to the aggression.

As reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, the conflict resulted in at least 1,064 deaths in Iran. (ANI)

A huge explosion occurred near an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, killing 10 people, local media reported.

The injured are being shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), as per the report as further details are awaited.

The blast comes days after Balochistan witnessed deadly attacks, carried out by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed the lives of 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, along with 22 security and law enforcement personnel.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that its operation titled “Operation Herof II” is continuing into its sixth consecutive day, rejecting statements issued by Pakistan’s military media wing as propaganda.

The claims were made in a statement posted on February 5 by Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army.

As cited in Jeeyand Baloch’s post, the BLA asserted that Operation Herof II remains ongoing with what it described as determination, consistency and military success.

The statement said that any claims by the Pakistani state or its media apparatus, including the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), regarding the conclusion of the operation should be regarded as false until the BLA itself announces its end. According to the statement, such claims do not reflect the ground realities described and lack credibility among the Baloch population.

The statement alleged that ISPR press releases issued during the operation have been contradictory and misleading. It claimed that on the first day of the operation, Pakistani authorities had announced their conclusion and the elimination of all attackers, a claim which, according to the BLA, has been repeated daily over the past six days. The statement further alleged that these repeated claims indicate failures both on the battlefield and in what it described as the narrative domain.

Jeeyand Baloch’s post also addressed casualties, stating that BLA fighters, referred to as Sarmachars and Fidaeens, enter the conflict with the belief that martyrdom is an honourable outcome. The statement claimed that the organisation publicly acknowledges its fallen members by releasing their names, photographs and circumstances, while alleging that the Pakistani army conceals casualties among its personnel by withholding identities and conducting burials without public disclosure. (ANI)

Kerala Police have registered a case against Malayalam actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju in connection with road accident in Thiruvananthapuram last night in which two youths sustained injuries.

Police on Friday said that a car driven by Raju was involved in a road accident in the State capital last night. They registered the actor’s arrest in connection with the incident, and he has since been released on bail.

The Museum Police registered an FIR under Sections 281 and 125 (A) of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and Sections 134(A) and 134(B) of the Motor Vehicle Act, after the actor’s car collided with a bike.

According to the Museum Police, the accident occurred around 9:30 pm in front of the Trivandrum Club at Vazhuthacaud.

The car allegedly rammed into a motorcycle carrying two youths, identified as Sooraj, a native of Sreekanteswaram, and Nidev, a resident of Sreevaraham.

Police said both riders sustained serious injuries in the collision. Sooraj suffered injuries to his left leg and shoulder, while Nidev sustained injuries to his neck and leg. The injured were shifted for medical treatment following the accident.

Authorities stated that the car involved in the accident was being driven by Maniyanpilla Raju at the time.

According to the Museum Police, the actor allegedly did not stop at the scene immediately after the collision. Based on the investigation findings, the police registered his arrest in the case.

Following the arrest, Raju was taken to the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital, where he underwent a medical examination as part of the legal procedure, police officials confirmed.

Maniyanpilla Raju is a familiar face in Malayalam cinema, known for his long career as an actor and producer. He is famed for his work in films ‘Boeing Boeing’, ‘Chithram’, ‘Bangalore Days’ and ‘No.20 Madras Mail’, among others. (ANI)

Actor Manoj Bajpayee on February 6 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.

Taking to his official X handle, Bajpayee said he respects the emotions expressed by those who felt hurt and stressed that the intent of the series was not 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.

The controversy stems from the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, which translates to “Corrupt Pandit,” with “Pandat” being associated with a Brahmin surname.

Several community groups have accused the makers of defamation and cultural insensitivity, issuing legal notices and calling for a boycott on social media.

Director Neeraj Pandey, in a separate statement on Instagram, 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.

As of February 6, an FIR has been 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)

Prime Video has released the first-look poster for its upcoming Hindi action-drama ‘Subedaar’, spotlighting veteran actor Anil Kapoor in a raw, high-octane role that promises his much-anticipated comeback to the intense action genre.

The poster, released on Friday, introduces Kapoor as Subedaar Arjun Maurya and offers audiences a powerful glimpse into the character’s hardened persona.

In the newly revealed visual, Kapoor is positioned at the centre in a striking action-oriented pose, exuding toughness and determination. His expression reflects resilience and readiness for confrontation, reinforcing the film’s aggressive and gritty tone.

Adding to the film’s aggressive tone are the letters “FK” scrawled across his knuckles.

Kapoor’s character, referred to as both “Subedaar” and “Chacha,” appears poised for a decisive face-off.

‘Subedaar’ pairs Kapoor with Radhika Madan, who portrays Shyama, the daughter of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, weaving family dynamics into the high-octane narrative. Directed by Suresh Triveni, acclaimed for ‘Tumhari Sulu’ (2017) and ‘Jalsa’ starring Vidya Balan in both films.

Production comes from Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network (AKFCN), with producers Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni steering the project.

Earlier in December, Kapoor had unveiled a teaser of Subedaar, which further fuelled anticipation for the project. The teaser featured the actor dressed in a striped white shirt, beige trousers and slippers, seated inside a dimly lit room while a group of men outside threatened to break in.

In the teaser, Kapoor’s character, addressed as “Subedaar” and “Chacha,” is seen sitting on a wooden chair facing the door. Calm yet resolute, he signals while holding a gun before loading it, indicating his readiness for a confrontation. The sequence highlighted the character’s composure under pressure and hinted at the intense action to follow. (ANI)