Month: February 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday confirmed that five LCA Mk1a fighter jets are fully ready and an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown.

The company, in a statement, assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.

“HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications. An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery,” the public sector aerospace and defence company said.

HAL said that they are in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest

“HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL’s delivery plans. HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.” They said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force will review the LCA Mark 1A combat aircraft project in May this year before deciding on the acceptance of delivery of these planes, of which 180 have been ordered by the force.

The project was discussed in detail in December last year. Since most aircraft projects are expected to be completed in April 2026, the Indian Air Force will review the project in detail again in May. The delivery timeline would be decided only after that, defence sources told ANI.

The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 of these aircraft in two tranches, but deliveries have been delayed.

The planes were likely to be delivered last year, but the Indian Air Force has insisted that HAL provide the aircraft in a fully operational configuration.

HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility on October 17.

The deliveries of the aircraft were supposed to be done almost a year ago, but supply chain issues faced by the engine have pushed them back for some time. (ANI)

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging the House to debate on a matter of “grave public importance” related to the India-US trade deal and energy understanding.

The India-US trade deal reduces tariffs on Indian goods in the US to 18 per cent, while Washington has claimed the deal will help it export more agricultural products to New Delhi.

In his notice, Tewari said the house should discuss a reported claim by US President Donald Trump that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed that India would stop purchasing Russian oil and substantially increase oil imports from the US and Venezuela.

He further demanded a debate on reducing Indian tariffs and non-tariff barriers to zero, and a commitment to procure over USD 500 billion in American goods.

“I move that this House do suspend Question Hour, Zero Hour and all other listed business of the day to take up an urgent matter of grave public importance, namely the reported statement issued by the President of the United States claiming that the Government of India has agreed to (i) stop purchasing Russian oil, (ii) substantially increase of oil imports from the United States and Venezuela, (iii) reduce Indian tariffs and non-tariff barriers to zero, and (iv) commit to procurement of over 500 billion dollars of American goods,” Tewari said in his motion notice.

The Congress leader noted that Russian crude has helped moderate fuel inflation in India, and any abrupt shift in sourcing could “burden citizens and industry.” He also warned that large trade concessions could adversely impact domestic manufacturing, farmers and the MSME sector.

“If such commitments have indeed been made, they will have serious implications for India’s energy security, price stability, and independent foreign policy. Russian crude has helped moderate fuel inflation, and any abrupt shift could burden citizens and industry. Large trade concessions may also affect domestic manufacturing, farmers, and MSMEs,” the notice read.

Tewari urged the Government to make an immediate statement and allow a full discussion so that the nation is not presented with decisions taken without transparency in matters of trade, energy, and foreign policy.

Meanwhile, both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue the discussion on the motion of ‘Thanks to the President’s Address’ during the ongoing Budget Session today.

In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister is likely to reply in the Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks today as the discussion continues.

The Budget session comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and concludes on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (ANI)

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has publicly criticised Mumbai University after being uninvited from a student event just hours before it was scheduled, calling the decision insulting and dishonest.

In a strongly worded article in the Indian Express titled “When a university speaks power to truth”, Shah detailed how he was dropped from the Jashn-e-Urdu programme organised by the university’s Urdu department on February 1, allegedly without explanation or apology.

According to Shah, he was informed late on the night of January 31 that his presence was no longer required. What followed, he wrote, was even more troubling, the audience was told that he had declined to attend.

“The university, after informing me that I needn’t attend… decided to rub a little salt in by announcing that I had refused to be there,” Shah wrote, rejecting the claim outright.

The actor, who has frequently engaged with students over his four-decade-long career, said the event had held special meaning for him because of the opportunity to interact with young learners.

He described teaching and engaging with students as some of the “most joyous and educational experiences” of his professional life, adding that he had gained more from such interactions than from formal teachers of acting.

Shah suggested that the real reason for his disinvitation lay in his public criticism of the current political climate.

Referring to comments reportedly made by a senior university official, he challenged the accusation that he “openly makes statements against the country,” asking for evidence of any remark in which he had run down India.

“Sure, I have never praised the self-proclaimed ‘Vishwaguru’,” Shah wrote, adding that he has been critical of the Prime Minister’s conduct and the actions of the ruling establishment.

In the article, Shah expressed concern over what he described as shrinking freedoms, the treatment of student activists, and the broader social atmosphere, invoking George Orwell’s 1984 situation writing “not singing the praise of the “great leader” is considered sedition”, to underline his unease with what he called constant surveillance and “24 hours of hate.”

“This is not the country I grew up in and was taught to love. The “thought police” and “doublespeak” have been deployed in full force, as has surveillance,” he wrote.

Recenty composer AR Rahman triggered widespread debate during an interview with the BBC Asian Network, where he discussed his reduced presence in Bollywood.

Rahman attributed the shift to a transfer of power toward corporate, non-creative entities and hinted at “communal” undercurrents within the industry.

The industry reaction was swift. While veteran Javed Akhtar argued that producers might simply be “scared to approach” a legend of Rahman’s stature, filmmaker Subhash Ghai defended his collaborator, claiming the remarks were “unnecessarily exaggerated.”

Amidst boycott calls, Rahman eventually released an Instagram clarification, reaffirming India as his “inspiration” and that his “intentions” were “misunderstood”.

“I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices,” he said. (ANI)

A coach of the MGR Chennai Central to New Jalpaiguri Superfast Express derailed near Jakhapura Station in Odisha on Thursday, according to officials.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of East Coast Railway, Deepak Rout, stated that there were no injuries or casualties in the incident tha ttool place at 8.51 am nd that passengers are being assisted. He said the situation is being monitored and that the railway line will also be restored soon.

“There has been a minor derailment at Jakhapura. The train was moving from Chennai to New Jalpaiguri. There are no injuries or loss of lives. Affected passengers are being accommodated in other coaches. It is a minor derailment. Helpline number is 8114382367. A technical team and senior officials are on site. All help is being provided to passengers, and the situation is being monitored. The railway line will be restored soon,” the CPRO told ANI.

Subsequently, the relief teams have been ordered to turn out (ordered to move/ready for action) from their respective bases.

An Accident Relief Train (ART) from Bhadrak (BHC) and Khurda Road (KUR) were ordered to turn out at 08:53 Hours. Additionally, an Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) from Khurda Road (KUR) was ordered to turn out at 08:53 Hours.

Further details on the incident are awaited as the relief work continues. (ANI)

The trailer for Taapsee Pannu’s starrer ‘Assi’ has been finally unveiled, offering an unflinching look at the uncomfortable truth of rape cases that continue to make headlines every day.

The makers unveiled the trailer for ‘Assi’ on Wednesday, which focuses on an investigative courtroom drama that not only portrays the traumatic incident but also the complex maze of investigation and legal proceedings the victims navigate in pursuit of justice.

The trailer opens on an unsettling note, showing a woman falling victim to the gruesome crime, with Taapsee Pannu leading as a relentless lawyer who leaves no stone unturned to find the culprits.

What follows is a fast-paced investigative journey that delves deeper into the dark and disturbing layers of society, while also raising uncomfortable questions about morality, accountability, and the future generation.

In addition to Taapsee in the lead, ‘Assi’ features a talented ensemble of actors, including Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, along with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak and Seema Pahwa.

Speaking about the trailer, Taapsee explained, “I felt it was time to bring these stories together and put them in front of people to remind ourselves that what we read as everyday crime news should never be normalised. These incidents are alarming, they’re happening around us, and they seem to be growing. Sometimes it’s not just about the crime itself, but also about how little we do to stop it in our own capacity. When we shaped this into a two-hour narrative, it became deeply moving for me as a performer, because it forces you to confront a reality we often look away from,” as per a press release.

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, ‘Assi’ is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishnan Kumar, and Sinha under the banner of Benaras Mediaworks Production.

The film is set to release in theatres worldwide on February 20, 2026. (ANI)

The Telangana government has accorded the highest priority to the Telugu film industry, working with a vision to establish Hyderabad as a national hub for cinema, said Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Wednesday.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the jury members of the Gaddar Film Awards, held at the Secretariat.

The Deputy CM explained that while cities like Bombay, Kolkata, and Chennai have limited scope for further expansion of the film industry, Hyderabad offers many favourable factors for film industries across all languages to grow and flourish.

“If film industries of all languages move to Hyderabad, it will generate employment opportunities for the youth of the state, including technicians, writers, and directors. Hyderabad will emerge as a global centre for the film market, he said, adding that the government will prepare a detailed blueprint for this, according to a press release.

He noted that the previous government neglected film awards for several decades. In contrast, the Praja Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has revived film awards to encourage the cinema sector, which has a powerful influence in driving social change.

Additionally, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka also described Gaddar as a great personality who sacrificed his life for society through art.

He said Telangana represents art, revolution, questioning, sensitivity, love, and compassion, and that Gaddar was a towering figure who showcased Telangana’s art and culture to the world. That is why the government began presenting film awards in his name last year to promote the film industry.

He assured that talent and transparency would be the sole criteria for selecting film awards and recalled that last year’s jury earned widespread appreciation for conducting the selection process with excellence.

Considering the experience, commitment, and passion of eminent personalities from the film industry, the government, through the Film Development Corporation (FDC), consulted all stakeholders and appointed the jury members.

He assured that the government would extend complete cooperation wherever required.

The Deputy CM reiterated that the Praja Government aims for every initiative to benefit society and remain accountable to the people. He suggested that while selecting films for the Gaddar Awards, care should be taken to ensure that, along with commercial elements, a strong social message is also present, which would encourage meaningful cinema in the coming days.

Moving forward, he announced that film screenings for the Gaddar Film Awards will begin on February 6, and the awards ceremony will be held on February 19, coinciding with the Ugadi festival, and will be hosted by the state government.

He recalled that last year’s Gaddar Awards ceremony was conducted in a magnificent manner, delivering a powerful message globally, and stated that this year too the event would be organised on a large scale. The state government is providing full autonomy and necessary support to the Film Development Corporation and the I&PR Department for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju, I&PR Commissioner Priyanka, FDC Executive Director Kishore Babu, and noted film personalities Tanikella Bharani, K.S. Rama Rao, Roja Ramani, and Ashok Kumar, among others. (ANI)

Actor Govinda has been busy evaluating multiple offers, taking his time to pick the right project.

The actor’s manager, Shashi Sinha, in a conversation with ANI, shared details about Govinda’s career graph, stating that he has faced no decline in work.

“A number of projects have been aligned, keeping him busy. There was a time when Govinda left projects worth crores in a year. Today, it is fine if he doesn’t like a script. That’s different. Many producers and even actors have been reaching out to him with offers, even though he has not had a single hit in recent times. He is just waiting for the right offer,” Sinha said, further explaining that Govinda has been performing at recent events as a part of his profession.

He also suggested that Govinda is likely to announce a major project in the coming days.

Shashi Sinha also reflected on “rumours” about a possible rift between Govinda and his wife, Sunita.

“I don’t think there is any problem between him and his wife. You can ask Sunita Ji or Govinda Ji. He has been looking after his wife and their children. The rumours are baseless,” he added.

This came days after the ‘Partner’ actor extended his prayers to god to spare him from the “conspiracy” against him amid rumours surrounding his married life.

While talking to ANI, Govinda said, “This wealth and fame don’t spare anyone, and conspiracies like these don’t happen with everyone. I know a very well-known actor who was the victim of it, and now it’s me, though I am not as big as he is. I pray to god that he saves me from this problem, and I also pray for the welfare of my children. There has been a lot of struggle.”

Meanwhile, Govinda was recently in Uttar Pradesh, where he met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

“It was divine having a great time with respected Honorable Chief Minister. Uttar pradesh, thank you so much aderniya @myogi_adityanath ji,” he wrote on Instagram.

On the work front, Govinda is known for movies like ‘Raja Babu’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Coolie No.1’, ‘Partner’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, ‘Dulhe Raja’, ‘Aankhen’ and others. (ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said that eight additional cheetahs would arrive in the state from Botswana at the end of February.

CM Yadav also emphasised that he held detailed discussions with the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav regarding the required cooperation and arrangements for the cheetah reintroduction program.

The Chief Minister met with Union Minister Yadav in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed issues related to tourism development, expansion of reserve forests, and wildlife conservation in the state.

After the meeting, he told reporters, “Today, I met with Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav, discussed tourism development, expansion of reserve forests, and wildlife conservation in the state. We are transporting wild buffalo from Assam to Madhya Pradesh and need assistance with the relocation. Additionally, eight cheetahs will also arrive in MP from Botswana on February 28, and we discussed the necessary cooperation and arrangements for the arrival of the big cat.”

The Chief Minister highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the support of the Union Government, the state government was taking unprecedented steps toward wildlife conservation.

On the other hand, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that he met with CM Yadav and discussed key issues related to Madhya Pradesh’s development.

“Today, I met with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, in Delhi. We discussed various issues related to the development of the state,” Union Minister Yadav posted on X.

Chief Minister Yadav also expressed gratitude to the Union Government for its cooperation in wildlife conservation and biodiversity enhancement. Union Minister Yadav appreciated the efforts of Madhya Pradesh and assured all possible support. (ANI)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday met Saudi Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, during his visit to the country.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said its discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and other mutual interests.

“Hon’ble NSA Shri Ajit Doval held a productive meeting with the Saudi Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser, H.E. Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation as well as regional and other issues of mutual interest”, the post said.

Doval arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for an official visit, underscoring the growing strategic engagement between India and Saudi Arabia.

He was received at the airport by India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr Saud Al-Sati, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

His visit comes shortly after, on January 28, Saudi Arabia condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort terror incident.

At the 3rd meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Security Working Group under the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council, both parties condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The meeting was held on January 28 in Riyadh. The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Both sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and the dastardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the terror incident on 10 November 2025 near Red Fort, New Delhi, as per the statement.

The two sides comprehensively reviewed the ongoing security cooperation. They discussed threats posed by terrorist groups globally and in their respective regions.

Both sides shared views on enhancing cooperation on current and emerging counter-terrorism challenges, including countering extremism and radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism, preventing the use of technology for terrorist purposes, and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism.

They also deliberated upon measures to further strengthen bilateral legal and judicial cooperation and law enforcement cooperation.

The next meeting of the Security Working Group will be held in India on a mutually convenient date, the statement added.

Earlier on January 22, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that Secretary (South), Neena Malhotra, met resident Ambassadors of Arab countries to review ongoing cooperation between India and the Arab countries.

In a post on X, the MEA said, “Secretary (South), Dr. Neena Malhotra met resident Ambassadors of Arab countries to review ongoing cooperation between India and the Arab countries and also preparations for forthcoming meetings. They also identified specific focus areas and activities in diverse sectors to drive the partnership forward.” (ANI)

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notification revoking President’s Rule in Manipur, effective immediately.

As per a ‘proclamation’ published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), President Droupadi Murmu has revoked the Proclamation issued under Article 356(2) of the Constitution in relation to the state of Manipur. The earlier proclamation was issued on February 13, 2025.

The fresh proclamation, signed by the President on Wednesday (February 4, 2026), states that the President’s Rule in Manipur stands withdrawn.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India hereby revoke the Proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 13th day of February, 2025, in relation to the State of Manipur with effect from the 4th day of February, 2026,” reads the proclamation.

The move comes a day after the BJP on Tuesday announced two-time MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the leader of the legislature party in strife-torn Manipur, naming him as the state’s next chief minister.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s MLAs at the BJP headquarters. The swearing-in will take place on Tuesday.

Singh will have two deputy CMs, one from the Kuki-Zo community and another from the Naga community. Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen has been appointed as a Deputy CM. The alliance partner Naga People’s Front, is expected to name the Naga deputy CM soon.

Khemchand Singh, 62, is a member of the Meitei community and an engineer. He has previously served as the Municipal Administration Minister in the previous Biren Singh government. In 2022, he had emerged as a contender for the CM’s post.

President Droupadi Murmu had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 last year after receiving a report from the state’s Governor, citing a breakdown of constitutional governance.

The decision was made days after N Biren Singh resigned as Manipur’s Chief Minister on February 9, 2025. His resignation came amid prolonged ethnic violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years.

Manipur has witnessed significant violence and law-and-order issues since May 3, 2023, with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands displaced. It heightened political tensions in Manipur following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and led to the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, after is appointment to the post on January 3, has been meeting a cross-section of people, taking feedback from them on how to bring back normalcy in the northeastern state.

The unrest in Manipur primarily involved clashes between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zomi tribes. Tensions escalated over disputes related to economic benefits, job quotas, and land rights. The violence resulted in hundreds of fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals. (ANI)