Month: February 2026

Amritsar Rural Police has arrested the key accused involved in the Lucky Oberoi murder case after a brief exchange of fire in the Khasa area of Amritsar and recovered a Beretta. 30 bore pistol was recovered from his possession, said Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Sandeep Goel.

The arrested accused, identified as Shaminder Singh, a resident of Mithapur in Jalandhar, was driving an Activa scooter. The latter is a prior offender with a criminal history, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab said in an official statement.

As per the information, Satwinderpal Singh alias Lucky Oberoi was shot dead by unidentified assailants on a white Activa on Friday morning at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha Parking in Model Town, Jalandhar, while he was leaving after paying obeisance.

DIG Sandeep Goel said that immediately after the incident, coordinated efforts were initiated to identify and locate the accused.

Based on reliable intelligence inputs, it came to notice that one of the accused, Shaminder Singh, was attempting to evade arrest after committing the murder and had taken refuge in the Khasa area, he said, while adding that, acting promptly on this information, Amritsar Rural Police laid nakas in the adjoining areas and intensified checking.

Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir said that during this operation, the accused was spotted coming on a motorcycle and when the police party signalled him to stop, the accused panicked and attempted to turn back his motorcycle, during which he lost control and fell down.

In an attempt to escape thereafter, the accused opened fire on the police party, he said, while adding that the police acted in self-defence and retaliatory firing was carried out, during which the accused sustained a gunshot injury. The accused was arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment, he added.

The SSP said that during preliminary interrogation, the accused has made important disclosures regarding the involvement of another person in the murder of Lucky Oberoi. On the basis of these disclosures, further raids and follow-up action are being conducted to apprehend the remaining accused, he said.

In this regard, a case has already been registered under sections 103(1), 3(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Division 6 in Jalandhar Commissionerate. (ANI)

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his experience of meeting Bollywood actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, describing the star couple as “down to earth” and “graceful.”

Taking to his Instagram handle, Mohammad Kaif recalled his interaction with the actors during an Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) match, “Met Bollywood’s royal family that is so down to earth. Kareena, Saif and Taimur – always so graceful.”

He also reminisced about his past professional association with Saif Ali Khan, recalling a TV commercial they had done together years ago. “Me and Saif did a Lays chips TV ad many years back. Recalled those days, great memories,” he added.

Kaif’s post drew attention from fans, with many appreciating the warm exchange between the former cricketer and the Bollywood stars. One of them wrote, “Nice,” while another commented, “Kaif with Saif,” with heart and fire emojis.

Meanwhile, Kareena and Saif attended an ISPL match in Surat, cheering for their team, Tigers of Kolkata. Chennai Singams produced a commanding all-round performance to lift their maiden Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 title, defeating Tiigers of Kolkata by 29 runs in the final at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Friday, according to a release.

The Singams controlled the championship clash from start to finish in front of a packed house and in the esteemed presence of ISPL Core Committee members Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale and Suraj Samat, along with Dipak Chauhan, President – Operations.

ISPL, the pioneering T-10 tennis-ball tournament in India, has grown in stature in Season 3 with the extreme emergence of talents, as Vivek Shelar showed his stellar pace in the competition and picked up a couple of hat-tricks. Ankit Yadav of Kolkata had an amazing show with 16 wickets as well.

Falcon Risers Hyderabad’s Prashant Gharat scored 203 runs, while Ahmedabad Lions’ Nizam Ali was excellent with 20 wickets. The ISPL season 3 trials were conducted in 103 seasons as players from every corner of the nation took part in it. (ANI)

Singer Armaan Malik has offered a candid assessment of India’s changing music landscape, stating that while Bollywood made him a household name, independent music is fast becoming the more exciting and lucrative space for artists today.

At the same time, he firmly believes that long-term success in India lies in balancing both worlds rather than choosing one over the other.

Speaking to ANI about the shift, Malik said the rise of independent music has opened up unprecedented creative and financial opportunities. “It is becoming more and more exciting and lucrative to be part of the independent scene rather than the Bollywood playback scene,” he said, reflecting on how artists today are no longer solely dependent on film music for visibility or growth.

However, Malik was careful to underline that this evolution does not diminish the importance of Bollywood playback singing.

According to him, both spaces serve distinct purposes and are equally vital for an Indian artist’s holistic growth.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities in both. There are playback singing opportunities and independent music,” he explained, adding that neither should “eat into the other.”

Malik noted that independent music offers accessibility and creative freedom, but it also demands clarity of vision.

“Independent music is open for anyone to make a single and put it out. Obviously, there is a quality of song that is required. People need to be able to get into your world, the world you created, visually or sonically,” he said.

In his view, carving out a unique artistic identity is crucial in a space that is growing rapidly and “indefinitely.”

Despite the growing appeal of the indie scene, Malik stressed that Bollywood’s reach remains unmatched in India.

He acknowledged that film music continues to connect with audiences across regions, languages and generations.

“Indian music and Bollywood music is very far reaching. A lot of people in the country listen to Bollywood music,” he said.

For Malik, the debate is not about choosing sides but about coexistence. “I wouldn’t say that one industry is more important than the other,” he said.

Instead, he believes the most successful Indian artists will be those who can move seamlessly between both spaces, adding, “The most successful artists from India will always be able to balance out both. Both are important for the growth or holistic growth of someone from an Indian perspective.”

Armaan Malik’s remarks on the evolving balance between Bollywood playback singing and independent music come at a time of heightened discussion within the Indian music industry.

On January 27, 2026, leading playback singer Arijit Singh sent shockwaves across the industry by announcing his retirement from film playback singing through a social media post.

In his official statement, Arijit Singh wrote, “I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off.”

Meanehile, beyond industry commentary, Malik also shared significant updates about his own creative journey.

One of the biggest revelations was that he is currently sitting on nearly 15 unreleased English songs, signalling a strong push toward his global audience.

“I am sitting on almost 15 unreleased English songs that I can’t wait to put out,” he said, adding that he is working towards shaping them into a cohesive body of work.

“Hopefully, I can put an album together. If not this year, then maybe early next year,” he said.

This upcoming phase marks what Malik describes as a “rebirth” of the artist.

After spending 18 years in the music industry, he says he is consciously moving away from polished perfection and towards vulnerability and honesty.

“You’re going to witness a rebirth of the artist,” he said, emphasising that he wants fans to see the real person behind the music.

“I definitely want myself to be vulnerable in my music and on stage,” Armaan Malik said.

When asked about what lies ahead following what he described as shedding a skin in 2025, Malik said the next phase will involve more live performances, deeper artistic intention and consistent releases. “I really do want to do more live shows,” he said, while noting that his focus will extend beyond performances.

Greater attention will be given to visual and sonic direction, ensuring that his personality comes through clearly in both music and visuals.

According to Malik, the first part of the year will be devoted to planning and structuring his career roadmap. “The middle of the year is when all my new music will start taking shape and coming out there for all my fans,” he said, adding that the process feels energising. “This year feels very exciting already!” (ANI)

Member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Priyank Kanoongo, on Friday flagged what he described as “dangerous development” in Assam, alleging that certain Miya Muslim clerics had organised gatherings to pray for the death of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In a post on X, Kanoonga said that the Chief Minister belongs to the indigenous community of the state and claimed that such acts reflect deep-rooted hatred and attempts to incite racial and social violence.

“The incident of Miya Muslim mullahs and maulanas in Assam organising gatherings to pray for the death of the Chief Minister @himantabiswa, who belongs to the indigenous community of the state, is a very dangerous development. Harbouring hatred and spreading racial violence on the basis of colour, identity, facial features, language, religion, social traditions, customs, etc., is a crime,” said Kanoonga.

Highlighting what he termed systemic discrimination, Kanoongo further alleged that indigenous Hindu communities in Northeast India face prejudice due to cultural practices such as pig rearing. He claimed, “Another example of the problem is that even because of the tradition of pig rearing in Hindu families of Northeast India, the Hindu indigenous people there have to face such discrimination from the Miya people.”

Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission, on February 5, took cognisance of growing concerns around gyms and fitness centres across India. Acting on multiple complaints, the NHRC issued notices to all State governments, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and concerned sports authorities over allegations of sexual exploitation and health risks in unregulated fitness spaces.

Kanoongo has cited “numerous cases of sexual exploitation of women, adolescent girls and minors by trainers” in gyms across the country. He has also flagged health risks arising from substandard food supplements and uncontrolled physical activities, warning that these practices pose a direct threat to human life.

The NHRC has sought detailed inputs on existing rules governing gyms and fitness centres, stating that the objective is to strengthen regulatory mechanisms and curb unethical practices. (ANI)

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)