Month: February 2026

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)

A massive fire broke out in Srinagar’s Nowhatta area last night, gutting several houses, officials said.

The fire broke out on Thursday night. The fire spread quickly in the densely populated area, but Fire and Emergency Services brought it under control.

Videos shared by Srinagar Fire and Emergency Department showed partially burnt houses with a thick cloud of smoke billowing in the air.

The exact cause of the fire is still unknown; no loss of life or serious injuries to residents were reported and authorities are assessing the extent of the damage.

More details are awaited (ANI)

In a major institutional reform aimed at transforming urban mobility in the national capital, the Delhi government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has initiated the process of drafting a comprehensive Bill for the creation of the Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (DUMTA) along with a dedicated Delhi Urban Transport Fund (DUTF).

“The proposed legislation seeks to rationalise, integrate and coordinate Delhi’s presently fragmented transport ecosystem under a single, coherent planning and governance framework. The move marks a significant milestone in the government’s vision to create a modern, efficient, people-centric and environmentally sustainable transport system for the Capital,” a statement read.

To ensure expeditious and inclusive drafting of the proposed law, the statement said that the Chief Minister has constituted a high-level task force under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. “The task force has been mandated to prepare and submit the draft Bill at the earliest, reflecting the government’s sense of urgency and commitment to reform. This decision responds to long-standing demands from urban planners, transport experts and civic stakeholders for a unified transport authority capable of synchronising planning, investment and operations across agencies.”

Recognising that Delhi’s rapid urbanisation, rising population and mounting vehicular pressure demands systemic solutions rather than piecemeal interventions, the Chief Minister has taken a proactive step by setting the legislative process in motion.

The task force brings together senior officials from key departments including transport, urban development, finance, planning, public works and Delhi Police. It also includes representatives from major civic and transport authorities such as the Delhi Development Authority, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Transport Corporation, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation and Indian Railways. CM has suggested that renowned experts in urban transportation may also be co-opted to ensure that global best practices and local realities are seamlessly integrated into the proposed framework.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that Delhi’s transport agencies have historically functioned in silos, with limited coordination in route planning, infrastructure development and service delivery.

“DUMTA will bring cohesion to Delhi’s entire urban mobility system. By placing all modes of transport like metro, buses, regional rail, railways and feeder services, within a single planning jurisdiction, we will ensure that mobility solutions are integrated, efficient and citizen-focused,” the CM said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that DUMTA will play a critical role in decongesting Delhi’s roads by strengthening public transport, improving last-mile connectivity and encouraging a shift away from private vehicles. This, she said, is integral to the government’s long-term strategy to combat air pollution, one of the Capital’s most pressing challenges. Vehicular emissions remain a major local source of pollution, and expanding a reliable, well-connected public transport network is central to achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.

“Our government is working on short, medium and long-term solutions to address…” (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described a newly signed tripartite agreement for Eastern Nagaland as “historic,” saying it will boost development and open new opportunities for the people of the region.

The agreement, signed a day earlier between the Centre, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), which represents eight recognised Naga tribes across six eastern districts, aims to accelerate progress and ensure inclusive growth in the area.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “This is a historic agreement indeed, which will enhance the development trajectory of Eastern Nagaland in particular. I am sure it will open new avenues of opportunity and prosperity for the people. It reflects our unwavering commitment to peace, progress and inclusive growth in the Northeast.”

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The agreement will pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA.

The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary, and for the sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region, proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

On this occasion, Amit Shah said that today is a very significant day for a dispute-free North East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a North East that is free from insurgency, violence, disputes, and developed. Today, we have taken one more step forward in realising that vision.

He stated that eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many interstate disputes were disrupting the peace of the states.

Union Home Minister said that the government led by Prime Minister Modi is committed to finding solutions to every dispute. He said that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East.

He stated that previous governments only signed agreements, but the Modi government implements them in letter and spirit. (ANI)

The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), a nodal agency of the Delhi Police, has rescued two minor boys who went missing from the Mukherjee Nagar and Wazirabad areas. Both boys have been safely reunited with their families.

In the first incident, a 12-year-old boy reportedly went missing on September 6, 2025, from Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi. Following the incident, an FIR under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, was registered at the local police station.

Considering the sensitivity of the case, as the victim was a minor and mentally unsound, the matter was later taken up by the AHTU. The team examined CCTV footage, conducted local inquiries, performed technical analysis, circulated details of the missing child on social media, and questioned family members. Consequently, the boy was successfully recovered and reunited with his family.

During the inquiry, it was revealed that the victim had long lived in a rented house in Nirankari Colony, Delhi. He worked as a vehicle cleaner during the day and as a security guard at night. The child, who is mentally weak, wandered away from home while playing. After losing his way, he eventually reached the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal.

In a separate development, a 15-year-old boy went missing on January 22, 2026, within the jurisdiction of Wazirabad. Subsequently, an FIR under Section 137(2) of the BNS, 2023, was registered on January 24.

Given the sensitivity of the case, the Delhi Police nodal agency (AHTU) took over the investigation. Based on technical surveillance, field verification, and specific information provided by ASI Mahesh, the boy was successfully traced and recovered on February 4 from Azadpur Subzi Mandi.

During the inquiry, it was revealed that the boy had left home following an altercation with family members and had gone to his maternal aunt’s house.

Both minor boys had been handed over to the respective local police for necessary legal action and further proceedings. (ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women’s team coach Malolan Rangarajan heaped praises on captain Smriti Mandhana, who led the team to their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title by scoring a match-defining 41-ball 87 in the final against Delhi Capitals on Thursday. He also revealed that Mandhana was battling a “massive flu” during the all-important clash.

Smriti Mandhana guided RCB home as the Bengaluru-based WPL team registered the highest-ever successful chase in WPL history, hunting down the target of 204 in 20 overs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, RCB coach Malolan Rangarajan said Smriti Mandhana produced one of her finest innings in the WPL final, praising her composure and complete control during the chase. Rangarajan revealed that Smriti Mandhana played the final despite suffering from the flu and a high fever, highlighting her commitment as she turned up without letting her illness affect the team or her performance.

“Smriti, I think, saved one of her best innings for the final. The reason why I say that is, yes, she’s been in very good form in the last 12 months or so, but the way she batted today was inhuman. I mean, I don’t even know the word, so classy, so elegant. When you looked at her, you could see that she was in control of what she wanted to do. It didn’t look like a chase that was 200 the way she batted. She’s timing the ball, and when she wanted, she was hitting, picking the pockets in which he wanted to attack,” Malolan Rangarajan said.

“Smriti played this game with a massive, massive flu. She was seriously unwell with a high fever, but again, to turn up and not even show it. Nobody in the team, for one second, also didn’t show it. So, that’s the person she is. When I spoke to her this afternoon, she said, ‘No problem, I’ll be there.’ So, that’s her with her work,” Rangarajan said further.

Rangarajan described Smriti Mandhana as a “nerd” about her batting, crediting her constant drive to improve for her success.

“She’s a nerd when it comes to her own batting, and I guess that’s why she’s ended up achieving what she’s achieved in life. She’s always looking to improve, always looking to get better at her skill. Smriti always tries, and I think luckily, and fortunately, she cracked the code two days back,” the RCB coach said.

In the WPL final, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. Lizelle Lee (37 in 30 balls, with three fours and three sixes) and Shafali Verma (20 in 13 balls, with three fours) put their team to a flying start. A 76-run stand for the third wicket between Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a captain’s knock of 57 in 37 balls, with eight fours and Laura Wolvaardt (44 in 35 balls, with three fours and two sixes) brought them back to the game.

Just when RCB threatened to pull things back, Chinelle Henry (35* in 15 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) played a fiery cameo to power DC to 203/4 in 20 overs, the highest in a WPL final.

In the chase, RCB lost Grace Harris (8) early, but a 165-run stand between Smriti (87 in 41 balls, with 12 fours and three sixes) and Georgia Voll (79 in 54 balls, with 14 fours) pierced DC’s chances with every hit. DC threatened to pull things back with three quick wickets in the final few overs, but Radha Yadav (12) and Nadine de Klerk (7) chased the total with six wickets and two balls in hand.

This chase of 204 runs stands as the highest in WPL and IPL finals, surpassing Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) 200-run chase in the 2014 IPL final against Punjab Kings.

RCB’s chase also marks the first time that a target of above 175 has been chased down in any Women’s T20 final – leagues or internationals. The total also happens to be the most successful run chase in WPL history, with RCB outdoing their 202 run chase in the 2025 edition against Gujarat Giants. (ANI)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said that the Trump administration was examining claims related to Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

Addressing reporters during a press briefing, Leavitt said, “The people in this room, considering that you all said, for many years, that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump, you should all be very happy that we finally have an administration that is looking into that.”

According to CNN, DNI Tulsi Gabbard had argued that intelligence assessments alleging Russian interference were based on “manufactured” intelligence.

The report said she had cited a memo disputing claims that the CIA concluded Russia intervened in the election to help Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton.

CNN reported that the intelligence document referenced by Gabbard, a President’s Daily Brief, had stated only that Russia had not altered election results through cyberattacks on election infrastructure. The report noted that the Obama administration had never claimed that Russia manipulated vote counts or election machinery.

The CNN article had also noted that Gabbard’s assertions conflicted with findings of multiple congressional investigations, including a bipartisan 2020 report by the Senate Intelligence Committee led by then-Senator Marco Rubio.

That report had concluded that Russia engaged in an “aggressive, multi-faceted effort” to influence the 2016 presidential election and that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered actions aimed at damaging Hillary Clinton’s campaign and benefiting Trump.

CNN said Rubio had sharply rebuked Trump in 2018 for siding with Putin over US intelligence agencies, stating that the intelligence community’s assessment of Russian interference was “100% accurate.”

The report further said that a Republican-led House Intelligence Committee report released in 2018 had concluded that Russia interfered in the election at Putin’s direction, though it did not explicitly state that the effort was meant to help Trump. (ANI)