Month: February 2026

In a key development in the ongoing probe into the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai residence, the Mumbai police have traced the Honda Dio scooter used in the attack to a man from Pune.

According to Mumbai Police sources, the Pune man sold the alleged scooter a few days ago to Aditya Gayaki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30,000. He even obtained Gayaki’s signature on a plain piece of paper.

Aditya Gayaki, along with another arrested person, Samarth Pomaji, left the scooter at a pre-arranged location in the Juhu area of Mumbai. The individuals were receiving direct instructions from Shubham Lonkar.

The police sources added that the accused were unaware of the shooter’s identity throughout the period between purchasing the vehicle and bringing it to Mumbai. It was Lonkar who instructed the shooter to pick up the scooter from the designated location and carry out the firing.

A similar modus operandi has been followed in previous crimes, where several small groups are employed for a single crime, the sources added.

Meanwhile, five people who were detained in connection to the case have been presented before the Criminal Court.

Speaking to ANI, the lawyer for the accused stated that they have no connection with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming that they have no knowledge about the firing. He shared that the police have been granted 4-day custody of the accused, who is ready to cooperate.

On Sunday, assailants fired four rounds outside the residence of the Bollywood film director, police officials said. Soon after the firing, heavy police security was deployed around Shetty’s residential tower in the Juhu area. Police and forensic teams reached the spot and secured the premises to carry out a detailed examination.

Officials said an investigation is underway and all possible angles are being explored to identify those responsible for the firing. No injuries were reported in the incident. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the NDA MPs at the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting, saying that the Union Budget 2026 has been prepared keeping the next 25 years in mind. He urged the MPs to explain this to the general public for their better understanding.

The Prime Minister also referred to the political situation and said that across the country, many small parties are joining hands with the NDA. Their number is more than 50 per cent, which shows how widely accepted the NDA’s political thinking is, both in India and abroad.

Speaking about the trade deal, the Prime Minister told MPs that it will be very beneficial for the country in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that there were 9 trade deals, the FTAs, India-EU FTA and the Agreement were finalised with the US on Monday.

“New BJP president Nitin Nabin was welcomed. There is great enthusiasm in the country over historic trade deals under the leadership of PM Modi – 9 trade deals, the FTAs, India-EU FTA and the Agreement with the US yesterday and the tariff reduction announcement…” he said.

“MPs were also excited. So, in the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, the PM was felicitated. For the historic trade deals, he was congratulated. FTAs have been done with 39 countries; this is historic. These 39 are developed countries…” he added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with India on Monday (local time), months after Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in August 2025. Unveiled on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, the deal outlines significant tariff cuts and includes claims that India would halt Russian oil purchases. Earlier, Trump had levied a 50 per cent duty on India, with 25 per cent tied to crude imports from Russia, as administration officials asserted that India’s oil buying supported Russia’s war efforts.

Trump, in his Truth Social post, wrote, “Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to ‘BUY AMERICAN,’ at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of US Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products.”

Following Trump’s post, Prime Minister Modi, on X, said it was wonderful to speak with his “dear friend President Trump” and expressed delight that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%”.

“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X. (ANI)

A tragic incident in Karnataka has led to police action against a company for allegedly serving alcohol to a 15 year old minor who subsequently died after falling from a building.

The victim, a resident of an apartment on Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road, fell from the 7th floor around 9:40 PM on January 31, 2026. A complaint was filed by the boy’s parent at the Rajarajeshwarinagar Police Station the same day.

During the ongoing investigation, authorities found that the deceased minor and his friends had consumed alcohol. The police are examining the matter from various angles to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal fall and the potential culpability of the establishment that provided the alcohol to underage individuals. The case has been registered and is under active investigation.

The press note mentioned, “The complainant, a resident of an apartment located on Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road within the limits of Rajarajeshwarinagar Police Station, has filed a complaint on 31st January 2026. In the complaint, it is stated that on 31st January 2026, at around 21:40 hours, the complainant’s 15-year-old minor son, who was residing in the said apartment, fell from the 7th floor of the apartment building and died.”

In this regard, a case has been registered at Rajarajeshwarinagar Police Station.

“During the course of the investigation, the police examined the matter from various angles and found that on 31st January 2026, the deceased minor, along with his friends, had consumed alcohol and smoked at a company establishment located within the limits of Rajarajeshwarinagar Police Station,” the press note said.

“Therefore, for serving alcohol to a minor, a case has been registered against the owners and staff of the concerned company at Rajarajeshwarinagar Police Station under the provisions of the JJ Act and the Karnataka Excise Act. The investigation is underway,” the press note further stated. (ANI)

Amid the much hype around ‘Dhurandhar 2’, the makers have unveiled the first poster of the highly anticipated film, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’.

The striking poster features Ranveer Singh in a dramatically transformed look from the first film. Dressed in a black trench coat, with loose hair set against a blazing red backdrop, the actor appears menacing and explosive, hinting at a far more ruthless and action-packed sequel.

Announcing the teaser release timings, Ranveer Singh wrote, “Ab Bigadne Ka Waqt Aa Gaya Hai. Dhurandhar: The Revenge Teaser Out Today at 12:12 PM Releasing In Cinemas Worldwide on 19th March 2026 in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada Malayalam.”

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ is currently regarded as the biggest hit, achieving cult status. It has rewritten box office history by surpassing ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Apart from Ranveer Singh, the film features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan in pivotal roles.

With ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, the makers aim to expand the franchise into a larger and more formidable cinematic universe, promising fiercer action and heightened drama.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. It will release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is a high-octane spy-action thriller written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. Presented by Jio Studios, this B62 Studios production is gearing up for a cinematic storm from March 19, 2026. (ANI)

A Himachal Roadways bus met with an accident on Tuesday in the remote area of Kwanu-Meenus Road in Kalsi in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district and fell into a deep gorge, the State Disaster Response Force said.

Preliminary reports suggested that more than 30 passengers were on board the bus.

Following the information and on the orders of SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, SDRF teams from posts at Dakpathar, Chakrata, Mori, and Tyuni were immediately dispatched to the accident site.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the District Magistrate and issued necessary instructions to rescue the passengers.

In an X post, CM Dhami said that all nearby medical centres have been placed on high alert mode and in case of serious injuries, passengers will be airlifted and admitted to advanced medical centres.

“We have received the extremely distressing news of the accident involving a bus of the Himachal Transport Corporation on the Kuanu-Meens Motor Road in the Kalsi area (Dehradun). Upon receiving information about the accident, I spoke with the District Magistrate over the phone and issued necessary instructions. The district administration and police have promptly initiated relief and rescue operations. All nearby medical centres have been placed on high alert mode. If needed, any seriously injured passengers will be airlifted and admitted to advanced medical centres. I pray to God for the safe well-being of all passengers,” Dhami said on X.

Further details on the incident are awaited.

In a separate incident on Sunday, devotees returning after visiting the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple met with an accident when their van overturned on the Tiruchy-Chidambaram National Highway in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, officials said.

The incident took place near Poiyyur village. Upon receiving information, Keezhapazhuvur police rushed to the spot, registered a case, and launched an investigation into the incident. (ANI)

Industry bodies welcomed India-US trade deal, reacting to the deal, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani said that the expected reduction of tariffs marks a major step forward in strengthening the strategic economic partnership between the two countries.

“The expected reduction of US-India tariffs to 18 per cent marks a significant step forward in the strategic economic partnership between India and the US,” Memani said.

He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal for steering what he described as a “constructive and forward-looking dialogue” with India’s most important trade partner.

According to the CII President, the agreement will enhance the global competitiveness of Indian products and act as a catalyst for manufacturing growth, employment generation and the development of resilient supply chains.

He added that the deal underscores the shared commitment of India and the United States to deepen trade, technology and investment ties amid an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Meanwhile, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) President Rajeev Juneja said that lowering tariff duties reflects a renewed commitment by the United States towards trade openness and economic efficiency.

“Reduced tariffs cut input costs for domestic industries, strengthen supply chains, and ease inflation by lowering prices for businesses and consumers,” Juneja said.

He noted that key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare and renewable energy stand to benefit through improved access to intermediate goods, capital equipment and critical components.

Juneja further said that the move aligns with the spirit of cooperation fostered by the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, reinforcing trust and predictability in bilateral trade.

Echoing similar sentiments, Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra Group, said that the India-US trade deal marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

“The immediate reduction in reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, along with the commitment to progressively lower tariff and non-tariff barriers, will boost growth momentum and improve the predictability businesses need to invest with confidence,” Shah said.

“With the Indian economy on a strong growth trajectory, this deal adds meaningful momentum to India’s growth ambitions,” he added. (ANI)

US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Tuesday said that as per the India-US deal, Washington will export more of its farm products to India. Rollins said that the deal will pump more cash in rural America.

In a post on X, the Secretary said, “Thank you US President Donald Trump for ONCE AGAIN delivering for our American farmers. New US-India deal will export more American farm products to India’s massive market, lifting prices, and pumping cash into rural America. In 2024, America’s agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3 billion. India’s growing population is an important market for American agricultural products and today’s deal will go a long way to reducing this deficit. America First victory on top of the dozens of deals for ag”

India is yet to detail out the tenets of the Trade Deal with the United States. U.S. agricultural exports in 2025 reached approximately 1.7 billion USD according to USDA data. Demand was driven by tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), cotton, and soybean oil.

The Agriculture Secretary’s remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with India, months after imposing 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in August 2025. The agreement, unveiled on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, features significant tariff reductions and includes claims that India would halt purchases of Russian oil. Trump had earlier levied a 50 per cent tariff on India, with 25 per cent linked to crude imports from Russia, as administration officials repeatedly alleged that India’s oil purchases helped finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Congress demanded the complete details of the India-US trade deal, raising questions over several key aspects such as the opening of the agriculture sector, the reduction of tariffs to “zero” and a pause on the purchase of Russian oil, as claimed by US President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Congress first questioned the manner of the deal announcement, then delved into the details shared by Donald Trump. The party said that reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers against the US to ‘zero will “impact” India and also questioned how opening the agriculture sector would ensure the “security of farmers.”

“Just like the ceasefire, the announcement of the trade deal was also made by US President Trump. It has been stated that the trade deal is being done ‘on Modi’s request’,” Congress said.

“Trump says that India will move to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers against the United States to ‘zero’. It seems India has agreed to completely open our market for America. This will impact Indian industry, traders and farmers. There is talk of opening the agriculture sector for America in the statement as well. What exactly is the deal? How has the security and interests of our farmers been ensured?” they asked. (ANI)

Veteran actor and politician Hema Malini on Monday expressed happiness and pride at the Padma Vibhushan award for her late husband and legendary actor Dharmendra, stating that she regretted that the recognition for his immense contribution to Indian cinema did not come earlier.

Speaking to ANI, Malini said the honour was a moment of joy not just for the family but for the entire country.

“It makes us very happy, the entire country is happy. Had it come earlier, Dharmendra ji would have been extremely happy, and seeing him, his fans would have been even happier,” she said, reacting to the announcement made on the eve of Republic Day.

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, will be conferred on Dharmendra for his exceptional and distinguished service to the arts. The honour was announced as part of the official Padma Awards list for 2026, unveiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day.

In a separate statement, Hema Malini described the recognition as long overdue.

“So so proud that the government has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award,” she said, expressing gratitude to the Centre for acknowledging his legacy.

Dharmendra, fondly remembered as Hindi cinema’s original ‘He-Man’, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy spanning over six decades. Known for his charismatic screen presence, gentle smile and versatility, he was widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of Indian cinema.

His body of work includes classics such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ and ‘Anupama’.

In December last year, Hema Malini organised a prayer meet in the national capital in his honour. The gathering saw the presence of several prominent political leaders and members of the film fraternity.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda, along with several ministers and parliamentarians, attended the meeting and offered condolences to Malini and her daughters, Esha and Ahana.

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours in India, are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, and are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held annually, usually in March or April. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at the “pathetic” and “talentless” Trevor Noah, who hosted this year’s Grammy Awards, describing the ceremony as “the worst” and “virtually unwatchable.”

During Sunday night’s Grammys, host Trevor Noah took a swipe at Trump and his one-time friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

“The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable! CBS is lucky not to have this garbage litter their airwaves any longer. The host, Trevor Noah, whoever he may be, is almost as bad as Jimmy Kimmel at the Low Ratings Academy Awards,” POTUS said on the social media network Truth Social.

After Billie Eilish won the ‘Song of the Year’ Grammy, Noah transitioned for a moment with a joke at Trump’s expense.

“There you have it, song of the year! Congratulations, Billie Eilish. Wow. That’s a Grammy that every artist wants — almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which makes sense because, since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton. I told you, it’s my last year! What are you going to do about it?,” Variety cited Noah’s remarks from the award ceremony.

Trump took to Truth Social platform to hit back, “Noah said, INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. WRONG!!! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory, statement, have never been accused being there, not even by the Fake News Media.”

Calling the host a “total loser”, the US President wrote, “Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty$. Ask Little George Slopadopolus, and others, how that all worked out. Also ask CBS! Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you! President DJT”

Noah also joked about current events and the news cycle. While explaining a Korean drinking game linked to Bruno Mars and Rose’s hit song APT., he compared it to life in the US. Talking about the game, he told the audience: “In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink.”

He then looked back at how things have changed since the late 1990s. While talking about Lauryn Hill returning to the Grammy stage for the first time in many years, Noah compared past and present headlines.”Back in 1999, the president had had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world and Diddy was arrested — boy how times have changed,” Noah said.

Noah also joked about the number of famous faces in the audience. While naming stars like Jamie Foxx, Pharrell and Doechii, he compared the room to a billionaire wedding. He told the crowd, “There are so many stars in this room, I feel like I’m at Jeff Bezos’ wedding, but with way, way more Black people, you know what I mean?”

This year marks Noah’s last time hosting the Grammys. He first took on the role while he was still hosting The Daily Show and continued even after leaving the show in 2022. He is also serving as an executive producer for this year’s ceremony. (ANI)

BJP MP Shashank Mani on Monday called Pakistan ‘rannchhod’ as they have “run away” from the field by boycotting its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Speaking with ANI, BJP MP Shashank Mani said, “When a player realises that they cannot win, they run away from the field. They are ‘rannchhodd’, they have run away from the field. If you are participating in a championship, you should play without any discrimination. We defeated them in Operation Sindoor and other wars. We would have defeated them here too. So, they are not even playing.”

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq said Pakistan should not be allowed to play against India.

“When we were in conflict with Pakistan, a Cricket match was held later. I had said, why is the match being held if we have severed all relations with them…I believe that everything should be done for the nation. Let them not play. We stand with our nation.”

This comes after Pakistan decided to boycott its group-stage match against India in the ICC World T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 15. The Pakistan government said in a post on X that the Pakistan team “shall not take the field” in the match against India.

In an X post on Sunday, the Government of Pakistan stated, “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.”

The Pakistan government did not give any reason for its decision not to play against India. The Indian team is in terrific form ahead of the World Cup and won the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 4-1.

Hours after Pakistan decided to boycott its T20 World Cup group stage clash against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said that “selective participation” is not fair with the “fundamental premise of a global sporting event” and that it expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Pakistan’s decision came after the ICC had last month announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in the tournament per the published match schedule. Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the T20 World Cup came after Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was expelled from the IPL 2026 squad of Kolkata Knight Riders following the BCCI’s directive amidst violence against minorities in Bangladesh. (ANI)