Month: February 2026

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)

Ever wondered what gives Aditi Rao Hydari that soft, old-world glow, the kind that looks effortless even in close-ups?

While most of us assume it’s luxury serums or celebrity dermatologists, the ‘Heeramandi’ actor says her real beauty secret is far simpler. It starts not in a vanity drawer, but in her kitchen.

The actress has long been admired for her glowing skin, graceful style, shiny hair, and that unmistakable “royal” elegance. However, when asked about her skincare routine, she said her “kitchen” is basically her beauty shelf. In a recent conversation with ANI, the actor explained that her approach to beauty was passed down to her by her mother and is rooted in everyday food.

Aditi spoke about how she treats skincare as an extension of nourishment. For her, what goes inside the body and what goes on the skin come from the same place. It’s not about trends or viral routines; it’s about listening to what your body and skin respond to naturally.

“I put my kitchen on my face. This was taught to me by my mother. Whatever I find in the kitchen, maybe not brinjal (laughs), but other things, I’ll just put on my face. What I eat mostly also goes on my face,” Aditi told ANI.

So, what can you borrow from Aditi’s kitchen-beauty philosophy? Here are a few simple ingredients you can try at home for naturally glowing skin:

Honey- A natural humectant that locks in moisture and adds instant softness.

Turmeric – Known for its calming and brightening properties when mixed into a gentle face pack.

Yogurt – Helps smooth and refresh tired skin with its natural lactic acid.

Aloe Vera Gel – Perfect for soothing, hydrating, and adding that fresh glow.

Oats – Great for mild exfoliation when mixed with milk or rose water.

Coconut Oil – A simple moisturiser that works beautifully for dry skin.

At the end of the day, glowing skin isn’t about chasing trends or quick fixes. It’s about taking your time, listening to your skin, and giving it what it truly needs. Sometimes, all it takes is a little patience and the right ingredients, and your skin will thank you in its own way. (ANI)

After nearly eight years, actor Saif Ali Khan has returned to play a cop, this time for the action-thriller ‘Kartavya.’ His last major role in uniform was for the popular series Sacred Games.

The first look for the upcoming thriller was shared Tuesday at the “Next on Netflix India” event, where the platform shared details about its 2026 line-up.

This also marks another step in Saif Ali Khan’s OTT journey, following acclaimed performances in ‘Sacred Games,’ ‘Tandav,’ and the film ‘Vikram Vedha.’

The film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Pulkit.

Saif Ali Khan, in a statement shared through a press release, spoke about the project and said, “Kartavya, which is really great, produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment, is going to come out soon. It’s a lovely piece by director Pulkit, and I’m really happy that it’s coming out on Netflix.”

Kartavya is the second project by Pulkit with Netflix and Red Chillies, following the 2024 crime-thriller film Bhakshak, which starred Bhumi Pednekar.

According to the release, the film is set in the heartland of India and explores how law, family, truth, and duty intersect in complex ways. Apart from Saif, the film also stars Rasika Duggal, Sanjay Mishra, Saurabh Dwivedi, Zakir Hussain, and Manish Chaudhari in key roles.

The release date has not been announced yet. (ANI)

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday strongly condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s use of the word “traitor” for BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, saying it’s unacceptable to label anyone, especially from the Sikh community, with such a term.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi today, Puri stated that Rahul Gandhi’s comment was inappropriate, and parliamentary discourse should be grounded in decency and respectful language.

Puri added that while it’s understandable Rahul Gandhi was upset about Bittu leaving Congress, using the word “traitor” is a serious issue, implying betrayal of the country. He emphasised that just because someone leaves a party, they shouldn’t be labelled a traitor, and Gandhi’s comment was unacceptable.

“Rahul Gandhi used the word ‘traitor’ for Ravneet Bittu today. This word should not be used lightly, as it means one who betrays the country. This is a serious issue for the Sikh community. LoP Rahul Gandhi is upset that Bittu ji left his party, but he also told him that you will come back. Just because a turban-wearing person leaves your party, you call him a traitor. The word he used is unacceptable. To label anyone from any community as a traitor is unacceptable. Parliamentary discourse, both outside and inside the parliament, has to be grounded in decency and in decent language,” said Puri.

The controversy erupted outside Parliament when Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu exchanged words, with the Lok Sabha LoP calling Bittu a “traitor.” The war of words began when Ravneet Bittu commented on the MPs protesting outside Parliament, saying, “They are sitting as if they won a war.”

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Puri criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks about Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu, saying that calling him a “traitor” crosses all boundaries of civility, decency, and dignity.

In a post on X, he said that such a comment is unjust for a Sikh leader for merely choosing the BJP’s ideologies, and whose ancestors were slaughtered by terrorists themselves.

“The way Rahul Gandhi has addressed parliamentarian and respected Sikh leader Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu, as a ‘Traitor’ crosses all boundaries of civility, decency and dignity. It is entirely possible that he holds a deep grudge against Bittu for choosing the policies of Vikas espoused by the Modi Govt over the directionless Congress. But, that cannot ever justify such a slur against a proud Sikh whose own grandfather was slain by terrorists…” Puri wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi had referred to Ravneet Bittu as a “traitor” as he passed by the protesting Congress MPs at Makar Dwar of the Parliament. Rahul Gandhi’s jibe came after Raveent Bittu quit the Congress and joined the BJP in 2024.

Gandhi said, “Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face.” The Congress leader offered to shake his hands, saying, “Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back (to Congress).”

The Union MoS refused to shake hands and called Rahul, “Desh ke dushman (enemy of the state)”. (ANI)

The right engine of a passenger aircraft of Turkish Airlines on Wednesday afternoon caught on fire promoting emergency at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, airport officials confirm.

The aircraft, en enroute to Istanbul from the Nepali capital, caught fire in the right engine immediately after takeoff.

“The Turkish Airlines with flight number ‘THY-727’ caught fire within four minutes of the take off, the right engine caught fire. The flight took off at 1:28 PM (Local Time),” Teknath Sitaula, General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport told ANI over phone.

According to the official, the pilots diverted the aircraft west of Kathmandu and shut down the right engine, holding the aircraft for about 10 minutes.

The official recorded that the Turkish Airlines aircraft of “A330-303” series wide body was carrying 225 passengers. According to the Kathmandu Post, there were 11 crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 236.

Immediately after the reported engine fire, Tribhuvan International Airport was closed for about 15 minutes.

Airport Director, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, Kolkata, said that a full emergency landing of a Turkish 727, from Kathmandu to Istanbul, at Kolkata airport. The Captain informed Kolkata ATC about a possible fire on the right engine. The actual arrival time at Kolkata NSCBI Airport was 14:49 hours, with 236 passengers on board.

The aircraft is currently at Kolkata Airport. An inspection is underway, Bose added. (ANI)