Month: February 2026

Actor Rajkummar Rao extended heartfelt birthday wishes to his wife Patralekhaa, describing her as the “best partner.”

Taking to his Instagram handle, Rajkummar shared a series of pictures of Patralekhaa along with a few cherished moments of the two together. The actor penned an emotional note expressing his love and gratitude for his wife.

“Happy birthday my love. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are the heart of our home. Parvati and I are so lucky to have you in our life. The best partner, the best mother and the best daughter. Here’s to your dreams, your strength and the most incredible woman you are. Happy birthday. God bless you @patralekhaa,” he wrote.

Soon after he shared the post, several members of the film fraternity took to the comments section to extend their wishes to Patralekhaa.

Tahira Kashyap, Aparshakti Khurana, Dia Mirza, Bhumi Pednekkar, Soha Ali Khan, and Katrina Kaif shared their greetings in the comment section.

Rajkummar and Patralekhaa tied the knot on November 15, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh attended by close friends and family members. The couple first shared screen space in the 2014 film ‘CityLights’, which marked Patralekhaa’s Bollywood debut.

The duo embraced parenthood last year with the birth of their baby girl, Parvati Paul Rao, in November. They announced the arrival of their daughter on their fourth wedding anniversary on November 15.

On the professional front, Rajkumar will next be seen in ‘Nikam’, a film based on the life of noted public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. ‘Stree’ actor wrapped up the shooting for the project in November last year.

Apart from acting, the actor is also busy working as a producer. A few months ago, Rajkummar and his wife Patralekhaa launched their own production house, KAMPA Film. (ANI)

The Tibetans in-exile held condolence prayers for Tenzin Choegyal, also known as Ngari Rinpoche, who passed away at the age of 80 in his residence in Dharamshala on February 17.

Choegyal was the youngest brother of the Dalai Lama and was cremated here yesterday.

Several thousand Tibetans gathered at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala to attend the prayer service on Friday. Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organised the prayer service today.

Choegyal has worked a lot for the preservation of Tibetan religion and culture and also for the political aspirations of the Tibetan people. He was born in Lhasa in 1946 and after China’s invasion in Tibet in 1959, he accompanied the Dalai Lama into exile in India.

Tsering Chomphel, the President of Tibetan Youth Congress told ANI, “It’s very unfortunate that we lost our beloved and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s youngest brother Tenzin Choegyal also known as Ngari Rinpoche, so we are holding this prayer service as on 17th of February he passed away at his residence in Dharamshala and his cremation was held yesterday. He was also the former president of Tibetan Youth Congress and former member of Tibetan parliament in-exile. We are holding this prayer to commemorate his work for the Tibetan community as he served the Tibetan community for a long time.”

One of his brothers, Taktser Rinpoche had already passed away in United States and the second oldest brother of the Dalai Lama, Gyalo Thondud had also passed away at the age of 97 in West Bengal in February 2025.

The Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) has seven siblings and he is the fourth child in his family. Dalai Lama and his younger sister Jestun Pema are presently residing in Dharamshala. (ANI)

On the opening day of Ramazan, Rawalpindi descended into traffic mayhem and price shock, leaving citizens grappling with mismanagement and inflation, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the city’s traffic system virtually collapsed during school rush hours in the morning and again in the crucial pre-iftar period between 4 pm and 6 pm. Key arteries, particularly Murree Road from Marir Chowk to Chandni Chowk, were clogged, with vehicles inching forward at a snail’s pace.

The congestion extended across major commercial and residential zones, including Raja Bazaar, Ganjmandi Road, Liaquat Road, City Saddar Road and several densely populated marketplaces. Areas packed with temporary iftar stalls selling food items became severe choke points, leaving barely enough room for vehicles to pass. Many families reportedly had to break their fast while stranded in traffic.

Frustrated commuters alleged that traffic wardens focused more on penalising motorcyclists than managing the flow of vehicles. Citizens claimed that even minor violations resulted in fines of Rs 2,000, with motorcycles briefly confiscated, actions they said worsened congestion instead of easing it. However, a Traffic Police spokesperson stated that officials had worked diligently to maintain order throughout the day, as cited by The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, the economic burden added to public distress. The first iftar of Ramazan was marked by sharp price hikes in fruits and vegetables. Bananas were sold at Rs 300 per dozen, while kinnow and oranges fetched between Rs 350 and Rs 400 per dozen.

Apples ranged from Rs 250 to Rs 400 per kilogram, strawberries soared to Rs 1,000 per kilogram, and grapes and pomegranates were priced at Rs 700 and Rs 750 per kilogram, respectively. Residents described the sudden surge as an “inflation bomb,” saying that the holy month began under the shadow of administrative inefficiency and mounting financial strain, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI)

The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to a man arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in a case arising out of a fatal road accident in the Chanakyapuri area of the national capital.

Justice Manoj Jain passed the order on February 19, 2026, allowing the bail plea of Aashish Bachchas in FIR registered at Police Station Chanakyapuri under Sections 20,21,22,25,29 of the NDPS Act, along with offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The case dates back to August 10, 2025, when an accident allegedly involving a Mahindra Thar vehicle led to the death of two persons.

The applicant was stated to be driving the vehicle at the time of the incident. When the police reached the spot, they allegedly recovered a laptop bag from the vehicle, which, upon checking, was found to contain 21.26 grams of ganja, 15.49 grams of tobacco, 0.30 grams of cocaine, 4.17 grams of charas, 23.47 grams of MD and 2.6 grams of LSD.

During interrogation, the applicant allegedly disclosed the names of persons from whom he had procured the contraband. His police custody remand was obtained, and, as per the prosecution, one such person has already been arrested in connection with the case.

Appearing for the applicant, Advocates Ujwal Ghai, Bhanu Malhotra and Rishabh Atri argued that there was no clarity as to whether the substance allegedly recovered as LSD was, in fact, LSD.

They pointed out that even the Trial Court, in its order dated December 26, 2025, had observed that there was no explanation from the investigating agency as to why the suspicious substance was not tested immediately and had held that there was no prima facie material at that stage to conclude that the substance was LSD.

The defence further submitted that the quantities of ganja, cocaine and charas fall within the category of small quantity, while MD is of intermediate quantity. It was also highlighted that the applicant is in his twenties, in the prime of his youth, and has no previous criminal antecedents.

Opposing the bail plea, the State contended that there was conscious recovery of multiple contraband substances and that since the Forensic Science Laboratory report is still awaited, it cannot be presumed at this stage that the recovered substance was not LSD. However, the prosecution did admit that the other substances fall within the category of small or intermediate quantities.

The Court perused the nominal roll, which revealed that the applicant has no previous involvement in any other criminal case. It also noted that the charge sheet has already been filed and the matter is listed for consideration on the charge on April 8, 2026.

Keeping in view the overall facts and circumstances, particularly the young age of the applicant and his clean antecedents, the High Court directed that he be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety of the like amount, subject to the satisfaction of the Trial Court. (ANI)

Holding that managing a household and raising a child are real and valuable contributions, even if they do not generate taxable income, the Delhi High Court has ruled that a non-earning wife cannot be denied interim maintenance merely because she is educated or capable of working.

The Court observed that equating non-employment with “idleness” reflects a misunderstanding of domestic labour and ignores the realities of marital life.

In a detailed judgment delivered by Justice Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma, the settled legal distinction between the capacity to earn and actual earning. It held that merely because a wife is educated or has undertaken a professional course does not disentitle her from maintenance in the absence of material showing that she is actually earning sufficient income to sustain herself.

The High Court found that the lower courts had erred in treating certain bank transactions, primarily transfers made by the husband towards “monthly expenses”, as evidence of the wife’s income. Such transfers, the Court noted, could not be construed as independent earnings.

It further observed that in many Indian households, women discontinue employment after marriage due to relocation, childcare responsibilities, or family expectations. Expecting a woman to immediately re-enter the workforce after a prolonged break ignores practical challenges such as outdated skills and reduced employability.

The case arose from matrimonial proceedings between a husband employed in Kuwait and a wife residing in India with their minor child. The husband had been working overseas since 2015 and returned abroad in August 2020, leaving the wife and child in India. Thereafter, proceedings were initiated under Section 125 Cr.P.C. and the PWDV Act seeking maintenance.

Under the PWDV Act proceedings, the Magistrate granted Rs. 10,000 per month towards the child but denied maintenance to the wife. The Appellate Court enhanced maintenance for the child to Rs. 50,000 per month (later Rs. 60,000), yet again declined maintenance to the wife, citing incomplete disclosure of bank statements.

In parallel proceedings under Section 125 Cr.P.C., the Family Court awarded Rs. 50,000 per month to the wife and Rs. 40,000 per month to the minor child.

Examining the husband’s financial records, the Court noted that he was earning between USD 5,000 and 6,400 per month in Kuwait, translating to approximately Rs.4-5.3 lakh per month during the relevant period. Bank records also reflected significant savings, including fixed deposits exceeding ₹1 crore.

Rejecting the argument that EMIs and voluntary financial commitments should reduce his maintenance liability, the Court held that only statutory deductions can be considered. Voluntary loans and investments cannot override the legal obligation to maintain a dependent spouse and minor child.

While acknowledging the higher cost of living abroad, the Court found that the husband had adequate financial capacity and had previously transferred substantial amounts towards family expenses.

The High Court set aside the denial of interim maintenance to the wife under the PWDV Act and harmonised the relief granted under both statutes. It directed that interim maintenance of Rs. 50,000 per month to the wife and Rs. 40,000 per month to the minor child shall be payable, with adjustment/set-off between proceedings to avoid duplication.

The enhancement of Rs. 60,000 per month granted to the child under the PWDV Act was reduced to Rs. 40,000 per month to ensure uniformity. The amounts were directed to be payable from the date of filing of the respective petitions, with arrears to be cleared within six months.

Clarifying that the observations were confined to interim maintenance, the Court also encouraged parties to consider mediation rather than prolong adversarial litigation, particularly where minor children are involved. (ANI)

The Delhi Police have intiated legal action against cadre of the Youth Congress who were protesting ‘shirtless’ at the Bharat Manadapam on Friday. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla said the incident took place at around 12:30 pm and that the protestors had registered for the summit online.

He said the protestors were wearing sweaters and jackets over objectionable T-shirts. Near Hall Number 5, one of them removed his outer clothing and waved the T-shirt in protest. The official added that appropriate legal action is being taken and that those detained are being identified.

“The incident occurred around 12:30 PM. They registered online and entered through QR code scanning. They were wearing sweaters and jackets on top and a T-shirt underneath. Near Hall 5, they removed their sweaters and jackets. They protested while waving their T-shirts. We are taking appropriate legal action against them. We detained four of them and are identifying the rest.”, the additional CP told ANI.

“The people detained have been identified as Krishna Hari. He is the National Secretary, age 35, a resident of Bihar. The second one’s name is Kundan Yadav. He is also from Bihar. The third one’s name is Ajay Kumar and the fourth one’s name is Narasimha Yadav. He is the National Coordinator of the Indian Youth Congres,” he added.

Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib defended party workers who staged a protest at the shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit today, saying the demonstration reflected the anger of unemployed youth across the country.

Speaking to ANI, Chib said, “Today, Youth Congress members went to the AI Summit and raised slogans, ‘PM is compromised.’ This anger isn’t just from our Youth Congress members. It’s from every young person who is unemployed today, and every single one of them knows that our Prime Minister is compromised.”

He alleged that the trade deal with the United States would hurt farmers and citizens. “This trade deal with the US, we all know, will harm our farmers and people. Only America will benefit. It’s our duty to raise their voice. Our country has democracy. We can hold peaceful protests anywhere,” he said.

Reacting to the Delhi Police statement that legal steps were being taken, Chib said the party would not be deterred. “Our Youth Congress colleagues are Rahul Gandhi’s soldiers. They won’t be intimidated. When there wasn’t an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, the ED case dragged on for so many years. He was summoned for questioning so many times,” he said.

He accused the BJP of targeting opposition leaders and asserted that the Youth Congress would continue its protests. “The BJP can go to any lengths, but we are soldiers of the Constitution, soldiers of Rahul Gandhi. We won’t back down. We will raise our voice for the youth of the country,” Chib added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday lambasted the Congress party for its protest against the AI Impact Summit, branding it as “characterless, brainless, and emotionless,” even as Indian Youth Congress activists staged a dramatic shirtless demonstration at Bharat Mandapam, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the AI Summit.

Poonawalla accused the Congress of undermining national progress and said this was a protest against national achievements.

“Congress has once again proven that for them, AI isn’t Ambitious India, Artificial Intelligence, Aspirational India. For them, AI is anti-India. This isn’t the INC, this is the ANC, the anti-National Congress. The AI Summit is being praised worldwide. From President Macron to the United Nations Secretary General, to top tech company honchos, from Sam Altman to Sundar Pichai, everyone is praising it. Even Shashi Tharoor said the AI Summit was excellent. But at Rahul Gandhi’s behest, the Congress party is protesting; it is a characterless, brainless, emotionless protest. This isn’t a protest against the BJP, it’s not a protest against the PM, it’s a protest against India’s achievements,” Poonawalla added.

Earlier the Youth Congress cadres held a ‘shirtless’ protest outside the summit venue, raising slogans of “PM is compromised” and alleging that the government’s policies were harming national interests. Police later detained several protesters and said legal action was being initiated.

In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its members were protesting against what it termed a compromised leadership at the summit. (ANI)

A thin layer of fog engulfed Srinagar on Tuesday morning as the cold wave continued to tighten its grip on the Kashmir Valley, reducing visibility and intensifying the winter chill.

The iconic Dal Lake remained shrouded in mist, yet tourists braved the freezing temperatures to enjoy shikara rides and the serene winter landscape.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius on January 5, which was 2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees below normal.

The IMD on Tuesday forecast isolated light to moderate rainfall or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Ground frost conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand.

In southern India, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over Tamil Nadu on January 8 and 9, while heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Mahe on January 9 and 10.

The weather agency has also predicted a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over Northwest India during the next four days, with no significant change thereafter for the next three days.

A similar fall of 2-3°C is likely over Central and East India during the next two days, followed by no significant change for the subsequent five days. No major change in minimum temperatures is expected over the remaining parts of the country.

Meanwhile, cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Jharkhand and Punjab. Cold-day conditions are expected in isolated pockets across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Sikkim.

Dense fog is very likely at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh.

Dense to very dense fog is anticipated at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Over the seas, squally weather with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast, over most parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, many parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area.

Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the Somalia coast and adjoining sea areas. (ANI)

India on Friday signed and joined the Pax Silica Declaration on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit being held here in the national capital.

US Ambassador to India Segio Gor; Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Union Minister for Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the signing of the declaration.

Gor earlier highlighted India’s determination and the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming India to the Pax Silica initiative he said by signing this partnership the two nations had chosen to win.

“We welcome India joining to co found the future tax silicon is about free society, whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. It’s about whether innovation happens in Bangalore and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states they use technology to monitor and control their people. We choose freedom, we choose partnership. We choose strength. And today, with India’s entry into Pax silica, we choose to win,” Gor said

Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment also hailed India joining the Pax Silica Declaration, noting that it underscores the importance of economic security translating into national security and stands in the face of coercion and blackmail undermining prosperity of nations.

His remarks come as India formally joins the Pax Silica–the US-led effort on artificial intelligence and supply chain security on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit being held here in the national capital.

Pax Silica is the US Department of State’s flagship effort on AI and supply chain security, advancing new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners.

The Pax Silica Declaration underlines the importance of a reliable supply chain indispensable to mutual economic security and recognises AI as a transformative force for long-term prosperity.

The partnership comes shortly after India participated at the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in February represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement. (ANI)

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday highlighted India’s determination and the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming India to the Pax Silica initiative he said by signing this partnership the two nations had chosen to win.

“We welcome India joining to co found the future tax silicon is about free society, whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. It’s about whether innovation happens in Bangalore and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states they use technology to monitor and control their people. We choose freedom, we choose partnership. We choose strength. And today, with India’s entry into Pax silica, we choose to win,” Gor said

Gor said it was not only India’s scale that impressed him, but also its resolve to chart an independent course. Gor said he often speaks of the limitless potential between India and the United States and truly believes in it. Referring to cooperation ranging from the interim trade agreement to Pax Silica and defence ties, he said the two nations have vast opportunities to work together and that he intends to advance this partnership over the next three years of his tenure.

“What struck me most wasn’t just India’s scale, although that is breathtaking, but India’s resolve, the determination to chart your own course. I keep talking about the limitless potential between our two nations, and I truly mean it. From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defence cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless, and I aim to fulfil that over the next three years that I’m here,” Gor said.

Gor noted that the interim trade agreement concluded earlier this month would shape the economic contours of the Indo-Pacific. He said both sides overcame long-standing friction points and stressed that the deal was not merely about tariffs or trade flows, but about two democracies committing to build together rather than just trade with each other.

“Earlier this month, we concluded the interim trade agreement, a deal that shapes the economic contours of the Indo-Pacific. We overcame friction points that had held us back for far too long. That agreement wasn’t just about trade flows or tariff schedules. It was about two great democracies saying, we will build together, not just buy from one another, and now, today, we take the next step,” said Gor.

Emphasising technology cooperation, he said the two countries are ensuring that critical technologies of the next century, including artificial intelligence, space and advanced semiconductors, are developed, deployed and controlled by free nations. He added that this is being done in partnership with the world’s largest democracy, which shares common values and vision with the United States.

“What struck me most wasn’t just India’s scale, although that is breathtaking, but India’s resolve, the determination to chart your own course. I keep talking about the limitless potential between our two nations, and I truly mean it. From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defence cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless, and I aim to fulfill that over the next three years that I’m here,” he said.

Welcoming India’s participation in Pax Silica, Gor said the initiative represents a choice for free societies to control the commanding heights of the global economy. He said it would determine whether innovation thrives in places like Bengaluru and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states that use technology to control their people. (ANI)

Veteran actor, director and television presenter Annu Kapoor marked his 70th birthday on February 20 with gratitude, reflection and a fresh creative announcement.

Speaking to ANI, Kapoor thanked his fans for their wishes and revealed details about his upcoming play titled ‘Triple A’, while also paying tribute to legendary Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier, with whom he shares his birth date.

“Thank you so much for reminding me of the past,” Kapoor said, expressing appreciation for the birthday messages he received.

Calling himself “a very ordinary, simple man,” the actor said he felt honoured to share his birthday with Poitier. “I salute Sir Sidney Poitier. He was an iconic actor of American cinema, a towering performer and a master artist,” Kapoor said, recalling that Poitier was among the first Black actors to receive an Academy Award, mentioning the film ‘To Sir, With Love.’

On his milestone birthday, Kapoor also spoke about his new theatrical venture. Titled ‘Triple A’, the play stands for “Art, Artists, and Audience.”

The play has been written with the support of his creative associates Arunima Misra, Devendra Balsaraf and Sufi Khan. Auditions are currently underway, with two sessions already completed. “We are looking for young boys and girls who can dance as well,” he added.

Kapoor asserted that originality remains central to his work. “I never imitate anyone… like always this project will also be original, authentic, pure.”

Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to national recognition, Kapoor spoke about growing up in rural India and travelling across villages.

He said his life experiences shaped his understanding of society and characters. Despite professional success, he maintained that he had never compromised on his principles or self-respect.

Kapoor also recalled that his first opportunity as a director came through Jaya Bachchan, whom he described as an elder sister figure. He directed and produced the film ‘Abhay’, starring Nana Patekar, and received the National Award and the V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award for the project.

Known for films such as ‘Mandi’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Tezaab’, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Ghayal’, ‘Hum’, ‘Darr’, ‘Sardar’, ‘Aitraaz’ and ‘7 Khoon Maaf’, Kapoor has also hosted the popular television show ‘Antakshari’ and currently presents the radio programme ‘Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor.’ He was recently seen in ‘The Signature.’

At 70, Kapoor says he now seeks “creative satisfaction” and plans to direct one or two new projects. “Whatever I create will be genuine and pure,” he said. (ANI)