Political activity has intensified in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formulating a special strategy to woo Dalit voters to retain power for the third term. Sources said BJP leaders have been advised to not speak against BSP chief Mayawati.

Following indications of a shift in Dalit votes in some areas in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party has begun reworking social equations. According to a senior party official, the BJP’s strategy is focused on establishing a sustained dialogue with various sections of society by organizing extensive events on the birth and death anniversaries of Dalit icons.

The official stated that an annual calendar has been prepared for this purpose, which includes programs related to about one and a half dozen great men, including Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Sant Ravidas, Birsa Munda, and Ahilyabai Holkar. The aim is to further strengthen the party’s presence among the Dalit community through these events.

Speaking to UNI, BJP sources said, the party organization has been instructed to ensure that workers, down to the booth level, maintain regular contact with Dalit settlements. Emphasis is being placed on communicating with beneficiaries of government schemes, organizing small meetings at the local level, and increasing social participation.

The party believes only through social engineering and direct communication can a strong base be established in 2027.

There is talk in political circles that the BJP has adopted a strategy of refraining from directly attacking Mayawati, a prominent leader of Bahujan politics. It is believed that the party does not want to generate any sympathy wave among Dalit voters. While attacks on the Samajwadi Party and Congress will continue, public statements against Mayawati will be restrained.

Sources indicate that the BJP has conducted an introspection after failing to achieve its expected performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party acknowledges that despite its strong performance in some reserved seats, it failed to garner the overall Dalit vote. Against this backdrop, efforts have now been initiated to further broaden its social base under Mission 2027.

Political analysts believe that political activity related to the Dalit community will intensify in the coming months. Consequently, the 2027 election battle appears to be centered around social dynamics.

Music composer-turned-director Palaash Muchhal is gearing up for his next film, and this time he has locked in Shreyas Talpade and Daisy Shah in the lead.

The title hasn’t been revealed yet, but the announcement has already caught attention in trade circles.

Also Read: Smriti Mandhana’s mom sparks social media buzz with Palash Muchhal post, later deletes it

A new film in the works

The update was shared by trade analyst Taran Adarsh on social media on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

According to his post, Daisy Shah has officially joined the cast opposite Shreyas Talpade in the upcoming thriller. The film will be set in Mumbai, and shooting is expected to begin soon.

 

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A post shared by Taran Adarsh (@taranadarsh)

While the makers are keeping most details under wraps, it is believed that Shreyas will play a common man in the story. Beyond that, the plot, supporting cast and release plans have not been disclosed yet.

Also Read: Shweta Tripathi steps into production, chooses women and queer voices first

Muchhal’s directorial journey

This film marks Muchhal’s next outing as director after Ardh, which starred Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. He also directed Kaam Chalu Hai, featuring Rajpal Yadav, Giaa Manek and Kurangi Nagraj.

With this new project, he appears to be continuing his focus on character-driven stories.

On the Personal Front

Away from films, Muchhal was in the news last year for his planned wedding with Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. The two were set to marry on November 23, 2025, after dating for several years.

Also Read: Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal are not getting married: The inside story behind the called-off wedding

However, the wedding was later called off. Mandhana addressed the matter through a social media post, confirming the decision and asking for privacy for both families.

What’s next

For now, the focus shifts back to the upcoming thriller. With Shreyas Talpade and Daisy Shah leading the film and Mumbai as its backdrop, more details are expected in the coming weeks as production begins.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra reunites with Shashi Tharoor after over a decade at Harvard backstage

Indian equity markets kicked off trading on a positive note on Monday, with both the BSE Sensex and the NIFTY 50 inching higher in early deals, reflecting firm investor confidence and optimism ahead of a major artificial intelligence summit beginning here.

The Sensex rose 126.46 points, or 0.15 per cent, to trade at 82,753.22 around 10:09 am IST.
The index opened at 82,480.40 and hit an intraday high of 82,817.88, after dipping to a low of 82,276.95 earlier in the session.
The previous close was 82,626.76, indicating a positive bias in the initial hours of trading.

Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 climbed 50.30 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 25,521.40, buoyed by broad-based buying.
It opened at 25,423.60 and oscillated between a low of 25,372.70 and a high of 25,534.00 in early deals.

The previous session closed at 25,471.10, further underlining the steady start to the week.
The bullish sentiment is related to the commencement of ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ here, which is expected to draw industry leaders, policymakers, and global tech firms to discuss innovation, regulation, and investment opportunities in AI.
The event has heightened investor focus on technology and innovation sectors, particularly companies positioned to benefit from artificial intelligence adoption.

India all-rounder Axar Patel said that the Men in Blue approached their high-stakes ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan with a focus on strategy over rivalry.
After a commanding 61-run victory in Colombo, he said that the team treated Pakistan like any other opponent, focusing solely on executing their plans rather than the historic cricketing tension between the sides.

India registered a comprehensive 61-run win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday.
“See, we are seeing them as a team. So we are not thinking about this rivalry or whatever. We are playing against one team, and we are just focusing on cricket,” Axar said after the match.

“So whenever I am playing, I am not thinking about others. I treat it as one match and opponent. So I’m not thinking about any rivalry or whatever.”
India strengthened their spin attack for the high-profile clash by bringing in Kuldeep Yadav in place of pacer Arshdeep Singh, a move Axar said was based on pitch conditions and team balance.

“Yes, about the three spinners, we feel that selection should be according to the pitch. In such a big tournament, for a particular match, we should not make too many changes. When you get help from the pitch, you will go for it. So this was the planning, and we made the team combination according to that,” he said.

He added that the team ignored external narratives and concentrated on its own strengths.
“Whatever the captain says, we are focusing on our strength, and it’s outside talk. We are just thinking about our plan and our execution. We are taking one match at a time,” he said.

India delivered a clinical performance to crush Pakistan by 61 runs, extending their dominant head-to-head record in men’s T20 World Cups to 8-1.
Axar played a key role with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 29 in four overs and also effecting the run-outs of Babar Azam and Usman Khan, as Pakistan slumped to 34 for four early in the chase.

Hardik Pandya (2/16), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), and Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) provided strong support as India bowled Pakistan out comfortably.
Earlier, Ishan Kishan starred with the bat, scoring 77 runs to earn the Player of the Match award and set up India’s emphatic victory.

At least 7 people burned to death in a fire that broke out in a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.
Seven bodies chared bodies were retrieved from the site.

Firefighting operations are underway. More details awaited.
Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra urged the government and the administration to take immediate action on the matter, where he also pointed to an earlier similar accident in Ajmer, where 16 people were killed after a chemical tanker overturned.
He stated that such incidents have become common under the present government.

“In the district of Khairthal-Tijara, in Bhiwadi, a chemical factory caught fire and killed 8-10 people. Many people have been injured. There has been heavy damage… The government and administration should take immediate action. After the formation of the government, as you have seen, on Ajmer Road, a chemical tanker was overturned. More than 16 people were killed. In Jaipur, in SMS, in ICU, people were burnt to death… This has become a common thing, but the government is not paying attention to this. This is a very serious matter,” Dotasara told ANI.

For Timothée Chalamet, watching a film in a packed theatre still means something. Speaking at a Valentine’s Eve screening of Call Me by Your Name at the Los Angeles Theatre, the actor shared why he believes cinema releases carry a different kind of energy compared to streaming debuts.

Also Read: Kanye West (Ye) India tour details: JLN Stadium hosts one-night concert of controversial rap star | Date, time, tickets

“It’s more drumroll”

“It sounds like cheesy marketing talk,” he admitted, “but it’s more drumroll.” That sense of build-up, he said, is hard to recreate when a film drops online without the same lead-up or shared countdown.

The streaming experience vs the big screen

Chalamet has worked on both kinds of releases. Films like The King and Don’t Look Up went straight to Netflix, reaching audiences worldwide instantly.

He acknowledged that streaming platforms, especially Netflix, offer unmatched global access and can quickly become part of cultural conversations.

Also Read: Wunmi Mosaku can’t celebrate her Oscar nomination for ‘Sinners’, says ICE killings have left her shaken

But even so, he feels theatrical premieres are “more ceremonial.” There’s anticipation. There’s a first-night buzz. There’s a room full of strangers reacting together.

And that, to him, creates more of a moment.

On the awards trail

The actor is currently in the middle of awards season after earning a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for his performance in Marty Supreme, where he plays a table tennis prodigy.

He recently picked up a win at the Critics’ Choice Awards, adding to the momentum. Despite the attention, Chalamet appeared grounded while speaking about recognition. “Everyone’s killing it,” he said of his fellow nominees. “I feel lucky to be part of that community.”

Also Read: Cynthia Erivo shuts down Ariana Grande rumours, ‘Why can’t two women just be close?’

Clearing up the rumours

During the conversation, Chalamet also addressed online speculation linking him to British rapper EsDeeKid. He clarified that he is not the musician’s alter ego, putting the rumours to rest with ease.

Also Read: Harry Styles reveals the dark side of leaving One Direction, stage nerves, and journey that shaped his new music

A case for shared spaces

At a time when streaming dominates much of the industry, Chalamet’s comments felt like a gentle reminder rather than a criticism.

He isn’t dismissing digital platforms. He’s simply saying that theatres offer something else, a shared pause, a collective reaction, a sense that something is happening right now.

And sometimes, that extra drumroll still matters.

Also Read: Bramayugam makes history: Mammootty leads first Indian film ever at Academy Museum in Los Angeles

Just weeks ahead of the Assembly Election in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has again endorsed the idea of Mamata Banerjee being anointed the leader of the opposition INDIA bloc.

Sagarika Ghose, a Rajya Sabha MP and deputy leader of the party in the Upper House of Parliament, on Monday posted a newspaper article on X written by Sanjaya Baru, ex-media advisor to late former prime minister Manmohan Singh, and endorsed the idea.

“AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME. Former media advisor to PM Manmohan Singh calls for Mamata Banerjee to lead the opposition INDIA alliance,” Ghose wrote.

The remarks came hours after an opinion piece written by Baru was published in an English daily, wherein he said that the return of Mamata Banerjee to the office of West Bengal Chief Minister would mark a consequential development for national politics.

AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME. Former media advisor to PM Manmohan Singh calls for @MamataOfficial to lead the opposition INDIA alliance. https://t.co/APMaTw3e8M

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) February 16, 2026

Baru wrote that Narendra Modi’s return as the prime minister in 2024 for a third term had marginalised regional PM aspirants like Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu. However, the self-made, first-generation leader who has her feet firmly on the ground stands apart from all national and regional leaders, he added.

Baru listed Banerjee’s qualities, like her confidence (visible during her recent Supreme Court appearance)and clean image, as key highlights of her political career and her uniqueness.

“Time has come for Bengal to leave its imprint, once again, on the country,” the former editor wrote further.

It may be noted that it is not the first time Mamata Banerjee’s name has been propped up for the role of national opposition leader. In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well, when the INDIA alliance was put together by opposition parties, there was a huge clamour to make Mamata the alliance chief.

Even after Modi’s return, there have been demands from several opposition leaders and parties to let Mamata lead the Opposition against the BJP, with some of them claiming that Rahul Gandhi, as the face of the Congress, had failed to galvanise voters nationally.

Allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced against Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, just days after Bangladesh’s 12 February elections and amid preparations for a leadership transition, placing the outgoing administration under its first major cloud of controversy.

Taiyeb, who held the status of a state minister, left the country shortly after the elections. While government advisers insist he formally took leave and completed his responsibilities, critics have questioned the timing of his departure, triggering political debate at a sensitive moment.

Timing of exit draws scrutiny

Taiyeb departed Bangladesh on an Emirates Airlines flight after what he described as his final working day on 10 February. In a Facebook statement, he said he had formally sought leave from the ICT Division, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, adding that he purchased a return ticket and would return.

He said he travelled to attend a school meeting for his son and to respond to a medical emergency involving his wife. He also denied allegations of corruption, stating he had not committed “even one taka” of wrongdoing and invited independent audits to examine his record.

Allegations surface on social media

Speculation intensified after journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury alleged in a post on X that Taiyeb had accumulated large sums of money through corruption and left the country within hours of the elections by taking five days’ leave.

Choudhury described the departure as “mysterious” and questioned the circumstances of his exit. There has been no official confirmation of any corruption case against Taiyeb.

Mysterious departure of a key-aide of Muhammad Yunus!

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb. Special Assistant to Muhammad Yunus (with the status of State minister) was flown-in to Bangladesh in March 2025 despite the fact of Taiyeb being a Dutch citizen. During these months he allegedly made a… pic.twitter.com/6erl9vCNgT

— Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury (@salah_shoaib) February 15, 2026

Government rejects “drama” narrative

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan dismissed suggestions of impropriety, saying Taiyeb had returned to his family in the Netherlands after completing state duties.

“What does it mean that Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb left? Before saying this, it must be said that he came to the country. He did not live here. He worked in the Netherlands. His family is there; his household is there,” she said.

Rizwana added that he had been away from his family for one and a half years to serve during a crisis period and that portraying his departure as secretive was an attempt to create unnecessary drama.

Political optics in transition period

The episode has unfolded at a delicate moment, and the timing has only added to the chatter. With the elections just concluded and a new leadership about to take charge, movements at the top are bound to attract attention.

Taiyeb was appointed on 5 March 2025 with the status of a state minister. During his tenure, he said he introduced management reforms and technology-driven transparency measures in telecommunications, claiming vested interests had resisted change.

No formal corruption case has been announced against him. However, the episode has become an early political flashpoint in the post-election environment.

Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty can finally breathe some sighs of relief. The man who fired five bullets outside his Juhu home earlier this month has been arrested and the Mumbai Crime Branch isn’t stopping there.

The alleged shooter was caught in Rajasthan, and with him, six more suspects were taken into custody. Police sources also confirmed to the media that several individuals were detained from Uttar Pradesh.

With these latest arrests, a total of 11 people are now implicated in the shocking case.

Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi gang warns Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty again: ‘Even your next seven generations can’t touch us’

MCOCA comes into play

On February 11, five accused in the case were slapped with the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). This is a tough law designed to tackle organised crime and terrorism in Maharashtra. All five were presented in a special MCOCA court and remanded to police custody until February 17, 2026.

The Crime Branch had requested a 15-day custody, but the court granted only a few days. Now, all arrested accused face MCOCA charges.

How the crime unfolded

According to police reports, five rounds were fired outside Rohit Shetty’s residence earlier this month. The investigation revealed that the vehicle used by the shooter was procured from Pune.

Details about the motive or the larger network behind the attack are still emerging. But authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

Rohit Shetty on the work front

Shetty shot to fame with the first ‘Golmaal’ film in 2006, starring Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi, which became a sleeper hit. Its sequels ‘Golmaal Returns’ and ‘Golmaal 3’ also came out.

Shetty didn’t stop at comedy. He returned to action with ‘Singham’, after debuting with the thriller ‘Zameen’. He expanded his Cop Universe with ‘Singham Returns’, ‘Simmba’, ‘Sooryavanshi’, and the upcoming ‘Singham Again’.

His other hits, including ‘All the Best: Fun Begins’, ‘Bol Bachchan’, and ‘Chennai Express’.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised explosive opener Abhishek Sharma to be a little bit more patient at the start of his innings during the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Abhishek endured his second straight failure after being dismissed for a golden duck in India’s commanding 61-run win over Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday. The world’s No.1 ranked T20I batter is yet to open his account in the tournament, though his struggles have not affected India’s unbeaten run so far.

Shastri, however, believes India will need Abhishek firing as the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, where the pressure intensifies and the opposition stiffens. He suggested that a more measured approach early in the innings would allow the left-hander to capitalise once he is set.

“I think he’s due, but he just has to give himself a little bit of time,” Shastri said after India’s triumph over Pakistan.

“Such things happen and you can go off the boil, but he’s just got to give himself a little more time until he gets back on track. Because for him to convert those dot balls later on into boundaries and sixes, is not difficult,” he added.

With Abhishek yet to find rhythm, Ishan Kishan has stepped up at the top of the order. The left-hander followed up his earlier exploits with a scintillating 77 off 40 balls against Pakistan, earning the Player of the Match award.

It was Kishan’s second consecutive half-century of the tournament, and Shastri believes the 27-year-old is in sublime touch. “He’s batting like a dream at the moment,” Shastri exclaimed

“Striking on that track (Colombo pitch) at close to 200 is unreal. Every batter didn’t find it easy, whether it was Indian or Pakistani, because the ball was stopping and for him to strike the way he did, and what I liked was how quickly he assessed the conditions,” he added.

Iran has indicated it may offer compromises in nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided Washington is open to discussing the lifting of sanctions.

A new round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner expected to attend.

The talks follow the first indirect round in Oman on February 6, where Iran demanded the right to enrich uranium while Washington pushed for broader discussions on ballistic missiles and regional proxies like Hezbollah. Both sides described the previous meeting as a “good start,” though major differences remain.

Iran is willing to show flexibility and offer compromises to reach a nuclear deal with the US if the Americans are willing to discuss lifting sanctions.

Iran claims it is open to compromise with the US on a nuclear deal if the administration is willing to discuss lifting sanctions, a senior Iranian official said Sunday.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, also said in an interview that the ball was “in America’s court to prove that they want to do a deal,” adding: “If they are sincere, I’m sure we will be on the road to an agreement.”

“We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our program if they are ready to talk about sanctions,” Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy in dealing with Iran and the administration is currently focused on negotiations.

Speaking during the news conference in Bratislava alongside Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Rubio said, “the president’s made clear he prefers diplomacy.”

The US is seeking a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear issue while maintaining a military posture in the region. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have also signaled readiness to respond if attacked, keeping tensions high ahead of the Geneva talks.

The negotiations come as President Trump expressed skepticism over a potential deal, citing Iran’s track record on compliance.

Witkoff and Kushner will meet the Iranian delegation in Geneva through Omani mediation, focusing on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and stocks of highly enriched uranium. Rubio confirmed the US will follow all legal requirements in consulting Congress if any military action becomes necessary.

The upcoming negotiations follow the last indirect talks in Oman on February 6,the first engagement since US and Israeli strikes on Iran last summer. The talks, mediated by Badr Albusaidi, saw the US delegation led by Witkoff and Kushner, and Iran represented by Abbas Araghchi.

During the Oman round, Iran reiterated its right to enrich uranium, while offering safeguards to prevent weaponization in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. The US pressed for broader commitments, including limits on ballistic missiles and Iran’s regional proxies, such as Hezbollah, which Iran rejected. Despite progress in talks, both sides maintained military readiness, with the US moving assets into the region and Iran warning it would respond if attacked.

The Geneva talks are expected to address these longstanding disagreements, with diplomacy facing the dual challenge of bridging nuclear and regional security issues while managing escalating tensions.

CBS News reported that in December, President Trump signaled to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if the US and Iran failed to reach a nuclear deal.

The outlet noted that discussions about such an operation are ongoing, roughly eight months after the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June. During last year’s war, the US joined Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This time, any American role in an Israeli attack would likely involve assisting jets with midair refueling or helping Israel secure permission to fly over neighboring countries, CBS reported.

Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, is finally bringing his stage presence to New Delhi. After years of speculation, rumours, and social media chatter, the 24-time Grammy winner will perform at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on March 29, 2026; his first-ever live concert in the country.

Unlike multi-city tours that scatter attention, Ye’s India debut is designed as a one-night-only extravaganza. Media reports state that contracts are signed, production teams are on the ground, and the show is being crafted as a definitive cultural moment.

Organisers are keeping stage and production details tightly under wraps, but insiders promise an immersive, high-tech spectacle.

It’s a strategy that has worked before for other global acts. Think Coldplay, whose record-breaking India shows boosted concert tourism; Jay-Z, headlining Global Citizen in Mumbai; and Travis Scott, who electrified the same JLN Stadium in past years. Ye is now joining this elite lineup.

Kanye West discography

Even if you’ve never attended a Ye concert, you’ve heard his hits. From “Gold Digger” to “Stronger”, “Good Life” to “Ultralight Beam”, Ye has shaped modern music over decades.

While this will be his first live show in India, Ye has visited the country before. He spent time at an ashram in 2009 and returned to Mumbai in 2012 to promote his fashion label. But this marks the first time fans will witness him perform in person on Indian soil.

India has become hotspot for global music tours drawing crowds for Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, and festivals like Lollapalooza India.

The timing of Ye’s India show is no accident. He’s gearing up to release his upcoming album, ‘Bully’.

Kanye West controversies

Over the years, Ye has become known as much for his controversial statements and feuds as for his hits. Media outlets have described him as arrogant, egocentric, polarising.

Also Read: Kanye West apology: Ye says he is sorry for antisemitic rants, Hitler Praise and hate speech | Full statement

He has sparked debates, protests, memes from the 2015 Pan American Games controversy to the viral “I Love Kanye” moment.

Ye’s celebrity life is a rollercoaster. He has feuded with Taylor Swift. That saga spanned over a decade. He also traded jabs with artists like Drake, Future, Iggy Azalea, Jay-Z, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Metro Boomin, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott.

Even in 2025, his social media rants targeted multiple hip-hop heavyweights though many did not respond.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today attended the 79th Raising Day of Delhi Police as the chief guest and inspected the parade during the celebrations. He awarded medals to personnel and commended their dedication, public safety role, and exemplary service.

The Delhi Police’s best marching contingent, SWAT team, dog squad, band team, motorcycle riders, PCR units, and several other specialised formations showcased a coordinated march past. Senior officers and personnel were also present at the event.

In Photos | Union Home Minister Amit Shah inspects the parade during the 79th Delhi Police Raising Day celebrations at Parade Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp in the national capital.

: Ranjan Dimri / UNI@AmitShahOffice | @AmitShah | @DelhiPolice | #Delhi | #AmitShah… pic.twitter.com/30bCTWqoMV

— United News of India (@uniindianews) February 16, 2026

Union Home Minister lauded the Delhi Police for consistently upholding its commitment to peace, service, and justice since its establishment.

Highlighting the significance of maintaining security here to the highest global standards, Amit Shah said the duties and responsibilities of the Delhi Police are especially crucial as the city is not just a region but the heart of the nation.

Country to be free from Maoist violence by March 2026, claimed Shah

Amit Shah, during his address, hailed the period from 2014 to 2026 as a golden period for the country’s internal security. The Union Minister said that the Kashmir region, the entire Northeast, and the Maoist-infested areas spread across eleven states were the three problems that posed a serious challenge to the country’s internal security for 3-4 decades before 2014. However, after the repeal of Article 370, India has succeeded in reducing violence in Kashmir, the Northeast, and the Maoist-infested areas by 80%, claimed Amit Shah.

Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “The period from 2014 to 2026 will forever be remembered in our history as a golden era for the country’s internal security. Before 2014, three issues had posed serious challenges to our internal security for three to four decades: the… pic.twitter.com/O8U9WnnSKo

— IANS (@ians_india) February 16, 2026

He reassured the people of the country that by 31 March 2026, India will succeed in freeing the entire country from Maoist violence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the government is committed to eliminating Maoist violence from the country and said India will be free from the menace by March 31, 2026.#AmitShah #MaoistViolence #Naxalism #InternalSecurity #IndiaSecurity #GovernmentOfIndia… pic.twitter.com/140sGVhBbl

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) February 16, 2026

Shah praised Modi-led government for introducing three new criminal laws

At the Raising Day celebrations, Shah asserted that the conviction rate in criminal cases will rise to 80 per cent after the full implementation of the three new criminal laws in the country in the coming years. He said, “These three new criminal laws were passed in the Parliament elected by the people of our country… In the next two years, after the full implementation of these laws… within three years, we will ensure that any FIR filed in any corner of the country, not only punishing the criminal but also providing justice to the victim, reaches the Supreme Court.”

He added that a separate chapter has been added to these laws for crimes against children and women. E-FIRs and Zero FIRs have been given legal backing. Also, for the first time, community service has been legalized as a punishment for minor offences. Provision has also been made for the confiscation and seizure of properties of proclaimed offenders located outside India.

Amit Shah was referring to the three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — that replaced the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act on July 1, 2024.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “In the last 11 years, under the leadership of PM Modi, the country has achieved many milestones. In the coming days, when justice will be discussed in the country, history will surely recall these three new criminal laws…… pic.twitter.com/V3N8FLcnDO

— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2026

In a statement posted on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump outlined plans for a major international push aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza, announcing that member states have pledged more than USD 5 billion toward humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.

‎Trump said the initiative would be formally advanced on February 19, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, where members of what he described as the “Board of Peace” are expected to convene.

‎“The Board of Peace has unlimited potential,” Trump wrote, adding that member states have committed “more than USD 5 Billion Dollars toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts” and pledged thousands of personnel to serve in an International Stabilization Force and local policing units to maintain security in Gaza.

‎In his statement, Trump said he had released a plan last October aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Gaza, claiming that the vision was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council. He further stated that his initiative facilitated humanitarian aid “at record speed” and secured the release of all living and deceased hostages.

While details of the plan’s adoption and implementation were not immediately available, Trump characterized the developments as a breakthrough in addressing one of the Middle East’s most protracted conflicts.

‎The US President also referenced a gathering in Davos, Switzerland, last month, where two dozen founding members reportedly joined him to formally launch the Board of Peace and present what he called a “bold Vision for the Civilians in Gaza, and then, ultimately, far beyond Gaza, WORLD PEACE!”

‎According to Trump, the initiative aims not only to rebuild Gaza’s civilian infrastructure but also to create a broader framework for international peace and security cooperation.

‎Trump emphasized that any lasting peace would require compliance from Hamas. “Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization,” he wrote, signaling that disarmament would be a central condition of the stabilization effort.

‎Hamas, which governs Gaza and has been engaged in repeated conflicts with Israel, has not publicly responded to the latest remarks.

‎Gaza has endured years of conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises, with repeated cycles of violence severely damaging infrastructure and displacing civilians. International efforts to broker ceasefires and fund reconstruction have historically faced obstacles, including security concerns, political divisions, and questions over governance.

‎Trump described the Board of Peace as potentially “the most consequential International Body in History,” adding, “It is my honor to serve as its Chairman.”

‎Further details about the composition of the Board, participating member states, and the structure of the proposed stabilization force are expected to be announced at the February 19 event in Washington.

For Shweta Tripathi, moving into production was not just a career decision. It was personal.

The actor recently shared why she is choosing to back women-led and queer narratives, saying the decision comes from a place that feels honest and natural to her.

“It feels like the right path”

“For me, it’s very personal,” she said simply. According to Shweta, if artists want to see change in the industry, they have to participate in it.

Also Read: Shweta Tripathi opens up on Indian stories gaining global recognition

“Stories about women and queer lives have always existed,” she said, “but they haven’t always received the space or respect they deserve.”

Now that she has the ability to choose what she wants to create, she believes she must use that space carefully.

Her first queer film as producer

Shweta recently announced her first queer film as a producer, Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan. The film stars Tilottama Shome and is expected to go on floors later this year.

Also Read: Shriya Pilgaonkar returns back from the dead as Sweety in ‘Mirzapur: The Film’

Before this, she also backed the queer stage play Cock, which travelled across cities and received strong audience response.

But for Shweta, these projects are not about labels. They are about people.

Quiet stories, strong impact

She says the stories she wants to support don’t need to be dramatic or loud to matter. “Sometimes these stories are tender and everyday,” she explained.

 

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“They don’t always announce themselves, but they stay with you.” Shweta wants the characters in these films to feel real – flawed, confused, loving, complicated. In short, human.

That same thought applies to the queer narratives she is backing. The goal is not to sensationalise, but to tell stories that feel familiar and truthful.

 

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“This feels like the path I want to be on,” she added. “Backing women-led subjects, supporting queer voices, and being honest in the choices I make. It feels right. It feels like home. It feels like part of a larger purpose for me as an artist.”

Next stop: ‘Mirzapur – The Movie’

On the acting front, Shweta will next be seen in Mirzapur – The Movie, which is scheduled to release on September 4.

The franchise began with the hit series Mirzapur, led by Pankaj Tripathi as Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, the powerful crime boss of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ release date out, ‘Bhaukaal’ coming in theatres on September 4

The first season featured actors including Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Rasika Dugal and others.
Season two introduced new faces such as Vijay Varma and Isha Talwar.

The upcoming film version will see returning cast members along with new additions like Jitendra Kumar, Sonal Chouhan and Ravi Kishan.

A shift that feels personal

While Mirzapur continues to be a big commercial project, Shweta’s move into production reflects a quieter shift in her journey.

For her, backing women-led and queer narratives is not about trends. It is about intention. And as she puts it, it simply feels right.

Also Read: Bramayugam makes history: Mammootty leads first Indian film ever at Academy Museum in Los Angeles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17 to review progress on the India-France Strategic Partnership and discuss key regional and global issues, according to a government release issued on Monday.

‎President Macron will be on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, he will participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and hold a bilateral summit with the Prime Minister in Mumbai. This will mark Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai.

‎The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at around 3:15 pm on February 17. The talks are expected to focus on consolidating the India-France Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation into new and emerging sectors.

According to the official statement, “The leaders will review the progress made in the India-France Strategic Partnership and exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.” The discussions are likely to cover areas such as defence cooperation, trade and investment, climate action, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

‎India and France share a long-standing strategic relationship that has deepened over the years across sectors, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space cooperation, and maritime security. Both countries have also worked closely on climate initiatives and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

‎At around 5:15 pm, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The event will bring together business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both nations.

‎The Year of Innovation is expected to serve as a platform to strengthen collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, green technologies, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing. The leaders will address a gathering of industry representatives and innovators, underlining the shared commitment to fostering innovation-driven growth.

‎Macron’s participation in the AI Impact Summit and the bilateral summit underscores the growing importance of technology and innovation in the India-France partnership, as both countries seek to expand cooperation in emerging domains while reinforcing their strategic ties.

A partner at KPMG thought he/she could pass an Artificial Intelligence test using AI tools, and come out with flying colours. However, the move backfired badly, and the partner at KPMG Australia was handed a fine of 10,000 Australian dollars (USD 7,000) for cheating.

It has come to light that the partner resorted to using AI tools to clear an internal training course that was on the topic of Artificial Intelligence.

After being caught, the KPMG made the unnamed partner take the test again. The partner’s move to answer questions on AI by uploading training materials onto an AI platform did not really go well with the Big Four accounting firm.

In fact, in the ongoing financial year, KPMG has caught about two dozen staff for resorting to using AI tools for clearing internal exams.

Ever since the advent and rapid progress of AI, big firms have come to believe that the fast-evolving technology would make staff and processes efficient. However, the same technology is also becoming a challenge in upholding the sanctity of some of these processes, like training courses and examinations.

Andrew Yates, chief executive of KPMG Australia, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times that many organisations, including theirs, are grappling with the role and use of AI, especially with regard to internal training and testing. Yates said the society’s quick adoption of the technology has made it more difficult for the firms to deal with such issues.

However, while embracing the technology for broader use, these firms are also taking a serious view of the breach of policies with regard to the use of AI.

The development comes close on the heels of the world’s biggest accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, cancelling remote tests in 2025, stating safeguards put in place were unable to tackle the sophistication of cheating systems.