The Berlin Film Festival kicked off in style, and the biggest headline wasn’t a premiere. It was Michelle Yeoh taking center stage at Berlinale. The Oscar-winning superstar accepted the festival’s Honorary Golden Bear, and yes, the crowd went wild.

As Yeoh gleamed on the red carpet, she shared a cheeky moment with filmmaker Sean Baker, who recently collaborated with her on the short film ‘Sandiwara’.

“I look forward to working with you again,” she told him, before joking for laughs, “Just no sex scenes.”

Also Read: Michelle Yeoh-starrer ‘Sandiwara’ shines spotlight on Malaysian life and womanhood at Berlinale

A career celebrated in glitter and humour

Sean Baker, known for his boundary-pushing storytelling, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Yeoh. He called her career “not just illustrious, but inspiring,” praising how she’s redefined leading roles in Hollywood and beyond.

“You’ve expanded who gets to be centered, and you’ve done it with style, humour, discipline, and an unmistakable sparkle in your eyes that says, I’m still curious. I’m still playing,” Baker said.

He continued, calling the Honorary Golden Bear “more than fitting” for Yeoh. He thanked her for decades of unforgettable performances.

Berlinale chief welcomes guests and spotlights cinema

Following the tribute, Tricia Tuttle, festival director for her second year, greeted the audience alongside programming colleagues Jacqueline Lyanga and Michael Stütz. Reflecting on her first year navigating the festival circuit, Tuttle expressed optimism about the state of cinema today.

“The art and the craft of cinema is in really great shape. It’s thriving,” she said. Tuttle acknowledged challenges in industry infrastructure but praised filmmakers’ resilience and younger audiences’ enthusiasm for both classics and new works.

“We’re really positive, and we can’t wait to share this programme with the audience,” she added.

Star-studded lineup promises a cinematic feast

This year’s 10-day festival is packed with buzz-worthy titles. Kornél Mundruczó’s ‘At the Sea’ stars Amy Adams as a woman returning to her family’s beach home after rehab. Karim Aïnouz’s ‘Rosebush Pruning’ features Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, Elle Fanning, and Pamela Anderson.

Meanwhile, Markus Schleinzer’s ‘Rose’ marks a big-screen comeback for Sandra Hüller since her Oscar-nominated role in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’.

Cinema buffs will also get a treat beyond the international competition: legendary LA Rebellion filmmaker Haile Gerima returns with the documentary ‘Black Lions: Roman Wolves’, set to make waves at the festival.

Jury lineup

The festival’s competition jury is led by Wim Wenders, with a star-studded panel including Min Bahadur Bham, Bae Doona, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Reinaldo Marcus Green, HIKARI, and Ewa Puszczyńska.

The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154, marking the first time it is leading the multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces.

The change of command ceremony was held on Feb. 11 at the CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander, CMF, US NAVCENT and US Fifth Fleet.

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, attended the ceremony. Senior military leaders from member nations were also present.

Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, formally took over as Commander of CTF-154 from the outgoing commander of the Italian Navy.

CTF-154 focuses on training and capacity building for member nations of the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces. The development underscores India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

The task force was established in May 2023. It is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and the wider region.

The training framework is built around five pillars. These are Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development.

CTF-154 conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training events. It also carries out exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern and Southern Readiness.

These programs aim to strengthen partner nations’ capabilities against common threats. These include illegal trafficking, piracy and irregular migration.

CTF-154 operates alongside other CMF task forces. CTF-150 focuses on maritime security. CTF-151 handles counter-piracy operations. CTF-152 is responsible for maritime security in the Arabian Gulf. CTF-153 oversees maritime security in the Red Sea.

India’s assumption of command reflects growing trust in its professional expertise and operational experience. It also signals recognition of India’s role as a preferred security partner among CMF nations.

The Indian Navy said it looks forward to a productive tenure. It plans to deliver high-impact training initiatives. It also aims to reinforce global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity and security.

The Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain. It brings together 47 nations to promote security and stability across key international waters in the Middle East and nearby regions.

India has expanded its maritime engagement in recent years. The Indian Navy has increased joint exercises, anti-piracy patrols and humanitarian missions across the Indian Ocean. It has positioned itself as a net security provider in the region, working with partners to secure sea lanes vital for global trade and energy supplies.

President Donald Trump said that he will visit China in April for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is expected to visit the United States later this year.

“Yeah, I’ll be visiting President Xi in April. I look forward to it. He’s coming here later in the year, and I look very much forward to it,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump described ties with Beijing as steady. “No, our relationship with China is very good right now,” he said in response to a question. “My relationship with President Xi is very good,” he added.

Trump did not give details about the location or agenda of the April visit. He also did not specify when Xi’s US trip would take place, beyond saying it would happen later this year.

The comments come as US-China ties remain defined by competition in trade, technology and security. The two countries continue to clash over tariffs and semiconductor export controls. Strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has also deepened.

Even so, both sides have kept high-level diplomatic channels open.

For India, engagement between Washington and Beijing has regional implications. New Delhi has strengthened strategic ties with the United States in recent years while managing tensions with China.

Developments between the world’s two largest economies are closely watched across Asia, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past decade, US-China relations have swung between cooperation and confrontation. Trade disputes escalated during Trump’s first term. Military and technology competition has expanded since then. At the same time, summit diplomacy has continued as a way to reduce risks and keep communication lines open.

Trump’s critics say that the president has been soft on China when it comes to imposing tariffs on their imports. The United States has a massive trade deficit with China.

Recently, the city witnessed the beginning of a new leadership conversation as the International Association of Women in Leadership (IAWL) hosted its inaugural Meet and Greet. The evening brought together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and change makers from diverse sectors.

The gathering introduced IAWL as an ecosystem designed to empower women across corporate, entrepreneurial, social and grassroots leadership landscapes. The Association’s founding Directors, Dr Rupali Basu, Shaleni Bbiswas, Ambalika Das and Shilpa Chakraborty shared the organisation’s vision, mission and strategic roadmap. They further invited the participants to become active contributors in shaping its journey.

Speaking about the association’s priorities in its first year, Dr Basu said the focus would be on curated leadership development programmes, structured mentorship, peer circles, and a practical resource repository accessible to women at every step of their journey. “What excites us more are the peer circles – safe, curated spaces where women leaders and founders can learn from one another and build lifelong networks,” she stated.

“We are bringing in women from different industries, different spheres of life, where we can connect and help each other grow. We have a bonding, a sisterhood where we cheer one another to more success,” Shaleni Bbiswas told The Statesman, adding, “Our highly curated model integrates learning, visibility and well-being, enabling meaningful cross-sector dialogue.” She further highlighted the broader plan, “Today, the launch is of the Kolkata chapter. In the coming months, we would like to have more chapters open in different cities and have plans to go into the international markets as well.”

The Directors emphasised that the platform seeks to change the perspective of leadership itself by reinforcing the belief that leadership becomes stronger when it is shared. This was followed by a presentation outlining the key focus areas of the association. It includes the launch of IAWL Power Circles. These curated power groups are designed to foster trust, learning and collaboration among women leaders. The circles will function as safe spaces for exchange, reflection and problem-solving and allow members to learn from lived experiences.

Another major aspect will be the Entrepreneur’s Forum, aimed at supporting women founders through access to networks, visibility and cross-sector dialogue. This will be complemented by a Mentorship Clinic. The clinic will offer one-to-one interactions where experienced leaders will act as sounding boards and offer guidance and practical insights tailored to individual journeys.

Capacity-building will remain central to IAWL’s mission through a series of masterclasses, industry visits and periodic off-site assignments. It is conceptualised to deepen leadership skills and provide real-world exposure. The association also plans to host an annual flagship event, ‘IAWL Summit’, which will bring together voices from across sectors to spotlight impact stories.

The evening was attended by distinguished guests, including Indian actress Ekavali Khanna, Manipuri dance exponent Priti Patel, and Nayantara Palchoudhuri, Consul General of Norway. Khanna pointed out the importance of such organisations in creating strong support systems that inspire women to lead with confidence and purpose. Palchoudhuri noted that women’s leadership is essential for building equitable societies, and observed that the association’s global outlook aligns strongly with inclusion and shared growth.

The event concluded on a formal note, setting the tone for a series of future initiatives focused on leadership development, collaboration, and fostering a global sisterhood among women leaders.

India’s‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ working population is at a crucial point of change. The skilled requirements have skyrocketed due to the technological adoption by organisations, AI-led processes becoming a norm, and organisations operating in hybrid environments. For HR leaders, talent readiness is an issue that extends beyond recruitment alone. It concerns the creation of an organisational culture that enables staff to adjust, develop, and engage in lifelong learning. Given that 50 per cent of India’s working population remains untrained in FY24-25, and 75 per cent of employees engage in learning only when mandated, it’s evident that for India to ensure its workforce stays competitive, organisations need to really focus on constant learning.

Why upskilling is central to India’s workforce future

India’s talent pool is young, ambitious, and diverse, yet the skills required today are evolving faster than ever. According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2024–25, 85 per cent of Indian professionals plan to invest in upskilling in FY25.

The same report reveals an important shift, that among Indian professionals, only 62 per cent of professionals feel confident about retaining their jobs in FY25, down from 71 per cent the year before, a sign that employees themselves recognise the urgency to stay relevant. This emphasises a crucial point for HR departments: developing the skills of current talent is more important than employing new employees for the purpose of creating a workforce that is prepared for the future.

The need for agility and continuous learning

Quick‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ learning has become one of the main features of a person in the present world. As automation and AI have been adopted by more and more industries, companies are investing in digital learning for their employees. A recent LinkedIn survey reveals that 94 per cent of companies in India are training employees to acquire new skills in response to the fast adoption of AI.

Moreover, it is a flexible learner that will be spoken of in the next few years. Formats such as microlearning, blended learning, virtual classrooms, and project-based training are becoming more and more popular. These formats help agility and can still be done within the fast work cycles.

However, there is a problem structurally: the upGrad Enterprise study points out that half of the employees did not receive any training in the fiscal year 2024–25, and 75 per cent of them only participated in mandatory learning events. Such a difference pinpoints the necessity of HR teams to create initiatives not only for being accessible but also engaging, relevant, and ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌energising.

What today’s workforce needs from employers

The workforce wants more than just a paycheck today; they want learning that is meaningful, measurable, and relevant. A recent survey revealed that 61 per cent of Gen Z (up to 28 years) identified learning opportunities as one of the top three reasons to remain with their organisation. More than half of this group, 54 per cent, are in the process of learning skills related to AI and data, demonstrating interest in forward-looking skills development.

At the same time, another report indicates that nearly 80 per cent of respondents in India believe AI-enabled learning will meaningfully contribute to their career development, with nearly 86 per cent strongly valuing formal credentials for their skill improvement.

This data highlights a critical directive for employers: Learning must be digital-first and linked to credible outcomes as part of the learner journey. Employees do not want to ‘take courses’; they want to engage in structured programs with recognised outcomes and clear connections between what they learn and what is possible. Marshalling these experiences is not just nice-to-have; these characteristics will be fundamental to keeping the workforce engaged long-term and not simply retained.

How HR is evolving to build future-ready talent

Human resources increasingly draw on data, skill-mapping platforms, and AI-led learning pathways. Cross-functional training, leadership tracks for high-potential talent, and rotation programmes assist in developing multidimensional capabilities for employees.

Organisations are also collaborating with industry experts, educational partners, and digital learning platforms to create customised modules. It is proving to be successful in practice: the India Skills Report 2026 notes that national employability has risen to 56.35 per cent, primarily due to upskilling digitally and remote work capabilities.

Upskilling has evolved from being merely an HR initiative to becoming a crucial strategy for the workforce in India. With the rapidly changing skills landscape, employees must engage in planned learning, become digitally proficient, develop agile thinking, and undertake trustworthy assessments to thrive in their roles. Experts in HR agree that organisations committed to continuous learning and employee well-being will cultivate the most adaptable, motivated, and future-ready teams. The competitive advantage of the country will depend on the skill level of its workforce rather than its population size, and upskilling is the key to achieving that future.

The writer is Corporate GM – Human Resources, Mayfair Elixir ( Mayfair Hotels and Resorts)

Valentine’s Day is here. If roses and chocolates aren’t enough, why not let your screen do the talking? K-dramas have magical way of making love feel alive, messy, hilarious, utterly heart-melting with their romantic touch.

Here’s a curated list of aww-dorable K-dramas that are perfect for anyone ready to indulge in romance this month.

Also Read: ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ review: Strong performances hold together a predictable but poignant romance

1. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young) isn’t your average girl-next-door. She’s superhuman. Literally. Born with extraordinary strength, she comes from a family of women who can move mountains. Well, almost. But there’s a catch: her powers can only be used for good. Enter Ahn Min Hyuk (Park Hyung Sik), the quirky CEO of a gaming company, who hires her as his personal bodyguard.

What starts as a job soon becomes a partnership in crime-solving when Bong Soon and Min Hyuk help crack a mysterious case. The chemistry? Off the charts. Comedy, romance, and a little bit of crime-solving make this one a popcorn-worthy binge.

Bong Soon’s charm and Min Hyuk’s antics are the kind of duo that will make you laugh and sigh in equal measure.

2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

College life, crushes, weightlifting. Sounds like an unusual combo, right? Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) is a talented weightlifter who can demolish plates of fried chicken faster than she lifts weights. But love has a funny way of rewriting rules: she develops a crush on a doctor, and suddenly she’s obsessed with looking “feminine” while still chasing gold medals.

Cue Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk), her childhood friend and campus heartthrob. Patient, loyal, and secretly in love with her, Joon Hyung patiently watches Bok Joo navigate her confusing crushes. Eventually sparks between them become undeniable. This is a sweet, relatable story about first loves, self-discovery, finding someone who sees you as your truest self.

3. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Ever wondered what it’s like to love someone for a thousand years? Kim Shin, aka the Goblin (Gong Yoo), has been wandering the earth, cursed with immortality and a sword stuck in his chest. Only his bride can free him. Enter Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun), spirited young woman who can see him and summon his presence.

Love blooms in the most unexpected way. Together they navigate joy, heartbreak, life’s mystical twists. And don’t forget the bromance. The tension, friendship, hilarious antics between Kim Shin and his grim reaper roommate (Lee Dong Wook) are just as addictive as the romance.

4. Lovely Runner

Imagine being so devoted to your idol that you’d risk everything to save him. That’s the premise of ‘Lovely Runner’. Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon) is a die-hard fan of Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok). When tragedy strikes, she finds herself transported back in time.

Determined to rewrite fate, Sol navigates world where her actions might save Sun Jae and maybe even herself. Result is this magical rom-com filled with emotional twists.

5. True Beauty

Lim Ju Gyeong (Moon Ga Young) has always felt invisible because of bullying over looks. But little makeup magic changes everything. She is now confident, stylish. Enter two boys: perfect Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) who sees beyond appearances and rebellious Han Seo Jun (Hwang In Youp) whose tough exterior hides a soft heart.

Ju Gyeong finds herself caught in crossfire of teen drama, love triangles, self-discovery. This K-drama isn’t just about looking good. It’s about confidence, acceptance, and the messy fun of teenage romance.

6. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim

Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon) is the perfect boss… if narcissism counts as perfection. Enter Kim Mi So (Park Min Young), his meticulous secretary who finally decides to quit. For the first time, Young Joon faces helplessness, and hilarity ensues.

As he desperately tries to win her back, romance blooms in unexpected ways. This is workplace rom-com that will make you laugh and swoon in equal measure.

7. Her Private Life

Sung Duk Mi (Park Min Young) is professional art curator with not-so-professional secret. She runs fansite for Cha Shi An (Jung Je Won). When Ryan Gold (Kim Jae Wook) enters the picture as her new boss and discovers her secret, sparks and chaos ensue.

From bidding wars over paintings to playful teasing in gallery, tension between Duk Mi and Ryan grows irresistible. This series is love letter to fangirls everywhere wrapped in wit, romance, unexpected drama.

8. Oh My Venus

Lawyer Kang Joo Eun (Shin Min Ah) has let life get the better of her health and confidence. Enter Kim Young Ho (So Ji Sub), a celebrity trainer with his own haunted past. What starts as a client-trainer relationship soon sparks a love story.

With intense workouts, heartfelt conversations, plenty of laughs, ‘Oh My Venus’ delivers romance with motivating twist.

9. Descendants of the Sun

Sometimes love needs backdrop of danger to truly shine. Yoo Shi Jin (Song Joong Ki), a special forces captain, meets Dr Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye Kyo) in a hospital and sparks fly. Duty calls him away, but fate brings them together in a conflict-ridden zone, where danger lurks at every corner.

From viruses to human trafficking, their love story is intense, emotional. The second lead couple adds more flavour to the story.

10. Heirs

Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) seems to have it all. But life isn’t always a fairy tale. Sent to the US to escape family politics, he meets Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye). She is searching for her sister. Initial bickering turns into undeniable attraction complicated by Tan’s social standing and his rival Choi Young Do (Kim Woo Bin).

Rich boy, poor girl, love triangles, high school drama. ‘Heirs’ has it all. Chemistry between the leads and the tension of forbidden romance make this an enduring classic.

So grab some popcorn and a cozy blanket. Dive into the world of romantic K-dramas where every day feels like Valentine’s Day.

Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will be visiting Purulia tomorrow and is likely to meet the family of the victim (migrant worker) who was killed in Pune for speaking Bengali, said sources close to the leader.

Chief Minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee has also expressed concern over the death of the migrant worker from Purulia in Maharashtra.

A migrant worker from Purulia’s Bandwan (Barabazar), Sukhen Mahato, who used to work in BJP-ruled Maharashtra (Pune) was brutally murdered just for speaking in Bengali.

Sukhen Mahato was the sole earner of his family.

Trinamul Congress local leaders are currently with the victim’s family and are providing all necessary assistance, said party leaders.

The Trinamul Congress also took to the social media and wrote on X: “We have no words to console the grieving mother of 24-year-old Sukhen Mahato, a Kurmi brother who was mercilessly lynched in BJP-ruled Maharashtra. On the instructions of Shri @abhishekaitc, our leaders visited the family and stood with them in this moment of grief and profound loss.

“This tragedy is born out of the deep-seated contempt that @BJP4India harbours towards Bengal and its people. This is an unspeakable and unconscionable crime that could not have occurred without active state patronage.

“Is this what they mean by ‘Banchte chai BJP tai’? That Bengalis must grovel before the BJP or be hunted down in cold blood? This is the land that crushed colonial rulers, and it will not bow to the Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars of Delhi.

“We DEMAND JUSTICE for this avoidable tragedy. And this fight will continue until @narendramodi and @AmitShah shoulder responsibility for the blood of innocent Bengalis.

Meanwhile, addressing the Media Trinamul Mahila Congress president Chandrima Bhattacharya and state education minister Btarya Basu came down heavily on the BJP and said the saffron party for destroying the social fabric of India. Mrs Bhattacharya said; “The Indian Constitution has allowed freedom of speech and expression. But the BJP is trying to steal the fundamental right of the people. Is it Banchte chai, BJP tai (we want to live and so supporting the BJP). This is never tolerated. If the BJP is following this principle, it should spell it out clearly.”

Bratya Basu said people from different states speaking different language and following different religions and culture are peacefully staying in West Bengal. Bengali workers speaking their mother tongue have been targeted. The people of Bengal is watching this and will give a befitting reply in the forthcoming Assembly election, he maintained.

The body of a nurse employed at a private medical college hospital in Malandighi, Kanksha, in West Burdwan district was found lying in a pool of blood in front of a multi-storey building last night.

The deceased, Mandira Pal, has been sent to Durgapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for a post-mortem examination. She was a resident of Loharpara in Bishnupur, Bankura district.

Kanksha police station, under the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC), has initiated an investigation into the unnatural death of the 24-year-old nurse.

Sources said that her relatives, family members, friends and colleagues will be questioned by the police.

It is still unclear how the nurse fell from the multi-storey building in Gopalpur, Kanksha. Police have also contacted the authorities of the private medical college hospital in Malandighi to gather further information about her.

Moving a step ahead in enhancing railway connectivity in the historical district of Murshidabad, the Railway Board has approved a new passenger halt at Nashipur. The proposed halt is anticipated to enable direct synchronisation of the Howrah and Sealdah Divisions for the passengers of Murshidabad.

Despite being part of the same district, the areas of Azimganj and Nashipur have remained functionally isolated, separated by the Bhagirathi river. Presently, passengers from the Howrah side heading toward Nashipur or Murshidabad faced an exhausting journey. While Azimganj and Nashipur are neighbours within Murshidabad, their dependence on slow-moving ferries and boats has made even a few kilometres journey tedious.

The railways is seeing the proposal as a primary triumph with direct synchronisation of the Howrah and Sealdah Divisions. This move by the ministry of railways effectively dissolves these barriers. Residents of Nashipur will now be directly connected to the Howrah network, while Howrah Division passengers can access the heart of Murshidabad without the arduous ‘Kolkata detour.’ The new halt station, situated on the Krishnanagar (KNJ) – Lalgola (LGL) section, would help in converting a time-consuming water crossing into a swift rail journey.

According to the Eastern Railway official sources, both banks of Azimganj and Nashipur are highly productive agricultural zones. The halt station will facilitate the rapid exchange of produce, allowing farmers to access markets on either side with minimal overhead and zero reliance on unpredictable river transport. Also, as the ‘Golden Hour’ is often lost for those in Azimganj trying to reach the Medical Colleges in Murshidabad and Baharampore. This rail link would provide a reliable, all-weather path to life-saving medical facilities.

The halt, located between Murshidabad and Jiaganj, will also benefit Express train utilities of the Nashipur Bridge. By providing a stoppage here, the railways aims to ensure that local passengers no longer have to travel to distant hubs to catch north Bengal-bound trains.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to set up polling stations inside 78 large residential housing complexes in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming 18th Assembly elections.

Sources in the commission indicated that the complete list of these housing complexes will be published on 25 February.

The decision comes amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state.

According to commission sources, the revision exercise may lead to a significant reduction in the total number of voters, which could also result in a corresponding decline in the number of polling stations.

“We have identified 78 large housing complexes. The detailed list will be released on 25 February. If the voter count comes down after revision, the number of booths will naturally reduce,” a commission official said.

The ECI said the move was aimed at improving voter turnout, particularly among residents of large housing complexes who often skip voting due to the distance of polling stations.

The problem is more acute for senior citizens, officials said.

“Experience shows that when polling stations are far away, many voters do not turn up. Having booths within large housing complexes will make voting easier and more convenient,” an official added.

Earlier, the commission had announced plans to set up polling stations in 69 housing complexes across seven districts, including Kolkata.

However, after a detailed survey the commission officials said the number had been increased to 78.

The district-wise break-up will be known after the final list is released.

The decision has triggered political reactions in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier written to the Election Commission of India expressing objections to the proposal.

However, the commission clarified that such polling stations would be set up only in housing complexes with more than 300 registered voters.

Banerjee’s Assembly constituency, Bhowanipur, has several large housing complexes where the voter count exceeds this threshold, a factor that has reportedly been welcomed by the BJP leadership.

The proposal has drawn mixed responses from residents.

A resident of a housing complex in Behala West said the move could help increase voter turnout and would be particularly beneficial for senior citizens and working professionals.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will hold an election meeting in Salem on Friday under tight security, with entry restricted to 4,998 people carrying QR-coded passes.

Party chief Vijay is scheduled to address the gathering at Seelanayakkanpatti between 12 pm and 3 pm.

Police have categorised the programme as a permitted internal meeting. Only individuals issued entry passes embedded with QR codes will be allowed inside the KVP Garden venue.

Entry capped at 4,998 with QR-based access

A maximum of 4,998 people are allowed to attend the event. District-level administrators have ensured that only those with approved passes can enter the venue.

Party cadres and members of the public who have not received entry passes have been asked not to travel to the site. They have been advised to follow the address through live television coverage. The party has appealed for cooperation in complying with the restrictions.

Heavy police deployment and traffic diversions

Large numbers of police personnel have been deployed in and around Seelanayakkanpatti. Vehicle checks are being conducted at key entry points to regulate movement.

Traffic will be diverted, and temporary road restrictions will be in place in the KVP Garden area during meeting hours. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel on these routes and use alternative roads.

Officials have said the arrangements are aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety during the high-profile political event.

Precautions follow last year’s fatal stampede

The tightened measures come months after a stampede during a large gathering organised by the party in September last year, in which 41 people lost their lives while welcoming actor-turned-politician Vijay.

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections approaching, the Salem meeting is being conducted under stricter crowd control norms and monitored access to prevent any untoward incident.

Love is in the Mumbai air, and it’s official. Popular actress Kritika Kamra and TV commentator Gaurav Kapur are all set to get married next month. And fans, this isn’t going to be your usual grand, glittery Bollywood-style wedding. The couple is reportedly going for something intimate, chic, minimalistic keeping things simple but oh-so-stylish.

A wedding with a modern touch

Instead of big destination wedding, Kritika and Gaurav are planning modern celebration in Mumbai in March 2026. According to reports, the duo is personally involved in every little detail from decor to guest list to make sure the day reflects their personality and love story.

The idea seems clear. They are going to celebrate their union without turning it into a showy spectacle. Close family and friends are expected to join in the festivities, making it a warm, cozy affair rather than a sprawling, over-the-top event.

The two were recently spotted together in Mumbai, stepping out of their luxury car in casual, comfy outfits. They posed for paparazzi before waving them goodbye.

Fans have been waiting for this moment ever since they subtly confirmed their relationship in December 2025 with a social media post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kritika Kamra (@kkamra)

The caption? Simply, “Breakfast with.” The images featured matching sneakers and a playful touch: “Does it have to be this cheesy?” Cute, right?

About Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur

Kritika Kamra has been household name since her television days. She starred in popular shows like Kitani Mohabbat Hai (2009-2011), Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (2011-2013), Reporters (2015). Her on-screen charm has only grown over years with appearances in Anubhav Sinha’s Bheed (2023) and Amazon Prime Video series like Tandav (2021) and Bambai Meri Jaan (2023).

Gaurav Kapur on the other hand is no stranger to the camera either. From hosting cricket shows like Extraaa Innings T20 and Cricbuzz Live to his YouTube hit Breakfast with Champions, Gaurav has won hearts as suave presenter and charming personality in Indian television space.

When it comes to speaking her mind, Cardi B doesn’t do half measures. The rapper, known for her bold personality and unapologetic honesty, just gave the White House a masterclass in clapbacks.

It all kicked off during the first stop of her “Little Miss Drama” tour in Palm Desert, California, on Wednesday night. While performing the classic Mexican tune “La Cucaracha,” Cardi looked out at the crowd and asked, “Any Guatemalans or Mexicans in here?”

The cheers she got made her grin, and then she dropped a line fans won’t forget.

“B***h, if ICE comes in here, we gon’ jump they a**es,” she joked. “I’ve got some bear mace in the back! They ain’t taking my fans, b***h. Let’s go.”

Also Read: Chappell Roan parts ways with Wasserman Agency as Epstein Files shows his flirtatious emails to Ghislaine Maxwell

Naturally, her anti-immigration stance made some in Washington raise eyebrows. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) couldn’t resist a snarky response, tweeting through X (formerly Twitter) that, “As long as she doesn’t drug and rob our agents, we’ll consider that an improvement over her past behaviour.”

As long as she doesn’t drug and rob our agents, we’ll consider that an improvement over her past behavior. https://t.co/P9wqWk416L

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 12, 2026

Ouch. That was a direct jab at Cardi’s own past confessions; in 2019, she admitted on X that during her time as a stripper, she had robbed and drugged men as one of her “limited options” for survival. She later expressed regret, saying she now feels a responsibility to avoid glorifying those choices in her music.

But if anyone thought this would quiet Cardi, think again. She wasn’t about to let the government make her the punchline. On Thursday, she posted a scorching reply to the White House: “If we talking about drugs, let’s talk about Epstein and friends drugging underage girls to rape them,” she wrote. “Why y’all don’t wanna talk about the Epstein files?”

If we talking about drugs let’s talk about Epstein and friends drugging underage girls to rape them. Why yall don’t wanna talk about the Epstein files? https://t.co/U7yCarPIXs

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) February 12, 2026

Mic drop. Cardi turned the tables in seconds forcing a heavier conversation into the spotlight and exposing where real accountability lies.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is set to move out of the British-era South Block building and begin operations from its new address, ‘Seva Teerth’, at Kartavya Path on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the new complex later in the day.

The relocation marks a structural shift in India’s administrative setup, with key governance offices moving into newly constructed facilities designed to house multiple high-level departments under one coordinated framework.

Which offices will function from Seva Teerth

According to official information, Seva Teerth will house:

1. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
2. The National Security Council Secretariat
3. The Cabinet Secretariat

Bringing these three institutions under one roof is being positioned as part of a broader effort to streamline administrative coordination at the highest levels of government.

Which ministries are shifting to Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2

Alongside Seva Teerth, Kartavya Bhavan-1 and Kartavya Bhavan-2 will accommodate several major ministries. These include:

1. Ministry of Finance
2. Ministry of Defence
3. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
4. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
5. Ministry of Education
6. Ministry of Culture
7. Ministry of Law & Justice
8. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
9. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
10. Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
11. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Officials have described the move as part of a larger administrative reorganisation aimed at improving coordination among ministries operating in close proximity.

What the new complex offers

Both Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 are equipped with digitally integrated office systems, structured public interface areas and centralised reception facilities. The new offices have been planned to make day-to-day functioning easier, both for officials working inside and for members of the public who may need to visit. Dedicated reception counters and connected digital systems are expected to cut down file delays and make inter-department coordination easier.

The new buildings are designed as per 4-Star GRIHA sustainability norms. Officials say the focus has been on practical efficiency. Renewable energy systems have been installed. There are measures to save water and manage waste better. The design and materials have been chosen to reduce energy use and improve day-to-day working conditions.

Security has also been strengthened. Entry to the complexes will be controlled. Surveillance coverage has been expanded. Emergency response systems have been upgraded to ensure safety for officials and visitors. Together, these measures are intended to provide a secure space for officials while keeping the premises accessible to authorised visitors.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to unveil the name ‘Seva Teerth’ at around 1.30 pm, formally inaugurate the complexes, and address a public programme at the site later in the evening.

Speaking in Parliament on The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Thursday, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said that decades after Independence, several labour laws drafted during the British era continued to govern the country, describing them as outdated and in need of reform.

Mr Bista said the Narendra Modi government had consolidated 29 such labour laws into four labour codes ~ the Code on Wages, the Code on Social Security, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, and the Industrial Relations Code ~ to modernise India’s labour framework.

According to him, the new codes aim to ensure timely payment of wages, introduce a national floor wage, mandate appointment letters for workers, promote gender equality at workplaces, and extend social security coverage to nearly 50 crore workers in line with international standards.

The MP also alleged that the Trinamul Congress government in West Bengal had not implemented the labour codes. He claimed that nearly 30 tea gardens in north Bengal have shut down in recent years, leading to migration among workers from indigenous communities.

Mr Bista further raised concerns over the issue of Parja Patta rights for tea and cinchona garden workers, alleging that while workers continue to await land rights, portions of tea garden land have been diverted for commercial projects. He urged the Centre to ensure that ancestral land rights of garden workers are protected.

He also stated that the Centre had allocated Rs 1,000 crore in FY 2024–25 for the welfare of tea garden workers in Assam and West Bengal. While Assam had utilised its share, he alleged that West Bengal was yet to do so. Mr Bista said he had requested that the funds be transferred directly to workers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar is about to enter Hollywood, and it’s not just any role. He’s been cast as sitar legend Ravi Shankar in a new four-part film project on The Beatles, helmed by director Sam Mendes.

The news came straight from Sony Pictures, confirming Akhtar’s involvement in the international venture.

Fans of both Indian music and British rock history are already buzzing. Akhtar will step into the shoes of Shankar, the musician who introduced George Harrison to Indian classical music in the 1960s.

Harrison’s fascination with the sitar and Eastern spirituality shaped some of The Beatles’ most experimental tracks making this portrayal a crucial part of the film series’ story.

New casting announced for The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes.

Farhan Akhtar will star as Ravi Shankar
Lucy Boynton will star as Jane Asher
Morfydd Clark will star as Cynthia (Powell) Lennon
Harry Lawtey will star as Stuart Sutcliffe

In cinemas… pic.twitter.com/Ls0IH5NOGs

— The Beatles (@thebeatles) February 12, 2026

A closer look at the Beatles film series

The project is ambitious: four standalone films, each told from the perspective of one Beatles member, covering their meteoric rise and eventual split in 1970.

The makers have secured life story and music rights, which promises authenticity and lets the story dive deep into the band’s personal and professional lives. All four films are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028.

The main cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.

Star-studded supporting cast

The supporting lineup reads like a who’s who of recent Hollywood talent:

– Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher

– Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Lennon

– Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe

– Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney

– Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono

– Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd

– Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey

– James Norton as manager Brian Epstein

– Harry Lloyd as producer George Martin

From Marvel to Beatles

Akhtar’s Hollywood experience includes Ms. Marvel, but this role as Ravi Shankar is his first major international acting assignment. It’s a big shift from his Marvel appearance moving into historical biopics with global stakes.

Meanwhile, back in India, Akhtar is making headlines with ‘Don 3’. Reports suggest there could be changes in the film’s casting.

Also Read: No earphones, no excuse: Government warns loud music on flights can invite action

Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor and state urban development minister Firhad Hakim on Thursday responded cautiously to the controversy surrounding remarks on the construction of a Babri Masjid structure in Murshidabad, invoking the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.

Referring to the spiritual message of harmony, Mr Hakim said: “Bengal’s culture is rooted in the philosophy of ‘Jato Mat Tato Path’ (as many faiths, so many paths).” He emphasised that individuals are free to practise and preserve their respective religious traditions.

“Anyone can build a mosque or a temple and follow their religious beliefs. However, religion should not be mixed with politics. Places of worship must not be used for politically motivated purposes,” he said.

Touching upon the political climate ahead of the forthcoming elections, Mr Hakim asserted that chief minister Mamata Banerjee would continue to enjoy public support, including that of minority communities. He maintained that development work, not religious polarisation, remains the state government’s priority.

“We work for the people, while some focus only on elections. People are aware of the realities,” he added, in an apparent reference to the BJP.

Mr Hakim was in Siliguri to visit the newly-constructed meeting hall at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, following an invitation from Mayor Goutam Deb. He appreciated the infrastructure and said the urban development department is working in line with the chief minister’s vision to transform Siliguri into a modern city.

He also mentioned that the chief minister had laid the foundation stone for the Mahakal Temple project, expressing hope for accelerated development in the region.