India delivered a dominant batting display to overpower South Africa by 30 runs in a high-scoring ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up fixture at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite a spirited chase featuring several aggressive cameos, South Africa were unable to keep pace with the required run rate after an early setback. While the Proteas showed depth and intent with the bat, India’s bowlers restricted them to 210/7, sealing a confidence-boosting win ahead of the T20 World Cup opener against the USA on February 7.

Batting first, India posted a mammoth score of 240/6 in 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan slammed 53 off 20 deliveries, including two fours and seven towering sixes.

Kishan stitched a blistering 80-run stand for the opening wicket with world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who made 24 off 18 balls, with three fours and one six.

Tilak Varma, who played the first T20 World Cup fixture against the USA, hammered 45 off just 19 deliveries, with three fours and as many sixes.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 30 off 16 deliveries, with two fours and two sixes.

All-rounders Axar Patel (35* off 23 balls), with four boundaries, and Hardik Pandya smashed a 10-ball 30 with two fours and three maximums, helped India post a daunting target of 241 runs.

For South Africa, Corbin Bosch (1/31), Anrich Nortje (1/57), Kwena Maphaka (1/19) and Marco Jansen (1/18) scalped one wicket each.

Chasing a mammoth target, South Africa were off to a poor start after they lost their opener, George Linde, for a four-ball duck. Captain Aiden Markram retired after making 38 off 19 balls, with two fours and four sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton smashed a 21-ball 44, with four boundaries and three sixes.

The duo stitched a 65-run stand for the second wicket. Star batter Dewald Brevis departed after scoring two runs, whereas David Miller scored 13 runs.

Jason Smith made 35 off 23 balls, with four boundaries and one six. Tristan Stubbs played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 45 off 21 balls, with one four and four towering sixes.

Marco Jansen hammered 10-ball 30, with two fours and three sixes as South Africa reached 210/7 in 20 overs, falling short by 30 runs in the high-scoring contest.

For India, Arshdeep Singh (1/29), Shivam Dube (1/57), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/12), Axar Patel (1/2) and Abhishek Sharma (2/32) were among the wicket takers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strict stand following recent deaths caused by Chinese manja (glass-coated kite string) in the state. He has ordered a complete ban on its sale and use and directed that any death caused by Chinese manja be treated as a case of murder.

During a special meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister instructed senior police officials to conduct an intensive investigation into deaths caused by Chinese manja. He ordered that sellers of the banned string be identified, held guilty, and booked under murder charges. CM Adityanath also directed the police to launch statewide raids to stop the illegal sale.

Noting that Chinese manja is already banned in Uttar Pradesh following directions from the Supreme Court and High Court, the Chief Minister questioned how it continues to be manufactured, sold, and used. He expressed serious concern over recent incidents in which several people lost their lives after being injured by the dangerous string.

The Chief Minister instructed the Director General of Police to run a statewide enforcement campaign and said that the action taken would be reviewed at the highest level. He emphasised that the entire operation against Chinese manja would be closely monitored.

CM Adityanath’s strict directives came in the wake of a recent incident in Lucknow where a youth died after being injured by Chinese manja. Despite the existing ban, its continued use has led to repeated fatal accidents.

Reiterating his stance, the Chief Minister said there would be zero tolerance for violations and that anyone responsible for deaths caused by Chinese manja would face the strictest legal action.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Lucknow police raided several kite shops in the old city areas and were checking the manja being sold there.

Jan Suraaj, floated by political strategist Prashant Kishore, has approached the Supreme Court in a writ petition challenging the last year’s Bihar Assembly polls, alleging large-scale irregularities and seeking fresh elections.

The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, assails the direct transfer of Rs 10,000 to women voters in Bihar during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

The party contends that fresh beneficiaries were added under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana and payments were made to them while the Code was in force.

The matter is listed for hearing tomorrow before a bench of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
According to the plea, the addition of beneficiaries and disbursal of funds during the election period are illegal and violate Articles 14, 21, 112, 202, and 324 of the Constitution.

The petitioner has sought directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deal with corrupt practices, in relation to the alleged transfer of Rs 10,000 to approximately 25-35 lakh women voters.

The petition further challenges the deployment of around 1.8 lakh women beneficiaries associated with the self-help group JEEVIKA at polling booths during both phases of polling, terming the exercise illegal and unfair.

Seeking fresh Assembly elections in Bihar in view of the alleged corrupt practices, the petitioner has also urged the ECI to implement the directions issued by the Supreme Court in S. Subramaniam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu (2013) and to frame comprehensive guidelines on freebies, direct benefit transfer schemes and welfare measures.

The plea also contends that the Election Commission prescribe a minimum cooling-off period of at least six months for the implementation of schemes that may impact free and fair elections, such as freebies, DBT schemes, and welfare programmes by ruling political parties before the announcement of the election schedule.

The Supreme Court on Thursday held that West Bengal government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA) as a legally enforceable right under the statutory pay rules and directed the state government to pay arrears for the period between 2008 and 2019.

While constituting a high-level committee to finalise a binding payment schedule, a Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra partly upheld the 2022 Calcutta High Court judgment, which had ruled in favour of state government employees and directed payment of DA at par with Central government employees.

Pronouncing the verdict on appeals filed by the West Bengal government, the Apex Court held that once DA is defined in the West Bengal Services (Revision of Pay and Allowances) Rules, 2009 (ROPA) by linking it to the All-India Consumer Price Index (AICPI), the state government could not alter the manner of its calculation through subsequent office memoranda.

“To receive a Dearness Allowance is a legally enforceable fact that has accrued in favour of the employees of the State of West Bengal,” the Justice Karol-led Bench observed, adding that the AICPI, as incorporated in the ROPA Rules, was the standard to be followed for determining DA.

However, the Top Court partly allowed the state government’s appeals by holding that employees were not entitled to receive DA twice a year merely because the Central government followed such a pattern.

Rejecting the argument that the state government’s financial constraints could justify the denial of DA, the Supreme Court held that fiscal policy could not override accrued legal rights.

“Once there is a right which is conferred upon a person, then fiscal policy cannot come in the way of the disbursement of such rights,” the Justice Karol-led Bench said.

The Apex Court directed that employees would be entitled to arrears of DA from 2008 to 2019 and clarified that any amount paid pursuant to interim orders or the present judgment would not be recovered, even if there was a subsequent change in law.

It further constituted a committee to monitor the implementation of its directions and to balance employees’ statutory rights with the state government’s financial autonomy.

The committee will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra and will include former Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, former judge Gautam Bhiduri, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or a senior officer nominated by the CAG. The committee has been tasked with determining the total amount payable and fixing a phased payment schedule in consultation with the state government. The Apex ourt directed that the exercise be completed by March 6, 2026, with the first instalment to be released by March 31, 2026.

The Supreme Court further directed the West Bengal government to extend full logistical support to the committee and bear all related expenses. The committee will submit a final status report after payment of the first instalment, detailing the payment schedule and the status of compliance.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address without Prime Minister Narendra Modi replying to the debate, as sustained protests by opposition parties disrupted proceedings over their demand to allow Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak.

The motion was adopted by voice vote despite opposition members continuing to raise slogans, accusing the government of “stifling parliamentary democracy” by denying Rahul Gandhi his right to speak during the President’s address debate. Opposition MPs from the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties repeatedly crowded the Well of the House and vociferously protested, alleging that repeated adjournments and disruptions were being used to prevent Rahul Gandhi from continuing his speech.

Several opposition leaders described the situation as unprecedented, stating it was rare for the Motion of Thanks to be passed without the Prime Minister’s customary reply. Congress leaders termed the refusal to let Rahul Gandhi speak a “serious violation of parliamentary convention” and accused the government of deliberately avoiding addressing critical opposition issues.

“This is not just about one leader speaking; it is about the voice of the opposition being systematically silenced,” said a senior Congress MP outside Parliament.

On the other hand, members of the ruling treasury benches defended their position, arguing that the persistent disruptions left no room for orderly debate and that parliamentary business could not be held hostage by continuous protests. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of creating chaos and wasting valuable House time, asserting, “The government was ready for discussion but could not function amid constant disorder.”

Despite the uproar, Speaker Om Birla proceeded with the voice vote, passing the motion and effectively concluding the debate on the President’s address. It is now expected that Prime Minister Modi will respond to the debate in the Rajya Sabha later Thursday at around 5 PM.

The Motion of Thanks to the President’s address is a key constitutional exercise that allows members of both Houses to discuss the government’s policies and programmes outlined by the President at the start of a new parliamentary session. Traditionally, the debate culminates with a detailed reply from the Prime Minister, addressing points raised by the opposition and reaffirming the government’s agenda.

The ongoing stalemate has raised concerns about parliamentary functioning, with opposition parties warning that such tactics could set a troubling precedent for democratic debate in the House and undermine the spirit of parliamentary democracy.

With an eye on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is set to step up its organisational overhaul, with national coordinator Akash Anand expected to play a key role alongside party president Mayawati.

The renewed push will take shape from Saturday next, when Mayawati convenes a state-level meeting in Lucknow to review the party’s work so far, and issue fresh directions to strengthen its position across the state.

The meeting is being seen as a significant organisational exercise, as in-charges and presidents of all 403 assembly segments appointed by the party, heads and in-charges of the OBC and Muslim Bhaichara (brotherhood) committees, district presidents, and party coordinators appointed at the divisional level will be present.

“The state-level meeting is a platform where key issues related to the state are discussed, including the political atmosphere, people’s perceptions about law and order in different districts, and concerns affecting various castes and communities. Based on these inputs, the future course of action for the party is decided by the leadership,” party sources said.

According to a party functionary, the large number of office-bearers being called is aimed at seeking direct feedback from the ground and clearly instructing them on the party’s strategy going forward.

With assembly elections due next year, Mayawati has been reviewing the preparedness of the UP unit more frequently. The last such review meeting was held in October. While the party has appointed in-charges for all other states, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand continue to remain under Mayawati’s direct supervision.

Sources said that as the BSP is aiming to align upper-caste voters with Bahujans in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, organisational tasks assigned to the state unit are likely to be reviewed more frequently in the coming months. In her address on January 15, Mayawati had appealed to upper-caste voters in the state to place their faith in the party.

Meanwhile, party sources indicated that Akash Anand is likely to be tasked with holding district-level meetings and undertaking extensive tours across Uttar Pradesh to review the ongoing organisational strengthening at the grassroots level and ensure effective implementation of the leadership’s directives.

India on Thursday confirmed that exports of made-in-India products to the United States will now attract a reduced tariff of 18 per cent, following a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The clarification came a day after President Trump announced the move on social media, triggering widespread attention around the contours of the India–US trade understanding and its economic implications.

Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister had spoken to President Trump and later acknowledged the tariff reduction publicly. He said the revised tariff rate would give a significant push to Indian exports, particularly benefiting labour-intensive sectors and employment generation, while adding that the US side had confirmed the final tariff figure.

“Prime Minister had a telecon with President Trump. Post that call and post the tweet by President Trump, the Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariffs. The Prime Minister noted that made-in-India products will now be exported to the United States at a reduced tariff of 18%. This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labour-intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people. The US side has also clarified that the final figure of the tariff is 18%.”

India’s energy position amid US claims on oil sourcing

The MEA also responded to questions raised after President Trump claimed that India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and would instead shift to sourcing crude from the United States and possibly Venezuela. Clarifying India’s position, Jaiswal said Venezuela had been a long-standing energy partner, with trade and investment ties in the oil sector stretching back several years.

He outlined how India’s crude imports from Venezuela had been disrupted due to sanctions, noting that supplies had resumed briefly before being halted again after sanctions were reimposed.

“As far as Venezuela is concerned, it has been a long-standing partner for us in the area of energy, both on the trade side and also on the investment side. We were importing energy and crude oil from Venezuela until 2019-20, after which we had to stop. Again, we began buying oil from Venezuela in 2023-24 but had to stop after sanctions were reimposed… Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply, including from Venezuela.”

The spokesperson underlined that India’s energy decisions are guided by national priorities rather than external pressure, stressing that securing reliable and affordable energy supplies for its population remains paramount.

“The government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of our government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of Indias decision were taken and will be taken with this in mind.”

Consular access to Indian sailors detained in Iran

Separately, the MEA confirmed progress on the case of 16 Indian sailors detained in Iran, stating that Indian officials had been granted consular access and had met the crew in Bandar Abbas. According to Iranian authorities, eight of the sailors have already been released and are expected to return to India.

“We’ve had consular access to the 16 sailors in Iran. Our officials in Bandar Abbas have met with them. Of those 16, eight people, according to the Iranian authorities, have been released and will be returning home. With regards to the remaining eight sailors, we are in touch with the Iranian authorities. We will see how best to support them…”

Officials said engagement with Iranian authorities is ongoing to secure the release and welfare of the remaining sailors.

After the much-hyped ‘King’, Shah Rukh Khan may be heading straight into a blast from the past. Industry whispers say SRK is likely to reunite with filmmaker Farah Khan after almost 12 long years.

According to a Pinkvilla report, ‘Main Hoon Na 2’ is now emerging as the strongest contender for Shah Rukh Khan’s next big-screen film. Conversations between SRK and Farah are said to be in full swing hinting at a comeback collaboration that fans have been dreaming about for years.

Also Read: Dahaad 2 set to begin filming in Rajasthan; Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, Vijay Varma return

A hit jodi with a blockbuster history

Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan are no strangers to success. Together, they have delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic entertainers. Their last film, ‘Happy New Year’ (2014), turned into a box-office hit. Before that came ‘Om Shanti Om’ in 2007.

And of course, there was ‘Main Hoon Na’ in 2004. The film became a benchmark masala movie of its time and still enjoys a loyal fan following.

Two decades later, the sequel takes shape

Now, nearly 20 years after the original film, ‘Main Hoon Na 2’ is slowly coming together. Reports say the sequel aims to keep the soul of the first film alive while going bigger in scale.

One of the most exciting details? Farah Khan has reportedly cracked a double-role concept for Shah Rukh Khan. This fresh idea has apparently thrilled the superstar. SRK is expected to play two very different characters.

Just like the original, ‘Main Hoon Na 2’ will reportedly be high on patriotism. The central story will revolve around a new threat to India. At the same time, the film will balance serious themes with comedy.

Interestingly, the core idea of the story has come from Shah Rukh Khan himself. The concept is now being shaped into a full screenplay by writer Aakash Kaushik.

Old Faces, new energy, plenty of nostalgia

The makers are keen to keep the DNA of the first film intact. Along with new faces, there is strong interest in bringing back some actors from the original cast. This move is expected to add a heavy dose of nostalgia for fans who grew up watching ‘Main Hoon Na’.

When will Shah Rukh Khan decide?

Shah Rukh Khan’s schedule is packed, especially after ‘King’. Insiders say ‘Main Hoon Na 2’ has moved up the priority list, but timelines are still being worked out.

SRK is expected to hear the complete narration of the film after he wraps up the shoot of ‘King’, around May 2026. He will then take the final call on whether to move forward, even as the writing process continues actively.

For those who need a refresher, ‘Main Hoon Na’ was directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan and Ratan Jain under Red Chillies Entertainment and Venus Movies. The film starred Sushmita Sen, Suniel Shetty, Amrita Rao, and Zayed Khan in key roles.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he would raise the issue of reopening tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, which were closed after the Pahalgam terror attack, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his three-day visit here beginning this afternoon.

Replying to a discussion in the Assembly, Omar said several tourist locations in the Kashmir Valley were shut following security concerns, but the situation now warrants a review.
“Some areas were closed, and the time has come to reopen them,” the Chief Minister said, adding that discussions with the Centre on the matter were ongoing.

He assured the House that the issue would be formally taken up with the Home Minister during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister also expressed concerns over the existing registration process for tourism-related units, describing it as outdated and cumbersome.

The CM said that every part of Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly connected with the tourism sector and stressed the need to simplify outdated procedures to boost the industry.

He said that while some districts have high tourism potential and others relatively less, tourism remains an integral component across the entire Union Territory.

The Orissa High Court has directed the police and transport authorities of two mineral-rich districts to act tough on illegal mining activities, stating that “the minerals are the natural resources and assets of the Government to be utilised in a responsible manner so as to provide all the sustainable support to the citizens of the country”.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman taking cognisance of a public interest litigation on the alleged plunder of mineral resources in Mayurbhanj and Balasore district said, “We feel that each day of permitting such illegal mining to continue causes a loss to the national assets”.

The Bench directed the Superintendent of Police of Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts to depute an adequate number of police personnel across the locations and initiate immediate steps for verification of the relevant documents granted by the Competent Authority to ascertain the illegal extraction of mineral resources.

The Court also directed the Regional Transport Offices of both the districts ”to constitute a team of adequate personnel to intercept each vehicle passing through the road, carrying the minerals/ores and in the event the requisite documents as required under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Rules framed thereunder are not found or being carried, immediate seizure should be ensured, and the persons should also be taken into the rigours of law”.

The Division Bench asked the Government to file an affidavit on measures taken to curb the illegal mining and posted the matter for further hearing on 10 March next.

Not only is indiscriminate blasting done at the mining site by those mining mafias, but the complacency on the part of the administration is also patent in that no action or steps have been taken against those mafias, the PIL alleged.

Despite the Supreme Court showing deep concern over the mining scandal of enormous proportions involving megabucks, the reality is a far cry.

There is no monitoring or surveillance mechanism adopted by the administration, which led those illegal mining activities to continue seamlessly, and, therefore, it is high time that the government or its instrumentalities be reminded of its solemn duty, the petition further alleged.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Survey tabled in the Assembly on Thursday by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents a picture of measured but steady economic consolidation, signalling that the Union Territory is moving from post-pandemic recovery to a phase of structural stabilisation and expansion.

With real GSDP projected to grow by 5.82 per cent in 2025-26 and the economy’s nominal size touching Rs 2.86 lakh crore, the data suggests that growth is no longer episodic but increasingly broad-based and sustained.

The Survey’s longer trend — a 4.47 per cent CAGR in real GSDP between 2019-20 and 2024-25— is particularly significant as it captures a period marked by administrative transition, pandemic disruption, and gradual reopening of economic activity.

The figures indicate that J&K’s economy has not only regained lost ground but is now expanding on a firmer footing, reflecting improving governance capacity, revival of key sectors, and rising economic confidence across the region.

Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is projected to grow at a steady pace of 5.82 per cent in real terms during 2025-26, with the nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimated to rise by 8.89 per cent, taking the overall size of the Union Territory’s economy to Rs 2.86 lakh crore, according to the latest Economic Survey.

The Economic Survey points out that J&K’s growth trajectory is being supported by fiscal discipline, sectoral diversification, tourism revival, industrial reforms, and rapid infrastructure development.

It indicates that the per capita income in J&K has risen faster than in many northern States.
Per Capita Income in J&K is estimated at Rs 1,68,243 for 2025-26. The Survey notes that from 2019-20 to 2024-25, J&K’s per capita income grew at a CAGR of 8.81 per cent, higher than Himachal Pradesh (6.54 per cent), Delhi (6.74 per cent), Punjab (7.46 per cent), Chandigarh (8.21 per cent) and Haryana (8.72 per cent).

Sectoral analysis shows that the tertiary (services) sector contributes 61.02 per cent to Gross State Value Added (GSVA), followed by the primary sector at 20.45 per cent and the secondary sector at 18.52 per cent.

While services and industry are driving structural transformation, agriculture and allied sectors continue to play a crucial role in employment, supported by increased food grain and fruit production, expansion of high-density plantations, formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and integration with e-NAM markets.

The survey points out that inflation in J&K has declined from 4.5 per cent in 2024 to 3.8 per cent in 2025, and fiscal indicators show improved revenue performance. Rs 13,521 crore revenue has been realised till November 2025 (64 per cent of FY25 total). Power tariffs now account for 71 per cent of non-tax revenue, up from 56 per cent in FY22.

The Economic Survey says that major increases have been recorded in taxes on power: 80.71 per cent rise since FY22, GST collection: 34.28 per cent increase and Excise collection: 27.42 per cent increase.

The Survey also credits digital financial systems such as the Budget Estimation, Allocation & Monitoring System (BEAMS), GeM, and other e-governance platforms for improving transparency and efficiency.

It says that Jammu & Kashmir has attracted large-scale investment proposals, operationalised new industrial units, and achieved a ‘Top Achiever’ ranking nationally in Ease of Doing Business, reflecting policy reforms and administrative improvements.

Tourism continues to be a major economic driver, contributing nearly 7 per cent to J&K’s GDP and supporting the livelihoods of around 5 lakh people. It points out that 2.36 crore tourists visited J&K in 2024. As many as 1.78 crore visited in 2025 despite security and natural challenges.

The Survey points out a rise in destination weddings, adventure, border, rural and golf tourism and 72 film and OTT projects shot in J&K in the past year.

The Survey underscores progress in power, roads, water supply, digital services, and e-governance, with J&K emerging as a leading Union Territory in online public service delivery and digital inclusion.

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has requested the Odisha Government for expeditious settlement of Rs 28.54 crore outstanding dues payable to the central public sector undertaking BSNL at the earliest, saying that “the State Government’s support is vital to enable BSNL to continue delivering essential communication services for regional and national development”.

In an official letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the Union Minister stated that as on 31 December 2025, Rs 28.54 crores remain outstanding from departments and organisations under the State of Odisha.

Considering BSNL’s critical role in providing secure and reliable telecommunications, timely payment of these dues is essential to sustain its operations and service quality.

BSNL plays a vital role in providing telecom services across the country, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports key Government departments, including the Armed Forces, and serves numerous banks and institutions. With its wide network and strong presence, BSNL remains a reliable and trusted service provider for delivering citizen-centric services, the Minister noted.

Given BSNL’s financial stress, the Government of India has approved revival packages in 2019, 2022 and 2023 to support its viability and competitiveness. Despite this, the company needs steady cash flows for routine operations and modernisation of its telecom infrastructure, said the letter.

“I would, therefore, request you to kindly issue necessary instructions to the concerned departments and organisations to expedite the settlement of all outstanding dues to BSNL at the earliest”, Union Minister Scindia urged Odisha CM Majhi.

The ‘Dahaad’ cops are not done. Not even close. ‘Dahaad’ Season 2 is officially getting back on the ground. And yes, Rajasthan is calling the shots once more.

Prime Video is quietly but firmly moving ahead with the second season of its much-loved police procedural crime thriller, and filming is expected to begin this month.

When ‘Dahaad’ dropped in May 2023, it did not arrive screaming for attention. It crept in slowly, confidently, and then hit hard. Set in a dusty Rajasthani village, the series followed two determined police officers trying to solve a case no one else seemed to care about: 27 women missing, vanished without noise, without outrage, without urgency.

That quiet anger became the show’s strongest weapon.

Created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, and directed by Kagti along with Ruchika Oberoi, ‘Dahaad’ stood out for its restraint. No flashy twists for shock value. No loud hero moments. Just patient storytelling, social reality, and an unsettling villain.

Critics noticed. Audiences stayed hooked. And the world paid attention.

Back on the floors: Season 2 finally takes shape

According to reports, Prime Video is now ready to take ‘Dahaad’ Season 2 on floors in Rajasthan. The location is no coincidence. Rajasthan was not just a backdrop in Season 1; it shaped the mood, the tension, and the emotional weight of the story. The desert, the villages, the silence, all of it mattered.

The writing team reportedly took its time with the second season. This was not a rushed follow-up. Reports say the creators spent an extended period cracking the story before locking the script.

Once they found the right angle, everything moved fast.

The script has been finalised for some time now, and the team has been in active pre-production since last year. Location scouting, logistics, production design, and planning have been happening quietly, away from the spotlight. Now, the project is finally ready for full-scale filming.

Sonakshi Sinha and Gulshan Devaiah Expected to Return

Though nothing is officially confirmed yet, Sonakshi Sinha and Gulshan Devaiah are expected to reprise their roles as the police officers at the heart of the series.

For Sonakshi Sinha, ‘Dahaad’ marked a major shift. Her portrayal of Sub-Inspector Anjali Bhaati was quiet, firm, and deeply internal. There were no dramatic speeches. No grandstanding. Just steady resolve.

A quick look back at Season 1’s chilling story

Season 1 of ‘Dahaad’ was set in Mandawa, a small village in Rajasthan. Anjali Bhaati, a sub-inspector in her thirties, stumbles upon a troubling pattern: 27 women have disappeared across the state, and nobody seems disturbed by it.

As Anjali digs deeper, she finds a common thread linking the missing women. Slowly, the idea of a serial killer takes shape.

Anjali is not just fighting a criminal. She is fighting caste bias, gender expectations, and the quiet indifference of society. Her own life reflects the same struggles. She rebels against traditional norms, making it hard for her mother to find her a groom. She faces discrimination because of her caste. Still, she refuses to bend.

The investigation unfolds through two parallel cases. In one, a man from a scheduled caste reports his sister missing. In the other, an inter-caste love story blooms between a villager’s daughter and a Muslim man. Anjali and her colleague Devi Singh help the Muslim man escape to safety and focus their attention on the missing woman’s case.

As Anjali connects the dots, a disturbing pattern emerges.

All the missing women belonged to lower castes. They were over 25. Poor. Unable to marry because their families could not afford dowries. Emotionally vulnerable. Easy to overlook.

Each victim’s phone number led to another victim. All 27 women died a day after eloping with men they believed they loved. The cause of death was cyanide poisoning.

Also Read: Hold Onto Me Review: Father-daughter bonds forged in loss, laughter, and sunlit waves of Cyprus

While some officers believe a gang might be responsible, Anjali strongly disagrees. She argues that the killings show a level of precision that only a single person could manage.

There were no mistakes. No loose ends. No slip-ups.

For Anjali, that kind of control points to one psychopath with a carefully planned system.

She is right.

The investigation leads to Anand Swarnakar, a college lecturer who appears harmless on the surface. He has a wife, Vandana, and a son, Kapish. He teaches underprivileged children. And, he seems respectable.

But nothing is what it looks like.

Vandana is having an affair with a coworker named Jai. Kapish finds a phone in Anand’s van. The police trace it back to Anand, but there is not enough evidence to arrest him.

Suspicion shifts to Anand’s younger brother, Shiv, who is arrested. Eventually, Shiv realises the truth and helps the police.

Anand flees Rajasthan and starts a new life in Goa with a woman named Mariam. But Anjali and her team catch up with him before he can kill again.

In the final moments, Anjali confronts Anand and asks him why he killed innocent women. His answer is chilling.

He says they were not innocent. That they deserved punishment. He mocks Anjali’s caste, questions her authority, and even comments on her relationship with her boss.

In the end, Anjali makes a quiet but powerful decision. She changes her surname back to Meghwal reclaiming her identity and rejecting the idea that she must hide who she is to survive.

Awards, recognition, and global applause

‘Dahaad’ made history by becoming the first Indian streaming series to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. It competed for the Berlinale Series Award, putting Indian long-form storytelling on a global stage.

The show received glowing reviews and strong word-of-mouth after its release on Amazon Prime Video on May 12, 2023.

At the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, ‘Dahaad’ won two awards for performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Varma, out of nine nominations.

According to IMDb, the series was officially renewed for a second season, and production is now underway.

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has developed and operationalised a digital portal to facilitate the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin to stakeholders seeking Access and Benefit Sharing exemptions for cultivated medicinal plants.

According to an official press note, the portal functions as a single-window, end-to-end online system for processing applications and issuing Certificates of Origin. It can be accessed at https://absefiling.nbaindia.in/.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, was enacted by Parliament with the passage of the Bill by the Lok Sabha on 25 July 2023 and the Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2023. MoEFCC notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025.

To operationalise the provisions of the amended Act and address procedural requirements across stakeholder groups, including the AYUSH sector, seed sector, and research institutions, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025.

The amended Rules provide for the electronic generation of Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants through a designated digital platform.

Social media lit up after an email allegedly linked to Deepak Chopra and Jeffrey Epstein began circulating online. The line that set people off was blunt, smug, and impossible to ignore: “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.”

The internet did what it does best. It dug, it shared, and it judged.

Soon after, actor Richa Chadha added fuel to the fire with a sharp tweet quoting Chopra: “If life makes you a Deepak, be a Mohammad, not Chopra.” The line went viral, and for many, it summed up the moment perfectly.

What does Richa Chadha’s comment mean

If life makes you a Deepak,
be a Mohammad, not Chopra.

https://t.co/fT92ymFClz

— RichaChadha (@RichaChadha) February 5, 2026

Richa Chadha’s tweet confused some people at first. What did she mean by “be a Mohammad, not Chopra”?

She was pointing to a completely different incident in Uttarakhand that had gone viral around the same time. In Kotdwar, a gym owner and bodybuilder named Deepak Kumar stood up to a mob allegedly linked to the Bajrang Dal. The mob was harassing an elderly Muslim shopkeeper and demanding he change the name of his store.

Deepak Kumar confronted them. When asked his name to identify him, he replied, “My name is Mohammad Deepak.” The video spread fast. Many saw it as an act of courage and moral clarity.

On one side, there is a man with muscles and no platform, standing up to a mob to protect a stranger. On the other, a famous author with global influence, exchanging cozy emails with a convicted sex offender and calling dropped abuse cases “good.”

Deepak Chopra breaks his silence

I am deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case, and I unequivocally condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms.

I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and…

— Deepak Chopra (@DeepakChopra) February 4, 2026

Once his name appeared in the newly released Epstein files, Chopra issued a statement. He said he was “deeply saddened” by the suffering of victims and that he “unequivocally” condemned abuse and exploitation. He insisted he was never involved in criminal or exploitative conduct. According to him, any contact with Epstein was limited and unrelated to abuse.

He did admit something, though. Chopra said some past email exchanges showed “poor judgment in tone.” He claimed he regretted how those messages read today.

For many readers, that apology felt thin. Not angry. Not shocked. Just carefully worded damage control.

Who is Deepak Chopra, really?

Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and doctor who became big name in alternative medicine and New Age movement. He built global brand around meditation, mindfulness, holistic living. His books sold millions. His talks filled halls. And, his voice carried authority for people searching for peace and meaning.

But critics have long accused him of promoting vague ideas mixing science with spiritual fluff, avoiding accountability. Still his reputation stayed mostly intact, until now.

The Epstein files changed that.

The Epstein emails raise red flags

Recently released documents by the US House Oversight Committee revealed Epstein’s network of powerful contacts. Chopra’s name appeared among them. The files show email exchanges between Chopra and Epstein from 2016 to 2018. That timeline matters. Epstein was already a registered sex offender by then.

In July 2016, Epstein emailed Chopra about Donald Trump’s second wife, Marla Maples. He joked about losing a $10,000 bet to Trump over her pregnancy and claimed he paid it off by sending “a truck of baby food.” It was tasteless banter, and Chopra did not shut it down.

Instead, Chopra replied with a line that made many uncomfortable: “Anything we share is between us.” Epstein answered, “I share nothing with anyone but trust you.”

Also Read: Finneas fires at ‘old white men’ upset by sister Billie Eilish’s Grammy speech: ‘Your names are in the Epstein files’

Another email exchange from November 2016 made things worse. Epstein shared a news link about a woman who had filed and later withdrawn a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault by Donald Trump at a gathering linked to Epstein.

Chopra’s response was not concern for the alleged victim. Instead, he asked Epstein, “Did she also drop the civil case against you?”

When Epstein replied “YuP,” Chopra answered with one word: “Good.”

The files also show Epstein emailing a contact for Chopra asking whether Leonardo DiCaprio would want to have dinner with Woody Allen. Chopra replied, “I can certainly ask him if he is around.”

Nothing illegal there, but again, it showed Chopra acting as a connector for a man already known for serious crimes. It painted a picture of someone willing to stay friendly, useful, and quiet.

The trade deal finalised by India and the United States is likely to be signed next month, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. The two countries are likely to sign and issue a joint statement on the trade deal in the next four to five days, the minister added.

According to Goyal, the first tranche of documents on the bilateral trade agreement announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump is almost ready.

The two countries hope to sign a joint statement on the trade deal in the next four to five days, said Goyal, adding a formal agreement is likely to be signed around mid-March.

The minister informed that the US will issue an executive order after the signing of the Joint Statement to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, from the existing 50 per cent.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the US-India trade agreement, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal says,” The first tranche of the bilateral trade Agreement is almost ready. We hope to sign a joint statement in the next 4-5 days. After the joint statement ther will be a formal… pic.twitter.com/lQIviyff83

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

India is likely to reduce its tariffs imposed on US goods after the signing of the trade agreement.

Speaking at the signing of the Terms of Reference with the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the joint statement will need to be converted into a legal agreement before it is signed.

Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal says,” The fast-paced growth at which India is going ahead towards Viksit Bharat 2047, we will need large volumes of energy, data centre equipment, our steel capacity will double…When we estimated what we will need from the… pic.twitter.com/O2pr1i3Iv3

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

“Once the joint statement is issued, it needs to be converted into a legal agreement. We are targeting for March for this agreement to come into force. This legal agreement will give us the authority to reduce our tariffs. Their tariffs are executive tariffs. Our tariffs are MFN tariffs. Our MFN tariff reduction can only take effect after the legal agreement has been signed,” the official explained.

Trump had announced on Monday night that the two countries had agreed to the much-delayed trade deal and the US was immediately reducing its tariffs imposed on Indian imports to 18 per cent from the 50 per cent imposed last year. PM Modi had shortly later confirmed the agreement, stating Made in India products will attract lower US tariffs.

Horror stories have been emerging from Balochistan, where severe violence has broken out over the past couple of days. With the Pakistan establishment facing severe losses at the hands of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), fears of the ‘kill and dump’ policy have surfaced yet again.

The ‘kill and dump’ policy has been used by the Pakistan Army and ISI several times in the past. This operation has been carried out to silence voices who have spoken out against the establishment and in favour of Balochistan. An Intelligence Bureau official stated that, after suffering severe losses at the hands of the BLA, the security forces are likely to make a slight retreat. The Pakistani security forces are looking for a breather as they have found it hard to battle against the BLA.

The official added that while the retreat takes place, the establishment would boost its ‘kill and dump’ operations. This is something that the Baloch people fear, and this time, even ordinary people would be targeted. Pakistan is facing immense pressure from both China and the United States. The US has signed a minerals deal with Pakistan, and a major part of this would involve Balochistan. Beijing, too, is exerting pressure on Pakistan as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, worth $46 billion, faces constant risks from the BLA.

The people of Balochistan say that their mineral-rich region is benefiting only the high and mighty in Pakistan and the foreigners. It is a well-known fact that Pakistan is cash-strapped, and hence dealings with China and the US become extremely crucial for its economy.

An official explained that while Pakistan does want to do business with these nations, the problem is that it does not want to hear the voices of the Baloch people. Cases related to extra-judicial killings by the Frontier Corps are nothing new. The unit that operates with total impunity has been told to step up extrajudicial killings. Under the garb of killing of BLA cadres, whom Pakistan brands as terrorists, even the common people are getting killed.

Unable to counter the on-ground offensive, the Frontier Corps would now go on a rampage and target innocent people, including women and children, the Intelligence agencies say. The Baloch people once termed such killings as slow-motion genocide, but today the fear is that the security forces will go on a rampage.

Another official explained that the people of Balochistan back the BLA blindly as they feel that their cause is what is being fought for. This support by the people is what is making operations hard for the security forces. The people act as a barrier between the BLA and the security forces.

Owing to this, no Intelligence comes out, and recent operations where the security forces have failed miserably are a clear indicator of that. Indian Intelligence agencies have learnt that the genocide that is being planned is on levels that Balochistan has never seen before. The instruction to the Frontier Corps is to target as many people as possible. They have also been told not to hold back against when and children irrespective of their age.

Human rights organizations say that such operations are carried out by the Frontier Corps along with the army and ISI. Currently, a lot of information coming out of Balochistan has been blocked. Journalists are not allowed, and the rights organizations are completely barred from entering the region. These are clear signals of what is about to come, and the consequences for the people could well become catastrophic in nature, an official explained.

Data would show that between 2003 and 2012, there were 8,000 enforced disappearances. The manner in which these are carried out is brutal in nature. People are randomly picked up, taken to jail, tortured, and then their bullet-ridden bodies are thrown on the road. This is meant to create fear and panic in the minds of the people, so that they fall in line and stop backing forces such as the BLA. For the establishment to ensure absolute control in Balochistan, it either has to have constructive talks or control the people.

Another official said that talks are something that Pakistan would never opt for. Currently, it wants to control the region, and to do so, it would indulge in genocide and try to create fear. It wants the people on its side so that groups such as the BLA are subdued. Moreover, Intelligence gathering has become almost nil in the region, and the establishment seeks to improve that by enforcing the ‘kill and dump’ policy in a manner that Balochistan has never seen in the past, officials say.