Desperate to counter the ruling DMK’s alliance arithmetic and its pre-election splurge of developmental programmes across the districts and enhancing welfare schemes, the opposition AIADMK is on a freebie spree of poll promises which includes complete waiver of education loans, among other things.

Announcing the second tranche of the election manifesto in Chennai, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) said, “The AIADMK, if voted to power, will waive education loans taken from banks with the government assuming the burden.” This was to protect and relieve families from mounting financial pressure, he explained, adding, “Education must empower, not enslave our youth in debt. Our students deserve opportunity, not lifelong financial anxiety.”

Another key announcement is the enhanced Social Security Pension (SSP) of Rs 2,000 for six categories of persons. It is Rs 800 more than the existing SSP. The beneficiaries are: senior citizens, destitute widows, unmarried poor women, deserted women, differently-abled persons, and transgender individuals. Justifying this, EPS said, “No elderly person in Tamil Nadu should struggle for survival. No widow or differently-abled individual should be forced to live in indignity. We will restore respect through real financial support.”

As a direct livelihood support, the party announced that ration card holders will be provided with three LPG cylinders free of cost every year. “Rising costs have crushed household budgets. We will ensure that essential needs like cooking gas do not become a luxury,” he explained.

Recognising ‘Jallikattu’, the ancient bull taming sport, not only as the proud traditional sport of the Tamils but as an identity of the Tamils, the AIADMK has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for bull tamers who lose their life in the event and Rs 2 lakh medical assistance for those seriously injured. Further, a Rs 5 lakh government subsidy will be extended to hold authorised Jallikattu events, and the earlier manual procedure will be restored by cancelling the present online system.

In an attempt at minority outreach and to offset the image of being in tandem with the BJP, the AIADMK has promised to provide interest-free loans to women from the Muslim and Christian minority communities, as well as differently-abled women, to become entrepreneurs through self-employment. Additionally, the party would waive loans availed by these women from Co-operative Banks. “Welfare with dignity and security with responsibility,” is the new slogan EPS has coined.

In the first phase of its poll promises, the AIADMK has announced Rs 2,000 for women household heads, compared to Rs 1,000 under the present Stalin government. It has also promised a Rs 25,000 subsidy for women purchasing two-wheelers, free bus travel for men in city buses, and free concrete houses for all homeless in rural areas, along with apartments for the homeless in urban areas.

Australia’s two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting has backed Abhishek Sharma to play a decisive role at the upcoming T20 World Cup, tipping the India opener to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and even emerge as Player of the Tournament.

Ponting, who coached Abhishek during his early IPL days at Delhi Capitals, revealed that he had strongly urged the franchise to retain the left-hander back in 2018, convinced of his long-term potential.

“I was his first IPL coach,” Ponting said in the ICC Review. “He debuted with me, I think as a 17-year-old at Delhi and made an immediate impact. I think he hit his first ball for four or six straight back over the bowler’s head with that classical sort of straight bat and held the pose. And you could just see then as a 17-year-old that there was something extra special.”

Ponting recalled his frustration when the franchise decided to trade Abhishek, insisting he had foreseen the rise of a future star.

“We ended up trading him away from Delhi, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded and said, please don’t do this. We’ve got to [keep him], there’s an absolute superstar in the making here. And that’s what it’s turned out to be. I’ve got really high hopes for him this time.”

Abhishek announced himself with a blistering 19-ball 46 not out on IPL debut for Delhi but featured in only two more innings before being traded to Sunrisers Hyderabad as part of a deal that brought Shikhar Dhawan to the Capitals.

Since joining Sunrisers in 2019, he has steadily fulfilled his promise, amassing 1,753 runs in 71 innings at a strike rate of 162.16.

The explosive left-hander has elevated his game further on the international stage and is set to feature in his first ICC tournament, something Ponting believes will not faze him.

“(It’s) a real positive to be honest. He can be the leading run-scorer and potentially the Player of the Tournament. That’s how good I think he is. And if he does, that makes India even harder to beat. If he doesn’t, then they’re as vulnerable as anybody else. So that’s how important I think he is to this World Cup for India.”

Abhishek’s numbers since making his T20I debut in July 2024 underline Ponting’s confidence. In 37 innings, he has piled up 1,297 runs at an average of 37.05 and a staggering strike rate of 194.74, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Among those is a 14-ball fifty against New Zealand earlier this month, the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20 internationals.

India, the defending champions, open their World Cup campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, with Abhishek Sharma expected to be central to their title defence.

If you missed Sharwanand’s latest romantic rollercoaster in theatres, here’s your chance to binge it from home! The festive-season hit, ‘Nari Nari Naduma Murari’, has made a lightning-fast jump from box office to OTT just weeks after its theatrical release.

Released on January 14, right in the middle of Sankranthi chaos, ‘Nari Nari Naduma Murari’ managed to carve a niche for itself. Despite heavy competition at the box office, Sharwanand’s charm and the movie’s mix of romance, comedy, twists struck a chord with audiences.

Sharwanand’s effortless charm stole hearts. Veteran actor Naresh earned special mention for his comic timing. Director Ram Abbaraju also received praise for keeping the film light.

Also Read: Assi trailer: Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti in Anubhav Sinha’s film on everyday crimes | Cast, release date

Produced by Anil Sunkara and Ramabrahmam Sunkara under AK Entertainments and Adventures International Pvt Ltd, the film was designed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nari Nari Naduma Murari OTT release details

Here’s the juicy bit for OTT lovers: Amazon Prime Video swooped in and grabbed the digital rights. From February 4, 2026, the film is available to stream not just in Telugu, but also in Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. English subtitles are included. So non-Telugu viewers can finally see what all the fuss is about.

Amazon highlighted the film’s “mix of love, confusion, and comedy” in their official social media announcement teasing fans about the rom-com’s twists, laughs, heartwarming moments.

‘Nari Nari Naduma Murari’ plot

So what makes ‘Nari Nari Naduma Murari’ such a fun watch? At its heart, it’s the story of Gautham and Nithya. Both are architects. They fall in love in picturesque Kerala. But there’s a catch. Nithya’s father Ramalingaiah insists that their love hasn’t been tested and pushes for court marriage.

Enter chaos. Gautham’s past marriage to his college sweetheart Dia comes back to haunt him. With lies, fake documents, endless misunderstandings piling up, he scrambles to keep the truth hidden.

Dia’s unexpected return to his workplace and looming court date force him to confront his mistakes. After emotional ups and downs, honesty finally paves the way for Gautham and Nithya to reunite.

The Dhami government has finally abolished the State Madarsa Board.

The Uttarakhand government on Tuesday formed the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority (USMEA), which will decide the syllabus of the education institutions meant for the minorities, and will be affiliated to the State Education Board.

The Uttarakhand government has rendered the State Madarsa Board obsolete as it formally constituted the USMEA to regulate minority educational institutions from the next academic session. It announced the abolition of the Board. Under the new system, Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority will take the final decision on the syllabus and other curriculum of the minority educational institutions from July 2026, while the State Madarsa Board will be obliterated from the state’s educational system.

Speaking on the matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Our government has decided to constitute the State Minority Education Authority and dissolve the Madarsa Board. This Authority will now determine the syllabus and nature of education to be provided to the minority community children. All minority institutions will now have to be affiliated with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education.”

Dhami said that the Madarsa board will be rendered obsolete once USMEA starts working. He added that the decision to disband the board was taken as a large number of madrasas were run illegally and functioned as centres of radicalisation. According to Dhami, madrasas were not imparting conventional education to the children of the minority community.

Special Secretary to the state minority welfare department, Parag Madhukar Dhakate, stated that the decision to disband madrasa education in the state was announced during the last assembly session by the Chief Minister. Dhakate stated that all minority educational institutions would be brought under the “umbrella” of the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority, and they will be affiliated with the Uttarakhand Board of Education.

Parag further explained that the first USMEA constituted by the government has included several scholarly educationists and professors to determine the fresh educational curriculum for minority students in the state. He claimed that authority includes educationists from all minority communities.

Significantly, the first USMEA constituted by the Dhami government will be an 11-member body with Professor Surjeet Singh Gandhi as its chairman. Besides Gandhi, USMEA includes eight government-nominated academicians and two ex officio members. The director general of school education and the director of the State Educational Research and Training Council will be ex officio members, while the director of minority welfare will function as the member secretary of the authority.

India U19 will play England in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 after successfully chasing down a massive 311-run target against Afghanistan in just 41.1 overs in the second semi-final at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. With this, India also completed the highest-ever successful run chase in the history of the Under-19 World Cup, pulling off a record chase under pressure to book their record 10th final title clash.

India’s chase was powered by a sensational opening stand, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi producing a fearless display of strokeplay at the top. The teenage batter smashed a 24-ball fifty, hammering three sixes and eight fours, as India raced out of the blocks and ensured the asking rate never looked intimidating. Suryavanshi eventually fell for a stunning 68 off 33 balls, caught at mid-wicket while attempting another big hit, giving Nooristani Omarzai Afghanistan their first breakthrough.

Aaron George is the Player of the Match for his superb knock

India U19 register the highest successful run-chase in ICC Men’s U19 World Cups to clinch a 7️⃣-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in the semi-final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/rM2IsqdXXr#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dHww5uf3iw

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2026

Following his dismissal, skipper Ayush Mhatre joined opener Aaron George and the duo stitched together a match-defining partnership to keep India firmly in control. Mhatre played the anchor role with authority, bringing up his half-century in 43 balls, while George steadily upped the tempo from the other end. India breached the 200-run mark comfortably as the partnership continued to punish Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Mhatre was dismissed for 62, again falling to Nooristani Omarzai, but by then India were well ahead in the chase. George carried on to complete a composed century off 95 balls before departing for a superb 115 off 104 balls, receiving a standing ovation as India closed in on victory.

With the job virtually sealed, India cruised to the target to secure a spot in the final, where they will now face England for the U19 World Cup title.

Afghanistan post 310/4 on Shinozada, Niazai tons

Earlier, Afghanistan U-19 posted a massive 310/4 against India U-19 in the second semi-final, riding on brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Mahboob Khan opted to bat first, backing his top order to make the most of a good surface. The decision paid off as Afghanistan’s batters dominated the Indian attack and kept the scoreboard ticking throughout the innings.

The standout performance came from Faisal Shinozada, who smashed a superb 110 off 93 balls. He stitched a crucial 148-run partnership with Niazai, giving Afghanistan the ideal platform to push towards a match-winning total. India finally broke the stand when Deepesh Devendran dismissed Shinozada, providing a much-needed breakthrough in the middle overs.

However, Afghanistan maintained control through Uzairullah Niazai, who continued to punish the bowlers and brought up his century in style. Niazai finished with a commanding 101 off 81 balls, laced with 12 fours and two sixes, as Afghanistan surged past the 300-run mark.

For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each, but Afghanistan still managed to close strongly and put India under pressure in the knockout clash.

IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Playing XIs

India XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel.

Afghanistan XI: Osman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (c), Azizullah Miakhil, Khatir Stanikzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Nooristani Omarzai, Wahidullah Zadran.

IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Match Details

Match: India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 (Semi-final 2)
Time: 1:00 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Live Streaming Details

Where to watch IND vs AFG U19 semi-final live in India?

The match is being telecast live on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website.

IND vs AFG U19 World Cup: Head-to-Head

India U19 have dominated Afghanistan U19 historically in Youth ODIs. The two teams have faced each other 12 times, with India winning 10 matches and Afghanistan winning 2.

IND vs AFG U19 World cup: Squad

India 
Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Pangalia, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Singh.

Afghanistan 
Mahboob Khan (c), Azizullah Miakhil, Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Uzairullah Niazai, Abdul Aziz, Aqil Khan, Khatir Stanikzai, Nazifullah Amiri, Nooristani Omarzai, Roohullah Arab, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup still more than a year away, questions around India’s long-term plans have already begun, prompting two-time World Cup-winning former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to offer a clear-eyed view on the role of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

With both Rohit and Kohli now featuring exclusively in One-Day Internationals, discussion around their places in India’s squad for the next World Cup has intensified. The tournament will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia between October and November 2027.

Dhoni, however, made it clear that age should not be a deciding factor in selection.

“Why not? Listen, the thing is—why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance and fitness, these are the criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything, but things should be clear: everyone will be treated the same way. When I made my debut, I was 24. Nobody came and told me anything then. So now, if I’m playing for India for one year, two years, ten years, or twenty years—whatever it is—nobody needs to come and tell me about my age,” Dhoni said.

He reinforced the point by stressing that fitness, not age, determines a player’s readiness for international cricket.

“Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22, if you’re not fit, you shouldn’t be there; there are criteria for playing international cricket,” Dhoni added before continuing.

“When it comes to whether it’s Rohit, Virat, or other names that will come forward in three, five, or ten years’ time, the whole thing is this: just because somebody is in their 30s, it’s not for us to decide whether they can play the next World Cup. It’s for them to decide. If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?”

The former India stumper also underlined the value of experience at major tournaments, explaining that it cannot be fast-tracked.

“How do you get experienced people? You can’t get a 20-year-old who’s experienced unless it’s Sachin Tendulkar. You can only get experience if you start playing when you’re 16 or 17, and international cricket is very different. If you want experience, you need people who are 30, 32, or 33—because that’s what experience actually is. If you’re calling 20 or 25 games ‘experience,’ that’s not it. You need people who have been under the pump in their job,” said Dhoni.

“This becomes even more crucial for people batting down the order or bowlers who bowl those death overs when games are close. As a bowler, if I’m under the pump 15 or 20 times, I might have to play 80 or 85 games to truly experience that—to know how to tame my heart, tame my emotions, and handle the pressure.”

Returning to the broader selection debate, Dhoni reiterated the importance of fairness and consistency, regardless of a player’s age.

“I feel the right combination of experience and youthfulness is very important, but not at the cost of fitness. If you want to compete at the top level, you have to be fit. If you’re 35 and fit, then 35 doesn’t matter. Performance matters equally for a 24-year-old and a 35-year-old. Treat everyone equally. If people are performing, they’ll be there. If they aren’t, they won’t,” he said.

“People often say the next World Cup is three or four years down the line—well, if a guy isn’t fit by then, you can drop him at any point. If he’s not performing, you’ll drop him anyway. There should be no question regarding any individual when it comes to selection. There is only one criteria: if you’re performing and you’re fit, keep on playing,” Dhoni further stated.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has dismissed the petition filed by the BRS for the disqualification of Jagtial MLA M Sanjay Kumar. The Speaker has, to date, rejected the disqualification petitions against eight of the ten MLAs accused of jumping ship.

Sanjay Kumar said every month, Rs 5,000 is deducted from his salary as his contribution to the BRS party fund, citing as evidence that he was still with the regional party. BRS working president KT Rama Rao, however, accused the Speaker of acting on the orders of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and tagged it as a murder of democracy.

As Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar disposed of another petition, ruling that Jagtial MLA Sanjay Kumar was still in the BRS party, working president KT Rama lashed out, pointing to the evidence to the contrary. “Even as photos and videos of the chief minister himself draping a shawl over Jagtial BRS MLA Sanjay and inducting him into Congress are right before our eyes, rejecting the disqualification petition on the grounds of no evidence is utterly meaningless,” he said.

Rao further said, “Ignoring both the Supreme Court’s verdict on one side and the people’s verdict on the other and failing to take constitutionally mandated action against defecting MLAs and instead acting on the chief minister’s orders – is nothing short of murdering democracy.”

He also referred to the bitter rivalry within the ruling party in Jagtial, where veteran Congressman Jeevan Reddy was vehemently opposing Sanjay Kumar in party meetings and events. Rao said the Speaker’s decision came at a time when Jeevan Reddy was being humiliated by his own party in municipal elections. “Even as ten BRS MLAs defected in broad daylight, the fact that not a single action has been taken against any of them and the chief minister continues to run the show, this grotesque political game will inevitably face a harsh lesson from the public,” said Rao.

However, the Jagtial MLA said he had met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to ensure the development of the constituency, and he was still in BRS. He reminded that in the past BRS regime, T Srinivas Yadav was inducted in the state Cabinet, though he was a TDP MLA. Meanwhile, the ticket allocation for municipal polls has triggered a fresh rift within the party between Jeevan Reddy and Sanjay Kumar, as the latter’s faction secured more candidates. The Speaker will take up the hearing on disqualification petitions against two more MLAs – Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari on February 18 and 19, respectively.

Accused teaser is out: Netflix has dropped the official teaser for Accused, a much-anticipated psychological drama starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Pratibha Ranta.

The glimpse into the film’s world hints at intense emotional conflict and a narrative that will keep viewers thinking long after it ends.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra made an unusual request to SS Rajamouli for ‘Varanasi’; he agreed and pulled Mahesh Babu into it

 

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Plot teased: A first look at a life upended by allegation

At the heart of Accused is Dr. Geetika (played by Konkona Sen Sharma), a respected gynaecologist with a stellar professional record based in London.

The teaser suggests that her life unravels after serious allegations of sexual misconduct are made against her, thrusting her into a storm of suspicion, public scrutiny and personal turmoil. In a few stark moments, the teaser shows how quickly doubt can spread.

Professional respect gives way to suspicion, personal bonds begin to fracture, and Geetika finds herself isolated, fighting a battle that goes beyond legal consequences. The strain on her marriage and sense of self appears just as central as the accusation itself.

Also Read: Mismatched Season 4 announced as final chapter; Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf return to Netflix show | Cast, release date

Strong performances and top-tier backing

The film is directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, known for grounded storytelling, with a screenplay by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani. Alongside Konkona and Pratibha, Sukant Goel and Aditya Nanda play key roles.

Produced under Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, the project marks one of Netflix India’s bold offerings for 2026, blending suspense with social commentary.

Also Read: Lust Stories 3 on Netflix: Release date, cast, directors and complete recap of seasons 1 and 2

Theme that resonates

Although the full release date is yet to be confirmed, Accused stands out for its focus on reputation, truth and the emotional cost of being judged, themes that are increasingly relevant in an age where opinions can spiral online before facts are established.

Also Read: Celina Jaitly brother case: Delhi HC allows UAE lawyers to represent detained Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly

Silence, scrutiny and social judgment

What makes the teaser linger is its restraint. There are no loud confrontations or dramatic monologues, instead the tension comes from awkward pauses, exchanged glances and the feeling of being constantly observed.

By placing a woman in a position of authority at the heart of the story, the film subtly raises questions about bias, power and how judgment often arrives before clarity.

Also Read: Assi trailer: Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti in Anubhav Sinha’s film on everyday crimes | Cast, release date

Netflix release details

Accused will stream exclusively on Netflix. While an exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, the teaser confirms a 2026 premiere, with more details expected in the coming months.

Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty makes acting comeback with Netflix’s ‘Family Business’, starring Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma

Bollywood actor Rajpal Naurang Yadav, known for making audiences laugh, found himself in the serious spotlight today but not for a movie role. The Delhi High Court has made it clear that the actor cannot delay any further in his legal troubles related to cheque bounce cases. No extensions, no excuses. Yadav must surrender before the jail authorities today.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma firmly turned down Yadav’s latest request for an extension. The actor’s legal team had asked for an additional week, claiming they needed more time to arrange the Rs. 50 lakh payment involved in the case.

Also Read: Vikram Bhatt and wife Shwetambari denied bail over alleged ₹30 crore cheating in film production deal

But this could not impress the court. The judge reminded Yadav that he had already received two extra days to surrender, after he had claimed he was in Bombay. “You were to surrender on a particular day but the court granted two days because you said you were in Bombay. Today you have to surrender at 4 PM,” Justice Sharma said.

This is not the first time the actor has faced the court over the matter. On February 2, the court had sternly asked Yadav to surrender today, criticising him for repeatedly failing to honour undertakings about the settlement payments.

Justice Sharma noted that the actor’s conduct “deserves to be deprecated”. He pointed out that despite numerous opportunities and significant leniency from the court, Yadav had still not completed his payment obligations to the complainant company, M/s Murli Projects Pvt. Ltd.

The Ministry of Home Affairs today issued a notification announcing the revocation of the President’s Rule from Manipur with immediate effect from the 4th day of February, 2026.

The notification by the Ministry included the Proclamation signed by the President of India, wherein Droupadi Murmu ordered to lift the President’s Rule in the state, exercising the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 356 of the Constitution.

The earlier proclamation was issued last year on 13 February, after President Murmu imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, considering a breakdown of constitutional governance in the state.

President of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Loteeka Leima has welcomed the revocation, saying, “This is a very happy and important day for us… There is an atmosphere of great joy at the party. We have a lot of work to do. We need to bring peace to Manipur and work for development and peace in every corner of the state. Previously, when there was President’s Rule, they were also doing good work… The democratic process, where the people of Manipur voted for the government they wanted, was temporarily halted due to problems in our state, considering the law and order situation. But now we are very happy that our government is back…”

#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: President of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Loteeka Leima, says, “This is a very happy and important day for us… There is an atmosphere of great joy at the party. We have a lot of work to do. We need to bring peace to Manipur and work for development and peace… https://t.co/FlDdUZ8iJF pic.twitter.com/nk4ilBuxlZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2026

The President’s Rule has been revoked just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party announced two-time MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the state’s next chief minister. The swearing-in will take place later today.

Imphal, Manipur: The people of Imphal are ready to welcome Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Manipur. pic.twitter.com/rdcyZTbqdL

— IANS (@ians_india) February 4, 2026

Earlier today, the newly appointed BJP Legislature Party Leader, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, submitted his claim to form the government to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. He was accompanied by National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and North East in-charge Sambit Patra to stake their claim. The MLAs from the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Manipur have claimed the right to form the government in the state.

Imphal, Manipur: Newly appointed BJP Legislature Party Leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh reached his residence after submitting his claim to form the government to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and was warmly welcomed by family and supporters. pic.twitter.com/RdOn3BcLY2

— IANS (@ians_india) February 4, 2026

On Yumnam Khemchand Singh becoming the next CM, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said that all three parties and both independents have given their support to him.

Imphal, Manipur: On BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh being set to become the next CM, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh says, “All three parties and both independents have given their support.” pic.twitter.com/m128fc7uMk

— IANS (@ians_india) February 4, 2026

The trailer for ‘Assi’ doesn’t knock gently. It kicks the door open, looks you straight in the eye, and asks a question most of us avoid while scrolling past our daily news alerts: ‘What if this happened to someone you know?’

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Assi is already being called one of the most uncomfortable and necessary films of the year.

Set to release in theatres on 20 February 2026, Assi stars Taapsee Pannu in a fierce new avatar, backed by a powerhouse cast.

The ‘Assi’ trailer

 

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The Assi trailer opens on a chilling note. No dramatic background score to ease you in. No glossy slow motion. Instead it drops viewers into a tense unsettling world that feels uncomfortably close to real life.

Also Read: Lust Stories 3 on Netflix: Release date, cast, directors and complete recap of seasons 1 and 2

Taapsee Pannu leads the film as determined lawyer who refuses to compromise or look away.

The trailer suggests that her fight is not just against accused but against a system that prefers silence over accountability.

While Taapsee drives the legal battle, Kani Kusruti appears to be the emotional center of Assi. Her character feels like the heart of the story, the one who carries the pain that started it all. She’s a girl’s girl, after all.

‘Assi’ cast

Assi boasts an ensemble cast that reads like a list of actors known for strong, grounded performances. Alongside Taapsee and Kani, the film features Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

Adding to the intrigue are special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa.

Director Anubhav Sinha has never been afraid of uncomfortable subjects, and Assi continues that path. Speaking about the film, he said the story comes from everyday news, incidents we read about, discuss briefly, and then forget.

Taapsee Pannu has built a career on choosing strong, meaningful roles, and Assi seems to fit right into that space.

The National Mineral development Corporation (NMDC), India’s largest iron ore producer, delivered a stellar performance, registering robust growth across volumes and financials in nine months of FY26.

The Responsible Miner reported its best-ever January production and sales, reinforcing its operational momentum. The company produced 5.56 Million Ton (MT) of iron ore and sold 4.79 MT, reflecting a strong year-on-year growth of 9% in production and 7% in sales over the corresponding period last year.

The company’s cumulative performance up to January 2026 further highlights this upward trajectory. Production surged to 42.65 MT, marking an impressive 19% growth, while sales increased to 39.73 MT, up 9.7% year-on-year.

On the financial front, the NMDC delivered robust FY26 9-month performance since inception. Revenue surged by 22% to Rs 20,381 crore, while PBT climbed 5% to Rs 7,280 crore. PAT rose 4% to Rs 5,401 crore, and EBITDA expanded to Rs 7,666 crore, registering a 5% growth. NMDC has also declared an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per equity share for their shareholders. This performance was driven by record volumes and sustained operational excellence, firmly positioning NMDC among India’s most resilient mining companies.

With back-to-back record volumes and strong financials, NMDC remains firmly on track to achieve its annual targets and is well-positioned to set new benchmarks for the mining industry.

Achieving the best-ever figures since inception places NMDC strongly on course to meet its annual targets. January also marks a significant milestone with the inauguration of the company’s first coal mine -Tokisud North Coal Mine in Jharkhand, a new feather to NMDC’s cap.

This performance reflects NMDC’s strategic focus, operational resilience, and long-term vision. As the company continues to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its capabilities, it remains firmly committed to responsible mining and sustainable growth, reinforcing its leadership position in India’s mining sector, the Steel Ministry said.

A Turkish 727 aircraft flying from Kathmandu to Istanbul with 236 passengers made an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Wednesday after the captain of the plane detected possible engine fire.

According to a statement issue by the Airport Director, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, the flight captain informed Kolkata ATC about a possible fire on the right engine.

“Turkish 727, from Kathmandu to Istanbul at Kolkata airport. The Captain informed Kolkata ATC about a possible fire on the right engine. The actual time of arrival at Kolkata NSCBI Airport was 14:49 hours, with 236 passengers on board,” the NSCBI director said.

The aircraft is currently parked at Kolkata airport and an inspection is being carried out, the airport director added.

The plane had caught fire within four minutes of take off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, prompting a full emergency at the airport.

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

The incident comes a day after two planes – Air India flight AI 2732 and IndiGo flight 6E 791 – collided on the ground at the Mumbai Airport.

The wingtips of the two aircraft made contact, resulting in damage. Both the planes were grounded after the accident.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday called the Union Budget 2026-27 a decisive step towards building a self-reliant, competitive and socially inclusive India, and will significantly accelerate Haryana’s growth across sectors.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said rooted in the principle of “Vikas bhi, Vishwas bhi”, the budget reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” It is not only a routine financial exercise but also a strategic national blueprint that ensures economic expansion while safeguarding the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

The Chief Minister said the budget reinforces the idea that development is not limited to large cities alone, but encompasses villages, farmers, women, youth and workers. Economic strength, he added, has been aligned with social security, dignity and opportunity for every citizen.

He said the four pillars of Viksit Bharat — the poor, youth, women, and farmers — remain central to the government’s policy framework. The budget prioritises action over ambiguity, reforms over symbolism and public interest over populism, while maintaining fiscal discipline alongside social justice, with a targeted growth rate of nearly 7 per cent.

Highlighting the sharp increase in public capital expenditure, Nayab Singh Saini said the allocation of nearly Rs. 12.2 lakh crore for infrastructure will strengthen roads, railways, urban infrastructure, industrial corridors and logistics systems across the country. Given Haryana’s strategic location in the Delhi-NCR region, the Chief Minister said the state will be a direct beneficiary, with faster execution of development projects and creation of lakhs of employment opportunities, especially for the youth.

Stating that the government considers youth as the nation’s biggest strength, the Chief Minister said Rs. 1.39 lakh crore has been allocated for education and skill development, and over 1.5 lakh young people will be trained in new-age skills. More than Rs. 15,000 crore has been earmarked for skill development, employment generation and future technologies. A dedicated Rs. 10,000 crore fund has been created for Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and cyber security, which will directly benefit technology and education hubs such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula and Rohtak, enabling Haryana’s youth to access high-income, global-standard jobs.

The Chief Minister said the Rs. 7,500 crore provision for startups and entrepreneurship will further strengthen Haryana’s startup ecosystem and encourage innovation, turning youth into job creators rather than job seekers. A high-level permanent committee has been constituted to integrate education with employment and entrepreneurship.

To promote the digital and creative economy, AVGC content creator labs will be established in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. In the IT sector, the safe harbour threshold has been raised from Rs. 300 crore to Rs. 2,000 crore, which will lead to large-scale creation of high-quality IT jobs.

In sports, the Khelo India Mission is being developed as an integrated talent development pathway with scientific training, modern infrastructure and technology. With nearly 65 percent of Haryana’s population being youth, the budget provides a clear roadmap to link young people with education, skills, technology and employment.

Terming the budget a strong instrument of social justice and economic empowerment, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said women’s self-help groups will be developed into community-level entrepreneurship hubs. Nearly Rs. 8,000 crore has been allocated for women’s employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship, while over Rs. 40,000 crore has been provided for social security, pensions, nutrition and income-support schemes.

He said financial and institutional support will boost women’s participation in agriculture, dairy, food processing and rural entrepreneurship, directly benefiting women SHGs and entrepreneurs in Haryana. Provision for women’s hostels in STEM institutions in every district reflects the government’s commitment to girls’ education and safety.

The Chief Minister said the budget offers a major opportunity for Haryana’s healthcare sector. Under the Biopharma Shakti Initiative, Rs. 10,000 crore has been allocated, along with Rs. 20,000 crore for health infrastructure and Rs. 5,000 crore for medical tourism.

This will accelerate the development of pharma clusters, medical colleges and modern hospitals in Gurugram, Panchkula, Rohtak and Karnal, while generating large-scale employment for doctors, nurses, technicians and paramedical staff. Additionally, 1.5 lakh multi-skilled caregivers, mostly women, will be trained, creating significant employment in the health sector.

Calling the budget particularly beneficial for farmers, Saini said Rs.1.62 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and allied sectors, including Rs. 6,153 crore for animal husbandry and dairy, Rs. 2,500 crore for fisheries, and continued support of Rs. 63,500 crore under the PM-Kisan scheme.

Through the Bharat Vistar Yojana, farmers will be connected to AI-enabled digital agriculture platforms, providing accurate information on weather, soil and markets, leading to reduced costs and higher incomes. Development of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars will strengthen water conservation and groundwater recharge. Promotion of horticulture, high-value crops, AgriStack and digital agriculture will open new income avenues, especially in southern and arid regions of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said the budget brings renewed confidence for Haryana’s industrial sector, where the state already leads in automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Incentives for semiconductors, electronic components and biopharma will attract fresh investments in Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat.

The revival of 200 old industrial clusters will rejuvenate traditional industrial centres such as Panipat, Yamunanagar and Ambala, while a Rs. 10,000 crore MSME development fund will benefit lakhs of small entrepreneurs and artisans.

Infrastructure development will be further strengthened through high-speed rail, urban economic zones and focused growth of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, promoting employment-led urbanisation in Rohtak, Hisar, Karnal, Sirsa and Rewari. Emphasis on green energy and battery storage will expand solar and renewable energy projects, ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability.

For the common citizen, the Chief Minister said the budget provides tangible relief through simplified tax procedures, duty exemptions on life-saving medicines, and reduced costs of education and healthcare. Reforms in TDS and TCS, flexibility in return-filing timelines, decriminalisation of compliance-related offences and a digital single-window customs system will further improve ease of doing business.

Saini said Haryana has received a strong railway roadmap with an allocation of Rs. 3,566 crore, including Rs. 315 crore for priority projects. Thirty-four railway stations are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, focusing on passenger amenities, digital services, accessibility and local identity. Enhanced connectivity with the Dedicated Freight Corridor will increase freight capacity by nearly 11 times, benefiting industries, farmers and youth, and firmly positioning Haryana as a major industrial and logistics hub.

Referring to the 16th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister said Haryana’s share in central taxes has increased from 1.093 percent to 1.361 percent, a historic rise of nearly 24.5 percent. As a result, Haryana will receive about Rs. 20,772 crore in 2026–27, nearly Rs. 5,547 crore more than last year. Over five years, this will translate into nearly Rs. 28,000 crore in additional resources, with total receipts nearing Rs. 1 lakh crore.

The Chief Minister said Haryana’s economy is strong, stable and fully under control, and the Union Budget 2026–27 will play a decisive role in making India the world’s third-largest economy. He said the budget opens new avenues for farmers, youth, women, entrepreneurs and citizens of Haryana, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will prove to be a milestone in making Haryana stronger, self-reliant and more prosperous.

As part of India’s ‘’Act East Policy’’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Malaysia on 7-8 February at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it was officially announced on Wednesday.

This would be the PM’s third visit to Malaysia, and the first after the elevation of the India-Malaysia bilateral relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, in August 2024.

During the visit, he will hold bilateral discussions with the Malaysian PM and interact with members of the Indian community, as well as industry and business representatives. The 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum is also scheduled to be held coinciding with the visit of the PM.

India and Malaysia share long-standing bonds of friendship, based on historical, civilisational and cultural connections. The relationship is further strengthened by the presence of a 2.9 million strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, the third largest in the world.

‘’The India-Malaysia relationship is multi-faceted and growing. The forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister serves as an opportunity for both leaders to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, ranging from trade and investment, defence, security and maritime cooperation, to digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, people-to-people ties; as well as to set the path for future engagement for mutual benefit,’’ the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7 and will run until March 8, with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the marquee tournament. A total of 20 teams will compete across eight venues, including five in India and three in Sri Lanka, as the world’s best sides battle for the biggest prize in the format.

The previous edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup was hosted in the West Indies and the USA in 2024, where India emerged champions, ending their 13-year-long ICC title wait in the format. India became the first team in history to win the T20 World Cup without losing a single match throughout the tournament.

Ahead of the main event, teams will undergo final preparations through warm-up matches, giving players a chance to adjust to local conditions and allowing captains to finalise their combinations. The tournament will begin with the group stage, where each team plays four matches, and the top two sides from each group progress to the Super 8 round. From there, the best teams will move into the knockouts, the semi-finals and the final, as the race for the trophy intensifies.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups

Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia

Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman

Group C: England, West Indies, Nepal, Italy, Scotland

Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

Also Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 tickets: Phase 3 sales open – how and where to buy

Where are the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches being played?

India venues

Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium

Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium

Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium

Kolkata – Eden Gardens

Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium

Sri Lanka venues

Colombo – R Premadasa Stadium

Colombo – SSC Cricket Ground

Kandy – Pallekele Cricket Stadium

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: India Fixtures (Group Stage)

• Feb 7: India vs USA — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Feb 12: India vs Namibia — Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Feb 15: India vs Pakistan — R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Feb 18: India vs Netherlands — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Key Dates

• Feb 7: Tournament begins
• Feb 15: India vs Pakistan
• Feb 21: Super 8 begins
• Mar 4 & Mar 5: Semi-finals
• Mar 8: Final

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Match List

Sat, Feb 7

• Pakistan vs Netherlands — Group A — SSC, Colombo
• West Indies vs Scotland — Group C — Kolkata
• India vs USA — Group A — Mumbai

Sun, Feb 8

• New Zealand vs Afghanistan — Group D — Chennai
• England vs Nepal — Group C — Mumbai
• Sri Lanka vs Ireland — Group B — Premadasa, Colombo

Mon, Feb 9

• Scotland vs Italy — Group C — Kolkata
• Zimbabwe vs Oman — Group B — SSC, Colombo
• South Africa vs Canada — Group D — Ahmedabad

Tue, Feb 10

• Netherlands vs Namibia — Group A — Delhi
• New Zealand vs UAE — Group D — Chennai
• Pakistan vs USA — Group A — SSC, Colombo

Wed, Feb 11

• South Africa vs Afghanistan — Group D — Ahmedabad
• Australia vs Ireland — Group B — Premadasa, Colombo
• England vs West Indies — Group C — Mumbai

Thu, Feb 12

• Sri Lanka vs Oman — Group B — Kandy
• Nepal vs Italy — Group C — Mumbai
• India vs Namibia — Group A — New Delhi

Fri, Feb 13

• Australia vs Zimbabwe — Group B — Premadasa, Colombo
• Canada vs UAE — Group D — Delhi
• USA vs Netherlands — Group A — Chennai

Sat, Feb 14

• Ireland vs Oman — Group B — SSC, Colombo
• England vs Scotland — Group C — Kolkata
• New Zealand vs South Africa — Group D — Ahmedabad

Sun, Feb 15

• West Indies vs Nepal — Group C — Mumbai
• USA vs Namibia — Group A — Chennai
• India vs Pakistan — Group A — Premadasa, Colombo

Mon, Feb 16

• Afghanistan vs UAE — Group D — Delhi
• England vs Italy — Group C — Kolkata
• Australia vs Sri Lanka — Group B — Kandy

Tue, Feb 17

• New Zealand vs Canada — Group D — Chennai
• Ireland vs Zimbabwe — Group B — Kandy
• Scotland vs Nepal — Group C — Mumbai

Wed, Feb 18

• South Africa vs UAE — Group D — Delhi
• Pakistan vs Namibia — Group A — SSC, Colombo
• India vs Netherlands — Group A — Ahmedabad

Thu, Feb 19

• West Indies vs Italy — Group C — Kolkata
• Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe — Group B — Premadasa, Colombo
• Afghanistan vs Canada — Group D — Chennai

Fri, Feb 20

• Australia vs Oman — Group B — Kandy

Super Eight Stage

Sat, Feb 21

• TBC — Super Eight — Premadasa, Colombo

Sun, Feb 22

• TBC — Super Eight — Kandy
• TBC — Super Eight — Ahmedabad

Mon, Feb 23

• TBC — Super Eight — Mumbai

Tue, Feb 24

• TBC — Super Eight — Kandy

Wed, Feb 25

• TBC — Super Eight — Premadasa, Colombo

Thu, Feb 26

• TBC — Super Eight — Ahmedabad
• TBC — Super Eight — Chennai

Fri, Feb 27

• TBC — Super Eight — Premadasa, Colombo

Sat, Feb 28

• TBC — Super Eight — Kandy

Sun, Mar 1

• TBC — Super Eight — Delhi
• TBC — Super Eight — Kolkata

Knockouts

Wed, Mar 4

• TBC — Semi-final — Kolkata/Colombo

Thu, Mar 5

• TBC — Semi-final — Mumbai
• TBC — Semi-final — Mumbai

Sun, Mar 8

• TBC — Final — Ahmedabad/Colombo

Visakhapatnam Railway Station has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening passenger security with the successful real-time identification and apprehension of habitual offenders through the AI-powered Facial Recognition System (FRS) of Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun”, East Coast Railway officials said on Wednesday.

Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun,” deployed for surveillance and patrolling, detected a suspect by matching his facial image with the pre-loaded database of known criminals. The system immediately alerted the RPF CCTV Control Room, Visakhapatnam.

Upon receipt of the alert, the on-duty CCTV staff Head Constable B S Narayana analysed the live CCTV feed and promptly informed the on-duty officer Sub Inspector V Keerthi Reddy along with the Crime Prevention Detention Squad (CPDS) team of Waltair Division, who were present at the station. Acting swiftly on the alert, the team conducted a coordinated check and successfully apprehended a habitual offender, Hadapa Shiva (39 years) and his associate G Bhangaru.

Both individuals failed to produce any valid journey tickets and were brought to the RPF Post, Visakhapatnam, for further action. Verification of their antecedents revealed that both persons are hardcore habitual offenders with extensive criminal histories registered at Rayagada Police Station, involving multiple serious offences such as theft, robbery, dacoity, assault, and arms-related cases over several years.

The apprehension was immediately reported to GRP Visakhapatnam, and further joint interrogation was conducted by RPF, GRP and their teams. After a detailed inquiry, it was concluded that the suspects had entered the station area without valid authority and were detected at the entry stage itself by the AI-enabled Facial Recognition System of Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun.”

As both offenders were found travelling without tickets, they were dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Railways Act, 1989 (Amended 2003). The matter was also intimated to the Rayagada Police for further necessary action.

Appraising the achievement of Rail Robocop ASC Arjun, the General Manager, East Coast Railway, Parmeshwar Funkwal, said that the incident proved to be an effective technological intervention in enhancing passenger security. The Robocop ASC Arjun at Visakhapatnam Railway station played a significant role in identifying and recognising habitual offenders by leveraging advanced surveillance and artificial intelligence–based analytics, thereby assisting railway security agencies in timely action. Encouraged by the positive results at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, East Coast Railway will continue to explore and expand the use of such advanced security solutions for the benefit of passengers, he added.