Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday wrote a letter to Speaker Om Birla, reminding him of his duties ‘as the impartial custodian of the House’, after he was allegedly not allowed to speak during the ongoing Budget Session.

In the letter dated February 3, Rahul said that during Monday’s debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, he was directed to authenticate a magazine article on former Army Chief General MM Narvane’s book that he wanted to refer to in the House.

He added that he complied with the direction and authenticated the said magazine while resuming his speech today but was still not allowed to speak.

“By long-standing convention, including repeated rulings of past Speakers, a Member who wishes to refer to a document in the House is required to authenticate it and affirm responsibility for its contents. Once this requirement is fulfilled, the Speaker allows the Member to quote or refer to the document. Thereafter, it becomes the responsibility of the Government to respond, and the role of the Chair stands concluded,” Gandhi wrote.

The Congress leader stated that preventing him from speaking in the Lok Sabha today not only violates this convention, but also gives rise to a serious concern that there is a deliberate attempt to prevent him, in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition, from speaking on matters of national security.

“It is worth repeating that national security was a key part of the President’s Address, which requires a discussion in Parliament,” he added.

Rahul further sought to remind Birla of his constitutional and parliamentary responsibility to safeguard the rights of every Member.

“Hon’ble Speaker, as the impartial custodian of the House, it is your Constitutional and Parliamentary responsibility to safeguard the rights of every Member, including those of the Opposition. The right of the Leader of the Opposition and of each Member to speak is integral to our democracy,” he said.

The Gandhi scion said that the alleged refusal of these basic democratic rights has led to an unprecedented situation. “For the first time in Parliamentary history, on the behest of the government, the Speaker has been forced to prevent the Leader of the Opposition from speaking on the President’s Address.”

“This is a blot on our democracy, against which I record my strongest protest,” he added.

A few days ago, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced that she would appeal to the Supreme Court, if necessary, regarding the SIR case. Speculation was rife in Delhi that Mamata Banerjee might approach the apex court in this regard.

On Tuesday, sources from the Supreme Court revealed that the chief minister would personally appear in court on Wednesday, accompanied by her Z-category security. Her security clearance has been passed by the registrar of the highest court, and her personal security clearances are also getting passed.

Can Mamata Banerjee appeal in the Supreme Court? The rules state that only a registered lawyer of the Supreme Court can make an appeal in a case, or the applicant of a case can represent themselves. In Banerjee’s situation, the first possibility is not applicable, as she is not a registered lawyer of the Supreme Court. However, as she filed a case in the Supreme Court against the National Election Commission and the state’s CEO office regarding the SIR issue, as an appellant, she can be present in the Supreme Court courtroom.

However, no clear message has yet been provided by either the Trinamool Congress or the state administration regarding this matter. At present, Mamata is in Delhi.

Given the current political climate, it is evident from the application for security clearance that the chief minister will be present in the Supreme Court tomorrow as an applicant. It remains to be seen whether she will argue her case in the court as an applicant. Nevertheless, in response to questions from journalists on Tuesdday, Mamata chose not to comment on this issue.

A local court of Alwar has set aside, declaring illegal, a 13-year-old auction of the historic Thanagazi Fort situated along the entrance of the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary.

The fort, spread over a 22.44-hectare area, was auctioned by the Alwar District Nazul (Government) Property Disposal Committee of the local panchayat in 2013.

The Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate Narendra Kumar Meena, while deciding in the Gram Panchayat versus Rajasthan Government case in the matter, has held that the fort’s land belongs to the Forests Department and non-forest activities could not be allowed on the land; accordingly, the auction was illegal.

The court also held that the provisions of the Conservation of Forests Act 1980 are also applicable to this forest land, which did not allow activities like auction.

The judge ordered that the amount of the land cost raised in auction be paid back to the buyer, along with 6 per cent interest.

As per the case history, the land of the fort was transferred to the Forests Department by the General Administration (Properties) Department (GAD) on November 16, 1999.

Accordingly, the Forest Department had appealed before the District Collector against the auction of 2013. However, the appeal was dismissed.

Being situated at the Kakawadi Gate of the Sariska sanctuary, the state Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma aspires to develop this historic monumental location as an eco tourism site, a forest department spokesman said.

The Maha Magha Mahotsavam, revered as the Kumbh Mela of Kerala, concluded on Tuesday night with the highly sacred Maghamakam Amritsnanam on the banks of the Bharathapuzha (Nila) river at Thirunavaya, marking the culmination of weeks of intense spiritual observances and rituals.

The grand festival began on January 16 with Pithru Bali and reached its spiritual zenith with the Amritsnanam held at the Aarti Ghat, coinciding with the rare and auspicious yoga of Makam Nakshatra and Dvitiya Tithi. Thousands of devotees, including revered Naga Sanyasis, took part in the holy bath, considered one of the most sacred rituals of the Maha Magha tradition.

According to Hindu belief, Amritsnanam symbolizes purification of the soul and the quest for immortality. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters during this divine alignment cleanses sins, facilitates liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and strengthens the seeker’s path toward spiritual awakening.

Following the Amritsnanam, Yeti Puja was performed. Yetis—ascetic monks who renounce worldly life for the preservation of Sanatana Dharma—were worshipped as spiritual guides. Devotees believe that offering reverence at the feet of enlightened monks and serving them food bestows gurutwa (spiritual clarity) and brings merit to individuals, families, and society at large.

The rituals continued with the traditional Bhandara, where abundant food was offered to ascetics. In Sanatana Dharma, a sannyasi is regarded as a living embodiment of the Divine, making the act of feeding ascetics a sacred service to God.

A striking feature of the Bhandara was the ‘Pangat’, where all participants—without distinction of status—sat together in a single row on the ground to partake in the meal. This age-old custom powerfully reflects the values of equality, humility, and human unity embedded in Sanatana Dharma.

One of the festival’s major attractions was the Nila Aarti, performed daily from 6 pm to 8 pm by Kashi pandits at a specially prepared sandbank venue on the Bharathapuzha. The illuminated river rituals drew massive crowds and became a visual and spiritual highlight of the Mahotsavam.

Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Anandavan Bharati, who led the event, described the Maha Magha Mahotsavam as a grand success. He said lakhs of devotees from across India participated, along with hundreds of Malayalis living in countries such as Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

“The banks of the Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya have become a witness to spiritual awakening and moral consciousness,” the Swami said, adding that the festival would be celebrated with even greater splendour next year. He also announced that in 2028, the Maha Magham would be organised as a Maha Kumbh Mela on the lines of Prayagraj.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor extended his greetings to the Maha Magha Mahotsavam through social media, describing it as a “beautiful cultural renaissance” and a “civilisational recovery.”

While several senior Congress leaders maintained distance from the event, Tharoor and Congress MLA Chandy Oommen stood out as prominent political figures who publicly acknowledged and greeted the festival.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and Sharad Pawar-led NCP leader Anil Deshmukh rejected the ongoing CID investigation into the air crash which killed late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and demanded a fresh probe on Tuesday.

“I support Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut’s demand for an inquiry into Ajit Dada ‘s air crash. Many senior leaders have raised doubts about this accident. Even Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal spoke yesterday. The reason given was that visibility was low, but it is not clear from the videos that have been accessed from that place. Nobody believes the reason given by the Union Ministry about visibility problems. So, this case should be investigated properly. The CID and Directorate General of Civil Aviation will investigate, but the truth can come out only if this investigation is conducted under the control of a High Court judge,” the former home minister said.

“As a former home minister, I know how the CID investigates. My demand is that the investigation should be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge. Sanjay Raut also made that demand. I support his demand. What exactly happened should come to light. If I ever meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, I will tell him that you should avoid travelling in private planes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA Amol Mitkari demanded the release of all CCTV footage of Ajit Pawar’s flight, even before the DGCA releases its black box verification report. “All video and CCTV footage of respected Ajit Dada from the main entrance of Mumbai Airport to boarding the aircraft on January 28, 2026 should be immediately officially released even before the DGCA comes out with its black box verification report,” Mitkari tweeted from his X handle on Tuesday.

Mitkari also questioned whether there were five persons on the flight which carried Ajit Pawar of six persons. He produced a burnt paper recovered from the air crash site which seems to suggest that there were six persons on the flight which carried Ajit Pawar.

“The sarpanch of the nearby village said that he saw somebody jumping out of the aircraft just before it exploded into flames. So we will have to find out whether the flight carried five people or six people,” he said on Tuesday, repeating questions he had raised earlier.

Another Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Advocate Rupali Thombre Patil also questioned the events that led to the accident. “It is being claimed that both Captain Madan and Captain Yash were stuck in traffic while the scheduled flight was at 8 am. What was the exact reason behind both of them being late at the same time? Facts regarding the sudden change of pilots have not yet been made public. This matter should be thoroughly investigated,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked, “Daal mein kuch kaala hai. (There’s something fishy). “The question remains as to why the pilot was changed at the eleventh hour. The pilot whose name was originally listed is still alive because he either couldn’t arrive on time or was replaced by another pilot named (Sumit) Kapoor.”

Wadettiwar demanded a thorough investigation to find out the “mystery behind the incident”.

Incidentally, Sumit Kapoor was the pilot-in-command on the Learjet 45 aircraft which crashed in Baramati on January 28, killing Kapoor himself, Ajit Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s security officer Vidip Jadhav, first officer Captain Shambhavi Pathak and flight attendant Pinky Mali. It has been alleged that pilots originally assigned to Ajit Pawar’s chartered flight were unable to reach the airport on time due to heavy traffic. Kapoor was then reportedly asked to step in hours before the flight was scheduled to depart from Mumbai to Baramati.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sent a strong message to high courts over the practice of reserving judgments and then failing to pronounce or upload them for months, stating that such delays strike at the very foundation of justice delivery.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipin M. Pancholi said, “This is an identifiable ailment and it needs to end. It cannot be allowed to spread more in the interest of consumers of justice,” Chief Justice Kant observed.

The Court was hearing an application highlighting delay in uploading a judgment of the Jharkhand High Court, which had been pronounced in December 2025 but was still not available to the litigants and their counsel.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the applicant, said such practices undermined public confidence in the judicial system. “Some message has to go. This is playing with the majesty of law,” he submitted.

The Bench also took note of another concerning trend—matters being repeatedly listed for “There is another trend. where arguments are done. It is again posted for further directions. Again, a ceremony happens where parties appear. Again, some arguments and then again ‘posted for next date,'” Chief Justice Kant said.

Rohatgi argued that judges should refrain from reserving matters if they are unable to deliver judgments within a reasonable time. “Why reserve matters when you cannot deliver judgments? This trend of posting cases for clarifications needs to stop,” he said,

adding that his client apprehended that the High Court’s decision may have been influenced by the litigant’s earlier approach to the Supreme Court.

Acknowledging such concerns, the Chief Justice remarked that litigants naturally develop apprehensions when faced with unexplained delays. He informed the Court that the issue would be taken up during a meeting with all High Court Chief Justices scheduled for February 7 and 8. “We will try to find a solution so that such avoidable litigation ends,” he said.

Recalling his own tenure as a High Court judge, Chief Justice Kant added, “In my 15 years as a High Court judge, never ever did we reserve a judgment and not deliver it within three months.”

The Bench directed the Jharkhand High Court to ensure that the pending judgment is made available to the parties by the end of the week. The matter has been listed for further hearing next week, when the Court indicated it may issue comprehensive directions, including a Standard Operating Procedure, to curb such delays.

Since the inception of the SIR in West Bengal, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has been targeted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over various issues. During a press conference at the Banga Bhavan on Tuesday, she hinted at a significant action against the CEC – his impeachment.

Yesterday, after exiting the ECI office here, Mamata, in a blistering attack on Gyanesh Kumar, labelled him a ‘liar’.

The chief minister held a press conference on Mangolbar at the Banga Bhavan, along with the families affected by the SIR exercise, with her nephew Abhishek Bhattacharya, the All India General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress, sitting beside her.

During the press conference, she once again voiced concerns against the indiscretion of the CEC. Subsequently, responding to questions from the journalists, she mentioned the impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar, stating, “Gyanesh Kumar has threatened and misbehaved (with the TMC delegation). The CEC is targeting the Trinamool and was pointing fingers at Abhishek. I slammed the table and said, “Do not shout. You may not be in the chair tomorrow.”

Yesterday, the CEC faced a boycott from the Bengal CM and her team during their visit to the ECI office. A day later, she upped her ante against the commission.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi too had had hinted at the impeachment of the CEC when he said if they came to power in the near future, they would devise legal provisions to take action against the incumbent CEC with retrospective effect and hold him accountable for his omissions and commissions.

Concurring with Mamata the proposal, she expressed her desire to initiate a no-confidence motion against the CEC in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha once they have the necessary numbers to remove him from office. She said she at least wants to document her efforts to bring impeachment against the CEC.

In response to a query whether there can be any future legislation to take action against the current CEC and other election commissioners, Mamata Banerjee said, “If something is genuine, practical, and for the benefit of the public, we would want him impeached. We do not have the numbers. However, impeachment is possible. There is a provision for it. A record will be made. If it acts in such a manner, we will discuss with our MPs and work together in the interest of the people. We have no objections to this.”

Why is SIR being implemented only in Bengal, and not in the BJP-ruled states? The question has already been raised by the Trinamool Congress. “Minority communities constitute 33% of the population in the state. Are you suggesting that the names of these 33% individuals should be excluded? We work for people of all religions, castes, and communities. You are unaware of how Christians celebrate their festivals in Bengal. People from all communities and religions celebrate their own festivals. During the time of the Freedom at Midnight, Gandhi was in Bengal. We honour figures like Lal, Bal, and Bhagat Singh. Why then are they targeting Bengal? The reason is that they cannot engage in a politically democratic struggle in Bengal.”

A total of 50 voters are listed as ‘deceased’ in the election commission’s records despite being alive. They have been brought to Delhi and are currently at the Banga Bhavan. On Tuesday, the chief minister arrived at the Bhavan to meet with them. From there, she launched a scathing attack on the election commission and the BJP government. Mamata sounded a warning from Banga Bhavan, “The Trinamool Congress will fight alone in Bengal.”

Highlighting the situation arising from the wake of SIR in the state, the chief minister said, “A super emergency has been prevalent in Bengal for six months under which the administration is unable to function.”

Giving a detailed account of the predicament her administration is facing, she said a significant number of government employees, teachers, and officials have been assigned the SIR responsibilities. This has also impacted administrative tasks, with discussions regarding teachers’ issues occurring even before the secondary examinations.

The SIR process is nearing completion, and the State Election Commission will soon announce the final voter list. Prior to this, the chief minister had raised concerns over the removal of names from the voter list.

During the press conference, she said, “A significant number of voters’ names have been removed from all Trinamool assembly constituencies. In the Bandar assembly constituency alone, nearly 70,000 names are excluded. It appears 100% of the Trinamool names are being removed, with perhaps one or two from other parties to save face.

The CM also mentioned that he (the CEC) was unable to answer any of their queries regarding the removal of voters’ names. “When we inquired with the commission, they claimed to be unaware of the situation. Even a murder suspect is given the opportunity to defend himself. However, the rights of a Delhi zamindar has been stripped of his right.”

“We will not give up an inch of land… If you have the power, fight democratically!” Mamata challenged the authorities from the heart of Delhi.

The Trinamool leader effectively sounded the election bugle from Delhi. In a counter-challenge to the BJP, she asserted that her party will win in even more constituencies.

After the press conference, a confident Mamata stated that she would return to Delhi after winning the elections. “I will come to Delhi after winning the elections. Then I will treat you to some good sweets,” she remarked.

Following this, with a tinge of humour, Mamata told the journalists, “Not Delhi’s laddoos.”

In response to questions from the press, Mamata made it clear that the SIR phase will have no impact on the elections in Bengal.

The journalists had asked her regarding the strategy of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming assembly elections in Bengal following the SIR. In response, Mamata stated, “We have numerous MPs, MLAs, block presidents, and booth presidents. I will not make any decisions unilaterally. We are a democratic party. We will not concede even an inch of land. Our team is very strong; we have all the accounts in order,” she said emphatically, adding, “Don’t worry, if they remove our members from the lists, then BJP supporters will vote for us.”

The chief minister directly interacted with the relatives of the affected individuals and inquired about their circumstances. On this day, the family members of the victims are also protesting while wearing black clothing. They are holding placards around their necks. The chief minister assures them that medical arrangements are in place and that if there are any health issues, two doctors can be consulted immediately. From there, the press conference commenced.

“Those who are seated behind me are all victims of the SIR. We could have brought more people. The journalists from Delhi are unaware of what is truly happening in Bengal. Just look at what is occurring in Parliament; I am not a member of Parliament, but from what I observe, see the condition of the opposition. Therefore, we thought it best for you to witness it firsthand. We have brought people regardless of their nationality, religion, or caste,” she said.

She further stated, “The commission may announce the elections this month. There are only a few months left before that, why the rush to conduct the SIR? Among the four states where elections are taking place, SIR is not being conducted in Assam. This is because there is a double-engine government there! By misusing AI, they have arbitrarily excluded 5.8 million names!”

He mentioned that he has written six letters, and our delegation has met with them—yet no resolution has been reached. He expressed respect for the highest court, so he would refrain from commenting on that. However, to protect democracy, my primary statement is that the last SIR in Bengal was conducted in 2002. Why, after 24 years, is the SIR being conducted suddenly before the elections, she asked

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) officially announced here on Tuesday that it has reported a 21% increase in its consolidated net profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 3,043 crore in the third quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26).

During the same period last year, the company’s profit stood at Rs 2,518 crore, though on a sequential basis, profit declined 2.1% from Rs 3,120.2 crore.

As per the company’s segment-wise performance, domestic ports fetched a revenue of Rs 6,701 crore, which is up by 15%, while its international ports business generated a revenue of Rs 1,067 crore, which is an increase of 20.6%. The logistics business generated a revenue of Rs 1,121 crore, which is an increase of 61.8%, while the revenue from marine services stood at Rs 773 crore, which is an increase of 90%.

The company’s revenue from operations for the quarter rose 22% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 9,705 crore, from Rs 7,964 crore in Q3FY25. Sequentially, the company’s revenue increased by 6% from Rs 9,167.4 crore.

Adani Ports’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the quarter stood at Rs 5,786 crore, which is an increase of 20% Y-o-Y.

“As India’s largest and the world’s fastest-growing integrated transport utility, APSEZ has once again delivered a strong and resilient performance. Sustained momentum across our four business pillars, combined with the consolidation of North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), has enabled us to raise the upper end of our FY26 Ebitda guidance by a robust ₹800 crore. Even after the NQXT acquisition, our leverage remains unchanged, underscoring the strength of our balance sheet and our disciplined approach to capital allocation,” APSEZ Whole Time Director & CEO Ashwani Gupta said.

Adani Defence & Aerospace, the flagship defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd and a frontrunner in India’s defence sector, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leonardo, the global leader in defence, aerospace, and security, on Tuesday.

According to the official statement, this landmark partnership will establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, addressing surging military demands and propelling the nation toward self-reliance in helicopter production.

Targeting the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements, particularly for Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters, the collaboration will deliver phased indigenisation, robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training, the statement informed.

By fusing Leonardo’s world-class helicopter design and engineering prowess with Adani Defence’s end-to-end defence and aerospace expertise, the initiative advances the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ vision, strengthens national defence readiness, with the potential to be extended to civil aviation applications and international supply chain integration, according to the Adani Group statement.

This ecosystem is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and sustainment services, while cementing India as a competitive hub for helicopter production, the statement mentioned.

Adani Defence & Aerospace Director Jeet Adani said, “This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India. Merging global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will drive enduring value, high-skill employment, and alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse”.

Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said, “With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realises our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenisation, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base”.

Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Pero Cutillo said, “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry, and to enable the country to access the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavour, leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions”.

The strategic partnership redefines India’s aerospace landscape, strengthening defence autonomy and positioning the country as a trusted global hub for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment, according to the statement.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said here on Tuesday that he fears for the life of retired army chief General M M Naravane and alleged that the BJP government could scapegoat Naravane like it did with Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Sanjay Raut said, “Rahul Gandhi tried to expose an issue related to national security. When a neighbouring country had approached India’s borders with an intention to attack, the then political leadership of our country should have taken a decision. When former army chief General M M Naravane (retired) was seeking orders on what to do, our PM and Defence Minister failed to take any decision. I feel concerned about General M M Naravane’s security now that this issue has come up. The government will surely try something against General Naravane, just like it declared activist Sonam Wangchuk a traitor, after he exposed the presence of Chinese troops in Ladakh. Therefore I am concerned about General MM Naravane’s safety and his security should be tightened”.

“On the basis of an unpublished autobiography of former Army Chief General M M Naravane, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi asked some questions to the central government. But he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. His subject was of national interest. Manoj Naravane has written everything in his book. There was no objection in presenting them before the nation. But Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh ran away after shutting down the discussion in Parliament. Now it is necessary to provide General Naravane with increased security arrangements,” Raut said.

Speaking to the media persons on Tuesday, Sanjay Raut said that Ajit Pawar’s plane crash is suspicious. “Ajit Pawar died in an air crash, but how exactly did it happen and why did it happen? The people of Maharashtra have the right to understand this mystery. The BJP people who are criticising me must understand that it is not I who raised such doubts, but even some NCP MLAs and some of their own party leaders have raised such doubts openly. I took the matter forward, because I also have some information. While going through Ajit Pawar’s old statements, I noticed that Ajit Pawar was preparing to return to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP again,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Both the NCPs were going to come together. The only people who had a problem with it were Modi, Shah and Fadnavis. If Ajit Pawar had left the BJP and gone back to Sharad Pawar, it would have been the biggest defeat for the BJP and its ‘Operation Lotus’. So was Ajit Pawar’s air crash also a part of Operation Lotus? People have asked this question. It is observed that whosoever goes against the BJP either goes to jail or loses his life,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Ajit Pawar-led NCP’s ties with the BJP may not last long because Maharashtra is moving in a different direction from the thoughts of Shahu Maharaj, Phule and Ambedkar. Ajit Pawar too had begun to become firm about this ideals and he had started speaking publicly. Ajit Pawar had said in a speech on January 15, that he had BJP’s corruption files. He kept talking about it repeatedly and said how the BJP had looted Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipalities. He gathered the files and evidence about it when he was in power. Ajit Dada said that the BJP ate money in street dog sterilisation programmes in Pimpri Chinchwad, due to which the BJP was uneasy with him,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Since Ajit Pawar was the Finance Minister of Maharashtra for many years, he had accumulated a lot of evidence, due to which internal discussions started within BJP about this. His close associates referred to these documents. All these files and all the documents and evidence were in Ajit Pawar’s possession. Ajit Pawar was probably keeping all this with him always, and he must have had some documentary evidence with him that fateful and tragic day as well. Just within half an hour of his plane taking off, there was an accident. Why does the BJP give explanations? There should be an inquiry committee appointed in this regard and it should be headed by a judge,” Raut said.

“Now even Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said that the aircraft was hovering and something must have happened before it crashed suddenly. I never said anything different. My only mistake is that I said it first. Now others are also saying it. This is not the first time Ajit Pawar has traveled by aircraft. He frequently travelled by chartered aircraft and helicopters. So the people who manage all this know about the pilots and other things. Even Amol Mitkari of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP raised several questions, along with Chhagan Bhujbal. Even some people from Ajit Pawar’s family are discussing it. I felt that this issue should come up in Parliament. So I raised it and demanded that an impartial inquiry should be held in this regard and that a committee should be appointed under the chairmanship of a judge,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Ajit Pawar-led NCP is no longer a party run by those who speak Marathi. Now vultures are going to pounce on his party. These days we see photographs of Amit Shah and Praful Patel (of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP) holding hands and hugging each other tightly displayed in the Parliament premises. That is why we are suspicious. We sincerely feel that some bad things have happened to Ajit Pawar due to BJP’s Operation Lotus policy,” Sanjay Raut said.

However, BJP’s spokesperson Navnath Ban responded to Sanjay Raut’s allegations by saying that Raut must leave politics and write scripts for web series. “Sanjay Raut, who made baseless statements that Ajit Pawar was willing to return to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, is deliberately spreading false information by writing an entertaining web series script. Raut, who made such absurd statements about Ajit Pawar, must present concrete evidence in this regard. Raut has become accustomed to making false allegations while holding the position of MP. He should quit politics and write scripts for web series,” Ban said.

Josh D’Amaro is the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

It didn’t happen overnight. It didn’t happen quietly. And it definitely didn’t happen without drama. After more than two years of guessing, boardroom whispers, and CEO déjà vu, Disney has finally picked its next boss. And the winner comes not from Hollywood studios or streaming wars, but from roller coasters, cruise ships, and castles.

The man who spent decades figuring out how families queue up for rides, buy Mickey ears, and sail on Disney cruises is now in charge of the entire Mouse House.

The big announcement that ends a long saga

On Tuesday, Disney’s board officially announced that Josh D’Amaro, currently chairman of Disney Experiences, will replace Bob Iger as CEO. The change becomes official on March 18, during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting.

This decision finally closes one of the most closely watched succession dramas in corporate America. Disney has been searching (and sometimes stumbling) toward a stable leadership plan ever since Iger first stepped down in 2020.

When D’Amaro takes over, Bob Iger won’t vanish overnight. Instead, Iger will shift into a senior adviser role and remain on Disney’s board until December 31, 2026, which will mark his full retirement from the company.

Why Josh D’Amaro? The “classic Disney” choice

At 54, Josh D’Amaro fits what many insiders call the “classic Disney CEO mold.” He is not flashy. He is not loud. He is deeply familiar with how Disney works from the ground up.

D’Amaro joined Disney in 1998, starting at Disneyland, and never really left the parks business. Over nearly three decades, he worked across marketing, operations, finance, and leadership roles that kept him close to the customer experience.

Today, he oversees 12 Disney theme parks worldwide, Disney’s entire cruise business, consumer products and retail, Walt Disney Imagineering and video games and licensing.

Most importantly, he is currently steering a $60 billion global expansion of Disney’s theme parks including a brand-new destination in Abu Dhabi marking Disney’s deeper push into the Middle East.

Bob Iger’s seal of approval

The outgoing CEO Bob Iger didn’t just approve the choice. He praised it loudly.

In his statement, Iger called D’Amaro “an exceptional leader” with an instinctive understanding of the Disney brand. He highlighted D’Amaro’s ability to balance creativity with operational discipline.

Iger said D’Amaro understands “what resonates with our audiences” while also delivering some of Disney’s most ambitious projects.

The other contender: Dana Walden’s new power role

Josh D’Amaro wasn’t the only serious contender.

For months, Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, was widely seen as the other frontrunner. Rather than losing out, Walden is now stepping into a newly created position: President and Chief Creative Officer.

Her appointment also begins on March 18, and she will report directly to D’Amaro.

Bob Iger described Walden as a leader with enormous respect from the creative community. Since joining Disney, Walden has built deep knowledge across brands, studios, and business lines, making her central to Disney’s creative future.

Inside D’Amaro’s Disney journey

Josh D’Amaro’s Disney career is a case study in internal growth.

From 1998 to 2008, he worked in sales and travel trade marketing, eventually becoming vice president of sales and travel trade marketing. During that period, he also served as director of business planning and strategy development.

In 2008, he moved into finance, becoming chief financial officer of Disney Consumer Products Licensing, a role he held for two years.

From there, his career shifted firmly into experiences and parks. In 2010, he was the vice president of Adventures by Disney, overseeing guided tours worldwide. In 2013-2014, he was the vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom during its historic expansion.

He played a key role as the park prepared for Pandora, The World of Avatar, Disney’s largest-ever theme park expansion in partnership with James Cameron

By 2014, he became senior vice president of Resort & Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Between 2017 and 2020, D’Amaro’s promotions came fast:

– Chief Commercial Officer of Walt Disney World Resort
– President of Disneyland Park in Anaheim
– President of Walt Disney World Resort

Then came 2020.

Also Read: Netflix acquires Warner Bros: Will this $72 billion deal save or shatter Hollywood?

When Bob Chapek replaced Bob Iger as CEO, D’Amaro stepped into Chapek’s former role as chairman of Disney Experiences, right as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down global tourism.

It was one of the toughest periods in Disney’s history.

As chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro became responsible for attractions, cruise ships, retail, and merchandise across parks in California, Florida, France, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

In September 2020, Disney announced the painful decision to cut 28,000 theme park jobs worldwide due to prolonged closures and financial pressure.

While many resorts reopened gradually, Disneyland in California remained shut, forcing furloughs and extended uncertainty for employees.

D’Amaro became the public face of reopening plans as restrictions eased:

– April 30, 2021: Disneyland Park in Anaheim finally reopened

– June 17, 2021: Disneyland Paris reopened after multiple shutdowns

Big bets: Abu Dhabi, cruises, and Fortnite

Beyond recovery, D’Amaro pushed growth.

Under his leadership, Disney expanded aggressively into cruise tourism. He led Disney’s investment in Epic Games, bringing Disney characters into Fortnite. He oversaw Disney’s first major park expansion into the Middle East, with a new destination under construction in Abu Dhabi

The Iger Legacy D’Amaro inherits

Josh D’Amaro takes over a company shaped heavily by Bob Iger’s vision.

Over nearly 20 years as CEO across two stints, Iger transformed Disney through bold acquisitions: Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox.

He also launched Disney+, reshaping the streaming landscape, and expanded Disney’s footprint into China with Shanghai Disney, followed by newer international pushes.

This will be Iger’s second and final exit. His first departure in 2020 led to Bob Chapek’s troubled tenure, which ended with Chapek’s firing in 2022 and Iger’s dramatic return.

This time, Disney hopes, there will be no comeback tour.

Why this choice matters

By choosing Josh D’Amaro, Disney is making a statement. It is betting on physical experiences over pure streaming battles, long-term brand trust over short-term noise, a leader shaped by guests, not algorithms.

For now, the castle has a new caretaker.

And this time, Disney is hoping the magic sticks.

The Opposition parties in Bihar have termed the state government’s Budget 2026-27 anti-people, directionless, and entirely based on the manipulation of figures. The Opposition leaders said that the budget turns its back on pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, the deteriorating condition of education and healthcare, the crisis faced by farmers, and the rising violence against women.

RJD MLA Kumar Sarvjeet termed the budget a “capitalists’ budget.” Attacking the government, he said that the same narrative has been repeated for the last 20 years. He questioned whether the budget’s scope has expanded, and why do villages still have poor drainage and roads? School infrastructure remains in bad condition, corruption is at its peak, poor children are not receiving scholarships, and there is no control over crime.

Calling the budget merely a paper exercise, RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan claimed that only the size of the budget has been increased, with no clear mention of sources of resources or a concrete blueprint to implement the announcements made.

The RJD spokesperson further alleged that this budget is nothing more than an attempt to mislead the people. He added that ”since the demands raised by the Bihar government in pre-budget meetings with the Central government were rejected, the state government is facing a serious financial crisis. Therefore, all the announcements made in today’s budget are merely cosmetic and artificial”.

CPI (ML) State Secretary Kunal alleged that once again the government has ignored the real needs of the poor, workers, farmers, students, and women, and has presented a bundle of hollow announcements and tall claims. He said ”the budget contains neither a concrete plan for creating permanent employment nor a roadmap for filling vacant government posts.

”Instead of real investment in basic sectors like education and health, the budget clearly promotes privatisation. Government schools, colleges, hostels, universities, and hospitals are continuously becoming resource-starved, yet no decisive intervention has been made for them in the budget”.

Regarding farmers, the party alleged that the government has completely failed to address fundamental issues such as the agricultural crisis, rising input costs, minimum support price, and irrigation. In the name of providing relief to farmers, the budget offers nothing beyond a repetition of old announcements.

The Left leader also alleged that the budget remains completely silent on issues such as “bulldozer rule,” displacement, and landlessness, even as thousands of poor families are being uprooted.

He said that the CPI (ML) will intensify its struggle from the streets to the legislature on public issues and launch a widespread movement against this ”anti-people budget”.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Amulya, the second among eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV), arrived Paradip on Tuesday in a step to strengthen sea-route security and surveillance along the eastern coast.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Amulya was commissioned at Goa Port on 19 December last year, said coast guard officials.

ICGS Amulya is 51 meters long FPV, designed and indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The ICG ship is a befitting example of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” with over 60% indigenous content leading to strengthening of India’s Maritime might under the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The ship displaces approx. 320 tons and is propelled by two 3000 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 28 Knots. She has an endurance of 1500 nm at economical speed.

Amulya is the second ICG ship fitted with indigenously developed two Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes offering superior manoeuvrability, operational flexibility, and enhanced performance at sea.

Its weaponaries include a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilized remote controlled (SRCG) heavy machine guns, all supported by fire control systems.

The vessel also features an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS), augmenting operational efficiency and automation.

ICGS Amulya will be based in Paradip, Odisha, under Operational and Administrative control of Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East) through Commander, Coast Guard Headquarters No. 7 (Odisha).

The FPV will be deployed for surveillance of maritime zones and undertaking other missions as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter to safeguard the maritime interests of India.

The ship has a complement of five officers and 34 enrolled personnel. The ship was received by Commander Coast Guard (Odisha) and team CGDHQ-7 at Paradip Port in a grand welcome ceremony.

A video circulating on social media claiming that “Kashmiri freedom fighters” carried out coordinated attacks on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, allegedly killing more than ten personnel, has been flagged as fake by the government, saying the footage being shared actually pertains to an old incident involving an accidental fire and a gas cylinder blast.

The footage shows flames billowing out from a building, followed by a loud explosion and the sound of people shouting, before the screen goes dark. #Breaking: Kashmiri ”freedom fighters” have reportedly launched coordinated attacks and ambushes on Indian security force posts and convoys in Kishtwar…More than ten soldiers are reported killed.” Another post claimed that coordinated attacks were launched on Indian security forces’ police stations and convoys.

The fake claims also stated that more than 10 soldiers were killed, while several others, including senior officials, have sustained critical injuries.

Another user linked the fake claim with the situation unfolding in Balochistan…In Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, Mujahideen of Kashmir attacked an Indian army post and convoy, and nearly 10 soldiers were killed, including several high-ranking officers.

“A video is being circulated on social media claiming that ‘Kashmiri freedom fighters’ carried out coordinated attacks on Indian security force posts and convoys in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than ten soldiers,” the PIB’s fact check team posted on X. “This claim is #Fake. The video being shared is old. It is related to an accidental fire and gas cylinder blast reported in August 2025 in Kishtwar,” it added.

A video is being circulated on social media claiming that ‘Kashmiri freedom fighters’ carried out coordinated attacks on Indian security force posts and convoys in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than ten soldiers

#PIBFactCheck:

❌ This claim is #Fake

✅The video… pic.twitter.com/KrykbEZH4K

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) February 3, 2026

The bureau also shared a report of the original incident, urging users not to fall for such dubious claims being circulated on social media. On August 28, 2025, a major fire in the Astanbala area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, triggered a powerful gas cylinder explosion that caused widespread panic, damaged at least five houses, and left four people injured, including one person hurt while assisting in rescue efforts.

Nearly three decades later, Bollywood is ready for a reunion nobody saw coming but everyone secretly wanted. Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna are back together, and this time, the battleground is not a war zone or a border post. It’s the courtroom. After 29 long years since ‘Border’, the two actors are set to face off in Netflix’s upcoming legal thriller ‘Ikka’. And honestly, the drama has already started before the cameras even roll properly.

A surprise announcement, minus the stars

Netflix unveiled ‘Ikka’ at a flashy event on Tuesday, creating instant buzz. But here’s the gossip twist: neither Sunny Deol nor Akshaye Khanna showed up. Fans waited. Cameras panned. Seats stayed empty.

While the reasons for their absence remain a mystery, the announcement alone was enough to set social media on fire.

Sunny Deol is back to his comfort zone

Sunny Deol has been on a full-on nostalgia ride lately, and audiences are loving it. First, he roared back in ‘Gadar 2’. Then he slipped into uniform again for ‘Border 2’. Now, he’s returning to another iconic avatar: the lawyer.

And how can anyone hear “Sunny Deol as a lawyer” without instantly thinking of ‘Damini’? That legendary courtroom outburst of “Tareekh pe Tareekh!” still gives Bollywood fans goosebumps. While there’s no confirmation yet if ‘Ikka’ will give him another whistle-worthy monologue, one thing is clear that Sunny Deol is stepping back into the courtroom, and he means business.

Enter Akshaye Khanna, the perfect opponent

If Sunny Deol represents raw fire, Akshaye Khanna brings icy calm. Known for his intense eyes, controlled acting, and morally complex characters, Akshaye is the perfect counterbalance to Sunny’s larger-than-life presence.

Also Read: How did Akshaye Khanna go from being forgotten to becoming the most celebrated actor of 2025?

Their reunion after ‘Border’ feels less like a casting decision and more like destiny.

In ‘Ikka’, the two don’t just share screen space. They collide. This is not a friendly reunion. This is a full-blown ideological war.

About ‘Ikka’

Netflix is calling ‘Ikka’ a high-stakes legal thriller. But it’s much more than just court arguments and legal jargon. At the heart of the story is celebrated lawyer played by Sunny Deol. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t bend rules, no matter the cost.

Until life forces him to.

His world turns upside down when he is pressured into defending a murder accused, a man whose career he had once completely destroyed. That man is played by Akshaye Khanna. The past between them is dark, personal, deeply painful. It involves not just professional rivalry but emotional scars linked to the lawyer’s wife and family.

Trapped with no escape, the lawyer is forced to break every principle he once stood for. Winning the case becomes matter of survival. Losing it means losing everything he loves.

‘Ikka’ cast

Apart from Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, ‘Ikka’ boasts an impressive supporting cast. Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shishir Sharma, Akansha Ranjan, and Jyoti are all on board.

‘Ikka’ is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra and written by Althea Kaushal and Mayank Tewari. The series is produced under the banner of Alchemy Films by Siddharth P Malhotra and Sapna Malhotra, with Sapna also serving as executive producer.

‘Ikka’ release date

The release date is still under wraps.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the central government, saying the Narendra Modi government has entered into a trade deal under pressure from the United States, which will cripple the country’s farmers and directly burden the common people with inflation.

He termed it a “decision that mortgages the country’s self-respect.”

In a statement issued by the party on Tuesday, Sanjay Singh said that the details of this agreement came to light not from the Indian government, but from a tweet by the US President, which shows that important economic decisions for India are now being made in Washington.

He alleged that the way has been opened to buy oil from the US and Venezuela instead of Russia, even though American oil is expensive and Venezuelan oil is of lower quality. This will affect the prices of petrol, diesel, and everyday necessities.

Regarding farmers, he said that the decision to impose zero duty on agricultural products coming from the US will prove fatal for Indian agriculture. This will allow American cotton, wheat, and vegetables to enter the Indian market at cheaper prices, leaving domestic farmers without buyers for their crops. He claimed that 70-80 crore people in the country are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, and this decision is an attack on the livelihood of millions of families.

The AAP leader warned that if this trade deal is not withdrawn and the decisions against farmers and the general public are not reversed, his party will launch a widespread movement from the streets to Parliament. He said that the country’s farmers are not weak and the government should not underestimate their strength.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been given the role of guardian minister for both Pune and Beed districts, according to the Maharashtra government’s General Administration Department (GAD), which released an official circular to formalise the decision on Tuesday.

“I accept this responsibility with a heavy heart but a firm resolve. The values of duty and commitment to the people that Ajit Dada taught me will be my guiding light as I serve these districts,” Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar stated after the official announcement.

However, sources said that the decision to give the additional charge to Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar is part of a damage control exercise by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has “temporarily” kept the strategic finance portfolio with him, which used to be with the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

According to Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Praful Patel, who is known to be close to the BJP, “Ajit Pawar used to hold the finance portfolio. We had a discussion about it with Chief Minister Fadnavis, who said that Sunetra Pawar has been newly appointed to the Maharashtra government. It will take some time for her to understand the rest of the process”.

“The Chief Minister said that the Maharashtra state budget will be presented in a few days. Presenting the budget is not just a matter of talking. It has to be discussed thoroughly. and questions have to be answered. The process of preparing the budget is also a long one. Ajit Pawar had a lot of experience with the finance portfolio, and so he never faced any problem. But since the state budget day is very near, Sunetra Pawar, who is new to the cabinet, should not end up facing any technical difficulties while handling a big responsibility like the budget. Therefore, the Chief Minister will be handling the finance portfolio for some time, and he has taken up this responsibility,” Praful Patel said.

Responding to allegations that Sunetra Pawar was hastily appointed, Praful Patel said, “Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif and other senior leaders took this decision together. We had met Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar as well. The public and workers felt that a person from the Pawar family should take up this responsibility, and accordingly, this decision was taken”.

As Guardian Minister for Pune and Beed, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar will have direct oversight of regions that were central to Ajit Pawar’s political identity and legacy. As the Pawar family’s home turf, Pune was the engine of Ajit Pawar’s influence, and Sunetra Pawar’s role here would be to oversee major infrastructure projects that he had initiated, sources said.

Before Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, it was her late husband, Ajit Pawar, who was the Guardian Minister of Pune and Beed districts between 2004 and 2014. The position of Guardian Minister is not just administrative but also deeply political. During this time, Ajit Pawar expanded the NCP’s base throughout the district. The Guardian Minister’s position allows a leader to remain in direct contact with the public and strengthen their influence by getting local leaders to carry out their work. The appointment of Sunetra Pawar in districts like Pune and Beed is seen as a major effort to maintain the Pawar family’s political dominance.

The position of Guardian Minister is a very special one in Maharashtra’s administrative system. Typically, a minister in the state cabinet is appointed the “guardian” of his or her own district or another district. If a district lacks a representative in the cabinet, this responsibility is assigned to an outside minister. A minister may also be in charge of more than one district. This position serves as a strong link between district development and administration. The Guardian Minister is the person responsible for ensuring the strict implementation of government schemes at the district level.

Also, the Guardian Minister is legally the ex-officio chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC). According to the Constitution of India, the existence of a DPC is mandatory in every district. This committee is always headed by the Guardian Minister. Its primary function is to coordinate between the panchayats and municipalities. Whether it’s water distribution or infrastructure development, every major decision requires the Guardian Minister’s approval. Plans for the proper use of natural resources and environmental protection are also passed through the DPC.

The Guardian Minister has extensive powers regarding the district budget and oversees the combined budget of all local bodies in the district. The Guardian Minister is responsible for preparing and passing a common draft budget for the district’s development. The Guardian Minister reviews budget expenditure every three months and oversees the proper use of funds received from the central and state governments, besides directly deciding how much money will be spent in which area of the district.

In a metropolis like Pune, the role of the Guardian Minister is even more significant. Here, the Guardian Minister chairs the canal committee meeting, which decides the proportion of dam water allocated for drinking, agriculture, and industry. The Guardian Minister also plays a key role in solving the city’s waste management problems and acquiring land for mega-projects like highways and airports, besides overseeing arrangements for major events like the Ashadhi Ekadashi Palkhi procession and the Ganesh Utsav.