CPL 2026 to feature new Jamaica-based franchise
There was no franchise from Jamaica in the last two editions of the Caribbean Premier League
T20 WC: Mother Doesnt Know Who To Support India Or South Africa, Says Albie Morkel
T20 World Cup: When India takes on South Africa in the Super Eights clash of 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22, Mariana Morkel may be the most conflicted cricket fan on the planet at that time. At her home in Pretoria, Mariana will be torn in supporting either South Africa, the country which Albie Morkel represented as a player in one Test, 58 ODIs and 50 T20Is and is now their consultant coach for the ongoing Mens T20 World Cup or India, where her younger son Morne Morkel, who played for the Proteas in 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is, serves as their bowling coach. When asked in the pre-match press conference ahead of their Group D clash against the UAE at the Arun Jaitley Stadium if hes exchanged coaching notes with Morne, Albie said, No, we don't talk to each other. I think my mother, she's more worried than us. She doesn't know who to support, India or South Africa. With South Africa already through to Super Eights, Morkel declared that the real tournament will begin now, insisting that the Proteas' passage through the group stage was merely the first box to be ticked on what he expects to be a demanding road to winning the title. I think the World Cup really starts now, even though we had a tough group. Now you face India, possibly Australia or Zimbabwe and the West Indies in our group. So it's really tough. It's going to be all good games. Yes, there will be more pressure on those games because as you move later towards the playoffs. But I feel we've got a very experienced group of bowlers and batting is better so guys that have been exposed to that whether it's an IPL or other leagues or in international cricket is a little bit different. But guys that can handle that pressure - they actually will thrive in those circumstances where there's a bit more pressure on the games - so not too worried, he added. The former seam-bowling all-rounder was also careful in not being carried away and thinking that this is the time for the Proteas to go one step further after runners-up finish in 2024. I don't like to make statements about it. I think we were in a very tough group. That game against Afghanistan still gives me nightmares and it could have gone anyway. So now I guess the first box is ticked - getting through to the next stage. To me, the World Cup starts now. Every game will be a tough game, and luckily we'll be in Ahmedabad again where we sort of are used to the conditions now - so, let's see. Morkel, who was brought into the Proteas setup specifically for this tournament as a consultant coach, had previously been Namibias assistant coach and was even the power-hitting coach for Bangladesh. He described his time so far in the South Africa set-up as a mix of everything. It's been an interesting term, a specialist consultant. I had to figure it out myself a little bit. But I guess it's anything it takes to help the team do well in the World Cup. So do a bit of both, batting, and fielding, mostly focus around the bowling for now and do some work with the lower order batters, around their swing and stuff like that, he said. As a player, Morkel excelled in dealing with pressure situations. But now with him on the other side of the rope, he spoke thoughtfully about his coaching philosophy which has a lot of influence from how Stephen Fleming has coached Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. Morkel played for CSK from 2008 to 2013 and won two titles with the franchise. Initially when I started my coaching career, you still coach as a player. If you want to make a difference, but you can't be on the field and you have to accept that fact and work out ways because players are under pressure anyway. If you as a coach want to make a difference in their games all the time, that doesn't help anyway. So it's sort of finding that middle ground where you try to help, but you're also not, as a coach, put pressure on players as they know what they're doing. If it's real technical things, then you can work at it, but not during tournament. Initially when I started my coaching career, you still coach as a player. If you want to make a difference, but you can't be on the field and you have to accept that fact and work out ways because players are under pressure anyway. If you as a coach want to make a difference in their games all the time, that doesn't help anyway. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He's one of the only coaches, or maybe the only coach in the world who's been at a franchise for 17 years. That's unheard of and it must mean he does something right. I'll certainly learn a lot from him, yes, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Bhooth Bangla BTS: Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan reunite on set
Not only have Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan laid the foundation for major comedy franchises, but they are now gearing up for yet another one with Bhooth Bangla
Predator: Badlands, the seventh installment, is now available on Jio Hotstar in India, offering a darker, more emotional take on the franchise. The film follows a Yautja outcast, Dek, who crash-lands on a hostile planet and must prove himself by hunting an apex predator, forming an alliance with a damaged android along the way.
Gambhir Offered IPL Return, Set To Be Approached For Role Of CEO By Franchise
Gautam Gambhir is currently overseeing India's T20 World Cup title defence, with the team already through to the Super Eight stage.
Jumanji 3: Dwayne announces WRAP for Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito has wrapped filming for the upcoming 'Jumanji 3'. Dwayne Johnson shared a touching tribute to his co-star. Production began in November 2025, with the film set to bring back franchise regulars and the young actors from previous instalments.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty has urged the Election Commission to reopen the ECInet portal. This is to allow uploading of documents for voters whose hearings concluded on February 13th or 14th. The portal closure risks excluding many valid voters from the electoral roll. This could prevent them from exercising their franchise.
T20 WC: With An All-round Show In New Delhi, Azmatullah Omarzai Highlights His Value Yet Again
T20 World Cup: In Afghanistans heartbreaking loss to South Africa via a double Super Over, Azmatullah Omarzai had a decent performance -- scoring 16 with the bat in the first Super Over. But when he was tasked to bowl in the second one, Omarzai was taken to cleaners, conceding 23 runs, including three sixes, as Afghanistan lost the match they had in their grasp. In the run-up to the clash against the UAE in New Delhi, where Afghanistan needed to win to end their winless run and keep their slim hopes of making it to the Super Eights alive, Omarzais numbers with the ball were mixed he was his sides highest wicket-taker with four scalps, but conceded 40-plus runs in both matches at an economy rate of 10.3. But the thing about elite sportspersons is, when it matters the most, they step up with their best performance to carry the team to victory, and Omarzai did exactly that on Monday picking 4-15 and hitting 40 not out with the bat to give Afghanistan their first win of this competition. It also made Omarzai only the third player in this competitions history, after Dwayne Bravo and Shakib Al Hasan, to claim a four-wicket haul and hit a 30-plus score in the same match. Azmat is no doubt one of the best in this cricketing world and in this generation. The way Azmat dominates in the team, not only in bowling, but also in batting and fielding efforts, he is one of the best now in the world of cricket, whether it is a 50-hour or 20-over game and he is something different, Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib replied to a query from IANS in the mixed zone at the conclusion of the game, when asked about Omarzai. The first ball of this match was a beauty slanting away from a good length as Aryansh Sharma gave it a chase and edged behind. The only question was whether Rahmanullah Gurbaz got his gloves underneath it before the ball made contact with the turf. But Paul Reiffel decided he had not, and Sharma survived, but the danger of the movement generated by Omarzai was there. The next ball beat Aryansh, while the other one after that was a touch shorter and moved across. But the fourth one from Omarzai enticed Aryansh to go for the pull, but it came too early, and the under-edge was taken cleanly by Gurbaz, giving Omarzai his first wicket. Naib, who has seen Omarzai develop from a promising youngster to being one of the mainstays in the team, revealed how he asked him to pick five wickets in New Delhi. When we were talking in the morning, and Rashid (Khan, Afghanistan captain) was standing alongside, I told him that, Azmat, I need 5 wickets from you and he was looking at me like anything. I said that because he has done it, and in the Champions Trophy, he took five wickets against England in Lahore and made runs too, which gave us that indication. Our job as senior players is to give positive energy to the players. When he was bowling and took a wicket in the first over, I said, One down, I need four more wickets. You can say this to a youngster, as the way Azmat is doing for our cricket, Ibrahim Zadran, Gurbaz, Darvish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, every country needs players like this. But luckily, our talent is not limited by our facilities, and we are the best team in terms of talent due to players like Azmat, he added. On a pitch that had early morning moisture, but not much of outright assistance for the bowlers, UAE got into the rebuilding act thanks to an 84-run partnership between Alishan Sharafu and Sohaib Khan, with the latter's 48-ball 68 putting them on course for a winning total until Omarzai had his say. In the 15th over, not quite fitting into the definition of the death overs phase, but it was a time when Afghanistan needed to claw back into the match. Omarzais twist came when he squared up Syed Haider as he backed away and then kissed the top of the off stump. He then bowled a full one that Harshit Kaushik had to swish at and edged behind, but the real sucker punch was in the 19th over, when he dismissed Sohaib with a bumper and got him out for 68, something which denied UAE a good finishing flourish, as seen from their final five overs being 46/4. That's a huge area at the moment. Certainly, here in a small field like here at Delhi, it's quite tough and the quick outfield. So you've got to get it right. Azmats boldness was crucial. There were areas where we bowled earlier on that we were nowhere near up to standard with the newer ball. But at the end, you could see when you get it right, and you bowl to your plan, it's actually quite tough, certainly on these wickets. The thing for me is that Ahmedabad is very different from Delhi. It can't just be one thing or one trick. You've got to be able to have those variations, and Azmat was able to do that today, and that's what turned the game. If they'd gone on and scored an extra 10 runs in the last two overs, it would have been a very different game. So that's what I said to the guys at drinks break after 14 overs - that we got to limit them here and make the job easier for ourselves in the second innings because chasing on this outfield and this pitch certainly is going to be tricky. Yes, it's quick, but the pitch is starting to wear a little bit after use. We got a few things right, and I'm happy about that, said head coach Jonathan Trott, while replying to a query from IANS in the post-game press conference. In all, three of Omarzais four scalps came via the hard lengths, as his spell ensured Afghanistan had their best performance with the ball in the back-end, especially after that gut-wrenching loss to South Africa. In terms of professional players like Azmat, sometimes you have good days and bad days. But the atmosphere of the team, the management, and the coaching staff backed us up well. No doubt, the head coach was saying the same thing he talks when in losses. But after that, he just said, I am very happy with you today, and the effort you put in was unbelievable. We kept losing, but it was the coach's words that gave us more positive energy. But Azmat, no doubt on him, because this is the sign of big players. The way they fall, they do know how to get up. The style and type of bowler he is - out-swing, in-swing, and with a new ball, he has bowled this length more than in the starting. When we talk about the captain or the team management, we talk about it's his job, and he has always delivered. Today, in these conditions, which were totally suitable for batting and the way he came back in the second spell, I saw all of it because I was standing at a point where he beat the batters. But I think he is one of the toughest bowlers because it's not easy to play him on the nets. He is a special talent, elaborated Naib. His effectiveness in different phases of the innings spoke to his evolution as a fast bowler. Trott later raved about the work Omarzai had to put in to refine his death bowling skills. We've seen his development over the last year, certainly while I've been here. From a very young player now known around the world, obviously ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year, and that doesn't happen by accident. So, a very good and very important player for us. His development with the national side has been huge, but also aided by playing in a few franchise leagues around the world. Certainly, this format has aided his development and sped that up. But I think he's going to be a very, very good cricketer for quite a while. I know he's thought of very highly around the world about other players and coaches. That's exciting, and he's a great player to have, and I enjoy coaching him. He's a real good character, likes to learn, and all three facets of the game are very good, he said. But his contribution in the run-chase spoke not merely of his skills as a world-class all-rounder, but also of the bounce-back ability that has been forged over years of competitive cricket. A six over long-off evaporated the pressure when Afghanistan needed 28 runs off 18 balls, and then another six over extra cover, an even better shot, pulling them out of troubled waters. I know he's thought of very highly around the world about other players and coaches. That's exciting, and he's a great player to have, and I enjoy coaching him. He's a real good character, likes to learn, and all three facets of the game are very good, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For years, as Afghanistan rose through the ranks of international cricket from a plucky side to giant killers and now competitive mainstays, spin duo Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, along with Gurbaz, have shouldered the responsibility of being this teams principal match-winners. Now one can safely put Omarzais name in that select club, as he provided plenty of proof of that on Monday. Article Source: IANS
ByteDance promises to tighten up its new AI video generator after viral Cruise vs. Pitt clip
ByteDance released Seedance 2.0 less than a week ago and enraged artists everywhere with a viral clip AI-generated clip of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting . Unsurprisingly, the AI video-making tool has reportedly already received multiple cease-and-desist letters around copyright infringement. Now, it appears ByteDance is going to curb the new media generator's use of prohibited content. In a statement to the BBC , ByteDance said, We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorised use of intellectual property and likeness by users. It added that the company espects intellectual property rights and we have heard the concerns regarding Seedance 2.0. However, when pressed for more information on exactly how they would do this, ByteDance didn't respond. ByteDance's vague pledge follows a cease-and-desist letter from the Walt Disney Company on Friday. Disney claimed that Seedance 2.0 uses a pirated library of Disney's copyrighted characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and other Disney franchises, as if Disney's coveted intellectual property were free public domain clip art. Disney included example videos that included its copyrighted characters, such as Spider-Man and Darth Vader. Paramount Skydance has also reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance to stop Seedance 2.0 from using its materials, according to the BBC . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/bytedance-promises-to-tighten-up-its-new-ai-video-generator-after-viral-cruise-vs-pitt-clip-112941384.html?src=rss
Furkat Kasimovs Advice To Indias Biggest CEOs: AI Marketing Is Becoming An Operating System
Furkat Kasimov does not begin his thinking about AI in marketing with creativity. He begins with scale, governance, and trust. In his view, the fundamentals of marketing remain unchanged. Marketing has not changed, Kasimov said. The job is still to earn attention and trust. What has changed is the unit of execution. It is moving from one campaign for everyone to millions of variations that still feel human. At the centre of his thesis is authorized synthetic media, which many people still casually call deepfakes. He argues that for India Inc, it is a production capability that can turn distribution footprint and language diversity into a compounding advantage. Synthetic Media Moves Into Mainstream Advertising One of the best examples remains Mondelezs Cadbury Celebrations campaign built with Ogilvy, where local retailers could generate localized ads featuring Shah Rukh Khan as their ambassador. The APAC Effie winner brief reports a 7.3% uplift in brand consideration and 35% sales growth during the period. Kasimovs point is that synthetic media is no longer niche. It is moving into mainstream advertising. That is exactly why CEOs must treat it as both an opportunity and a governance problem. Why India Is the Ideal Test Market Indias challenge is also its advantage: many languages, many city tiers, and deep distribution networks. For conglomerates with dealer networks, franchise partners, branch footprints, and vast channel ecosystems, Kasimov believes the upside is the ability to ship local relevance without reshoots, travel, or constant creative bottlenecks. The winners will be the companies that treat AI as a production factory with controls, he said. Not as a creative toy. The Digital Legacy Question Once companies see what synthetic media can do with living ambassadors, the next question arrives quickly: Can a brand responsibly use a figure who has passed away but remains deeply trusted? In India, few names trigger more immediate respect across generations than J. R. D. Tata and Ratan Tata, who remain symbols of institution-building and values-led leadership. Across cultures, the emotional power is equally obvious. Kasimov pointed to examples of icons whose voices and faces remain instantly recognizable and widely respected, including singers Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, and cinema legends like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Sridevi, and Irrfan Khan. The point, he stressed, is emotional familiarity, deployed with permission and restraint. A Provocative Fintech Example When the discussion turns to regulated industries, Kasimov offers a hypothetical example involving someone like Nithin Kamath, the founder and CEO of Zerodha. If a brokerage wanted to communicate long-term investing values at scale, he suggested exploring whether it would be possible to license a digital avatar of the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala from his estate, with strict guardrails and clear disclosure. Jhunjhunwala is often described as Indias best-known stock investor. Kasimov framed it as a trust and education play, not a hot stock tip machine: a short, consistent set of investor-safety messages tailored by language and region, delivered by an icon associated with conviction and long-term optimism. He also immediately flagged the hard part: compliance. Financial advertising in India has specific rules and exchange codes around stock-broker advertising, and these can include constraints around celebrity or influencer participation and how ads may influence trading decisions. Any such campaign would require full legal and compliance sign-off, disclosure discipline, and platform verification processes that have been tightening in response to fraud. The CEO Checklist Kasimov Keeps Repeating Kasimovs guidance is consistent across sectors: treat synthetic media like IP. Secure explicit rights, including estate agreements for posthumous usage, and define hard limits on what the persona can and cannot say. Assume the reputational bar is higher than the legal bar. If it cannot survive daylight scrutiny, do not do it. The goal is not to trick anyone, Kasimov said. Deepfakes got their name from the worst use case. The enterprise use case is authorized, governed, and designed to create relevance at scale.
Bajaj Finance Offers Instant Personal Loans with Quick and Easy Approval Process
Bajaj Finance Limited, one of Indias leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), continues to offer instant personal loans with quick and hassle-free approvals, enabling customers to apply for personal loan quickly and conveniently through its advanced digital platform. This efficient lending experience reflects the companys ongoing commitment to simplifying access to credit through technology-driven financial solutions. Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan With rising financial requirements driven by changing lifestyles, emergency expenses, education needs, and travel plans, customers increasingly seek faster and more convenient funding options. Bajaj Finance addresses this demand by offering a seamless, digital loan journey that ensures quick approvals, minimal documentation, and quick disbursal, all through a secure and user-friendly interface. Fast and convenient loan application process The approval process is supported by advanced analytics and verification tools. These capabilities enable customers to apply for personal loan online and receive quick eligibility decisions, eliminating long processing delays. By simplifying the borrowing experience, Bajaj Finance ensures that customers can manage urgent financial requirements without procedural hurdles or extended waiting periods. Personal loan app for seamless access Customers can access instant personal loan services through the personal loan app , which offers a smooth and integrated borrowing experience. The app allows users to explore personalised loan offers, check eligibility, submit applications, and manage repayments from a single digital platform. Designed with simplicity and ease of navigation in mind, the app enables applicants to complete the entire loan process within minutes. The platform also provides access to EMI calculators, repayment schedules, and account management tools, ensuring transparency and convenience throughout the loan lifecycle. Key features of Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans come with a range of customer-focused features that support affordability, flexibility, and ease of access: Loan amounts starting from Rs. 40,000 and extending up to Rs. 55 lakh, subject to eligibility Flexible repayment tenures ranging from 12 months to 96 months Competitive interest rates designed to suit diverse borrower profiles Minimal documentation requirements Quick disbursal directly to the customers registered bank account These features enable individuals to apply for personal loan confidently, ensuring that financial support is both timely and convenient. Designed to address diverse financial needs The instant personal loan offering is structured to cater to a broad spectrum of financial requirements. Customers can use the funds for medical treatments, higher education, wedding planning, travel expenses, home renovation, lifestyle upgrades, or debt consolidation. By offering flexible loan amounts and repayment options, Bajaj Finance allows customers to select EMI plans that align with their income flow and financial goals. This approach encourages responsible borrowing while providing the flexibility needed to manage both planned and unexpected expenses effectively. Simple process to apply for personal loan online The digital process to apply for personal loan through Bajaj Finance is designed to be straightforward and efficient: To get started, the applicant can visit the Personal Loan page on the Bajaj Finserv website and click on APPLY. They will need to enter their 10-digit mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to their phone. Next, they can fill in the application form with basic details related to their loan requirement. After that, they can click on PROCEED to move to the loan selection page. Here, they can enter the loan amount they need and choose from the available personal loan variants. They can then select a comfortable repayment tenure, ranging from 12 months to 96 months, and click on PROCEED. Finally, they need to complete the KYC process and submit the application online. This streamlined journey eliminates the need for branch visits, lengthy documentation, or complex procedures, offering a hassle-free borrowing experience. Enabling financial planning and stability Instant personal loans also support better financial planning by providing predictable repayment schedules and flexible tenures. Customers can structure their EMIs to align with monthly budgets, helping them maintain financial discipline while meeting personal and professional goals. By offering quick access to credit combined with flexible repayment options, Bajaj Finance helps individuals manage short-term cash flow gaps and long-term financial commitments with greater confidence. *Terms and conditions apply About Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL, Bajaj Finance, or the Company), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.
Body of Indian migrant reaches home four months after death in Saudi Arabia
Ranchi: The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhands Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said. Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Legends League Cricket franchises spend Rs 30.56 crore at player auction; 97 cricketers signed
Legends League Cricket concluded its player auction with six franchises spending 30.56 crore to sign 97 players for the upcoming season. Teams still have 9 crore left in their purses for direct signings in the coming weeks.
Actor Prajesh Kashyap played the role of the antagonist in Mardaani 3. His performance grabbed everyone's attention in the Rani Mukerji starrer. The Free Press Journal recently interacted with Prajesh, and spoke to him about the response he has received for his performance, experience of working with Rani and more... What response are you getting for a performance in Mardani 3? I'm getting a lot of love, a lot of hate-filled love or love-filled hate. I don't know what bracket to put it in, but people are saying things like, 'We love to hate you'. It's really overwhelming. People from all over the world are writing to me, and they are being so expressive about what they thought of the character and the way they understood the character. It's absolutely amazing when your work reaches people, and they are able to interpret it and speak about it in such beautiful and articulate ways. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prajesh Kashyap (@prajeshkashyap_) How was your experience of working with Rani Mukerji? Were you nervous while sharing screen space with her? I was, of course, very nervous, and I knew that I was getting the opportunity to work with a legend of Indian cinema. So I had to prepare myself. I had to work very hard. I had to be fully ready to do what was expected and demanded of me. And at the same time, I have faith in my ability and my confidence as an actor. It was an absolute delight to work with her. It was an experience where I had to pinch myself constantly and be like, 'this is happening', 'this is real'. She's such a joy to work with. There is so much to learn from her. It was absolutely lovely. It was, of course, a moment of being completely starstruck and in awe of her. But it was a sheer delight. It was amazing. We got along very well. We eased out very well, and a lot of that credit goes to her because she made sure that I was feeling comfortable and that we were having a good time. And at the same time, being extremely focused, dedicated and committed to our work. Rani Mukerji Poses With Vishal Jethwa & Huma Qureshi At Mardaani 3 Mumbai Screening; Rekha Holds Ahaan Panday Close A few days ago, Rekha ji saw the movie, and you shared a picture with her from the screening. How was it to meet her, and what did she say about your performance? It will be one of the most cherished experiences of my life. Rekha ji is a god. She's an icon. She's an actor, a performer and a star par excellence. She did not recognise me after the screening because my look had changed a lot. I had shaved. I was in a very different look, and I was standing very quietly in a corner. She was about to go, and she was meeting everyone very kindly and very graciously. And then she came to me, and she said, 'Rekha', and I said, 'ma'am I am Prajesh'. She was very surprised. She said, 'Oh my God'. She recognised me, and then she just said some beautiful words about my performance, which I will always keep close to my heart. She was very happy and extremely generous in her feedback. She very graciously said, let's take a picture. It's also something that I don't want to talk a lot about because I feel like it is a very personal moment. Even when I'm talking to you right now, my heart is pumping so fast. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prajesh Kashyap (@prajeshkashyap_) Tahir Raj Bhasin in Mardaani and Vishal Jethwa in Mardaani 2 had impressed one and all. Was there any pressure of comparison while shooting for the film? I think that I would not call it pressure. But I would say there was a sense of responsibility that this is a part of a franchise that is so celebrated and loved amongst people, and has had some outstanding performances. I think both Tahir and Vishal are just absolutely incredible. So, I never really looked at it as pressure because I think that if I had thought of that pressure, I don't think I would have been able to perform. My energy and effort would have gone into the comparison, and not into giving my 200 per cent. So I was, of course, aware of it. I'm a fan of Vishal and Tahir, especially after what Vishal has done in Homebound. You were working in the content department of a brand earlier. So, how did acting happen? I have dabbled with a lot of things over the last decade. I've primarily been doing theatre for the last 10 years and professionally for the last eight years. In the meantime, I've made music, and I've done content writing. You know, because you have to keep sure that you're busy and some money is coming in, and you're occupied because acting is an uncertain job. So, this was during COVID, actually. During COVID, I had taken up a job; I was writing content, and I was enjoying it. But, I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to be an actor. I was waiting for the right opportunity. So, I've had many experiences. I've done a lot of different things, and that has made me the person I am. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prajesh Kashyap (@prajeshkashyap_) That Moment Is Going To Be Close To My Heart Forever: Mardaani 3 Actress Janki Bodiwala On Winning The National Award Along With Shah Rukh Khan & Rani Mukerji | Exclusive So, how has life changed after Mardaani 3, not just on social media, but in reality? Have people started recognising you when you go out? I have been to the theatres twice. Once with my family, once with my friends, and some people recognised me, and it was absolutely lovely. Because these are people whom I have never met, and they give unconditional love and praise your work. It's almost like they accept you. You know, they make you feel like you are a part of them. So, that has happened. I was having dinner with my friends the other day at a restaurant, and there was a couple sitting next to us, and that guy was a bit confused. So, he was telling his friend 'I think this is that guy'. And then I just looked at him, and I said, 'Yes, it is me'. And then they just lost it; they were so excited. They got pictures clicked. So, it's just very special. I'm enjoying it, and I have absolutely no complaints.
Rohit Saraf To NOT Play Ranjha In Imtiaz Ali's Heer Ranjha, Reports 'Untrue'
Filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali announced their next collaboration - an adaptation of the legendary folk love story Heer Ranjha on Valentine's Day. The project instantly created buzz among movie lovers eager to see the timeless romance reimagined on the big screen. Soon after the announcement, reports began circulating about the films casting. A story published by Variety India claimed that actor Rohit Saraf had been finalised to play the role of Ranjha. The report stated, While the cast has not been officially announced, Variety India has exclusively learned that Rohit Saraf is locked to play Ranjha. The news sparked celebration among Rohits fans, especially given his popularity in romantic roles. However, fresh developments suggest that the casting has not yet been confirmed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Suresh Saraf (@rohitsaraf) According to sources close to the films development, the claims about Rohit being locked in are incorrect. Hindustan Times has learned that the actor is not currently attached to the project and that the casting process is still underway. The source clarified that no final decision has been made and that an official announcement regarding the lead actors will be made in due course. Rohit, who gained wide recognition with Netflixs Mismatched, has built a strong image as a romantic lead. His filmography also includes projects like Ishq Vishk Rebound, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and Feels Like Ishq. Rohit has also not reacted to the reports yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balaji Motion Pictures (@balajimotionpictures) Heer Ranjha will serve as the second chapter of the beloved Laila Majnu franchise. According to the makers, Rooted in classic romance yet shaped for today's time, Heer Ranjha reimagines love for a new generation, promising a poetic and emotionally immersive cinematic experience. The title reveal has already sparked strong excitement among fans of the Laila Majnu franchise. In a statement, Ektaa said that Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali have the rare ability to capture love with honesty and depth, adding that while Laila Majnu found its audience over time and became a cult classic, Heer Ranjha is a love story that aims to transcend time and emotions and connect with audiences across the Indian diaspora and beyond. Video: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Announces New Film Jai Somanth On Maha Shivratri, To Be Directed By Ketan Mehta While, Imtiaz said, Heer Ranjha has its own world and rhythm - it speaks the love language of this generation while staying rooted in something eternal. Collaborating with Ektaa again feels like a natural continuation of a shared emotional language. As of now, the release date of the film has not been revealed.
Real To Reel! How True Events Are Turned Into Bollywood Blockbuster
Along with the biopics, we now have a substantial assembly of movies that are based on real happenings and events, not necessarily only the patriotic kind. Some overlap with the biopic genre, as they primarily focus on one lead character, like the Kesari franchise , Maidaan, Haq, Ikkis or Gold . But most such films, like the recent Dhurandhar and the forthcoming Hum Hindustani (on the first-ever Indian general elections held in 1951), are more about specific happenings, whether within a short while or over a long period (as in the former movie). Films like Border, Superboys of Malegaon, The Kerala Story, Talvar, No One Killed Jessica, Mission Mangal, 83, URIThe Surgical Strike, The Ghazi Attack, Jolly LLb, Special 26 and Maharaj present real-life sagas across genres. Creation, Research and Dramatization How do filmmakers conduct the research needed for such projects, that may cover patriotic (war, espionage or unsung heroes), political, sports or social events? Says Vivek Agnihotri, who has directed reality-based sagas like Buddha in a Traffic Jam, The Tashkent Files, The Kashmir Files, The Vaccine War and The Bengal Files , We have a very good research team and we spend two or three years on it, doing primary, secondary and tertiary levels of research. He explains, Primary is when we meet the people who are or were directly involved. Secondary means authentic documentation, including government documentation and literature available, while tertiary refers to those who were indirectly involved, or newspaper items and all that. How then is the script written from all the collected material, keeping a healthy balance between characters and the story? I try to keep my films as authentic as possible, and nobody in the world can say that the key points are wrong or not real. In fact, in these five films I have made, I challenge anybody to say that what I have shown is not correct or factual! But what about the necessary dramatization? We have to do it as we are not making a documentary. But that should also be done around facts and reality. But in the primary research, has it been ever found that someone is not telling the truth, or is exaggerating? Everything we show has to be collaborated with the literature, history and documentation! he assures. Says Rahul Dholakia, who is directing Hum Hindustani , Research is something that gives authenticitythe knowledge, detailing, the insights come from it as well as the satisfaction of filmmaking. Meeting as many people related to the event you are showcasing is important. For my Lamhaa based on Kashmir, I met militants, the victims, the social workers, the army, the CRPS officers, the activists and journalists. I actually saw how firefighters work for even my fictional Agni . You get a perspective, read books and visit the locations. What you get may be truth or fiction, some aspects you may dramatize or just take one incident. Apoorva Lakhia is now helming Battle of Galwan , another real story, and was unavailable at the time of going to press. But I recalled Lakhia, then directing the incident-based movie, Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), telling me, When I did more research to widen the canvas of the film and prevent it from being just a docu-drama, I even found connections with the 1980 Khalistan movement and the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. I found various rumors that came up and even within the building where it all happened, we heard different versions from different people. When such things happen, Agnihotri says, I find it important to show both sides. In The Kashmir Files , for example, there is a difference in what a professor in JNU told us and what an officer in the government said, so my job was to show both, as both were right in their own ways, and let the audience decide. The actors point of view Pratik Gandhi, who essayed Harshad Mehta in the web series, Scam 1992 as well as Jyotiba Phule in Phule , says, I agree that biopics about a specific persons life overlap as a genre with a film like Hum Hindustani , as all show key events and are largely similar, though the latter is event-specific. But my approach is that I keep reminding myself not to judge my characters! Events can be seen from multiple angles and we can derive multiple outcomes and conclusions. He adds, With Hum Hindustani , there were so many odds and challenges that free India was facing in 1951 as there were mixed emotions. We had to focus on transporting the audience into that world. The research available only increased my responsibility in all these cases and made me more sensitive. But I feel that actors have only limited power, restricted to create the emotions needed! At 80, Kabir Bedi Says He's Busier Than Ever The commercial angle Obviously, every such movie is not successful or even critically appreciated. The key, says veteran exhibitor and distributor Raj Bansal, is the connect any film makes with the audience. Earlier, films were primarily about entertainment, but now our hit ratio is lower than 10 percent. Even reality-based filmsand more are being made now than ever beforeshould somehow be more about entertainment and value for money, which Dhurandhar is! A near four-hour movie was so engrossing that one felt it ended too soon! Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, however, feels that realistic films across genres need to come out. But they must be made with the right balancing act between reality and necessary dramatization. We should not add masala so much that we deviate from core events with unwanted sequences, he says. Adarsh adds, Success depends thus on the proper flow, and the right assessment of the story chosen for filming. A lot of such ideas sound interesting on paper, but cannot be translated on screen. Overall, therefore, it is the final product that works or fails. But this genre is important in an era when people are deviating to better cinema and reality-based stories. Here, Bansal adds a key point about the selection of subjects, scale and face-value (the cast et al ). Ideally, many such films can be released on OTT, like an Ikkis . If not, the tickets for such movies should be kept at a moderate price. At the end of the day, the audience should feel happy about spending their money and cannot spend big money on every film. So, real or reel, the bottom-line will remain audience approval.
Bombay HC Upholds States Reservation And Rotation Policy For SC/ST In Local Body Elections
Mumbai, Feb 14: The Bombay High Court has upheld Maharashtras reservation and rotation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in local body elections, dismissing a batch of petitions that challenged ward delimitation and a rule treating the upcoming polls as the starting point of a new reservation cycle. The petitions were filed after the local bodies elections across the state were announced. However, the High Court heard the petitions last month and reserved it for orders. The judgment was pronounced on Friday. Challenge to Rule XII rejected A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad ruled that the challenge to Rule XII of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis (Manner and Rotation of Reservation of Seats) Rules, 2025 was legally unsustainable. The rule treats the upcoming elections as the first cycle for rotating reserved seats. Several petitioners claimed their objections to ward boundaries were ignored and argued that restarting the rotation cycle would unfairly repeat reservations in some constituencies. According to them, once a ward benefits from reservation, it should not be reserved again until others get a chance. The State defended the framework, saying changes in population and ward boundaries required a fresh system to ensure fair representation. Courts observations on reservation framework Focusing on the SC/ST reservation policy, the court said the Constitution clearly mandates reservation for historically underrepresented communities to promote equality in grassroots democracy. However, it noted that the method of rotation is not rigid and must account for practical realities such as delimitation. The Constitution gives a mandate to the State to accord special treatment to underrepresented communities, the bench observed, describing reservation as an important tool of social justice. The judges said some overlap in reserved seats may occur when boundaries or population patterns change, and such repetition does not automatically violate constitutional principles. Emphasising harmonious interpretation of the rules, the court said laws must be read in a way that makes them workable and supports their purpose. It added that the right to contest elections is regulated by statute and cannot override a valid reservation framework. Petitions dismissed Stressing that timely local body elections are vital for effective self-governance, the bench concluded that the petitions lacked merit and dismissed them, allowing the revised SC/ST reservation rotation policy to proceed. Also Watch: Bombay HC Grants Relief To Future Groups Sunil Biyani In Alleged 1,200 Crore GST Scam Case It is established with ample measure that the challenge made by the petitioners to Rule XII of the Rotation of Reservation Rules, 2025 has no foundation in law. Holding of elections for the Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis etc. is necessary for effectuating the objective of self-governance. The individuals right to franchise and right to contest the elections are not unfettered rights and are regulated under the statutory provisions, the bench noted in its detailed 55-page judgment, while dismissing the petitions. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Disney accuses ByteDance of 'virtual smash-and-grab' when using copyrighted works to train its AI
Disney is going after another generative AI tool, accusing ByteDance and its recently released Seedance 2.0 of using its copyrighted material without permission. As first reported on by Axios , the Walt Disney Company sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, claiming the Chinese company developed its Seedance tool with a pirated library of Disney's copyrighted characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and other Disney franchises, as if Disney's coveted intellectual property were free public domain clip art. The letter, which was obtained by Axios , included examples of Seedance videos featuring copyrighted Disney characters, including Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Peter Griffin and more. Even though ByteDance just released Seedance 2.0 on Thursday, it's already earned praise, but also indignation from Hollywood studios , when it comes to its AI-generating capabilities. With the strong early momentum, Seedance has already found itself in hot water with one of the largest media companies in the world. However, it's not the first time that Disney has threatened legal action against an AI company, since Character.AI received a cease-and-desist letter for the same offense in September. A few months later, Disney even accused Google of copyright infringement when training its AI models. On the other hand, Disney partnered with OpenAI in a three-year licensing agreement that allows the AI giant to generate images and videos using that highly sought-after intellectual property. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/disney-accuses-bytedance-of-virtual-smash-and-grab-when-using-copyrighted-works-to-train-its-ai-191116136.html?src=rss
Disney+ and Hulu deal: Get the bundle for $10 for one month
The peak time for deals on streaming services the holiday shopping season has come and gone, but Disney is back with a fresh offer for the new year. New and eligible returning subscribers can get one month of the ad-supported Disney+ Hulu bundle for just $10. That's $3 off the usual monthly rate for the bundle, and more than 58 percent off if you consider the prices for each service individually (Disney+ at $12 per month and, separately, Hulu also at $12 per month). We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that this isn't quite as good as the Black Friday deal we saw last year, which offered the same bundle for $5 per month for one year. However, if you missed that offer or just want to try out Disney+ and Hulu for a brief period of time, this is a good way to do so. Disney+ and Hulu make one of the most balanced streaming pairs available, blending family-friendly favorites with acclaimed originals and network TV staples. Disney+ brings a vast library of animated classics, blockbuster franchises and exclusive content from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. Its the place to stream nearly every Star Wars film and series, plus the full Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup and Disneys most recent theatrical releases. Hulu balances things out with a more adult-oriented lineup of current TV shows, next-day network episodes and a growing roster of award-winning originals. The platform hosts series like The Bear, The Handmaids Tale and Only Murders in the Building , alongside comedies, thrillers and documentaries that regularly feature in awards conversations. Its also the home for next-day streaming of ABC and FX shows, making it especially useful if youve already cut the cable cord but still want to keep up with primetime TV. The Duo Basic bundle ties these two services together under a single subscription, offering a simple way to expand your library without juggling multiple accounts. This tier includes ads on both platforms, but the trade-off is significant savings compared with paying for each service separately. For many households, thats an acceptable compromise when it means access to such a wide range of content. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/disney-and-hulu-deal-get-the-bundle-for-10-for-one-month-192814789.html?src=rss
Kolkata, Feb 14: Englands Jos Buttler on Saturday made history by becoming the first wicket-keeper batter and fastest player in the world to score 4,000 runs in T20 Internationals based on balls faced. He reached this milestone in just 2,670 deliveries, breaking the previous record set by Rohit Sharma. Milestone achieved in World Cup clash He reached 4,000 runs during the Group C match against Scotland in the ICC T20 Men's World Cup 2026 on Saturday in Kolkata. Buttler needed three runs for 4,000. He achieved this on the fourth ball of the second over (chasing 153 runs). This was also Buttler's 150th T20I for England, making him the only English cricketer one of five players globally to have played 150 or more T20Is. However, he departed early, scoring just three from four deliveries, chipping it to McMullen off Currie in the second over of the chase. Fourth player to cross 4,000-run mark Buttler is only the fourth player to score 4,000 runs in T20Is and the first Englishman to achieve the feat. Before Buttler, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam were the other players to reach this milestone. Kohli was the first person to have 4,000 runs, achieving this on November 10, 2022, during the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 versus England at the Adelaide Oval. Buttler made his T20I debut against India in 2011. He has scored over 4,000 runs, with an average of more than 35 and a strike rate of 148. His record includes 28 half-centuries and one century, with a highest score of 101. One remarkable fact among his records is that he is the only wicketkeeper in T20I cricket history to reach the 4,000-run mark. Also Watch: 122 Metres Of Magic! Jos Buttler Breaks Guinness World Record For Highest Cricket Catch; Video Goes Viral Englands leading T20I run-scorer Buttler, a former captain of England, is the top run-scorer in T20Is for England. He is far ahead of Eoin Morgan, the former captain, who has 2,458 runs from 115 games. He is one of their best players in the shortest format of the international game and is also a much-appreciated player in the T20 franchises around the globe. ( Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Gujarat Titans Reach Over 5,100 Children As Third Edition Of Junior Titans Concludes In Ahmedabad
Colonel Arvinder Singh: IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans concluded the third edition of its Junior Titans programme in Ahmedabad on Saturday, with participation from over 5,100 children representing more than 100 government and private schools from five cities. The initiative reached cities like Surendranagar, Morbi, Amreli, Anand and Ahmedabad, with an aim to encourage physical activity among children under 14 through non-competitive sessions and interactive games. Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gujarat Titans, said the programme's success was measured not in numbers but in its ability to motivate children to embrace sports. The success of any program lies in the eyes of the children who participate in this program. I can tell you, today we're going to end in a couple of hours, we will finish with the last edition of the Junior Titans of the year. Sometime back, somebody was asking me, how do you measure success in this? This is not about measuring success. This is about motivating children and creating something for them where they can say that, yes, I participated in this. I do want to play sport, not just necessarily cricket. So that is how we at Gujarat Titans look at it, Singh told IANS in a virtual interaction. He also said the franchise's credibility helped attract participation, particularly in smaller cities where children had fewer opportunities to engage with professional sporting organisations. Being Gujarat Titans brings a lot of credibility and that's why children listen to us, and want to align with us. That's understandable, but by so doing, we are just trying to reach out to children and motivate them to play sport and that's what we are doing, he added. With the philosophy of 'Let's Sport Out!' and focus on building confidence and teamwork through sports, Singh further stated the franchise maintained identical standards of organising the event across all cities, regardless of their size or infrastructure. From an organizational perspective, there is no difference in an event which is being conducted in, let's say, Vadodara to what happens in, let's say, Morbi. No difference whatsoever. The event is curated exactly the same way as it would happen in a tier-one city vis-a-vis a tier-three city or a tier-two city. No difference whatsoever and we are very clear on that. The major difference comes in because in these tier-one cities, the children get an opportunity to know more about certain things as compared to the smaller cities. It's because the smaller cities, they don't expect an IPL franchise to be around there in the smaller cities and are creating something specifically for students from that city without any ulterior kind of motives, he added. He signed off by saying the response in smaller cities was particularly encouraging as children there had less access to quality sporting facilities compared to their counterparts in larger urban centres. The major difference comes in because in these tier-one cities, the children get an opportunity to know more about certain things as compared to the smaller cities. It's because the smaller cities, they don't expect an IPL franchise to be around there in the smaller cities and are creating something specifically for students from that city without any ulterior kind of motives, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When we go and do exactly the same event, what is happening today in Ahmedabad was happening last week in Anand, exactly the same, no difference whatsoever and so that's how we look at it. Article Source: IANS
Gujarat Titans To Have Next Preparation Camp For IPL 2026 From February 16, Confirms COO
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) will hold their next preparation camp for the 2026 season from February 16, the franchises chief operating officer Colonel Arvinder Singh said on Saturday. The initiative reached cities like Surendranagar, Morbi, Amreli, Anand and Ahmedabad, with an aim to encourage physical activity among children under 14 through non-competitive sessions and interactive games. Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gujarat Titans, said the programme's success was measured not in numbers but in its ability to motivate children to embrace sports. The success of any program lies in the eyes of the children who participate in this program. I can tell you, today we're going to end in a couple of hours, we will finish with the last edition of the Junior Titans of the year. Sometime back, somebody was asking me, how do you measure success in this? This is not about measuring success. This is about motivating children and creating something for them where they can say that, yes, I participated in this. I do want to play sport, not just necessarily cricket. So that is how we at Gujarat Titans look at it, Singh told IANS in a virtual interaction. He also said the franchise's credibility helped attract participation, particularly in smaller cities where children had fewer opportunities to engage with professional sporting organisations. Being Gujarat Titans brings a lot of credibility and that's why children listen to us, and want to align with us. That's understandable, but by so doing, we are just trying to reach out to children and motivate them to play sport and that's what we are doing, he added. With the philosophy of 'Let's Sport Out!' and focus on building confidence and teamwork through sports, Singh further stated the franchise maintained identical standards of organising the event across all cities, regardless of their size or infrastructure. From an organizational perspective, there is no difference in an event which is being conducted in, let's say, Vadodara to what happens in, let's say, Morbi. No difference whatsoever. The event is curated exactly the same way as it would happen in a tier-one city vis-a-vis a tier-three city or a tier-two city. No difference whatsoever and we are very clear on that. The major difference comes in because in these tier-one cities, the children get an opportunity to know more about certain things as compared to the smaller cities. It's because the smaller cities, they don't expect an IPL franchise to be around there in the smaller cities and are creating something specifically for students from that city without any ulterior kind of motives, he added. He signed off by saying the response in smaller cities was particularly encouraging as children there had less access to quality sporting facilities compared to their counterparts in larger urban centres. The major difference comes in because in these tier-one cities, the children get an opportunity to know more about certain things as compared to the smaller cities. It's because the smaller cities, they don't expect an IPL franchise to be around there in the smaller cities and are creating something specifically for students from that city without any ulterior kind of motives, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When we go and do exactly the same event, what is happening today in Ahmedabad was happening last week in Anand, exactly the same, no difference whatsoever and so that's how we look at it. Article Source: IANS
Relooted, Reanimal and other new indie games worth checking out
Welcome to our latest roundup of what's going on in the indie game space. A whole bunch of compelling games arrived this week, and Sony dropped some news about more that are on the way to PS5 and other platforms during its State of Play stream on Thursday . For one thing, I didnt have a prequel for Neva , one of my favorite games of the last few years on my bingo card. Im very much looking forward to checking out that DLC next week. Its really neat that Motion Twin and Evil Empire the studios behind Dead Cells and its expansions, respectively are getting to make a proper Castlevania game . While it might not be developing many games in-house anymore, giving external studios the chance to run with its franchises is a very smart move on Konamis part. Not least because were getting a Silent Hill game set in Scotland as well . Ive had Big Walk on my radar since the game was first shown off at The Game Awards a couple of years back . This is a co-op multiplayer game from Untitled Goose Game studio House House and publisher Panic in which you'll go on adventures with your friends and help each other through puzzles and other challenges using voice, text chat and gestures. You can just hang out with your buds and watch the sunset or put their binoculars into the ocean too. Expect Big Walk to arrive later this year on PS5 (including as a Monthly Game for all PS Plus members), Steam and Epic Games Store. There will be support for cross-platform play between PS5 and PC. Also, Remedy Entertainment is technically an indie studio. As such, I can mention here that I cannot wait for Control Resonant , which is probably going to break my brain with all the perspective shifting Remedy showed off in the gameplay trailer . New releases As with any successful heist, planning and execution are equally paramount in Relooted . Setting things up properly before hightailing it out of a museum with artifacts reminds me a bit of Teardown albeit without all the voxel destruction. But Relooted is a lot more than that. Its an anti-colonialist story in which parkour enthusiast Nomali and her crew take back African artifacts (all of which exist in real life) from Western museums. I did encounter some performance issues while playing on PC, but that didn't take too much away from the enjoyable, in-the-moment action and having to adjust escape routes on the fly when things go awry. Nor did the framerate drops detract one bit from the important story that South African studio Nyamakop is telling here. Relooted is out now on Steam , Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X/S . It typically costs $15, but there's a 10 percent discount on Steam until February 24. It's available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Little Nightmares and Little Nightmares 2 developer Tarsier Studios is back with another slice of atmospheric horror. In Reanimal , two siblings set out to save their missing friends and escape from an island they once called home. However, they'll have to face a litany of dangers, including a lot of creepy creatures. I haven't played Reanimal yet, but the various trailers have have always grabbed my attention. It's out now on Steam , PS5 , Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 for $40. Reanimal has single-player, couch co-op and online co-op modes. A friend pass that allows you to invite a pal to play with you online at no extra cost should be available soon. Mewgenics had been in the works for a very long time before it arrived this week. It was initially announced in 2012 when co-developer Edmund McMillen was still part of Super Meat Boy studio Team Meat. After years of Mewgenics being in development hell amid McMillen focusing on projects such as The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth , he's finally seen the game through with the help of longtime collaborator Tyler Glaiel. This is a turn-based strategy roguelike in which players breed cats and then take kitties with wild mutations and blends of powers into combat. There's a lot to explore and discover here. McMillen and Glaiel claim the main campaign runs for over 200 hours. Having more than 10character classes (each with 75 unique abilities), more than 900 items and hundreds of bosses and enemies could well ensure that things stay fresh enough to justify that run time. Reviews have largely been positive for this one, though the humor didn't click for some critics. Mewgenics is out now on Steam . It usually costs $30, but you can save $3 if you buy it by February 24. Rogue Point is a co-op shooter for up to four players thats worth paying attention to, in large part because its from the team behind Black Mesa , the fan remake of Half-Life . It's now available in early access on Steam , typically for $20, though there's a 15 percent discount until February 26. This appears to be in the vein of tactical shooters like Ubisoft's Tom Clancy games. There are objective-based missions and a Counter-Strike-style economy for unlocking and upgrading gear. While there are only four maps as things stand, Crowbar Collective has implemented a system that randomizes the layouts to keep things fresh. Upcoming Steam Next Fest is almost upon us. Many developers and publishers are preparing to release demos for their games, but some are arriving ahead of the event, such as one for Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! The demo is a blast and it feels like the kind of retro Starship Troopers shooter I wish we'd had in the late '90s. I really enjoy Helldivers 2 , which takes a lot of inspiration from Starship Troopers . In turn, this game draws from Helldivers 2 , with features like tossing a flare to tell a support craft to send gear down to the planet's surface. I just wish the mech was a bit more fun and effective to use. If you would like to know more about this game from Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun developer Auroch Digital and publisher Dotemu, you can check out the demo on Steam . Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is coming to Steam, GOG, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 on March 16. A demo for a line-based puzzle title called Rope popped up on Steam this week ahead of the full game's arrival in April for about $3.50. The aim is to connect ropes of the same color to clear them. More rules will be introduced over time to make the game more challenging. While Rope looks charming enough, I mainly wanted to include it in this weeks roundup because I thought developer Ikuo's comments in the press release were quite lovely. My games are neither flashy nor extravagant. Instead, I focus on preserving the essence of play. Like hideandseek or tag simple rules that draw you in until you forget the time, Ikuo said. Rope brings that timeless spirit of play into a modern puzzle game. It is intuitive, endlessly replayable and quietly absorbing. I aimed to create a small, understated experience that stays with players long after they put it down. I hope this game leaves even a small impression on someones heart. The Mermaid Mask is a project that SFB Games put on the backburner after another one of their games became a hit (that would be Crow Country , which was one of our favorite games of 2024 ). This point-and-click puzzle game is the latest installment in the long-running Detective Grimoire series . A teaser trailer doesn't give away too much, but I do enjoy what we see of the hand-drawn 2D animation here. Here's hoping this is a worthy follow-up to Tangle Tower , an Apple Arcade game we enjoyed very much . We'll find out for sure when The Mermaid Mask lands on PC and consoles this summer. In the meantime, you can check out an updated demo that just hit Steam ahead of Next Fest. The premise of The Stairwell is practically identical to that of The Exit 8 . You walk through a small, contained scene multiple times. If everything looks okay, keep walking forward. If something is out of the ordinary, you turn around. Just try not to miss many anomalies. Rather than walk through corridors as in The Exit 8 (the film adaptation of which looks pretty promising ), The Stairwell sees you going up or down a seemingly infinite tower as you try to reach the goal. This anomaly game, which is from Hidden Palace, has been on Steam since last year. Its coming to PS5 on February 19. Expect jump scares. Let's wrap things up for this week with an arcade game that requires just two inputs: one button to turn left, and another to veer right. You can't control the speed of your craft in Ship v Maze . All you can do to avoid crashing and ending your run is to react quickly enough to steer your ship through various obstacles. It's all about putting your reflexes to the test. Ship v Maze is from Cosmic Droplet (aka solo developer Frederic Vanmol), It'll hit Steam on April 2 for $4. A demo is available now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/relooted-reanimal-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-120000234.html?src=rss
Congress holds meeting in Ranchi to defend MGNREGA amid replacement concerns
Congress leaders, economists and activists met in Ranchi to discuss concerns over a proposed new rural employment scheme that may replace MGNREGA. Participants stressed protecting the 100-day job guarantee, timely wage payments and safeguarding the programmes rights-based framework
A damaged stretch of wall at Gauhati University has been reimagined as a stunning piece of public art, after a local artist turned a crack and a growing tree into a breathtaking mural of a resting deer. The artwork, now widely shared online, is drawing admiration for its seamless blend of creativity and nature. Artist turns flaw into feature at Gauhati University Guwahati-based artist Bhejal documented the transformation in a viral Instagram video, capturing each stage of the painting process. What was once a broken section of campus infrastructure became the foundation for an imaginative composition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BHEJAL () (@bhejal__) Using spray paint, the artist traced the form of a deer along the fractured wall. Rather than concealing the tree that pierced through the structure, he incorporated it into the design. The trunks curve shaped the bodys posture, while its branching limbs cleverly doubled as the deers antlers, an inspired detail that made the mural feel alive and organic. Nature and street art blend seamlessly The finished piece features earthy hues and delicate shading, giving the resting deer a lifelike presence. By working with the natural elements instead of painting over them, the artist highlighted how urban art can coexist harmoniously with the environment. '14th February Mata-Pita Ke Sath Manaiye': Cricketer Ishant Sharma's Viral Valentine's Day Video Resurfaces - Watch Street art has increasingly become a tool for urban beautification across Indian cities, and projects like this reflect a growing appreciation for creative public expression. Transforming damaged walls into meaningful artwork not only enhances visual appeal but also sparks conversation and community pride. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BHEJAL () (@bhejal__) Campus crowd watches creativity in action As the mural gradually took shape, students and visitors on campus paused to watch. Many recorded the process on their phones, while others stopped simply to admire the evolving scene. The spontaneous gathering of onlookers underscored the quiet yet powerful impact of public art. Social media applauds the creative vision Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Users praised the technical precision of the mural as well as the thoughtful concept behind it. Comments described the artwork as beautiful, innovative, and a perfect example of art meeting nature.
President Trump threatened to bypass Congress and issue an executive order for nationwide voter ID laws ahead of the midterm elections. This move comes as Republicans fear losing legislative control, despite claims of widespread voter fraud lacking evidence. Critics argue such measures would disenfranchise millions.
BJP Candidate Dies Before Counting in Luxettipet Ward
A total of 910 voters were in the ward, of whom 695 exercised their franchise, including 20 postal ballots.
Ranchi, February 13: Former Team India spinner and Aam Aadmi Party MP Harbhajan Singh has shared several tips for the Indian players ahead of the high-intensity India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 15. Harbhajan Singh cautioned Team India against one of the Pakistani spinners and asked them to play him safe as he has the ability to turn the results in Pakistan's favour. Speaking to ANI over the India vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup 2026 clash, Harbhajan Singh said, India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner, he is a good spinner, we have to play him safe... The Indian team is capable; it's a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory. #WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: On India-Pakistan upcoming match in T20 World Cup 2026, Former Indian cricketer and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh said, India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner, he is a good spinner, we have to play him safe... The Indian team is capable; it's a pic.twitter.com/OtnFyrDuq5 ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 Cautions Team India The Pakistani spinner about whom Harbhajan is cautioning the Indian Cricket Team seems to be Usman Tariq, however, he did not mentioned any names. The only bowler in the Pakistani squad whom India will be facing for the first time is Usman Tariq. Indian players have faced the other bowlers in the Asia Cup 2025 and other tournaments earlier. Controversial Action Usman Tariq has been in the headlines lately due to his controversial bowling action. He has been accused of chucking the ball by the Australian cricketer Cameroon Green during the Pakistan vs Australia T20 Series in Pakistan. However, Usman Tariq came up with the clarification about the allegations and claimed that his action is legal and his round arm bowling is due to two elbows in his bowling hand. 'We've Already Done Preparation': Ishan Kishan On Facing Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq Ahead Of Marquee IND vs PAK T20 WC Clash Anil Chaudhary Clears Action Former Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary also cleared Usman Tariq's bowling action and claimed he has a legal bowling action. He said that he recently saw the video of Usman Tariq and that he has a different but fair bowling action. He has a side-arm action and bowls with a pause and his action is a little different from other bowlers.
Rajasthan Royals appoints Assams Riyan Parag as captain
Guwahati, Feb 13: Rajasthan Royals on Friday announced Assam cricketer Riyan Parag as the franchises new captain. A statement issued by Rajasthan Royals said Riyans appointment reflects his development into a leader within the franchise, alongside his integral role as a player over the last few years. Rajasthan Royals are fortunate to have several strong []
Mumbai, Feb 13: As air pollution continues to choke major Indian metros, new research reveals a worrying truth about how our lungs react to polluted air. A study by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, focusing on cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, shows that producing more mucus the bodys natural defence may actually reduce protection instead of improving it. This can lead to breathing problems, asthma attacks and other serious respiratory issues. The study, conducted by Swarnaditya Hazra and Professor Jason R. Picardo and published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, focuses on the middle airways the branching tubes between the windpipe and the tiny air sacs of the lungs. Uneven mucus distribution Normally, when pollutants or allergens enter the lungs, the airways release mucus to trap harmful particles. However, the IIT Bombay team found that when the amount of mucus increases, it does not spread evenly as expected. Instead, because of surface tension, the mucus gathers into narrow, ring-like humps along the airway walls. These humps are deeper but narrower, leaving large areas of the airway wall exposed. Our work shows that the mucus coating becomes more patchy as its volume increases, Professor Picardo said, adding that the finding is counterintuitive. The researchers had predicted this result using mathematical theory before confirming it through computer simulations. They found that surface tension pulls the mucus into concentrated humps instead of allowing it to form a smooth protective layer. Health implications This has serious health implications. Urban soot particles are extremely small, often thousands of times thinner than a human hair. These tiny particles move randomly in the air and can easily settle on any exposed part of the airway wall. When excess mucus creates patchy areas, it leaves parts of the lungs unprotected, allowing particles to deposit deeper inside and potentially trigger asthma attacks, said Professor Picardo. The study also explains why asthma can worsen quickly. When a person with asthma inhales an allergen, the body responds by producing more mucus. According to the findings, this extra mucus forms humps that expose more of the airway wall, allowing more allergens to settle and further increase the allergic reaction. The researchers also studied how particles of different sizes behave inside the lungs. Large particles tend to crash into the front of the mucus humps and get trapped. Very small particles drift and settle in exposed areas. Particles of medium size, however, can sometimes move past the humps and escape the lungs natural defences. Implications for treatment The findings could also help improve inhaled medicines. Most drug research focuses on the nose or the air sacs, but the middle airways are not well understood. By understanding how mucus humps affect where particles land, scientists may be able to design drug particles that reach specific parts of the lungs more effectively, said Professor Picardo. Also Watch: Mumbai News: Rising Air Pollution Reshapes Office Design As Developers Prioritise Health And Sustainability While more research is needed, the study provides a clear physical explanation for why some asthma attacks become severe so quickly, especially in polluted environments. For millions breathing polluted air every day, the research highlights a troubling reality: more mucus does not always mean better protection and, in some cases, it may make the lungs more vulnerable. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
Sonys February 12, 2026, State of Play delivered a nostalgic punch and a glimpse into the future of gaming. The showstopper was the double-reveal for the God of War franchise: a ground-up remake of the original Greek Trilogy is in early development, while a brand-new 2D action-platformer, God of War: Sons of Sparta, was shadow-dropped and is available to play right now. Other major headlines included the announcement of a John Wick game featuring Keanu Reeves, the sequel Kena: Scars of Kosmora, and long-awaited gameplay for Silent Hill: Townfall.
Fresh Row In Pakistan, Afghanistan Players Withdraw From PSL Auction
A franchise owner confirmed initially that players like Mujeeb ur Rehman, Seddiqullah Atal, Muhamad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, Fazal Haq Farooqi had registered for the auction held in Lahore on...
Texvalley Erode showcases upcoming Fortune City at FranchiseeInvestor Meet
A.P. Bar Council elections on February 13
About 40,000 advocates are eligible to exercise their franchise
11 stranded migrants return to India, 3 prefer to stay back in Dubai
Ranchi: Eleven of the 14 migrant workers from different districts of Jharkhand allegedly stranded in Dubai returned to India on Wednesday, a government official said. The three others wanted to continue with their work in Dubai and did not wish to return home. Team leader of the state migrant control cell, Shikha Lakra, told PTI Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
62.98% voters exercise their franchise in Karimnagar
Civic duty: Grieving family exercises franchise in civic polls in the midst of grief
Telangana municipal elections: 49 pc voter turnout recorded by 1 pm
Hyderabad: About 49 per cent of voters exercised their franchise till 1 PM on Wednesday, February 11, in municipal elections in Telangana, which according to officials, is an impressive turnout. Voting was underway in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, which is seen as a test of popularity for ruling Congress and opposition BJP and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The Mummy Returns (Again): Duo Reunites for New Sequel from 'Scream' Directors
This is a highly anticipated return, as The Mummy franchise is beloved by audiences worldwide. Often compared to the Indiana Jones series, it is celebrated for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and romance
Telangana municipal polls: CM Revanth Reddy, Dy CM Bhatti Vikramarka cast votes
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu cast their votes in the municipal polls on Wednesday, February 11. Reddy, an MLA from Kodangal, exercised his franchise at the Zilla Parishad High School in Kodangal, Vikarabad district, while Bhatti Vikramarka voted at a polling booth in his Assembly constituency Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Telangana Municipal polls: CM Reddy To Cast Vote At Kodangal At 11.30 am
Reddy, the MLA from Kodangal, is scheduled to vote at 11.30 am at the Zilla Parishad High School in the town and will return to Hyderabad after exercising his franchise, a press release said
Telangana municipal elections: Paid holiday declared on Feb 11
Hyderabad: In view of the Telangana municipal elections, the state government has declared a paid holiday on polling day on Wednesday, February 11, for all employees both government and private working in factories, shops and industrial units located in areas where elections are to take place to enable them to exercise their franchise. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
TAFE Launches 'MASSEY DYNASTAR Contest' Season 3 to Discover Farm Innovations Across India
Building on two highly successful seasons that celebrated grassroots ingenuity and rural entrepreneurship, TAFE Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, one of the worlds largest tractor manufacturers and the maker of Indias iconic Massey Ferguson tractors, announced the launch of Season 3 of the MASSEY DYNASTAR Contest 2026 #SabseBadeAllrounder Ki Talaash. The winner of MASSEY DYNASTAR Season 3 will get a Massey Ferguson 254 DYNASMART tractor worth approximately Rs. 8.2 lakhs TAFEs MASSEY DYNASTAR Season 3, the biggest edition yet, is envisioned as a national innovation platform designed to empower farmers, entrepreneurs, students, startups, and rural changemakers.Celebrated for its progressive approach in recognizing and nurturing new ideas in agriculture and rural entrepreneurship, the MASSEY DYNASTAR Contest serves as an online platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, students, academicians, and innovators with original concepts that can create meaningful impact using Massey Ferguson tractors. Season 3 expands its scope by inviting ideas powered by any Massey Ferguson tractor unlocking limitless possibilities across agriculture, allied sectors, and rural enterprises, with exciting rewards and greater opportunities for participants to showcase their creativity on a national stage. The shortlisted participants will gain national recognition and the opportunity to present their concepts before an expert jury comprising industry specialists and senior leaders from TAFE. The winner of MASSEY DYNASTAR Season 3 will win a Massey Ferguson 254 DYNASMART tractor worth approximately Rs. 8.2 lakhs, reputed for performance, versatility, and design. Participants can register online and submit their ideas in either video or text format, in English or any Indian regional language. Each submission must demonstrate a practical and feasible application of a Massey Ferguson tractor that enhances farming practices, enables new business opportunities, or drives positive social and economic change. Shortlisted finalists will be invited to present their solutions to the jury in a Grand Finale event where the most innovative and impactful concepts will be recognized and awarded. The contest is open to Indian citizens above 18 years of age. Participants from across the country can register and submit their entries online. masseyfergusonindia.com/DYNASTAR/season-3/ As India moves toward a future shaped by modern agriculture, sustainability, and inclusive growth, MASSEY DYNASTAR Season 3 stands as a call to every innovator with an idea to step forward and shape tomorrow. With a broader vision, wider participation, and greater rewards, this new season promises to be the grandest celebration yet and strongly reaffirms TAFEs long-standing commitment to nurturing agri entrepreneurship and empowering changemankers across the rural landscape. TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, an Indian tractor major incorporated in 1960 in Chennai, India. As one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world and the second-largest in India by volume, TAFE sells over 180,000 tractors annually. TAFE has earned the trust of customers through its range of products, which are widely acclaimed for their quality and low cost of operation. A strong distribution network of over 1,600 dealers effectively supports TAFEs four iconic tractor brands - Massey Ferguson India, TAFE Tractors, Eicher Tractors, and IMT. TAFE exports tractors to more than 80 countries, powering farms in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Russia. In 2005, TAFE acquired the Tractors, Engines and Transmissions business of the legendary Eicher brand with German roots, through a wholly owned subsidiary - TAFE Motors and Tractors Limited (TMTL). In addition to tractors, TAFE and its subsidiaries have diverse business interests in various sectors including farm machinery, diesel engines and generators, engineering plastics, gears and transmission components, hydraulic pumps and cylinders, vehicle franchises and plantations. TAFE acquired the iconic Serbian tractor and agricultural equipment brand IMT - Industrija Maina i Traktora in 2018.Furthermore, TAFE acquired FAURECIA's Indian interior business of Group FORVIA - the French global automotive supplier, in 2022. TAFE has earned the trust of customers through its range of products that are widely acclaimed for superior quality and low cost of operation. TAFE's social focus has been significant since inception and it contributes towards meaningful causes of agriculture, education, healthcare, community development, disaster relief, conservation and tribal welfare besides supporting traditional art forms.
God of War prime video series casts Callum Vinson as Atreus
The God of War Prime Video series has cast Callum Vinson as Atreus, offering the young archer to life in this live-action adaptation of the famous video game franchise. The story follows Kratos and Atreus as they journey through the Nine Realms to fulfill the final wishes of Faye, Atreus late mother.
Quint Digital Ltd. Brings Time Out Market to India with First Location at Worldmark, New Delhi
Quint Digital Limited (QDL), Indias leading media-tech company, announced its plan to launch Indias first Time Out Market at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi, bringing the globally acclaimed food and cultural market to the country. The launch is part of QDLs franchise agreement with Time Out Group plc, with Time Out Market Delhi expected to open in the second half of 2026. Time Out Market Delhi will be located at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, the new phase of Worldmark development, spread approx. 17 mn sq ft, positioned as the finest Global Business District of the country. The neighbourhood will have a destination retail alongside marquee hotels, new age offices, and curated hospitality and retail experiences. Situated immediately adjacent to the Indira Gandhi International Airport one of the worlds busiest the ecosystem is designed to attract millions of international travellers and local visitors, including urban professionals. The lease transaction for Time Out Market Delhi was advised by India Sothebys International Realty. Spread across approximately 24,500 sq ft, Time Out Market Delhi will bring together a tightly curated ensemble of 11 kitchens and 2 full-service bars, alongside a private events space, a live performance stage, and seating for around 500 guests. Curation at Time Out Market Delhi is being driven by craft, credibility, and cultural relevance, bringing together chefs and concepts that truly shape the citys food story. Visitors will experience a dynamic mix of the citys finest culinary and cultural talent from award-winning chefs and iconic institutions to exciting new voices and much-loved local favourites offering restaurateurs a rare opportunity to be part of a globally recognised platform celebrating the very best of the city. timeout.com/india alongside social and video platforms, creating a digital destination designed to be the ultimate guide to the best of Indias cities. This launch is slated for mid-February 2026. QDL also holds the exclusive option to explore opportunities in India on behalf of and in alignment with Time Out Group plc to invest in, open, and operate additional Time Out Markets across the country. With multiple Markets operating globally and more in the pipeline, QDL aims to progressively expand the Time Out Market footprint in India, introducing culinary, cultural, and community-driven destinations to key cities. Delhi was the natural starting point for Time Out Market in India. Its scale, diversity, and energy set the template for our expansion nationwide , said Ritu Kapur, Managing Director and CEO, QDL . This partnership brings together Time Outs proven global model with QDLs strengths in content, digital publishing, and AI through The Quint, Quintype, and ListenFirst Media. Our content prowess, tech capabilities, and social media multipliers will amplify and add to Time Outs expertise, creating a powerful and seamless ecosystem that bridges digital and real-world destinations , said Raghav Bahl, Director and Promoter, QDL . Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc , added, We expanded our growing Time Out Market portfolio by opening three new sites each in 2024 and 2025, with an additional five currently under development. Since the first Time Out Market launched in 2014, we have created rooted in our iconic Time Out brand a leading global food and cultural market. As part of this new franchise agreement, we will launch both our digital Media channels and a Time Out Market for the first time with one fantastic partner, QDL this allows us to expand our brand further and build a strong digi-physical platform in India. Consumers will get to experience our trusted curation of the best of the city and our commercial partners will get unique opportunities to connect with our valuable audience in new ways , said Ohlund . About Quint Digital Limited Quint Digital Limited (QDL) is Indias leading digital and media-tech, AI-focused company. QDL creates innovative ideas in the digital space with cutting-edge technology and engaging formats to propel meaningful change. QDL holds a significant minority stake in Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: "LEE"), a leading American media company that provides trusted local news and advertising services across 72 markets in 25 American states through nearly 350 digital platforms and print publications. QDL's conglomerate offers various solutions ranging from news to tech innovations, recently strengthened by the acquisition of ListenFirst Media, a premium social media and digital analytics platform headquartered in New York, which enhances QDLs capabilities in AI-driven audience insights and engagement strategies. Its flagship platform, The Quint, launched in 2015, delivers trusted, innovative journalism, while Quintypes AI-powered editorial platform enables seamless content creation for over 300 publishers worldwide. QDLs suite of brands also includes The News Minute, known for independent journalism from Southern India; Youth Ki Awaaz, a citizen media platform that amplifies the voices of Indias youth; and Kisan India, dedicated to comprehensive coverage of Indian agriculture. Quint Digital Limited is listed on the BSE Limited. quintdigital.in About Time Out Group Time Out Group is a global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city. Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the best of the city - today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to Do, See and Eat across over 350 cities in over 50 countries and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels. Time Out Market is the world's first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a city's best chefs, restaurateurs and unique cultural experiences together under one roof. The portfolio includes open Markets in over 10 cities such as Lisbon, New York and Dubai, several new locations with expected opening dates in 2026 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions. Time Out Group PLC, listed on AIM, is headquartered in London (UK).
Purvaja (166*), Shreya (3/35) script their 51-run triumph Ranchi: A scintillating century by Purvaja Verlekar anchored Goa to a convincing 51-run victory over Mighty Hyderabad in an Elite Group Womens List-A match of the Senior Womens One Day Trophy at the JSCA Oval Ground at Ranchi, On Sunday. Electing to bat first, Goa stumbled early []
Ammunition recovered during anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand
Ranchi: Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhands Giridih district on Saturday, February 7, police said. The joint operation was conducted by the district police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Bhalki Hill area under Khukhra police station limits, following a tip-off, they Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
A24 Secures Texas Chainsaw Massacre Rights, Plans TV Series Reboot
After a competitive bidding process, independent studio A24 has acquired the franchise rights
Jharkhand minister gives Rs 2 lakh reward to Mohammed Deepak for bravery
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari hailed the Uttarakhand gym trainer Mohammed Deepak and announced a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh in recognition of his courage for heroically stepping in to save a Muslim shop owner from Bajrang Dal members. When efforts to spread the poison of hatred continue unabated across the country, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The Detailing Mafia Showcases Next-Generation Car Care Innovations at Automechanika New Delhi 2026
New Delhi [India], February 6: The Detailing Mafia, one of the world's fastest-growing professional car detailing franchise ecosystems, is currently participating in Automechanika New Delhi 2026, where it is showcasing its system-driven detailing model, technology-led innovations, and global expansion strategy.
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Bata India , Indias most trusted footwear brand, has unveiled a refreshed chapter of its Make Your Way campaign, with actor Sanjana Sanghi coming on board as its new face. The campaign continues to spotlight the V ictoria Ballerina range, placing the classic ballerina silhouette centre stage as a symbol of everyday comfort and modern femininity. Batas association with the silhouette is longstanding. Bata India holds the trademark for Ballerinas being the brand that created the category, which is now one of the most loved segments in womens wear. Sanjanas grounded, self-made journey and purposeful voice mirror the values the collection stands for, confidence, authenticity and contemporary femininity, reinforcing Batas vision of creating footwear that supports young women shaping their own paths, on their own terms. Bata India onboards Sanjana Sanghi to launch its new victoria ballerina collection Ballerinas have long been central to Batas design heritage. Inspired by Europes classic dance lineage, the silhouette was originally created for balance, movement and long hours on the feet, principles that align seamlessly with Batas own legacy of comfort-first craftsmanship. Engineered through multiple mould iterations, the Ballerinas deliver elevated arch support, a soft cushioned sole and a breathable foot-hugging upper. Ballerinas have brought comfort into everyday wear. Victoria Ballerina collection , created for women who move seamlessly between work, college, leisure and daily routines. The range features lightweight silhouettes in soft pastels and warm neutrals, blending Batas comfort-first approach with clean, feminine design for all-day wearability. www.instagram.com/p/DUPglYxEt2J/ Commenting on the launch, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Bata India, said, With Everyday Comfort and the Victoria Ballerina, we are reaffirming what Bata stands for today, footwear that complements modern lifestyles. Our focus is on delivering products that are thoughtfully designed, stylish, and truly comfortable for everyday wear. For me, Comfort and confidence are two sides of the same coin, says Sanjana Sanghi . I want shoes that let me move through my day without thinking about them. The Victoria Ballerinas fit naturally into my everyday life, whether Im working, travelling, or just stepping out. Entering 2026 on a strong momentum, the ballerina silhouette will anchor the portfolio, reaching consumers across diverse style preferences in Indiafrom modern to conservative. The narrative will be amplified through a diversified, integrated marketing ecosystem spanning digital, social, influencer-led content, in-store visibility, PR, and traditional media to ensure scale, relevance, and cultural resonance. The brand is leveraging digital channels such as Spotify, JioCinema, and NoBroker, supported by high-visibility OOH placements throughout the country. Make Your Way reflects Bata Indias renewed focus on design-led, stylish footwear for young consumers, while staying rooted in the brands long-standing promise of trust and comfort. The Victoria Ballerina collection price starts from Rs.899 and is available across Bata retail stores, the Bata app, and leading e-commerce platforms. The Make Your Way campaign is live across digital platforms, social media and retail touchpoints, reinforcing Bata Indias commitment to elevating everyday footwear through design and comfort. About Bata India For close to a century, Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for the Indian consumers, serving 250,000 customers every day in 2023. Throughout this journey, Bata has continuously evolved to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers to become the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Its expansive retail network consists of 1900+ stores (Company Owned and Franchise). Augmented by thousands of Multi Brand Outlets and a robust omni-channel presence across D2C and marketplaces, Bata India sells close to 50 million pairs annually. Bata India, Indias most trusted footwear brand, is on a mission to make global trends and premium fashion accessible to all consumers through its extensive retail network. It is redefining the intersection of fashion and comfort through its various brands - Bata Red Label for in trend global styles, Bata Comfit for technology enabled comfort in daily wear, athleisure brand Power for fitness sneakers and apparel, NorthStar for sneakers inspired by global youth trends, fashionable range of clogs and slip-ons under Floatz, kids brand Bubblegummers that has won the trust of parents while inspiring fun, and Hush Puppies the global brand that epitomises comfort and elegance to name a few. www.bata.com/in .
Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Mithali Raj were among those who praised the RCB side for its second WPL title
The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is less than a fortnight away, and the build-up to the T20 extravaganza is heating up as most of the teams are already playing or are set to play in bilateral T20I series to perfect their preparations for the tenth edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. Top 5 Favourites to Win the Player of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup The tenth edition of the T20 World Cup would mark a new leaf in the history of the tournament, as this will be the first edition which would not be marked by the presence of former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma or former Bangladesh skipper Shakib al Hasan. Veterans like David Warner and Virat Kohli have played some memorable performances in the recent editions of the marquee tournament, but will not appear in the 2026 edition. This year could mark the rise of new legends in T20Is with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Aiden Markram, Harry Brook, and Mitchell Marsh vying to win their first ICC tournament as the skipper of their respective nations. While batters have majorly ruled the roost in terms of winning the Player of the Tournament accolade at the previous T20 World Cups, the last edition witnessed Jasprit Bumrah bagging the individual accolade after a thoroughly impressive performance, helping India end their 17-year wait for the ICC T20 World Cup trophy. Lets have a look at the top four favorites to win the Player of the Tournament award at the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup: #5 Marco Jansen (South Africa) Marco Jansen will have to contribute as a genuine all-rounder in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Marco Jansen has emerged as one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket over the last couple of years, as his power-hitting abilities have consistently improved, and the lanky all-rounder now stands as the firm favorite to play at No.7 or No.8 for the Proteas. Placed alongside New Zealand and Afghanistan in Group D, South Africa would have an unenviable task of being at their best from the word go, which could prove to be tough, as showcased in their 3-1 loss to India in a recent bilateral series in similar conditions. Jansen showcased his power-hitting in the dead rubber of the series, smashing two boundaries and three maximums in 12 deliveries and also bowled a brilliant spell of 2/25 in four overs in the only match Markrams men won in the tournament. #4 Mitchell Marsh (Australia) The Australian skipper has proven to be a powerhouse for Lucknow Supergiants, and despite the fact that Supergiants struggled in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League season, Marsh ended up in the Top 5 of the Orange Cap race with 627 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 163.71. After winning the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, Australia has suffered two consecutive disappointing campaigns in the tournament, and both campaigns hurt the Kangaroos in different ways. While the loss in the 2022 edition at home would have arguably hurt them the most, the fact that they were eliminated by dark horses Afghanistan from the last edition would have stung even more for the fans down under. A product of Western Australian cricket, Marsh is one of the three Australian batters to feature in the Top 11 of the ICC T20I Mens Batter rankings, alongside Travis Head and Tim David. The opening batter is well-versed with pitches in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, which could benefit the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup champions in the Super Eight stage. #3 Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would be a key figure in the middle-order for Afghanistan alongside Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan. Over the years, Nabi has proven his mettle by finishing several matches for the Afghan Atalans and has a career strike rate of 136.59, which further improves to 165.5 when we narrow his T20I record to matches played in India. Along with his power-packed variety of batting shots, the 41-year old is a wily spinner who can spin webs around the opposition teams, especially on spin-friendly pitches in Chennai and Colombo. Afghanistan will open their group stage campaign and end it at the M.A.Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and their tournament opener against New Zealand could prove to be crucial for their 2026 ICC T20 World Cup chances. Nabi would be expected to support the spin trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, skipper Rashid, and Noor Ahmad while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai take care of the seam bowling duties. Afghanistan have a strong chance of making it to the semi-finals yet again if they play their cards right with Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli in top form at the top of the order. #2 Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) Pathum Nissanka has been the shining light for Sri Lankas flailing batting order in the last couple of years. While the youngster started his career with timid strike rates in T20Is, Nissankas consistency and improvement in the last couple of years have been rewarded by a bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders at the 2026 IPL mini-auctionw which ended with the Capitals shelling out INR 4 Crores to sign the Lankan batter. Over the last couple of years, the 27-year old has bulked up, gained more power, and opened his shot selection to more options, thus improving his strike rate to 138.53 in 2024 and 149.16 in 2025, which included a century against India in the 2025 Asia Cup. The opening batter stuck to his guns in a chase of 203 runs, scoring 107 runs off 58 balls, smashing 7 fours and 6 maximums, helping Sri Lanka take the dead rubber encounter to a Super Over battle. The 2014 T20 World Cup champions endured a tough time in the last few editions, even failing to get out of the group stage in the 2024 edition of the tournament, finishing in third place behind Bangladesh. The Lankan Lions would be relying on the brilliance of Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga in home conditions, which would provide some much-needed familiarity to the players. #1 Hardik Pandya (India) The defending champions are packed with a plethora of match winners, with Hardik Pandya the most proven all-round option and the senior-most player of the team in terms of appearances for the national team. The Mumbai Indians skipper would be playing under the leadership of his franchise colleague Suryakumar Yadav, which could prove to be a blessing in disguise, as Pandya would be freed of the captaincy responsibilities and can fully focus on opening the bowling for the Men in Blue alongside Arshdeep Singh or providing the finishing touches with the willow in his hand. Amidst a patchy injury record, the No.4-ranked all-rounder in the ICC T20I rankings has been completely focused on perfecting his preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, as the 32-year old sat out of the ODI series against New Zealand. Since the start of 2024, Pandya has taken a wicket in almost every three overs in T20Is, and his career batting strike rate of 143.65 is improving further as Pandya has recorded strike rates of 150+ in the previous two calendar years. Contributed By - Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert
Trump says he will stay out of Netflix-Paramount fight over Warner Bros
Warner Bros' film and television studios, along with its vast content library and franchises, are attracting interest from Netflix and Paramount Skydance. Netflix has put forward an offer of $82.7 billion to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently examining this proposal. A rival, hostile bid from Paramount Skydance is also under review by the department.
Top JK Players Ready to Shine in IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi has once again put the spotlight on the rising talent from Jammu and Kashmir. With record price tags and key player retentions, the Valley of Pace is now a reality, as top franchises feature players from the region. With the auction over, four main players from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) will play in the upcoming season, including one with a record-breaking contract. Players Who Were Picked Up at the Auction [] The post Top JK Players Ready to Shine in IPL 2026 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
From Pixar to Disney+: The $100-billion blueprint behind Bob Igers Disney
Bob Iger's leadership at Disney transformed the company. He acquired major entertainment franchises like Marvel and Lucasfilm. Iger also launched the successful streaming service Disney+. His strategy focused on owning content and finding new distribution methods. He is now handing over the reins to Josh D'Amaro.
IMFL worth Rs 4L seized from BSRTC bus, 2 held
In a striking operation, Patna authorities intercepted a BSRTC bus and confiscated Indian Made Foreign Liquor worth Rs4 lakh. The driver and conductor were apprehended while allegedly smuggling the illicit cargo from Ranchi to Muzaffarpur, cleverly using public transport as a cover. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any additional smuggling networks involved in this case.
Teen's Body Found At Under-Construction Building In Ranchi: Cops
The body of a teen was recovered from an under-construction apartment here on Wednesday, a police official said.
Despite Few Flops, Twood Continues With Sequels
Post Pushpa success, filmmakers double down on franchise films despite setbacks
The Real Cost of A Preschool Franchise: What The Fee Doesnt Tell You
Breakdown of Play School Franchise Fees and Startup Costs
Why a Preschool Franchise in India Offers the Most Stable Franchise Opportunities
When comparing franchise opportunities in India, early education often stands out because preschool is a priority for most families, not an optional expense. Parents want a safe, structured start for their child, and when they find a centre they trust, they usually continue with it and recommend it to other parents. This is why a preschool franchise in India is often seen as a stable, long-term business option. What Makes Preschools a Steady Business Category Preschools cater to a recurring [] The post Why a Preschool Franchise in India Offers the Most Stable Franchise Opportunities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
S S Rajamouli Rules Out Sequel for Varanasi, Yet Tollywood Banks on Franchises
Despite Rajamoulis clear creative stand, Tollywood continues to lean heavily towards sequels and franchises.
In-form India would be extremely difficult to beat in T20 WC: Michael Klinger
Indias aggressive top-order core makes them arguably the strongest unit going into the ICC event, according to Klinger, the head coach of WPL franchise Gujarat Giants
'Considering impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar': TMC plans big move on West Bengal SIR
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee announced plans to move an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner over the Special Intensive Revision process. The party alleges the SIR is flawed and aims to disenfranchise citizens, particularly in opposition-ruled states ahead of elections. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also criticized the timing and selective application of the SIR.
Dhurandhar 2 teaser: Ranveer Singh returns as Hamza Ali, but why are fans angry?
Hyderabad: The teaser of Dhurandhar 2 has finally been released, creating strong buzz among fans of Ranveer Singh. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the sequel promises a bigger and more intense chapter in the popular spy action franchise. Before the teaser launch, Ranveer Singh built anticipation by announcing the exact release time on social media. A Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dhurandhar sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, makers drop new poster
Mumbai: The makers of Dhurandhar have announced the title of the films sequel as Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Along with the title reveal, a striking new poster offering a glimpse into the next chapter of the high-octane blockbuster franchise. Ranveer took to Instagram, where he shared the poster drenched in deep, ominous red tones, instantly setting Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Fed Cup Athletics Competition to be final selection event for 2026 CWG
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Feb 2: The National Senior Federation Competition scheduled to be held in Ranchi from May 22 to 25 will serve as the final selection event for the countrys track and field athletes for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting July 23. Announcing the 2026 CWG qualification standards for track and field here on Monday, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) said a limited number of athletes will compete in the scale-down Games in Glasgow. As per protocol of the Commonwealth [] The post Fed Cup Athletics Competition to be final selection event for 2026 CWG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mamata Banerjee moves Supreme Court against voter roll revision in Bengal
Banerjee contended that ongoing SIR will lead to disenfranchisement of lakhs of voters and disrupt the level playing field for parties in elections. She urged the court to direct that polls be held on the basis of rolls prepared last year.
CA Found Dead, Mother And Teen Sister Critical After Suicide Attempt In Ranchi
The incident has shocked residents of the area, with neighbours saying they were unaware of any visible distress or tension within the family.
Traders in power in Assam, Centre marginalised Adivasis: Jharkhand CM
Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren alleged that those in power at the Centre and in Assam were traders and not politicians, and that they marginalised the tribal community and were focused only on extracting resources. In Assam, where elections are due in March-April, Soren claimed that tea tribes were marginalised despite their significant contribution Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Month-wise full list of big Bollywood releases: Jan to Dec 2026
Mumbai: After Border 2 stormed theatres and created massive buzz at the start of the year, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive years for Indian cinema. Packed with sequels, mega-budget spectacles, mythological dramas and comedy franchises, the year promises non-stop entertainment for movie lovers. From patriotic war films to fantasy Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Shah Rukh Khan wishes Rani Mukerji on Mardaani 3 release
Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Friday extended his best wishes to Rani Mukerji for the release of her latest film Mardaani 3, praising the actor for embodying strength and compassion both on and off screen. The action thriller marks the third instalment in the popular Mardaani franchise, which features Mukerji as cop ACP Shivani Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
FILM REVIEWS SACHIN CHATTE Film: Mardaani 3 Cast: Rani Mukherji, Mallika Prasad, Janki Bodiwala Directed by: Abhiraj Minawala Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes Rating: * * 1 / 2 A third installment of a franchise headlined by a female police officer is an unusual and somewhat unexpected occurrence in Bollywood. Male-led cop films are []
Assam Oppn leader writes to CJI on voter list revision
Assam's Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia has written to the Chief Justice of India. He alleges misuse of electoral roll revision procedures. Saikia claims the special revision process is targeting the 'Miya' community. This action, he states, is a deliberate policy to intimidate and disenfranchise them. The leader asserts this undermines the constitutional right to vote.
Gillespie back in Pakistan cricket as coach of PSL franchise
Gillespie had resigned as head coach of the Pakistan Test team back in late 2024 owing to issues over authority and powers in team matters including selection by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Nomination process begins for Jharkhand civic polls
Ranchi: The process of filing nominations for elections to 48 urban local bodies in Jharkhand, including Ranchi Municipal Corporation, began on Thursday, January 29, an official said. The notification was issued by respective district election officers on Wednesday. The last date for filing the papers is February 4, and the forms will be scrutinised on Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
IVCA ) today kicked off the second edition of #VC101, its industry-led capability-building programme for first-time fund managers. The programme, with IC RegFin Legal and Price Waterhouse & Co LLP as Lead Partners, and Peak XV Partners and IvyCap Ventures as Partners, is being held in Mumbai on January 2930, 2026, followed by Bengaluru on February 1112, 2026. IVCA Announces Second Edition of #VC101 Over the last two years, Indias venture capital landscape has shown renewed resilience, with funding rebounding to approximately $13.7 billion in 2024, driven largely by increased deal activity and smaller-ticket investments, which accounted for nearly 95% of all VC deals. Even as overall VC and PE investments remained steady at around $49 billion in 2025, the early-stage ecosystem has continued to deepen, supported by the rapid expansion of alternative investment platforms. Cumulative commitments across Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) structures have crossed INR 15 lakh crore, underscoring the growing role of institutional and strategy-led capital. Within this landscape, Indias Micro VC ecosystem has scaled sharply to over 250 active funds as of early 2026, up from about 200 just two years ago, with these funds increasingly acting as critical first-cheque investors at the pre-seed, seed, and early Series A stages. Commenting on the programme, Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA , said, Indias venture ecosystem has reached a stage where institutional capability is as critical as access to capital. As first-time fund managers and Micro VCs scale and move towards subsequent fundraises, the focus must shift to building credible structures around regulatory compliance, governance, portfolio discipline, and LP engagement. Through #VC101, IVCA aims to support this transition by promoting best practices and strengthening the foundations of emerging venture platforms, contributing to Indias ambition of becoming a leading global fund management ecosystem. The programme is supported by ecosystem partners who bring complementary expertise across regulation, data, and venture-building experience. Speaking on the regulatory and structural considerations shaping first-time fund managers today , Tejesh Chitlangi, Managing Partner, IC RegFin Legal , said, Venture capital (VC) landscape is undergoing a pivotal phase, marked by significant regulatory developments and growing acceptance among a broad spectrum of investors. For first-time fund managers (FTFMs), the process of building a fund platform extends well beyond deploying capital. It involves navigating a complex interplay between regulatory frameworks and regulatory expectations on the one hand, and fund-raising dynamics and investor requirements on the other. #VC101 serves as an ideal platform for FTFMs to gain practical insights from leading practitioners and experienced industry participants, for the right head start to build and scale a resilient VC set up. Reflecting on the growing need for structured, end-to-end fund-building capabilities as Indias domestic VC ecosystem matures, Himanshu Mandavia, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP , said, "#VC101 is a very useful initiative that provides a comprehensive overview of all the aspects that a fund manager needs to consider for raising and running a fund. Apart from the various tax and regulatory nuances, this program helps them get candid insights on various commercial aspects as well, which is a unique value proposition of this franchise. With the increased number of fund managers and maturing of the Indian domestic fund industry, this kind of an institutionalized program helps provide a platform for a well-rounded and futureready fundbuilding journey." Emphasising the broader maturity of Indias entrepreneurial and capital ecosystem, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Peak XV Partners and Co-Chair, VC Council, IVCA , said, There has never been a better time to build in India: we have a new generation of battle-hardened, seasoned founders at the helm, IPOs are delivering massive exits, our public markets are getting deeper. With domestic capital opening up, the fuel for Indias next decade of growth is ready. That is why #VC101 is so ripe for this moment. It is a high-octane masterclass where first-time managers gain real, practical insights directly from leading practitioners who have lived through every cycle. As the stakes get higher, we have to up our game to build world-class institutions from the ground up. The time is now. Highlighting the importance of early institutional thinking for first- and second-time fund managers , Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures said, As the Indian venture ecosystem evolves, the focus is steadily shifting from just deal-making to building enduring institutions. A programme like #VC101 is timely because it addresses a critical gaphelping emerging fund managers think deeply about governance, discipline, capital stewardship, and long-term fund building. As more first- and second-time managers enter the ecosystem, institutional readiness and maturity will define who can sustain through cycles. Initiatives like this play an important role in shaping that mindset early, which is essential for the next phase of Indias venture capital journey. The second edition of #VC101 brings together Micro VCs, first-time fund managers, and emerging venture platforms from across the country, creating a focused forum for learning, peer exchange, and long-term network building. Anchored in lived experience and current market realities, the programme is designed to help participants navigate a more exit-aware, disciplined, and institutionally aligned venture environment.
Interview | Its scary to think where India will be in five years time
Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, the fielding coach of Giants in WPL-4, says that the Women in Blue are making rapid strides due to the exposure they are getting; feels that the franchise leagues have made womens cricket more exciting and competitive
Indias leading building materials exhibition, MATECIA Exhibition (Materials & Products for Construction, Interiors & Architecture) - a premier Indian trade exhibition for building materials, interior products, furniture, and designalong with SURFACES REPORTER, one of Indias most respected architecture and design media platforms, is set to host the largest-ever confluence of architecture, interiors, and building materials for East & Northeast India. The three-day event will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (BBMP), opposite Science City in Kolkata, with National Award-winning actor, motivational speaker and founder of Ashish Vidyarthi & Associates, Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi, as the chief guest. MATECIA Exhibition and SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event to Spotlight the Rise of East & Northeast India in Kolkata This event will bring together over 150+ top architecture and design firms, interior designers, developers, dealers, brands, and channel partners from 12+ states across East and Northeast India, from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, positioning Kolkata as a vital cultural and regional bridge while reinforcing the scale, diversity and creative strength of the regional design ecosystem. Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Verticaa Dvivedi, Director, Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event , said, For far too long, East and Northeast India have been perceived as slow or difficult marketsregions many hesitate to enter, assuming they are not easily reachable. What often gets overlooked is the exceptional depth of architectural thinking emerging from these regions. Designers here work with climate, context, and culture not as constraints, but as strengths. In many ways, the rest of India has a lot to learn from them. Through the Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event East & Northeast India, we aim to highlight, promote, and amplify this outstanding body of work. This edition is not an arrivalit is the first page of a much larger national narrative. Spread across over 1,50,000 sq. ft., the event will feature 100+ leading interior and surface brands and bring together 200+ architects and interior designers showcasing over 500 landmark projects, welcoming an estimated 14,00016,000 visitors from 100+ towns and cities. The three-day event will commence with its inauguration on Thursday, 30 January 2026, from 10:30 AM onwards. A key highlight of the platform will be Surfaces Reporter Salutes Architecture & Design Honours, scheduled for 31 January 2026 from 4:00 PM onwards. As the first collective regional recognition initiative dedicated exclusively to East and Northeast India, the honours will celebrate around 100 leading architects and interior designers, the creative forces behind more than 500 of the regions most notable projects, recognising excellence across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and urban design. The lamp lighting ceremony and opening address will be led by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President, FIPPI and CMD, Greenply Industries Ltd; Mr. Surinder Arora, President, ILMA and Managing Director, Virgo Industries Ltd; Mr. Ramesh Bagla, President, CTMA; and Ms. Meenakshi Ganeshan, Deputy Director General, BIS, East Zone. They will be joined by Mr. Manoj Lohia of Merino Industries Ltd, Mr. Joydeep Chitlangia of Duroply, Mr. Vishal Dokania of Durian, Mr. Rushil Thakkar of Rushil Dcor, Mr. Gajanan Munka of Saburi Plywood, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President, BTIA, Mr. Vikas Khemka, Vice President, BTMA, Mr. M.P. Singh, former Director, IWST and FIPPI, and Mr. J. Ahuja of ILMA. Emphasising the material and market perspective, Pragat Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA Exhibition , added, 2026 will mark the emergence of East and Northeast India as serious growth markets. These regions are witnessing rapid urban development, infrastructure expansion, and a new generation of design-conscious professionals. MATECIA Exhibitions presence here reflects our belief that the future of Indias building materials market will also be equally driven by East and Northeast India. The event will also be graced by esteemed dignitaries from the architectural fraternity, including Ar. Sunil Maniramka of Maniramka & Associates, Ar. Rupande Shah of Rupande Shah & Associates, Ar. Monica Khosla Bhargava of Kham Consultants, Ar. Amber Chandgothia of Amber Creations, Ar. J.P. Agrawal of Agrawal & Agrawal Architects, and Ar. Bipratip Dhar of Epsilon. Also present will be Ar. Atul Saraf of Atulya Architects, Ranchi, President, IIA Jharkhand, along with members of IIA Jharkhand; Ar. Bapilu Chai, Member, Arunachal Architects Association, along with members; Ar. Frederick Malsawmzuala, President, Mizoram Architects Forum, along with members; and Ar. Nokranglong Jamir, Vice President, Association of Nagaland Architects, along with members. The event will also feature India Interior Retailing (IIR), a knowledge platform that brings industry and interior retail leaders together, creating a high-energy space for learning, networking, and growth. In addition, the Surfaces Reporter SHOWCASE will provide a special presentation zone where brands present and architects review, offering an excellent opportunity for interaction and collaboration between designers and manufacturers. The MATECIA Exhibition & SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event East & Northeast India is set to redefine how the region is viewed by the industry and the nation, marking a decisive step in reshaping national perceptions and bringing the East and Northeast Indias design excellence firmly into the national spotlight. www.MATECIA Exhibition.com About MATECIA EXHIBITION MATECIA is a business exhibition in India that connects Exhibitors & Sponsors with Architects, Interior Retailers, Designers, Distributors, Agents, Builders, Government agencies, Project Consultants, Channel Partners and Dealers in the Building Material and Interior Products industry. It is a flagship initiative of Bigsea Marcom India Pvt. Ltd., a 25-year-old media and communications company, supported by Knowledge Partners SURFACES REPORTER, PLY REPORTER and FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY. About SURFACES REPORTER SURFACES REPORTER is Indias leading media platform for interiors, architecture, building materials and the business of design, with over 11 years of industry presence. As Indias first content platform focused exclusively on products and materials for building and interiors, SURFACES REPORTER is committed to informing, guiding and connecting architects, interior designers, developers and industry experts who are shaping the future of the built environment. SURFACES REPORTER reaches a wide and growing audience through its bi-monthly print circulation of 28,000 copies, 150,000 e-zine subscriptions and a readership of over 450,000 across platforms.
Jharkhand: Civic polls for 48 ULBs to be held on Feb 23
Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, January 27, announced that civic polls to 48 urban local bodies in the state, including Ranchi, will be held on February 23. The counting of votes will take place on February 27. The voting for the civic polls to 48 urban local bodies in the state Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian discusses the themes of his book A Sixth of Humanity: Indias Development Odyssey. He explains how Indias development framework involved building the state, nation, society and markets simultaneously, while uniquely following a path of universal franchise and democratic politics from the very beginning. Co-author Devesh Kapur, Professor at Johns Hopkins University, adds that the book examines how inequality has evolved across Indias major social cleavages, including gender, religion and region.
Every vote holds power to shape policies, institutions, national direction: LG
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 25: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, graced the 16th National Voters Day celebrations here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the officers to cultivate awareness among citizens regarding profound power of their franchise and motivate them to exercise it with thoughtful prudence to become a true architect of a strong, fair and flourishing India. Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nations edifice. Thus, elections represent far more than present-day choices- they [] The post Every vote holds power to shape policies, institutions, national direction: LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Exercise your franchise without fail, says Collector
Every Vote Shapes Indias Destiny: LG Manoj Sinha At National Voters Day Celebrations In Jammu
Jammu, Jan 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday graced the 16th National Voters Day celebrations in Jammu, calling upon citizens especially the youth to recognise the immense power of their vote and exercise their franchise responsibly, asserting that every ballot cast strengthens the foundations of Indias democracy and shapes the nations collective future. LG Sinha, graced the 16th National Voters Day celebrations today in Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the officers to cultivate awareness [] The post Every Vote Shapes Indias Destiny: LG Manoj Sinha At National Voters Day Celebrations In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
LG Manoj Sinha Graces National Voters Day Celebrations
JAMMU, Jan 25: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, graced the 16th National Voters Day celebrations today in Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the officers to cultivate awareness among citizens regarding profound power of their franchise and motivate them to exercise it with thoughtful prudence to become a true architect of a strong, fair and flourishing India. Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nations edifice. Thus, elections represent far more than present-day choices- they embody [] The post LG Manoj Sinha Graces National Voters Day Celebrations appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shun Allurement, Prejudice; Employ Wisdom While Casting Votes: President
New Delhi, Jan 25: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said she hoped that Indians would exercise their right to vote by employing wisdom and shunning allurement, prejudice and misinformation, to strengthen the countrys electoral system. She also lauded women electors for coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the elections. Addressing the 16th National Voters Day event held in Delhi, Murmu asserted that while the right to vote was important, it was also imperative that all citizens [] The post Shun Allurement, Prejudice; Employ Wisdom While Casting Votes: President appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tusshar Kapoor recreates Lucky moment on Akshays wheel of fortune
Mumbai: Actor Tusshar Kapoor popular as Lucky in Golmaal movie franchise, was seen bringing back his iconic characters humourous flavour on the game show Wheel of Fortune. The latest promo of the show featured Riteish Deshmukh, Sajid Khan, and Tusshar Kapoor having a fun banter with the OG host, Akshay Kumar. These celebrities have brightened Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Hyderabad Toofans take on Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 2 for a place in HIL final
MENS HIL BHUBANESWAR, Jan 24: The battle for a place in the final of the mens Hockey India League (HIL) has reached its decisive stage with Hyderabad Toofans taking on Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 2 here on Sunday. It will be a do-or-die match with the winner earning a coveted spot in the final, where []
Railways win overall senior team cross country trophy
RANCHI, Jan 24: Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) clinched the senior men and women team titles at the 60th National Cross Country Championships here on Saturday. Harmanjot Singh, representing Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), won the mens individual 10km event with a time of 30:33.The winner in the womens individual 10km event was Nandani Gupta []
National Voters Day and the evolution of Indias electoral process
Naguesh Sardessai January 25 is celebrated as National Voters Day to commemorate the birth of the Election Commission of India. The country became a republic subsequently on January 26, 1950. Millions of countrymen got the benefits of universal adult franchise. The day has been celebrated annually on January 25 since 2011, as per the decision []
