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Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the allocation of $21 million in US taxpayer funds for voter turnout efforts in India, questioning why such financial aid was necessary. Addressing the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout.” Allegations of Kickbacks and Interference During his speech, which was televised by NBC News, Trump suggested that the money might have been part of a kickback scheme, claiming, “Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it. It’s a kickback scheme. It’s not like they spend it. They kick it back to the people in many cases.” He also questioned another US initiative involving $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” stating that such terms were often vague and suggested ulterior motives. “Nobody knows what they mean by political landscape. What does that mean?” he asked. Musk-Led Government Department Cancels the Funding The controversy gained further traction after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released a list of canceled US taxpayer-funded initiatives. The list explicitly mentioned the cancellation of $21 million earmarked for voter turnout in India. “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been canceled,” DOGE’s statement read, highlighting the India-specific funding. Trump Hints at USAID’s Alleged Interference in Indian Elections On Thursday, Trump went a step further, implying that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may have been trying to influence India’s elections. “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough,” he said. Political War of Words in India Trump’s remarks triggered a political firestorm in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress engaging in a heated exchange. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the money was being used to sustain “deep-state assets” in India. “A day after Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. This money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India,” Malviya stated. In response, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera countered the BJP’s claims, questioning the government’s role in allowing such funds to enter the country. “For the past week, a story has been running that USAID gave $21 million to destabilize the Narendra Modi government. If despite having so many security agencies, Modi government allowed 21 million dollars to enter India, then it is a matter of shame. At the same time, when Modi government was asked a question about this, they said that this money came in 2012 during the UPA regime. In such a situation, did BJP win in 2014 with this money?” Khera remarked. With the controversy escalating, the issue of foreign funding in India’s electoral process has taken center stage, fueling debates over transparency, influence, and political accountability.

PM Narendra Modi has praised Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava, highlighting its impact and Maharashtra’s contribution to both Marathi and Hindi cinema. Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi, he acknowledged the film’s widespread appreciation and referenced Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava, which introduced many to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery. PM Modi on Chhaava 🗣 “Ye Maharashtra aur Mumbai hi hai jisne Marathi filmon ke saath-saath, Hindi cinema ko ye unchai di hai. Aur in dino toh, Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai.”(Maharashtra and Mumbai have uplifted both Marathi and Hindi cinema. And these days, Chhaava is making waves.) He also praised Shivaji Sawant’s work:🗣 “Sambhaji Maharaj ke shaurya se, iss roop mein parichay, Shivaji Sawant ke Marathi upanyas ne hi karaya hai.” Box Office Success Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava has been performing exceptionally well at the box office since its February 14 release. 💰 Crossed ₹200 crore on Day 7💥 Earned ₹30 crore on Day 6 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti boost)📈 Strongest markets: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal Trade analyst Taran Adarsh called Chhaava a “record holder in Maharashtra”, confirming its grand entry into the ₹200 crore club. About the Film 🎭 Vicky Kaushal plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj⭐ Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna also play key roles🎬 Directed by Laxman Utekar With strong word-of-mouth and historical significance, Chhaava is expected to maintain its box office momentum in the coming weeks. 🚀

In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police have arrested Zoya Khan, infamously known as the ‘Lady Don’ of Delhi, in connection with a major drug bust. The 33-year-old, who is the wife of jailed gangster Hashim Baba, was apprehended with 270 grams of heroin, valued at approximately ₹1 crore in the international market. Arrest in Northeast Delhi Zoya was taken into custody from the Welcome area in northeast Delhi. According to police sources, she had allegedly procured the large quantity of heroin from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. Acting on intelligence about an unknown individual delivering drugs to her, law enforcement officials moved in and successfully arrested her. Running a Criminal Empire from the Shadows Her husband, Hashim Baba, has been behind bars since last year for his alleged involvement in the murder of a gym owner in Greater Kailash, South Delhi. Despite his imprisonment, Zoya is believed to have managed his criminal empire, overseeing operations while ensuring no direct evidence could link her to illegal activities. For a long time, police suspected her role in the gang’s dealings, but she had managed to evade arrest due to a lack of solid evidence. However, with this latest drug bust, authorities have finally been able to bring her to justice. A Notorious Crime Family Hashim Baba is a known figure in Delhi’s underworld, with multiple criminal cases against him, including murder, extortion, and arms smuggling. Zoya, his third wife, married him in 2017 after divorcing her previous husband. The two were once neighbors in northeast Delhi, where they fell in love before she became entangled in his world of crime. With Zoya’s arrest, police hope to dismantle a key link in Hashim Baba’s network and further crack down on organized crime in the city. Investigations are ongoing to trace other individuals connected to the drug supply chain.

Congress leaders continued their sit-in protest inside the Rajasthan Assembly, spending the night in the House after six party MLAs were suspended following an uproar over a BJP minister’s remarks. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, Deputy Leader of Opposition Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Zakir Hussain Gesawat, Hakeem Ali Khan, and Sanjay Kumar Jatav were seen sleeping on bedding inside the Assembly in defiance of their suspension. The suspension followed heated protests over Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as “aapki dadi” (your grandmother) while responding to a question regarding hostels for working women. The remark triggered an uproar in the Assembly, leading to three adjournments as Congress MLAs moved towards the well, demanding the statement be struck from the record. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully condemned the minister’s remark, calling it inappropriate, while BJP leaders defended it as non-parliamentary. Later in the day, Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg accused the opposition of crossing limits and moved a motion for their suspension for the remainder of the budget session, which was approved. Reacting to the suspension, Jully accused the BJP of suppressing the opposition’s voice, stating that the minister’s “indecent” remarks went unpunished while Congress MLAs faced action. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also criticized the government, claiming the BJP was using suspension tactics to silence opposition voices, much like in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Gehlot further alleged that the BJP-led state government was attempting to divert attention from its failures. He questioned why Congress MLAs, including those from Dalit, backward, tribal, and minority communities, were suspended just when the opposition was set to highlight the government’s shortcomings. In response to the suspensions, Congress has announced a statewide protest on Saturday against the BJP government’s actions.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday criticized Air India for poor seat management after he was allotted a broken seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. Taking to X, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister questioned whether the airline was deceiving passengers by charging full fares for faulty seats. Chouhan recounted his experience, stating that he was assigned seat number 8C on Air India flight AI436. Upon sitting down, he found the seat to be broken and sunken, making it uncomfortable. When he inquired with the airline staff, they reportedly admitted that the management was aware of the issue and that the ticket for the seat should not have been sold. Despite co-passengers offering to switch seats with him, Chouhan chose to remain in his assigned seat to avoid inconveniencing others. While he expressed personal indifference to the discomfort, he called it unethical for Air India to provide defective seating while charging passengers the full fare. “Isn’t this cheating the passengers?” he asked. Chouhan further remarked that he had expected Air India’s services to improve under the Tata Group’s ownership but was left disappointed. He urged the airline to take corrective measures to ensure passengers do not face similar issues in the future, questioning whether Air India would address such concerns or continue exploiting travelers’ urgent need to reach their destinations. In response, Air India apologized on X, assuring Chouhan that they were investigating the matter to prevent future occurrences. The airline also requested a direct message from him to discuss the issue further.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened multiple meetings with ministers and senior officials from the Public Works Department, the Women and Child Department, and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to review crucial governance matters. Speaking to reporters, she highlighted that one of the key focus areas was assessing the condition of roads and potholes across the city. Among the major issues discussed were the BJP government’s pre-election promises, including subsidized LPG cylinders for ₹500, tackling Delhi’s dirty water problem, providing ₹2,500 financial aid for women from economically weaker sections, and accelerating road repairs. The government aims for swift execution of these initiatives, with concrete action plans under discussion in these meetings. On Saturday, the Chief Minister and her Cabinet ministers will personally inspect roads, hospitals, and water quality across the city. In a directive to DJB officials, CM Gupta stressed the urgency of resolving the issue of contaminated drinking water. Instead of waiting for the summer action plan, she ordered the officials to submit a comprehensive report by Tuesday, identifying affected areas, the root causes, and immediate solutions. The Food and Supplies Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, also held discussions with senior officials regarding the rollout of subsidized LPG cylinders. The BJP had pledged cooking gas at ₹500 for women from poor families, along with free cylinders during Holi and Diwali. The department is currently drafting a proposal detailing the financial implications, eligibility criteria, and rollout timeline. The plan will be submitted for further discussion and approval before implementation. Meanwhile, the first session of the newly constituted Delhi Assembly is scheduled for February 24, 25, and 27. The session will commence with the appointment of a new Speaker and the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MLAs. On February 25, the Lieutenant Governor will address the House, and on February 27, the government will table 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports evaluating the performance of the previous AAP government.

The recently released film Mrs., starring Sanya Malhotra, has been receiving widespread appreciation from both audiences and critics. Released on February 7 on Zee5, the Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam hit The Great Indian Kitchen explores the struggles of a newlywed woman navigating regressive patriarchal traditions. Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh, who plays Richa’s (Sanya Malhotra’s character) unempathetic father-in-law in the film, recently expressed his disgust towards his own on-screen persona. Now, in a clever promotional move, he has shared a humorous video on Instagram, offering a satirical take on his character’s problematic behavior. Kanwaljit Singh’s Role Reversal Video Amuses Fans Kanwaljit Singh posted a reel that humorously flips the gender dynamics shown in Mrs. In the video, he is seen cooking and serving a dish to a woman, whom he respectfully addresses as beta—a term he often used for his daughter-in-law in the film. As he eagerly waits for her approval, she nonchalantly criticizes the dish, saying “Namak kam hai” (It’s not salty enough), echoing the dismissive remarks made by the men in Mrs. Kanwaljit’s expression visibly drops as he retreats to the kitchen. Adding to the humor, the woman casually asks him to prepare tea, further reversing the roles typically seen in traditional households. Social Media Reacts to Kanwaljit’s Satirical Reel The actor captioned his video, “Mister; #MrsOnZEE5”, subtly poking fun at the patriarchal themes of the film. His light-hearted take resonated with audiences, sparking an outpouring of witty and appreciative reactions. One user humorously commented, “On behalf of the whole women community, ab pata chala?” (Now you understand?), while another wrote, “Loved this!! Role reversal! Ab jara chutney bhi bana dijiye.” (Now, please make some chutney too). Another fan praised the execution, saying, “Destroyed in seconds. Perfect reel. Thank you, sir.” The video quickly gained traction, with many applauding Kanwaljit for acknowledging the themes of the film in such a creative way. About Mrs.: A Film Sparking Conversations Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs. features Sanya Malhotra alongside Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh. The film premiered at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was also screened at the New York Indian Film Festival before its digital release on Zee5. Its raw and honest portrayal of gender inequality has struck a chord with many viewers, particularly women, who find it a reflection of real-life struggles often endured behind closed doors. With the film’s thought-provoking narrative and Kanwaljit Singh’s viral role-reversal reel, Mrs. continues to make waves, reinforcing its powerful message in a creative and engaging manner.

Netflix has officially announced the release date for Nadaaniyan, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, with a brand-new promo. The film, produced by Karan Johar, is set to premiere on March 7. Interestingly, the promo draws inspiration from Johar’s classic 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, adding a nostalgic touch to the film’s promotion. A Nostalgic Throwback to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai The promo is a recreation of the iconic classroom scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featuring Archana Puran Singh reprising her role as Ms. Braganza nearly 27 years later. She introduces Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to her students, including Pia (Khushi Kapoor), who, like Anjali from the original film, struggles to define love. Meanwhile, Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan) confidently delivers a modern twist to Rahul’s famous dialogue, saying, “Pyaar ek arrangement hai” instead of “Pyaar dosti hai”. A Playful Teaser for the Film’s Plot The promo takes a fun turn when Pia, impressed by Arjun’s pretend-love, immediately transfers him ₹25,000. She then teases the audience, hinting that to find out more, they must watch Nadaaniyan on Netflix next month. Karan Johar’s Signature Self-Referencing Style Johar has a history of referencing his own films, and Nadaaniyan follows suit. From Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham callbacks in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani to recreating SRK and Kajol’s rain scene in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Johar’s films often celebrate their own legacy. Even in Lust Stories, Kiara Advani’s character experiences a pivotal moment as the Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham title track plays in the background. About Nadaaniyan Netflix officially announced the film’s release with a social media post stating, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai aisi Nadaaniyan dekh kar. Watch Nadaaniyan, out 7 March, only on Netflix.” Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film follows Pia, a South Delhi diva, and Arjun, a middle-class overachiever, as they embark on an unusual plan—hiring Arjun as Pia’s fake boyfriend to maintain her squad’s image. However, when real emotions get involved, chaos ensues. An Impressive Ensemble Cast Alongside Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, Nadaaniyan features a stellar supporting cast, including Mahima Chaudhary, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj. Produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, the film promises a fresh take on romance and youthful misadventures. With its nostalgic nods and a promising cast, Nadaaniyan aims to bring a mix of fun, romance, and drama when it premieres on Netflix on March 7.

Actress Urvashi Rautela has been making waves with her appearance in Daaku Maharaj, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. However, what has truly caught everyone’s attention is the staggering amount she reportedly charged for her performance. According to a recent report by ET Now, Urvashi was paid a whopping ₹3 crore for her three-minute act in the action-packed entertainer. Urvashi’s Per-Minute Pay Scale Reports suggest that Urvashi Rautela commands a fee of ₹1 crore per minute for her performances, despite having a streak of underwhelming box-office outings. The actress, who has gained immense popularity as an influencer, boasts an estimated net worth of around ₹236 crore. With a massive following of 73 million on Instagram, her social media presence reportedly contributes significantly to her earnings. OTT Controversy: Scenes Allegedly Removed As Daaku Maharaj prepares for its digital release, reports indicate that Urvashi Rautela’s scenes might be removed from the OTT version. According to NDTV, Netflix, the streaming platform set to premiere the film, has allegedly edited out her portions before its online debut. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding this development. About Daaku Maharaj Directed by Bobby Kolli, Daaku Maharaj features Nandamuri Balakrishna in a powerful role as an officer who, alongside his wife, takes a stand against oppression. The film follows his transformation into a fearless bandit who fights against an influential family to bring justice to the people. Apart from Balakrishna, the film boasts an ensemble cast, including Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, Rishi, Chandini Chowdary, Urvashi Rautela, and Pradeep Rawat. With music composed by Thaman and cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan, the film delivered an intense cinematic experience. Box Office Success Released during Sankranthi 2025, Daaku Maharaj received a positive response from both critics and audiences. The film performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over ₹104 crore in India, further solidifying Balakrishna’s stronghold in the industry. As the film continues to make headlines, the uncertainty surrounding Urvashi Rautela’s inclusion in the OTT version remains a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders.

Director Mudassar Aziz’s Mere Husband Ki Biwi arrives with a catchy title, but the film quickly loses steam with its overused tropes, flat scenes, and a disjointed screenplay that stretches over two-and-a-half hours. Unlike Aziz’s previous outing, Khel Khel Mein—which had a few redeeming moments despite being a remake—this time, the director has written the story himself, and unfortunately, it fails to engage. Wasted Performances Amid a Weak Narrative The film’s biggest letdown is its inability to capitalize on a promising lead cast. Bhumi Pednekar as Prabhleen Dhillon and Rakul Preet Singh as Antara Khanna bring charm to their roles as romantic rivals, while Arjun Kapoor, surprisingly, does a decent job as Ankur Chaddha, the confused man caught between two women. However, even their committed performances cannot save a film that lacks depth and originality. Forced Humor and Clichéd Storytelling Mere Husband Ki Biwi relies heavily on a supporting cast that exists purely to deliver one-liners, a method that has long lost its charm. Harsh Gujral, a stand-up comedian, manages to land a few laughs as the hero’s best friend, but the humor often feels forced. Shakti Kapoor is reduced to repeating his trademark “Aaaooo,” while an outdated amnesia subplot only adds to the film’s predictability. Bollywood’s Stubborn Reliance on Outdated Formulas Despite repeated box-office failures of films with recycled storytelling, Bollywood seems reluctant to evolve. The industry continues to churn out movies with outdated ’80s and ’90s-style humor, ignoring the changing tastes of audiences. Empty theatres should serve as a wake-up call, but Mere Husband Ki Biwi proves that lessons are yet to be learned. Final Verdict: Not Worth the Time The film justifies its title only in the final moments, but by then, most viewers would have lost interest. Unless you’re a long-suffering film critic, Mere Husband Ki Biwi offers little reason to endure its dragged-out runtime. Rating: ⭐ 1.5/5 Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Rakul Preet Singh, Harsh Gujral, Kanwaljit Singh, Dino Morea, Shakti Kapoor, Aditya Seal Director: Mudassar Aziz