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No Further Police Cases, But Travel Restrictions Imposed The Supreme Court has granted YouTube personality Ranveer Allahbadia temporary relief in the ongoing controversy over his comments on parents and sex during an episode of the stand-up show India’s Got Latent. The court ruled that no additional police cases could be filed against him regarding this matter. Additionally, the court stated that Allahbadia, who has alleged receiving death threats against himself and his family, could approach the Maharashtra and Assam police for protection. It also assured that he would not be arrested by either Maharashtra or Assam police as long as he cooperates with the investigation. However, he must surrender his passport to the police in Thane and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval from the court. Ban on Stand-Up and Roast Shows In a significant restriction, the court barred Allahbadia and his associates from participating in any further stand-up comedy or ‘roast’ shows until further notice. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has sought the central government’s response on setting guidelines for ‘obscene’ content on social media, potentially paving the way for broader regulations on digital content. Supreme Court Rebukes Allahbadia During the hearing, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh strongly criticized Allahbadia’s statements. His lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud—son of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud—expressed his personal disapproval of the remarks, stating, “I cannot defend on moral grounds,” but argued whether the comments constituted a criminal offense was a separate issue. The court, however, appeared unconvinced initially. Justice Kant lashed out, declaring, “If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!?” He further rebuked the YouTuber, stating, “There is something dirty in his mind that is spread by this programme.” The judge also condemned the impact of Allahbadia’s comments, stating, “What embarrassment he has caused to his parents? The words you have chosen… parents will be ashamed, and sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The perversion you and your henchmen have exhibited!” Protection from Arrest Amid Death Threats Despite the severe criticism, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the death threats faced by Allahbadia. “We have a judicial system… we are bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, the law will take its course,” the bench stated, assuring that the State would provide necessary protection. While the court provided temporary protection from arrest and halted further police complaints, Allahbadia remains under scrutiny, with his participation in future comedy shows restricted. The case has sparked a broader debate on freedom of speech and social media content regulations in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of tripling India’s textile exports to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030, emphasizing the sector’s rapid growth and global potential. Speaking at Bharat Tex 2025 in New Delhi, he stated that the industry could reach this goal even earlier by leveraging the “Five Fs” vision and a $7.5 billion global opportunity in textile waste recycling. India’s Textile Industry on a Growth Path Bharat Tex 2025: A Gateway to Global Markets Bharat Tex 2025, a mega global textile event held from February 14-17, has exhibitors from 126 countries and provides Indian entrepreneurs exposure to over 120 international markets. The event highlights India’s self-reliant textile ecosystem and boosts MSMEs in the sector. Textile Recycling: A $7.5 Billion Global Opportunity PM Modi urged Indian startups to focus on textile waste recycling, a $400 million emerging industry in India with $7.5 billion global potential. Cotton Productivity Mission & PM MITRA Parks Rising Textile Exports Amid Global Shifts India’s textile exports have surged, especially in jute products and garments, benefiting from political instability in Bangladesh: With strategic investments, global partnerships, and policy support, India’s textile industry is poised for unprecedented growth, reinforcing its position as a leading global exporter.

India’s potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. marks a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy, potentially deepening its military ties with Washington. While still in the proposal stage, this deal—modeled after India’s Rafale agreement with France—could help modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF) amid growing regional security challenges. Key Highlights of the Potential Deal: Official Statements & Industry Response: If the deal moves forward, it would mark a historic milestone, making India one of the few non-NATO countries to operate the F-35 stealth fighter, significantly enhancing its airpower. However, potential hurdles include high costs, operational challenges, and India’s existing defense agreements with Russia.

Elon Musk’s DOGE Claims $21 Million Grant Was Cancelled The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed a claim by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, that it cancelled a $21 million taxpayer-funded grant intended for “voter turnout in India.” The grant was reportedly part of a larger $486 million fund under the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening, which also included financial support for political programs in Moldova and Bangladesh. DOGE, which is responsible for cutting government spending, announced on social media platform X that the funding had been revoked, sparking controversy in India. BJP Calls It Foreign Interference in Elections Reacting to the revelation, BJP leader Nalin Kohli questioned why any U.S. agency would fund election-related activities in India, calling it a direct attempt to interfere in India’s electoral process. “Why would any U.S. agency wish to give $21 million for election-related work in India? We are the world’s largest democracy with free and fair elections. Institutionally, there are mechanisms to ensure this, including the Election Commission of India,” Kohli stated. BJP’s Amit Malviya echoed similar sentiments, terming the alleged grant “external interference” in India’s democracy. He added that the Congress-led UPA had enabled such foreign influence in the past by working with organizations like Cambridge Analytica. PM Modi’s Adviser Calls USAID a “Scam” Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, went a step further, labeling USAID as “the biggest scam in human history.” He questioned where the money had gone and demanded accountability for the reported funds used for political programs in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. “Would love to find out who received the US$21 million spent to improve voter turnout in India, the US$29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh, and the US$29 million to improve fiscal federalism in Nepal,” Sanyal posted on X. BJP MP Suggests Legal Action Against Foreign Influence BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani called for Indian agencies to investigate and seize USAID’s accounts in India, tracing the disbursal of funds under the alleged voter turnout project. He called such interference a “threat to India’s sovereignty” and hinted at possible legal consequences under laws against treason. Former CEC SY Quraishi Denies Any Funding in 2012 MoU Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, responding to the controversy, clarified that the Election Commission had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in 2012 for training purposes. However, he stressed that no financing was involved in the agreement. “Any mention of funds in connection with this MoU is completely false and malicious,” Quraishi said, dismissing allegations of foreign funding in India’s elections. BJP Calls for Transparency Over Alleged Funding As political tensions rise, the BJP has demanded full transparency regarding the alleged $21 million grant, questioning whether any Indian political entity benefited from it. The party has vowed to take necessary steps to prevent foreign influence in India’s democratic processes.

Dhanush is all set to star in Tere Ishq Mein, directed by Aanand L Rai, with Kriti Sanon as the female lead. The actor is currently filming at Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, where enthusiastic students have gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him. Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh announced in January that Tere Ishq Mein is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 28, 2025. Sharing the news on Instagram, he wrote, “Dhanush-Kriti Sanon-Aanand L Rai-Bhushan Kumar-AR Rahman Team Up: ‘Tere Ishq Mein’ announced… 28 NOV 2025 release…,” highlighting the collaboration of the Raanjhanaa team, including A.R. Rahman and writer Himanshu Sharma, along with producer Bhushan Kumar. Director Aanand L Rai previously revealed that Tere Ishq Mein is set in the same world as his 2013 hit Raanjhanaa. Speaking to reporters, he reflected on his journey, saying, “Twelve years later, I am eager to see my growth in the tragedy genre. It’s a different story now, and I’m excited to revisit that world and explore relationships from a new perspective.” Backed by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, Tere Ishq Mein will release in both Hindi and Tamil, further expanding its reach among audiences.

YouTuber Samay Raina and social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija are set to appear before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday via video conferencing following the backlash over an episode of Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent. The episode, featuring podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), sparked outrage over inappropriate jokes, leading to multiple FIRs in Mumbai and Guwahati. The Maharashtra Police registered a case, prompting the NCW to issue summons on February 11. Apart from Raina and Mukhija, the NCW has also summoned Allahbadia, comedian Jaspreet Singh, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, and show producers Tushar Poojari and Saurabh Bothra. Ranveer Allahbadia Moves Supreme Court Following the controversy, Allahbadia has approached the Supreme Court to seek consolidation of the multiple FIRs filed against him. He also issued a public apology, admitting his mistake and revealing that he has been receiving death threats. Samay Raina and Apoorva Mukhija Respond Raina, who removed the controversial episode from YouTube, expressed regret and stated, “This has been too much for me to handle. I will cooperate fully with the authorities.” Meanwhile, Apoorva Mukhija, who has already been questioned by Mumbai Police, reiterated her commitment to cooperating with the investigation. The case has sparked nationwide debate on social media content accountability, with legal and public scrutiny intensifying around digital creators.

New Category of Bars to Serve Low-Alcohol Drinks Madhya Pradesh has introduced a new category of bars called ‘low alcoholic beverage bars’ as part of its revised Excise Policy, which will take effect from April 1, 2025. These bars will exclusively serve beverages with an alcohol content of up to 10% v/v (volume on volume), such as beer, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages. Strong spirits like whiskey will not be allowed in these establishments. Liquor Sale Ban in 19 Religious Places In a significant move, the state government has also decided to ban liquor sales in 19 locations, including 17 religious cities. The affected cities include: As part of this prohibition, the government will shut down 47 composite liquor shops that sell both Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and country liquor. Revenue Impact and Compensatory Measures The liquor ban in these religious cities is expected to cause a revenue loss of approximately ₹450 crore. To offset this loss, the government has decided to increase the renewal fees for liquor shops by 20% in the next fiscal year. Policy Focuses on Regulation, Not Personal Consumption While the revised policy restricts liquor sales and public consumption in bars, it does not impose any personal restrictions on drinking. Individuals can still buy, possess, and consume liquor privately. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the new policy aims to regulate alcohol consumption while respecting the religious and cultural sentiments of the affected areas. With around 460-470 liquor-cum-beer bars already operating in the state, the introduction of ‘low alcoholic beverage bars’ is expected to increase this number while promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

Clarifies 2012 MoU with IFES Had No Financial Involvement Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi has dismissed reports alleging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2012 with a U.S. agency to receive $21 million for increasing voter turnout in India. In a statement, Quraishi asserted that the claims had “not an iota of fact.” He clarified that the MoU was signed with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in 2012, during his tenure as CEC, and was similar to agreements the ECI had with various other election management bodies worldwide. The primary purpose of these MoUs, he explained, was to facilitate training for foreign officials at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), ECI’s training and resource center. “No Financing or Promise of Finance Involved” Quraishi categorically stated that there was no financial aspect linked to the MoU. “There was no financing or even promise of finance involved in the MoU, forget X or Y amount,” he asserted. He further clarified that the agreement explicitly stated—at two different places—that neither party would bear any financial or legal obligation, leaving no room for ambiguity. BJP Alleges “External Interference” in India’s Electoral Process Reacting to a post by DOGE on social media, BJP leader Amit Malviya termed the reported funding an act of “external interference” in India’s electoral process. Questioning who the real beneficiary was, Malviya stated, “$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” He further alleged that the now-cancelled program was indicative of the previous Congress-led UPA government’s actions, suggesting that it had enabled foreign influence over Indian institutions. Quraishi Labels Reports “False and Malicious” Refuting these allegations, Quraishi reiterated that the MoU did not involve any financial transaction and called the reports “completely false and malicious.” He emphasized that the ECI has historically maintained its independence and that the allegations were an attempt to mislead the public regarding the nature of international collaborations undertaken by India’s election body.

Epicenter in Dhaula Kuan, No Casualties ReportedResidents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to strong tremors early Monday morning as a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the national capital. The epicenter was identified near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan. The earthquake occurred at a depth of five kilometers at 5:36 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Loud Sound and Panic Among ResidentsA loud rumbling sound was heard as the earthquake hit, likely due to its shallow depth and the release of energy from tectonic plate movements. The tremors lasted for approximately 35 seconds, prompting many residents to rush out of their homes in panic. Videos capturing ceiling fans shaking and people standing outside their houses quickly went viral on social media. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Dhaula Kuan’s History of Low-Magnitude QuakesThe Dhaula Kuan region, which has a nearby lake, has experienced minor earthquakes every two to three years. It previously recorded a 3.3 magnitude quake in 2015, and a 4.6 magnitude tremor in 2006. Dr. OP Mishra, Director of the NCS, reassured residents, stating that aftershocks, if any, would be around 1.2 magnitudes lower than the main quake and that such occurrences are natural for the region. Authorities and Leaders Urge CautionDelhi Police and the Fire Department confirmed they had not received any emergency calls related to the earthquake. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to urge residents to stay calm and be alert for potential aftershocks. “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely,” he tweeted. Political Leaders Pray for SafetySeveral political leaders acknowledged the tremors and expressed concern for public safety. BJP leader Tajinder Singh Bagga and Congress leader Alka Lamba both posted about the earthquake on social media. Caretaker Delhi Chief Minister Atishi prayed for everyone’s well-being, while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal echoed her sentiments. The Delhi Police also issued a statement, urging residents to call emergency services at 112 if needed. Delhi-NCR in Seismic Zone IV, Prone to EarthquakesDelhi and its surrounding areas fall under Seismic Zone IV, indicating a moderate to high risk of earthquakes. Despite experiencing 420 shallow earthquakes in the past, the national capital has remained largely safe from significant damage. Experts continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, ensuring preparedness for any future tremors.

The Violent Revenge Drama Arrives on OTT, but Without Its Uncut Release The much-awaited Malayalam action drama Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, has officially begun streaming on SonyLIV, the platform announced on Thursday via social media. However, the excitement surrounding its digital release was quickly overshadowed by disappointment among fans, who were expecting the uncut version of the film. Fans Demand Uncensored Version Announcing the film’s arrival, SonyLIV shared a poster of Marco featuring Unni Mukundan in a fierce and menacing look, wielding a chainsaw with a cigar clenched between his teeth. “The war has begun! Marco is here,” the platform wrote on Instagram. However, soon after the announcement, fans flooded the comment section, criticizing the decision to release only the censored version. “Disappointed by the decision to avoid uncut version,” one user commented. Another wrote, “Without the uncut version, there is no purpose in watching the movie again. So disappointed.” Marco—Malayalam Cinema’s Most Violent Film? Helmed by Haneef Adeni, Marco has been billed as one of the most violent films in Malayalam cinema. Due to its high-octane action and graphic violence, the movie received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC. The film follows Marco Jr. (Unni Mukundan) on a relentless quest for revenge after his blind brother Victor is brutally murdered. Before his death, Victor manages to identify his killer, Russell Isaac (played by Abhimanyu S. Thilakan), by recognizing the distinct scent of his perfume and his vehicle. As Marco delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he uncovers shocking betrayals and corruption, leading to an intense, action-packed showdown. Box Office Success and Star Cast Despite its violent nature, Marco struck a chord with audiences, raking in an impressive ₹70.3 crore gross in India and ₹32.25 crore overseas. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Kabir Duhan Singh, Yukti Thareja, Jagadish, Riyaz Khan, and Arjun Nandhakumar. While Marco’s OTT release expands its audience reach, the absence of the uncut version has left many fans disheartened, with calls growing louder for SonyLIV to release the complete, unedited version of the film.