NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin triggered a political uproar after he said that the DMK “neither fears the Prime Minister nor his father.”While addressing a DMK Youth Wing event in Coimbatore, Udhayanidhi said, “Whenever Modi appears on television, people get frightened about what he is going to announce. Demonetisation and the Corona (lockdown) announcements by Modi made people fearful. But if Stalin appears on TV, people are happy about the new announcement schemes. We’ll never leave our rights for the welfare of Tamil Nadu. We’ll not fear PM Modi, not even if the father of PM Modi comes.”The remarks attracted a strong reaction from Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing its leaders of repeatedly making personal attacks against the Prime Minister and his family.BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that Udhayanidhi Stalin had previously made controversial remarks against the Hindu community and was now targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father.“Congress went shirtless, topless, and characterless in the way it protested at the AI Summit. Actually, it was not a protest; it was a disruption. And now the DMK, its ally, has gone senseless, ethicless, and moralless. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has given death threats to Hindus and called for the genocide of Hindus, is now targeting the Prime Minister’s late father,” Poonawalla said.“Imagine, during the Bihar elections, the INDIA Alliance targeted and abused his mother. They have used more than 150 abusive words, especially against his mother and father, particularly because he comes from the OBC community,” he added.“They have abused his family and his background. They have mocked him for being a chaiwala. They have said, “Modi, teri kabar khudegi,” and threatened that he would die or be killed, using violent language like “lathi dande.” Now, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has said that he wants to exterminate Hindus and eradicate Sanatan, and for which the High Court has come down heavily on him, has delivered such hate speech. And now he is abusing the Prime Minister’s late father. This shows the journey from shirtless to shameless, from characterless to senseless. This is the directionless INDIA Alliance. They talk about the Constitution, but they are nothing more than an ‘abuse ki dukaan’,” Poonawalla added.Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in the first half of 2026, where the MK Stalin-led alliance will look to project the ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ for the win against the BJP-AIADMK alliance.Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s entry with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to turn the Tamil Nadu polls into a three-way contest. In the 2021 polls, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 assembly polls.Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others, including independents, won eight seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by DMK, which consisted of Congress, won 159 seats collectively.While the NDA won 75 seats, the AIADMK emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was expected to be a fortress for India during the 43rd Match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights on February 22, 2026. Instead, it became the backdrop for a humbling 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa and a social media firestorm involving Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. As India’s middle order crumbled under the pressure of a 188-run chase, a singular moment in the stands captured the internet’s attention for all the wrong reasons.

Mahieka Sharma’s reaction after Hardik Pandya’s dismissal goes viral

The defining image of the night wasn’t a soaring six, but rather Mahieka’s reaction to Hardik Pandya’s dismissal in the 15th over. With India reeling at 86/5, the onus was on Pandya to stage a miraculous recovery. However, facing Keshav Maharaj, Pandya attempted to flat-bat a wider delivery over long-off. The connection lacked power, allowing Tristan Stubbs to perform a sensational juggling act on the boundary rope to complete the catch.

As Pandya trudged back to the pavilion after a lackluster 18 off 17 balls, the cameras panned to Mahieka in the VIP stands. In a move that left commentators and fans baffled, she was seen enthusiastically applauding and smiling as if celebrating a milestone. The disconnect between the dire match situation and her cheerful reaction sparked an immediate wave of trolling. Cricket enthusiasts took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest that Mahieka’s “clueless” celebration proved she lacked a basic understanding of the game’s stakes.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Actually i think she don’t know that his Hardik Pandya is out . #indvssa #savsind #suryakumaryadav #ICCT20WorldCup2026 #HardikPandya #hard https://t.co/PfOsJqO33c

— Akbar Sardar (@akbarsardar156) February 23, 2026

She knows ball!!! https://t.co/IVprIDOhu5

— Josh (@HomelanderBale) February 23, 2026

I also noticed 😂😂 https://t.co/eRLGmPIg6A

— CricketLover (@iamsaurabb) February 23, 2026

didi 18 runs ke liye taali baja rahi thi par uko kon bataye ki T20 me strike rate dekha jata hai. 😭😭 https://t.co/seZ7knjgtz

— Prince. (@merii_mrziii) February 23, 2026

Arrange marriage is scary what if she 😭 https://t.co/cfiy3VEPMp

— Alee (@alee_shah17) February 23, 2026

😭 https://t.co/mDRYAIYcgC

— Varma (@HV_2224) February 23, 2026

Bro accidentally picked up the girl who doesn’t have cricket sense from bar https://t.co/MTOZ5qJPf4

— “ (@peekaboo_pr) February 23, 2026

Hardik got out and Mahieka was literally clapping at his wicket 😭👏

pic.twitter.com/JDqVWWyuxw

— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket) February 22, 2026

That’s why you guys are single in your life. https://t.co/GRqoKTiKBm

— Rohan Gangta (@rohangangta) February 23, 2026

Noticed Hardik gets out like this a lot https://t.co/AFWw1PfGIZ

— Ani (@annakacarrom) February 23, 2026

Also READ: 3 reasons behind India’s crushing defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

South Africa thrash India in the crucial Super 8 encounter

While social media was fixated on the stands, the action on the pitch was a one-sided affair. South Africa posted a formidable 187/7, fueled by a blistering 63 off 35 balls from Player of the Match, David Miller. Despite early breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh, the Proteas middle order capitalized on expensive spells from Pandya and Shivam Dube. Tristan Stubbs provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 44, setting a target that proved insurmountable for the Men in Blue.

Marco Jansen dismantled the top order with figures of 4/22, while Maharaj’s three-wicket haul including the controversial dismissal of Pandya, effectively ended the contest. India lost their final five wickets for just 25 runs, crashing to a 76-run defeat. The loss leaves India’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, while South Africa moves to the top of Group 1 with a statement victory that combined clinical bowling with Miller’s trademark power-hitting.

Also READ: South Africa crush India as David Miller, bowlers run riot in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa’s Marco Jansen celebrates with teammates the wicket of India’s Tilak Varma (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

India endured a nightmare start to their Super 8 campaign in the T20 World Cup as South Africa handed them a crushing 76-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. Chasing 187/7, the hosts’ batting unit collapsed without offering much resistance, turning what was a crucial fixture into a one-sided contest.The slide began immediately when Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. From there, the innings never stabilised. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar all failed to make meaningful contributions. Dube top-scored with 42 but consumed 37 deliveries, underlining India’s struggle to keep pace with the required rate. It was, by all accounts, a deeply disappointing display.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised the batting approach, pointing to the contrast with how South Africa rebuilt their innings.“Yes, if you look at the way Dewald Brevis and David Miller rebuilt the South African innings, they played a lot more shots in the ‘V’, especially when the short ball was used. They adjusted really well. They realised the ball wasn’t coming onto the bat as quickly as expected — it was holding up slightly in the surface. Having seen how they constructed their innings and built that partnership, that was the kind of approach that was needed, rather than simply throwing the bat at just about everything,” Gavaskar told Star Sports after the match.South Africa themselves had been under pressure at 20/3 before Miller and Brevis steadied the ship. After settling in, the pair shifted gears and targeted the Indian attack. Varun Chakaravarthy (1/47) bore the brunt, while Hardik Pandya (0/45) and Shivam Dube (1/32 in 2 overs) also proved expensive.Proteas great Shaun Pollock echoed Gavaskar’s assessment, stressing India’s inability to adjust to the conditions.“I don’t think there was enough adaptability from India’s perspective. South Africa had already played three matches on this ground, so they had a very good understanding of how the surface behaved. They struggled in the first four or five overs and had to adjust, and it was only once the Brevis–Miller partnership got going that they were able to play their shots more freely,” he said.The heavy defeat has left India’s net run rate at -3.800, significantly complicating their path to the semi-finals. They must now defeat Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and do so convincingly, to revive their chances. Group 1 remains wide open, but the pressure is mounting on Suryakumar Yadav’s side.

The makers are returning with ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ almost three years after the original ‘The Kerala Story’. It’s making headlines again, with people questioning if the facts match the tagline “inspired by many true events.” In a recent media interaction, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap called it “propaganda” and said it’s just a greedy way for them to make money.

Anurag Kashyap at Kochi airport

Recently, Anurag Kashyap landed in Kochi. A reporter at the airport quizzed him on the controversy around the film produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. Kashyap responded bluntly and honestly: “The Kerala Story is bullsh*t propaganda.”

Anurag Kashyap on ‘The Kerala Story 2’

Commenting on a viral scene from ‘The Kerala Story 2’ trailer, Kashyap added, “Aisa koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (No one is fed even khichdi in this manner).” He further said, “They just want to make money and please everybody; divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.”

Kerala high court notice on ‘The Kerala Story 2’

Last week, the Kerala High Court served notice to the producers of ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ regarding a writ petition that challenges the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court did so while hearing the plea, which objects to the teaser and trailer.

Petition details on ‘The Kerala Story 2’

The petitioner has argued that the film’s promos portray women from different states trapped in relationships and pushed into religious conversion. Even though the story touches several states, its title pins terrorism, forced conversions, and population plots only on Kerala. A key issue is the teaser’s final Hindi line—“Ab sahenge nahin… ladenge (We will not tolerate it anymore… we will fight)”—seen as urging revenge and risking riots between communities. The CBFC is accused of ignoring Cinematograph Act Section 5B(1952), which blocks certification for content harming public peace, morals, or decency, or encouraging crimes. The case also points to the 2023 Supreme Court row over the first ‘The Kerala Story’, where makers added a note admitting some numbers weren’t verified and the tale was made-up.According to the petitioner, the sequel got CBFC approval too easily, skipping checks on how it might hurt community peace or state pride, even after past court cases. They want the certification revoked, the title and warnings reviewed, and the release stopped for more study.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah on ‘The Kerala Story 2’ title

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah also clarified the reasoning for the film’s title, even though it’s not a direct follow-up to ‘The Kerala Story’. He told ANI, “Kerala Story 2 goes beyond Kerala and exposes the massive conspiracy of manipulative conversion going on throughout India. Because its central theme is the same as Kerala Story 1, we named it Kerala Story 2. Till now, there has been no threat to this film. When you are telling the truth, perhaps you are not in that much danger because people feel that if we threaten a person who tells the truth, there could be backlash.”

Anurag Kashyap on the work front

On his professional front, Kashyap is prepping for his highly anticipated film ‘Kennedy’, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, slated for its India release with a premiere on ZEE5.

In what was billed as a blockbuster rematch of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, India’s aura of invincibility was shattered as South Africa handed the defending champions a staggering 76-run defeat in their Super 8 opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The loss snapped India’s remarkable 12-match winning streak in T20 World Cups and marked their biggest-ever defeat in the tournament’s history, surpassing the 49-run loss to Australia in 2010. Chasing a target of 188, the hosts were bundled out for a paltry 111 in 18.5 overs, raising serious questions about the team’s preparation and approach.

Three primary reasons behind India’s big defeat against South Africa

1. Catastrophic top-order failure exposes batting frailties

India’s much-vaunted batting lineup, which had scraped through the group stage against weaker opponents, collapsed spectacularly against quality bowling on a black-soil surface where the ball was gripping . The problems began in the very first over when captain Aiden Markram removed the in-form Ishan Kishan for a four-ball duck with a delivery that stopped on him, forcing an ugly cross-batted hoick.

Tilak Varma’s wretched tournament continued as he lasted just two balls, charging at Marco Jansen and paying the price while also wasting a DRS review. Abhishek Sharma finally ended his hat-trick of ducks but looked completely out of sorts before falling to Jansen for 15. At 26 for 3 inside the powerplay, the chase was effectively dead.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles on difficult surfaces continued as he managed just 18 off 22 balls before flicking one straight to mid-wicket, unable to get the ball off the square on a tricky track. The top-order’s inability to build partnerships left India reeling at 51 for 5 by the 10th over, with the required run rate climbing beyond reach. Suryakumar admitted after the match: “You can’t win the game in the powerplay, but you might lose the game in the powerplay. We lost too many wickets in the powerplay and then we couldn’t have small partnerships.”

2. Debatable selection call: Axar Patel’s omission backfires 

Perhaps the most criticized aspect of India’s defeat was the decision to leave out vice-captain Axar Patel in favour of Washington Sundar. The move, based on “match-ups” against left-handers as explained by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, backfired catastrophically as Sundar contributed neither with bat nor ball.

Ten Doeschate explained the tactical rationale: “We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way… we felt we needed Rinku, as an eighth batsman, so to speak.” However, the decision looked even more puzzling when Sundar was sent in at No. 5 after the initial collapse – a role that Axar has played effectively for India.

The move drew sharp criticism from experts and fans. Sundar’s lack of recent match practice and his inability to make an impact proved costly as India’s middle-order fragility was fully exposed.

3. Loss of intensity after early breakthroughs allows South Africa recovery

Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance – his 3 for 15 made him India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history – the team failed to capitalize on a sensational start that reduced South Africa to 20 for 3 inside four overs.

Instead of piling on pressure, the intensity in India’s bowling visibly dropped, allowing David Miller and Dewald Brevis to stitch a match-turning 97-run partnership off just 51 balls . Miller’s 63 off 35 and Brevis’ 45 off 29 completely shifted momentum, with the duo expertly assessing the conditions and rebuilding the innings.

Also READ: Fans react as South Africa crush India in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa captain Aiden Markram later highlighted this partnership as decisive: “I think first and foremost was that partnership. The guys were great, put that together for us, steadied the ship and kept us in the game. I thought our batting through the middle was probably the difference.” 

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, so effective in the group stage, was taken for 47 runs in his four overs as South African batters neutralized him with aplomb. What should have been a total under 160 became a daunting 188, and India’s overconfident approach after the early breakthroughs proved costly.

With the Net Run Rate plummeting to -3.800, India now faces must-win battles against Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai and the West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Also READ: India vs …? Rahul Dravid reveals dream final for T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Monday arrested Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior in connection with the Youth Congress protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit.This is the fifth arrest made by Delhi Police in connection with the incident.Earlier, police had detained another Youth Congress protester while tracing the remaining protesters.According to Delhi Police, officials recovered T-shirts and posters used in the Indian Youth Congress protest at the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam from the car of Indian Youth Congress leader Krishna Hari.On Saturday, a Patiala court sent four accused — Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav — to five-day police custody under provisions including BNS Sections 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), offences carrying punishment exceeding three years.While hearing the matter, the court described the ‘shirtless’ protest as a “blatant assault on public order” that endangered India’s diplomatic image.“Such conduct palpably transcends the ambit of legitimate dissent, metamorphosing into a blatant assault on public order. It imperils not merely the event’s sanctity but also the Republic’s diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders, rendering it wholly unprotected by constitutional safeguards,” the magistrate said.‘Gandi aur nangi rajneeti’Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the chorus of criticism against the Congress party over its “shirtless” protest, accusing the grand old party of turning a global event into an arena for its “gandi aur nangi” politics.In his address after flagging off the Namo Bharat train, the Prime Minister said, “Congress turned a global event into an arena for its ‘gandi aur nangi’ (dirty and shameless) politics.”Further intensifying his attack on the largest opposition party, he added, “I ask Congress leaders — the nation already knows your true form. What was the need to strip further?”Following the incident, the Congress faced widespread backlash, including criticism from some of its allies and other opposition leaders, who termed the act “inappropriate,” in addition to sharp reactions from the ruling BJP.One of Congress’s key allies, Akhilesh Yadav, also denounced the protest, saying, “They should have refrained from doing something that brings shame to our country in front of foreign delegates and world representatives.”Youth Congress’s topless protestOn Friday, a group of Youth Congress activists staged a high‑profile protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue. The accused displayed T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, alongside slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal, and were involved in a scuffle with security personnel.The protest took place on the final day of the five‑day summit, which has drawn global leaders and technology experts to discuss developments and the future of artificial intelligence.

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