Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Proceedings in the Karnataka Assembly were disrupted on Wednesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of phone tapping.The house was in total ruckus following law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil remarks who suggested that the governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was acting on instructions received through calls from Delhi.

The controversy erupted during the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address to the joint sitting of the state legislature. BJP legislators alleged that the Congress government had accessed details of phone calls received at the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan), raising serious questions about surveillance and misuse of power.Last week, on January 22, governor Gehlot refused to read the full state-prepared address to the joint session of the legislature and concluded his speech in just three lines. The move drew sharp criticism from the Congress government. The governor had objected to certain references in the address that were critical of the Centre, including remarks on the alleged “repeal” of the UPA-era employment guarantee scheme, MGNREGA.Intervening in the debate on Wednesday, BJP MLA Suresh Kumar accused the state government of disrespecting the governor and making unwarranted allegations against a constitutional authority. He observed that there have been earlier instances where governors did not read their full addresses.Citing precedent, Kumar referred to January 2011, when the BJP was in power in the state. He said that then governor Hansraj Bhardwaj had tabled his address to the joint session to be treated as read after the then Leader of the Opposition, Siddaramaiah, urged him not to read it, alleging corruption by the BJP government at the time.Responding to this comparison, law minister H K Patil alleged that the present Governor had acted under instructions received over phone calls from Delhi.“Following calls from Delhi the Governor did not read the full speech, we will also have to speak about it now, as you spoke about the earlier incident (involving then Governor Bhardwaj),” Patil said.The remark triggered strong protests from the BJP benches. Suresh Kumar said that the law minister was making a grave allegation and questioned how the government knew about calls to the governor. “Is the government tapping the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan) phones, to know about the Governor getting calls from Delhi?” he asked.As BJP MLAs rose in protest, the House descended into chaos. BJP MLA Sunil Kumar alleged that Patil’s statement amounted to an admission. “How can this be tolerated? This is the second time the Law Minister has said this in the House. Is phone tapping happening?” he said.IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge came to Patil’s defence, saying the law minister was only alleging that the Governor was acting like a “puppet in the hands of the central government.” However, the BJP maintained that the statements raised serious doubts about surveillance at the Raj Bhavan.Escalating the exchange, Kharge alleged that the governor was receiving calls from Keshava Krupa, the RSS’s Karnataka state headquarters. BJP members countered the claim by saying the Congress “gets calls from Italy,” further intensifying the verbal sparring.Sunil Kumar and other BJP MLAs reiterated their charge that the state government had stooped to tapping the Governor’s phone. “The Law Minister has repeatedly said that the Governor was getting calls from Delhi. How did they know? If they have records, let them place it in the House,” he said, alleging that both Patil and Kharge were involved in tapping phones at Lok Bhavan.Senior BJP leaders, including Suresh Kumar and Sunil Kumar, continued to accuse the Siddaramaiah government of surveillance and described it as a “phone tapping government.” Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka also backed the allegations.Replying to the charges, Patil questioned why there had been no clarification from either the Governor or the Centre after he first made the allegation last week. “What is the Home Ministry doing in Delhi? Should they not at least issue a press note saying that there is no communication between the Governor and Home Ministry?” he asked.The remarks led to further heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with Ashoka claiming that the statements by Patil and Kharge themselves proved that phones at the Lok Bhavan and the RSS office were being tapped. “Are our phones also being tapped? This is a phone-tapping government,” he said.As disorder continued in the House, Speaker U T Khader adjourned the Assembly for lunch.

The Manipuri film ‘Boong’ has made waves by securing a BAFTA nomination for Best Children’s and Family Film, a remarkable milestone for Indian cinema. Under the banner of Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, this coming-of-age tale, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, narrates the touching journey of a young boy striving to reunite with his father.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the nominations for the 2026 BAFTA awards ceremony today on January 27, 2026. And in that, the Manipuri film ‘Boong’ has been listed in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. The movie has been backed by actor-filmmaker-producer Farhan Akhtar‘s production house.The Manipuri film is racing against movies like ‘Arco’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’, and ‘Zootropolis 2’.

More about ‘Boong’

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film has been produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. The film stars Gugun Kipgen as Brojendro aka Boong, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, Hamom Sadananda, Thoudam Brajabidhu, Modhubala Thoudam, Idhou, Gurumayum Priyogopal, and R.K. Sorojini.The movie is a coming-of-age drama, which was released in India in September 2024.According to the NDTV report, the film’s story is about a young boy named Boong, hailing from the valley of Manipur, who has plans to surprise his mother with a gift. The young boy believes that if he brings back his father home, it will be a special gift for his mother. During his search, he finds an unexpected gift.The movie also premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Last year, Boong was also named the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

More about Lakshmipriya Devi

According to the report, Lakshmipriya Devi has worked as the first assistant director of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production ventures like ‘Luck By Chance’ and ‘Talaash’. She has worked as an assistant director for ‘PK’, starring Aamir Khan, and Mira Nair’s series adaptation of ‘A Suitable Boy’.

More about ‘BAFTA Awards 2026

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is leading the nominations with getting listed in 14 categories. Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’, starring Michael B. Jordan, has bagged 13 nominations.The 79th BAFTA awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Scottish actor, writer, and host Alan Cumming will be taking over the hosting duties for the BAFTA awards show this year.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi

NEW DELHI: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has accused Pakistan of misleading Bangladesh over security concerns that ultimately led to Dhaka’s refusal to play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, triggering Scotland’s late inclusion in the tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to ANI, Shukla said Bangladesh had been assured of full security and that its concerns were addressed, but the situation was aggravated by outside interference. “We wanted Bangladesh to play, and we also assured full security, but since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in,” Shukla said.

He was far more direct while referring to Pakistan’s role in the episode. “Pakistan is intervening in the matter without any reason and provoking Bangladesh. Everyone knows the brutality done by Pakistan on the Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong,” he added.The comments come amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s own participation in the T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier indicated that Islamabad could rethink its participation following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from matches in India.

According to Dawn News, Naqvi suggested Pakistan could reconsider playing in the tournament, a stance he later followed up by delaying a final decision. On Monday, Naqvi said a call on Pakistan’s participation would be deferred by up to a week. After meeting Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Naqvi described it as a “productive meeting” and said the premier had “directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table”. He later posted on X that the final decision would be taken “either on Friday or next Monday”.Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup a day after Naqvi’s initial remarks, even as local media reported that the PCB was also considering boycotting a February 15 clash against arch-rivals India due to political tensions.Pakistan backed Bangladesh during an ICC Board meeting, citing last year’s Champions Trophy precedent where India played their matches in Dubai due to security concerns in Pakistan. However, the ICC stood firm, prioritising the integrity of the tournament schedule.

Maine plane crash (AP image)

At least seven people were killed and a crew member survived with serious injuries after a private business jet crashed during takeoff amid a snowstorm at Bangor International Airport in the US state of Maine on Sunday night.The Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight people, flipped over and caught fire while attempting to depart the airport at around 7.45 pm (local time). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the fatalities and said the injured crew member was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.The crash occurred as massive winter storms swept across large parts of the United States, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, which disrupted air and road travel nationwide.Nearly 12,000 flights were canceled and about 20,000 were delayed on Sunday, according to flight tracker FlightAware. The airport, located about 200 miles north of Boston was shut down shortly after the crash.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the incident along with the FAA, said preliminary information showed the plane experienced a post-crash fire.Airport director Jose Saavedra said emergency responders reached the scene within moments of the crash. Referring to air traffic control recordings, he said an alert was raised soon after takeoff clearance. “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down,” an air traffic controller was heard saying about 45 seconds after the plane was cleared for departure, as reported by news agency AP.Saavedra said that first responders arrived in less than a minute and confirmed that the airport would remain closed until at least noon on Wednesday.Addressing weather preparedness, Saavedra said, “We have crews on site that respond to weather storms on a regular basis. This is normal for us to respond to weather events.”Airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina were among the worst affected.The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet typically configured for nine to 11 passengers. Introduced in 1980, it was the first private jet with a “walk-about cabin” and remains a popular charter aircraft.The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary information indicates the plane experienced a post-crash fire upon departure. The NTSB said that it will not release further details until investigators arrive on-site.

Days after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi, Abu Dhabi has reportedly abandoned its deal with Pakistan for the management and operations of Islamabad International Airport.According to a report by Pakistan daily Express Tribune, the plan was shelved after the UAE failed to identify a local partner to whom airport operations could be outsourced, despite showing initial interest.

Citing sources, the report said the deadlock between the two countries emerged due to repeated delays by the UAE, following which it eventually lost interest in the process.“The Pakistani side had sought a clear response from the UAE by sending a final call letter. In response, the UAE conveyed that it was still unable to confirm any nominated entity,” sources told Express Tribune.Although the collapse of the deal was not attributed to political reasons, it comes amid a standoff between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over support to rival groups in Yemen.Pakistan’s souring ties with UAEInterestingly, Pakistan has entered into a defence deal with Riyadh and is seeking to form what has been described as an “Islamic NATO” with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.In September 2025, Saudi Arabia signed a defence agreement with Pakistan that considers an attack on one as aggression against both.The UAE had been among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a key source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis working across various sectors. However, relations between the two countries have cooled due to safety concerns, licensing controversies and ageing infrastructure in Pakistan.New Delhi–Abu Dhabi tiesMeanwhile, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed visited New Delhi earlier this month and held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Several agreements were signed during the visit in the fields of defence, space, energy, supercomputing and food safety. Prime Minister Modi and Mohamed bin Zayed also reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed that the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has not only matured but is now entering a more ambitious and multidimensional phase.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said agreements were signed in the areas of strategic defence partnership, joint initiatives on space infrastructure development and commercialisation, and the UAE’s participation in the development of a special investment region in Dholera, Gujarat.

Oracle’s Larry Ellison believes the AI race is becoming a commodity due to shared internet data. He argues the future lies in leveraging private enterprise data, a move Oracle is heavily investing in with massive infrastructure plans. While competitors are also building enterprise AI, Oracle’s existing database dominance could be key to its success in this next AI wave.

Oracle cofounder and CTO Larry Ellison has put his finger on what he sees as the fatal flaw in today’s AI race: every major model, from ChatGPT to Gemini to Meta’s Llama, is trained on essentially the same publicly available internet data. During Oracle’s fiscal Q2 2026 earnings call in December, Ellison argued this shared foundation is rapidly turning cutting-edge AI into a commodity product with razor-thin differentiation.“All the large language models—OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google, xAI—they’re all trained on the same data. It’s all public data from the internet,” Ellison said. “So they’re all basically the same. And that’s why they’re becoming commoditized so quickly.”

The real money is in private data, not public models

Ellison’s solution? The next gold rush won’t be building better foundational models—it’ll be enabling AI to work with proprietary enterprise data while keeping it secure. He estimates this second wave of AI will prove “even larger and more valuable” than the current boom in GPUs and data centers.Oracle is betting heavily on this vision, projecting roughly $50 billion in capital expenditures for the full year, up from $35 billion estimated just three months earlier. The company argues it has a natural advantage since most high-value private data already lives in Oracle databases. Its AI Data Platform uses techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation to let models query private information in real time without security compromises.

Oracle’s massive AI infrastructure bet faces stiff competition

The company announced partnerships at Oracle AI World in October, including a 50,000-GPU supercluster with AMD MI450 chips launching in Q3 2026 and the OCI Zettascale10 supercomputer connecting hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA GPUs. By late 2025, Oracle’s cloud backlog had topped $500 billion, driven mostly by AI demand.Still, Ellison’s thesis faces headwinds. Synthetic data generation could reduce reliance on exclusive proprietary datasets, while rivals like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are racing to build similar enterprise AI capabilities. The question is whether Oracle’s existing grip on enterprise databases will prove decisive—or if the AI landscape will shift before the company’s massive infrastructure bets pay off.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s turban, or saafa, once again became a quiet yet striking focus point during the grand Republic Day celebrations on Monday. This year, the Prime Minister chose a red Rajasthani-style pagdi, highlighted with golden-yellow streaks, adding a note of cultural elegance to the solemn national ritual.Over the years, the tradition of donning distinctive headgear on Republic Day and Independence Day has evolved into a signature expression of PM Modi’s public persona. More than a fashion choice, the saafa functions as a visual narrative — symbolically carrying India’s cultural richness and diversity and regional heritage into the ceremonial heart of the Republic Day parade.On Monday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi in his trademark style, dressed in a striking traditional ensemble.The PM donned Rajasthani-style safa, also known as a pagdi, rendered in rich hues of deep red, mustard yellow and green. The turban was tied high, featuring a distinctive fan-shaped crest that added to its ceremonial elegance.The colours echoed the festive atmosphere along Kartavya Path, where crowds gathered to watch the parade and state tableaux showcased the vast cultural sweep of India’s states and Union Territories.He paired the safa with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket worn over a dark navy kurta, striking a balance between formality and cultural expression. The look was completed with white churidar-style trousers and traditional black formal shoes, reinforcing the blend of tradition and statesmanship that has become a hallmark of his Republic Day appearances.

PM Modi’s Republic Day style, year after year

Last year, during the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi had opted for a vibrant multi-coloured turban, paired with a brown full-sleeve bandhgala, a multi-coloured pocket square and churidar pants, reinforcing the evolving yet consistent language of his ceremonial attire.Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Republic Day attire has evolved into a visual chronicle of India’s cultural diversity.For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, he wore a multi-coloured turban dominated by a vibrant yellow hue, paired with a white kurta and a brown Nehru jacket. Featuring traditional Rajasthani Bandhini prints, the ensemble reflected regional craftsmanship and national pride.During the 74th Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister again opted for a multi-coloured Rajasthani turban, widely seen as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity.In 2022, marking the 73rd Republic Day, PM Modi chose a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch — a nod to the state flower and the hill state’s cultural heritage.For the 72nd Republic Day in 2021, he wore a distinctive Jamnagar turban gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar in Gujarat, paired with a grey jacket, kurta and pyjama, underscoring ties to local tradition.At the 71st Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister sported a bright saffron-coloured printed turban featuring intricate yellow patterns.Earlier, on the 70th Republic Day, he appeared in a yellow turban with a red tail, highlighted with green accents and subtle golden lines, completing the look with a sleeveless bandhgala jacket over a white kurta.India marked its 77th Republic Day this year with an added global dimension, hosting European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Luís Santos da Costa as chief guests — a setting in which tradition, diplomacy and symbolism converged along Kartavya Path.