The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order stopping filmmaker Vidnyan Mane, a friend of cricketer Smriti Mandhana, from making defamatory statements about singer Palaash Muchhal and his mother online or in the media. Muchhal filed a ₹10 crore defamation case, saying Mane’s claims about financial disputes and his cancelled wedding with Mandhana harmed his reputation. The court noted these remarks could cause serious damage and barred similar comments until further hearings, giving Muchhal temporary legal protection. (PC: India Today)

Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court in New York to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and money laundering. The case is linked to a 2023 plot to kill Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen. Prosecutors said Gupta tried to hire a contract killer and paid an advance, but the person was actually an undercover U.S. agent. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic and now awaits sentencing. He could face a long prison sentence under U.S. law. (PC: NDTV)

Korean singer Aoora released 'Shiva Shivam,' a devotional tribute to Lord Shiva ahead of Maha Shivratri 2026, which has gone viral on social media. Marking his third anniversary in India, Aoora described the song as "not a song but a prayer" hoping to reach everyone's hearts. He dedicated it to those who supported his Indian journey, recalling his travels from Delhi to Mumbai and various cities where he gained experiences and received immense love. The viral video's caption expressed gratitude to God and desire to learn more. Social media users flooded comments with red hearts and praise, with one calling it "lovely" as Shivratri approaches, demonstrating music's power to unite cultures.

Times Group MD Vineet Jain declared "India does not ask whether it can rise. India declares to the world that it is rising" at ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026, addressing PM Modi. Jain highlighted India's decade of transformation: five major trade agreements in one year (US, EU, UK, New Zealand, Oman), 50,000km new highways, world's third-largest metro network, and 100 billion annual digital transactions. India achieved 50% non-fossil fuel capacity five years early, hosts 1,700 Global Capability Centers, and ranks third globally in startups with 100+ unicorns. He emphasized Atmanirbhar Bharat evolved from economic policy to vital strategy countering weaponization of global trade, calling this "India's moment."

Senior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a prominent figure from Bangladesh's minority Hindu community, won his Dhaka constituency in the country's 13th national parliamentary elections on Friday. Roy's victory represents significant minority representation within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide win. His success comes at a crucial time following concerns about minority safety in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. The election marks Bangladesh's first national vote since the mass uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule. Roy's win as a Hindu leader in a Muslim-majority nation underscores the BNP's attempt to project inclusive politics as it prepares to form the government after nearly two decades in opposition.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir sparked controversy by calling India's World No. 1 T20 batter Abhishek Sharma a "slogger" and questioning his technical ability. During a Pakistani TV discussion, Amir claimed Abhishek has high failure chances, scoring "once in 8 innings" with typical scores of "10, 15, 0, and 20." He suggested bowling on the body to exploit weaknesses and stated he'll consider Abhishek a proper batter only when he tackles swinging deliveries well. Fans reacted angrily on social media to Amir's remarks. Abhishek, currently recovering from a stomach issue that caused him to miss the Namibia game and lose 2kg weight, hasn't been ruled out of the upcoming Pakistan match.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude in his first reaction after the party's landslide election victory. "I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me," Rahman told supporters gathered outside his Gulshan residence before departing for Friday prayers at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters Mosque. He stopped his car to exchange words with well-wishers, drawing cheers from the crowd. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority, marking their return to power after two decades. Rahman is set to become prime minister, replacing interim chief Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, expressing support for fulfilling Bangladesh's aspirations and reaffirming bilateral commitment. (PC: X)

Nikhil Gupta, accused in a failed plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court. US prosecutors said Gupta admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and had earlier pleaded not guilty. Authorities said the alleged hitman was an undercover federal agent, which exposed the plot. India has denied any role and said such actions are against government policy. A review panel was earlier set up to examine the US allegations.

The head of Dubai-based ports operator DP World has resigned after new documents showed long-term email contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem quit as chairman and chief executive with immediate effect, the company said. DP World named Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. Reports say the files show hundreds of emails exchanged over about a decade. Being named in the documents does not itself show wrongdoing. The company has faced pressure from partners in recent days. Some investors paused new funding. The BBC said it contacted Sulayem for comment but did not receive a response. (PC: BBC)

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman thanked supporters in his first public reaction after his party’s landslide victory in Bangladesh’s national elections. He briefly spoke to well-wishers gathered outside his Gulshan residence before leaving for Friday prayers. “I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me,” he said. According to local reports, he stopped his car, stepped out, and greeted the crowd, drawing cheers. BNP secured more than a two-thirds majority, marking its return to power after nearly two decades. Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister, replacing interim chief Muhammad Yunus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated him over a phone call. (PC: X)