At the 79th British Academy feature Awards (BAFTA), Farhan Akhtar’s Manipuri-language feature “Boong” took home the coveted Best Children’s & Family Film title.

“The last few steps to achieve a top of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place” is how director Lakshmipriya Devi characterized the event.

As the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s and Family Film category of the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Award, Boong made history. Laskhmipriya Devi is the director of the Manipuri movie, which Farhan Akhtar is supporting.

In addition to Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s Hollywood animated comedy, Zootropolis 2 (also known as Zootopia 2 in some markets), Boong was nominated alongside movies like Ugo Bienvenu’s French animated science fiction film Arco and Dean Fleischer Camp’s live-action animated comedy, Lilo & Stitch.

A video of Lakshmipriya Devi accepting the award was posted on the BAFTA official Instagram site. She greeted them with the customary “Kurumjari.”

The hike up to this point felt like the final few steps to the top of a mountain we had no idea we were ascending in the first place, she said. Therefore, we are grateful to the jury and BAFTA for their overwhelming support of our tiny film.

The filmmaker emphasized that the film has a strong connection to his native Manipur, which he characterized as a problematic, neglected, and underrepresented area in India.

“A film that is not only based in Manipur, my native India, a region that is extremely disturbed, neglected, and underrepresented.” It is a tribute to my native country. We wish for peace to come to Manipur, therefore I just wanted to take this chance to say that,” Devi added.

She also expressed optimism that children who were internally displaced—including the young performers in the movie—would once again experience happiness, innocence, and dreams.

We hope that all internally displaced youngsters, including the young performers in the movie, may one day rediscover their happiness, their purity, and their dreams. “We hope that no conflict would ever be so powerful that it destroys the one superpower,” she said.

The cast of Boong includes Jenny Khurai, Hamom Sadananda, Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, and Nemetia Ngangbam.

On September 5, 2024, the movie made its global premiere in the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

In the midst of Manipur’s social unrest, it chronicles a young boy’s sincere attempt to bring his family back together.

In his monologue, Paddington Bear announced, “I am the first-ever bear to present an award, and also the first presenter to get marmalade over a BAFTA.” He then presented the award.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was visited Superstar Arijit Singh in his hometown of Murshidabad. The singer hung up his boots for playback singing before this. Following the actor’s kind pursuit, the singer gave playback singing for Hindi movies one last go.

The title track of the upcoming movie “Ek Din,” which features the singer’s voice, was posted on social media by the film’s producers on Monday. The video depicts the actor visiting Arijit at home. On February 3, a few days after Arijit declared his retirement from playback singing, the celebrity paid him a visit.

“Aisa mat kar yaar, hum log ka kya hoga (Do not do that, what will we do)?” Aamir asks the singer in the video if he is on a sabbatical or if he has stopped playback singing for Hindi movies.

Aamir traveled to Murshidabad to record the movie’s title track. The actor had travelled to meet Arijit Singh to encourage him to rethink his reported retirement. When Aamir tweeted a poster and thanked Arijit for providing his voice for his forthcoming film “Ek Din,” which stars Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan and is distributed by Aamir Khan Productions, the rumors were put to rest.

In order to convince Arijit to change his stated retirement and personally ask him to sing in the movie, Aamir traveled to his birthplace of Murshidabad and spent four days there with Arijit and his family.

‘Ek Din’ reunites Aamir Khan with filmmaker Mansoor Khan after a considerable break, restoring one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished creative partnerships. Together, they have produced films such as “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,” “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar,” “Akele Hum Akele Tum,” and “Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na” that audiences will never forget.

“Ek Din” is directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan, and Aparna Purohit under the auspices of Aamir Khan Productions. On May 1, 2026, the movie is scheduled to open in theaters.

According to delegates at a conference hosted by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) here on Monday, the India-Africa engagement is increasingly positioned not just as historical solidarity but as a forward-looking partnership shaping a more equitable and multipolar global order as global power structures undergo structural realignment.

“The volatile times we are living in, accompanied by disruption of supply chains, call for south-south collaboration in energy transition and climate action,” stated Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in his keynote presentation.

His speech covered the growing Indian diplomatic presence in Africa and emphasized the importance of Africa in India’s economic diplomacy and South-South cooperation framework. He also stated that India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)” principle defines India-Africa solidarity.

“India–Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order” was the theme of the day-long seminar that the CRF and the USANAS Foundation in Udaipur organized.

In the face of a fast changing global environment, it convened ambassadors, senior diplomats, policymakers, academics, and strategic analysts to discuss the changing nature of India-African cooperation.

Panellists emphasised that the India–Africa partnership needs to expand into newer areas like digitisation, critical minerals and climate action, while strengthening the partnership in aspects such as trade, people-to-people linkages and security challenges.

Dr. Abhinav Pandya, the founder and CEO of the USANAS Foundation, and CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi welcomed the delegates and emphasized the need for India and Africa to improve their ties, particularly in trade. The present disarray in the world order is tainted by unpredictable commerce, which will hinder the expansion of the India-African cooperation.

In order to promote South-South collaboration, they emphasized the historical dimensions of the India-Africa alliance as well as the necessity of strong international institutions and security frameworks.

Panelists emphasized during the discussions that there are a number of opportunities and problems associated with the growing commerce, technological, and transnational connectivity connection between India and Africa. It was emphasized that India should work more closely with Africa to further expand commerce, as the two continents have already reached $100 billion in 2024–2025 and want to reach $200 billion by 2030.

Anil Sooklal, the former G20 and BRICS Sherpa and the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, outlined three important facets of technological cooperation that will be discussed at the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). These include sharing innovations in the agriculture sector to ensure food security and aiding in the development of skills and capacity.

As he examined the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) revolutionary potential, he emphasized the necessity for India to have a clear plan for interacting with the rest of Africa.

It was noted during the discussion about the development of India-Africa industrial cooperation that India plays a crucial role in Africa’s industrialization since it provides a mix of capital, expertise, and skills.

Ambassador Anil Wadhawa emphasized that India-Africa collaboration in ports, infrastructure, and technology is about co-architecting futures in a shifting global order, not merely constructing assets. He noted that it was also necessary to share India’s digitization experience with others.

The conference also looked at how to negotiate and improve the India-Africa partnership in the current global environment.

Dr. Desire Boniface Some, the ambassador of Burkina Faso to India, said that a new framework for the global order is emerging as a result of President Donald Trump’s election in the United States. It is crucial to concentrate on how India-Africa cooperation may result in win-win, mutually beneficial consequences in the new global order.

In the context of the great powers’ involvement in Africa, the discussions also explored the potential for enhancing the India-Africa partnership. While discussing the strategic convergence, particularly under the dynamic global order, the speakers noted that the African Union’s membership in the G20 was a major success in the India-Africa alliance.

The first Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 match between Odisha FC and recently promoted Inter Kashi FC will take place on Tuesday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Odisha’s season-opening game against Punjab FC on February 16 was postponed, hence this will be their first home game.

In the meantime, Inter Kashi will be looking to capitalize on their strong start after displaying incredible tenacity to secure a 1-1 draw against AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa in their league debut last week.

“We are not focused on the outcomes,” Odisha FC head coach TG Purushottaman stated prior to their season’s opening game. The outcomes will happen on their own; we are focusing on the performances. We shall focus on our advantages and try to take advantage of their disadvantages. We will accept the difficulties when they arise.

Odisha FC captain Carlos Delgado stated, “The most essential thing is to stay together, be compact, ambitious, and enjoy the training,” in reference to the team’s objectives this season. We have little time, therefore we need to come together as a cohesive team as soon as possible. We shall battle and do everything in our power to prevail.

When the two teams faced off in the AIFF Super Cup 2024, Odisha won 3-0 thanks to goals from Lalthathanga, Diego Maurício, and Puitea.

Antonio López Habas, head coach of Inter Kashi, discussed Tuesday’s game by saying, “Our basic strategy is to develop the club in this division and improve daily. The next match is always the aim, and Odisha is the target this time. Despite the fact that we are not the league favorites, we aim to compete all season long. The players I have determine my style of play. “This is my system, and it will never change,” is not something a coach can declare. No! You have to adjust to your players’ characteristics and circumstances. That is my way of thinking.

“Because the league is so short, we must accomplish things well right away. However, there is not any pressure. We will be competitive in every game if we adhere to the coach’s instructions and carry out our plans effectively. This is Inter Kashi’s debut season in the ISL. Alfred Planas, a forward for Inter Kashi, stated, “We have to concentrate entirely on the things that are dependent upon us.”

Inter Kashi FC will be keen to build on their season’s great start, while Odisha FC will look to kick off their campaign with a dominant home performance.

In a Group 1 match in the Super 8s stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai on Monday, West Indies defeated a completely outclassed Zimbabwe by 107 runs thanks to Shimron Hetmyer’s blitzkrieg, which included seven sixes and an equal number of fours in a magnificent 34-ball 85.

As he led the West Indies to an incredible 254/6 in 20 overs, the greatest team score by any team in the T20 World Cup 2026 and the second-most in the tournament’s history, Hetmyer let loose fireworks on a gripping and spin-assisting Wankhede ground. Their 107-run victory margin proved to be the most in this competition.

Although Rovman Powell’s 35-ball 59 and his outstanding support in the third-wicket partnership of 122 runs proved to be the catalyst for a captivating performance by the 29-year-old Guyana player, who has risen from the middle-order to No. 2 in the batting order, Hetmyer turned the West Indies’ effort into a one-knock innings, scoring 85 in 34 balls.

But the match belonged to Hetmyer as his spectacular onslaught did a lot of good to West Indies’ Net Run Rate ahead of the key bouts against South Africa and India, as his big-hitting contributed to a tremendous.

After hitting Ngarava for consecutive boundaries in the fifth over and hitting Graeme Cremer for sixes off consecutive balls in the seventh over—the first a swipe across the line that landed in the deep mid-wicket stand, and the second over the cow corner—Hetmyer, who was on ten at the time, began a blitzkrieg.

He reached his half-century in 19 balls as West Indies rushed to 92/2 in the eighth over after hitting Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza for three sixes in four legal deliveries in the following over.

The West Indies amassed a huge score, leaving Zimbabwe with a mountain to climb in the second innings. Sherfane Rutherford (31 not out off 13 balls) and Jason Holder (13 in four balls) hit Muzarbani for sixes off consecutive balls in the last over.

The target proved to be too difficult for Zimbabwe to reach, and when they collapsed to 20/3 in the third over, their battle was gone. Despite leaving the field to seek medical assistance after being struck by a shot from Powell, captain Sikander Raza took a few strokes during his 20-ball 27 and Dion Myer added 28 off 15 (3×4, 2×6).

In the last overs, Brad Evans smashed two consecutive sixes off Shamar Joseph and Jason Holder, scoring 43 off 21 balls (2×4, 5×6) as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs, suffering a crushing defeat. Although Evans and Richard Ngarava’s last-wicket partnership gave the total some respectability, Zimbabwe, the league phase giant-killers with victories over Australia and Sri Lanka, could not withstand the strain on the scoreboard.

While Akeal Hosein, who began Zimbabwe’s decline with 2-21 at the beginning, claimed 3-28 and Matthew Forde claimed 2-27 to finish the demolition job, Gudekesh Motie, who bowled beautifully, achieved his best numbers of 4-28.

Hetmyer, who won Player of the Match for his spectacular knock, stated, “I am trying to think less today, and the bat will now do the talking, and I respond to what is in front of me.” Significant. Especially because I did not win the last game. “All I want to do is repeat what I have been doing for the past two months,” Hetmyer remarked.

“I believe that we will not learn anything if we consider changing the country or the venues, and I believe that learning from this game is crucial. We do not wish to search for justifications. After the game, Raza stated, “We have to win in every country and at every location if we want to advance.”

West Indies’ NRR increased to 5-plus as a result of the decisive victory, further complicating India’s route to the semifinals.

Brief scores:
West Indies 254/6 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 85, Rovman Powell 59, Sherfane Rutherford 31 not out; Blessing Muzarabani 2-42, Richard Ngarava 2-47)

Zimbabwe 147 all out in 17.4 overs (Brad Evans 43 not out; Gudakesh Motie 4-28, Akeal Hosein 3-28)

Following India’s hosting of a significant AI summit that brought together world leaders and leading industry executives, multinational technology companies have committed to investing hundreds of billions of dollars in AI projects associated with the nation.

The spike in pledges coincides with a global race by governments and businesses to increase their AI capabilities.

It is anticipated that global hyperscalers like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet will collectively spend up to $700 billion this year on capital expenditures related to artificial intelligence.

Large-scale plans have been announced by major industrial firms in India. According to reports, Reliance Industries intends to spend $110 billion on data centers and associated infrastructure.

In the meantime, the Adani Group has laid out a $100 billion investment plan to construct data centers with an AI concentration over the course of the next ten years.

During the meeting, a number of American companies also made significant pledges. By the end of the decade, Microsoft plans to invest $50 billion on AI initiatives throughout the Global South.

To improve AI capabilities in India, OpenAI and chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices announced collaborations with the Tata Group.

The Indian AI infrastructure company Neysa raised $600 million in equity capital from US asset management Blackstone.

The occasion emphasized India’s goal of becoming a major player in the world of technology. To improve its local supply chain, the nation has authorized $18 billion worth of semiconductor projects.

Meanwhile, a trade deal between the US and India is getting closer with the goal of reducing tariffs and fostering economic cooperation.

The Pax Silica pact, a US-led project started under the Trump administration to safeguard the global supply chain for silicon-based products, was signed by officials of both nations during the summit.

The event was attended by prominent figures in the field of artificial intelligence, such as Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, Dario Amodei, and Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind.

In order to broaden its exposure to new technology startups in India, chip giant Nvidia has stated that it is growing its alliances with venture capital firms there.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, South Africa’s brutal bowling performance saw them defeat India by 76 runs in their Super Eights match of the Men’s T20 World Cup. Left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Janse picked 4-22.

India suffered their first defeat in an ICC tournament since the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the same location, in front of 90,954 spectators in a sea of blue.

David Miller and Dewald Brevis led the Proteas to an incredible comeback after they were reduced to 20/3 in just four overs on a sluggish black soil surface. Brevis and Miller’s 97-run combination steadied the innings with Miller hitting a smooth 63 off 35 balls and Brevis making 45.

After Miller was dismissed, South Africa’s momentum slowed to 39 runs from overs 14–19. However, Stubbs unleashed a flurry of action in the last over, hitting Hardik Pandya for a four and two massive sixes to put South Africa at 187/7 and leave them undefeated at 44 off 24 balls.

Arshdeep Singh’s 2-28 and Jasprit Bumrah’s 3-15 made him the standout for India, but the remainder of the assault, including Varun Chakaravarthy’s 1-47, found it difficult to stop the Proteas comeback. Prior to reaching the halfway point, India’s chase had stalled, falling to 51/5.

South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in their Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium thanks to a vicious bowling display. All-rounder Marco Janse, a left-arm fast bowler, was selected 4–22.

In front of 90,954 spectators in a sea of blue, India lost their first ICC tournament since the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the same venue.

On a slow black soil surface, the Proteas were reduced to 20/3 in just four overs, but David Miller and Dewald Brevis pulled off an amazing recovery. The innings was steadied by the 97 runs that Brevis and Miller scored together, with Brevis scoring 45 and Miller smashing a clean 63 off 35 balls.

South Africa’s momentum halted to 39 runs from overs 14–19 after Miller was removed. But in the last over, Stubbs placed South Africa at 187/7 and left them undefeated at 44 off 24 balls after smashing Hardik Pandya for a four and two huge sixes.

India’s best players were Arshdeep Singh (2-28) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-15), while the rest of the attack, notably Varun Chakaravarthy (1-47), struggled to halt the Proteas rally. India’s pursuit had stagnated to 51/5 before the midway point.

Miller and Brevis easily struck Chakaravarthy for sixes because he overpitched, while the latter also took two sixes and a four off Shivam Dube. However, Brevis mistimed a pull to deep mid-wicket, giving Dube the final laugh. With a lofted shot over extra cover off Dube, Miller took advantage of his second free hit and reached his fifty in 26 balls.

However, Bumrah and Arshdeep bowled tight overs to contain South Africa after Miller holed out to long out against Chakaravarthy. Bumrah held onto a return chance that Corbin Bosch had given him while Arshdeep had Marco Jansen holing out to deep mid-wicket. To give South Africa a respectable total, Stubbs got 20 runs off Hardik’s last over when an over-rate penalty was in effect.

When Ishan Kishan tried a crazy slog against Aiden Markram, the top-edge was caught by cover, putting India behind the ball from the start. South Africa’s match-up strategy was successful. After that, Marco Jansen used extra bounce to adjust for a waltzing Tilak Varma, who also burned a review.

After scoring three ducks, Abhishek Sharma quickly counterattacked with a drive for four from Kagiso Rabada and a ramp shot for six to get off the mark. However, at 15, Jansen’s knuckle ball tricked him, causing top-edge to be caught at mid-wicket sprinting to his right and avoiding a collision with mid-on, ending his innings.

Markram cleverly varied his bowlers to keep India’s batters from getting into a rhythm even with the presence of dew. In an attempt to steady the innings, India elevated Washington Sundar, but the move backfired because all he could do was offer Corbin Bosch an outside edge.

When Suryakumar Yadav mishit a whip to short mid-wicket in his subsequent over, Bosch scored once more, leaving India in ruins at 51/5 in 9.1 overs. As Ngidi’s changes tightened the screws even more, the asking rate increased gradually, making it harder for Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to gain traction.

When Pandya attempted to extricate himself from Maharaj, he was apprehended by long-off because of the strain. When Maharaj had Rinku Singh holing out to long-on for a two-ball duck and Arshdeep Singh was removed by long-on with a hop and grab catch, India’s decline accelerated even further.

Due to the fact that South Africa had already won the match, Dube’s late burst of spectacular hits was insignificant.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 187/7 in 20 overs (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45; Jasprit Bumrah 3-15, Arshdeep Singh 2-28)
India 111 all out in 18.5 overs (Shivam Dube 42, Hardik Pandya 18; Marco Jansen 4-22, Keshav Maharaj 3-24)

After recording 146/9 in a thrilling match, England’s clinical all-around performance saw them defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match, bundling out the hosts for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs.

With a persistent middle-overs squeeze that left Sri Lanka gasping, England’s spinners converted the match into a one-sided fight while defending a small score on a field that was favourable to bowlers. The hosts fell to 34/5, their second-lowest powerplay score among full member sides this edition, and the pursuit never bounced back from a spectacular powerplay failure.

The tone was established early by Jofra Archer, who removed Kamil Mishara after dismissing Pathum Nissanka with a well-placed trap at deep mid-wicket. Will Jacks, however, was the one that broke the innings’ backbone.

The off-spinner became the first spinner from England to take three wickets in a T20I powerplay after hitting twice in the fourth over, including the valuable wicket of Kusal Mendis, who was caught and bowled. He then added Dunith Wellalage to finish with an impressive 3/22.

Liam Dawson joined the act, spinning from both ends. Kamindu Mendis was explained by his drift and control, which also resulted in a scathing caught-and-bowled dismissal. Dushan Hemantha’s strange hit-wicket highlighted Sri Lanka’s collapse under duress.

Even though captain Dasun Shanaka launched a quick response, the match was essentially lost at 53/6. In an aggressive attempt to rekindle hopes, the right-hander hit two sixes in his 30 off 24 balls. But Adil Rashid’s cunning was the deciding factor. After removing Shanaka with a spectacular relay catch attempt in the deep, the leg-spinner used his signature wrong ‘un to clean up the tail.

When Rashid bowled Dilshan Madushanka over the gate to end the celebrations after Sri Lanka was dismissed for 95, their lowest score against England in T20 World Cups, he appropriately secured the victory.

England have previously had trouble gaining traction after being thrown in. The innings was supported by Phil Salt’s 62 off 40 balls, but Wellalage’s (3-26) and Maheesh Theekshana’s (2-21) disciplined spells held them to 146/9.

However, that number was more than sufficient as England’s spinners controlled and accurately stifled the chase, extending their dominance over Sri Lanka with a 12th straight T20I victory in the head-to-head match.

Despite a disciplined bowling effort that had earlier held the opposition to a modest score, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka did not hold back from acknowledging his team’s batting failure after they were bowled out for just 95 and lost to England by 51 runs.

When Shanaka thought back on the match, he was disappointed with Sri Lanka’s reckless and poorly thought-out batting display, which wasted a fine bowling performance.

Although it is really disheartening, there were a lot of good things about the ball. Therefore, I believe we managed to keep them at least 20 runs below par. After the game, Shanaka summarized the reasons for the poor score by saying, “I anticipated my players to bat well.”

“A lovely birthday gift. During the post-match presentation, Brook remarked, “I felt we played excellently there, and to go over the line and bowl them out for less than 100 is an awesome performance.”

Brief scores:
England 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62; Dunith Wellalage 3-26, Maheesh Theekshana 2-21)
Sri Lanka 95/10 in 16.4 overs (Dasun Shanaka 30; Will Jacks 3-22, Adil Rashid 2-13, Jofra Archer 2-20)