Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, clarified the Jiu-Jitsu analogy he used in Parliament, saying it reflects how hidden political pressures can control an opponent. In a video posted on X, he explained that in Jiu-Jitsu, grips and chokeholds are used to dominate an opponent, and similar unseen forces operate in politics beyond public view.
He claimed that Narendra Modi is caught between multiple pressures. Referring to issues such as the Adani case in the United States, the Epstein matter, tensions with China, and relations with the US, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister is politically constrained and unable to act freely. He also suggested that Modi’s public image depends on financial support influenced from outside India.
Gandhi further warned that policy decisions could negatively affect farmers and the textile sector, and claimed India may face increased imports from the US. He raised concerns about data sovereignty, alleging that Indian data is being handed over to American companies at low value, risking India becoming a “data colony.”
He also criticised the government’s handling of the AI summit, calling it a poorly organised publicity event that failed to prioritise Indian talent and data. Meanwhile, members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam, accusing the Prime Minister of compromising national interests at the AI Impact Summit. Police later detained the protesters.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Netflix has significant cash reserves and could raise its bid for HBO Max owner Warner Bros Discovery if rival Paramount Skydance increases its offer, according to sources familiar with the matter. The two media companies are competing fiercely over Warner Bros and its prized franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, DC Comics, and Superman.
While Warner Bros is moving ahead with a shareholder vote on March 20 regarding Netflix's proposal, it has given Paramount a week to submit a more attractive bid. Netflix has offered $27.75 per share, totaling $82.7 billion, for Warner Bros’ studio and streaming operations, whereas Paramount has proposed $30 per share, or $108.4 billion, for the entire company, including Discovery Global, which owns CNN, HGTV, and other TV networks. Netflix and Warner Bros declined to comment. Sources noted that Netflix, the company behind Stranger Things, has considerable financial flexibility, holding about $9.03 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, allowing it to potentially increase its offer.
Warner Bros rejected Paramount’s latest hostile takeover bid on Tuesday but gave the studio until the end of Monday to present a “best and final” offer. Paramount had indicated an informal $31 per share bid. “Netflix appears to be leading, but that could change quickly,” said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. He noted that price will likely determine the outcome, adding that funding and regulatory concerns become secondary at a high enough valuation. Britzman expects Netflix to counter any improved Paramount offer, though the final decision may hinge on how much the board and shareholders value the network assets that Netflix would not acquire.
Paramount stated it would continue pursuing its tender offer, oppose the “inferior” Netflix deal, and still plans to nominate directors at Warner Bros’ upcoming annual meeting. Under the merger agreement, Netflix can match any higher offer from Paramount. Warner Bros Chairman Samuel DiPiazza Jr. and CEO David Zaslav reaffirmed their commitment to Netflix in a letter to Paramount’s board.
Paren Knadjian of Eisner Advisory Group said Paramount’s persistence suggests confidence in winning, but the Warner Bros board remains concerned about Paramount’s financing, timing, and regulatory approvals, which weaken the appeal of its offer despite a higher headline price. Paramount had proposed compensating Warner Bros investors for any delay beyond this year and covering the $2.8 billion breakup fee if Warner Bros withdrew from Netflix’s deal. However, the board rejected these terms, citing unresolved issues such as responsibility for a $1.5 billion junior lien financing fee, contingencies if debt financing fails, and the certainty of equity funding led by Larry Ellison.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, completed an official visit to Australia from February 16–19, aimed at advancing India-Australia defence cooperation and strengthening strategic alignment, according to the Indian Army. During his visit, General Dwivedi engaged extensively with senior Australian Defence Forces leadership to review existing bilateral initiatives and explore ways to expand army-to-army collaboration. Key discussions focused on increasing the scale and complexity of joint exercises, enhancing professional military education exchanges, and promoting greater interoperability between the two forces.
In Sydney, he met with leaders of Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army, exchanging perspectives on operational readiness, training methodologies, and evolving military concepts. Particular emphasis was placed on the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, with both sides committing to enrich the next edition in India in 2026.
In Canberra, General Dwivedi was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and held in-depth discussions with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Drawing on their shared experience as alumni of the US Army War College (Class of 2015), the Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to institutional linkages and expanding cooperation. A roundtable at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters reviewed force modernization, emerging technologies, and future operational environments.
The COAS also addressed officers at the Australian Command and Staff College and met with leadership at the Australian Defence College, emphasizing adaptive leadership, joint operations, and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges. He held high-level meetings with the Chief of Defence Forces, the Defence Secretary, and reviewed Australia’s integrated operational framework at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), gaining insights into joint planning and execution.
The visit included a wreath-laying at the Australian War Memorial to honor fallen soldiers and reflect on the shared legacy of service between the two nations. General Dwivedi also met with Indian defence veterans in Australia, reinforcing ties between the Indian Armed Forces and its global veteran community. The statement noted that the visit has invigorated India-Australia defence relations, strengthened professional ties at the highest military levels, and highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Army.
Rekha Gupta on Friday released her government’s one-year report card as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration completed its first year in Delhi, highlighting achievements across sectors and emphasizing a results-driven approach rather than promises. She said the report reflects a year of hard work and transformation, stressing that her government focuses on action and outcomes instead of announcements. According to her, the administration has worked to move Delhi from stagnation to progress, prioritizing solutions, development, and efficiency while reducing paperwork and improving the overall work culture.
The Chief Minister stated that the government has worked across all sectors to bring positive change. Speaking about education, she said her administration passed the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Act, 2025, to prevent commercialization and promote transparency. She also expressed the goal of equipping schools with smart classrooms and digital libraries.
Earlier in the day, she offered prayers at the Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba temple, thanking the people of Delhi and the Prime Minister for their trust. She also appreciated party workers and expressed confidence that the government’s five-year tenure would significantly improve Delhi’s condition.
She inaugurated 51 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Fatehpur Beri Village in South Delhi, increasing the total number of such healthcare centers in the capital to 370. She said the government would continue expanding healthcare infrastructure and congratulated those involved in the initiative. The report card and new healthcare facilities highlight the government’s first-year focus on improving healthcare, education, and governance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France’s President Emmanuel Macron met and interacted during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The summit focused on artificial intelligence’s global influence, opportunities, and challenges. Leaders discussed collaboration on AI research, regulation, and ethical frameworks. The event brought together policymakers, tech experts, and industry leaders to explore AI’s potential for economic growth, innovation, and societal benefit, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of technology responsibly and inclusively.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday (14 Feb), hundreds of thousands joined global protests against the Iranian government. Daniel Martin talks with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and MD of Terra Corporate Affairs.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
With decisions delegated, chatbots replacing friends, and nature sidelined, Silicon Valley is shaping a life stripped of real connection. Escape is possible—but it will require a united effort.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
