Strong India-Brazil ties hold significance for entire Global South: PM Modi

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
Hailing the “win-win partnership” between India and Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised that both countries remain dedicated to enhancing their relationship across all sectors and are committed to increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion.

Addressing a joint press meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following the delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted that India-Brazil ties have benefited a lot over the years under the “visionary and inspirational” leadership of President Lula who, he said, has displayed deep friendship and trust for India.

PM Modi stated that President Lula’s visit enhanced the “splendour” of the historic AI Summit and provided new energy to the strategic partnership between the two nations.

“I thank him for the friendship and commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two nations,” mentioned PM Modi, adding that both countries discussed ways to move forward with “shared purpose and aspirations”.

Calling Brazil the “largest trading partner of India in Latin America”, PM Modi said, “In the coming 10 years, we are committed to taking our bilateral trade beyond $20 billion. Our trade is not just figures, but a reflection of trust. The business delegation that came with the President shows this trust.”

He said that the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries.

“In the field of technology and innovation, our cooperation holds significance not only for both countries but for the entire Global South. I am happy that we are working on establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil,” he added.

India and Brazil are also prioritising cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, supercomputers, semiconductors, and blockchain, Prime Minister Modi said, adding, “Both our countries believe that technology must be inclusive and it must become a bridge for social progress. Technology must be inclusive and must become a bridge for shared progress.”

PM Modi mentioned that energy cooperation has been a “strong pillar” of the India-Brazil relations. “Along with hydrocarbons, we are also accelerating cooperation in several areas such as renewable energy, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s active participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance reflects our shared commitment to a green future,” he added.

“Brazil has also proposed joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). I believe Brazil’s extensive experience will make a significant contribution to strengthening CDRI. The agreement reached on critical minerals and rare earths is a major step towards building a resilient supply chain,” he said.

“Our cooperation in the defence sector is also continuously growing. This is a concrete example of mutual trust and strategic coordination,” the Prime Minister noted.

He said that both countries are giving “new dimensions” to the collaboration in the agriculture, animal husbandry sectors and food security and stated that the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for oilseeds, pulses, and integrated Farming in Brazil is going to be “an important step in this direction”.

“We will continue to further strengthen this win-win partnership,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi noted that there are “immense possibilities” for cooperation in the health and pharma sector and added that India will continue to increase the supply of affordable and quality medicines to Brazil. Along with this, he said, Ayurveda and traditional medicine will also be expanded in Brazil to promote holistic healthcare.

“On global platforms, the partnership between India and Brazil has remained strong and influential. As democratic nations, we will continue to advance the priorities and aspirations of the Global South,” he added.

Stressing that “every problem should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”, the Prime Minister said, “India and Brazil are unanimous that terrorism and its supporters are enemies of all humanity. We also agree that reforming global institutions is extremely necessary to deal with contemporary challenges. We will continue to work together in this direction as well.”

“I am fully confident that your visit will further deepen our strategic partnership and establish new dimensions of cooperation in the coming years. I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your visit and your deep friendship,” PM Modi added.(Agency)

Jemimah Rodrigues completes 2500 T20I runs

Adelaide, Feb 21, 2026
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues completed 2500 runs in the T20 Internationals, achieving the feat during her outing with the willow against Australia in the final and deciding T20I of the three-game series at the Adelaide Oval.

Before walking into the crease at No. 3 for the third T20I, Rodrigues had accumulated 2492 runs in 104 innings. Playing her 118th T20 International, the Delhi Capitals skipper went past the 2500-run landmark with a boundary off Kim Garth in the fifth over of the first innings, having opted to bat first.

Rodrigues became only the fourth female Indian cricketer to reach the landmark in women’s T20Is after skipper Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and opening batter Shafali Verma. The India opener, also Rodrigues’ teammate at Delhi in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), reached 2500 T20I runs earlier this week while scoring a quick 29 off 23 balls at the top of the order in the Canberra T20I.

During the same match, Kaur set an impressive record by becoming the most-capped international player in women’s cricket. On February 19, in her 356th international game, the Indian World Cup-winning captain overtook New Zealand legend Suzie Bates to secure the record for the most international appearances by a woman.

Following Kaur and Bates, Ellyse Perry, who made her historic 350th international appearance for Australia on Saturday, ranks third among women cricketers with the most appearances.

The all-rounder made history by becoming the first Australian woman to reach 350 international games, celebrating her 20th year at the highest level.

Speaking of the series so far, the visitors dismissed the Aussies for 133 at the SCG in the first match, then quickly reached 50/1 in 5.1 overs before rain interrupted. India were significantly ahead of the DLS par score and managed to seal a win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia made a strong comeback at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Sent in to bat again, they achieved a higher-than-average total, thanks to Georgia Voll’s aggressive 88. They faltered slightly near the end of their innings, but India responded with a quick start. Nevertheless, the Australian bowlers changed their pace effectively, causing a collapse that allowed the hosts to defend their total convincingly and level the series.

The two sides are currently locked in the third and final game of the T20I leg of India’s tour, with the Women in Blue reaching 101/1 in 12 overs courtesy of Mandhana’s powerful half-century and Rodrigues’ firepower.(Agency)

Sabarimala Tantri’s arrest: Kerala govt rejects conspiracy charge, Oppn seeks HC-monitored probe

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 21, 2026
A political row has intensified over the arrest of the Sabarimala tantri in the gold theft case, with the Vijayan government rejecting allegations of conspiracy and the Opposition demanding a High Court-monitored probe into the circumstances that led to his 40-day incarceration.

Law Minister P Rajeev dismissed claims that the arrest was politically motivated, stating that the government had not interfered at any stage of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

He said the arrest was based on clear evidence and termed allegations of conspiracy baseless.

The controversy follows the arrest of Tantri Kantarar Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case.

In his bail plea, the Tantri alleged that his arrest stemmed from resentment within the ruling establishment over his opposition to the entry of women into Sabarimala.

The Kollam Vigilance Court granted him bail early this week, observing that there was no evidence linking him to the theft.

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has now demanded that the SIT publicly clarify the precise offence allegedly committed by the tantri and explain the grounds for his arrest.

The Opposition questioned whether the move was intended to divert attention from allegations raised against the CPI(M).

It also pointed to social media posts by party supporters claiming the arrest as a “credit” to the Chief Minister.

The Opposition had on January 11 sought clarity on the specific role of any accused person, whether a Minister or a tantri, in a criminal case.

“If he has committed a wrongdoing, let him remain in jail. But the public must be told about it,” the Opposition said, calling for a High Court-supervised investigation into the episode.

While the SIT initially considered appealing against the bail order in the High Court, it has now reconsidered the move, reportedly to avoid the perception of targeting the tantri.

With the probe already under judicial supervision, the Left Democratic Front government faces mounting political pressure to defend both the arrest and the subsequent developments.(Agency)

Pak Defence Minister warns KP CM Afridi’s post ‘under threat’ after forming ‘Release Imran Khan Force’

Islamabad, Feb 21, 2026
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s position “was at risk”, describing his recently announced ‘Release Imran Khan Force’ as “unconstitutional and illegal”, local media reported.

“The KP chief minister announced the release force to save his job. Except for the federal government, no one has the right to create any force,” leading Pakistani media outlet Geo News quoted Asif as saying.

The Defence Minister denied any discussion about transferring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan abroad or to his residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad.

“Perhaps, approaches were made regarding facilities,” he said, stressing that “some try to keep their shop open through such talk”.

The remarks from Asif followed CM Afridi’s announcement of the force aimed at securing the release of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran, who had been imprisoned since August 2023.

The announcement came on February 18 after lawmakers from the PTI and the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP), withdrew their days-long sit-in at Parliament House in Islamabad.

Addressing a press conference outside the Supreme Court, CM Afridi said that the jailed PTI founder had assigned him the responsibility of spearheading a “street movement”.

He alleged that court directives were being “thrown into the dustbin” and claimed that Imran continued to be denied access to his personal doctors, Geo News reported.

Afridi further stated that the newly established force would be formally registered and would adopt a peaceful struggle, adding that members of the force would take an oath in Peshawar following Eid al-Fitr.

The force, he said, would operate under a clear chain of command and that Imran would decide who would assume command responsibilities.

Afridi said that preparations would be wrapped up before launching the struggle, while asserting that the movement would advocate the supremacy of the Constitution, democracy and an independent media.

The former Pakistani PM Imran has been incarcerated since August 2023, when he was arrested at his Lahore residence after being convicted in a corruption case.

He is currently lodged at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.(Agency)

Removal of US tariffs will boost Indian exports and jobs: Industry leaders

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
Welcoming the reported US Supreme Court order striking down recently imposed tariffs, Indian industry representatives on Saturday said the move would significantly boost exports, strengthen trade ties and revive employment across sectors.

Speaking to IANS, Nainesh Pachchigar, Gujarat State President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), said the industry has welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision that declared the tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump as illegal and set them aside.

He said that although Trump had earlier reduced import duty on diamonds to zero per cent following a trade understanding with India, diamond jewellery and related sectors were still facing higher tariffs of around 18 per cent.

“The court’s decision to remove tariffs imposed on multiple countries is a positive development for India’s gem and jewellery sector,” he told IANS.

“If tariffs are completely withdrawn and the situation continues for a longer period, Indian exports will rise and the industry will receive a strong push,” Pachchigar stated.

He added that higher exports would also help generate employment, especially for small artisans and craftsmen who depend on the sector for their livelihood.

Pachigar further said that while the court has passed its order, it remains to be seen how the US government responds and whether it files any fresh affidavit or takes further legal steps.

Rajesh Gandhi, Senior Vice President of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also described the development as positive.

He said that if tariffs on India are reduced to 10 per cent, it will create growth opportunities for multiple industries.

“Lower tariffs will make Indian goods more competitive in the US market and provide momentum to sectors such as textiles, trading and manufacturing,” Gandhi told IANS.

Business representatives from the textile and trading sectors echoed similar sentiments, saying that uniform 10 per cent tariffs across countries would create a level playing field.

They believe that such a move would improve trade flows, enhance competitiveness and strengthen India’s position in the US market.(Agency)

Sargun Mehta refutes pregnancy rumours: Just ask us

Mumbai, Feb 21, 2026
Actress Sargun Mehta has finally reacted to the speculations that she is expecting her first child with husband Ravi Dubey after 12 years of marriage.

Breaking her silence on the matter, Sargun revealed that any such reports are absolutely baseless. She further took a jibe at the media, saying that, according to the reports, she has been pregnant for the last 2 years.

Mocking it as “one long pregnancy”, the ‘Qismat’ actress dropped a post on her official Instagram handle that read, “News apparently knows before us about our pregnancy for the last 2 years. According to them, I’ve been pregnant. That’s one long pregnancy! (sic)”

Sargun further urged all to stop spreading such false narratives and advised them to simply confirm the news from them before writing anything.

“Just calm down and stop spreading baseless news. It wouldn’t take much time to ask us or our team if the news is genuine before writing about it,” she went on to pen on the photo-sharing app.

Expressing her disappointment in the caption as well, the ‘Saunkan Saunkne’ actress shared, “How do you know about a pregnancy that me and ravi are unaware about ? STOP IT .. KINDLY (sic),” followed by a folded hands emoji.

Keeping things on the lighter side, Ravie commented, “caption,” along with laughing with tears emoji.

It is not the first time that speculations regarding the couple’s pregnancy have been doing the rounds on social media. From time to time, rumours of these two being ready to embrace parenthood keep making it to the internet.

For those who do not know, Sargun and Ravie first crossed paths back in 2009 on the sets of the popular show “12/24 Karol Bagh”, where they played husband and wife. During the shoot, they became friends, and gradually their friendship transpired into love.

After dating for several years, Ravie proposed to Sargun during a live show on national TV.

The couple finally got married in a grand Punjabi wedding on 7 December 2013 and have been shelling relationship goals ever since.(Agency)

India and Brazil will continue to fight for more representative UN: Brazilian President

PM Modi Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Brazil President

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday called for an urgent reform of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council (UNSC), while backing both India and Brazil as members of the Permanent Security Council.

Addressing the media following extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House, President Lula highlighted the role played by G4 – a group of four countries made up of India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan – which advocates together for reforming the Council and also mutually backs each other for permanent seats on a reformed body.

“For over 20 years, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany set up a group called G4 where we defend the increase of the UN Security Council, which is something that hasn’t happened until now, but will definitely happen soon because the UN needs more representation. The UN needs to have the force and strength to interfere in the conflicts that we see throughout the world today. A body that does not do this will not survive,” the Brazilian President stated.

“So, we are going to continue to fight for the UN to be more representative with more countries throughout the world and Brazil and India as members of the Permanent Security Council, increasing the categories of permanent and non-permanent members is an essential condition to provide legitimacy, efficacy to global governance amidst so many challenges,” he added.

During his February 18-22 State Visit, the Brazilian President Lula also participated in the 2nd AI Impact Summit.

“My dear friend Modi, it is a reason for happiness for me to return to this country for the sixth time. The meeting between India and Brazil is a meeting of superlatives. We are not just the two biggest democracies of the Global South.

This is a meeting of the world’s pharmacy with the world’s barn and a digital superpower with a renewable energy superpower. We are both mega-diverse countries and hubs of the cultural industry, and we both defend multilateralism and peace. The invitation by Prime Minister Modi for this state visit, and also to attend the AI Impact Summit, shows the synchrony and mutual trust that bind us together,” said President Lula.

The discussions between both sides on Saturday focused on strengthening India–Brazil Strategic Partnership across trade, energy, defence, agriculture, climate action, technology, AI, semiconductors, critical minerals and Global South cooperation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders reiterated their vision for an inclusive and multipolar world order and also conveyed their strong commitment to strengthen global flight against terrorism.

President Lula is accompanied by about 14 ministers and a large delegation of top CEOs of Brazilian companies.

Prime Minister Modi and President Lula have been meeting frequently. PM Modi was in Brasilia on a State Visit in July 2025 which was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in the last 57 years. Both leaders also met in Johannesburg during G20, in November 2025.

“Few months ago, in July last year, I had the honour of hosting my friend Modi in Brasilia. His visit was a milestone. On that occasion, we restructured the bilateral cooperation agenda in five areas: defence and security; food and nutritional security; energy transition and climate change; digital transformation and emerging technologies; and industrial partnerships in strategic areas. Today in Delhi, in the year when we celebrate 20 years of the establishment of the Brazil-India Strategic Partnership, we are moving into action,” said President Lula.

On Saturday, a total of 10 outcomes were finalised in areas such as critical minerals, digital cooperation, sharing of traditional knowledge, health, MSME, entrepreneurship and mass communication among others. Both leaders also committed to raise bilateral trade over USD 20 billion in the next five years.

“We signed several agreements that give concrete shape and quality to our cooperation in these areas. It is notable that India has evolved in cutting-edge sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration.

These developments create many opportunities for cooperation with Brazil,” the Brazilian President remarked while addressing media jointly with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House.(Agency)

Rohit Pawar writes to PM Modi, seeks Aviation Minister’s resignation over Ajit Pawar crash

Ajit Pawar and five others died in a plane crash near Baramati

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) legislator Rohit Pawar on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate action against Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, claiming serious questions have emerged regarding the company VSR Ventures and its alleged links to the minister in connection with the plane crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 28.

In a letter to the Prime Minister and marked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rohit Pawar demanded that the alleged links between the minister and VSR Ventures — the owner of the aircraft — be investigated by an independent and competent authority.

“You have always shown respect for Ajit Dada and his contribution to the country. In this context, I request that Shri Rammohan Naidu be asked to resign from his post until the investigation is completed. This is necessary to ensure there is no influence or interference in examining whether the DGCA was compromised in any manner in relation to VSR. I trust that you will take appropriate action in this matter,” Rohit Pawar stated in the letter.

Earlier, on February 18, Rohit Pawar had demanded that the Civil Aviation Minister and senior officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) step aside amid the controversy surrounding the crash. Addressing a press conference, he alleged a “nexus” between the ministry, the DGCA and VSR Ventures, and claimed that the current leadership was biased and shielding the company.

He further demanded that the case be treated as culpable homicide rather than an accidental death, and called for the registration of a formal FIR against the owners of VSR Ventures and the technical staff who cleared the aircraft’s airworthiness.

Rohit Pawar also sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that since the crash involved a high-profile constitutional functionary and touched upon the Union-controlled aviation sector, the state CID lacked the technical expertise and political independence to conduct a fair investigation.

At a subsequent press conference, Rohit Pawar presented what he described as a detailed report, framing the incident as a possible “political or commercial conspiracy.” He alleged that VSR Ventures was being protected by “very influential” political and business interests and claimed that certain financiers of the company had links to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

He questioned why the Civil Aviation Minister had issued statements that appeared to “clear” the company shortly after the crash. “The deeper we go, the clearer it becomes that this company has the support of very influential people. Only the Prime Minister and Home Minister can now ensure justice for Ajit Dada,” he said.

Rohit Pawar also raised concerns over alleged missing technical data, claiming that the aircraft’s transponder was switched off in the final minute of the flight. He further alleged that CCTV footage from the hangar was being withheld and that a “backdated” audit was being prepared to shield the company.

He urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to raise the matter in Parliament to ensure that the truth is not suppressed.

The crash, which occurred in Baramati on January 28, 2026, involved a Learjet 45. Since then, Rohit Pawar has held a series of briefings, citing what he described as technical discrepancies, including the alleged use of excess fuel tanks and a last-minute change of the main pilot.(Agency)

Shirtless protest: Delhi court remands Youth Congress members to 5-day police custody

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026
A Delhi court on Saturday remanded four members of the Youth Congress to five days of police custody following their arrest during a shirtless protest held at the India AI Impact Summit on Friday.

The accused — Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav — were produced before the Patiala House Court after their arrest in connection with the demonstration that disrupted proceedings at the summit venue.

Seeking police custody, the investigating agency submitted that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary to ascertain the larger conspiracy behind the protest, identify other persons involved, and examine the circumstances under which the demonstration was organised.

The defence, however, opposed the remand plea and sought bail for the accused, arguing that they were participating in a peaceful protest and that continued detention was unwarranted.

After hearing both sides, the Patiala House Court remanded all four accused to five days of police custody and rejected their bail applications. The arrests were made after Youth Congress workers staged a protest during the India AI Impact Summit, drawing sharp political reactions.

The incident came into the spotlight after some protesters allegedly engaged in disruptive conduct at the high-profile event attended by political leaders, industry representatives and technology experts.

According to officials, several Youth Congress workers removed their shirts and shouted slogans before security personnel intervened. During the protest, some of the party workers were topless and stood in front of an India AI Summit board, clicking pictures and attempting to create a ruckus.

The security personnel deployed there quickly acted and forced them out. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders had criticised the protest, terming it inappropriate and accusing the Congress party of attempting to derail a national event showcasing India’s technological progress.

In a statement, the youth wing of the opposition Indian National Congress said the demonstration was meant to highlight concerns that “corporate interests are being prioritised over national interests” and alleged that the government’s foreign policy stance had weakened.

The group also linked the protest to economic issues such as rising prices and joblessness, claiming that young people were increasingly frustrated.(Agency)

Rajasthan HC objects to prolonged vacancies in Child Rights Commission, seeks state govt’s response

Jaipur, Feb 21, 2026
The Rajasthan High Court has expressed strong concern over the prolonged absence of a chairperson and members of the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (RSCPCR), the apex statutory body responsible for safeguarding children’s rights in the state.

The court issued a notice to the state government during the preliminary hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on the issue, seeking a detailed response.

A division bench comprising Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sandeep Shah heard the petition filed by the Juvenile Justice Advocates Association.

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the posts of chairperson and members in the commission have remained vacant for over a year.

As a result, the commission has become virtually non-functional, and the monitoring of child rights-related matters has come to a standstill.

The petition highlighted that the commission’s inactivity is adversely affecting the implementation and oversight of several critical child protection laws, including POCSO Act – Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Right to Education (RTE) Act – Ensuring free and compulsory education for children and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act – Legal framework for child welfare and rehabilitation.

The petition argued that the absence of the commission has created a serious vacuum in protecting the constitutional rights of vulnerable and marginalised children in Rajasthan.

The commission’s role is to monitor the benefits and safeguards provided under these laws, but due to leadership vacancies, it has remained functional only on paper.

Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the High Court issued its order on February 17. Additional Advocate General Praveen Khandelwal, appearing for the state government, accepted the court’s notice.

The court has sought responses from the Minister of the Child Rights Department, the Chief Secretary, the Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, the Commissioner, Child Rights Department and the division bench directed the state government to submit a detailed report by February 23.

The High Court observed that leaving such crucial statutory positions vacant for an extended period reflects serious administrative negligence towards the rights and welfare of children.(Agency)

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