Author: TheStateLine

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Aiming to make J&K model for access to justice, Tele-Law service: Arjun Ram Meghwal

Srinagar, Feb 17 (IANS) Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday expressed confidence that collective efforts would transform Jammu and Kashmir into a model region for access to justice and further strengthen the Tele-Law programme.Addressing a regional event-cum-workshop under the Tele-Law Initiative of the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) Scheme, Meghwal stressed the need to further strengthen access to justice through technology-enabled services.He called for ensuring that justice reaches every citizen, whether living in villages, mountainous regions, or coastal areas.He lauded the dedicated service of the state High Court’s Chief Justice, Arun Palli, remarking that his work had a wide impact across the region.He encou...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Manoj Bajpayee meets French President Emmanuel Macron, praises his clarity and depth around cinema

ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture with the French President.He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, “It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron at today’s luncheon, along with other dignitaries. What stood out was not just the warmth of the interaction with him, but the clarity and depth of the exchange around cinema, culture, and the role of storytelling in building bridges between countries”.He further mentioned, “Conversations like these, on how India and France can work together more closely in cinema and culture, remind you of how important thoughtful leadership and cultural dialogue are in today’s world”.Em...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Alia Bhatt joins the list of BAFTA presenters alongside Cillian Murphy, Kate Hudson

ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) After proving her mettle in Bollywood, actress Alia Bhatt is also constantly making a mark for herself on the international platform. Adding another feather to her cap, Alia has joined the list of the BAFTA presenters for 2026 alongside some prominent personalities such as Cillian Murphy, Kate Hudson, and Sadie Sink.The British Academy recently released its star-studded list of presenters for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, slated to take place on February 22.The list includes some heavyweights like Aimee Lou Wood, Bryan Cranston, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Olivia Cooke, and Patrick Dempsey.Aaron Pierre, Alicia Vikander, Erin Doherty, Hannah Waddingham, Kathryn Hahn, Kerry Washington, Little Simz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Mill...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Bihar: PMFME brings notable change in lives of Sheikhpura sweet sellers

INDIA, TOP STORIES

Patna, Feb 17 (IANS) The PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, launched years ago to support micro food units and make them self-sustaining enterprises through Central monetary assistance, is yielding considerable results.In Bihar’s Sheikhpura district, the PMFME has proved instrumental in generating local employment, as aspiring entrepreneurs have taken the ‘atmanirbharta’ route to realise their dreams.Shashi Kumar, who runs a sweet shop, shared the transformative journey, noting that he availed benefits under the scheme and that he now provides employment to many.After learning about the PMFME scheme, Shashi Kumar visited the Industries Department office to obtain complete information and applied. After receiving funds, he purchased a gram flour laddu...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Sounding poll bugle, Sukhbir Badal promises jobs for Punjabis only

INDIA, TOP STORIES

Chandigarh, Feb 17 (IANS) Sounding the bugle for the first phase of the election campaign for the 2027 Assembly polls, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday promised to ensure welfare of farmers and weaker sections, Rs 10 lakh interest-free loans for the youth, government jobs for Punjabis only and an end to the gangster culture and drug mafia. The Akali Dal President also asserted that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not only corrupt and had acquired 2,500 acres of land in Australia, but was also readying to compromise state river waters. “The file that the Central government has made against Bhagwant Mann has forced him to soften his position vis-à-vis the transfer of water to Haryana through the SYL canal. I want to make it clear. We are ready to spill...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

India’s leather exports poised to surge after US, EU trade pacts: Report

INDIA, TOP STORIES

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) The Indian leather sector is set for significant expansion, targeting a $50 billion turnover by 2030, supported by rising export momentum and increasing domestic consumption, according to a CareEdge Ratings report released on Tuesday.CareEdge Ratings notes that India’s Union Budget 2026–27, along with the completion of the India–European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as of January 27, and the recent cut in US import tariffs, collectively create a positive policy environment for India’s leather industry. The Budget’s focus on streamlining import duties, reducing input costs, and simplifying procedures is likely to boost cost efficiency and operational performance. Additionally, the EU–FTA significantly improves market access and export competitiveness.India’s l...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

T20 WC: Nepal elect to field in inconsequential clash against Scotland

SPORTS

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Nepal won the toss and elected to bowl first against Scotland in Match 33, an inconsequential match in Group C of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams are out of the race for the Super 8 and are playing for bragging rights. The West Indies and England have already advanced from this group, with six points each from three wins.Nepal made one change, with Sundeep Jora coming into the playing XI in place of Karan K.C., while Scotland decided to go in with the same squad.Nepal captain Rohit Paudel was happy to win his first toss of the tournament and said he chose to bowl first because he wants his bowlers to use the early assistance offered by the wicket."The wicket has been difficult for the first four-five overs, a difficult ...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Pakistan: Suicide car bombing kills 11 security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Tejashwi Yadav calls for taking Karpoori Thakur’s ideals to Delhi on 38th death anniversary

INDIA, TOP STORIES

Patna, Feb 17 (IANS) On the 38th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President Tejashwi Prasad Yadav said that Karpoori Thakur’s ideas and aspirations must be carried from Bihar to Delhi and reach every household in the country.Addressing a large gathering of party leaders and workers at Patna’s Bapu Auditorium, Tejashwi Yadav said the RJD is carrying forward the legacy of Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad Yadav by strengthening social justice, secularism, and the fight for the poor and marginalised.He alleged that forces spreading hatred are in power both in Bihar and at the Centre and accused them of weakening the constitutional and secular fabric of the country.Referring to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s imprisonment, Tejashwi said it w...

Feb172026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Tipu Sultan row: Maha Congress chief apologises to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s devotees

INDIA, TOP STORIES

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Amid raging controversy for equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday expressed his regret and apologised to the Shivaji devotees for the misuse of his words, saying that it was never his intention to hurt anyone’s feelings.He also condemned the BJP for allegedly twisting his stamens and said that due to the latter’s filthy mischief, the sentiments of Shivaji devotees have been hurt.Sapkal chose to express regret and apologise, especially after the BJP and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned his statement and warned that it would not be tolerated in the state. He noted, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure in Maharashtra and across India, known for his bra...