Tag: news

Sports

CSK’s Legend MS Dhoni Gears Up for Another IPL Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.

At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.

Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.

As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.

Entertainment

Niharika Konidela Slams Filmfare Awards South 2026 for Silencing Debut Winners

Tanisha Cardozo

The Filmfare Awards South 2026, held in Kochi to celebrate the best in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, was a glittering event that brought together the region’s most talented artists. While the ceremony honoured outstanding performances and films like Pushpa 2: The Rule, Amaran, Aadujeevitham, and Bramayugam, actor Niharika Konidela highlighted a notable concern following the event.

Taking to Instagram, Niharika praised the gathering of talent and described being in the room with so many artists as “truly special.” Yet she expressed disappointment that the debut winners from Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema were not given a moment to speak on stage. According to her, for first-time awardees, that stage is more than recognition—it is the realisation of a dream and a platform to inspire audiences. She wrote, “Time constraints are inevitable in a show of this scale, but that one minute shouldn’t be taken away from someone standing on that stage for the first time. Because for them, that one minute may last a lifetime.”

Niharika’s remarks strike a chord in an industry where recognition and visibility play a pivotal role in shaping careers. The ceremony, while celebrating established artists, missed a chance to amplify the voices of emerging talent, a point that Niharika stressed could have made a lasting impression on audiences and fellow artists alike.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in Telugu cinema—she is the daughter of actor-producer Nagendra Babu and niece of megastar Chiranjeevi—Niharika has herself balanced the roles of actor and host, having appeared in films such as Oka Manasu, Suryakantham, and Happy Wedding, and hosted the popular show Dhee Juniors. Her candid observations reflect both personal insight and empathy toward emerging artists navigating the challenges of an industry driven by visibility.

Beyond her professional commentary, Niharika’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She became engaged to Chaitanya Jonnalagadda in a close-knit ceremony in 2020 and announced their divorce in 2023, events that further underline her openness in sharing life experiences alongside her professional journey.

Niharika’s reflections on the awards ceremony serve as a reminder that while accolades celebrate achievement, the moments of recognition on stage—particularly for debutants—carry immense symbolic value. Her call to give first-time winners even a brief opportunity to speak underscores the importance of nurturing new talent and ensuring that the next generation of artists feels seen, heard, and inspired.

TechPulse

Goa’s AI Mission 2027 Turns Heads at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s growing ambition to position itself as a hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies took centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Over six days of high-level engagement, the Goa pavilion stood out as a dynamic showcase of innovation, attracting over 200 visitors, including global technology stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

At the heart of the showcase was the state’s forward-looking Goa AI Mission 2027, an initiative aimed at fostering responsible AI adoption, supporting startups, and building strong collaborations between industry and academia. The pavilion, set up by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, reflected a clear vision—one that positions Goa not just as a tourism destination, but as an emerging technology and innovation hub.

The Goa delegation was led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, along with senior officials who engaged directly with stakeholders throughout the summit. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation and strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem.

What made the pavilion particularly vibrant was the participation of Goan startups, which brought innovation to life through real-world applications. These startups showcased solutions across sectors, actively engaging with visitors and forging meaningful connections. From AI-driven enterprise tools to advanced imaging technologies, the interactions highlighted the depth of talent and creativity emerging from Goa.

The international interest was equally significant, with delegates from countries including France, Sweden, Japan, Canada, the United States, Ghana, and Cuba exploring potential collaborations. Representatives from national organisations and other Indian states also visited the pavilion, keen to understand Goa’s approach to AI and its rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Among the notable visitors was Defence Research & Development Organisation Director General Lal Chand Mangal, who expressed strong interest in indigenous innovations such as hyperspectral imaging technology developed by Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. He highlighted its potential applications in homeland security and defence, opening doors for further collaboration and real-world deployment.

Visitors at the pavilion also experienced Goa’s digital initiatives firsthand. One such highlight was the AI chatbot integrated into the GoaOnline portal, designed to simplify access to government services and provide instant responses to user queries. For attendees like Manisha Desai, the experience was both engaging and reassuring, offering a glimpse into how technology can enhance everyday governance.

For participating startups, the summit proved to be more than just an exhibition—it was a gateway to opportunity. Entrepreneurs shared how the platform enabled them to connect with global industry leaders, media companies, and policymakers. These interactions not only expanded their visibility but also opened avenues for international collaboration, particularly in markets like the United States and Canada.

As the summit concluded, the impact of Goa’s participation was evident. The state returned with valuable connections, potential partnerships, and a strengthened position in India’s AI landscape. The momentum generated at the event signals a promising future, where Goa continues to evolve into a centre for innovation, technology, and forward-thinking solutions, driven by a vision that extends well beyond its shores.

Films

Eric Dane’s Final Euphoria Chapter: Filmed Amid ALS Battle, Legacy Lives On

Tanisha Cardozo

The final chapter of Eric Dane in Euphoria is not just another television milestone—it is a story of perseverance, passion, and an artist’s unwavering commitment to his craft even in the face of a life-altering diagnosis. Known for his portrayal of Cal Jacobs, Dane brought depth and discomfort in equal measure to a character that became one of the most talked-about elements of the series.

It has now been confirmed that Dane completed filming for Season 3 of the show before his passing on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. His return to set in April 2025 came at a deeply personal moment, as it coincided with his public revelation that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite the challenges that come with such a diagnosis, Dane chose to continue working, a decision that now lends profound emotional weight to his final performance.

As Cal Jacobs, the troubled father of Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi, Dane explored the complexities of a man living a double life. Cal’s character was marked by secrecy, internal conflict, and destructive coping mechanisms, including alcoholism and hidden relationships that often placed him at odds with himself and those around him. It was a role that required vulnerability and fearlessness, and Dane delivered both with striking authenticity.

In an earlier interview, Dane had hinted that the upcoming season would bring “a moment of truth and some sort of redemption” for Cal, suggesting a significant turning point in the character’s journey. That promise now carries even greater emotional resonance, as audiences prepare to watch what will be his final on-screen work.

Filming for Season 3 wrapped later in 2025, ensuring that Dane’s performance would remain an integral part of the show’s evolving narrative. The season is set to premiere on Hulu on April 12, and it is expected to draw significant attention not only for its storyline but also for the legacy it carries.

Dane’s passing followed what his family described as a rapid 10-month battle with ALS. In their statement, they shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and became an advocate for ALS awareness and research during his illness. His journey, both personal and professional, has since become a source of inspiration for many.

The entertainment industry continues to mourn his loss, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike. Among them was a heartfelt message from Jessica Capshaw, his former co-star from Grey’s Anatomy, reflecting the deep impact he had on those he worked with.

As audiences await the release of Euphoria Season 3, Eric Dane’s performance stands as more than just a continuation of a story—it becomes a lasting testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of storytelling.

TechPulse

Realme P4 Lite 5G Launches at ₹9,999 with Massive 6,300mAh Battery

Tanisha Cardozo

Realme has expanded its budget smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the Realme P4 Lite 5G, a device aimed squarely at users seeking reliable everyday performance without stretching their budget. Priced starting at ₹9,999, the smartphone positions itself as an attractive option for first-time buyers and those looking for a secondary device that covers all the essentials.

The Realme P4 Lite 5G comes with a 6.74-inch HD+ display offering a resolution of 720×1600 pixels. While it sits in the entry-level category, the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smoother visual experience compared to standard displays in this segment. With a touch sampling rate of up to 180Hz, the device is also responsive enough for casual browsing, scrolling, and light gaming.

One of the standout features of the smartphone is its massive 6,300mAh battery, which is expected to easily last through a full day and beyond for most users. Paired with 15W wired charging support, the focus here is clearly on longevity rather than ultra-fast charging, making it ideal for users who prioritise battery life over speed.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. It is paired with 4GB of RAM and offers storage options of 64GB and 128GB, catering to different user needs. Running on Android 15 with Realme UI, the phone brings updated software features and a clean interface experience for its users.

For photography, the Realme P4 Lite 5G features a 13MP rear camera capable of recording videos at 1080p at 30fps, while the front houses a 5MP camera for selfies and video calls. While the camera setup is modest, it is designed to handle basic photography and communication needs effectively.

The device also comes with an IP54 rating, offering resistance against dust and splashes, which adds a layer of durability for everyday use. In terms of connectivity, it supports 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, and multiple satellite navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor.

Available in Beach Gold, Obsidian Black, and Sea Blue colour options, the Realme P4 Lite 5G brings a touch of style to its practical design. The smartphone will go on sale starting February 24 via Flipkart and Realme’s official channels, with launch offers including a ₹1,000 bank discount or coupon.

With this launch, Realme continues to reinforce its strategy of delivering feature-packed smartphones at competitive price points, catering to the evolving needs of India’s value-conscious consumers.