Local Round-up: Boong's BAFTA Win, Namo Bharat Launch, and India-Brazil Minerals Deal

February 2026’s third week brings remarkable achievements for India across cultural, infrastructural, and diplomatic fronts. From global recognition at prestigious award ceremonies to groundbreaking transit systems and strategic international partnerships, the nation continues advancing on multiple development trajectories while honoring its rich heritage.

Manipuri Film Boong Wins BAFTA Award, India's First This Year

 'Boong', the Manipuri-language film, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children's and Family Film at the 79th British Academy Film Awards in London on February 22. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, the film beat international contenders including Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco, marking a historic achievement for Northeast Indian cinema.

475-Year-Old Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Conservation Award

The 16th-century Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The 475-year-old Portuguese-era cathedral, founded by Jesuits in 1565 and rebuilt in 1597, was recognised for community-led restoration efforts. The award was announced at a ceremony in Bangkok.

Veteran Bengali Author Shankar Passes Away at 92

Mani Shankar Mukherjee, the celebrated Bengali writer known by his pen name Shankar, passed away in Kolkata on February 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Author of iconic novels like "Chowringhee," "Seemabaddha," and "Jana Aranya," his works inspired Satyajit Ray's Calcutta trilogy. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for his autobiography "Eka Eka Ekashi."

Karnataka Notifies Act to Shrink Lake Buffer Zones Based on Area

Karnataka notified an amendment to the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Act, allowing buffer zones around lakes to be reduced based on water body size. The controversial move permits smaller buffer zones for tanks under 50 hectares, raising environmental concerns about encroachment and ecological degradation despite government claims of balancing development with conservation.

West Bengal Engages 150 Judges for SIR Process Following Supreme Court Directive

In compliance with Supreme Court directives, West Bengal will engage 150 judges from district session courts for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to verify voter documents. The massive judicial undertaking aims to ensure electoral roll accuracy and address concerns about fraudulent voter registrations through comprehensive document verification across the state. 

India, US Postpone Trade Deal Talks After Donald Trump Tariff Verdict

India hit pause on trade negotiations with the United States in February 2026 following uncertainty over the new Trump administration's tariff regime. The postponement reflects concerns about unpredictable trade policies and potential tariff increases, with New Delhi adopting a wait-and-watch approach before committing to comprehensive trade agreements amid shifting American economic priorities.

India Sets Guinness World Record with 2.5 Lakh AI Responsibility Pledges

India achieved a Guinness World Record by collecting over 2.5 lakh AI responsibility pledges in 24 hours, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026. The milestone demonstrates India's commitment to responsible artificial intelligence development and usage, with citizens pledging to use AI ethically across education, business, and governance sectors during a nationwide awareness campaign.

Veteran Actor Pravina Deshpande Dies at 60 After Long Cancer Battle

Veteran Marathi and Hindi film actress Pravina Deshpande, known for her role alongside Salman Khan in "Ready" (2011) and most recently seen in Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree in Netflix, passed away on February 18, 2026, at age 60 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The respected character artist appeared in numerous Marathi plays and films, earning acclaim for her powerful performances and dedication to regional theatre.

India Signs Critical Minerals Deal with Brazil to Curb China Dependence

India and Brazil signed a critical minerals deal on February 21, aimed at reducing dependence on China for essential resources used in electronics, batteries, and green energy technologies. The strategic partnership facilitates Brazilian lithium, nickel, and rare earth exports to India while strengthening bilateral trade relations and diversifying supply chains.

AI Tools Unearth Massive Rs. 70,000 Crore Biryani Tax Scam in Hyderabad

AI-powered analytics helped Hyderabad police uncover a Rs. 70,000 crore GST evasion scam in the restaurant and food delivery sector. The investigation revealed systematic underreporting of sales by biryani and restaurant chains. Advanced machine learning algorithms detected patterns in billing data, leading to raids and recovery operations across multiple establishments.

Maharashtra Partners with Coca-Cola for India's First State-Level PET Recycling Deal

Maharashtra signed India's first state-level PET bottle recycling agreement with Coca-Cola recently. The partnership aims to collect and recycle plastic bottles across the state, establishing collection centres and processing facilities. The initiative targets reducing plastic waste while creating employment opportunities in the circular economy sector.

Centuries-Old German Tractor Sold for Rs. 1.25 Crore in Jalandhar

A rare centuries-old German tractor was sold for Rs. 1.25 crore at an auction in Jalandhar, Punjab, and will be displayed at a California museum. The vintage agricultural equipment, preserved in working condition, attracted international collectors. The sale highlights India's growing antique machinery market and the global interest in preserving agricultural heritage.