Bollywood, Heists, and Maya Myths: Unlikely Mix

Bollywood's long-rumored ties to the mafia have been thrust into the spotlight, revealing a "toxic and deadly affair" that has persisted for decades, according to Sky News. This symbiotic relationship, where stars and producers flaunted associations with crime bosses, is one of the industry's worst-kept secrets, the outlet reported on February 13, 2026.

The intimate connection between Bollywood and the mafia has been a persistent issue, with the industry's association with crime figures being an open secret, according to Sky News. This connection has been ongoing for decades, with stars, directors, and producers openly associating with crime bosses.

Meanwhile, in other news, tech companies are facing mounting pressure to censor content online, particularly regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to a lawsuit filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), platforms are being pressured to shield users from government requests, potentially hindering the reliable sharing of information about ICE online, as reported by Ars Technica. Experts suggest that platforms could refuse these demands without a court order.

In the realm of technology and public health, Jim O'Neill, the US deputy health secretary, is focused on increasing human healthspan through longevity-focused research supported by ARPA-H, as detailed in an exclusive interview with MIT Technology Review. O'Neill oversees a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars and signed the decision memorandum on the US's new vaccine schedule.

In contrast to the high-tech heist often portrayed in movies, the reality of major crimes is often far different. According to MIT Technology Review, surveillance cameras, computer-controlled alarms, and lasers are rarely the primary challenges in real-world heists. The main barrier to entry is often a physical one.

Finally, the prevailing debate about the Maya civilization has shifted from why it collapsed to how it survived, according to Hacker News. Francisco Estrada-Belli, who visited the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal in 1970, was mesmerized and decided to dedicate his life to answering questions about the civilization.