Month: September 2024

Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma made a striking return to Mumbai from London on Tuesday morning, captivating fans and media alike with her sophisticated all-black ensemble.

Arriving at Mumbai airport, Anushka turned heads with her elegant, no-makeup look and commanding presence.

The ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ star was spotted stepping out of the airport dressed in sleek, jet-black pants paired with a matching blazer.

Her minimalist style was complemented by a neat bun and black sunglasses, adding a touch of sophistication to her appearance.

Completing her bossy look with a pair of black sandals, Anushka exuded elegance as she navigated through a throng of photographers and well-wishers.

Anushka was seen briskly walking towards her awaiting vehicle, pausing briefly to acknowledge the paparazzi with warm smiles and friendly waves.

She even responded with a cheerful “thik hai” when a photographer said, “ma’am shaam ko milte hain.”

Anushka Sharma’s husband, cricket star Virat Kohli, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, were not spotted with her at the airport.

The couple, known for keeping their private life largely out of the public eye, recently welcomed their second child, Akaay, earlier this year in February, following their first daughter, Vamika.

Talking about Anushka’s work front, she will be next seen in the upcoming sports biopic film ‘Chakda Xpress’ which is based on the life of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami and will stream exclusively on OTT. The final release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

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Actor Nivin Pauly has refuted allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a woman who has claimed that he along with others had sexually abused her at a hotel in Dubai last year.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the Malayalam actor said that he will go to any extent to fight for justice.

“I saw the news just now. I don’t know that girl, and I haven’t seen her. This is a baseless allegation. The news is affecting us because I have a family,” Pauly said.

The actor said, “I called for this press conference at this time because I am 100 per cent sure that I am not at fault. An FIR has been registered, and I will handle the case according to the law and will fight against it. I will go to any extent to prove the truth. This will take time.”

Pauly and five others have been charged by Kerala Police for gang rape and related crimes.

The survivor’s statement was recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sexual harassment allegations against several influential men in the Malayalam film industry, following the release of a redacted version of the Hema Committee report.

The case was registered at Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam based on the survivor’s statement to the SIT.

The First Information Report was filed under IPC Sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman), 376D (gang rape), 354C (voyeurism), 450 (trespass), 342 (wrongful confinement), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Pauly was named as the sixth accused in the case, with Shreya, film producer AK Sunil, Binu, Basheer, and Kuttan identified as the first five accused.The complainant alleged that the accused had promised her a role in a film.

The offence allegedly took place in Dubai last year.

Nivin Pauly also issued an official statement on his Instagram account.

“I have come across a false news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is entirely untrue. I’m determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handled legally,” Pauly stated on his Instagram account.

Filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya, and Siddique have also been charged with various sexual harassment complaints. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the ties between India and Brunei have been elevated to level of Enhanced Partnership.

In his address at the banquet hosted by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday, PM Modi thanked the royal family for their warm welcome and their hospitality. He noted that the two nations share deep historical and cultural ties and will mark 40th anniversary of political relations this year.

PM Modi said, “India and Brunei share deep historical and cultural ties. This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our political relations. On this occasion, we have decided to give our relations the status of Enhanced Partnership.”

“We had extensive discussions on all aspects to give strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in the economic, scientific and strategic areas,” he added.

PM Modi said that he and the Sultan of Brunei discussed possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between two nations in space sector. He also announced that direct flights between two nations will start soon.

“We have decided to focus on mutual cooperation in agriculture, industry, pharma and health as well as technology and cyber security. In the energy sector, we discussed the possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. To enhance cooperation in the defence sector, we took positive views on the possibilities of defence industry training and capacity building,” PM Modi stated.

“To strengthen our cooperation in the field of space, we have agreed on satellite development, remote sensing and training. Direct flights will be started soon for connectivity between the two countries. Our people to people relationships are the foundation of our partnership,” the PM added.

Highlighting Indian community’s contribution in Brunei, PM Modi stated, “I am glad that the Indian community is making a positive contribution to the economy and society of Brunei. With the inauguration of the Indian High Commission yesterday, the Indian community has got a permanent address. We are grateful to the Sultan of Brunei and his government for looking after the welfare and interests of the Indian community.”

PM Modi praised the Sultan of Brunei’s leadership for the country’s progress with confluence of tradition and connectivity and called the vision of ‘Wawasan 2035’ commendable.

“This year, Brunei will celebrate its 40th Independence Day. Your majesty, Brunei, under your leadership has progressed with an important confluence of tradition and continuity. Your vision of Wawasan 2035 for Brunei is commendable. On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I extend my best wishes to you and the people of Brunei,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to Brunei’s royal family for the warm welcome, the PM said, “I thank the royal family for the warm welcome and their hospitality. Even though this was the first bilateral meeting of an Indian Prime Minister with Brunei, the warmth that I received here reminded me of our shared history.”

Calling Brunei an ‘important partner’ in India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi said, “Brunei is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision. India prioritises ASEAN centrality and will continue to do so. We will support freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws like UNCLOS. We agree that a code of conduct should be followed in this sector. We support the policy of development and not expansion.”

Earlier, PM Modi held a meeting with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and during the “wide ranging” talks the two leaders discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges.”

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed Brunei an “important partner” in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its vision of the Indo-Pacific.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, “Building stronger India-Brunei relations. PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed at the Istana Nurul Iman by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members. Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its Vision of the Indo-Pacific.”

PM Modi who arrived in Brunei on Tuesday on a bilateral visit had said that he is looking forward to strong bilateral ties, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages.Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome. PM Modi thanked Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah for welcoming him at the airport.

On Tuesday, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations.

The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements. The design not only pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage but also creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister also visited Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday, as a part of his historic visit to Brunei. Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin received him at Mosque and Brunei’s Minister of Health Dato Haji Mohammad Isham was also present, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release.

After the first leg of his two-nation visit, PM Modi will head to Singapore for a two-day visit from September 4-5. (ANI)

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C R Kesavan, the National spokesperson of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) condemned the Congress-led Himachal Government on Wednesday over the non-payment of salaries of state government employees.

“Utterly misled by their irrational, kathakat, voodoo economics and tughlaq economics of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress government in Himachal has plunged the state into financial ruin and brink of bankruptcy. Like an unreliable, unsafe and precarious leaky boat, the Congress government with its reckless false promises it made to the people during elections has plunged the state and its future of its people into disparate darkness”, said the national spokesperson in a statement.

Further criticising the Congress, he questioned the silence of the Congress leadership, saying that the Gandhi family have abandoned the people of Himachal Pradesh. “We have read in papers from time to time that they (Gandhi family) go to Shimla for a vacation, but now why have they abandoned the good people of Himachal Pradesh? Mr Rahul Gandhi, who comments on everything under the sun, even in Timbuktu, why is he maintaining such a steely silence on the financial catastrophe by his own Congress government in Himachal Pradesh?”, he added.

The delay in the disbursement of salaries of employees of the state Secretariat has left the employees anxious and prompted them to draft a letter to the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Finance, demanding an immediate release of their salaries. The employees argue that the delay is causing financial strain, preventing them from meeting their monthly obligations.

Earlier in the Himachal Assembly session, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged the financial struggles in the House, announcing a two-month deferment of salaries for himself, ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) and MLAs. However, he later claimed there was no financial crisis, contradicting his initial statement.

Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, criticised the situation, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s fake guarantees have been exposed in Himachal Pradesh. Other states should also learn a lesson from this.”

Thakur further emphasised the gravity of the situation, highlighting the inconsistency in the government’s statements.

He also noted that the opposition had sought a discussion in the House on the economic situation, but claimed the government is not treating the issue with the seriousness it deserves. (ANI)

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Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba constituted a high-level committee and held meeting with its members to conduct an investigation after unarmed Koutruk villagers in Manipur’s Imphal were attacked with drones, bombs and sophisticated weapons on Sunday reportedly by the Kuki militants. 

In the high-level meeting that was conducted on Monday, Additional Director General of Police (DGP) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, Major General SS Kartikeya, Major General Ravroop Singh, IPS officer Vipul Kumar and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) JK Birdi were present. 

Taking to social media X, Rajya Sabha MP wrote “Constituted a High – Level Committee of 5 members with Addl. DGP (Int) Manipur as Chairman to investigate into H- Tech drones used by Kuki Militants killing one lady & injured several others including 3 policemen at Koutruk Village Manipur & Report shall be submitted by 13/9/24.” 

Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the fresh incident of violence and said that the act to drop bombs on civilian and security forces was “an act of terrorism.”

The Chief Minister also denounced these “cowardly attacks” in the strongest possible terms, emphasizing the need to unite together against hate, division and separatism.

“Dropping of bombs on civilian population and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms. Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assault with utmost seriousness and will take up necessary response to fight such forms of terrorism upon the indigenous population,” Singh said in a post on X.

“We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite together against hate, division and separatism,” he added.

Earlier, the Manipur Police had confirmed the reports of usage of Drones in the attack in Kotruk, ” In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfares, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation.” 

On September 2, during search operations and area domination conducted by the security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas the Police recovered 1 drone from Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi District. (ANI)

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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 1,61,000 Palestinian children were vaccinated in two days as part of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, exceeding the estimated target of about 1,56,550 children.

Dr. Rick Peppercorn, WHO Representative in the Palestinian Territories, told reporters in Geneva via video conference on Tuesday that preliminary data shows that about 74,340 children were vaccinated on the second day of the campaign, while more than 86,600 children had been vaccinated on the first day.

The majority of the remaining children in central Gaza are scheduled to be vaccinated by the end of the first round, Pepper-Corn added, noting that multiple teams have been deployed to larger fixed sites, allowing some to operate as mobile teams to proactively reach children to ensure that no child is missed.

The WHO official confirmed that vaccination teams faced larger numbers of residents in Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij and Al-Masdar, where two additional shipments of vaccines were sent to primary health care centres in Al-Maghazi and Al-Bureij due to high demand.

Dr. Pepper-Corn noted that the WHO considers that there is a high risk of poliovirus type 2 infection inside Gaza and internationally due to gaps in children’s immunity due to disruptions in routine vaccination and the newborn category and the destruction of the health system there in addition to the ongoing displacement of the population, malnutrition and severely damaged water and sanitation systems.

Last Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, directed the provision of USD 5 million to support the emergency vaccination campaign against polio in Gaza after the first case of the virus was recorded in the Strip. This is part of the ongoing efforts made by the UAE to provide relief to the brotherly Palestinian people, especially children, in response to the difficult humanitarian conditions they are going through.

The UAE announced earlier today that it had launched the campaign on Sunday in a strategic move to protect more than 6,40,000 children from the risk of polio, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNRWA, in central Gaza, and that it would gradually move to the south and north of the Strip, where it aims to vaccinate 90 per cent of children to ensure their protection from the disease. (ANI/WAM)

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Producer Ektaa R Kapoor, who attended the trailer launch event of her upcoming movie ‘The Buckingham Murders’ on Tuesday, has shared her concerns regarding the recent Justice Hema Committee Report and opened up about the need for more women in leadership roles to create safer environments.

While speaking to the media, Ektaa shared that the issue of women’s safety is “not just an industry issue.”

“Women and their safety is not just an industry issue. We take this very seriously. Like I said, a lot of women have to now lead so that a lot of other women can join forces. Two female producers coming together, making a film, telling a crime story which is sorted by a female officer is also a step to create some kind of safety,” Ektaa said.

“We have to change the agency from men to women and equalise it. We need women on top in a lot of places. For that, women also have to take an initiative. The report has come, we will read more about it. A conscious effort to keep a safe environment for women at any place of work will be made when women start to lead. I think that has to start,” she added.

Sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry followed after the Justice Hema Committee report disclosing some shocking details of crimes against women in the industry were made public.

The report containing shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals took the whole industry by storm.

The report, made public earlier this month, after redacting the names of witnesses and the accused, noted that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and exert control over the industry.

Meanwhile, the trailer launch event was attended by director Hansal Mehta co-producer Ektaa R Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in Mumbai.

In the film, Kareena essays the role of a grieving police detective tasked with tracking down a child murderer. Throughout the trailer, Kareena portrays different shades of her intense role as she gets engrossed in solving the mysterious case.

The Buckingham Murders will be released in cinemas on September 13 this year. The film’s ensemble also includes Ash Tandon, Ranveer Brar, and Keith Allen. (ANI)

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to release the first list of candidates for at least 50 seats on Wednesday in the run-up to the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

The party sources said that the first list of candidates is expected to be released tomorrow.

“We will release the first list tomorrow on maximum seats. Though discussion on all seats have been done but we will release the of list of around 50 candidates first and rest will be announced later,” the source said.

Earlier in the day, a key meeting was held at around 7.30 pm at former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s residence in Delhi. The meeting was attended by BJP Haryana Election incharge Dharmendra Pradhan, election co-incharge Biplab Dev, State incharge Satish Punia, and state co-incharge Surender Nagar among others.

On September 2, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national President JP Nadda, BJP Haryana Election incharge Dharmendra Pradhan, election co-incharge Biplab Dev, State incharge Satish Punia, State Co-incharge Surender Nagar and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar met and held talks regarding the candidates.

The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

On August 31, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revised the polling day for Haryana Assembly polls from October 1 to October 5, this year, as well as moved the counting of votes for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assemblies from October 4 to October 8. (ANI)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the British government’s decision to suspend thirty arms licences to Israel, asserting that regardless of the UK’s support, Israel remains resolute in its determination to emerge victorious in this conflict.

“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.

Denouncing it as a “shameful move that will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” he said, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”

Notably, Hamas savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens. Moreover, Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens.

This comes after the UK announced to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Monday that the partial ban covers items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but did not include parts for F-35 fighter jets, according to Al Jazeera.

“Israel is pursuing a just war with just means, taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way and comporting fully with international law,” added Netanyahu.

Netanyahu drew a historical parallel, and compared Israel’s battle against Hamas to Britain’s fight against the Nazi regime during World War II, and said, “Just as Britain’s heroic stand against the Nazis is seen today as having been vital in defending our common civilization, so too will history judge Israel’s stand against Hamas and Iran’s axis of terror.”

Netanyahu emphasised that Israel is conducting a just war, utilising just means, while taking unprecedented steps to minimise harm to civilians and adhering to international law.

“Israel is pursuing a just war with just means, taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way and comporting fully with international law,” he said. (ANI)

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday saluted the bravery of soldiers for killing 9 Naxals in the border area of Dantewada and Bijapur districts and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting with Naxalism since it came to power and soon it will be wiped out.

Earlier today, 9 Naxals were killed during an encounter operation in the forest at the Dantewada-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh.

“The BJP has been fighting with naxalism since it came to power. Our soldiers are fighting and we salute their bravery. 9 Naxalites have been killed and we salute our forces. Naxalism is shrinking and soon it will be wiped out,” CM Sai told ANI.

In a post on X, the Chhattisgarh CM said that the government’s fight against Naxalism will continue until that is eradicated.

“So far, 9 Naxalites have been reported killed in an encounter between a joint team of DRG and CRPF in the border area of Dantewada and Bijapur districts. Along with this, news has also been received about the arrest of 13 active Maoists by security forces in Bijapur district. Certainly, this is a big success for the security forces. I salute and congratulate all the security officers and soldiers involved in this operation for their bravery. Our fight will continue until Naxalism is eradicated” he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM and Home Minister Vijay Sharma said that the whole Bastar is moving towards peace and on the way to development.

“It was a joint operation of DRG and CRPF. In the Bijapur and Dantewada region, 9 Naxalites have been killed in a search operation. This is the strength of the soldiers, and the whole Bastar is moving towards peace and on the way to development,” Sharma said.

On the killing of 9 Naxals in a fire exchange between security forces and Naxals, IG Bastar P Sundarraj said that a lot of Naxals have also surrendered.

“On the information of the presence of Naxalites at the border area of Dantewada and Bijapur, teams were sent. An encounter broke down at 10.30 am between them and the security forces… After which 9 bodies of Naxalites were recovered. Arms were also recovered. Search operations are underway… During the monsoon of 2024, more than 35 Maoists have been killed in the last 2-3 months. There have also been arrests in huge numbers. Because of this action, a lot of them have also surrendered,” IG Bastar said.

Earlier today, a joint police team went on a search operation after receiving information about the presence of Maoists from West Bastar Division in the border area of Dantewada and Bijapur districts. The encounter between the police forces and the Naxals started at 10:30 am on Tuesday. (ANI)

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