Month: December 2024

In a demonstration of unity and resilience, Gurlad Singh Khallon, the petitioner in the Supreme Court case seeking justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, led a protest march in the national capital on Tuesday.

Accompanied by victims and their families, the march began from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a significant religious site, highlighting the ongoing pain and demand for accountability.

The march culminated with the presentation of a public memorandum to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, demanding an official apology from the Congress party for its “role” in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The memorandum also called for justice for the victims, emphasizing the “failure” of the Congress party to confront the atrocities that “decimated the Sikh community, including the destruction of Gurdwaras, mass killings, sexual violence, and the displacement of thousands of innocent families.”

Sikh leader Khallon, who has been at the forefront of the fight for justice, accused Priyanka Gandhi of turning a blind eye to the suffering of Sikhs while advocating for other causes. “Why has the suffering of Sikhs been forgotten by the Gandhi family?” Khallon questioned. “Sikhs were mercilessly slaughtered, their women assaulted in front of their families–how can this be overlooked?”

Khallon further pointed to the Widows’ Colony in Delhi, where survivors of the 1984 genocide still live in deplorable conditions. “Priyanka Gandhi should come forward, address the issue, and apologize for Congress’ role in the violence,” Khallon urged. The Widows’ Colony, a haunting reminder of the devastation, continues to bear witness to the scars left on the Sikh community.

The issue gained further attention when Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a tote bag in Parliament during the winter session, symbolizing solidarity with Palestinians and Bangladeshi Hindus. This act, however, led to a BJP MP gifting the Wayanad MP a tote bag bearing a symbol associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, reigniting calls for the Congress party to acknowledge its past and take responsibility for the violence.

As the marchers concluded their peaceful protest, the message was clear: justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots must not be delayed any longer, and an apology from the Gandhi family is long overdue. The call for accountability continues to grow, as the Sikh community remains steadfast in its quest for justice and closure. (ANI)

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya on Tuesday to participate in the last aarti of the year.

Devotees could be seen standing in long queues, waiting patiently to offer prayers and seek blessings for the upcoming year.

The temple saw an influx of pilgrims from across the country, marking a spiritual start to the New Year celebrations.

Praveen Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ayodhya, assured that comprehensive security measures and arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.

Specifically addressing Ayodhya, he emphasized that the authorities are ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims, with strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established to maintain security and order.

“All arrangements have been made across the state. In Ayodhya, we are ensuring that the pilgrims do not face any inconvenience. The SOPs have been put in place to maintain security,” said the IGP.

Meanwhile, in the national capital, Delhi Police outlined comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a safe celebration. Famous spots such as Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar are expected to see large crowds for the festivities.

Police have set up 27 checkpoints with personnel equipped with breath analyzers to check for drunk driving and promote road safety. In addition, 14 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and 16 Police Control Room (PCR) vans have been stationed at strategic locations for rapid response.

According to officials, special attention is being given to 35 celebration venues and 15 popular spots, including malls, motels, and cinema halls, which will be under strict surveillance.

The police force deployed for the occasion includes seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 38 Inspectors, 329 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, along with 161 female officers.

Regular beat and vehicle patrols will bolster visibility and quick response mechanisms.

Authorities have appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with deployed personnel. Any suspicious activities should be promptly reported to nearby officers or through the helpline number 112.

New Year is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, particularly in urban areas. However, the occasion often sees a rise in alcohol consumption, which sometimes leads to an increase in cases of alcohol smuggling. (ANI)

“Apologising” for the ongoing crisis in the state in which around 200 people have died and many left their homes, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday asked people to “forget the past” and start a new life for peaceful and prosperous Manipur.

The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and the Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following the Manipur High Court order directing the state to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.

Reflecting on the crisis, the Manipur CM said, “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3.”

“Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I really feel regret. I would like to apologise,” he added.

Singh further appealed to the various communities in the state to “forget past mistakes and start a new life”.

“Now, I hope after seeing the last 3-4 months’ progress towards peace, I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state. I want to appeal to all the communities of the state that whatever happened has happened. We now have to forget past mistakes and have to start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur, we should all live together,” he said.

Manipur Chief Minister further said that till date about 200 people have died and around 12,247 FIRs have been registered in the state.

Addressing a press conference, Singh noted that 625 accused were arrested and around 5600 arms and weapons were also recovered.

He further stated that the central government has provided funds to construct new houses for the displaced persons.

“Till now, altogether roughly 200 people have died, and around 12,247 FIRs were registered, and 625 accused were arrested, and around 5,600 arms and weapons were included, and around 35,000 ammunitions were recovered. Good progress is there in tackling the issues. The central government has provided enough security personnel and enough funds to help the displaced families and enough funds to construct new houses for the displaced persons,” the Manipur CM stated. (ANI)

As the national capital gears up to welcome the New Year 2025, Delhi Police has outlined comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a safe celebration. Famous spots such as Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar are expected to see large crowds for the festivities.

Speaking to ANI, DCP South West Surendra Chaudhary said, “We have briefed restaurant owners and staff about the protocols. In collaboration with the traffic police, we have deployed a facial recognition system (FRS) van to identify any people with criminal backgrounds who may visit the area.”

“We have installed 60 cameras for monitoring, and our SHO and senior officials will be present. Through loudspeakers, we will also address the gathering if necessary,” Choudhary added.

Police have set up 27 checkpoints with personnel equipped with breath analyzers to check for drunk driving and promote road safety. In addition, 14 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and 16 Police Control Room (PCR) vans have been stationed at strategic locations for rapid response.

According to officials, special attention is being given to 35 celebration venues and 15 popular spots, including malls, motels, and cinema halls, which will be under strict surveillance.

Security personnel have been deployed at 21 bus stops, 60 motorcycle patrols are monitoring vulnerable routes, and a high-visibility police presence will be maintained in eight prominent hotels. Hauz Khas Village, a popular party destination, will see increased security to ensure safety.

The police force deployed for the occasion includes seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 38 Inspectors, 329 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, along with 161 female officers. Regular beat and vehicle patrols will bolster visibility and quick response mechanisms.

Authorities have appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with deployed personnel. Any suspicious activities should be promptly reported to nearby officers or through the helpline number 112.

New Year is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, particularly in urban areas. However, the occasion often sees a rise in alcohol consumption, which sometimes leads to an increase in cases of alcohol smuggling. (ANI)

Expressing the government’s intent to work towards bringing Uniform Civil Code, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday said that UCC figured in the BJP manifesto for 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the party makes such a mention when it feels that the proposal can be implemented.

In an interview with ANI, Meghwal said that UCC was being implemented in Goa and Uttarakhand has enacted a law for its implementation.

“The UCC was a part of BJP’s manifesto, no doubt about it. We take up things in the manifesto when we think it is possible. States also worked on it. It was already implemented in Goa and Uttarakhand passed the act. The matter is pending with the Law Commission of India, other states are also interested,” he said.

The terms of reference of the 23rd Law Commission, which was constituted earlier this year, included the Uniform Civil Code.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said earlier this month in Parliament that the government was exerting its force to have a “secular civil code”. He made the remarks in Lok Sabha during his speech in a debate marking 75 years of India’s constitution.

“There is a burning issue I wish to discuss, and that is the Uniform Civil Code! This topic was not overlooked by the Constituent Assembly either. The Constituent Assembly engaged in lengthy and in-depth discussions about the Uniform Civil Code. After rigorous debates, they decided that it would be better for whichever government is elected in the future to take a decision on this matter and implement the Uniform Civil Code in the country. This was a directive from the Constituent Assembly, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself had said so. However, those who neither understand the Constitution nor the country, and have read nothing beyond their hunger for power, are unaware of what Babasaheb had actually said. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had strongly advocated for the abolition of personal laws that were based on religious grounds,” PM Modi had said.

“During the debates of that era, K.M. Munshi, a prominent member of the Constituent Assembly, emphasized that the Uniform Civil Code was essential for the unity and modernity of the nation. The Supreme Court, too, on multiple occasions, has stated the necessity of implementing a Uniform Civil Code in the country at the earliest and has even directed governments to work towards it. Keeping in mind the spirit of the Constitution and the sentiments of the Constitution’s framers, we are fully committed and working with all our strength towards establishing a secular civil code,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi had also spoken about UCC in his Independence Day speech this year.

“In our country, the Supreme Court has repeatedly addressed the issue of the Uniform Civil Code. Numerous orders have been issued, reflecting the belief of a significant portion of our population–and rightly so–that the current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code, one that is discriminatory. As we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, we must hold extensive discussions on this subject as the Supreme Court advocates for this change,” PM Modi had said.

“And it is our collective responsibility to realize the vision of the framers of our Constitution. We should welcome diverse opinions and perspectives. Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society. Therefore, I assert that it is time for the country to demand a Secular Civil Code. After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code. Once this shift takes place, it will eliminate religious discrimination and will bridge the gap felt by ordinary citizens,” he added.

The BJP had talked about bringing Uniform Civil Code in its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Article 44 of the Constitution lists the Uniform Civil Code as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

“BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code, which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times,” the party’s manifesto said. (ANI)

Actor Triptii Dimri is enjoying her foreign vacation and shared dreamy pictures from it on social media.

On Monday, she dropped a video where the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ actor is enjoying snowfall in Finland.

Along with the post, Triptii wrote, “Snowflakes and Smiles…Today feels like one of the happiest chapters of my life.”

Triptii also dropped some dreamy pictures from Vienna and Prague on her Instagram Stories.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Triptii is all set to collaborate with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and actor Shahid Kapoor.

Sajid Nadiadwala’s production banner shared an update about the project, revealing the film will hit the theatres on December 5, 2025.

The film will go on floors on January 6, 2025.”#SajidNadiadwala presents a @VishalBhardwaj film! A spectacular cinematic journey begins on 6th Jan 2025. Film releasing on 5th December2025@shahidkapoor@tripti_dimri23 @nanagpatekar @RandeepHooda @WardaNadiadwala,” a post read on official X account of Nadiadwala Grandson.

A while ago, Shahid took to Instagram and expressed his excitement about the film.”Every story has its time, and this one begins now. Shooting starts on 6th January 2025, and we’ll see you in theatres on 5th December 2025,” he wrote.

Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda are also a part of the project. Details regarding the film’s plot have not been disclosed yet.

Triptii was last seen in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and has performed incredibly well at the box office.

‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ also features Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit Nene and Rajpal Yadav among others.

This also marks the third successful horror-comedy release of 2024, joining the ranks of ‘Munjya’ and ‘Stree 2’.

It is directed by Anees Azmee, who also helmed the second part of the horror-comedy franchise.

‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is the third instalment in the popular Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise.

The first part Bhool Bhulaiyaa, released in 2007, starred Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan in the lead roles.

The second part Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) starred Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu in the lead roles. (ANI)

After more than eight years of their legal fight, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finally settled their highly publicized divorce.

As per People magazine, Jolie’s lawyers confirmed on Monday, December 30, 2024, that both parties have agreed to terms, marking a significant chapter in the protracted legal saga that began when Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016.

Jolie and Pitt had been married for two years and together for 12 before their relationship came to an end.

Jolie filed for divorce on September 19, 2016, citing “irreconcilable differences,” shortly after an incident involving a private plane flight that she claimed escalated into an abusive altercation between Pitt and their six children.

Authorities investigated the matter, but Pitt was not charged, and Jolie later chose not to press charges.

In a statement to People magazine, Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, reflected on the journey, stating, “More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

A source close to Jolie told People magazine that the actress has remained focused on moving forward, saying, “She doesn’t speak ill of Pitt publicly or privately. She’s been trying hard to be light after a dark time.”

The settlement concludes a highly complex and contentious divorce that involved significant disagreements, particularly over custody arrangements and their shared assets.

In the years following Jolie’s divorce filing, the couple had been embroiled in lengthy and sometimes bitter legal disputes.

Early on, the former couple reached an agreement to handle their divorce proceedings privately, utilizing a private judge to resolve the legal details.

They also sought to seal all records related to their children to protect their privacy, as per People magazine.

Despite these attempts to keep matters out of the public eye, the divorce proceedings were far from smooth.

Custody battles over their six children Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Vivienne and Knox (16), were particularly contentious, with harsh accusations filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, as per People magazine.

In 2017, Pitt and Jolie agreed to seal sensitive court records regarding their children, and they officially bifurcated their divorce, with their legal status as single being declared in 2019.

Since then, both parties have continued to navigate a difficult path, with Pitt beginning a relationship with LA jewellery executive Ines de Ramon in 2022.

Though the divorce settlement represents a resolution to one part of their legal battle, disagreements over their shared assets, specifically their French estate and winery Chateau Miraval, have continued.

In 2022, Pitt filed a lawsuit against Jolie after she sold her stake in the estate to a third party. Jolie countersued, alleging that Pitt had been orchestrating a campaign to take full control of the winery following their split.

As per People magazine, in the lawsuit, Jolie’s business entity, Nouvel, argued that Pitt had been working behind the scenes to seize control of the property, which had been a symbol of their shared life and investments.

A source close to Pitt countered the accusations, telling People magazine, “This is just the latest in a series of deliberate efforts to misdirect, recycle and reposition the truth of what has happened over the last six years.”

Pitt also sought to prove that there was a written agreement between the couple regarding the sale of their shares in the estate, a claim that was substantiated in a recent court ruling.

In a significant legal victory for Jolie, a judge ruled in November 2024 that Pitt must disclose documents, including emails and texts, that might support Jolie’s allegations of abuse, which she claims have been covered up for years.

Both parties remain entrenched in the legal battle over Chateau Miraval, with Pitt’s legal team referring to Jolie’s document request as “a sensationalist fishing expedition,” as per People magazine.

Despite the ongoing litigation, the divorce proceedings themselves have now been officially concluded. (ANI)

Mira Rajput recently took to social media to share a heartfelt video reflecting on the year 2024 while eagerly anticipating what’s to come in 2025.

The post, filled with moments from her personal life, highlights her family’s growth and the memories she has made with her husband actor Shahid Kapoor, children Mira, Zain, and friends.

In her Instagram video, Mira described 2024 as a year of fresh starts and cherished family moments, expressing her excitement for the opportunities and adventures that 2025 will bring.

Her caption read “2024 was the year for new beginnings, family & a dream. 2025, I’m ready to fly.”

Recently, Mira has also shared snippets of her travels with Shahid, posting a photo from a trip where she described their experience, saying, “Long walks that lead to large appetites and cosy evenings.”

As Mira reflects on her personal life, Shahid Kapoor is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Deva’.

Initially scheduled for a release on February 14, 2025, the action-packed thriller has now been moved up to January 31, 2025.

Shahid is also set to collaborate once again with ‘Haider’ filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj for an untitled Sajid Nadiadwala project.

Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda are also a part of the project. Details regarding the film’s plot have not been disclosed yet. (ANI)

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the construction work of the police post near Jama Masjid in Sambhal and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath responsible for creating a “dangerous environment” in Sambhal.

“The police chowki being made near Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is on waqf land, as the records show. Moreover, construction near protected monuments is prohibited under the Ancient Monuments Act. @narendramodi and @myogiadityanath are responsible for creating a dangerous environment in Sambhal,” Owaisi posted on X.

Earlier on Monday, Owaisi stated that there are empirical studies that have been done that clearly show that where you have a higher number of Muslims living in that place or locality or area, the government has failed to provide public services like hospitals, schools, colleges, etc.

He further added that a recent study has been done by Paul Lovosad of Dartmouth College and MIT, which clearly shows the amount of discrimination the governments have shown, especially the BJP government, in not providing public services.

He further highlighted the alarming dropout rates among Muslim women, low literacy rates, and limited graduates within the Muslim community, as well as pressing medical issues.

It is noteworthy that work is currently underway to build a police post in the vacant ground near Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed near the construction site to ensure security.

Meanwhile, Sambhal Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra on Monday said that the construction work of the police post near Jama Masjid in Sambhal is being done at a fast pace and will be ready in a few days.

This development comes after recent violence in the area, during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a Mughal-era mosque last month, which led to four deaths and injuries among police and locals. (ANI)