Month: December 2024

Hollywood star Anne Hathaway recently visited chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant, Bungalow, in New York.

Taking to Instagram, Vikas Khanna shared a picture with Anne from the day when she relished food at his eatery and also opened up about how his meeting with ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ actor left him extremely emotional.

In his post, he recalled how Anne’s film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ worked as a “painkiller” for his sister Radhika who died on February 28, 2022, due to multiple organ failure after battling Lupus for years.

“I still remember the day when I had to delete all the files of Devil Wears Prada & Sex in the City from my computer. I had saved all these files to watch them on loop on hospital beds with my sister. I don’t even remember how many times Radha, @sammahmood & me have watched these videos. She loved loved @annehathaway & knew all the dialogues by heart. She was the happiest reciting every dialogue of DWP. And somehow I learnt it by heart too. This was her painkiller,” he wrote.

“I deleted each file and tried to forget all these dialogues. Today when my beloved @anjula_acharia & @furhan_ahmad brought Anne to Bungalow tonight, each & every single dialogue & laughter came back to me. Somehow I was so happy to feed her. This is the only way I know how to show love & thank people. Thank you Anne for taking away her pain when we repeated Everybody wants to be us and laughed. I photoshopped my Radha in the photo right next to her hero. I know she was there,” he added.

Set in the bustling culinary hub of New York, Vikas’ restaurant Bungalow has managed to become an audience favourite in a short span of time. It was opened in March 2024. Recently, global star Priyanka Chopra was spotted enjoying enjoying the restaurant’s culinary delights.

Priyanka shared a glimpse of the restaurant and thanked the chef for offering her a taste of home. She visited the Indian restaurant with her husband Nick Jonas, manager Anjula Acharia, and friends.

Vikas Khanna’s culinary journey is truly inspiring. From his humble beginnings in Amritsar to becoming a chef who introduced Indian cuisine to the United States and cooked for people like Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Dalai Lama, Khanna has reached several milestones in the world of cooking. (ANI)

Finally, the wait is over as the makers unveiled the trailer for ‘Superman’, written and directed by James Gunn. The movie is a reboot of the Superman film series.

The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Maria Gabriela de Faria, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell.

In the trailer, Superman looks injured, bloody and bruised in a frozen landscape. He looked tired and then he saw hope on the horizon in the form of his trusty friend, Krypto. “Take me home,” Superman says to his canine friend, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

During a trailer launch event, Gunn was asked how he incorporated the decency Superman can represent for America and the rest of the world into the movie.

“I think that’s what ‘Take me home is all about,” Gunn said, adding, “We do have sort of a battered vision of Superman at the beginning, and I think that is our country. I believe in the goodness of human beings, and I believe that most people in this country, despite their ideological beliefs or their politics, are doing their best to get by and trying to be good people, despite what it may seem like for the other side, no matter what that other side might be.”

“It’s like when you get a nice haircut, and you forget about it, but then you walk around and everybody’s like, ‘Whoa, you look great, for once!,” he said. “I got to see other people see Superman.”

The trailer also gave glimpses of the other superheroes in that world, including Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner/Green Lantern (dopey haircut and all), Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi’s Mr Terrific, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Talking about the canine scene in the trailer, Gunn shared, “He’s not nearly the best dog. There’s a lot more to Krypto than you see in this trailer.”

As for the themes of the movie, Gunn said, “It’s a movie about kindness,” as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Gunn’s “Superman,” formerly titled “Superman: Legacy,” will hit theatres on July 11. It’s the first film released under the new DC Studios overseen by Gunn and Peter Safran.

The cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Maria Gabriela de Faria as The Engineer. The ensemble includes Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Sean Gunn, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabel Merced, and Nathan Fillion. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day recalled the bravery and determination of the great women and men who were actively involved in the movement to free Goa.

“Today, on Goa Liberation Day, we recall the bravery and determination of the great women and men who were actively involved in the movement to free Goa. Their valour motivates us to keep working for the betterment of Goa and the prosperity of the people of the state,” PM Modi posted on X.

Earlier today, President Droupadi Murmu paid a heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who fought for the region’s freedom.

In a message shared on social media, the President expressed the nation’s deep gratitude for the selfless sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and the armed forces.

“On Goa Liberation Day, the nation pays tribute to bravehearts who made selfless sacrifice for the liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute the fearless freedom fighters and our armed forces for their exceptional courage and unwavering dedication. I extend warm wishes to the people of Goa and wish them a prosperous future,” the President wrote.

The President’s message emphasized the courage and dedication of those who fought for Goa’s freedom, highlighting their invaluable contribution to the nation’s independence. This tribute resonates with the people of Goa and the rest of India as they commemorate the end of Portuguese colonial rule on December 19, 1961.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his message also called for the people to work towards the betterment of the state and its prosperity.

“Today, we honor the progressive journey of Goa’s development and the strides we’ve made towards achieving our dream of a ‘Golden Goa’. Heartfelt wishes to all my Goan brothers and sisters on the occasion of #GoaLiberationDay. The sacrifices and efforts of our revolutionary freedom fighters will always be remembered and cherished. I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who led ‘Operation Vijay’ and liberated Goa from centuries of colonial oppression. Let us work together towards the betterment of our state, aligning with the vision of Swayampurna and a Viksit Goa,” the Goa Chief Minister said in his post.

Goa Liberation Day is observed on December 19 every year in commemoration of the Indian armed forces annexing Portuguese-ruled Goa.

The day also marks the success of Operation Vijay, the 1961 military action that annexed Portuguese-ruled Goa, Daman, and Diu.

Goa’s liberation occurred 14 years after India’s independence from the British. (ANI)

Amid the scuffle that broke out at the parliament, BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing him of disregarding the law, driven by his perceived arrogance and sense of being above the law.

Thakur, along with fellow MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Hemang Joshi, filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police Station. The complaint, under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351 of the IPC, accused Rahul Gandhi of injuring BJP MPs by pushing them.

“Today, a highly unfortunate incident occurred in Parliament, perpetrated by the Congress Party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi. Congress and Rahul Gandhi have a habit of violating the law. Rahul Gandhi’s arrogance leads him to believe he is above the law,” he said while talking to the reporters.

“We have filed a complaint against him for assault and provocation. The complaint details the incident that took place today outside the Parliament’s Makar Gate, where NDA MPs were protesting peacefully, and Rahul Gandhi pushed and injured them. As a result, two BJP MPs had to be hospitalized. Our complaint includes charges under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351. Despite the incident, Rahul Gandhi’s arrogance remained intact as he left without meeting the injured MPs. He considers himself above the law,” the BJP MP added.

Anurag Thakur criticised Rahul Gandhi’s behavior in Parliament premises, calling it irresponsible and a challenge to parliamentary decorum and law and order.

“Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour is not only irresponsible but also challenges parliamentary decorum and law and order. This is the same Rahul Gandhi who tore his own government’s ordinance. This is the same Congress that repeatedly insulted Baba Saheb Ambedkar. When Congress protests every day, no one questions them. Today, when BJP MPs protested, Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues forced their way in and resorted to physical aggression,” he said.

According to Thakur, the BJP MPs were peacefully protesting when Gandhi and other opposition leaders stormed the area, leading to physical aggression. He claimed that Gandhi’s actions were “deliberate and malicious”, resulting in injuries to BJP MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Chandra Sarangi.

“We were peacefully exposing Congress’s lies when Rahul Gandhi, along with INDIA alliance MPs, stormed the area. When security personnel intervened, Rahul Gandhi became furious and pushed his way through with malice. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput fell headfirst, and Pratap Chandra Sarangi sustained severe head injuries. Rahul Gandhi knowingly instigated his colleagues and caused harm. This was a deliberate and malicious act,” he said.

Earlier today, during the Parliament session, BJP MPs staged a protest accusing Congress of insulting Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Anurag Thakur participated in the protest alongside fellow MPs, raising slogans like “India will not tolerate the insult to Baba Saheb,” “Congress Party, apologize,” “Gandhi family, apologize,” and “Constitution’s violators, apologize.”

Speaking to the media, Thakur said, “History is witness to how the Nehru-Gandhi family repeatedly insulted Dr BR Ambedkar. Nehru himself went to ensure Ambedkar lost the elections, and today, their fourth generation is forced to carry Ambedkar’s photo for political mileage. Congress is spreading lies and confusion in the name of the Constitution and Baba Saheb, but the truth is that the party always ignored Ambedkar’s contributions.”

“While Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi awarded themselves Bharat Ratna and Rajiv Gandhi received it during a Congress-led government, Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna only after a Janata Dal government, supported by the BJP, came to power,” he added.

The BJP MP said that Ambedkar was given his rightful respect under the leadership of PM Modi adding that Congress’s hateful mindset toward Baba Saheb has exposed its true face.

“It was under PM Modi’s leadership that Dr. Ambedkar was given his rightful respect. Modi Ji established the Panch Teerth in Mhow, Nagpur, Mumbai, Delhi, and London. He initiated the celebration of Constitution Day and declared a national holiday on Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. Congress’s hateful mindset toward Baba Saheb has exposed its true face,” he said.

On Thursday morning, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside parliament. The ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament’s premises against the Congress party for “insulting” Babasaheb Ambedkar.

INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. (ANI)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday termed increasing spending by states on subsidies as an “incipient stress” and called for rationalisation of such outgoes.

The central bank in a report ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25’ said that the states need to contain and rationalise their subsidy outgoes so that such spending does not crowd out more productive expenditure.

Subsidies provided by the states include farm loan waivers, free/subsidised services (like electricity to agriculture and households, transport, gas cylinders) and cash transfers to farmers, youth and women.

Subsidies, sometimes termed freebies in political discourse, are being resorted by political parties, specially ahead of polls.

Several states have announced sops pertaining to farm loan waivers, free electricity to agriculture and households, free transport to a section of people, allowances to unemployed youth and monetary assistance to women.

“Such spending could crowd out the resources available to them and hamper their capacity to build critical social and economic infrastructure. High debt-GDP ratio, outstanding guarantees and the increasing subsidy burden require states to persevere with fiscal consolidation while laying greater emphasis on developmental and capital spending,” the RBI report read.

RBI argued that an urgent review of the outgoes on subsidies is warranted to free up resources for increased investment in health, education, agriculture, research and development (R&D) and rural infrastructure, which will help create more jobs and reduce poverty on a sustainable basis.

Asserting that new pressures are emerging from an increasing subsidy burden, RBI said these developments underline the need for deepening fiscal consolidation by the states.

On a macro level, RBI said state governments have made commendable progress towards fiscal consolidation by containing their aggregate gross fiscal deficit within 3 per cent of GDP for three consecutive years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and restricting revenue deficit to 0.2 per cent of GDP in 2022- 23 and 2023-24.

This, RBI said, has allowed the states to scale up their capital spending and improve the quality of expenditure.

The adoption of fiscal responsibility legislations (FRLs) by state governments in the early 2000s improved their key fiscal parameters.

Concomitantly, the overall debt of the states declined from 31.8 per cent of GDP at end-March 2004 to 28.5 per cent of GDP at end-March 2024; however, it remains well above the level of 20 per cent recommended by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee (2017).

The RBI report suggested data analytics, the adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence can help states further refine their taxation systems and augment tax capacity.

It added that states can also increase non-tax revenue by timely revisions of user charges, particularly for power, water and transport services. (ANI)

Television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee, popularly known for her role as Gopi Modi in the iconic TV series ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya’, has embraced the joys of motherhood.

Devoleena and her husband, Shanawaz Shaikh, have announced the arrival of their baby boy, who was born on December 18, 2024.

In a heartwarming post shared on Instagram, Devoleena expressed her excitement, revealing the joyous news to her fans.

The actress shared a video capturing the beautiful moment, with the caption, “Hello world! Our little angel BOY is here… 18/12/2024.”

The couple’s announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and industry colleagues alike.

The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 in a court ceremony in Lonavala with close friends and family, had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little one.

Devoleena’s pregnancy announcement earlier in August 2024 captured the hearts of many, as she shared photos from a panchamrit ritual, a traditional ceremony commonly observed by pregnant women in India.

As the couple shared their joyful news, messages of congratulations flooded in from all corners. Friends and well-wishers from the television industry congratulated Devoleena and Shanawaz on the birth of their baby boy, expressing their excitement and happiness for the new parents.

Fans, too, shared their warm wishes on social media, celebrating the joyous occasion.

Devoleena Bhattacharjee’s rise to fame began with her portrayal of Gopi Modi in ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya’, one of Indian television’s longest-running shows.

Her portrayal of the beloved character earned her a dedicated fanbase. After Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Devoleena made waves by participating in the reality show Bigg Boss 13. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a contempt petition against the Uttar Pradesh administration and police for not taking steps against the ‘Dharam Sansad’ by Yati Narasinghanand.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked district officers to ensure that law and order is maintained.

“Please keep track of what is happening, recordings of the event be there, the mere fact that we are not entertaining doesn’t mean there is a violation,” said CJI to Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for Uttar Pradesh authority.

A contempt petition was filed against the Uttar Pradesh administration and police for not taking steps against the ‘Dharam Sansad’ which was to be organised between December 17 to 21 at Ghaziabad.

However, the ‘Dharam Sansand’ at the Shiv-Shakti temple complex in Ghaziabad’s Dasna was called off as authorities refused to grant permission to hold ‘Dharam Sansad’.

Activists and former bureaucrats — Aruna Roy, retired IAS officer Ashok Kumar Sharma, former IFS officers Deb Mukarji and Navrekha Sharma, and others — have moved the top court alleging that a call was issued for the “genocide of Muslims”.

The petitioners argued that the Ghaziabad District Administration and the Uttar Pradesh police have failed to act as per the directions issued by the apex court to take suo motu action against hate speeches.

They pointed out that the website and the advertisements for the ‘Dharam Sansad’ include hate speeches against the followers of Islam religion and incite violence against them. (ANI)

Alia Bhatt’s latest Instagram post has captured the hearts of her fans once again.

The ‘Jigra’ actress took to the platform to share a collection of photos titled “Bits of here and there.”

The pictures, which feature a mix of personal moments, workout photos, and sweet glimpses of her life with her daughter Raha Kapoor, are sure to chase away anyone’s midweek blues.

The first picture in the series shows Alia looking radiant in a golden off-shoulder gown, posing effortlessly and adding a touch of glamour to the look.

Following this, she shares a mirror selfie showcasing her toned self, dressed in a nude top and blue shorts as she gears up for a workout.

The third image captures Alia performing a side plank with one hand, balancing a weight on her leg, demonstrating both her strength and dedication to fitness.

Another image shows Alia without any filters, radiating natural beauty in a casual selfie.

In a playful moment, she is also seen posing with two panda-costumed characters while flashing a bright smile, donning a serene white maxi dress.

As the photos continue, Alia shares a simple shot of game cards before treating her followers to a gorgeous selfie with the sun’s golden rays casting a glow in the background.

The final picture in Alia’s post is particularly heartwarming. The actress is seen proudly showing someone wearing a t-shirt that displays her daughter Raha Kapoor’s name, forming a heart shape with the hands to express their love.

This tender moment has captured the attention of her followers, with many fans commenting on how precious and adorable the post is.

Fans were quick to express their admiration in the comments section, with one user saying, “All of them have my heart, but the last one is more precious.”

Another fan wrote, “Why she’s so cute?”

On the professional front, Alia Bhatt has several exciting projects lined up. She will be starring in ‘Alpha’, a spy thriller from Yash Raj Films, alongside Sharvari.

The film, directed by Shiv Rawail, is set to hit theatres on Christmas 2025. Additionally, Alia is working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’, which features Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. (ANI)

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is set to celebrate its centenary on December 21, with the grand event will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

The landmark occasion will be attended by Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation; Prof Saugata Roy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India and other respected dignitaries, the Airport Authority of India stated in a release.

The celebration will reflect on the rich legacy of the airport while showcasing its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian aviation.

According to the release, a budget-friendly cafe named “UDAN Yatri Cafe” will also be launched at the NSCBI Airport, Kolkata as a pilot project supporting the transformative initiatives by MoCA and AAI.

The cafe will offer a curated menu with affordable pricing, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food at a cost-effective rate, enhancing their travel experience.

A series of initiatives have also been planned including the release of a commemorative stamp and coin to honour the 100 years of Kolkata Airport along with the launch of a coffee table book showcasing India’s cultural heritage reflected in modern airport architecture.

Spreading across an area of 1566.3 acres of land and a built-up area of 2,30,000 Sqm, NSCBI Airport is equipped to serve 26 million passengers annually and caters to around 49 domestic and 15 International destinations.

In the vibrant heart of Kolkata, where tradition meets innovation, stands the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport)–a gateway that has shaped India’s aviation journey for a hundred years and is also an enduring symbol of resilience, progress, and connectivity.

Established in 1924 as Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata Airport pioneered Indian aviation by hosting the Bengal Flying Club (1929), becoming one of the first jet service hub (1964) and opening its first dedicated airline cargo terminal in 1975.

It was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in 1995 and its New Integrated Terminal which was inaugurated in 2013 blends heritage with innovation, cementing its status as the gateway to East and Northeast India.

The Airport also drives economic growth, supporting businesses through robust air-freight services including a state-of-the-art cargo terminal that connects eastern India into the world.

As AAI’s Kolkata Airport celebrates 100 years of its service to the nation, it stands as a glittering monument to the city of joy. From its humble origins to its place among the world’s great aviation hubs, Kolkata Airport has been a bridge between people, cultures, and nations. (ANI)

The men’s ICC Champions Trophy will be played across Pakistan and a neutral venue, announced the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday. The same rule will also be applicable to all the ICC events held by India and Pakistan during the 2024-27 rights cycle.

A statement from ICC on Thursday said, “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue,” the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday.

This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka), as per ICC.

It was also announced that the PCB has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply.

Cricket Australia is set to host one of the senior ICC women’s events during the period 2029 to 2031.

The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017, beating India in the final.

The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.

Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. The two arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, comprising white-ball matches. After that, India and Pakistan have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. (ANI)