Month: January 2025

Bollywood star Varun Dhawan and his wife Natasha Dalal have completed four years of marital bliss.

Taking to Instagram, Varun shared several romantic pictures of him and Natasha. In the caption, he made a promise to Natasha to take her on a vacation next anniversary.

” (Red heart emoji)…my ride or die I promise to take u on a holiday next anniversary,” he wrote.

The images showcase the adorable bond that the couple share. The first image shows Varun and Natasha sitting on a yacht, accompanied by their pet dog Joey. In one of the pictures, we can see Varun and Natasha locking lips.

Varun and Natasha, who were in a relationship for many years before tying the knot, exchanged wedding vows in Alibaug’s The Mansion House at a private ceremony on January 24, 2021.

The couple got married in the presence of close friends and family members, keeping COVID-19 protocols in mind. Their wedding ceremony reportedly also had a no-cell phone policy to ensure complete privacy.

The two are now parents to daughter Lara. The couple welcomed their first child, Lara, in June 2024, and the new parents have since been soaking in the joys of parenthood.

While promoting his latest film ‘Baby John’, Varun spoke about his experience as a father, expressing a desire to create content that appeals to children.

He said, “Even in films early on in my career, I would always concentrate on creating content that can be watched by kids. I want to make films that children can watch, they can enjoy, put a smile on their faces and that’s why I enjoy a lot with kids.”

Varun also recently opened up about how fatherhood has changed his life.

Speaking on a chat show, he humorously shared, “I used to get scolded by one woman before, but now I get scolded by two. I am learning how to burp her, how to swaddle her. Sometimes when she starts crying, I feel terrified. Sometimes at night, when you are exhausted and she starts crying, I pretend to get up, but Natasha gets up before me and goes to soothe her.” (ANI)

To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav convened a cabinet meeting in Maheshwar, known as the city of Devi Ahilyabai, in Khargone district on Friday and approved a significant decision to ban liquor in religious cities across the state.

Sharing the decision taken in the meeting, CM Yadav said that the cabinet has decided to impose a liquor ban in 17 religious cities in Madhya Pradesh. All liquor shops operating in these cities will be shut down permanently, with no plans to relocate them.

“To ensure that the states move towards liquor ban gradually, we have decided that in the first phase liquor shops would be shut down in Nagar Palika, Nagar Parishad, Nagar Panchayat of 17 cities in the states. These shops will not be shifted anywhere else. It has been decided to shut down these shops permanently,” he said.

The 17 cities where liquor shops will be permanently closed include one municipal corporation, six Nagar Palika, six Nagar Parishad, and six Gram Panchayats. Liquor shops will be completely shut down within the limits of Ujjain Municipal Corporation. Similarly, liquor will be banned in Datia Nagar Palika, Panna Nagar Palika, Mandla Nagar Palika, Multai Nagar Palika, Mandsaur Nagar Palika and Maihar Nagar Palika, the CM added.

On the same line, the Nagar Parishads where liquor shops will be shut down include Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak.

CM Yadav said, “We should all pay attention to the fact that these Nagar Parishads are all such centres of our religious faith so on the basis of the liquor policy, we have decided to close the shops in all these places.”

Furthermore, after the Nagar Parishad, the Gram Panchayats where liquor will be banned include Salkanpur, Barman Kala Gram Panchayat, Linga Gram Panchayat, Barman Khurd Gram Panchayat, Kundalpur Gram Panchayat and Bandakpur Gram Panchayat, CM said.

Mohan Yadav also emphasised that the previous policy to ban liquor within a radius of five kilometres on both sides of the bank of Narmada would be continued and no changes would be made in that policy. (ANI)

The death toll from the blast at the ordnance factory in the Jawahar Nagar area of Bhandara district, which occurred on Friday has increased to four, with five people reported injured.

According to the District Disaster Management Cell Bhandara, the blast incident claimed the lives of four and injured as many as five people on Friday morning. Many people are still feared trapped under the debris as rescue efforts are underway.

The deceased in the incident have been identified as Chandrashekhar Goswami (59), Manoj Meshram (55), Ajay Nagdeve (51) and Ankit Barai (20).

The injured have been identified as N P Vanjari (55), Sanjay Raut (51), Rajesh Badwaik (33), Sunil Kumar Yadav (24) and Jaideep Banerjee 42 years.

Earlier in the day, seven people were rescued from the site of the blast at the ordnance factory in Bhandara district.

The official account of the District Information Office, Bhandara took to its handle on X and posted the development at 2.26 pm.

“7 persons rescued so far. 6-7 persons more are trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are in progress. The NDRF team has also started rescue operations. Along with NMC and local teams. SDRF Nagpur is also on the spot,” read the post.

According to an official release from the NDRF, at approximately 10.30 am today, an explosion occurred at the Defence Factory in Jawahar Nagar, Bhandara. The incident resulted in a fire and subsequent building collapse. Initially, 13 individuals were reported trapped at the site.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was immediately deployed to the location to rescue those affected.

“7 individuals have been rescued so far. It is feared that six workers remain trapped beneath the collapsed structure. NDRF personnel are utilizing specialised equipment to carry out the rescue operation. Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all involved,” said the release.

As per the Collector of the Bhandara district, Sanjay Kolte, the roof collapsed and people were trapped.

Upon receiving the information about the blast in the factory, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the spot and were deployed to conduct the rescue operations. (ANI)

As Subhash Ghai celebrates his birthday today, actor Anil Kapoor penned a sweet birthday wish for the legendary director.

Taking to his Instagram Stories on Friday, Kapoor shared two throwback pictures with Ghai, along with a note reflecting on the “memories and lessons” they’ve shared over the years.

“Happy Birthday, Subhash Ghai Saab! Your wisdom and creativity continue to inspire everyone around you. I’m grateful for all the memories and lessons over the years. Wishing you health, happiness, and endless success always!,” read the caption of his post.

Take a look

Subhash Ghai is known for his iconic films like ‘Karz’, ‘Pardes’, ‘Vishwanath’, ‘Saudagar’, ‘Khalnayak’, and many others. He has made occasional guest appearances in his own films and has been a significant figure in the film industry since 1967.

Anil Kapoor has collaborated with Subhash Ghai on films like ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Karma’, ‘Meri Jung’, ‘Taal’, and ‘Trimurti’.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Anil Kapoor announced his upcoming action thriller ‘Subedaar’ in December last year on his 68th birthday, along with the release of its first-look teaser.

The teaser, shared by Prime Video India, showed Kapoor in a gritty new look.

The teaser shows the actor dressed in a striped white shirt, beige trousers, and slippers, his character locked in a dark room as a group of men outside threaten to break in. Kapoor’s character, referred to as “Subedaar” and “Chacha,” appears prepared for a confrontation. Sitting on a wooden chair in front of the door, he signals while holding a gun. The weapon then materializes in his hands as he loads it, ready for action.

Subedaar features Radhika Madan as Shyama, the daughter of Kapoor’s character, Subedaar Arjun Maurya. The film is directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously helmed Tumhari Sulu (2017) and Jalsa, both starring Vidya Balan. It is produced by Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network (AKFCN), with Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni serving as producers. (ANI)

Bandra Magistrate Court on Friday extended the police custody of the accused, who allegedly stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence last week, till January 29.

The court observed that there is substantial progress in the matter and to investigate other consequential aspects is necessary. The offence is serious and triable by the sessions court.

Such investigation is necessary even for ascertaining the innocence of the accused so taking all facts into account the submissions pertaining to the notice under BNSS section 35 don’t apply. Nothing from the records inferred that arrest is illegal, the court observed.

Mumbai Police had sought further custody of the accused, suspecting involvement of more accomplices in the stabbing case.

The police said that the suspect was not cooperating with the sources of the weapon which he used for the crime. The police further added that they needed to do the facial recognition match with CCTV footage and for this, they needed the accused in custody.

“We are still to receive his shoes which he wore during the crime,” the police added.

The police have recovered a Gamchha of the accused which he used during the crime.

Additionally, police will record the statement of Kolkata resident Khukmoni Jahangir Sheikh, whose Aadhar card accused used to buy a SIM card in Kolkata.

Police have recorded the statement of actor Saif Ali Khan in the case related to his stabbing at his Bandra residence by a Bangladeshi national last week, officials said on Friday.

According to Satyanarayan Choudhary, Joint CP of Law and Order, the actor’s statement was recorded at his residence ‘Satguru Sharan’ on Thursday.

“Earlier, Kareena Kapoor’s statement was also recorded by Bandra Police,” Chaudhary added.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked last week by an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who entered his home with the intent to commit theft. After a violent confrontation with the accused, Saif Ali Khan sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other body parts. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate treatment following the attack.

On Wednesday, Mumbai Police found several fingerprints of the accused at the actor’s residence in Bandra. the police found the accused’s fingerprints on the stairs of the building, the door of the toilet, and the door handle of his son Jeh’s room.

According to the police, the accused attempted to enter three houses before reaching Saif Ali Khan’s residence with the intent to steal. Mumbai Police believes the discovered fingerprints will play a significant role in the investigation. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after surgery on Tuesday. (ANI)

Amid huge ruckus, all the Opposition MPs that are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, have been suspended from Friday’s sitting.

The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M. Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress’ Imran Masood.

“What is going on is an undeclared emergency,” Banerjee asserted while referring to the happenings inside the JPC meeting. He said that the subject and dates for the meeting were changed after they landed in Delhi for the meet. The TMC MP accused the government of “hurrying” owing to the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, which are scheduled to be held on February 5.

“We had a tour till January 21. They had given the notice at night after the tour that the meeting would happen on January 24 and 25. Right then, A Raja and others requested the Chairman to postpone the meeting to January 30, 31. He refused to hear us. All of a sudden, we got the notice that the amendment had to be given by January 22, 4:00 PM,” he said.

“It was decided that a clause-by-clause discussion would happen. When we landed here yesterday night, they changed the subject, scheduling the meeting for January 27. We requested multiple times saying that it was not possible to hold the meeting on the 27th. What is going on is an undeclared emergency. It is politically motivated. They are hurrying because of (Assembly) elections in Delhi. They don’t respect the Opposition,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Opposition of creating a “ruckus” during the JPC meeting, saying that their conduct was against parliamentary democracy. He informed that the next meeting will happen on January 27 and submission to the Speaker will happen on January 29.

“It is the Opposition, especially Asaduddin Owaisi, who said that representatives from Jammu and Kashmir have not been heard and this is why we invited Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The Chairman postponed the meeting to hold a discussion clause-by-clause, for the same reason, on the Opposition’s suggestion. The Opposition created a ruckus before Mirwaiz and it is against parliamentary democracy. The meeting will now happen on January 27, a note of dissent will be presented on January 28 and we will submit to the Speaker on January 29,” Dubey told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema on Friday expressed hopes that the decision regarding the Waqf issue won’t be made in haste such that Muslims in the country feel disempowered. He said that the Waqf board issue remains important since it is connected to the future of Muslims. He said that they have prepared a memorandum and plan to discuss their concerns in a step-by-step manner.

Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the JPC, on Friday, said that a meeting has been scheduled on January 29 for the final adoption of the clauses, which will be discussed in detail on January 27. He had said that the JPC members were supposed to hear the suggestions from a delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the Budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)

On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated the government’s commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for them.

In a thread post on X, PM Modi expressed pride over the girl child’s accomplishment across all fields.

“Today, on National Girl Child Day, we reiterate our commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her. India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all,” PM Modi wrote.

“Our Government has focused on sectors like education, technology, skills, healthcare etc which have contributed to empowering the girl child. We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday extended wishes and said that “gender equality is the basis of true progress.”

Kharge further stated that observance of National Girl Child Day is a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves.

Taking to X, Kharge wrote, “Gender equality is the basis of true progress. Congress-UPA established National Girl Child Day in 2008, rooted in India’s constitutional principles. Let the observance of NationalGirlChildDay become a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves – education, healthcare, safety, and proper nutrition.”

National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24 in India, is a significant occasion dedicated to highlighting the rights, education and welfare of girls. Initiated in 2008, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without the barriers of gender discrimination.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Girl Child Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights of girls and ensure they are provided with equal opportunities and support, free from gender biases. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote education for them and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals.

A key focus is on changing societal attitudes towards girls, addressing issues like female foeticide, raising awareness about the declining sex ratio and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child. (ANI)

Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee of using “unparliamentary” language against him. He said that the house was adjourned twice due to the alleged ruckus created by the opposition leaders, who have been suspended from the JPC meeting.

Pal said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey moved a motion to suspend the opposition MPs for creating a “ruckus” after they resorted to “shouting” and “sloganeering” while not allowing the meeting to continue.

“We adjourned the house twice. We had given time to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the suggestions of the opposition only. Kalyan Banerjee used unparliamentary words against me and abused me. I kept requesting him to let the invitees speak. However, they were adamant about creating a ruckus. We adjourned the house again and again but they (opposition MPs) did not want the meeting to continue. From Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation had come but they (opposition MPs) kept shouting and sloganeering…so finally Nishikant Dubey had to move a motion and everyone agreed to suspend them,” Jagdambika Pal told ANI.

Responding to allegations of changing the subject of the notice for the JPC sitting, Pal said that the agenda was changed only for today and considering the requests made by the opposition, who wanted Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be invited to the meeting.

“We changed the agenda for today only on the request of the opposition leaders who contacted me saying that Mirwaiz should be invited and shifted today’s agenda (to hold a discussion clause-by-clause to January 27,” Pal added.

Responding to the allegations of rushing the proceedings for the JPC meeting owing to Delhi assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said that it was Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju who urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC and not the opposition.

“If the government wanted to hasten things, why would it refer the bill to JPC? The government has a majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition didn’t, but Kiren Rijiju, after introducing it in the Parliament, himself urged the speaker to refer the bill to JPC,” Pal said, adding, “Mirwaiz and his delegation expressed their concerns and raised objections to certain sections (of the bill). This shows that the parliamentary democracy in the country is being strengthened.”

Earlier in the day, all the Opposition MPs that are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, were suspended from Friday’s sitting. The suspended MPs include Mohammad Jawaid, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Nasir Hussain, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders Mohibbullah Nadvi, M. Abdullah, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Congress’ Imran Masood.

“What is going on is an undeclared emergency,” Banerjee asserted while referring to the happenings inside the JPC meeting. He said that the subject and dates for the meeting were changed after they landed in Delhi for the meet. The TMC MP accused the government of “hurrying” owing to the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, which are scheduled to be held on February 5.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Opposition of creating a “ruckus” during the JPC meeting, saying that their conduct was against parliamentary democracy. He informed the next meeting will happen on January 27 and submission to the Speaker will happen on January 29.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to submit its report during the Budget session. The term of the committee was extended during the winter session of Parliament.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Budget session of Parliament will commence on January 31 and continue till April 4, with the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)