Month: January 2025

Clarifying India’s stance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living ‘illegally’ abroad, including in the United States.

The Foreign Minister affirmed that India’s position on the issue has been “consistent” and “principled,” and he did clearly convey this to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“We have always taken the view that if there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, if we are sure that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India. So it’s not a position unique to the United States,” Jaishankar said at a press conference in Washington DC, on Wednesday (local time).

“I understand right now that there is a certain debate going on and a resulting sensitivity which is there. But we have been consistent; we have been very principled about it, and that remains our position, and I conveyed that very clearly to US State Secretary Marco Rubio,” he added.

Jaishankar, however, also emphasised that India is very much supportive of ‘legal mobility’ between two countries and wants Indian skills and talent to have great opportunities at the global level.

He added that India is firmly opposed to illegal migration, adding it is not “reputationally good” and also leads to several illegal activities.

“As a government, we obviously are very much supportive of legal mobility because we do believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and Indian skills to have the maximum opportunity at a global level,” the EAM said.

“At the same time, we are also very firmly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration. because you also know that when something illegal happens, many other illegal activities get joined into it… this is not desirable. It’s certainly not reputationally good…So we have with every country, and the US is no exception,” he added.

The Foreign Minister, during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also pointed out the long waiting period for getting US visas and said it is not serving the relationship well.

“I also told him (Rubio) that, while we understand all of this, and I also accept that these are autonomous processes, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. If it takes 400-odd-days waiting period to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this. So I think he also noted that point,” he further said.

Notably, Jaishankar represented India at US President Donald Trump’s inaugural function. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.Donald Trump took the oath as the 47th US President on January 20. (ANI)

Comedian Kapil Sharma and actor Rajpal Yadav have reportedly received death threats through an email.

The threatening message was sent to Rajpal Yadav’s email account from a person named Vishnu, who allegedly warned that Sharma, his family, his associates, and Rajpal Yadav would be killed.

The email, sent on December 14, 2024, raised concerns and led to a formal complaint.

The threatening message was sent from the email address don99284@gmail.com to Rajpal Yadav’s team email account, teamrajpalyadav@gmail.com.

This led to immediate action, with Yadav’s wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, filing a police complaint at the Amboli Police Station in Mumbai.

The Amboli Police has registered the case under Section 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the threat of harm.

They are now conducting an investigation into the threat and the person behind the malicious email.

At this stage, the police have not identified the person responsible, and investigations continue.

Kapil Sharma, known for his wit and humour, has been a beloved figure in Indian entertainment for years.

He first gained widespread attention with his victory on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 3 and went on to star in hit comedy shows like Comedy Circus.

However, it was the ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ show that made him one of India’s most prominent comedians.

In addition to his television career, Sharma has also ventured into the film industry with roles in movies such as ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’, ‘Firangi’, ‘Zwigato’, and ‘Crew’.

More recently, he launched ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ on Netflix, which has attracted a star-studded lineup of celebrities, including Aamir Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor among others.

Meanwhile, Rajpal Yadav, known for his versatile comic roles in numerous Bollywood films, was last seen in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film stars Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, among others. (ANI)

As Indian-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy pulled out of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), just 69 days after he was announced the co-head of the team along with tech billionaire Elon Musk, a report has revealed that it was the Tesla CEO who wanted Ramaswamy ‘out’ of the team.

Politico reported citing three people with Elon Musk’s preference said the billionaire made it known that he wanted Ramaswamy out of DOGE in recent days.

Hours after Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President, Ramaswamy announced that he would not co-head DOGE.

Musk’s ability to ice out Ramaswamy, who for a variety of reasons had irked some Republicans in Trump’s circle, is the latest sign of his influence in the incoming administration. It presages an encore of all of the infighting that marked Trump’s first term.

Ramaswamy “just burned through the bridges and he finally burned Elon,” said a Republican strategist close to Trump advisers. “Everyone wants him out of Mar-a-Lago, out of DC.”

According to the report, Ramaswamy’s comments on X during a discussion of H-1B visas were the ‘main reason’ for some Republicans’ getting frustrated with him.

In December last year, the Indian-origin leader criticised American culture, saying that tech companies hire foreign workers because the country that has “venerated mediocrity over excellence.”

“They wanted him out before the tweet — but kicked him to the curb when that came out,” one of the three people familiar with his departure, told Politico.

Ramaswamy is planning to announce a run for Ohio Governor next week, as reported by Politico. A person close to DOGE said Musk did not think it was feasible for him to campaign for office while working on DOGE.

Meanwhile, Trump transition spokesperson Anna Kelly lauded Ramaswamy and said that he “played a critical role in helping us create DOGE” and that his plan to run for governor “requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today.”

Politico reported citing sources, that Ramaswamy maintained to confidants as late as Saturday evening that he was actively involved in DOGE, saying he was at work writing executive orders. However, a person familiar with the arrangement informed that he had done almost no DOGE-related work since early December.

Last week, he was hoping to achieve some significant milestones before leaving to run for governor. Now, Ramaswamy and his team are trying to present his exit in a positive light, especially since it’s happening as Trump begins his term.

Ramaswamy has chosen not to comment on the rumoured tensions between him and Musk.

A person familiar with Ramaswamy’s thinking said they are now on good terms and that “the reality is that it wasn’t possible” to run for governor and co-lead DOGE “both at once.”

Ramaswamy attended US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, where he spoke to Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff.

On Monday morning, Ramaswamy posted a photo of himself with Musk shaking hands.

“A new dawn,” he wrote.

But he was already on his way out. That same day, a person close to Ramaswamy who was granted anonymity to speak freely confirmed Ramaswamy was leaving, the Politico report stated. (ANI)

The death toll in the Jalgaon train accident has risen to 12, with six others injured after the Karnataka Express hit passengers of the Pushpak Express on Wednesday, a senior official confirmed.

According to initial reports, the passengers had stepped out of their coaches due to a suspected fire on the Pushpak Express. While they were on the tracks, the Karnataka Express arrived on the adjacent track and hit them.

“As per the information, 11 people have died in the accident. Police and other officials are at the spot. Eight ambulances and several railway rescue vans have been sent to the site. The District Collector and DRM are in contact, and all possible help is being provided,” Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam told ANI.

Additionally, Superintendent of Police Maheswar Reddy informed ANI that six people sustained injuries in the crash.

“Till now, 11 people have died in the accident, and six others are injured and receiving treatment. As per information received from the hospital, no one is in critical condition,” he added.

Ambulances, railway rescue vans, and fire tenders reached the site in Pachora, Jalgaon district. (ANI)

Johnnie Moore, former spiritual advisor to Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke about religious freedom as a priority for the Trump 2.0 administration, the issue of Khalistan, revised immigration policies and how India-US ties would progress under Donald Trump’s administration.

Speaking about the issue of religious freedom to ANI, Moore said, “It is crystal clear that religious freedom is a top priority of the Trump administration and when President Trump was running for re-election just a few months ago, he was one of the only world leaders that spoke out clearly and directly about what was happening to the Hindu community in Bangladesh”.

“So you can rest assured that President Trump is going to be a friend of Hindu Americans, not just Indian Americans, but of all Americans, whatever God they believe in or don’t believe in, however they worship”. Johnnie Moore, who also served as the former Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) told ANI.

Speaking about the issue of Khalistan, Moore said, “I’m not an expert on that subject, but what I can inform you and I’m pretty confident of is that for any issue that’s a point of conflict between the United States and India, there’ll be channels to negotiate those things”.

Elaborating further, he said, “When he (Trump) says he’s going to negotiate, he means it. But one of the things that I also know about visiting India more than 20 times in my life is that some of the best negotiators in the world are Indians, and I think one of the most interesting things to watch will be India and the United States negotiating over all kinds of things”.

Speaking to ANI about the discussions on tariffs, Moore said, “What will come of all of this will be a win-win relationship for both countries that will make everyone more prosperous”.

Commenting on the changes which the Trump 2.0 administration is bringing towards America’s immigration policy, Johnnie Moore remarked, “President Trump has been very clear when it comes to immigration policy. He wants to crack down on illegal immigration, on our southern border. What he is not interested in doing is not allowing the people who have incredible talents to contribute to the United States”.

He gave the example of the Indian Americans who are leading tech sector in the US as an example substantiating his statement.

“There is absolutely nothing that we can’t achieve together. As an American that knows my country quite well and a supporter of the President, I bet on that. It’s going to be the best time. It’s not just going to be the golden age for America, it’s going to be the golden age for the Indian-American friendship,” he said. (ANI)

In a tragic incident, at least eight passengers were injured when the Pushpak Express was struck by the running Karnataka Express in Jalgaon district.

According to initial reports, the passengers had stepped outside their coaches due to a suspected fire on the train. While they were outside, the Karnataka Express passed through the same spot, and several passengers were struck by the moving train.

Railway officials and staff have reached the scene of the accident, and further details are awaited. (ANI)

With Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto as Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day, a 352-member marching and band contingent from the country will be participating in at the Parade on the Kartvya Path in the national capital.

This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.

President Prabowo, who will pay a State Visit to India on January 25-26, will attend the 76th Republic Day parade as Chief Guest.

The entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including political, defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, healthcare, digital technologies, energy, culture, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people relations will be reviewed during his visit.

Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded and the third CEO Forum will be held on the sidelines.

This will be the first visit of President Prabowo to India as Head of State. Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the Chief Guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950.

President Prabowo will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Indonesia in 2018. During the visit, India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted.

Prime Minister Modi met President Prabowo on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November last year. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours with cultural and trade ties spanning over a millennia. The annual Bali Yatra festival, which commemorates the historic voyages by Indian seafarers who would set sail to Bali, is one such example of these cultural linkages.

Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy. There are regular high-level interactions including convening of bilateral mechanisms like Joint Commission Meetings and Foreign Office Consultations.

In terms of economic cooperation, Indonesia is one of India’s largest trading partners in the ASEAN region. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 reached USD 29.40 billion.

Indian investments in Indonesia amount to USD 1.56 billion in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors.

The Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018 has further strengthened defence ties. There are regular talks between the defence services of the two countries and bilateral Army Exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’ and Joint Naval Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ are held regularly. There is regular conduct of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).

India and Indonesia also share robust and active space cooperation dating back to 1997. Two Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) ground stations set up by ISRO at Biak, Papua support Indian satellite and launch vehicle missions.

Apollo Hospital is working with the Indonesian Mayapada Hospital group to build a green hospital in the new capital Ibu Kota Nusantara(IKN) for clinical collaboration, providing capacity building, technical training, hospital management services and collaboration to make affordable and quality healthcare available to Indonesians.

Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to Indonesia have risen from USD 167.01 million in 2020-21 to USD 230.41 million in 2023-24.

Indonesia is a major recipient of ITEC and TCS of Colombo Plan scholarships. ICCR offers around 20 scholarships every year to Indonesian students for pursuing higher studies in India. ITEC offers around 100 slots to Indonesia every year.

Direct flight connectivity between India and Indonesia commenced in August 2023. Routes include Mumbai-Jakarta, Delhi- Bali and Bangaluru-Bali sectors. India has emerged as the second largest source of tourists (more than 6,00,000) to Bali in 2023-24.

There are approximately 1,50,000 Persons of Indian Origin whose ancestors migrated to Indonesia in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants and bankers.

President Prabowo’s visit will provide an opportunity for the leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties as well as to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. (ANI)

Fans of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ have been eagerly awaiting a sequel since the film’s release in 2011.

The beloved movie, which explored friendship, adventure, and self-discovery, captured hearts with its unforgettable performances by Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol.

Recently, the trio sparked hopes of a sequel when they posted a video that has left fans buzzing with excitement.

The video uploaded on social media, shows the three actors during an off-screen reunion, casually reflecting on something they seem to admire.

Abhay Deol, holding his chin with a subtle smile, is the first to react, followed by Hrithik Roshan, who exclaims, “Unbelievable,” while looking in the same direction. Farhan Akhtar then adds, “Outstanding.”

The camera then turns revealing that the trio is gazing at a copy of ‘The Three Musketeers’, which is fitting given their on-screen personas as the “Three Musketeers” of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Farhan Akhtar posted the video on social media with the caption, “@zoieakhtar do you see the signs??.”

This reference to their director Zoya Akhtar has only fueled speculation about a possible sequel, who helmed the hit 2011 movie.

Fans quickly filled the comment section, expressing their hopes for ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara 2’, and even shared their excitement for a potential road trip adventure with the trio.

One user wrote, “Petition to make ZNMD-2”. Another fan wrote, “Oh wow ….. please make this happen”.

Reacting to the video post, Zoya Akhtar also replied, “Yes the universe is speaking to me,” with a laughing emoticon.

‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ remains one of Bollywood’s most cherished films. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the movie follows three friends–Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), Imran (), and Kabir (Abhay Deol), on a transformative road trip across Spain.

The film is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures like skydiving, running with bulls, and diving into self-realization.

The ensemble cast also included Kalki Koechlin and Katrina Kaif, making it a star-studded hit. (ANI)

The Mumbai Police have found several fingerprints of the accused in Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing case at the actor’s Bandra residence.

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.

In the ongoing investigation, 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.

As per the police statement, the accused entered the residence of the renowned actor with the intent to commit theft. A case has been registered under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

Further, the police stated that the accused was about to flee to his native village in Bangladesh when he was detained at Hiranandani Estate in Thane. Shehzad was sent to five-day police custody by the Bandra Holiday Court on Sunday.

His advocate, Sandeep Shekhane, denied the police claims and alleged that “no proper investigation” had been conducted so far.

“A police custody for 5 days has been granted. The court has asked the police to submit a report within 5 days. The police have no proof that he is a Bangladeshi. They said that he came here 6 months ago, it is a wrong statement. He has been living here for more than 7 years. His family is in Mumbai… This is a clear-cut violation of 43A. No proper investigation has been done,” Shekhane told reporters.

The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse. After the attack, the actor was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after surgery on Tuesday. Upon returning to his Bandra residence, he waved to the media. The ‘Hum Tum’ actor appeared healthy as he greeted the paparazzi with a smile. Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor were spotted at the residence. (ANI)