Month: January 2025

Amid concerns regarding Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan’s well-being, Dr Nitin Dange from Lilavati Hospital on Friday confirmed that the actor was doing “extremely well” and was safe. He said that Saif Ali Khan has been shifted out from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

However, his movements remain restricted. While speaking in a press conference, the doctors who operated on the actor said that he was out of danger and there was no issue of paralysis.

Dr Niraj Uttamani said that he was the doctor who met Saif Ali Khan within the first hour of his injury. “He had blood all over. But he walked in like a lion with his young child. He is a real hero. He is doing well currently. His parameters have improved. He is being shifted from the ICU to a special room. We will keep visitors in check. We want him to rest,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dange said that they have advised him to take rest given the wounds on the back that can cause infection. Saif Ali Khan is fine and safe from any symptoms, he added.

“He is doing excellent. We made him walk. There was no problem or pain or any other symptoms. Looking at several parameters, including his injuries and wounds, he is safe to be shifted from the ICU. The only thing we have advised him is to take rest for some time, owing to the wounds, especially on his back that can cause an infection,” Dange said.

The doctor further said that the injury to actors’ spine has been repaired and thus, restrictions of movement and restriction on visitor’s movements are recommended for faster recovery.

“His hands had two wounds. One of them was on the neck, which has been repaired via plastic surgery. I operated on his spine where the sharp object was lodged and from where the fluid was coming out. It has been repaired now,” Dange told reporters after the news conference.

Earlier today, Mumbai Police said that they have taken possession of a portion of the blade extracted from Saif’s back, while efforts to recover the remaining part are still underway.

Mumbai Police on Friday detained one person in connection with an attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. The person has been brought to the Bandra police station for further questioning.

Mumbai Police also said that the accused involved in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was last seen near Bandra railway station and that the search is on to nab him. Police suspect that after the incident, the suspect caught the first local train in the morning and headed towards Vasai Virar. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar areas. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti for the opening of the US Consulate in Bangalore. Hailing the step as an important moment in the India-US ties, Jaishankar also announced that India will soon be opening its consulate in Los Angeles.

“Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time…It has been something long in waiting…I told him (US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done and I’ll get you Los Angeles done, which is his hometown. So we will be opening our consulate in Los Angeles also. A consulate serves many purposes. A big part of it is to facilitate travel,” the EAM said.

While addressing the gathering, Jaishankar highlighted several aspects of the India-US ties and said that the opening of the consulate was long due.

“Today it is within our grasp, within the realm of possibility, that we realise the potential of India-US relations. It is important that Bengaluru too, realise its potential in the relationship. As a country, today we are encouraging the opening of more embassies in the capital. It’s part of our deeper engagement with the world. But along with that, we are also encouraging more embassies to open consulates. I hope that there will be more occasions where more countries will open more consulates in Bengaluru. It would serve India’s interests, Karnataka’s interests and Bengaluru’s interests better”, Jaishankar said.

Speaking about the expanse of the India-US ties, Jaishankar remarked, “Today, when we look at all the possibilities before us in an era of AI, EVs, space and drones, our relationships will be heavily based on technology, even more so than before. It will have a much bigger space component because the space domain is just beginning to open up. Defence is a crucial area. Two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in our inventory, very little defence collaboration. Today we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, the Apaches.”

He also highlighted the importance of the education and research sector between the two countries. “I hope to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in this region. Today, the formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history”. (ANI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict guidelines for the Senior Men’s Cricket Team, aiming to enhance discipline, streamline logistics, and promote team unity during domestic and international tours.

The new guidelines include travel, baggage limits, family visits, and team dynamics.

Players are expected to travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Any exceptions must be pre-approved by the head coach and chairman of the selection committee.

“All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be pre- approved by the Head Coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee,” BCCI stated.

To streamline logistics and avoid challenges, the BCCI has set specific baggage limits for players and support staff. For away tours lasting more than 30 days, players are allowed 5 pieces of luggage (3 suitcases and 2 kit bags) or up to 150 kg, while support staff can bring 3 pieces (2 large suitcases and 1 small) or up to 80 kg. For away tours shorter than 30 days, players are permitted 4 pieces (2 suitcases and 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg, and support staff are allowed 2 pieces (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg. During home series, both players and support staff are limited to 4 pieces (2 suitcases and 2 kit bags) or up to 120 kg for players, and 2 pieces (2 suitcases) or up to 60 kg for support staff.

“Excess Baggage Limit Players are required to adhere to the specified baggage limits shared with the team. Any excess baggage costs will need to be borne by the individual player. This policy helps streamline logistics and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Baggage policy:-

Away long-duration tours (more than 30 days):

Players – 5 pieces (3 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 150 kgs. Support staff – 2 pieces (2 big + 1 small suitcases) OR upto 80 kgs.

Away short duration tours (less than 30 days):

Players – 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs. Support staff – 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.

Home series:

Players – 4 pieces (2 suitcases + 2 kit bags) OR upto 120 kgs. Support staff – 2 pieces (2 suitcases) OR upto 60 kgs.”

Players must adhere to these limits, with any excess baggage costs being borne individually.

The presence of personal staff, such as managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel, is restricted on tours and series. Any exceptions require explicit approval from the BCCI. This measure aims to ensure team focus and minimize logistical complications.

“Restriction on Individual Staff on Tour/Series Personal staff (e.g., personal managers, chefs, assistants and security) are to be restricted on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. This ensures that the focus remains on team operations and minimizes logistical challenges. – this has to be done away with,” BCCI said in a statement.

Players must coordinate with team management regarding the transfer of equipment or personal items to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Any costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the responsibility of the player.

“Sending bags separately to the Centre of Excellence Players must coordinate with team management regarding equipment and personal items being sent to the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Any additional costs incurred due to separate arrangements will be the player’s responsibility,” BCCI stated.

The family travel policy is designed to balance players’ personal well-being with team commitments. Players who are away from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours are eligible to have their partners and children (under 18) join them for one visit per series, with a maximum duration of two weeks. The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player during the visitors’ period, while all other expenses must be borne by the player. Visits should be coordinated to occur at a single time, with dates agreed upon by the coach, captain, and GM Operations. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved by the coach, captain, and GM Operations, and additional expenses beyond the visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.

“Family Travel Policy The family travel policy ensures a balance between players’ personal well-being and team commitments:

• Eligibility: Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format-wise) of up to a two-week period.
• Provisions: The BCCI will cover shared accommodation with the player for the Visitors’ Period. All other expenses are to be borne by the player.
• Coordination: Visits must be scheduled at a single time during dates agreed upon by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.
• Exceptions: Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the Coach, Captain and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.

Players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of a match series or tour, even if matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures team unity, bonding, and consistent team dynamics.

“Players returning home if matches end early then players are required to stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether matches conclude earlier than planned. This ensures unity, fosters team bonding, and avoids disruption to team dynamics,” as stated in the policy by BCCI. (ANI)

The banks of the Ganga will resonate with music until the conclusion of the ‘Sanskriti ka Sangam’ program organised by the Department of Culture at Mahakumb. On Thursday evening, singer Shankar Mahadevan presented his soulful renditions which regaled the devotees. Singers Kailash Kher, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Harihara and others are also set to perform at this musical extravaganza in the upcoming days.

Shankar Mahadevan sang ‘Chalo Kumbh Chalein’.The program was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the event. This was followed by a powerful rendition of Ganesh Vandana, which resonated throughout the Ganga Pandal on Thursday evening.

The event was conducted in the presence of Mayor Ganesh Shankar Kesariwani, MLA Pooja Pal, along with other public representatives and officials.

The ‘Breathless’ singer expressed his gratitude for being a part of such a sacred event and called it an honour to perform at Mahakumbh. He extended his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their vision and efforts in organizing the grand celebration.

Singer Kailash Kher will also be performing at the ‘Sanskriti Ka Sangam’ program at Mahakumb. He also participated in the last Mahakumbh which was held in 2013. He is set to perform the closing ceremony of this music and cultural event.

Ahead of his performance, the singer spoke to ANI and explained the importance of the festival and how its origins are rooted in Hindu mythology.

“Mahakumbh is a historic festival. It represents the essence of Sanatan culture. I am extremely honoured to perform for devotees at the Sangam soon. Mahakumbh shows the real cultural and spiritual strength of India,” said Kailash Kher.

Kailash Kher will also take a holy dip at the Sangam.

Urging people to attend Mahakumbh, Kher added, “Everyone should visit Mahakumbh. They will get to learn so many things there about Hindu culture.”

Similarly, singers Hariharan & Kavita Krishnamurthy are also set to perform at the upcoming programs at ‘Sanskriti Ka Sangam.’

As a majestic platform for Indian art, culture, and spirituality, Mahakumbh brings together diverse expressions of devotion through folk music, classical dance, and theatrical performances, offering an unparalleled spiritual experience to attendees.

Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)

Heavy police outside cinema hall in Amristar; SGPC gears up to protest against Kangana Ranaut’s film

Amid demands to ban Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’, police personnel in heavy numbers have been deployed outside the PVR Suraj Chanda Tara Cinema in Punjab’s Amritsar after Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) decided to protest against the film being produced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP.

The film is being released today, January 17, which has invited strong opposition from the SGPC, where the committee has demanded that the film be banned in Punjab. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing the film of being “politically motivated with an aim to defame Sikh community”.

“In a letter to Chief Secretary of the Punjab Government, it was clearly stated that ‘Emergency’ film will not be allowed to be shown in Punjab, as it remains politically motivated with the aim to defame Sikhs,” the letter read.

In a video posted by the committee’s handle on X, SGPC chief Dhami said that they have submitted a demand letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, requesting him to stop the release of the film that “incorrectly” portrays Sikh characters.

“The role of Sikh characters, especially Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in this film has been portrayed incorrectly. It always happens that the government often play with the emotions of Sikhs. This is why, we had registered objections earlier before the government to not release the film. However, with the release of the film scheduled in Punjab, we have submitted a letter to DC requesting him to stop the release,” Dhami said.

Meanwhile, the woman member of SGPC in the video says, “After the trailer of the film was released, many registered their objections that history was being presented wrongly and it can hurt sentiments of the Sikhs. However, this film is still being released. SGPC submitted a letter to DC (Amritsar). Meanwhile, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami has written a letter to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding that the film should not be released in Punjab at least.”

The letter reads that if the film is released, SGPC will protest against the same, she added.

As this happened, Rekha Sharma, a guard of a cinema hall in Amritsar, told ANI, “I am not sure about the reasons, but the screening of this film (Emergency) will not take place here (at the cinema hall).” (ANI)

Mumbai Police on Friday said that the accused involved in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was last seen near Bandra railway station and that the search is on to nab him, an official said.

Police suspect that after the incident, the suspect caught the first local train in the morning and headed towards Vasai Virar. Mumbai Police teams are searching in Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar areas, an official said.

Earlier today, Mumbai Police said that they have taken possession of a portion of the blade extracted from Saif’s back, while efforts to recover the remaining part are still underway.

Meanwhile, the Lilavati Hospital said that the actor’s family and the doctors will decide on moving the actor to a normal ward from the ICU later in the day.

Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 am on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor’s maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds.

Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder. He underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors there. As per doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor’s spine and repair his ‘leaking spinal fluid’. While Saif is “out of danger”, doctors are continuing to monitor him. After surgery, he was shifted to ICU, where he is currently recovering.

Mumbai police registered an FIR regarding the attack on the actor and recorded the statement of the complainant, who is the maid employed by the actor.

In the complaint, it is alleged that the attacker demanded one crore rupees from the family. According to the complainant, the intruder attacked the maid allegedly with a hexa blade, which hit both her hands.

“He ran towards me with something like wood in his left hand and a long thin hexa blade in his right hand, during the scuffle, he tried to attack me with the blade, when I tried to protect myself by moving my hand forward, something like a knife hit my wrist near both my hands and the middle finger of my left hand. At that time, I asked him “What do you want” Then he said, “I need money, I asked how much.” Then he said in English ‘One crore’,” the statement read.

In the recorded statement, the house help mentioned that the incident happened at 2 AM on January 16. “When I looked again I saw a shadow at the bathroom door, and as I bent down to see who might be inside, one person came out and went towards their (Saif Ali Khan’s) son,” the statement added.

She further said, “He attacked Saif with a wooden object in her hand and a hexa blade… We all ran out of the room and pulled the door and then we all ran towards him. Hearing the sound, Ramesh, Hari, Ramu and Paswan who were sleeping came out. When we took him to the room again, the door of the room was open.”

Mumbai Police is currently investigating the matter and have formed 20 teams to track down and nab the intruder who stabbed Saif.

Dixit Gedam, DCP Zone 9 of Mumbai Police, who is part of the team investigating an attack on Saif, said that the incident was a “robbery attempt” and the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan’s house.

Gedam said, “Last night, the accused used a fire escape staircase to enter Saif Ali Khan’s house. It appears to be a robbery attempt. We working to arrest the accused. 10 Detection teams are working on the case. An offence has been registered in Bandra Police Station.” (ANI)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Thursday that it has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools in Delhi and five other states for alleged violations related to enrollment irregularities and failure to meet academic and infrastructural standards.

The showcase notices were severed after surprise inspections in schools across multiple locations on December 18 and 19, 2024.

The inspections revealed violations of CBSE’s Affiliation Bye-Laws, particularly concerning student enrollment practices and non-compliance with academic and infrastructural standards, CBSE said in a statement on Thursday.

The inspections took place in Delhi on December 18 and in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) on December 19.

“Upon careful examination of the reports submitted by the inspection teams, it was observed that a

majority of these schools had violated CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws. Key violations identified include Enrollment Irregularities and non-compliance with Academic and Infrastructural Norms,” the statement read.

Several schools were found to have enrolled students beyond their actual attendance records, thereby endorsing “non-attending” enrollments. Additionally, numerous schools were found to be flouting CBSE guidelines regarding academic standards and infrastructure.

The schools involved have now been issued show-cause notices by CBSE, with a directive to submit their replies within 30 days.

“Each school has been provided with a copy of the respective inspection report and has been directed to submit their replies within 30 days,” the statement read.

“CBSE remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of education and will continue to take stringent measures against any violations of its regulations,” a statement from the board read.

The list of schools that have been issued show-cause notices includes a range of institutions across the country. In Delhi, schools such as Hope Hall Foundation School, Jagriti Public School, Oxford Public School, JN Int School, and Nav Gian Deep Public School were among those found in violation. Others include S D Memorial Vidya Mandir, Navyug Convent School, and C R Oasis Convent School.

In Bengaluru, Sri Chaitanya Techno School and Narayana Olympiad School were inspected. Patna’s Satyam International and Eklavya Educational Complex were also found to be non-compliant with CBSE standards. In Varanasi, Raj English School, Happy Model School, and St K C Memorial English School were scrutinized, while in Ahmedabad, Nirman High School and The New Tulip International School faced similar issues. In Bilaspur, both Modern Educational Academy and Intelligent Public School were inspected. (ANI)

The Charge d’affaires of the Palestinian Embassy to India, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, on Thursday said that India can play an “important role” in facilitating humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas after over an year of intense conflict.

The Palestinian envoy appreciated India’s involvement in the region and stated that Palestinians are keenly interested in seeing the “Indian flag in Gaza” as part of efforts to provide critical assistance to those in need.

“We are looking to India to play an important role in sending humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza…We are keen, we are interested…and we are looking to see the Indian flag in Gaza,” he said.

Abu Jazer highlighted the long and historic relationship between India and Palestine, noting that the two countries have shared ties since before India’s independence.

He further acknowledged the respect that Palestinian leaders and other regional leaders hold for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a wise and experienced leader who has cultivated strong relationships with leaders across the region.

“We really appreciate and respect the involvement of India in the area and in West Asia; we always encourage India to play an important role in the area and in the region to reach peace and prosperity… We are keen and are looking forward to and are interested in the role of India. Because India and us, we are sharing a long and historic relationship, even before the independence,” Abu Jazer said.

“And the second thing is it’s coming through our belief as Palestinians of all the world and all the partners in the area in the West Asia and the Middle East about the importance of this of the Indian country and about the respect of the Prime Minister Modi from all the leaders in the area,” he added.

The Palestinian Charge d’affaires also emphasised the importance of India’s continued involvement in peace efforts, particularly in ensuring the long-term success of the ceasefire deal. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic influence could help bring stability and prosperity to the region.

“PM Modi is a wise man and he has a lot of experience and good connections and relationships with all the presidents and the prime ministers, and he’s always considering being in dialogue and in connection with these leaders. We hope also to use his personal effect with all partners to reach stabilities and prosperities in the area and to make the ceasefire long-term and to go for a new area,” he further stated.

Earlier on Wednesday, Qatar, Egypt, and the US, in a joint statement, confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal that is likely to take effect on January 19.

The Qatar Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, said that both parties have reached an agreement to release hostages in exchange of hostages and prisoners.

US President Joe Biden also announced the successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, ending over 15 months of conflict. The deal, structured in three phases, includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans, in the first phase.

Biden also highlighted the diplomatic effort involved, noting the pressure from Israel and US support, as well as a coalition of 20 countries that stood against attacks from the Houthis.

Following the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.

India has also welcomed the agreement on the release of hostages and ceasefire in Gaza.

The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed hope that the deal leads to a “safe and sustained supply” of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

“We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza,” the statement read.

MEA further reiterated India’s call for return to dialogue and diplomacy.

“We have consistently called for release of all hostages, ceasefire, and return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement added.

Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1200 civilians and holding over 250 as hostages, of which around 100 are still in captivity.

In response, Israel launched a massive counter-attack targeting Hamas units in the Gaza Strip. The reponse, however, has also drawn criticism from several humanitarian groups over the high number of civilian killings. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 45,000 people have been killed in Gaza, over half of whom are women and children. (ANI)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the establishment of the third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, a release said.

The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support the second launch pad at Sriharikota as a standby launch pad. This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions.

TLP Project, which is of national importance, is designed to have a configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM 3 vehicles with a semi-cryogenic stage as well as scaled-up configurations of NGLV.

As per the release, it will be realised with maximum industry participation, fully utilising ISRO’s experience in establishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities.

TLP is targeted to be established within a duration of 48 months or 4 years. The total fund requirement is Rs 3984.86 crore and includes the establishment of the launch pad and the associated facilities.

The project will boost the Indian space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the national capacity to undertake human spaceflight & space exploration missions, a release said.

As of today, Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads: the First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP).

FLP was realised 30 years ago for PSLV and continues to provide launch support for PSLV and SSLV. SLP was established primarily for GSLV and LVM3 and also functions as a standby for PSLV. SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV and LVM3 along with the national missions, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

SLP is also getting ready to launch the human-rated LVM3 for the Gaganyaan missions.

The expanded vision of the Indian Space Programme during the Amrit Kaal, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian-crewed lunar landing by 2040, requires a new generation of heavier launch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads.

The expeditious establishment of a third launch pad to cater to a heavier class of next-generation launch vehicles and as a standby for SLP is highly essential so as to meet the evolving space transportation requirements for another 25-30 years, a release said. (ANI)