Month: January 2025

After facing multiple delays due to clearance issues with the Central Board of Film Certification, the trailer of the much-awaited political drama ‘Emergency’ starring actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has been unveiled.

The film, which was initially planned for a release on September 6 last year, looks into one of the most crucial chapters in India’s history. The film is directed by Kangana herself and features a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and Mahima Chaudhary.

Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency is set to hit theatres on January 17.

The movie revolves around the life and times of Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, and the controversial Emergency period of 1975.

The trailer opens with Anupam Kher, who plays Jayaprakash Narayan, penning a letter to Indira Gandhi from prison. Kangana Ranaut, as Indira Gandhi, is seen delivering some impactful lines, such as, “Main hi cabinet hun” (I am the cabinet) and “Indira is India.” Shreyas Talpade plays a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman plays Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, while Mahima Chaudhary appears as Pupul Jayakar. The late Satish Kaushik is seen in one of his final roles as Jagjivan Ram.

Sharing the trailer on her Instagram, Kangana captioned it, “1975, Emergency — A Defining chapter in Indian History. Indira: India’s most powerful woman. Her ambition transformed the nation, but her #EMERGENCY plunged it into chaos.”

Check out the trailer

Speaking about the film, Kangana in a press note shared the film’s team, said, “After a long journey filled with challenges, I’m glad that our film Emergency will finally hit the big screen on 17th January. This story isn’t just about a controversial leader; it delves into themes that remain profoundly relevant today, making the journey both difficult and significant. Releasing just a week before Republic Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the resilience of our Constitution and experience the film with your loved ones.” (ANI)

Noting that the vision of India-US civil nuclear cooperation laid nearly 20 years ago by then President George W Bush and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has not been fully realised, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday said that United States is now finalizing the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US Companies.

Speaking at IIT Delhi during the session, ‘The United States and India: Building a shared future’, Sullivan said his visit to India is likely the last trip overseas that he will lead as NSA and he cannot think of a better way to end his tenure in the White House.

“Although former President Bush and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid out a vision of civil nuclear cooperation nearly 20 years ago, we have yet to fully realize it. But as we work to build clean energy technologies to enable growth in artificial intelligence, and to help US and Indian energy companies unlock their innovation potential, the Biden administration has determined that it is past time to take the next major step in cementing this partnership,” he said.

“So today I can announce that the United States is now finalizing the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US Companies. The formal paperwork will be done soon but this will be an opportunity to turn the page on some of the frictions of the past and create opportunities for entities that have been on restricted lists in the United States to come off those lists and enter into deep collaboration with the United States, with our private sector, scientists and technologists to move civil nuclear cooperation forward together,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the technological cooperation between the United States and India will get strengthened in the coming years.

“This is likely the last trip overseas that I will lead as NSA and I cannot think of a better way to end my tenure in the White House, visiting India on my final overseas trip to mark the advances that we have made together over the past four years. This is a shared and historic achievement…I have every reason to believe that within the next decade, we will see American and Indian firms working together to build the next generation of semiconductor technologies, American and Indian astronauts conducting cutting-edge research and space exploration together,” he said. (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday reviewed preparations for Gangasagar Mela and alleged that the central government supports Kumbh Mela by giving crores of rupees but they do not even look at Gangasagar.

“The central government supports Kumbh Mela by giving crores of rupees but they do not even look at Gangasagar. On one side of Gangasagar is Sundarban, on one side is forest, on one side is sea, temples and devotees, it is very amazing,” Mamata Banerjee said in Gangasagar.

She further said that the state government has held coordination meetings so that the devotees do not face any problems during the Gangasagar Mela.

“People have to come to Gangasagar by water. For this, the central government had to build a bridge but they could not do so. Now the state government has invited tenders for building the bridge. After this, there will be a lot of convenience… We hope that all the devotees coming to Gangasagar have a pleasant journey. We have held meetings with all departments including police, PWD, PHE… We have also held coordination meetings so that the devotees do not face any problems,” she said.

The second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela, the Gangasagar Mela starts on the pious day of Makar Sankranti, which generally falls between January 14 and 15 every year.

The annual fair at one of the oldest and leading pilgrimage sites in the country draws devotees every year, who also take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga at Sagardweep, from where the river merges with the Bay of Bengal.

The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Wing National President Jamal Siddiqui has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the renaming of the iconic India Gate as “Bharat Mata Dwar”. Siddiqui said that under PM Modi’s leadership, the spirit of patriotism and dedication towards Indian culture has grown immensely among the people.

In his letter, Siddiqui highlighted several initiatives undertaken during PM Modi’s tenure that aim to heal wounds inflicted during the colonial era and strengthen Indian cultural identity.

“The way wounds inflicted by the Mughal invaders and plundering British have been healed and the stains of colonialism have been wiped clean during your tenure has brought joy across the nation,” he said.

“You renamed the road previously named after the cruel Mughal Aurangzeb to APJ Abdul Kalam Road, replaced the statue of King George V at India Gate with a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and linked Indian culture by renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path,” the BJP leader added.

Jalam Siddiqui asserted that renaming India Gate to Bharat Mata Dwar would serve as a tribute to the people whose names are inscribed on its pillar.

“In the same spirit, I humbly request you to consider renaming India Gate to ‘Bharat Mata Dwar.’ Renaming India Gate to Bharat Mata Dwar would serve as a true tribute to the thousands of patriotic martyrs whose names are inscribed on its pillar. I earnestly request you to kindly consider my proposal and rename it Bharat Mata Dwar,” the BJP Minority Morcha chief said.

In 2022, PM Modi inaugurated the renamed Kartavya Path, replacing the colonial-era name “Kingsway.” During the inauguration, PM Modi said, “A new era has begun in the form of Kartvya Path. Symbol of colonialism ‘Kingsway’ will be history and has been erased forever. I congratulate all the people of the country as we come out from another symbol of colonialism.”

He said the Rajpath was for the British Raj, to whom the people of India were slaves. “Rajpath was also a symbol of slavery and its structure was also a symbol of slavery. Today its architecture has also changed and its spirit has also changed,” PM had said during the event. (ANI)

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his US counterpart Jake Sullivan here on Monday and the two leaders reviewed progress in their high-level dialogue including in diverse fields such as defence, cyber and maritime security.

According to a joint press release after meeting of the two NSAs, Sullivan briefed the Indian side on the updates brought out by the Biden administration to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India.

“Reflecting the progress the United States and India have made–and will continue to make–as strategic partners and countries with a shared commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation, NSA Sullivan announced US efforts to finalize necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains,” Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

The release said that the two NSAs have engaged regularly in a high-level dialogue through extensive discussions on a broad bilateral, regional and global agenda.

“Following the launch of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) by Prime Minister Modi and President Joseph Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022, the two NSAs have driven concrete initiatives between the two countries across a range of areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Defence and Space,” the release said.

“The current visit gave them the opportunity to review ongoing progress in their high-level dialogue, including in diverse fields such as defence, cyber and maritime security,” it added.

At an event at IIT Delhi earlier in the day, Sullivan said that United States is now finalizing the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US Companies.

Sullivan also said his visit to India is likely the last trip overseas that he will lead as NSA and he cannot think of a better way to end his tenure in the White House.

“Although former President Bush and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid out a vision of civil nuclear cooperation nearly 20 years ago, we have yet to fully realize it. But as we work to build clean energy technologies to enable growth in artificial intelligence, and to help US and Indian energy companies unlock their innovation potential, the Biden administration has determined that it is past time to take the next major step in cementing this partnership,” he said.

“So today I can announce that the United States is now finalizing the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US Companies. The formal paperwork will be done soon but this will be an opportunity to turn the page on some of the frictions of the past and create opportunities for entities that have been on restricted lists in the United States to come off those lists and enter into deep collaboration with the United States, with our private sector, scientists and technologists to move civil nuclear cooperation forward together,” he added.

Sullivan expressed optimism that the technological cooperation between the United States and India will get strengthened in the coming years.

“This is likely the last trip overseas that I will lead as NSA and I cannot think of a better way to end my tenure in the White House, visiting India on my final overseas trip to mark the advances that we have made together over the past four years. This is a shared and historic achievement…I have every reason to believe that within the next decade, we will see American and Indian firms working together to build the next generation of semiconductor technologies, American and Indian astronauts conducting cutting-edge research and space exploration together,” he said. (ANI)

An important list of reports is pending to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly, but none of these reports have been presented so far.

Highly placed sources familiar with the development of these reports have told ANI that these reports likely include critical audits and assessments of various government programs and initiatives. The delay in presenting these reports may raise concerns about transparency and accountability in the Delhi Assembly.

According to a highly placed source reports relating to Government of NCT of Delhi not laid in the legislature are:

1-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2021

2-Revenue, Economic, Social and General Sectors and PSUs for the years ended 31 March 2020 and 2021

3-Performance Audit of Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi for the year ended 31 March 2021

4-Performance Audit of Children in Need of Care and Protection for the year ended 31 March 2021

5-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2022.

6-Performance Audit on Liquor Supply in Delhi

7-State Finances Audit Report for the year ended March 2023

8-Performance Audit on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services

9-Performance Audit Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India on “Functioning of Delhi Transport Corporation

10-Performance Audit Report of Comptroller & Auditor General of India for the year 31 March 2022.

Earlier in December 2024, The Delhi LG censured Delhi CM Atishi for failing to present CAG reports before Assembly. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed concerns over the Delhi government’s failure to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports and urged the Legislative Assembly to convene a special session on December 19-20.

In a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Saxena emphasized the government’s constitutional duty to present statutory audit reports before the legislature. He reminded the CM that these reports are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.

Saxena pointed out that despite consistent reminders, the CAG reports had been withheld for two years. He described the government’s failure to lay these reports as a “deliberate lapse” and criticized the administration for its lack of transparency.

Referring to the Delhi High Court’s recent order, Saxena highlighted an assurance from the Delhi government’s counsel that the reports would be forwarded to the Speaker within two to three days. Saxena also criticized the government for convening only five sessions in the last five years.

With the current Assembly’s term ending in February 2025, Saxena urged Atishi to consult with the Speaker and convene a special session to lay the CAG reports. He concluded the letter by sharing it with the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, underlining the bipartisan call for transparency. (ANI)

Kajal Aggarwal has expressed her happiness about being a part of Kannappa, which also stars Akshay Kumar and Prabhas.

On Monday, Kajal took to Instagram to share her look as Parvati Devi. She was seen donning a white saree paired with heavy jewelry.

“A dream role indeed! Happy to be starting 2025 on this divine note #Kannappa #HarHarMahadev #MAAParvatiDevi,” Kajal captioned the post.

Her divine look left fans in awe, exuding spiritual elegance. Reacting to her appearance, actor Tamannaah Bhatia commented, “So beautiful.”

The poster’s tagline read: “Mother who rules over the three worlds! The Trishakti who protects her devotees! In the sacred Sri Kalahasti shrine, resides the holy Jana Prasunambika!”

Kannappa is directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced under Vishnu Manchu’s banners, AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory. The film also features Preity Mukhundhan, Mohanlal, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Brahmanandam, Madhoo, and Mukesh Rishi.

The movie is set to release in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English. Kannappa is a mythological fantasy slated to hit theatres on April 25.

The story revolves around the legendary warrior Kannappa, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva. His transformation from a hunter to a warrior and eventually to a saint earned him the revered title of Nayanar.

The film’s music is composed by Mani Sharma and Stephen Devassy, while cinematography is handled by Sheldon Chau. (ANI)

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured the public that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an existing flu virus causing respiratory issues and is not a cause for panic, adding that the child exhibiting HMPV symptoms is stable and will be discharged soon, with no history of international travel. There is no emergency as of now. People should stay calm.

Speaking to media persons,Rao said, “This is not something which is unknown or new. HMPV is a flu virus and certain people catch respiratory problems and colds due to this virus.”

“He further added that the child with HMPV symptoms is normal and he will be discharged tomorrow. There is no need to panic. We are having a meeting with our panel and we will further discuss this with GoI, ICMR. These are regular symptoms. This is an existing virus. As of now, it is not a serious issue. Whether it is connected to China or not, we do not know. The child with HMPV symptoms has no history of travelling abroad. There is no emergency as of now. People should stay calm.”

Thereafter, CM Siddaramaiah, commenting on the situation, said, “It has been found in two children. I talked to Dinesh Gundurao, who is in charge of the health department… He took up a meeting with the department. Whatever decision it takes, the government will implement it. The government will take all precautionary measures and document this disease…”

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.

The Ministry of Health, in a release, has stated that these cases were detected as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India.

The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment.

The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia. This infant is currently recovering and is in stable condition. Neither of the infants had any history of international travel, suggesting that the cases are local and not connected to outbreaks outside the country.

The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation through all available surveillance channels. Additionally, the ICMR will keep track of HMPV circulation trends throughout the year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been providing regular updates on the situation in China to inform public health measures.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted a significant development in India’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in the metro network and Indian railways, stating that the country now has 1000 km of metro services.

While virtually laying the foundation stone and inaugurating multiple railway projects for Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi emphasised that these projects represent the nation’s progress and showcase the principle of “sab ka sath sab ka vikaas” (development for all).

“Our country has now over 1000 km of metro network… The projects that have been inaugurated today–for Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir–are a huge milestone in connectivity. It shows that the country is moving ahead together. This is ‘sab ka sath, sab ka vikaas,'” said Prime Minister Modi.

Notably, the Prime Minister inaugurated the New Jammu Railway Division, Charlapalli New Terminal Station, in Telangana and laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway.

Additionally, PM Modi reflected on the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade, describing it as a period of visible change that has improved the country’s image and boosted the confidence of the Indian people.

“The last decade has been the decade of visible transformation of Indian railways. The changes that have been brought about have changed the image of the country and have given confidence to the countrymen,” he stated.

According to a press release, the creation of the 742.1-kilometre Jammu Railway Division, comprising Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla; Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot; Batala-Pathankot; and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with the provision of a second entry with a cost of around Rs 413 crore. This environmentally friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city, like Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda.

The Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway would improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby areas and lead to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

PM Modi also marked the occasion of the Prakash Utsav of Guru Govind Singh, the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru. He praised the ideas of Guru Govind Singh, which continue to inspire the nation to pursue a prosperous and empowered future.

“Today is the Prakash Utsav of Guru Govind Singh–his ideas inspire us to have a prosperous and empowered India. I extend my best wishes to all on this occasion,” the Prime Minister concluded. (ANI)

Year of 2025 will see many new talents entering the Indian film industry. One of them is Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia.

On Monday, Akshay took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt note for Simar, who will mark her Bollywood debut with ‘Ikkis’.

He wrote, “I remember the first time I saw my photo on the cover of the newspaper. I thought that’s the ultimate happiness. But today I know the happiness of seeing your child’s photo here beats everything. I wish my mom was here today and she would have said ‘Simar puttar Tu tah Kamaal hai’. Bless you my baby, the sky is yours.”

Akshay also shared a newspaper clipping which features an article about Simar’s debut.

In the comment section, actors Huma Qureshi and Rakul Preet Singh gave a shout out to Simar.

While Rakul dropped a couple of red heart emojis, Huma said, “sim sim.”

‘Ikkis’ also features megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. The film is touted to be a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously and lived an exemplary life.

Veteran star Dharmendra is also a part of the film, which is directed by Sriram Raghavan. More details regarding the project have not been disclosed yet.

Speaking of Akshay’s upcoming projects, he is gearing up for the release of Sky Force. Set to release on January 24, 2025, just ahead of Republic Day, the film features Akshay as an Indian Air Force officer who embarks on a mission of vengeance after the death of several soldiers.

The high-stakes thriller, directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapur, promises breathtaking aerial combat, intense action sequences, and a gripping narrative that showcases the bravery of Indian soldiers.

Akshay is joined by debutant Veer Pahariya, who plays another IAF officer, and Sara Ali Khan, who portrays Veer’s wife. (ANI)