Month: January 2025

A young man from Andhra Pradesh’s Tadepalligudem, who had travelled to Goa to celebrate New Year’s Eve with his friends, died under suspicious circumstances on December 29, police said on Thursday.

According to officials, a group of eight people, including the victim identified as Ravi Teja, from Tadepalligudem went to Goa for the celebrations and later visited a restaurant.

The family members of the deceased alleged that the group had an argument with the restaurant owner regarding the bill. Following the dispute, around 14 people reportedly attacked the group, resulting in one death and several injuries.

The family also alleged that when Ravi confronted the restaurant owner, the owner and staff allegedly attacked them with sticks and rods. Seven members of the group sustained minor injuries, while Ravi Teja suffered a severe head injury, which resulted in his death.

The family demanded justice for Ravi Teja’s death, urging the Goa government to take immediate action.

They are also appealed to Andhra Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to look into the matter and ensure justice is served. The deceased body reached Tadepalligudem and family members performed the last rituals.

Further investigation is underway. (ANI)

Workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held protests in Bengaluru on Friday over the 15 percent fare hike for the Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka slammed the Congress government over the hike and said that there was no money in the pocket of the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah which is why he resorted to the hike.

Speaking to the media, Ashoka said “There has been a 15 percent hike in the fare charges. This should not be done… there is no money in the pocket of Siddaramiah that is why they are doing this.. he is the worst CM in the history of Karnataka.. When I was the Transport Minister, there was a profit for KSRTC, but when Siddaramiah came there has been a loss for KSRTC… Siddaramiah will go to people and then apologize for the hike and make more hikes.”

“They’ve made bus travel free for women, but doubled it for men… Ramalinga Reddy said the petrol and diesel price rise is the reason for the hike… Every 2 years, there is a rise in petrol prices. During our government also there was a rise in petrol and diesel prices but we did not raise the bus fares… Siddaramaiah has no money in his pocket… Karnataka will soon become Himachal Pradesh… Siddaramaiah is the worst CM in the history of Karnataka… 15% hike is too much, how will people pay… Private taxis are cheaper than KSRTC buses,” he added.

Meanwhile Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy questioned BJP on why the BJP had increased the bus prices by 12 percent when Yediyurappa was the CM.

Speaking to ANI, Reddy said “BJP is protesting in the leadership of Ashoka and other leaders… when Yediyurappa was the CM there was a hike of 12 percent…Why did BJP increase the prices when they were in rule? When I became the Transport Minister, they left Rs 5,900 crore as a liability for us. Let them ask the Prime Minister to reduce the price of diesel.. then we can reduce the hike..”

Earlier today, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government’s decision to hike bus fares, calling it the Congress party’s “khata khata loot model”.

“This is the Khata Khat Loot model of the Congress party. Wherever Congress goes, loot, mahangaee (inflation), and barbadi (destruction) of the economy follow. Today, in Karnataka, after water, petrol, diesel, milk, and all kinds of prices have been increased, even the bus fare has been raised. They promised free bus rides,” Poonawalla told ANI.

Karnataka Minister HK Patil on Thursday announced that the state cabinet approved a 15 per cent increase in ticket prices for KSRTC buses.

The increase in the ticket price will be effective from January 5, 2025.

“This 15 pc has been raised because of the deficit that the corporation is currently facing. With this increase, there will be a return of Rs 74.84 crores every month,” Patil said. (ANI)

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Friday expressed his continued support for the ongoing BPSC protest at Gandhi Maidan demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Civil Services (BPSC) examination over the alleged paper leak incident, stating that the protest will persist.

“This protest will continue. I have been working in Bihar for the last two and a half years. If I don’t do politics, what will I do?” Kishor said. He responded to accusations that his involvement was politically motivated, stating, “If you beat someone, and I am sitting here in support of them–and then you call it politics, then I am doing the politics.”

Kishor further criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that Kumar was more focused on maintaining power than addressing the needs of the people.

“Nitish Kumar doesn’t want to work; he wants to be in power only, and that’s the reason he didn’t help the people of Bihar during Covid times. He is not worried about other things but just about being in power,” the Jan Suraaj chief added.

Earlier on Thursday, Kishore launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the BPSC examination over the alleged paper leak incident.

Kishore joined the aspirants of the BPSC in their protest at Gandhi Maidan on Thursday and criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for not meeting the students.

“This is against the egoistic government (of Bihar) whose leader CM Nitish Kumar did not consider meeting the students even when the students had agreed to withdraw the movement if the CM said that the exams couldn’t be held… The students were beaten up by the authorities… There is only one way for people like us, Hence I am doing an indefinite hunger strike,” he said.

The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13.

Meanwhile, earlier today, supporters of Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, who organised ‘rail roko’ at Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station to support the students’ protest against BPSC, were dispersed by the police. (ANI)

The Punjab Government has dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police Gursher Singh Sandhu for allegedly facilitating the recording of an interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi by a TV Channel while he was in custody of the CIA Kharar.

The dismissal order was issued by Gurkirat Karpal Singh, Secretary to the Government of Punjab, Department of Home Affairs on Thursday.

The government invoked Article 311 of the Constitution to dismiss the DSP who has been under suspension since October 25, 2024.

The order noted that the SIT constituted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court has concluded that Sandhu, “facilitated the recording of an interview of Lawrence Bishnoi by a TV Channel, while he was in the custody of CIA, Kharar”.

As per the order, “And whereas after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances, the State Government is satisfied that Gursher Singh Sandhu, PPS (under suspension) has severely dented the image of the Punjab Police as a result of his misconduct, negligence and dereliction of duty during the occurrence of the interview of Lawrence Bishnoi, while in the custody of CIA Kharur.”

“His failure to perform his duty properly is a gross violation of the discipline and conduct rules of the Punjab Police. Gursher Singh Sandhu is dismissed from the post of DSP in the Punjab Police,” the order said.

The order was issued following approval by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), the appointing authority for the Punjab Police Service (PPS) cadre officials.

In October 2024, seven policemen of the Punjab Police including Sandhu were suspended in connection with the interview. (ANI)

Ranveer Singh’s new look is creating a buzz in the entertainment industry after it was leaked online. Sporting a long beard, untamed hair and in some images, a turban, netizens are drawing comparisons of the actor’s latest appearance to his iconic portrayal of Alauddin Khalji in Padmaavat in 2018.

In the leaked images, touted to be from Aditya Dhar’s directorial movie sets, Ranveer is seen in what appears to be an action scene.

Wearing a long kurta with untamed long hair, the ‘Simmba’ actor looked intense as he stood with other men who appeared to be a part of his “gang” in a rural town setting.

Ranveer’s rough new look for the film features a rugged beard and bulging biceps, which fans have described as reminiscent of his Alauddin Khalji avatar.

Netizens believe that the actor’s latest leaked appearance is from Aditya Dhar’s directorial, which is reportedly titled ‘Dhurandhar.’

Fans who continue to draw comparisons to his Padmaavat character were quick to pass their reactions. Here’s what they have to say.

One of the viewers said, “Sardar look mein bhi Khilji wali intensity (Translation: Khilji intensity in Sardar look)–Ranveer, you’re on fire!”

Another said, “I still can’t get over how amazing Ranveer looked as #Khilji! So excited to see him bring that power back!”

Some expressed their excitement of watching Ranveer Singh on the big screens. They wrote, “Ranveer ka Khilji look waapas aa gaya aur itna intense lag raha hai! Big screen par jaldi dekhne ka intezaar nahi ho raha! (Translation: Ranveer’s Khilji look is back and looks more intense. Can’t wait to watch him on big screens again.”

Fans speculate the leaked images are from Aditya Dhar’s directorial because last year Ranveer and the ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ director officially confirmed their new project, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal.

Taking to his Instagram account, Ranveer shared the announcement as he posted a black-and-white collage of the cast.

Along with the post, Ranveer added a caption that read, “This one is for my fans, who have been so patient with me, and been clamouring for a turn like this. I love you all, and I promise you, this time, a cinematic experience like never before. With your blessings, we embark on this great, big motion picture adventure with spirited energy and pure intent. This time, it’s personal.”

The black-and-white photo collage included Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Aditya Dhar, and Arjun Rampal, all dressed in black and sporting serious expressions. (ANI)

The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was an active-duty US Army Green Berret, according to sources reported by CNN.

The driver identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger reportedly shot himself in the head prior to the blast that injured seven people.

Livelsberger was serving in Germany with 10th Special Forces Group and was on leave at the time of the incident, CNN reported.

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill informed on Thursday (local time) at a news conference the driver shot himself in the head prior to the blast. While McMahill and others officials only referred to the driver as the “subject” and “person of interest,” they showed a photo of Livelsberger and gave his name at the news conference.

“I will not come back until I have the confirmation through DNA or medical records that this is indeed, in fact, the subject inside of the vehicle,” McMahill said.

The US Army said Thursday in a statement Livelsberger was on leave at the time of his death, though did not specifically say he died in the Vegas explosion. The US Special Forces, commonly known as the “Green Berets,” bill themselves as an elite fighting force specializing in guerilla warfare and unconventional tactics abroad.

As per the LA Times, Livelsberger acted alone and the motivation is under investigation.

Earlier, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the “evil knuckleheads” picked the wrong vehicle to attack as the Cybertruck contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards.

“The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken,” Elon Musk wrote on X.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, speaking about the possible connection between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, said that the investigation is still going on, however, no evidence of such a connection has been found thus far. (ANI)

As the winter season sets in, incidents of heart attacks and heart failure are on the rise, according to Dr Tarun Sahni, a general physician and internal medicine specialist at Apollo Hospital in Delhi.

Dr Sahni explained that the cold temperatures cause the blood vessels in the body’s extremities to contract, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This heightened pressure can strain vulnerable areas of the brain, raising the risk of strokes.

Dr Sahni explained that the contraction of blood vessels forces the heart to work harder, as it pumps blood through narrower pathways. As a result, the risk of heart attacks and heart failure rises during the winter season.

“In winter, the main change that takes place in the body is that the blood vessels that are in the periphery, because of the cold, they contract. Because they contract, the blood pressure goes up,” he said.

“Because the blood pressure goes up, if there are areas in the brain that are very vulnerable, then those brain areas can be broken down, and what we call a stroke can take place. Similarly, in the heart also, because now the heart has to pump harder because the blood vessels are contracted. So the blood pressure has gone up. So even with heart attacks and heart failure, these incidences go up in winter,” Dr Sahni added.

He further advised patients with lung diseases to be cautious when venturing outdoors. Dr. Sahni recommended stepping out during the day when the sun is shining and pollution levels are lower to minimise exposure to both cold and pollution. He emphasised the importance of taking precautions to avoid these risks, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.

“We advise all patients with lung diseases, etc., to be careful when they step out. If they step out, they should step out during the day when the sun is out, when the pollution levels are slightly lower, and do their exercise. Otherwise, they should take precautions to prevent exposure to the cold and to the pollution,” he added.

As the nation enters the New Year, the temperature in the national capital has plummeted to new lows, increasing the risk of heart-related incidents. (ANI)

Preparations for the Maha Kumbh, which is scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, are in full swing and rehearsals for ritualistic festivities such as special Ganga Aarti is being undertaken at Triveni Sangan (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati).

The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents.

The district administration has inaugurated new fire stations ahead of the Maha Kumbh celebrations, where at least 365 vehicles have been deployed to ensure quick response in case of fire. Moreover, the officials have been asked to carry out awareness campaigns and mock drills so that commoners don’t panic in case of a small fire incident.

ADG Fire Padmaja Chauhan said that the officials tasked to spread awareness will also teach the people to handle such fire incidents. “We have informed the officers to go to the tents, spread awareness and carry out mock drills. If there is any small fire incident, people should not panic. The officers will also teach the people how to handle such fire,” she added.

This time, for Maha Kumbh, the administration has opted for technological tools along with the deployment of personnel to ensure the safety of the devotees.

ADG (Fire Department) Chauhan informed that the administration has increased the manpower and has deployed Quick Response Vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that can run on any kind of terrain, firefighting robots and fire mist bikes.

“We have increased the manpower. 365 vehicles have been deployed, including Quick Fire Response Vehicles, ATVs, firefighting robots and bikes, a lot of new technology has been introduced,” she added.

The administration was also bringing in firefighting boats, which will be ready to be deployed in a week, Chauhan said, adding that the boats will use water from the river to douse the blaze.

“Firefighting boats have been introduced and are expected to reach here within a week. In case of fire in restaurants and platoon bridges, these boats will be used to douse the fire. The boats will use water directly from the river in case of a fire in tents or the houseboats,” the ADG Fire said.

Meanwhile, taking a digital leap, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has launched an innovative initiative to simplify the ticketing process through modern technology.

During the Maha kumbh, dedicated railway personnel from the Commercial Department will be deployed at Prayagraj Junction and other key locations. These personnel will be easily identifiable by their green jackets, which will feature a QR code printed on the back.

Pilgrims can simply scan this QR code using their mobile phones to download the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app. This app allows travellers to book unreserved tickets without standing in long queues.

This groundbreaking initiative is set to reduce crowding at railway stations, enabling pilgrims to purchase tickets seamlessly. With digital payment options integrated into the process, it promises to save time and deliver a hassle-free experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh.

Railway staff wearing green jackets will be stationed not just at railway platforms but also at other important locations to assist pilgrims with ticket bookings and provide necessary guidance. Scanning the QR code will lead passengers directly to the UTS app, where they can explore additional features and services alongside ticket bookings.

This move by North Central Railway aligns with the vision of Digital India, offering technological convenience to pilgrims and enhancing their experience at the world’s largest spiritual gathering. The innovative ticketing system is expected to make Mahakumbh 2025 not only divine and grand but also digitally empowered, ensuring comfort and efficiency for all attendees.

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

Producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films has announced the sequel of ‘Bhediya’ starrer Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in the lead role.

As per the announcement by Maddock Films, ‘Bhediya 2’ will be released on August 14, 2026.

Maddock Productions has also announced the release date of the third instalment of this horror-comedy film which starred Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role.

‘Stree 3’ is all set to hit the big screens on August 13, 2027

Along with this, the official production studio of Maddock Supernatural Universe (MSU) has also announced an expansive slate of upcoming films including ‘Shakti Shalini’ and ‘Chamunda.’

• 2025
  Thama (Diwali)
  Shakti Shalini (December 31)
• 2026
  Bhediya 2 (August 14)
  Chamunda (December 4)
• 2027
  Stree 3 (August 13)
  Mahamunjya (December 24)
• 2028
  Pehla Mahayudh | (August 11)
  Doosara Mahayudh | (Diwali, October 18) Speaking about this ambitious announcement, Dinesh Vijan said: “Our mission at Maddock has always been to innovate and entertain. We’ve crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences, grounded in India’s rich culture and heritage. This deep connection has made our stories not just relatable, but also meaningful. Also, with a passionate and devoted fanbase, we’re now setting the stage for something even bigger: a cinematic universe that brings unforgettable characters and their stories to life like never before. We can’t wait to take audiences on this journey through 2028 and beyond – and we are just getting started!” Released on November 25, 2022, ‘Bhediya’ is Bollywood’s first creature comedy directed by Amar Kaushik. The film received decent responses from the audience. (ANI)