Month: February 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and newly sworn-in minister in the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi cabinet, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday that the council of ministers have been given an opportunity to be part of a team and make the national capital a ‘Viksit Delhi’.

Delhi minister Sirsa also highlighted the need to clean the Yamuna.

“This is a responsibility to implement the vision of PM Modi, we have been given an opportunity to be a part of the team – to realise the dream of PM Modi to make this a ‘Viksit Dilli’…We have to make Delhi happy and new once again with clean water and air. We have to clean river Yamuna,” he told ANI.

Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also mentioned the planned inspection of the party leaders of the Yamuna river, promising it clean before the next Chhath puja.

“We will definitely go (for inspection of river Yamuna). The council of ministers is going there. You will find a clean and beautiful Yamuna, BJP promises you this. You will find it in a different form in the next Chhath,” he told ANI.

Batting for the party’s promised development schemes, he added, “We will pass it in the first cabinet meeting and implement (development schemes)…We will fulfill the promises of PM Modi at the earliest. You will find a beautiful Delhi with a clean environment…It will definitely be done (decision regarding Yamuna river) and as someone from Purvanchal, I promise you that we will provide you a clean and beautiful Yamuna.”

Another party leader and newly elected MLA, Kapil Mishra called it a “historic day.”

“It is a historic day. We will implement the vision of the PM,” he told reporters.

Earlier today, Rekha Gupta said that her appointment as Delhi CM is a “miracle” and a “new chapter” marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for women in politics.

Speaking to the media, Gupta vowed to hold corrupt individuals accountable, asserting that they will have to answer for every rupee misused.

“It is a miracle, it is a new motivation and a new chapter. If I can be the CM, this means ways are open for all the women… Anyone who has been corrupt will have to give an account of each and every rupee,” she said.

Further, she expressed gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s high command for trusting her to govern the national capital. (ANI)

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first in their opening game of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.

Bangladesh and India are placed in Group A along with Pakistan and New Zealand in their group. After this fixture, both teams will face Pakistan and New Zealand in their next two matches in the ongoing marquee event.

“We would like to bat first. Looks a good wicket so we want to put runs on the board. We have play good cricket today and the boys are confident. Three spinners, two spinners for us,” Shanto said after winning the toss.

Men in Blue skipper Rohit Sharma confirmed the playing XI at the toss and said that Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja are playing in place of Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy in their line-up.

“I would have fielded first. We have played a few years back here so we felt ball comes on better under lights. All looking good. Everyone is fit and fine to go. Let’s hope we start well. There is no looking back, every game becomes very important in this tournament. Only Varun misses out from the last ODI we played, Jadeja comes back and Arshdeep misses and Shami comes back,” Rohit Sharma said.

Teams:

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav. (ANI)

As India celebrates the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the makers of the upcoming historical film ‘The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’ have unveiled its first poster.

The film stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role as the legendary Maratha warrior. The first-look poster, released on the film’s official X account, features Shetty as the Maratha ruler, showcasing power, devotion, and bravery.

Along with the poster, the makers included a caption that read, “Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji! Har Har Mahadev!! On the 395th birth anniversary of the greatest warrior king, #ThePrideOfBharat #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj, we proudly present the first look, showcasing the strength and devotion of the legendary king who changed the destiny of the entire continent. It’s a supreme honor to bring his extraordinary saga of bravery, honor, and Swarajya to life with an exceptional team. Conquering cinemas worldwide on January 21, 2027!”

Rishab Shetty, in a statement shared by the film’s team, spoke about his feelings regarding the role, saying, “On the sacred birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, my heart swells with honor and responsibility. He was not just a warrior but the soul of Swarajya–a beacon of courage, wisdom, and devotion. To embody his spirit on screen is a divine calling, a journey that humbles me beyond words. I hope to do justice to his unparalleled legacy and make every Indian feel the fire of his undying valor.”

The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is set to release worldwide on January 21, 2027.

Meanwhile, Shetty has a couple of other projects in his kitty. The actor will be seen playing Lord Hanuman in in Prashanth Varma’s film ‘Jai Hanuman,’ a sequel to his hit superhero movie ‘HanuMan.’ Apart from this, he is also directing and starring in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1,’ a prequel to his successful film ‘Kantara,’ which is also set for release later this year on October 2, 2025. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijender Gupta is likely to be appointed as Speaker of the Delhi Assembly while Mohan Singh Bisht is likely to be the deputy speaker, according to sources. 

Vijender Gupta, who was the Leader of Opposition in the assembly, is MLA of Rohini. He won the assembly constituency with a margin of more than 37 thousand votes, beating Aam Aadmi Party’s Pradeep Mittal. Gupta has been the president of Delhi BJP too, along with a Delhi Development Authority member, and a former chairman of MCD’s standing committee.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Mohan Singh Bisht won with a margin on more than 17 thousand votes, beating out AAP’s Adeel Ahmad Khan. Bisht has been a five time MLA from Karawal Nagar assembly constituency. This is his sixth time, winning the Mustafabad constituency. He has consistently won the assembly elections since 1998 whenever he contested. He only lost once in 2015 to BJP’s Kapil Mishra.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta will be taking oath as Delhi’s Chief Minister today. Gupta has has served as general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of its national executive committee. In these roles, she initiated numerous campaigns for the welfare of marginalized communities and women.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday the CM designate said, “It is a miracle, it is a new motivation and a new chapter. If I can be the CM, this means ways are open for all the women… Anyone who has been corrupt will have to give an account of each and every rupee.”

Along with Rekha Gupta, six other ministers, including Parvesh Sahib Singh (Deputy CM), Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, will take the oath.

She will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding AAP’s Atishi. The National Capital has had women Chief Ministers from the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party.

BJP is forming a government in the national capital after 27 years.

BJP won 48 seats out of 70 seats, while Aam Aadmi Party could win only 22 seats in the assembly polls held earlier this month. Congress could not open its account in the third successive election. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister-designate and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rekha Gupta reached the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital ahead of the swearing in ceremony to take place on Thursday.

Before reaching the maidan, the CM designate took out a public rally and showed a ‘victory sign’ for her party. Visuals from the rally showed hundreds of supporters giving her flowers or paintings.

She also offered prayers at the Hanuman Mandir at Kashmiri gate before proceeding to the venue.

Just as she reached the venue, she was greeted by multiple party leaders including her designated ministerial colleague Parvesh Sahib Singh.

Party leader Parvesh Sahib Singh told reporters, “We have a huge responsibility towards Delhi. People of Delhi gave us immense love and blessings. After 27 years, BJP is going to form the govt in Delhi today. I thank PM Modi whose development has been trusted by the people.”

Multiple party leaders, including union ministers and CMs of neighbouring states, have come to attend the ceremony.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Delhi LG VK Saxena, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, Rajasthan Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa and other leaders also arrived at Ramlila Maidan earlier today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other Union Ministers and NDA Chief Ministers will attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Notably, the CM-designate was also greeted by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who has constantly criticised AAP chief Arvind Kerjwal during the Assembly elections and before.

Earlier today, keeping in line with the probe on alleged irregularities on 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, the official residence of Chief Minister (also dubbed as ‘Sheeshmahal’ by the BJP), Rekha Gupta confirmed that she would not be staying at that residence.

The probe was ordered by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on February 13 after the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) submitted a factual report on Arvind Kejriwal’s official CM residence on the complaint of BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

The CM designate told ANI, “It is a miracle, it is a new motivation and a new chapter. If I can be the CM, this means ways are open for all the women… Anyone who has been corrupt will have to give an account of each and every rupee.”

She will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding AAP’s Atishi. The National Capital has had women Chief Ministers from the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party.

Along with her, six other MLAs, including Parvesh Sahib Singh (Deputy CM), Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, will take the oath. (ANI)

The next part of Aashram is finally on its way, with Bobby Deol reprising his role as Baba Nirala in ‘Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 – Part 2.’

The series has played a major role in Bobby’s career revival, making him a favourite among OTT audiences.

At the trailer launch event on Wednesday evening, the ‘Animal’ actor shared how he initially had doubts about taking on such a bold role but was convinced after his wife, Tania Deol, encouraged him.

Talking about her support, he said, “Maine apni wife se baat ki, maine kaha ki main aisa kirdaar play karne ja raha hu, aur meri wife janti thi ki main bahut try kar raha hu aur kuch aisa kaam mil nahi raha hai jo itna interesting hoga. Toh jab meri wife ne suna, toh usne kaha, ‘Nahi tu kar, jo tera dil chahta hai tu vo kar. I am with you.'”

Bobby further spoke about the hard work he put into preparing for the role, especially learning the complex dialogues.

“Maine bahut mehnat ki, Guneeta Ji hamari teacher hai, unke saath har din 3-3 ghante baith kar maine lines seekhi aur har shabd ka matlab samajhne ki koshish ki,” he added.

Directed by Prakash Jha, the series also features Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vikram Kochhar, Tridha Choudhury, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta in crucial roles.

The trailer hints at cracks forming in Baba Nirala’s empire, rising tensions among his close allies, and Pammi’s fearless return.

Take a look at the trailer

‘Ek Badnaam Aashram’ is one of the most loved Indian series on OTT platforms. It is set to dominate the screens once again with its upcoming season. The next season is set to premiere soon on Amazon MX Player.

Meanwhile, the series will be available for streaming from February 27 on Amazon MX Player. Viewers can watch it through Amazon’s mobile app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs. (ANI)

With Rekha Gupta set to be sworn in as Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday afternoon, Manish Gupta, the CM-designate’s husband expressed his happiness for his wife getting such an opportunity, likening it to a ‘miracle.’

“We never thought that she (Rekha Gupta) would become the Chief Minister of Delhi. It seems like a miracle… It is a matter of happiness for us that the party has given us so much respect,” he told reporters here today.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and MLA representing the Shalimar Bagh assembly constituency, will be taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister at Ramlila Maidan. Along with her, six other MLAs will take oath as ministers in the cabinet today.

Thanking PM Modi and the BJP party leadership Rekha Gupta said,”Delhi CM designate Rekha Gupta says, “It is a huge responsibility. I thank PM Modi and BJP high command for having faith in me… I will fulfil my responsibility with utmost honesty… My first priority is to complete all the commitments our party has made, and the second priority is that all our 48 MLAs will work as a team modi. I never thought I would be a CM of Delhi. The previous corrupt government would have to give the account of each rupee belonging to the people.”

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government will take place at 12:15 pm.

Parvesh Sahib Singh. Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh are also among the MLAs who will take oath as ministers.

Rekha Gupta will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi succeeding Aam Aadmi Party’s Atishi. This continues a tradition that has been difficult for other parts of the country to match. Delhi has had women Chief Ministers from the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party.

She has served as general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of its national executive committee. In these roles, she initiated numerous campaigns for the welfare of marginalized communities and women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other Union Ministers and NDA Chief Ministers will attend the swearing-in ceremony.

BJP won 48 seats out of 70 seats, while Aam Aadmi Party could win only 22 seats in the assembly polls held earlier this month. Congress could not open its account for the third successive election. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has one again questioned the United States’ allocation of USD 21 million for voter turnout efforts in India, comparing it to concerns over foreign interference in American elections while addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Florida.

Highlighting the disparity in reactions, he stated, “21 million dollars in voter turnout – why do we need to spend 21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… Because when we hear that Russia spent about two thousand dollars in our country, it was a big deal. They took some internet ads for two thousand dollars. This is a total breakthrough.”

Trump further pointed out India’s strong economic position and high tariffs on US goods, stating, “They got a lot of money. They’re one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high.”

While maintaining his respect for India and its Prime Minister, Trump questioned the necessity of spending millions on voter turnout in a foreign country, adding, “I have a lot of respect for India. I have a lot of respect for the prime minister. He just left, as you know, two days ago. But we’re giving USD 21 million for voter turnout. It’s voter turnout in India. What about, like, voter turnout here? Oh, we’ve done that, I guess. We did USD 500 million, didn’t we? It’s called the lockboxes.”

Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine earlier on Wednesday, Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of persuading the United States to invest billions in what he described as an unwinnable war.

He claimed the US had spent significantly more than Europe, with no financial returns, stating, “The United States has spent USD 200 billion dollars more than Europe, and Europe’s money is guaranteed, while the United States will get nothing back.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also accused Zelenskyy of poor governance and refusing to hold elections, writing, “On top of this, Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is ‘MISSING.’ He refuses to have elections, is very low in Ukrainian polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing Biden ‘like a fiddle.’ A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.” (ANI)

Ben Stiller, Willem Dafoe, Goldie Hawn, Sterling K. Brown, Joe Alwyn, Lily-Rose Depp, Ana de Armas, and Connie Nielsen have been announced as presenters at the 97th Academy Awards.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the announcement was made by Oscar executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan on Wednesday.

Winfrey is a two-time Oscar nominee, recognized for her work in ‘The Color Purple’ and as a producer on Selma. Gomez is part of the star-studded cast of ‘Emilia Perez’, one of this year’s top contenders. Stiller is in the spotlight for his work on Severance Season 2.

Actor and comedian Nick Offerman has also been confirmed as the show’s announcer.

This will be Offerman’s first time as an announcer at the Academy Awards. The actor follows David Alan Grier, who served as the announcer for last year’s ceremony.

These new additions join the previously announced lineup of presenters, including Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Robert Downey Jr., Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, and more.

The Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and air live on ABC on March 2.

Meanwhile, more presenters are expected to be announced in the coming days. (ANI)

A grassroots leader steeped in BJP ideology, Rekha Gupta, will take oath as Delhi Chief Minister on Thursday, marking a historic day for her and her party as it will form government in Delhi after nearly 27 years.

Having risen from the ranks and served Delhi in different organisational capacities and as a councillor, Rekha Gupta is familiar with the issues and problems of the national capital.

With the BJP’s election manifesto containing a slew of promises, she is expected to hit the ground running and adopt a hands-on approach.

She will be the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, continuing a tradition that has been difficult for other parts of the country to match. Delhi has had women Chief Ministers from the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party. She will succeed Atishi.

Elected MLA from Shalimar Bagh seat, Rekha Gupta has served as general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi and as a member of its national executive committee. In these roles, she initiated numerous campaigns for the welfare of marginalized communities and women.

Rekha Gupta started her political journey with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student body affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Having studied at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College, she became the President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1996-97 and actively raised student issues. As a councillor from North Pitampura in 2007, she worked on developing basic facilities in the area, such as libraries and parks.

She has also pursued an LLB and is the founder of the AAS, a NGO. She lost the mayoral election to AAP’s Shelly Oberoi in 2023.

A first-time MLA, Rekha Gupta, 50, was preferred over more senior leaders in Delhi BJP apparently because the the party wanted a woman leader to assume the post. She is known to keep a low profile compared to some other leaders in Delhi BJP. Her name as next Delhi CM was announced after days of intense speculation about the possible choice. The results of Delhi assembly polls were declared on February 8.

With BJP stressing on women empowerment, Rekha Gupta’s elevation will help the party emphasise its credentials among women. She will be the only woman among the present BJP Chief Ministers.

After her election as leader of BJP legislature party, Rekha Gupta expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party leadership and people of Delhi for the responsibility bestowed on her and said every moment of her life will spent in fulfilling it.

Rekha Gupta said her getting responsibility as Chief Minister is also a moment of honour for women of the country, who constitute about half the country’s population.

“I want to thank PM Modi, BJP high command people of Delhi for giving me this opportunity, after 27 years, a new chapter is beginning. It is moment of pride for the women in the country. We have staked claim to form the government…each and every commitment of BJP, fulfilling it is the ultimate goal of my life,” she said.

Rekha Gupta also expressed gratitude to PM Modi and party leadership for their expressing trust in her.

“I take pledge that every moment of my life will be spent in fulfilling this responsibility. Fulfilling the commitments that BJP has made to people, that is the aim of my life. The Delhi government will work in a time-bound manner under leadership of PM Modi and all MLAs will work to fulfil the commitments as Team Modi,” she said.

Rekha Gupta was earlier in the day elected as leader of BJP legislative party in a meeting of newly-elected MLAs.

She will take oath as Chief Minister at a function in Ramlila Maidan in the national capital.

Rekha Gupta earlier expressed her gratitude to the party on X and said she would work with full honesty, integrity and dedication for the welfare of people of Delhi.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the top leadership for trusting me and entrusting me with the responsibility of the post of Chief Minister. This trust and support have given me new energy and inspiration. I pledge that I will work with full honesty, integrity and dedication for the welfare, empowerment and overall development of every citizen of Delhi. I am fully committed to this important opportunity to take Delhi to new heights,” she said.

The BJP won 48 seats in a historic mandate, ousting the Aam Aadmi Party from power. (ANI)