Month: February 2025

The newly elected Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs are scheduled to meet on Monday (February 17) at 3 PM at the Delhi BJP State Office to decide the Chief Minister (CM) candidate.

All BJP MLAs have been notified of the meeting.

Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections took place on February 5, and the results were announced on February 8. The BJP won 48 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly.

The party did not announce a Chief Ministerial face before the elections. With the current Delhi Assembly’s term ending on February 23, the swearing-in ceremony could take place before that.

According to sources, the Delhi Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony may take place at the Ramlila ground on February 18.

The BJP has secured power in the Delhi Assembly after 27 years, winning 48 seats out of 70. This election was a direct contest between BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

However, AAP could only secure 22 seats this time. Prominent AAP leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Satyendra Jain could not taste victory this time.

Several names are in the race for the position of Delhi CM, with the most prominent being Parvesh Verma. The BJP fielded Parvesh against AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi and became a key figure after defeating Kejriwal.

Satish Upadhyay is another strong contender for the CM position. He has served as the Delhi BJP president and was also the president of the Delhi Youth Wing.

The third name on the list is Ashish Sood, the Punjabi face of the BJP in Delhi.

Jitendra Mahajan is also considered a potential candidate for the CM position The fifth name in the running is Vijender Gupta.

If the party opts for a female leader, former Delhi Mayor and first-time MLA Rekha Gupta could be a possibility. (ANI)

As United States exerts maximum pressure on Iran, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday blamed the country for “instability, violence and destabilising” activities in the Middle East.

In a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio said that Iran is behind everything that threatens peace and stability in the region.

“It (Iran) is the single greatest source of instability in the region, behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence, behind every destabilising activity, behind everything that threatens peace and stability for the billions of people who call this region home. By Iran, I mean its regime, a regime that its people do not support. The people of Iran are victims of that regime.” Rubio said.

Rubio also stressed that Iran can “never” become a nuclear nation. “a nuclear Iran then can hold itself immune from pressure and action, that can never happen,” he added.

Rubio’s remark came after he held a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu which the Israeli PM described as “very productive,” as reported by The Times of Israel.

Standing side by side with Rubio, Netanyahu declared that “Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran.”

“We agree that the ayatollahs must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. We also agreed that Iran’s aggression in the region has to be rolled back,” Netanyahu said as quoted by The Times of Israel.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed executive orders to reinstate the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.

The order directed the Treasury Department to execute “maximum economic pressure” upon Iran through a series of sanctions targeting the country’s oil exports.

Trump said he was “torn” on signing the order and admitted he was “unhappy to do it,” noting that the executive order was very tough on Iran.

The reinstatement of strict sanctions on Iran follows Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in May 2018. The 2015 agreement, brokered under the Obama administration, had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. (ANI)

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar shared a candid picture with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar from last night’s Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 finale.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Akshay congratulated megastar Amitabh Bachchan for his team Majhi Mumbai’s victory.

He wrote in the caption, “Catches win matches–Masterclass from the Master Blaster!.. Congratulations to Sachin, Mr. Bachchan, and the entire Majhi Mumbai team on their victory. To my Srinagar Veers, immense pride in the fight we put up–our day will come!”

The second season of ISPL’s finale was played between Majhi Mumbai and Srinagar Ke Veer at Thane, Maharashtra. Amitabh Bachchan attended this cricket event in support of the Majhi Mumbai team. He was spotted sitting on a couch with Sachin Tendulkar in the stadium’s VIP stands.

Akshay Kumar, the owner of the Srinagar Ke Veers cricket team, also attended the sports event. He wore a black striped shirt and pants for the occasion. He was accompanied by his family and friends.

As the curtains drew on an electrifying second season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), Majhi Mumbai eventually clinched the title after pipping Srinagar Ke Veer by three wickets in a nail-biting summit clash at the jam-packed Dadoji Kondadev Stadium on Saturday. The tournament truly lived up to its billing of a dazzling spectacle of cricketing brilliance, said an official statement.

The capacity crowd was treated to a riveting contest as the match went down to the wire, with fortunes swinging both ways, before Mumbai, the runners-up of the inaugural ISPL season, finally got home with Ankur’s gigantic six, as per a press release from ISPL.

“Every six smashed, every wicket taken, and every dive on the field echoed the spirit of millions who grew up playing with a tennis ball. Bringing together the raw energy of young guns and the masterful experience of seasoned campaigners, the 20-day tournament was a perfect symphony of edge-of-the-seat thrillers and captivating musical performances,” the release stated.

Endorsed by Sachin Tendulkar, member of the ISPL core committee, the tournament has grown from strength to strength, allowing dreamers who once played in the gullies, maidans and streets to find themselves in the spotlight, proving that talent knows no boundaries, it added. (ANI)

In the wake of the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left many others injured, Central Railway has announced the operation of four special trains for pilgrims travelling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.

Authorities have also made different arrangements for the devotees and have advised passengers to follow specific instructions for a smoother travel experience.

On Special trains being run by Central Railway, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Swapnil Nila told ANI, “Different arrangements have been made for the passengers at the originating stations of the special trains that are being run for Maha Kumbh… Here, additional ticket booking counters, May I Help You booths, and continuous information through Public announcement systems have been arranged… Central Railway will run 4 trains for Maha Kumbh…”

“Additional RPF staff, railway operating and commercial department staff have been deployed. We request the passengers to please buy valid tickets and board the trains according to the instructions and in a line for your and your co-passengers convenience…,” he added.

A tragic incident unfolded at New Delhi Railway Station when a passenger lost balance and slipped on the stairs leading to platforms 14 and 15, resulting in several others getting injured, Northern Railway CPRO told ANI.

Meanwhile, the railways have formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident.

The committee comprises Narsingh Deo, Northern Railway’s Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM), and Pankaj Gangwar, its Principal Chief Safety Commissioner (PCSC), the railways said on Sunday.

The railways said the committee has initiated a High-Level Inquiry (HAG) into the incident. As part of the investigation, the committee has ordered the securing of all video footage from the Railway Station to aid in the probe.

The tragedy occurred at 10 p.m. on Saturday as lakhs of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing significant overcrowding at the station.

The deceased were identified as Aaha Devi, 79, Pinky Devi, 41, Sheela Devi, 50, Vyom, 25, Poonam Devi, 40, Lalita Devi, 35, Suruchi, 11; Krishna Devi, 40, Vijay Sah, 15, Neeraj, 12, Shanti Devi, 40, Pooja Kumar, 8, Sangeeta Malik and Poonam, both aged 34, Mamta Jha, 40, Riya Singh, 7, Baby Kumari, 24, and Manoj, 47.

The Indian Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh was announced for the seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. (ANI)

Most of the bodies of the deceased brought to the national capital’s Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital following the stampede at the New Delhi Railway station had injuries on their chest and abdomen areas with asphyxia being the likely cause of death, according to RML hospital sources.

Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, Dr Ajay Shukla, said, “We received five bodies, one male aged 25 years and four females – three in their thirties and one aged 70 years… Four bodies have been handed over to their families…”

Sources at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital (LNJP) indicated that a majority of the victims who sustained injuries in Saturday night stampede suffered lower limb injuries while others suffered from bone injuries.

The injured admitted to the LNJP hospital in the national capital have been discharged by the doctors after primary treatment. A team of 15 doctors is currently taking care of the injured patients.

A tragic stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, resulting in the loss of 18 lives on Saturday. The incident happened around 10 pm when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing severe overcrowding at the station.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.

An eyewitness described the chaos, stating that the crowd came from both sides after an announcement about a train platform change, leading to the stampede.

“There was no one to control the crowd… It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 would now arrive on platform number 16. So, the crowd came from both sides, and a stampede occurred… some people were taken to the hospital…” he said.

Another eyewitness recounted the horror, saying that the crowd was beyond control. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it was impossible to manage them.

“The crowd was beyond control; people were gathered at the foot over the bridge… Such a huge crowd wasn’t expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during festivals. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn’t possible to control them,” he said.

Meanwhile, a compensation of Rs 10 lakh was announced by the Indian Railways for the families of the deceased who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Additionally, the indian Railways announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured in the incident and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries. (ANI)

A compensation of Rs 10 lakh by the Indian Railways was announced to the families of the deceased who lost their lives in the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station, as per a release.

Additionally, a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh has been announced to the seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh to those with minor injuries, as per the release.

Geeta, a worker at the LNJP hospital, where the victims were admitted said that 15 bodies and 10 to 12 injured people were brought to the hospital at 10 p.m.

She further said that there were three children who also died in the incident.

“There were around 15 dead bodies and 10 to 12 injured people who were brought to the LNJP hospital between 10 to 10:30 p.m. yesterday. There were three children among the dead…” said Geeta while speaking to ANI.

This comes after a tragic stampede took place at the New Delhi Railway Station, resulting in the loss of 18 lives on Saturday.

The incident happened around 10 pm when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing severe overcrowding at the station.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives.

She extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” President Murmu posted on X. (ANI)

An eyewitness, an IAF sergeant on Sunday recounted that despite announcements and efforts to convince people to avoid gathering in large numbers, the crowd remained unmanageable. He said that the administration attempted to control the crowd, but people didn’t listen.

Speaking to ANI, Ajit said, “We have a tri-service office at the railway station. When I was returning after my duty, I couldn’t go as there was a huge crowd… I tried to convince people and also made announcements appealing to people to avoid gathering on the platform in large numbers. The administration was working hard to prevent any mishap, but no one was listening… I also helped the injured people with the help of one of my friends,” he told ANI.

A tragic stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station, resulting in the loss of 15 lives on Saturday. The incident happened around 10 pm when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing severe overcrowding at the station.

Another eyewitness recounted the horror, saying that the crowd was beyond the limit. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn’t possible to control them.

“The crowd was beyond the limit, people were gathered at the (foot over) bridge… Such a huge crowd wasn’t expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during the festivals. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn’t possible to control them,” he said.

One of the victim’s brothers Sanjay at LNJP hospital, who lost his sister in the stampede, said, “We were 12 people going to Mahakumbh. We hadn’t even reached the platform but were at the stairs… My family, including my sister, were stuck in the crowd. We found her after half an hour, and by the time she was dead.”

Another eyewitness described the chaos, stating that the crowd came from both sides after an announcement about a train platform change, leading to the stampede.

“There was no one to control the crowd… It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 would come on platform number 16. So the crowd came from both sides and a stampede occurred…some people were taken to the hospital…,” he said.

Delays in train departures and the sale of around 1,500 general tickets exacerbated the situation and contributed to the overwhelming crowd.

Among the affected passengers, Pappu, a resident of Bihar’s Patna, shared his grief, saying, “My mother died in the stampede. We were on our way home.”

NDRF Commandant Daulat Ram Chaudhary confirmed that the situation was now under control. “…The situation is under control now. The injured have been evacuated…We received information about a stampede at platform no. 14 at the station… We are carrying out the rescue operations…”

DCP Railway KPS Malhotra stated that while the authorities had anticipated a large crowd, the incident unfolded within moments.

“We expected the crowd, but it all happened in a fraction of time, and hence this situation occurred. The fact-finding will be done by the Railways… After inquiry, we will get to know the reason behind the incident,” he told ANI.

Meanwhile, the Railway Board, on Sunday, informed that a two-member high-level committee had been formed to investigate the matter and determine the cause of the stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday, which claimed around 15 lives.

“A two-member high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter… The situation is under control, and the passengers have been sent by special train… Train movement at the railway station is normal now,” Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP), Railway Board.

According to Kumar, the station was experiencing an unusually high volume of passengers, prompting the railways to operate four additional special trains to manage the crowd.

Unfortunately, the large number of passengers led to a chaotic situation, with reports of people fainting and being hospitalized. To regain control of the situation, entry to the railway station was temporarily blocked.

“The number of passengers was relatively very high today at the New Delhi railway station, and so we ran four more special trains. We received information that a few people fainted – they have been admitted to a local hospital. We blocked entry to the railway station for a while, but the situation is under control now,” added Kumar.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14. (ANI)

Vicky Kaushal starrer ‘Chhaava’ has made an impressive start at the box office. It is a period drama that portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The ace star has impressed the audience with his role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The film minted Rs 33.10 crores at the Indian box office on day 1.

Taking to X, trade analyst, Taran Adarsh called it Vicky Kaushal’s “first double-digit opener” and “biggest opener ever”

He wrote, ” ‘CHHAAVA’ IS VICKY KAUSHAL’S FIRST DOUBLE-DIGIT OPENER + BIGGEST OPENER EVER… #VickyKaushal versus #VickyKaushal… Day 1 biz… [2025] #Chhaava : Rs 33.10 cr [2024] #BadNewz: Rs 8.62 cr [2019] #Uri: Rs 8.20 cr [2018] #Raazi: Rs 7.53 cr [2023] #SamBahadur: Rs 6.25 cr [2023] #ZHZB: Rs 5.49 cr [2020] #Bhoot: Rs 5.10 cr [2018] #Manmarziyaan: Rs 3.52 cr [2016] #RamanRaghav 2.0: Rs 1.10 cr NOTE: #Sanju and #Dunki are not included in this list. #India biz | Nett BOC | #Boxoffice”

The movie is directed by Laxman Utekar.

In a recent interview with ANI, Vicky Kaushal admitted that this role was unlike any other, calling it his “toughest role” yet. The actor had to go through immense physical and mental preparation to embody the historical figure, both in terms of his appearance and his understanding of the era.

“Playing such a historical figure requires a lot of discipline, and discipline is tough. If you are not used to discipline, where I was, it becomes very challenging because it’s not just a one-month commitment; it’s a commitment for one and a half to two years,” Vicky said.

The film brings to life the courageous Maratha ruler’s story, starting with his coronation in 1681.

The film also stars Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandana. However, it has been surrounded by controversy, with a dance sequence featuring the character of Sambhaji Maharaj performing the Lezim, a traditional Maharashtrian dance, being removed after objections from political figures, including Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant.

While the film’s journey to the screen hasn’t been without its challenges, Vicky Kaushal is proud of the work he has put into the character, saying, “I’m just happy that I get to say that this is the toughest role I’ve played till date. I hope I can continue to grow, not just as an actor but as a human being, with every role I take on.” (ANI)