Month: February 2025

Actors Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday starring film based on the life of India’s top barrister, C Sankaran Nair, has got a new release date and the film has been titled ‘Kesari Chapter 2-The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’.

Earlier the film was set to release on March 14, 2025. Produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film will now be released on April 18, 2025.

C Sankaran Nair fought against the British Raj to uncover the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Taking to Instagram handle, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared, “AKSHAY KUMAR – R MADHAVAN – ANANYA PANDAY: ‘KESARI CHAPTER 2’ IS THE TITLE… NEW RELEASE DATE LOCKED… #KesariChapter2: The Untold Story Of Jallianwala Bagh is the title of #AkshayKumar, #RMadhavan and #AnanyaPanday starrer. Directed by #KaranSinghTyagi, the film will arrive in theatres on 18 April 2025 [#GoodFriday].#DharmaProductions | #LeoMediaCollective | #CapeOfGoodFilms | #KesariChapter2 | #JallianwalaBagh”

The film is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi. It stars Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday.

On October 18, Dharma Productions took to its official Instagram handle to announce the release date of the untitled project.

The caption along with the announcement reads, “Ek ankahi kahani, ek ansuna sach…Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan & Ananya Panday – this untitled film is releasing in cinemas on 14th March, 2025. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi.”

The upcoming project is based on the book ‘The Case That Shook The Empire’ written by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. Raghu Palat is the great-grandson of C. Sankaran Nair.

In 2021, Karan Johar announced the news on Instagram and wrote, “Extremely excited and honoured to be bringing the untold story of C. Sankaran Nair, a historic man to the big screens.”

Karan Singh Tyagi will helm the movie. However, the details of the cast were not revealed at the time. A note from Dharma Productions was also shared on Instagram. It read, “This film unravels the legendary courtroom battle that Sankaran Nair fought against the British Raj to uncover the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Sankaran Nair’s bravery ignited the freedom struggle across the country and is a testament to the power of fighting for the truth.”

For the unversed, C. Sankaran Nair was the former President of the Indian National Congress and a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. (ANI)

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday said that he has discussed with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a potential collaboration to launch Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh.

Sharing a post on X on Saturday, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh wrote, “Had great meeting with Mr @elonmusk. We agreed to work together. Hoping to launch Starlink in Bangladesh soon together with him.”

Previously on Friday an X post “Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday held an extensive video discussion with @elonmusk, the owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, to explore future collaboration and to make further progress to introduce Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh.”

Yunus on Thursday held an extensive video discussion with Musk, the founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and X to make further progress in introducing Starlink satellite to enhance internet service in Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus also extended an invitation to Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, underscoring the significance of this initiative for national development, to which Musk responded positively.

“I look forward to it,” Musk said.

Present in the discussion between Musk and Yunus were Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for the Rohingya crisis and priority issues, and Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator of SDGs, on the Bangladesh side, and Lauren Dreyer, Vice President and Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Adviser from Space X.

During their conversation, Yunus and Musk emphasised the transformational impact of Starlink’s satellite communications, particularly for Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural and vulnerable women and remote communities.

They also discussed how high-speed, low-cost internet connectivity could bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, empowering education, healthcare, and economic development in underserved regions and giving its millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs access beyond the national boundary, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh said in a press release.

Yunus stated that integrating Starlink’s connectivity into Bangladesh’s infrastructure would create new opportunities for millions and integrate the country more closely into the global digital economy.

He further expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Musk to unlock the full potential of technology-driven social and economic growth in Bangladesh and the rest of the world, the release said.

Yunus said Starlink would be an extension of Grameen Bank and Grameen phone pioneering of connnecting village women and young people to the world.

“They would become global women and kids and global entrepreneurs,” Yunus said.

Elon Musk, in turn, praised the Grameen Bank microfinance model, acknowledging its global impact on poverty alleviation.

The tech billionaire and special employee of the US government said he was familiar with the work of both Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone for many years.

He expressed his belief that leveraging technological advancements such as Starlink could further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi during his recent visit to the US also held bilateral meetings on Thursday with Elon Musk, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.

During the meeting, PM Modi and Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between entities of India and the US in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

PM Modi and Musk also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation. I talked about India’s efforts towards reform and furthering ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’.”

During the meeting, PM Modi met Elon Musk’s children, who were present during the meeting. Musk also presented the Prime Minister with a special gift, before their discussion. (ANI)

Security was tightened outside the Samajwadi Party (SP) office and the residence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow on Saturday morning amid concerns over possible protests by SP workers following the recent “detention” of party leader Manish Jagan Agarwal. 

Manish Jagan Agarwal is the president of the SP’s Vyapar Sabha.

Police personnel from multiple stations have been deployed near the SP office and barricades have been erected in the area.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon. “Police suspect party workers may stage a protest before or after the conference,” sources said.

In an X post, the Samajwadi Party claimed that Lucknow Police forcibly removed Agarwal from his residence. The post said that if Jagan and his family were harmed, Lucknow Police would be responsible.

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the arrival of a second US aircraft carrying Indian citizens allegedly involved in illegal migration would be a “test” for Indian diplomacy.

In a post on X, Chidambaram said, “All eyes will be on the US aircraft which will land today in Amritsar bringing back illegal immigrants. Will the deportees be handcuffed and their legs tied with ropes? It is a test for Indian diplomacy.”

Notably, on February 5, a US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who “illegally immigrated” to the US arrived in Amritsar, Punjab. A total of 104 Indian nationals were on board the plane that landed in Amritsar.

Speaking on the issue, Chidambaram alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) “crumbled badly” in handling the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States.

He said that the government had information about the planned deportation of Indian nationals and asked if External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had raised the issue of sending Indians, identified as illegal immigrants by the US, under SoPs when he met US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

The Congress leader further added that the government was aware of the number of Indians to be deported under SoP, with handcuffs and legs tied with ropes. He asked if the government had offered to send its own plane to bring back Indians and if the government would send planes to bring back 483 more Indians identified as illegal immigrants by the US.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came hard on the Centre over the deportation of Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the United States, and said that Amritsar is being chosen deliberately to portray that only Punjabis are illegal migrants.

“There is a conspiracy to defame Punjab and Punjabis. The first plane landed in Amritsar. Now, a second plane (carrying Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US) will land in Amritsar. The MEA should tell the criteria based on which Amritsar was selected to land the aircraft. You select Amritsar to defame Punjab. At the time when PM Modi and (US President) Trump were meeting, they (US authorities) must have been putting shackles on our people. Is this the gift Trump has given? America’s military planes are landing in Amritsar, and an enemy country, Pakistan, is right next to it. Lahore is 40 km from there. What kind of foreign policy is this?” the Punjab CM said.

He questioned the Centre as to why Ahmedabad or any other place was not chosen.

“I will strictly oppose this. I demand to the MEA and the MHA that the plane is still onboard, change the route and make it land in Delhi, Hindon or Ahmedabad,” CM Mann said. (ANI)

Crispy, hollow puris filled with spiced tangy water, potatoes, and chickpeas–popularly known as ‘Golgappa’ or ‘Puchka’ and often considered go-to street food for many Indians–are doing rounds on various social media platforms, not for their recipe but because of a vendor in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.

Vijay Mewalal Gupta’s outlet in Orange city has become famous for its unique offers to customers. The pani puri vendor is drawing attention with exclusive deals, including a lifetime unlimited pani puri offer for Rs 99,000 and a Rs 21,000 reward for anyone who can eat 151 pani puris in one sitting.

The vendor’s lifetime unlimited pani puri offer for Rs 99,000 allows customers to eat as much pani puri as they want at no additional cost for their entire lifetime.

Vijay believes that, given the rising inflation and the annual expenses people incur on pani puri, his offer is quite cost-effective.

“We have offers ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 99,000, covering everything from one-day deals to lifetime plans. Two people have already availed of the Rs 99,000 offer. I want to shield my customers from inflation in the future,” Vijay told ANI.

He has also introduced a unique Maha Kumbh offer, selling ‘Golgappa’ for just Rs 1. “The Rs 1 offer is for those who can eat 40 pani puris in one sitting,” he added.

Beneficiaries of the Ladli Behena Yojana, a direct cash transfer scheme by the Maharashtra government, also have a special offer from Vijay. Under this deal, they can enjoy unlimited pani puris in one sitting for just Rs 60.

Vijay said these discounts have not only made him famous but have also significantly boosted his business.

“We come here every other day. There’s an unlimited pani puri offer for a month at Rs 195. His food is delicious, and he has become really famous. His friendly nature makes everyone happy,” said Vijay, a customer.

Another customer, Tejaswini, expressed her excitement about the offers and decided to try a smaller deal first. “I saw this stall on social media and was eager to try the offers. I opted for a small deal, and it was a great experience,” she said.

Vijay’s innovative business model is not only attracting customers but also making waves on social media, proving that unique ideas always have a place–whether in the world of golgappas or beyond. (ANI)

A tragic accident occurred on the Prayagraj- Mirzapur highway after a car carrying devotees to the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela collided with a bus, as per police officials.

Ten people were killed in the accident.

“The accident took place on the Prayagraj-Mirzapur highway on late Friday night when a car carrying devotees from Chattisgarh to Maha Kumbh collided with a bus. 10 people died in the accident…” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Yamunanagar, Vivek Chandra Yadav.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Swaroop Rani Medical Hospital for post-mortem, the DCP further stated.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the accident and offered condolences to the bereaved families, as per a release by the CMO.

The CM has directed the officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite relief work. Instructions were also given to district administration officials to provide treatment to the injured.

The CM also wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

On February 11, in another accident, two buses collided on the Yamuna expressway near the Raya cut in Mathura, as per police.

Two buses collided at 110 milestone, leading to the death of two people and injuries to more than 24 passengers. The accident occurred in the Raya police station area. According to police, one bus was from Aligarh and the other was from Badaun. The passengers were returning from the Mahakumbh.

As soon as the accident was reported, police and emergency teams rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to different hospitals, including the district hospital, for treatment. (ANI)

Maulana Shahabuddin, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, addressed concerns surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, assuring Muslims that it will not pose any threat to mosques, madrasas, or dargahs.

He stated that these concerns were being spread to “intimidate and mislead the Muslim community.”

“The JPC committee created by the parliament on the Waqf Amendment Bill has submitted its report to the parliament. The leaders of the political community have made noise and ruckus on this matter, and to intimidate the Muslims and to mislead Muslims, it is being said that if this bill comes, then the mosques will be at risk to the ‘madrasas’, the ‘Khanqahs’, so I want to assure the common Muslims this. This Waqf Amendment Bill does not threaten the mosque. No madrasa is in danger. No ‘dargah’ cemetery is at risk. Those who are saying these things are spreading rumours,” he said.

He further explained the original intent of Waqf property, saying, “The intention of the land that our elders had owned for their property was that this would help the poor, helpless ‘Yateem Beva Muslims’… But People of the Waqf Board, Chairman members and concerned officers, along with landlords, destroyed all the land and sold the property and they deposited all that money in their treasury. Not a single penny is being spent on these poor Muslims.”

Maulana Shahabuddin assured that the Waqf Bill will help end corruption within the Waqf Board. “Waqf Bill will end corruption in Waqf Board, the misappropriation of Waqf property till date will be stopped and the income from it will help poor children and mosques will be built… This bill is a threat to those politicians and land mafias who are doing business or selling Waqf land by occupying it,” he said.

The Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was tabled in Parliament on Thursday amid uproar.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday alleged that the Centre brought the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to divert the people’s attention from this year’s Budget that was “disappointing and frustrating.”

“The Budget which did not provide jobs, did not double the income of farmers, did not increase trade… that budget was disappointing and frustrating,” Akhilesh Yadav told reporters here.

“This government has cheated… and has deliberately brought such a bill (Waqf (Amendment) Bill) to divert the attention of the public,” he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni presented the report in the Rajya Sabha. She also tabled a copy of the record of evidence given before the panel.

JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagadambika Pal tabled the report in the Lok Sabha amid Opposition sloganeering against the report.

In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs alleged that dissent notes submitted by the Opposition members were not included in the panel’s report. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, rejected the allegation. (ANI)

Actor Prateik Babbar has tied the knot with Priya Banerjee.

On Friday evening, Prateik and Priya took to Instagram and shared the good news with their fans and follwoers. They even shared a couple of pictures from their wedding ceremony.

“I’ll marry you in every lifetime #priyaKAprateik,” their post read.

Adding to the grandeur, Prateik and Priya wore ethereal ensembles from a special collection by Tarun Tahiliani and Jewellery by Khurana Jewellery House. They were twinning in ivory and gold ensembles.

As soon as they shared the pictures, fans and members of the film industry chimed in the comment section and sent heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds.

“Congratulations…best wishes to you two,” a fan wrote.

Actors Bobby Deol and Karan Tacker dropped a string of red heart emojis in the comment section

Prateik made his relationship with Priya Instagram official on Valentine’s Day last year. He was previously married to Sanya Sagar, but they reportedly parted ways during the lockdown after tying the knot on January 23, 2019.

On the professional front, Prateik was recently seen in Khwaabon Ka Jhamela alongside Sayani Gupta.

The film features Prateik as Zubin, a finance whiz who is calculative about everything, and Sayani as Ruby, a spirited intimacy coordinator with a few tricks up her sleeve. It is directed by Danish Aslam. (ANI)

On Valentine’s Day, actress Priyanka Chopra shared a rare photo from her dating days with husband Nick Jonas on social media. Through a heartwarming post, she narrated how her love story with the pop singer Nick began and how it is progressing.

Nick and Priyanka got married in Jodhpur in December 2018. They had a traditional Christian wedding followed by a Hindu ceremony.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the ‘Fashion’ actress shared some cute clicks with her husband, to celebrate their love story on Valentine’s Day.

In the first picture, the duo were seen twinning in white outfits while the actress rested her head on the shoulders of the pop singer. The date of capture was also mentioned in the photo. As per the post, the picture is expected to be taken in January 2018.

Another photo from Priyanka’s post appears to be from her brother Siddharth Chopra’s wedding in Mumbai recently. While twinning in blue outfits, the couple posed for an adorable selfie at an event.

While sharing the photo, Priyanka wrote,

“How it started.. How it’s going. Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever, Valentine.”

Nick and Priyanka welcomed their first child, daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, in January 2022 via surrogacy.

Meanwhile, Pop singer Nick Jonas recently visited India to take part in the wedding festivities of his brother-in-law, Siddharth Chopra.

While Priyanka has been actively involved in the pre-wedding functions, it was her husband, Nick Jonas, who truly stole the spotlight at the Sangeet Ceremony held in Mumbai, earlier this month.

Dressed in a royal blue bandhgala suit with matching trousers, Nick twinned with his wife, Priyanka, who looked stunning in a blue embellished lehenga.

As the night unfolded, Nick Jonas took to the stage and delivered a heartfelt musical performance that added an unforgettable touch to the evening.

He was accompanied by his father, Paul Kevin Jonas, who played the synthesizer while Nick performed his popular song ‘Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife) ‘for the guests.

The wedding of Siddharth Chopra and Neelam Upadhyaya took place on February 7, 2025. (ANI)

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “MEGA” remark after meeting US President Donald Trump, saying that the only equation that counts is ‘Modani,’ referring to businessman Gautam Adani.

In a post on X, Ramesh said, “This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the United States since President Donald Trump’s inauguration for his second presidential term last month. Now, he says, in the context of India and the USA, that MAGA + MIGA = MEGA. Actually, the only equation that counts is Modi + Adani = Modani.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi drew a parallel between India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision and the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan in the United States, coining the term “Make India Great Again” (MIGA).

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi noted that India and the US have formed a “MEGA” partnership to drive prosperity for both nations.

“President Trump often talks about MAGA. In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in the American context translates into MIGA. And together, India and the USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!” the Prime Minister said in a post.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the United States since President Donald Trump’s inauguration for his second presidential term last month.

PM Modi is among the first world leaders to visit the United States following the inauguration of President Trump and has been invited to the US within barely three weeks of the new administration.

Following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided a detailed overview of the key initiatives launched during the visit and said that the leaders launched Mission-500 in the sector of trade and investment, aiming to more than double two-way trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.

He added that the leaders unveiled the US-India Compact for the 21st Century, aimed at accelerating military partnerships, commerce, and technological advancements. Modi also displayed his knowledge of algebraic equations, acquired during his training in political science. He first likened Indo-Canada relations to “(a+b)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab”. (ANI)