Month: February 2025

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 60.42 per cent in the high-stakes assembly elections on Wednesday, according to data from the Election Commission of India.

The polls, which saw intense competition, concluded with active participation of voters across all 70 constituencies.

As per the ECI data, among the eleven districts, North East recorded the highest voter turnout at 66.25 per cent, while South East had the lowest at 56.16 per cent.

Other districts’ turnout percentages were — Central district (59. 09 per cent), East district (62. 37 per cent), New Delhi district (57.13 per cent), North district (59.55 per cent), North West district (60.07 per cent), Shahdara district (63. 94 per cent), South district ( 58.16 per cent) South-West district (61. 07 per cent) and West district (60. 76 per cent).

Meanwhile, most of the exit polls predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form the next government in Delhi, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) falling behind, and that the Congress likely to continue its dismal run in the assembly polls.

Exit poll predictions varied on the margin of BJP’s victory. One poll predicted the BJP could win 51-60 out of 70 assembly seats, while two polls forecast an AAP victory. The exit polls were released after the conclusion of voting on Wednesday.

According to the P-MARQ exit poll, the BJP is likely to win 39-49 seats, AAP 21-31 seats, and Congress 0-1 seat.

Matrize’s exit poll predicted a close contest between the BJP and AAP, with the BJP expected to win 35-40 seats and AAP 32-37 seats. It also predicted one seat for Congress.

People’s Pulse exit poll suggested that the BJP could win 51-60 seats, with AAP winning 10-19 seats. Congress was predicted to win no seats.

As per People’s Insight exit poll, BJP is likely to emerge victorious in 40-44 seats and AAP 25- 29 seats. The Congress, it said, can win 0-1 seat.

JVC’s exit poll predicted 39-45 seats for BJP, 22-31 for AAP, and 0-2 for Congress.

Chanakya Strategies predicted 39-44 seats for BJP, 25-28 for AAP, and 2-3 for Congress.

Poll Dairy exit polls predicted that BJP will win 42-50 seats, AAP 18-25 and Congress 0-2 seats.

WeePreside exit poll said AAP could win 46-52 seats, BJP 18-23, and Congress 0-1 seat.

AAP had dominated the last two assembly elections in Delhi.

In the 2020 assembly elections, it won 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP won eight. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, failed to secure a seat in the last two elections.

Voting for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections concluded across all 11 districts of the national capital at 06.00 pm on Wednesday.

There were a few allegations of irregularities including bribery and bogus voting with AAP and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading accusations.

AAP accused Delhi Police of voter coercion at the Sainik Vihar polling station in Shakur Basti, alleging that Delhi police is “hijacking the election”.

BJP workers also staged a protest in the Seelampur Assembly constituency alleging incidents of bogus voting as voters lined up to cast their votes.

The results of this three-way battle between the AAP, BJP, and Congress are set to be announced on February 8, when the counting of votes will take place. (ANI)

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday moved an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the deportations of over 100 Indian nationals by the United States government.

In his notice, Tagore said that the recent deportation of the Indian nationals who were identified as illegal immigrants has shocked the nation.

“This process not only reflects an utter disregard for human rights but also raises serious diplomatic concerns. These actions are being carried out without significant intervention from the Indian government, which has remained largely silent on the matter,” he said.

He questioned further that why has the Indian government not condemned the inhumane treatment of its nationals during deportation?

“What actions is the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) taking to ensure the protection of Indian citizens abroad? Why was the Indian government not consulted about the use of military aircraft for deportation? What steps are being taken to ensure the safety and dignity of those being deported?” the Congress MP said.

He demanded an explanation from the Minister of External Affairs on the “government’s position” and the actions being taken.

A US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US arrived in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, a US Embassy spokesperson said that while specific details cannot be shared, the United States is vigorously enforcing its border and immigration laws. The spokesperson emphasised that the actions taken send a “clear message that illegal migration is not worth the risk.”

“I have received a number of inquiries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can’t share any details on those inquiries, but I can share, on the record, that the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a US Embassy spokesperson said. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an executive order to prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports unless they were assigned female at birth, The New York Times reported.

He also vowed to withhold federal funding from high schools and colleges that fail to comply with the directive.

“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump said in his address from the White House East Room. “The war on women’s sports is over.”

The White House in an executive order titled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,’ stated that in recent years, many educational institutions and athletic associations have allowed men to compete in women’s sports.

It further said that “ignoring fundamental biological truths” between the two sexes deprives women and girls of “meaningful access to educational facilities.”

“This is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports. Moreover, under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), educational institutions receiving Federal funds cannot deny women an equal opportunity to participate in sports. As some Federal courts have recognised, ignoring fundamental biological truths between the two sexes deprives women and girls of meaningful access to educational facilities,” the statement read.

It added, “Therefore, it is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programmes that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy. It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”

This new order follows on one Trump signed on January 20, which ordered the federal government to define sex as only male or female and to change federal policies and government-issued IDs to reflect that.

Trump, along with other conservative politicians, have often hit on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports as an election-cycle issue. And 25 states have passed laws banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports at the high school and youth levels, The New York Times reported.

A few days back, the White House had issued an executive order prohibiting federal funding, support, or promotion of medical procedures intended to transition a child’s sex, citing concerns over their long-term consequences.

The order stated that medical professionals are engaging in “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children under the “radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions.”

The administration described these procedures as dangerous, and asserted that affected children may suffer from permanent sterilisation and lifelong medical complications, the report added. (ANI)

Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan on Wednesday reunited at the special screening of the film ‘Loveyapa’, which features latter’s son Junaid Khan in the lead role.

In the visuals captured by the paps, Aamir can be seen welcoming SRK with a big smile on his face. Both Khans shared a warm hug and emrbaced each other’s company. SRK also hugged Aamir’s children Junaid and Ira.

They all happily posed for the paps, leaving fans excited.

SRK arrived at the screening donning a casual look. He looked uber cool in a blue shirt that he paired with ripped jeans and black glasses.

Take a look at the pictures

Before SRK, Salman Khan also came to the screening to cheer for Junaid.

Speaking of ‘Loveyapa’, the romantic drama features Junaid opposite Khushi Kapoor, who is the younger daughter of the late Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor.

Khushi and Junaid are busy promoting the film and recently shared their experiences of working together in an interview.

“I have one complaint from Khushi Ji. Like, I am a professional actor too. I used to come on time, but she always reaches half an hour before the assigned time. It’s very annoying. If there is a call time of 6:00 AM, she reaches the set at 5:30 AM. She always arrives early while I always come on time,” said Junaid Khan.

In response, Khushi shared her reason for reaching the set early.

“I get tense even if I am only five seconds late. My hairstylist and makeup team always message me to not come before them. It’s a habit I developed from my childhood. I always come early. Sometimes, the generators start after I reach the set.”

‘Loveyapa’ is directed by Advait Chandan and will be released in theatres on February 7. (ANI)

Shark Tank India has announced a special episode dedicated to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among specially-abled individuals or those supporting them.

Jeet Adani, director of Adani Airports and Shark Tank India have collaborated for the special episode ‘Gateway to Shark Tank – Divyang Special’, which will bring groundbreaking ideas and solutions, as per the press release.

“There is potential to disrupt this space. We need more passionate people to create solutions for problems faced by those who are specially abled. I am excited to partner with Shark Tank India and support entrepreneurs to help bring about this change, in whatever way possible,” said Jeet Adani in a statement shared in the press release.

Jeet Adani, the world’s youngest airport infrastructure developer, is offering mentorship and support through Shark Tank to entrepreneurs with disabilities and entrepreneurs who are working for people with disabilities. In a special program, titled ‘Gateway to Shark Tank – Divyang Special’, Jeet Adani and Anupam Mittal discussed the dire need for focused interventions in this domain, as per the release.

“There is potential to disrupt this space,” said Jeet Adani. “We need more passionate people to create solutions for problems faced by people with disabilities. I am excited to partner and support entrepreneurs to help bring about this change, in whatever way possible.”

On the International Day of People with Disabilities in 2024, Jeet facilitated a collaborative effort between the Adani Foundation and the Gujarat Government’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. This partnership led to the distribution of over 1,150 technical kits to differently abled students across the state’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Jeet has also been a driving force behind the Adani Foundation’s collaboration with the Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation. At the Adani Group’s Mumbai and Lucknow airports, Mitti Cafes provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, celebrating diversity and inclusion. In 2023, he launched the Adani Group’s GreenX Talks, where resilient individuals with disabilities shared their inspiring life stories of overcoming numerous challenges through determination and strength.

Taking to the Instagram handle, Shark Tank India and Sony LIV posted the video of Jeet Adani along with the caption, “Jeet Adani welcomes incredible entrepreneurs to a special episode on Shark Tank India Season 4! Watch inspiring founders turn challenges into opportunities, only on Sony LIV!”

Ranjana Mangla, Head of Ad Sales Revenue, Sony LIVtalked about the special episode and appreciated Jeet Adani’s efforts in supporting the cause.

“Shark Tank India has been the beacon of hope for every Indian aspiring to make a mark. We have consistently aimed to be an inclusive platform that also supports initiatives for the specially abled, be it specially abled entrepreneurs or products and services catering to empower them,” said Ranjana.

Mangla added, “It is truly heartening to see established entities like Mr Jeet Adani – Director, Adani Airports, also supporting a common cause, thus amplifying the overall impact and reach of Shark Tank India and the causes we support.”

‘Gateway to Shark Tank – Divyang Special’ is inviting entries until February 15, after which shortlisted pitches will be selected for an exclusive episode.

Through this initiative, Shark Tank India and Jeet Adani aim to mentor and support entrepreneurs driving disability-inclusive innovation, promoting accessibility and progress, as per the press release.

‘Gateway to Shark Tank – Divyang Special’ will soon be available on Sony LIV. (ANI)

Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane, best known for featuring in the Bollywood film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, has tied the knot with actor Ameer Gilani.

On Wednesday, Mawra took to Instagram and shared mesmerising images from her wedding day.

For the special occasion, Mawra opted for a stunning sky-blue lehenga. She elevated her bridal look with elegant traditional jewellery. On the other hand, Ameer donned a black kurta-pajama for his big day.

“and in the middle of chaos… I found you. BISMILLAH 5.2.25 #MawraAmeerHoGayi,” Mawra captioned the post.

Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani have earlier worked together in television dramas like Sabaat and Neem, where their on-screen chemistry was adored by fans.

As soon as Hocane dropped the pictures, her industry friends and fans congratulated the newlywed couple.

For the unversed, Mawra shared screen space with Harshvardhan Rane in Sanam Teri Kasam, which was released in theatres in 2016. The film did not work at the box office but it garnered a lot of love when it was watched by the audience on the digital platform.

Now, the film is all set to be re-released in theatres this Friday. (ANI)

The “Nepal-India Rang Mahotsav” festival, a celebration of music and drama, commenced in Kathmandu on Wednesday, as announced by the Indian Embassy

The first edition of the festival is taking place at the Nepal Cultural Corporation Auditorium in Kathmandu, the post on social media states.

“India in Nepal (Embassy of India Kathmandu) is delighted to support the ‘Nepal-Bharat Rang Mahotsav’, a joint theatre festival between India and Nepal. The festival, hosted by the Nepal Academy of Music & Drama (Nepal), in collaboration with the National School of Drama (India), with the support of the BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation, will feature six theatre performances–three from Nepal and three from India. This festival will help in furthering people-to-people exchanges and enhance collaboration between our two countries in the field of art and culture. Beginning today, February 5, it will run until February 12 at the Nepal Cultural Corporation Auditorium in Jamal,” the Facebook post of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu states.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181LgTZS7s

According to the post, three plays from Nepal and three from India will be performed during the festival. This festival has previously been held in India, and this will be the first time it is being organized in Nepal through the collaboration between Nepal and India.

On February 5, the play “Gacchami,” written by Sike Lal and directed by Sunil Pokharel, is being performed. The following day, “Katha Kasturi,” written by Nayanraj Pandey and directed by Diya Maskey, will take the stage. While on February 7, “Jun

Parikatha Matra Hoina,” directed by Namrata KC, will be showcased.

On February 8, the Indian play “Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahoon,” written by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Ajay Kumar, will be performed. On February 9, “Babuji,” written by Mithileshwar and directed by Rajesh Singh, will be presented. On February 10, the Indian play “Tajmahal Ke Tender,” written by Ajay Shukla and directed by Chitranjan Tripathi, will be staged. (ANI)

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should talk to the United States President Donald Trump to find solution to the issue of deportation of Indians who allegedly illegally migrated to the US.

Dhaliwal, who interacted with the media, said that 104 Indians deported from the US arrived at Amritsar today.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls US President Donald Trump his friend and should find a solution to the issue of deportation in a meeting .

“Modiji calls Trump (US President Donald Trump) his friend. I request PM Modi ji to speak to Trump to find a solution to this issue….104 Indians deported from the US arrived at Amritsar today. Of 104 persons, around 30 people are from Punjab. All of them are in good health condition,” he said.

He said the issue of deportation concerns governments of two countries and the youth who have been deported belong to different states of the country.

Dhaliwal said threat of deportation was being faced by more people who had gone to the United States and a solution should be found.

A US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US arrived in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, a US Embassy spokesperson said that while specific details cannot be shared, the United States is vigorously enforcing its border and immigration laws. The spokesperson emphasised that the actions taken send a “clear message that illegal migration is not worth the risk.”

“I have received a number of inquiries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can’t share any details on those inquiries, but I can share, on the record, that the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a US Embassy spokesperson said.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said last month that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals “overstaying” or residing without proper documentation in the United States or “anywhere in the world.”

“We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime. For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.

The deportation issue has taken a political turn with the Congress claiming that the US was treating Indian citizens poorly.

“Shocking & shameful! The way the US is deporting Indians–chained like criminals–is inhumane & unacceptable. Why is PM Narendra Modi silent? Where is self-respect? Dr S Jaishankar what are you doing to stop this humiliation of our people? Speak up & act Now,” posted Congress MP Manickam Tagore.

Meanwhile, CBS News reported that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is releasing some migrant detainees. This as its detention system has exceeded maximum capacity amid a spike in arrests under President Trump. According to CBS News, space inside detention facilities was at 109% capacity, with the close to 42,000 migrant detainees. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form the next government in Delhi with the ruling AAP falling behind, most exit polls predicted on Wednesday and said that Congress likely to continue its dismal run in the assembly polls.

The exit polls varied in their prediction of margin of BJP victory with one poll saying that the party could win 51-60 out of 70 assembly seats in Delhi. Two polls also predicted AAP victory. The exit polls came with their predictions after the conclusion of voting in Delhi assembly polls on Wednesday.

According to P-MARQ exit poll, BJP is likely to win on 39-49 assembly seats, Aam Aadmi Party 21-31 seats and Congress 0-1 seats.

Matrize exit poll predicted a close contest between BJP and AAP. It said BJP is likely for win on 35-40 seats and AAP 32-37 seats. It said Congress can win one seat.

Peoples Pulse exit poll said BJP could win 51-60 assembly seats and AAP 10-19 seats. The exit poll did not give any seat to Congress.

As per People’s Insight exit poll, BJP is likely to emerge victorious in 40-44 seats and AAP 25- 29 seats. The Congress, it said, can win 0-1 seat.

JVC exit poll gave 39-45 seats to BJP, 22-31 to AAP and 0-2 seats to Congress.

Chanakya Strategies predicted 39-44 seats for BJP, 25-28 seats for AAP and 2-3 seats for Congress

Poll Dairy exit polls predicted that BJP will win 42-50 seats, AAP 18-25 and Congress 0-2 seats.

WeePreside exit poll said AAP could win 46-52 seats, BJP 18-23 seats and Congress 0-1 seat.

Delhi recorded a turnout of 57.70 per cent till 5 pm on Wednesday. Votes will be counted on February 8.

AAP has dominated the last two assembly polls in Delhi. In the 2020 assembly elections, it won 62 out of 70 seats and BJP won eight. Congress, which ruled the national capital for 15 years, failed to open its account in the last two assembly polls. (ANI)

Delhi Police on Wednesday investigated and refuted any claims of voter bribery in the Sarai Kale Khan area under the Jangpura assembly constituency.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had alleged in a post on X (formerly Twitter), that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is “openly distributing money” in the Jangpura assembly constituency.

Responding to the allegations by AAP, Delhi Police in a post on X, stated, “Allegations of voter bribery at Sarai Kale Khan were promptly investigated. Police, along with the Exe. Magistrate/Flying Squad Team (FST), ensured thorough verification. No evidence was found to substantiate the claims. Effective Police presence is maintained for peace and order.”

AAP had earlier posted on X, “In Jangpura, BJP is openly taking voters to a building and distributing money.”

The post further stated that such actions are being done “under the supervision of Election Commission (EC) and Delhi police.”

“Money is being distributed to voters in the building adjacent to the BJP booth in Jangpura Assembly. All this is being done under the supervision of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission. If you have even a little self-respect left, then take action against these murderers of the Constitution,” the post added.

The Jangpura assembly constituency is witnessing a triangular contest between AAP’s Manish Sisodia, Congress’ Farhad Suri, and BJP’s Tarvinder Singh Marwah.

Meanwhile, the District Election Office (DEO) North Delhi has dismissed allegations of voter coercion at the Sainik Vihar polling station in Shakur Basti, following claims that a police officer forced a voter to support a particular political party.

In a post on X, the DEO clarified, “This is with reference to a complaint received on February 5, 2025, at 12:33 PM, alleging that police personnel at Sainik Vihar forced a voter to exercise their vote in favour of a particular political party. Upon receiving the complaint, the Flying Squad (FST) was immediately dispatched to the location. The team reached the site and initiated an inquiry.”

According to the Election Commission, 46.55 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 3 PM today.

As of 3 PM today, a voter turnout in the Delhi Assembly elections was recorded at 46.55 per cent, according to the Election Commission.

Voters continued to cast their ballots under tight security across all constituencies. (ANI)