Month: March 2025

The rescue teams traced another body of a worker in the early hours of Tuesday from the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool which collapsed on February 22 entrapping eight workers. The body is stuck in a difficult position, and the teams are currently making efforts to retrieve it.

According to rescue teams, “Today, in the early morning hours, we found another dead body stuck in a position, and we are currently working to retrieve it.”

The SLBC tunnel accident took place on February 22. Eight workers were trapped in the accident. One of the bodies of trapped workers – Gurpreet Singh was recovered on March 9. The Chief Minister of Telangana Revanth Reddy had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakhs for the kins of the deceased.

Earlier, the Telangana Chief Minister directed officials to expedite rescue operations to locate and bring out the workers trapped inside the SLBC tunnel. The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to appoint senior IAS officer Shiva Shankar Loteti as a Special Officer to “continuously monitor the rescue operations.”

CM Revanth Reddy reviewed the progress of the ongoing rescue operations in the SLBC tunnel on Monday at Assembly Hall.

Ministers N Uttam N Kumar Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari and other top officials participated in the meeting.

State Special Chief Secretary to Disaster Management Arvind Kumar and Colonel Parikshit Mehra briefed the CM about the progress in the ongoing rescue operations at the accident site in the last month.

The officials informed the Chief Minister that 25 agencies including various wings of the Central and State governments as well as private organizations are engaged in the rescue operations.”A total of 700 personnel have been involved in the rescue operations.”

The official said the rescue teams are “removing” the debris of collapsed rocks, dismantling the TBM ( Tunnel Boring Machine) parts and “clearing” soil mounds, silt and seepage water from inside the tunnel. The heads of the rescue teams also made a PowerPoint presentation and explained the present situation and rescue operations in the tunnel.

In the meeting, the top authorities said that rescue operations were “delayed due to poor air and light conditions” as the accident occurred 14 kilometres from the inlet in the tunnel. “30 meters of the accident area has been identified as the most dangerous zone”. (ANI)

In a heartfelt moment, Delhi Capitals match-winner Ashutosh Sharma dedicated his Player of the Match award to “Shikhar paaji” after his blitz inspired his side to a narrow one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

DC found a new hero in the uncapped Ashutosh, who produced a chase masterclass to take his side past the finishing line against a sturdy LSG. The Capitals were tottering at 65/5 and appeared to be down and out in pursuit of a 210-run target.

Ashutosh, who truly defined the meaning of impact substitute, took the brunt on his shoulders, rekindled DC’s drowned spirits, and gave fans a newly framed dream of success. He played the decisive role in a game where the pendulum swung in favour of both sides.

The 26-year-old was introduced as an impact sub for Mukesh Kumar, put on a show for cricket lovers across the globe, staying till the end, dispatching the ball for the winning six, and returning with a match-winning unbeaten 66(31).

For Ashutosh, “belief” in himself was the key to keeping him going until the end, even when all signs pointed to the possibility that his efforts would fail.

“I learned from the last year because there were a few games where I couldn’t finish the game, so I have been focusing on finishing games, even in domestic cricket. I have a lot of belief in myself that if I play till the last over and the last ball, anything can happen,” he said after winning the Player of the Match award.

You just have to stay calm, believe, and think about what shots you can play that you have practised, so that’s what I did today,” he added.

Ashutosh’s valiance wasn’t the sole pillar behind DC’s success. There were valuable partnerships and small yet influential contributions across the batting unit. One such impact was made by 20-year-old debutant Vipraj Nigam.

The young leg-break spinner unleashed boundary mayhem in Vizag, especially when Ashutosh was still shifting through gears. His swift 39 from 15 deliveries put Ashutosh in a position to have a better shot at finishing the game.

“Firstly, I want to say Vipraj played very well. It was a good innings. I told him that if he is being able to connect, he should keep hitting. I just stayed calm and didn’t put too much pressure on myself,” he said.

Before reuniting with his team, Ashutosh gave a special mention to his mentor Shikhar paaji, potentially referring to former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who he had spent time with at Punjab Kings in the last edition of the cash-rich league.

“I just want to dedicate this man-of-the-match award to my mentor Shikhar paaji,” Ashutosh concluded. (ANI)

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra broke the silence amidst a row over his statement about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle and stated that he would not ‘apologise’ for his act.

Reacting to the ongoing tussle due to his remarks about Eknath Shinde in his latest YouTube video, Kunal Kamra stated that an entertainment venue is merely a platform and is not ‘responsible’ for his comedy.

The Shiv Sena workers vandalised the habitat centre in Mumbai after Kamra’s remarks about Eknath Shinde on Sunday.

“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”, Kunal Kamra’s statement read.

Kunal Kamra also replied to political leaders ‘threatening’ him to teach a lesson in his official statement. Kamra stated that the ‘inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change’ the nature of his right. He added that it is not against the law as far as his knowledge.

“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system”, Kunal Kamra’s statement added.

Kamra emphasised that he is ‘willing’ to cooperate with police officials and authorities for any lawful actions taken against him. However, he also questioned whether ‘the law will be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke.’

“However, I am willing to co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition”, the statement added.

Furthermore, Kunal Kamra said that he would not ‘apologise’ for his remarks and that he does not fear any ‘mob’.

“To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down”, the statement read. (ANI)

In a significant boost for the defence forces, the Indian Army and the Air Force are going to get land-attack BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which would be able to hit targets at a range of beyond 800 Km.

The proposal for the acquisition of around 250 of these missiles has been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council and will now be taken to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval, defence sources told ANI.

The missiles would be part of the units handling the missiles and would be deployed in both desert and high-altitude areas, they said.

The missiles earlier used to have a range of around 300 Kms but their capabilities have been enhanced significantly and can hit targets up to 800 Km

The proposal from the two forces for the BrahMos cruise missiles is a repeat order of the missiles that the Indian Navy is getting, they said.

The BrahMos has been one of the most successful joint ventures in the Indian weapon manufacturing industry, even though a majority of it is produced by the Russian side.

The Indian side is working towards indigenisation of the major portions of the weapon system and has achieved success in some areas with support from the private sector industry.

The missile is being successfully exported to the Philippines with Russian support and more countries are showing interest in it.

The BrahMos Aerospace, under its new leadership, is also working towards BrahMos Next Generation missiles, which would be produced in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)

Cricketer KL Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty have become parents to a baby girl.

Athiya, on Monday evening, took to Instagram and announced the arrival of her daughter with a cute post.

She posted a painting of two swans with a message that read, “Blessed with a baby girl”.

As soon as KL and Athiya shared the good news, fans and members of the film and cricket industries chimed in the comment section and sent their heartiest congratulations to the couple.

“Congratulationssssssssss. Hugs and squishes,” actor Aditi Rao Hydari commented.

“Congrats Guys,” former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote.

Actor Bhumi Pednekar dropped a string of red heart emojis in the comment section.

Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul tied the knot on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.

In November 2024, Athiya and KL Rahul announced their pregnancy, sharing an adorable post that read, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025,” accompanied by baby feet emojis.

KL will be heading into the IPL 2025 with plenty of positive momentum on his side, having played a crucial role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win. He will represent Delhi Capitals.

KL, who has played at multiple positions in the batting order, was given the responsibility of number six, as the team wanted to put Axar Patel at five, to give extra depth to the side during the ICC Champions Trophy winning campaign for India.

Rahul played a crucial role in the middle, scoring a valuable 34* in 33 balls in a crunch situation during the final against New Zealand. In five matches and four innings, KL scored 140 runs at an average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 97.90, with the best score of 42*. (ANI)

Actor Tamannaah Bhatia met Shiv Shaktis ahead of its upcoming supernatural thriller ‘Odela 2’.

On Monday, Tamannaah posted a video on Instagram showing her talking to Shiv Shaktis and receiving blessings from them.

Along with the post, she wrote, “Blessed to have met the real Shiv Shaktis #Odela2.”

‘Odela 2’ will be released on April 17, 2025.

A sequel to the successful Odela Railway Station, the film promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the village of Odela and its guardian deity.

Directed by Ashok Teja and created by Sampath Nandi, ‘Odela 2’ will see Tamannaah Bhatia in a never-seen-before role.

Joining her in pivotal roles are Vasishta N Simha, who plays the antagonist, and Hebah Patel, among others.

The film is produced by D Madhu under Madhu Creations and Sampath Nandi Teamworks, with music composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.

The first look of ‘Odela 2’ was unveiled on Maha Shivratri 2024, generating immense excitement among fans.

Taking to Instagram, Tamannaah shared the poster with the caption, “I am glad to be revealing the first look on this auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. Har Har Mahadev! Happy Maha Shivaratri.”In the striking first look, Tamannaah is seen in a mystic avatar, resembling a Sadhu. Dressed in traditional attire with thick matted hair, she holds a sacred stick and a Damaru, signifying her deep connection to the film’s spiritual themes.

Walking along the ghats of Kashi, she appears lost in devotion, reinforcing the film’s supernatural essence.’Odela 2′ is set against the backdrop of a culturally rich village, highlighting its traditions, heritage, and the divine presence of Odela Mallanna Swamy, who is believed to protect the villagers from evil forces.

With an ensemble cast including Yuva, Naga Mahesh, Vamshi, Gagan Vihari, Surender Reddy, Bhupal, and Pooja Reddy, the film promises a gripping narrative infused with mysticism and tradition. (ANI)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I in Delhi-NCR after the national capital’s Air Quality Index went to 206 (‘poor’ category) on Monday.

The CAQM took the decision after on the basis of daily average AQI was provided by the Central Pollution Control Board in the daily bulletin.

As per the decision of CAQM sub-committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201- 300) are to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR.

Various agencies including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been asked to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period, according to a release.

The Sub-Committee has urged the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP.

These include keeping engines of vehicles properly tuned, maintaining proper tyre pressure in vehicles, keeping PUC certificates up to date.

The release said that all the agencies concerned are required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities and roads/open areas, which will become a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The release said that the Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by the weather office. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday set up a National Task Force to address students’ mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said the National Task Force to be headed by apex court’s former judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat and noted that student suicides have surpassed instances of farmers killing themselves due to agrarian distress.

It also directed Delhi Police to register an FIR on the complaints of the family members of two students who died by suicide while studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, in 2023.

“The recurring instances of student suicides in higher educational institutions, including private educational institutions, serve as a grim reminder of the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of the existing legal and institutional framework in addressing mental health concerns of students on campuses and to prevent the students from taking the extreme step of committing suicides,” the apex court stated in its order.

The top court said the NTF would prepare a comprehensive report that includes, identification of the predominant causes that lead to suicides by students, analysis of existing regulations and recommendations for strengthening protections.

The NTF would have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of any higher educational institution, it said.

“Additionally, the task force shall be at liberty to make further recommendations beyond the specified mandate, wherever necessary, to ensure a holistic and effective approach towards addressing mental-health concerns of students and eliminating the incidence of suicides in higher educational institutions,” the order added.

While the NTF would furnish an interim report within four months, a final report would preferably be filed within eight months, it said.

The order of the top court came on an appeal filed by the parents of two deceased students of IIT-Delhi against a January 2024 order of the Delhi High Court which refused to direct the police to register an FIR in connection with the suicide by the two students.

Ayush Ashna was found dead on July 8, 2023, in his hostel room, and Anil Kumar was found dead on September 1, 202,3 in his hostel room at IIT-Delhi.

It was alleged that both the students, who belonged to the scheduled castes, were murdered and they had earlier confided in their parents being subjected to caste discrimination. (ANI)

Youtuber and comedian Samay Raina appeared in front of the Maharashtra cyber cell officials on Monday. He was summoned to record his statement in connection with India’s Got Latent case.

In the visuals, he was seen leaving the office of Maharashtra Cyber Cell.

Recently, Raina rescheduled his India tour amid India’s ongoing Got Latent row. Taking to his Instagram handle, Samay shared the news and promised refunds to people who bought tickets for the show. He wrote,

“Hello guys, I am rescheduling my India tour. You all will get the refunds shortly, see you soon.”

The comedian’s decision to reschedule the India tour came amid the ongoing case against him for promoting obscenity and vulgar content through his show India’s Got Latent.

The controversy erupted after an FIR was filed earlier this month against Apoorva Makhija, YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani, Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others associated with India’s Got Latent show.

The FIR was based on allegations of promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit discussions during the publicly accessible YouTube show.

According to officials, YouTuber Ashish Chanchalani appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch in February, where his statement was recorded.

Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain said that notices had been served to several individuals named in the FIR, including Ranveer Allahabadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, and Jaspreet Singh.

Speaking to ANI, Jain said, “One of the named Ashish Chanchalani came to the Crime Branch, and we have recorded his statement… we have allowed him to go as he cooperated with us… He has told us he will appear before us whenever it is required…”

“Ranveer Allahabadia, Samay Raina, Apoorva Mukhija, Jaspreet Singh and the other accused are named in the FIR. We have served them notices, but they have not complied yet. We are looking into the matter as per the legal procedure, and we will take action…,” he further stated.

On February 26, the Maharashtra Cyber Cell recorded the statement of social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, who is popularly known as The Rebel Kid.

Maharashtra Cyber Cell has also sent a summons to actor Rakhi Sawant, who appeared in a couple of episodes of ‘India’s Got Latent’ to record her statement on February 27.

Yashasvi Yadav, IG, Maharashtra Cyber Cell, shared that a summons has been sent to Rakhi and she has been asked to appear before the officials on February 27 to record her statement.

Earlier, Ashish Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahbadia approached the Maharashtra Cyber Cell to record their statements about the matter.

The Maharashtra cyber police have reportedly summoned more than 30 people for questioning after registering an FIR against them. However, the police have not yet recorded the statement of comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, who hosted the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.

The show came under scrutiny after Ranveer Allahbadia made some offensive remarks on the show.

During an appearance on the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show, the podcaster asked a contestant, “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?” The video soon went viral on the internet, with social media users slamming Allahbadia for his offensive remarks.

Following the uproar, Allahbadia issued a public apology. In a video shared on his X account, he acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and insensitive.

He admitted that the remark was not only inappropriate but also lacked humour. Allahbadia also said that comedy was not his forte, expressing regret over his lapse in judgment.”My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry,” Allahbadia said.

He also addressed concerns about his influence on younger audiences, promising to use his platform more responsibly in the future. “Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect,” he added. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday threw his weight behind stand up artist Kunal Kamra amid the controversy over his remarks, asserting that Kamra’s statements were truthful and reflective of public sentiment.

Thackeray said that calling a ‘gaddar’ a ‘gaddar’ was not an attack on anyone.

“I don’t think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a ‘gaddar’ a ‘gaddar’ is not an attack on anyone. Kunal Kamra has said the truth; he has expressed what people feel,” Thackeray said while addressing the media.

Defending Kunal Kamra’s freedom of expression, Thackeray added, “He has said the truth, so there is no question of infringement of freedom of expression. Hear the full song (from Kunal Kamra’s show) and make others hear it too.”

He sharply criticised the rival Shiv Sena faction, saying, “Eliminate Satyamev Jayate and make Gaddamev Jayate.”

The UBT Sena Chief further stated that his unit of the Shiv Sena has nothing to do with the vandalism that happened at the Habitat Comedy Club and that it was done by “Gaddar Sena”.

“Shiv Sena (UBT) has nothing to do with this attack; this has been done by ‘gaddar sena’. Those who have ‘gaddari’ in their blood can never be a Shiv Sainik,” he said.

Earlier on Sunday night, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalised a Mumbai venue following Kamra’s stand-up special, which allegedly made disparaging remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed Kunal Kamra’s remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that such acts can’t be justified as “freedom of speech”.

Fadnavis stressed that while there is freedom to perform stand-up comedy, it does not extend to making “unchecked statements”. He further demanded that Kamra apologise.

“There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. This will not be tolerated,” he asserted.

Fadnavis criticised Kamra’s actions as an intentional attempt to defame Shinde, stating, “There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Deputy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right.”

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has filed an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his comments and demanded an apology from Kamra within two days; otherwise, he will not be allowed to move freely in Mumbai.

An FIR has also been registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena’s (Shinde Faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalising The Habitat standup comedy set in Mumbai. 11 people have been arrested in this case. (ANI)