Month: March 2025

Amid the controversy surrounding comedian Kumal Kamra’s recent standup special ‘Naya Bharat,’ an FIR has been registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena’s (Shinde Faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others on Monday for allegedly vandalising Habitat standup comedy set in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

According to Sub inspector Vijay of Khar police station, the Shinde Sena’s youth faction entered the venue while a live show of standup comedian Rajat Sood was going on and forced the show to be closed down and vandalised the set.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351 (2), 352, 333, 37(1), 135 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and also under sections 37 (1) and 135 under the Maharashtra Police Act.

This incident comes amidst the Shinde Sena leaders objecting to Kunal Kamra’s new standup special, alleging that the latter has “mocked” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Earlier today, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora came in support of the Deputy CM, saying he is a “self made leader.”

“Mocking Eknath Shinde ji–a self-made leader who rose from driving an auto to leading India’s 2nd largest state–reeks of classist arrogance,” Deora posted on X.

“India is rejecting entitled monarchs and their bootlicking ecosystem that pretends to champion meritocracy and democracy,” he added.

Kamra made alleged objectionable remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his recent stand up sketch posted on YouTube.

Party MP Naresh Mhaske, reacting to the controversy stated that Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian who is making comments on his party’s leader for some money.

MLA Murji Patel has also filed a complaint against Kamra for his comments, at the MIDC police station, demanding strict action against the comedian. He also demanded an apology from Kamra within two days. Patel added that he would raise the issue in the assembly and requested the state home minister to take strict actions against him.

“We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s DCM Eknath Shinde. We have demanded quick action against him. I want to tell him to apologise to Eknath Shinde within two days otherwise Shiv Sainiks will not let him move about freely in Mumbai,” Patel told ANI on Sunday. (ANI)

A.R. Murugadoss expressed his love and admiration for Salman Khan by sharing an old incident which took place in Chennai, where he saw the actor for the first time.

Director Murugadoss, who is known for films Ghajini and Holiday, collaborated with Salman Khan for the first time for the upcoming film titled Sikandar. It is slated to hit theatres on March 30, 2025.

At the trailer launch event, the ‘Ghajini’ director shared his fan moment for superstar Salman Khan which includes an unexpected meet with the actor in Chennai

He said, “I was struggling as an AD (Assistant Director) long back. So I wanted to watch a shoot, so I went to Prasad Studios in Chennai. I requested the security guard to let me in and watch me shoot. He allowed me on two conditions. You have to be in corner and you cannot talk to anyone. He gave me 20 minutes. After that, I had to leave.”

He further explained how he became a fan of Salman after one unexpected encounter with the actor and decided to cast him in a film.

“So I entered. I don’t know what the shoot was. Full dark smoke, light comes, Sridevi is there. I was surprised. Then suddenly, I see a hero’s backside. He is combing his hair. So I tried to see who the hero was. He was none other than Salman Sir. So, I tried to go one step forward, and I saw the guard looking at me. He said no. So I went outside and thought that one day I will direct his film. So after so many years, I have directed the film with him.”

At the trailer launch, Salman reflected on his experience working on the film, highlighting how Murugadoss constantly pushed him, especially in action sequences, to bring out his best.

Meanwhile, filmmaker AR Murugadoss recently expressed a desire to collaborate with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in future.

In an interview with ANI, Murugadoss, who has already worked with Aamir Khan in ‘Ghajini’ and Salman Khan in the forthcoming film ‘Sikandar’, spoke about his wish to tick off working with the third Khan from his bucket list.

“After this film (Sikandar), I have to finish one Tamil film. Then I will think about it (collaborating with SRK). Definitely, it is (on my bucket list); I want to work with him,” Murugadoss said.

Besides Aamir and Salman, Murugadoss has worked with huge stars such as Rajinikanth (‘Darbar’), Vijay (‘Kaththi’), Mahesh Babu (‘Spyder’), Chiranjeevi (‘Stalin’), Suriya (Ghajini) and Ajith (‘Dheena’) as well.

His next directorial, Sikandar, is an action-packed film which stars Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles. (ANI)

Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav felt Mumbai Indians fell 15 to 20 runs short while putting up a “commendable” fight against Chennai Super Kings in the high-stakes clash during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

In the latest chapter of IPL’s ‘El Clasico’, Mumbai Indians (MI) found themselves surrounded by a vibrant yellow wave of fans at Chepauk. The toss fell in CSK’s favour, and MI found itself in a position to bat first.

Signs of struggle started to become palpable when seasoned opener Rohit Sharma walked back with a four-ball duck to his name. Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad caught MI’s middle order in his web, which dented their hopes of putting up a fighting total on the board.

A sturdy 51-run partnership from Suryakumar and Tilak Varma laid the foundation for MI to limp its way to 155/9. While MI considerably failed in the spin trial, many speculated the total to be a tad short than what many expected.

Suryakumar shared similar views after the match and said, “Absolutely. We were 15-20 runs short, but the fight the boys showed was commendable.”

Despite falling a bit short on the scoreboard, MI found an unlikely hero: debutant Vignesh Puthur, who kept them in the game. Described as a breath of “fresh air” by Varun Aaron, Vignesh hadn’t played a single domestic game before featuring in MI’s playing XI.

For his maiden wicket, he got the crucial scalp of CSK captain Rututaj Gaikwad by having him caught in the deep. He came back to haunt the hosts by sending Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda cheaply.

However, Rachin Ravindra stayed till the end and smoked the ball into the stands for a towering maximum to seal a four-wicket win for the hosts.

“Amazing, MI is known for that – giving youngsters opportunities. The scouts do this for 10 months, and he (Vignesh) is a product of that. I kept his one over in the pocket if the game went deep, but it was a no-brainer to give him the 18th over,” Suryakumar added.

While Rachin was the backbone of CSK’s successful chase, Suryakumar felt it was his counterpart, Gaikwad’s explosive 53, that took the game away from them.

“There wasn’t any dew, but it was sticky, the way Ruturaj batted in the second innings took the game away from us,” he concluded. (ANI)

After curfew restrictions were lifted across Nagpur following recent violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday assured that the situation in the city is completely peaceful and that there is no need for a curfew.

“The situation is completely peaceful. There is no tension anywhere, and people of all religions are living together in harmony. There is no need for a curfew anymore, and hence, it has been lifted,” CM Fadnavis told reporters.

Meanwhile, Nagpur Police conducted a flag march in the Mahal market area on Sunday as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and stability after the curfew was lifted across the city.

Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal issued a stern warning against the misuse of social media, urging people to think “a thousand times” before posting anything related to the recent Nagpur violence.

“Things are normal here. There is no issue right now, and life is normal everywhere. So far, 13 FIRs have been filed, more than 115 people are in custody, and further action is ongoing,” Singal said while speaking to ANI.

He urged the public to maintain harmony and refrain from spreading misinformation.

“Everyone should respect each other and avoid violence. If you have any information, report it to the authorities so we can take appropriate action. Those who upload or forward misleading content will face strict action. So before posting anything, think a thousand times about its consequences,” he added.

The flag march was conducted after the curfew was lifted across Nagpur, with restrictions eased in the last four affected areas on Sunday.

As per officials, restrictions have been relaxed in Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth, and Yashodhara Nagar. The decision was made after law enforcement agencies reviewed the situation.

Earlier on Saturday, authorities had lifted the curfew in Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imamwada. Besides, restrictions were temporarily relaxed in Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth between 7 PM and 10 PM.

The clashes in Nagpur on March 17 erupted over demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Tensions escalated further when rumours circulated that a holy book of a particular community had been burnt during the agitation. However, the situation has now returned to normal, and the curfew imposed in several areas has been lifted. (ANI)

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has moved to dissolve the Parliament and called a snap election for April 28, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.

The move comes less than two weeks after Carney took office, succeeding former Canada PM Justin Trudeau.

Carney cited the need for a strong mandate to deal with the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, sparked by President Donald Trump’s trade actions, as per Al Jazeera.

Following his meeting with the Governor-General Mary Simon, the Liberal Party leader told reporters in Ottawa that “Canada facing the most significant crisis of the lifetimes because of President [Donald] Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty” and requested parliament’s dissolution.

“I’m asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone because I know we need change – big change, positive change,” he added.

According to Al Jazeera, the election was initially scheduled to take place by October 20, but experts believe Carney’s Liberal Party hopes to capitalize on its current momentum. Recent polls show the Liberals in a tight race with the opposition Conservatives.

The party, which has been in government since 2015, has seen a surge in support since Trudeau’s January announcement that he planned to step down amid repeated threats from Trump.

The US president’s tariffs and calls to annex Canada have fuelled anger and uncertainty, and many Canadians have been supportive of the Liberal government’s firm — and unified — response to Washington.

According to recent polls, after years of criticism for their handling of soaring housing costs and an affordability crisis, the Liberals are now locked in a neck-and-neck fight with the opposition Conservatives.

Menawhile, the Trump has repeatedly said he wants to make Canada into the “51st state.” He also has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods that economists say could plunge the country into a recession.

Carney, a former central banker and economist, has the highest approval ratings among federal party leaders, according to a recent Ipsos poll.

Canadians view him as the best leader to handle Trump’s tariffs and their impact. Carney has pledged to continue the firm response to US trade policies, including reciprocal countermeasures

He has also rejected Trump’s proposal to annex Canada, calling it “crazy” and said that Canadian sovereignty must be respected before he will hold talks with Washington. (ANI)

Salman Khan was all praise for Rashmika Mandanna after working with her in his upcoming film ‘Sikandar.’ The actor shared his experience of working with Rashmika and said that the actress’s dedication towards work reminded him of his younger self.

Rashmika will be seen opposite Salman in the film ‘Sikandar,’ directed by AR Murugadoss and slated to hit theatres on March 30.

During the media interaction at the trailer launch event of Sikandar, the ‘Dabangg’ actor praised Rashmika for her hard work in the film despite being unwell. He detailed the tough schedule of the actress as she was managing the shooting of Pushpa 2 and Sikandar simultaneously.

“Mandanna has given her best (in Sikandar). She was shooting for Pushpa 2. She used to finish shooting at 7 and join us at 9 in the evening. She used to be working with us till 6.30 in the morning and then she used to go back to Pushpa shooting in the morning. She was not well as well. And then after she broke her leg. She still shot with us and did not cancel a single day. She reminds me a lot of me, younger me.”

Rashmika has been on a success spree after her last three films–Animal, Chaava and Pushpa 2–were back-to-back blockbuster hits at the box office.

The actress will now be seen in another probable blockbuster film ‘Sikandar’ with Salman Khan. The makers revealed the trailer today.

The trailer shows Salman Khan in action mode. It is a complete package of romance, stunts, dialogues and dance numbers.

The three-minute long trailer portrays Salman in his iconic, larger-than-life character. He is introduced as ‘Rajkot ka Raja’, and Rashmika’s character is seen saying that he often beats someone and returns home.

She also says that he has been called by several names like Sikandar, Raja Sahab or Sanjay Sahab. Salman’s portrayal of Sikandar is as raw as it is powerful. Assigned to a specific case, he landed in Mumbai, where he was seen fighting the goons. While Salman shines in action mode, Rashmika adds charm in romantic sequences. (ANI)

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.

A statement issued by Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, Office Secretary of the (AIMPLB) said,” Following a massive and successful protest in Delhi on March 17, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.

SQR Ilyas, spokesperson of AIMPLB and Convener of the Action Committee Against the Waqf Bill, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board to all Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and other minority communities.

“Without the grace of Allah and the united support of these groups, the success of the Delhi demonstration would not have been possible,” he said. He also extended thanks to the opposition parties and Members of Parliament who not only participated in large numbers but also firmly rejected the proposed legislation.

The statement stated that the AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to adopt all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to “oppose” what it has termed a “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging” bill. “As part of the first phase of the agitation, large protest sit-ins have been planned in front of the state assemblies in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29”

It said that the senior leadership of the AIMPLB, along with representatives of national and state-level religious and social organizations, will participate in these demonstrations. “Leaders from civil society, prominent personalities from other minority communities and key figures from Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC sections have also confirmed their participation.”

“Despite the issuance of whips by various political parties requiring MPs to attend the ongoing Parliament session, invitations have been extended to opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to attend the sit-ins,” the statement said.

“In Patna, leaders from JD(U), RJD, Congress, and Lok Janshakti Party, including the Chief Minister of Bihar, have been invited. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, invitations have been sent to the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). YSR Congress, Congress, and left parties,” as per the statement.

Ilyas said the “purpose of these protests is to send a clear message” to the BJP’s alliance partners: “either withdraw support for the Bill or risk losing our support.”

The statement added that the Board has prepared a detailed nationwide agitation plan under which protest will be organized in all state capitals. “Major rallies are scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Malerkotla (Punjab), and Ranchi. The campaign will include sit-in demonstrations, human chains, and social media campaigns, especially hashtag drives on X (formerly Twitter), the AIMPLB said.

Public conferences, seminars, symposiums, and dharnas will be organized at the district level, and memorandums will be submitted to the President of India through District Magistrates, the statement added. (ANI)

Israeli soldiers completed the encirclement of Tel al-Sultan in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, targeting Hamas terror infrastructure and eliminating multiple operatives, the Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday.

Overnight, forces raided a command and control center used by Hamas in recent months.The IDF has established evacuation routes for civilians to leave the combat zone safely. The military stated it will continue operations against terrorist organizations in Gaza to safeguard Israeli civilians.

The operation aims to dismantle terrorist strongholds and expand the security zone in southern Gaza.

Earlier in the day, the army said it launched a ground operation against Hamas in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun on Sunday morning while the terror group confirmed that a member of its politburo was killed in an airstrike.

Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed that a member of its politburo, Salah al-Bardawil, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis.

Also on Sunday morning, Israel’s Political-Security Cabinet approved a proposal by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to establish a voluntary passage administration for Gaza residents interested in leaving the Strip for third countries.

“The administration will work, among other things, to prepare for and enable safe and controlled passage of Gaza residents for their voluntary departure to third countries, including securing their movement, establishing a traffic lane and checking pedestrians at designated crossings in the Gaza Strip, and coordinating the provision of infrastructure that will enable passage by land, sea, and air to the target countries,” the Katz announced.

In addition, Israeli air defenses intercepted a missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Sunday morning. The military said the missile was shot down before reaching Israeli territory.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 36 are believed to be dead. (ANI/TPS)

Pope Francis on Sunday made his first public appearance after a month-long absence, at the hospital’s balcony before making his way back to his residence, Casa Santa Marta.

During his appearance, the Pope bestowed his blessing upon the gathered crowd and addressed them in a heartfelt speech. His reappearance has been met with joy and cheers from the crowd.

In a post on X, Catholic Arena shared the video of his ‘first public appearance,’ and wrote, “Pope Francis has made his first public appearance in over a month He blessed the crowd and spoke to them He now returns to the Vatican.”

Notably, Pope Francis has been in hospital since February 14.

Earlier, CNN confirmed the hospital dicharge of Pope on Sunday, where he has spent more than a month being treated for double pneumonia, Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pontiff, announced.

“The Holy Father will be discharged from tomorrow (Sunday) in stable clinical condition with a prescription to partially continue drug therapy and a convalescence and rest period of at least two months,” Alfieri told reporters at a news conference at Gemelli on Saturday.

The pope’s hospitalisation has been his longest stay in Gemelli since his election 12 years ago. While he has not been seen in weeks, his presence has been felt with the Vatican releasing a short audio message from the pope as well as a photo last weekend showing him praying at that hospital’s chapel, per CNN.

News of his discharge comes after the Vatican said this week that the Pope’s condition appeared to be improving, adding that his pneumonia is considered under control, as per CNN.

Last week, the pope approved a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, sending a strong signal he intends to remain in the post despite his lengthy stint in hospital.

Reforms on the table include how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of non-clergy members in governance and decision making. (ANI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the battle of champions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the ongoing Indian Premier League on Sunday.

Another chapter in the IPL’s ‘El Clasico’ will unfold at Chepauk, with two of the most decorated sides in the cash-rich league squaring off against each other in a fierce contest. MI will be without its skipper, Hardik Pandya, and top pace gun, Jasprit Bumrah. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav has taken the leadership role.

After winning the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said, “We are bowling first. Playing on this pitch for the first time, so I don’t really know how it will play. So we just want to adapt and chase accordingly. Looks a good wicket to bat. The prep has been good. We had our young wicket-keeper coming back early to the camp. Noor, Ellis, Rachin and Sam Curran are the overseas.”

Mumbai Indians stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav said during the time of the toss, “I am good with batting first. We had a lovely camp back home, we were here 2-3 days before. Both are unbelievable franchises in terms of achievements. I am sure it will be a good game. Rickleton, Jacks, Santner and Boult are the four overseas.”

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed

Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Rahul Tripathi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana Raju

Mumbai Indians Impact Subs: Vignesh Puthur, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma. (ANI)