Month: March 2025

The Central government on Sunday announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months following a review of the law and order situation in these regions.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made the announcement through separate notifications extending AFSPA in parts of the three states starting from April 1, 2025.

In Manipur, the entire state has been declared a ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA, starting from April 1, 2025, except for areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts.

The police stations in Manipur that have been exempted from the AFSPA are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, and Wangoi in Imphal West district; Porompat, Heingang and Irilbung in Imphal East district; Thoubal in Thoubal district; Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur district; and Kakching in Kakching district.

The MHA made the announcement, citing the need to maintain public order and ensure security in the region. The decision allows security forces to exercise enhanced powers in the designated ‘disturbed areas.’

“The Central Government after review of the law and order situation in the state of Manipur, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) declares the entire State of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 13 (thirteen) Police Stations of 5 districts, as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2025,” the MHA notification reads.

The move is significant at a time when Manipur has been under the President’s rule since February after the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh. The state has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023.

The MHA also declared Nagaland’s Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren districts as ‘disturbed areas’ under Section 3 of the AFSPA. Additionally, the extension applies to specific police station areas in five other districts of Nagaland. The extension will be applied in the area of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza, and Kezocha police stations in Kohima district; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem, and Anaki C police stations in Mokokchung district; Yanglok police station in Longleng district; Bhandari, Champang, and Ralan police stations in Wokha district; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto district.

“Now, therefore, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima. Mon, Kiphire. Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki.C police stations in Mokokchung District; i) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier,” reads another notification.

The initial notification, dated September 25, 2024, had declared these areas as ‘disturbed’ for a six-month period starting from October 1, 2024. With the new order, the status remains in effect until further review or unless withdrawn earlier.

The extension of AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations, make arrests, and use force where necessary to maintain public order. The government stated that the security situation would be continuously assessed to determine the necessity of further extensions.

The MHA also extended AFSPA in parts of Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, effective from April 1, 2025. The extension applies to the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, as well as areas under the jurisdiction of the Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai District, which share a border with Assam.

The previous declaration, dated September 25, 2024, had already categorized these regions as ‘disturbed areas’ under Section 3 of the AFSPA. The latest decision continues to grant security forces enhanced operational authority in these regions to maintain law and order.

The MHA stated that the situation would be closely monitored and further extensions or modifications will be determined based on subsequent assessments. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range at the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur and said that it will “significantly” boost self-reliance in the defence sector.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “I visited the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited facility in Nagpur and inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range. This will significantly boost self-reliance in the defence sector.”

Additionally, Chairman and Founder of Solar Industries India Ltd Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal said that this centre is the first one in the country.

Speaking with ANI, Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal said, “The Loitering Munition Test centre that we have–I don’t think that there is any such centre in our country. We want to fulfil our commitments on time, and hence we have established that.”

Loitering munition — also called a suicide drones are designed to hover over a target area for some time before engaging and destroying it with a precision strike. It is useful for striking high-value or mobile targets without risk to troops.

Apart from visiting Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, PM Modi held a roadshow in Nagpur where people gathered in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of PM Narendra Modi.

PM Modi arrived at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur and paid floral tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh in Nagpur.

PM Modi also laid foundation of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre and said that the hat the goal of the government is to serve people of the nation by ensuring that qualified doctors are available to the people.

Hailing the government’s decision to provide medical education in regional languages, the Prime Minister said that the government made this bold decision, and this has happened for the first time after independence.

“We have not only doubled the number of medical colleges but also tripled the number of operational AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the country. Additionally, the number of medical seats has also been doubled. Our goal is to serve the community by ensuring that qualified doctors are available to the people”, PM Modi said while addressing the gathering. (ANI)

At least six people died, and five were injured after a hollow tree was uprooted near the Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib parking area in Kullu on Sunday and fell on them.

The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kullu, Ashwani Kumar, said, “Six people died, and five were injured after trees were uprooted near Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara parking in Kullu. Police and rescue teams of the district administration have shifted five injured to the local community hospital at Jari.”

Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur stated that three victims have been identified.

He said, “Two people were locals, and four were from outside. A few others have also been affected by the incident. Near the Manikaran Gurudwara, a tree was uprooted. Dead bodies are being brought to the district hospital. Four injured have been brought to the district hospital. Police administration is present at the site.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the incident, said an official statement from the Himachal CMO.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. He also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

Expressing his condolences, the Chief Minister prayed for the peace of the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. He also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the incident.

CM Sukhu also assured the people that the state government stands firmly with the affected people in this hour of grief. (ANI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) staged a strong comeback after Nitish Rana’s explosive knock in Guwahati, limiting Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 182/9 in the 11th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Opting to field first, CSK struck early as veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 4. However, Nitish Rana, promoted to No. 3, played a breathtaking innings of 81 off 36 balls, smashing ten boundaries and five sixes.

Rana forged an 86-run stand with skipper Sanju Samson (20), before the latter fell to Noor Ahmad. He then built a 38-run partnership with captain Riyan Parag before being caught by MS Dhoni off Ashwin’s delivery.

Following Rana’s dismissal, Rajasthan struggled to maintain momentum. Dhruv Jurel (3) was Noor’s second victim, while Wanindu Hasaranga (4) was sent back by Ravindra Jadeja. Parag contributed 37 before being cleaned up by Matheesha Pathirana as RR stumbled to 166/6.

Jofra Archer fell for a duck to Khaleel Ahmed, while impact player Kumar Kartikeya managed just a single before being run out. Shimron Hetmyer, retained by the Royals, added a handy 19 off 16 but was eventually dismissed by Pathirana.

CSK’s bowling attack was well-rounded, with Pathirana (2/28), Noor Ahmad (2/28), and Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) picking up two wickets each, while Jadeja (1/10) and Ashwin (1/46) chipped in with one apiece.

Chennai now needs 183 runs to secure their second win of the season, while Rajasthan must defend their total to claim their first victory.

Brief score: Rajasthan Royals 182/9 (Nitish Rana 81, Riyan Parag 37; Matheesha Pathirana 2/28) vs. Chennai Super Kings. (ANI)

Bollywood is no stranger to its fair share of drama and intrigue, but sometimes, the stories behind the camera are even more surprising than the ones on screen.

In a recent candid interview with ANI, veteran actor Raza Murad peeled back the curtain on some of the most astonishing and lesser-known aspects of legendary actor Raaj Kumar’s life.

Known for his distinctive voice, stoic demeanor, and unforgettable presence, Raaj Kumar left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

However, Murad’s account sheds light on an intense and controversial moment in the actor’s life.

Murad recalled an incident from Raaj Kumar’s earlier years and said, “Once, Raaj sir was at Juhu beach with a friend and his girlfriend. Someone passed a bad comment about the lady, and Raj sir got so angry that he beat the man so badly that he died,” in an interview with ANI.

Murad continued, “And there was a murder case against Raj sahab. Because my father was a very good friend of his, he would go to every court hearing to support him.”

The incident, according to Murad, led to a lengthy legal battle, though Raaj Kumar was ultimately acquitted.

“It was a long case, but he was acquitted in the end. The whole ordeal took several months,” Murad told.

Despite the controversy, Murad described Raaj Kumar as a man who lived life on his own terms.

“He was a Kashmiri Pandit, and before he entered the film industry, he was a police sub-inspector. Later, he became a massive star,” Murad reminisced.

He also shared a personal memory from his youth, revealing the actor’s towering presence.

“I remember when we went to his cottage, and I was given a garland to offer him. When I saw him, I thought I was looking at the Qutub Minar – such a tall man. But what he did was incredible. He bent his neck to my level so I could place the garland on him,” the ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ actor revealed.

Raaj Kumar’s career took off after his performance in ‘Mother India’ (1957), but his rise to superstardom was marked by a strong sense of individuality.

Murad went on to recount how Raaj Kumar’s dialogue delivery became iconic, with fans expecting him to speak in his signature style.

“People loved his style. It was his trademark. He would speak in that slow, deliberate way, and everyone loved it. He was Jani for everyone,” Murad said.

Beyond his on-screen persona, Raaj Kumar was known for his rich heart and unorthodox ways.

Murad recounted an amusing story about the actor’s experience on a flight to London.

“Raaj Kumar was sitting in first class, and a group of fans, who were seated in economy class, wanted to meet him. The air hostess allowed just one person to go up. When the fan met him, Raaj Kumar looked around and quipped, ‘Jani, where have you brought us, to Dharavi?’,” adding, “It was typical of him to make everyone feel special with his unique humour.”

Murad also shared a story of Raaj Kumar’s admiration for Dilip Kumar, another icon of Indian cinema.

After watching ‘Ganga Jamuna’, Raaj Kumar visited Dilip Kumar’s house at 1:30 AM. “He told Dilip Kumar, ‘After seeing Ganga Jamuna, I have come to know that there are only two actors in this country, Rajkumar and Dilip Kumar.’ He had the utmost respect for him,” Murad revealed.

Raaj Kumar’s legendary status in Bollywood is well-acknowledged. Born Kulbhushan Pandit in 1926, he transitioned from a police sub-inspector to one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema.

His debut film, ‘Rangeeli’ (1952), did not immediately establish him, but ‘Mother India’ (1957) did, cementing his status as a leading man in the Indian film industry.

Over a career spanning decades, Raaj Kumar starred in over 70 films, including iconic titles such as ‘Pakeezah’ (1972) and ‘Waqt’ (1965).

Raaj Kumar passed away in 1996 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire actors and filmmakers alike. (ANI)

Ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin participated in the Ramzan festivities. For this occasion, an event called ‘Let’s Light the World with Love’ was organised, and nearly 2,500 people received gifts.

“We have been organising a program every year to greet Muslims and give gifts on the occasion of Ramzan. I am grateful and respectful to the administrators and Muslims who have given me the opportunity to participate in the program this year,” Stalin said.

The event celebrating Ramzan, he said, had been held for the past decade and was a festival of sharing love and brotherhood.

“This Ramzan program called ‘Let’s Light the World with Love’ has been taking place for the past 10 years. This is a festival of sharing love and brotherhood. 2,500 people were given Ramzan gifts,” Stalin added.

His participation in the religious festivities comes amid the ongoing budget session in the Tamil Nadu assembly. The Chief Minister apprised about the financial report that was submitted to establish a foundation for the development of the state.

“I am happy to meet you at this time when the Assembly session is underway after submitting the financial report, which says, ‘Everything for Everyone’, to establish a strong and majestic foundation for the development that Tamil Nadu can achieve in the next five years,” Stalin said.

On Sunday, Stalin extended his warm wishes to the people celebrating the Ugadi festival. In his message, Stalin called for unity among the southern states.

The Chief Minister also wished that the spirit of Ugadi would inspire people to stand together in resistance and solidarity.

In a post on X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote, “I wish a joyful #Ugadi to all my Telugu and Kannada speaking Dravidian sisters and brothers as you welcome the New Year with hope and celebration.”

Stalin called out the imposition of Hindi and changes to political boundaries through delimitation. He stressed that these issues threaten the region’s identity and rights.

“In the face of growing linguistic and political threats like #HindiImposition and #Delimitation, the need for southern unity has never been greater. We must come together and defeat every attempt to undermine our rights and identity. May this Ugadi kindle the spirit of resistance and solidarity that binds us together,” he added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid floral tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh in Nagpur.

He was accomapnied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

PM Modi arrived Nagpur at around 9 am and was received by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers of Maharashtra cabinet at Nagpur airport.

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at Smruti Mandir.

PM Modi will also pay respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi, where the architect of the Indian constitution converted to Buddhism with thousands of his followers in 1956.

PM Modi’s will undertake darshan at Smruti Mandir and thereafter visit Deekshabhoomi. At around 10 am, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre at Nagpur and address a public meeting.

At around 12:30 pm, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Loitering Munition Testing Range and Runway facility for UAVs at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur.

“Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension building of Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre. Established in 2014, it is a premier super-speciality ophthalmic care facility located in Nagpur,” the PMO said.

RSS ideologue Ashutosh Adoni described Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nagpur on March 30 as “very important and historic.” He expressed that the PM’s visit to the Smruti Mandir and his stay in Nagpur would mark a historic moment.

Speaking to ANI, Adoni said, “This is a very important and historic visit. It is historic because a volunteer, who is today in the post of Prime Minister of India, is coming to Smriti Mandir on such a special day, which is considered an important day in the entire journey of the Sangh.”

RSS member Seshadri Chari said this would be the first time PM Modi visited Smruti Mandir after becoming the Prime Minister.

“This will be the first time he will be going there after becoming the PM, and this is a very important and historic visit. This is a celebration of 100 years of RSS. There will be a lot of programs on it. Sangh also has a lot of opinions on the issues of the country, and on those, the PM will take those issues forward, as he has been doing before too. The government’s job is to make India a strong country, make it a Viksit Bharat,” RSS’ Chari said.

Prime Minister Modi will visit the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited’s ammunition facility in Nagpur. He will inaugurate the newly built 1250m long and 25m wide airstrip for Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the live munition and warhead testing facility to test the Loitering Munition and other guided munitions.

The Prime Minister will also visit Chhattisgarh today to lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects.

“In Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone, initiate commencement of work and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects related to power, oil and gas, rail, road, education and housing sectors worth over Rs 33,700 crore in Bilaspur,” the release read. (ANI)

American citizen Faye Hall, who was recently freed from Taliban captivity, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to US President Donald Trump in a message released on Saturday (local time).

In a video message shared by The White House on X, Hall said that she was “glad” that Trump was president and thanked him for bringing her back “home”.

“I’m glad you’re the President, and thank you for bringing me home. I have never been so proud to be an American citizen. Thank you, Mr President,” Hall said, crediting Trump for her release.

Reflecting on her time as a captive under the Taliban, she said that the women who were present with her in the Afghan jail saw Trump as a “saviour” and that they were waiting for him to come and release them from the Taliban’s captivity.

“And I just want you to know that all the women in the Afghan jail, they always ask me, ‘When is Trump coming?’ They treat you like their saviour. They are waiting for you to come and set them free,” Hall added.

Faye Hall, an American woman detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since February, was released and is reported to be in “good health”, CNN reported, citing a source statement.

According to CNN, citing sources, Hall was detained for allegedly operating a drone without authorization and was released on Thursday “following a court order and with logistical support from Qatar”, which has been mediating on behalf of the United States.

The source further added, “Hall was received at the Qatari Embassy in Kabul and has been confirmed in good health after undergoing a series of medical checks. Arrangements are currently underway for her return to the United States.”

Sharing a picture of Hall on X, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US’ former ambassador to Afghanistan, wrote, “American citizen Faye Hall, just released by the Taliban, is now in the care of our friends, the Qataris in Kabul, and will soon be on her way home. Thank you, #Qatar, for your ongoing and steadfast partnership.”

This development comes after a diplomatic push by Trump envoy Adam Boehler and Khalilzad, who travelled to Kabul to secure the release of American citizen George Glezmann, which was also mediated by the Qataris.

According to CNN, the US does not have a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, having closed its embassy there after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Instead, Qatar represents the US in Afghanistan, acting as its “protective power”. (ANI)

The official death toll from the 7.7 magnitude powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday has surpassed 1,600, the New York Times reported on Saturday, citing the country’s military leaders.

According to the New York Times, rescue efforts continue to find survivors amidst the devastation following the earthquake, which hit near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.

This has left volunteers and emergency workers sifting through the wreckage of buildings, monasteries, and mosques in search of any survivors.

The rescue teams, working under difficult conditions with downed power lines and damaged infrastructure, are facing significant challenges as the military regime keeps a tight grip on information, the New York Times reported.

The death toll is expected to rise, with preliminary estimates from the US Geological Survey suggesting that it could exceed 10,000.

The earthquake has sparked concerns about the ability of Myanmar’s military rulers to retain control of the country, which has been embroiled in a civil war since the military coup in 2021, as per the New York Times.

Prior to the disaster, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were already facing severe shortages of food and shelter due to the ongoing conflict.

Despite the destruction, the Myanmar military continued its airstrikes on Friday evening, bombing a rebel-held village, Naung Lin, in northern Shan State of the country.

Local residents were shocked by the simultaneous attacks while the country was grappling with the national disaster.

In response, the National Unity Government, an opposition-led shadow government, announced it would pause offensive military operations in quake-affected areas for two weeks, though it reserved the right to defend itself, as reported by the New York Times.

The disaster has fuelled growing anger toward the military junta, with reports of soldiers and police officers showing up at disaster sites but failing to assist.

Volunteers expressed frustration towards the military junta, saying, “We don’t need guns; we need helping hands and kind hearts,” as quoted by the New York Times.

The junta has acknowledged the scale of the catastrophe, which also affected neighbouring countries, including causing building collapses as far away as Thailand’s Bangkok.

A state of emergency has been declared in six regions of Myanmar, including rebel-controlled areas.

The army’s leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, visited disaster zones and a makeshift hospital in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, on Friday.

Despite international sanctions and the junta’s isolation, the military government has made an urgent appeal for help, which is beginning to be answered, albeit with significant logistical challenges.

Aid workers face obstacles such as collapsed infrastructure, divided regions, and the potential interference of the military. The delivery of aid is further complicated by sanctions and the difficulties in transferring funds into the country. (ANI)

YouTuber and content creator Ranveer Allahbadia has resumed his podcast, ‘The Ranveer Show,’ after a period of public backlash.

On March 30, Allahbadia uploaded a video titled “Let’s Talk” on his YouTube channel, offering a candid reflection on his time away from content creation and the challenges he has faced following the controversy surrounding the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show.

During the video, Allahbadia expressed his gratitude to supporters who stood by him throughout this difficult phase.

“Namaste friends, first of all, I would like to say thank you to all the supporters and all the well-wishers. Your positive messages helped me and my family a lot because this phase was very difficult,” he said.

The influencer also acknowledged the outpouring of support from his family, friends, and colleagues, including several high-profile figures who reached out during the crisis.

In his video message, Allahbadia reflected on the period of forced hiatus, which he described as an opportunity for growth and learning. “I have released two to three videos every week for the last 10 years without taking a break. I got a forced break. Learned to live with patience,” he said.

He further revealed that meditation, sadhana, and prayer helped him regain his mental well-being during this time.

He emphasized that, in the future, he would use his platform more responsibly, especially in light of his significant influence on younger audiences.

Despite the controversy, Allahbadia expressed optimism about the future. “In the next 10, 20, 30 years, as long as I create content, I will create content with more responsibility. This is my promise to you,” he said.

He also spoke of his deep passion for content creation, particularly podcasting, and his commitment to producing high-quality content that explores India’s rich history and culture.

The video concluded with a promise of a “new Ranveer” as he embarks on this next phase of his career.

“After this full stop, I am trying to write a new story. I hope that you, all of us, my whole team, support me in this new phase,” he said, adding, “In this TRS restarting phase, all the people who have supported us so far, I have only one request. If possible, please make space for me in your heart. Give me one more chance.”

He also expressed hope that ‘The Ranveer Show’ would continue to inspire change and elevate the quality of discourse within the country.

The controversy surrounding the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show, which aired earlier this year, ignited fierce debate across India due to explicit and inappropriate content that was widely criticized.

On March 7, Allahbadia appeared before the Crime Branch of the Guwahati Police Commissionerate as part of an ongoing investigation into the show, which sparked a flurry of legal and public backlash.

An FIR was filed by the Guwahati Police on February 10, accusing several prominent influencers, including Allahbadia, of promoting obscenity through their participation in the controversial show.

The FIR raised concerns about indecent representation of women and other objectionable content, leading to charges under the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Cinematograph Act.

Taking responsibility for his actions, Allahbadia earlier acknowledged his mistake during the show, specifically referring to a comment he made that attracted heavy criticism.

“My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry,” he said in a previous apology video.

Allahbadia’s return to content creation comes after the Supreme Court granted him permission to resume his podcast, albeit with strict guidelines to ensure that future content adheres to standards of decency and morality. (ANI)