Month: March 2025

Playback singer Sonu Nigam has voiced his disappointment after being snubbed from the Best Playback Singer (Male) nominations at the IIFA Awards 2025. The event, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, did not include Nigam in the nominations despite his massive hit song “Mere Dholna 3.0” from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 being among the many chartbusters last year.

The nominees in the category included Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, Diljit Dosanjh, Baadshah, Jubin Nautiyal, and Mitraz. Ultimately, Jubin Nautiyal won the award.

Nigam took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share a screenshot of the nominee list along with a sarcastic caption that read, “Thank you, IIFA… After all, you were answerable to the Rajasthan bureaucracy.”

The singer didn’t stop there. He also played “Mere Dholna 3.0” in the background, possibly hinting that the song deserved at least a nomination.

In no time, fans and colleagues chimed in the comment section to show their support to the singer.

Composer Amaal Malik commented, “Such is the world that we live in… Mazaak banake rakh diya hai (They have made it a joke).”

One user wrote, “You are incomparable, @sonunigamofficial ji. For us, you are the music.”

Another fan added, “Sonu Nigam himself is an award. They don’t have the ability to measure the depth of your voice… Love you.”

Nigam has several awards to his credit. Apart from Hindi and Kannada, he has sung in Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Odia, English, Assamese, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Nepali, Tulu, Maithili, and Manipuri.

Nigam began his career with the song “Hum To Chhaila Ban Gaye” from the TV serial Talash (1992). (ANI)

US Vice President JD Vance will travel to India later this month alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, Politico reported, citing sources familiar with the plans.

This visit will be Vance’s second foreign trip as VP. Last month Vance had made a visit to France and Germany, reported Politico. The second lady Usha Vance has Indian roots with her parents having emigrated from India to the United States.

The visit will come at a time when the two sides are involved in tough negotiations over tariffs. Earlier on Tuesday (local time) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while lamenting the tariffs imposed by various nations on the United States, referred to the tariffs imposed by India on American alcohol and agricultural products.

She added that today the US has a President who “actually looks out” for the interests of American businesses and workers.

“In fact, I have a handy dandy chart here that shows not just Canada but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada since you brought it up American cheese and butter nearly 300 per cent tariff. You look at India, 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that’s helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don’t think so. 100 per cent tariff on agricultural products from India,” Leavitt said.”

Last week, US President Donald Trump attacked India’s tariffs, saying it is “next to impossible to sell anything to India” because of the “high tariffs.”

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had meet with US Vice President JD Vance and his family on the sidelines of the AI summit in Paris. They celebrated a special occasion – the birthday of Vance’s son, Vivek.

PM Modi expressed his joy in joining the celebration and described having a “great conversation” with the Vance family.

“Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!” PM Modi wrote in a post on X

In response, US Vice President JD Vance expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi, saying, “Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I’m grateful to him for the wonderful conversation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted an eco-friendly wooden alphabet set to Mirabel Rose Vance, daughter of JD Vance. This sustainable wooden alphabet set is a durable, safe, and engaging learning tool, designed to enhance motor skills and cognitive abilities. Unlike plastic alternatives, it is free from harmful chemicals and promotes environmental conservation. (ANI)

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) announced an agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s broadband internet services to its customers in India.

The company on Wednesday stated that this agreement, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorizations to sell Starlink in India, enables Jio and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses.

It said, “Jio will make Starlink solutions available through its retail outlets as well as through its online storefronts”.

Through this agreement, the parties will leverage Jio’s position as the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic and Starlink’s position as the world’s leading low Earth orbit satellite constellation operator to deliver reliable broadband services across the country, including the most rural and remote regions of India.

The company also stated that it will not only offer Starlink equipment in its retail outlets but will establish a mechanism to support customer service installation and activation.

The company added that the agreement with SpaceX is part of it’s commitment to ensuring that reliable internet is fully accessible to all enterprises, small and medium businesses, and communities across India.

Starlink complements JioAirFiber and JioFiber by extending high speed internet to the most challenging of locations in a quick and affordable manner.

Jio and SpaceX are also evaluating other complementary areas of cooperation to leverage their respective infrastructure to further enhance India’s digital ecosystem.

Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio said, “Ensuring that every Indian, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and high-speed broadband remains Jio’s top priority”.

He further added, “Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India strengthens our commitment and marks a transformative step toward seamless broadband connectivity for all. By integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the reliability and accessibility of highspeed broadband in this AI-driven era, empowering communities and businesses across the country.”

Jio Platforms Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has built a worldclass all-IP data strong future proof network with latest 5G and 4G LTE technology (through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited). (ANI)

The Baloch Liberation Army in a recent statement on Tuesday, claimed that it is holding 182 passengers as hostages on-bound the Jaffar Express for the past six hours and has killed 20 military personnel.

“After capturing the Jaffar Express, the fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army have taken 182 hostages who have been in our custody for the past six hours. During this operation, an additional eight Pakistani military personnel were eliminated, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to over 20”, the BLA said in its statement.

In its statement it also noted that it is confronting Pakistani Air Force with the BLA fighters using anti-aircraft artillery. “Throughout the ongoing operation, intense confrontations have taken place with the Pakistani Air Force, with our fighters using anti-aircraft artillery and inflicting severe losses on the enemy. BLA fighters are continuously strengthening their positions, leading the operation and challenging the might of the Pakistani military.”

According to the statement issued by the BLA, it was noted that not a single BLA fighter has been injured or killed. It also shared that all the hostages are in the custody of BLA’s Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade as of now.

“In this successful operation not a single BLA fighter has been injured or martyred so far. Currently, all hostages are in the custody of the BLA’s Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade. Clear instructions have been issued to the Majeed Brigade: if the Pakistani military attempts to approach all hostages will be executed and the Fidayeen will continue their resistance until martyrdom without retreating”, the statement concluded.

Pakistan local media, earlier today, reported that the Jaffar Express train was on its way from Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under intense firing in Balochistan.

Over 450 passengers and staff are feared to have been taken hostage, local media reported.

The Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation, government spokesperson Shahid Rind said, according to the Dawn.

As per ARY News, the driver of the train sustained severe injuries. Pakistan’s Samaa TV said that according to Railway officials, no contact has been established with the 450 passengers and staff aboard the 9-coach Jaffar Express, the train departed Quetta at 9 AM. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a tough stand against those running illegal madrasas in the name of religion. Within 15 days, more than 52 illegally run madrasas were sealed.

On Monday, on the instructions of CM Dhami, 12 illegal madrasas were sealed in Vikasnagar, Dehradun and nine in Khatima. Earlier, action had been taken against 31 madrasas in various districts, Uttarakhand CMO said in a release.

For a long time, a network of illegal madrasas was being spread in Pachhadun and other areas of Uttarakhand. Attempts to create population imbalance under the guise of religion were also revealed here. But now, CM Dhami has given a clear message that tampering with the basic form of the state will not be tolerated at any cost. Strict action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law or is involved in illegal activities, the release added.

This major action clearly shows that Chief Minister Dhami will continue to take action to stop illegal activities and establish the rule of law in Uttarakhand. In the years to come, we will see major actions against illegal madrasas and other illegal activities. (ANI)

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for National Waterways, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with multiple Delhi government agencies, including the Irrigation and Flood Control department, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), on Tuesday.

The MoU aims to develop and boost cruise tourism on a four-kilometre stretch on River Yamuna (National Waterway 110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Asita Park and was graced by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, the Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta; the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of State (MoPSW), Shantanu Thakur along with senior officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India’s waterways have witnessed a Transformational revival after decades of neglect. His visionary push for sustainable and modern inland water transport has been truly alchemic–turning potential into progress. The introduction of eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna is yet another milestone in this journey, paving the way for cleaner, greener, and more efficient waterways that will boost both connectivity and tourism in the heart of Delhi. For years, the people of Delhi were saddened to see dirt and neglect floating on the Yamuna, but this initiative marks the beginning of a long-overdue correction.”

“With the launch of these cruises, Delhiites along with scores of tourists, who flock to the capital, will once again fall in love with their river, experiencing its beauty in a way they never imagined,” he added

The initiative aims to transform the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi into a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations. To ensure sustainable and non-polluting water transport, electric-solar hybrid boats–each capable of carrying 20-30 passengers–will be deployed as river cruise vessels. These boats will feature bio-toilets, Public Announcement systems, and life jackets for passenger safety.

Additionally, IWAI will install two HDPE jetties to facilitate smooth ferry operations. The project is set to boost short-distance navigation and recreational activities on National Waterway 110 (NW-110), upstream of Wazirabad Barrage, while promoting green and sustainable tourism. Beyond strengthening inland water transport (IWT), the initiative is expected to redefine Delhi’s tourism landscape by offering eco-friendly travel experiences along the Yamuna.

The Yamuna River stretch from Jagatpur in Delhi to its confluence with the Ganges at Prayagraj, spanning 1,089 km across Delhi, Haryana, and UP, was declared National Waterway-110 in 2014. Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been driving major infrastructural advancements to develop waterways into a robust engine of growth.

Expanding its reach across India–from Arunachal to Gujarat and J&K to Kerala–IWAI is enhancing NW 1, NW 2, NW 3, and NW 16 with new IWT terminals, fairways, night navigation aids, and locks. Emphasising sustainability under the “Harit Nauka Guidelines,” the Authority has introduced electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya, with six more set for Mathura and Guwahati.

By developing cruise terminals and boosting river tourism on Ganga and Brahmaputra, IWAI is unlocking the potential of India’s waterways. The partnership with the Delhi government will strengthen urban water transport, promote eco-friendly cruise tourism, and drive local economic growth while enhancing travel experiences. (ANI)

Former India captain MS Dhoni, along with his wife, Sakshi, arrived in Mussoorie on Tuesday evening for the wedding of Rishbah Pant’s sister.

Sakshi Pant is set to tie the knot with long-time lover Ankit Choudhary on Wednesday.

Sakshi shared a post on her Instagram on January 6 last year to announce that she got engaged with Ankit and added a hashtag in her caption nine years and still counting, indicating that they have been together for nine years.

Earlier, Dhoni joined the Chennai Super Kings camp ahead of the upcoming edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which will begin next week.

Dhoni will play in the 2025 IPL season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), chasing his sixth title under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership. CSK will start their campaign against five-time champions and arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at their home ground of Chepauk.

Whether the upcoming IPL season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be the last for Dhoni is uncertain. But ever since he retired from international cricket in 2020, there have been speculations over when the legend will pull the curtains on a glorious IPL career, in which he has captured five trophies as a captain.

CSK retained Dhoni as an uncapped player at Rs 4 crore ahead of the 2025 season. The IPL introduced a new rule ahead of last year’s auction, allowing franchises to retain players in the uncapped category if they have not played international cricket for five years.

Since he retired from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has only appeared in the IPL. In the 2024 season, he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 and an average of 53.66 after 11 innings, staying unbeaten eight times and fulfilling the role of a finisher for the five-time champions.

Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 5.243 runs in 264 matches and 229 innings at an average of 39.12, a strike rate of 137.53 and 24 fifties. His best score is 84*. Other than CSK, he also played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPG), a now-defunct franchise, from 2016-17. (ANI)

As Holi is around the corner, the makers of ‘Sikandar’ dropped a festive song titled ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ on Tuesday.

The track shows Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna dancing on the beats of the catchy song. The song is a splash of colours with upbeat and electrifying music by Pritam along with the voice of Shaan, Dev Negi, and Antara Mitra gets one’s foot tapping too.

The rap, written and performed by Shaikhspeare, Y-Ash, and Husxain (Bombay Lokal), alongside the Kid Rappers Bhimrao Jogu, Sarfaraz Shaikh, and Faisal Ansari (The Dharavi Dream Project), brings a raw, energetic vibe to the track.

Last month, Salman shared an intriguing teaser for his high-octane film. The one-minute and 21-second-long teaser introduced Salman’s character, named Sanjay, who is affectionately called Sikandar by his grandmother. Salman showcased his full massy avatar in the teaser, packed with high-octane action sequences and punchy, ‘paisa-vasool’ dialogues.

“Kayde mein raho fayde mein rahoge” and “Insaaf nahi hisab karne aaya hun” are some of the one-liners that Salman delivered with his trademark swag.

The film is directed by AR Murugadoss, renowned for his Tamil and Hindi blockbusters like Ghajini and Thuppakki. Sajid Nadiadwala has produced the project, marking Salman Khan’s reunion with him after their 2014 blockbuster, Kick.

Salman had also revealed a new poster for Sikandar, showing him deflecting an attack from a sharp object. Sikandar is set to release this Eid. Salman will also appear in Kick 2 in the coming months. (ANI)

A passenger train in Pakistan’s southwestern province came under fire in Balochistan on Tuesday, which has left the driver with severe injuries, and over 450 passengers and staff are feared to have been taken hostage, local media reported.

The Jaffar Express, was on its way from Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under intense firing in Balochistan, Dawn News reported.

According to the news outlet, the provincial government has directed local authorities to take immediate emergency measures. 

As per ARY News, the driver of the train sustained severe injuries.

Pakistan’s Samaa TV said that according to Raiway officials, no contact has been established with the 450 passengers and staff aboard the 9-coach Jaffar Express, 

The train departed Quetta at 9 AM.  

In a statement the Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack and said that “BLA has completely repelled the Pakistani military’s ground assault following the seizure of Jaffar Express. After intense clashes, Pakistani ground troops were forced to retreat, but airstrikes from helicopters and drones continue unabated.”

It further said that if the aerial bombardment is not halted immediately, all 100 plus hostages will be executed if Pakistan attempted to launch a military rescue operation.

Following the incident, the Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said, “There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express [train], which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar.”

The train, carrying around 500 passengers in nine coaches was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar. 

Efforts are underway to establish contact with the passengers and staff.

In response to the incident, an emergency has been imposed at the Sibi hospital, with ambulances and security forces rushing to the scene, as per the Dawn.

However, the Balochistan government spokesperson said officials were facing difficulties in reaching the site due to the rocky terrain.

“The railway department has sent more trains to the site to provide rescue,” the statement further said.

“The scale of the incident and the possibility of terrorist elements are being determined. The Balochistan government has ordered that emergency measures be taken, and all institutions remain active.”

An emergency has also been declared at the Civil Hospital Quetta, according to Health Department Spokesperson Dr Waseem Baig. “All consultants, doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses and paramedical staff have been summoned to the hospital,” Baig said.

Last year, the Pakistan Railways had announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar from October 11, after a suspension of more than a month and a half.

The situation is developing, and further updates are awaited. (ANI)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on Tuesday that it has designated the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as an unlawful organization and imposed an immediate five-year ban on it on the grounds that it is engaged in activities that threaten the country’s integrity, sovereignty, and security.

According to a notification, JKIM, under the leadership of Masroor Abbas Ansari, has been involved in supporting terrorist activities and spreading anti-India propaganda to fuel separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.

It further stated that the organization and its members have been raising funds to facilitate unlawful activities, including separatist and terrorist operations in the region.

The ban was imposed under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967. The government, citing the seriousness of the situation, exercised its powers under Section 3(3) of the Act to declare JKIM unlawful, ensuring that the ban remains in effect for five years from the date of its official notification.

“The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” reads the notification.

The notification also highlighted that JKIM and its members have consistently shown disregard for India’s constitutional authority and governance.

The organization has been accused of promoting separatism by inciting public unrest, encouraging armed struggle against the Indian state, and spreading hatred against the government.

The MHA warned that if JKIM’s activities are not curbed immediately, the group could continue to engage in actions that undermine national security and territorial integrity. It could also persist in advocating for Jammu and Kashmir’s secession, challenging its accession to India, and spreading anti-national sentiments to create public discord. (ANI)