Month: March 2025

Haryana Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the incident where Congress party worker Himani Narwal’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase near the Sampla bus stand in Rohtak.

Sampla DSP Rajneesh Kumar said, “SIT has been formed. Her phone has been recovered. We are taking the help of cyber, FSL. We are investigating all angles.”

The phone of the deceased, has also been recovered and the police is taking the help of the cyber and forensic teams in the investigation, the police official said.

Sampla DSP said that the deceased used to live alone in Haryana while her family stayed in Delhi.

“Police reached the spot once it received information. The dead body was found inside the bag. Later, she was identified as Himani Narwal…We called her family to the spot and her body was identified. We are investigating various angles. We will solve the matter as soon as possible,” DSP Rajneesh Kumar said.

“A SIT has been formed…Her phone has been recovered…We are taking the help of cyber, FSL. We are investigating all angles. We are also checking the family background…Family has not expressed any suspicion…Her mother and brother live in Delhi. She (deceased) lived here alone, and she was pursuing LL.B…” the police official said.

Meanwhile, the mother of Himani Narwal has alleged that elections and the party had claimed her life. “The election and the party took my daughter’s life. Because of this, she made some enemies. These (the culprits) could be from the party, could be her friends as well…On February 28, she was at home, Savita said.

The deceased woman’s mother further said that the stature of her daughter Himani was rising in the party, “She was going with Rahul Gandhi, she was close to the Hooda family, this is why people were having problems, they were jealous.”

“We received a phone call from the Police Station (regarding the incident). My daughter was very close to Asha Hooda (wife of Bhupinder Singh Hooda), I won’t perform her last rites until she gets justice…”

Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the Congress party has demanded an investigation and “whether it was someone from the party or outside will come out only through investigation.”

“Her body is in the mortuary right now. Congress workers have gone there, associates of local MLA have gone there…Local MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra will visit them, he is in touch…We have demanded an investigation and that the guilty should get strict punishment. Whether it was someone from the party or outside will come out only through investigation,” Hooda said. (ANI)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday removed her nephew Akash Anand from all posts of the party. The BSP also announced the appointment of Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as the National Coordinators of the party.

In a press release dated March 2, Mayawati said she is expelling Ashok Siddharth, who is also the father-in-law of Akash Anand for “factionalism.”

“Being an honest and loyal disciple and successor of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, I have expelled Ashok Siddharth, who is also the father-in-law of Akash Anand, from the party in the interest of the party. He has done this heinous act of weakening the party by dividing it into two factions in the entire country including Uttar Pradesh, which is absolutely intolerable, and all this was also seen in the wedding of his son.”

Mayawati said that Akash Anand is married to Ashok Siddharth’s daughter and how much influence the latter has on his girl and how much influence she has on Akash, will have to be looked into seriously, which does not seem to be positive at all till now.

“In such a situation, in the interest of the party that Akash Anand be been separated from all the responsibilities of the party, for which not the party but his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth is completely responsible and which has damaged the political career of Akash Anand along with causing damage to the party,” Mayawati further said.

“And now in his place, Anand Kumar will continue to do all the work of the party like before, he will continue to do all the work of the party during my visits to Lucknow and outside. He has not disappointed me in any matter till now, he has not caused any harm to the party and the movement till now,” she added in the letter.

In June 2024, Mayawati had made her nephew Akash Anand her sole successor and entrusted the responsibility of National Coordinator of the party on him.

Earlier too Mayawati had removed Akash from all the important posts of the party on May 7, 2024 in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, calling him immature. (ANI)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom, France and Ukraine have agreed to work on a ceasefire proposal to present to the United States, Al Jazeera reported.

Starmer said he believes US President Donald Trump wants a durable peace in Ukraine and reiterated his assertion that US security guarantees will be needed to make any peace deal work, as per Al Jazeera.

“I’ve always been clear that that is going to need a US backstop because I don’t think it would be a guarantee without it,” Starmer said.

The British PM said he hoped a European “coalition of the willing” would come together to support Ukraine but any ceasefire had to be underpinned by the US to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine again.

“In other words, we’ve got to find those countries in Europe that are prepared to be a bit more forward-leaning,” Al Jazeera quoted Starmer as saying.

“The UK and France are the most advanced on the thinking of this, and that is why President Macron and I are working on this plan, which we will then discuss with the US,” added Starmer, who spoke to Macron and Trump on Saturday after having talks with Zelenskyy in Downing Street.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia is likely to expand its military operations in Ukraine farther west unless it’s stopped, as per Al Jazeera.

“We have an overarmed and aggressive Russia on our borders. It is carrying out terrorist actions and massive disinformation campaigns here and in Europe,” Macron told France’s local media, as per Al Jazeera.

If Putin is not stopped, “he will certainly move on to Moldova and perhaps beyond to Romania,” Macron argued.

“It’s our security that’s at stake,” he added.

“The clear destiny of the Americans is to be on the side of the Ukrainians, I have no doubt about that,” Macron added. “I want the Americans to understand that disengagement from Ukraine is not in their interests.”

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for his unwavering support during their meeting in London, calling it a “meaningful and warm” discussion.

The two leaders spoke about the challenges facing Ukraine and Europe, coordination with international partners, and efforts to achieve a just peace with strong security guarantees. (ANI)

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has detected 11 Chinese aircraft, 6 naval vessels and 3 official ships operating around the island as of 6 am (UTC+8) on Sunday.

Among them, five aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s central, southwestern and southeastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, “11 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s central, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

On Saturday, Taiwan’s MND detected 17 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels and three official ships around the country

“17 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” Taiwan MND wrote on X.

In recent weeks, China has been visibly boosting its ability to invade Taiwanese beaches with innovative new naval equipment.

This includes the formal launching of an enormous landing helicopter assault (LHA) vessel, the likes of which no other navy in the world possesses, and the mass production of floating bridge docks to assist the unloading of ships during beach landings. Both types of equipment are strong indications that China is serious about one day invading Taiwan.

The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state.

However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the “One China” policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital.

This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China.

Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI)

Israel has agreed to a proposal by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during the Ramzan and passover periods, the Prime Minister’s Office announced.

The decision comes as the first phase of a previously agreed ceasefire was nearing its expiration, Al Jazeera reported.

The temporary truce aims to ease tensions during the religious holidays. Further details on its implementation are yet to be disclosed.

As Ramzan begins, many around the world welcome the month with prayer and fasting. But in Gaza, the mood is one of sorrow and uncertainty. The echoes of war still linger, and despite a ceasefire, many fear the fighting could resume at any moment.

For those in Gaza, the memories of past conflicts remain fresh. A resident recalls observing Ramadan during the 2014 war, fleeing airstrikes in the middle of the night as a child, as per Al Jazeera.

But last year, the situation was even worse. Food was scarce, and families broke their fast with whatever little they had–often just a single can of hummus or beans shared among six people. With no electricity, they ate in darkness, barely able to see each other’s faces.

According to Al Jazeera, the echoes of war still ring loud. There is no certainty that this ceasefire will last. People are anxious about what happens next. They fear the war may come back.

Now, as another Ramzan begins, many in Gaza remain uncertain about what lies ahead.

Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis are protesting on Begin Street in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of the remaining captives in Gaza and the completion of the second phase of the ceasefire deal.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, marking one of the deadliest assaults in the country’s history. The attack began early in the morning with thousands of rockets fired from Gaza, targeting Israeli cities and towns. Simultaneously, Hamas breached Israel’s border using vehicles, paragliders, and on foot, storming military bases and civilian areas, particularly in communities near the Gaza Strip.

The attackers carried out mass shootings, kidnappings, and other violent acts, killing tons of people, including civilians and soldiers. Over 200 individuals, including Israelis and foreign nationals, were taken hostage and brought into Gaza. The attack prompted Israel to declare war on Hamas, leading to extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza.

At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The October 7 attack was the deadliest single day for Israel in decades and has since resulted in an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, causing thousands of casualties on both sides and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (ANI)

The Masjid Bunder area market in Mumbai was decked up with huge stocks for Ramazan celebrations ahead of the festivals, including fruits, shawls, dates, fabrics, and dry fruits on Saturday.

Customers queued up in hundreds in the busy lanes of the street as the preparations started for the holy month of Ramzan. People in Delhi also bought Ramzan delicacies and paced up the preparations.

Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, extended his wishes for the celebrated occasion.

“The holy month of Ramzan is about to begin. I wish everyone a very happy Ramzan. I hope everyone will observe the ‘Roza,’ and we will all live in harmony with each other,” he said.

Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan, is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar that falls in the ninth month of the Hijri (the Islamic lunar calendar). During this holy period, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, a practice called Roza, which is one of the rive pillars of Islam, signifying values of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual contemplation. In 2025, Ramadan commenced on March 2 (Sunday), after the sighting of the crescent moon on Saturday.

Ramzan is marked by the breaking of the dawn-to-dusk fast, called the ‘Iftar’. This annual observance lasts between one sighting of the crescent moon and the next, after which the festival of Eid begins with full fervour. (ANI)

India will lock horns with New Zealand in their last group stage match in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium as they eye the top spot in Group A. This will also help settle up the semi-final permutations.

The match acts as a perfect tune-up, heading into the tournament’s next stage.

It’s the only two remaining teams to have won every match at the tournament doing battle and there’s plenty to play for.

Recent form:

New Zealand: Similar to India, New Zealand is one of the in-form ODI teams in world cricket. They’ve already played eight One Day Internationals this year and only lost one of them, which was a dead rubber against Sri Lanka in a 2-1 series win in January.

Leading into the tournament, the Black Caps won all three Tri-Nation matches against Pakistan and South Africa. They also easily won both of their group stage encounters.

India: After their strong victory over Pakistan in Dubai, India has nine wins from ten white ball encounters this calendar year.

While they can afford to drop this game, having already secured semi-finals qualification, knocking off a fellow tournament contender would have to feel good, as they move into the knockout stages.

Players in focus:

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell

Bracewell is unquestionably in focus after his return of 4/26 off 10 overs against Bangladesh last start. He complemented the Kiwis’ tall pace attack, taking advantage of Tigers batters targeting the slow bowling.

Bracewell only took the one wicket against Pakistan but only conceded 38 runs from his 10 overs in another economical display. The right-arm off-spinner’s role against this fierce Indian batting dugout will prove pivotal.

India: Mohammed Shami

India’s opening bowler made major inroads against Bangladesh, taking five scalps, before going wicketless against Pakistan.

It was the Indian spinners that did the damage against their subcontinent rivals, but if Shami can take care of New Zealand’s top order with an early breakthrough or two, the spin brigade will smell blood in the middle overs.

Squads:

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy. (ANI)

Mrunal Thakur never misses an opportunity to entertain her fans with her quirky videos.

On Saturday, the actress took to her Instagram to share a goofy video, calling herself ‘Pookie Thakur.’

The clip posted on her social media shows Mrunal attempting funny stunts. In the first part of the video, Mrunal strikes a superhero pose on a moving walkway, likely at an airport. In the second part, she is seen jumping off a table during her makeup session. Though she doesn’t fall, she lands awkwardly and tries to cover it up with a nervous yet adorable smile.

Along with the video, Mrunal added a hilarious caption that read, “I’m not clumsy; I’m just testing gravity! REGULARLY, you know. Love, Pookie Thakur.”

Take a look

Soon after she dropped the video, fans chimed in the comments section.

One user wrote, “This is just sooo cute,” while another added, “You are just too funny, Mrunal.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Mrunal Thakur will next be seen in Dacoit, which also stars Adivi Sesh. The film was initially announced with Shruti Haasan as the lead actress.

In a statement, Mrunal revealed that her role in Dacoit allows her to explore new aspects of her acting career.

“The story of Dacoit is true in its essence, a great mix of rustic storytelling elevated by the stylized vision of both Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo. The character I’m set to portray will allow me to explore shades of an on-screen role that I haven’t delved into before as an actor. This combination of genre and script is what makes Dacoit truly a treat for audiences. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the world envisioned by Shaneil,” she said.

The film, produced by Supriya Yarlagadda and co-produced by Suniel Narang, is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Shaneil Deo is directing the project. (ANI)

A massive political row erupted on Saturday, after the body of a woman was found in a suitcase in Haryana’s Rohtak, with the Congress party stating that the deceased is a party worker, and demanded a “high-level probe into the muder”.

The body of the deceased was found in a big blue suitcase near the Sampla bus stand on Friday, following which the information regarding this was provided to the Sampla police station.

The SFL team reached the crime scene, and after investigation, it was found that the age of the deceased was between 20 and 22 years. She had a scarf wrapped around her neck and mehendi on her hands.

Sampla police station SHO Bijendra Singh said that it seems the girl was murdered and her body was thrown on the road, and further investigation is being carried out.”We received information that a dead body has been found in a suitcase on the side of the highway and we are investigating this matter. It seems that this girl has been murdered and her dead body has been thrown here, we are investigating the rest and further action will be taken after registering a case. She is between 20 and 22 years old and the body has just been found, we will identify it and take further action”, he said.

The row erupted after Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra alleged that the deceased was a Congress worker, Himani Narwal, who had accompanied the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Batra added that Narwal was pretty active with Bhupinder Hooda and Deepinder Hooda during the election campaign.

Congress Haryana president Bhupinder Singh Hooda has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “blot on the law and order situation of the state.” He has also demanded a “high-level” and “impartial” probe into the incident.

“The news of the barbaric murder of active Congress worker Himani Narwal in Rohtak is extremely sad and shocking. I pay my tribute to the departed soul and express my deepest condolences to the family members. The murder of a girl in this manner and finding her body in a suitcase is extremely sad and shocking. This in itself is a blot on the law and order situation of the state,” Hooda said in a post on X.

“There should be a high level impartial investigation of this murder and the government should provide justice to the victim’s family as soon as possible and provide the harshest punishment to the culprits,” he added.(ANI)