Month: March 2025

Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) cadres held a protest march towards the Uttarkanya Mini Secretariat in Siliguri on Friday evening, alleging corruption in the state and demanding employment.

Police put up barricades to stop them and used water cannons, tear gas shells and lathi charged to disperse them.

Police carried out a flag march in Siliguri.

Protester Ratna Choubey said, “The youth were taking out a peaceful march. We were present with them. The manner in which the Police resorted to a lathi charge. Male Police personnel beat up women protesters. Minakshi (of DYFI) was arrested. There was no violence from our end, it was all peaceful…The youth were protesting against unemployment. Police had information about this, but they were stopped. Corruption is a major issue in West Bengal.”

She further said that tea gardens are going to be closed.

“Tea garden labourers are not getting proper wages. Corporates are taking control over it,” she added.

Rakesh Singh, DCP of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, said, “The situation is completely under control. It is peaceful now. The regular movement of traffic will resume shortly.”

Earlier BJP workers in Kolkata staged a protest against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on March 22, opposing a recently introduced bill that permits women to work in bars. (ANI)

Actress Shilpa Shetty looked sensational in a black and white zebra-striped sari with an impressive moulded wooden bodice creation as she walked the ramp on day three of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.

The ‘Dhadkan’ actress walked for designer Mohammed Mazhar to highlight his fashion collection, ‘Jila Saharanpur,’ which is a humble tribute to the artisans of his hometown, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Lakme Fashion Week shared a beautiful snap of Shilpa as she walked the ramp with confidence. The actress looked elegant in a zebra-striped saree. She complimented her outfit with bracelets and other ornaments.

“@theshilpashetty for Mohammed Mazhar at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.” Lakme captioned the post while sharing the photo.

After her rampwalk, the ‘Dhadkan’ actress appreciated designer Mazhar’s initiative to honour the artisans of Saharanpur through his fashion collection. She hailed the ‘Jila Saharanpur’ collection as a new definition of “power dressing”.

During the media interaction, Shilpa said, “I think it’s a brilliant idea and a great initiative to create fashion and also create livelihood for these people in Saharanpur. I totally support the cause and the kind of fashion Mohamed churns out, I think it really is very innovative. It is very hard to work with wood, but he made it look so glamorous. It has given power dressing a new definition.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shilpa was last seen in the web series Indian Police Force. Directed by Rohit Shetty. The series also starred Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi in lead roles. The show premiered earlier this year on Amazon Prime Video.

Shilpa will next appear in the upcoming Kannada film KD: The Devil. The film also stars Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Sanjay Dutt, Jisshu Sengupta, and Nora Fatehi in lead roles.

Directed by Prem, KD-The Devil is a Pan-India multilingual film set to release in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. It is a period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore. (ANI)

Actor Kartik Aaryan is currently busy shooting with Sreeleela for a love story.

On Friday, he took to Instagram and shared a romantic picture from the scenic hills of the tea gardens of Darjeeling.

In the image, the two are seen sitting amidst the lush tea gardens. Kartik holding two cups of tea also caught our attention as it hinted at a romantic scene being shot.

For the caption, he wrote, “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,” and added red heart emojis.

The yet-to-be titled film is being directed by Anurag Basu.

In the film, Kartik will be seen donning a rugged look with long hair and a full-grown beard.

Apart from this untitled project, Kartik Aaryan has Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri in his kitty. The film is helmed by Sameer Vidwans, with whom Kartik previously collaborated on the 2023 romantic drama Satyaprem Ki Katha. This film is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The film, produced under the banner of Dharma Productions, is expected to be a romantic comedy, although the plot details are still under wraps. (ANI)

Kesari 2 is one of the most-awaited films of this year. Fans’ excitement has gone to the next level ever since the makers released the film’s teaser recently.

And now, on Friday, captivating the audience’s attention, the first look of actors Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday and R Madhavan was unveiled.

Ananya, as a lawyer, looked confident in the video, with her voiceover saying, “Uss din Jallianwala Bagh me jo hua uska sach puri duniya ko pata chalna chahiye (What happened that day at Jallianwala Bagh, the truth must be told to everybody).”

Sharing her look, the makers on Instagram wrote, “Embraced by compassion, fueled by justice. Introducing Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill in Kesari – Chapter 2. In cinemas worldwide, 18th April.”

R Madhavan plays Neville Mckinley in the film.

Madhavan’s character, McKinley, is introduced with the caption, “Sharp, fearless, undeniable… but playing for the other side! Introducing R. Madhavan as Neville Mckinley in Kesari: Chapter 2.”

Kesari Chapter 2 will focus on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The first part, which was released in 2019, followed the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army and 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1897. Parineeti Chopra played a pivotal role in the first chapter.

The lead star, Akshay Kumar, will play the legendary advocate C Sankaran Nair in the film, which will be released on April 18. (ANI)

Six earthquakes jolted Myanmar on Friday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

As per the NCS, the latest earthquake occurred at a depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

“EQ of M: 4.3, On: 28/03/2025 15:25:39 IST, Lat: 19.43 N, Long: 95.47 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” NCS stated in a post on X.

Another earthquake of 4.4 magnitude on the Richter Scale occurred at a shallow depth of 10km.

“EQ of M: 4.4, On: 28/03/2025 14:48:32 IST, Lat: 23.35 N, Long: 95.31 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” NCS said in a post on X.

Another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 occurred at a depth of 30km.

“EQ of M: 4.9, On: 28/03/2025 13:07:03 IST, Lat: 22.55 N, Long: 95.34 E, Depth: 30 Km, Location: Myanmar.”

NCS reported that an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 occurred in the region as a result of the aftershock of previous earthquakes.

“EQ of M: 5.0, On: 28/03/2025 12:57:53 IST, Lat: 22.97 N, Long: 95.56 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” NCS stated.

An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 occurred in the region at 12 pm, at a depth of 10km, as per NCS.

“EQ of M: 7.0, On: 28/03/2025 12:02:07 IST, Lat: 21.41 N, Long: 95.43 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” NCS stated on X.

Prior to this, a powerful earthquake of 7.2 magnitude rocked the region.

“EQ of M: 7.2, On: 28/03/2025 11:50:52 IST, Lat: 21.93 N, Long: 96.07 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” as per NCS.

Shallow earthquakes like these are more dangerous than deeper ones due to their greater energy release closer to the Earth’s surface, causing stronger ground shaking and increased damage to structures and casualties, compared to deeper earthquakes, which lose energy as they travel to the surface.

Although Myanmar is an earthquake-prone country, an official national seismic hazard map has not been proposed.

Due to the collision between the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates, Myanmar has a high seismic hazard level. According to the earthquake parameters summarized by the International Seismological Centre, around 140 events with magnitude greater than or equal to 3.0 have taken place in Myanmar and its vicinity every year from 1990 to 2019.Thus, it is evident that Myanmar is vulnerable to hazards from moderate and large magnitude earthquakes, including tsunami hazards along its long coastline.

The Sagaing Fault elevates the seismic hazard for Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon, which together represent 46 per cent of the population of Myanmar. Although Yangon is relatively far from the fault trace, it still suffers from significant risk due to its dense population. For instance, in 1903, an intensive earthquake with magnitude 7.0 that occurred in Bago also struck Yangon. (ANI)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for fixing the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for KHARIF Season 2025 (from 01.04.2025 to 30.09.2025) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, said a official statement.

The budgetary requirement for the Kharif season of 2024 would be approximately Rs 37,216.15 cr. This is approximately Rs 13,000 crores more than the budgetary requirement for the Rabi seasons of 2024-25.

The availability of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised, affordable and reasonable prices will be ensured.

Rationalisation of subsidy on P&K fertilisers in view of recent trends in the international prices of fertilisers and inputs.

The subsidy on P&K fertilizers, including NPKS grades, will be provided based on approved rates for Kharif 2025 (applicable from 01.04.2025 to 30.09.2025) to ensure smooth availability of these fertilisers to the farmers at affordable prices.

The government is making available 28 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidised prices through fertiliser manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilisers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f. 01.04.2010. In accordance with its farmer-friendly approach, the Government is committed to ensuring the availability of P&K fertilizers to the farmers at affordable prices.

In view of the recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers & inputs, i.e. Urea, DAP, MOP and Sulphur, the Government has decided to approve the NBS rates for Kharif 2025 effective from 01.04.25 to 30.09.25 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including NPKS grades.

The subsidy would be provided to the fertilizer companies at approved and notified rates so that fertilizers are made available to farmers at affordable prices. (ANI)

Comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina appeared before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell on Friday in connection with the ongoing case surrounding his controversial YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’.

Raina previously appeared before the Cyber Cell on February 24 and was seen entering the Maharashtra Cyber Cell office today.

The investigation centers around allegations of promoting obscenity and vulgar content through his show.

The controversy erupted earlier this month when an FIR was filed against several people associated with ‘India’s Got Latent’, including Raina, YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani, Ranveer Allahbadia, and others.

The FIR accuses the show of featuring sexually explicit discussions and promoting obscene content that was accessible to the public via YouTube.

In light of the ongoing legal issues, Raina made a decision to reschedule his India tour. He took to Instagram to share the news, assuring fans that refunds would be provided for tickets.

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

Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain confirmed that notices had been served to several individuals named in the FIR, including Raina, Chanchlani, Allahbadia, and others.

“We have served notices, but they have not complied yet. We are looking into the matter as per legal procedure and will take action accordingly,” Jain said.

Earlier this February, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani had appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch in February, where his statement was recorded.

Similarly, Rakesh Sawant, who also appeared on India’s Got Latent, was summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, appearing to record her statement on February 27.

The show came under intense scrutiny after controversial remarks were made by Ranveer Allahbadia during a recent episode.

Allahbadia’s comment about a contestant involving their parents quickly went viral and was met with widespread criticism on social media.

The podcaster later issued a public apology, acknowledging that his comments were not only inappropriate but lacked humour.

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

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

Hrithik Roshan is set to don the director’s hat for the highly anticipated ‘Krrish 4’, the latest installment in the superhero franchise.

Hrithik, who has starred in the previous three blockbuster films of the franchise, will also act in the movie.

Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik’s father and a filmmaker, took to social media to confirm the news, sharing a heartfelt note. “Duggu 25yrs back I launched you as an actor, and today again after 25 years you are being launched as a director by two filmmakers Aditya Chopra & myself to take forward our most ambitious film #Krrish4. Wish you all the success in this new avatar with good wishes and blessings!” he wrote.

Yash Raj Films (YRF) has come on board to produce ‘Krrish 4’ in association with Rakesh Roshan.

Rakesh Roshan expressed his delight at having Aditya Chopra as the producer, saying, “It brings me so much joy to see someone like Adi as the producer of Krrish 4. It was he who convinced Hrithik to sit in the director’s chair,” in a press note.

Rakesh Roshan added, “Hrithik and Adi coming together as a producer-director pair with me behind them is a rare and deliciously creative combination! I’m sure they will turn Krrish 4 into a theatrical experience that has never been made in India.”

The project is set to commence filming early next year, with further details yet to be disclosed.

Earlier in an interview with ANI, Rakesh Roshan talked about ‘Krrish 4’ and said, “It is almost ready, and I will be announcing it very soon.”

The Krrish franchise, launched in 2003 by Rakesh Roshan, has become iconic in Indian cinema. Starting with Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), it introduced Rohit Mehra and his alien friend.

The success continued with Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013).

In ‘Krrish 3’, Hrithik was seen in a triple role. The film also starred Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi. (ANI)

A jawan was injured and hospitalised after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Friday.

Sharing information, Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P said, “One jawan injured during an IED blast planted by Maoists towards Bedmakoti. The injured soldier is being given first aid at the District Hospital in Narayanapur.”

“After initial treatment, the condition of the injured soldier is in a better condition,” said the IG.

A search operation is underway in the operation area.

Earlier last week, two security personnel were evacuated after an improvised explosive device (IED) blast set off by Naxals in the Abujhmad area of Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, police said.

The blast caused dust and debris to enter the eyes of a jawan and an officer, both of whom were promptly evacuated for medical treatment.

According to Narayanpur Police, no serious injuries were reported in the explosion. Security forces intensified search operations in the area to trace the insurgents responsible for the attack.

Earlier, on March 21, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that 2,619 Naxalites had either been arrested, surrendered, or killed in the past year due to the BJP government’s approach in Chhattisgarh, which came to power in December 2023.

Replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha on the working of his ministry, he said Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 21, 2026.”Let me tell you that by March 21, 2026, Naxalism will be completely eradicated from our country. This is the result of the hard work of the Modi government over the past 10 years,” he said.

Amit Shah said the BJP government in Chhattisgarh was tackling the problem of Naxalism with a different approach compared to the Congress, and the number of active Naxals went down by 2619. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand and expressed readiness to offer all possible assistance.

“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he wrote on social media platform X.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, with tremors felt in Bangkok and many parts of Thailand, causing hundreds of people to rush out of swaying buildings in Bangkok, as per Thailand local media and eyewitness accounts posted on social media. Several posts on social media showed water splashing out of swimming pools.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that the earthquake was at a depth of just 10km, with the epicentre near the central city of Mandalay, about 50km east of the city of Monywa.

The earthquake at around 11:50 am IST was followed by an aftershock of 6.4-magnitude minutes later. The National Center for Seismology said that an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 on the Richter scale hit Myanmar stating that it was the third aftershock, following the first 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale

A Bangkok Post report said that people in the Thai capital evacuated buildings as businesses announced temporary closures due to the earthquake.

A 30-story skyscraper under construction in Chatuchak district also collapsed due to the quake, according to the publication.

As per The Nation News, which cited Thailand’s National Institute for Emergency Medicine, 43 workers were trapped in the underconstruction building.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok to be an “area of emergency,” asking residents to evacuate from tall buildings to avoid aftershocks.

CNN reported a resident of Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial hub, around 380 miles away from the epicenter, as saying, “We felt the quake for about one minute, and then we ran out of the building.” “We saw other people running out of the buildings, too. It was very sudden and very strong.”

Another resident was cited in the CNN report as saying that phone networks in the city home to around 8 million people were briefly down following the quake, but were now running again.

Video obtained by CNN from Myanmar appeared to show a road bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River, which runs through Mandalay, collapsing into the river in a cloud of dust and water.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV taking feedback of netizens reported that strong tremors were felt across many places in Yunnan Province bordering Myanmar.

The epicenter of this earthquake is located 294 kilometers from the nearest borderline of China, causing strong tremors in Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Kunming, Lijiang, Baoshan, Dali and other areas of Yunnan Province. Tremors were also felt in parts of Guizhou and Guangxi, according to CCTV. (ANI)