Month: March 2025

uperstar Jr NTR has shared a heartwarming experience from his recent visit to Japan, where his film ‘Devara: Part 1’ has been creating a frenzy among fans.

In a social media post, Jr NTR revealed that a Japanese fan had learned Telugu, his native language, after watching his blockbuster film ‘RRR.’

The actor expressed his emotions, stating that the fan’s gesture had truly moved him.

Jr NTR emphasized the power of cinema to bridge cultural gaps and inspire language learning. “Being a lover of cinema and languages, the power of cinema to be a bridge across cultures and encouraging a fan to learn a language is something I will never forget,” he wrote.

The actor’s visit to Japan comes on the heels of the release of ‘Devara: Part 1,’ which has been making waves in the country.

The actor took to his X handle and shared a video clip of his experience at an event in Japan where his excited fans could be seen cheering for the star.

“Overwhelmed, Japan! Can’t wait for the Japanese audience to experience #Devara in cinemas from March 28th,” he wrote.

Directed by Koratala Siva, the film marks Jr NTR’s return to the big screen after his Golden Globe and Oscar triumph with ‘RRR.’

In ‘Devara: Part 1,’ Jr NTR plays a dual role, taking on the characters of Devara and Varadha.

The film’s storyline revolves around a dramatic clash of wills in a coastal setting, where power dynamics are in constant flux.

The film has been released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, and features an ensemble cast, including Janhvi Kapoor.

In India, the movie was released on September 27. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday addressed the growing concerns surrounding the taxation system in India. Drawing attention to the pervasive nature of taxes throughout the life cycle, Chadha critically highlighted how citizens are taxed from the moment they are born to the moment they pass away.

Speaking during the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha questioned the value citizens receive in return for their contributions, including whether they benefit from world-class healthcare, education, or infrastructure.

“There are only two things that are certain in life: Death and Tax. From the moment you are born until the very moment your family mourns your death, the government is there at every step not to help you but to tax you,” he said.

“The first stage, the birth stage. Before a child even opens their eyes, the vaccine given to them is taxed with 5 per cent GST. If the hospital room costs more than 5,000, then a 5 per cent GST is charged. Baby care items are taxed with 5 per cent GST, and if the parents distribute sweets after the baby is born, even those are subject to a 5 per cent GST,” Chadha said.

He mentioned the second stage- the childhood where baby food is taxed at 12-18 per cent GST.

“Diapers are taxed at 12 per cent GST, and toys are taxed at 12 per cent GST. When a child has their first haircut, which we call ‘Mundan’, even that service is taxed at 18 per cent GST. Photography services also carry an 18 per cent GST,” he said.

“When the child starts going to school, GST is levied on uniforms, shoes, lunch boxes, etc. Notebooks are taxed at 12 per cent GST, stationery items at 18 per cent, and if the child wants to participate in any extra-curricular activities, that too is taxed at 18 per cent,” he said.

The AAP MP mentioned the third stage i.e., teenage years.

“At this age, people buy their first smartphone, and it too is taxed. If the phone is imported, it attracts import duty as well. Then, when they recharge the phone, that too is taxed, along with the internet connection, Netflix, Spotify, or game subscriptions. If they go out to watch a movie with friends, GST is levied on the ticket, and even on salted caramel popcorn. When they buy their first bike or scooter after turning 18, they are charged GST on that too,” Raghav Chadha said.

Chadha mentioned the fourth stage- higher education.

“In this stage, if you are studying at a private college, GST is charged on the tuition fees. If you stay in a hostel or PG, GST is charged on that as well, and even on student loan processing fees,” he said.

Mentioning the fifth stage of life, the AAP MP said it is the time when an individual starts their career.

“This is the golden age of direct taxes. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is cut according to the income slabs, and then income tax is collected. When they receive their first salary and take their family out to eat, even that is taxed by the government. Even the premiums for health and life insurance are taxed,” Chadha said.

Raghav Chadha mentioned the sixth stage – middle age, when their income peaks, and so does their tax burden.

“When they get an appraisal, a promotion, they give a major part of their income in the form of income tax. When they buy a car, GST is charged, along with road tax. When they fill fuel, VAT and excise duties are also levied. If someone builds their own house, they pay stamp duty fees on the land. Then, GST is levied on construction materials. After the house is built, they are required to pay annual property tax and house tax,” he said.

“The seventh stage is retirement, when a person wants a peaceful life. However, even at this stage, the government taxes pension and interest income. When the person gets older, GST is levied on healthcare bills and medicines. In this phase, if the person writes a will for their family, they are also taxed on legal fees,” Chadha said.

Raghav Chadha mentioned that eighth stage- the death period when a person passes away.

“Even at this stage, GST is levied. When someone dies, during their last rites, items like ghee, sandalwood, coconut, etc., are used, and even these are taxed. Publishing obituary news also attracts a 5 per cent GST. After death, when the property is transferred to the family, the government collects duty and cess on the mutation. This is the life cycle of the taxation model,” he said. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday underscored the transformation of Mirzapur district over the past decade, attributing the progress to the double-engine governance model.

Emphasising the importance of the Maa Vindhyavasini corridor, he stated that the project has led to a fivefold increase in revenue within a year.

He was speaking at a district-level event focused on service, security, and good governance.

“District-level events are being held on service, security, and good governance of the double-engine government. I received the opportunity to participate in these events. In the last 10 years, Mirzapur district has transformed. The Bansagar project has been completed, Maa Vindhyavasini has been constructed, and we have also allocated funds for the Vindhyavasini temple area.

“I am happy to tell you that the work that has been done here in the last eight to ten years is a result of that, that the revenue through the temple corridor here has grown five times within a year. Had Maa Vindhyavasini corridor not been there, the burden of crowd here due to Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh would have made it difficult. But the corridor project went ahead in a timely manner,” he added.

Ahead of this, he visited the Maa Vindhyavasini Devi Temple and offered prayers.

CM also highlighted the importance of faith in driving economic growth while addressing a public meeting at an exhibition showcasing his government’s achievements over the past eight years.

Speaking about the development of religious corridors, CM Yogi mentioned that the corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini has already attracted lakhs of visitors, contributing to the region’s growth.

Speaking at the event, CM said, “Faith can also become the basis of economic growth, or Mahakumbh paved the way for it, and I congratulate you. After the development of a corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini, lakhs of Sardars have visited it, and I thank you all for visiting with reverence.”

He further added, “Ganga Expressway is the largest expressway in the country, until now, between Meerut and Prayagraj. We have decided to conduct a survey and connect Maa Vindhyavasini Dham to Baba Vishwanath Dham. This expressway should be connected with Purvanchal Expressway.”

He also emphasised the significance of the Ganga Expressway, describing it as the largest expressway in the country. It will connect key religious sites like Maa Vindhyavasini Dham and Baba Vishwanath Dham, further enhancing connectivity and economic development.

“Expressway is the backbone of the economy, the infrastructure will be strengthened, connectivity will be so much better, and there will be such a good possibility of moving the economy forward. Through this eight-year Janpati Mahotsav, you must be seeing the exhibition that is being held; through this, you all must be getting a glimpse, and you must have seen that when you select and send good people, a medical college was also built in Mirzapur, and a corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini was also built. When the new generation graduates, parents will also be a part of the celebration. You will receive the blessings of Vindhyavasini,” Yogi said.

An exhibition has been organised to showcase the achievements of Yogi’s government in the last eight years. Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, was also present. (ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India, as confirmed by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, Russian news agency TASS reported.

While addressing the “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda” conference through a video, Lavrov said that India is currently making arrangements for the visit of the Russian President. The conference is jointly hosted by the Embassy of India in Russia and the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).

The Russian Foreign Minister stated that Putin will be visiting India following the invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made his first foreign visit to Russia following re-election in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

“[Russian] President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government. A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared,” Lavrov said as quoted by Russian News Agency Tass.

Last year in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia on the invitation of Russian President Putin to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Earlier in February, TASS reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Russia for the May 9 parade at Moscow’s Red Square to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic Wa.

As per the military source cited by TASS, the visit by the PM has a “high probability”.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a visit to the May 9 parade in Moscow. It is highly likely that it will take place,” the agency’s source said, TASS reported.

As per the military source cited by TASS, it was noted, “The issue of participation in the parade on Red Square of a ceremonial unit of the Indian armed forces, which should arrive at least a month [before the parade] for rehearsals, is also being worked out.”

Notably, the source mentioned issues concerning delivery of Indian military personnel are currently being discussed.TASS reported that earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that many invited countries confirmed their participation in the upcoming events in Moscow on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. (ANI)

Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday reiterated that he is never allowed to speak in the House. Expressing skepticism, Gandhi said that he doesn’t know what the ruling party is “scared” of.

“I am never allowed to speak. I don’t know what they are scared of?” said Rahul Gandhi while heading towards the Parliament.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gandhi had alleged that he was not allowed to speak in the House.

The LoP claimed that it was an “unsubstantiated remark” about him and that there is a convention that the Leader of Opposition is allowed to speak when he rises to do so.

“I don’t know what is going on…I requested him to let me speak…This is no way to run the House. Speaker just left and he did not let me speak…he said something unsubstantiated about me…he adjourned the House, there was no need…it is a convention, LoP is given time to speak. Whenever I stand up, I am stopped from speaking…I did nothing, I was quietly sitting,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

He said that in a democracy, there is a place for government and opposition, but here, “there is no place for opposition”.

Rahul Gandhi said that he wanted to speak on the Maha Kumbh Mela and unemployment, but he was not allowed to speak.

“Prime Minister ji spoke on Maha Kumbh and I also wanted to speak on (Maha) Kumbh Mela. I wanted to say that Kumbh Mela was very good. I also wanted to speak on unemployment but I wasn’t allowed. I don’t know what the approach and thinking of the Speaker are, but the truth is we were not allowed,” he said.

His allegations have sparked reactions from the political fraternity. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi attacked the central government for allegedly not allowing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak in Parliament, calling it “extremely unfortunate.”

“What was extremely unfortunate and has become almost a repeat narrative from BJP, whenever they don’t want House to function, they come out with most ridiculous charges…even last time the both the Houses got adjourned, nobody knew why…he is the LoP…he has the right to respond,” Chaturvedi told ANI.

Reacting on this issue, UBT MP Sanjay Raut said that if LoP is not allowed to speak in Lok Sabha then it is a dangerous time for democracy.

Raut said, “Rahul Gandhi is Lok Sabha LoP… If such a leader is not allowed to speak inside the Parliament by the Speaker, then it is a dangerous time for democracy. Then why are you conducting Parliament if you have to silence the opposition?” (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday moved a resolution against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 proposed by the Central government in the state Assembly and said that the Bill is “destroying” the rights of Muslims.

“The central government is inserting schemes that are against state Rights, Culture, and tradition. In India, various cultures, traditions, and languages are present, but they are doing it with the intention of taking revenge on the states. The Waqf Amendment bill is against Muslims. I am going to take a resolution in our state Assembly today. This Waqf Amendment Bill is destroying the rights of Muslims. The central government never thought about the welfare of the Muslims and their Rights. So we are in the place to pass a resolution against it,” MK Stalin said in the assembly.

He further said that the Union Government is trying to amend the Waqf Bill, which will “hinder the Waqf Board’s power.”

“Amendment says that two non Muslims should be a part of Stated Waqf. Muslims fear that this a way for the Government to usurp Waqf Properties, and this is against freedom of religion. This is hurting Muslim sentiments, and the Union Government has not bothered about it, and this will affect Muslim rights. DMK members in JAC, A Raja and MM Abdullah have spoken against it. Many Parties, including the DMK, have opposed it. The Waqf Bill could be tabled anytime in Parliament, and we will have to show our opposition. This Amendment will curb the Waqf Board in the future; hence, I place the Resolution,” he said.

The resolution stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill will badly affect the minority Muslims to be withdrawn.

“People are living in religious harmony in India. The Constitution has provided rights for all people to follow their religion. The elected Governments have the rights to protect it. The Assembly unanimously insists that the Union Government should recall the Waqf Amendment Bill in 2024 for Waqf Act 1995 which will badly affect the minority Muslims to be withdrawn,” it stated.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

The government has formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee to examine the Bill in consultation with experts and stakeholders (ANI)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly reprimanded the current Pakistani government, criticising the mounting challenges faced by the country, particularly in the situation in Balochistan and its foreign policy.

Khan, in a statement on March 25, stated that the situation in Pakistan can only be addressed through “genuinely elected public representatives” rather than force or imposed governance, referring to the alleged rigging of the election and delayed result announcement.

Expressing deep concern over rising terrorism in Balochistan, Khan stated, “How can an illegitimate government imposed on Balochistan possibly resolve any issues? … The firing of live ammunition on peaceful protesters, state violence and unlawful arrests are equally deeply troubling. It is the fundamental duty of the state to address the grievances of the people of Balochistan.

“The situation in Balochistan cannot improve unless the genuine public representatives are brought into mainstream, their voices are sincerely heard, and the fate of the region is decided in accordance with the will of the people. Sheer force can never resolve this issue. It would rather deepen crisis and fuel further instability,” he added.

Khan, who is also the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticised the current administration as a “puppet government” born from “fraudulent elections”, accusing it of failing across all fronts, especially in foreign policy.

“We share a 2,200-kilometre border with Afghanistan, and peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. During our tenure, despite strained relations with the Afghan government at the time, we engaged in direct talks with them. The policies we implemented over three years successfully eliminated terrorism. However, after our tenure, the adoption of Biden’s policy led to numerous issues, and today, the public is bearing the consequences in the form of increased terrorism,” he said, slamming the government’s lack of diplomatic engagement with its neighbour.

He also lashed out at the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it has “deteriorated” Pakistan’s judicial system.

Citing his own legal battles, Khan alleged, “My pre-arrest bail hearing in the fabricated May 9th (2023) cases was scheduled after months of delay, but the Lahore High Court bench was dissolved to further delay the process. Similarly, the Toshakhana case, where my trial is being conducted within the jail premises, has been arbitrarily halted without explanation. Previously, the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case was deliberately delayed so that my case could be presented before handpicked judges in the Islamabad High Court following court packing.”

He asserted, “This proves the imposed government’s goal is to keep me jailed at all costs under a well-orchestrated plan, as my cases lack legal standing.”

Khan accused state institutions of fixating on suppressing PTI, controlling media, prisons, and courts, questioning, “Adiala Jail is also being run by a Colonel. What authority does a Colonel have to control a jail?”

He further revealed ongoing restrictions imposed on him, stating, “This week, my sisters were also denied a meeting with me. Despite multiple court orders, I am barred from meeting friends, speaking to my children on the phone, or accessing my diary and books.”

Defiant, he concluded by stating that he will never bow down to “fascism”. (ANI)

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Thursday rejected the notice of privilege motion given by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh had submitted a privilege notice against Amit Shah, accusing him of casting aspersions on former Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi in connection with the functioning of the National Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (NPMRF).

Citing a press document issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on January 24, 1948, the Chairman, while rejecting the privilege motion, stated that there is “no transgression and absolute adherence to truth”.

The Vice President stated that he declined the motion with a “deep sense of anguish and pain.” He remarked that this House will not be a platform to “ruin reputations” of people.

Dhankar said, “I have gone through the document. There is no transgression, absolute adherence to truth, which is vindicated by a document that is available to the members. That being the situation, I cannot persuade myself to any code to this notice of question of privilege against Home Minister Amit Shah… I have declined with a deep sense of anguish and pain that we rush to invoke breach of privilege, we rush to the media and give it traction, try to tarnish the image, and I have said on multiple occasions this house will not be a platform to ruin the reputations of people. We have to protect.”

While reading the cited press release, Dhankar said, “The press release issued by Press Information Bureau in January 24, 1948 says, “I (Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) am therefore starting a fund “Prime Minister National Relief Fund”… It will be managed by the Prime Minister, the President of the Indian National Congress, the Deputy PM and some other members.”

On Wednesday, Congress Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh submitted a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In his notice to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Congress leader alleged that the Home Minister had made unfounded allegations against the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party with “a premeditated motive to malign her reputation.”

Jairam Ramesh cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah reply to the debate on the Disaster Management Bill, 2024 on March 25, 2025.

“The Home Minister’s statement is blatantly false and is defamatory. This is tantamount to breach of privilege of Smt. Sonia Gandhi. Hence, this matter constitutes a breach of privilege and the contempt of the House as well,” the Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha said.

Quoting the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech during his reply to the debate on Disaster Management Bill 2024 on March 25, the Congress claimed that he had said, ” The PM relief fund was made during the Congress regime, and during this government tenure, the PM Cares fund was started. During the Congress regime only one family had control and the Congress president was the member of this. The Congress President a part of a Government fund, what reply will they give to the people of this country. Does not anyone read or see this?”

This the Congress argued constructed a breach of privilege. The notice on the breach of privilege was given under terms of Rule 188 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) “for casting aspersions on Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress leader said that even though the Home Minister didn’t take the name of Sonia Gandhi but he had categorically by implication referred to her and imputed motives to her vis-a-vis the functioning of the National Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (NPMRF).

It is well established that it is breach of privilege and contempt of the House to cast reflections or make derogatory references to any member of the House, the Congress leader said. (ANI)

In a significant policy announcement from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump has declared a 25 per cent tariff on all imported vehicles entering the United States, a move he described as “very exciting” for domestic manufacturing.

The tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, will impact nearly half of all vehicles sold in the United States, including American brands assembled overseas. The wide-ranging measure aims to incentivise car manufacturers to establish more production facilities within US borders.

Industry experts warn that the tariffs could have far-reaching consequences. Autos Drive America, a representative group for international car manufacturers operating in the US, expressed serious concerns about the potential fallout.

“The tariffs will make car production more expensive,” the group stated, “potentially leading to higher prices for consumers, reduced consumer choices, and potential job market disruptions.”

The announcement threatens to escalate trade tensions with key automotive manufacturing nations, including European countries, Japan, and South Korea. These nations export substantial numbers of vehicles to the United States and may view the tariffs as a direct challenge to their automotive industries.

Economists predict the tariffs could increase vehicle prices by thousands of dollars, adding further strain to consumers already grappling with persistent inflation. The move represents a dramatic intervention in the automotive market, potentially reshaping global car manufacturing strategies.

President Trump remained bullish about the policy, stating, “Anybody who has plants in the United States, it’s going to be good for.”

As the automotive industry and global markets absorb this significant policy change, other manufacturers, including those in India, are bracing for bigger changes.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump targeted India’s auto import tariffs in a speech to Congress, stating, “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%,” and vowed that a reciprocal tax would take effect on April 2. He said that the US has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth and vowed not to “let that happen any longer.” (ANI)