Month: April 2025

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has been facing backlash over his alleged remarks against Brahmins.

In an earlier post on social media, Anurag Kashyap had questioned the controversy surrounding the upcoming film ‘Phule’, a biopic of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, who fought against caste discrimination. He was critical of the CBFC on the reported censorship of the film.

His posts did not go down well many, leading to police complaints against him. On Saturday, a fresh complaint was filed in Indore against Kashyap over his controversial casteist remark.

MG Road PS In charge Vijay Singh Sisodia told ANI, “A complaint has been filed by Anoop Shukla against film director Anurag Kashyap as he has hurt the social and religious sentiments of the Brahmin community and made objectionable comments. The investigation is underway.”

Advocate Ashish Rai lawyer has also demanded action from the Mumbai Police Commissioner against Kashyap.

“Recently, a controversial comment has been made regarding Brahmins, which comes under hate speech. There is a citation from the Supreme Court which states that if any content like hate speech is given by anyone on the social media platform, then definitely an FIR should be filed and the state should take Suo moto cognisance in such a matter…These statements are highly condemnable and action should be taken on this. Keeping this in mind, a complaint has been filed today in the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office, and we demand action on this matter,” the lawyer said.

Amid the uproar, Kashyap on Friday night issued an apology, saying his “daughter, family, friends and colleagues getting rape and death threats”.

He said his apology was not for his post but for a comment ‘taken out of context’.

His apology read, “This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line taken out of context and the brewing hatred…So, what has been said cannot be taken back — and I won’t take it back. But if you want to abuse someone, direct it at me. My family hasn’t said anything and they never do (sic).”

“So, if it’s an apology you’re looking for, then this is my apology. Brahmins, please spare the women — even the scriptures teach this much decency, not just Manusmriti. Decide for yourselves what kind of Brahmins you truly are. As for me, I offer my apology,” he added. (ANI)

India and France are expected to sign their largest-ever defence deal for the sale of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy on April 28 in the presence of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

Defence sources told ANI that senior officials will represent the two sides at the signing of the over Rs 63,000 crore contract.

The sources said that the event is also planned to be held outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in South Block.

The French Minister is expected to reach India on Sunday evening and return on Monday late evening, the sources said.

India had cleared its largest-ever defence deal for 26 Rafale-Marine combat aircraft with France earlier this month on April 9 at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under a government-to-government deal.

This government-to-government contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous component manufacturing.

These fighters will be operational from INS Vikrant and will support the existing Mig-29 K fleet.

The Indian Air Force already has a fleet of 36 aircraft acquired under a separate deal inked in 2016. The IAF Rafale jets operate from their two bases in Ambala and Hashinara.

The deal for 26 Rafale-Ms will increase the number of Rafale jets to 62 and increase the number of 4.5-plus-generation aircraft in the Indian arsenal.

A new tender from the Indian Air Force for competition for multirole fighter aircraft is expected to be issued soon.

However, the Indian Air Force has shown keenness to acquire a particular aircraft to meet its immediate requirements. (ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday slammed Pakistan for misusing the platform of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during a special briefing held ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was asked about Pakistan’s repeated misuse of the OIC, where Saudi Arabia is regarded as a leading voice.

Responding to the question, Misri said, “On Pakistan’s misuse of the OIC – it’s a habit of long standing, one that we have regularly spoken out against and also raised with our friends and partners in the OIC.”

Calling Pakistan’s actions “shenanigans,” Misri added, “There is a certain view about these shenanigans that Pakistan practices in the OIC on the part of our colleagues and friends amongst the members of other members of the OIC, but we will continue to share our views and bring to their attention what exactly we think of these attempts that Pakistan habitually makes.”

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), according to its official website, is the second-largest intergovernmental organisation after the United Nations. It has 57 member countries across four continents and claims to represent the collective voice of the Muslim world. The organisation works to protect the interests of Muslims and promote peace and harmony around the globe.

Misri’s remarks come ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22 and 23, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The Prime Minister’s engagements will take place in Jeddah, and the visit marks his first to the country during his third term in office. Modi had previously visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 and 2019.

The visit also follows the State Visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi in September 2023. During that visit, he co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside Prime Minister Modi.

Foreign Secretary Misri, in the briefing, said the upcoming visit reflects the strong and growing partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. (ANI)

The death toll in the early morning building collapse in Mustafabad area in the national capital on Saturday has risen to 11, according to Delhi Police.

Out of the 11 people who were confirmed to be injured in the incident, six people have been discharged from hospitals while five others are still undergoing treatment.

A total of 11 people who were trapped in the collapsed building were rescued.

As per a statement of the Delhi Police this morning, “Among the 10 people who were taken out, four succumbed. Rescue operations still underway.”

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, Delhi Police and other volunteers carried out rescue efforts after the four storey residential building collapsed.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condoled the loss of lives and has ordered a probe into the incident, assuring that strict action will be ensured against the culprits. “May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss,” she posted on X. (ANI)

Ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled to take place later this year, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has showcased willingness to get back together with his cousin Raj Thackeray, who has been estranged for many years.

While addressing the function of his party’s trade union wing, Bhartiya Kamgar Sena in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray said that he is ready to get back together with Raj Thackeray by keeping all the issues aside for the sake of Marathi language and culture. Uddhav’s response has come when during a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief said that he can keep aside minor differences with Uddhav and can work for the interest of Maharashtra.

Uddhav Thackeray said that he wants to keep aside all the meaningless fights and appealed to all the Maharashtra people to come together for the sake of Marathi and Maharashtra.

“What I want to say is that I also appeal to all Marathi people to come together for the benefit of Maharashtra and Marathi”, Uddhav Thackeray said.

He further said that during the Lok Sabha elections, his party kept on raising the issue that the industries of Maharashtra are going towards Gujarat. Uddhav stated that if Raj Thackeray would have opposed the issue at that time, a government in the centre today would not have been in power.

“During the Lok Sabha elections when we were saying that the industries of Maharashtra are going to Gujarat, if you had opposed at that time then the government which is in power in the center today would not have been there. We would have formed a government which thinks about the welfare of Maharashtra at the center and in the state also a government which thinks about the welfare of Maharashtra would have been in power. This time we would have abolished black laws like the labor law”, Uddhav Thackeray said.

“Sometimes we will support, sometimes we will oppose and sometimes we will compromise. This will not work, I will not come in the way of Maharashtra’s interest. I will not compromise with them, I will not invite them to my home, I will not go to their house either, I will not welcome them, I will not sit in a row with them, first decide this, then you talk about Maharashtra’s interest, as for the rest of the fight, anyway I did not have any fight with anyone, but today I end all fights and now only Maharashtra’s interest”, he added.

The BMC elections are expected to be held in October this year. (ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs, during its special press briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, expressed gratitude towards Saudi Authorities for increasing the registration of Hajj pilgrims.

In his remarks, speaking about the Hajj pilgrimage, Misri said, “You are aware that over the last decade , government has actually accorded very high priority to consistently raise India’s annual quota for pilgrims to be able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.”

“It is a result of India’s sustained effort over a decade that the Hajj quota has increased,” Misri informed.

Describing the manner in which the quota is handled he said, “Out of the total quota 175,000, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which works through the Hajj Committee of India is responsible for managing arrangements for 122518 pilgrims under the main quota.. the remaining quota of roughly 52000 is allotted for administration and management, as is customary practice over long period of time to private tour operators.”

He noted that many of the operators were unable to comply with the timelines set by Saudi authorities thus failed to finalise contracts for stay in Mina and also for transportation.

“We have engaged with Saudi authorities at multiple levels. The Saudi authorities have told us they are very concerned about the safety of pilgrims and their well-being, especially in Mina, you’re aware that the Hajj times takes place as it will this year in very hot conditions,” Misri said.

“You’re also aware of the very unfortunate accident that took place last year that resulted in the loss of a large number of lives. So the concern is that we have seen on the part of Saudi authorities is well placed, but nevertheless, the government continued to persist and raise with the Saudi authorities the issue of allowing or enabling the private tour operators to be able to use the quota, or part of the quota that was allotted to them and as a result of this intervention, there has been an in principle agreement whereby the Saudi Hajj Ministry has agreed to facilitate the registration of an additional 10,000 pilgrims based on current availability in Mina,” he added.

Misri further added, “The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been in touch with the combined Hajj group operators to essentially get them ready to avail of this opportunity, and we look forward to the facilitation of this in the very, very near future. We obviously appreciate this gesture from the Saudi authorities. We remain in touch with them for any further measures that they could take to accommodate more pilgrims.”

In his remarks the Foreign Secretary also noted that the facilitation of Hajj is a very important issue between India and Saudi Arabia. Misri said, “The facilitation of the Hajj is a very important issue bilaterally between India and Saudi Arabia and it is only to be expected that the issue will figure in the discussions during the upcoming visit”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Saudi Arabia next week at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with his official engagements scheduled to take place in Jeddah on April 22 and 23.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a special briefing held by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, highlighted the significance of the upcoming trip and reaffirmed the strong trajectory of India-Saudi Arabia ties.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the upcoming April 22-23 visit will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to the country in his third term.

Previously, he has travelled to the Saudi kingdom twice in 2016 and in 2019. The visit follows the State Visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi in September 2023 to attend the G20 Summit and co-chair the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. (ANI)

Delhi Capitals (DC) batter KL Rahul completed 200 sixes in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the sixth Indian and overall 11th player to do so.

The classy right-hander accomplished this milestone during his side’s IPL match against the Gujarat Titans (GT).

During the match, KL played a short, but fiery knock of 28 in just 14 balls, with four boundaries and a six. His runs came at a strike rate of 200. His innings was brief but a pleasing one as the wicketkeeper-batter continued this season with a positive and attacking intent.

In an IPL career spanning 138 matches and 129 innings, KL has hit 200 sixes and scored 4,949 runs at an average of 45.82 and a strike rate of over 135. The batter has hit four centuries and 39 fifties, with the best score of 132*.

The top six hitters in the competition are: Chris Gayle (357 sixes), Rohit Sharma (286 sixes), and Virat Kohli (282 sixes)

In the ongoing season, KL is DC’s top run-getter and overall fourth-highest run-getter, with 266 runs in six innings at an average of 53.20 and a strike rate of 158.33. He has scored two half-centuries, with the best score of 93*.

Coming to the match, GT won the toss and opted to field first.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (w), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (w), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar. (ANI)

Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged demonstrations in several parts of the country against the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the violence that broke out in Murshidabad on April 11 during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

During today’s protest, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal strongly criticised the West Bengal Chief Minister saying, “We cannot let the country be on the verge of terrorism, and we will protect the Hindus from every danger. Mamata Banerjee herself acknowledged that foreign people were involved in the Murshidabad violence. If such is the case, was she sleeping? Why didn’t she demand an NIA investigation?

Bansal further alleged that the current West Bengal government is acting against the interests of Hindus. “We will remove this government of ‘invaders’… Mamata Banerjee has been continuously supporting ‘jihadis’. What the communist did earlier, she is doing now…”

Similar protests were held in Hyderabad, where VHP and Bajrang Dal members protested against the West Bengal government.

On Friday, International President of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegations against the BSF on Murshidabad violence over the Waqf Amendment Act, calling them “irresponsible” and “false”, made during a meeting with a Muslim cleric.

Kumar suggested that the Centre should consider imposing President’s Rule in West Bengal due to the current situation and questioned why Mamata had not requested an NIA investigation if she believed there was a connection with Bangladesh.

Alok Kumar said, “The issue is that if Bangladesh was involved and she feels that the BSF is responsible, then the jurisdiction is of NIA. Will she ask the central government to have the NIA investigate it? I think such irresponsible statements should not be made against our own security forces. No evidence has been presented. This is the lowest level of politics where you make such false allegations in a meeting of Muslim clerics.”

Violence erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which resulted in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and widespread property damage. Several families have been displaced, with many migrating to Jharkhand’s Pakur district, while others have taken refuge in relief camps set up in Malda. (ANI)

Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested on Saturday and later taken to the General Hospital by Kochi City North Police officials for a medical test in connection with alleged drug use, Kerala police officials said in an official statement.

As per the statement, the Malayalam actor appeared before the police in connection with an incident where he ran away from a hotel room in Kochi during a raid.

Earlier, the police had stated that Shine would appear at 10:30 am. However, he reached the Ernakulam North Police Station with his lawyers at 10 am, half an hour earlier than expected.

Shine appeared in response to a notice issued by the police, which asked him to explain the reason behind his attempt to flee from the hotel room.

On April 17, BJP leader Nivedita Subramanian slammed the Kerala government for its silence on the rising number of abuse cases against women in the state’s film industry.

This follows Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious filing a complaint against Shine Tom Chacko, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour and substance abuse on set.

Subramanian slammed the Kerala government for “remaining silent” on the growing cases of abuse against women.

While speaking to ANI, Subramanian said, “In Kerala, abuse of women and children is on the rise, especially in sectors like the film industry. There have been many issues, such as the casting couch, but the ruling party is actually silent on these matters and is blind to the atrocities happening to women.”

Subramanian went on to say that similar complaints had been raised in the past, but the government continues to ignore them.

“We have raised this issue many times before the ruling party and the leaders of the state, but the government is actually doing nothing to address it and is facilitating such mafias,” she added.

Aloshious recently filed a formal complaint against Shine Tom Chacko with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the film industry’s internal complaints committee.

Known for her roles in Rekha, Vikruthi, and Jana Gana Mana, Vincy shared her discomfort in an Instagram video, saying the actor’s behaviour–especially on the sets of Suthravakyam–was inappropriate and unprofessional.

In the video, Vincy said, “Some days ago, at an anti-drug campaign, I made a statement that I would not work with people I know who use drugs. After that, several comments were made questioning my statement, and I felt the need to clarify why I had made it. I am doing this video to make my stand clear.”

She went on to describe specific incidents that made her feel uncomfortable during the shoot. She alleged that the actor, who was the lead artist in the film, misbehaved with her and a fellow colleague while under the influence of drugs.

One such incident, she said, involved the actor offering to accompany her to fix a wardrobe malfunction in front of the entire crew. Vincy said she found the offer inappropriate and difficult to accept.

She also described another unsettling moment where the actor was allegedly seen using a white powder during a rehearsal.

“He was spitting some kind of white powder onto the table, which was very evident that he was using drugs on set,” Vincy said. She added that although she felt uncomfortable, she continued working on the film because the actor played a major role in it.

Vincy further claimed that the production team was aware of the issue. While the director addressed the matter, the shooting went on as planned due to the actor’s importance in the film.

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, one of the leading bodies in the state’s film industry, is now reviewing the complaint filed by Vincy. (ANI)

The United States is ready to recognise Russian control over Crimea as part of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, CNN reported, citing an official familiar with the proposed framework.

The peace proposal includes an immediate ceasefire between the two countries. The framework was shared with the Ukrainian and European officials in Paris on Thursday.

A phone call regarding this proposal also took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, CNN reported, quoting sources.

However, there are some pieces that still need to be filled out, and the US is planning to work with Europe and Ukraine on that next week in London, the source said.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 following a military invasion — a move widely condemned as illegal by the international community.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly refused to cede the territory to Russia.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump also signalled the US may “take a pass” on its efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if either side makes negotiations too difficult, CNN reported.

“If, for some reason, one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say, ‘You’re foolish, you’re foolish. You’re horrible people,’ and we’re just going to take a pass,” Trump said.

Despite the warning, Trump expressed cautious optimism about securing a deal, CNN reported. “I think we have a really good chance of getting it done. It’s coming to a head right now,” he added.

Trump’s remarks came after a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested abandoning the peace efforts in Ukraine within “days.”

Speaking in Paris after high-level talks with European, Ukrainian, and Russian officials, Rubio stressed the urgency of determining whether the war can be ended or not.

“We need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable,” he told reporters before departing Paris. (ANI)