Month: April 2025

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore made a comeback in Bengali films after many years with ‘Puratwan’.

On Sunday, her daughter Soha Ali Khan celebrated the comeback, calling her mother “an emotion.”

Sharing Sharmila’s stills from the film, Soha on Instagram wrote, “Celebrating Amma in #puratawn – her wonderful return to Bengali cinema after almost two decades #bts As someone once told me – for us Sharmila Thakur is not a person, she’s an emotion.”

Puratawn won the Best Feature Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Houston and previously received the Best Film and Best Actress (Sharmila Tagore) honours at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival. Actor Indraneil Sengupta plays the male lead as Rituparna’s on-screen husband.

Sharmila started her acting career at 14 with Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed Bengali drama ‘The World of Apu’. She not only established herself in Bengali cinema but also became a prominent star of Bollywood. She worked in movies such as ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, ‘Safar’, ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Aradhana’, ‘Daag’ and others.

From legendary actor Dilip Kumar to Bollywood stars like Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Shammi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar, she acted opposite all these big names in the industry. (ANI)

Delhi Police on Sunday arrested three members of an inter-state human trafficking syndicate and rescued a newborn baby boy aged 3-4 days.

The gang was involved in bringing infants from Gujarat and Rajasthan and supplying them to families in Delhi NCR.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Yashmin (30), wife of Md. Nadeem; Anjali (36), wife of Nitin Kumar; and Jitender (47), son of Late Dhanna Lal. Police said Anjali had been previously involved in a similar case.

The team of Special Staff, Dwarka, received input about a human trafficking network and developed the information further. Call detail records of more than 20 suspected numbers were examined, and a watch was kept on the suspects for about 20 days.

On April 8, 2025, the police team detained three individuals from Uttam Nagar, Delhi. A newborn child, estimated to be 3-4 days old, was found with them.

A case was registered at Uttam Nagar Police Station under FIR No. 178/25, dated 8th April. It was filed under Sections 143(4), 61(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dwarka Ankit Singh, during questioning, the accused said they were working under instructions from a woman named Saroj.

“During interrogation, they disclosed that on the instructions of gang leader Saroj, they, along with their associates, brought newborns from Rajasthan and Gujarat and used to sell them to rich families in Delhi for around Rs 5-10 lakh,” he said.

Police said that further investigation is underway to locate the child’s parents, the gang leader Saroj, and other associates. (ANI)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati reinducted her nephew Akash Anand into the party on Sunday after he issued a public apology and pledged loyalty to the party and its principles. However, she made it clear that reinducting his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, is not possible, citing his involvement in serious anti-party activities.

In a series of posts on X, the BSP chief said that a decision has been made to give her nephew “another chance.”

“In his four posts on X today, Mr. Akash Anand publicly acknowledged his mistakes, expressed full respect and honor towards senior members, and pledged not to be influenced by his father-in-law’s words, instead dedicating his life to the BSP party and the movement. In view of this, the decision has been made to give him another chance,” Mayawati wrote in her post.

In another post, the BSP chief spoke about speculations around her health and succession within the party, stating, “As for me, I am currently in good health, and as long as I remain fully healthy, like the respected Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, I will continue to work with full dedication and sincerity for the party and the movement. In such a situation, the question of appointing a successor does not arise. I am firm on my decision and will remain so.”

Referring to Akash’s father-in-law, Mayawati made it clear that his actions had harmed the party significantly. “The mistakes of Akash’s father-in-law, Shri Ashok Siddharth, are unforgivable. Through factionalism and other serious anti-party activities, he has not only harmed the party but also left no stone unturned in ruining Akash’s career. Therefore, the question of forgiving him or taking him back into the party does not arise,” she wrote.

Akash Anand had been expelled from the BSP following a controversial tweet and internal disagreements. The BSP chief’s announcement regarding his reinstatement came a public apology, in which he pledged complete alignment with the party’s leadership and promised to avoid external influences.

In his apology, posted on X, Anand addressed Mayawati with respect and referred to her as his sole political mentor and ideal.

“I consider the National President of BSP, four-time Chief Minister of U.P. and many-time Member of Parliament of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respected sister Ms. Mayawati, as my only political guru and ideal,” he wrote.

Anand also stated that personal relationships, particularly with his in-laws, would not influence his political decisions moving forward. “Today I take this vow that for the benefit of Bahujan Samaj Party, I will not let my relations and especially my in-laws become an obstacle,” he posted.

Expressing regret over the tweet that led to his expulsion, he wrote, “I also apologise for my tweet made a few days ago, due to which respected sister has expelled me from the party.”

He further committed to seeking guidance only from Mayawati in the future.

“From now on, I will ensure that I will not take any advice from any relative or advisor for any of my political decisions. And I will only follow the guidelines given by respected sister.”

Anand assured Mayawati of his complete dedication to the party’s principles.

“I appeal to respected sister ji to forgive all my mistakes and give me a chance to work in the party again. I will not make any such mistake in future which will hurt the self-respect and self-esteem of the party and respected sister ji,” he added. (ANI)

Vacation mode is on for siblings Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan as they are currently having a fun time in Switzerland.

On Sunday, Ibrahim took to Instagram and shared a couple of pictures from his Swiss vacation. He served “good looks, good looks and good looks” as he posed for the pictures clicked by his sister and actor Sara. In one of the images, Sara could be seen clicking Ibrahim as the two sat against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Ibrahim tagged the location as Interlaken, Switzerland.

Both Sara and Ibrahim often flaunt their love for each other publicly. Last month, Sara posted a heartwarming birthday wish for Ibrahim.

Sharing pictures from Ibrahim’s birthday celebration on Instagram Story and wrote, “Happiest birthday brother mine…It’s now your time to sparkle shine and shine. Another year of Nadaniyaan.”

Ibrahim, son of former couple Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, recently made his acting debut with Netflix film ‘Nadaaniyan’, which also featured Khushi Kapoor. The film failed to create an impression on the audience. Now, it’s to be seen how Ibrahim performs next in his upcoming projects.

The details regarding his future films/shows are yet to be disclosed. (ANI)

Days after violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the “situation is under control.”

“The situation is fully under control,” West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar told reporters on Sunday.

Three people were killed in the Murshidabad district following violent clashes linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, the police said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Jangipur SP Ananda Roy said that the condition in the area is improving.

Jangipur SP Ananda Roy told ANI, “In Suti, 71 people were arrested, while 67 arrests have been made in Samserganj. The condition is better, things are improving. There have been many rumours, I request everyone not to go by rumours. We arrested many people yesterday and the process is going on. We will arrest the rest of the miscreants too.”

West Bengal Police have arrested 150 individuals in connection with the Murshidabad violence. According to a police statement, adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, Suti, and other affected areas to maintain order.

BJP MP from Purulia Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, citing a deteriorating security situation and alleging targeted violence against the Hindu community.

In a letter sent this week, Mahato requested that Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas be declared ‘disturbed areas’ under AFSPA.

“For the last many days, a ‘Jammu & Kashmir type’ situation – when Hindus were forced to migrate in the 1990s – has been created, especially in these four districts of Bengal,” Mahato said while speaking to ANI.

He added, “I have requested the Union Home Minister to implement AFSPA and hand over control to the central forces. Otherwise, what happened in Syria or is happening in Bangladesh, what happened in Jammu & Kashmir – a similar situation is unfolding here now.”

On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces “immediately” in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far.

Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who has filed a PIL seeking deployment of central forces and an NIA probe, said, “For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district.”

The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. (ANI)

Sunday turned out to be special for Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor’s fans, as she surprised them by grooving to her hit song ‘Chammak Challo’ from Ra.One’.

While attending a jewellery brand event in Dubai, Kareena left everyone nostalgic as she danced her heart out to the track. She was all smiles throughout the event, and several clips from it surfaced online, garnering loads of compliments.

And like always, she did not forget to steal attention with her fashion statement. She looked stunning in a sage-green embellished saree.

Flaunting her glamorous look, Kareena shared a couple of pictures in saree and captioned it, “Day dreaming about my kadhi chawal.”

Meanwhile, Kareena is receiving loads of love for embracing her age.

At a launch event for nutritionist Rutuja Diwekar’s book ‘The Commonsense Diet’, in Mumbai, Kareena emphasised ageing gracefully and naturally rather than relying on skin treatments such as botox.

“Age is just a number. My only thing is I always want to be fit to take on whatever old age brings. I want to be able to do what I have to do whether it has to go to sets at 70, 75. I want to keep working until 85, all my life. I want be able to bend to pick up my grandchildren. I want be able to do things and not be dependent on someone or a stick,” Kareena said.

“For that, I have to eat right, and have mobility to work out. It’s not about the way I look, it’s about the way I feel and that’s what for me, aging and life is. I am embracing it but I’m taking all these particular things, like eating ghee, eating khichdi, doing a little bit of weight training for muscle strength, walking a little, my Surya Namaskars, doing my little work on my own rather than skin treatments and botox,” she added. (ANI)

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s fifties powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a dominating nine-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season on Sunday at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat won the toss and opted to bowl first against RR.

Kohli and Salt opened the RCB innings, and Salt again gave Bengaluru an aggressive start, smashing all bowlers in the powerplay. Virat Kohli smartly rotated the strike and gave it to Salt.

RCB finished their power play on 65/0, Phil Salt 46 (23) and Virat Kohli 18 (13), Phil Salt brought up his fifty in the 8th over, and he kept smashing RR bowlers even after the field restrictions.

Kumar Kartikeya removed Phil Salt in the 9th over for 65 (33). His innings included five fours and six sixes. Devdutt Padikkal joined Virat Kohli in the middle. After 10 overs, RCB were way ahead in the game at 101/1: Virat Kohli 27 and Padikkal 6.

Salt counter-attacked RR bowlers before getting out, which gave RCB batters the freedom to take their time on the crease and play accordingly. Virat Kohli played anchoring innings, taking singles and doubles at regular intervals.

RR bowlers looked clueless in front of RCB batters. Virat Kohli brought up his fifty with a straight six to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 15th over. His third in this edition of IPL and 100th overall in T20 internationals.

Padikkal charged on Tushar Deshpande in the 16th over, hitting him for 13 runs with a four and six each. RR dropped four catches in the second innings and was very sloppy on the field.

On a slow track where RR batters struggled to hit boundaries at regular intervals, RCB’s run rate did not come down under 10. Padikkal opened his arms and scored quickly after the 15th over.

Virat Kohli 62(45) and Devdutt Padikkal’s 40 (28) helped RCB chase a difficult target of 174 in the 18th over. The duo added 83 runs for the second wicket.

In bowling, only Kumar Kartikeya (1/25) took a wicket rest all the RR bowlers took a hammering from the RCB batters.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s outstanding 75 and Dhruv Jurel’s crucial 35 powered the Rajasthan Royals to 173/4 in their 20-overs clash.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson opened the innings for RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal played the power-play well but RR skipper Sanju Samson found it very difficult to score, he got out in the 7th over of the innings, getting trapped by Krunal Pandya for 15 (19).

Sanju struggled to score runs which led RR to finish their power-play on 45/0. Riyan Parag joined Jaiswal in the middle, and as the partnership was building between Parag and Jaiswal, Yash Dayal dropped a sitter catch of Riyan Parag on Suyash Sharma’s bowling in the 10th over.

In the halfway RR made 77/1. Parag and Jaiswal played well after the power-play. They consistently rotated the strike and kept scoring boundaries in every over, Jaiswal bought up his fifty in the 13th over, his second in the IPL 2025.

Parag and Jaiswal crossed a 50-run partnership for the second wicket in the 13th over after Parag played a backfoot punch straight into Virat Kohli’s hand at short covers in the 14th over, courtesy of Yash Dayal’s bowling, Parag made 30(22) including three fours and a six.

Just when Jaiswal and Parag were looking to raise the rate, Parag fell to Yash Dayal. Dhruv Jurel joined Jaiswal in the middle, Jurel started very slowly which resulted in Jaiswal trying too many shots and falling to Josh Hazlewood in the 16th over for 75 (47) including ten fours and two sixes. Shimron Hetmyer joined Dhruv Jurel for the final four over, Suyash Sharma was unlucky today as two chances went down in his spell, and Virat Kohli dropped an easy catch of Dhruv Jurel in the 17th over on longoff.

Seven misfields and two dropped catches from RCB fielders today. Jurel took on Dayal in the 19th over, smashing a six and four in the first two balls, adding 15 runs off his last over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled an outstanding 20th over, giving away 11 runs and took the wicket of Hetmyer. Jurel played a vital hand of 35 (23) which helped RR post a target of 174 for RCB.

In bowling, Krunal Pandya (1/29), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/32), Josh Hazlewood (1/26) and Yash Dayal (1/36) took a wicket each, Suyash Sharma (0/39) went wicketless.

Brief score: Rajasthan Royals ( Yashasvi Jaiswal 75, Dhruv Jurel 35; Krunal Pandya 1/29) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru ( Phil Salt 65, Virat Kohli 62; Kumar Kartikeya (1/25). (ANI)

Spiritual leader Brahmavihari Swami said that more than 2.5 million people from across religions, races, and regions have visited the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi in the past year. He stated that the temple has become a spiritual oasis for global harmony, where people come, pray, and go back with greater joy and love in their own lives. 

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Global Justice, Love, and Peace Summit in Dubai on Sunday, Brahmavihari Swami said that the temple was gifted by Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, guided by Mahant Swami Maharaj, and has been the integral effort of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, he said, believes in creating more harmony across India and the world.

About the response received by BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi, he said, “In the last one year, more than 2.5 million people have come, and people have come not just from the Hindu community, from across world, religions and races and regions. The Mandir itself, the journey itself was one of harmony, where more than 70,000 people have come forward to place a brick to make the mandir and the mandir that has been made, it has become a spiritual oasis for global harmony where people come, pray, and go back with greater joy and love in their own life.”

“So, it shows that religions can coexist, that countries can help one another, where culture can no longer be a point of conflict, but it creates cohesion. So, the Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which has been gifted by the generous generosity of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the entire family and which has been actually guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj Maharaj and inspired by him, but it has been the integral effort of our Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, who genuinely believes in creating more harmony across our nation and across the world,” he added.

The BAPS Temple, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on February 14 last year. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, was also present at the inauguration.

Brahmavihari Swami called harmony the most important thing and highlighted its importance in a family and nation. He stated that harmony is very important and stressed that it is the role of every person, whether professional, educational, or spiritual, to generate more harmony.

At the Global Justice, Love and Peace Summit, he said, “The most important thing, in my opinion, is harmony. We can have great countries, strong nations. We can have enlightened communities, but if we cannot live in harmony, then there’s no purpose. Even the strongest nations, if they are not harmonious, are rogue nations. Even the biggest corporations, if they are not harmonious, are not comfortable for the people who work for them. Even the wealthiest family, if it’s not harmonious, then it’s a broken family, and even an individual, if he or she is not harmonious with herself, her thoughts, then it’s a very terrible depressed life.”

“So harmony is very important and it is not just the role of religions to generate harmony, but every field, whether it’s professional, whether it’s educational, whether it’s you know people that create industrial and whether it’s spiritual, everybody has to play that part to generate more and more harmony. So I’m really glad that an effort is being made with this Global Justice Love and Peace Summit in Dubai where people from all different fields and professions, the best and the most excellent people, have gathered together to spend time for thinking about harmony, communicativeness, love and justice and I’m very, very happy and privileged to be a part of this entire programme,” he added.

The Global Justice, Love, and Peace Summit is taking place in Dubai from April 12-13. The gathering is dedicated to the ideals of justice, love and peace. (ANI)

In a major success for the country, India today joined the select League of Nations, including the US, China and Russia, with the capability of shooting down fixed-wing drones and swarm drones using a high-energy 30-kilowatt laser beam.

The successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system was showcased at the National Open Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials told ANI here.

Success has put India in the exclusive and limited club of nations that possess the high-power Laser-DEW.

Speaking with ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said, “As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system.”

Kamat said that this is just the “beginning of the journey”, adding that DRDO is working on a number of technologies “that will give us Star Wars capability.”

“This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon… We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies,” Kamat said.

Indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered to the target within few seconds made it the most potent Counter Drone System.

DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL and academic institutions and Indian industries.

Once detected by a radar or by its inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system, laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense beam of powerful light (Laser Beam) to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionize the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage.

The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. The DEW will soon be replacing traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness. The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide. The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term & low-cost alternative to defeat the target.

Today’s demonstration of the DEW System was witnessed by Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO. He congratulated the DRDO team and said that the inclusion of DEW Mk-II(A) in the services will boost their layered air defense capability. The Director General (ECS), along with the Directors and officers of DRDO Labs, were also present during the trial. (ANI)

Union Minister of State (MoS) Home Nityanand Rai on Sunday hit out at Congress for “insulting” Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that Dr Ambedkar was “insulted” so much that he had to resign from Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.

On the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working to fulfil Dr Ambedkar’s dreams to ensure no one stays hungry or homeless. Rai added that 125 crore people have come out of poverty.

“BR Ambedkar, who is the father of India’s Constitution…he wanted a poverty-free country…PM Modi is working to fulfil BR Ambedkar’s dreams. Congress always insulted BR Ambedkar and defeated him in the election; he was insulted so much that he had to resign from Nehru’s cabinet…today, under PM Modi’s leadership, we are working day and night to ensure that no one stays hungry and homeless, we can see the results of it. In India, 125 crore people have come out of poverty,” Rai told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya paid tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Patna and commenced the ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ program.

Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha were also present at the event to pay homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar and Bharat Mata. Dilip Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit president, and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also paid tributes to the architect of the Indian constitution and participated in the Padayatra event.

The program comes a day ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti, which is scheduled to be celebrated on April 14 across the country.

Mandaviya, while addressing the ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ program on Sunday, said that the youths were the future of the country and further urged them to respect the constitution and fulfil the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

“Youth is the future of the country. Dr BR Ambedkar wrote the constitution and, through it, gave equal rights to the people of the country. The youth must move forward with these rights, respect the constitution and fulfil the goal of Viksit Bharat…” Mandaviya said, addressing the event.

The event commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ honours his legacy and 10,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers.

“PM Modi has resolved to establish Viksit Bharat in 2047 when the country completes 100 years of independence. This padayatra has been organized so that crores of youth become a part of this resolve,” added Mandaviya. (ANI)