Month: May 2025

In a dazzling culmination of grace, beauty, and strength, Thailand’s Opal Suchata was crowned Miss World 2025 in a star-studded ceremony in Hyderabad, Telangana.

The grand finale of the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant saw reigning queen Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic pass on her crown to the new titleholder.

Wearing a gown that symbolised both healing and strength, Opal walked across the stage in a delicate white fabric adorned with opal-like florals.

She described the gown as a tribute to the powerful journey of “Opal For HER,” representing the gem’s inherent qualities of beauty, resilience, and transformation.

“The shimmering white fabric and delicate opal-like florals reflect women who choose hope over fear,” Opal shared on her Instagram handle, adding, “The soft flare mirrors the ripple effect of compassion–how one heart can awaken many. Swarovski crystals sparkle like the inner light that guides us through darkness.”

This symbolic dress was not just an outfit–it was a celebration of every woman who dares to dream, even in the face of adversity. “Just like the opal, I shine in my own light,” Opal shared on Instagram.

While Thailand rejoices in Opal’s crowning, India’s hopes were dashed as Nandini Gupta, the country’s representative, failed to make it into the Top 8 finalists.

The announcement came through Miss World’s official Instagram page.

Nandini had made it to the Top 40 after a standout performance in the earlier rounds, where she was among the 18 contestants who ‘fast-tracked’ to this prestigious category.

However, she could not make it to the final cut, and as the competition progressed.

The 72nd edition of Miss World has made history as India once again hosts the prestigious pageant, following the highly successful 71st edition in Mumbai, where Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic was crowned.

Tonight, she passed on her crown to Opal Suchata, who will now carry the legacy forward. (ANI)

Actress and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta is mourning the loss of her father, Wing Commander LK Dutta (retd), who passed away earlier today.

The news comes just days after the family marked his 84th birthday on May 12, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of Lara’s Miss Universe win.

The funeral was performed at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai, where close friends and family gathered to pay their final respects.

Earlier this month, Lara had shared a series of heartfelt photos with her father on social media, including one in which he was seen seated in a wheelchair.

She also posted images from a puja ceremony held in his honour on his birthday, writing, “Yesterday was a day of roller coaster emotions….. the 12th of May…….. a significant day in my life! Not just my Dad’s birthday, but also the day I won Miss Universe 25 years ago! Time certainly flies!”

In a touching tribute, she reflected on the transient nature of life, adding, “Marked the day yesterday with a puja to celebrate my father’s life…… knowing full well how fleeting and fragile life is, it’s important to acknowledge and be grateful for the gifts the universe bestows upon us. Thank you for the love and for your companionship over the last 25 years!”

Wing Commander LK Dutta (retd) had a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force and was a strong influence in Lara Dutta’s life.

On the professional front, Lara was last seen in the political action drama ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’, which premiered on JioCinema on April 25.

The series, produced by Sphereorigins Multivision, features a powerful ensemble cast including Ashutosh Rana and Ashish Vidyarthi, and has received acclaim for its compelling storyline.

Looking ahead, Lara is set to appear in several projects, including ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, ‘Suryast’, and the highly anticipated ‘Ramayana’ adaptation. (ANI)

Almost a decade ago, actor Rajpal Yadav, who is best known for his comic roles in films such as ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Dhol’, and ‘Hungama’, tried his hand at politics with the launch of his party ‘Sarva Sambhav Party(SSP)’.

However, he left politics later as films are his first love and he wanted to focus on them.

In an interview with ANI, Rajpal looked back at his political career, indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives towards environment preservation and fighting global warming played a role in his decision to take a step back from electoral politics.

“In 2019, because of Modi sahab I said goodbye to politics forever…Jal, jungle,zameen, paryavaran, pahad mera in 4-5 cheezo mein bhaut shauk tha. (water, forest, land, environment, mountains, in these four-five things, I had a lot of interest, I realised whatever changes I wanted to bring, have been made by Modiji. Especially with the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, he brought all the citizens together to fight against all the odds”

Despite an interest in politics, Yadav distanced himself to focus more on his acting career.

” It’s difficult to do both jobs (acting and politics) together. Both require proper time and attention…Also, ‘Kala’ mera pehla pyaar hai (Art is my first love). I feel more comfortable there,” he shared.

Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Urmila Matondkar also tested political waters but later decided to move away. (ANI)

Seven people have been killed due to a landslide on the National Highway in Seppa West assembly constituency, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung said on Saturday.

He expressed condolences over the loss of life in the incident that occurred between Bana village and the Seppa area and advised people to avoid travelling at night during the monsoon season.

“It’s very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in my Assembly constituency due to a landslide on NH 13 Road in between Bana & Seppa. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I request everyone to remain vigilant and avoid travelling at night during the monsoon season. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. May their souls rest in peace. Om Shanti Shanti,” Natung posted on X.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also offered condolences.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Arunachal Pradesh that claimed seven innocent lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace. Prayers for strength and healing to all affected by this heartbreaking loss,” Rijiju posted on X.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for Arunachal Pradesh for the coming week, till June 6, predicting “very heavy rain, thunderstorm and Lightning” on May 31.

Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast “heavy rain, thunderstorms and Lightning” from June 1 to 5 while predicting only “heavy rain” on June 5 and 6.

Earlier this week, the IMD issued a multi-hazard weather warning, predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in many parts of the country.

Several other regions including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Lakshadweep, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Odisha and Telangana may experience heavy rain at isolated places, the weather department had said.

Thunderstorms with lightning alone were also expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Konkan region in Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada; and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. (ANI)

India’s Nandini Gupta failed to secure a spot in the coveted Top 8 in the Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad.

Despite her strong performance, Gupta, 21, did not make it to the final round of the competition, which was recently announced through the official Miss World Instagram page.

Nandini, who had already earned a place in the Top 40 at the 72nd edition of the contest, was one of the 18 contestants to ‘fast track’ into this category during the event held on Saturday evening at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.

However, her journey ended before she could advance further into the final ranks.

The top 8 finalists for Miss World 2025 were revealed, with representatives from various regions of the world making it through. The list includes:

Americas and Caribbean: Brazil, Martinique

Africa: Ethiopia, Namibia

Europe: Poland, Ukraine

Asia and Oceania: Philippines, Thailand

This year’s edition is particularly noteworthy as it marks India’s second time hosting the prestigious global pageant, further adding to the excitement surrounding the event.

Nandini Gupta, who hails from Kaithun, a small town near Kota in Rajasthan, has been a source of immense pride for the country.

She was crowned Miss India 2023 after winning the Miss Rajasthan title and became a beacon of hope for aspiring young women across the nation.

Coming from a humble background, where her father works as a farmer and her mother is a homemaker, Nandini’s journey has inspired many.

The 72nd Miss World contest kicked off earlier this month in Hyderabad, marking a landmark event for both India and the pageant itself.

Last year’s 71st edition, which took place in Mumbai, saw Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic being crowned Miss World.

Tonight, she will pass on the prestigious crown to her successor. (ANI)

India decisively asserted its military superiority over Pakistan during this month’s brief but intense conflict, with its aerial strikes penetrating deep into Pakistani territory and delivering pinpoint blows to critical enemy infrastructure such as radar systems, control units, and airbases, a Reuters report citing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday, underlining how New Delhi’s military superiority during “Operation Sindoor” forced Islamabad to tuck its tail.

General Chauhan was speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. In an interview with Reuters, the CDS admitted that the Armed Forces had suffered losses in the initial stages of the operation but then struck with impunity at Pakistan’s bases.

“So what I can say is, on May 7 and the initial stages, there were losses, but the numbers and that’s not important. What was important is why did these losses occur, and what will we do after that? So we rectified the tactics and then went back on seventh, eighth and 10th, and 10th in large numbers, to hit their bases deep inside Pakistan, penetrated all their defences with impunity, with scattered opposition strikes,” Gen Chauhan was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Earlier, on May 11, Director General Air Operations Air Marshal Bharti, when commenting on Aircraft losses, had said, “I can’t comment about loss of Aircraft as we are in a combat scenario and losses are part of combat”.

Meanwhile, speaking to Reuters, General Chauhan dismissed Pakistan’s claims that India ceased aerial operations after May 7, stating that India’s response became more sustained and powerful.

Indian fighter jets, drones, and missiles struck 11 Pakistani air bases on May 10, including one near the Pakistani capital Islamabad, the Nur Khan airbase, when the residents surrounding were able to witness a sort of ‘new dawn’ in the middle of the night, as PM Narendra Modi put forth during his speech following the cessation of hostilities at Adampur airbase.

Satellite imagery, both from Indian sources and global platforms, later confirmed the precision of these strikes as well as how devastating they have been.

“Now that the satellite images for all the strikes that are available, not only through Indian media but from global sources, and you would have seen that most of the strikes were delivered with pinpoint accuracy, some even to a metre, to whatever was our selected mean point of impact, ” Gen Chauhan was quoted as saying by Reuters.

During Operation Sindoor, India demonstrated that large-scale counter-terror operations could be carried out with surgical precision, even against a nuclear-armed adversary, without triggering significant escalation.

“There’s a lot of space before that nuclear threshold is, you know, crossed, a lot of signalling before that. I think nothing like that happened. Over a period of time, as I said in a couple of other meetings that there’s a lot of space for conventional operations, which has been created, and this will be the new norm,” General Chauhan said, according to Reuters.

Despite targeting sites close to sensitive nuclear installations, there was no indication that either country seriously contemplated the use of nuclear weapons. Chauhan emphasised the professionalism and restraint shown by both militaries.

“It’s my personal view again that the most rational people are people in uniform when conflict takes place. That’s because they understand that conflict can swing either way, and they understand the consequences of this kind of conflict. And in every step, which happened during this Operation Sindoor, I found both sides displaying a lot of rationality in their thought as well as actions,” he said.

After India carried out strikes on Terror bases in Pakistan, the Pakistani side responded by attempting to target Defence and civilian installations in India. India then carried out another series of precision attacks, which saw the destruction of several Pakistani air bases. An understanding on the cessation of hostilities was then reached between the two sides on May 10.

Operation Sindoor not only showcased India’s readiness and ability to strike deep and with precision, but also set a new conventional threshold in South Asian conflict dynamics–on India’s terms and at India’s choosing. (ANI)

The United States has issued a stern warning against China’s growing military aggression in the Indo-Pacific, stating that Beijing is credibly preparing to use force to alter the regional balance of power, with Taiwan at the center of its ambitions.

According to a report by the Eurasian Times, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, said the Chinese military is “rehearsing for the real deal” and building capabilities to invade Taiwan. He asserted that the United States was “here to stay” in the Indo-Pacific region and would continue to deter aggression by communist China.

The Eurasian Times reported that China has vowed to merge Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary, and has intensified large-scale military drills around the island, which US officials describe as preparations for a blockade or invasion.

Hegseth’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, spanning trade, technology, and strategic influence. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has launched a trade war with China, restricted Beijing’s access to key artificial intelligence technologies, and bolstered military cooperation with allies like the Philippines, which is engaged in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

According to the Eurasian Times, Hegseth accused China of endangering lives through cyberattacks, harassing neighboring countries, and illegally militarising disputed territories in the South China Sea, through which over 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes. An international tribunal has ruled that China’s expansive territorial claims in these waters have no legal basis.

Despite the growing concerns, Beijing did not send top defence officials to the summit and was represented instead by delegates from the People’s Liberation Army National Defence University, the Eurasian Times noted.

US officials said discussions at the summit would likely focus on China’s increased assertiveness in the South China Sea and its growing pressure on Taiwan. (ANI)

Actor Shahid Kapoor’s wife, Mira Rajput, has added another feather to her cap as she has marked her entry into the wellness space.

The launch event for her new wellness brand, Dhun, took place in Mumbai on Friday evening and was attended by several B-town celebrities.

Mira was joined by her husband, actor Shahid Kapoor. However, the event became even more special with the presence of legendary actress Rekha.

For the evening, Mira looked every bit gorgeous in a stunning off-shoulder white maxi dress. The dress had a soft, fairy-tale feel and flowed beautifully. Its fitted bodice and off-shoulder design gave it a touch of vintage charm. Mira styled her hair in soft waves and kept her look elegant and simple.

Shahid, on the other hand, looked sharp in an all-black outfit. His shirt had an open collar, and he completed the look with matching black trousers. The actor kept his look relaxed yet stylish.

Meanwhile, Rekha wore a lovely silk saree in a soft lavender shade with golden borders. Her statement sunglasses, matching accessories, and signature charm added grace to the event. The trio was all smiles as they posed for the cameras.

Take a look

The event was also attended by Shahid’s family, including Ishaan Khatter, Pankaj Kapur, Supriya Pathak, Sanah Kapur, and Ruhan Kapoor.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shahid was last seen in Deva, which is currently streaming on Netflix. In the movie, Shahid portrays a rebellious police officer who delves into a high-profile case. As he digs deeper, he unravels a complex web of deceit and betrayal, plunging into a perilous journey of investigation, while Pooja Hegde stars as the leading lady in the role of a journalist. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Deva is an action-packed roller-coaster ride full of thrills and drama. It was released on January 31, 2025. (ANI)

Former India tearaway Varun Aaron has described the world’s current best pace express, Jasprit Bumrah, as an “antidote” capable of curing any illness that a bowling side suffers from.

Bumrah was Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s secret formula for success after Gujarat Titans pursued the 229-run target with brazen assurance during the IPL 2025 Eliminator clash in Mullanpur.

Till the 13th over, the Titans were in safe hands with Washington Sundar steamrolling past MI’s bowling unit with a 23-ball 48 while enjoying the company of Sai Sudharsan.

With Mumbai in dire need of breaking the promising stand, Pandya turned to Bumrah for the 14th over with hopes of a moment filled with magic to break Gujarat’s resistance.

Bumrah produced his trademark searing yorker to flatten Sundar’s leg stump, leaving him face down on the ground. GT’s chances of victory that soared past 40 per cent plummeted straight down to barely over 23.

“He’s like an antidote, a vaccine that can cure any illness, which a bowling side can have. If you want wickets, he comes and gets you wickets. If you want to stop runs, he stops runs for you. Man, what a bowler,” Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out.

“And the belief he has in his ability. You have an international coach (Mahela Jayawardene) who is obviously panicking because his bowlers have suddenly started to go to the cleaners, and he just turns around and is like ‘just calm down, I’ll do the job for you’. Comes in, runs in, gets hit for a six and then gets that ball,” he added.

After Mumbai blazed its way to Qualifier 2, Pandya classified Bumrah as a “luxury” during the post-match interaction, who returned with figures of 1/27 after completing his quota of four overs. However, the IPL-winning coach and former Australian cricketer Tom Moody went for “pure class”.

“The challenge every opposition has to Mumbai Indians, and Jasprit Bumrah more importantly, is that the 24 balls he bowls are such a threat. It’s not impossible, but it’s so difficult to get big overs against him. So you’re really playing 20 overs versus 16 to a certain extent. And he is so far ahead of the rest, it’s ridiculous,” Moody said.

“The thing with Bumrah is that he’s got that genuine wicket-taking ability just through his pure class. That yorker he bowled to Washington Sundar, you just don’t bowl a better ball than that. That is the absolute perfect leg-stump yorker that’s gone between his legs. At pace. To a batter that’s in. Set,” he added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the women personnel for their contribution during Operation Sindoor and said that the Border Security Force’s “brave daughters” displayed exceptional valour.

Addressing the ‘Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan’ in Bhopal, PM Modi emphasised that during the worship of Shakti, we offer sindoor, which today has become a symbol of India’s valour.

“In Pahalgam, terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians, but they also attacked our culture. They tried to divide our society. These terrorists have challenged the women’s power of India — a challenge that has now turned into a nightmare for the terrorists and their handlers,” he said.

“Operation Sindoor is India’s largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation. Our forces destroyed terrorist hideouts in places that even Pakistan’s army had never imagined. This operation made it loud and clear that proxy wars through terrorism will no longer be tolerated. Now, we will strike even inside enemy territory, and those who support terrorists will also pay a heavy price,” PM Modi asserted.

Further, the Prime Minister asserted that Operation Sindoor has also become a symbol of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’.

“Now, 140 crore Indians are saying: If you fire bullets, be ready for a response with bombs. Operation Sindoor has also become a symbol of ‘Naari Shakti. We all know how significant the role of the BSF (Border Security Force) was in this operation. BSF’s daughters were holding the front lines from Jammu to Punjab, Rajasthan, and the Gujarat border. They gave a strong reply to cross-border firing. From the Command and Control Centre to destroying enemy posts, the brave daughters of the BSF displayed exceptional valour,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also emphasised that from schools to battlefields, the nation today has unprecedented trust in the courage of its daughters.

“For the first time, the doors of Sainik Schools have been opened to girls. Before 2014, only 25% of NCC cadets were girls, but now that number is heading toward 50%. The first batch of women cadets has passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA). Today, women are being deployed in frontline positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. From flying fighter planes to serving on INS Vikrant, women officers are demonstrating outstanding bravery,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting his government’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister said that there was a time when women were kept away from new technologies.

“But today, the government is making efforts so that our women lead the way in modern tech. In agriculture, a drone revolution is happening. Through the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, the confidence and income of rural women are rising. Today, a large number of our daughters are becoming doctors, engineers, and scientists. In all of our major space missions, our mothers and sisters are working as scientists. In the Chandrayaan-3 mission, over 100 women scientists and engineers were involved,” he said. (ANI)