Month: May 2025

Haryana’s Hisar District Court sent YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to a four-day police remand on Thursday.

The YouTuber was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) CID Crime Branch, Sarthak Sarangi, said that facts are being verified.

“We have just received information that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra visited Puri’s Jagannath temple and posted a video regarding it on Instagram. She also visited Chilika and Konark. She was in touch with a YouTuber from Odisha. We are verifying all the facts. We are in touch with our counterparts in Haryana regarding Jyoti Malhotra,” the police official said.

SP Agrawal said, “Puri Police is investigating. We are in touch with Haryana and several state and central agencies.”

According to Shashank Kumar Sawan, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hisar, Malhotra was being developed as an asset and had maintained ties with other YouTube influencers and Pakistani nationals

Sawan stated, “She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in contact with the Pakistan Information Officers (PIOs). She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips. She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is ongoing to establish any possible linkages.”

Jyoti Malhotra was interrogated for allegedly passing information to Pakistan. She allegedly met a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi, travelled to Pakistan twice, and shared sensitive information.

During the preliminary investigation, the woman told the police that she went to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 to apply for a visa and met a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish.

Haris Malhotra, father of the woman arrested by Haryana Police on charges of spying, has said that his daughter made YouTube videos and had visited Pakistan. He demanded the return of the phones taken by the police. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India, after Operation Sndoor, made it clear that Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for every terrorist attack and said that “there is no blood flowing in Modi’s veins, but hot Sindoor.”

“Pakistan has forgotten one thing: that now Modi, the servant of Mother India, is standing here with his head held high. Modi’s mind is cool; it stays cool, but Modi’s blood is hot. Now there is no blood flowing in Modi’s veins, but hot Sindoor. Now there will be neither trade nor talk with Pakistan. If there will be talk, it will only be about Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK),” PM Modi said at a public rally in Bikaner.

“Now India has made it clear… Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for every terrorist attack. And this price… will be paid by Pakistan’s army… will be paid by Pakistan’s economy… Ye shodh pratishodh ka khel nahin, ye nyay ka naya swaroop hai, ye Operation Sindoor hai. This is not just an agitation; this is the ‘Raudra Roop’ of a strong India. Ye Bharat ka naya swaroop hai. Pehle ghar mein ghus ke kiya the vaar, ab seene pe kiya prahar hai. (First, we entered their house and attacked; now we have attacked them on their chests)… This is the policy and the strategy to destroy the fangs of terrorism… This is new India,” PM Modi added.

The PM said that those who had shed the blood of innocent Indians had now been accounted for.

“Today, with your blessings and the valour of the country’s army, we have all lived up to that pledge. Our government gave a free hand to all three forces… Together, the three forces created such a Chakravyuh that Pakistan was forced to kneel down. Today, from the land of Rajasthan, I want to humbly tell the countrymen that those who had set out to wipe off the Sindoor have been reduced to dust. Those who shed the blood of India have been accounted for every drop. Those who had thought that India would remain silent are hiding in their homes today. Those who were proud of their weapons are buried under a pile of rubble,” he said.

In reference to the abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi said, “India has made it unequivocally clear that Pakistan will bear a heavy cost for every terrorist attack. This cost will be paid by Pakistan’s military and its economy. If Pakistan persists in exporting terrorism, it will find itself begging for every last penny. Pakistan will not receive a single drop of water from India’s share. The days of playing with the blood of Indians are over – it will now come at a steep price. This is the policy; this is the method to crush terrorism. This is India, the new India,” he added.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. (ANI)

England Test captain Ben Stokes will miss batting maestro Virat Kohli’s cover drive, a shot that will “live long in the memory” and highlight one aspect that India will miss about its stalwart in the upcoming five high-stakes Tests between the two sides, set to begin on June 20.

More than a month before India’s gruelling Test tour of England, Virat bid farewell to red-ball cricket with a heartfelt note on Instagram, days after his long-time compatriot Rohit retired from the format. The illustrious 14-year-long journey filled with tales of success, perseverance and heartbreak saw Virat reshape the way spectators perceived Test cricket.

Virat transformed India into a result-producing machine during his memorable stint in the whites. He infused aggression and the culture of fitness into a team riddled with youth and experience. In a career that redefined the demands of the game, Virat scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, and finished as India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

“He’s been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there’s been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He’s done well in England, too,” Stokes said in a video posted by the ECB.

One aspect of Virat’s game that impressed the English Test skipper the most was the amount of force he applied while striking the ball through the covers and added, “In white-ball formats especially, he’s wow. One thing I’ll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers, that cover drive will live long in the memory.”

Virat’s ruthless aggression and animated body language transformed India’s mentality towards a game. With the 36-year-old out of the Test picture, Stokes reminisced about how much he loved playing against the Indian stalwart and a “shame” that he won’t get the opportunity to do so this time.

“I think what India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. Probably he’s made No. 18 his own, we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He’s been pure class for such a long time. I texted him saying it’s going to be a shame not to play against him this time,” he said.

“I love playing against Virat. We’ve always loved playing against each other because we share the same mindset on the field – it’s a battle,” he added.

Virat’s retirement from red-ball cricket marked the continuation of the exodus trend from the Test format in the Indian setup. Before the Indian batting bigwigs, the illustrious frontline off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it a day on his international career midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

With India threadbare in terms of experience of defying the challenging English conditions, Stokes isn’t willing to take the revamped Asian Giants lightly.

“One thing about India is their battery of batsmen; it is just incredible. The time I’ve spent in the IPL, they’ve got batters coming out of there… can’t say a word on this in this interview, but you know what I mean. You can never take any Indian team lightly, even if the fact that they are without two of their great batsmen,” he said. (ANI)

Actor Dhanush is all set to portray the Missile Man of India and the 11th President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in a biopic, announced at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

The biopic, which is officially in production, will be helmed by director Om Raut, who is known for “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’.

The screenplay is penned by Saiwyn Quadras, whose writing credits include acclaimed biopics Neerja, Maidaan and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.

The ace director talked about the biopic. “In an era starved of true statesmen, Kalam stood above politics and pettiness. He was a man who was known for the power of education, excellence and indigenous innovation,” he said in a statement.

, “To bring his story to the screen is an artistic challenge and a moral and cultural responsibility. It’s a story that’s inspirational for global youth and especially the youth of the Global South. It’s the most important experience of my life. His life is a lesson that is bound to connect with people no matter who they are and where they come from,” Raut added.

The film, “staying true to the values of Dr Kalam, will explore the man behind the missile programs and the presidency, the poet, the teacher, the dreamer whose every word carried both science and spirituality in equal measures. More than a political biography, the project is positioned as an insight into leadership and nation-building,” as per the press release.

Producer Abhishek Agarwal also expressed his excitement, saying, “We are excited to bring the epic life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to the big screen. This is an emotional moment for us.”

“Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life is a story that continues to inspire millions across generations….This is more than just a film it’s a tribute to a man who showed us how dreams, dedication, and humility can shape a nation’s future,” added Bhushan Kumar.

However, not much details have been shared by the makers of the biopic.

The film is backed by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar, and produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anil Sunkara. (ANI)

Following Pakistani federal cabinet approval to promote its Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to the rank of Field Marshal, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton expressed concern over the decision, calling it a “disturbing sign” that it could provide China with additional leverage in the region.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Bolton highlighted the potential implications of the move, noting the continued hostility in the region that had hindered Pakistan’s development.

He asserted for the US government’s involvement in the matter, else it could exacerbate internal dissent in the country.

“I think it’s potentially a disturbing sign. Obviously, internal dissent in Pakistan is repressed. Imran Khan remains in prison. I ultimately don’t think this is in Pakistan’s own interest. This is something the US government should press on them. The continued level of hostility here is just going to impede Pakistan’s development, as it has for many years already,” Bolton said.

“But it worries me that it is another opportunity for the Chinese to take advantage of these developments that gives them additional leverage inside Pakistan,” he added.

Earlier, in a move widely viewed as an attempt to mask recent military and strategic failures, the Pakistani federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the promotion of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Field Marshal.

The government cited his leadership during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the confrontation with India, labelled Marka-i-Haq, as grounds for the honour, Dawn reported.

Despite the military setbacks, Pakistan’s government is projecting the outcome as a “historic victory”, praising General Munir’s leadership during the conflict.

General Asim Munir became only the second army officer in Pakistan’s history to be elevated to Field Marshal.

Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s president from 1958 to 1969, holds the distinction of being the country’s first Field Marshal.

Notably, his promotion to this highest military rank was self-appointed, following his coup and assuming the presidency in 1958.

A year later, in 1959, Khan awarded himself the Field Marshal rank, citing “persistent requests” from Pakistani civil society members, just before his scheduled retirement from the army.

Munir’s elevation also signals who truly calls the shots in Pakistan. The government approved a promotion that further cements the army chief’s dominance over the country’s civilian leadership.

Notably, even General Pervez Musharraf, despite holding absolute power for years, never assumed the title. The position of field marshal is symbolic but permanent, with no retirement, and held until death.

The promotion comes just weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-impact counter-terror operation in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack.

The operation exposed Pakistan’s inability to shield its territory and airspace from precise Indian strikes, which destroyed critical infrastructure and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Despite this, Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership now projects the outcome as a “historic victory.”

General Munir’s promotion is seen as an attempt to bolster his position and mask Pakistan’s recent military setbacks. (ANI)

In a major blow to the Maoist insurgency, security forces in Chhattisgarh killed 27 Naxals, including CPI-Maoist General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, during a massive joint operation in the Abujmarh forests of Narayanpur district.

The Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh, P Sundarraj, on Wednesday said that the joint operation that killed 27 naxals, including CPI-M General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, was carried out by District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon.

Sundarraj further added that the encounter took place in the Abujmarh area, a known Naxal stronghold, following intelligence inputs about the presence of senior Maoist leaders.

Speaking to ANI, IG Bastar P Sundarraj said, “In the border area of Bijapur, Narayanpur and Dantewada, in the Abujmarh area, we had information of the presence of banned and illegal organisation CPI-M’s General Secretary Basavaraju alias BR Dada and other senior cadres of the organisation. DRG teams of Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Kondagaon were dispatched. During the operation, since 7-8 am this morning, our DRG teams had an encounter with Naxalites quite a number of times. After the encounter, during a search of the area, bodies of 27 naxals were recovered, including the body of CPI-M General Secretary Basavaraju.”

He said that AK-47 rifles, SLR-INSAS carbines, and other arms and ammunition in heavy numbers were recovered. One DRG jawan was martyred and several others were injured in the operation, which also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

“AK-47 rifles, SLR-INSAS carbines, and other arms and ammunition in heavy numbers were recovered. One DRG jawan was martyred in the operation. The injured jawans are undergoing treatment and are out of danger. Search operation at the encounter site is ongoing,” Sundarraj said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of India’s security forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, were killed in a major operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people.”

Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people. https://t.co/XlPku5dtnZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2025

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, General Secretary of CPI-Maoist, in an operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district and lauded the major breakthrough.

In a post on X, he said that this is the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces.

A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 21, 2025

Noting that Basavaraju was the backbone of the Naxal movement, Amit Shah said that 54 Naxalites have been arrested and that 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, after the completion of Operation Black Forest.

Amit Shah said that the Modi government has resolved to eliminate Naxalism before March 31 next year.

“A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement,” he said in a post on X.

“This is the first time in three decades of Bharat’s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by our forces. I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this major breakthrough. Also glad to share that after completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The Modi government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before the March 31. 2026,” he added.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to ending Naxalism by March 31, 2026, as pledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Earlier on Wednesday, an encounter broke out between security forces and Naxals in the forest area of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao asserted that the security forces are working “diligently” to make Bastar Naxal-free by March 2026.”After the formation of our government in the state, a programme is running to make Bastar Naxal-free. In Narayanpur, more than two dozen Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. Our security forces are working diligently so that by March 2026, Bastar becomes Naxal-free,” Arun Sao told ANI.

The Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that one soldier was injured during the encounter.

Security forces conducted ‘Operation Black Forest’ to break the backbone of Naxals near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. (ANI)

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited Poonch and met the grieving family members who lost their loved ones due to unprovoked shelling by Pakistan.

According to a release, the Lieutenant Governor announced Government job to the closest kin of Pakistan shelling victims. He said, ex-gratia and other reliefs have been provided and Government of India is committed for further necessary assistance.

“The proper rehabilitation of affected families is my top priority. The J&K administration, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to ensuring proper rehabilitation, enhanced border infrastructure, and security for the residents of border areas. We are significantly expanding our efforts to construct individual and community bunkers across Jammu Kashmir, under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE),” the Lieutenant Governor said.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at Gurudwara Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib and interacted with the citizens.

He lauded the residents of Poonch, civil society members and all the communities for their display of courage and social harmony.

“Pakistan had shown its cowardice by targeting sacred Gurudwara Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib. In its despicable act, the terrorist country Pakistan had also targeted temple and mosque. By firing and heavy shelling on our sacred sites, terror state Pakistan had tried to damage our social fabric. I salute the people of Poonch. Their courage provided moral strength to our brave Soldiers. We are proud of our citizens, Sikh Community, who stand united against adversary’s conspiracy to divide the society on religious lines,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated the resolve of Government of India, J&K Administration and Armed Forces for exemplary action against terrorism and those trying to divide the people on religious and sectarian lines.

He said the people are witnessing that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, every section of society is strengthened and India’s unbeatable prowess is shining globally.

Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Dungus area affected due to shelling, and also took stock of the situation during a meeting with senior administrative and district officials at Poonch.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for necessary measures to ensure restoration of all essential services and supplies and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Chief Secretary’s Office.

He further instructed for taking comprehensive assessment for requirements and construction of bunkers, upgradation of medical services at District hospital and strengthening Civil Defence system.

The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the local administration and security forces for their prompt and responsive measures for the safety and rehabilitation of affected families. The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; IG Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti; Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal and other senior officials. (ANI)

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has once again proved why she is called “Cannes Queen”.

On Wednesday, Aishwarya walked the iconic red carpet, channelling her inner desi bahu with a Banarasi saree and ‘sindoor’.

Her ethnic look undoubtedly stole everyone’s attention.

Dripping in traditional Indian jewels, the ‘Devdas’ star greeted the French audience with ‘namaste’ and a huge smile. She also waved at her fans and blew flying kisses at them.

Credits also go to ace designer Manish Malhotra for creating an exquisite ivory handloom saree. Pictures of Aishwarya’s first look from Cannes 2025 were posted on the official Instagram handle of Manish Malhotra’s label.

“The OG Indian Queen of Cannes @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb embraces Classic White Handloom in a handwoven kadwa ivory Handloom Banarasi saree with a handwoven tissue drape and imperial heirloom of rubies from,” the post read.

A sheer white tissue handwoven dupatta, edged with real gold and silver zardozi embroidery, amped up Aishwarya’s saree.

As soon as Aishwarya walked the red carpet, in no time, her fans flooded social media with their comments filled with excitement.

” She is the OG,” a fan wrote.

“Queen is back,” another one commented.

Aishwarya’s Cannes 2025 look reminded many of her debut at the prestigious film festival in 2002, as back then, she walked the red carpet with Shah Rukh Khan in a traditional yellow saree. The year 2003 also saw Aishwarya bringing the grace of six yards to the international stage. (ANI)

Following the attack in Balochistan’s Khuzdar region, India firmly rejected Pakistan’s “baseless allegations” of Indian involvement.

Responding to the claims, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences for the loss of lives but criticised Pakistan’s “second nature” to blame India for its internal problems.

He stated that Pakistan, in an attempt to divert global attention from its reputation as the “global epicentre of terrorism,” blames India, a tactic he described as an “attempt to hoodwink the world,” one that is “doomed to fail.”

In a statement, Jaiswal said, “India rejects the baseless allegations made by Pakistan regarding Indian involvement with the incident in Khuzdar earlier today. India condoles the loss of lives in all such incidents.”

He added, “However, in order to divert attention from its reputation as the global epicenter of terrorism and to hide its own gross failings, it has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for all its internal issues. This attempt to hoodwink the world is doomed to fail.”

Notably, a devastating blast targeted a school bus in Pakistan’s southwest Balochistan province, killing at least six people, including four children, and injuring 38 others, Al Jazeera reported, citing an official statement.

In a statement, Pakistan’s military condemned the violence and accused “Indian terror proxies” of involvement in the attack. However, the military did not share evidence to support the claim.

Without providing any evidence, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also accused “terrorists working under Indian patronage” of the attack.

Yasir Iqbal Dashti, a government official in Khuzdar, said the attack occurred in the Khuzdar district, where the bus was picking up students for the Army Public School.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the explosion was caused by a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The bus driver and his assistant were among the victims, while 46 students were on the bus. Authorities have airlifted critically injured children to Quetta for medical treatment, as per Al Jazeera.

“We have been air-lifting the critically injured children to Quetta from Khuzdar,” Bugti said.

Further, he said it was “premature to confirm the nature of the attack” and that further investigations were ongoing. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his “sympathies” to the families of those who were killed by the “brutality.”

Earlier in December 2014, the armed group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hit the Army Public School in Peshawar, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing more than 140 children.

Balochistan province, which is rich in minerals and natural resources, has been home to a decades-long conflict between the government and ethnic Baloch separatists, who demand secession from Pakistan.

Wednesday’s attack came days after a car bombing killed four people near a market in Qillah Abdullah, also in Balochistan.

The BLA has a history of violent attacks, including a deadly assault on a train in March that killed 33 people, mostly soldiers. Earlier this week, the group promised more attacks on the Pakistani army and its collaborators, stating its goal is to “lay the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and independent Balochistan.” (ANI)