Month: May 2025

Following recent media reports of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a review meeting on Monday with experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals, sources said.

The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), said sources.

According to the information, cases in Singapore and Hong Kong are mostly mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality.

In light of these developments, the expert review meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control.

As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257 — a very low figure considering the country’s large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required.

The country also has a robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR.

The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. (ANI)

Bollywood star Tusshar Kapoor is set to return to the big screens with a horror comedy ‘Kapkapiii’ which is based on a group of friends who decided to play a game with a Ouija board to make a contact with otherworldly spirits. While sharing his own experience regarding the Ouija Board, Tusshar revealed that he tried it in his “childhood” for fun but now has decided to stay away from it.

At the press conference of ‘Kapkapiii’, which was attended by Tusshar Kapoor, Sonia Rathee and Siddhi Idnani, the ‘Golmaal’ actor humourously said that using Ouija Board or other activities to call the otherworldly spirits should only be “limited” to movies.

When asked by ANI if he ever had a chance to interact with the people who tried Ouija Board or other such activities, as the movie is said to be “based on true events”. To this, the actor responded,

“These are not my true events. People have done these things about which I don’t know much. I did it in the childhood for fun but I didn’t try to extensively pursue it neither want to do in future. It would be better if it is limited to films,” said Tusshar Kapoor.

The ‘Golmaal’ actor further believes that people should not “disturb” the other world if they don’t have complete knowledge about it.

“And why disturb the other world or the unknown about which we don’t have much knowledge except those people who have an understanding of that world. They should also do it with safety. I am inquisitive and curious only till a point where people can watch horror film and get entertained with such stories,” added Tusshar.

The actor further said that he is unwilling to experiment or try activities similar to the Ouija Board in future.

“But, trying to experiment (Ouija Board) with it, is something I won’t do. I would say that we should be in peace and let them also be rest in peace,” concluded Tusshar Kapoor.

The film is directed by the late filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan, who is known for his works like ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’ and ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’.

The movie also stars Shreyas Talpade in the lead role. (ANI)

The Allahabad High Court on Monday upheld the trial court’s order to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.

The petition filed by the Muslim side, seeking to halt the trial court proceedings, was rejected after the court found “no issues with the trial court order” in the ongoing dispute between the Jama Masjid and the Harihar Mandir in the district.

Reacting to the judgment, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said that the High Court has rejected all objections raised regarding the appointment of the Survey Commissioner by the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Chandausi.

“This is a very important decision of the Allahabad High Court and all those who had spread the misconception in the country that the Survey Commissioner appointed by Civil Judge Senior Division Chandausi on 19th November was a wrong appointment and he should have heard the Masjid Committee before making the appointment, today that proposition of law has been completely rejected by the court,” Jain told ANI.

Explaining the court’s authority to appoint a Survey Commissioner, Jain said, “The simple proposition of law is that the court can appoint a Survey Commissioner in the exercise of the power of Order 26, Rule 9 and 10. There is no need to hear anyone at that time. The mandate of law is only that when the Survey Commissioner goes to the spot for survey, he will conduct the survey in the presence of both the parties. Which was followed here on both the days i.e. 19th and 24th November.”

Criticising certain parliamentarians and senior advocates who had raised questions on the survey, he added: “So the big barristers and parliamentarians who had made comments on the dignity of the court and the dignity of the parties on the dignity of this entire process, today a well-reasoned judgment has put a full stop to it.”

Jain further said that the High Court’s decision to vacate the stay on the trial means the legal proceedings will now continue.

He also clarified that the Place of Worship Act and the Supreme Court’s order of December 12 do not apply in this case: “We will come to the Supreme Court for a stay vacation of the survey report, which has been filed in a sealed cover. At the same time, the High Court has vacated the stay on the trial. This means that the trial will proceed further. The Worship Act is not applicable in this because it is the admitted case of both the parties that this is an ASI protected monument of 1958 and is governed by the ASI Act 1958… Therefore, neither the Place of Worship Act nor the Supreme Court order of December 12 is applicable here.”

Speaking on the development, advocate Hari Shankar Jain said, “The court rejected the Muslim side’s plea and said that the survey was correct. Whatever survey was done, it will be read out and made part of the record. If they (Muslim side) go to the Supreme Court, we are ready to welcome them.”

The mosque management committee had filed a civil revision petition seeking a stay on the ongoing trial court proceedings in an original suit pending before the Sambhal district court.

Earlier, on April 29, the Supreme Court had granted two weeks to the Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, to respond to a status report filed by Uttar Pradesh authorities, which stated that the disputed well is located outside the mosque premises.

In November 2024, the top court had stayed the trial court proceedings, directing that the matter should not be heard until the mosque committee’s petition against the survey order was listed before the Allahabad High Court.

Tensions had erupted in Sambhal after the local court ordered the mosque survey on November 19. Protests against the order led to clashes with the police, resulting in the deaths of four people.

The survey followed a petition filed in the local court, claiming that the site of the mosque was originally a Harihar temple dedicated to Kalki, the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was demolished in 1526 to construct the mosque. (ANI)

Actor Preity Zinta, a co-owner of the Punjab Kings team has penned an appreciation post for the squad, especially for their commendable fight against the Rajasthan Royals in their match in Jaipur.

Under the brilliant captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and otustanding performances by bowlers and batters, the Punjab Kings team finally ended their playoff drought in the IPL on Sunday, leaving fans and owners extremely happy.

“What a fantastic win by @punjabkingsipl Super proud of the way the team came together & fought for this victory. Yesterday was all about teamwork, grit & leadership Take a bow @harpreetsbrar95 , @shashanksingh027 , @nehalwadhera ,@shreyasiyer96 & the entire team for taking us into the playoffs @rickyponting #BasJeetnaHai #SaddaPunjab #RRvsPBKS #Ting,” she posted.

Head coach Ricky Ponting also lauded the team’s resilience.

In his address, Ponting stressed how the players have adopted a simple yet effective approach since the beginning of the tournament, playing their natural game despite the situation.

Expressing his happiness with the batting unit, who put 219/5 on the board for the Royals to chase, Ponting specifically praised Nehal Wadhera for his brilliant performance, scoring 70 runs off just 37 balls.

“What you did was manage to put pressure back on them straight away. You have to do that in this format, right? You had a great partnership with Shreyas. I actually said to him at one of the timeouts that because you’re so good, you can find a way to score runs, be out there in a partnership, and you ended up putting on 67 off 44 balls,” the head coach was cited as saying in a statement by PBKS.

“Shashank (Singh), awesome again. Every time you have been confronted with something in the tournament, you have found a way to get it done,” he added while praising Shashank Singh for his unbeaten knock of 59 runs.

The former Australian captain then applauded the bowlers for managing to defend the score of 219, with a special focus on Harpreet Brar, who clinched three major wickets while conceding just 22 runs.

The Kings will next face the Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 24 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. (ANI)

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed media reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to participate in this year’s Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

Recent reports claimed that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to withdraw from both events — the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and the Men’s Asia Cup, slated for September.

Saikia categorically denied the reports, claiming that the BCCI hasn’t engaged in such conversations or taken any steps regarding the ACC events. The BCCI secretary labelled the reports as “speculative and imaginary.”

“Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items about BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men’s and women’s,” Saikia told ANI.

“The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level; hence, any news or report on it is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,” he added.

India is the Asia Cup’s defending champion and designated host. In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka was picked as the neutral venue for India’s fixtures. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India denied travelling to Pakistan and played all its matches in Dubai.

The ACC is headed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, succeeded Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). (ANI)

Rajkot Police on Monday demolished 60 illegal constructions belonging to habitual offenders linked to 38 individuals, with multiple offenses, including murder, attempted murder, and loot.

The action was taken following directions from the Gujarat Home Minister and DGP to identify and take action against such offenders.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the state government and police are committed to taking strict action against individuals who occupy government land and engage in criminal activities.

“Under CM Bhupendra Patel’s guidance, state government and police have a clear resolution that if anyone commits a crime and occupies the state’s government land, we will not let it happen… All the places in Rajkot that have been a hub for illegal activities will be demolished… Strictest action will be taken against all these people. The state government stands with all the people who work peacefully and hard…,” said Sanghavi.

Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Jagdish, said that the police had prepared a list of 30 habitual offenders and were asked to identify any illegal constructions or unauthorised electricity connections linked to them.

“More than 60 illegal constructions belonging to 38 criminals with multiple offences, such as murder, attempt to murder, and loot, were destroyed,” said DCP Jagdish. He added that some of these offenders have over 10 cases registered against them. (ANI)

Following the launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck more than 160 terror targets across Gaza in a single day.

The strikes targeted northern, central, and southern Gaza, hitting underground infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, anti-tank missile posts, and terrorist cells.

Sharing a post on X, the IDF wrote, “Update: Operation Gideon’s Chariots. Over the past day, IDF troops struck over 160 terror targets in Gaza including an operations center and an anti-tank missile post.”

The post added, “Northern Gaza — Terrorist cells, anti-tank missile launch posts and military structures were struck; Central Gaza — Underground infrastructure and a weapons storage facility were struck; Southern Gaza — Terrorist cells, military structures, anti-tank missile launch posts and booby-trapped structures were struck.

⭕️ UPDATE: Operation Gideon’s Chariots

Over the past day, IDF troops struck over 160 terror targets in Gaza including an operations center and an anti-tank missile post.

♦️Northern Gaza: Terrorist cells, anti-tank missile launch posts and military structures were struck.… pic.twitter.com/RsAFmyOQGr

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 19, 2025

According to CNN, the IDF in a statement late on Friday had said that it had launched “extensive attacks and mobilised forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip, as part of the opening moves of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ and the expansion of the campaign in Gaza, to achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the IDF provided a comprehensive overview of its latest operations against Hamas. IDF Spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani listed the major objectives of Operation Gideon’s Chariot through a video message on Monday.

In the message, Lt Col Shoshani informed that the IDF ground forces advanced their operations in Northern and Southern Gaza.

“After the October 7th massacre, our mission is clear. Bring our hostages home and dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities,” he said.

Lt Col Shoshani informed that in the last week, the Israeli Air Force had struck over 670 Hamas targets, tunnels, weapon sites, anti-tank units, and terrorists. He said that Israeli troops are now operating deep in Gaza to eliminate threats, destroy terror infrastructure and take control of key areas.

He listed four objectives of the mission: giving advanced warnings to uninvolved civilians to make sure they get out of harm’s way, controlling the battlefield, protecting Israeli civilians, and Dismantling Hamas’ leadership and capabilities.

Lt Col Shoshani said that dozens of terrorists had already been eliminated. “The Air Force continues to strike with precision.”

He said, “This won’t end overnight. But we’ll fight until Hamas is no longer a threat and our hostages are released. The mission continues.”

Al Jazeera had reported that the Israeli army on Sunday confirmed the start of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which will involve regular and reserve soldiers of the Southern Command leading the ground invasion of both northern and southern Gaza, backed by the air force. (ANI)

Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor is gearing up for her highly anticipated debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

The actress will be attending the prestigious event with her team for the film ‘Homebound’, which will be featured in the coveted Un Certain Regard section on May 21, 2025.

As excitement builds ahead of the premiere, Kapoor was spotted at Mumbai Airport early Monday, exuding style and sophistication in a chic ensemble.

The actress looked effortlessly elegant in a black high-neck top, paired with fitted black pants and formal shoes.

She completed her airport look with a burgundy jacket, sleek black sunglasses, and a stylish handbag that added a touch of flair to her outfit.

Fans and paparazzi caught a glimpse of Kapoor as she prepared for her journey to the French Riviera.

This year, Kapoor’s debut at Cannes holds special significance, as it marks the premiere of ‘Homebound’, a film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan.

The film’s unique narrative and stellar performances are set to captivate audiences. ‘Homebound’ also stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, alongside Kapoor.

Ahead of the Cannes debut, filmmaker Karan Johar, who is producing ‘Homebound’, took to Instagram to share the first poster of the film.

The poster features Khatter and Jethwa in key roles, with Johar providing fans a glimpse of what to expect. The caption on his post read: “Some bonds carry us through. Presenting the first poster for HOMEBOUND, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on 21st May 2025.”

Martin Scorsese, the legendary Hollywood director, has come on board as the executive producer of ‘Homebound’.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan is also making his return to Cannes, where his previous film, ‘Masaan’ (2015), had garnered global attention.

‘Masaan’, which starred Vicky Kaushal, had been showcased in the Un Certain Regard section and won accolades, making it one of the most memorable films of that year’s festival.

‘Homebound’ is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra. Co-producers include Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on Madhya Pradesh BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media about Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

The court ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to probe the matter.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed that the SIT must consist of three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, who are currently serving in the state but do not originally belong to it. The court also specified that one of the officers must be a woman.

The apex court instructed the Director General of Police to constitute the SIT by May 20.

Terming the minister’s remarks as “filthy, crass and shameful”, the court rejected Shah’s public apology, calling it insincere. “The nation is ashamed of you (Shah). Redemption is yours to seek,” said Justice Surya Kant.

While the court stayed Shah’s arrest, it directed him to join and fully cooperate with the investigation.

Although the bench said it would not monitor the investigation directly, it made it clear that it would keep a close watch on the case.

The SIT has been asked to submit a status report on the probe, and the matter has been posted for hearing on May 28.

“Having gone through the statements by the petitioner (Shah) and the FIR, we are of the opinion that the subject FIR shall be probed by a SIT with three senior IPS officers who do not belong to the MP cadre but are in MP. Let the SIT be constituted by tomorrow. Let one member be a woman officer. Both members shall be above the rank of superintendent of police. The head member shall not be below the rank of IG or DGP,” the bench stated in its order.

“Though we are not inclined to monitor the probe, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, we direct the SIT to submit the outcome of its probe through a status report before this court,” the court further said.

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by Shah challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s suo motu order to register an FIR against him over his remarks against Colonel Qureshi.

During the hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Shah, said that the minister had publicly apologised for his comments. However, the court questioned the sincerity of his apology.

Justice Kant said, “What kind of apology? What is that apology? Sometimes people apologise to wriggle out of legal liabilities. Sometimes crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours?”

Justice Kant slammed Shah for his remarks, calling them completely thoughtless and “crass”.

He continued, “What prevented you from making a sincere attempt? We don’t require your apology. We know how to deal with it as per the law. We have rejected your apology. You have said ‘if somebody is hurt’… You are not even ready to take responsibility.”

Justice Kant said that Shah, as a public figure and seasoned politician, should “weigh his words” before speaking.

“You are fully exposed to the public. Sentiments of people were ruthlessly hurt…” Justice Kant observed, adding that it was now up to Shah to redeem himself.

“We are a country that thoroughly believes in the rule of law. We follow the same principle for everyone,” Justice Kant said.

The bench also questioned the state government’s inaction in registering the FIR, saying, “What have you done? When the High Court had to intervene and rewrite your FIR, what did you do? Has it been examined whether any cognisable offence is made out? People expect state action will be fair. High Court has done its duty, they thought a suo motu action was needed… You should have done something more by now.”

On May 14, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered police to register an FIR against Shah, taking suo motu cognisance of his controversial remarks against Colonel Qureshi. The FIR was registered under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The High Court had warned that if the FIR was not registered by the evening of May 14, it might proceed against the Director General of Police for contempt.

On May 15, the High Court criticised the police over the FIR, calling it a “gross subterfuge” and said it would monitor the case without interfering in the investigation. The matter was then posted for hearing on June 16.

The controversy erupted after a video clip of Shah’s speech went viral on social media. In his clarification, Shah said his remarks were taken out of context and were meant to praise Colonel Qureshi’s bravery. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar accusing him of being silent on how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during the Operation Sindoor and said that the nation “deserves the truth.”

“EAM Jaishankar’s silence isn’t just telling — it’s damning. So I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Rahul Gandhi shared a video of EAM Jaishankar of May 17 in which he said that “At the start of the operation we have sent a message to Pakistan saying we are striking at infrastructure and we are not striking at the military, so military has the option of standing out and not interfering in this process. They chose not to take good advice.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore endorsed his leader and said that the nation deserves the truth and Parliament deserves accountability.

“On May 17, 2025, the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi asked a serious and specific question: ‘How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew in advance?” This came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a recent interview, admitted that India informed Pakistan ahead of #OperationSindoor — a sensitive military mission. In any parliamentary democracy, ministers are duty-bound to respond when the Opposition raises matters of national security. Yet, the EAM has remained silent. This silence raises grave questions: Why was Pakistan informed in advance? Who authorised this breach of operational secrecy? What consequences did our armed forces face because of it? This was not a routine decision. It was not a diplomatic formality. If Indian aircraft were lost because of foreknowledge given to the enemy — this isn’t a lapse. It’s a betrayal. The nation deserves the truth. Parliament deserves accountability. And those responsible must be held to account,” Tagore posted on X.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi in his post on X, alleged wrongdoing by the government, stating: “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that the GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our air force lose as a result?”

Calling this statement an “utter misrepresentation of facts,” the Ministry of External Affairs had said that the EAM had stated that the government warned Pakistan at “the early phase after Operation Sindoor’s commencement” and not before it.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. As part of the operation, Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Following the strikes, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks. In response, India launched coordinated airstrikes that damaged key military infrastructure across 11 Pakistani airbases. On May 10, both sides announced an understanding on the cessation of hostilities. (ANI)