Month: May 2025

Ahead of the secretive conclave to elect the next pope, all mobile phone signals will be deactivated in the Vatican on Wednesday, CNN reported, citing Italian state media.

The Vatican also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel to stop electronic surveillance or communication outside the conclave, where 133 cardinals vote to decide who will be succeed Pope Francis, CNN reported, citing Italian news agency ANSA.

Phone signals will be deactivated at 3 pm (local time) on Wednesday, an hour and a half before the cardinals are scheduled to proceed to the Sistine Chapel to start the papal conclave, CNN reported, citing Italian state broadcaster RAI reported on Monday.

On Monday, the Vatican announced that all 133 cardinals who will vote to decide the successor of Francis have reached Rome. For centuries the Catholic Church leader has been selected in a highly secretive gathering known as “conclave”, meaning “with key” in Latin, a nod to how cardinals get locked in until a new pope is chosen. Cardinals have been given the task to choose the next pope after an elaborate process with roots in the Middle Ages.

The cardinals will have to give up their mobile phones and electronic devices on Tuesday and they will receive their devices back after the conclave ends, a Vatican spokesman said.

The cardinals will remain in the Sistine Chapel and cut off from the outside world from Wednesday. All of the cardinals who will participate in the conclave will remain in complete isolation and will take a vow to observe “absolute and perpetual secrecy.”

The signal deactivation will not impact St Peter’s Square, where the people often gather, according to the spokesman. However, security has been increased throughout St Peter’s Square, with checkpoints at the entrances and the deployment of metal detectors and anti-drone systems at the public space, CNN reported citing news outlet Corriere della Sera.

During the conclave, the Sistine Chapel is placed under total lockdown to have complete secrecy. In 2013, signal blockers were installed to stop any calls, texts, or internet access that elected Francis. In addition, the electricians, plumbers and elevator operators who will keep the Vatican running during the conclave will commit themselves to secrecy.

The statement from the Vatican City State Governorate said, “They all take an oath and will be in full-time service, staying overnight in the Vatican, without having contact with their families.”

The funeral mass of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, concluded at St. Peter’s Square on April 26, with the bells of St Peter’s Basilica tolling to signal the end of the 2 hours and 10 minutes long service.

Large crowds lined up along Rome’s streets to pay their respects to Pope Francis as the white popemobile carrying his coffin made its way across the Vatican flanked by motorbikes on its way to the pope’s final resting place, a place of his choosing.

Pope Francis’ coffin was transported across the River Tiber to the fifth-century church in Rome, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where bells tolled ahead of the arrival of the pontiff’s body. The Basilica of Saint Mary Major in was a place that the pope visited frequently throughout his 12-year papacy. (ANI)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to postpone the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programmes (CUET-UG) 2025, which was scheduled to begin on May 8, according to official sources.

While an official announcement is awaited, the decision is reportedly being considered due to logistical challenges.

CUET-UG 2025 was initially scheduled to be held between May 8 and June 1, 2025, across multiple centres in India and abroad.

It is the second-largest entrance exam in the country in terms of the number of applicants, after National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG). Over 13 lakh students register for the CUET every year, aiming for admission to central, state, deemed, and private universities across India.

The CUET-UG serves as a single-window examination for admission to undergraduate programmes in more than 250 universities, including prominent central universities like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

NTA, which conducts the exam, is also responsible for holding other major national-level tests like NEET and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) which is held for admissions to various engineering colleges in India.

With the ongoing exam season and tight scheduling, officials say conducting the CUET-UG 2025 as per the original plan may prove difficult. (ANI)

As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, security agencies have observed a marked rise in suspected spy calls in the border regions.

In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudheer Choudhary revealed that there has been an increase in attempts to extract sensitive information via phone calls, often by individuals posing as Army or senior government officers.

“We have held internal meetings and alerted all officers to remain vigilant,” SP Choudhary said. “These callers attempt to gather details about critical infrastructure and troop movements by impersonating officials.”

The SP urged civilians, especially those living near defence establishments or vital installations, not to share any information with unknown callers and to immediately report any such incidents to the police.

Choudhary also warned that the modus operandi has shifted–from recruiting agents through honey traps to directly seeking sensitive information. One such agent has already been apprehended. There are several individuals in Jaisalmer on long-term visas, with relatives in Pakistan. It’s possible they are being coerced or lured with money to share classified details.

While declining to comment on whether Pakistani agencies are orchestrating the calls, he confirmed that concerned intelligence agencies are probing the matter. Our focus remains on prevention and early detection, he added.

Security measures have been stepped up in the region. BSF and police are jointly patrolling border areas, and awareness is being raised among residents near defence zones. Referring to a recent case involving a man named Pathan Khan, SP Choudhary cautioned that even a small lapse can have serious consequences. Whether people are lured or intimidated, they must inform the authorities without delay.

We have eyes on every suspect. The police intelligence machinery is active. If anyone has information about such individuals and fails to report it, they will be held liable, he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance Civil Defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

Other preparedness steps include the provision of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital installations, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. (ANI)

India’s decision to keep the Indus River treaty in abeyance has caused alarm in Pakistan. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) advisory committee on Monday expressed deep concern over a sudden decrease in River Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India, which may result in a 21% water shortage in Pakistan during the early Kharif season.

IRSA Advisory Committee meeting was held to approve the Anticipated Water Availability Criteria for the balance period of Kharif from May to September 2025 under the Chairmanship of Sahibzada Muhammad Shabir, Chairman IRSA at IRSA HQS Islamabad.

“Indus River System Authority Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed the water situation for the remaining months of “Early Kharif” (May – Jun 10) Late Kharif (Jun 11 – Sep) season. It was noted with concern unanimously that sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India would result in more shortages in Early Kharif Season,” the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) stated in a press release.

Pakistan may face a significant water shortage during the Kharif season due to reduced water supplies from India.

“IAC declared an overall shortage of 21 per cent for the remaining Early Kharif Season in case supplies in River Chenab remains normal. However, the situation would be monitored daily and if the decrease continues in “River Chenab”, the shortages would be revisited accordingly. The Late Kharif Shortages are expected to be 7 per cent,” it added.

Earlier, the water level in the Chenab River witnessed a significant drop in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, after the closure of gates at the Baglihar and Salal Dams.

Locals expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, which they believe has led to the decrease in water levels.

Speaking to ANI, one of the locals exhorted that they do not want even a single drop of water to be supplied to Pakistan while extending support to the Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A local Kalyan Singh said, “Earlier, the Chenab River used to flow at a height of 25-30 feet, but now there is hardly 1.5-2 feet of water left here. This is because of PM Modi’s decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold…We do not want even a single drop of water to be supplied to Pakistan. We are all standing with the Indian Army and PM Modi…”

The water shortage is a likely fallout of India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack, which was attributed to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.

The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country certain uses of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty gives India 20% of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80% to Pakistan.

The attack in Pahalgam occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. (ANI)

Met Gala 2025 will always remain special for Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, as on Monday, she made her debut at Hollywood’s biggest fashion night and publicly revealed her baby bump for the first time

For her first-time appearance at the Met Gala, Kiara opted for a custom couture creation by renowned Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. Kiara brought an ethereal presence to the blue carpet, radiating grace, strength, and a glowing embrace of motherhood.

The look also paid homage to the late Andre Leon Talley, legendary fashion editor and Black icon, through a dramatic double-panelled cape–a nod to his iconic silhouettes and influence on the fashion world.

Speaking about her Met Gala debut, Kiara said, “Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and mother-to-be, feels incredibly special. When my stylist, Anaita, approached Gaurav to design my look, he created ‘Bravehearts’, a vision that honours the transformative phase I’m stepping into connecting it beautifully to this year’s dress code ‘Tailored for You.’ Inspired by the legacy of Andre Leon Talley, we reflected on what it means to show up with intention, individuality, and strength. This is a silent tribute to that — it’s a reminder that everything we do paves the way for the next generation.”

Kiara looked stunning in a black gown that she paired with the golden breastplate. She also relied on accessories and wore charms on her nails along with chunky golden jewellery on her fingers. Her wavy hairdo gave a cute touch to her overall appearance.

In no time, Kiara’s husband and actor Sidharth Malhotra took to Instagram and expressed excitement about Kiara’s Met Gala debut. He shared a video that showcased what went on behind the creation of Kiara’s Met Gala look. He was all hearts.

Filmmaker Karan Johar also gave a shoutout to Kiara over her Met Gala debut.

“Look at this beauty!!! So stunning Ki. Mommy glow and fashion to bestow…..Love you Kiara. So gorg,” he wrote.

Kiara was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania.(ANI)

With excitement building up for the much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 on May 24, India’s most decorated Olympian, Neeraj Chopra, in collaboration with JSW Sports, has announced the sale of tickets for the landmark event.

The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is India’s first-ever International Javelin competition. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the official sanctioning body of this historic event, which will see the participation of several Olympic medallists, including Neeraj Chopra, Thomas Rohler, and Anderson Peters.

Tickets for this landmark event at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium are now live. District by Zomato is the official ticketing partner, and tickets can be purchased through the District app by Zomato, as per the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 press release.

Ticket pricing for the Neeraj Chopra Classic ranges from INR 199 to Rs. 9,999, making it accessible for all fans. For those looking for a premium experience, five corporate boxes, each accommodating 15 guests, have been constructed at the North End of the stadium, priced at Rs. 44,999. An exclusive 10% discount on tickets will be offered to Visa Credit Card holders.

In a bid to enhance the spectator experience, a special stand has been constructed alongside the thrower’s runway, allowing fans to get an up-close view of the action. Tickets for this exclusive stand are priced at INR 9,999. Additionally, another special stand has been set up in the North Upper Stand of the stadium, located just behind the thrower’s runway, with tickets available for Rs. 2,999.

“The Neeraj Chopra Classic is a big step forward for Indian athletics. As a World Athletics Gold event, it brings some of the best javelin talent in the world to Bengaluru for the first time. We’ve made sure the experience is world-class, but also accessible, from ticket pricing to how the event is put together. This event has been Neeraj’s long-standing dream, and we at JSW Sports are happy to play a part in building such a global-level sporting event in India,” said Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW Sports, as quoted by the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 press release.

The State Association and Government bodies, including Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) and Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) have been working closely with the Government of Karnataka to deliver a world-class event to Karnataka and Bengaluru. (ANI)

“Punjabi aa gaye oye,” exclaimed excited fans after Diljit Dosanjh treated them to his Met Gala look.

On Monday, Diljit walked the iconic stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, blending Punjabi royalty with a modern vision.

Dressed like a Maharaja, Diljit made heads turn in a custom Prabal Gurung outfit. He wore traditional attire — a turban (a symbol of Sikh identity) and a kurta and tehmat (a long tunic and draped bottoms).

Proudly flaunting his Punjabi culture on a global platform, the ‘Naina’ hitmaker elevated his outfit with accessories and a sword. His outfit also featured a long cape, which was inscribed with the Punjabi alphabets.

If reports are to be believed, Diljit wore exquisite jewellery sourced from Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala’s legendary Cartier collection.

Met Gala 2025 marked Diljit’s debut at Hollywood’s biggest fashion night. Interestingly, he became the first turbaned actor-singer to debut at the Met Gala.

Diljit’s Met Gala look touched the hearts of his fans, as many hailed him and appreciated his thought behind his outfit.

“So proud,” a social media user commented.

“Goosebumps,” another one wrote.

A day before making his debut at Met Gala, in a fun post, Diljit shared pictures of the goodies he received from the Met Gala organisers. He also posted a video to share his excitement about attending the grand event.

Along with the fun video, the actor added a caption that read, “MET GALA Tomorrow Daso Fer Ki Paiye Kal Nu Halaa Laa Laa Karauni An #metgala.” (MET Gala tomorrow, tell me what to wear for tomorrow. I’ll make a lot of noise and create a scene.)

Apart from Diljit, the Indian stars who were present at the Met Gala this year were Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, Isha Ambani and Manish Malhotra. (ANI)

In a boost to civil defence preparations amid tensions with Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised districts on May 7.

According to a letter written to Chief Secretaries, the Union Home Ministry said the exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories.

The exercise is planned up to the village level.

“Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025,” the letter said.

The primary objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with IAF, testing functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, training of civilians including students on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack and provision of crash blackout measures.

The objectives also include the provision of early camouflaging of vital installations, to verify the activation and response of Civil Defence Services including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot management, assessing the implementation of crash blackout measures and evaluating the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution.

The Home Ministry had on May 2 written to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs about civil defence preparedness in the vulnerable areas and districts.

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla had in January written to Chief Secretaries, urging them to personally look into and review civil defence set up in their states.

The Home Secretary had said that Civil Defence is an integral part of nation’s passive defence strategy.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during their address at the ‘Chintan Shivir’, held at Surajkund, Haryana, in October 2022, had emphasized the importance of the Civil Defence preparedness in the country, especially in bordering and coastal areas.

Bhalla had said over a period of time, MHA has identifled a total of 295 vulnerable towns/districts of the country, where Civil Defence measures needs to be implemented during the peace time.

“In the recent Civil Defence review Committee meeting taken by me, it has been observed that Civil Defence preparation in the vulnerable areas/districts require more attention and improvement,” the letter had said.

“I shall be grateful if you could personally look into and review the Civil Defence set up in your State as envisaged in the Union War Book and direct the concerned officers to comprehensively review the CD Plans and implement the required CD measures so as to effectively deal with any emergency situation,” it added.

Tensions have risen with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

The government has said that the perpetrators will be given severe punishment. (ANI)

Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for “maximum restraint,” saying that a “military solution is no solution.”

Extending UN’s complete support to promotes de-escalation diplomacy and renewed commitment to peace, Antonio Guterres advised the both nation to avoid military confrontation “that could easily spin out of control.”

Condemning the attack Guterres expressed grief over the relation between both counties reaching to a “boiling” point.

“Tension between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. It pains me to see the relation reaching a boiling point. I understand the raw feeling following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. I once again strongly condemn the attack and extends my condolences to the families of the victim. Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice,” Guetters said.

“It is also essential at this critical hour to avoid military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. It is time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake, a military solution is no solution. United Nations stand ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation diplomacy and renewed commitment to peace,” he added.

UN Secretary General pitch for peace comes following stern measure taken by India against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed. The Indian government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment..

Indian government has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack.

The government has also announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the henious attack. (ANI)

Shah Rukh Khan on Monday scripted history by becoming the first Indian male actor to attend the Met Gala, which is considered Hollywood’s biggest fashion night.

Before walking the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute, SRK met with his fans outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. Several visuals surfaced online showing the King Khan shaking hands with fans and blowing kisses.

Fashion watchdog Diet Sabya also shared a video of SRK exiting his hotel. Dressed in an all-black Sabyasachi suit, Shah Rukh looked suave in his Met Gala look. He elevated his outfit by carrying a tiger sceptre in his hands, exuding modern Maharaja vibes.

However, it was his ‘K’ necklace that stole everyone’s attention. With this piece of jewellery, SRK playfully publicly acknowledged his moniker “King Khan”, which was given to him by his admirers and media. He also wore multiple layered gold chains that cascaded down his chest.

Shah Rukh was accompanied by his manager Pooja Dadlani. As soon as the visuals of SRK surfaced online, excited fans on social media flooded X and Instagram accounts with heartfelt reactions.

“How cool,” a social media user commented.

“Dapper,” another one wrote.

A day ago, ace designer Sabyasachi confirmed his historic collaboration with SRK.

Sabyasachi took to Instagram Stories and posted two messages: “KING KHAN.” Doubling the tease in his next story, the ace designer wrote, “KING KHAN BENGAL TIGER”–alongside his label’s logo featuring a royal Bengal tiger.

For those unaware, the Bengal tiger, often linked with strength and royalty, is also a part of Sabyasachi’s brand identity.

Shah Rukh’s look undoubtedly nailed the Met Gala 2025 theme “‘Tailoring Black style”. Designer Sabyasachi too walked this year’s Met Gala.

Other prominent Indian attendees at this year’s Met Gala include Kiara Advani, Priyanka Chopra and Isha Ambani. (ANI)