Month: June 2025

Actor and filmmaker Jackie Chan returns as Han in ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, the latest instalment in the film franchise.

As per the press note by the team of Karate Kid, the film follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong as he adjusts to life in a new school, forges unexpected bonds, and is drawn into an intense showdown with a local karate champion.Under the guidance of his teacher, Han (Jackie Chan) and the legendary Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, courage, and growth.

“I feel like this film understands a really specific and fundamental difference between Hong Kong martial arts, which is all about the choreography and the moves, and American martial arts, where it’s all about basically punching,” said director Jonathan Entwistle, reported Variety.

Chan, who first joined the franchise in the 2010 “Karate Kid” starring Jaden Smith, shared that he didn’t need any training for this new entry. The 71-year-old added, “I don’t need to anymore. I’ve been training every day for 64 years. I’ve been fighting, fighting, fighting.”

Chan has been acting since the 1960s and is a legend of fight choreography. He performs all of his stunts “Karate Kid: Legends.” But he’s slowed down with age. Chan shared, “I’m not liked I used to be when I was 20, and could do a triple kick in the sky. Now, I do one kick.” But, it’s still all him.

Chan shared the valuable advice he has given to Wang. “I said, ‘Ben, we do have a double for you, but you should do your own thing. The audience respects you more. When you use a double, you become lazy.'”

In contrast, the 25-year-old Wang had a stricter training program. “I got a systematic ass-kicking,” Wang said, reported Variety.

While much of Li’s journey is about building confidence in his moves, Wang shared that he spent a month and half before shooting even began working with the stunt team. “We kept going. It was five days of formal training, from morning to night, and then, I trained by myself on the weekend,” as per the outlet.

Wang says the team had 90 days to get him to the point when he could “look okay doing a fight scene with Jackie Chan.” Wang shared, “When Jackie showed up, he was nothing but helpful.”

What does Chan think of Wang? Chan shared, “He’s like my young Jackie Chan,” reported Variety. (ANI)

Actor Ahan Shetty on Monday gave fans a cute sneak peek into his mamu duties.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a few candid pictures with his niece Evaarah, who is cricketer KL Rahul and actress Athiya Shetty’s daughter.

In the images, he could be seen cradling the little one in his arms.

“On duty”, wrote Ahan with a feeding bottle emoji.

Reacting to the post, Athiya commented, “Mamu (red heart emoji).”

KL and Athiya welcomed their baby girl in March this year. They had announced their pregnancy in November last year with a sweet message that said, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025,” accompanied by baby feet emojis.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ahan, son of veteran actor Suniel Shetty, will be seen in ‘Border 2’.

Last year, the announcement sparked excitement, with veteran actor Sunny Deol welcoming him aboard on social media.

“Welcoming Fauji @ahan.shetty to the Battalion of #Border2,” Deol posted, sharing a teaser that has further fueled the enthusiasm of fans.

The ‘Border’ franchise, directed by JP Dutta, is known for its portrayal of the India-Pakistan war, and Ahan’s entry into the sequel marks a significant moment in the legacy of the film.

The announcement video captures a powerful transition, showing a montage of Suniel Shetty’s iconic moments from Border, followed by Ahan’s voiceover, symbolizing the passing of the baton from father to son.

In addition to ‘Border 2’, Ahan Shetty is set to appear in the action-packed film ‘Sanki’, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. (ANI)

After ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’, actors Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday are coming together for a romance drama titled ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’.

On Monday, the first look of both Kartik and Ananya was shared from the sets of the film in Europe. In the image, the actors can be seen holding passports and sharing a romantic kiss by the shore.

‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ will be released in theatres on February 13, 2026, coinciding with Valentine’s Day.

“Flying together…again! #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri – in cinemas next Valentine’s Day : 13th Feb, 2026,” Kartik captioned the post.

The reunion of Kartik and Ananya left fans excited.

In the comment section, a social media user wrote, “Waited so long for this reunion still feels unreal can’t wait to see you two stunning people back on the big screen.””Best wishes to you,” another user commented.

The movie, directed by Sameer Vidwans, marks Kartik Aaryan’s second collaboration with the director, following their work on ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’. It is produced under the banner of Dharma Productions.

The plot details are still under wraps.

In the coming months, Kartik will also be seen in ‘Nagzilla’ directed by ‘Fukrey’ fame director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba.

Announcing the film, Kartik recently took to Instagram and shared his first look. The motion poster featured a shirtless Kartik looking at a city from a snake-infested lair.

“Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh leen, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar #Naagzilla – Naag lok ka Pehla kaand….Funnn phailaane Aa raha hu main, Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand … Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein. 14 August 2026 ko,” he captioned the post.

‘Nagzilla’ will be released in theatres on August 14, 2026. (ANI)

Bengali actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay and his wife Piya Chakraborty welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

The couple shared the joyful news on social media, bringing smiles to fans and well-wishers.

The ‘Kahaani’ actor posted a note that read, “It’s a Baby Boy Our hearts are full. Our hands will be fuller! Welcome to the world, Junior.”

Alongside the post, the actor also wrote, “As we welcome our first child into this world, we wish to thank each and everyone for their warm wishes and prayers!”

Take a look

Friends, fans and followers flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages and blessings for the newborn.

Parambrata, who is best known for his roles in both Bengali and Hindi films, was last seen in ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter,’ which premiered on Netflix.

The show featured actors Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jeet, Saswata Chatterjee, and Chitrangada Singh. Though Parambrata had a special appearance, his presence was well appreciated by viewers.

‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’ is a follow-up to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter and released on March 20, 2025. The series received mixed to positive reviews from critics and was well received by the audience. (ANI)

The Group-6 delegation from India, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, on Monday (local time) met Jose Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain at Palacio de Viana.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Spain said, “The All Party Parliamentary Delegation called on the Minister of External Affairs HE Mr. @jmalbares to apprise him of India’s position and discuss India’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.”

It further stated that Albares conveyed Spain’s “unequivocal support” for India’s effort against terrorism.

“Mr. @jmalbares conveyed his understanding and Spain’s unequivocal support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism, and reaffirmed the importance of global peace. He emphasised that terrorism will never prevail and that Spain stands with India on this matter,” the Indian Embassy said.

Earlier today, the Association of Victims of Terrorism in Madrid met with the delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi.

The association, one of the largest such associations globally, works with over 4,000 victims of terrorism and provides psychosocial support to those affected. The meeting between the association and the all-party delegation aimed to exchange experiences and best practices in supporting victims of terrorism.

The Indian Embassy in Spain stated that the delegation engaged in a heartfelt exchange on the pain and resilience that emerge from such traumatic events, with the delegation highlighting India’s own experiences in confronting cross-border terrorism.

Earlier, Indian parliamentarians attending diplomatic engagements in Madrid conveyed a unified and strong stance on India-Pakistan relations and the global fight against terrorism, urging international solidarity with India’s position.

DMK MP Kanimozhi underlined the complexity involved in resolving conflicts with Pakistan, stating, “The Government of India has sent out delegations, and we’ve also reached out to friendly nations and nations which have some misconceptions that we can resolve issues just by speaking to them and calling Pakistan over for a coffee and saying we will resolve these conflicts. It’s much more than what meets the eye for many people.”

This diplomatic effort seeks to brief international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, and on the broader fight against cross-border terrorism.

Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a decisive military action targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, underscoring India’s resolve to counter terrorism with strong measures. (ANI)

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday. The wicketkeeper-batter, who made his debut in 2018, took to social media to announce his retirement.

Klaasen posted on his Instagram, “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision, but also one that I have absolute peace with.”

Klaasen, who played in 122 international matches for the Proteas, expressed gratitude towards his coaches during his cricketing journey.

“I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life. Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can’t say thank you enough,” he said.

“My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most, and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me – to them I will always be grateful.”

“To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career.”

“I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone who supported me and my teammates during my career,” he added.

Klaasen’s iconic whip-pull off the spinners made him a dangerous prospect across the formats for South Africa. He was a member of the South Africa side that featured in the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

He scored 2141 runs with a highest score of 174 in his 60 ODIs at an average of 43.69. In the T20Is, he scored 1000 runs with a highest score of 81 and a strike rate of 141.84. While he smashed four centuries and 11 fifties in ODIs, Klaasen had five T20I half-centuries against his name.

His power-hitting was on full display during a blistering career-best 174 against Australia at his home ground, SuperSport Park, in 2023 – the second highest score ever recorded by a number five.

Klaasen had earlier retired from Tests in January 2024, having featured in four games in the longest format. (ANI)

The flood situation in Assam’s Sribhumi district is still critical following incessant rainfall and the water level of the Kushiyara River and other rivers of the district has risen.

Around 40,000 people are affected in the district bordering the Indo-Bangladesh border and more than 300 revenue villages of the district have been affected in the first spell of flood.

Many flood-affected people have taken shelter in relief camps set up by the district administration. Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, District Commissioner of Sribhumi district, told ANI that more than 300 revenue villages of the district were affected by this deluge.

“Around 40,000 people have been affected, and the relief distribution process has been going on since yesterday. In relief camps, we provide hot cooked food items among the affected people. We are also providing baby food. We have organised medical camps,” the District Commissioner said.

He further said that, so far, two people have died due to the flood in the district.

“Minor breach incidents took place in four locations. The water level of Kushiyara, Singla, Barak and Longai flows above the danger level mark following heavy rainfall. In the last 24 hours, rainfall has decreased, and the water level of two rivers is falling,” the District Commissioner of Sribhumi district said.

According to the flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), more than 3.64 lakh people in 19 districts of the state were affected by the current deluge. The flood waters submerged 758 villages under 54 revenue circles.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also warned of rising river levels, telling people to be careful, especially on river banks.

“Heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh — Kibitoo (17 cm), Hayuliang (15 cm), Kalaktang (10 cm) — may lead to a sharp rise in river levels downstream. Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm) and in nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories,” CM Sarma posted on X.

As the northeast region reels under heavy rains, with various areas in Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and more are experiencing flooding, landslides and increasing river levels. According to Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, at least 5 people have died due to landslides in Assam, with the state government announcing Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the victims.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 1 has also assured of every possible help to the flood-affected areas in the northeast region, and also spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and the Governor of Manipur.

“Spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and the Governor of Manipur in the wake of ongoing heavy rainfall in their states. Also assured them of every possible help to tackle any situation. The Modi government stands like a rock in support of the people of the Northeast,” Shah posted on X. (ANI)

A health crisis has emerged in Chak 212-P, a secluded village located on Tillu Road in Sadiqabad in Pakistan, where residents are forced to consume contaminated subsoil water due to a lack of safe drinking water, according to a report in the Dawn newspaper.

Since the year 2017, at least 98 individuals, mostly from the Shar clan, have undergone appendectomies after suffering from abdominal pain, which was reportedly linked to misdiagnoses and questionable medical practices, as noted in Dawn’s article.

The problem began when 10 to 15 children (ranging from 7 to 14 years old) first presented with intestinal discomfort and sought medical assistance from local quacks and nearby healthcare facilities. Despite being treated with medication, their symptoms persisted, resulting in more villagers reporting similar problems over the years. From 2017 to 2025, a total of 98 appendectomy surgeries were performed, primarily in private hospitals in Sadiqabad, as referenced in the Dawn report.

Following 2019, several unlicensed medical practitioners in the Tillu Road region faced sanctions from the District Health Authority (DHA) but were allowed to continue operating under certain conditions. Deputy District Health Officer (DDHO) Dr. Waqas Shakoor reportedly advised these practitioners to refer patients to Touheed Medical Complex (TMC) on Katcha Shahi Road, Sadiqabad. It is asserted that Dr. Shakoor is the patron-in-chief of TMC, which is owned by Dr. Touheed Akhtar, as highlighted by Dawn’s report.

The situation gained public attention on May 29, 2025, when videos concerning the surgeries were disseminated on social media. The elder noted that in the current year alone, 36 new cases have been recorded in Chak 212-P, with 26 patients having already undergone appendectomies at TMC, while an additional 10 are waiting for surgery. Each patient was allegedly charged Rs15,000, which included Rs 8,000 for the surgery and Rs 7,000 for medications. Moreover, six to seven children from a single family, specifically the family of Amir Bakhsh Shar, were among those who had the surgery, as reported by Dawn.

Members of civil society and social activists have condemned the alleged negligence of the health authority and have accused CEO Dr. Ghazanfar Shafiq of neglecting the issue. He is the son of a former ruling party MPA and a resident of Sadiqabad. They are demanding a transparent investigation and strict accountability that is free from political interference, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)

Incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in northern Sikkim on the night of May 30-31 triggered widespread devastation, severely damaging critical roads and bridges. The River Teesta surged by 35-40 feet, snapping regional connectivity.

In view of the grim situation, Project Swastik of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has swiftly launched rescue and restoration operations in the Gangtok-Chungthang and Chungthang-Lachen/Lachung sectors.

BRO teams work relentlessly to restore vital lifelines, ensuring connectivity and aid reaches the affected areas.

Meanwhile, several people were stranded in the Lachung and Mangan districts due to the landslides and floods.

Earlier on Monday, tourists in Lachung were actively evacuated through a coordinated effort involving the police, residents, forest personnel, and the Lachung Hotel Association.

Gyatso Lachungpa, president of the Lachung Hotel Association, led the evacuation operation on the ground with support from the local administration.

On Sunday, Mangan district Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia said that over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan District due to the rains inducing landslides, bridge collapse and damage along with a high rise of the River Teesta. He said that the evacuation process had to be delayed due to the landslide on Friday in Shipgyer in Upper Dozongu. Mangan SP assured that the evacuation of tourists will be carried out on Monday.

Further, damages to the base of the Phidang bridge have restricted vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency. The GREF completed the restoration work on Sunday, allowing residents and a few emergency service vehicles to commute on foot.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said on May 30 that as the depression over Bangladesh is likely to move nearly north-northeastwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 12 hours, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to continue in various regions.

For the next few days, IMD has forecast that rains will likely occur in most northeast regions on June 5, with no significant change in maximum temperature in various areas. (ANI)

Elon Musk-owned electric car manufacturer Tesla is not interested in manufacturing in India, instead, they are opening showrooms, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy told reporters on Monday.

“Tesla, we are not actually expected from them, they are only to start showrooms. They are not interested in manufacturing in India,” the minister said.

Heavy Industry Secretary Kamran Rizvi added, “So the real intent we’ll know when we open the application and if the company still feels like investing. What minister sir is telling is about what people they come and told informally.”

The minister however added that many European companies like Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, Skoda and Kia have shown interest in manufacturing units in India under the new EV policy.

The government also said that European companies are interested in investing in India as they have left hand drive like in India and they don’t have to do much changes for exporting their cars, unlike US which has a right hand drive.

The new EV policy announced in 2022, has given many concessions for companies who will invest in India and set up manufacturing units.

The policy allows a duty of 15 per cent if a company invest USD 500 million in a manufacturing plant in India. In the first three years the company will have to source 25 per cent of parts locally which has to be increased to 50 per cent by end of fifth year.

The company will be allowed to export a maximum of 8,000 units annually to India against a highly reduced duty of 15 per cent.

Earlier, there were reports that Tesla was interested in importing Tesla car into India and subsequently sell it through their showrooms in India.

Tesla boss Musk had in past indicated that he was interested in investing in India, but “high import duty” structures were a bone of contention.

Tesla’s intension to come into India had intensified after India announced its new EV policy, under which import duty was reduced to 15 per cent and many incentives provided for setting up manufacturing plant in India. (ANI)