Month: June 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Bihar and Odisha from Friday where he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects. He will also lead the national celebration on International Yoga Day on June 21 from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

According to a release from PMO, PM Modi will begin his visit from Bihar’s Siwan, where he will inaugurate the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line project worth over Rs 400 crore and flag off a new train service on this route.

Additionally, in a major boost to connectivity in North Bihar, the Prime Minister will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.

Furthering the vision of “Make in India – Make for the World,” PM Modi will also flag off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant, for export to the Republic of Guinea. This is the first export locomotive manufactured in this factory. They are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion system, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomic cab designs and incorporate technologies like regenerative braking, according the the release.

In line with his commitment to conservation and rejuvenation of river Ganga, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange project worth over Rs 1800 crore catering to the needs of people in the region.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation and STPs worth over Rs 3000 crore in various towns across Bihar, aiming to provide clean and safe drinking water to the citizens of these towns.

In a major boost to power infrastructure in the region, the PM will lay the foundation stone for 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in Bihar. Standalone BESS are being installed at 15 grid substations of the state, including Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, Siwan, among others. The capacity of the battery to be installed in each sub-station is between 20 to 80 MWh. It will save the distribution companies from buying electricity at expensive rates by feeding the already stored electricity back to the grid, directly benefiting the consumers.

Prime Minister will also release the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries of PMAY U in Bihar. He will also hand over keys to a few beneficiaries to mark the Grih Pravesh Ceremony of more than 6,600 completed houses of PMAY U, according to the release.

In Odisha, PM Modi will chair the State-level function at Bhubaneswar to commemorate the completion of one year of the Government of Odisha.

In line with his commitment to the holistic development of Odisha, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore. These projects will cover critical sectors including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, sections of national highways, and a new railway line, according to the release.

Marking a historic moment for the district’s integration with the national railway network, the Prime Minister will flag off new train services extending rail connectivity to Boudh district for the first time.

In a major boost to clean energy and sustainable transport, the Prime Minister will flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, supporting a modern, eco-friendly urban mobility network.

PM Modi will release the Odisha Vision Document. Anchored around the landmark years of 2036 (when Odisha completes 100 years as India’s first linguistic State) and 2047 (when India celebrates 100 years of independence), the Vision will outline an ambitious and future-ready roadmap for inclusive growth, the release added.

As a tribute to the contribution of eminent Odias, Prime Minister Modi will launch the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ initiative. It aims to transform their birthplaces into living memorials through museums, interpretation centres, statues, libraries, and public spaces honouring Odisha’s heritage while promoting cultural tourism.

Celebrating more than 16.50 lakh Lakhpati Didis as symbols of prosperity and self-reliance in the state, Prime Minister Modi will felicitate women achievers from across the State.

At the end of the visit, PM Modi will lead the national celebration on International Day of Yoga (IDY) from Visakhapatnam. He will participate in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session at the beachfront of Visakhapatnam, alongside nearly 5 lakh participants, while leading the nation in a harmonious yoga demonstration. Yoga sangam events will be held simultaneously at more than 3.5 lakh locations across India.

This year, special contests such as Yoga with Family and youth-focused initiatives under Yoga Unplugged have been launched on platforms like MyGov and MyBharat, encouraging mass participation.

According to the release, the theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” highlights the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and echoes the global vision of collective wellness, rooted in India’s philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).

Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar. IDY has since evolved into a powerful global health movement. (ANI)

VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, on Thursday accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) of having an unholy nexus with the BJP. He also accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of parroting the RSS’s “narrative” against Malappuram, a Muslim-majority district in Kerala.

He said that though the construction work on national highways caused numerous mishaps in the State, the LDF government did not have any complaints against the Centre. He cited this as one of the examples of the “unholy nexus.”

“In Kerala, there is an unholy nexus between the CPI(M) and the BJP. It is very clear. For example, construction work on national highways causes numerous accidents, mishaps, and falls. Still, unfortunately, the state government doesn’t have any complaints against the central government,” Satheesan told ANI.

“When the chief minister and the PWD minister (PA Mohammed Riyas) met the surface transport minister (Nitin Gadkari), he adorned him with a garland and presented him with a prize box… The CPI(M) and the Chief Minister are repeating the narrative of the RSS against Malappuram district; they are saying that almost all the people in Malappuram are criminals, smugglers, and doing shady activities,” he added.

Satheesan’s remarks came amid the voting in the Nilambur Assembly byelection in the Malappuram district. The campaign for the bypoll saw bitter trading of charges between the ruling LDF and the UDF.

During the election campaign, LDF leaders, including the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, slammed the Congress-led UDF for accepting Jamaat-e-Islami’s support for its candidate. Hitting back, the UDF leaders accused the ruling alliance of fomenting Islamophobia.

However, the Chief Minister said that opposing Jamaat-e-Islami’s theocratic ideology was not tantamount to stoking Islamophobia.

The bye-election is crucial for both the ruling LDF and the UDF, as the results will be seen as a reflection of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls in the State.

Earlier, stressing that the Nilambur by-election is the semi-final before the 2026 Assembly polls, Kerala LoP and Congress MLA VD Satheesan said that they will emerge victorious, which will mark the beginning of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) return to the state. (ANI)

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Uma Thurman has opened up about her decision to step away from action films after the success of the ‘Kill Bill’ franchise.

The actress is making a long-awaited return to the genre alongside Charlize Theron in ‘The Old Guard 2.’

During an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ Starring Jimmy Fallon, Thurman explained that she took a break from action movies to preserve her legacy as an action star.

“I never really followed Kill Bill up with action because I didn’t kind of want to be in a whole bunch of ‘B’ action movies,” she said, as quoted by People magazine.

Thurman saw ‘The Old Guard 2’ as an opportunity to “put my toe into action again.”

She was drawn to the film’s story and characters, particularly Charlize Theron’s performance in the first movie.

“Charlize was just so epic in [2020’s The Old Guard],” she said, adding, “And so I thought, ‘Well, I could go do this for her in that. Where she’s kind of taking the genre there. I’ll go support her and fight her and battle her out.'”

Thurman heavily praised Theron, describing her as “phenomenal” and “incredible.” She also enjoyed playing the villain, which she described as a “fun” experience.

Despite her action-packed role, Thurman revealed that she didn’t spend much time training for the film. Instead, she struggled with eating on camera, citing the challenges of doing multiple takes and not being able to choose what’s on the menu.

When asked about the possibility of a third movie, Thurman teased, “There’s whispers… I think we’ll leave it to the fans.”

While she didn’t rule out the possibility of another instalment, she mentioned that a third ‘Kill Bill’ movie is unlikely. (ANI)

Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, on Thursday stated that 211 DNA samples of those who were killed in the Air India 171 crash had been matched, further stating that other samples were being verified.

He also stated that the administration had been trying its best and would call on families to collect the remains as soon as the reports of the DNA samples came.

“211 (DNA) samples have been matched. All other samples are being verified… The administration is trying its best. As soon as the report comes, the families will be called immediately. We try not to waste even a single minute. We are here to assist the families,” Joshi told ANI.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the co-pilot of the flight, Clive Kunder, were brought to his residence in Mumbai today.

Visuals from his residence showed a crowd of people gathered at his place while his family stood in front of his portrait and mourned their tragic loss.

Kunder lived with his mother and father in the Goregaon (West) area. His body arrived earlier today at Mumbai Airport and was transported to his residence.

Earlier on June 12, the day of the accident, Actor Vikrant Massey offered condolences and said that Kunder was his “family friend.”

In an Instagram post, Vikrant offered condolences to the victims and their families, revealing Clive was the first officer on “that fateful” AI171 flight, which crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

“It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the 1st officer operating on that fateful flight. May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all deeply affected,” he expressed grief.

On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat’s Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Dino Morea arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Mumbai on Thursday following his alleged involvement in the Rs 65 crore Mithi River desilting scam. This development comes after the ED conducted extensive raids in connection with the case.

In the visuals, the ‘Housefull 5’ actor is seen entering the office of the ED on Thursday morning.

The actor’s involvement in the investigation stems from his alleged association with contractors and officials suspected of embezzling public funds meant for flood prevention and drainage maintenance in Mumbai.

The Mithi River desilting project, initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies after the disastrous 2005 floods, aimed to ensure better flood management by clearing debris and maintaining the riverbed.

However, the recent audits and investigations have raised concerns over inflated bills, fake work logs, and the diversion of funds.

On June 6, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at fifteen locations across Mumbai and Kochi, including Morea’s residence.

These raids targeted individuals and organisations linked to the contractors and officials suspected of fraudulent activities related to the desilting work.

The raids were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with the ED seeking to trace the proceeds of alleged financial misconduct.

The Mithi River, one of Mumbai’s critical drainage arteries, garnered nationwide attention following the 2005 floods, which highlighted the urgent need for effective flood prevention measures.

Since then, multiple desilting operations have been carried out by civic agencies to prevent future flooding. However, investigations have unearthed discrepancies in the reported versus actual desilting work, sparking suspicions of widespread corruption in the management of the project’s funds.

In addition to Morea, his brother was also questioned by the ED about the case.

The investigation follows earlier probes by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), both of which had flagged possible financial misconduct linked to the desilting operations.

The ED’s involvement comes after these reports, with the agency registering a money laundering case to investigate the illegal diversion of public funds.

The Enforcement Directorate suspects that a network of contractors and middlemen may have been submitting false work completion reports to siphon off funds intended for vital infrastructure work. (ANI)

As India is gearing up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is organising a multitude of events nationwide to mark the occasion with “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” as this year’s theme

Yoga Sangam, the main event, will orchestrate a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over 1 lakh locations across India on June 21, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national event at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This collective celebration aims to reaffirm our shared commitment to the timeless practice of yoga and its enduring relevance in today’s world.

An invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, Yoga has emerged as one of the most trusted means to boost physical and mental well-being. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’, meaning “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite.” It symbolises the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between human and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Recognising its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and was endorsed by a record 175 member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first introduced the proposal in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day represents a symbolic harmony between nature and human wellness and is important in many cultures.

This ushered in an era of holistic health revolution, in which attention was given to prevention rather than cure. Since its first edition in 2015, India has led the celebration globally under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, with active support from state governments, Indian missions abroad, and UN agencies, an official statement from the AYUSH Ministry said.

Highlighting the significance of symbol of Yoga Day, the statement said, “Folding of both hands in the logo symbolises Yoga, the union, which reflects the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man & nature; a holistic approach to health & well-being. The brown leaves symbolise the Earth element, the green leaves symbolise Nature, the blue symbolises the Water element, the brightness symbolises the Fire element, and the Sun symbolises the source of energy and inspiration. The logo reflects harmony and peace for humanity, which is the essence of Yoga.”

The journey of Yoga Day has been nothing short of extraordinary, as from a modest participation of 9.59 crore individuals in 2018, the celebration has grown exponentially. In 2024, an estimated 24.53 crore people joined celebrations worldwide, showcasing the event’s massive global appeal. The day has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries, the release added.

This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. This theme echoes a vital truth about the interconnectedness of health, sustainability, and the environment, aligning with India’s “One Earth, One Family, One Future” vision highlighted during its G20 presidency.

The International Day of Yoga 2025 will not just be a one-day observance–it will reflect India’s enduring commitment to holistic health, environmental harmony, and global well-being. With “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” as its guiding principle, India continues to lead the world in connecting physical fitness with mindful living.

The PM Yoga Awards will also recognise excellence in promoting and practising Yoga. (ANI)

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Thursday that state police have apprehended 200 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals over the past few days, and legal proceedings are now underway.

In a post on X, Sanghavi said that the Gujarat police are working on their deportation further.

“Action Against Infiltrators! Gujarat Police Crackdown on Illegal Bangladeshis! In a major operation, over 200 illegal Bangladeshis have been caught by Gujarat Police in the last 100 hours! Further legal action for deportation is underway,” the Gujarat Home Minister said.

“Kudos to Gujarat Police for taking strict action against infiltrators and ensuring national security,” he added.

DGP Gujarat also said in a post on X, “In the last 100 hours, more than 200 illegal Bangladeshis have been caught by Gujarat Police. Further legal action for deportation is in progress.”

On June 14, In a successful joint operation, the Southern Command Military Intelligence Unit and Kondhwa Police Station of Pune City Police apprehended four illegal immigrants from Bangladesh residing in a labour camp near Punyadham Ashram Road, Notting Hill Society, Pune.

The operation was conducted on June 13, following specific intelligence received by Military Intelligence about the presence of undocumented foreign nationals at a labour site in the Kondhwa area. Based on the input, a team was quickly formed with local police and a surprise raid was carried out at the identified location.

During the verification process at the construction site, four individuals attempted to flee but were swiftly caught by the joint team. Upon interrogation and document checking, their identity as Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in India was established.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as Swapan Mandal (39), Mithun Kumar Santal (35), Ranodhir Mandal (29), and Dilip Mondal (38). All four individuals hail from Satkhira district in Bangladesh, which shares a porous border with India and has been flagged in the past for illegal cross-border movements.

Officials confirmed that further joint questioning of the arrested individuals will be carried out to determine their entry routes, duration of stay, and possible involvement in any labour rackets or larger infiltration networks.

The Pune City Police have registered a case under section 14 of The Foreigners Act, 1946; section 3 and 6 of the Passport Act; and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1950 at the Kondhwa Police station. Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)

At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, the China Film Foundation and partners launched two major AI-driven initiatives under the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project: a large-scale effort to restore 100 classic martial arts films using artificial intelligence and unveiled world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature film, reported Variety.

As per the outlet, the restoration project aims to digitally remaster 100 landmark kung fu films, using AI to enhance image, sound, and overall production quality while preserving the storytelling and aesthetic of the originals.

The organisers described the initiative as a long-term commitment to reviving Chinese martial arts cinema’s cultural and cinematic legacy.

“From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan, from ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ to ‘Wolf Warrior,’ these films have shown the world the vitality and spirit of the Chinese people. They are our cinematic calling cards to the world,” said China Film Foundation chair Zhang Qilin as quoted by Variety.

As per the outlet, the titles set for AI restoration include ‘Fist of Fury,’ ‘The Big Boss,’ ‘Once Upon a Time in China,’ and ‘Drunken Master,’ among others.

The Canxing Media chair Tian Ming confirmed that ten of the 100 films will be prioritised in the first phase of development under this restoration project, reported Variety.

Separately, on the same night, the China Film Foundation unveiled a brand-new animated feature, ‘A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,’ billed as the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature film.

This cyberpunk reinterpretation of the director John Woo crime classic is produced by Quantum Animation. The film was created using a full-stack AI pipeline, covering everything from scripting and modelling to animation and rendering.

“This entire animated feature was made by just 30 people. AI has collapsed the barrier between creativity and execution. The production cycle has gone from years to months,” said producer Zhang Qing.

Zhang also urged Chinese creators to move beyond traditional formats and expand IP into interactive forms such as globally competitive fighting games. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Soroka Hospital in Beersheba in the southern part of Israel has suffered a direct hit in a missile attack.

In a statement shared on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated, “BREAKING: A direct hit has been reported at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel. More details to follow.”

IDF also confirmed that a hospital in southern Israel has been hit by a missile attack. In a post on X, IDF stated, “Several hits were identified as a result of the missile barrage–one of them hitting the largest hospital in southern Israel. More details will follow.”

IDF made the statement in response to a post it shared on X, where it mentioned that millions of people in Israel are running to take shelter as sirens sound due to a missile launch from Iran.

“Millions of Israelis across the country are currently running to shelter as sirens sound due to a missile launch from Iran,” the IDF posted on X.

Earlier, the IDF said that the air force had started a “wave of attacks” in Tehran and other parts of Iran. In a post on X, IDF stated, “The Air Force has now begun a wave of attacks in Tehran and other areas in Iran.”

The IDF asked residents of the cities of Arak and Khondab in Iran to evacuate for their safety. In a statement issued in the Farsi language, the IDF said that it is operating in the area against Iranian military infrastructure.

The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its seventh day. The conflict between the two nations started after Israel, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”. In response, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres, Iranian News Agency (IRNA) reported.

In a statement on Wednesday, the IDF said it carried out a “series of strikes” targeting over 20 military sites in Tehran, including facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program and missile production, CNN reported.

The IDF said that 60 Israeli Air Force fighter jets “struck weapons production sites, centrifuge production sites, as well as research and development sites of the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons development project” over the past few hours.

The statement said, “These sites were designated to allow the Iranian regime to expand the scale and pace of its uranium enrichment purpose of developing nuclear weapons.” CNN reported.

The IDF said that the latest strikes also targeted “factories producing raw materials and components for missile assembly, as well as sites for the production of Iran’s air defence systems.” (ANI)