Month: June 2025

The Harang bridge at Bhangarpar on the Kalain-Silchar road in Assam collapsed on Tuesday night, causing two heavily loaded trucks to fall into the river below.

Rescue and restoration work is underway. Further details are awaited.

Earlier, a bridge collapsed over the Indrayani River in Maharashtra’s Pune district, killing four.

Following the collapse of a bridge over the Indrayani River in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Sunday afternoon, the district administration on Monday announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the four individuals who lost their lives in the tragedy.

According to Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the announcement is part of a broader response to the incident, which saw 55 people fall into the river. Of these, 51 were successfully rescued, and 38 are currently receiving treatment.

Speaking to ANI, Dudi provided an update on the situation, noting that an aerial survey was conducted today to finalise the search operation, ensuring no one remains unaccounted for.

“A total of 55 people fell due to the bridge collapse. Out of 55, 51 people were successfully rescued. Treatment for 38 people is still going on in the hospital. The condition of all the persons is stable. Unfortunately, four people died, and their bodies have been identified. There is no report of a missing person now. “This afternoon, we conducted an aerial survey at the spot to finalise the search operation,” Dudi stated.

Dudi also outlined the formation of a probe team to investigate the collapse, comprising officers from the Irrigation Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Forest Department, and Police. “We have formed a team under the District Collector with officers from the Irrigation Department, PWD, Forest dept, and Police – to probe the incident, bring out the shortcomings, and review the existing SOPs,” he said, emphasising the need to identify lapses and strengthen safety protocols.

Additionally, he has requested a structural report on all old bridges in the region to assess their condition and prevent future tragedies.

The District Collector reiterated a public appeal to avoid visiting such locations during the monsoon season, given the heightened risks.

“Again, I appeal to the public to avoid visiting such places during the monsoon season. I have asked for a structural report on all old bridges… Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to the families of each deceased,” he added. (ANI)

In a first, Iran appears to have successfully downed an Israeli drone over the Isfahan area in the Islamic Republic on Tuesday, according to the state media, The Times of Israel reported.

Footage broadcast by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB shows what appears to be a crashed Israeli Air Force Hermes 900.

However, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) has not commented. It has previously denied Iranian claims, not backed by any evidence, of shooting down Israeli aircraft.

On Wednesday morning, the Israeli Air Force bombed five Iranian AH-1 helicopters at an airbase in Kermanshah, IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin says in a press conference.

“Their mission was to try and harm our aircraft,” Defrin said.

The IDF released footage showing the strikes.

Israel hit two centrifuge production sites in Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Wednesday.

The IAEA identified the facilities as the TESA complex in Karaj and the Tehran Research Centre.

“At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested,” says the IAEA on X. “At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured.”

The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA.

— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 18, 2025

Both sites had been under IAEA monitoring as part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more commonly known as “the Iran nuclear deal,” between Tehran and several world powers to restrict Iran’s nuclear program.

The TESA complex, near the capital Tehran, hosted a workshop to build components for centrifuges, the machines used to enrich uranium. In 2021, Iran said cameras at the site were damaged during what it called an Israeli “sabotage” operation, as per The Times of Israel.

The Israeli Air Force hit over 1,100 Iranian assets in hundreds of strikes in Iran since Friday.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force also carried out strikes on over 75 targets in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan will be seen as the first guest on the new season of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’.

On Wednesday, Netflix India posted the promo of the episode, leaving fans in splits.

From Salman joking about the failure of his film ‘Sikandar’ to giving his humorous take on Aamir Khan’s new relationship with Gauri Spratt, Salman unleashed his candid avatar on the show.

Check out the promo here

“Aamir bhai ne abhi fans ko introduce kiya apni girlfriend ke saath, woh ruk nahi rahe hain aur aap kar hi nahi rahe hain,” Kapil said, prompting a witty reply from Salman.

Salman quipped, “Aamir ki baat hi kuch aur hai. He is a perfectionist. Jab tak woh marriage ko ekdum perfect nahi kar lega…”

On Aamir’s 60th birthday in March the actor introduced his partner Gauri to the media in Mumbai, and since then, fans have been leaving no chance to get more details about his love life.

Aamir was previously married to Reena Dutta, and later Kiran Rao. From his first marriage with Reena, Aamir has two children, Junaid and Ira. The actor and his second wife, director Kiran Rao, married in 2005 and separated in 2021.

They continue to co-parent their son, Azad.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Aamir will come up with ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ this year. If reports are to be believed, Genelia D’Souza has a pivotal role in the film.

During the press event that was conducted on his birthday, Aamir also opened up about his upcoming projects, revealing how passionate he is to adapt the epic Mahabharat into a film.

“We are just starting with the writing process. We are putting together a team…so let’s see how that goes,” he said. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Tannaz Irani, who attended the ‘ShowStopper’ event in Delhi on Tuesday, spoke about the importance of spreading awareness about breast cancer.

While talking to the media, Tannaz called cancer “scary” and also praised actress Hina Khan for her strength and positivity after being diagnosed with the disease.

“Cancer is really, really scary. Recently, our actress Hina Khan is also fighting it. She has set such a beautiful example for everyone. She is showing how to stay positive, and during this time, she even got married,” Irani said.

“We actors – the public has given us fame, and we are here because of you all. So isn’t it our duty to take up such sensitive topics and try to educate people a little?” she added.

“People don’t usually talk about sensitive topics in our country, and cancer is a life-threatening illness. If we talk about breast cancer in particular, just imagine – how will a woman in a village speak about it to her family, to her husband, or to her mother-in-law? How will she explain what’s happening to her? I think if the entertainment industry or Bollywood talks about such serious topics, then it’s the right way to spread awareness,” she added.

Meanwhile, the event was organised by DIISHA and MH Films to support breast cancer awareness through a web series called ShowStopper, which will soon release on an OTT platform. The series aims to spread knowledge about breast health and early detection of cancer.

Apart from Tannaz, the talk featured several personalities including Bakhtiyaar Irani, and others, who spoke about how the entertainment industry can help break social taboos and encourage important discussions on women’s health. (ANI)

With the release of Season 4 of the much-loved comedy-drama series ‘Panchayat’ just days away, actor Chandan Roy, who plays Vikas Shukla, has offered fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the new season, which premieres on Prime Video on June 24.

In a candid interview with ANI, actor Chandan Roy said the upcoming season is his personal favourite and offered a glimpse into the elements that will define the new storyline.

“So, it’s coming on the 24th. I think it will come till the night of the 23rd. So, just watch, and you’ll know what’s going to happen and what’s not. But yes, I want to share one thing with all of you. Season 4… Personally, it’s my favourite. More than Season 1, 2, and 3. I’m not saying this just because I want you to watch it. I’m genuinely saying it,” he said.

The actor didn’t hesitate to drop hints about what sets the upcoming season apart.

“There’s a twist. I mean, the nature of Panchayat, its essence, is that this time we’re playing around a lot more. We’re blowing small things out of proportion, and this is something that happens a lot, especially in North India. Under the peepal tree, near the betel leaf shop, by the tea stall. We’re bringing all these elements much more into season 4. So, I hope you will really enjoy it,” he added.

For fans of the show, this could mean a return to the quintessential charm of rural India, where the everyday drama unfolds under the shade of trees, at tea stalls, or during community gossip.

Season 3 of ‘Panchayat’ concluded on a tense cliffhanger, and the stakes were raised considerably. The series had built up to a shocking confrontation between the villagers of Phulera and the goons of MLA Chandrakishore.

The escalating tension between the two sides culminated in a violent face-off, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting answers.

The cliffhanger featured an attack on the local leadership, with Pradhanji sustaining a gunshot wound to the shoulder, while Abhishek’s preparations for the CAT examination were disrupted by the ensuing violence.

The key questions that remained unanswered at the end of Season 3 included: ‘Who shot Pradhanji? ‘Was it the MLA or someone else? ‘Will Abhishek clear his CAT exam and be admitted to IIM?’ What will be the outcome of the Panchayat elections? ‘Will peace return to Phulera, or will the violence escalate further?’ These questions continue to dominate the minds of fans as they await the release of Season 4.

Season 4 promises to pick up right from where season 3 left off, delving into the aftermath of the political violence and the unresolved questions surrounding the Panchayat elections.

If the teaser trailer is anything to go by, Phulera appears to have turned into a political battleground, with campaign slogans, fiery rallies, and underhanded tactics. The contest for the Pradhan’s seat intensifies between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi.

The upcoming season will see the return of Jitendra Kumar as Sachiv Ji, alongside Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha–each contributing to the growing political tension in Phulera.

Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, and directed by Mishra along with Akshat Vijaywargiya, the new season promises to bring back the show’s signature blend of satire, warmth, and rustic charm. (ANI)

Actress Samyuktha has joined the cast of Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming directorial film. The movie stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles. The makers have not revealed the title of the film yet.

Taking to his Instagram handle, director Jagannadh announced the arrival of Samyuktha in his upcoming film. The film is being produced by Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur under their banner, Puri Connects.

He wrote, “Grace in her stride. Fire in her eyes. Welcoming the stunning @iamsamyuktha_ on board into the electrifying world of #PuriSethupathi.”

The untitled Puri-Sethupathi next big project also stars Bollywood actress Tabu in the lead role. The makers announced her arrival by sharing the actress’s photo with the director and producer of the film.

Taking to their Instagram handle, the makers wrote, “She’s electric. She’s explosive. She’s the Tabu. Proudly welcoming the gem of Indian cinema, actress Tabu, on board for a role as dynamic as her presence in #PuriSethupathi.”

More details about Tabu’s role have yet to be revealed. Fans have been eagerly waiting for more updates on the actress’s role in the movie.

Meanwhile, Tabu will next be seen in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan. Bhooth Bangla marks the reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar after a long gap.

The duo has previously given blockbuster films such as Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, Garam Masala, De Dana Dan, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, among others.

The film will also see a reunion of Akshay and Tabu after 25 years.

The two were last seen together in Hera Pheri. Bhooth Bangla is produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films. (ANI)

Criticising PM Narendra Modi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stressed that India has received “‘triple jhatka” in foreign policy and diplomacy.

Addressing the issue of PM Modi and US President Donald Trump’s telephonic conversation, Ramesh asserted that Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose “provocative, incendiary, inflammatory” comments are directly linked to the Pahalgam terror attacks, has been invited for a one-on-one special lunch with President Trump.

Jairam Ramesh said that it is a “setback” for Indian diplomacy and the government is “quiet” over the issue.

“Understand the ‘triple jhatka’ that the Indian foreign policy and diplomacy has received. Today, Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose provocative, incendiary, and inflammatory comments are directly linked to the Pahalgam terror attacks. He is today invited for a one-on-one special lunch with President Trump. This is a setback for Indian diplomacy. We are quiet about it, we have not objected to it”, Jairam Ramesh told ANI.

The Congress leader said that Michael Kurilla, who is the US Central Command Head, hailed Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner”, despite India considering them as a “phenomenal perpetrator”.

“Second, General Michael Kurilla, who is the Head of the US Central Command, says that Pakistan is a phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism. We are saying Pakistan is a phenomenal perpetrator…Third, from May 10 onwards, 14 times President Trump has been claiming that he mediated a ceasefire, he used trade as an instrument, he put Pakistan and India together”, Jairam Ramesh added.

Reiterating the opposition’s demand for a special Parliament session, Jairam Ramesh said that whatever Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri read out regarding the 35-minute telephone conversation between PM Modi and President Trump, the Prime Minister should say the same things in Parliament.

The Congress leader stressed that the opposition wants a debate in the parliament and an all-party meeting to showcase unity and solidarity over the issue.

“PM was silent. This was not countered. Today, we are told that he had a 35-minute phone call with President Trump, and he said many of the things that the Foreign Secretary has given a readout…Say the same thing in Parliament. Call a special session of Parliament…Call an all-party meeting tomorrow…and say the same things that you have supposedly told President Trump on the phone…We want a debate in Parliament, we want a constructive debate, we want an all-party meeting. We want to show unity and solidarity”, the Congress leader said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, which took place in Canada. During the conversation, which lasted over half an hour, PM Modi briefed the US President about India’s Operation Sindoor and firmly conveyed the message that India has never accepted and will never accept mediation on the issues with Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed on Wednesday. (ANI)

A bomb threat was received at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport on Wednesday morning, prompting an intense search operation across the airport premises.

Speaking to ANI, the Assistant Commissioner of Police at Begumpet said, “Begumpet airport received a bomb threat mail this morning. We are currently conducting a thorough search of the airport and its premises with the bomb squad. Further details will be provided later.”

Authorities launched extensive checks with the help of bomb detection and disposal teams. As of now, no suspicious objects have been found.

This comes just days after several bomb threats were reported at airports and flights in India. A Lufthansa flight (LH752) from Frankfurt to Hyderabad was recently forced to turn back mid-air after a bomb threat was received via email on June 15.

According to official sources, the threat mail arrived at 6:01 PM IST and claimed the aircraft was being targeted. The bomb threat assessment committee advised the flight to return to Frankfurt as a precaution.

“A bomb threat assessment committee was formed, and all procedures were followed as per SOP. In the interest of safety, the airline was advised to divert back to the origin or the nearest suitable airport,” an official said.

A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that the flight was diverted out of an abundance of caution. “Out of an abundance of caution, Lufthansa flight LH752 from Frankfurt to Hyderabad returned to its point of departure after authorities were made aware of a bomb threat posted on social media,” the spokesperson said.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is Lufthansa’s highest priority. Affected passengers were provided with accommodation in Frankfurt and will be continuing their journey to Hyderabad today,” the airline added.

On June 17, another bomb threat was reported on IndiGo flight 6E 2706, which was flying from Muscat to Delhi with a scheduled stop at Kochi. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Nagpur.

DCP Lohit Matani of Nagpur said all passengers were safely deboarded and an investigation is underway. (ANI)

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is proud to announce that Kangana Ranaut, renowned actor and politician, has been appointed as the official Brand Ambassador of the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

A powerful voice in Indian public life, Ranaut’s association brings immense energy, visibility, and a renewed focus to para-athletics in India. As Brand Ambassador, she will champion the values of resilience, inclusion, and excellence — the very ethos of the Championships, as per the PCI press release.

Sharing her thoughts on this new role, Ranaut said:

“India’s para athletes are rewriting what is possible every single day. I am deeply honoured to support them and help raise awareness about their incredible achievements. Para sport is not just about competition — it is about courage, and I am proud to stand behind our champions.”

The Paralympic Committee of India believes that Ranaut’s voice will significantly amplify public engagement with para sports and inspire the next generation of athletes and fans across the country.

Devendra Jhajharia, President of PCI and a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, remarked:

“We are thrilled to have Kangana Ji on board. Her passion, influence, and commitment to India’s athletes make her a perfect ambassador for the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.”

The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will welcome athletes from over 100 countries and is poised to be the biggest para-sporting event ever hosted by India. With Ranaut’s support, PCI aims to bring para sports into every Indian home, school, and heart.

The Jawaharlal Stadium will witness over 1,000 athletes in action during the Championships from September 27 and October 5. It will be the 12th edition of the competition and the largest-ever para-sport event to be held in India. (ANI)