Month: June 2025

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 finalize 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.

Earlier today, a high-level meeting of top administrators of the state was convened, chaired by the State Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, at her office, with the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department Secretary (Roads), Divisional Commissioner of Pune, Pune District Collector, Pune Chief Executive Officer, officials from the Public Works Department, and Pune Superintendent of Police joining virtually. (ANI)

The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its order on pleas challenging notices issued for demolition of alleged illegal properties in Batla House area of Okhla in South East Delhi.

Justice Tejas Karia reserved the order after hearing the arguments of counsel for the petitioners and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The bench was dealing with petitions moved on behalf of Heena Parveen, Jinat Kausar, Rukhsana Begam and Nihal Fatima etc.

Advocates Sonica Ghosh, Anurag Saksena and Gurmukh Dass Kohli appeared for Heena Parveen and others.

It was submitted that DDA has issued Generic notice, there is no clear demarcation of properties fall in Khasra Number 279. All properties are not illegal in this khasra.

On the other hand, standing counsel for DDA opposed the pleas. The petitions are of June 6 and affidavits are of June 3.

Counsel for Petitioners submitted that they are living here for a long time. They purchased it from the builder. It was also submitted that there is an order to demolish illegal properties on 2 bigha and ten biswa. There are 34 Bighas of land in khasra number 279. All properties are not illegal there.

In the matter of Nihal Fatima and others, the DDA submitted that there is no title documents. Documents were executed during the pendency and passing of order.

The counsel for petitioner submitted that they are living there since 1980-82. The notices are generic, nothing specific. The document was in Urdu and Farsi; they have got translated later on. Since 30 years people are living there.

Earlier, the high court had already granted protection to some residents of Batla House who approached the High Court against the notices issued by the DDA. (ANI)

A string of consistent final appearances and two standout gold medal performances, powered India to a commendable and strong third-place finish at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) Munich 2025, one of the most competitive and popular events in the world of international rifle and pistol shooting. Held at the iconic Olympic Shooting range between June 8-15, 2025, the Munich World Cup saw India register their third top-three finish this year in four world cups, with two gold and two bronze medals.

They not only improved their standing from joint third last year to sole this year, but also doubled their medal count, including the gold count, from last year’s Munich World Cup, a release said.

“The Munich World Cup which is an annual feature of the International Shooting calendar and is held at the revered Olympic Shooting range, which hosted the sport at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has once again brought out the best in our rifle and pistol shooters,” said an overjoyed K. Sultan Singh, Secretary General, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

He added, “When many were saying and quite rightly so, that India will find it very tough given the large field, quality of competition and the fact that some of our best were not part of the squad, our athletes have proven that the depth in Indian shooting is more formidable than ever before. On behalf of the NRAI, I congratulate the entire squad, including the coaches and support staff, for the amazing results, not only in Munich, but throughout the year.”

The high point for India at Munich this year, as also of this whole international season, has been the stunning consistency of rising women’s pistol star Suruchi Phogat. The Haryana teenager won an unprecedented third consecutive individual ISSF World Cup stage gold in the women’s 10m air pistol and to then imagine that Buenos Aires this year was her world cup debut, is mindboggling. She went where no Indian, man or woman, has even gone before.

The other being Arya Rajesh Borse and Olympian Arjun Babuta’s tremendous win over the Chinese world record holders Sheng Lihao and Wang Zifei, the former also the Olympic champion in the event, in the 10m air rifle mixed team final, where they completely outgunned the crack Chinese pair 17-7. With some incredible and consistent series of high scores, they showcased the depth and new found confidence of Indian shooting like never before.

Elavenil Valarivan (women’s 10m air rifle-arw), a two-time Olympian and Sift Kaur Samra (50m rifle 3 positions women-3P), Olympian and world record holder, also reinforced their status one of the world’s top shooters, with their bronze-winning performances at Munich.

Ela also set a new qualification national record of 635.9 en route to her bronze, while Suruchi equalled Manu Bhaker’s qualification national mark of 588 in the women’s air pistol.

In keeping with the trend this year, Indian World Cup debutants, and there were as many as three in Munich, also delivered encouraging performances in world-class fields that they were up against first up.

Ananya Naidu (arw) shot a solid 632.4 to finish 13th among contenders. Nishant Rawat (10m air pistol men-apm) and Aditya Malra (apm) too shot scores of 582 and 578 to finish 10th and 27th respectively.

India made a total of seven finals in the 10 events in Munich with Manu Bhaker (women’s 25m pistol), Varun Tomar (men’s 10m air pistol) and Chain Singh (men’s 3P), finishing sixth (both Manu and Varun) and seventh respectively, underlying India’s strength in the sport.

China finished on top of the standings with seven medals, including four gold, while Norway edged India to second on the basis of having won a silver with the same number of golds and medals as India.

A total of 11 nations, including the individual neutral athletes group, won medals in Munich. The ISSF bandwagon next moves to Lonato Del Garda in Italy next month for the year’s fourth Shotgun world cup stage, while the fourth and final Rifle/Pistol world cup is scheduled for Ningbo in China in September. (ANI)

Promoting holistic development of the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at National and International Sports events, as per the press release from state govenment.

This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports.

He said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.

For the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions.

“It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register”, he remarked.

“This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,” the Chief Minister stated.

To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student’s overall growth, said the Chief Minister.

Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons.

The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race.

Similarly, Vikas Thakur from Hamirpur was honoured with Rs. 2 crore for clinching a medal in the weightlifting event. In the sport of kabaddi, eight athletes Ritu Negi, Pushpa and Sushma Sharma from Sirmaur, Nidhi Sharma from Bilaspur, Jyoti from Solan and Vishal Bhardwaj from Una, were each awarded Rs. 33.32 lakh for bringing glory to the state at International tournaments. Cricketing star Renuka Singh Thakur from Shimla was also presented Rs. 13.32 lakh for her remarkable contribution to the game.

In addition to these honours, around Rs. 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes, which presents the state’s inclusive approach to recognize talent across a range of sports disciplines.

The government’s support goes beyond just cash rewards. Significant efforts have been made to improve player welfare. As many as 421 players received Rs. 76.98 lakh as diet money and 235 players were given Rs. 6.01 lakh to support their travel expenses. These measures ensure that athletes are not only celebrated after achieving success but are also supported throughout their sporting journey.

To further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state, the government is constructing an international-level sports stadium in Nadaun, Hamirpur. This world-class facility is expected to play a key role in nurturing young talent and providing top-level training infrastructure for athletes.

By recognising and supporting its sportspersons in such an extraordinary manner, the State government is sending a clear message that ‘sports is not just a passion but a priority’, said Sh. Sukhu. The students selected for National and International events are not just talented athletes but also dedicated students who understand the importance of balancing their academic and sporting pursuits.

With continued support and infrastructure development, Himachal Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a strong contender in the national and international sporting landscape, he remarked. (ANI)

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) commemorated the 37th anniversary of the 1988 Uyghur student protests in Urumchi, East Turkistan, an important event in Uyghur history and one of the initial significant movements opposing the Chinese government’s systematic discrimination against Uyghurs, according to the release from the World Uyghur Congress (WUC).

On June 15, 1988, a large number of Uyghur students bravely protested against the Chinese government’s discriminatory practices. The movement, led by student activists Dolkun Isa, Waris Ababekri, and Erkin Tursun, arose in response to years of systemic oppression that included biased education policies, forced sterilisations, nuclear testing in East Turkistan, and the absence of political representation. A crucial five-hour discussion among Isa, Tursun, and senior Chinese officials failed to yield any change, leading to a mass protest in the streets of Urumchi, the WUC release stated.

“The 1988 protests encompassed more than just student issues; they signalled the systemic nature of our oppression,” stated Dolkun Isa, the leader of the student movement and former President of the World Uyghur Congress. “What began as a call for basic rights has transformed into a long-standing movement against an intensifying campaign of genocide,” the release quoted him as saying.

Despite the harsh crackdown on the movement, it established the groundwork for the contemporary Uyghur human rights movement. In the aftermath, marked by state reprisals, Isa and Ababekri faced expulsion from their university. Isa subsequently sought exile in Germany, where he persisted in his advocacy work. Ababekri was imprisoned in a camp in 2019 and passed away shortly after his release, according to the release.

The Chinese government’s attempts to suppress Uyghur voices extend beyond its borders. Nowadays, the repression campaign has transformed into a global offensive against dissent. According to a 2025 investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Beijing is executing a far-reaching campaign of transnational repression, targeting dissidents and Uyghur activists via cyber surveillance, harassment, spyware, and threats to family members remaining in China, as noted by the WUC.

One specific campaign of cyberattacks targeted Uyghur human rights defenders, particularly those associated with or linked to the World Uyghur Congress. The report disclosed phishing emails, malware, and advanced spyware attacks, showing the characteristics of Chinese state-affiliated entities aiming to monitor, intimidate, and interfere with the essential work of Uyghur advocates abroad, as emphasised in the WUC release.

“This anniversary serves as a reminder that the essence of 1988 persists,” Isa remarked. “However, the threat remains. Today, Uyghur activists face dangers even in exile. We are being surveilled, harassed, and subjected to digital, diplomatic, and psychological attacks,” the statement quoted. (ANI)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Zurich was delayed on Sunday due to mandatory checks on Boeing 787-8 aircraft, resulting in its late arrival in Switzerland close to the night curfew, sources said on Monday.

The delay was not due to any technical issue but the mandatory checks ordered by government. The return flight is scheduled to operate as planned, sources clarified.

Earlier in the day, in a separate incident, an Air India flight, which was supposed to land in Delhi, was diverted back to Hong Kong after the pilot suspected a technical issue mid-air, according to sources.

The AI 315 flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had departed from Hong Kong to Delhi. According to the flight tracking site, Flight Radar 24, the Air India flight was supposed to reach Delhi by 12.20 PM.

Sources said that the passengers deboarded safely and the plane is undergoing a safety check.

“The pilot suspected some technical issue in the flight and, as a precautionary measure, the flight returned to its origin. Passengers have been disembarked and the flight is going through the check,” the source said.

This incident comes up just days after the tragic Air India AI 171, also a Dreamliner 787-8, on June 12 in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people onboard.

Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also ordered enhanced safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. The airline has stated that inspections on nine out of its 33 Dreamliner aircraft had been completed, with the remaining 24 on track to be inspected within the timeline provided by the regulator.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff. There were 242 people on board, including12 crew members.

Out of all the people, there was a lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who sustained minor injuries and had been undergoing treatment.

A high-level meeting on civil aviation security, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, is set to take place on June 17 in the wake of the recent Air India plane crash. (ANI)

Foreign tourists from various countries, primarily Europe, have begun returning to Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) following the recent incident in Pahalgam. Many have described the region as safe and welcoming, sharing positive experiences and encouraging others to visit.

Speaking to ANI, a tourist from Poland, Carolina shared her positive experience, saying, “We feel very safe here. This is not my first time in Kashmir, and Kashmiri people are always smiling — we really feel welcomed here. I’m sure we’ll come back again. This year, three groups from my company are visiting — a total of 60 people will be here.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Margret, another foreign tourist, expressed her excitement at visiting Kashmir for the first time

“It’s my first time here, and people are very friendly and hospitable. They want to take photos with us, and we’ve tried very good food. I’m excited to explore the paradise you have here — the mountains, the gardens we’ve seen — there’s so much to offer. This place is safe, and people should come here. You will feel great — come to the paradise of Kashmir…” she said.

Meanwhile, an international tour guide, Yunis, acknowledged the impact of the Pahalgam tragedy on Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism; however, he also highlighted the joint efforts made to restore confidence.

He said, “The unfortunate tragedy that occurred in Pahalgam impacted the reputation and trust in Kashmir’s tourism. But with our joint efforts with the Polish Embassy and European Union members, we have worked to revive tourism in Kashmir.”

On June 14, in a step towards reviving adventure tourism and promoting Indigenous games among the youth, the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education (DOSPE), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Army, organised a ten-day Sports Camp at the Bhadarwah Campus in Doda district.

The Pahalgam terror attack has severely impacted the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, and the government is making strong efforts to restore confidence and revive travel to the region.

A total of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in a dastardly terrorist attack in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam valley in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lashed out at the pro-Khalistan protestors holding demonstrations ahead of the G7 summit in Canada. Puri termed them as “kiraye ke tatto” (protestors for hire) and said that they should not be taken “seriously”.

“Leave that aside, another video is going viral tomorrow. They (pro Khalistani supporters) staged a dharna from the neighbouring country (Pakistan) where they get funding, but when they did not get the funding, they turned on them. Yeh jo kiraye ke tatto hain, don’t take them seriously”, Hardeep Singh Puri said while speaking to the reporters on Monday.

Following his visit to Cyprus, the Prime Minister will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit on June 16-17 following his visit to Cyprus. He has been invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This will be PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

“From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister HE Mark Carney. The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries”, PM Modi said in his statement.

On June 18, PM Modi will visit Croatia, where he will meet President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. This will be the first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister.

“On 18 June, I look forward to my visit to the Republic of Croatia and meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the PM’s departure statement added.

The Prime Minister also said the tour is an opportunity to thank India’s international partners for their continued support in the fight against terrorism.

“This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” PM Modi, in his statement, added. (ANI)

Fans of Diljit Dosanjh are in for a treat as their favourite star has released the teaser of his upcoming film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’.

Along with the Dosanjh, the film also stars Neeru Bajwa, Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, Sapna Pabbi and others in prominent roles. The movie offers a hilarious take on ghostbusting with a blend of action scenes.

The movie is directed by Amar Hundal and is slated to hit the screens on June 27.

The teaser of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, released on Sunday, marks Dosanjh’s return as a ghost hunter who is now tasked with removing a ghost from a mansion in the United Kingdom.

The teaser begins with a team approaching a most haunted castle in the UK with a group of armed soldiers. After an unknown spirit defeated them in the blink of an eye, the owner decides to call Dosanjh for the task.

The video then unfolds a hilarious interaction with his in-home witches, who demand a medical kit, a make-up box, and other items. In the end, Dosanjh was seen fighting with a ghost in the UK mansion, saying he intends to fight with him because he didn’t add “Jii” after “Sardaar” while addressing him.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Dosanjh shared the teaser of the movie.

‘Sardaar Ji’ is one the loved horror-comedy franchise of Punjabi film industry. The first instalment of ‘Sardaar Ji’ was directed by Rohit Jugraj, also starred Mandy Takhar and Neeru Bajwa. The film had a record opening in Punjabi cinema in 2015.

‘Sardaar Ji 2’ was also directed by Jugraj. The second instalment of the Punjabi fantasy horror-comedy Sardaarji came out eight years ago, in 2016. (ANI)

The much-awaited teaser of Prabhas-starrer ‘Raja Saab’ dropped on Monday. Directed by Maruthi, this horror-fantasy film is slated to be released in theatres worldwide on December 5.

Fans of Prabhas are in for a treat as their favourite actor is set to showcase his acting range by stepping into a comedy genre that is laced with spine-chilling horror scenes.

In the two-minute and twenty-eight-second teaser, Prabhas appears to be a happy-go-lucky guy who falls in love with Nidhhi Agerwal. Calling his romance on par with Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘Baahubali’ actor tries to impress his love interest Nidhi Agerwal before the situation takes a downturn.

The teaser begins with a king calling a haveli his “body” and the wealth his “life.” Prabhas appears to be terrified of the spirits, as he is seen chanting the god’s name and running away from ghosts after he enters the haveli.

The teaser’s grand visuals are one of its highlights. Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani are also expected to play prominent roles in the movie. Thaman’s music is another impressive aspect of the teaser.

Prabhas shared the teaser of the film from his Instagram handle.

Earlier, the makers of Prabhas’ starrer ‘The Raja Saab’ issued a warning to take “strict action” over the reported leak of the film’s teaser ahead of its official launch.