Month: June 2025

An old narrow bridge over the Indrayani River near Talegaon in Maharashtra’s Pune district collapsed on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least four people dead and several injured, officials said.

The incident prompted authorities to launch immediate search and rescue operations.

According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 39 people were rescued and four bodies recovered.

“A narrow bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, Pune, collapsed. 35 people were rescued initially by local efforts. NDRF, in joint ops with civil administration, rescued 4 more alive & recovered 4 bodies. Rescue operations are ongoing,” the NDRF said in a post on X.

The Maharashtra government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed in the incident.

“CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani river near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to CM Fadnavis to take stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he is in constant touch with senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Tehsildar.

“It was very sad to hear the news of the accident in which a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed at Indori near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. We share the grief of their families,” he said in a post on X.

He added, “I am in constant touch with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the concerned Tehsildar regarding this incident. As some people have been swept away, a search is being carried out for them. NDRF has been deployed at the spot. Relief work has been given immediate impetus…all the agencies have been ordered to be put on alert mode…they have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with CM Fadnavis and praised the NDRF’s swift action. “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the bridge collapse on the Indrayani River in Talegaon, Pune. Spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and inquired about the present situation on the ground,” Shah said in a post on X.

“NDRF teams posted nearby quickly rushed to the site, joined the rescue operation, and saved several lives with remarkable promptness. Heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he added.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the incident. “The news of drowning of many people due to the collapse of the bridge on Indrayani river in Pune is extremely sad. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and hope for the safety of those who are still missing. There is an appeal to the administration that relief and rescue operations should be carried out with full promptness,” Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule visited the site and met with the families of the victims at a hospital in Pune.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, also at the scene, stated that the bridge collapsed due to excessive load as nearly 300 tourists stood on it despite prior warnings.

“The rescue operation is going on war footing. There is a possibility of the presence of a body under the debris… NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are all working to remove the debris… This narrow bridge was meant for the movement of the farmers, but 250-300 tourists stood on it, and the bridge collapsed due to excessive load… Entry was denied over here with boards erected, even police and locals warned about it,” Mahajan told ANI.

Maharashtra Minister Makarand Patil also expressed these concerns and said several injured have been admitted to the civil hospital.

“Till now, injured people have been admitted to the (Civil) hospital… The rescue operation is going on in full swing. NDRF and SDRF have come here for the same, along with volunteering organisations and locals… This bridge was restricted for people and two-wheelers; however, due to excitement around monsoon tourism, many tourists gathered on despite restrictions,” Patil told ANI.

Search operations were ongoing for those feared swept away. All agencies were on high alert, while the injured received medical treatment at nearby hospitals. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma shared a heartfelt post on Father’s Day dedicated to her father, and her husband, star batter Virat Kohli.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she posted a picture of her dad, along with her daughter Vamika’s heart-melting Father’s Day card for Virat with a special message, which reads, “He looks like my brother. He is funny. He tickles me. I play makeup with him. I love him so much and he loves me this much (arms wide). Vamika.”

Anushka wrote in the caption, “To the first man I ever loved–and the first man our daughter did …. Happy Father’s Day to all the beautiful fathers everywhere”

Several social media users gushed over Anushka’s post, with one of the commented, “This is sooo cuteee”

Another wrote, “Happy father’s day”

While the other commented, “Her writing awwwww”

Virat and Anushka tied the knot in Italy on December 11, 2017 in Italy. The duo was blessed with Vamika on January 11, 2021. The couple was tight-lipped about their second pregnancy. On February 15, 2024, they became parents to son Akaay.

After Virat Kohli’s team RCB won their first-ever IPL trophy, the star batter shared a special post for Anushka, opening about the ‘support and sacrifices’ his wife made behind the scenes in his IPL journey since 2014.

“I’ve seen it for 18 years and she’s seen it for 11. Suffered the same moments since 2014 and celebrated every close win and the madness of our supporters at the Chinnaswamy. We’re both equally relieved and since shes a bangalore girl too this is far more special for her. Together all the way through (red heart emojis) @anushkasharma,” he captioned the post.

Meanwhile,Virat recently bid adieu to the Test format with a heartfelt note on Instagram, days after his long-time compatriot Rohit Sharma retired from the format. Virat’s 14-year journey in the whites transformed India into a result-producing machine. He infused aggression and the culture of fitness into a team riddled with youth and experience.

In a career that redefined the demands of the game, Virat scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, and finished as India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format. He recently lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to inquire about the ongoing rescue operations after a bridge on the Indrayani river collapsed in Kundamala, which remains a popular tourist attraction in Talegaon Dabhade.

The Prime Minister, currently in Cyprus, was briefed about the ongoing efforts to assist those affected.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the bridge collapse over the Indrayani River that claimed the lives of people and left 32 injured, with six in critical condition.

“It was very sad to hear the news of the accident in which a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed at Indori near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. We share the grief of their families,” the CM posted on X.

He added, “I am in constant touch with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the concerned Tehsildar regarding this incident. As some people have been swept away, a search is being carried out for them. NDRF has been deployed at the spot. Relief work has been given immediate impetus. 6 people have been rescued so far. All the agencies have been ordered to be put on alert mode. 32 people were injured, 6 of them are critical. They have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.”

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting search operations for those swept away, and all agencies are on high alert to expedite relief efforts. The injured are receiving medical care at nearby hospitals.

DCP Vishal Gaikwad reported that an old, dilapidated iron bridge collapsed around 4 PM, claiming two lives and injuring several others. Approximately 5-7 rescued individuals have been hospitalised, with NDRF and local police deployed for rescue operations.

DCP Vishal Gaikwad, Zone 2, stated, “This was an old dilapidated iron bridge that collapsed around 4 PM. According to the preliminary information, 2 people have died and around 5-7 rescued people have been sent to the hospital… NDRF and local police have been deployed for the rescue operation…”

As per officials, the NDRF Fire Department and police are deployed for a search and rescue operation.

According to authorities, so far, five to six individuals have been rescued, and rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency teams deployed at the site. (ANI)

Five people have been arrested for allegedly throwing beef near a temple in Assam’s Goalpara district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.

In a post on X, CM Sarma said that Lakhipur Police arrested the five accused for attempting to “incite communal tension.”

“Lakhipur Police of Goalpara District has arrested the following individuals for allegedly throwing beef near a temple in a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension post Eid-ul-Zuha: 1. Bodir Ali (57), S/o Late Jabber Ali 2. Hazaratt Ali (58), S/o Riaj Uddin 3. Tara Mia (36), S/o Rupchand Ali 4. Shajamal Mia (42), S/o Late Hazarat Ali 5. Jahangir Alom (32), S/o Late Amor Ali (All residents of Ward No. 10, Khakilamari, P.S. Lakhipur),” CM Sarma wrote in his post.

“A case has been registered and strict action is being taken to ensure all such elements face the full force of the law,” he added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Assam Chief Minister said that 38 people were arrested in a massive crackdown following a similar incident in Dhubri district.

“38 arrested overnight in the Dhubri beef head incident,” posted the Assam CM.

On Friday, the Assam Chief Minister visited the state’s Dhubri district and directed law enforcement officers to have zero tolerance for those who desecrate temples, Naamghars, and sacred spaces.

In a post on X, Sharma wrote, “I visited Dhubri and directed law enforcement officers to follow ZERO tolerance against elements who desecrate our temples, Naamghars and sacred spaces. The incident of throwing beef at the town’s Hanuman Mandir should have NEVER happened, and those involved WON’T BE SPARED.”

He held a high-level meeting in Dhubri with DGP Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tiwari, and other senior officials of the state administration.

CM Sarma further stated that he would guard the Hanuman Baba temple all night if needed.

“This time on Eid, some anti-social elements committed a disgusting and condemnable crime by throwing cow meat in the Hanuman temple of Dhubri! If required on the coming Eid, I myself will guard Hanuman Baba’s temple all night long,” he added.

Although the administration intervened promptly, tension continued to prevail across the town. Sarma visited the temple site to address the situation and interacted with temple committee members and local residents.

He also inspected the temple and its surrounding areas, taking stock of the deployment of security personnel and the government’s assured assistance with the temple’s development. (ANI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheeted three accused in the 2024 case relating to a grenade attack at a police post in Punjab’s SBS Nagar district, which the agency says has been traced to a “major conspiracy” by the banned Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror outfit.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the agency said that Yugpreet Singh (alias Yuvi Nihung), Jaskarabn Singh (alias Shah), and Harjot Singh (alias Jot Hundal) have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act and other related provisions.

NIA has also launched an investigation against the terror outfit’s chief, also a Designated Individual Terrorist (DIT), Ranjit Singh (Neeta). Other members of KZF, Jagjit Singh Lahri (alias Jagga), who is currently in the UK, and other unidentified terror operatives are being investigated.

“NIA has found that Jagga had recruited Yugpreet Singh through an acquaintance in the UK. Along with other KZF terrorists and operatives, Jagga had radicalised Yugpreet and handled him via encrypted messaging applications. Jagga had also provided Yugpreet with over Rs 4.36 lakh of terror funds through a complex chain of Canada-based entities, who have also been identified and examined,” the statement read.

The Agency said that Yugpreet, in turn, recruited the other two accused who have been chargesheeted earlier, with the trio carrying out the attack at Police Post during the night between December 1 and December 2, 2024.

In a separate case, the NIA on June 12 searched 15 locations linked with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror organisation in Punjab and Haryana regarding the attack.

The places searched include Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Kapurthala and Rupnagar districts of Punjab and Sirsa in Haryana in connection with the January 2025 grenade attack at a police post in Amritsar district of Punjab, said the NIA in a statement.

NIA said a host of incriminating materials, including mobiles and digital devices and documents, were seized during the searches, and are being examined for further clues to the terror syndicate of BKI.

As part of its investigation, NIA, which took over the case in April 2025 and re-registered it as RC-09/2025/NIA/DLI, today searched the premises of accused and suspects linked to Mandeep as well as Sarwan Singh alias Bhola, currently based in USA, and his brother Mandeep Singh alias Makka. (ANI)

On Father’s Day, filmmaker Karan Johar posted a deeply emotional social media post honouring the memory of his late father, Yash Johar.

Accompanying a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of the two, which seems to have been taken on a film set, Karan shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the values and legacy passed down to him by his father.

“He made films with soul and for the soul… and he lived life with even more,” Karan wrote, adding, “He taught me that good storytelling begins with you… and your good heart. Thank you for giving me the courage to feel deeply. Thank you for giving me the courage to show these feelings on the biggest screens possible. Happy Father’s Day papa, thank you… for you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK6Hj33ougK

Choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan responded with a simple but powerful “Love him,” while Maheep Kapoor expressed her affection through heart emojis, reflecting the widespread admiration Yash Johar continues to command within the film fraternity.

Yash Johar, the founder of Dharma Productions, passed away in June 2004 after battling cancer, but his influence endures through Karan Johar’s celebrated body of work, which includes iconic films such as ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘My Name Is Khan’, and, more recently, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’.

Choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan responded with “Love him,” while Maheep Kapoor expressed her affection through heart emojis.

In another post, Karan celebrated himself as being the father of his twins, Roohi and Yash.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK6R_L9yFsq

He shared a picture on Instagram posing with them and wrote, “Today I celebrate myself … for completing my own half existence with the presence of my blessings Roohi and Yash… they filled a deep void and created some more space for love in my aura and heart…”

Karan Johar became a father to Yash and Roohi in February 2017 via surrogacy. He named his son Yash after his late father, a renowned filmmaker, and chose the name Roohi as an anagram of his mother’s name, Hiroo. (ANI)

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, virtually inaugurated several development projects on Sunday in Leh, Ladakh, during her four-day visit to the Union Territory.

The Ministry of Finance said this reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and infrastructure development in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Union Finance Minister also interacted with the officials of the Union Territory administration.

On the second day of her visit, she addressed an audience during the Credit Outreach Programme in Leh and handed over sanction letters from banks to beneficiaries under various Central Government schemes.

During the Credit Outreach, loans worth Rs 5.13 crore were disbursed to beneficiaries under different schemes, including PM MUDRA, PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PM FME), and Joint Liability Group (JLG) loans.

The Union minister also visited an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by Self Help Groups (SHG) and Local Entrepreneurs in Leh.

Sitharaman interacted with artisans, women-led SHGs and local entrepreneurs showcasing traditional crafts, handloom textiles and sustainable innovations at their stalls.

She appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of the artisans, highlighting their role in preserving cultural heritage and boosting rural livelihoods in the Union Territory.

Minister Sitharaman interacted with Rinchen Dolma, a PM Mudra Scheme beneficiary, during her visit to an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by Self Help Groups (SHG) and Local Entrepreneurs in Leh.

“What a spectacular drive there is in her to use a government scheme and showcase what she has grown. Very well done,” the FM said.

She encouraged Dolma to move into the next phase of the PM Mudra Scheme and scale up her business.

Earlier on Saturday, Finance Minister Sitharaman interacted with Ladakh Lok Sabha MP Mohmad Haneefa. Former Ladakh Lok Sabh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also called on the Union Finance Minister.

A delegation of Executive Councillors of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, led by its Chairman/CEC Tashi Gyalson, called on the Union Finance Minister.

On her first day of the four-day visit, Finance Minister Sitharaman visited Leh Palace in Leh. The 17th-century palace, standing on a steep mass of sandy rock hill, dominates the city built by the revered king Singe Namgyal.

Finance Minister Sitharaman also visited the Shanti Stupa in Leh. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, laid the foundation stone of the Ladakh Shanti Stupa on August 25, 1985 and on August 25, 1991, Thiksey Khenpo Rinpoche inaugurated it. (ANI)

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Sunday said that at a time when the country was coming to terms with the deadly Air India plane crash that left over 240 dead, another incident of a chopper crash has happened in Uttarakhand in which seven people lost their lives on board.

He also noted that the rail incidents are “increasing” and flight accidents are “deeply hurting” us. The veteran Congress leader asked a few questions, including the carrying capacity of the helicopter at the time of the incident on Sunday morning.

Tiwari told ANI, “… But there are a few questions — rail accidents are increasing, and flight accidents are deeply hurting us. We are still trying to cope with the Ahmedabad plane crash. Recently, a helicopter had to make an emergency landing, and now this incident has happened. I solely blame privatisation. They focus less on safety and more on how much profit can be made. Was this helicopter even capable of carrying seven people at a time? I don’t think the helicopters that operate there can carry that many passengers…”

Earlier this morning, seven people, including the pilot on board a helicopter were killed after the chopper crashed near the forested area of Gaurikund in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) said.

The Aryan Aviation Helicopter was flying to Guptkashi from the Kedarnath Dham when it crashed at 5:30 am today.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual high-level meeting with senior officials from the CM residence after the helicopter crash. Following the incident, the Chief Minister informed that the Helicopter services will not run for the next two days.

The deceased have been identified as Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan (39), resident of Jaipur, Vikram Rawat (47) a Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee representative and resident of Rasi, Vinod Devi (66), resident of Uttar Pradesh, Trishti Singh (19), resident of Uttar Pradesh, Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41), resident of Gujarat, Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal and Kashi (2), resident of Maharashtra.

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched under the direction of SDRF Commander Arpan Yadav. The incident spot was located in a very inaccessible and dense forest area, where a fast-paced and coordinated rescue operation was carried out by the joint teams of SDRF, NDRF, and local police.

Rescue teams worked in inclement weather to retrieve the bodies of the deceased. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday handed over appointment letters to 60,244 newly selected police constables, calling it a major step towards strengthening the state’s security system.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of rigorous training for the police force. “The more sweat you shed in training, the less blood you will shed in life,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi recalled that in 2017, during the first police recruitment drive under his government, he had promised to set up dedicated training centres for the force.

“In 2017, when the first police recruitment was done, he had said that he would provide training centres. This work has been done to increase the training capacity within Uttar Pradesh. A forensic institute has been working since 2023,” he said.

Highlighting the scale and inclusivity of the recruitment, the Chief Minister added, “The basic spirit of the three new laws is to provide security. 60,244 recruitments are important because today even the son of the poorest of the poor parents has become a part of the police recruitment and has become a campaign that will be able to provide security to the entire state.”

Praising the performance of the police, CM Yogi said, “Whoever came to the Maha Kumbh praised the behaviour of the police… Uttar Pradesh Police, under the guidance of PM Modi, has worked to change the distorted perception against them.”

He also encouraged the new recruits to dedicate themselves fully to their training. “There is a rule for the uniformed forces — the more sweat you shed in training, the less blood you will shed in life.”

“Today, all of you are going to become a part of the country’s largest police force,” he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also felicitated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the appointment letter distribution ceremony. (ANI)

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman took to social media to share an emotional moment after boarding an Air India flight on Saturday, just days after the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad.

The accident, which claimed over 200 lives, has left the country in shock, drawing an outpouring of grief from public figures and citizens alike.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Zeenat posted a picture of herself seated aboard the flight, describing her feelings as “overwhelming” in the wake of the national tragedy.

“Boarded an Air India flight this morning and found myself absolutely overwhelmed with emotion as I buckled my seat. May our collective grief offer some solace to those who lost their loved ones,” she wrote.

The crash has triggered a wave of condolences from across the country, with Bollywood icons joining the nation in mourning.

In a personal blog post, Amitabh Bachchan wrote, “Most pained and filled with immense remorse on the Air India crash… May grief transform into solidarity in honouring lost lives… and for the healing of all.”

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan also expressed their sorrow through social media, offering prayers and support for the affected families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday, calling the scene “saddening” and commending the tireless work of emergency teams.

“Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening,” he wrote on X.

The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. Authorities confirmed that only one individual, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen of Indian descent, survived the crash.

He is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Airline officials identified the pilots as Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior trainer with over 8,000 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar.

The aircraft had issued a Mayday call before losing contact with air traffic control.

In the aftermath, Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has pledged Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of the deceased. (ANI)