Month: June 2025

Meghalaya Police on Tuesday brought Sonam Raghuvanshi to Phulwari Sarif police station in Bihar’s Patna. According to the Meghalaya police, she is the prime accused in the alleged murder of Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi.

Sonam is being taken to Shillong by Meghalaya Police on a transit remand.

Earlier on Monday, the Meghalaya Police got the transit remand of the three accused in Indore’s Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. The police are also pushing for a transit remand of Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, the main accused in the case.

Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly killed during a honeymoon trip in Meghalaya by contract killers reportedly hired by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.

A senior Uttar Pradesh police official said Sonam was found near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road.

Afterwards, the UP police kept her at the Sakhi One Stop Centre in Ghazipur. After the arrival of the Meghalaya Police, she was taken to the District Hospital for a medical examination.

The three other accused- Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Raj Singh Kushwaha will also be taken to Shillong for further investigation.

Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya told ANI, “They were presented before the CJM Judge, and Shillong police got a 7-day transit remand. The fourth accused, Anand, is being brought to Indore from Sagar, Bina (Madhya Pradesh), and will be produced in court on Tuesday. All four will be taken to Shillong by Shillong Police.”

According to a release, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi. Addressing the media on June 9, shortly after Sonam Raghvanshi surrendered to the police, Tynsong stated that the authorities are still searching for one remaining suspect.

He informed that Sonam voluntarily turned herself in, and all those apprehended would be brought to Shillong for further investigation.

According to the police, Sonam and Raj are the prime accused in the case.

The Meghalaya Special Investigation Team (SIT) Chief Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor said that, according to the post-mortem report, the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi sustained two head injuries.

Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife, Sonam, both residents of Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, had gone missing during their honeymoon in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was later recovered in Meghalaya. (ANI)

Ahead of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launch to the International Space Station (ISS) from the US on Tuesday as part of the human space flight mission with the private company Axiom Space, scientist Tapan Mishra said that it is part of ISRO’s ongoing astronaut training program ahead of the country’s Gaganyaan mission.

Misra, Former Director of Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory in ISRO, said, “The Indian government has planned to launch the Gaganyaan mission with our own astronaut from India by next year. As part of that initiative, four astronauts have been selected. Among them, one primary astronaut and one backup astronaut have been sent to participate in the Axiom-4 Mission–a commercial mission to the ISS, operated by private space company Axiom Space, which charges around $65 million per astronaut.”

He further said that they would stay at the International Space Station for another two to three weeks. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will carry out experiments on muscle fatigue, muscle atrophy, and neurological degeneration in free space and also on the growth of certain crops and plants in free space.

“As a backup to Shubhanshu Shukla, another astronaut, Prasanth Nair, is also ready. India will be going through its maiden human space launch next year. Prior to that the pilot, captain, will have a first-hand exposure to a real-life launch scenario (Human space flight) and he will have experience of all the instrumentation required in the spacecraft and all the precautions to be taken and one can consider it as a training session and if any lacuna is there in our mission, we can have enough time to correct them and ensure that we’ll have a safe Indian astronaut mission through Gaganyaan,” he further said.

Scientist Misra said that it is a proud moment for India as it is after 41 years after Rakesh Sharma went to space another Indian astronaut is headed there.

“This is part of ISRO’s ongoing astronaut training program. These astronauts were initially trained extensively in Russia, and now they are also being exposed to training and operational environments in the US, giving them experience with different types of launch systems. This dual exposure will help us identify and incorporate necessary precautions and best practices into our own Gaganyaan mission. With nearly a year to go before the launch, this opportunity serves as a valuable learning experience for ISRO to ensure a successful and safe human spaceflight mission.”

The Axiom-4 mission launch was postponed to June 11, due to unfavourable weather conditions. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), will now lift off at 5:30 PM IST on June 11.

ISRO wrote on X, “Launch of Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station: Due to weather conditions, the launch of Axiom-4 mission for sending Indian Gaganyatri to International Space Station is postponed from 10th June 2025 to 11th June 2025. The targeted time of launch is 5:30 PM IST on 11th June 2025: Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO/ Secretary, DOS / Chairman, Space Commission.”

Shukla will be led by the mission commander, Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and an Axiom employee, and joined by the European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, of Poland, and Tibor Kapu, of Hungary.

Actress Neha Dhupia came in support of star Deepika Padukone after she reportedly exited Sandeep Vanga directorial ‘Spirit’ due to certain working demands, including a request for an eight-hour workday.

Deepika Padukone’s recent exit from ‘Spirit’ has created quite a buzz in the entertainment industry. Several celebrities have now directly and indirectly weighed in on the need for a structured shift in the industry after the ‘Chennai Express’ actress allegedly demanded fixed working hours in the film industry.

Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia is the latest to join the fray. The ‘Chup Chup Ke’ actress shared her opinion on the fixed working hours for actresses who have embraced motherhood.

Taking to Instagram Stories on Monday, Neha Dhupia opened up about work-life balance and how new mothers are often “sidelined or shamed”.

She wrote, “For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration. Instead, we often get shamed or sidelined.”

The actress further said that as a “working mom” herself, she supports Deepika Padukone’s request for “fair and considerate” working hours in the film industry.

“As a working mom, I support @deepikapadukone ‘s reasonable request for fair and considerate working hours,” wrote Neha Dhupia.

Recently, actor Ajay Devgn backed the 8-hour shifts for mothers amid reports of Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Spirit.’

At the trailer launch of Kajol’s ‘Maa’ in May, Ajay Devgn appeared to have spoken in support of Deepika Padukone. When asked about his views on the demands for an 8-hour shift, Devgn, without taking names, said, “It’s not that it’s not going down well with people. Most honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. Apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight- to nine-hour shifts. It’s person to person, and I feel most of the industry understands this.”

Earlier, Deepika was expected to star opposite Prabhas in ‘Spirit,’ a film backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures. However, she is reportedly no longer part of the project.

Following Deepika’s reported exit, the makers confirmed that actress Triptii Dimri, who was also seen in Animal, has joined the cast of Spirit. (ANI)

Of the 13 people who were injured after they fell from an excessively crowded train at Mumbra railway station in Thane district on Monday, four have died, a Railways official said on Monday.

CPRO, Central Railway, Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, said four others are under medical treatment.

“Out of the 13 people who were injured in the incident, four people have lost their lives, and four others are under medical treatment. The Railway Board has decided to retrofit all existing rakes, which will result in reducing the possibility of these occurrences. All the new rakes will be AC rakes with automatic door closure systems. We have requested all passengers to avoid travelling on the footboard,” he said.

The accident, which occurred on the down/fast Line, disrupted local train services.

“Some passengers travelling towards CSMT fell from the train at Thane’s Mumbra railway station. The reason for the accident is believed to be an excessive crowd on the train. The railway administration and police have reached the spot,” Central Railways had said in a statement earlier.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa and met the people injured in the accident.

“It is very unfortunate that some citizens died after falling from a local train between Diva-Mumbra railway station this morning. Heartfelt condolences to the citizens who died in this accident. We share the grief of their families. We have informed about the injured citizens and are undergoing treatment in hospitals in Thane, and we pray for their speedy recovery. The administration is providing them with all possible cooperation,” he said in a post on X. (ANI)

Kapil Sharma and Navjot Singh Sidhu’s bond goes back a long way. From ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ to ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, the duo have worked together on many projects over the years, leaving the audience in splits.

And now, after so many years, they have reunited for the third season of Netflix’s ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’. Sidhu will join Archana Puran Singh in a “two-judge comedy court”.

For the uninitiated, in 2019, when Kapil’s comedy show used to air on TV, Sidhu was a permanent guest. However, he was replaced by Archana Puran Singh following his exit over his controversial political remarks.

Last year, he made a special appearance on the second season of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ with his wife. Now, with the new season, the audience will see him returning to his throne, right next to “laughter queen” Archana Puran Singh.

The announcement left fans excited.

“Thoko taali,” a netizne wrote on Instagram.

“Chaa gaya guru,” another one wrote.

Kapil is extremely happy to have “Sidhu paaji” back on the show.

In a press note, he expressed, “Humne promise kiya tha ki Har funnyvaar badhega Humaara parivaar and I’m so excited to have Sidhu paaji part of the family along with Archana ji to enjoy all the chutkules, the shayaris and masti. The mahaul is set, so stay tuned because this season jokes aur laughter dono ho gayein hain triple!!!”

Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed his excitement over his return in his shayari style.

“Coming to The Great Indian Kapil Show feels like I’m coming home again. It is a home run for me. We heard the voice of the people, so many fans and well-wishers who loved our interactions and wanted to see more. I’m delighted that Netflix has managed to bring this bouquet of beautiful people together and we will bloom this season for audiences worldwide. A smile doesn’t cost you a cent , but it is worth millions of dollars and The Great Indian Kapil show is an instrument of god’s goodwill to bring happiness to mankind – honoured to be part of it again.” After sharing his thoughts. Guru, humne milkar yeh aashiyana sajaya hai, Guzra zamana phir se lautke aaya hai !

Main yu hi nahi pohuncha hoon yahaan par dobara, Mujhe kheench kar janta ka pyaar laaya hai,” he said.

A new promo was unveiled on Monday. In the promo, Kapil takes Archana , with a cloth tied on her eyes, and he says Netflix is giving her a big surprise. She is ecstatic, thinking they are giving her a car or equity in Netflix. But when she sees Sidhu, she gets shocked.

The third season of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ will start streaming from June 21 on Netflix. (ANI)

Reports about any bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia are incorrect. The Saudi Government has not issued any notification on this matter, sources confirmed.

As clarified by official sources, during the Hajj season, temporary restrictions on short-term visas are implemented to regulate the flow of pilgrims and avoid overcrowding- a standard measure that ends with the conclusion of Hajj.

Meanwhile, reflecting on the success of the Hajj pilgrimage arrangements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the smooth and safe conduct of this year’s pilgrimage, acknowledging the efforts that enabled millions to perform their rituals peacefully.

He acknowledged the gracious care of the Saudi leadership and its institutions, attributing the success of the Hajj season to their commitment to providing a spiritually fulfilling and secure experience for all worshippers.

Extending similar greetings, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also conveyed their congratulations to the Saudi monarch.

In this context of international goodwill and regional cooperation, Indian pilgrims also participated in the sacred rituals, joining millions in performing Wuquf-e-Arafat, the spiritual climax of the Hajj, the Embassy of India in Riyadh shared on Thursday.

Reinforcing this, the Indian Embassy wrote on X, “Indian pilgrims join millions of other pilgrims today at Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj.”

Sharing updates from the ground, Consul General Fahad Suri extended greetings in a video message and confirmed that all Indian pilgrims had arrived safely in Arafat, highlighting the coordinated efforts between the Indian Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities to ensure safe and smooth travel, stay, and onward movements of pilgrims.

He appreciated the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and associated service providers for their tireless support and extended wishes for a blessed Eid-ul-Adha and a successful Hajj for all pilgrims.

These developments reflect the strong India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, grounded in centuries-old economic and cultural ties. The annual Hajj pilgrimage serves as a key aspect of this deep-rooted connection.

Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the Indian side had expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s care towards the 2.7 million Indian nationals residing there, underlining the people-to-people bonds shared between the two nations.

The Indian government also commended Saudi Arabia for the successful organisation of the 2024 Hajj and acknowledged the excellent bilateral coordination in facilitating Indian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. (ANI)

Director Manish Gupta, who has been booked by Versova police for allegedly attacking his driver, has denied all the allegations and said that these are all “false accusations”.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “Ye bilkul hi jhutha aarop hai (This is a false accusation)… a hundred per cent false accusation. There was no fight between that driver and me, Rajebul Lashkar. Usne police mein jaaake jhuthi statement di hai (He went to the police and gave a false statement). And on that basis, he filed an FIR. He did this to put my reputation at risk. So that I come under pressure and he can extort more money from me.”

He also opened up on the accusation that he has not paid salary to his driver timely, “This accusation is 100% false. I will show you my bank statement for the past 3 years. You will see that every month I have paid him his entire salary on time. So, the first sentence in the FIR is false that I never paid him salary on time, that’s why he fought with me. His first sentence is false. The first false sentence in his statement, in the FIR, is the proof that his entire allegation is false. It is proof that he is lying. You can see my bank statement. …There is a detail of his salary every month for the past 3 years.”

Gupta also shared that he has given his driver regular salary so there was no argument or fight between them, “As I said, he has received his salary on time every month for the past 3 years. You can see my bank statement. The driver’s name, amount, and date are clearly shown in this. He has received his salary on time every month for the past 3 years. On top of that, he has been given an advance. I have given him more advance than salary many times. The person who has given him a salary on time every month for the past 3 years, he(driver) has given a statement to file an FIR that he has never paid his salary on time. That’s why he has fought with me. This is a complete lie. When this man starts his statement with a false sentence, you can understand that the whole statement is a lie. He has a malafide intention. Uska motive hai paise aethna..This is an extortion racket and nothing else. So he made this salary just a topic. He wanted to make a topic and show that there was a fight. That’s why he has raised this issue of salary. “

The director also shared that he has been contributing to the police investigation. “I have submitted my statement to the police. I will show you a copy of the statement. I have given a statement. They stamped it, signed it and gave me an acknowledgement. And in the statement, I said everything… I told them that this man has given you a false statement. And on the basis of a false statement, he has filed an FIR. That is, it is 100% a lie.”

“There will be no compromise at all. The trend of extortion racket is very dangerous for our country, and especially for Bollywood personalities. Because we are a soft target, we have to stop these extortionists…So we are taking legal action. And we are initiating criminal proceedings against this man…Also, I want to add that he has a criminal background..,” he added.

Gupta has been booked under sections 118(2), 115(2) and 352 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (ANI)

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Monday stressed the urgent need for strict crowd control protocols across the country.

Referring to recent incidents of overcrowding and stampedes, Jha said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be developed for every event, including at railway stations, religious gatherings, and public spaces like Bengaluru and Prayagraj.

Speaking to ANI on the matter, Jha said, “… Be it Bengaluru, Prayagraj, railway stations or any religious event, SOPs (standard operating procedure) must be developed. If any person, institution or organisation does not have proper arrangements for crowd control, then you can’t call a crowd.”

His remarks came after the tragic incident of a stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebrations, resulting in the unfortunate death of people, has left me deeply shocked.

Earlier in the day, Head Constable Narasimharaju, posted at police-station”>Madiwala police station in Bengaluru, who staged a solo protest against the suspension of the city’s Police Commissioner and other officials, is now worried about possible action the government may take against him.

During a telephonic interview with ANI, he said, “This was not something we expected after the stampede incident, which took place near Chinnaswamy stadium in which 11 people died and many were injured, which made me emotional, and that is why I staged to protest against the decision made by the Karnataka Government. Whenever this kind of incident happens, there is an option to transfer the officers, but suspending officers, including the police commissioner of Bengaluru, in fact brings the morale of the department and the employees down.”

Narasimharaju, who holds a Master’s degree (MA, B.Ed) and is from Pavagada, lives with his mother and family. He is now worried about the action the police department or government might take against him. (ANI)

In a powerful new historical account, Matthew Sleap, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and military veteran, revisits one of India’s most daring and impactful engineering feats in his compelling book, Who Gives a Dam?: Colonel John Pennycuick C.S.I. and the Periyar Project.

Drawing on rare letters, photographs, and first-person accounts made available by the great-grandson of Colonel Pennycuick, Who Gives a Dam? is more than just a story about a dam–it is a story about human will, visionary thinking, and a cross-cultural legacy that transformed an entire region. This deeply researched and richly illustrated book places readers at the heart of the 19th-century Periyar Project, an audacious irrigation scheme that altered the fate of Tamil Nadu’s drought-ridden plains and continues to safeguard over 3 million lives today.

A Bridge Between Past and Present

At a time when climate change, water security, and sustainable development dominate global discourse, Who Gives a Dam? resonates with modern urgency. The book revisits the challenging geography of Madura and the parched land of Madurai, once devastated by famine. It explores how Colonel John Pennycuick, an engineer with military experience in Abyssinia, envisioned a solution inspired by the Vyrnwy Dam in Wales. Against enormous odds–including treacherous terrain, deadly diseases, and financial obstacles–Pennycuick led a herculean effort to divert the Periyar River through the Western Ghats to bring life back to the farmlands of southern India.

“The Periyar River was as powerful and unpredictable as a tiger,” writes Sleap. “The stakes were nothing short of life and death–not just for those working on the project, but for millions whose livelihoods depended on its success.”

The book also brings to life the stories of the local community, engineers, artisans, and laborers who made the project possible, highlighting the blend of indigenous wisdom and cutting-edge Victorian engineering.

Lessons for Today

More than a historical tribute, Who Gives a Dam? offers lessons for the present. It touches on how infrastructure can uplift communities, how vision can transcend borders, and how nature must be understood, not conquered. It also reflects on how Pennycuick’s work withstood major climate-related flood events in 2018 and 2020–testimony to the enduring strength of the Periyar Dam and its relevance to today’s climate challenges.

About the Author

Matthew Sleap brings a unique voice to the narrative, combining the insights of a geographer, the experience of a military officer, and the curiosity of a traveler. Born and raised in pre-independence Kenya and later involved in operations in Northern Ireland and other regions, Sleap developed a keen interest in the post-colonial evolution of countries. His connection to Colonel Pennycuick is personal as well–he serves as Church Warden at St. Peter’s, Frimley Parish, where Pennycuick is buried.

Matthew’s travels through northern and southern India sparked a deeper appreciation for the Periyar Project and its lasting impact, especially on smallholder farmers in Tamil Nadu. With a career dedicated to understanding the intersection of culture, policy, and technology, Sleap’s account is thoughtful, nuanced, and deeply human.

Discover the story of a man who gave everything for a people not his own–whose vision built a dam, saved millions, and left a legacy of compassion and courage.

Get your copy of Who Gives a Dam? today.

Shop Now:https://www.amazon.in/Who-Gives-Dam-Colonel-Pennycuick/dp/9367077211#:~:text=Pennycuick’s%20vision%20extended%20beyond%20mere,astonishing%20foresight%20for%20the%20time.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Tibetans in Tibet face serious hazards as they celebrate the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. As the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday (July 6 in the West and June 30 in the Tibetan calendar), Tibetans, Tibetan Buddhists, and supporters around the world are preparing to commemorate the exiled spiritual leader’s life and legacy, according to a report by the International Campaign for Tibet.

Past incidents have revealed that those celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Tibet may face arbitrary detention, lengthy prison sentences, torture, and even being shot and killed. ICT said that their celebration takes place under a widespread mood of terror.

The Chinese government’s persistent attempt to defame the Dalai Lama and prevent public expressions of reverence for him is a significant breach of international human rights law. A recent ICT report, ‘Celebrating in Fear: China’s Crackdown on Dalai Lama Birthday Tributes in Tibet,’ highlights the threats faced by Tibetans in Tibet and urges the international community, including United Nations bodies, national governments, parliaments, and civil society organizations, to call on China to cease its repressive actions, according to the ICT report.

According to the ICT report, the international community should insist that Chinese authorities desist from prosecuting Tibetans who seek to peacefully commemorate the Dalai Lama’s birthday, both publicly and privately; immediately and unconditionally release the three Tibetans–Dru Gdra, Lobsang Khedrup, and Lobsang Gephel–who are still imprisoned for partaking in previous birthday celebrations; provide family members access, legal representation, and, if necessary, medical care; respect Tibetans’ right to freedom of religion or belief under international law; and re-engage in genuine dialogue with Dalai Lama representatives to find a long-term solution to the China-Tibet issue.

The Dalai Lama’s forthcoming milestone birthday is a globally significant event. The ICT report stressed the importance of allowing all people, particularly Tibetans, to venerate their spiritual leader without fear of persecution. (ANI)