Month: June 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday (US local time) said that Iran must ensure the safety and provide security to the International Atomic Energy Agency personnel. 

In a post on X, Rubio said, “Calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of IAEA Director General Grossi are unacceptable and should be condemned.”

He added, “We support the IAEA’s critical verification and monitoring efforts in Iran and commend the Director General and the IAEA for their dedication and professionalism. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel.”

Earlier this week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first public remarks since a ceasefire, said Iran had “slapped America in the face” by launching missiles at a major US base in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.

Trump had said Khamenei’s remarks, which he described as “a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust”, prompted him to halt talks on lifting sanctions and other diplomatic efforts that could have aided Iran’s recovery.

Al Jazeera further reported that Trump made similar bellicose remarks earlier during a White House news conference, where he confirmed he would “without question, absolutely” consider new air strikes if Iran’s nuclear programme had not been dismantled.

Iran’s response to the strikes has included suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Iran may reject any requests from the agency to inspect nuclear sites, calling Director General Rafael Grossi’s insistence on visits “meaningless and possibly even malign in intent.” No IAEA inspections have taken place since June 13, when Israel began bombing Iranian facilities, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)

The sudden passing of actress-model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has left the entertainment industry in shock.

Best known for her iconic role in the 2002 music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, Jariwala was last seen by her residential complex’s security guard just hours before her reported death, making the news all the more difficult to believe for those who interacted with her.

Shatrughan Mahato, a security guard at her Andheri apartment in Mumbai, recalled his final interaction with the actress, saying she appeared to be in a good mood that morning.

“I didn’t see Shefali ji. Her car left, and I opened the gate at around 10:15 pm. I found out at 1 o’clock in the night about her death. I didn’t believe that. Because I saw her in a good mood in the morning,” he said.

“She had a friend who came and showed me a photo on his mobile that Shefali ji has died. I said, I am not sure about this. I saw her the day before yesterday. Both husband and wife. She was a very good person,” Mahato shared.

Jariwala was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital on Friday night, where doctors declared her dead upon arrival. While the exact cause of death remains unclear, initial reports suggest that she may have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association confirmed the news via social media, expressing their sorrow.

“Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time,” the association wrote on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Mumbai Police have confirmed that Jariwala’s body was found at her residence in the Andheri area. Authorities received the report at around 1 am, after which the body was transferred to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem. However, the exact cause of her death is still under investigation.

“Actress Shefali Jariwala has passed away at the age of 42. Her body was found at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai. Members of her family had reached the hospital late last night, and she was declared brought dead by doctors there. Mumbai Police received information around 1 a.m. last night. Postmortem is being done at Cooper Hospital. The cause of death is not yet clear,” a police source confirmed.

Jariwala, who achieved fame with the chart-topping music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, went on to carve a niche for herself in Bollywood, appearing in films like ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ (2004), where she starred alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Additionally, she became a household name through reality television, with notable appearances in Bigg Boss 13 (2019) and Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7), where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi.

Apart from her career in entertainment, Jariwala was a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment.

She openly discussed her personal struggles with epilepsy, using her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. (ANI)

Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar was detained on Saturday while protesting against the alleged gangrape incident at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata.

The protest was organised by the party at Gariahat Crossing in Kolkata. Waiving the BJP flags, they attempted to climb over the barricades guarded by police personnel.

“This is the face of democracy in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee has ruined democracy in the state…The police have arrested me and other workers (of the BJP)…,” he told reporters while being escorted by police to a van.

Meanwhile, the father of one of the accused in the Kolkata alleged gangrape case demanded strict punishment in case he is found guilty.

“First, I am a citizen of India, then a father. The matter is sub-judice and the police are carrying out the investigation. We have trust in the court…Strict punishment should be given to him if he is found to be involved in the incident…We have full faith in the Kolkata police…,” he told ANI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party formed a four-member investigation committee to probe the incident.

The committee, constituted by Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda, comprised former Union Ministers Satpal Singh and Meenakshi Lekhi, along with MPs Biplab Deb and Manan Mishra. They will visit the crime scene and submit their report to Minister Nadda.

“BJP National President, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has strongly condemned the heinous incident of gangrape of a student at Kolkata Law College in West Bengal and expressed concern over the state’s law and order situation. In this context, the party has constituted an inquiry committee comprising the following members,” the letter from the party stated.”This inquiry committee will visit the crime scene shortly and submit its report to the Hon’ble National President,” it added.

Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested the guard of the South Calcutta Law College, where a female student was allegedly gang-raped.

The police said, “Guard of the Law College, Pinaki Banerjee (55) has also been arrested in the case.”

Earlier, the police had arrested three accused within 24 hours. The three accused, named as Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), were former students or staff members of the same law college. (ANI)

Saquib Nachan, an accused with links to the terror group Islamic State (ISIS), died in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, said sources on Saturday.

He had been in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since 2023 and was admitted to the hospital a few days ago, they said.

Saquib was convicted for his involvement in the bomb blasts in Mumbai in 2002 and 2003.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Saquib Nachan, a habitual offender in many previous terror cases, was also a self-styled Amir-e-Hind for ISIS in India.

Earlier in June 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had chargesheeted Nachan along with 16 hardcore agents of the proscribed global terrorist network, in a conspiracy involving the recruitment and radicalisation of youth and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices in the Delhi-Padgha ISIS terror module case.

The accused were chargesheeted under various sections of IPC, UA(P) Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act, were found to have been engaged in a massive ISISI conspiracy involving recruitment, training and propagation of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology among gullible youth, along with fabrication of explosives and IEDs and fund-raising for the banned outfit.

Its investigation had subsequently led to the seizure of several incriminating documents and data relating to manufacturing of explosives and the fabrication of IEDs, along with propaganda magazines like ‘Voice of Hind’, ‘Rumiyah’, ‘Khilafat’, ‘Dabiq’, published by IS.

The agency had further found during investigations that the accused had been sharing digital files related to IED fabrication with their contacts. They were also found to be actively raising funds to further their terror plans as part of ISIS agenda to spread violence in India and destroy its secular ethos and democratic systems.

The accused had carried out several acts preparatory to unleashing of terrorist attacks, including recruitment of vulnerable youth into the organisation. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh has witnessed early and intense monsoon activity this year, leading to flash floods, widespread infrastructural damage, and tragic loss of lives across several districts, Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Negi confirmed that 17 people have lost their lives so far due to rain-related incidents across the state, with flash floods reported particularly in parts of Kullu and Dharamshala.

“This time, the monsoon arrived very early. The flash floods, especially in Kullu and Dharamshala areas, have caused sudden devastation. Seventeen people have died across districts due to rain-related incidents,” said the minister.

Negi said the heavy downpour has severely disrupted road connectivity, electricity lines, and water supply schemes in several parts of the state. “In the last evening and this morning, around 37 roads were reported blocked, and nearly 47 distribution transformers (DTRs) were damaged, affecting the electricity supply. However, no National Highway is currently closed, and restoration work is actively underway,” he said.

He added that in some areas, small bridges have been washed away, further hampering local connectivity. “Initial estimates suggest that the damages caused by heavy rains in just one week have crossed Rs 300 crore,” Negi informed.

All departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), are working around the clock to restore disrupted infrastructure. “Efforts to restore road access and power lines are ongoing, with priority being given to critical areas,” he said.

Negi also mentioned that mock drills and district-level preparedness exercises have been conducted in recent days to enhance disaster response capabilities. “All district officials have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure immediate relief to affected people during any eventuality,” he added.

“One person managed to save himself, while others were swept away. Search operations are currently underway to locate the missing persons. Teams have been deployed for rescue and recovery.”The minister stated on the Dharamshala flash flood incident.

The minister also urged tourists to remain cautious during the monsoon season. “People visiting the hills must take all necessary precautions while travelling, especially during this period of heavy rainfall. They should stay updated with local advisories and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas,” Negi advised.

As monsoon-related incidents continue to unfold, the Himachal Pradesh government remains on alert, closely monitoring the evolving situation and pushing for fast-track restoration efforts. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

The Axiom-4 Mission , carrying Group Captain Shukla and three other crew members , docked with the ISS on June 26.

“PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station,” PMO said in a post on X.

Group Captain Shukla is the second Indian to go into space and is serving as the Mission Pilot.

Earlier, following the successful launch of the Axiom 4 mission, PM Modi had stated that Group Captain Shukla is carrying the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

“We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi had said in a post on X.

Group Captain Shukla had described the launch as “magical” and reflected on his journey.

“I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts – what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule ‘Grace’ on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You’re pushed back into the seat–and then suddenly, there’s silence. You’re just floating in the vacuum, and it’s magical,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a “collective achievement”.

“I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It’s not just a personal accomplishment – it belongs to all of us,” he added.

Axiom 4 mission aboard the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS on Thursday, ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module.

The Ax-4 crew was welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team at the ISS and took part in a safety briefing.

Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the crew for the Axiom 4 mission.

After his arrival at the ISS, Group Captain Shukla called it a “privilege” to become the 634th human in space and the first Indian to enter the ISS, saying the experience of seeing Earth from such a vantage point was “wonderful.”

After receiving his official astronaut pin from Ax-4 Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla said, “I am no 634, that’s a privilege.”

“To be fair, it is a privilege to be amongst the few who have got the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now. It has been a wonderful ride. I was looking forward to coming to space–it is something to look forward. But the moment I entered the ISS, I felt welcomed. You (Expedition 73 crew) guys literally opened up your doors like your house doors for us, that was fantastic. The expectations I had were surpassed, so thank you so much; this was fantastic. I am confident the next 14 days are going to be amazing doing science and research,” said Shukla in his ‘arrival remarks’ after entering the ISS.

“I have a small message for my countrymen: It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it is not; my head is aching. However, we will get used to it. We will be here for 14 days, conducting scientific experiments and speaking with you. This is a milestone for India. Let’s make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest,” Group Captain Shukla said.

“The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me. I believe the next 14 days are going to be truly interesting,” he added.

The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.

Group Captain Shukla will conduct experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). (ANI)

BJP MP Sambit Patra slammed the West Bengal government on Saturday, over the alleged Kolkata gang-rape case and said Why is there so much ‘insensitivity and cruelty towards women’ despite the state having a female Chief Minister.

Addressing a press conference, Patra claimed that the entire “vicious cycle of gang-rape is state-sponsored.”

“In a state where there is a woman Chief Minister, there should be sensitivity towards women, but why is there so much insensitivity and cruelty? The victim has issued a statement herself. If we read it carefully, one thing becomes clear, that this entire vicious cycle of gang-rape is somewhere state-sponsored,” he said.

The BJP MP alleged that the heinous crime has a political angle to it, as the main accused, Manoj Mishra, has been the secretary of the student wing of the TMC.

“It is a brutal act inspired by a political point of view. Why am I saying this? Because it is related to a college union, the main accused is Manoj Mishra. Manoj Mishra himself has been the secretary of the student wing of TMC. He is a member of TMC,” Sambit Patra said.

He targeted TMC leaders over the connection with the accused and also hit at Kalyan Banerjee for his ‘friend rapes his friend’ statement.

“The victim was beaten with a hockey stick. We see in horror movies how demons and monsters treat a woman. These TMC goons treated the victim the same way. They did not take her to the hospital… A TMC leader, Manojit Mishra, has done this. He can be seen with Abhishek Banerjee, Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya… How lightly Mamata Banerjee takes this brutal rape incident. Kalyan Banerjee, who is a famous MP, very close to Mamata Banerjee, said yesterday that if a classmate rapes his friend, what can we do about it?” the BJP MP said.

Furthermore, Sambit Patra stated that the BJP President JP Nadda has formed a committee to investigate the case.

“BJP President JP Nadda has formed a committee, and that committee will visit the spot and investigate. Its members are former Union Ministers Satpal Singh, Meenakshi Lekhi and MPs Biplab Deb and Manan Mishra. This committee will soon visit the spot and submit its report to the National President,” he said.

Patra demanded that Mamata Banerjee apologise and resign as the Chief Minister.

“We are not asking for clarification from Mamata Banerjee. We are asking her to apologise and resign,” Patra said.

Meanwhile, in a major development in the case, Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested the guard of the South Calcutta Law College, where a female student was allegedly gang-raped.

Kolkata police said, “Guard of the Law College, Pinaki Banerjee (55) has also been arrested in the case.”

A female student was allegedly gang-raped inside the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba on Wednesday.

Earlier, the police had arrested three accused within 24 hours. The three accused, named as Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), were former students or staff members of the same law college.

According to the police, the accused named in the FIR will be produced before the ACJM of Alipore, South 24 Parganas, with a prayer to remand them to Police Custody for a proper investigation into the case. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has extended heartfelt congratulations to legendary actor Kamal Haasan on his invitation to join the esteemed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) as an Oscar voting member.

MK Stalin took to social media to express his joy and admiration for Haasan, writing, “My heartfelt congratulations to my dear friend and artist, Mr. @ikamalhaasan, who has received an invitation to join the committee for the Oscar Awards, considered the pinnacle of recognition in the global film industry! This is a long-overdue acknowledgement of the profound impact you have had on the film industry, transcending language and national boundaries. May many more heights seek you out!”

உலக அளவில் திரைத்துறையின் உச்சபட்ச விருதாகக் கருதப்படும் ஆஸ்கர் விருதுக்கான குழுவில் இணைய அழைப்பினைப் பெற்றிருக்கும் அன்பு நண்பர் – கலைஞானி திரு. @ikamalhaasan அவர்களுக்கு என் வாழ்த்துகள்!

மொழி – தேச எல்லைகளைக் கடந்து திரைத்துறையினர் மீது தாங்கள் செலுத்திய பெரும் தாக்கத்துக்கான…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 27, 2025

In a gracious response, Haasan thanked the Chief Minister and expressed his gratitude.

“The invitation from the Oscar organization is a joy, and the congratulatory words from the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu add even more joy. Many thanks,” he wrote.

ஆஸ்கர் அமைப்பின் அழைப்பு ஒரு மகிழ்வென்றால் மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் அவர்களின் வாழ்த்துச் சொற்கள் மேலும் மகிழ்வு. மிக்க நன்றி. https://t.co/MKnQuIvh0e

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 28, 2025

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to Indian actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Kamal Haasan, as well as other distinguished figures such as Kieran Culkin and Mikey Madison.

According to Variety, the 534 invited individuals represent an eclectic mix of talent, with the Academy further broadening its international presence.

Haasan and Khurrana’s inclusion as voting members of the Oscars reflects their substantial contributions to cinema.

Haasan, a superstar of Indian cinema, has been an integral figure in the industry for over three decades, known for his versatile roles in films such as Nayakan, Vishwaroopam, and Dasavathaaram. His most recent appearance was in Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who gained fame through critically acclaimed films like Andhadhun, Vicky Donor, and Article 15, is also recognised for his significant contributions to the modern cinematic landscape.

Both actors represent a diverse array of global cinematic perspectives, underlining the Academy’s ongoing efforts to diversify its membership, as per Variety.

The inclusion of such distinguished figures brings the Academy’s total membership to 11,120, including 10,143 voting members.

The invitees hail from 60 countries and territories outside the United States, with AMPAS continuing its efforts to reflect the global scope of the film industry.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang jointly commented on the new members, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals into the Academy. This year’s class embodies the diversity and global breadth of today’s film community, and their inclusion will continue to enrich the Academy’s mission and work,” as quoted by Variety.

The new members will join one of the Academy’s 19 branches or as Associates. Branch members and artist representatives are eligible to vote in Oscar categories, while Associate members will not have voting or governance rights.

Notably, 12 filmmakers, including Brady Corbet, Magnus von Horn, and Smriti Mundhra, were invited to multiple branches and must choose one upon accepting membership.

In addition to Haasan and Khurrana, other celebrities such as Jason Momoa, Stephen Graham, Ariana Grande, and Dave Bautista have also been invited to join the Oscars voting panel. (ANI)

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey on Saturday slammed the Congress and accused Indira Gandhi of “murdering” the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar by implementing the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, considered as the ‘Mini-Constitution’ because it made sweeping changes to the Constitution of India, affecting its basic structure, fundamental rights, and federal balance.

The 42nd Amendment was passed during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister, and it has been a subject of controversy. The amendment was enacted during the Emergency period, which has been widely criticised for its impact on civil liberties and democratic institutions.

This amendment, enacted in 1976, introduced significant changes to the Constitution, including the addition of the words “socialist” and “secular” to the Preamble. It also expanded the Directive Principles of State Policy and introduced Fundamental Duties.

“The word secular is already written in the first paragraph of the Constitution; the murder of the Constitution written for Scheduled Castes and Tribes is in the blood of Congress”, Nishikant Dubey’s ‘X’ post said.

Sharing a document of the Constituent Assembly from the year 1949, the BJP MP mentioned that Dr BR Ambedkar “strongly opposed” the inclusion of socialist and secular words in the preamble of the Constitution.

He mentioned that former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi murdered the Constitution by implementing the 42nd Amendment to it.

“Indira Gandhi murdered the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar by implementing the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. Our ideology strongly opposed the Emergency in accordance with that very amendment. This is the 1949 debate of the Constituent Assembly, Rahul Gandhi, please read it. Dr. Ambedkar not only strongly opposed the inclusion of the words socialist and secular in the Preamble of the Constitution but also rejected the amendment proposed by member K.T. Shah.”, Nishikant Dubey’s ‘X’ post read.

Furthermore, taking a dig at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Nishikant Dubey stated that Jawaharlal Nehru also supported Dr B.R. Ambedkar, followed by Rajendra Prasad, Jayaprakash Narayan, S. Radhakrishnan, Govind Ballabh Pant, and others.

“Your grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru also supported Ambedkar. Rajendra Prasad, Jayprakash, Radhakrishnan, Govind Ballabh Pant, Mavalankar, tribal leader Jaipal Singh, Sikh leader Bhupendra Singh, Christian leader Anthony, Muslim leader Mohammad Ismail–all opposed the inclusion of the words secular and socialist in the Preamble”, Nishikant Dubey’s ‘X’ post added.

The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1976 during the Emergency, is a significant piece of legislation often referred to as the “Mini-Constitution” due to the extensive changes it introduced. It amended the Preamble and added the words ‘socialist’, ‘secular’, and ‘integrity’ to describe the nature of the Indian Republic.

It inserted a new Part IVA in the Constitution, which contained a list of ten Fundamental Duties for the citizens of India, such as respecting the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem, promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, safeguarding public property, and protecting the environment.

It transferred five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, namely education, forests, protection of wild animals and birds, administration of justice, and weights and measures. This increased the legislative power of the Centre over the States.

It expanded the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and made it immune to judicial review. It also empowered the President to make laws during the proclamation of an emergency without the consent of the States.

It curtailed the power and independence of the Supreme Court and the High Courts by restricting their jurisdiction, increasing the age of retirement of judges, and allowing the transfer of judges without their consent.

It gave primacy to the Directive Principles of State Policy over the Fundamental Rights and authorised the Parliament to restrict or abrogate any Fundamental Right.

It changed the relationship between the executive and the legislature by extending the tenure of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies from five to six years, and by making the President and the Governors bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers.

The 42nd Amendment Act was widely criticised as an attempt to establish a totalitarian and authoritarian regime in India. It was seen as a threat to the democratic and federal features of the Constitution. Many of its provisions were repealed or modified by the subsequent 43rd and 44th Amendment Acts in 1977 and 1978, respectively. (ANI)