Month: June 2025

Actor and filmmaker Jackie Chan has an interesting revelation about the first ‘Rush Hour’ movie. During his recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, he shared his working experience in the film and the challenges he faced while shooting it.

‘Rush Hour’ is a 1998 cop action comedy film directed by Brett Ratner and written by Jim Kouf and Ross LaManna from a story by LaManna. It stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as mismatched police officers who are assigned to rescue a Chinese diplomat’s abducted daughter. Its box office commercial success led to two sequels: Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007).

On talking about the film, Chan said, “The whole movie, I don’t know what Chris Tucker’s saying,” he added, “Not a clue,” reported People.

Chan later shared that in “every shot” his dialogue was “different” because of how much he struggled to understand. “My dialogue coach sits right behind the camera,” he continued. “Every scene, every shot, different dialogue.”

When asked if he ever shared about the challenges he faced, Chan replied, “Yes”

“I asked my dialect coach, ‘What did he say?’ He speaks so fast!” said Chan.

Chan said he ultimately learned English by listening to country music, as the songs are slower, reported People.

This revelation about ‘Rush Hour’ film came after Chan opened up about his favourite films in the trilogy.

“I don’t know. You know what, the first one: little money, little time,” said Chan about the original 1998 movie, adding,”We shot it like, ‘Go, go, go, go!’ The second one: a lot of money, a lot of time. The third one: too much money, too much time.”

“Too much money is no good,” Chan added.

On the possibility of ‘Rush Hour 4’, Chan revealed during his December 2022 appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia that he was “talking” about it, according to People.

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ was released in theatres on May 30. (ANI)

Bangladesh revoked the recognition of freedom fighter of more than four hundred politicians who won the 1970 elections, including Bangladesh’s independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) ordinance has defined the identity of these leaders as “associates of the liberation war”.

In addition to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has also revoked the freedom fighter recognition of the President and Prime Minister of the provisional government, Syed Nazrul Islam and Tajuddin Ahmed, during the Liberation War of 1971.

The government issued an ordinance amending the Jamuka Act on Tuesday night, defining a new definition of a heroic freedom fighter.

According to the amended ordinance, members of the Mujibnagar government in exile will be “associates of the liberation war”. The ordinance was issued by the Legislative and Parliamentary Division of the Law Ministry on the orders of the President.

According to the ordinance, not only the government in exile during the Liberation War, but also four other categories of recognized freedom fighters have been identified as “associates of the Liberation War”.

These four categories of freedom fighters are, first, those Bangladeshi professionals who have made special contributions to the liberation war abroad and played an active role in shaping world public opinion.

Secondly, those who served as officials, employees, envoys and others assistants under the Bangladesh Government (Mujibnagar) formed during the Liberation War.

Thirdly, all the artists and technicians of the Swadhin Bangla Radio Station and all the Bangladeshi journalists who served in support of the Liberation War at home and abroad.

Fourthly, the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

Bangladesh gained independence through a 9-month bloody war in 1971 against Pakistan under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. India helped Bangladesh achieve independence. (ANI)

Masazumi Gotoda, Governor of Tokushima Prefecture in Japan, shared his vision for strengthening international relations, particularly with India, to promote exports and attract skilled foreign talent.

Located on Shikoku Island, one of Japan’s four main islands, Tokushima has emerged as the most proactive of the island’s four prefectures in advancing global engagement.

Governor Gotoda, who took office two years ago after serving 23 years in Japan’s House of Representatives, has introduced bold administrative reforms aimed at transforming the prefecture. Among his first initiatives was the establishment of the International Affairs Office, a division he oversees directly.

“Deepening overseas relations is not just a policy–it’s a necessity in a rapidly changing Japanese society,” said Governor Gotoda in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Tokushima’s ties with India are already robust, with several major Japanese firms operating in the country. Otsuka Pharmaceutical and its subsidiaries have set up facilities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while the well-known LED manufacturer Nichia Corporation operates in Gurgaon.

Shikoku Kakoki, another company from the region, exports shelf-stable, paper-packed tofu — a unique food product that does not require refrigeration, showcasing Tokushima’s innovation in food processing.

Facing Japan’s demographic challenges such as declining population and workforce, Governor Gotoda emphasised the need for innovative governance and international collaboration.

A strong advocate of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, he pointed to the success of Kamiyama Marugoto College, where nearly 90 per cent of students come from outside the prefecture.

“This institution is a symbol of our commitment to cultivating future-ready talent,” he said. Governor Gotoda is also championing the acceptance of foreign workers to address labour shortages.

Last year, Tokushima recorded Japan’s highest increase in both the rate and amount of the minimum wage.

He believes this competitive wage growth will help attract high-level professionals and visitors from India. “We are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive,” he said. Tokushima is not only progressive in policy but also rich in tradition and natural beauty.

The prefecture is home to Awa Odori, Japan’s iconic dance festival, as well as sacred pilgrimage routes and lush landscapes. Governor Gotoda’s office reflects his pride in local culture, adorned with Tokushima’s specialty products.

“Promoting our cultural assets through global partnerships is a vital part of our strategy,” he added. In his concluding remarks, Governor Gotoda expressed hope that India and Tokushima will forge even stronger ties in the coming years–anchored in shared values of innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity. (ANI)

Assam Cabinet under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday approved the expansion of Kaziranga National Park by over 47,000 hectares under its sixth extension.

According to the Assam Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), this will strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism at the Kaziranga National Park.

CMO Assam shared an X post which said, “Assam Cabinet has approved the expansion of Kaziranga National Park by over 47,000 hectares under its sixth extension. This move aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

As per the X post shared by CMO Assam, villages Gopal Jarani, Gonaitapu, Jobre, Thute Chapori, Baligaon Biswanath Ghat, Umatamoni, Gakhirkhaite, Silghat and Hatimura are included in this expansion project.

Expansion of the national park comes as a part of decisions taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati on May 21.

Earlier, the Assam Cabinet decided to grant arms licences to original inhabitants and indigenous Indian citizens residing in vulnerable, remote, and border areas of the state. The decision was made with a focus on enhancing the security of the people in the region.

“This scheme will act as a deterrent to unlawful threats and enhance the personal security and confidence of such individuals and communities,” the Assam Chief Minister said.

In addition to that, the cabinet has given the green light to a Rs 250 crore proposal for upgrading 34 polytechnics and 43 government ITIs into Centres of Excellence in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited, aiming to boost skill development and employment opportunities.

To honour Assam’s stalwarts, the cabinet also approved renaming three institutions. The Sarusajai Sports Complex will now be called Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, the Mangaldoi Stadium will be renamed Raja Dharma Narayan Stadium, and the State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development will be renamed Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development.

The cabinet further approved land allotment by Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to Greenko Energies for a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project in West Karbi Anglong, alongside relaxations in land categories for oil palm cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), enabling more farmers to benefit from the scheme. (ANI)

More than 200,000 Afghans have left Pakistan since the government intensified its deportation drive in April, the Ministry of Interior informed, according to ARY News.

Over 135,000 Afghans left Pakistan in April, while the number declined to 67,000 in May. In the first two days of June alone, more than 3,000 Afghans were repatriated, the ministry added.

Millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan over the decades, fleeing ongoing conflicts. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, hundreds of thousands more have crossed into Pakistan.

The ministry stated that since the launch of the repatriation program in November 2023, over one million Afghans have returned to their homeland, ARY News reported.

The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently expressed concern over the increasing number of Afghan families deported from Iran, reporting 15,675 crossings in May–a twofold rise from April. IOM warned that this influx could overwhelm Afghanistan’s fragile reception and reintegration systems.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has instructed Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders residing in Pakistan to leave the country by March 31, 2025. The ministry clarified that from April 1, 2025, deportation of ACC holders will commence as part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), which began on November 1, 2023.

The ministry assured that sufficient time has been provided for voluntary returns, emphasizing that no mistreatment will occur during repatriation. Arrangements for food and healthcare for returnees have been made to ensure a dignified process, ARY News added.

In the initial phase of the campaign, over 800,000 Afghans living illegally in Pakistan were repatriated.

It is estimated that approximately three million Afghans still reside in Pakistan. (ANI)

A total of 113 stranded tourists, including 30 people airlifted by helicopter, were rescued by the Army from North Sikkim after a massive landslide cut off access to the remote Lachen village, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in its official statement.

The Army is leading search and rescue operations in the area, battling extreme weather and dangerous terrain to reach affected residents and visitors.

In the wake of a devastating landslide in North Sikkim, the #IndianArmy is leading relentless search and rescue operations under extreme weather and hazardous terrain. Lachen village, completely cut off, has been reached on foot, with 113 stranded tourists located—30 of them,… pic.twitter.com/b34EBSHetn

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) June 4, 2025

In a post on X, MoD said,” In the wake of a devastating landslide in North Sikkim, the #IndianArmy is leading relentless search and rescue operations under extreme weather and hazardous terrain. Lachen village, completely cut off, has been reached on foot, with 113 stranded tourists, 30 of them, including foreign nationals, airlifted on 3 June.”

The Army teams, equipped with specialised tools, are working on unstable and high-altitude ground conditions to find the six missing persons.

“Search efforts continue for six missing individuals”, the MoD said, while adding, “Despite unstable ground and high-altitude challenges, specialised teams and equipment are on the ground. The Army stands resolute: every life matters, and every effort continues. #IndianArmy #SikkimLandslide.”

Earlier, the MoD said, “Incessant rains across Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Eastern Bhutan have triggered landslides, road blockages, and communication blackouts. BRO India has responded with unmatched urgency–clearing debris in Mizoram, restoring access in Sikkim, keeping the Koloriang-Lee-Sarli-Huri lifeline operational in Arunachal’s Kurung Kumey, and swiftly reopening the Darranga-Trashigang Highway in Bhutan after a massive landslide on 30 May.”

“Working around the clock in hostile terrain, BRO ensures connectivity, relief, and critical support. A testament to resilience and India’s enduring regional partnership,” the MoD added.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) swiftly and determinedly responded to regional landslides, road blockages, and communication disruptions.

Similarly, the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, and BRO teams have worked relentlessly in treacherous terrain to restore critical connectivity.

Meanwhile, the government of Mizoram has issued an advisory asking dignitaries and officials to postpone their visits to the state due to severe weather conditions.

The advisory comes after several days of heavy rainfall that have triggered landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and rockfalls in many parts of the state. (ANI)

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message for the convention was delivered in Tokyo by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile during the opening session of the ongoing 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet.

According to the CTA report, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his message, “The support of people’s representatives is something that I particularly value and is of enormous significance to us Tibetans,” while extending greetings to all the attending parliament members from many nations.

“Today, the world is going through very challenging times. Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight to the use of violence in settling problems and disputes between nations and even between opposing groups within individual countries. History shows that violence only breeds more violence. We must therefore make concerted efforts to resolve problems and disputes through dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. We Tibetans are committed to seeking a mutually acceptable solution with a peaceful, non-violent path to achieve freedom and dignity for the Tibetan people,” stated CTA report.

The message continued, “The spirit of Tibetans in Tibet remains firm like a mountain. Their dedication to our cause is strong, unwavering, and determined as it is based on truth and justice. I am hopeful that the Chinese people will recognise this. Ours is the peaceful struggle of a people with their language, profound philosophy, and rich culture. Tibetan Buddhism is a complete form of Buddhism based on reasoning and logic. It is a tradition that preserves and develops the pure teaching derived from the historic Indian University of Nalanda. Central to this is the cultivation of compassion and concern for the welfare of all being,” as quoted by the CTA report.

The message also emphasises how Buddhism is becoming more and more popular among Chinese people, who acknowledge it as an essential component of their spiritual history. His Holiness has also acknowledged the importance of Buddhist philosophy and psychology in modern research and the increasing interest of scientists in these fields. The message emphasised the value of education that fosters both intellectual and emotional growth and recognised His Holiness’ genuine support of programs like social and emotional learning instruction in schools. In the pursuit of a better future, His Holiness stated, “I hope that over time, we will be able to incorporate such human values as kindness and integrity into mainstream education curricula,” according to the CTA report.

His Holiness concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support of the Tibetan people’s noble struggle. “I think the truth will win out in the end,” the CTA report emphasised. (ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that he should seek an apology for the same, further stating that his immature behavior was the reason behind his name “Pappu.”

“Rahul should apologise for this. This is why he is called ‘Pappu’. His behaviour and attitude show that he has not yet matured…” Yadav told ANI.

He further stated that the Congress leader’s immature behaviour tarnished his reputation and added that the words used showed his frivolity.

“It is unfortunate that the way the Leader of Opposition speaks leaves decorum behind. It not only tarnishes his reputation but also goes against the culture of our country… The words he used show his frivolity. I condemn him in harsh words… His party MPs are going around the world and talking about how the Indian Army, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, gave Pakistan a fitting reply…” he further added.

Yadav also stated that Congress would pay the price for the immature behaviour by Rahul Gandhi.

“Congress will pay the price for this… Only Congress knows where he will take the party, behaving like this,” he stated.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also launched a scathing attack against the Congress leader and accused him of making “objectionable and cheap” remarks on the PM.

“Rahul Gandhi has proved again that he does not have the ability and maturity to handle a post like the Leader of the Opposition and has shown his lack of wisdom and low standards,” said Trivedi.

Escalating the political war of words, Trivedi reiterated that Rahul’s remarks displayed a lack of political wisdom. “By making objectionable and cheap comments about PM Narendra Modi, he has once again proved that he does not have the ability and maturity to handle a serious post like the Leader of the Opposition. By making such statements, Rahul Gandhi has again shown his lack of wisdom and low standards,” he added. (ANI)

In response to the ongoing flood situation under Operation Jal Rahat II, the Assam Rifles has continued its relentless humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts across Manipur and Tripura.

A total of 10 columns have been actively deployed by Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) and Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) to conduct rescue, relief, and medical aid operations. One additional column remains on standby at Haflong for rapid deployment if required, Assam Rifles said in a release.

IGAR (South) has positioned eight columns at Porompat, JNIMS, Wankhei, and Wangkhei, rescuing 2,629 civilians, providing medical care to 250 individuals, and distributing food and water.

Simultaneously, IGAR (East) has deployed two columns across Chandrapur, Resham Bagan, Bhutankhal, and Kamranga, rescuing 200 civilians and providing immediate med and food supplies, it said.

These timely and coordinated actions by the Assam Rifles reaffirm their motto of being “Friends of the North East” and highlight their enduring commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the civil administration in times of crisis, the release said.

On Monday, Manipur Fire Service, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, and Indian Army conducted joint evacuation operations to rescue stranded medical students and staff from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, following severe waterlogging triggered by heavy rainfall.

Earlier on May 31, Imphal witnessed a flood-like situation in several areas after relentless rainfall, leading to waterlogging.

Roads were submerged, disrupting daily life and causing distress to residents trying to navigate the inundated paths.

Low-lying areas in and around the city were the worst affected, as stormwater drainage systems failed to cope with the volume of rainwater. In many places, homes and shops experienced water seepage, forcing residents to use makeshift measures to protect their belongings. (ANI)

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has set a new benchmark by handling 41.8 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo — an all-time high for the company — showcasing the capabilities of Indian ports on a global scale.

A 17 per cent growth compared to last year is not just a statistic–it’s a testament to the rapidly evolving economic structure and the strong foundation of infrastructure development in the country.

The key drivers of Adani Ports’ stellar performance were container traffic (+22 per cent year-on-year) and dry cargo (+17 per cent year-on-year). While global port companies are grappling with recession and geopolitical uncertainties, APSEZ has not only maintained stability but also expanded rapidly.

As of year-to-date (YTD) May 2025, a total of 79.3 MMT of cargo has been handled, reflecting a 10 per cent year-on-year growth. A 21 per cent growth in container handling highlights APSEZ’s operational efficiency and technological upgrades.

In May 2025, Adani Logistics recorded 0.06 million TEU rail volume (+13 per cent YoY) and 2.01 MMT GPWIS volume (+4 per cent YoY). On a YTD basis, rail volume stood at 0.12 million TEU (+15 per cent YoY) and GPWIS volume at 3.8 MMT. This clearly indicates that the company’s strategic focus on multi-modal logistics infrastructure is beginning to show tangible results.

While other major ports in the country, such as JNPT and Paradip Port, recorded growth of around 7 per cent and 9 per cent respectively in May, APSEZ surged ahead with a 17 per cent jump, signalling its lead over the competition.

Adani Ports is not just India’s largest private port operator; it is becoming a pillar of the country’s global trade strategy. APSEZ’s role is set to become even more significant. Through multimodal hubs, smart ports, green energy, and digital tracking systems, the company is shaping the future of logistics.

The data from May 2025 is not just a report–it’s a snapshot of the transformation underway in India’s logistics and infrastructure sector. Adani Ports has demonstrated that when strategy, investment, and innovation work together, India can not only become self-reliant but also take a leadership role in the global supply chain. (ANI)