Month: June 2025

Around 1,300 families have taken shelter in government-run relief camps across West Tripura district following incessant rainfall over the past two days that has triggered severe flooding in several parts of the region.

“Incessant rainfall over the past two days has led to severe flooding across various parts of West Tripura district. As a result, nearly 1,300 families have been shifted to government shelter homes for safety. The state government is closely monitoring the flood-affected areas,” Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

The Chief Minister added that the district administration has deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), civil volunteers, and other agencies to assist in rescue and relief operations.

“Several localities in Agartala have also experienced heavy waterlogging, prompting authorities to activate water pumps to drain out the accumulated water. Officials are urging residents in flood-hit areas to follow government advisories and relocate to designated safe zones,” the CM said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Tripura between June 1 and June 5, 2025.

The forecast also warns of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets, particularly in Dhalai and West Tripura districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are also likely in some areas.

The IMD has advised residents to take precautions, including avoiding areas prone to waterlogging and landslides, refraining from unnecessary travel, and adhering to traffic and weather advisories.

According to officials, arrangements for food, shelter, medical care, and drinking water have been made at nearly 25 to 30 government shelters across the state. “Food, drinking water, medical assistance, and all necessary amenities are being provided at the shelters,” they said.

Tripura CM Manik Saha also visited flood-affected areas in Agartala and relief camps to review the ongoing relief efforts.

“According to eyewitnesses, teams comprising SDRF, NDRF, and Aapda Mitra volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools across the district to accommodate those displaced by the floods,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Manipal is coordinating closely with the district authorities to expedite relief measures. “We’re doing everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety and to provide the necessary aid,” he said during a visit to the affected areas.

In addition, the India Meteorological Centre in Agartala has warned of potential impacts such as poor visibility due to intense rainfall, traffic congestion, flash floods, waterlogging, and the possibility of landslides or mudslides. People have been advised to stay away from vulnerable areas and take all necessary precautions.

Elsewhere in the Northeast, heavy rainfall on Friday led to severe waterlogging in Guwahati, affecting areas such as Rukminigaon, Beltola Survey, Hatigaon, Geetanagar, Anil Nagar, Lakhimi Nagar, Jatia, Maligaon, and Panjabari. (ANI)

Elaborate security arrangements are in place for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3 at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, officials said.  

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar and Jammu IGP Bhim Singh flagged off over 60 buses carrying devotees to the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3.

Large numbers of devotees are visiting the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Pilgrims, including many Kashmiri Pandits, expressed unwavering faith and said such attacks cannot deter their devotion.

Authorities assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, said, “Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi, and it’s our sacred duty to visit her. We don’t fear anything—this is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings.”

A first-time visitor, Saroj, also echoed the same sentiment. “This is my first visit. I had heard a great deal about this place. We are not afraid; these attacks are only meant to instil fear, and we must stand strong. I am not scared. There is no fear in visiting ‘Mata’. The Pahalgam attack was unfortunate… But tourists should go. So, we should not be afraid”.

Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, stated that the government has ensured all necessary facilities are provided to the pilgrims. “We’ve made arrangements for food, medical assistance, sanitation, and accommodation. There is also a halt facility at Ramban, where arrangements have been made. Over 60 buses have been deployed for the pilgrimage, and more are being added.”

Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said security and other arrangements were in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra. “I extend best wishes to all pilgrims on this sacred occasion,” he said.

Rakesh Kaul, another devotee, highlighted the emotional bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community with the shrine. “Our connection with Mata Kheer Bhawani is age-old. We wait the entire year for this visit. People from across India are coming despite the prevailing fear of the last 36 years. The situation remains tough, but our faith in God is stronger. Those who are spiritually inclined should definitely come and experience this.”

The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual Mela at the famous Ragnya Devi temple near Srinagar.

‘Kheer’- a milk and rice pudding that is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as ‘Milk Goddess’. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi.

This was followed by the attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

India carried out precision strikes through Operation Sindoor on May 7 on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, in which 26 people were killed. India also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. (ANI)

Actor Nakuul Mehta and singer Jankee are all set to embrace parenthood for the second time.

The couple was blessed with son Sufi in 2021, announced their pregnancy on Sunday via a cute joint post.

They shared several pictures in which Jankee can be seen flaunting her baby bump. We can also see the father-son duo expressing excitement about welcoming the little one soon.

“The boy is ready for additional responsibility. So are we. We are accepting blessings, again (red heart emoji) Heartshot by @rasshi_ganeriwal,” Nakuul and Jankee wrote in the caption.

As soon as the two shared the good news, members from the film, TV and music industry chimed in the comment section and extended their best wishes to the couple.

“So sweet (red heart emoji) God bless,” author-filmmaker Tahira Kashyap commented.

“How wonderful llove love love love,” actor Dia Mirza commented.

Nakuul and Jankee tied the knot on January 28, 2012, after dating for nine years. They had a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony.

Nakuul made his television debut in 2012 with Star Plus show Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara. He later appeared in shows such as Ishqbaaaz and Dil Boley Oberoi. He also appeared in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 opposite Disha Parmar. (ANI)

An explosion hit an under-construction Rescue 1122 building in the Nekam Kaki area of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, damaging the structure, according to ARY News.

Local police told the outlet that the blast was the result of explosives planted by terrorists. While no casualties have been reported so far, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive and those behind the attack.

The incident comes amid a surge in violence in the region. ARY News also reported that at least seven people, including police personnel, were martyred in separate firing incidents within a 24-hour period in Bannu. Five others, including civilians, sustained injuries.

In a related series of attacks earlier this year, terrorists targeted the Saddar Police Station in Bannu, injuring Station House Officer (SHO) Waseem Sajjad and Constable Hayatullah.

ARY News said both were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Police managed to kill one of the attackers while another escaped.

Senior officials, including DIG Sajjad Khan and DPO Saleem Abbas Kulachi, later visited the injured officers in hospital to boost their morale.

On April 22, as per ARY News, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police foiled a major terrorist assault on the Dharey Pul police post.

A group of around 18 to 19 militants, some on motorcycles and others approaching stealthily, attempted to storm the outpost.

The attackers, affiliated with the banned outfit Fitna al-Khawarij, reportedly aimed to destroy surveillance infrastructure during the assault. However, a swift and robust response from security personnel forced the group to retreat.

Police say they continue to remain on high alert amid increased threats in the province. (ANI)

India will witness the world’s fastest growth in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), with their population expected to surge by 50 per cent between 2023 and 2028, according to a report by McKinsey & Company and BoF.

The state of fashion luxury report says that the Indian luxury market is expected to grow between 15 and 20 per cent in 2025, fuelled by demographic and structural shifts.

According to the report, new luxury malls and department stores, such as the Jio World Plaza and Galeries Lafayette, are increasing luxury real estate in tier-one cities. It further adds that the newly increased taxes on imported goods over Rs 700,000 (USD 8,400) are expected to encourage domestic spending, although the domestic Goods and Services Tax on luxury goods remains high at 28 per cent.

Compared to the Indian growth, the Japanese luxury market is expected to grow between 6 and 10 per cent in 2025, retaining its position as a core luxury market. The growth in Japanese markets will be driven by both solid domestic demand and tourism spending.

Recently, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam announced that India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Citing data from the International Monetary Fund, the CEO of India’s apex think tank stated that India’s economy has reached the USD 4 trillion mark.

As per the report, Japan is home to the second-largest number of UHNWIs in Asia, which is expected to grow by more than 12 per cent from 2023 to 2028. The growth rate of UHNWIs in India is more than that of Japan.

According to the IMF’s April edition of the World Economic Outlook report, India’s nominal GDP for fiscal 2026 is expected to reach around USD 4.187 trillion. This is marginally more than Japan’s likely GDP, which is estimated at USD 4.186 billion.

The report added that over the past five years, the luxury industry experienced a period of exceptional value creation. Between 2019 and 2023, unprecedented demand for personal luxury goods — fashion, handbags, watches and jewellery among them — combined

With a deep well of supply allowed the sector to achieve a 5 per cent compound annual growth rate.

Luxury brands outperformed global markets and achieved new profitability records. But in the year 2025 so far, the luxury industry has faced a significant slowdown that has hit even top brands hard. For the first time since 2016 (excluding 2020), luxury value creation declined.

Several of the industry’s growth-driving engines have stalled. Macroeconomic headwinds –especially in the key China market, which grew more than 18 per cent annually from 2019 to 2023 — are weighing heavily on the sector, the report highlighted. (ANI)

Dharma Productions, the production house behind the critically acclaimed film ‘Homebound’, has released an official statement in response to the recent abuse allegations levelled against the film’s cinematographer, Pratik Shah.

The allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women surfaced on social media platforms, prompting Shah to delete his Instagram account amid the backlash.

In the aftermath of these claims, Dharma Productions has responded, clarifying that no formal complaints were made against Shah during the production of the film.

A statement from the production company was released that claimed, “At Dharma Productions, we have a zero-tolerance policy against inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment toward any individual working with us in any capacity, and we treat sexual harassment cases very seriously.”

The statement further detailed that Shah, who worked as a freelance cinematographer on ‘Homebound’, was engaged for a limited duration.

The production house emphasised that during this period, no complaints were filed with the internal committee established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines.

“Mr. Pratik Shah was a freelancer on the project Homebound and was working on it for a limited period. His engagement with us has been completed. During this limited period, our internal committee for POSH didn’t receive any complaints against him from any cast or crew on our film Homebound,” the statement added.

‘Homebound’ which made history as the only Indian film to be featured at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, has garnered significant international attention.

The film, produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, received a stellar reception at Cannes, with a standing ovation.

The film stars an ensemble cast, including Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. (ANI)

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the NASA nomination of Jared Isaacman, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and private astronaut who has commanded and funded two SpaceX missions to Earth orbit, the White House has confirmed.

Isaacman’s removal comes just days after Elon Musk’s official departure from the White House, where the SpaceX CEO was serving in the role of a “special government employee” leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Trump said he would announce a new candidate soon. “After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” the US president posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.

“I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission aligned and put America first in space,” he said.

The move came just days before the Senate was scheduled to vote on his confirmation, where he was widely expected to be approved.

According to The New York Times, President Donald Trump had concerns about Isaacman’s political loyalty. The news outlet reported that Trump was informed of Isaacman’s donations to Democrats in the past two campaign cycles.

“The Administrator of NASA will help lead humanity into space and execute President Trump’s bold mission of planting the American flag on the planet Mars,” White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston told Fox News Digital on Saturday.

Isaacman, 42, said he was “incredibly grateful” to Trump and all those who supported me throughout this journey.

“I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the weight our political leaders carry,” he posted on X. “It may not always be obvious through the discourse and turbulence, but there are many competent, dedicated people who love this country and care deeply about the mission.”

Meanwhile, Musk also took to X to post, “It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted.”

Trump announced his choice of Jared Isaacman in December, before the president’s inauguration, and the nominee seemed poised to be confirmed by the US Congress.

A US Congress Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted this April to advance his nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.

Issacman had, in September last year, become the first private astronaut to perform a spacewalk after launching on a SpaceX rocket.

Meanwhile, on May 30, the White House released its NASA budget request for the 2026 fiscal year. The documents propose a USD 6 billion budget cut for the agency, from USD 24.8 billion to USD 18.8 billion, with funding for NASA’s science programs slashed by 47 per cent.

It indicated that NASA’s workforce would be reduced by nearly a third, for example, and dozens of the agency’s science missions — including the Juno Jupiter orbiter, New Horizons Pluto probe and a number of other spacecraft that are currently gathering data in deep space — would be cancelled. (ANI)

A week after being expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and disowned by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap on Sunday shared a message addressing his parents, Lalu and Rabri Devi, where he pleaded for their love.

In a post on X, he also blamed conspiracies for his ouster from both the party and the family.

“My dear mom and dad…. My whole world is just you two. You and any order given by you are greater than God. If you are there, then I have everything. I just need your trust and love and nothing else,” Tej Pratap said on X.

“Papa, if you were not there then this party would not have been there and neither would greedy people like Jaichand, who do politics with me. Just mummy papa, may you both always be healthy and happy,” he added.

The post came days after the RJD patriarch expelled his eldest son from the party for six years, accusing him of disregarding moral values and harming the family’s principles.

The decision followed a controversial Facebook post by Tej Pratap in which he revealed a 12-year-long relationship with a woman named Anushka, a post he later said was the result of his account being “hacked”. The post prompted netizens to recall his marital dispute that made headlines a few years ago.

Notably, Yadav had tied the knot with Aishwarya, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. However, within a few months, Aishwarya left his house, alleging that she was driven out by her husband and in-laws, and the couple’s divorce petition is pending before the family court.

In a statement on X, Lalu Yadav said, “The activities, public behaviour, and irresponsible conduct of my eldest son are not in line with our family’s values and cultural ethos. Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions.”

He further announced, “Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for six years. He is capable of seeing the good and bad and merits and demerits of his personal life.

Earlier reacting to the incident, Tej Pratap’s brother and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, backed the expulsion of his elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both his family and the party over a serious breach of moral and social values and said politics and personal life are different.

“…We also don’t like such things, and whatever decision Lalu Yadav, that party’s chief and my father, has taken, we are with that. Politics and personal life are different. He (Tej Pratap Yadav) is my big brother, and what decisions he makes in his personal life are up to him only; what do I have to do with that? He knows all the profit and loss that his decision will incur…” Yadav said.

The development comes ahead of Assembly elections in Bihar that are slated for polls later this year. (ANI)

Eight people died due to floods and landslides in Assam in the last 24 hours, according to the officials.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reports, three people died in floods and five died in landslides.

“Two people, including a child, died due to the flood in Golaghat district, while one person drowned in flood waters in Lakhimpur district,” ASDMA said.

On the other hand, five people lost their lives and two others were injured due to landslides in the Kamrup (Metro) district.

Following incessant and heavy rainfall in Assam and neighbouring states, 175 villages under 20 revenue circles in 12 districts of the state–Dhemaji, South Salmara, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Darrang, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Biswanath, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong West–were affected in the first spell of floods in the state.

The ASDMA flood report stated that 58091 people in 12 districts were affected by the first spell of floods. 791.32 hectares of crop-land submerged by flood waters.

Nearly 7000 flood-affected people are taking shelter in relief camps and relief distribution centres set by the district administration.

The district administration has set up 16 relief camps and relief distribution centres in the flood-hit areas.

The flood waters washed away 194 animals. 75918 animals have been affected in the flood-hit districts.

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, and local administration are engaged in rescue operations in the flood-affected areas.

In the last 24 hours, flood waters damaged 22 roads, one bridge, breached 3 embankments, damaged 4 other embankments, irrigation canals, school buildings, Anganwadi centres, etc.

On the other hand, 9865 people were affected by urban floods in Kamrup, Dibrugarh, Darrang, Cachar, and Kamrup (M) districts.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Assam Housing Urban & Affairs Minister (DoHUA) Jayanta Mallabaruah visited various flood-affected areas in Guwahati to assess the prevailing situation and review the government’s emergency response measures.

During his inspection, the Minister visited several critical sites, including Juripar, the inundated stretch from Basistha Chariali to Balughat along the National Highway, the area near Excel Care Hospital, Pandu Temple Ghat, Kamakhya Foothills, B Baruah Road, GS Road, the area behind the AGP Office in Ambari, Pibco Point, Rukminigaon, Rukmininagar, and others.

Minister Baruah addressed the media and explained that many of these flood-affected zones function like basins, collecting runoff from the surrounding hills. He informed that two major drainage channels are currently under construction to divert this water. (ANI)