Month: July 2025

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani has dismissed suggestions of retirement from politics, saying that the journey is far from over and hinting at an earlier-than-expected comeback.

In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Irani reflected on her political career, addressed speculation surrounding her 2024 Lok Sabha loss from Amethi, and spoke about her return to television after more than a decade, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani.

Responding to speculation about her political comeback, Irani said, “Why talk about 2029? Who knows what BJP will say in 2029? Why not 2026 or even 2025?” She emphasised that despite not being in the Lok Sabha, she remains actively engaged in public life.

“People talk about me during mayoral elections, assembly elections, and parliamentary elections — because my name is Smriti Irani. I have been an MP three times, served as a minister in five departments. At 49, people are just starting their careers. I have only just begun,” she said.

Irani said that it was for the BJP to decide when and where she will serve next, but added that she has proven her competence in Parliament.

On her 2024 Lok Sabha loss from Amethi, Irani pointed out that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chose not to contest from the constituency this time. “Now, it’s not my responsibility to be aggressive toward Rahul Gandhi. In 2024, the Gandhi family refused to face me. I can’t chase after them,” she said.

Citing political history, she said losing from Amethi is not new for big leaders. “Sharad Yadav lost from Amethi, Menaka Gandhi lost. The Gandhi family only chose that seat due to favourable social equations,” Irani said. She added that her defeat would have been more painful had she not worked extensively in Amethi between 2014 and 2019.

“From cleaning drains to building one lakh homes and setting up a medical college, I lived among the people and worked at the grassroots,” she said.

“I don’t live life in a limited or narrow way. If life is lived from only one perspective, then what kind of life is that? I entered national politics because I felt that there are many issues in our society that need attention — whether through politics or through the media,” she added.

In a major development that made her fans happy, Irani is making her acting comeback after a decade and a half, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in the second term of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.” After 25 years, India’s iconic daily soap is returning with the original cast, including Smriti Irani, who became a household name with her character Tulsi. While the release date of ‘Kyunki…Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ 2 has not been disclosed yet; the first look of Smriti as Tulsi was leaked recently, leaving fans nostalgic.

“Why did I decide to return to acting? The answer may sound childish, but because I wanted to. I’ve always been like this,” she said with a laugh. “That show brought a revolution in television. Back then, there were no women producing series, nor were there many women leading as central characters. We defined television in a unique way,” she added.

Acknowledging how the medium has evolved, Irani expressed excitement about reconnecting with her audience, saying, “I was Tulsi for eight years. Television has changed a lot since then, but the bond with the audience remains.”

When asked about her aggressive demeanour in politics, she said, “A person becomes aggressive when their beliefs are challenged. You saw me angry in Parliament when derogatory remarks were made against President Droupadi Murmu. I was angry while defending the dignity of the President of India.”

“I joined politics because I felt there were many issues in our society that needed attention. Whether it’s through politics or media, if you’ve earned a platform where people listen, only a fool would waste that opportunity,” she added. (ANI)

Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday expressed strong resentment over the government’s action of cutting fruit trees, locking homes, and evicting farmers from their land.

According to a release, the protest sentiment was voiced during a meeting organised by the Himachal Apple Producers Association Jubbal Block Unit at Vishram Grih, Jubbal, where members from various units registered their presence.

Senior leader of the Apple Producers Association State Committee, Sanjay Chauhan, attended the meeting along with members Bhagat Ram, Lokindra Kalta, Jai Singh Jaihta, Sanjay Kumar, Balwinder Jasta, Harish Chandra, Lahori Chauhan, Bhim Singh Nargeta, Ashok Jhohta, Narendra Chauhan, Girdhari Lal Nanda, Vinay Chauhan, Govind Tejata, Motiram Tejata, Laxmi Chauhan, Panna Lal Thakur, and Amar Singh Thakur, among others.

All the members put forth their views on the latest circumstances regarding “cutting of fruit trees, eviction from land and locking of houses”, and resentment was expressed over the cutting of apple plants by the administrative staff of the government.

In the meeting, it was also agreed to organise village-level meetings to ensure the success of the “Sachchalay Chalo” program scheduled for 29 July 2025 and to form membership and committee executives during these meetings.

Addressing the media persons, Chauhan said that, on the one hand, the state government is considering going to the Supreme Court; on the other hand, evictions of farmers and other affected families from their homes and land, as well as the cutting of fruit trees, are ongoing across the state. Notices are being sent to evict people from the land. In short, a state of confusion is being created among the people.

According to the release, “Himachal Kisan Sabha” and “Himachal Apple Producer Association” condemn this double standard of the government and the administration and demand that the government should immediately take action to provide relief to the affected in this matter; otherwise, they will be ready to face the questions of the general public outside the Secretariat on 29 July 2025.

Farmers, gardeners, affected families, and other socio-economic organisations, as well as progressive thinkers and social workers from the farming community across the state, will participate in this demonstration scheduled for 29 July 2025. (ANI)

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Suraj Chokhani in connection with the Mahadev Betting App money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Raipur.

The case, considered one of the largest in Indian money laundering history, has its origins in Chhattisgarh and involves a complex financial web allegedly orchestrated across borders.

Suraj Chokhani, a resident of Kolkata, was arrested by the ED in March 2024 on allegations that he facilitated the laundering of proceeds of crime generated through the Mahadev App.

According to the ED, these illicit funds were routed into another betting platform and subsequently invested through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Indian companies reportedly managed by Chokhani. The funds were then directed into the Indian stock market. The ED had earlier frozen demat accounts of eight such companies–collectively valued at ₹400 crore.

Appearing on behalf of Chokhani, advocate Vijay Aggarwal, along with advocate Yash Agrawal, argued that their client had been in custody for nearly 16 months. Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to a speedy trial, they contended that bail was warranted given the unlikely commencement of trial proceedings anytime soon.

Vijay Aggarwal further argued for parity, stating that other co-accused, including Girish Talreja–alleged owner of the betting site ‘Lotus365.com’ and accused of laundering ₹2,400 crore–had been granted bail in January 2025. He emphasised that Chokhani’s alleged involvement was comparatively minor, limited to managing companies and not owning or operating betting platforms directly.

The defence also challenged the reliability of evidence, pointing out that much of ED’s case hinged on statements made by co-accused individuals, which are not admissible in court and are now under retraction. Additionally, Aggarwal asserted that the constitutional right under Article 21 overrides the statutory bar to bail under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), referencing Supreme Court rulings in KA Najeeb and V Senthil Balaji to strengthen the case.

It was also argued that the ED has yet to secure cognisance for the second, third, and fourth supplementary complaints–one of which names Chokhani as an accused for the first time. Aggarwal alleged that the ED is continuing to expand its investigation indefinitely by repeatedly amending the ECIR and adding more scheduled offences, thereby prolonging trial commencement. He also stated that the alleged proceeds of crime had already been secured by freezing the demat accounts, reducing any imminent threat of tampering.

Opposing the bail, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, argued that the magnitude and international scope of the alleged money laundering–spanning operations in Dubai and across India–warranted Chokhani’s continued detention.

After hearing both sides, the Supreme Court granted bail, taking note of the extended duration of custody, the fundamental right to a speedy trial, and the absence of trial proceedings. The Court imposed conditions, including a ban on committing similar offences, weekly appearances at the Raipur trial court, and surrender of passports. It also granted liberty to ED to seek bail cancellation in case of violation of terms. The apex court clarified that any requests for relaxation of bail conditions need not be brought before it and may be made directly to the trial court. (ANI)

Coldplay dedicated a cover of Black Sabbath’s soft-rock 1972 ballad ‘Changes’ to the late Ozzy Osbourne at their concert at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, reported People.

John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, the lead singer of British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died at 76. He breathed his last on Tuesday after a yearslong struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Less than three weeks ago, Osbourne performed from a throne on stage at Villa Park, telling fans, “You’ve no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart. “The concert featured performances from Osbourne’s friends, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and was billed as the heavy metal legend’s “final bow”.

Before the show, a fan posted a video on X from outside Nissan Stadium, where the band could be heard performing ‘Changes’ during soundcheck.

“We’d like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and character called gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne. We send our love to his family,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said in a fan-captured video from the concert shared on TikTok, according to People.

Martin said remembering the legend, “Ozzy, we love you, wherever you’re going.”

In his 2011 autobiography I Am Ozzy, co-written by Chris Ayres, the Black Sabbath frontman revealed that the lyrics were inspired by the end of guitarist Bill Ward’s first marriage. Osbourne co-wrote the lyrics with Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, as per the outlet.

“I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage,” Yungblud wrote. “Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all.”

“I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time,” concluded the rock star.

Osbourne’s family said in a statement on July 22, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon and six children, reported People. (ANI)

The Maharashtra government has given an affidavit in Bombay High Court that it will felicitate all the household Ganpati idols’ immersion in artificial ponds only, according to an official statement from the Maharashtra Culture Ministry.

According to the statement, the larger idols of Ganeshotsav Mandals will be immersed in the sea as per their tradition of over 100 years.

According to the affidavit, the state government had also proposed to take several remedial measures to reduce pollution caused by the immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols in the sea.

The affidavit in the High Court also states that this decision was made after the recommendation of a committee headed by senior scientist Anil Kakodkar.

As per the release, the matter will be heard by the Bombay High Court tomorrow.

Earlier on July 10, the public Ganeshotsav, a tradition over 100 years old, was officially declared as the “Maharashtra State Festival.”

The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by the State’s Minister of Cultural Affairs, Advocate Ashish Shelar.

While making a statement in the Assembly, Minister Ashish Shelar said, “Public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak. This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, and linguistic pride, as well as freedom and self-respect. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra.

“He emphasised that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival.

He also highlighted that certain individuals, for various reasons, have attempted to challenge the traditional public celebration of Ganeshotsav in different courts.

However, the Mahayuti government–under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar–has acted swiftly to overcome all such restrictions and legal hurdles.

Ganeshotsav, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that continues until Anantha Chaturdashi. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on Wednesday, August 27th.

This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence. Homes and pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals. (ANI)

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four terrorists with alleged links to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), officials said on Wednesday.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohd Faiq from Delhi, Mohd Fardeen from Ahmedabad, Sefullah Kureshi from Modasa in Aravalli, and Zeeshan Ali from Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Confirming the arrests, Gujarat ATS DIG Sunil Joshi said all four suspects were under surveillance for activities suspected to be connected to AQIS, a proscribed terror outfit affiliated with Al Qaeda.

The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs and coordinated surveillance, he added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

Heavy rainfall in the Kalakote division of the Rajouri district for three consecutive days has triggered landslides, damaging houses and leading to road blockades.

The Assistant Development Commissioner (ADC) of Kalakote, Tanveer Hussain Khan, reported that teams are working around the clock to address the situation. All schools, government and private, are closed for the second day due to heavy rainfall.

Rajouri district has experienced flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall. Authorities have responded by setting up control rooms for emergency assistance and advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travelling through landslide-prone areas.

“Today it is raining for the third consecutive day. People have suffered heavy losses. At least 25 houses have been damaged. We have evacuated people to safer locations. As it is a hilly area so people have suffered massive losses due to landslides. BRO is working to mitigate the damage to roads. We have created rehabilitation centres at Kalakote. Schools are closed for the second consecutive day,” ADC Kalakote said.

A local resident said that there are many poor people who have suffered losses. “After the landslide, the debris has fallen on shops. Government should give compensation to victims,” he said.

Earlier in the day, two labourers lost their lives and another was seriously injured in a landslide that occurred early Wednesday morning in the Badora, which falls under the Mahore sub-division of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place when the three men, including a JCB machine operator at a construction site related to the Badora Shiva Cave pilgrimage, were sleeping in a tent. Around 2 am, a sudden landslide hit the area, and the tent got buried in it.

The deceased have been identified as Ravi Kumar (23), son of Parshotam Kumar, a resident of Tehsil Channi in Udhampur district, and Rashpal Singh (26), son of Soba Ram, a resident of Tuli Kalaban, Tehsil Chassana, Reasi district.The injured labourer was immediately taken to Mahore Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Earlier on July 21, a young student lost his life after a landslide in Poonch. Incharge Medical Superintendent of the district hospital said that one 5-year-old child was brought in dead, while the other 4 had minor injuries and were currently under observation.

He said that a teacher was also injured but in stable condition.

Speaking to ANI, Medical Officer Dr Ishfaq Ahmad said, “In Bainch, an unfortunate incident occurred at school, resulting in injuries from a landslide. A total of five children were injured. One 5-year-old child was brought in dead, while the other 4 had minor injuries… The injured children are stable, and their injuries are being monitored. The teacher was also injured, but is stable. All are under observation, and if any further treatment or referral is needed, we will handle it accordingly.” (ANI)

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta surprised her fans after she dropped a video crying, alleging harassment at her own home.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Tanushree Dutta was seen crying inconsolably while opening up about the continuous harassment she has been allegedly enduring at her home for the last 4-5 years.

The situation escalated so severely that she felt compelled to involve the police on Tuesday. She also asked for help through this video.

“Guys, I’m being harassed in my own home. I just called the cops. I got worried and called the police. The police came. They asked me to come to the police station to launch a proper complaint. I’m going to probably go tomorrow or the day after. I’m not well. I’ve been harassed so much in the last 4-5 years that my health has deteriorated,” said Tanushree Dutta.

The ‘Dhol’ actress further alleged that people have planted “maids” in her house who often steal from her home, leading to financial and emotional harassment.

“I’m not able to do any work. My house is a mess. I can’t hire even maids because they planted maids in my house. I had such a bad experience with maids coming in and stealing and doing all kinds of things. I have to do all my work. People come outside my door. I’m being troubled in my own house. Please someone help me,” added Tanushree Dutta.

While sharing the video, the actress wrote, “I’m sick and tired of this harassment!! It’s been going on since 2018 #metoo Aaj fed up hokar maine police ko call kiya. Please someone help me! Do something before it’s too late.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMadBdbt-eE

Tanushree, in the year 2018 accused actor Nana of misbehaving with her when they were shooting for a special song in 2008 for their film ‘Horn Ok Pleasss’.

Nana, on the other hand, has denied all the claims.

Tanushree Dutta is popularly known for her roles in ‘Aashiq Banaya Apne’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’ and others. (ANI)

A mini tourist bus overturned on Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Ghat road on Tuesday, leaving 19 people injured, police said. The mishap reportedly occurred due to brake failure while navigating a steep curve, as per police officials.

The police further stated that three people, including the driver, sustained serious injuries, while 16 others suffered from minor wounds. All the injured are residents of Rajamahendravaram.

Local authorities and emergency services responded immediately to the scene and transported the injured to S-Kota Hospital for treatment.

An investigation into the suspected brake malfunction is currently underway.

In a separate incident in Madhya Pradesh, four Kanwar pilgrims were killed and several others injured after a speeding car rammed into them on the Gwalior-Shivpuri link road in Gwalior district.

The incident occurred on the Gwalior-Shivpuri link road, where the Kanwariyas were walking along the roadside. A car travelling at high speed had a burst tire, causing the driver to lose control and collide with the pilgrims. Four Kanwariyas died in the accident, while six others sustained injuries. Three of the deceased died on the spot, and one succumbed to injuries during treatment, the officer added.

The police rushed to the scene, admitted the injured to the hospital, and are investigating the matter.

Speaking to ANI, City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hina Khan said, “We received information that an incident has happened on the Sheetla Mata Highway (Gwalior-Shivpuri link road) in which some Kanwar pilgrims were hit by a speeding car. Acting on it, the police reached the spot and found three persons had died on the spot, while three other persons who were seriously injured were admitted to JAH (Jaya Arogya Hospital). Among the injured, one more person died during treatment.”

The officer further stated that all the individuals were residents of Sidhauna village, located within the limits of Ghatigaon Police Station. They were carrying Jal (water) from a Shiva temple located in Bhadawana and were going to their village.

“The family of the deceased said that there were thirteen people in total, out of which six people were injured, and four among the injured died. The family members said that a vehicle was coming at a high speed and its tyre burst, due to which it became uncontrolled and collided with the Kanwar pilgrims walking on the roadside,” the CSP said.

She added that the vehicle involved in the accident was found at the incident site, and further complete information about the vehicle was being collected.

“We have identified the owner of the vehicle. As of now, we have not found anyone who was travelling in the car at the spot yet, though efforts are on to trace them at the earliest,” the officer added. (ANI)

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over repeated “ceasefire” claims made by US President Donald Trump.

Suggesting that one can’t hide from reality, he said that the entire world knows that Trump announced a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.

“How can the Prime Minister give a statement? Kya bolenge PM, ki Trump ne karwaya hai? (What will he say? That Trump has announced it? He can’t say it, but it is the truth. The entire world knows that Trump has announced a ceasefire. We can’t hide from reality,” Gandhi told reporters here.

“This is not only about a ceasefire. There are several major issues that we would like to discuss related to defence, defence manufacturing, and Operation Sindoor. The condition is not normal; the entire nation knows,” he added.

Intensifying his attack, Gandhi stated that the Prime Minister has not been able to provide a single response to Trump’s claims about a ceasefire, which he has reiterated 25 times so far.

“Those who call themselves ‘deshbhakt’ have run away. The Prime Minister is unable to give a single statement. Trump has claimed 25 times that he has announced a ceasefire. Who is he? This is not his work. However, the Prime Minister didn’t respond once. This is reality. Can’t hide from it,” the Congress MP said.

“They have destroyed our foreign policy. You can hardly count on your fingers the number of countries that have supported us. No one has supported us,” Gandhi added.

This comes after a recent statement made by Donald Trump, where he repeated his claims of “stopping the war between India and Pakistan” in the name of trade deals.

“We have stopped wars between India and Pakistan. They were probably going to end up in a nuclear war. They shot down five planes in the last attack. It was back and forth, back and forth. I called them and I said no more trade if you do this. They are both powerful nuclear nations. Who knows where that would have ended up, and I stopped it,” Trump said.

Earlier in the day, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lambasted the Narendra Modi government over its refusal to rebut the claims made by US President Donald Trump of announcing a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.

He said that the claims of a “ceasefire” made by Trump have reached their silver jubilee with the US president reiterating them 25 times in the last 73 days. The Congress leader attacked the centre for not providing a definite date for discussing the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor that followed.

“As the Modi government continues in its refusal to give firm dates for a debate on Pahalgam-Sindoor in Parliament and as the Modi government persists in its refusal to commit to a reply by the PM in the debate, President Trump reaches the silver jubilee, the quarter century mark on his claims. He has trumpeted 25 times in the last 73 days, but the Prime Minister of India is totally quiet – finding time only to travel abroad and to destabilise democratic institutions at home,” Ramesh, General Secretary incharge of Communications in Congress, posted on X. (ANI)