Month: July 2025

A day after the US Department of State’s designated ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’ as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, Hyder Shah, father of pony ride operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died in the Pahalgam terror attack while saving tourists, expressed his happiness.

“The terrorist organisations should be eliminated to stop the killing of innocent people…We are very happy as The Resistance Front (TRF), proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. They killed my child in Pahalgam…They provided justice to us by designating The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO)…” Shah told ANI.

The sister of Syed Adil Hussain Shah also expressed her happiness on the decision and said “We are very happy and all terrorist organisations should also be banned. All the terrorist organisations should be eliminated…We trust PM Modi a lot…”

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the United States’ decision against the TRF that had claimed responsiblity for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir in which Pak-supported terrorsis killed 26 people in the name of religion.

Jaishankar termed the move by the US Department of State as a “strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.”

“Appreciate SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on his social media platform X.

In a statement issued by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio it was acknowledged that TRF, which is a known proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, under US anti-terrorism laws had claimed responsibility for the Pahalagam terror attack.

The Pahalgam attack in the tourist hotspot in Jammu and Kashmir had triggered the four-day military escalation between India and Pakistan. In light of this, the US accorded the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

The United States noted this was the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also carried out by LeT.

The US State Department further stated that TRF has also been involved in multiple attacks on Indian security forces in recent years, including in 2024.The decision, the US government said, underlined the Trump administration’s continued commitment to global counter-terrorism.

“These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” Rubio said in the statement. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lambasted the INDIA bloc partners, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, for halting development in Bihar and appealed to voters to “protect” the State from their “malicious” intentions ahead of Assembly polls due later this year.

Addressing a public rally in Motihari after dedicating projects worth Rs 72,00 crore for Bihar, Prime Minister accused Congress and the RJD of doing politics in the name of the poor, Dalits, backwards classes, and tribals, but they never ensure equal rights to them.

“Congress and RJD have been doing politics in the name of the poor, Dalits, backwards classes, and tribals. However, far from ensuring equal rights, they often fail to show respect to people outside their immediate families. The arrogance of these people is being witnessed by the entire Bihar today. We must protect Bihar from their malicious intentions,” the Prime Minister said.

Further sharpening the attack, PM Modi stated that it was impossible for the poor to obtain such pucca houses during the rule of the RJD and Congress in Bihar. “During the rule of the RJD and Congress, it was impossible for the poor to get such Pucca houses. In the regime of those people, folks didn’t even dare to paint their homes, fearing that if they did, who knows, the landlord might just have them evicted.”

“Bihar is the land of brave souls who make even the impossible possible. You people have freed this land from the shackles of RJD and Congress, making the impossible possible. As a result, today in Bihar, schemes for the welfare of the poor are directly reaching the poor,” PM Modi said, emphasising that it is essential for today’s generation to know how Bihar was steeped in despair two decades ago.

“It is essential for today’s generation to know how Bihar was steeped in despair two decades ago. During the rule of RJD and Congress, development was stalled, and it was impossible for the poor’s money to reach the poor.

Those in power only thought about how to loot the money meant for the poor,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi’s visit comes ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, which are expected to be held later this year; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again seek to continue its stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will aim to unseat Nitish Kumar.

In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates.The Opposition’s INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with a ‘common’ vein conditions occurring in individuals over the age of 70.

Leavitt during her weekly press briefing addressed media questions regarding the bruising on the President’s hand and also swelling in his legs.

“In an effort of transparency, the President wanted me to share a note from his physician. In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit,” she said.

“The President underwent comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venus doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venus insufficiency AB9 in common condition particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” she said.

Leavitt dismissed concerns of any other serious cardiac diseases or systemic illnesses after a series of laboratory testing of Trump concluded.

“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Laboratory testing included a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, BT type natriotic peptide and cardiac biomarkers. All results were within normal limits. An echo cardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function. No signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified,” she said.

Leavitt said that Trump has minor bruising on his hand, which is minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent shaking of hands and a side effect of intake of aspirin.

“Additionally, recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand. This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent hand shaking and the use of aspirin which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. And the president remains in excellent health which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,” she said. (ANI)

A total of 674 individuals are currently on the Nipah contact list across Kerala, the state’s Health Minister Veena George said on Thursday.

Among them, 131 are from Malappuram, 426 from Palakkad, 115 from Kozhikode, and one each from Ernakulam and Thrissur, informed the health minister.

In Malappuram, 12 individuals are under isolation and receiving treatment, while 88 samples have tested negative so far. Based on the completion of their isolation period, 81 people from Malappuram, 2 from Palakkad, and 1 from Ernakulam have been removed from the contact list.

Seventeen individuals are currently in isolation in Palakkad. Statewide, 32 people fall under the highest-risk category and 111 are being monitored under the high-risk category.

Health Minister George has also directed the One Health Centre for Nipah Research to document all matters related to the outbreak. Notably, an ICMR team visited Malappuram to assess the situation.

The health minister’s update comes as Kerala reported a second Nipah case in the Palakkad district. A 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur near Mannarkkad tested positive for the virus following his demise at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna.

Following the development, an alert has been issued to hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur districts of the state.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that a contact list has been prepared in the case. The government is awaiting confirmation from the Pune Institute of Virology. The patient died on July 12, and his samples tested positive in a test conducted at Manjeri Medical College, the minister said.

Field-level activities have been intensified in the area. Fever surveillance is also continuing. Further monitoring will be carried out, including the mobile tower location. The minister also directed the team to be strengthened in case another case is found.

Ten people are currently under treatment in Malappuram, of whom two are in intensive care. The state has now categorised 36 individuals as being in the highest-risk group and 128 under high-risk monitoring.

An alert has also been issued to hospitals in 6 districts in the wake of the second Nipah case. A special alert has been issued to hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur districts along with directions to report any case of fever or encephalitis with Nipah symptoms. (ANI)

Coldplay’s recent concert in Massachusetts has become the talk of the town, strangely not for the performance of the British rock band.

If you are an avid social media user, you may have come across several clips on X, TikTok and Instagram from Coldplay’s Boston concert.

One of the viral clips from the gig shows frontman Chris Martin unintentionally putting a spotlight on a man and woman, who were seen on the jumbotron, standing draped in each other’s arms.

The man and woman were soon identified as Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot, respectively.

When the camera focused on them, both individuals quickly moved away and tried to hide their faces as they appeared on the big screen.

Seeing their reaction, Chris Martin reportedly quipped, “Oh look at these two… either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.”

In no time, the particular moment went viral on social media, garnering netizens’ attention.

“Chris Martin is a savage..,” a netizen wrote.

“Hahah…awkward situation,” another one commented.

If reports are to be believed, Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, and the couple resides in New York. His cosy appearance with Kristin Cabot at the Coldplay concert raised questions whether he’s having an extramarital affair.

Neither Byron nor Cabot appears to have addressed the affair allegations yet. (ANI)

iddhima Kapoor Sahni paid an ode to her late father Rishi Kapoor with her new tattoo.

She got “Mushk” inked on her wrist.

For the unversed, late Rishi Kapoor affectionately used to call Riddhima “mushk”.

Last year, Riddhima got her first tattoo. She got ‘Kuks’ inked on her hand and dedicated it to her mother who calls her ‘Kuks’.

Flaunting both tattoos, Riddhima penned a sweet note on Instagram.

“Inked with the deepest link (red heart emoji) Har Janam main same parents

A prayer in writing #kuksmushkforvever,” she captioned the post.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Riddhima recently finished shooting for her debut film with Kapil Sharma. In the film, Neetu Kapoor will also be seen playing a pivotal role.

After wrapping up the shoot, Riddhima took to Instagram and expressed her happiness over the bond she created with over 200 people on the sets.

“Firsts are always special. Because it’s those very ‘firsts’ that form the blue print of learnings we will carry for the rest of our lives. For 52 days, over 200 people came together to tell this heart warming, funny, and beautiful film. We plotted, we danced, we laugh-cried and cried-laughed, and I cannot wait for you to join in the celebrations when this film hits your screens,” she wrote.

Sadia Khateeb, Sarath Kumar and Aditi Mittal are also a part of the movie.The film’s title and release date have not been disclosed by the makers yet. (ANI)

When it comes to fashion, Kareena Kapoor Khan never disappoints.

Vacationing in Greece, the ‘Jab We Met’ star on Thursday shared stunning pictures from the beach. And what caught our attention was her “wrap skirt”, which she jokingly referred to as a “lungi”.

In the pictures, Bebo could be seen posing in a yellow-coloured halter bikini top that she paired with a dark green and white checkered wrap skirt. To make her post more captivating, she gave a filmy touch to the caption.

“Did a lungi dance in Greece …had fun (red heart emoji) must try,” Kareena captioned the post.

Kareena’s look received a thumbs up from the fashionistas.

A netizen wrote, “Slaying.”

“How amazing,” another social media user wrote.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kareena will be seen sharing screen space with Prithviraj Sukumaran in Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Daayra’.

In April, they all met for a brief meeting and officially announced the film.

Excited to work with “dream team”, Kareena on Instagram wrote,”I’ve always said that I’m a director’s actor… and this time I cannot wait to work with one of the finest director’s we have, @meghnagulzar and alongside the magnificent @therealprithvi, whose work I deeply admire. To my dream team, #Daayra (red heart emoji) let’s do this.”

In a press note, Kareena further stated, “As I celebrate 25 incredible years in Hindi cinema, I’m thrilled to announce my next film, Daayra, with the incredible Meghna Gulzar in the director’s chair. I’ve long admired her work, from Talvar to Raazi, and to be directed by her is a dream come true. The opportunity to collaborate with the talented Prithviraj is also a highlight, and I’m drawn to the film’s bold, thought-provoking narrative.”

As per Meghna, “Daayra is a story that compels you to reflect on the society we live in and its institutions that pilot us.” (ANI)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India on Thursday issued a strong appeal to the public and media, raising concerns about “selective and unverified reporting” by certain international outlets in the aftermath of the ill-fated Air India 171 crash that took 260 people.

The AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, reaffirmed that the investigation into the Air India crash is being conducted in a “rigorous and most professional manner in accordance with the AAIB Rules and international protocols.” The Bureau cautioned that the high-profile nature of the tragedy has “drawn public attention and shock,” but emphasised, “it needs to be appreciated that this is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards the safety of the Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts.”

The remarks come amid heightened global scrutiny following reports in international media. A Wall Street Journal report, cited by Reuters, suggests that cockpit voice recordings indicate the captain may have turned off the fuel control switches shortly after takeoff, which prompted confusion and panic in the cockpit.

AAIB cautioned against drawing premature conclusions or circulating unverified information, particularly by sections of the international media, which they said risked undermining the integrity of the investigation.

The letter read, “It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft and other deceased persons on the ground. It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing. We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process.”

The report, which attributed its information to individuals familiar with the US side of the probe, has raised fresh concerns over pilot actions and aircraft systems, but remains unverified by Indian authorities.

The appeal from AAIB states, “AAIB works in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and is responsible for fulfilling the obligations of the Government of India towards ICAO Annex 13. AAIB has a flawless record in investigating 92 Accidents and 111 Serious incidents since its inception in 2012.”

It continues, “Even now, apart from investigating the ill-fated Air India’s B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB, several other accidents and serious incidents are under investigation. The VT-ANB accident has been the most devastating accident in recent aviation history, and the investigation is being undertaken in a rigorous and professional manner in accordance with the AAIB Rules and international protocols. While the accident of this dimension has drawn public attention and shock, however, it needs to be appreciated that this is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards safety of Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts.”

The Bureau reiterated that the objective of its investigation and preliminary report is to state “WHAT happened.” It clarified that at this stage, “it is too early to reach to any definite conclusions,” and the final report will be published only after the investigation is complete, including the identification of “root causes and recommendations.”

The purpose of the AAIB’s investigation and preliminary report is to provide information about ‘WHAT’ happened. The preliminary report must be viewed in this light. At this stage, it is too early to reach to any definite conclusions. The AAIB investigation is still ongoing. The Final Investigation Report will come out with root causes and recommendations, the letter read.

AAIB appealed to all concerned to await the publication of the Final Investigation Report after completion of the Investigation. AAIB will also publish updates as and when required, which have technical and public interest, AAIB appeals. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing row over the imposition of Hindi, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray raised strong objections to the Maharashtra government’s proposed three-language policy on Thursday, questioning its rationale and expressing concern over the plan to implement it from the primary school level.

“We are opposing the imposition of a three-language policy from the first class. Today, if you visit schools, it (three-language) is (implemented) from the fifth (class)…What kind of law have you (Maharashtra government) come up with, making it mandatory to learn three languages from the first class?” Aaditya Thackeray told reporters.

His remarks came shortly after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday.

“… Today we gave him a compilation of why there should not be a three-language policy from the first class as written by many journalists and editors…,” he former Minister added.

The meeting, which lasted for approximately 20 minutes, was held in the office of Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde.

According to the Shiv Sena (UBT), Thackeray met the Chief Minister to hand over a compilation of news articles opposing the introduction of Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra, citing concerns of alleged linguistic imposition.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief clarified that his party is not against the Hindi language but accused certain groups of comparing Marathi people to terrorists and undermining Marathi identity.

The meeting came a day after the Maharashtra Chief Minister took a veiled dig at Uddhav Thackeray, inviting him to join the treasury benches (ruling side) in the Vidhan Parishad, stating that his government doesn’t have any “scope” to come into Opposition until 2029.

Fadnavis was speaking on the occasion of Uddhav Thackeray’s farewell from the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad.

“At least till 2029, there is no scope for us to come there (Opposition). Uddhav Ji can think about the scope of coming to this side (ruling party) and that can be thought about in a different way, but there is absolutely no scope left for us to come there (Opposition),” Fadnavis said.

On July 5, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) held a joint rally called ‘Awaaz Marathicha’ at the Worli Dome in Mumbai. The event marked the first time in nearly twenty years that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared the stage. The rally came after the Maharashtra government scrapped two Government Resolutions (GRs) that aimed to introduce Hindi as a third compulsory language.

The now-withdrawn orders, related to the implementation of the three-language formula in state schools, had triggered widespread protests from Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction). (ANI)