Month: July 2025

Ahead of the release of ‘Special Ops 2’, the show’s team including actos Kay Kay Menon, Parmeet Sethi and director Shivam Nair on Friday visited the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

The Special Ops 2 team met with officials Rajesh Kumar, IPS – CEO, I4C; Nishant Kumar, Director, I4C; and Roopa M, Director, I4C. They all indulged in an insightful conversation that delved into the compelling overlap of cyber threats in reality and fiction.

On meeting the team of of Special Ops 2, l4C Director Nishant Kumar told ANI, “When we say something, it can become preachy. People need to understand the modus operandi of how such crimes occur and how individuals fall into a trap. However, when you see it in a story format, with able direction and acting, it becomes easier to grasp the message because it is delivered in an entertaining format. That is why we are with them today, because they are helping us accomplish our goal. Awareness is the first line of defence.”

Directed by Shivam Nair, ‘Special Ops 2’ also stars Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, Gautami Kapoor, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee.

On what fans can expect from ‘Special Ops 2’, Neeraj Pandey, in a press note, said, “This season reflects the times we live in, where the enemy doesn’t announce their arrival. The new-age warfare has altered everything we know about threat, security, and sacrifice. Special Ops 2 is about the war we don’t see, until it hits home. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, the greatest battles are fought without a single bullet fired, but the damage runs just as deep.”

Kay Kay Menon also opened up about reprising his iconic character of Himmat Singh.

“Himmat Singh has always fought with grit, intellect, and instinct. But this time, the war isn’t visible. The stakes are bigger, the threats more unpredictable and that made this season both relevant and deeply personal to portray. There’s a quiet burden Himmat carries of duty, of sacrifice, of knowing more than he can say. This chapter allowed me to explore not just the strategist, but the man behind the mission, the father, the patriot, the constant protector,” he shared.

‘Special Ops 2’ will be released on JioHotstar on July 18. (ANI)

Targeting the Election Commission over voter list revision exercise in Bihar, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Friday alleged a conspiracy to prevent crores of citizens from practising their right to vote.

He said that no “poor person or labourer” can complete the formalities that the EC demands in such a short time.

“Just before the upcoming assembly elections, the Election Commission’s proactive approach demands documentation that cannot be completed in such a short time in a democratic country. No poor person or labourer can complete the formalities. This suggests there must be a conspiracy through the EC to prevent crores of voters from voting,” Mir told ANI.

However, he welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to consider Aadhar, EPIC and Ration cards as Identification proof amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

“The Supreme Court took a thankful step yesterday. SC asked the Election Commission to consider voter ID, Aadhar Card and Ration Card,” he added.

Mir questioned the relevance of the SIR drive in Bihar, saying, “Another question is that a year ago, people voted in the Lok Sabha through this procedure, forming governments, and the current government secured 30-35 seats from Bihar. If those votes were valid, then why consider invalidating them now after 8-9 months? SC has given guidance on this, which I believe should be adopted for the EC’s better functioning.”

On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission to continue with its exercise of conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi did not stay the SIR process but asked the ECI to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents to prove voter identity during the SIR of electoral rolls being undertaken in Bihar.

“We are of the prima facie opinion that in the interest of justice, the Election Commission will also include documents like Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID card, etc. It is for the ECI to decide whether it wants to accept the documents or not, and if it does not, then provide reasons for its decision, which shall be sufficient to satisfy the petitioners. Meanwhile, petitioners are not pressing for an interim stay,” the bench stated in its order.

In its order, the top court noted that the timeline for the process is very short since elections in Bihar are due in November.

The apex court posted for hearing on July 28 the pleas challenging ECI’s move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar and asked the poll panel to file its affidavit within one week.

During the hearing, the bench opined that Aadhaar should be included within the list of documents permissible as an ID proof.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Election Commission of India’s move to conduct the SIR of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

The petitions challenging the ECI decision were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam.

The petitions sought a direction to quash the ECI’s June 24 directive, which requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls.

The petition also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar. (ANI)

The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’ in close coordination with the Civil Administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.

This annual high-tempo operation aims to provide a robust security architecture along both the Northern and Southern Yatra routes, particularly in light of the heightened threat from Pakistan-backed proxies in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

As part of this year’s enhanced security framework, over 8,500 troops have been deployed, supported by a wide array of technological and operational resources. A dynamic counter-terrorism grid, prophylactic security deployment, and corridor protection measures have been instituted. Comprehensive assistance to civil authorities is also being provided, particularly in disaster management and emergency response.

The Indian Army’s efforts include the installation of a Counter-UAS grid with more than 50 C-UAS and EW systems each to neutralise drone threats. “Regular UAV missions and live monitoring of Yatra routes and the Holy Cave. Engineer task forces for bridge construction, track widening, and disaster mitigation,” an official release read.

The Indian Army has arranged more than 150 doctors and medical personnel, with two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths supported by 2,00,000 litres of oxygen.

“Signal companies for seamless communication, EME detachments for technical support, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads. Emergency rations for 25,000 persons, QRTs, tent cities, water points, and plant equipment, including bulldozers and excavators,” the release informed about the deployments by the Indian Army.

Indian Army helicopters remain on standby for any contingency response.

The Indian Army is harnessing advanced technology to ensure a robust security framework during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. By implementing live tracking of Yatra convoys between Jammu and the Holy Cave, the Army is maintaining constant situational awareness through high-resolution PTZ cameras and drone feeds.

Real-time updates on convoy movement are being monitored to pre-empt any threats, while seamless multi-agency coordination ensures swift response and effective security management across the entire route.

Operation SHIVA 2025 reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling Yatra for all devotees undertaking the sacred pilgrimage. (ANI)

Polish President Andrzej Duda has warned that Poland may shut down its critical logistics hub for NATO military aid to Ukraine, expressing frustration over being excluded from key decisions on operations passing through Polish territory, RT reported.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Duda accused Kiev and NATO of acting as if Polish infrastructure was their own. “They [Ukraine and NATO] think that the airport in Rzeszow and our highways belong to them, as if they’re theirs. Well, they’re not. They’re ours,” the president said, according to RT.

The Rzeszow airport, located just 80km from the Ukrainian border, has served as a crucial transit point for Western weapons and supplies since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Between 80-90% of NATO and partner-supplied equipment–including arms, ammunition, and military vehicles–has been routed through the facility, RT noted.

Duda described Poland’s exclusion from international coordination bodies responsible for managing Ukraine-bound aid as a “scandal.” He added that Warsaw’s infrastructure was being taken for granted. “If someone doesn’t like it, we close it and goodbye,” Duda said. “Deliver [the aid] by sea, by air, I don’t know, drop it by parachute.”

RT reported that Duda also linked the situation to a wider imbalance in Poland’s relationship with the US-led NATO bloc. “We need to have the courage to speak with the Germans and Americans,” he said.

Russia has long condemned Western military support to Kiev, arguing that it fuels the conflict and blocks diplomatic efforts. Moscow maintains that NATO’s involvement through such supply lines escalates tensions and fails to alter the outcome of the war, RT highlighted.

Duda, who is set to leave office in August, will be succeeded by Karol Nawrocki, a historian and head of the Institute of National Remembrance. According to RT, Nawrocki has voiced strong opposition to Ukraine’s potential accession to both NATO and the European Union, citing security concerns and the country’s internal readiness.

RT also reported that Nawrocki has publicly criticized Ukraine’s commemoration of nationalist figures linked to atrocities against Poles during World War II. Though he is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky following his inauguration, Nawrocki’s administration is likely to take a more confrontational approach to bilateral relations and Ukraine’s EU ambitions. (ANI)

Actor Ajay Devgn’s highly anticipated film ‘Son Of Sardaar 2’ trailer is finally out, offering viewers a nostalgic experience with comedy similar to its blockbuster prequel in 2012.

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ also stars Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Mrunal Thakur, Neeru Bajwa, Chunky Panday, Kubbra Sait, Deepak Dobriyal, Vindu Dara Singh, Roshni Walia, Sharat Saxena, Sahil Mehta and the late Mukul Dev.

The two-minute and fifty-second trailer begins with some popular scenes from its prequels, showcasing the troubles Ajay Devgn went through in a Punjabi village due to bad relations between his ancestors.

This time, Ajay Devgn has gone to Scotland and lands in another trouble when he, along with his love partner Mrunal Thakur, decides to help Roshni Walia by becoming her Sikh parents to tie her wedding knot with the love of her life.

However, the problems arose after Ajay-Mrunal met the boy’s father, who is a Sardaar with uncountable guns at his disposal, accompanied by dozens of bodyguards, as per the trailer.

The trailer features hilarious conversations between Ravi Kishan (Boy’s father) and Ajay Devgn. Mrunal has mastered the accent of a Punjabi girl in the movie as she portrays herself as a Desi Girl of India in Scotland.

Vindu Dara Singh packs good one-liners in the trailer, while the late actor Mukul Dev’s character in the film becomes a nostalgic one when Ravi Kishan taunts him for speaking good English.

The actor’s character hilarious comedy punches in the prequel was majorly due to his lack of understanding the English language.

While sharing the trailer, Ajay wrote, “Action! Emotions! Confusion ka bhandaar. JASSI is back, aur iss baar sab kuch double hai!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL9WKOyBg3Z

‘Son of Sardar 2’ is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande. It will be released on July 25, 2025.

The first instalment of ‘Son of Sardaar’ was directed by Ashwani Dhir. It featured Devgn alongside Sonakshi Sinha and tells the story of Jassi, a man who returns to his ancestral village in Punjab and becomes embroiled in a family feud.

The film was known for its mix of humour, action, and romance. While it received mixed reviews, it was praised for its lively performances and engaging soundtrack. (ANI)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Friday accused Election Commission of India of “hatching a conspiracy” for “chunav chori (election theft)” in Bihar, referring to poll-body’s decision to revise electoral rolls in the state ahead of assembly election there.

Addressing Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh in Bhubaneswar, Rahul Gandhi said that ECI is “working as a BJP wing” and alleged that similar attempts to “steal election” are being made in Bihar just like they were made in Maharashtra.

“BJP is attacking the constitution. Yesterday I was in Bihar. Just like ‘chunav chori’ was done in Maharashtra, similar attempts are being made to do “chunav chori” in Bihar. EC has hatched a new conspiracy for ‘chunav chori’. EC is working as a BJP wing, it is not doing its own job,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Referring to Maharashtra Assembly election in which Mahavikas Aghadi suffered a staggering loss last year, Rahul Gandhi said that over 1 crore new voter were added then. Congress MP added that same “theft” is being done in Bihar.

“In Maharashtra, between Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, 1 crore new voters were added. Nobody knows who were these voters and where did they come from. We told EC several times to provide us with the voter list and videography. But EC does not provide us with the same. They are going to do the same ‘chori’ in Bihar, that was done in Maharashtra. I went to Bihar yesterday and with INDIA alliance leaders, I said that we will not let EC and BJP do a ‘chori’ of Bihar elections,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also accused of Odisha government of “stealing the wealth” from poor people.

“The Government of Odisha has just one work – to steal the wealth of Odisha from the hands of the poor people of the state…Earlier, the BJD Government did this and now the BJP Government is doing this. On one side, there is the poor public of Odisha, Dalits, tribals, the backward class, farmers and labourers, and on the other side, there are 5-6 billionaires and BJP Government. This fight is going on. Only the Congress workers, along with the people of Odisha, can win this fight; no one else,” he said.

Congress MP, alleging that Lord Jagannath chariots were stopped for Gautam Adani during the Rath Yatra, slammed Odisha government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Adani runs Odisha Government; Adani runs Narendra Modi. When Jagannath Yatra is taken out in Odisha, when the Jagannath Yatra chariots are pulled, lakhs of people witness it and follow it. Then, a drama takes place – the chariots are stopped for Adani and his family. This will make you understand everything about the Government of Odisha,” Gandhi said. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday flagged off the Kalash Yatra for the Jalabhishek of the idol of Lord Surya in Kushinagar district from his official residence in Dehradun.

As part of the initiative, water from around 151 sacred rivers across the country is being collected for the Jalabhishek of the Surya idol in Kushinagar. The Kalash Yatra, flagged off by the Chief Minister, includes water gathered from the holy rivers of Uttarakhand.

Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Swami Santoshanand Dev Maharaj, President of the Purvanchal Mahotsav Samiti Vinay Rai, along with other committee members, were present during the flagging-off ceremony.

Earlier on Thursday, in view of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttarakhand government launched ‘Operation Kalanemi’ to take action against imposters who are hurting religious sentiments and duping people in the name of ‘Sanatan Dharma’.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that many such cases have come to light in the state where anti-social elements are cheating people, especially women, by disguising themselves as seers. This, he said, is not only hurting the religious sentiments of the people, but also harming the image of social harmony and Sanatan tradition. In such a situation, if a person of any religion is found doing such acts, then strict action will be ensured against him, he added.

Chief Minister referenced the mythological asura Kalanemi stating that just like the demon had attempted to mislead by disguising himself as a saint, similarly, many “Kalanemis” are active in society today who are committing crimes in religious guise.

Dhami further said that his government is fully committed to protecting public sentiments, the dignity of Sanatan culture and maintaining social harmony. Those who spread hypocrisy in the name of faith will not be spared under any circumstances, he said. (ANI)

Devotees flocked to the Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple to offer prayers on the first day of the ‘Sawan’ month’ early Friday.

To mark the occasion,’ Rudrabhishek’ was performed at the temple. The visuals show milk, curd, and honey are being offered to Lord Shiva during the ‘rudrabhishek’, followed by the Vedic chants by the priests.

The devotees were seen queueing up to worship Lord Shiva on the first day of the holy month of ‘Sawan’.

This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9.

‘Sawan’ is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered as one of the holiest months. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. All Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Shravan month are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects.

Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period.

Many choose to abstain from consuming grains and eat only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting.

The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during Sawan month.

Meanwhile, devotees offered prayers at the Shree Gaurishankar temple in Chandni Chowk in the national capital.

Devotees also offered prayers at Sabli Mahadev Mandir in Hapur and Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple in Prayagraj. (ANI)

Axiom-4 mission (Ax4) crew, including Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members, are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14.

According to the statement shared by Axiom Space, the Ax4 crew is scheduled to undock from the Space Station not earlier than 7:05 am ET (approximately 4:30 pm IST) on Monday.

In a post on X, Axiom Space stated, “The #Ax4 crew is scheduled to undock from the @Space_Station no earlier than Monday, July 14, at 7:05 a.m. ET.”

The crew was slated to embark on a return journey on July 10. However, the crew will not return to Earth according to the original schedule, extending their stay on the International Space Station by at least four days, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

Axiom Mission 4 was launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.

The Axiom Mission 4 crew members conducted a wide range of research activities aimed at advancing scientific studies, testing new technologies, and continuing global outreach efforts in space exploration, Axiom Space shared on its mission blog on Tuesday.

According to Axiom Space, over the last few days, Commander Peggy Whitson, Group Captain Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu have advanced scientific studies, contributing to the mission’s broader goals in space exploration and Earth-based innovation.

On Tuesday, the crew held research on microgravity. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducted three experiments. In the first instance, he worked on the sprouts project to study how microgravity affects germination and early plant development. On return to Earth, the seeds will be cultivated over several generations to examine changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems, and nutritional profiles.

In another experiment, he deployed and stowed microalgae, which are being investigated for their potential to produce food, oxygen, and even biofuels. Their resilience and versatility make them ideal for supporting human life on long-duration missions, Axiom Space’s blog observed. (ANI)