Month: July 2025

The cast of Border 2 is currently busy shooting for the film in Pune.

On Friday, Ahan Shetty shared his picture from the sets, donning a soldier’s uniform.

A few hours ago, Ahan’s co-star Varun Dhawan shared an image which features the former’s hand covered with mud, a striking symbol of the raw, real portrayal of soldiers at the border.

Varun also shared a similar image of his own hand covered in mud.

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 also stars Sunny Deol and Diljit Dosanjh.

Backed by a stellar production team, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta the film is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s J.P. Films.

The sequel promises to carry forward the iconic legacy of Border, celebrating the heroism, sacrifice, and unshakable spirit of India’s soldiers.

‘Border 2’ will hit theatres on January 23, 2026. (ANI)

Legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Singh have completed 15 years of marital bliss.

Marking their wedding anniversary, Sakshi on Friday dropped a heartfelt post.

She shared a throwback picture with Dhoni and captioned it, “We made a promise ! Onto 16th (red heart emoji and evil eye emoji).”

In the image, the couple can be seen holding each other’s hands.

Sakshi and Dhoni got married on July 4, 2010. They have a daughter named Ziva, who was born on February 6, 2015.

Meanwhile, recently, MS Dhoni’s application to trademark the phrase ‘Captain Cool’, which has been associated with him due to the calm demeanour that he maintains on the field, was officially accepted and published by the Trademark Registry of India, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The trademark has been filed under the categories related to sports training, coaching, and the provision of sports training facilities and services. According to ESPNcricinfo, Dhoni had applied in June 2023 but was informed by the registry that Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Private Limited had already registered the trademark ‘Captain Cool’.

In reply, Dhoni filed a rectification petition for the cited mark, alleging that the company was attempting to exploit his brand and the term’s popularity. “This is a case of bad faith registration on the part of the company, aimed at deceiving the public and unlawfully enriching themselves by trading on the name of a well-known individual,” Dhoni stated in his application.

The 43-year-old’s application was accepted after at least four hearings.

Dhoni was last seen in action while leading the Chennai Super Kings in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He took over the captaincy midway through the tournament after designated skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Chennai finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in 16 seasons, which summed up their disappointing season. (ANI)

Anshula Kapoor has officially announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Rohan Thakkar.

On Thursday, Anshula, who was recently seen on the reality show ‘The Traitors,’ took to her Instagram account to share a series of beautiful pictures from the proposal, which took place in New York City’s Central Park.

Along with the pictures, Anshula wrote a long note expressing how she and Rohan met and fell in love.

“We met on an app. Started talking on a random Tuesday at 1:15 AM. We spoke until 6 AM that morning. And somehow, even back then, it felt like the beginning of something that mattered. Three years later, in my favourite city, in front of the castle in Central Park, he proposed! At exactly 1:15 AM India time! And somehow, the world paused just long enough for the moment to feel like magic. Just the quiet kind of love that feels like home,” she wrote.

“I’ve never been the girl who believed in fairytales, but what @rohanthakkar1511 gave me that day was better because it was intentional. Thoughtful. Real. Us. I said yes. Through ugly tears, shaky laughs, and the kind of happiness I can’t put into words. Because since 2022, it’s always been you. I’m engaged to my best friend!!! My safe place. My person. Favorite boy, favorite city… and now, my favorite YES! (First meal after had to be Shake Shack because our first conversation was around the love of the shroom burger! IYKYK),” she added.

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLppHrsNoYC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Anshula is the daughter of producer Boney Kapoor and the sister of actor Arjun Kapoor.

She made her relationship with Rohan, a screenwriter, public in 2023. Since then, she has often posted moments from their life together.

Anshula recently made headlines for being a contestant on The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar. Her aunt, Maheep Kapoor, was also a part of the show. (ANI)

Rajkummar Rao starrer ‘Maalik’ is creating a significant buzz in the entertainment industry with its teasers, trailers and new tracks. The makers have now released a song titled ‘Raaj Karega Maalik’, which is sung by the MTV Hustle winner MC Square.

Taking to their Instagram handle, Tips (the official production banner of the film) shared the latest song from ‘Maalik’, which perfectly resonates with Rajkummar Rao’s gangster vibe in the movie.

The music of ‘Raaj Karega Maalik’ is composed by Sachin-Jigar and is sung by Akasa. The song comprises a high beat and rage-filled rap by MC Square.

Manushi Chillar looks gorgeous as she performs beautifully to the music beats of Sachin-Jigar. In the music video, the duo was also seen dancing together after their individual performances.

MC Square’s rap and Rajkummar Rao’s expressions sync perfectly, creating an adrenaline-rush sequence in the song.

Take a look at the song here,

In ‘Maalik’, Rajkummar Rao plays a ruthless gangster who appears to stop at nothing to fulfil his ambition of political power and fame. With his rugged look and high-octane action moves, Rajkummar portrays a raw and intense character, unlike his recent roles in comedy movies such as ‘Stree’, ‘Stree 2’, and ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf.’

Also starring Manushi Chhillar in a lead role, along with Saurabh Shukla and Saurabh Sachdeva in pivotal parts, Maalik is set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Allahabad. It’s a hard-hitting tale of ambition, power, and survival that explores the price of rising in a world ruled by guns, greed, and loyalty.

The makers recently released the trailer of the film.

In the trailer, Rajkummar is seen firing bullets at the front entrance of the house. Guns seem to be the actor’s third hand in the movie, as he appears to kill countless goons in the trailer.

Rajkummar’s political ambitions face strong opposition from a local strongman played brilliantly by Saurabh Shukla. Prosenjit Chatterjee plays the role of a cop who is tasked with finishing ‘Maalik’.

The movie is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the banner of Tips Films and Northern Lights Films. Rajkummar Rao shared the trailer of the film on his Instagram handle.

The movie is set to release in theatres on July 11, 2025. (ANI)

In a significant milestone for India’s animal health system and international trade facilitation, the country has established and secured global recognition for its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC).

Recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 3, this approved facility at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College, Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, marks a major step towards enabling the international movement of Indian sport horses in compliance with global biosecurity and animal health standards.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with the implementation of robust biosecurity protocols, stringent veterinary surveillance, and adherence to international norms, Indian sport horses from this facility are now eligible to travel and compete abroad.

This significantly enhances the prospects of Indian riders and horses in global equestrian competitions, raising India’s profile in the international equestrian arena.

The compartment also supports the broader development of horse-related activities in the country, including sports, breeding, and high-value equine trade, while strengthening India’s biosecurity and disease preparedness framework.

“The EDFC has been officially declared free from Equine Infectious Anaemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra. Additionally, India has historically remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.” Ministry added

Ministry further added that This achievement is the result of close coordination among the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; the Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services, Ministry of Defence; the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI); and the Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

The approval follows the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which provides the framework for compartmentalisation–a science-based approach for managing a defined animal subpopulation with a distinct health status, maintained through stringent biosecurity and husbandry practices.

The EDFC operates under comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) encompassing disease exclusion protocols, pest control, physical security, hygiene, sanitation, animal health monitoring, waste management, and continuous surveillance, all aligned with international best practices.

This recognition underscores India’s growing leadership in implementing internationally harmonised, science-based animal health systems that facilitate safe trade and support emerging sectors, such as equestrian sports. Importantly, India is also applying the same compartmentalisation approach to the poultry sector, with the development of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Free Compartments to enable the safe export of poultry products from certified establishments.

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen biosecurity, promote export readiness, and build resilient animal health systems aligned with global standards. (ANI)

Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia officially became the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of the Indian Navy.

Paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the force, and shattering barriers, Poonia also received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air).

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Navy celebrated the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at the Naval Air Station, INS Dega, in Visakhapatnam.

Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air) on July 3.

Earlier on Thursday, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared 10 capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh crore for the procurement of indigenously sourced quick reaction surface-to-air missiles, naval vessels, and other equipment.

The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals, including the procurement of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare System, Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles, according to an official statement from the Defence Ministry.

The Council met for the first time after Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 in response to the heinous Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India’s response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats.

Additionally, the ministry stated that AoNs were also accorded for the procurement of Moored Mines, Mine Countermeasure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels, to enable the mitigation of potential risks posed to naval and Merchant Vessels.

Earlier, on June 30, defence sources reported that the tri-services had submitted various proposals for procurement, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile System, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The project, worth around Rs 30,000 crore, would be critical for the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities as the system can be effective against targets up to 30 km.

The three aircraft would be acquired from an original equipment manufacturer and then be modified by the DRDO lab Centre for Airborne Systems in partnership with private partners. (ANI)

Health authorities in Kerala have issued an alert in three districts — Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad after two suspected cases of the Nipah virus were detected.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that the suspected cases of Nipah virus are from Palakkad and Malappuram districts.

“An alert has been issued in three districts of Kerala, namely Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad, in connection with two new Nipah virus cases,” she said.

The tests conducted at medical college hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode have confirmed the infections. Samples have also been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further confirmation.

Even as a final confirmation is awaited, the government has directed officials to strengthen preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The Health Minister said that 26 committees have been formed across districts to coordinate the response. Police support will be sought to prepare a contact list, and state and district-level helplines will be activated. District Collectors have been directed to make arrangements for declaring containment zones if required.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is the only lab in the country that cultures the Nipah virus. The virus, which is zoonotic in nature (transmitted from animals to humans), can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people. The symptoms of the Nipah virus are fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, altered consciousness, and Atypical pneumonia.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) has a mortality rate of 50 per cent, making it one of the most dangerous viral diseases.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) developed RAMBAAN, a Mobile BSL-3 [MBSL-3] laboratory, an innovative initiative for providing the diagnostic surge capacity for enhancing the onsite laboratory services during the outbreaks of known and unknown high-risk pathogens.

RAMBAAN, a Made-in-India rapid action mobile lab, was also deployed in response to the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2023 and 2024. “The MBSL-3 was successfully deployed and operationalised for the first time in response to the Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in Kozhikode, Kerala, India, in September 2023 and again in Malappuram District of Kerala state in July 2024,” said ICMR.

This “laboratory on wheels” represents a significant advancement in outbreak investigation and public health emergency response in India. The ICMR is also working on an indigenous vaccine for the Nipah virus. (ANI)

Amid the political sparring between the ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra over the Hindi imposition charge, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s concluding “Jai Gujarat” remarks during his speech on Friday raised several eyebrows.

Shinde was speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Ami Shah at the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre’ built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune’s Kondhwa.

The Deputy CM, concluding his speech with “Jai Gujarat”, seems to have landed him in trouble amid the Hindi imposition charge by the opposition.

“Aapke buland irado se to chattane bhi dagmagati hain, Dushman kya cheez hai, tufaan bhi apna rukh badal deta hai. Apke ane se yahan ki hawa ka noor badal jata hai, apke naam se harek shaqs adab se jhuk jata hai,” Shinde recited these couplets in honour of Amit Shah while wrapping up his speech with “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra…Jai Gujarat”.

Earlier, the Maharashtra government withdrew its April 16 orders on the implementation of the three-language policy that made Hindi a “mandatory” third language for school students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools.

This development followed a heavy backlash from various groups and political parties.

Informing about the cancellation of the resolutions that were passed on April 16 and June 17, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a committee will be formed to discuss the implementation of the three-language formula in the state.

The committee will be headed by former Rajya Sabha MP Narendra Jadhav.

“A committee under Dr Narendra Jadhav will be formed to discuss the implementation of the three-language formula in the state… Until the committee submits its report, both government resolutions (of April 16 and June 17) have been cancelled by the government,” Fadnavis said.

As this happened, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said that the government resolutions were cancelled solely due to the pressure from the Marathi people.

Amid the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, MVA leaders on Monday held a protest against the state government within the assembly premises. Following the protest, NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar stated that the resolution was withdrawn only after Marathi journalists and social organisations united. (ANI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define boundaries between Assam and Meghalaya.

In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that the signed MoU would help people and administration have clarity on the jurisdiction and would also allow governance to shine in the “once grey areas.”

“In 1972, when Meghalaya was carved out, a significant portion of its boundary with Assam was left ambiguous, often leading to chaos and tension between our states. 50 years later, in 2022, under the leadership of Adarniya @narendramodi Ji and in the presence of Adarniya @AmitShah Ji, our two states signed a historic MoU to begin defining our boundaries. 6/12 disputed areas have been resolved and earmarked for boundary works, and fruits of that agreement are now flowing in as the first pillars get erected.

So, how do these pillars improve harmony between the sister states?

People and administration on both sides now have clarity on jurisdiction. Governance can finally shine in these “once grey areas”, the post read.

Meanwhile, on July 3, CM Sarma challenged the Congress to say that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice was a “heinous crime”, stating that it would take seven lifetimes for the Opposition party to say it.

“I challenge Congress to muster the courage to tell the Muslim community in Assam that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice is a heinous crime. They will never be able to say it. When it comes to the rights of Gau mata (cow), the BJP does not care about any vote bank,” Sarma posted on X.

He said that the BJP has the courage to say that Islam doesn’t mandate cow sacrifice and allows for the sacrifices of other animals.

“They will never speak against Qurbani. However, the BJP has the courage to say it clearly: Islam doesn’t mandate cow sacrifice specifically. Qurbani can be of other animals, too. BJP dares to urge people that on the next Eid, please offer a goat, not a cow. Can Congress do the same? It will take them seven lifetimes to say this. Tell me, who is the true well-wisher of the cow?” Sarma said in a video posted on his X account. (ANI)

Following the autopsy report in the Sivaganga custodial death case, AIADMK National Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan on Friday targeted DMK and called it a “custodial murder”.

Sathyan told ANI, “The autopsy report confirms our allegation that it is a custodial murder, not custodial death. There were cigarette burns on his body. There is not even one organ of his body that was left untouched by this brutality, such an inhuman and barbaric act. Who permitted the police force to use this kind of excessive torture and power?”

He questioned the credibility of the complaint against victim Ajith Kumar and linked Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s PA to the case.

He said, “We live in a nation where a terrorist is fed biryani in jail while the Tamil Nadu police take the law into their own hands on a common man, against whom the complaint is still not proven. The credibility of the complaint is in big question right now. The complainant has a history of swindling money, referring to the names of the Deputy CM’s PA some time ago, which has surfaced now. She doesn’t have a clean chit on her records.”

“Ajit Kumar was not a serial offender and was the only breadwinner of his family… We need to see whether CM Stalin will have the courage to deliver justice to him and the earlier 24 victims of custodial torture and death,” Sathyan told ANI.

Meanwhile, hitting back at AIADMK, DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that Jayalalitha’s estate watchman was killed when Edappadi Palaniswami was the Chief Minister.

“Jayalalitha’s estate watchman was killed when Edappadi Palaniswami was the CM of the state. If Jayalalitha’s people are killed, then law and order is good, but if something happens elsewhere, they raise the issue. All Jayalalitha’s fans and followers were watching; that is why Edappadi was defeated,” Elangovan told ANI.

The post-mortem report in the case revealed about 44 injuries on various parts of the victim’s body.

As per the post-mortem report, Ajith Kumar sustained injuries to the forehead, right eyebrow, leg and wrist. Injuries on the left forearm, wrist and ankle were also reported in the Sivaganga custodial death case victim.

Ajith Kumar, who used to work as a temple guard in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga, allegedly died in police custody. He was initially detained for questioning regarding a theft at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tirupuvanam. (ANI)