Month: July 2025

BJP Mandal President Jayanta Debbarma has claimed that over 50 Tipra Motha Party “goons” attacked a Mann Ki Baat event on Sunday in Tripura’s Khowai district, injuring several party workers and damaging multiple vehicles.

The incident took place at booth number 30 in Asaram Bari while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat was being broadcast. According to Debbarma, the attackers arrived armed with sharp weapons, lathis and rods, and began hurling bricks and bottles at BJP workers.

“Over 50 goons of the Tipra Motha Party attacked and disrupted the program. They vandalised my vehicle and also attacked the owner of the house where the Mann Ki Baat program was organised. They also vandalised 15 bikes and several other vehicles,” Debbarma told ANI.

He added that six BJP workers sustained injuries, with some hit on the head, mouth, and chest.

“Around six karyakartas sustained injuries to the head, mouth, and chest. They brought daos, lathis, rods, and other weapons to attack us,” he said.

Debbarma accused the Tipra Motha Party of trying to instill fear and disrupt a peaceful community event held in honour of the Prime Minister’s address.

The Tipra Motha Party is currently allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is led by Chief Minister Manik Saha, the ruling party in the state.

Earlier this month, Tipra Motha Party Chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma raised concerns over Bangladeshi nationals allegedly buying tribal land in the northeastern state of Tripura, claiming that the state is losing “land inch by inch.”

While raising the issue of the alleged land sale, Pradyot Bikram hit out at both the Congress and the BJP, accusing certain people of doing politics for “short-term gains,” while the state is losing land to outsiders.

“I have just got documents today to prove a Bangladeshi national has purchased land in the tribal areas of Tripura, and the property was mutated in his name. I am aware that when I raise these issues, I am attacked by a few of my friends from Congress and also certain individuals who are today in the BJP for personal gains. Should I stay silent and see our state lose land inch by inch while people do politics of short-term gains?” he said. (ANI)

AIIMS Rishikesh Director Dr Meenu Singh said that four people are in critical condition after the stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi Temple on Sunday morning.

She said that out of the 10 patients currently admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh, two were children.

“The incident took place around 9 am, and patients started coming in around 11 am. So far, 15 patients have been brought here and 4-5 have been sent back because they sustained minor injuries. Out of the 10 patients admitted, two are children. Four are in a critical condition… Treatment of all the patients is underway…,” Dr Singh told ANI.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also met the injured and their families at AIIMS Rishikesh.

He also checked the medical facilities being provided to the injured undergoing treatment.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

“The injured are being treated. Some have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Our priority is that they get good treatment and recover soon. A toll-free number has also been issued. Magisterial inquiry has been ordered and ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, also announced,” Dhami said.

He said, “Six people have died in this accident…”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives in a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of India on X.

The State Disaster Management Centre reported that five people were seriously injured, and 23 others sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The stampede occurred due to a large crowd on Sunday, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said. (ANI)

Vijay Deverakonda, who is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film, ‘Kingdom’, shared the trailer on his social media handle.

Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared the action-packed trailer of his upcoming film with the caption, “#KingdomTrailer -We built #Kingdom with fire in our hearts. A @gowtamnaidu action drama With An @anirudhofficial Score. Today, I give you the trailer. Let it hit you like it hit me. Love,Vijay.”

Fans took no time to react to the post with fire and heart emojis.”Mind-blowing visuals.. it looks promising,” reads one comment.

Another social media user praised the actor, saying, “Devarvkonda always hit different”

The other wrote, “Sure shot hit”

The trailer introduces Vijay Deverakonda as Surya, a spy caught in the middle of a risky undercover mission. He was asked to enter a dangerous world of enemies, leaving behind everything he loved.

However, things change as he discovers a hidden truth about the gang leader and joins forces with the group he was meant to destroy. The trailer is packed with intense action and raw emotion, featuring Vijay in both high-energy fight scenes and heartfelt moments.

The trailer also offers glimpses of Satyadev and Manish Chaudhary in pivotal roles. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the film’s background score.

The trailer of the Hindi version, Saamraajya, is out today.

Sharing the trailer of Saamraajya,, trade expert Taran Adarsh wrote, “VIJAY DEVERAKONDA’S NEXT PAN-INDIA FILM ‘KINGDOM’ – HINDI TITLE ‘SAAMRAJYA’ – HINDI TRAILER OUT NOW – 31 JULY 2025 RELEASE… Looks grand, makes an Impact… #VijayDeverakonda returns to the big screen with #Kingdom… The #Hindi version is titled #Saamrajya. #SaamrajyaTrailer [HINDI version] is now LIVE. The film features voiceovers by #JrNTR [#Telugu], #Suriya [#Tamil], and #RanbirKapoor [#Hindi]. Directed by #GowtamTinnanuri [#Jersey], the film is produced by #NagaVamsiS and #SaiSoujanya… Music by #Anirudh. The #Hindi release is presented by #AdityaBhatia and #AtulRajani [#AdwiseMovies]… The #Hindi dubbed version will be distributed across North India by #AAFilms. #SitharaEntertainments | #FortuneFourCinemas | #SrikaraStudios””

‘Kingdom’ is an action spy thriller directed and written by Gowtham Tinnanuri. It stars Vijay Deverakonda, Bhagyashri Borse, and Satyadev. The film is produced by S. Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander.

Kingdom is set to hit theatres worldwide on July 31. (ANI)

Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has revealed that approximately 35 lakh electors are either untraced or have permanently migrated from their registered addresses. The findings have raised significant concerns about the integrity of electoral rolls as the Election Commission of India prepares to conduct a nationwide special intensive revision of the electoral roll.

The massive scale of untraced electors in Bihar has prompted questions about what the national SIR might uncover across India’s electoral landscape. Political parties accross the spectrum have repeatedly raised issues regarding the purity of the electoral roll, especially the addition of voters in the recently held assembly election.

It is also pertinant to mention that SIR exercise in Bihar a large number of electors have been found untraceable. Many political analysts have also questioned the integrity of the country’s electoral roll, raising concerns about the inclusion of ineligible persons in the electoral roll.

According to government data till 2017, an estimated 2.04 crore Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas are living illegally in India, adding another dimension to concerns about electoral roll accuracy. As of January 1, 2024, India had 96.88 crore registered voters for the General Elections, making the potential implications of a national revision exercise substantial.

The inability to trace such a significant portion of registered electors despite this extensive machinery has highlighted potential systemic issues in voter registration maintenance.

The Election Commission of India announced its decision to extend the Special Intensive Revision nationwide in a June 24 order, stating that the Commission “has now decided to begin the Special Intensive Revision in the entire country for the discharge of its constitutional mandate to protect the integrity of electoral rolls.”

The schedule for SIR implementation across the rest of the country is expected to be announced in due course. Under the current SIR framework, electors and political parties have from August 1 to September 1 to submit prescribed forms to Electoral Registration Officers for any eligible elector who has been left out, or to file objections.

The issue of illegal migration adds complexity to electoral roll management. The Ministry of Home Affairs estimated in 2016 that approximately 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants are residing in India, while over 40,000 Rohingya immigrants are primarily located in states including Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

The ministry acknowledged that, due to the clandestine nature of illegal entry without valid travel documents, maintaining accurate data on their presence remains a challenge. While detection and deportation of illegal migrants is described as an ongoing process, the scale of the challenge and its potential impact on electoral integrity continues to be a matter of national concern. (ANI)

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kannur, Kasargod and Idukki districts for Sunday.

As incessant rainfall continues in the monsoon season, the Met department has put Kerala’s Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts on a yellow alert for today.

In its forecast for Sunday, IMD predicted squally wind speed reaching 45 kmph to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph to prevail over most parts of the Westcentral Arabian Sea & Eastcentral Arabian Sea, many parts of the Southwest Arabian Sea, and the Southern parts of the North Arabian Sea.

IMD has also issued a high wave alert in Kasaragod and Kannur’s coastal regions.

“High Wave Alert for the coast of KASARAGOD, KANNUR, KERALA from Kunzhathur to Kotte Kunnu. High waves in the range of 3.2 – 3.5 meters are forecasted from 17:30 hours on July 26 to 17:30 hours on July 28. It advised that one be careful while doing marine operations and nearshore recreation,” IMD said in its forecast.

The orange alert is issued as a warning of extremely bad weather with the potential of disruption in the commute with road and rail closures, and interruption of power supply.

Meanwhile, IMD has issued a ‘yellow alert for Maharashtra’s Mumbai, Palghar, and Thane districts for Sunday. The Met department has issued an ‘Orange’ alert for Raigad on Sunday.

Mumbai witnessed heavy downpour on Saturday, with an average rainfall from 8 am to 10 pm recorded 6.80 mm for Mumbai City, 11.53 mm in the Eastern suburb and 7.42 mm in the Western suburb, as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in these regions.

“The Depression over east Madhya Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh moved nearly westwards with a speed of 12 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of today, the 26th July over the same region, near Lat. 23.3°N and Long. 81.0°E, about 30 km south-southeast of Umaria (Madhya Pradesh), 110 km east of Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and 170 km east-southeast of Damoh (Madhya Pradesh). It is very likely to continue to move westwards across Madhya Pradesh and weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area by tomorrow, the 27th July, 2025,” the IMD said in a post on X.

IMD in its forecast stated that isolated very heavy rainfall will take place over Coastal Karnataka during July 27th-29th.

“Strong surface winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) are very likely over South Peninsular India during the next 5 days. Light to moderate rainfall at most/many places over Kerala & Mahe, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Telangana during the next 7 days.”, it stated. (ANI)

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday visited the District Hospital in Haridwar and met with those injured in the stampede incident that occurred at the Mansa Devi temple earlier today and in which at least six people died.

“The injured are being treated. Some have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Our priority is that they get good treatment and recover soon. A toll-free number has also been issued. Magisterial inquiry has been ordered and ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, also announced,” Dhami said.

He said, “Six people have died in this accident…”

The State Disaster Management Centre reported that five people were seriously injured, and 23 others sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The State Disaster Response Force and the fire brigade are at the site and rescue operations are ongoing.

Furthermore, on the Chief Minister’s instructions, the District Magistrate of Haridwar has been ordered to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

Additionally, the CMO stated that a thorough review of crowd management and security arrangements is being conducted to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The stampede appears to have been triggered due to a rumours that an overhead electric wire had snapped leading to panic among devotees.

Speaking to ANI, Chief Minister Dhami said, “An unfortunate incident has taken place in which six people have died and many others have been injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple due to a rumour… A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, the injured have been shifted to hospital and rescue operations are underway… Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty… All possible efforts are being made to help the injured…”

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Minister Ganesh Joshi said, “14 seriously injured people have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh and others are being treated at the district hospital, I have met them and they are fine… The government is providing full support to the victims… It would not be appropriate to draw any conclusion until a detailed investigation is done…”

President of Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “There are three ways up to the Mansa Devi temple – a ropeway, a vehicular way and an ancient route direct from Har Ki Pauri… As a huge crowd gathered here, the police were informed, barricades were put up, but still the crowd came up and someone slipped, due to which the entire incident took place…”

“When the temple authorities reached the spot along with the police, we carried all the injured to the district hospital where they are being treated… This is not an incident of electrocution, but there are no indications of such happening… We will assist the victim families…,” Puri said.

A man who was injured in the stamped said, “there are just 20-25 steps before the temple premises, the crowd became uncontrollable… I fell down along with 10 to 12 others… I found three of my family members, but two are still missing…”

Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit said “We found through photos and videos that someone spread the rumour that an electric wire had snapped. While looking at the injured or the dead, we did not get any such indication…We will investigate who spread the rumour” (ANI)

A deadly armed assault was carried out this morning on the High Court building in Zahedan, the capital of Iranian (Western) Balochistan, in what has been described as one of the most significant militant attacks in the region in recent months, The Balochistan Post (TBP) reported.

According to TBP, the attack began at approximately 8:50 am local time when heavily armed fighters stormed the court complex on Azadi Street. The gunmen moved directly towards the judges’ chambers and opened indiscriminate fire, reportedly killing or injuring multiple court staff and security personnel.

The Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl later issued a statement taking responsibility for what they called “Operation Justice for Bask.” The group said the assault was a direct response to what it described as ongoing “judicial oppression against Baloch citizens.” The attackers, according to the statement, belonged to a special unit named the “Fedayeen of Divine Justice,” The Balochistan Post reported.

Shortly after the initial attack, a second assault was launched on the courthouse using mortars and hand grenades. This follow-up strike reportedly occurred as Iranian security forces began to assemble in large numbers around the site. Loud explosions, sustained gunfire, and plumes of smoke were witnessed across Zahedan’s central district, TBP noted.

The situation in Zahedan remains extremely tense. The Iranian government has placed the city under high alert, and all movement near the court complex has been severely restricted. Residents reported that government forces fired indiscriminately toward civilians within the compound from surrounding rooftops, raising fears of more civilian casualties.

Iranian state media reported that three attackers were killed in the operation, while five targeted individuals died and at least fifteen others were injured, The Balochistan Post stated.

The attack marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing unrest in Sistan and Balochistan province, where tensions between the state and the Baloch population have long remained volatile, TBP added. (ANI)

Director Gurinder Chadha has revealed that a sequel to her celebrated 2002 film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’, which starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, is officially in the works.

While confirming the development of the sequel, the director said, “I’m excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women’s game,” reported Deadline.

Chadha adds that Nagra, Knightley, Archie Punjabi, Juliet Stevenson and other members of the original cast “are aware that a sequel is being developed, but they obviously want to see a script before they commit.”

“I’m pretty certain that everyone’s going to want to come back. Everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it. I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes,” said Chaddha as quoted by Deadline.

The filmmaker was in Basel, Switzerland, ahead of the Women’s European Championship final, where the England women’s soccer team faced Spain, a repeat of their 2023 World Cup clash.

“I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story. And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I’m inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago. It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive,more exciting, and more global than ever.It is an honor for me to be a small part of it,” said Chadha as quoted by Deadline.

Chadha says that she is expecting to keep the sequel ready by 2027 to mark the 25th anniversary of ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ 2002 UK opening.

Chadha and Berges have begun discussing the screenwriting process. “I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time,” said Chadha as quoted by Deadline.

The original film was based on a screenplay she co-wrote with Guljit Bindra and her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges. (ANI)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday expressed his deep concern over the recent armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, urging both nations to agree to an immediate ceasefire and resolve their disputes through dialogue.

In a post on X, the UN Chief urged for a ceasefire and assistance to facilitate a peaceful resolution between the two nations.

“I am deeply concerned about the recent armed clashes at the border between Cambodia and Thailand. I urge both sides to immediately agree to a ceasefire and to address any issues through dialogue. I remain available to assist in efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the dispute,” Guterres stated.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh are engaged in a territorial dispute dating back over a century, when colonial-era France first demarcated the border between them, CNN reported.

Since the conflict erupted on Thursday, officials report that over a dozen people have been killed, many more wounded, and more than 150,000 civilians displaced.

The UN Chief’s call for a ceasefire came after US President Donald Trump stated that “Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” in a post on Truth Social following a “very good call” with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, informing him of discussions with Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister.

He noted that the negotiations were elaborated by trade talks with the US and that both nations have agreed to meet and work toward a ceasefire and eventual peace, expressing optimism about their shared history and culture.

“They are also looking to get back to the “Trading Table” with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS. They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work out a Ceasefire and, ultimately, PEACE! It was an Honor to deal with both Countries. They have a long and storied History and Culture. They will hopefully get along for many years to come. When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” Trump stated in his post.

Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayacha, responded positively to Trump’s initiative.

In a post on Facebook, Wechayacha stated that he expressed his gratitude towards the US President for his concern over the conflict.

“A few moments ago, I had a conversation with President Trump, who requested that Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire immediately. I thanked President Trump for his concern and expressed that Thailand agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place,” Wechayacha stated.

However, he emphasised the need for sincerity from Cambodia, requesting Trump to convey Thailand’s desire for a bilateral dialogue “as soon as possible” to establish measures and procedures for the ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.

“However, Thailand would like to see sincere intention from the Cambodian side. I also requested President Trump to convey to the Cambodian side that Thailand wants to convene a bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the post added.

According to CNN, the latest escalation has reignited hostilities, pitting Thailand–a seasoned US ally–against Cambodia’s younger, China-aligned military forces. (ANI)

A major emergency unfolded at Denver International Airport on Saturday (local time) as passengers on board an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate moments before takeoff due to a mechanical issue with the plane’s landing gear, Fox News reported.

The incident happened on American Airlines Flight 3023, which was scheduled to fly from Denver to Miami. The problem was reported while the aircraft was still on the runway. In a dramatic video shared online, passengers can be seen rushing out of the plane through emergency slides and running to safety, while smoke and fire could be seen under the aircraft.

The Denver Fire Department said it responded to the incident and managed to extinguish the fire.

“All 173 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737 Max 8 were safely removed from the aircraft,” Fox News reported.

Five people were evaluated for injuries but did not require hospitalization. However, one person was taken to a medical facility for a minor injury, according to Fox News.

In a statement to Fox Business, American Airlines said, “American Airlines Flight 3023 experienced a mechanical issue on take-off roll at Denver International Airport (DEN). All customers and crew members deplaned safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologise to our customers for their experience.”

The airline confirmed that the aircraft had a maintenance issue with a tire, and the affected passengers would travel to Miami on a replacement flight later the same day.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a statement confirming the incident.

“American Airlines Flight 3023 reported a possible landing gear incident during departure from Denver International Airport around 2:45 p.m. local time Saturday, July 26. Passengers evacuated on the runway and are being transported to the terminal by bus,” the FAA said, as per Fox News.

Due to the emergency, Denver Airport issued a ground stop for incoming flights between 2 pm and 3 pm, which led to delays for about 90 flights, according to FlightAware data cited by Fox News.

The incident comes just a day after a Southwest Airlines flight from California to Las Vegas had to suddenly nosedive to avoid a midair collision, causing passengers to hit the ceiling of the aircraft, Fox News reported.

The FAA has initiated an investigation into the Denver incident. (ANI)