Month: August 2025

The father of the deceased woman, Nikki Bhati, who was allegedly killed in a dowry murder case in Greater Noida, alleged that the in-laws harassed his daughter for money, even troubling her when she tried to run a parlour. He has demanded strict action against the accused.

Bhikhari Singh Payla expressed satisfaction with the administration’s response so far and also urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order bulldozer action against the accused family’s house, where his daughter was set on fire.

Speaking to ANI, Bhikhari Singh Payla said, “We are satisfied with the administration. They have worked well for us. We should similarly get justice in the Court. Mahesh Sharma (BJP MP) had come to visit us today. He assured us that we would get justice. I request CM Yogi Adityanath for a bulldozer action on their (accused family) house. I lost my daughter. She won’t come back, but such monsters should be destroyed.”

“The house where my daughter was set on fire should be destroyed…She used to run a parlour, but they used to bother her and demand money for the same…They did not even let her put up a signboard for the parlour…I had given Rs 1.5 lakh for the parlour,” he added.

The Uttar Pradesh police arrested all four accused in Greater Noida’s dowry murder case and informed them that they will be interrogated, following which the investigation of the case will progress.

Vipin Bhati, who is accused of murdering his wife, was shot in the leg by the police on Sunday and was later admitted to the hospital. He was sent to a 14-day judicial custody.

Police said that the husband of the deceased was accused of setting his wife on fire, who later succumbed to her injuries. He was also accused of frequently assaulting Nikki. However, Bhati denied the allegations. (ANI)

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a draft notice on the implementation of additional duties on products imported from India, following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to increase tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

According to the notice, the additional tariffs are being imposed to give effect to the President’s Executive Order 14329 of August 6, 2025, titled “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation.”

The order specified a new rate of duty on imports of articles that are products of India.

The draft notice, scheduled to be published on August 27, 2025, states that the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined it necessary to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in line with the executive order.

The CBP further clarified that the new duties will come into effect on August 27, 2025. From 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on that day, the higher tariffs will apply to all products of India that are either entered for consumption in the United States or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption.

Earlier on 30th July US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariffs on India.

He stated that “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE – ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25 per cent, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST 1st. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!”, the US President said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday remained firm ahead of the 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods, effective August 27, saying his government will find a way out regardless of the economic pressure by Washington.

“No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it. Today, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is getting a lot of energy from Gujarat and behind this are two decades of hard work…,” PM Modi said while speaking at a public address in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Industry association FICCI has earlier expressed disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and said the move is unfortunate and will have a clear bearing on India’s exports.

Indian trade bodies have expressed disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on imports of goods from India, calling it a setback for the Indian export market while also highlighting potential opportunities for export diversification and supply chain realignment.

While some trade and industry leaders warned of short-term disruptions, others expressed confidence that India’s strong manufacturing base, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, would help it withstand the impact and forge new trade partnerships. (ANI)

By Niranjan Mishra 

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26, 2025, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal is AP Singh on Monday flew a sortie in the iconic aircraft to commemorate its legacy and decades of operational service.

The MiG-21, often referred to as the “backbone of the IAF”, has been in service since its induction in 1964 and has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s air power for nearly six decades.

Recalling his personal association with the aircraft, the Air Chief said, “The MIG-21 has been the workhorse of the Indian Air Force. It was inducted in 1964 and has continued in service ever since. My first flight in a MiG-21 was in 1985. It was a simple yet remarkable aircraft to fly, though it demanded rigorous training.”

The aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness. Over the decades, it has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom recall it as both challenging and rewarding to master.

However, with advancing technology and rising maintenance challenges, the IAF has decided to phase out the fleet. “Those who have flown it will miss it, but every platform has its time. Technology has moved ahead, and we must adapt,” the Air Chief said.

Looking ahead, Singh said that the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will take over the MIG-21’s role. “Tejas was designed as a MiG-21 replacement. It is small, agile, and also inspired by the Mirage. Alongside Tejas Mk-2, Rafale, and the Su-30 fleet, it will form the core of the IAF’s future combat strength,” he explained.

Singh also stressed continuous upgrades: “Just like the MIG-21 evolved into multiple variants, Tejas too must grow with new weapons and capabilities. We hope to see many versions of Tejas serving the IAF in the decades ahead.”

With the MIG-21’s retirement, the IAF closes a historic chapter in Indian military aviation. The aircraft leaves behind a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded that the ongoing investigation into the alleged mass burial incident at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The case is currently being probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Announcing a large-scale ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally on September 1, the BJP said the event aims to mobilise public support and press for an NIA probe.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s state office, Jagannath Bhavan, BJP Karnataka president and MLA BY Vijayendra said an NIA investigation would instil public confidence and ensure transparency.

He called upon the entire Hindu community across the state to participate in this event to protest against actions that have allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments and to demand an NIA investigation.

On September 1, devotees are requested to visit local temples in their towns and villages, offer prayers, and participate in processions before heading to Dharmasthala. According to the party’s statement, a massive gathering will take place at 2:00 PM in Dharmasthala to raise awareness about the issue and issue a warning to the state government.

“The government’s handling of the Dharmasthala issue has tarnished its reputation, and a thorough investigation by the NIA is essential to uncover the organisations and malicious forces behind the controversy,” the BJP state president said. He warned that such forces could conspire against other Hindu temples in a similar manner.

Vijayendra questioned the Chief Minister’s ‘haste’ in addressing the Dharmasthala issue, pointing out that the government should have gathered information about the individual who made allegations and the organisations backing them. He suggested that the state intelligence or police should have conducted a preliminary investigation before any decisions were made.

Drawing parallels with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident, where 11 innocent lives were lost and 30-40 people were seriously injured due to the government’s publicity-driven actions, Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of making hasty decisions in the Dharmasthala matter.

The complainant, who has been alleged to have been forced to bury multiple bodies in the Dharamsthala temple, was arrested by the SIT and sent to 10 days’ custody after it was found that the bones he claimed to be of a woman were actually of a man.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters that police are investigating to unearth the network behind the case and confirmed the arrest of the complainant. (ANI)

India’s ace shuttler Lakshya Sen crashed out of the ongoing BWF World Championships 2025 badminton tournament as he lost to top seed Chinese shuttler Shi Yu Qi in the opening round of the competition here on Monday.

Competing at the Adidas Arena, the same venue used for the Paris 2024 Olympics badminton events, world No. 21 Lakshya Sen fought hard but lost the contest 21-17, 21-19 in 54 minutes, as per Olympics.com.

Lakshya, a bronze medallist at the 2021 edition in Huelva, produced a spirited fight in the opening game, trading blows with the top seed in a series of long rallies.

A 52-shot exchange underlined the intensity of the contest, but Shi Yu Qi’s precision in attack made the difference as he claimed the opener after 26 minutes.

The second game followed a similar script with the Indian badminton player staying on Shi Yu Qi’s coattails in the early exchanges.

However, Shi Yu Qi upped the ante to bag two straight points from 19-all and sealed the contest. This was Sen’s fourth loss against Shi Yu Qi in five meetings.

The 24-year-old Lakshya Sen has endured a challenging 2025 BWF World Tour season, managing just one semi-final run at the Macau Open and an All England quarter-final.

The Paris 2024 semi-finalist has also suffered two second-round and six opening-round exits this season, as per Olympics.com.

Former badminton world champion PV Sindhu will open her women’s singles campaign on Tuesday against Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova. World No.34 HS Prannoy, a bronze medallist in 2023, will also begin on the same day.

In doubles, top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received a bye in the first round and will start their campaign later in the week.

India has won at least one medal at every edition of the Badminton World Championships since 2011. (ANI)

The first official teaser for Shehnaaz Gill’s upcoming Punjabi film, ‘Ikk Kudi’, has been unveiled on Monday.

“Excited to share! Ikk Kudi teaser, I hope you will like it. Even if the world changes, some stories never change,” Shehnaaz wrote on Instagram, while sharing the teaser.

Set across two different generations, the film appears to be focused on the story of two girls and their dilemma with getting married.

The teaser opens with a glimpse from 1955 and then 2025, with Shehnaaz Gill taking centrestage as the female lead. “When it comes to girls, some things never really change. First, their dreams and wishes about their weddings. And second, their fears about their weddings,” the actor said in the teaser.

The visuals perfectly present the mixed emotions of a girl who is moving towards an arranged marriage. It also offers a look inside the chaotic journey of the character, followed by some hilarious family drama.

Made under the banner of Raaya Picturez, Amor Films, and Shehnaaz Gill Productions, ‘Ikk Kudi’ is produced by Kaushal Joshi, Amarjit Singh Saron, and Shehnaaz.

It is written and directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, with a worldwide release by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

“Do timelines, ek hi kahaani. But happy ending kiski hogi? “Prepare for the unexpected. Coming soon to theatres,” the makers teased.

Earlier this month, the song titled ‘When and Where’ was released, featuring Shehnaaz with singer-rapper Honey Singh.

She confirmed the film’s release date on Instagram and wrote, “#IkkKudi, har ek ladki ki kahani. Coming to cinemas near you on 19th September. A Dharma Productions Worldwide Release.”

The film was announced in November last year, with pictures from the first day of shooting. ‘Ikk Kudi’ will hit theatres on September 19, 2025. (ANI)

After excelling in the world of fashion, ace designer Manish Malhotra has made yet another big move in the world of cinema, debuting as a producer with ‘Gustaakh Ishq.’

The teaser for the film was unveiled on Monday, August 25, giving a glimpse from Manish Malhotra’s “daring story of love – ishq.”

The teaser hints at a period romance, focusing on the budding love story between the characters of Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also makes an enigmatic appearance, adding more layers to the narrative. https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0YJENq2ZMI

Set in the bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab, ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ promises a love story of passion and unspoken desire, from a world where architecture holds memory and music carries longing, the makers said, as per the press release.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, the film has a talented ensemble with music from Vishal Bhardwaj, lyrics from Gulzar, sound by Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan.

Besides Vijay Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles, the film also features actor Sharib Hashmi in a prominent part.

Opening up about his debut as a film producer, Manish Malhotra said “My love for cinema began in childhood. The silver screen was my doorway to the world. Watching colours, clothes, music, and lifestyles unfold in cinema halls shaped my imagination and inspired me to become a designer. Today, stepping into film production feels like my way of giving back to the medium that has given me everything. With Stage5 Production, the journey ahead is about embracing the unexpected; through stories, genres, and films that continue to surprise and inspire.”

Produced with his brother Dinesh Malhotra, under his own banner, Stage5 Production, ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ marks a new chapter for Manish Malhotra, one that looks back at the magic of classic storytelling while stepping into the future of Indian cinema.

The film is set to hit theatres in November 2025. (ANI)

The makers of Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ have dropped an exciting motion poster of the film.

On Monday, the motion poster was shared across social media handles, offering an insight into the star-studded cast and their fun dynamics in the story. It describes Varun and Janhvi’s characters as “two heart-breakers with one wicked plan.”

They are further joined by Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra, adding more to the chaos.

“Revenge never looked this festive,” the video added.

“Mandap sajega, mehfil jamegi…Par Sunny aur Tulsi ki entry, saari script badal degi!” the makers wrote alongside the motion poster, suggesting that the lead pair will bring a lot of drama to a wedding.

Besides Varun, Janhvi, Rohit, and Sanya, the film boasts an ensemble of actors like Akshay Oberoi and Maniesh Paul.

The update came a few days after the team wrapped the shooting of ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.’ Varun took to his Instagram handle and shared the news with his fans, along with pictures from the sets.

“SUNNY SANSKARI KI TULSI KUMARI is done!!! Main phir se aa raha hoon @shashankkhaitan ke direction mein Oct 2 @dharmamovies,” the actor wrote.

Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film will hit theatres on October 2, 2025. It is produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Shashank Khaitan.

Plot details surrounding the romantic-comedy still remain unknown.

While Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor are collaborating for the second time after ‘Bawaal,’ this film also marks the ‘Baby John’ actor’s third venture with Khaitan after the successful ‘Dulhania’ films.

Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan also has Anurag Singh’s ‘Border 2’ in the pipeline. It features Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. (ANI)

Congress leader Imran Masood on Monday said that the BJP-led Union government is attacking the federal structure, adding that regional parties will apart in the nation if the 130th Constitution Amendment bill is implemented.

The remarks of the Congress leader came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s latest remarks in an interview with ANI, where the latter defended the legislation which has been introduced and referred to the joint committe of both Houses.

“Is it possible to jail the Prime Minister? The prime minister and the central government are attacking the federal structure. The ED has already been made powerful to jail anyone for 30 days. The regional parties will fall apart because once their CM is jailed, you will break their party. This is completely unconstitutional,” Masood told ANI.

The 130th Constitution Amendment Bill seeks to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and ministers in the state government who are facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and have been detained for 30 consecutive days.

Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, questioning whether elected representatives in other countries can run the government from jail.

“Does that suit the dignity of our democracy? Even today, they are trying to say that if they ever have to go to jail, they will easily form the government from jail. The jail will be made CM House, PM House and the DGP, Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, or Home Secretary will take orders from the jail. My party and I completely reject the idea that this country cannot be governed without the person who is sitting there,” said Amit Shah in an exclusive interview with ANI.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 were introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20 and have been referred to a Joint Committee of both the Houses which seek to provide for removal of the Prime Minister or a Minister in the Union Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister or a Minister in the Council of Ministers of States and UTs facing serious criminal charges which are punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 5 years or more and are arrested and detained in custody for more than 30 days.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Constitution Amendment Bill.

The former Delhi CM hit out at the Union Home Minister, questioning whether a minister who has been falsely framed and sent to prison, is later acquitted, then “how many years of jail should that person face who falsely implicated the minister?”

“If someone is falsely implicated in a case, sent to jail, and later acquitted, how many years of imprisonment should the minister who falsely implicated him face?” Kejriwal asked.

Kejriwal also justified staying on in power as Delhi CM despite being in Jail.

“At least during the jail government, there were no power cuts, water was supplied, free medicines were available in hospitals and mohalla clinics, free tests were conducted, Delhi wouldn’t be in such a bad state after one rain, private schools weren’t allowed to act arbitrarily and with thuggery,” he said. (ANI)

India and Fiji on Monday unveiled significant initiatives to bolster defence and maritime security cooperation between the two nations, including the creation of a Defence Attache post at the High Commission of India in Fiji’s capital of Suva.

According to the Joint Statement issued following the joint press conference by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka earlier today, there is growing momentum in bilateral ties aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, including a planned port call by an Indian Naval Ship to Fiji scheduled for this year.

The Joint Statement highlighted the leaders’ commitment to deepening defence collaboration, with PM Modi announcing the gifting of two sea ambulances to Fiji’s Military Forces and the establishment of a Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) in Fiji to address emerging challenges.

“Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening defence cooperation through new initiatives aimed at accelerating bilateral defence efforts and designed to promote mutual benefits and advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” the statement read.

“Prime Minister Modi announced the gifting of two ambulances to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the establishment of the defence wing in the High Commission of India in Suva. In view of cyber security being an emerging area of cooperation between both countries, the Leaders welcomed the establishment of Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) in Fiji. They emphasised the significant potential for collaboration on addressing current and emerging challenges, particularly in the maritime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and technology sectors,” it further read.

Prime Minister Rabuka also welcomed India’s assurance to support the security of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the planned naval port call, which will enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability.

“Prime Minister Rabuka stressed the significance of ensuring security of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and welcomed India’s assurance to extend assistance to meet the security needs of the Republic of Fiji. Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the planned port call by an Indian Naval Ship to Fiji, which will enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability,” the statement added.

The statement also emphasised cooperation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Military Medicine, White Shipping Information Exchange, and capacity building for Fiji’s military.

“Both Leaders acknowledged the growing momentum in bilateral defence ties. They emphasised the importance of their shared interests in advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity… The Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence, including enhanced cooperation in areas such as United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), Military Medicine, White Shipping Information Exchange (WSIE), and capacity building for Republic of Fiji Military Forces,” the statement read.

The leaders underscored the importance of a “free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region”, announcing their intent to collaborate on strengthening regional maritime security, the statement added.

During a special briefing on the occasion of Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit, MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra also reiterated both nations’ focus on defence and security cooperation in the region.

“We are focusing on training and capacity building, and we have also had port calls by our ships, and we have also focused on HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief). We are essentially focusing on enhancing the maritime capabilities of Fiji so that they could deal with the challenges of security in the region, which is also disaster management because their countries are vulnerable to natural disasters and cyclones,” Malhotra said.

“Together, India and Fiji are committed to advancing our shared vision of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region,” Malhotra added, highlighting Fiji’s role as a regional hub through its leadership in the Pacific Island Forum and its air and shipping links.

PM Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, marking the start of his official visit to India, which will continue until August 26. This is his first visit to India as the Prime Minister of Fiji.

The visit aims to deepen India-Fiji ties across multiple sectors, including strategic partnership and people-to-people exchanges. (ANI)