Month: August 2025

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Constitution Amendment Bill.

Kejriwal asked how many years of prison a person should face who includes “criminals” in political parties and later makes them PM and CM.

“Should a person who includes criminals of serious crimes in his party, gets all their cases dismissed, and makes them ministers, deputy chief ministers, or chief ministers, also be required to resign from his position? How many years of imprisonment should such a person face?” Arvind Kejriwal wrote on ‘X’.

The former Delhi CM Further 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.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lashed out at the ‘Black Bill’ protests against the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill by Opposition parties and stated that both he and the BJP “completely reject” the idea that the country “cannot be governed without the person” who has been jailed. He asked whether a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader could run the country from jail.

Shah had during the just concluded monsoon session of Parliament introduced the bill which states that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Ministers, if jailed for more than 30 days for offences that attract a jail term of over five years, can be removed from office. Parliament witnessed protests with Opposition terming the legislation as “unconstitutional” alleging that it was a way for the ruling BJP to misuse central agencies, frame non-BJP Chief Ministers, put them in jail and destabilise State governments.

In an interview with ANI, Amit Shah said, “I want to ask the entire nation and the Opposition… Can a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or any leader run the country from jail? Does that suit the dignity of our democracy?”

“Even today, they are trying 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. This will not affect anyone’s majority in the Parliament or the Assembly. One member will go, other members of the party will run the government, and when they get bail, they can come and take the oath again. What is the objection in this?” he said.

He further explained, “I want to tell the entire country about the 130th Amendment. In this amendment, we have made a provision that if the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader from the central or state government faces serious allegations and gets arrested, and if they do not get bail within 30 days, then they must leave their position. If they don’t resign, they will be removed from their post by law. This is what we have included in the 130th Amendment.”

The Home Minister highlighted that it was the Prime Minister himself who had insisted on bringing the office of the PM under the aegis of this bill.

“The Prime Minister himself has included the post of PM in this… Earlier, Indira Gandhi had brought 39th amendment (of protecting the President, VP, PM, and Speaker from judicial review by Indian courts) … Narendra Modi ji has brought a constitutional amendment against himself that if the Prime Minister goes to jail, he will have to resign… said Amit Shah.

The Union Minister said that protests and sloganeering by the Opposition in Parliament while he was tabling the bill was not right and that the Opposition must answer to the people.

“Let me make it clear, when an elected government brings a constitutional amendment in Parliament, protest is allowed. I’ve already said that this amendment will be sent to a joint committee of both Houses. Everyone can share their opinion there, and during voting, you can express your views. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds majority. But is it appropriate in a democracy that the bill is not even allowed to be presented in Parliament? Are both Houses meant for discussion or just noise and disruption?” Shah asked.

“We have also protested on different issues, but stopping the presentation of a bill in Parliament is not democratic. The Opposition must answer to the people,” he said.

Referring to the time when the UPA government was in power at the Centre, Shah said under the Manmohan Singh government, the Congress had introduced an ordinance to protect convicted MPs, which Rahul Gandhi publicly rejected by tearing it up.

“In the Satyendra Jain (AAP leader) case, he was jailed in four cases, and in all those, the CBI filed a chargesheet. He is facing trial. You became a victim of AAP’s propaganda. Now, let me talk about Congress. They are opposing this. However, during the UPA government, when Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister and Lalu Prasad Yadav was a minister who had been convicted, they introduced an ordinance stating that even a two-year sentence would not result in the cancellation of a member’s membership until the appeal process was complete,” Shah said.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on corruption charges while he was Chief Minister of Delhi, and he refused to resign after being jailed.

Shah accused Congress of double standards, saying the party now supports RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar despite previously opposing similar cases. He referred to the 2013 ordinance by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government which sought to provide relief to MPs and MLAs who had been disqualified or convicted of a crime.

“Rahul Gandhi publicly called that ordinance nonsense and even tore it up in a press conference. The decision made by their own Prime Minister was mocked, and the PM became a sorry figure in front of the world. But now, the same Rahul Gandhi, to form a government in Bihar, is hugging Lalu Yadav who has been convicted. Isn’t this double standards?” Shah said.

Meanwhile, a Joint Committee comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, cutting across party lines, to be appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairperson, will jointly examine the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill. (ANI)

The Election Commission on Monday said that there are seven days are left for filing claims and objections against the ongoing SIR exercise in Bihar. The EC also confirmed that INDIA bloc partner the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) has submitted 10 claims so far.

Meanwhile, ECI has received 1,40,931 claims and objections directly from the electors, for the inclusion of eligible electors and exclusion of the ineligible ones.

Out of these, the ECI has disposed of 14,374 claims and objections in the last seven days.

The ECI has received 3,79,692 Form 6+Declaration from new electors on attaining the age of 18 years or above.

The Election Commission of India has issued a clarification regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar.

According to the EC, “As per SIR orders, no name can be deleted from the draft list published on 1st August 2025 without passing a speaking order by the ERO/AERO, after conducting an enquiry and after giving a fair and reasonable opportunity.”

As per a release, “The list of names not included in the Draft Electoral Roll dated 01.08.2025, disclosing the reasons, is displayed on the websites of DEOs/DMs (district-wise) as well as on the CEO website in searchable mode with EPIC number. Aggrieved persons may submit their claims along with a copy of their Aadhaar Card.”

A total of 1,60,813 BLAs appointed by Political parties can collect Claims (Form 6) from the public and Objections (Form 7) from the public and file objections themselves/along with the prescribed declaration. Generic complaints, without prescribed Forms or declaration, are not counted as Claims (Form 6) and Objections (Form 7), the press release stated.

The SIR exercise in Bihar began on June 24, and about 65 lakh electors were found ineligible and not included in the Draft Electoral Roll published on August 1. (ANI)

At the felicitation ceremony at his alma mater, City Montessori School in Gomtinagar on Monday, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gave an inspiring speech to the students. He encouraged students to strive for the vision of landing on the moon by 2040.

In his speech, Group Captain said, “… I was very tired this morning. Then I saw you kids on the roads and I was told you were standing there since 7.30 am. I saw you sweating, smiling, and so excited that my tiredness vanished…”

He further said that the only thing required to succeed is “perseverance”. “In my overall experience, I think the future is extremely bright. We are at the right time, the right opportunities are existing… In each of the interactions I had with you on the International Space Station (ISS), I never got a question on what it was like on the ISS. I was always asked on how to become an astronaut. That speaks volumes on where your mind is going,” Shukla said.

Shukla further urged the student to “aspire”. He added, “We have a vision and a mission to land on the moon by 2040…”

Shukla, the second Indian to reach space, received a grand welcome from students during a road show in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow on Monday. Students welcomed Group Captain Shukla to his hometown in Lucknow by waving the tricolour. Children showed enthusiasm and cheered for Shukla during the road show.

Earlier today, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak received Shubhanshu Shukla at the Lucknow airport. Speaking to reporters, Brajesh Pathak said that the Uttar Pradesh government has organised an event to honour Group Captain Shukla.

“The son of Lucknow and India, Shubhanshu Shukla’s arrival is being awaited by the whole of Lucknow. We welcome our beloved as he comes home, and we feel proud of his achievements. Shubhanshu Shukla has shown a way to the world. The UP government has organised a big event to honour him today… He is an inspiration for the youth,” he said.

Dy CM Pathak called it a “big day” for Lucknow as Shubhanshu Shukla returned after NASA’s Axiom-4 space mission.

“Today is a big day for Lucknow. The son of Bharat, the son of Lucknow, set foot in Lucknow. Ever since he returned to earth from space, the people of Lucknow were eagerly waiting for his arrival. Today, that moment is finally here. We welcome Shubhanshu Shukla with warmth and love,” the Deputy CM told ANI.

Speaking to ANI, his mother stated that the entire family was visiting the airport to receive him, further stating that they were really excited to meet him after a long period of time. “My son is coming home after 1.5 years. I am very happy and excited to meet him after so long. We will welcome him warmly. The entire family is going to the airport to welcome him…” the mother told ANI.

Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in Delhi on August 17. (ANI)

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Major General Ghassan Alian, has published on Monday a series of alarming videos on his English-language X account showing Hamas operatives beating, abusing, and shooting Gaza residents.

Addressing the international community, Alian wrote, “Hamas embodies the essence of evil. The shocking footage illustrates how Hamas oppresses the population, abuses civilians, and uses unrestrained violence against people in order to maintain its bloody rule and consolidate its power. Hamas once again proves that it does not represent the residents of Gaza – it rules over them with force, fear, and cruelty.”

The videos, widely circulated on social media in recent days, provide graphic evidence of the ongoing abuses inflicted on Gaza’s population by armed Hamas members. (ANI/TPS)

Fantasy sports platform Dream11 is set to part ways with the Indian cricket team as its lead sponsor, following the Online Gaming Bill being passed in the Parliament last week. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday confirmed the development, citing the Online Gaming Bill as the reason.

In 2023, the BCCI announced a deal with Dream11 as the lead sponsor for Team India. Dream11 replaced Byju’s, whose contract ended in March that year, and had signed the agreement with BCCI for a period of three years.

Saikia also said that the BCCI will ensure it does not indulge any such organisations in the future. The decision left the BCCI searching for a new sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill aims to promote e-sports and online social games, while outlawing online money gaming. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and in the Rajya Sabha the next day.

“BCCI and Dream 11 are discontinuing their relationship with each other after the Online gaming bill. BCCI will ensure not to indulge with any such organisations ahead in future,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday gave her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by Parliament.

The Bill was brought in to encourage e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions related to them. The Bill seeks to completely ban offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, irrespective of whether based on skill, chance, or both.

Through this legislation, the government aims to promote e-sports and give them legal recognition. This bill will help provide legal support to e-sports. Earlier, there was no legal backing for e-sports, sources said earlier.

For the promotion of e-sports, which has been recognised as a legitimate form of competitive sport in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will establish a dedicated framework. The government will also promote online social games.

The government believes that the harms of addiction, financial losses, and even extreme consequences such as suicides associated with online money gaming can be prevented by the prohibition of such activities. (ANI)

Amid growing speculation over former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said Dhankar resigned due to health issues and dismissed the opposition’s claims that he was under “house arrest”.

In an interview with ANI the Union Home Minister said, “Dhankar Sahab’s resignation letter is clear in itself. He has cited health reasons for his resignation. He has also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Prime Minister and other ministers and government members for his good tenure.”

When asked about Dhankar being under “house arrest”, as claimed by certain opposition leaders, Shah said the interpretation of truth and lies should not rely solely on opposition statements and warned against making a fuss over the former VP’s resignation.

“It seems like your interpretation of truth and lies is based on what the opposition has to say. We shouldn’t make a fuss out of all this. Dhankar held a constitutional post and discharged his duties as per the constitution. He resigned due to personal health reasons. One should not deliberate much on the issue,” Shah said.

The remarks come after opposition leaders raised questions about the sudden resignation, claiming Dhankar had been “silenced” by the government. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said it was the first time in the country’s history that a Vice President’s resignation was accompanied by what he described as silencing.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also criticised the centre, questioning Dhankar’s whereabouts and accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of taking the country back to “medieval times.”

“We are going back to medieval times when the king could just remove anybody at will. There’s no concept of what an elected person is. He doesn’t like your face, so he tells ED to put a case, and then a democratically elected person is wiped out within 30 days. Also, let’s not forget why we are electing a new Vice President. Just yesterday I was having a conversation with somebody and I said, you know, where is the old vice president gone? He’s gone,” Gandhi said in a press conference on August 20.

Supreme Court advocate and senior leader Kapil Sibal also raised the question of whether a habeas corpus petition should be filed given Dhankar’s absence from public view.

However, the BJP has maintained that Dhankar resigned due to health reasons and dismissed suggestions of any differences with him.

Jagdeep Dhankar resigned on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 21, stating that he wanted “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” At the time, he was serving as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and had submitted his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu. (ANI)

Drama is on as Salman Khan-hosted reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’ kickstarted its 19th season on Sunday night.

The new season, which is based on a political theme ‘Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar’, will run for a longer time this time, approximately six months. Audiences are eagerly waiting to see what Bigg Boss 19 brings, particularly when it comes to the much-talked-about clashes among contestants.

During the premiere episode, Salman introduced 16 participants, a mix of television and film personalities along with social media influencers.

Here’s a full and final list of confirmed contestants of Bigg Boss 19.

Gaurav Khanna

Gaurav Khanna is a popular face in the Indian television industry. He rose to fame with his role in TV show ‘Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam’, which also starred Yami Gautam. In 2021, he came to limelight once again with his performance in ‘Anupamaa’. Earlier this year, he won ‘won Celebrity MasterChef’ as well.

Kunickaa Sadanand

Kunickaa Sadanand is a veteran actress. She has been in the industry for over three decades now. : Beta, Karan Arjun, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke are some of her notable work credits. She is also an advocate and social activist.

Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkar

Social media sensations and rumoured couple Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkar entered the Bigg Boss 19 together.

While interacting with Salman on the stage, the duo addressed their relationship rumours.

Awez told Salman, “Mera joh past tha woh bahot heavy raha hai, main bilkul bhi nahi tha relationship ko lekar…aur main nahi chahta tha ke Nagma struggle kare mere saath… Toh abhi main trail basis par hoon.”

Amaal Mallik

Singer-composer Amaal Mallik is also one of the participants of reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss 19’. He made a soulful entry on the stage, crooning his hit songs. He also interacted with Salman Khan.

When Salman asked him about his personal life, Amaal said, “I am single now. Thodi umeed thi pyaar lautega, but vo nahi hua.”

Amaal also opened up about his social media post on depression and family ties that broke the internet a few months ago.

“I recently put up a post, and people wondered why I did that. Even mom and dad felt that,” he said in Hindi.

Ashnoor Kaur

Ashnoor Kaur has been acting since her childhood. She was seen in TV shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Patiala Babes.

Before coming to Bigg Boss, Ashnoor posted a note, telling her fans to shower their love and support on her.

“Au revoir, Need all your love, support & blessings!!! #ItBegins,” she posted.

Zeishan Quadri

Zeeshan Quadri is best known for portraying ‘Definite’ and co-writing the cult hit Gangs of Wasseypur. His participation in Bigg Boss house left his fans excited.

Abhishek Bajaj

Actor Abhishek Bajaj has played significant roles in TV shows and films, including Student of the Year 2 and Babli Bouncer. Now it’s to be seen how he performs in a reality show.

Natalia Janoszek

Polish actor, model, and international performer, Natalia Janoszek, is also a part of Bigg Boss 19.

Farhana Bhatt

Actor and content creator, Farhana Bhatt has steadily built her name in the digital entertainment space with engaging performances and relatable sketches.

Mridul Tiwari

Mridul Tiwari is a popular YouTuber and social media personality. Before the premiere, Bigg Boss makers introduced a special segment called Fans Ka Faisla, where the audience got the opportunity to choose between Shehnaaz Gill’s brother, Shehbaz Badesha and YouTuber Mridul Tiwari through votes. Mridul defeated Shehbaz and made it to the Bigg Boss house.

Neelam Giri

Neelam is a popular face of Bhojpuri cinema. In 2020, she was featured in the hit music video ‘Dhaniya Hamar Naya Baadi Ho’.

Pranit More

Pranit is a stand-up comedian and a former radio jockey. Earlier this year, he grabbed attention when he was allegedly assaulted during a live performance over jokes made about one of the Bollywood actors.

Baseer Ali

Baseer Ali is quite famous among Gen Z due to his participation in reality shows like MTV’s Roadies and Splitsvilla. He has also tried his hand at acting. He was seen in Kundali Bhagya.

Tanya Mittal

An entrepreneur, influencer, and international pageant winner, Tanya Mittal was crowned Miss Asia Tourism Universe in 2018.

Nehal

Crowned Miss Diva Universe in 2018, Nehal Chudasama represented India on the Miss Universe stage and has since built a successful career as a model, fitness consultant, and host.

Viewers can watch Bigg Boss 19 on Colors and JioHotstar. (ANI)

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has raised the passenger fares for Delhi Metro services from Monday onwards, with the hike ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 4 with respect to the distance.

The fare hike for the Airport Express Line ranges from Rs 1 to Rs 5.

According to DMRC, the base fare to travel in the Delhi metro has been increased from Rs 10 to Rs 11.

Sharing an X post, the DMRC wrote, “The passenger fares of the Delhi Metro services have been revised with effect from today, that is, 25th August 2025 (Monday) onwards. The increase is minimal, ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 4 only depending on the distance of travel (upto Rs 5 for the Airport Express Line).”

As per the DMRC, the revised fare for a distance travelled between 0-2 km is Rs 11 as compared to existing Rs 10, for 2-5 km the revised fare is Rs 21, for 5-12 km is Rs 32, for 12-21 km is Rs 43, for 21-32 km is Rs 54 and for a distance more than 32 km, the revised fare stands at Rs 64.

On national holidays and Sundays, the revised fare for 0-5 km is Rs 11 in contrast to the existing Rs 10, for 5-12 km it is Rs 21, for 12-21 km is Rs 32, for 21-32 km is Rs 43 and for more than 32 km the fare is now Rs 54.

The base price for travelling in Delhi Metro was raised from Rs 8 to 10 back in 2017, with the maximum rate beyond 32 km hiked to Rs 50.

Meanwhile, commuters have expressed concerns about the fare hike and travel inconvenience.

A commuter, Sonia, told ANI, “A middle-class family cannot afford the metro fares. Some people can, but some cannot. I believe that the fares should not be increased so that the middle class can also afford them. The fares should not be increased; they should stay as they are.”

Another passenger, Armaan, said, “The government should work on making the payment more convenient for us. The Metro Card does not work everywhere. That is a major issue. Other than that, if 2-4 rupees are increased, that is not a problem.” (ANI)

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged dowry murder case of Nikki Bhatti in Greater Noida.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, demanding a detailed action report within three days.

The directive calls for the immediate arrest of all individuals accused in the case. The letter also emphasised the need for the police to ensure the safety of the victim’s family and any witnesses involved.

The Commission has emphasised the need for a fair and prompt investigation and directed that adequate security be provided to the victim’s family and witnesses.

The Commission has asked the Director General of Police to provide a detailed action report within three days.

Earlier today, the police arrested the mother-in-law of the deceased woman, Nikki Bhati, in connection with the alleged dowry death case

Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, was shot in the leg during a police encounter and admitted to a hospital for treatment. Vipin Bhati has been sent to a judicial custody of 14 days.

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.

Speaking to ANI from his hospital bed, Bhati denied the allegations. “I did not kill her. She died on her own,” he said. When asked about the accusations of physical assault, he replied, “Husband and wife often have fights, it is very common…”

The victim’s father told ANI that she had 70 per cent burns and was pronounced dead at the Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.

“I reached there as soon as my elder daughter called me..The doctor told me she is 70% burnt..We took her to Safdarjung Hospital. The doctor told me to take her back because she would not be able to survive. He (her husband) should be hanged. They got married in 2016. He started harassing her a few days after marriage…They asked for Rs. 35 lakhs… She started her own work, and her husband began asking for the money she earned. I demand that the Court and CM give him the death penalty…”

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased woman, Nikki Bhati, held a protest outside the Kasana Police station today, demanding justice.

The father of the deceased woman alleged that her in-laws killed her over their demand for dowry.

“Her mother-in-law poured kerosene while her husband set her on fire. They kept asking for dowry; now their demands have been met. I just married my daughter as per tradition. Their dowry demands have been met now that my daughter has died. They demanded a car and tortured my daughter for that.” (ANI)