Month: August 2025

India will continue buying oil from wherever it gets the “best deal” and “take measures” to protect its national interest amid US tariffs, said India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, in an interview with TASS on Sunday.

Addressing the US decision to increase tariffs on Indian imports by 25 per cent, totalling 50 per cent, due to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, Kumar called the move “unfair, unreasonable and unjustified”.

He emphasised that India’s energy policy aims to secure reliable supplies for its citizens and that its cooperation with Russia and other countries has contributed to global oil market stability.

“First of all, we have clearly stated that our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people of India and India’s cooperation with Russia as of several other countries has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market. So the US decision is unfair, unreasonable and unjustified. Now government will continue taking measures which will protect the national interest of the country,” the Ambassador said, as quoted by TASS.

“And the trade takes place on commercial basis. So if the basis of commercial transaction trade imports are right, Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So that’s what the current situation is,” he added.

During the interview with the state news agency TASS, Kumar highlighted that India-Russia trade is driven by mutual interests and market factors and pointed out that other countries, including the US and European nations, also continue trading with Russia.

“Our trade is based on market factors and done with the overall object of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. There are other countries, including the US itself and in Europe, trading with Russia,” he stated, as quoted by TASS.

India had earlier slammed US’ decision to raise duties to over 50 per cent as a penalty for its purchase of Russian oil, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday hitting out at Washington, calling the move “unjustified and unreasonable”.

Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar said India’s priority was to protect farmers and small producers, stressing that New Delhi would not compromise on their interests.

On the financial front, Ambassador Kumar assured that India and Russia face no problems in payment for oil imports.

“India and Russia have a working system of trade settlement in national currencies. There is no problem now in payment for oil imports,” Kumar stated, as quoted by TASS.

Beyond energy, India is also keen to expand its exports to Russia, particularly in electronics, automobiles, and construction materials, the ambassador stated during the interview.

He noted that while bilateral trade is growing, India’s exports to Russia remain below potential.

“Some of the important areas that we think we need to focus on and improve our exports are textiles and fashion products, construction materials, auto and automobile spare parts and components, also electronics and the entire set of electronics and IT-related products. Also phones. Many of the top manufacturers are also manufacturing in India. We look forward to an increase in those areas also,” he said, as quoted by TASS.

Kumar also stressed the need to improve services trade, including financial and digital services.

“India’s export to Russia has also grown. But it is still far below what it can be… Services are another important part in which we need to do better, including financial and digital services. And, of course, transportation and related infrastructure is yet another area that we need to improve,” he added.

The remark made by Kumar came during a time when New Delhi is currently dealing with global economic concerns due to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods due to its continued purchase of Russian oil.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called the imposition “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable” and declared that New Delhi will take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” (ANI)

Renowned Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi unveiled her latest book, “Zeba: An Accidental Superhero,” during the celebration of the India Chamber of Commerce (ICC) centenary in Srinagar.

The occasion marked a blend of cultural pride and literary excellence as dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and literary enthusiasts gathered to witness the milestone event.

Speaking to the media about the book and her inspiration, she said, “Lots of things. But I want you to read it to discover them. But I will give you one little hint. So, the book is about a girl’s journey to becoming a superhero. But through the context of the book, I have also imagined a landlocked country…. which is somewhere in the mountains. And which has oil. And imagined has an evil king. And how this girl basically defeats that king. But then the king also, then you get into this landlocked mystical kingdom, the line of kings, the genesis, the story, all of that. So, the story, jisse puri kahaani shuru hoti hai, starts with a character.., which is actually based on my mother…”

On talking about the woman of Kashmir, she added, ” I am a product of Kashmir. I have seen women around me in my family when I grew up. And you are absolutely right, the strength, the tenacity. I have never met a woman who is not strong. You know, and they display strength in very many different ways. Sometimes being patient is also very, very powerful. Sometimes, to be silent and to sort of hold your ground is also very, very powerful. And these are things I have learnt from the women of Kashmir and from the women in my family, for sure”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Huma Qureshi starrer ‘Bayaan’ has been selected for the world premiere in the prestigious Discovery Section of the Toronto International Film Festival 2025, to be held in September.

Helmed by writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, best known for his acclaimed feature film ‘Chauranga’, ‘Bayaan’ is the only Indian film in the Discovery section. The movie was developed at Film Independent, Los Angeles and is produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films, India’s film studio known for multiple Filmfare award-winning Ghaath (Berlinale 2023), National Award winner Picasso (Amazon Prime’s first direct-to-digital Marathi film).

Bayaan is a co-production of Platoon One Films with Madhu Sharma (Summit Studios), Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta as producers with Switzerland-based Sadik Keshwani (Guidant Films) as co-producer. Huma Qureshi also serves as an Executive Producer on the film.

The ensemble cast of the film includes Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh and Perry Chhabra.

Filmmaker Bikas Ranjan Mishra describes ‘Bayaan’ as a poignant reflection of contemporary India, where “power and gender intersect in volatile and often invisible ways,” as quoted in a press release shared by the film’s makers. (ANI)

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Australia on Sunday to call for an end to what they described as the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to urge the government to impose sanctions on Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, protesters condemned Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by war, widespread starvation, and famine caused by an Israeli blockade on aid.

The mass protests come amid growing diplomatic tensions between Australia and Israel following Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement on August 11 that his government would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly next month.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli leadership and deepened divisions between the two countries, as Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu called the Australian PM “weak” following his statement to recognise Palestine.

According to the Palestine Action Group, more than 40 rallies were held nationwide, including major gatherings in major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

The group claimed approximately 350,000 people participated nationwide, with an estimated 50,000 in Brisbane alone, Al Jazeera reported.

However, local police offered a significantly lower estimate for Brisbane, putting the turnout at around 10,000. Police did not provide figures for Sydney and Melbourne.

According to Al Jazeera, in Sydney, protest organiser Josh Lees said the demonstrations reflected public outrage and solidarity with Palestinians, stating that Australians were out in force to “demand an end to this genocide in Gaza and to demand that our government sanction Israel”

Many attendees waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Free, free Palestine,” Al Jazeera reported.

As per Al Jazeera, the ongoing Israeli assault, over the past 22 months, has resulted in the deaths of more than 62,000 Palestinians. The military campaign has drawn widespread international condemnation, with rights groups accusing Israel of committing war crimes.

In May, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.

Albanese’s recognition of a Palestinian state aligns Australia with a growing number of Western countries, such as France, the UK, and Canada, that have recently supported the two-state solution. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol has heaped praise on Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, for his new series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Sunny Deol reshared the preview of ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ while calling it “fantastic”.

He also shared the reaction of Bobby Deol, who is also playing a prominent role in the film. He extended his best wishes to Aryan Khan for the series, saying that his father (Shah Rukh Khan) will be very proud of him for his work.

“Dear @aryan , your show is looking absolutely fantastic! Bob has been full of praise, your father will be very proud. Wishing you all the very best, beta. Chak De Phatte,” wrote Sunny Deol.

The makers have finally unveiled the much-awaited preview for Aryan Khan’s directorial debut show ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’

Following a dramatic release of its first-look video, expectations have been running high, with fans looking forward to Aryan Khan’s work in the Netflix series.

The preview video opens with an introduction to Bollywood – “the city of dreams,” with a voiceover saying, “In this world, some are born at the house of a hero, while some are born as heroes.”

It moves to show some high-octane action sequences by the lead actor, Lakshya, as Aasmaan Singh.

As the preview progresses, Aasmaan Singh is seen romancing the daughter of “India’s biggest superstar,” played by Bobby Deol, only to find himself in a chaotic journey of fame, love, and more.

“It’s the ultimate underdog story that asks: how far will you go for your dream, what are you willing to lose, and can you survive a few Bollywood baddies along the way (pun totally intended!)” as per the press release.

With actors such as Raghav Juyal and Mona Singh in key roles, the show also features a star-studded list of cameos from Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Salman Khan.

The preview video was unveiled at a special event on Wednesday in Mumbai. Shah Rukh Khan was present at the event along with Aryan Khan and his wife, producer Gauri Khan.

Written and directed by Aryan Khan, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. It will be released on the OTT platform on September 18, 2025. (ANI)

By Anamika Tiwari

Mohali: Actress Geeta Basra is set to return to the big screens after nearly 10 years with the Punjabi film ‘Mehar’, which also stars producer Raj Kundra in the lead role.

Geeta Basra took a long hiatus from Bollywood after her marriage to former cricketer Harbhajan Singh in 2015. She is now a proud mother of two children, a daughter and a son.

While talking to ANI, the actress recalled the situation of Bollywood 15 years ago, when she lost a few films due to her marriage.

Compared to the present generation, Basra claims that a few years ago, it was difficult for women to establish themselves in the Bollywood industry, especially after marriage.

“A few years ago, it was very difficult for a girl to establish herself, to stand on her own two feet. Today, I feel like we are in the best time, in the best generation, especially in the industry also where I am so happy. 15 years ago, it was very different,” said Geeta Basra.

The actress also claimed that she lost a few films when the makers found out about her marriage.

“It was a very different time for a girl. I lost four films because they heard that I am getting married. Because that was the mindset of people. Why will she do films? She is getting married,” she said.

The actress further expressed her happiness with the changed mindset of Bollywood towards married actresses. She calls it the “best thing” of the generation.

“Today, no one cares if you are getting married or not. There is no relevance to your personal life, to your professional life. That is the best thing that has happened for this generation. Because today I can also achieve my dream. It is very important to tell girls to go out there, achieve and do everything they can to make their dreams come true,” said Geeta Basra.

Directed by Rakesh Mehta, Mehar revolves around love, friendship, and life. It also stars Master Agamveer Singh, Baninder Bunny, Savita Bhatti, Rupinder Rupi, Deep Mandeep, Ashish Duggal, Hobby Dhaliwal, Tarsem Paul, and Kulvir Sony. Mehar is presented by DB Digitainment and Raghu Khanna.

Produced by Divvya Bhatnagar and Raghu Khanna, the cinematography is helmed by Ashudeep Sharma. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday confirmed his participation in the upcoming ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra’ being organised by the INDIA alliance, adding that the detailed schedule will be shared soon.

Addressing a press conference here the SP Chief said, “Yes, I am going to participate in the INDIA alliance’s yatra. The schedule will be announced soon.”

Earlier today, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar joined the Voter Adhikar rally being held in Bihar amid opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and said that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit was a game-changer for the state.

“Rahul Gandhi’s visit is a game-changer for Bihar. We got an opportunity, and people will understand,” Shivakumar told ANI.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, resumed their ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra’ on its eighth day in Bihar’s Purnea district today.

The two leaders rode motorcycles during the ‘Yatra’, which seeks to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

The Yatra will pass through Panchmukhi Mandir, Forbesganj Road, Hope Hospital Chowk, Rambagh, Kasba Bazaar, and Zero Mile before reaching Araria, where Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, and Vikassheel Insaan Party founder Mukesh Sahani are scheduled to address a press conference at 11.30 am.

On Saturday, while addressing supporters in Katihar, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of “manipulating institutions” and “media” to hide the voices of the poors.

Raising the slogan “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd,” the Congress leader told the gathering, “This is not your media. ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd’. Now watch TV in the evening. You will not see this slogan. You will not see it anywhere. You will not see this crowd because this is a crowd of poor people. It is a crowd of labourers, a crowd of farmers…We must not let votes be stolen.

“Tejashwi Yadav, speaking at the same event, launched an attack on the BJP-led Centre over corruption. “So far, these officers and the corrupt government have taken Rs 4,000 crore only for getting residential certificates and caste certificates. The people of the BJP will use this money in elections. That is why corruption is increasing continuously,” Yadav said.

He added, “We will work to give a corruption-free, crime-free government.”

The 16-day ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of vote chori (vote theft). Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1.

Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to retain power in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, consisting of the RJD, Congress, and left parties, is seeking to unseat Nitish Kumar.In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, and HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates.

The Opposition’s INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI)

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to induct its first-ever all-women commando team into core operations, a significant initiative to encourage women’s empowerment within the force.

Training of these women commandos has already begun at the CISF’s Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwaha.

This eight-week advanced commando course will prepare women personnel for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) duties at high-security establishments and plants.

The programme includes physical fitness and weapons training, live-fire drills under stress, endurance-building exercises like running, obstacle courses, rappelling, survival training in forests, and a 48-hour confidence-building exercise designed to test decision-making and teamwork under adverse conditions.

The first batch of 30 women–currently deployed across various airports–is being given training from August 11. The training will continue till October 4, 2025.

The second batch will also be sent for similar training from October 6 to November 29, 2025.

“In its initial phase, at least 100 women from different Aviation Security Groups (ASGs) and sensitive CISF units will complete the program. The Force is committed to making such all-women courses a regular part of its training calendar. Post training, they shall primarily be deployed at the Airport, followed by other sensitive installations,” Saroj Bhupendra, Public Relations Officer of the CISF, told ANI.

“Inclusion of women in its core capabilities has moved the CISF a step towards gender parity and explored a new space on the operational front, which presently was the workspace of men only,” he added.

As per the officer, the CISF is also increasing women’s recruitment to achieve the Ministry of Home Affairs’ target of 10 per cent representation.

At present, CISF has 12,491 women (eight per cent of its strength), and 2,400 more will be recruited in 2026. In the coming years, recruitment will be structured to ensure that women consistently make up at least 10 per cent of the force.

With this move, the CISF is moving ahead to become a leading force among all armed organisations–empowering women both in numbers and in roles.

The CISF, one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), functions under the MHA and is a specialised paramilitary force tasked with providing security to critical infrastructure, government buildings, airports, metros, and various industrial units across India. (ANI)

Actor Anupam Kher shared a behind-the-scenes video from his upcoming film ‘The Bengal Files’ directed by Vivek Agnihotri.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the actor shared a video in which he was seen walking with director Vivek Agnihotri while dressed as Mahatma Gandhi.

The actor is set to play the role of Mahatma Gandhi in ‘The Bengal Files’ as per the trailer of the film.

After the slew of controversy during the trailer launch of ‘The Bengal Files’ in Kolkata, earlier this month, the director Vivek Agnihotri has unveiled the much-awaited trailer of the film on his social media handle.

Two-time National Award winner Vivek Agnihotri is returning to the big screens after his superhit film, ‘The Kashmir Files’, which starred Anupam Kher in the lead role.

With another bold representation of the unforgettable past of India, Vivek Agnihotri has unveiled the trailer of ‘Bengal Files’, which narrates the tale of the alleged “Hindu Genocide” in West Bengal during the Direct Action Day in 1946.

The film explores communal violence in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including events like the 1946 Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946, a Hindu genocide.

The trailer opens with a monologue stating the situation of Bengal before the Partition. The trailer features strong performances of Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi and Darshan Kumaar.

The video also showcased brutal killings during the riots between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta (Kolkata). In one of the scenes, an actor described Bengal as the “lighthouse” of India, showcasing its strong resistance to the Partition of Bengal.

The film is slated to release in theatres on September 5, 2025. (ANI)

Superstar Mohanlal’s upcoming film ‘Hridayapoorvam’ has been granted a U certificate by the Censor Board.

Taking to the Instagram handle, Mohanlal shared the news with a poster of his character in ‘Hridayapoorvam’. Calling it a “censor clean” movie, the superstar announced that the film will be making its way to theatres on August 28, 2025.

The film is directed by Sathyan Anthikad.

The makers of Mohanlal starrer ‘Hridayapoorvam’ have released the teaser of the film recently. The film marks the reunion of the superstar and director Sathyan Anthikad after almost 10 years.

‘Hridayapoorvam’ also stars Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Prathap, Sangita, Siddique, Nishan, Baburaj, Lalu Alex and Janardhanan in prominent roles.

The teaser opens on a humorous note, featuring a scene where a college student expresses his admiration for actor Fahadh Faasil to Mohanlal.

Mohanlal’s character, however, seems less than amused, pointing out that there are several senior actors deserving of praise, but the visitor insists Faasil is the best, much to his displeasure.

The story of the film is penned by Akhil Sathyan, while the screenplay & Dialogues have been penned by Sonu TP. The music of the film is composed by Justin Prabhakaran.

The film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas. The movie is slated to hit theatres on August 28, 2025.

Meanwhile, Mohanlal recently confirmed the release date of his film ‘Drishyam 3’. (ANI)