Month: August 2025

With music that transcends the boundaries of space and time, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a global icon. And warmth and nostalgia filled the air as he recalled the contribution of another genius who made the shehnai a household name in the country.

Looking debonair in his classy kurta and with a captivating smile, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan sat down for a conversation, remembering Ustad Bismillah Khan.

“I am very happy that we are celebrating the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan. I have beautiful memories of him. I had the honour of playing with him and spent a lot of time with him. He used to call my father uncle… So it was like a family affair,” Ustad Amjad Ali Khan told ANI.

Ustad Bismillah Khan, who was born as Qamaruddin Khan, transformed how the world looked at shehnai. He played a crucial role in popularising the shehnai and elevating its status in the realm of classical music. The legendary musician was instrumental in bringing the shehnai to the concert stage, which was traditionally associated with weddings and religious ceremonies. He was not only a musician but also a cultural ambassador of India.

Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916 into a family of traditional Muslim musicians in Dumraon, a town near Buxar city, Bihar. With his passing away on August 21, 2006, a vacuum was created.

Remembering the music maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said his music was like poetry.

“So many times I attended his concerts. And he was also sometimes at my concert. His music was like a poetry. He dealt with poetry. In classical music, some musicians focus solely on grammar. And some musicians deal with literature. But very few musicians deal or come to that point of poetry. To Khan sahab ka jo music tha usme kavita thi, ras tha Banaras ke to the hi to usme ras bahut tha..He was very colourful. His music was very colourful.”

The leading sarod exponent was in the capital to recieve the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan ‘Silver Shehnai’ Award in the 18th annual edition of ‘Yaad-e-Bismillah’ — a tribute concert in memory of the shehnai maestro, organised by Padma Shri Soma Ghosh.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who brings a new and timeless interpretation to the technique of playing the sarod, talked about the future of the instrument and the interest of the present generation in classical music.

“The future is very bright. There were more than 100 Sarod players earlier. And today we have about 500 Sarod players all over the world. So, the tradition of our culture, our classical music..jab tak chand suraj rahega, hamara sangeet kayam rahega..”

Born on October 9, 1945, into a family of musicians, the sarod virtuoso is the sixth generation in the legendary line of the Senia Bangash Gharana and has performed internationally since the 1960s.

His two sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, like their father, are sarod players and represent the seventh generation of the musical lineage.

Talking about taking forward the legacy to his grandchildren, Zohaan and Abeer Ali Bangash, he said, “Though they are busy watching Ronaldo(Cristiano Ronaldo), football matches…listening to Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber and BTS. But when Abeer and Zohaan’s father, Ayaan, asks them to practice, they never say no.”

In 2011, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performed on Carrie Newcomer’s album Everything is Everywhere. In 2014, along with his two sons, Ayaan Ali Khan and Amaan Ali Khan, he performed ‘Raga For Peace’.

The ace musician opened up about his interest in Western music, saying, “I have heard many symphony orchestras. I have also heard Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson.”

He recalled how he got a chance to meet Michael Jackson but could not do so. “There was a situation in 1984, I was travelling. I completed my two-month tour, and the children, Amaan and Ayaan, were very young. So I was missing the family. I could not accept his offer to perform. I admire Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber also. And BTS. I am very happy and very proud of young talent. And our legacy will always continue.”

Talking about the impact of AI on classical music, he said human touch is vital.

“I saw some; they tried to create Amjad Ali Khan. But it wasn’t like me. But a machine is a machine. And technique is technique. But the human touch. A keyboard can produce the sound of a sitar, the sound of every instrument except the sarod; however, human touch is very important.”

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is recipient of many prestigious honours–the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan among them. Khan was made an honorary citizen of Houston, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, in 1997, and of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2007. (ANI)

A civil court in Pune has issued summons to actors Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi and director Subhash Kapoor in connection with their upcoming film ‘Jolly LLB 3’ following a petition filed by lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan.

The court has directed the three to appear in person on October 28 at 11 am.

According to advocate Wajed Rahim Khan, the action follows a petition filed by him, alleging that the film mocks the legal system and disrespects court proceedings. In the plea, he objected to the portrayal of the legal profession in a negative light and raised concerns over a scene where judges are referred to as “mama,” a slang term.

Speaking to ANI, he said, ” There should be respect for the lawyers. That is why I filed a petition in the court, that whatever they have shown about the advocates and the judges is wrong… I filed a petition in the Pune court. And the court has asked Akshay Kumar, Arshad Walsi and the director to be present..”

The complaint was originally filed in 2024 after the release of the film’s first teaser.

‘Jolly LLB 3’ is the latest instalment in this movie franchise. The first part, led by actor Arshad Warsi, was a sleeper hit at the box office. The sequel to the movie, starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, earned a verdict of ‘superhit’ at the box office in 2017.

After a gap of almost eight years, the makers of the franchise have returned with the third instalment of Jolly LLB, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in the lead roles. It is written and directed by Subhash Kapoor and is produced by Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare under the banner of Star Studio 18. The film is slated to release in theatres on September 19, 2025.

The much-awaited teaser of Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi-starrer Jolly LLB 3 was out on August 12.

In 2017, Akshay and Huma Qureshi starred in ‘Jolly LLB 2’, a spiritual sequel to Jolly LLB, released in 2013. The first film featured Arshad and Saurabh Shukla in the lead roles. Amrita Rao also starred in the first part. (ANI)

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticised Centre’s foriegn policy over dealing with China on multilateral issues asserting that India has been left in a “weaker” and “inferior” position on the global platform under the tenure of Modi government in the past 11 years.

The remarks come days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to India from August 18 to 19.

In a post on social media platform X, Owaisi posed a series of questions to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the government’s stand on Taiwan, China’s military assistance to Pakistan, and the growing trade deficit with Beijing.

“Why did @DrSJaishankar tell his Chinese counterpart that “Taiwan is part of China”?We had stopped saying so after 2011, once Beijing started giving Staple Visas to certain Indians. Has China announced a change in its Visa Policy?” Owaisi questioned.

The AIMIM chief further alleged that India is suffering in its bilateral ties with China “from territory to trade in all domains.”

“Has China agreed not to provide military support to Pakistan, as it did during the recent military clash with us? Have we not insisted to Beijing that we can’t be friends if it hurts through Pakistan?” AIMIM chief questioned.

He continued, “What has China promised to ensure that the massive Trade Deficit in its favour is reduced? Or are we going to promote more bilateral trade to further increase the trade deficit?”

The Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said the government’s continued silence on China policy is an “acknowledgement of its failures.”

“The Modi government’s China policy has been a series of flip-flops, which has left India weaker & in an inferior position after 11 years. From Territory to Trade, India has suffered in all domains. The lack of answers from the government is an acknowledgement of its failures,” Owaisi said.

Meanwhile, sources in the government on Tuesday stated that there is no change in India’s position on Taiwan.

“There is no change in our position on Taiwan. We stressed that, like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties. We intend to continue it,” sources said after a readout by China of the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, which claimed that Jaishankar had affirmed Taiwan is part of China.

During his visit, Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on August 19, and held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on August 18. He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19.

Both sides agreed to the re-opening of border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass. Both sides also agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions.

The Chinese side also welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held in Tianjin. The Indian side reaffirmed its full support to China’s SCO Presidency, and looked forward to a successful SCO Summit with fruitful outcomes, the MEA readout stated. (ANI)

Amid US decision to impose 25 per cent additional tariffs on Indian goods for purchase of Russian oil, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that China, not India, is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil and EU is the biggest purchaser of LNG and that the logic of singling out the country for secondary tariffs in perplexing.

Answering queries during a joint press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Jaishankar said India also buys oil from the US, and that amount has increased.

“We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South. We are a country where the Americans have said for the last few years that we should do everything to stabilise the world energy market, including buying oil from Russia. Incidentally, we also buy oil from the US, and that amount has increased. So honestly, we are very perplexed at the logic of the argument that you (the media) had referred to…” Jaishankar said, answering a query.

US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil.

Jaishankar said sustaining energy cooperation with Russia through trade and investments is also important.

He stressed the need to address trade imbalance. “We reaffirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India’s exports to Russia. This requires swiftly addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments, enhancing India’s exports to Russia in sectors like agriculture, pharma, and textiles will certainly help correct the imbalance,” he said.

Jaishankar and Lavrov discussed developments in Ukraine and West Asia, with the External Affairs Minister laying thrust on dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

“On regional issues, we discussed developments in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan. India’s approach continues to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences.”

Jaishankar said the defence and military cooperation is robust and Russia supports ‘Make in India’ goals.

“Our defence and military technical cooperation also remains robust. Russia supports India’s ‘Make in India’ goals, including joint production and technology transfer.”

External Affairs Minister said he took up the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army.

“While many have been released, there are still some pending cases, with some missing persons. We hope that the Russian side will expeditiously resolve this,” he said.

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Russia during which he co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and addressed the India-Russia Business Forum meeting in Moscow. (ANI)

Group Captain Prasanth B Nair, the designated astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan mission shared reflections on the collective effort behind India’s space ambitions and paid tribute to the nation’s diverse contributors celebrating India’s strides in space exploration.

He invoked the historic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and proposed expanding it to “Jai Vaigyanik.”

Speaking at press conference, Group Captain Nair emphased the importance of teamwork and acknowledging that achievements in space are built on a strong foundation.

Nair said, “The future is space and future technology. When we do all this, we should not forget the base on which all this has been made because we all, whichever field we are from, have contributed a lot. So I would like to reiterate what has been a slogan since, you know, days immemorial in this country. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, but add to it, Jai Vaigyanik now. And also, why not? Jai Har Bharatiya.”

Nair further highlighted the vital role of foundational support across all levels, from ministers to everyday citizens, in advancing India’s space program.

“You are the reason we are here. We get to wear the cool suits and look good in front of the camera. But remember, the leaves will not blossom if the foundation is not strong. All of you sitting out here, right from the minister to the chairman, to all of you in every street, in every way, have been contributing to this programme. And I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the entire team for being with us throughout,” he said

As the nation approaches Diwali, Group Captain Nair drew a poetic parallel, “A few months from now we are going to celebrate Diwali, a time when Shri Ram ji entered Ayodhya. Over here right now, to the Ram that is Shuks (Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla), if I can call myself Laxman, it feels like there is Diwali here today when all our countrymen are here to receive us. But remember, even though I am elder to Shuks, I will love to be the Laxaman to this Ram any day, that’s how professional he is.”

Meanwhile, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief V Narayanan provided an update on the progress of the Gaganyaan mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight project.

Describing the mission as “very technologically intensive” and “complex,” Narayanan said that “80 per cent” of tests are completed.

“It is a very technologically intensive, complex mission. A lot of work is done, environment control and safety system, arbital module development, human-centric product development. I am happy to say that 80 per cent of tests are completed, and 20 per cent are targeted before March 2026,” V Narayanan said.

Additionally, Narayanan announced that the first uncrewed mission, known as G-1, is expected to be launched later this year, possibly in December. (ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched almost double the number of missions between 2015 to 2025 than the ones launched between 2005 to 2015, Chairman V Narayanan said on Thursday while giving updates on the “phenomenal and exponential” performance of the organisation in Delhi. The ISRO Chairman also praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for being the first Indian to return from the international Space Station (ISS).

“In last 10 years, the progress is phenomenal, exponential. With respect to missions, between 2015 and 2025 the number of missions were almost doubled compared to 2005-2015. During the last six months, three important missions were completed. Axiom 4 mission is a very prestigious mission, successfully accomplished. First Indian to be brought back safely from the international Space Station (ISS), we have the Gaganyaatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla,” Narayanan said during the conference.

Narayanan addressed the press conference in Delhi, along with Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and Gaganyaan astronauts Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair.

Giving an update on the future missions of ISRO, the Chairman mentioned that in the next 2-3 months, another NASA-ISRO mission will be launched, with India’s launch vehicle set to carry a 6,500 kg satellite into orbit.

“In 2-3 months, around 6,500 kg communication satellites of USA are going to be launched using our launch using our launch vehicle. Until today, 433 satellites of 34 countries are done from India,” he added.

The ISRO chairman also informed that G20 satellites will be given to various countries.

Talking about the previous satellites, Narayanan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the growth of Indian startups and the development of south Asian satellites, which were conceived, built, launched in India and also donated to countries,

“After Modi took over as Prime Minister of country, the south Asian satellite was conceived, built, launched and donated to south Asian countries. Under his leadership we are also realizing the G20 satellite for G20 countries. 10 years ago, we had only one startup company in the space area. Today, we have more than 300 startups in the space industry… There are two suborbital missions done by private companies,” Narayanan said.

Since the launch of rocket in 21 November 1963 from the Thumba area near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, ISRO has launched 133 satellites missions, 102 launch vehicle missions, 5 technology demonstration mission, and 4217 rockets, and carried out 240 total number of missions. Moreover, 433 satellites of 34 countries have been launched in India.

Earlire today, Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla also met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (ANI)

Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed ‘The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill’ amid protests and sloganeering by the Opposition.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had moved ‘The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill’ as passed by Lok Sabha for consideration and passing in Rajya Sabha.

Highlighting the aspects of the bill, the Union Minister explained that there are three aspects of the bill – “E-sports, Online Social Gaming and Online Money Gaming” out of which 2/3rd segment (E-sports and Online Social Gaming) will be promoted and encouraged.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw said, “Online gaming is an important subject which has emerged as an important sector in the digital world. It has 3 segments – the first segment is e-sports, in which people form a team and play, learn coordination, have strategic thinking. Our players have also won many medals. In this bill, e-sports will be promoted, an authority will be created for it and it will get legal recognition. The second is Online Social Games which includes solitaire, chess, soduku, etc. In this bill, online social games will be promoted, encouraged and an authority will be created.”

The Union Minister stated the third segment – ‘Online Money Game’ as has become “Public Health Risk.”

He further said, “2/3rd segment of the entire world of online gaming is being promoted, but there is one such segment, 3rd – online money games, due to which a big problem has arisen in the society, especially in the middle class youth. It gets addicted and the family’s savings are spent. It is estimated that 45 crore people are affected by it and more than Rs 20,000 crore has been destroyed in it. WHO has declared it a gaming disorder. Online money gaming has become a public health risk. Problems like psychological disorder, compulsive behaviour, violent behaviour are arising from it. Many families have been destroyed due to it. This has become a huge problem. Its major aspect is money laundering and its effect have also been seen in terror activities. There were efforts to stop this problem but this problem kept on increasing.”

Union Minister Vaishnaw also hit out at the opposition for creating ruckus in the House while the Minister was moving the bill for passing.

He said, “From time to time many irregularities arise in the society, at such times it is the responsibility of the Government and the Parliament to take action against the irregularities and bring solutions which can stop these irregularities in the society. We all know that earlier many families were getting destroyed due to chit funds, Modi government dealt with the problem by bringing a law on it. Whenever the interest of middle class and youth is discussed, PM Modi ji has always talked about the interest of middle class and youth by keeping revenue and economy on one side and rising it above that. The same subject is before the Parliament today. If Opposition works on this subject today, we also understand that they also talk about the interests of the middle class and the youth, but they are not concerned about this at all, they work only and only for their political objectives.” (ANI)

Popular television actor Gia Manek, who is best known for her roles in ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya’ and ‘Jeannie Aur Juju,’ has married her long-time friend and fellow actor Varunn Jain.

The couple shared the happy news with fans through Instagram, posting pictures from their wedding ceremony. In the photos, Gia looked graceful in her traditional bridal attire, while Varunn matched her in a coordinated outfit.

Along with the pictures, Gia wrote, “With the grace of Divine and Master’s and with all the love showered, we’ve stepped into this forever union — hand in hand, heart to heart. We were two friends, today we’re husband & wife. So grateful for the love, blessings and wishes from all our loved ones who made this day so special. Cheers to a lifetime of laughter, adventure, memories, and togetherness as Mr. & Mrs Gia & Varunn.”

Gia and Varunn, who were once co-stars in ‘Tera Mera Sath Rahe,’ remained close friends over the years.

Gia rose to fame as “Gopi Bahu” in ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya,’ a role that made her a household name. She later charmed her fans as Jeannie in ‘Jeannie Aur Juju.’She made her OTT debut with the film ‘Kaam Chalu Hai’ opposite Rajpal Yadav.

Varunn Jain, on the other hand, began his career in 2010 with ‘Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha.’ He became well-known for playing Mohit Rathi in ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ and was also remembered for his role as Chirag Modi, Gia’s on-screen brother-in-law, in ‘Saath Nibhaana’ Saathiya. (ANI)

Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rahul Mamkootathi is currently facing allegations of obscene conduct filed by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George.

Consequently, he has resigned from his position as the State President of the Youth Congress.

Earlier today, Kerala LoP and Congress leader V.D. Satheesan addressed allegations against Congress MLA and Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil, accused by writer Honey Bhaskaran and actress Rini Ann George of sending inappropriate messages and engaging in obscene conduct.

Satheesan assured a thorough investigation by the Congress party, emphasising that no leniency will be shown if the allegations are found to be serious.

“The Party will look into the allegations. We will check the gravity of the allegations. If it is very serious, we will take necessary action. There is a procedure; he will get an opportunity to present his side. Then only will we make a decision. We will make a decision immediately, there won’t be any delay. There are no complaints before the party. If someone is making any allegation, we will look into it. We will take it very seriously, we will take proper action, there will be no mercy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna said, “Mahila Congress has conveyed its stance to the party. It is for the party to respond, and the party will take an appropriate decision. I have not received any complaint against Rahul Mamkootathil earlier. No girl should ever face such an experience. No girl should have to suffer unpleasant experiences in cyberspace either.”

Honey Bhaskaran in her Facebook post, alleged that Rahul messaged her on her social media account. She said initially it was about travel, and she responded to it, but there was a series of messages from him. When she realised he had no intention of stopping, she stopped responding to his messages. She said that she got to know through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her, and that she had initiated the conversation.

These charges came shortly after Actress and model Rini Ann George accused the Congress MLA of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and inviting her to a hotel. George stated that when she threatened to inform his party, the leader challenged her to do so. She did not disclose the leader’s name or party.

George claimed she had informed the party leadership about the incident, alleging that wives and daughters of several politicians had faced similar experiences with the leader.

She questioned, “I want to ask which woman these politicians who were unable to protect the women in their family will protect?”.

She further alleged that despite her complaint, the leader continued to receive opportunities within the party. George said she decided to speak out after seeing similar allegations by other women on social media, many of whom remained silent.

“I decided to speak as I saw recently on social media that many women have faced similar issues. None of these women are speaking a word about it. So I thought of speaking for all,” she added.

At present, actress and model Rini Ann George has not submitted any complaints regarding this matter.

Earlier on Wednesday, following the allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest march to the office of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil, demanding his resignation. (ANI)