Month: August 2025

Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have claimed 298 lives since June 20, including 152 deaths in rain-related incidents and 146 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA’s cumulative report shows that rain-related fatalities were caused by landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, fires, snake bites, electrocution, and falls from steep terrain. Landslides and flash floods together accounted for 19 deaths, while drowning incidents claimed 31 lives.

Another 32 people died after falling from steep rocks or trees, and 25 deaths were recorded under ‘other’ causes linked to extreme weather.

Road accident deaths remained high during the monsoon, with Kangra district reporting 19 fatalities, Mandi 22, Chamba 21, Bilaspur 6, Kullu and Kinnaur 13 each, Shimla 15, Solan 14, Sirmaur 9, Una 9, Hamirpur 3, and Lahaul and Spiti 2.

The state has also suffered massive damage to infrastructure and property. Loss to public property is estimated at over Rs 2,34,739 lakh. The Public Works Department reported over Rs 1,31,079 lakh in damages, the Jal Shakti Department Rs 76,974 lakh, and the power sector Rs 13,946 lakh.

Private property damage includes 313 fully damaged pucca houses, 362 fully damaged kachcha houses, and 813 partially damaged pucca houses. Agricultural and horticultural losses are also substantial, with over 2,728 hectares of crops damaged.

The SDMA said 1,824 animals have died, while poultry losses stand at 25,755 birds.

Authorities have urged people to remain alert as the India Meteorological Department maintains a heavy rain warning for several districts. The risk of further landslides, flash floods, and road accidents remains high, particularly in hilly terrain and along saturated slopes. (ANI)

Veteran Punjabi actor Jaswinder Bhalla’s funeral was held in Mohali on Saturday.

Several politicians and prominent figures from the Punjabi film industry came together at the cremation ground to pay their heartfelt last respects to Jaswinder Bhalla.

Gippy Grewal, Jimmy Shergil, and Jasbir Jassi, among many others, were in attendance as they bid an emotional farewell to Jaswinder Bhalla, who was fondly known as Bhalla Saab.

Remembering Jaswinder Bhalla, popular singer Jasbir Jassi told ANI, “It is a huge loss for the Punjabi industry.”

Punjabi Singer Mankirt Aulakh also paid his condolences.

Speaking with media outside the cremation ground, Mankirt said, “Everyone should stand with the bereaved family in this difficult time. He was the pride of our industry. His presence alone made films superhit.”

Earlier in the day, actress Neeru Bajwa and several other colleagues visited Jaswinder Bhalla’s residence to offer condolences to the family.

Neeru Bajwa also expressed her sorrow over the demise of Jaswinder Bhalla via a post on Instagram.

“Saddened to have woken up to this tragic news. Bhalla Saab was truly respected and admired, and his contributions will be remembered with great honour. Rest in peace, Sir, my condolences to the family,” Neeru posted.

Jaswinder Bhalla died on Friday morning at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after battling illness for the past few months. Known for his flawless comic timing and satirical dialogues, Bhalla was a stalwart of Punjabi cinema who redefined comedy on screen.

The actor was loved by audiences for his memorable performances in films like Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke, Carry On Jatta, Jind Jaan, and Band Baaje.

Jaswinder Bhalla, 65, is survived by his wife, Parmdeep Bhalla and their two children – son Pukhraj Bhalla and daughter Ashpreet Kaur. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday targeted the government over the Constitution amendment bill that seeks the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers facing serious criminal charges and said the BJP has been targeting opposition leaders.

She said opposition parties will oppose the bill in the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

The MP said everyone wants cleanliness in politics but the government’s promise to tackle it has proved to be “jumla”.

“Everyone wants cleanliness in politics and that politicians stay away from corruption. The government has failed to deliver on its 2014 promise of a corruption-free India. Corruption is seen at every level of the government and this proves that this promise was also a ‘jumla’….And the way opposition leaders were put into jails by levelling corruption charges. ED, CBI and Income Tax are being operated from BJP headquarters. By bringing such laws they have shown their intentions that they want destroy opposition parties,” Priyanka Chaturvedi told ANI.

“JP Nadda talked about One Nation One Party during the Lok Sabha elections, and they are trying to implement it either through the Election Commission or through acts like this. It is shameful and we will oppose it in the JPC. It is against democracy,” she added.

Opposition parties have expressed their strong reservations on the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

RJD MP Manoj Jha echoed similar concerns, calling the bill part of a broader political design. “This is a project to create an opposition-free democracy, and that project will fail. I have said this repeatedly,” he asserted.

During the monsoon session of Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced in the Lok Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, to further amend the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, apart from the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

The bills were sent to the joint committee of Parliament.

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment.

If the arrested leader doesn’t resign, the office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility. (ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday unveiled the model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in Delhi on the occasion of National Space Day.

The ISRO aims to launch the first module of the project by 2028 and the full station is expected to become operational by 2035. The BAS is set to be a significant platform for indigenous research, including microgravity studies and testing technologies for long-duration human space missions.

India’s journey to establish its own orbital laboratory marks a major leap in its space program and reinforces its position as a global leader in space exploration.

Earlier today, ISRO chief V Narayanan emphasised that by the year 2035, India will establish the “Bharatiya Antariksh Station” whose first module will be lifted off in the year 2035.

He stated that India will land on the moon by the year 2040 which will make India’s space program the top other than any country in the world.

The ISRO chairman also announced that India will launch the Chandrayaan 4 mission which will have the Venus Orbiter Mission.

“Based on his direction and vision, we are going to have a Chandrayaan-4 mission. We are going to have a Venus Orbiter Mission. We are going to have a space station called BAS (Bharatiya Antriksh Station) by 2035, and the first module will be lifted off by 2028. The Prime Minister has given approval for an NGL (Next Generation Launcher)… By 2040, India will land on the moon and we are going to bring back safely. Thereby by 2040, Indian Space Program will be at par with any other space program of the world…,” V Narayanan said.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi while virtually addressing the event, recalled the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, stating that India created history by becoming the first country to reach the south pole of the Moon.

He emphasised that achieving new milestones every day has become the nature of India and its scientists.

“Achieving new milestones one after another in the space sector has become the nature of India and Indian scientists. Just two years ago, India became the first country to create history by reaching the South Pole of the Moon,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also lauded the success of the Axiom 4 mission, stating that Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla has filled India with pride by hoisting the tricolour at the International Space Station.

Referring to his meeting with Group Captain Shukla, the Prime Minister asserted on India’s immense courage and infinite dreams amongst its youth.

“We have also become the fourth country in the world to have the capability of docking and undocking in space. Just three days ago, I met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He filled every Indian with pride by hoisting the tricolour on the International Space Station. The moment, the feeling when he was showing me the tricolour, is beyond words. In my discussion with Group Captain Shubhanshu, I have seen the immense courage and infinite dreams of the youth of the new India,” PM Modi said. (ANI)

The Department of Posts has taken note of the Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the US Administration on July 30, under which the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 will be withdrawn with effect from August 29.

According to the Ministry of Communications, consequently, all international postal items destined for the USA, regardless of their value, shall be subject to customs duties as per the country-specific International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. However, gift items up to the value of USD 100 shall continue to remain exempt from duties.

As per the Executive Order, transport carriers delivering shipments through the international postal network, or other “qualified parties” approved by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are required to collect and remit duties on postal shipments.

While CBP issued certain guidelines on August 15, several critical processes relating to the designation of “qualified parties” and mechanisms for duty collection and remittance remain undefined.

Consequently, US-bound air carriers have expressed their inability to accept postal consignments after August 25, citing a lack of operational and technical readiness.

In view of the above, the Department of Posts has decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles, destined for the USA, with effect from August 25, except letters/documents and gift items up to USD 100 in value. These exempt categories will continue to be accepted and conveyed to the USA, subject to further clarifications from CBP and USPS.

The Department is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with all stakeholders, and every effort is being made to normalise services at the earliest possible opportunity.

Customers who have already booked articles that cannot be dispatched to the USA due to these circumstances may seek a refund of postage.

The Department of Posts deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to customers and assures that all possible measures are being undertaken to resume full services to the USA at the earliest. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took a sharp jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the central government of creating “trouble for state administrations” and “refusing to allocate the rightful share” of funds.

The Chief Minister said that the politics in Tamil Nadu is the politics of social justice, and when compared with other Indian states, “Tamil Nadu stands foremost” in many fields.

Speaking at the National Seminar on Union-State Relations at Kalaivanar Arangam, the Chief Minister said, “I am happy to inaugurate the first National Conference on Union-State Relations in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is one of the largest contributors of GST revenue to the Union Government. Yet, the Union Government, with narrow political motives, refuses to allocate to Tamil Nadu the rightful share of funds.”

Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, and Kerala are states not under BJP rule and have been given “problems and trouble” by the Union government.

The Chief Minister said that for over a decade, Tamil Nadu has implemented the policy of reservations and enacted several progressive laws and schemes. The foundation for this was laid by the Dravidian movement.

“Despite severe financial restrictions, Tamil Nadu has achieved a growth rate of double-digit with 11.19% in 2024-25, the highest after 14 years. After Tamil Nadu’s protests against the Union Government’s imposition of Hindi, similar anti-Hindi agitations have been taking place across various states of India,” Stalin added.

The Chief Minister further added that the principle of state autonomy within federalism is what strengthens both the unity and diversity of India. It is only through the efforts of self-reliant states that a united India can truly become strong.

“The Dravidian leaders worked tirelessly for noble principles such as equality, social justice, and women’s rights. Both Anna and Kalaignar implemented various important schemes that uplifted people in every sphere of life,” Stalin added.

Stalin said that the statehood of Kashmir was taken away, and opposition was raised against it. The Sarkaria Commission itself has stated that excessive centralisation of power causes anger at the Centre and despair in the States. (ANI)

Actor Raveena Tandon welcomed the Supreme Court’s revised order on stray dogs, which now allows them to return to their neighbourhoods after sterilisation and vaccination, except in cases where they are infected with rabies or show “aggressive behaviour.”

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, the actor said that “better sense has prevailed” and also urged that the programmes and funds meant for vaccinations and sterilisation must be implemented properly.

“Dogesh bhai! Tum aage bahdo! Hum Tumhare saath hain! Better sense has prevailed. Thank you #cji #supremecourt. Now make sure the programmes and funds allocated for vaccinations and sterilisation are implemented correctly,” her Instagram post read.

Actor-comedian Vir Das also took to his X account to react to the decision, emphasising the importance of sterilisation, vaccination, and giving dogs a “safe return” to their areas. The comedian further urged local authorities to act swiftly in creating dedicated feeding areas. He also suggested that municipalities collaborate with trainers and behaviourists for “behavioural modification” and better integration of dogs into communities.

“Thank you to the Supreme Court of India for supporting the process of sterilisation, vaccination, and a safe return of our community dogs to their neighbourhoods. Hopefully, the municipality can act quickly in creating dedicated feeding areas and also work with multiple dog trainers and behaviourists in Delhi and nationwide for behavioural modification and community integration. It is nice to know our voiceless dogs can rely on your empathy and balance.”, Das’s post read.

The Supreme Court on Friday revised its earlier August 11 order on stray animals and ordered their release following sterilisation and immunisation. The Supreme Court clarified that stray dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour will not be released back and will be kept separately.

“Stray dogs will be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour,” the court ordered.

The court ordered that no public feeding of dogs will be allowed, and dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs will be created. It ordered the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) to create feeding areas in municipal wards. It also noted that animal lovers can submit an application to the MCD for the adoption of dogs. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended greetings on the National Space Day, recalling the success of Chandrayaan 3.

He further congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), whose “dedication” made the achievement possible.

“On NationalSpaceDay, as we celebrate the historic moment when Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon’s South Pole, every Indian heart swells with pride. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO, whose unwavering dedication made this achievement possible,” Amit Shah wrote on ‘X’.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chandrayaan 3 mission has opened up frontiers of new space exploration for India.

“Under the visionary leadership of Modi Ji, this landmark mission has opened new frontiers in space exploration and sparked a renewed spirit of innovation and purpose among our youth,” Shah saod.

The Union Minister said that India will continue to turn its “aspirations” to reality with “resilience, brilliance, and unmatched national pride”.

“From Chandrayaan-3 to Aditya, and the many missions ahead, ISRO continues to turn the aspirations of a rising India into reality — with resilience, brilliance, and unmatched national pride,” Amit Shah posted on X.

On 23 August 2023, India achieved a historic milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 lander completed a soft landing on the moon. This remarkable accomplishment made India the fourth country to accomplish this feat and the first to land on the lunar South Pole. In recognition of this achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared August 23 as National Space Day.

The maiden National Space Day was celebrated in 2024 with the theme “Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga”.

Meanwhile, this year, the theme for the National Space Day is “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”.

The theme celebrates the enduring journey of exploration, innovation, and imagination from the profound astronomical insights of our ancient scholars to the cutting-edge frontiers of human spaceflight. (ANI)

The new season of Bigg Boss is finally around the corner, and the excitement for new drama, fights and tasks is on cloud nine among the fans of the reality show. The makers have now unveiled the photos of the house where design meets symbolism at every corner.

Conceptualised by Art Director Omung Kumar with production designer Vanita Garud, the Bigg house is more than just a backdrop; it sets the stage for drama, conflict, and alliances, all under the ever-watchful eye of Bigg Boss.

For Season 19, the design draws from the spirit of camping in the wild, which invokes the raw simplicity of a cabin in the woods while providing a natural space for discussions among the housemates.

The entry in the living room of Bigg Boss is marked with a W-shaped wooden pillar, giving an essence of a natural landscape for the participating contestants of the show.

The wall drawings of deer and lion in the living room appear to be a symbolic representation of the daily fights that typically occur in that area. Salman Khan’s ‘Weekend Ka War’ also takes place in the living room where the hosts interact with the housemates through a television.

Outdoors, wigwam seating recreates the feeling of a community circle. And through ever-watchful eyes carved into its design, the house reminds contestants that accountability is constant.

The Assembly Room, which serves as the DNA of the Bigg Boss house this year. In line with the season’s theme, Gharwalon ki Sarkaar, this space becomes the central hub for debates, discussions, and decision-making.

Accessible only at certain times, it is designed as a crucible of power where contestants will be challenged to confront opposing views, negotiate authority, and prove their ability to lead or stand their ground.

It is expected to become a battleground for the contestants where they can either lose, win or make new fans.

The garden area features a roaring lion on the roof, symbolising power, as many home tasks are carried out outside the living room.

The voting area of the house is under the watchful eyes of an Eagle symbolising Bigg Boss, as he has been the protector and the guardian of the house and participants.

In the voting room, the true faces of the contestants are unveiled as they face dilemmas between friendship and personal needs. Many new strategies are also taking root in the voting areas.

The secret room features wallpaper with eyes, symbolising its true essence, where contestants often watch their mates’ activities on a television.

Speaking about his vision for the design, Omung Kumar said, “Every year, the Bigg Boss house gives me the chance to create something completely new. For Season 19, it was a cabin in the woods, warm and inviting on the surface, but full of surprises hidden in every corner. We’ve added playful touches, from unusual creatures to watchful eyes, to keep the contestants constantly on edge. The Assembly Room is my personal highlight this season, conceived as a symbolic seat of power that ties perfectly with the theme of ‘Gharwalon ki Sarkaar’ and will push housemates to speak up, challenge, and defend. In many ways, this house is designed to be both a retreat and a battlefield, mirroring the unpredictable spirit of Bigg Boss.”

Bigg Boss 19 is set to take place from August 24, 2025. (ANI)

An FIR has been registered against RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli over an alleged objectionable post and defamatory content against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the social media platform X.

Milind Ramji Narote, a BJP MLA from Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, had filed a complaint against Tejashwi Yadav on Friday.

The FIR has been registered at Gadchiroli Police Station under 196(1)(a)(b), 356(2)(3), 352, 353(2) sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the FIR copy, the alleged objectionable posts were made against Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Gaya Ji district of Bihar on Friday, where he had inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs 13000 crores for the state.

Before inaugurating these projects, Prime Minister Modi also held a roadshow in Gaya Ji. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha.

Prime Minister Modi flagged off two trains – the Amrit Bharat Express between Gaya and Delhi, which will enhance passenger convenience with modern facilities, comfort, and safety, and the Buddhist Circuit Train between Vaishali and Koderma, which will boost tourism and religious travel across key Buddhist sites in the region.

Prime Minister Modi, during a rally in Gaya Ji, launched an attack on the “corrupt” Opposition and criticised the rule of previous governments of the RJD and the Congress in the State.

The Prime Minister took a swipe at the RJD’s governance in Bihar as “an era of darkness.”

“Remember the condition here during the rule of lantern (RJD). This region was in the clutches of red terror. Cities like Gaya Ji were in darkness during the rule of ‘lantern’ (RJD)… They had pushed the entire state into darkness. There was no education or employment. So many generations were forced to migrate. RJD considers the people of Bihar only as their vote bank. They want nothing to do with their life, sorrows, or respect.”

Notably, the assembly elections in Bihar are expected to take place between October and November; however, the dates for the polls have not been announced yet. (ANI)