Month: August 2025

The Yamuna River is flowing above the danger mark after all 18 gates of Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana’s Yamunanagar were opened on Sunday due to rising water level after continuous rain.

The visuals of the river at Delhi’s ITO show the water crossing the danger mark. This has raised concern among the authorities.

Earlier, all the 18 gates of Hathinikund Barrage were opened after 1.78 lakh cusec of water came into the river due to heavy rainfall, resulting in a rise in the water level.

Vijay Garg, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, said, “1.78 lakh cusec of water has come into the river after the recent rainfall. This is the highest water level of this season.”

The water level in rivers is increasing use to continuous rainfall, and flood-like situations are being witnessed in several regions.

The weather department has issued red and orange alerts for several districts of Maharashtra until August 20.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning for Haryana, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in several districts.

According to the IMD, thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by moderate rain are very likely over Sampla, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Sonipat, Ganaur, Samalkha, Bapouli, Gharaunda, Karnal, Indri, Gohana, Israna, Safidon, Panipat, Asandh, Nilokheri, and Radaur.

In addition, light rain is expected in Firozpur Jhirka, Punahana, Hodal, Hathin, Nuh, Palwal, Taoru, Ballabgarh, Sohna, Gurugram, Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani, Rewari, Pataudi, Kosli, Matanhale, Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, Berikhas, Hansi, Hisar, Narnaund, Faridabad, Julana, Jind, Kaithal, Narwana, Kalayat, Barara, Jagadhri, Chhachhrauli, Pehowa and Shahabad.

IMD scientist Surinder Paul said that rainfall activity is expected to continue in Haryana for the next 2-3 days, although the intensity will remain moderate.

“There will not be hefty downpours, but showers will persist till August 20. Some reduction is likely around August 21-22, but the monsoon will become active again after August 23 for 4-5 days,” he stated.

Paul further added that north-western Punjab districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Rupnagar, and Mohali, will also continue to receive rain. In Haryana, districts like Yamunanagar, Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, Gurugram and Faridabad are likely to be affected.

He cautioned that waterlogging in low-lying areas and fields could become a concern, particularly after August 23, when heavy rain may occur in some districts of southern Haryana, such as Gurugram and Faridabad.

While ruling out any immediate “red alert” situation, the IMD has advised residents and local administrations to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned to Earth in July after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 space mission. During the meeting, Shukla shared that people around the world are excited about India’s Gaganyaan mission.

He added that his crew members were so enthusiastic that they made him promise to invite them to the Gaganyaan launch.

During the interaction, PM Modi asked, “As the first Indian to reach there, what are your thoughts? And what kind of questions do people ask ?”

Shubhanshu Shukla said, “Wherever I went, whoever I met, everyone was very happy to meet me, very excited. The biggest thing was that everyone knew about what India is doing in the field of space. Everyone knew about this, and many people were more excited about Gaganyaan. They would come and ask me, ‘When is your mission going?’ And my crew members made me sign that whenever Gaganyaan is gone, you will invite us to the launch.”

PM Modi then asked, “What change do you feel after such a long journey in space, and now coming back?”

“The environment up there is very different. Once we reach space, we can remove our seat belts and move around inside the capsule. The heart rate slows down, but the body starts adjusting in 3-4 days. But when we return to Earth, the body takes time to readjust. Even though I was healthy, I couldn’t walk properly. People had to hold me for support.”

PM Modi asked Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla about the use of moong and methi (fenugreek).

Shukla explained that food is a big challenge on space missions because space is limited and cargo is expensive. He said moong and methi are easy to grow with little water and sprout in just 8 days.

“Food is a big challenge on a space station; there is less space, and cargo is expensive. You always try to pack as many calories and nutrients as possible in the least space, and experiments are going on in every way. They are very easy to grow and need very few resources, just a little water, and they sprout in only 8 days. These are some of the secrets of our country.”

“They used to call you tag genius. What’s the reason behind that?” PM Modi asked.

Shukla said, “…When I joined the Air Force, I thought that I would not have to study, but I will have to study a lot after that. And after becoming a test pilot, it becomes a discipline of engineering. So I think we were well prepared, when we reached for this mission…The mission has been successful, we have returned, but this mission is not the end, it is the beginning…”

PM Modi then said that the biggest work would be to have a very large pool of astronauts, 40-50 people in India.

Shukla shared that when he was young, becoming an astronaut seemed impossible because there were no programs. But now, children are asking him how they can become astronauts, showing that the dream is alive.

“When I was young, Rakesh Sharma sir went for the first time in 1984, but the dream of becoming an astronaut never came to my mind because we did not have any program. But when I went to the station this time, I spoke to the children three times. In every program, the children asked how can I become an astronaut? So I think this in itself is a big success for our country. In today’s India, they know that it is possible. We have the option and we can become. And like you said, it is my responsibility, I feel I got a lot of opportunities to represent my country and now it is my responsibility to take as many people as possible to this level,” Shukla said .

PM Modi then said, “Space station and Gaganyaan. These are our big missions. Your experience will be very useful in that.”

Shukla then praised the government’s strong commitment to the space program, despite setbacks like Chandrayaan 2, and said India has the capability to become a global leader in space.

“I think somewhere there is a very big opportunity for us, especially because the kind of commitment our government has made to sustain the space program, budget every year, inspite of failures like Chandrayaan 2. Even after that, we said no, we will move ahead. Chandrayaan 3 was successful. Even after such failures, if we are getting so much support and the whole world is seeing this. We have the capability, so we can acquire a leadership role here. You talked about Atmanirbharta in space manufacturing… So all these things are connected in the same way,” Shukla said.

“If we do it self-reliantly, we will do well,” said PM Modi.

Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday.

Shukla was part of NASA’s Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on June 25. He returned to Earth on July 15, splashing down off the coast of California. He became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space. (ANI)

Continuous heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide in Shimla’s Benmore locality near Ramchandra Chowk late on Monday night, forcing the evacuation of over 30 families and leaving residents in fear.

The slide disrupted power supply, water supply, and road connectivity in parts of the state capital, adding to the havoc caused by week-long rains across Himachal Pradesh.

The landslide occurred on the road leading towards Jakhu, blocking access and stranding residents.

Locals said cracks had been visible on the stretch for the past two weeks, but the situation escalated on Monday night when a major slide occurred around 10.30 pm, followed by repeated soil and tree collapses till midnight.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who resides in the affected Ramchandra Chowk area, visited the spot on Tuesday morning and criticised the government’s preparedness.

“Incidents are happening every day across the state. Earlier, we saw such damage in Mandi district, but now Shimla, Kullu and Chamba are also facing similar disasters. The wall constructed here last year at a cost of Rs 70 lakh could not even last one year. Houses have been vacated, and both upper and lower stretches of the settlement remain under serious threat. Even ambulances cannot pass, as the road has been completely blocked,” he said.

Residents said they had already sensed danger due to widening cracks, but no urgent preventive measures were taken.

“About 15-20 days ago, cracks began appearing on the Jakhu road. Nobody paid attention, and they kept widening. When I returned from the office yesterday evening, I saw they had become very big. Three families faced the highest risk, so we decided to leave by 9.30 pm. By 10 pm, the landslide began, and it continued until 11:30 pm, bringing down trees. Even now, dangerous trees are being cut by the administration. Until a proper retaining wall is built, this area will remain unsafe. We may have to shift out for one or two months till the weather improves. Nearly 30 families are at risk here,” said a resident, Kamal Krishan Sharma.

Sharma added that many families have appealed to the administration for temporary shelter, as rainwater seepage and sliding soil have weakened the already fragile retaining structure, creating a serious threat to houses both above and below the road.

Officials said efforts are underway to clear the blocked stretch and secure the area, but with continuous rainfall and unstable slopes, the threat of further damage persists. The issue is also being raised in the ongoing state Assembly session. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Monday mourned the death of Special Commando Vikas Bhandari as he made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. He hailed from the Sakri village panchayat in the Baijnath sub-division of Kangra district, according to a press statement.

Commando Vikas Bhandari, who was stationed in the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir, attained martyrdom while serving the nation.

The Chief Minister said that the people of the country and the state were proud of their brave sons who had been making supreme sacrifices for the security and integrity of the nation. Special Commando Vikas Bhandari laid down his life while fulfilling his duty to the country and the nation would remain indebted for his sacrifice.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was proud of its “brave son Shaheed Vikas Bhandari, who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the motherland.” He said that his sacrifice would always be remembered.

They have prayed for the peace of the departed soul and conveyed their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the situation arising from incessant rainfall in Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts.

The CM personally spoke to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts, sought detailed reports on the extent of damage, and directed them to send comprehensive reports to the state government.

Furthermore, he also instructed the district administrations to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and to ensure swift and effective relief measures.

He also directed that the restoration of blocked roads be expedited and that relief operations be intensified. Appealing to the public to stay away from rivers and streams, the Chief Minister urged people to strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administrations from time to time.

Emphasising the safety of the citizens, the CM said that the safety of every citizen was the top priority of the state government and assured that the government stood firmly with the people in this difficult time. (ANI)

Actor Faissal Khan opened up about the alleged torture and injustice that happened to him by his brother Aamir Khan and family.

The actor alleged that he was confined in a nursing home by his family and was under forced medication by the doctors.

While talking to ANI, the actor said that his brother Aamir Khan was brainwashed by his mother Zeenat Hussain and other family members, which led to a series of alleged torture and injustice with him.

“Aamir was brainwashed. He was brainwashed after listening to everything. When it happened in 2007, he was an adult. So he should have understood that people are instigating him. My mother must have brainwashed Aamir. Nikhat Hegde, Santosh Hegde and Imtiaz, all of them together brainwashed Aamir, and it was his fault that he took a step,” said Faissal Khan.

He alleged that Aamir arranged for a doctor to put him under forced medication.

“He brought the police and the doctor because only a powerful person can do all this. So Aamir did wrong with me. So God will give him a reward for that, too. My mother, Nikhat, Santosh Hegde, and Imtiaz — Aamir took a step in the instigation of all these people,” said Faissal Khan.

However, Faissal clarified that he won’t be imposing any compensation on the actor or filing a defamation suit against him for the alleged torture by Aamir Khan.

“We are not going to impose any compensation on him. Nor are we going to punish him. The punishment will be given by God. We will only legally cut ties. Now I have issued a public notice, which is not legal. That is from my side. But we will legally cut these ties. That will be our next step. We will file a writ petition after a month. We will not file a defamation case against him,” Faissal Khan added.

Earlier on Monday, Faissal Khan issued a notice declaring the severing of all familial and estate ties with his family, including his late father Tahir Husain, mother Zeenat Tahir Husain and brother Aamir Khan.

The actor organised a press conference along with his Advocate, Usman Vanjara. The actor shared that his advocate is also a friend of his father, Tahir Hussain.

He added to the claims of Faissal Khan and said that Aamir came under the influence of Santosh Hegde and Nikhat.

“Aamir, though, is an intelligent person, makes good films also, but he came under a deliberate impression and listened to them, especially Santosh Hegde and Nikhat,” said Advocate Usman Vanjara.

As per the notice, the actor stated that he would not reside in Aamir Khan’s residence and would not claim any maintenance from him.

“I, FAISSAL KHAN, have, from the date hereof, severed all ties familial, as well as, in estate with my family members, the names whereof are more particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written,” read a portion of the public notice.

The names mentioned in the notice include Zeenat Tahir Hussain, Aamir Khan, Reena Datta, Junaid Khan, Ira Khan, Farhat Datta, Rajiv Datta, Kiran Rao, Nikhat Hegde, Santosh Hegde, Seher Hegde, Mansoor Khan, Nuzhat Khan, and Imran Khan, among others.

“And I will from the date hereof not reside in the residence of my brother Aamir Khan, and I will also now claim any monthly allowance/maintenance from my brother Aamir Khan,” read the notice issued by Faisal Khan.

The ‘Mela’ actor’s decision was based on the past events, including being subjected to alleged forced medication and his confinement to home against his wishes by family members for their personal interests.

The portion from the notice read, “During the period 2005 to 2007, I was subjected to unwanted forced medication. During the period 2005 to 2006, I was confined to home, akin to house arrest, against my wishes, by some family members for their personal interests.”

He also alleged being forced to give up on his signatory rights by his family members. He also allegedly accused his mother, Zeenat Tahir Hussain, and elder sister, Nikhat Hegde, of making false allegations against him that he was suffering from “paranoid Schizophrenia.” (ANI)

The much-awaited action drama ‘Baaghi 4’ has unveiled its first song, titled ‘Guzaara’ just days after the release of its teaser.

The track features Tiger Shroff and Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, who is making her Bollywood debut with the film.

The song is the Hindi version of the popular Punjabi track ‘Tere Bina Na Guzaara E,’ composed by Josh Brar. The original song was a big hit when it was first released in 2024.

The new rendition shows Shroff and Sandhu enjoying a bike ride through the city, visiting a gurudwara and a church, and sharing romantic moments together.

Take a look:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNfD05FsJGS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Earlier this month, the makers shared the film’s teaser, which introduced Tiger Shroff as Ronny in a darker and more intense role. The teaser shows him as both the hero and the villain of his story, driven by loss and vengeance, with powerful action sequences and emotional undertones.

The film also stars Sanjay Dutt and Sonam Bajwa. Kannada filmmaker A. Harsha makes his Bollywood debut with Baaghi 4.

The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the Nadiadwala Grandson banner and is set to hit theatres on September 5, 2025.

The ‘Baaghi’ franchise started in 2016 with the release of the first film, directed by Sabbir Khan. It was an action-packed thriller inspired by the 2004 Telugu movie ‘Varsham’ and the 2011 Indonesian film ‘The Raid: Redemption.’ The movie featured Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor, and Sudheer Babu in lead roles.

The second instalment, ‘Baaghi 2,’ came out in 2018. Directed by Ahmed Khan, it was a remake of the Telugu movie Kshanam. This film starred Tiger Shroff alongside Disha Patani, Manoj Bajpayee, and Randeep Hooda.

In 2020, ‘Baaghi 3’ was released, again directed by Ahmed Khan. It starred Tiger Shroff, Riteish Deshmukh, and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles. (ANI)

Stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has made history by becoming the first Indian comedian to perform a Hindi-language show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

The comedian, loved across India for his relatable humour and “sakth launda” persona, shared the emotional moment with fans on Instagram.

Calling it a “big day”, Zakir wrote about how overwhelming it felt to perform for “6,000 people with Hindi comedy.” He went on to thank his friends and team for their support on what he described as a “special milestone.”

Among those cheering for him were well-known names. He shared that his friend, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, and actor Kal Penn showed up to support him, something that made the night even more special.

A part of his post read, “I am still processing… Thode din baad theek se bataunga kaisa laga. Abhi ke liye samajh lo ki it was a big day, not just because of the venue or capacity, but because some of my favourite people were in the audience that day.”

“@vikaskhannagroup bhai, who is opening the best restaurants in the world, called @bungalowny in New York. @kalpenn bhai, he left his rehearsal just to support me,” Zakir wrote.

“Anjaan desh, paraye logon ke beech itna pyar karne wale log mil gaye, aur kya hi chahiye. Log bahut door-door se drive kar ke aaye the, bahut se log toh 2-3 ghante ki flight se bhi aaye the. Main yeh sab kabhi bhool nahi paunga. It was big for me, for comedy in India, and for our desi culture here,” he added.

Take a look

Ahead of the show, Zakir’s poster lit up Times Square billboards, and he even appeared on U.S. media outlets, marking how big the moment was for Indian comedy.

His friend, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, also shared an emotional note before the performance. Calling Zakir’s success a “dream come true”, Khanna wrote, “God is kind to people who are kind. And this dream is coming true as the entire world watches our boy create history tonight. Though I never leave Bungalow, today, for the love & respect for this man, I’ll be there in the crowd to cheer for him as he walks on the stage, making way for millions of kids to follow.”

Zakir Khan first rose to fame in 2012 after winning Comedy Central’s “India’s Best Stand-Up” competition. Since then, he has built a massive fan base both in India and abroad. (ANI)

The Supreme Court’s recent verdict on stray dogs has sparked a major debate in the country with several Bollywood celebrities, including Adah Sharma, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor and Raveena Tandon openly speaking out against the decision.

Now, Manoj Bajpayee has also joined in but with a more neutral take on the matter.

Taking to his Instagram Stories on Monday, the ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ actor wrote that “fear” should not be the reason to decide a dog’s fate. Bajpayee said that while “these animals didn’t choose the streets and deserve compassion,” people also “deserve to feel safe,” adding that the only way forward should be through “empathy.”

“These animals didn’t choose the streets and deserve compassion. People deserve to feel safe, too, and the way forward should be empathy. Fear should not decide their fate,” Bajpayee wrote on Instagram.

The court, in its August 11 order, directed authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad to ensure that localities are free of stray dogs. It also ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets.

This soon led to protests by animal lovers and rights groups in several parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, urging the court to rethink its order.

After the backlash, a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria reserved its order on petitions seeking a stay on the directive. The bench said it would pass an interim order after hearing arguments from all sides.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government, said there was a “loud vocal minority” opposing the order, while a “silent suffering majority” supported action. “In a democracy, there is a vocal majority and one who silently suffers. We had seen videos of people eating chicken, eggs, etc., and then claiming to be animal lovers. It was an issue to be resolved. Children were dying… Sterilisation did not stop rabies; even if you immunised them, that did not stop mutilation of children,” Mehta submitted.

Citing World Health Organisation data, the Solicitor General said 37 lakh dog bites were reported in 2024, with 305 rabies deaths, most among children under 15 years of age. “Dogs do not have to be killed… they have to be separated. Parents cannot send children out to play. Nobody is an animal hater,” he added. (ANI)

Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi on Monday lambasted the Election Commission of India (ECI) for “evading” accountability and questions being raised by the opposition regarding the “hurried” conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Alleging that the EC was operating under officials who remain “biased,” Gogoi pointed out that the constitutional body didn’t take different political parties into confidence before conducting the SIR drive in Bihar and remained silent on doubts related to the addition of 70 lakh voters within months after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra concluded.

“When the elections to the Bihar assembly are merely months away, why did the Election Commission not take different political parties into confidence before carrying out SIR? EC was silent on this question. They were also silent on how 70 lakh new voters were added between the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. It is clear that EC is under such officials who are not unbiased,” Gogoi said while addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club of India.

Highlighting the importance of the right to vote to keep democracy alive, the Congress leader said that the Election Commission, which is the guardian of this suffrage, was unable to answer questions about the alleged discrepancies in elections and electoral rolls revision.

“The right to vote is the most important right mentioned in the constitution, which keeps our democracy alive. The guardian of this right to vote is the Election Commission of India, which is a constitutional body. However, the EC is unable to answer questions being raised by various political parties across the country. The EC is trying to run away from its accountability,” Gogoi said.

He further alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar held a press conference only to attack the opposition parties, raising questions instead of explaining the hurried conduct of the SIR drive in Bihar.

“The Supreme Court’s observation regarding the SIR drive in Bihar rejects all crucial arguments of the EC. Despite this, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) held a presser only to attack political parties instead of explaining the hurried conduct of the SIR exercise,” Gogoi added.

His remarks come after CEC Kumar on Sunday refuted all the recent “vote theft” claims made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He termed allegations of bias by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha an “insult” to the Indian Constitution.

The CEC also asked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks. “An affidavit will have to be given, or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless.”

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi hit back at the CEC Kumar, alleging that the ECI is asking for an affidavit from him but doesn’t from BJP MP Anurag Thakur when he makes the same allegations.

“The Election Commission asks for an affidavit from me. But when Anurag Thakur says the same thing that I am saying, it does not ask for an affidavit from him,” Gandhi said. (ANI)

A six-month-old girl was strangled to death in Jalandhar district of Punjab by her maternal grandparents, said Sarabjit Singh Rai, SPD, Jalandhar Rural.

According to the police, the infant’s mother had run away with her lover after getting married for the third time. Before running away, she had left the baby at her maternal home. There, the girl would cry without her mother, which the maternal grandparents were unable to handle.

Due to this, they strangled the girl and threw the body in a culvert at the highway. When the police took both the accused into custody and interrogated them, the incident was revealed. The dead body was also recovered on their information.

Jalandhar Rural SPD Sarabjit Rai said that the maternal grandparents have been arrested and a case of murder has been registered against them.

Meanwhile, given a prevailing menace in Punjab, continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 168th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 301 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 38 drug smugglers after registration of 28 first information reports (FIRs) across the state.

With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 25,909 in 168 days, said an official release. The raids have resulted in the recovery of 620 grams of heroin and 1612 intoxicant tablets/capsules from the possession of arrested drug smugglers. The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs. (ANI)