Month: August 2025

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan extended a musical tribute on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Salman shared a clip from his 2020 song ‘Pyaar Karona,’ extending Independence Day wishes to everyone.

In the visuals, the actor could be seen crooning the lyrics of the song in a soulful manner, with his facial expressions on point. “Happy Independence Day,” he wrote in the caption.

The video concludes with Salman’s final greetings for fans and a glimpse of the tiranga.

The song was originally released in April 2020, when the actor presented the particular anthem to motivate everyone in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Salman also wrote the lyrics of the song alongside Hussain Dalal. It was composed by Sajid Wajid and directed by Abhiraj Minawala.

Meanwhile, many other Bollywood celebrities have also extended heartwarming wishes on Independence Day 2025. From Akshay Kumar’s tribute to the “heroes” who keep beaches clean to Suniel Shetty’s strong message for the Armed Forces, social media has been abuzz with greetings and homages.

Others to share the messages were Hema Malini, Rajkummar Rao, Vikrant Massey, Arjun Rampal, Sara Ali Khan, and Ram Charan, among others.

On the work front for Salman Khan, the actor was last seen in A.R. Murugadoss’s ‘Sikandar.’ The film also starred Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Sathyaraj, Sanjay Kapoor, and Jatin Sarna.

He is now gearing up to don the Indian Army uniform for his next, Apoorva Lakhia’s war drama, ‘Battle of Galwan.’ The film is based on the Galwan valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020, where twenty Indian soldiers died, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties.

In July, Salman shared his first look from the film, with a powerful motion poster.

Further details about the projects are yet to be revealed. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that around 60 bodies have been found after a devastating flash flood hit Chashoti village in Kishtwar district on Thursday and the number of missing persons is still being ascertained.

He said rescue and relief operations were in full swing, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and local administration working on the ground.

“Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground,” Omar Abdullah told reporters.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him and assured all possible help.

BJP leader Sunil Kumar Sharma, who is Leader of Opposition, highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead.

“Our biggest challenge is to clear the debris and find those washed away and missing. Eyewitnesses said around 300 people were at the langar (community kitchens) when the devastation struck,” Sharma said.

He said rescue teams will attempt to clear the debris and search for trapped individuals on Saturday.

“Essential commodities, water, and electricity have been restored in affected areas, and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been personally monitoring the situation, taking updates from him twice in the day,” he added.

Indian Army, in close synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Civil Administration and State Disaster Response Force, launched an extensive Search and Rescue Operation following a devastating cloudburst in Chashoti village.

The incident occurred at about 12:45 am along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, causing flash floods and widespread destruction in the area, which resulted in casualties of yatris and locals. (ANI)

Veteran actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar is feeling nostalgic as ‘Sholay’ has completed 50 years of release. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film is one of the most iconic deliveries from Bollywood, widely celebrated for its unforgettable story, characters, and the famous dialogues and songs.

Sachin Pilgaonkar, who played the character of Ahmed in ‘Sholay,’ took to his Instagram handle and shared a string of old pictures with the film’s cast and team members, capturing some precious moments.

He also shared a few glimpses from the film, with one of them showing a sequence between Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh and Pilgaonkar.

The actor shared a video, showing a ‘Sholay’ coin, which he received as a souvenir on the film’s 50-year anniversary. Pilgaonkar opened up about his emotions attached to the film, calling himself “very lucky” for being a part of it.

In his caption, he wrote, “50 years of Sholay. Sholay is an emotion. A celebration. I’ll always be grateful to Ramesh Sippy Ji, who I considered one of my Gurus, for making me a part of this magnum opus and for giving me the opportunity to learn so much even behind the scenes.”

Fans instantly reacted to the post, congratulating the actor on the milestone. His daughter, actor Shriya Pilgaonkar, also commented on the post. “So handsome papa. And how iconic!” the ‘Mandala Murders’ star wrote.

Directed by Sippy, ‘Sholay’ was originally released on August 15, 1975. It featured an ensemble of legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan, among others.

The film’s story is set in the Ramgarh village, terrorised by the notorious Gabbar Singh. In order to defeat the bandit gang, retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh takes help from two friends, Jai and Veeru.

Even after five decades of its release, ‘Sholay’ continues to resonate with audiences across the country. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that territorial swaps between Ukraine and Russia will be discussed in his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, but emphasised that Ukraine will have the final say in any such decisions.

Trump made this statement while en route to Alaska, where the high-stakes summit is expected to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump reiterated that he is not negotiating on behalf of Ukraine, but rather aiming to bring the parties to the negotiating table.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Friday summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Trump said, “They will be discussed, but I will let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they will make a proper decision. But I am not here to negotiate for Ukraine; I am here to get them to a table. And I think you have two sides. Putin wanted to take all of Ukraine. If I weren’t the President, he would right now be taking all of Ukraine. But he is not going to do it.”

His comments came shortly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Anchorage wearing a white T-shirt with “CCCP,” the Soviet Union’s abbreviation, a move widely seen as a symbolic message about Moscow’s hardline negotiating stance.

Trump also commented on Putin’s delegation, noting the presence of Russian business leaders and also sent a message that the US is not going to do business with Russia until the war is over.

“Putin is a smart guy. I have noticed he is bringing a lot of business people from Russia, and that’s good. I like that because I want to do business. But we are not doing business until the war is over. We have the world’s hottest country, and our economy is also the hottest, having set a new stock market record again. We have hundreds of billions of dollars flowing from tariffs.”

He futher said that Russia is not doing very well economically, so they might come to a decision.

“He [Putin] wants peace with that, because his country is not hot economically, and China is also not doing well economically. I want everybody to do well. The war’s got to stop, and the killings have got to stop,” said Trump.

On Russia’s continued military attacks in Ukraine Trump defended Putin saying that it hurt him., Trump said, “They are trying to negotiate. He is trying to create a mental framework that helps him make a better deal. It hurts him, but in his mind, it helps him make a better deal if they can continue the killings. Maybe it’s his part of the world, maybe it’s just his fabric, his genes, his genetics, but he thinks it gives him strength to negotiate. I think it hurts him, but I will be talking to him about it.”

Trump also warned Putin of “economically severe” consequences if he shows no interest in ending the war in Ukraine. This comes as European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have been pressuring Trump to take a strong stance against Russia.

Trump ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine, suggesting instead that security guarantees could be provided “along with Europe and other countries”.

When asked if the US could offer security guarantees to Ukraine, Trump replied, “Along with Europe and other countries, not in the form of NATO, you know certain things are not going to happen, but yeah, along with Europe, there is a possibility”.

Trump has vowed to “end the Ukraine war quickly,” while Putin is seeking recognition of Russia’s territorial gains and relief from Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refused to surrender territory and hasn’t been invited to the summit.

As per the White House, several officials are travelling with the US President aboard Air Force One. They include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Ambassador Steve Witkoff, amongst others. (ANI)

As India celebrated its 79th Independence Day, Rajinikanth on Friday extended his greetings to his fans, stating that the day marked a milestone for him too, as he completed half a century in his cinematic journey.

Taking to his social media platform X, the ‘Thalaiva’ posted his “heartfelt thanks” to a slew of people ranging from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Edappadi Palaniswami, and BJP State President Nainar Nagendran and BJP leader K Annamalai, among others.

The actor also expressed his sincere thanks to his friends and superstars from the cinema industry, which includes Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Vairamuthu, Ilaiyaraaja among others. He also expressed his gratitude to his fans for their love.

The veteran actor’s latest film ‘Coolie’ was released on August 14 to enthusiastic response from cinegoers and film fraternity.

“Warm greetings to everyone on the 79th Independence Day. On the occasion of my 50-year journey in the film industry, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my friend and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, my friend Annamalai, Sasikala Ammaiyar, Dhinakaran, Premalatha Ammaiyar, and many other friends from the political sphere,” Rajnikath posted on X.

“I also sincerely thank my colleagues from the film industry, including Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Vairamuthu, Ilaiyaraaja, and all my friends from the cinema world as well as my beloved fans, the living gods who give me life,” wrote Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth’s latest film ‘Coolie’ was released on August 14. It was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starred Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan in the lead roles along with Rajinikanth.

The music of the movie was composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

On the film’s release day in Chennai’s Egmore, huge crowds gathered outside theatres for the first-day, first-show. The area was filled with posters, banners, and giant cutouts of the superstar.

Fans in Madurai danced to drumbeats, showered flower petals, and celebrated with joy outside cinemas to watch the film.

In Tiruchirappalli, women were seen carrying flowers while men danced to drumbeats to celebrate the release of ‘Thalaiva’s’ much-awaited film.

The excitement was not just limited to Tamil Nadu. In Mumbai, similar scenes were seen as fans gathered outside theatres wearing Coolie-themed t-shirts, dancing, and cheering for the film. Children also joined in the celebrations.

Fans in Hyderabad thronged outside a theatre on Thursday morning, placed posters of their favourites, Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna. (ANI)

Ten people, including two women and eight men, were killed, and 25 were injured after a bus accident in East Burdwan in West Bengal on Friday, said authorities.

Taposh Ghosh, Superintendent, Bardhaman Medical College, told ANI that among the injured, five people have sustained serious injuries.

“Ten people, including two women and eight men, were brought dead, and 25 injured persons have been admitted for medical treatment. Out of the 25 injured, five have suffered serious injuries. The group was coming from Ganga Sagar when their bus met with an accident,” Ghosh said.

More information is awaited. (ANI)

Couple Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have once again found themselves embroiled in a controversy after allegations of Rs 60 crore fraud levelled against them by businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services Ltd.

Speaking with ANI, Shilpa and Raj’s lawyer Prashant Patil denied such allegations.

He said, “All allegations are false. register a five-wicket win,. We have not received a copy of the FIR so far. When we receive a copy, we would get to know the exact allegations. On that basis we will adopt the next legal remedy. But this transaction is quite old, 7-8 years old. If someone feels that they have been wronged, cheated, they would not wait 8-10 years to complain. There is documentary evidence for everything…If someone has any objection, they can approach EoW…We too will present our truth before investigating agencies. Truth will be out…”

Kothari alleged that the couple took the money under the pretext of expanding their business but used it for personal expenses instead.

According to Kothari, in 2015, Shetty and Kundra approached him through a mediator seeking a Rs 75 crore loan for their company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, which promoted lifestyle products and ran an online shopping platform. The proposed interest rate was 12 per cent.

Later, they reportedly asked him to provide the funds as an “investment” instead of a loan, assuring him of monthly returns and repayment of principal.

Kothari claimed he transferred Rs 31.95 crore in April 2015 under a share subscription agreement, and another Rs 28.53 crore in September 2015 under a supplementary agreement. The total amount was credited to Best Deal TV’s bank accounts.

Repeated attempts to recover the funds allegedly failed, and Kothari accused the couple of “dishonestly using” the money for personal benefit.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is currently conducting a detailed investigation into the financial transactions, agreements, and the alleged misappropriation of funds. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, invoked the 1975 Emergency, terming it a “sin of murdering the Constitution” and urging citizens to stay steadfast in defending democratic values.

Addressing the nation, PM Modi said,”50 years ago, India’s Constitution was strangled and backstabbed; the country was turned into a jail. An emergency was imposed. It has been 50 years of the Emergency. No generation in the country should forget this sin of murdering the Constitution. They should not forget the sinners who murdered the Constitution. We should go ahead by further strengthening our dedication to the Constitution of India. That is our inspiration.”

The remarks come as the country marks half a century since the Emergency was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975. PM Modi, who had earlier in June described the anniversary as a “prime example of their shenanigans,” reiterated that the 21-month period represented one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.

Terming it one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history, Prime Minister Modi said the imposition of the Emergency by the Congress had not only violated the spirit of the Constitution but had also placed “democracy under arrest”.

Taking to the social media website X, PM Modi, in a series of posts, said, “No Indian would ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament was muzzled, and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment was a prime example of their shenanigans. The poor, marginalised, and downtrodden were particularly targeted, and their dignity was insulted.”

Fifty years ago, between 25 June 1975 and 21 March 1977, Indira Gandhi’s government unleashed a wave of repression, imprisoning lakhs of people without justification and muzzling the media. The Emergency stripped citizens of their fundamental rights and undermined the country’s democratic fabric.

On 25 June 1975, then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued the Emergency proclamation under Article 352, citing threats from internal disturbance.

The Emergency was declared against a backdrop of mounting political unrest and judicial developments that shook the legitimacy of the ruling leadership. The decision followed a press note from the government accusing individuals of provoking the police and armed forces to defy orders.

It marked the third Emergency in India’s history, but the first one declared in peacetime. Earlier proclamations were during wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1971).

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day.PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the three services. (ANI)

Delhi Police have lodged four FIRs in connection with protests staged by dog lovers without prior permission at multiple locations in the New Delhi district on August 11 and 12, officials said on Friday.

Police said the demonstrations were held despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), earlier Section 144 of the CrPC, which is currently in force in the district as part of heightened security measures ahead of Independence Day.

According to officials, the protests turned unruly when police personnel attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes at some sites. Several videos of the incidents have since gone viral on social media, drawing public attention.

“Those who refused to leave the protest sites despite repeated requests were detained. Legal action will be taken against all those found violating the law,” said the Delhi police.

One viral clip shows the Station House Officer of Tughlaq Road police station being manhandled by a group of protesters, while another video captures a confrontation between a woman sub-inspector and a female protester inside a bus.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court reserved its order on pleas seeking a stay on its August 11 directive to remove all stray dogs from localities in the Delhi-NCR region and place them in shelter homes.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria stated that it would pass an interim order on the August 11 decision of a different bench.

At the outset, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, remarked that there was a “loud vocal minority” and a “silent suffering majority.”

“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,” the Solicitor General submitted.

On August 11, the apex court had ordered that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad be made free of stray dogs, with no compromise on the matter. It had also made it clear that no captured animal should be released back onto the streets. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a dedicated task force to drive next-generation reforms aimed at achieving the vision of a developed India, or ‘Viksit Bharat,’ by 2047.

“For next-generation reforms, we have decided to set up a task force. This task force will work to achieve targets within a set time frame and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat… This task force will complete the work within the stipulated time frame. The task force has been constituted with reference to making current rules, laws, policies, and practices suitable for the 21st century, aligned with the global environment, and aimed at making India a developed nation by 2047,” he said.

In his address, he also emphasized the importance of self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, urging the youth, scientists, and government departments to focus on developing indigenous technologies.

Highlighting the need for self-sufficiency in defence, PM Modi called upon young scientists, engineers, and professionals to work towards creating “Made in India” jet engines for the country’s fighter jets.

“Today, I urge the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all departments of the Government that we should have our jet engines for our own Made in India fighter jets,” he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day.PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the three services.

The Prime Minister was also received by the ceremonial guard of honour by the National Flag Guard, the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, and Delhi Police, totalling upto 128 people. Wing Commander Arun Nagar led the inter-services guard of honour.

Meanwhile, approximately 5,000 special guests, from different walks of life, witnessed the celebrations at the Red Fort this year, including the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, the winners of international sports events, the Gold Medalists of Khelo India Para Games, and the best-performing farmers trained & financially assisted under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. (ANI)