Month: August 2025

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Saturday, credited the “political will” of the Central government for the success of Operation Sindoor that allowed the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) to conduct the operations without any constraints.

Addressing an event at HAL Management Academy in Bengaluru, the Indian Air Force Chief emphasised that there were “no restrictions” on armed forces and any constraints that the armed forces exercised were self-made.

“A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There was very clear political will and very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us… If there were any constraints, they were self-made. The forces decided what the rules of engagement would be. We decided how we wanted to control the escalation. We had full freedom to plan and execute,” Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said.

He further spoke about how the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) organised all three armed forces- the Army, Navy and Air Force-to coordinate with each other.

“There was a synchronisation between the three forces… The post of CDS made a real difference. He was there to get us together. NSA also played a big role in getting all the agencies,” he said.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had questioned the Indian government’s “political will” during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in Parliament.

“You told the Pakistanis exactly what you would do. You told them we would not hit military targets, you told them we do not want escalation… It means you have directly told Pakistan that you do not have the political will to fight. This is said by the Defence Minister. It means the government of India informed the Pakistani government that we have no political will, we don’t want to fight. Surrender, immediate surrender in 30 minutes,” the Congress MP said.

Referring to the remarks of Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan and Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attache, Indonesia, Rahul Gandhi had also alleged that India lost its fighter jets because armed forces were “constrained by political leadership.”

The LoP stated, “Second thing he (Defence Minister) said – He told the Pakistanis that we are not going to hit any of your military infrastructure. This is an interesting fact. I said freedom of manoeuvre, meaning freedom to the air force. Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attache, Indonesia, says – I may not agree with him that India lost so many aircrafts, but I do agree we did lose some aircrafts, that happened only because of the constraints given by the political leadership to not attack the military establishments and their air defence.”

“It means – You went into Pakistan and told our pilots not to attack their air defence systems. It means you told your pilots to go and attack Pakistan and face their air defence system. It means you tied their hands behind their back. The point is, aircraft were lost. It means you started and said you do not have the political will and you won’t attack military establishments, and then asked the pilots to fight. Everybody knows the result; you do not want to give answers, but everybody knows the result…” Gandhi said.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases, including Nur Khan air base in Pakistan. (ANI)

After the devastating flash-floods that hit Dharali and Harsil, 816 civilians have been rescued by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF till Saturday, according to a release.

The road access has also been opened till Limchigad, and the work on a 90-ft Bailey Bridge is in progress.

According to the release, today’s rescue air plan includes deployment of two Mi-17 and one Chinook from Dharasu for stores and personnel induction, with eight civil helicopters from Matli continuing civilian evacuation.

Under ‘Operation Dharali,’ the Indian Army has been victorious in its efforts to restore mobile and internet connectivity in Uttarakhand’s Harsil.

The Army managed to repair an optical fibre cable, meant for Army communication, which was damaged by flash floods.

Army signalers carried out the repair work amidst ongoing rescue-operation” rescue operations in Dharali, ensuring communication links for the area.

Indian Army canine teams have also been deployed to assist in search tasks in coordination with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Zevar radar, and reconnaissance radars as part of the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

The canine teams have been actively engaged in search operations for the past three days, significantly contributing to locating individuals and supporting overall rescue efforts in the challenging terrain.

A large number of supplies, rations and essential materials have been sent to the flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, an official said earlier today.

At least five people have been reported dead, and 50 are still missing. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been actively involved in the rescue operations, utilising state-of-the-art equipment, including a victim-locating camera and a thermal imaging camera. (ANI)

Bollywood actors Janhvi Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra walked the ramp as showstoppers for the ace fashion designer Gaurav Gupta’s Bridal Couture Show, ‘Quantum Entanglement’ in Mumbai on Friday.

Janhvi and Sidharth walked the ramp in matching white looks. The actress wore an embroidered lehenga with an elegant flowing dupatta, adding sophistication to her overall bridal look.

The ‘Param Sundari’ actress wore a necklace to complement the off-shoulder choli to complete her bridal look for the ramp.

Her hair was styled neatly in a bun, and the subtle makeup let the elaborate lehenga be the focal point.

As for Sidharth Malhotra, the actor was seen in an ethnic attire that complemented Janhvi’s white bridal lehenga. He wore a cream embroidered sherwani for the event. A simple white dupatta draped elegantly around his elbow and shoulder added a touch of sophistication to the regal yet simple look.

He was joined by Janhvi Kapoor on the ramp.

The make-up artist Bianca Louzado shared the video of the event from her Instagram handle on Friday.

Gaurav Gupta’s debut bridal couture show was a star-studded affair in Mumbai.

The fashion gala was attended by who’s who of the Indian film industry. From Dulquer Salmaan to Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia, Malaika Arora and Disha Patani, many film stars gathered together under one roof to cheer for Gaurav Gupta.

Take a look at the pictures.

Actor Vijay Varma looked dapper in this black suit.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh served looks in this gorgeous shimmer dress.

Dulquer Salmaan happily posed for shutterbugs with his wife Amal.

Malaika Arora attended the event in Gaurav Gupta’s stunning ensemble.

Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia opted for black and white attire.

This time, Gaurav Gupta did not showcase his collection at India Couture Week 2025, and instead, on Friday night, he held a stand-alone show in Mumbai.

Gaurav Gupta has been in the industry for a long time. He is known for pioneering the fusion of fantasy, mythology, and traditional Indian wear with contemporary designs.

He co-founded his design label in 2005 and has since gained prominence for his work showcased on international stages, including Paris Haute Couture Week.

His ensembles have been worn by many international stars such as Beyonce and Mindy Kaling. (ANI)

US Senator Lindsey Graham on Friday (local time) urged India to use its influence with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, calling it one of the most significant steps to improve India-US relations.

“As I have been telling my friends in India, one of the most consequential things they could do to improve India-U.S. relations is to help President Trump end this bloodbath in Ukraine,” Graham said in a post on X.

He noted that “India is the second largest purchaser of Putin’s cheap oil — the proceeds of which fuel his war machine.”

“I hope Prime Minister Modi emphasized to Putin in their recent phone call the need to end this war in Ukraine justly, honorably and forever,” he added.

“I have always believed India has influence in this matter and I am hoping they will use it wisely,” Graham said.

The remarks came on the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had a “very good and detailed” conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,” he said in a post on X.

“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” he added.

“I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year,” the Prime Minister said.

The development comes amid US President Donald Trump’s call for imposing 100 per cent “secondary tariffs” on Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to end the conflict in Ukraine within 50 days, with Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal warning countries, including India, of economic sanctions if they continue business with Russia.

South Carolina Republican Senator Graham and Democratic Senator Bluementhal are leading 85 cosponsors on a bipartisan bill they introduced in Congress earlier this year calling for implementing sanctions on Moscow, which they say could be a “sledgehammer” President Trump needs to end the conflict.

“We’ll continue to push for Senator Graham & my Russia Sanctions bill with even tougher penalties to deter India, China, Brazil & others from fueling Putin’s war machine. Congressional action sends a powerful message of support,” Richard Bluementhal said in a post on his social media handle X.

As per a joint statement by Graham and Blumenthal, China, India, and Brazil and other nations “that prop up Putin’s war machine” by purchasing “cheap Russian oil and gas”, which that claim is fuelling Putin’s effort in the conflict with Russia. It called for the imposition of tariffs as high as 500 per cent on any country that helps Russia. (ANI)

Indian Air Force continued its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation on Friday in Uttarakhand after the devastating floods hit Dharali and Harsili.

The X post by the Indian Air Force read, “Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH helicopters of #IAF rescued 123 civilians, inducted NDRF teams, and delivered over 4 tons of critical supplies. A special telecom unit was airlifted, swiftly restoring vital communication links to the cut-off region. IAF assets remain ready for sustained operations.”

Three days after the devastating floods hit Dharali and Harsil, a total of 566 people were evacuated by Friday noon from the affected areas, while personnel still carried out rescue operations for 300 people who were stranded. At least five people have been reported dead, and 50 are still missing.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been actively involved in the rescue operations, utilising state-of-the-art equipment, including a victim locating camera and thermal imaging camera. Dog squads have been deployed alongside rescue personnel to search for stranded individuals.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with rescue agencies, and ensuring that the state’s development agenda remains on track. He has also chaired a Cabinet meeting in the disaster-affected area, demonstrating his commitment to the region’s development despite the crisis.

As per a statement, the CM is also ensuring no hindrance in the development of the state. Camp offices have been set up to ensure the development works are sped up. A high-level review meeting was also held with the G ITBP, DG NDRF and DGP Uttarakhand Police. In this, the progress of the rescue operation, ground challenges and strengthening mutual coordination were discussed in detail.

The CM sent instructions to ensure quick access to all affected areas, early rescue of stranded people and adequate deployment of relief teams in the inaccessible areas. Special emphasis was also laid on quick restoration of communication, electricity and road connectivity and uninterrupted supply of relief material.

The Chief Minister gave clear instructions that there should be no delay in reaching assistance to any affected person, and the administrative machinery should work with full sensitivity.

Additionally, the mobile network was also restored in the disaster-hit Harsil valley. The landslides have also disrupted the Char Dham Yatra. Nepal has initiated diplomatic efforts to search for 17 Nepalese workers who went missing in the floods.

The Nepalese Prime Minister has condoled the incident and requested assistance from the Indian government. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while on his way back from Turkmenistan, took to social media platform Facebook and condoled the incident.

“I am deeply concerned by the tragic news of the huge loss of life and property due to floods in Uttarakhand, a neighbouring and friendly country in India. It has been reported that more than 17 Nepali citizens have also been affected by the floods. Immediate diplomatic discussions were held through the embassy for their rescue. I pay my respects to all those who lost their lives in the floods and landslides and wish the bereaved families the strength to bear the loss,” Oli wrote on Facebook.

Amongst those missing 17 are from Jajrkot district, and four others from Bardiya district, local officials have confirmed.

According to officials, their whereabouts have been unknown since Tuesday afternoon, following a devastating flood in the Dharali area of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India.

“The missing locals have not been contacted since the flood, and their families are deeply worried. We also have requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in search and rescue operations,” Hari Chandra Basnet, Chairperson at Kushe Rural Municipality in Jajarkot District told ANI over a phone call.

Additionally, President of Uttarakhand Finance Service Officers Association, Jaipal Singh Tomar has informed that all Finance Service officers of the state would voluntarily donate one day’s salary to the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF).

The decision reflects human sensitivity and social responsibility towards the disaster victims by the association. The situation remains critical, with the authorities working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, with a focus on restoring communication, electricity, and road connectivity in the affected areas. (ANI)

Six people lost their lives on Thursday night after their vehicle rolled down a gorge, at least 500 metres, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.

Chamba Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav confirmed the fatalities, stating, “We received information that there were about six people in the car. All of them died on the spot. Police reached the spot immediately after getting the information. We retrieved all bodies with the help of locals and Home Guard jawans. Postmortem of all bodies have been done.”

SP Yadav added that further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had also mourned the deaths of six persons in a road accident in Chanwas area of Tissa Sub Division in Chamba district on Thursday night.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.

In a post on X, CM Sukhu said, “The news of the death of 6 people in a car accident in Chanwas, Tissa, Chamba district, is extremely sad and painful. I extend my condolences to the grieving families. I pray to God to grant peace to the souls of the departed and provide strength and courage to the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow.”

Earlier, CM Sukhu expressed grief over the death of three persons in a car accident in the Chirgaon area of Shimla district on Wednesday. One person has sustained injuries in the accident, a release said

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. CM Sukhu termed the incident extremely “sad” and “painful”. (ANI)

On the free bus travel for women in Haryana on Raksha Bandhan festival, General Manager of State Transport Rahul Jain on Friday said that the special arrangements have been made at the three bus stands, and officers have been assigned to ensure smooth operations.

“In preparation for the Raksha Bandhan festival, special arrangements have been made at three bus stands. Officers have been assigned booth-wise to ensure smooth operations. From 12 PM on August 8 to midnight on August 9, all women and children up to age 15 travelling with them will be allowed free travel,” said General Manager of State Transport, Rahul Jain.

The scheme will apply to all state-run services, including kilometre scheme buses, mini buses, and ordinary buses. “Yes, it will include kilometres buses, our mini buses, and ordinary buses, all buses,” Jain confirmed.

A total of 159 buses will operate on all routes during this period. “Almost 159 buses will run on all routes,” he stated.

Jain also provided updates on the GPS tracking system for buses. “50 per cent of our depot work has been completed; we will complete the rest,” he said, adding that the system will be implemented on all buses. “GPS system will be implemented on all buses; GPS system has already been installed on the kilometres scheme,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday also announced a free travel facility for women in the buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Cooperation on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, as per an official statement.

The CM also extended greetings on Raksha Bandhan, stating that the festival symbolises mutual affection and trust, and is associated with rich cultural traditions and historical significance. Dhami also highlighted the state’s continuous efforts on women’s empowerment.

“The dream of a prosperous Uttarakhand cannot be fulfilled without empowering women. We expect the people of the state to cooperate in the creation of an ideal society for the empowerment of women and their progress,” the CM said.

Meanwhile, in a heart-touching incident that took place during the CM’s visit to Dharali, a tourist from Gujarat who had been trapped due to the flash floods and landslides tore a piece of her dupatta and tied it to the CM. Dhangauri Baraulia, a resident of Ishanpur in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, had come to Uttarakhand with her family for Gangotri Darshan. Due to the terrible disaster on August 5, she got stuck with her family in Dharali.

The situation had become extremely challenging due to the blockage of the road, continuous debris, and strong currents.

The Chief Minister himself has been monitoring the relief operations by being present in the area continuously for three days. Due to the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, Mrs. Baraulia and her family were evacuated safely.

The Chief Minister also humbly accepted this emotional moment and said that the state government stands with every affected citizen in this hour of disaster and every possible help will be provided. He said that the state government is working with full commitment for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

This scene of human sensitivities in a remote area like Dharali became an example of hope, faith and social solidarity amidst the disaster. (ANI)

Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday. Areas including Vasant Kunj, R.K. Puram, Connaught Place, and Minto Bridge are experiencing intense showers. Waterlogging was reported at Panchkuian Marg due to continuous rainfall in the National Capital since early morning.

Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing traffic to a standstill near AIIMS. Slow vehicular movement and congestion are seen near the Barapullah bridge following heavy rainfall in the national capital. Many areas in Delhi are waterlogged after the torrential downpour.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Saturday’s forecast predicts a “thunderstorm with rain.” The maximum temperature is expected to be 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature is expected to be 27 degrees Celsius. As per IMD, Delhi will experience rain with thunderstorms till August 12.

Meanwhile, IMD has issued a fresh warning of continued rainfall activity in Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rain expected in many parts of the state over the next few days. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for three districts on August 11 and 12 and a Yellow Alert for the remaining districts.

The monsoon season has taken a deadly toll on the state. Since June 20, a total of 202 deaths have been recorded due to monsoon-related incidents. Of these, 108 people lost their lives due to rain, floods, and landslides, while 94 deaths occurred in road accidents, as per the latest official data.

The IMD also reported that rainfall in Himachal Pradesh during August so far is 35 per cent above normal, with districts like Solan, Kullu, Kinnaur, Bilaspur, and Una recording almost double the average rainfall.

From June 1 to August 8, the state has received 13 per cent more rainfall than the seasonal average. The highest rainfall has been recorded in Shimla district, followed by Mandi, where rainfall is about 65 per cent above normal. Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, and Kangra districts have also recorded 40 per cent more rainfall than usual. Despite the wet conditions, no major flood warnings have been issued yet, as rainfall remains light in many regions at present. (ANI)

The UAE today carried out its 66th humanitarian airdrop over the Gaza Strip as part of its “Birds of Goodness” initiative under the wider Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.

The airdrop was conducted in collaboration with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and with the participation of Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.

The participating aircraft delivered new food supplies and critical humanitarian aid targeted specifically at hard-to-reach areas inaccessible by land routes. The effort aims to provide urgent relief to displaced and affected families across the Gaza Strip.

With this latest operation, the total volume of airdropped aid has surpassed 3,873 tonnes, underscoring the UAE’s steadfast commitment to standing by the Palestinian people and supporting broader international humanitarian efforts.

The UAE reaffirmed its continued coordination with regional and international partners to ensure rapid and effective delivery of aid, aligned with the urgent needs of Gaza’s population amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. (ANIWAM)

Actor Kunal Kemmu is currently working on his musical skills.

After giving the audience a sneak peek into his musical talent with ‘Hum Yahin’ in his directorial ‘Madgaon Express’, Kunal has now released his new single titled ‘Loche’.

Written and performed by Kunal himself, Loche offers a refreshingly candid and humorous reflection on the unpredictability of young adulthood. Drawing from personal experiences, the song captures the many unexpected twists, delays, and everyday struggles.

Kunal described ‘Loche’ as a “piece of my life”.

“I think a lot of others will see theirs in it too. It’s about those little everyday things that throw us off course but also make life interesting. I didn’t want to paint a perfect picture — I wanted to sing about the mess, the madness, and the fun in not having it all figured out,” he shared.

“Loche came from a very real place in my life — those random, frustrating, funny moments when nothing goes as planned. As someone who’s always told stories on screen, writing this song was a new kind of expression for me. It’s the first time I’ve translated those everyday struggles and inner chaos into music. I didn’t want it to sound overly polished or profound — I just wanted it to feel honest. Loche is a nod to every young person trying to stay on track while life throws them curveballs. If it makes someone smile, laugh, or feel a little less alone in their mess, I think I’ve done what I set out to do.” Kunal added.

Kunal has even launched a dedicated YouTube channel for his musical projects.

“Hi Guys!! So I did it. Went into the studio recorded some tracks that I had Been writing and composing for a few years now. And now it’s time to start putting them out into the world and bringing them to you. And for that I have started my own YouTube channel specific to just my music and musical journey,” Kunal posted on Instagram.

Kunal is also all set to direct his second project soon.

In a previous interview with ANI, he shared that he will be directing a movie for which the shoot will start by the end of 2025. (ANI)