Month: August 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir region is currently experiencing adverse weather conditions, characterised by heavy rainfall and landslides, which have significantly disrupted daily life for the local population.

In a significant move to ensure student safety, all Government and Private Schools across the Jammu Division will remain closed until August 30, 2025.

The decision comes in light of several alarming reports from various districts highlighting severe conditions affecting school operations. Heads of Institutions have been advised to evaluate the possibility of conducting online classes, specifically for students in Classes 9 to 12, whenever suitable infrastructure and internet connectivity are available.

Earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the flood situation in the region and expressed concern over the damage caused by two days of continuous rainfall, saying the Union Territory narrowly escaped a major crisis.

Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister drew parallels to the devastating floods of 2014, noting that further rainfall could have triggered a disaster of similar scale.

Speaking to ANI, CM Abdullah said, “If it had rained for 1-1.5 more days, we would have faced a lot of difficulties. However, the water has now started receding… But going forward, I will have to hold meetings with the officers myself to understand what we did after 2014. If this is the situation after two days of rain, then God forbid if it had rained for four days, our situation would have been like it was in 2014… We will have to take stock of our shortcomings because we cannot continue to live in fear.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chief Minister held a crucial meeting with Ministers of Council, Advisor to Chief Minister, MLAs of affected areas and senior officers, to assess the situation caused by incessant rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which has triggered flooding in several regions, rising water levels, and damage to life & property, according to official handle of J&K CM office.

He also spoke to PM Modi and briefed him about the situation in the worst-hit areas of Jammu, particularly along the banks of the Tawi River, which had suffered significant damage due to recent events.

The Indian Army’s Rising Star Corps has been working tirelessly round-the-clock to conduct extensive rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected regions of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur. Deploying 20 columns, the Army has successfully rescued over 943 individuals, including 50 children from an orphanage in RS Pura, 56 BSF personnel, and 21 CRPF personnel.

In addition to rescue efforts, the Corps has been instrumental in providing essential supplies and medicines to those stranded, while also restoring critical data connectivity in Jammu to facilitate communication and coordination. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Rising Star Corps, personally engaged with the troops and Army Aviation units, lauding their unwavering dedication and commitment.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains completely shut for the second consecutive day after up and down tubes of the highway in the Samroli area were washed away following heavy rainfall. Restoration work is underway. The water level of the River Jhelum in Srinagar decreased.

This closure particularly affects the Chenani-Udhampur sector, with ongoing work to clear the stretch from Samroli to Chenani.

Manager at Gammon India Pvt Ltd, Rohit Khajuria, on the situation said, “The North Bound and South Bound roads on both sides had collapsed. That is why machinery is deployed here. Filling is being done. It is expected that we will restore the single lane by evening and resume traffic. There have been landslides at many places between Udhampur and Samroli. Shooting stones have fallen in many places. The road from Samroli to Chenani has been cleared. Work is going on in the stretch from Samroli to Udhampur.” (ANI)

The makers of ‘Jatadhara,’ Sonakshi Sinha’s first Telugu film, have unveiled a new poster from the movie.

The poster introduces actress Shilpa Shirodkar, who is best known for her appearance on ‘Bigg Boss Season 18.’

In the poster, Shirodkar is seen in the role of a tantrik. She is dressed in a black saree and sits in front of a fire pit, her mouth wide open with her tongue sticking out. The makers shared the poster on Thursday with the caption: “She isn’t just driven by greed, she defines it. Presenting @shilpashirodkar73 as Shobha.”

The teaser of ‘Jatadhara’ was released earlier this month. The one-minute-12-second clip showed Sudheer Babu as a powerful man “born from sacrifice,” while Sonakshi Sinha appeared in a never-seen-before avatar as a mystical figure “created by greed.” The teaser hinted at a dark supernatural clash between the two.

Jatadhara is directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal. The film also stars Ravi Prakash, Indira Krishna, Naveen Neni, Shreya Sharma, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Rajeev Kanakala.

Shilpa Shirodkar was a popular face in Hindi films during the late 1980s and 1990s. She recently returned to the limelight through ‘Bigg Boss 18’, where she was seen alongside Vivian Dsena, Karan Veer Mehra, Chum Darang, Nyra Banerjee, Muskan Bamne, and Alice Kaushik. (ANI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India.

President Xi pointed out that “China and India are both ancient civilisations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South.”

In a post on social media platform X, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong highlighted that both countries are at a “critical stage in their respective modernisation drive.”

“The development of China-India relations demonstrates that it is the right choice for both sides to become partners for mutual success and realise a cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant, which completely serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples,” the Chinese envoy noted.

Further, the Chinese envoy noted that both sides “should view and handle China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and seek ways for neighbouring major countries to get along in peaceful coexistence, mutual trust and mutual benefit, and common development, and jointly push forward world multipolarization and democracy in international relations.”

“President Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Murmu, taking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity, to promote strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination on major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in China-India border regions, advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development, so as to contribute to world peace and prosperity,” Chinese envoy wrote in his post on X.

Responding to the message, President Droupadi Murmu said, “India and China are two large neighbours who represent a third of humanity. Stable, predictable and amicable bilateral relations will bring major benefits to us both, as indeed to the world.”

“Let us utilise the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to work towards the healthy and stable development of India-China bilateral relations,” the post added. (ANI)

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday heard the habeas corpus petition filed by Ranya’s stepmother, H P Rohini, challenging Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA) Act.

The divisional bench led by Justices Anu Sivaraman and K. Rajesh Rai heard the petition.

The High Court postponed the hearing to September 2 at the request of the lawyers representing the Central Government.

Ranya Rao was granted conditional bail on May 20 by the Economic Offences Court in an alleged connection with a gold smuggling case. Despite the bail, she is in custody under the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) case.

Earlier, on August 11, Ranya Rao’s stepfather, Ramchandra Rao, who was sent on compulsory leave, was reinstated as Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement and his leave was withdrawn.

In a notification, Government of Karnataka stated, “The order of compulsory leave with respect to Dr K Ramachandra Rao, IPS is hereby withdrawn and the officer is posted with immediate effect and until further orders as Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in the upgraded vacant post.”

“The post of Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement is declared equivalent in status and responsibilities to the cadre post of Director General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Special Units & Economic offences, Bengaluru under Rule 12 of IPS (Pay) Rules 2016 as included in Schedule II of the said rule,” Under secretary to government, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms said.

DGP Ramchandra Rao was sent on compulsory leave in March after the actress was arrested in a gold smuggling case. Rao, who is due to retire in May 2026, was sent on compulsory leave in May 2025 after his step-daughter Ranya was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport, allegedly with Rs 12.56 crore worth of unaccounted-for gold bars.

The 34-year-old actress was accused of smuggling gold from Dubai by using special privileges accorded to family members of senior IPS officers.

On March 3, 2025, the DRI had intercepted Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with 14.213 kg of concealed 24-carat foreign-origin gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore.

A search of her residence resulted in the recovery of Rs 2.67 crore in unaccounted Indian currency and gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore.

The ED investigation has revealed that Ranya Rao, in active collusion with Tarun Konduru Raju and others, orchestrated a well-structured operation for smuggling gold into India.

“Gold was procured from suppliers based in Dubai, Uganda, and other jurisdictions, and payments were made through hawala channels in cash, thereby circumventing legal financial systems. False customs declarations were filed in Dubai (Dubai Customs deceleration attached for reference), fraudulently declaring the destination of gold shipments as Switzerland or the USA, while the actual travel of the gold smugglers was to India,” said the ED in a statement.

“Dual sets of travel documents were used– one for the declared export destination and the other for their actual arrival in India, to evade scrutiny and facilitate smuggling through Indian airports,” ED said.

Further, ED investigation has revealed that the smuggled gold was then sold within India in cash to jewellers and other local entities, and the proceeds were subsequently laundered through further hawala remittances abroad to finance repeat consignments for smuggling more gold into India.

“Evidence retrieved from the seized mobile phones and forensic extraction of digital devices has revealed detailed coordination with foreign gold suppliers, hawala operators, and Dubai-based customs agents. Ranya Rao’s involvement in generating, possessing, and circulating proceeds of crime was further corroborated by her digital footprint, which includes invoices, export declarations, foreign remittance records, and recorded chats establishing her active role in the smuggling syndicate,” said the ED. (ANI)

Over his claims of “vote chori” and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday “cautioned” the BJP and Election Commission of India, saying that the people of Bihar are smart and cautious and “will not let them steal even a single vote in the state.” 

Addressing a gathering in Sithamarhi during his Voter Adhikar Yatra, the Congress MP accused the BJP of “stealing votes” from the poor to “suppress” their voice. Extending his support, Gandhi exhorted that INDIA bloc will “never” let them suppress the voices of the poor and underprivileged. 

Rahul Gandhi said, “We know that they are trying to steal the elections in Bihar. That is why we have started the Voter Adhikar Yatra here so that these people and the Election Commissioner can know that the people of Bihar are smart, cautious and will not let the BJP and the Election Commission steal even a single vote in Bihar. Ambedkar ji gave this Constitution to the country; this is not just an ordinary book, it’s a book of ideology and reflection.”

“I want to remind my Dalit brothers that, before independence, they were considered untouchables, but this Constitution gave them rights. The Constitution gave you all the rights. BJP people want to snatch your rights… They are stealing votes from the poor because they want to suppress your voice, and I want to tell you from this stage, they will never be able to suppress your voice. We stand with you…”  he added. 

During this rally, Rahul Gandhi also raised the slogan of “Vote Chor Gaddi Chor.” 

He further said, “You have put all your strength into this journey. Small children are coming, they are saying in my ear that Narendra Modi steals votes. ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chor’…” 

The Lok Sabha LoP announced that his party will provide proof of ‘vote rigging’ of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Haryana assembly elections. 

“In Karnataka, we have shown by giving proof that the BJP has stolen votes. Before that, I never said that the BJP and the Election Commission are stealing votes. So far, I have provided proof only for Karnataka. In the near future, I will provide proof of the Lok Sabha elections and the Haryana elections. We will prove that BJP and RSS win elections by stealing votes…” he said. 

Earlier in the day, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha stated that the ongoing ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, which had begun as a response to outrage over collusion between the Election Commission (EC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had now evolved into a people’s movement. 

The 16-day ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of ‘vote chori’ (vote theft). 

Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. 

Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. 

While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to continue its tenure in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, seeks to oust Nitish Kumar. 

In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. 

The Opposition’s INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 19, the CPI(ML) with 11, the CPI(M) with 2, and the CPI with 2. (ANI) 

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has accused the BJP of carrying out large-scale “vote theft” in Bihar by deleting 65 lakh names from the electoral rolls while simultaneously adding fake voters, alleging that the manipulation amounts to “robbery” of democracy.

The Congress leader warned that the public will not tolerate such practices and said the Congress has taken to the streets in protest.

Speaking to ANI, on the issue of vote theft, Tiwari said, “BJP people need to open their eyes. The public uprising in Bihar is turning into revolution. There has been a two-way theft. On one hand 65 lakh electors have been deleted and on another side around 1000 people are found in one house, it means, you are adding also. They are deleting lakhs of votes and adding lakhs of fake votes. This is no longer theft, it has become robbery, and now the people of the country will not tolerate this robbery. We have taken to the streets to save democracy.”

Earlier today, over his claims of “vote chori” and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi “cautioned” the BJP and Election Commission of India, saying that the people of Bihar are smart and cautious and “will not let them steal even a single vote in the state.”

Addressing a gathering in Sithamarhi during his Voter Adhikar Yatra, the Congress MP accused the BJP of “stealing votes” from the poor to “suppress” their voice. Extending his support, Gandhi exhorted that the INDIA bloc will “never” let them suppress the voices of the poor and underprivileged.

Rahul Gandhi said, “We know that they are trying to steal the elections in Bihar. That is why we have started the Voter Adhikar Yatra here so that these people and the Election Commissioner can know that the people of Bihar are smart, cautious and will not let the BJP and the Election Commission steal even a single vote in Bihar. Ambedkar ji gave this Constitution to the country; this is not just an ordinary book, it’s a book of ideology and reflection.”

“I want to remind my Dalit brothers that, before independence, they were considered untouchables, but this Constitution gave them rights. The Constitution gave you all the rights. BJP people want to snatch your rights… They are stealing votes from the poor because they want to suppress your voice, and I want to tell you from this stage, they will never be able to suppress your voice. We stand with you…” he added.

During this rally, Rahul Gandhi also raised the slogan of “Vote Chor Gaddi Chor.”

The 16-day ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of ‘vote chori’ (vote theft).

Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1.

Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to continue its tenure in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, seeks to oust Nitish Kumar. (ANI)

Late director Guru Dutt’s two iconic films ‘Pyaasa’ and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ are currently being screened in a 4K-restored version at PVR theatres across India after being re-released two weeks ago.

Following the overwhelming success of the re-release of 4K-restored Guru Dutt classics ‘Baaz’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Mr. & Mrs. 55’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Aar Paar’, and ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’, as part of his centenary celebrations two weeks ago, Ultra Media & Entertainment is continuing to screen two of his most iconic titles, ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, in PVR theatres across India due to high audience demand.

Both films, restored in 4K by NFDC-NFAI, drew exceptional response during their special centenary showcase, reaffirming the lasting relevance of Guru Dutt’s artistry and the golden era of Indian cinema.

Their extended theatrical run ensures that more audiences across India can witness these masterpieces in their cinematic glory.

Commenting on the continued screenings, Sushil kumar Agrawal, MD & CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment, said, “The centenary celebrations demonstrated just how timeless Guru Dutt’s films remain. The demand to keep Pyaasa and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam in theatres highlights their emotional and cultural resonance across generations. Experiencing these classics in pristine 4K on the big screen is the finest way to honour his cinematic genius.”

Widely regarded as two of the greatest works of Indian cinema, ‘Pyaasa’ is a lyrical reflection on love, art, and disillusionment in post-independence India. It was written, directed and produced by Guru Dutt.

Apart from Guru Dutt, the film also starred Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles.

As for ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, the film is renowned for its unforgettable performances, led by Meena Kumari. It remains a haunting exploration of decline, loneliness, and longing.

Both films are regularly featured among the finest cinematic works globally, as per the press note. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday suggested that India should impose a 100% tariff on American goods in response to the US’s 50% tariff on Indian goods.

“If US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff, we should impose a 100% tariff on America,” Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference.

Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of succumbing to pressure from US President Donald Trump, saying, “Trump is a coward. Trump has bowed before countries that have stood firmly against him. I don’t know what compulsions PM Modi has that he is not saying anything.” He emphasised that India should take a tougher stance against the US.

Kejriwal also criticised the Centre’s decision to remove the 11% import duty on American cotton, calling it a betrayal of Indian farmers. The duty removal, effective from August 19 to September 30, makes American cotton roughly Rs 15-20 per kg cheaper than Indian cotton, potentially harming domestic farmers.

“We demand from PM Modi that this order of withdrawing 11% import duty on cotton should be withdrawn with immediate effect and the 11% import duty should be imposed again on cotton coming from America and farmers of our country should be saved,” Kejriwal said.

The Ministry of Finance has removed the import duty on cotton till September 30, benefiting the textile industry and cotton imports.

The move is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of cotton for the domestic textile industry, according to a Ministry of Finance press release. It also stated that further notifications will follow.

The release noted, “To augment availability of cotton for the Indian textile sector, the Central Government had temporarily exempted the import duty on cotton from 19th August 2025 till 30th September 2025. In order to support exporters further, the Central Government has decided to extend the import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) from 30th September 2025 till 31st December 2025.”

Kejriwal also criticised the Union Government, alleging that it has betrayed Indian cotton farmers under pressure from US President Donald Trump.

The AAP leader alleged that the Union Government has decided to remove the 11 per cent duty on the cotton due to US pressure. The decision could devastate Indian farmers, particularly during the peak cotton season, as they may be forced to sell their produce at lower prices.

“In the last few days, Prime Minister Modi Ji has taken some decisions behind the back which are a betrayal of the farmers of the country. Currently, 90 to 95 per cent of the farmers are unaware of what has happened. When these decisions come out, the farmers will have no choice but to commit suicide. Recently, Modi Ji has taken this decision under the pressure of Trump and America that till now 11 percent duty was imposed on the cotton which came from America, due to this, the cotton which came to India and which was grown by the farmers of India in India was cheaper than the cotton of America and the cotton of the farmers of India was sold in the markets of India,” Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference.

Kejriwal demanded the immediate reinstatement of the 11% import duty on American cotton to protect Indian farmers.

“We demand from PM Modi that this order of withdrawing 11% import duty on cotton should be withdrawn with immediate effect and the 11% import duty should be imposed again on cotton coming from America and farmers of our country should be saved,” he said.

The government had earlier given temporary relief to the sector by exempting import duty on cotton between August 19, 2025 and September 30, 2025. Now, the exemption has been extended by another three months to support exporters and the textile sector.

“Recently, the Modi government has decided that the 11 per cent duty which was imposed on cotton coming from America has been removed. Now, no duty will be imposed on the cotton coming from America. This duty has been waived for 40 days, from August 19 to September 30. Now, the cotton that will come or will start coming from America is roughly 15 to 20 kg cheaper than the cotton of the farmers of the entire country. Where will the farmers of India go and how will they sell their cotton?” added Kejriwal. (ANI)

The three-member panel, appointed to investigate the Sambhal violence case, submitted its report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, according to the state Information Department.

The 450-page report consists of details about the November 2024 Sambhal violence and also touches on the previous riots which took place in the city.

The report also mentions key details about the demographic changes in Sambhal, where, at one point, the Hindu community members comprised 45 per cent, but their number has since decreased to 20 per cent.

According to the report, during independence, 55% of the population was Muslim and 45% Hindu in the Sambhal Nagar Palika area; however, at the present time, the Hindu population has decreased to 15%, whereas the Muslim community has increased to 85%.

A total of 15 riots took place in Sambhal since independence.

On 24 November 2024, violence erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The violence had resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. As local Muslims gathered outside the mosque and tensions escalated, police resorted to force and opened fire on the protesters, killing at least four men and several injured, including officials and locals.

The violence resulted in 12 FIRs and 80 arrests for allegedly pelting stones at police from rooftops. According to the charge sheet, there were 159 total accused in the case. It also mentioned that the weapons recovered from the site of violence and other places were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, and Germany. The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) had filed a chargesheet of over 4,000 pages in six of the 12 cases.

Following the violence, the UP government constituted a three-tier judicial inquiry commission to investigate Sambhal violence. The commission is chaired by retired judge Devendra Arora, former DGP AK Jain and former IAS Amit Mohan Prasad. (ANI)