Month: August 2025

In a historic first, cricket was played at Times Square, transforming the world’s most iconic crossroads into a cricket pitch as part of India Day celebrations led by Cricmax Connect and the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

The three-day celebration began on August 15, 2025, with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General of India in New York, where dignitaries and community leaders gathered, and U.S. national players Saiteja Mukkamalla and Jessy Singh were honoured with felicitations. That afternoon, Indian film star Vijay Deverakonda joined representatives from Cricmax Connect and FIA for a ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building in the Indian tricolour.

On August 16, 2025, the celebrations culminated at Times Square, where Indian film star Vijay Deverakonda led a spirited flag hoisting ceremony, joined by FIA members and community representatives. Adding to the pride of the occasion, U.S. national players Sai Mukkamalla, Yasir Mohammed, and Smit Patel also participated in the festivities, representing the growing presence of cricket in America.

The defining and most unforgettable moment came when, for the very first time, a cricket match was staged at Times Square. In the symbolic opening, Consul General Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan took strike as the first batsman, with Mr. Satnam Singh Sandhu bowling the first ceremonial pitch. What began as a ceremonial gesture quickly turned into a vibrant celebration, as U.S. national players, community leaders, kids and guests all picked up the bat and ball, bringing the energy of cricket to the heart of Manhattan.

The crowd at Times Square, filled with Indian Americans, cricket fans, and curious New Yorkers, cheered as players showcased the sport, proving that cricket’s spirit transcends borders. For many, witnessing a live cricket game in one of the world’s most iconic locations was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Cricmax Connect was created to give cricket in the U.S. a true grassroots foundation, a pathway where young talent can dream big and find real opportunities,” said Vinay Bhimjiani, Founder & CEO of Cricmax Connect. “To see cricket being played for the very first time at Times Square is not just historic, it is symbolic of the sport’s rise here. Our vision is to make cricket a part of America’s sporting fabric, and this moment proves that the future of the game in the U.S. has never looked brighter.”

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Future Shift Labs today announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Legislators’ Forum (AILF), the first of its kind in India, aimed at helping Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) understand and shape policies around Artificial Intelligence. According to a press release by the company, the initiative marks a major step in bridging the gap between India’s rapidly growing AI sector and its lawmaking institutions.

At the launch event, Member of Parliament, Shashank Mani emphasized the need for inclusivity in technological progress, saying, “We need a humanistic AI that can reach anywhere and to everyone. The market should be decentralized where AI is in the hands of everyone and anyone with options and not domination.”

As AI increasingly influences public service delivery, economic growth, and democratic processes, the forum seeks to bridge a critical gap between India’s rapidly advancing AI ecosystem and its legislative preparedness.

The platform brings together lawmakers, technologists, and policy experts to create a dialogue on issues such as ethical frameworks, regulatory gaps, and the challenges emerging from AI adoption. Each year, 30 legislators will participate in fellowships, workshops, and discussions designed to support informed policymaking on the governance and developmental aspects of AI.

Globally, similar platforms like the United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and the United States’ Congressional AI Caucus have demonstrated the importance of structured platforms for legislators to learn and engage with experts. With AILF, India joins this international effort to develop policies that encourage innovation while ensuring accountability.

The forum was officially inaugurated by Members of Parliament Sujeet Kumar, Shashank Mani, Rabindra Narayan Behera, and Lavu Krishna Devaralayu.

During the event, a report titled “AI in Parliament: Mapping Legislative Engagement since 2014-2025” was unveiled. Authored by Pranjal Dwivedi, Advisor at Future Shift Labs, the report recommended expanding and deepening discussions on AI, highlighting its urgent importance for future governance.

The forum also provided a platform for the launch of Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar’s book “AI on Trial.” (ANI)

The person accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a ‘jan sunvai’ program, Rajesh Khimji, has been sent to a five-day police remand, Delhi police said on Wednesday.

Delhi police has registered a case under section 109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Attempt to murder, Imprisonment for 10 years, and fine). The accused was brought to the Civil Lines Police Station earlier on Wednesday.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell team interrogated the accused on August 20. According to police, Rajesh Khimji came to Delhi for the first time from Rajkot by train on Tuesday morning, and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan in Civil Lines.

Following the attack on CM Gupta, CCTV footage obtained from the Chief Minister’s residence in Shalimar Bagh revealed that Khimji allegedly did a recce of the CM’s residence and attempted the attack in a planned manner. The video has been handed over to the police, and an investigation is underway into the matter, Delhi CMO has said.

“It is seen in the footage that the attacker did a recce of the Chief Minister’s residence, made a video of the place and attempted to attack in a planned manner. This video has been handed over to the police, and an intensive investigation is going on in this regard,” the statement said.

Earlier on Wednesday, CM Gupta said that she was shocked after the attack on her, but now she’s feeling better. She also remarked that this attack was a cowardly attempt on her work for the welfare of the people of Delhi.

Delhi CM shared a post on X in Hindi, writing, “The attack on me during this morning’s public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people. Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better. I request all my well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet me.”

The Delhi Chief Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their good wishes and blessings, with her post adding, “I express my heartfelt gratitude for your immense love, blessings, and good wishes.” (ANI)

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri took a dig at the Mamata government over the ruckus at the trailer launch of his upcoming movie ‘The Bengal Files’ in Kolkata, alleging that it was “already planned,” and that no event of this scale, with 150-200 people and media present, could be halted without “official involvement.”

The incident, which took place at the ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata on August 16, saw the screening of the film’s trailer abruptly stopped.

While speaking to ANI, Agnihotri shared that the trailer launch program was running smoothly before the visuals on a large LED screen were suddenly stopped. He stated that it was impossible for an event happening in “one of India’s biggest five-star hotels,” with “150-200 people” and media present, to be halted without official involvement. The director also said that he was informed that “top authorities” had raised objections to certain parts of the trailer, and hence, it could not be played.

“In one of India’s biggest five-star hotels, imagine there is such a big LED screen, the whole program is running, the visuals are playing. And the entire media of Kolkata, 150-200 people, are sitting and running the program. Is it possible to do this without permission? It is not possible,” the filmmaker told ANI.

“Look, governments in India have so many loopholes, and the government has so many powers. They can take anything out whenever they want…What happened was a man came and cut the wire…..It was already planned.”

“I made a mistake. Many people were writing that they wouldn’t let me stay here. The multiplex where we were planning to hold the event was cancelled. As soon as I landed at the airport, I found out that it was cancelled. We contacted another multiplex, and it was cancelled, too. They said that they wouldn’t be able to survive politically if they showed the trailer here,” he further said.

“So, this happened with the hotel. Same thing. I asked them, ‘Who has refused?’ They said, ‘Top authorities.’ That same reliable source then told me that they had a problem with a couple of things in the trailer, and that’s why it was stopped,” Agnihotri added.

When asked if he believes the film will release in Bengal, the filmmaker said he hopes the government will not “take away the rights of their own people.” But if the release is blocked, Agnihotri said he trusts the “Constitution of India and the law of India,” and would fight for the film’s release if needed.

“I hope God gives them wisdom. And that they don’t do such foolish things where they take away the rights of their own people. They shouldn’t do that.

But if that happens, then I will say that I have a lot of faith in the Constitution of India and the law of India. And I will fight for it.”

The much-awaited preview video of Aryan Khan-directed ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ was unveiled on Wednesday.

In a grand event held in Mumbai, the preview was launched by superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who brought his signature style and humour to the stage. The actor not only offered a sneak-peek into the making of the show, but also engaged in an interesting conversation with the team.

Recalling his first conversation with his son, Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh said, “When Aryan told me that he wanted to make something on Bollywood, which is raw and edgy with madness, I was worried if he was planning to put Mannat’s CCTV footage on YouTube. “

“He was actually getting something fresh, unique. It took me a little while to catch the tone of the show. But once I did, I was completely drawn in. I am really very happy about it, not just about the show but for the entire cast that comes for the show. It is the characters that breathe life into a story,” he added.

Extending his heartfelt gratitude to the audiences for allowing him to entertain over the past three decades, the ‘Jawan’ star welcomed his son to the stage.

While admitting he was “very nervous” for his first time on the stage, Aryan Khan said, “I have been practising this speech for the past two days, and three nights. I have also made sure to put it in on the teleprompter and with small notes. And even if I make a mistake, Papa is here – backup.”

“The motive of this show is to bring a lot of entertainment to a lot of people. After four years of hard work, endless discussions, and thousands of takes, the show is finally ready,” he added.

Aryan also extended his gratitude to the entire team of ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood,’ before inviting his mother, Gauri Khan, to the stage. “Thank you for producing the show and for producing me,” he playfully said.

For the event, Aryan Khan was dressed in a complete black ensemble, looking dapper in a matching suit as he perfectly coordinated with his parents.

Prior to the preview unveiling, Shah Rukh Khan made sure to introduce the lead cast of the show, including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Raghav Juyal, and Anya Singh, among others.

Bobby Deol, who plays the character of “Superstar Ajay Talvar,” also made a stunning appearance at the preview launch. The ‘Animal’ star was full of praise for Aryan Khan as he said, “I have seen Aryan when he was younger and then when he grew up. I felt there was something magical about him as if he was ready to conquer the world. He had that conviction when he narrated the story to me.”

“Bohot hard. Aur bohot heart bhi,” the makers wrote, while sharing the preview on Instagram.

The video focuses on how the Bollywood industry has been the “city of dreams” – something which doesn’t belong to all. It moves to show the lead protagonist, Aasmaan Singh, romancing the daughter of “India’s biggest superstar,” played by Bobby Deol. Raghav Juyal is also seen in the preview, playing the best friend, while Mona Singh is the mother.

The video features a couple of starry cameos from Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Karan Johar. Many other big names, including Ranbir Kapoor, are also expected to feature in cameos.

As confirmed by the superstar himself, Shah Rukh will also make an appearance in the Netflix show.

However, details surrounding his character have been kept under wraps.

The preview concludes by taking a dig at people who become famous after going to jail. An official trailer for the show is yet to be released.

A coordinated operation between the US law enforcement and Indian authorities led to the arrest of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s one of the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list, Cindy Rodriguez Singh, in India for the murder of her six-year-old son.

FBI, in coordination with Indian authorities and INTERPOL, arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh in India. She has been transported to the United States. The FBI will hand her over to the Texas authorities, Fox News reported.

FBI Director confirming the same noted that she was on FBI’ ‘Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive’ list. Singh faces charges in Texas for allegedly murdering her son, Noel Alvarez, authorities said.

Singh was wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son. She will face charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age, Kash Patel said in a post on X.”FBI has arrested another Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive: Cindy Rodriguez Singh. Singh is wanted on state charges of killing her six-year-old son. She will face charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Capital Murder of a person under 10 years of age,” FBI Director Patel said.

According to Kash Patel, Singh lied to authorities about her son’s whereabouts in March 2023 and fled to India.

“In March of 2023, authorities in Everman, Texas conducted a welfare search for Singh’s child after he had not been seen since October 2022. Singh allegedly lied to authorities about his whereabouts, and then two days later, boarded a flight to India — and we believe has not been back to the United States since,” Kash Patel said.

Patel said that Singh was charged in October 2023 in the District Court of Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas, and in November, authorities issued a federal arrest warrant for the charge of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

Kash Patel lauded the efforts of the FBI and Indian law enforcement authorities that led to the arrest.

“This is the 4th “10 Most Wanted” fugitive arrested in the last 7 months. That’s a credit to tremendous field work, law enforcement partners, intelligence operatives, and an administration who is letting good cops do their jobs. Thanks to our local partners in Texas, where this case originated, The Justice Department, as well as partners in India for the coordinating. Dallas and New York FBI did tremendous work,” Patel said.

Cindy Rodriguez Singh had a reward of up to USD 25,000 for information leading to her arrest.

Notably, Rodriguez Singh has ties to India and Mexico. She was wanted for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son, who hasn’t been seen alive since October 2022. (ANI)

The Yamuna River in the national capital is flowing close to the danger level.

Visual from Loha Pul on Thursday showed the water close to the 205 m mark.

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

Continuous change in water level over the past few weeks has kept the administration on its toes.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the residential area at Yamuna Bazaar, where water from the overflowing Yamuna River had entered and assured that there is no flood-like situation in Delhi and the water level will drop within one to two days.

After assessing the affected area, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The situation is under control. The water level was close to 206 m in the morning, but it has not crossed this mark yet. The water should recede in a day or two. We are providing food and water, as well as a medical facility here. There is no flood situation in Delhi.”

She said that the administration has made arrangements in school for those who want to go to a safer location, providing them with a place to stay and food, as well as all the necessary help in the affected area.

The Yamuna River was flowing close to the danger mark, and it was due to this that the water entered the residential areas near the riverbank. CM Gupta visited the affected area to analyse the situation and talk to the people living in the area.

The Yamuna River is flowing close to 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 showed that the water has neared the danger mark. This 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 due to continuous rainfall, and flood-like situations are being witnessed in several regions. (ANI)

Israel will call up 60,000 reservists in the coming weeks as it pushes forward with a plan to seize Gaza City, the military said, even as mediators pursue efforts to secure a ceasefire in the 22-month war, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The military said on Wednesday that Defence Minister Israel Katz approved plans to begin operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas, and that it would call up 60,000 reservists and lengthen the service of an additional 20,000 reservists.

The announcement comes as human rights groups warn that a humanitarian crisis could worsen in Gaza, where most residents have been displaced multiple times, neighbourhoods lie in ruins, and starvation deaths continue to rise amid the threat of widescale famine.

An Israeli military official told journalists that the new phase of combat would involve “a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City,” including some areas where forces had not previously operated. The official added that the military had already begun operating in the neighbourhoods of Zeitoun and Jabalia as part of the initial stages.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from central Gaza, said residents are bracing for the worst as Israel pursues its plan to seize Gaza’s largest city, in an operation that could displace hundreds of thousands of people to concentration zones in the south of the territory.

Abu Azzoum said Israeli artillery has flattened rows of homes in eastern Gaza City as attacks intensified across densely populated areas. “Last night was completely sleepless as Israeli drones and warplanes filled the skies, attacking and destroying homes and makeshift camps,” he said.

He also described how a father in al-Mawasi, an Israeli-designated so-called safe zone in southern Gaza, lost his children in an overnight strike. “He told us his children were sleeping peacefully when the Israeli missile tore through the tent and ripped their bodies apart,” Al Jazeera reported.

At least 35 Palestinians, including 10 people seeking aid, were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday, according to medical sources.

Israel’s plan to escalate its assault coincides with renewed mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt, with backing from the United States. The latest framework calls for a 60-day truce, a staggered exchange of captives and Palestinian prisoners, and expanded aid access.

While Qatar said the proposal was “almost identical” to a version Israel had previously accepted, Egypt stressed that “the ball is now in its (Israel’s) court.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the proposal. Last week, he insisted any deal must ensure “all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war.”

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said his movement “opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the question remains whether Netanyahu will once again close it, as he has done in the past.”

The truce push comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war and growing domestic pressure on Netanyahu.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has said at least 62,064 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s war on Gaza started on October 7, 2023, most of them civilians. The United Nations regards the ministry’s figures as credible.

Al Jazeera reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid ongoing attacks. (ANI)

The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the petition moved by Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

Jacqueline had challenged the charge sheet filed against her in the Rs 200 crores money laundering case. In this case, Sukesh Chandrasekhar is also an accused.

Justice Anish Dayal dismissed the petition after hearing counsels at length. The detailed order of judgment is to be uploaded by the High Court.

The High Court had reserved the order on actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s petition challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The case revolves around allegations of her receiving lavish gifts from conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Senior Advocate Sidharth Aggarwal, along with Advocate Prashant Patil and Shakti Pandey, represented Jacqueline Fernandez, while Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

During arguments, Aggarwal had contended that if the ED claims that money was distributed among 15 individuals, then by that logic, everyone involved, whether a grocery vendor, court officials, or lawyers, could be deemed guilty of money laundering.

He had questioned the premise that any financial transaction involving a criminal automatically constitutes money laundering, suggesting that such an interpretation would create undue fear.

Aggarwal had further argued that the ED’s case hinges on Fernandez’s awareness of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s criminal background, as reported in a 2021 newspaper article.

He asserted that merely being a celebrity does not imply prior knowledge of tainted funds. “Businessmen often have multiple cases against them,” he stated, adding that Fernandez was introduced to Chandrashekhar as a business tycoon. “Today, I am paying the price of being a celebrity,” Aggarwal concluded.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is separate and distinct from police investigations into scheduled offences. It had emphasised that individuals accused of money laundering may differ from those charged in the predicate offence, given the distinct nature of the crime.

ED had opposed Jacqueline’s plea and submitted that she continued to enjoy Sukesh’s gifts despite knowing his criminal antecedents. The petition to quash the case is an attempt to stall proceedings.

Advocates for Jacqueline had submitted that being in the public eye and being labelled as a money launderer is problematic.

“My prayer is not to quash the complaint completely, it’s only to quash the present applicant (Jacqueline). Sukesh is sitting in jail and carrying out extortion and fraud from there. EOW comes to me, records my statement, and finds that what I have to say is relevant to their investigation. Ed has filed four complaints, but the investigation is still going on, and the trial cannot start,” said Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal.

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez had filed a petition seeking the quashing of the ECIR (equivalent to an FIR) and the supplementary chargesheet filed by the ED in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

Jacqueline, through a plea, stated that the evidence filed by the Directorate of Enforcement would prove that the Petitioner is an innocent victim of Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s maliciously targeted attack. “There is absolutely no indication that she had any involvement whatsoever in aiding him to launder his purportedly ill-got wealth. Hence, she cannot be prosecuted for the offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002,” the plea stated. (ANI)

The makers have finally unveiled the much-awaited preview for Aryan Khan’s directorial debut show ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’

Following a dramatic release of its first-look video, expectations have been running high, with fans looking forward to Aryan Khan’s work in the Netflix series.

The preview video opens with an introduction to Bollywood – “the city of dreams,” with a voiceover saying, “In this world, some are born at the house of a hero, while some are born as heroes.”

It moves to show some high-octane action sequences by the lead actor, Lakshya, as Aasmaan Singh.

As the preview progresses, Aasmaan Singh is seen romancing the daughter of “India’s biggest superstar,” played by Bobby Deol, only to find himself in a chaotic journey of fame, love, and more. “It’s the ultimate underdog story that asks: how far will you go for your dream, what are you willing to lose, and can you survive a few Bollywood baddies along the way (pun totally intended!)” as per the press release.

With actors such as Raghav Juyal and Mona Singh in key roles, the show also features a star-studded list of cameos from Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Salman Khan.

The preview video was unveiled at a special event on Wednesday in Mumbai. Shah Rukh Khan was present at the event along with Aryan Khan and his wife, producer Gauri Khan.

The ‘Jawan’ star also introduced the complete cast of the show, including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Rajat Bedi, and Gautami Kapoor.

Speaking at the event, Monika Shergill, Vice-President at Content, Netflix India, stated that ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ is “witty, bold, and a true roast-and-toast to Bollywood” and a “story bursting with love, drama, passion, ambition, family, and friendship.”

“When Aryan Khan shared his vision for his directorial debut, we knew we were setting the stage for something special and disruptive,” she said.

Written and directed by Aryan Khan, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. It will be released on the OTT platform on September 18, 2025. (ANI)