Month: September 2025

Two people lost their lives and twelve others sustained injuries after a three-storey building collapsed behind Premsukh Talkies on Jawahar Marg in Indore on Monday evening, officials said.

According to police officials, the incident took place around 9 PM in the Daulat Ganj area, where a three-storey building, including a basement, suddenly caved in. Initial reports suggested that 13 individuals were trapped under the debris.

District Collector Shivam Verma, who reached the site soon after the incident, confirmed that 14 people were rescued, including a child who was later pulled out safely. “13 people were suspected to be buried in the collapse. But another child has been rescued and has been taken to the hospital. He is safe. So 14 people have been rescued… Out of this, two people have died…”

“One woman is severely injured in the leg. The remaining eleven are in stable conditions,” Verma added.

Rescue operations were carried out by joint teams of the Municipal Corporation, police, district administration, State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), and Civil Defence, with assistance from local residents. Heavy machinery, including excavators and JCBs, was deployed to clear the debris.

Among the deceased were a man identified as Faheem and a 20-year-old woman named Alifa. According to officials, the structure was reportedly weak and had been constructed without proper beams and columns. Continuous water accumulation around the building is believed to have caused the collapse.

Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh, District Collector Shivam Verma, and Municipal Commissioner Harshika Singh remained at the site overnight to oversee the rescue efforts.

Earlier, at least ten people, including two children and eight adults, were injured after a two-storey house collapsed behind Premsukh Talkies on Jawahar Marg in Indore.

Commissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh said that the building had commercial shops on the ground floor and residential quarters above.”It’s a two-story building. Shops are located below it, and above it appears to be a residential area. Approximately 40-45% of the building has collapsed. Some people are buried under the debris, of which 10 have been shifted to the hospital. More people may be buried. Search operation is ongoing,” he said.

Indore Collector Shivam Verma, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said, “Medical staff is overseeing the ongoing rescue operation following the collapse. The house is reported to be approximately eight years old, and we are gathering more information about this. But right now, our priority is to rescue everyone and provide them proper treatment,” the Collector stated. (ANI)

Popular singer Zubeen Garg passed away in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19. Preparations are underway at Kamarkuchi village in Sonapur, where the last rites and cremation of Zubeen will be performed today.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inspected the cremation site.

He wrote on X, “Ahead of the final goodbye to Zubeen, I inspected the cremation site and took stock of the preparations.”

The Assam CM on Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to the late popular singer Zubeen Garg, stating, “There will never be another Zubeen.”

In a post on social media platform X, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “A few hours left before #BelovedZubeen begins his final journey. A short while ago, I joined his well-wishers at Sarusajai Stadium to pay my tributes. The last 2 days symbolised the love he commands over people. There will never be another Zubeen.”

On Monday, thousands of emotional fans gathered at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex to pay their last respects to the beloved music icon. Visuals from outside the venue showed long queues of devotees waiting patiently for a final glimpse of the singer, with many visibly moved and mourning the tragic loss of the cultural legend.

Speaking to ANI, one fan expressed her grief, saying, “What do I even say. I don’t have words to speak. The entire state is grieving. Ever since we heard the news, all of us have been crying. It was a shock for everyone. He was loved by all. May his soul rest in peace,” she said. Another fan was seen breaking down in tears as she grieved the singer’s passing.

“It is a sad moment. He was a good human being. We are just speechless,” one said.

The last rites of Zubeen Garg are scheduled to be conducted on Tuesday, September 23, at Kamarkuchi village, Sonapur. While addressing the media, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “We will carry the mortal remains of Zubeen Garg from Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex at around 8 am on September 23 to the location of Kamarkuchi, where the last rites will be conducted. A state funeral will be held on September 23.”

He also spoke about Garg’s death certificate, which mentioned the cause of death as “drowning.”

“The Singapore High Commission sent the death certificate of Zubeen Garg, and they mentioned the cause of death is drowning. But this is not a post-mortem report. The post-mortem report is different, and the death certificate is different. We will send the documents to CID. The Chief Secretary of the Assam Government is contacting the Singapore Ambassador to get the post-mortem report as soon as possible,” he said.

The Chief Minister, who addressed the media on Monday, said that although a post-mortem had already been done in Singapore, people were demanding that another post-mortem be done in Guwahati. He said the decision was taken after Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita discussed the matter with Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg. The autopsy will be carried out at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital on Tuesday morning in the presence of AIIMS doctors.

Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to participate in the Northeast India Festival. His mortal remains were flown to Delhi before being transported to Assam for the final rites. (ANI)

A shocking incident unfolded at Delhi Airport when a 13-year-old boy was discovered after secretly travelling from Kabul to Delhi inside the landing gear compartment of a Kam Air flight on Sunday morning, sources confirmed.

The flight, RQ-4401, arrived from Kabul on the morning of September 21. Around 11:10 am, airline security staff spotted the boy wandering near the aircraft.

Upon questioning, it was revealed that the boy hails from Kunduz, Afghanistan, and had boarded the aircraft without a ticket by hiding inside the landing gear section.

During a thorough inspection of the aircraft, the airline’s security and engineering teams also recovered a small red audio speaker from the landing gear area.

The boy was then taken for interrogation by concerned agencies. After completing the necessary procedures, he was sent back to Kabul the same day on Kam Air’s return flight, RQ-4402. (ANI)

The launch of GST 2.0, dubbed “Bachat Utsav” (Festival of Savings) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked a heated debate between the Centre and the Opposition.

While the government hails it as a landmark reform, the Opposition criticises it as inadequate and a “historic blunder” being corrected after eight years.

The Goods and Services Tax reforms approved by the Union Government on September 4 came into effect on Monday. GST 2.0 features two main tax slabs – 5% and 18%, with a 40% compensation cess for luxury and sin goods.

The Centre has presented GST 2.0 as a progressive step aimed at providing significant relief of Rs 2.5 lakh crore to the common people through indirect tax cuts.

On the other hand, the opposition has termed it a “historic” blunder under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has been corrected after eight years of damage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the Indian citizens after the GST reforms came into effect, highlighting that the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society.

“As the nation celebrates the beginning of Navaratri, I extend heartfelt wishes to you and your families. May this festival bring good health, happiness and prosperity to everyone. This year, the festive season brings an added reason to rejoice. From September 22nd, the Next Generation GST reforms have begun to make their presence felt, marking the start of a ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ or ‘GST Savings Festival’ across the country,” PM Modi wrote.

India’s Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran, while speaking during the Network18 Reforms Reloaded 2025 summit in Delhi, noted that the combined impact of direct tax relief through income tax cuts and indirect tax relief through GST rate reductions will be over Rs 2.5 lakh crore. He, however, added that some other uncertainties may dilute the effect.

Calling the GST 2.0 a “Modi’s historic blunder”, Congress Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore lashed out at YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over the latter’s appreciation of the Centre’s decision.

“Mr Jagan calls GST restructuring “revolutionary.” Let’s be clear — this is not a revolution. It’s just Modi’s historic GST blunder being corrected after 7 years of damage,” Tagore posted on X.

“Instead of demanding justice for Andhra, Jagan praises Modi & Nirmala. Reforms correcting Delhi’s mistakes are not revolutionary,” he added.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have brought a wave of happiness and celebration among people and can boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country by 0.8 per cent.

“Apart from Navratri, the budget utsav has begun. There is a wave of happiness and celebration among people wherever you see… GST rates have been reduced, which will benefit all sections of society. But we are celebrating something else. These reforms can boost the GDP by 0.8%… Our path towards a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance. All sections of society have welcomed it,” Puri told ANI.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NDA government and said that all the relief would come from the coffers of state governments, and the Centre did not spend a single penny.

CM Mamata Banerjee said, “There is no credit to the central government. I was the first to write a letter demanding that insurance be exempt from GST. Many life-saving medicines and small items were subject to GST. The central government has not spent a single penny on this relief; it has all come from the coffers of state governments. They take the credit, but we have borne the cost.”

Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the latter opposed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

“From 2006-2014, for eight years, only one CM opposed the GST, and that CM became the Prime Minister in 2014 and took a U-turn and emerged as a messiah of GST in 2017,” Ramesh, General Secretary incharge of communications in Congress, told ANI.

Labelling the reductions as “historic,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the GST rate cuts have been implemented on more than 390 products.

“Modi government’s gift of Next Gen GST reform to all the mothers and sisters of the country on the auspicious occasion of Navratri! Modi’s promise to the countrymen regarding GST reform has been implemented across the entire country starting today. In this GST, historic reductions have been made in taxes on more than 390 goods,” the Union Home Minister posted on X.

The reform in the Goods and Services Tax structure, which was approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month, is set to come into effect from September 22.

The current four-rate system will be replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5% and 18%. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods.

This new framework is expected to ease compliance, reduce consumer prices, boost manufacturing, and support a wide range of industries, from agriculture to automobiles and from FMCG to renewable energy, and is intended to lower the cost of living, strengthen MSMEs, widen the tax base, and drive inclusive growth.

In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and dairy sector, major brands like Amul and Mother Dairy have announced substantial price cuts, reflecting the full benefit of the GST reduction. (ANI)

Who doesn’t love a good throwback? The latest ‘Weekend Ka Vaar’ episode of ‘Bigg Boss 19’ saw Kajol and Salman Khan take fans on a walk down memory lane as the two recreated their iconic song “Odh Li Chunariya” from ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.’

However, this wasn’t just any routine; the recreation came with a twist, with a touch of Ajay Devgn’s signature style.

Kajol, who appeared on the show alongside her ‘The Trial’ co-star Jisshu Sengupta, shared some fun moments on stage with Salman.

Jisshu suggested that the two perform the iconic number, but both admitted they couldn’t remember the original steps. Salman then said, “We should think of a 2025 version and do something Ajay does.”

Kajol wasted no time joining in the fun as she mimicked her husband Ajay Devgn’s signature hook step from Son of Sardaar 2 with the words, “What? 1, 2, 3, 4.” Her playful gesture left the audience and Salman in splits.

Take a look

The actress also spoke warmly about her co-star’s dancing skills while joking about Ajay’s moves, comparing them to the exceptional performances of actors like Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor.

Kajol and Salman’s on-screen pairing has given fans some iconic films, including Karan Arjun, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Their reunion on Bigg Boss 19 delighted fans once again.

Meanwhile, Kajol is currently starring in ‘The Trial Season 2,’ where her character Noyonika Sengupta takes on more powerful challenges in the courtroom. The series, also starring Jisshu, Alyy Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, and Kubbra Sait, is streaming on Hotstar and OTTplay Premium. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The two leaders warmly shook hands as they met on the UNGA session sidelines. 

This meeting marks their first face-to-face interaction since trade tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Indian goods over India’s purchase of Russian oil.

The meeting is part of a continuing effort to strengthen India-US ties, which had come under strain in recent months but have since shown signs of recovery.

India and the US are working towards concluding a trade agreement, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal leading a delegation for talks in Washington. US President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July amid trade talks between the two countries and later imposed another 25 per cent tariff on the purchase of Russian oil.  The countries have resumed talks for a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).   

According to a release from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, “positive discussions were held” during the September 16 visit of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative to India, and both sides agreed to intensify efforts towards finalising a deal.

The two leaders last met in Washington in July for the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and had also held discussions earlier in January this year. However, the upcoming bilateral meeting will be their first face-to-face interaction since trade frictions flared up after President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods over the purchase of Russian oil.

Trump recently expressed confidence that they would face “no difficulty” in arriving at a deal.

There is also confusion and concern among Indians in the US on H-1B visas after Trump signed an executive order imposing a USD 1,00,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers. The White House later clarified that the fee only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders.

Earlier this month, during the Senate confirmation hearing for Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, Rubio described India as “one of the top relationships that the US has in the world today.

“Rubio, who had appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to introduce Gor, underscored the pivotal role of India in shaping the global future, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting that India was at the “core of that”.

“Sergio Gor is the nominee to India (as US Ambassador), which is one of the top relationships that the US has in the world today, in terms of the future of what the world’s going to look like. I said it earlier when I held the position as a nominee… In the 21st century, the story will be written in the Indo-Pacific. It’s so important that we have changed the name of the combatant command in the Indo-Pacific. India is at the core of that. Rubio stated. (ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday again urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately announce a comprehensive relief package for Punjab following devastation caused by floods in the state.

The Congress leader, who had written a letter to PM Modi earlier, said Punjab has suffered losses of “nearly Rs 20,000 crore” due to the floods, and the initial relief package of Rs 1600 crore announced by PM Modi is an “injustice” to the people of Punjab.

“Lakhs of homes have been uprooted, crops over more than 4 lakh acres have been ruined, and a large number of animals have been swept away. Yet the people of Punjab have shown remarkable courage and spirit. I am fully confident that they will once again help Punjab regain its momentum–they just need support and strength. I urge the Prime Minister once again to immediately announce a comprehensive relief package,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi had, on September 16, written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore due to floods and Rs 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government “does grave injustice” to the people of the state.

Recalling his visit to the state, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said he witnessed shocking devastation and its human cost. He said over four lakh acres of paddy crop have destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished.

The Congress leader said that in this hour of need of Punjab, the Centre and people of the country must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them.

“I write to you regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking devastation and its human cost. Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, mostly from marginalised communities have lost their homes. The flood has also rendered vast tracts of land uncultivable in the near future. Even today, thousands of acres are submerged and villages remain cut off,” Rahul Gandhi said in his letter.

BJP leader Amit Malviya had slammed Gandhi, accusing him of exploiting Punjab’s pain for “petty politics.”

Citing the Punjab government’s data, the BJP leader claimed that instead of over 10 lakh, only 34,000 animals have reportedly perished, and the state losses amount to Rs 13,289 crore and not Rs 20,000 crore.

“Yet another pack of lies from Rahul Gandhi. In his letter to the Prime Minister, he claims 10 lakh animals have perished. But Punjab’s Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian (Sept 7) put the figure at 19,041 (including poultry), now reportedly about 34,000. Where did the missing 9.44 lakh animals go? The Punjab Chief Secretary told the PM that the state’s losses amount to Rs 13,289 crores. Rahul Gandhi inflates it to Rs 20,000 crores. Why this deliberate falsehood? While the Central Government is extending full support to flood-hit Punjab, Rahul Gandhi is busy reducing Punjabis to political pawns. Why exploit Punjab’s pain for petty politics?” Malviya said in a post on X. (ANI)

Actor Rukmini Vasanth will be seen donning the role of Princess Kanakavathi in Kantara: Chapter 1.

Sharing her experience working in the film, Rukmini, in a press note, said, “For me, Princess Kanakavathi has been one of the most special journeys of my life. It wasn’t just about looking regal– it was more about carrying a piece of our land, our folklore, and our faith in every movement. I think that’s why the trailer feels so powerful, because it’s the spirit of an entire culture shining through the glimpses. Kanakavathi is royal, yes, but she is also human and vulnerable. I had to surrender to her grace, but also to her grit. I can’t wait for people to meet her in theatres.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, the trailer of Kantara: Chapter 1, which stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role, was unveiled.

The trailer opens with a focus on a child’s character, who tries to understand the mystery behind the disappearance of his father. It further progresses to shed light on the backstory – “a legend.”

In the trailer, a village is shown being tormented by a ruthless king, ‘Kulashekara’, when they are blessed with an angel of God to protect humankind. With this, Rishab Shetty enters as the lead protagonist, fighting the enemies as he fearlessly takes a stand for the villagers.

Amid a fierce clash with Kulashekara, the trailer also offers a glimpse into the blooming romance between Rishab and Rukmini.

The trailer concludes with a violent battle, set against the mystical struggle between nature and the supernatural.

“Some stories aren’t just told, they are experienced. Proud to unveil the Hindi Trailer of #KantaraChapter1, a film where folklore, faith & fury collide,” the makers said.

Written and directed by Shetty, the film is scheduled for release on October 2, in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English. (ANI)

Honouring their late father and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi on his death anniversary, Soha Ali Khan and Saba Pataudi penned heartwarming notes on their respective social media handles.

Soha shared a series of pictures in fond memory of her “abba”.

One picture captured her seated next to a framed photograph of her late father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, where a candle and flowers were placed on a table. She also shared a picture of a handwritten card made by her daughter, Inaaya.

“Today and always My Abba,” Soha captioned the post.

Saba expressed that she feels fortunate to be able to walk in her father’s footsteps.

“MY Abba In my heart Always n forever. Remembering you…today and can’t believe the years gone by. I can feel your presence watching over me, guiding and protective. Love you. Miss you. Qu’ran khwani and sadqa in your honor. Its a ritual I will always do. You made me mutawalli. I am blessed to follow in your footsteps. And make you proud! We have done a lot of work and been awarded the 1st prize for our efforts and contributions. You’d be happy to see that and know very chuffed too,” Saba posted.

Mansoor, who was popularly known as Tiger, passed away on September 22, 2011, after battling a severe lung infection. He was 70 when he breathed his last. He was the Indian team’s youngest captain at the age of 21. His father, the Nawab of Bhopal, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, was also a famous cricketer.

In 1966, Mansoor got married to Sharmila Tagore. They have three children together – Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan. (ANI)