Month: September 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the UK, Canada, and Australia’s move to recognise Palestine and said that there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River.

In a strongly worded statement published in PMO, condemning the move, PM Netanyahu vowed to give a response to countries after his US visit.

“There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu alleged that by recognising Palestine, they are “rewarding terror with an enormous prize,” expressing his determination not to let this happen.

“I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognizing a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And I have another message for you: It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River. For years I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad,” he said.

“We have done this with determination, and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path,” he added.

Australia, Canada and the UK, in a coordinated effort, recognised the Palestinian State on Sunday, calling for a two-state solution.

However, the triad said that Hamas must cease its existence immediately. “Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” Australian Prime Minister’s Office stated in a statement.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the action by the countries, stating that it would jeopardise the security in the region and is contrary to what it sought to achieve.

“Israel categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of the recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries. This declaration does not promote peace, but on the contrary – further destabilizes the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were spotted sitting side by side at the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The two were observed speaking in a private suite during the service, with a White House social media account highlighting their interaction.

Elon Musk also shared a post on X with Trump in which he wrote, “For Charlie.”

This marks the first public encounter between Trump and Musk since Musk resigned from his position as a special government employee under tense circumstances. Musk had served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency until late May, when he criticised the administration’s signature policy bill, calling it “fiscally irresponsible”.

Following Musk’s departure, a series of social media posts from the Tesla CEO sharply criticising Trump prompted the former president to threaten the cancellation of federal contracts with Musk’s companies. The memorial appearance represents a notable thaw in their previously strained relationship, The Hill reported.

Vice President JD Vance delivered moving remarks at the memorial service, calling on supporters to honour Charlie Kirk’s life by continuing his fight for faith, truth and country, saying to do so “for Charlie.”

“I’ve seen … so many on social media talk about ‘for Charlie.’ We must do this for Charlie. For Charlie, we will speak the truth every single day. For Charlie, we will rebuild this United States of America to greatness. For Charlie, we will never shrink, we will never cower, and we will never falter, even when staring down the barrel of a gun,” Vance said.

Vance described Kirk as both a patriot and a man of deep faith, saying, “You, my friends – for Charlie – we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America, and he is a martyr for the Christian faith. May our heavenly Father give us the courage to live as Charlie lived.”

Vance also called out people who celebrated Kirk’s death, “In the wake of his death, we have seen some of the very worst parts of humanity. We have watched people slander him. We have watched people justify his murder and celebrate his death,” The Vice President said.

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, in an emotional speech, forgave Tyler Robinson, who allegedly shot Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10.

“I forgive him, I forgive him because it is what Christ did, The answer to hate is not hate,” she said.

Erika Kirk also quoted Jesus on the cross, saying “Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.”

31-year-old right-wing commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, as reported by The New York Times. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, with officials in Trump’s administration saying that he had left-leaning political views. (ANI)

The forces of the IDF’s (Israel Defence Forces) 36th “Ga’ash (Rage)” Division began their entry into Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II after about two weeks of raising readiness for another round of combat against Hamas and other terror groups there.

In recent days, under the leadership of the divisional fire centre, dozens of terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip have been attacked with the aim of isolating the fighting area and allowing the manoeuvring forces to enter the area, said the IDF. (ANI/TPS)

From Akshay Kumar to Raveena Tandon and Tiger Shroff, several members of the Indian film industry on Sunday attended the screening of the musical saga ‘Mera Desh Pehle: The Untold Story Of Shri Narendra Modi’ at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

Akshay posed with Tiger at the screening. Both looked dapper as they arrived in black suits.

Actor Vikrant Massey also attended the screening of the musical ‘Mera Desh Pehle’.

Actor Raveena Tandon was also spotted arriving at the event.

Excited about attending the musical, filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah told ANI, “..This will be a very beautiful play, and we will get to learn about some new aspects of the life of PM Modi. We are very excited…”

Vipul was accompanied by his wife and actor Shefali Shah.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also attended the music saga.

Speaking to media, he shared, “Through today’s program, some aspects of PM Modi will be shown about which people don’t know much…The program is being organised in six big cities of the nation. People from all sections of society are participating in this program.”

Earlier on September 17, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, a grand musical presentation, “Mera Desh Pehle”, was organised at KD Jadhav Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, in the national capital. (ANI)

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK and Canada and called for the crushing of Palestine.

Gvir said that he will submit an application demanding sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

In a post on X, he said, “The recognition by Britain, Canada, and of a “Palestinian” state, as a reward for theukhba murderers, demands immediate countermeasures: the immediate application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the complete crushing of the “Palestinian” terror authority. It is my intention to submit a proposal for the application of sovereignty to the upcoming government meeting.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country “won’t commit suicide” by welcoming a Palestinian state “because of Europe’s political needs,” Sky News reported.

Spokeswoman Shosh Badrosian shared the comments in remarks during a short news conference.

“There have been media reports suggesting the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning on announcing the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state today, a manoeuvre that Prime Minister Netanyahu has called absurd and simply a reward for terrorism,” she said, as quoted by Sky News.

“The Prime Minister has made it very clear to me that his message to nations that are taking the avenue to disregard the sheer, utter chaos Hamas has thrusted Gaza into, and Israel, including our soldiers families and, of course, hostages still held in Hamas captivity, that the people of Israel aren’t going to commit suicide because of the political needs of European politics,” she added, as per Sky News.

Israel has been vocal in opposing the British decision and those taken by other Western nations.

Badrosian also confirmed that Netanyahu will be travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly in the week when some nations will be announcing a recognition of Palestine to put forth his case. (ANI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that popular singer Zubeen Garg who passed away in Singapore earlier this week “will be accorded a befitting farewell” that justifies his “legacy”.

The Chief Minister also inspected a proposed cremation site in Sonapur and took stock of the preparation ahead of the singer’s final rites.

Posting on social media platform X, the Assam CM wrote, “Our #BelovedZubeen will be accorded a befitting farewell, one that justifies his legacy as one of Assam’s biggest cultural icons. I inspected the proposed cremation site in Sonapur a while back to oversee the preparations where Zubeen will be laid to the final rest.”

The singer’s mortal remains were brought from New Delhi to Guwahati, where thousands of emotional fans gathered to pay their respects.

In Guwahati, people lit candles in his memory, mourning the loss of the beloved artist.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita received the singer’s body at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and paid their tributes.

The singer’s body arrived at the IGI Airport in the national capital from Singapore and was taken to Guwahati, on a special flight.

Earlier, CM Sarma stated that the ‘Ya Ali’ singer’s remains would be kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai in Guwahati today for fans and well-wishers to offer their last respects.

“The Government of Assam, with deep sorrow, informs that the mortal remains of Shri Zubeen Garg–an artist larger than life, a cultural icon, filmmaker, and the eternal heartthrob of millions–will be kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) tomorrow, September 21, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, for friends, followers, and admirers to pay their last respects. All are requested to extend their cooperation in ensuring that the final journey of Assam’s beloved son is conducted with dignity and becomes a farewell to be remembered for all time,” the tweet read.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has announced a three-day state mourning in the wake of the death of singer Zubeen Garg. The Assam CMO stated that there will be no official entertainment, ceremonial programs, or public celebrations during this period. (ANI)

With Super Typhoon Ragasa intensifying ahead of its expected landfall in the northern Philippines on September 23, the country’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Sunday directed national agencies to assist local governments preparing for torrential rains, landslides, and life-threatening storm surges, local media reported.

Ragasa, which is being called Super Typhoon Nando in the Philippines, is expected to make landfall in the Batanes or Babuyan Islands by the afternoon of September 23, the Philippine weather agency said.

Marcos instructed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its 44 member agencies to remain on full alert until Nando exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Philippine news agency said.

The state media also reported that 70 tourists remain stranded after Philippine Airlines suspended all flights to and from the island until September 23.

Local officials are coordinating with the Philippine Air Force for possible C-130 flights if commercial operations remain grounded, it said.

At least eight evacuation centres have been opened, currently hosting 165 families or 497 persons

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) also issued a sea warning for the storm at 11 am (local time), with a specialist of the agency stating that Ragasa’s winds could intensify to 208.8 kph and its storm radius may expand, as per a report in Focus Taiwan.

The Taiwanese news outlet said that at present, the storm is projected to travel west through the Bashi Channel and hit the southern Chinese coast southwest of Macau.

It will likely have the greatest impact on Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday, with the storm circle forecast to reach the Hengchun Peninsula on Monday afternoon, Focus Taiwan reported.

Meanwhile, strong typhoon Neoguri in the northwest Pacific reached the waters near Tokyo’s Minamitorishima Island, Japan’s easternmost island, at noon on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Also known as Typhoon No 19, ‘Neoguri’ was moving west-northwest at 20 kph at noon. Neoguri is expected to remain largely stationary over the waters east of Japan after Tuesday. (ANI)

The trailer of Dhanush’s upcoming film ‘Idli Kadai’ has finally been released, giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the actor’s fourth directorial venture.

The film follows Murugan (played by Dhanush), a young man passionate about building a career in hotel management. However, his dreams create a rift with his father, who runs a humble idli shack beloved by the community. When betrayal strikes, Murugan is forced to return home and defend the family’s legacy.

The two-minute trailer opens with Murugan asking his father to buy an idli grinder to make the work easier. But his father, rooted in tradition, refuses, believing the taste would not be the same. This clash between tradition and change forms the emotional core of the story.

Take a look

Directed by Dhanush, ‘Idli Kadai’ stars him in the lead, alongside Nithya Menen. The film also features ‘Maharaj’ fame actress Shalini Pandey.

Dhanush and Nithya Menen previously worked together in the 2022 hit Thiruchitrambalam.

The film is set to hit theatres on October 1.

Dhanush was last seen in Kuberaa, co-starring Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa released on June 20, 2025, and was shot in both Tamil and Telugu. The socio-drama explored themes of greed, ambition, and redemption through the journey of a beggar’s transformation.

The actor will also be seen in Tere Ishk Mein alongside Kriti Sanon. Production for the Aanand L. Rai directorial concluded in July. Described as a spiritual successor to Raanjhanaa, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on November 28, 2025. (ANI)

Former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas on Sunday filed his nomination for the post of BCCI president. Speaking to the media, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Mithun Manhas filed his nomination in front of me.” 

Manhas is currently the sole candidate for the top post, which has been vacant since Roger Binny stepped down in August. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has been serving as interim president in the meantime, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Another former cricketer is also expected to join the board’s top brass, with ex-India spinner Raghuram Bhat likely to be appointed as treasurer. Bhat currently heads the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

Manhas, who turns 46 next month, has been closely involved in cricket administration. He is part of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee that oversees the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association. Born in Jammu, he shifted from Delhi to Jammu & Kashmir in 2015 before retiring the following year. Post-retirement, he has served in several coaching roles, including with Indian Premier League (IPL) teams Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans and also worked as batting consultant with Bangladesh Under-19.

An accomplished domestic cricketer, Manhas featured in 157 first-class matches between 1997 and 2017, amassing 9714 runs. He also played 130 List A games (4126 runs) and 91 T20s (1170 runs), making him one of the most prolific batters in India’s domestic circuit.

Manhas’ name came during an informal meeting in Delhi on Saturday, which was attended by several key figures, including ICC chairman Jay Shah, Rajeev Shukla, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley and former board secretary Niranjan Shah, as per ESPNcricinfo.

The elections for various office bearers are scheduled to take place during the BCCI’s annual general meeting in Mumbai on September 28. However, unless new nominations surface, the names discussed in the Delhi meeting are set to be final.

It is understood that Devajit Saikia will continue as BCCI secretary, while Shukla is set to remain vice-president. Current treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia is expected to assume the role of joint secretary, replacing Rohan Desai. Meanwhile, former Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Shah is set to join the Apex Council, in place of Mizoram’s Khairul Jamal Majumdar, who is likely to move to the IPL Governing Council. (ANI)

As India and Pakistan get ready to lock horns in their first Super Four stage encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has backed Suryakumar Yadav’s men to come out on top.

Confident of India’s dominance, Shukla said, “India will win the match.”

The two sides last met in the group stage, where India registered a convincing seven-wicket victory.

This is the second clash between these two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and the consequent launching of Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in May. India won the first clash one-sided, carrying out a comfortable chase of 128 runs with seven wickets in hand, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a crucial hand with a ‘Player of the Match’-winning bowling spell of 3/18, which restricted Pakistan to 127/9.

However, just like it is with a lot of India-Pakistan clashes, the real ‘masala’ was produced off the field, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walking off the field after the win without shaking hands with the Pakistani side, with the TV visuals even showing the Men in Blue shutting their door on Pakistan. The Indian captain dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims.

Following Surya’s post-match interview, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation, and coach Mike Hesson was sent to face the press. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later filed a complaint against Pycroft, alleging him of ‘violation of ICC Code of Conduct’ and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws related to the spirit of cricket.

Ahead of their next clash against the UAE, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match presser. On the day of the match, the team locked themselves inside the hotel, with PCB threatening to pull out of the tournament if Pycroft was not removed from the tournament. The match was delayed for an hour, and after a meeting between Pycroft and the Pakistan team’s leadership group, the match went ahead, and Pakistan won to march to the Super Four stage. Notably, ahead of this India clash too, Pakistan cancelled its pre-match presser.

Notably, it emerged later, as per ESPNCricinfo, that Pycroft was made aware of the ‘no handshake’ between both captains just ‘four minutes ahead of the toss’ by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager, and he was barely a messenger and not the one behind the instruction.

Also, soon after Pycroft’s meeting with the Pakistan party, PCB released a statement claiming an apology came from the match referee. ICC is believed to be unhappy with it, and the idea of a response “clarifying” the situation was discussed, though it is still uncertain if it would be made. PCB also released a short video of the meeting despite concerns raised during it that a video would be recorded. The video was allowed to be posted without audio.

With so much having taken place off the field, the controversy no doubt would be on the back of the minds of both skippers to some extent. While India will continue playing its ruthless brand of cricket like they have for the past few months, Pakistan, a highly unpredictable T20I side, could use this entire episode as fuel to perhaps spring up a few surprises and play much better. (ANI)