Month: September 2025

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)

As Goods and Services Tax (GST) 2.0, a significant overhaul of the country’s indirect tax system, came into effect from today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the Indian citizens, highlighting that the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society.

In his letter, PM Modi extended wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Navratri.

“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.

The Prime Minister highlighted that these reforms will boost savings and directly benefit every section of society, including farmers, women, youth, the poor, middle-class individuals, traders, and MSMEs.

“They will encourage greater growth and investments and accelerate the progress of every state and region,” PM Modi wrote in his letter.

“An important feature of the Next Generation GST reforms is that there will mainly be two slabs of 5% and 18%. Daily essentials such as food, medicines, soap, toothpaste, insurance and many more items will now either be tax-free or fall in the lowest 5% tax slab. Goods that were earlier taxed at 12% have almost entirely shifted to 5%. It is greatly heartening to see various shopkeepers and traders putting up ‘then and now’ boards which indicate taxes pre-reforms and post-reforms,” he said.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that over the last few years, 25 crore people have risen above poverty and formed an aspirational new middle class.

“Further, we have also strengthened the hands of our middle class with the massive income tax cuts, which ensure zero tax up to the annual income of Rs 12 lakh. If we combine the income tax cuts and the Next Generation GST reforms, they add up to savings of nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore for the people,” he wrote.

“Your household expenses will reduce, and it will be easier to fulfil aspirations such as building a home, purchasing a vehicle, purchasing appliances, eating out or planning a family vacation. Now, these new reforms take us further, simplifying the system, reducing rates and putting more savings in the hands of the people,” PM Modi wrote.

PM Modi recalled that the introduction of GST in 2017 was a “turning point” in freeing the country from multiple taxes.

“Our nation’s GST journey, which began in 2017, was a turning point in freeing our citizens and businesses from the web of multiple taxes. GST united the nation economically. ‘One Nation, One Tax’ brought uniformity and relief. The GST Council, with the active participation of both the Centre and the States, took many pro-people decisions,” he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the country’s small industries, shopkeepers, traders, entrepreneurs and MSMEs will also see greater “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Compliance Lower taxes”, lower prices and simpler rules will mean better sales, less compliance burden and growth of opportunities, especially in the MSME sector.

“Our collective goal is Viksit Bharat by 2047. To achieve it, walking on the path of self-reliance is imperative. These reforms strengthen our local manufacturing base, paving the way towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” PM Modi wrote.

Calling on the countrymen to buy and sell Made in India products, Prime Minsiter Modi wrote, “On a related note, this festive season, let us also resolve to support products that are Made in India. This means buying Swadeshi products that have the sweat and toil of an Indian involved in their making, irrespective of the brand or the company that makes them.”

“Every time you buy a product made by our own artisans, workers and industries, you are helping many families earn their living and creating job opportunities for our youth,” PM Modi wrote.

He also appealed to shopkeepers and traders to sell products that are Made in India.

“I also urge state governments to encourage industry, manufacturing and improvement of the investment climate. May these reforms bring greater prosperity to every Indian household,” PM Modi wrote.

The reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure was approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month.

The previous four-slab system has been replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji is all set to return in her fierce and fearless avatar for the much-awaited ‘Mardaani 3’.

Marking the auspicious beginning of Navratri, Yash Raj Films, on Monday, shared a new poster from the third instalment in Rani Mukerji’s celebrated cop franchise, setting up the stage for an epic battle between good and evil.

Rani Mukerji will reprise her beloved character as police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, the makers confirmed.

They also shared the first poster of ‘Mardaani 3’ along with the powerful chant of Algiri Nandini as they celebrate Goddess Durga’s power. It also hints toward how the daredevil cop will now have to put her life on the line to solve a “brutal case.”

The poster shows a close-up of Rani’s hand, holding onto a revolver as she stands tall against the barricade of the Delhi Police.

The announcement instantly sparked a wave of joy among fans as many have been eagerly anticipating the sequel. One wrote, “I’m counting and can’t wait to see you #Mardaani3,” while another added, “What a surprise.”

The ‘Mardaani’ films – the only female-cop-led franchise in Indian cinema – have been constantly striking a chord with the fans with their hard-hitting narratives, further serving as an eye-opener for society. The first film was released in 2014, while the second one came out in 2019. “This third chapter promises to be even darker and grittier, to give audiences a more edge-of-the-seat theatrical experience,” the makers said, as per a press release.

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, ‘Mardaani 3’ will hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

Speaking about the film’s tone, Rani Mukerji had earlier teased that ‘Mardaani 3’ is an “edge-of-the-seat thriller” that is “dark, deadly, and brutal.”

According to the makers, the film will feature a bloody, violent clash between Shivani’s goodness and sinister evil forces. (ANI)

It might have been decades since Sylvester Stallone first stepped in as the fearless war veteran John Rambo, but the actor always wanted to return to play the character one more time.

In a recent interview, Sylvester Stallone revealed having an idea for a ‘Rambo’ prequel, where he wanted to experiment with artificial intelligence to de-age his character.

“Everyone thought I was crazy. AI is sophisticated enough to go through Saigon to see him at 18 years old and basically use the same image. So it isn’t as big a stretch,” he said, as quoted by Variety.

Noting that the character of John Rambo won’t be easy for any actor to play, Stallone added, “It’s very, very hard. He may do a stellar job, but you’re overcoming this because I went through it with ‘Get Carter.’ Everyone loves the original, and then you’re always fighting that prejudice.”

Stallone’s comments come at a time when a ‘Rambo’ prequel is said to be in the pipeline, with Noah Centineo in the lead role.

Earlier in 2022, the actor spoke to The Hollywood Reporter and shared that he wanted the Rambo prequel to happen like a Ken Burns documentary. “He’s this outgoing guy, football captain, and then you see why he becomes Rambo. But what they want to do is a modern-day story where I pass the torch. That’s getting close,” Stallone explained.

Meanwhile, the Noah Centineo starrer ‘Rambo’ is not the only film in works. Peter Farrelly will also present the ‘Rocky’ making-of drama ‘I Play Rocky’ with Anthony Ippolito in the lead, as per Variety.

Nonetheless, Sylvester Stallone is set to bring his memoir, ‘The Steps’, on May 5, 2026. On the work front, he was recently seen in Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3. (ANI)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial ‘Homebound’, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has been selected by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

On Monday, a press conference was organised in Mumbai, where Ishaan, Vishal and Neeraj expressed happiness over the film’s selection for Oscars, sharing their experience working on the project.

“This is the film I am proudest of. Bhaut garv hai mujhe ispe….It’s an extremely important film. Neeraj bhai has made this movie with a lot of thought so that it can reach a wider audience,” Ishaan said.

The film was earlier screened at Cannes 2025, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). It is now all set to be released in Indian theatres on September 26.

“I mean, Cannes, Toronto, Melbourne, all of these things happened and we were super thrilled for the critical acclaim that we got from around the world. But personally for me, it being homebound to India is the biggest, biggest thing. I mean, that cannot be matched with anything else.

We are so eager to see how everyone sees it on the 26th of September. We have made this film for our country. We made this film with absolute authenticity and absolute integrity and it shows, I hope it shows here and people appreciate it,” Neeraj said.

Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they’ve long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together.

While speaking about the film, Vishal shared the advice once given to him by Aditya Chopra, which he continues to follow.

“To play this character, I followed a kind of guru mantra that Aditya Chopra sir once shared with me. When I first met him, he told me, ‘Surrender yourself completely to the director.’ That advice has stayed with me, and I still follow it. I did the same here..I simply surrendered. Beyond that, I honestly don’t know what more I have done. When I met Neeraj sir, I carried only one thought in my mind: he has invested so much time and effort into this film, and I wanted to honour that,” Vishal shared. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Delhi police on pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and Shifa Ur Rehman challenging the Delhi High Court order, which denied them bail in the UAPA case linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots.

A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria posted the matter for hearing on October 27.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said they are students and have been in jail for over five years.

“Yes we will hear you and dispose it of… issue notice in all,” the bench ordered.

The Delhi High Court on September 2 denied bail to Imam, Khalid and seven others – Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Shadab Ahmed, Abdul Khalid Saifi and Gulfisha Fatima.

On September 2, the bail plea of another accused Tasleem Ahmed was rejected by a different High Court bench.

Delhi Police had opposed their bail pleas, saying it was not a case of spontaneous riots but a case where riots were “planned well in advance” with a “sinister motive and well-thought-out conspiracy”.

The High Court had observed that prima facie, the role of Imam and Khalid in the entire conspiracy was “grave”, having delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to “instigate mass mobilisation of members of the Muslim community.”

They sought bail from the apex court in the larger conspiracy case under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the Delhi riots case in February 2020.

In 2020, the Delhi police arrested Imam under the UAPA and named him the main conspirator behind the Delhi riots case.

The violence had erupted during the protests against the then-proposed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) and had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. (ANI)

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Monday demanded an inquiry into the aerial bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to bring to justice those responsible.

The HRCP said that the citizens of a nation are entitled to the right to live, which Pakistan has failed to protect.

In a post on X, the HRCP said, “HRCP is deeply shocked to learn that a number of civilians, including children, have been killed, allegedly as a result of aerial bombing in Tirah, Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We demand that the authorities carry out an immediate and impartial inquiry into the incident and hold to account those responsible. The state is constitutionally bound to protect all civilians’ right to life, which it has repeatedly failed to secure.”

Several leaders from Pakistan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have alleged that a bombing campaign was being carried out by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, leaving several dead, with at least 20 bodies reportedly recovered from the rubble.

According to PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, multiple bombs struck the civilians during the airstrike, destroying five houses and killing civilians, including women and children.

The PTI has also shared disturbing images and videos of the incident site showing dead bodies, including those of children, lying around.

“During the jet aircraft bombing in the Tirah Valley of Khyber, several bombs fell on the local population. Five houses of local citizens were destroyed, and according to local sources, 20 bodies have been recovered from the rubble so far, including children and women among the martyrs. I have no words that can encompass this sorrow and grief Sometimes drones, sometimes bombings have sown so many seeds of hatred that when this lava erupts, nothing will be left,” PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said in a post on X. (ANI)