Month: September 2025

‘Kantara’ star Rishab Shetty, who is now gearing up for the release of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1,’ opened up about his efforts to improve his Hindi while interacting with the Mumbai media.

The actor, speaking to the media on Monday, shared that he wanted to connect better with audiences across India. He also discussed how he balances his pride in Kannada with his interest in learning other languages. Rishabh added that learning and speaking a new language gives him “joy” and that he always tries to make an effort, even with languages he doesn’t yet know.

On being asked about his improved Hindi, the actor shared, “As for language, I would like to say that I think in Kannada, but after doing many interviews, I have developed a bit of Hindi as well. I have a great interest in learning every language, and I am happy about it because when we go to a place and speak there, we should not show disrespect to their language. That’s why I always make an effort in this regard. Sometimes, it backfires in some situations…”

“But I am a proud Kannadiga, and I love Kannada so much. My thinking is that if I give so much love and respect to my own language, I should give the same respect to other languages as well. In India, there are so many languages, so many lifestyles, and belief systems, but the core is the same. That’s why it brings me joy to learn another language and speak it. I try my best to make an effort to learn any language which I don’t know,” Shetty said in Hindi.

The trailer for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ was unveiled earlier this month.

The trailer opens by focusing on a child’s character, who tries to understand the mystery behind his father’s disappearance. It then sheds light on the backstory–“a legend.”

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

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) announced a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, claiming that America’s film industry had been “stolen” by overseas players.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby.’ California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!”

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115287691323395767

“Therefore, in order to solve this long-time, never-ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT,” he added.

The announcement follows Trump’s earlier declaration on September 26 that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products beginning October 1, 2025, unless the manufacturing companies establish production facilities in the United States.

The Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50 per cent of global demand for various vaccines, 40 per cent of generic demand in the US and 25 per cent of all medicines in the UK. India’s annual drug and pharmaceutical exports touched a record USD 30 billion in FY25, bolstered by a 31 per cent year-on-year surge in March.

According to a government release, drug and pharmaceutical exports increased by 6.94 per cent from USD 2.35 billion in August 2024 to USD 2.51 billion in August 2025 alone.

In FY24, India’s pharmaceutical exports totalled USD 27.9 billion, of which 31 per cent, approximately USD 8.7 billion (Rs. 77,231 crore), were directed to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). In the first half of 2025 alone, pharmaceutical shipments worth USD 3.7 billion (approximately Rs. 32,505 crore) were sent overseas.

Leading companies such as Dr. Reddy’s, Aurobindo Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma and Gland Pharma derive between 30-50 per cent of their overall revenues from the American market.

According to a separate government report, India’s pharmaceutical industry is a global powerhouse, ranking third in the world by volume and 14th in terms of production value. It supplies over 50 per cent of global vaccine demand and nearly 40 per cent of generics to the US. The industry is projected to grow to USD 130 billion by 2030 and a USD 450 billion market by 2047.

Backed by policy support for pharmaceuticals, such as the PLI scheme (Rs. 15,000 crore) and the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme (Rs. 500 crore), the industry continues to expand its global footprint.

The PLI scheme is driving investments into 55 projects to manufacture high-end drugs, such as those for cancer and diabetes, in India. Meanwhile, the SPI scheme, which focuses on enhancing the quality, competitiveness, and resilience of smaller pharmaceutical companies, is funding R&D and modernising labs, enabling Indian companies to compete globally. Beyond cost efficiency, India has emerged as a hub for affordable, high-quality medicines, reinforcing its rightful title as the “Pharmacy of the World,” the report said.

Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, US President Trump wrote, “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100 per cent Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America. ‘IS BUILDING’ will be defined as ‘breaking ground’ and/or ‘under construction.'”

Clarifying the scope of the measure, Trump added that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the US will be exempt from the new tariff. “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the post read.

He also announced sweeping tariffs on various household products, including imported kitchen cabinets and certain types of furniture, which could add even more costs to a category that has surged in price in recent months. Trump also announced heavy tariffs on trucks and pharmaceuticals.

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, “We will be imposing a 50 per cent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products, starting October 1st, 2025. Additionally, we will be charging a 30 per cent Tariff on Upholstered Furniture.” (ANI)

The Canadian government has listed Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code.

A press release issued by the Canadian government said that acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation.

“That is why Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced today that the Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” the press release said.

As a now-listed entity, the Bishnoi Gang has met the definition of a “terrorist group under Canada’s Criminal Code,” the release said.

“A terrorist listing means anything owned by that group in Canada — property, vehicles, money — can be frozen or seized and gives Canadian law enforcement with more tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment. For example, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group,” the release said.

“It is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide property knowing that it will be used by or benefit a terrorist group. The Criminal Code listing can also be used by immigration and border officials to inform decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,” it added.

The Bishnoi Gang, the release said, “is a transnational criminal organization operating primarily out of India”.

“They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities. The group engages in murder, shootings and arson, and generates terror through extortion and intimidation. They create a climate of insecurity in these communities by targeting them, their prominent community members, businesses and cultural figures,” the release said.

It said that listing the Bishnoi Gang will help Canadian security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies “in combatting their crimes and making communities safer”.

“Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community and as a government it is our fundamental responsibility to protect them. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes,” Anandasangaree said.

The release said there are now 88 terrorist entities listed under Canada’s Criminal Code.

It said listing is an important tool that supports criminal investigations and strengthens the RCMP’s (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) ability “to prevent and disrupt terrorist activity in Canada”. (ANI)

India and Bhutan are set to strengthen connectivity with the launch of the first-ever rail link projects between the two countries, marking a significant step in their bilateral partnership.

According to official details, two major projects have been cleared: the Kokrajhar-Gelephu new line and the Banarhat-Samtse new line.

The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line, with an investment of ₹3,456 crore, will connect Assam’s Kokrajhar and Chirang districts with Bhutan’s Sarpang region. Officials noted that the project will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but also create better economic and employment opportunities. Gelephu is being developed as a “mindfulness city” under Bhutan’s plans.

The second project, the Banarhat-Samtse line, will link West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district with Bhutan’s Samtse. With an investment of ₹577 crore, the line is expected to boost cross-border trade and connectivity. The Samtse region is being developed as an industrial hub by the Government of Bhutan.

Officials stressed that these projects, covering the 700 km long India-Bhutan border, will enhance Bhutan’s access to international trade routes through Indian ports. The new lines are seen as part of India’s commitment to support Bhutan’s economic centres and deepen bilateral ties.

Authorities underlined that the projects will help fulfil promises made in recent high-level exchanges, positioning connectivity as a cornerstone of the India-Bhutan partnership.

Underscoring this commitment, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday described the move as a “major new initiative” between India and Bhutan for the establishment of rail connectivity.

“There is a major new initiative between India and Bhutan on the establishment of rail connectivity between our two countries,” Misri said at a joint press conference in Delhi with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Misri stated, “India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding. This is a relationship that is rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, extensive people-to-people relations and our shared developmental and security interests.”

“These ties are reflected in very close contact at the highest levels. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan last year in March 2024, he was conferred the Order of the Druk Yalpo, which is the highest civilian award of Bhutan,” he noted.

The Foreign Secretary pointed out that both Bhutan’s King and its Prime Minister have been engaging closely with India. “His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan have been visiting India regularly. His Majesty the King was here earlier to attend Mahakumbh, and, the Prime Minister was here just a few weeks ago to attend the consecration of the Bhutanese temple in Rajgir,” Misri said.

On India’s role in Bhutan’s development, Misri underlined, “The Government of India has been Bhutan’s largest provider of developmental assistance and has played a vital role in its modernisation, especially in the areas of infrastructure and the overall economic development of the country.”

“For the 13th Five-Year Plan of Bhutan, which runs from 2024 to 2029, the Government of India has committed support of Rs 10,000 crores, which covers project-wide assistance, high-impact community development projects, the economic stimulus program and a program grant. And this quantum constitutes a 100 per cent increase over the 12th five-year plan figures,” he added.

The joint press conference was addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the launch of new railway projects between India and Bhutan. (ANI)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Union Minister L Murugan and Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran, on Monday met the families of those who died in the Karur stampede and assured them of all possible assistance.

Nagamani, grandmother of 5-year-old Pradeep, who died in the stampede, said that Nirmala Sitharaman met the family and advised her to take care of Pradeep’s mother, who is still grieving.

Speaking to ANI, Nagamani said, “She [Nirmala Sitharaman] came and met us. We told her we are in a very sad state. She advised me to take care of Pradeep’s mother, who still could not come out of her sorrow.”

Palaniammal, daughter-in-law of Arakani, who died in the stampede, said that Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Union Minister L Murugan, assured them of all assistance, adding that PM Modi had inquired about the incident.

“Nirmala Sitharaman came along with another Union Minister (L Murugan) and consoled us. She said that PM Modi inquired about the stampede and wanted to come here, but due to work, he sent ministers on his behalf to meet us and assured all assistance. She also said that for any help needed, we should contact the BJP district president,” Palaniammal said.

The death toll from the stampede at Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam leader Vijay’s campaign rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur has risen to 41.

Among the deceased are 18 women, 13 men, five young girls, and five young boys. So far, 34 victims are from Karur district, two each from the Erode, Tiruppur, and Dindigul districts, and one from the Salem district.

The massive crowd at Vijay’s rally on Saturday evening reportedly turned chaotic, triggering panic.

Several attendees fainted and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Sources had said that overcrowding at the venue led to the tragedy. (ANI)

Actor Huma Qureshi will be seen headlining ‘Single Salma’.

The film also stars Sunny Singh and Shreyas Talpade in the lead roles.

On Monday, the makers shared that they have locked October 31 as the release date of ‘Single Salma’. They also unveiled the film’s first poster.

Have a look at it

“Lucknow aur London – do Sheher, do ladke aur ek sawaal – aakhir kaun banega #SingleSalma ka balma, kisse hogi Salma ki shaadi? Trailer out tomorrow! In cinemas 31st October,” the makers captioned the post.

The film is directed by Nachiket Samant, who is best known for projects as ‘Comedy Couple’ and ‘Gachchi’. Mudassar Aziz, Amina Khan, and Ravi Kumar have written the script.

Meanwhile, recently Huma’s film ‘Bayaan’ was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025, to be held in September.

Helmed by writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, best known for his acclaimed feature film Chauranga. The movie was developed at Film Independent, Los Angeles, and is produced by Shiladitya Bora of Platoon One Films, India’s film studio known for the multiple Filmfare award-winning Ghaath (Berlinale 2023) and National Award-winning Picasso (Amazon Prime’s first direct-to-digital Marathi film).

Bayaan is a co-production of Platoon One Films with Madhu Sharma (Summit Studios), Kunal Kumar, and Anuj Gupta as producers, with Switzerland-based Sadik Keshwani (Guidant Films) as co-producer. Huma Qureshi also serves as an Executive Producer on the film. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday said UP has become one of India’s growth engines and can no longer be called a ‘bimaru’ state during a virtual dialogue with all mayors on ‘Developed UP-2047’.

The chief minister said that before 2017, investors avoided the state due to poor roads and a lack of security, but today, the state boasts a network of highways and strong connectivity to every district, attracting investments.

During the ‘Developed UP-2047’, Chief Minister Yogi said, “…You have heard from all mayors how they have raised earnings of their respective municipal corporations. There are possibilities beyond this…Eight years ago, UP’s GDP was Rs 12 lakh 75,000 crore, and we plan to take it to Rs 36 lakh crore by the end of this financial year…No one used to come to invest in UP before 2017 because there were no good roads, and there was lack of secure atmosphere in the state. Today, we have network of highways, good connectivity with other states and ensure two or four-lane highway connectivity to every district headquarter.”

The Chief Minister said over two crore jobs have been created under the One District One Product program, and 8.5 lakh government jobs have been provided so far.

“UP has the country’s first inland waterway connectivity from Varanasi to Haldia…A state which did not get investments is today getting proposals of Rs 45 lakh crore investments…More than 2 crore people have got employment due to One District One Product program…Till now, we have given 8.5 lakh govt jobs in the state…It is the same state but the will towards development of the state has brought transformation..Today, Ayodhya and Kashi, Mathura and Vrindavan have changed…Today, no one can call Uttar Pradesh a ‘bimaru’ state, instead it is one of the growth engines of India,” CM Yogi said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a foreword to Italian to the Indian edition of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s autobiography.

Prime Minister Modi describes the book, which is scheduled to be launched on October 7, 2025 as Meloni’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, taking a cue from his own monthly radio broadcast of the same name.

“It is not just an autobiography; it is her Mann Ki Baat,” PM Modi says in the foreword of the book that was published originally in Italy.

“I am delighted that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is penning her autobiography, I Am Giorgia. Over the last 11 years, I have had the privilege of engaging with many world leaders, each with a different life journey. At times, their journeys transcend personal stories and speak to something larger. They remind us of ideals that have endured across cultures and centuries. Prime Minister Meloni has several such instances in her accomplished life, making this book very special,” PM Modi has written.

In the foreword of the autobiography titled “I am Giorgia — My Roots, My Principles” brought out by Rupa Publications, PM Modi says the book, “gives readers a candid and rare glimpse into the heart and mind of one of Europe’s and the world’s most dynamic and vibrant leaders.”

“There are various ways to understand as well as appreciate Prime Minister Meloni’s rise and leadership. Among those, I can see a strong connection between her story and the concept of Nari Shakti, the divine feminine energy that has been venerated in Indic traditions for thousands of years in many forms,” PM Modi has written.

Meloni’s life and leadership, says PM Modi “remind us of these timeless truths. She has held firm to her roots while leading her nation with confidence on the global stage. That is why her journey resonates so deeply with us in India.”

Published originally in Italy, the US edition of the book has a foreword by Donald Trump Junior.

In his foreword, PM Modi futher says he is reminded that India and Italy are bound by much more than treaties or trade.

“We are bound by shared civilizational instincts like the defence of heritage, the strength of community and the celebration of womanhood as a guiding force. Our nations are joined in spirit by a respect for tradition and an embrace of modernity. This is the bedrock of my own personal friendship with Prime Minister Meloni.”

“As India and Italy deepen their partnership, this book will enrich our understanding of each other and reinforce the importance of human connection at the heart of global cooperation. I am confident that it will be well-received as a refreshing story of an outstanding contemporary political leader and a patriot. It has been a great honour to have written this foreword.”

The Italian Prime Minister, Meloni, had paid a state visit to India in March 2023, months after her election victory in September 2022. During that visit, ties between India and Italy were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership.

The interactions between PM Modi and Meloni have been popular on social media. At one point in the year 2023, the hashtag #Melodi was a trend after PM Modi responded to a selfie posted by the Italian Prime Minister during the COP28 meet in Dubai in which Meloni wrote #Melodi, a combination of the two leaders’ names.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Giorgia Meloni had earlier this month held a telephone conversation in which they exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. PM Meloni had extended greetings to PM Modi on his 75th birthday on September 17 this year, praising his leadership and commitment to India’s progress.

Recently, Meloni said that India can play a very important role in resolving the ongoing conflicts in the world. “I think it can play a very important role,” Giorgia Meloni told ANI on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.She was asked about India’s role in resolving the ongoing wars.

Born in Rome in 1977 on October 22, 2022, Meloni become the first woman Prime Minister in Italy. She has written about her childhood in the working-class neighbourhood of Garbatella to her rise in Italian and European politics. She also touches upon her early struggles, the profound influence of her mother and sister, and the absence of her father. (ANI)

Jennifer Lopez discussed her divorce from Ben Affleck and how it impacted her, according to People.

The actress and singer called her split from Affleck and the personal insight she gleaned during that time “the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Because it changed me,” Lopez further explained. “It helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow,” as quoted by People.

Affleck serves as an executive producer on Lopez’s new film, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. The project premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, the same month the former pair finalised their divorce.

Recalling working on the film and dealing with ups and downs in her life, she said, “It was a really tough time. Every moment on set, every moment I was doing this role, I was so happy, and then it was like, back home, it was not great. And it was just like, oh, you know, ‘How do I reconcile this?’ “

Affleck and Lopez initially met in 2002 and began dating. After ending their engagement in 2004, they both pursued other relationships and started families of their own, according to People.

The musician was married to Marc Anthony from 2004 to 2014, and they are parents to twins Max and Emme. The actor, meanwhile, was married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 2018, and they have three kids together: Violet, Seraphina and Samuel.

Lopez and Affleck rekindled their romance in 2021, and they married in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022. They later celebrated their nuptials with a ceremony in Georgia in front of friends and family a month later.

The pair eventually decided to split, and Lopez filed for divorce exactly two years later, citing irreconcilable differences, reported People.

In August, a source reported that Lopez is doing well and focusing on her career, which includes promoting her passion project, Kiss of the Spider Woman. “This is the movie she filmed last year in New York when she and Ben were going through a difficult time. She’s come a long way since. She’s very happy and just grateful for her life,” the insider said.

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’, also starring Diego Luna and Tonatiuh, is a film adaptation of the 1993 Broadway classic, which in turn was based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig, according to People.

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ will be released in theatres on October 10. (ANI)

India players took a subtle dig at their Pakistan counterparts and the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, by mimicking their celebrations, sending bold messages, and posting pictures with a fake trophy.

The Asia Cup concluded with India adding another trophy to its cabinet with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final in Dubai on Sunday. In pursuit of a 147-run target, India’s top-order faltered and withered at 20/3 in the fourth over of the powerplay. Tilak Varma steadied the world champions’ sinking ship and injected the much-needed impetus to drive India past the finishing line.

He maintained the flow of runs with Sanju Samson and upped the ante with Shivam Dube to knock Pakistan off the perch. He completed his 4th T20I half-century in 41 balls and remained unbeaten on 69(53) as the world champions basked in the Asia Cup glory with a five-wicket triumph.

Soon after India’s win, Arshdeep Singh, the leading wicket-taker for the nation in T20Is, shared a video on Instagram in which he imitated Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed’s trademark celebration alongside Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana, with Samson watching them while carrying a beaming smile on his face.

India’s stylish all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who missed the final due to a niggle, recreated his T20 World Cup 2024 celebration, but inserted a fake trophy image in his post as well. India vice-captain Shubman Gill shared a picture with his long-time friend Abhishek Sharma with a virtual image of the trophy between them.

Abhishek, the world number one T20I batter and the tournament’s highest run-getter, was involved in a heated exchange with Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf. During his celebratory post, he subtly took a dig at Pakistan by captioning it, “Wins make the loudest noise, always.” Tilak, the prime architect of Pakistan’s downfall, was in sync with Abhishek’s views and wrote on Instagram, “Talking is easy, winning takes character.”

The fake trophy memes originated from India’s disappointing end to the night, not lifting the trophy despite being crowned champions. Pandemonium ensued after India’s nerve-jangling victory, with the post-match presentation being delayed by more than an hour. Eventually, the post-match presentation began, and the India players turned up to collect the individual awards. Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma received their individual awards from other dignitaries on stage, while Salman accepted the runners-up cheque from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The Indian players did not acknowledge Naqvi. The ACC chairman didn’t applaud the Indian players who came up to receive their personal accolades. Simon Doull, the presenter for the host broadcaster towards the end of the ceremony, confirmed that, “I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”

Eventually, the speculations cleared up after it was confirmed by the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. He revealed that India had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony from ACC Chairman Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.

“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. So we decided not to take it from him. But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. So it is very unfortunate and unsportsmanlike, and we hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible. There is an ICC conference in November in Dubai. In the next conference, we are going to launch a very serious and very strong protest against the act of the ACC chairperson,” Saikia told ANI.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav gave his take on the entire incident and told reporters that he had not seen anything like it, and said, “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket, started following cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one. I feel we deserved it. I can’t say anything more; I’ve summed it up really well. If you tell me about trophies, my trophies are sitting in the dressing room, all the 14 guys with me, the support staff, those are the real trophies throughout this journey in the Asia Cup.” (ANI)