Month: September 2025

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has come on board for Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited film, ‘Kantara Chapter 1.’

Taking to his Instagram handle, Diljit shared a video, capturing his meeting with Shetty, further showing him engaging in the recording for the yet-to-be-announced track.

The video opens to show Diljit entering the room in a playful manner, further embracing Rishab Shetty with much warmth. As Shetty described himself as a “huge fan” of Diljit, the singer was seen expressing his own fanboy moment.

He later took part in the preparations, further wrapping it up with a successful recording inside the studio. The video featured pictures of Diljit recording the song and having conversations with Rishab Shetty.

At one point, the singer could be seen talking to someone over the phone as he received a compliment for bringing out a “Tandav” vibe with his powerful vocals.

In his caption, Diljit expressed his emotions attached to ‘Kantara’ and the song ‘Varaha Roopam’.

“With Big Brother @rishabshettyofficial. Salute to This Guy Man.. Who made The Masterpiece “KANTARA”? I have a Personal Connection with this film, which I can’t tell.. But I remember when I was watching in the theatres.. In The End when The song VARAHA ROOPAM Played I cried in so much ecstasy..Now KANTARA Chapter 1 is Coming on October 2nd. Can’t wait to watch it in theatres,” he wrote in the caption.

He also gave a shoutout to ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ music composer B Ajaneesh Loknath and wrote, “Sir Thank You So Much.. I Learnt a Lot From You Yesterday.”

The shooting for the film has already wrapped, with the makers, Hombale Films, announcing the same on Instagram.

“#KantaraChapter1 has been a divine journey, deeply rooted in our culture, brought to life with unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and incredible team spirit. Can’t wait to see you all in theatres on October 2nd, as this legendary tale unfolds on big screens worldwide,” they wrote in caption.

‘Kantara Chapter 1’ is set to hit theatres on October 2. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) indicated increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the challenges in resolving the Ukraine crisis and the need for cooperation from both sides.

When asked in an interview with Fox and Friends on Fox News wether he was running out of patience with Putin, Trump said, “It’s sort of running out and running out fast, but it does take two to tango… When Putin wants to do it, Zelensky didn’t. When Zelensky wanted to do it, Putin didn’t… We’re going to have to come down very, very strong.”

He also addressed concerns about Russian drone activity near Poland, noting, “They were actually knocked down… but he shouldn’t be close to Poland anyway.”

Earlier, on Thursday, the US President had expressed his displeasure over the drone situation and said he hopes the issue “will come to an end,” underlining Washington’s expectation for restraint and coordinated action in the region.

Speaking to a reporter outside the White House, Trump added, “Could have been a mistake. Regardless, I am not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation. Hopefully it’s going to come to an end.”

The situation follows confirmation from Poland’s military that drones which crossed into its airspace during a Russian strike on Ukraine were shot down, according to CNN.

This marked the first time NATO fired shots since the start of the war in Ukraine.

In response, French President Emmanuel Macron directed the deployment of three Rafale jets to help protect Polish airspace.

In an X post, Macron confirmed the development, noting he had made this commitment the previous day to the Polish Prime Minister. He added, “I have also discussed this matter with the NATO Secretary General and with the British Prime Minister, who is likewise engaged in the defence of the Eastern Flank. The security of the European continent is our top priority. We will not yield to Russia’s growing intimidation.”

Polish officials underscored the seriousness of the incident. Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said the scale of the drone intrusion indicated it was intentional, with Poland’s Minister of Interior reporting that 16 drones had been detected across the country and debris scattered over a wide area, as per CNN.

Addressing the Polish parliament, Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned that while Poland was not at war, the situation was more dangerous than at any time since World War II.

“There was no reason to say that Poland was in a state of war, but it was closer to a conflict than any time since World War II,” he said, adding that Poland faced an “enemy that does not hide its hostile intentions.”

Tusk also announced that Poland had invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, allowing the alliance to convene and discuss threats to the security of member states. (ANI)

Ahead of the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on September 14, Sanjay Dwivedi, father of Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi, on Friday said there should be no political or sports ties with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

He also urged the government to cancel the match.

Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Dwivedi said, “On 22nd April 2025, Pakistan killed 26 innocent people of our country. The government of India had said that it would have no relations with Pakistan and that blood and water cannot flow together.”

“Since the day I got to know (about the India vs Pakistan match), not just me but the entire country has been opposing it and saying that there should be no relations, political or in the sports field, with Pakistan. I oppose this and urge the government to take action in this matter, keeping the public sentiment in mind,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a request to urgently list a plea seeking an interim stay on the cricket match between India and Pakistan. While rejecting the request, a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that the match should go on.

The counsel appearing for the petitioner sought that the plea be heard urgently on Friday as the said match is set to take place on Sunday this week. However, the Court declined the request.

The plea had been filed by one Urvashi Jain, who has challenged the scheduled match by contending that playing with Pakistan would send an opposite message and that the dignity and security of citizens come before entertainment.

“Cricket between nations is meant to show harmony and friendship. But after the Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor, when our people died and our soldiers risked everything, playing with Pakistan sent the opposite message that while our soldiers sacrifice their lives, we are celebrating sports with the same families of the victims who lost their lives at the hands of the Pakistani terrorist”, the plea stated.

It further asserted that the cricket match between India and Pakistan is detrimental to the national interest, to the morale of the armed forces and of the nation as a whole. Additionally, the plea stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports does not recognise any official cricket federation, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) operates like “a nation within a nation”, insensitive to the national problems, calamities, sorrows and so on.

The petitioner further contended that organising a cricket match with Pakistan amid ongoing tensions is sending out an unhealthy message to the armed forces and the public in general.

“Operation Sindoor is still ongoing against the terror base camps in Pakistan. When we still have infiltrations in a non-stop manner in the valley of Kashmir, our armed forces have been carrying out day & night search operations fighting the infiltrators from Pakistan, our soldiers are sacrificing their lives and citizens too falling prey to the bullets of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists”, the plea argued.

The India national cricket team is taking on Pakistan for the first time in an international cricket match after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Ahead of the clash, there had been a widespread demand from the opposition to boycott the match. However, the Centre had issued no objection from the Indian team to playing against Pakistan in any multi-nation tournament. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned for September 19 pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima and Meeran Haider 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 adjourned the case, saying they got the case files late last night and didn’t get time to read.

The Delhi High Court on September 2, had 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.”

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

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

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

Actress Karishma Sharma, who is known for her performance in movies ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2’ and ‘Ek Villian Returns’, sustained injuries after jumping from a local train in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Karishma penned a long note detailing the incident. As per her statement, the actress was heading for a shoot at Churchgate when she jumped off a moving train “out of fear” after realising that her friends couldn’t board the train along with her.

“Yesterday, while heading for a shoot at Churchgate, I decided to take the train dressed in a sari. As I boarded the train, it started picking up speed, and I noticed my friends couldn’t catch it. Out of fear, I jumped off – and unfortunately fell on my back, hitting my head,” wrote Karishma Sharma on her Instagram handle.

‘The Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2’ actress has sustained major injuries to her head and back. Karishma is currently under a doctor’s observation to ensure that the head injury isn’t severe.

“I’ve injured my back, my head is swollen, and I’m covered in bruises. The doctors advised that I do an MRI and have kept me under observation for a day to ensure the head injury isn’t severe,” said Karishma Sharma.

From her Instagram handle, the actress revealed that she is in pain and asked her fans to keep her in their prayers for a “speedy recovery”.

“I’ve been in pain since yesterday, but I’m staying strong. Please keep me in your prayers for a speedy recovery and send me your love – it means a lot,” wrote Karishma Sharma.

Karishma Sharma was last seen in the Bollywood film ‘Ek Villian Returns’, which also starred Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria in the lead roles.

It was co-written and directed by Mohit Suri. It was released in theatres in 2022. (ANI)

The Bengaluru Police has filed a case of alleged dowry harassment against the Kannada actor and filmmaker S Narayan, his wife Bhagyavathi and son Pavan.

According to the FIR registered at the Jnanabharathi Police Station, the complainant, Pavitra, wife of Pavan, has alleged that his husband and his family have demanded more money despite the dowry given during their marriage in 2021.

According to the complaint, Pavan was unemployed and would stay at home while Pavitra managed the household expenses.

Later, Pavan allegedly demanded money from Pavitra for starting a film institute named Kala Samrat Team Academy. To arrange the money, Pavitra allegedly pledged her mother’s jewelery and gave the money to her husband, Pavan.

However, the academy incurred losses and was subsequently shut down. In the complaint, Pavitra allegedly raised a loan of Rs 10 lakh and gave it to her husband.

However, Pavithra has now alleged that she was thrown out of the house. Pavitra has filed a complaint claiming dowry harassment. The Bengaluru police are currently investigating the case.

The FIR has been filed under Section 85 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961,

S Narayan is a popular Kannada filmmaker who is popular for films like Anuragada Alegalu, Megha Maale, Thavarina Thottilu and Bevu Bella. (ANI)

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairperson of the National Assembly on Friday issued a joint statement in the wake of the ongoing political crisis in Nepal.

The statement said, “We are shocked by the loss of life and property during the Gen-Z protests that took place on this very date, Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082. We express our heartfelt condolences to all the youth who lost their lives during the protests and to the police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured during the protests and urge the relevant state mechanisms to ensure that there is no shortage of treatment.”

It further stated, “The arson and vandalism that occurred on Bhadra 24, 2082, including the Federal Parliament Building in Baneshwor, the Federal Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar, and various government offices, government and private residences, media houses, commercial establishments, and public property and historical documents, has caused irreparable damage to the country. The arson that occurred at the Federal Parliament Building and Secretariat and throughout the country has caused irreparable damage to the country.”

Highlighting the current national situation, the joint statement added, “In the current difficult situation in the country, the Honorable President is taking the initiative to find a way out through the constitutional process, upholding the sovereignty, civil liberties, geographical integrity, national unity and independence vested in the people. In this context, we are firm that the rule of law and constitutionalism should not be deviated from.”

Concluding the statement, the leaders appealed, “We appeal to everyone to commit to a more advanced, prosperous and strong democracy by addressing the demands of the agitating parties.”

The appeal comes as the death toll from the Gen-Z protests in Nepal has risen to 51, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health and Population on Friday, highlighting the human cost of the unrest.

Of these, 30 individuals were killed by gunshots, while 21 others succumbed to burns, wounds, and other injuries, the ministry confirmed.

As per The Kathmandu Post, citing a co-spokesperson for Nepal Police, Ramesh Thapa said, the fatalities include one Indian national and three police personnel.

Out of the total deceased, 36 bodies have been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, where post-mortem examinations began on Friday.

Meanwhile, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj has also started to release the dead bodies of the Gen Z protestors following autopsies.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, following the government’s imposition of a ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity.

Curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation, which will continue till 5 pm today and will again be imposed from 7 pm until 6 am on Saturday, as per a statement issued by the Nepalese Army.

Protesters have been demanding an end to “institutionalised corruption and favouritism” in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Public frustration deepened further when the “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, the meeting for the establishment of the interim government is scheduled to take place today.

The meeting will take place at the official residence of the President of Nepal, Sital Niwas, in Kathmandu.

This gathering comes amid Gen Z-led protests and political uncertainty in the country following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

One of the key agendas of the meeting is expected to be discussions around the formation of an interim government and the possible appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister.

According to The Kathmandu Post, Om Prakash Aryal, who has been actively coordinating with Karki in recent days, stated that the former Chief Justice is expected to first meet with senior advocate Baburam Kunwar, legal adviser to Nepal’s President, before holding crucial discussions with the President himself.

If a consensus is reached, Karki could be sworn in as the head of the interim cabinet later today, The Kathmandu Post reported.

The support for Karki comes at a time when frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity has ignited widespread protests since September 8, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country.

Earlier on Thursday, the leaders of the Gen-Z protest in a press conference also collectively endorsed former Karki as their nominee for interim Prime Minister, citing her integrity and independence, following the resignation of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, after widespread protests across the nation.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ has also voiced his support for Karki, strengthening her standing as the probable candidate of the Gen Z movement. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday chaired a high-level meeting with officials to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-hit areas of the state.

He interacted with all Deputy Commissioners through video conferencing and directed them to ensure that comprehensive surveys of crop, livestock, and household damage are conducted without delay.

Mann reiterated that Punjab will provide the highest compensation in the country to affected families. “This is not just an announcement. Unlike earlier times when farmers were given meagre cheques of Rs. 26, this time, strict instructions have been issued to DCs to ensure fair and transparent assessment. I belong to a farmer’s family; my own fields have been submerged in the past. I know the pain,” he said.

The CM announced that special girdawari (damage assessment) reports would be compiled within 30-40 days, with compensation distribution starting within a month. Farmers whose crops are completely damaged will be given Rs 20,000 per acre, while compensation for loss of cattle such as cows and buffaloes will be Rs 37,500 each. Families whose houses have collapsed or become uninhabitable due to flooding will also be covered under the 100 per cent damage category.

Mann further stated that while the SDRF guidelines permit only Rs. 6,800 compensation, Punjab will top it up to ensure affected families receive Rs. 40,000. “This is not the time to be stingy. Relief cheques are ready, and people will start receiving them around Diwali,” he assured.

So far, 55 flood-related deaths have been confirmed, and compensation has already been released to 42 families. For the remaining cases, where heirs are missing or bodies are yet to be recovered, the government is making arrangements to settle claims.

The CM also announced the setting up of medical camps and measures for safe disposal of dead livestock. Reviewing the situation along the Ghaggar River, he said the danger level was being closely monitored, and embankments at weak points were being strengthened.

In a stern warning, Mann declared that any officer found guilty of negligence or corruption in relief distribution would face strict action. “This is not the time for politics. Unfortunately, some have tried to politicise the crisis, which is extremely shameful,” he remarked.

Highlighting the spirit of Punjab, Mann praised the contributions of social, religious, and voluntary organisations during the floods. “Punjab is a land where no stranger sleeps hungry–then how can we let our own suffer?” he said.

Touching on the larger financial aspect, the CM criticised both the BJP and Congress for their role in past misuse of funds, including RDF allocations. He clarified that the present AAP government has maintained transparency and accountability in the use of public money.

Mann also underlined the failure of crop insurance schemes, which, he said, had not benefited farmers as promised. Meanwhile, the CM Relief Fund has received Rs. 48 crore in contributions from citizens, corporates, and institutions.

The Chief Minister added that he will soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with a detailed report on damages and compensation requirements. “Punjab has shown the nation that we know how to tackle disasters. I will not rest until every affected family receives justice,” Mann concluded. (ANI)

After the Delhi High Court granted interim protection to actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a personality rights case, her Advocate Pravin Anand said the judgment is of “very significant importance” as it strengthens the legal framework around publicity rights in India.

Pravin Anand, who is presently in Japan, sent his reaction to ANI from there. He said, “The Delhi High Court has given a very significant decision in the case of Aishwarya Rai and this case is particularly important for the fact that it lays down a strong foundation for the right of publicity. The right of publicity in India is not protected by a statute… we protect it as an extension of the right of privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.”

He further explained that the judgment is not just about celebrities: “There are more than 10 cases of the Delhi High Court which have solidified this protection into a very well-defined body of case law.

The other significance is that this right of publicity is not confined to celebrities but extends to every common person whose name, voice, or image is exploited on the internet. In today’s digital world, different forms of exploitation are rampant, and this decision shows the courts are dealing with it with a strong hand.”

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court came down heavily on the unauthorised use of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s name, image, and persona, noting that such misuse without consent not only caused financial detriment but also harmed her dignity and reputation.

Granting an interim injunction, Justice Tejas Karia restrained several websites, companies, and unidentified persons from misusing her identity through digital and AI-driven manipulation, including deepfakes, morphed images, and misleading endorsements. The court said unauthorised use of a celebrity’s likeness or persona could mislead the public, falsely imply endorsements, and dilute their goodwill.

The order prohibited the creation, sharing, or dissemination of AI-generated or manipulated content, as well as commercial exploitation of Rai’s persona through merchandise, online platforms, or advertisements.

Further, the Court directed Google LLC and various e-commerce platforms to remove flagged URLs within 72 hours of receiving notice. It also ordered the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Technology to issue blocking directions. In addition, the Court asked Google and the concerned platforms to submit, in a sealed cover, the Basic Subscriber Information of the offenders involved.

Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for Rai along with advocates Pravin Anand, Ameet Naik, Madhu Gadodia, Dhruv Anand, and Udita Patro, detailed the extent of violations. He pointed to unauthorised merchandise such as mugs, T-shirts, and drinkware being sold in Rai’s name, as well as fraudulent entities like Aishwarya Nation Wealth, which falsely listed her as Chairperson. He further highlighted the circulation of obscene, morphed, and AI-generated content, describing it as a gross violation of her dignity and a deceptive tactic linking Rai to ventures with which she had no association.

The Court observed that Rai, as one of India’s most celebrated actors and a trusted ambassador for global brands, faced serious reputational harm from such misuse.

The matter has been listed for January 15, 2026, and until then, the interim injunction will continue to protect Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s personality rights. (ANI)