Month: September 2025

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle is celebrating her 92nd birthday on Monday, receiving an influx of heartwarming messages from her fans and celebrities alike.

On the occasion, actor Kajol also took to her Instagram handle and extended a sweet birthday wish for Asha Bhosle. She completed the post with an unseen picture from 2014, featuring her with the ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo’ singer and Saif Ali Khan.

Paying a homage to Asha Bhosle’s relentless spirit towards work, Kajol wrote, “#Throwback to this night 2014 October at the HN Reliance hospital inauguration! And guess who is still looking as good and working and performing at 92? Wishing this awesome legend an amazing year ahead! Had to be a post! Love u Ashatai @asha.bhosle.”

The ‘Maa’ star also brought in her witty sense of humour to the post as she added, “No it’s not #SaifAliKhan and me.”

The picture shows the trio posing for the camera as they attended an event together. Both Kajol and Saif could be seen dressed in traditional attire.

Asha Bhosle reacted to the birthday with heart emojis in the comment section.

Many others also shared heartwarming wishes for the singer, including music artists like Anup Jalota and Kumar Sanu.

Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle also penned a sweet note for the singer and wrote, “Happy birthday to meri choti si asha!! #92 or #29 ?? Hmm?”

Asha Bhosle is known as one of the most successful singers in Hindi cinema. In her career spanning over eight decades, she has recorded songs for films and albums in several Indian languages and received awards.

Some of her most iconic tracks are ‘Churi Liya Hai Tumne Jo’, ‘Le Gayi’, ‘Sharara’, ‘Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera’, ‘Rangeela Re’, and ‘In Ankhon Ki Masti’.

She was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in the country, in 2008. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh has achieved a historic milestone in the field of education by being declared a ‘Fully Literate State’.

According to a release, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this announcement on Monday on the occasion of International Literacy Day during the ‘Puran Sakshar Himachal Samaroh and Ullaas Mela-2025’ held in Shimla. The event was organised by the Directorate of School Education.

Extending his greetings to the people of the State, the Chief Minister said that Himachal had reached this goal well before the scheduled timeframe. He said that the journey from a minimal literacy rate of around seven per cent to a fully literate state had been full of challenges, yet the State had consistently moved forward with the aim of providing quality education. He emphasised the need for continuous reforms in line with modern requirements.

He said that as a result of reforms introduced by the present government, the literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh had reached to 99.30 percent higher than the national benchmark of 95 percent with state ranking first in the country in terms of student-teacher ratio.

“Many positive changes will be introduced in the education sector in the coming years and the government institutions would be transformed into centres of excellence. The government was committed to provide quality education and working towards establishing world-class institutions in the State,” he retreated.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the officials, volunteers and others under the New India Literacy Programme ‘ULLAS’ who had contributed to the achievement of making Himachal a fully literate state. He also visited the exhibition organised as part of the Ullaas Mela.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that “the day would be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of Himachal Pradesh. He recalled that after Independence, the State was among the lowest in the country in terms of literacy. With thrust on improving the quality of education, the successive governments worked hard and today Himachal had reached the top position in India.”

He said that the dropout rate in the State had now come down to “almost zero.” He detailed the new initiatives taken by the present government in field of education. He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed towards making Himachal a fully literate state.

Union Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, in his video message, congratulated Himachal on this achievement and emphasised the importance of providing skill-based education to the newly literate.

Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. He said that Himachal had fulfilled the various criteria required for being declared a fully literate state. He stated that capacities in the education sector would continue to be enhanced to effectively meet future challenges.

Director of School Education Ashish Kohli gave details of the Ullaas Mela and said that many ambitious programmes had been successfully implemented under the motto of “Jan-Jan Sakshar”.

Voluntary teachers and newly literate individuals also shared their experiences. Over the past three decades, women’s groups, youth clubs, voluntary organisations and NGO’s played a significant role in this journey towards achieving a 99.30 per cent literacy rate.

Mayor Surinder Chauhan and senior officers, educationists and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)

A second terrorist has been killed in the ongoing encounter code-named Operation Guddar in the Guddar forest in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Monday.

One soldier has been injured during the exchange of fire and is being evacuated for medical care.

According to the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, “One more terrorist has been eliminated in the ongoing Operation at Guddar forest of Kulgam. One soldier suffered injuries and is being evacuated for requisite medical care. Identity of terrorists is being ascertained.”

This follows the earlier elimination of one terrorist during the gunfight that broke out on Monday morning after a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF on the basis of specific intelligence inputs.

In a post on X, the Chinar Corps said, “COP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. “

The Army said further, “Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries. Operation is in progress. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA.”

The encounter broke out in the Guddar forest this morning. Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir, Army and CRPF are on the site, Kashmir zonal police informed.

In a post on X, the Kashmir zonal police stated that the encounter started based on specific intelligence.

Operation remains in progress. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered that the Aadhaar card must be treated as the 12th document for the purpose of identity for inclusion of voters in the revised voters list of Bihar in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, said it is clarified that authorities shall be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself.

Aadhaar card shall not be accepted as proof of citizenship, clarified the bench.

It also asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to issue instructions about the acceptance of the Aadhaar card as the 12th document to its officials.

The top court observed that, as per the Aadhaar Act, the Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship; however, in the Representation of the People’s Act, the Aadhaar card is one document for the purpose of establishing the identity of any person.

It recorded the undertaking of the poll panel that the Aadhaar card will be accepted as proof of identity.

The order of the apex court came while hearing pleas of RJD and others claiming that the ECI officials were not accepting the Aadhaar card as a stand-alone document for inclusion in the electoral roll.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for RJD, said that officials were insisting on the production of any of the 11 documents specified by the ECI in its SIR notification and are not accepting the Aadhaar card despite the court’s three orders.

The ECI has not issued any instructions to its officials at the ground level to accept the Aadhaar card, and court orders were not getting implemented, said Sibal, adding that 24 affidavits of several voters, whose Aadhaar cards were not accepted, have been filed.

He further said, “Aadhaar card is the universally available document with the population. If they cannot accept that, what kind of inclusion exercise are they carrying out? They want to exclude the poor.”

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, submitted that an Aadhaar card cannot be accepted as proof of citizenship.

It also issued a notice to the ECI on an application filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking direction to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where Assembly Elections are scheduled in 2026.

On August 22, the top court had ordered that the persons who are excluded from the draft electoral roll during the SIR in poll-bound Bihar can submit their applications for inclusion through online mode and that physical submission of forms is not necessary.

On the last date of hearing, the bench had refrained from issuing any direction to extend the deadline for submitting claims, objections or corrections to the electoral roll beyond September 1, after the ECI assured that even objections sent after this deadline would be considered before the electoral roll is finalised.

The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel’s move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The petitions challenging the ECI decision were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam.

The pleas sought direction to quash the ECI’s June 24 directive that requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls.

The petitions also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar. (ANI)

Former US President Barack Obama became a three-time Emmy winner after securing a win at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards held on September 7, as reported by People.

Obama earned the award for his narration in Netflix’s Our Oceans.

‘Our Oceans’ is a five-part documentary series that explores the wonders of Earth’s oceans. It was presented by Obama, and the series was released on November 20, 2024.

Although the former US President was not present in Los Angeles to receive the award, presenter Jordan Klepper accepted it on his behalf.

In the Outstanding Narrator category, Obama competed against Sir David Attenborough (Planet Earth: Asia), Idris Elba (Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color), Tom Hanks (The Americas), and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Octopus!).

The project, which allowed viewers to experience the “gateways to the unknown,” featured the former president’s narration across five episodes, each dedicated to one of the world’s oceans. Obama broke down the Pacific Ocean’s humpback whales and their migration process and explained how walruses in the Arctic Ocean were coping with climate change, while also making sure to hit the Indian, Southern and Atlantic Oceans in the process, reported People.

The ‘Indian Ocean’ part of the series, in particular, “put him in Emmy contention this time around. The series was created by the filmmakers behind Our Great National Parks and was filmed with newly developed underwater filming technology,” according to People.

Obama previously took home two Primetime Emmys in 2022 and 2023 for his work on Our Great National Parks and Working: What We Do All Day, respectively, reported People.

The 2025 Creative Arts Emmys were held in Los Angeles over the weekend. (ANI)

The row between producer Vashu Bhagnani and filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar over alleged financial misconduct during the shooting of Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ has escalated.

On Monday, Vashu Bhagnani levelled fresh allegations of running a Benami company and money laundering against Ali Abbas Zafar, who is best known for making movies such as ‘Sultan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’.

He pointed to a company named Jolly Jumper Films LLC, which he claims is registered as a benami entity in Abu Dhabi but allegedly operated from Andheri, Mumbai. Bhagnani further accused Zafar of using this company as a vehicle for large-scale money laundering operations.

“See, basically, Ali Abbas Zafar and Himanshu Mehra run two companies called AAZ Films. We collaborated on a film, where my role was to provide the capital, while they were responsible for production and direction,” Bhagnani told ANI over video call.

“It was mutually agreed how much the film would be made for, and I had no interference in their work. The entire industry knows this. Wherever they suggested shooting, we went–be it London or India. Later, I came to know they also have a company in Abu Dhabi called Jolly Jumper, which is associated with Ali Abbas Zafar. Initially, I thought it was one of their group companies. But only two months ago, I discovered that this company is actually registered under the name of his assistant and is being run anonymously,” Bhagnani alleged.

“There is a far bigger financial conspiracy at play. I have reasons to believe that Jolly Jumper Films LLC is being misused for illegal transactions,” Bhagnani added.

Bhagnani claimed the film’s budget was inflated by nearly Rs 80 crore, with subsidies misused and accounts left unsettled despite repeated requests.

“On paper, the film went nearly Rs 70-80 crore over budget. We tried to cut costs by negotiating with actors to accept Rs 7-8 crore instead of ₹10 crore but even then, the accounts were never settled. Despite repeated requests for almost 11 months, their accountant has refused to provide final statements. Instead, they have been spreading in the market that they were never the producers, only the directors,” he alleged.

Bhagnani mentioned that a complaint filed by him resulted in an FIR at Bandra police station, but he is also now planning to approach Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Economic Offence Wing (EOW).

“I am now planning to write to the ED, EOW and CBI. Recovering the money is not the priority. I just want the truth to be exposed so no other producer suffers like this,” he said.

Ali Abbas Zafar is yet to respond to these fresh allegations levelled against him by Vashu Bhagnani.

‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ was released in theatres in April 2024. The film was shot across Mumbai, London, UAE, and Jordan. (ANI)

On the lines of the famous Cherry Blossom festival of Japan, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has decided to celebrate Buransh and Padam flowering festivals, according to a press release.

The proposal was approved in the meeting of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC), held last month.

The Buransh festival will be celebrated in the Second week of March, and Padam (Himalayan Cherry) in the second week of October. These are the peak times of blooming of these flowers in Uttarakhand, said the release.

Buransh, botanically known as Rhododendron arboretum, is also state flower of Uttarakhand and during months of March-April hills of Uttarakhand are covered by this magnificent red color flowers, while Padam/Himalayan Cherry, botanically known as Prunus cerasoides, blooms twice in year-once in March- April and again in the month of October, when the entire tree is covered by beautiful light pink color flowers.

Both the flowers are culturally and ecologically very important in Uttarakhand and attract a large number of birds, honey bees and pollinators.

Buransh has many medicinal properties, also, and its juice is considered to be very useful in gastrointestinal diseases.

Chief Conservator of Forest, Sanjiv Chaturvedi said, “During the week fixed for celebration of these flowers festivals, a number of activities have been planned, which include trek to flowering areas and trails, cultural programs with participation of local community, exhibition of products based on these flowers, spotting of birds/pollinators dependent on these flowers, storytelling sessions, pollinators survey and painting competitions.”

The release said, “The main objective is to celebrate the seasonal blooming of these flowers as symbols of the rich floral heritage of Uttarakhand and to raise awareness among local communities, tourists, and stakeholders about the ecological and cultural importance of these species in the Himalayan ecosystem. Uttarakhand Forest Department also hopes to promote conservation efforts and sustainable use through community and school engagement, and to document local traditions, folklore, and uses associated with these species”.

In Japan, the centuries-old tradition of Hanami, or “flower viewing,” celebrates the bloom of cherry blossoms (Prunus serrulata). Occurring between March and May, depending on the region, Hanami involves friends and families gathering under cherry trees in parks. Similarly, South Korea hosts the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in early April, marking the blooming of Prunus yedoensis (Yoshino cherry trees) in the city of Jinhae. This is one of the largest flower festivals in the country, attracting millions of visitors to witness floral avenues, cultural performances, and parades, said the release. (ANI)

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has condemned the reported incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh idol immersion procession in Karnataka’s Maddur and called for action against those responsible.

Speaking to reporters, she accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of “hurting” the sentiments of Hindus.

“…During the Ganpati celebrations, permissions were not given to hold cultural programmes, play DJ, or take out processions. Yesterday, during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur, people pelted stones. A similar incident happened last year also…The state government is hurting the sentiments of Hindus. I condemn it. Action should be taken against those who pelted stones…” she said.

BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also blamed the Congress government for creating “disharmony in society,” which he claimed had resulted in such incidents of violence.

“The situation has gone so bad that there are some antisocial elements who think that they can get away with any kind of violence because they have got political backing… There are anti-social elements that don’t want the procession to be taken out. A Hindu deity procession showcases the strength of the Hindu community. They don’t want that. The Hindu community is very peaceful. The procession will be very peaceful. But they want to disrupt it…” he said.

“It is the administration and politics of the Congress party that have created disharmony in society, and the result is that this kind of violence happens, and when this happens, the police behave one-sidedly…” Bommai asserted.

Pro-Hindu organisations staged a protest on Monday against the reported stone pelting in Maddur. In response, Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and some people have been arrested, as per Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara. Police also used mild lathi charge to disperse the protestors.

Speaking to the reporters, Karnataka Home Minister said, “An incident has happened in Maddur town, Mandya, a stone pelting incident, which is now under control. The police have already arrested a few people…Section 144 has been imposed. One or two small incidents also happened in the state. One stabbing incident has also happened; everything is under control. The police have taken all the necessary steps.”

The 10-day festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, which began on August 27, ended on Saturday, with ‘visarjan processions’ taking centre stage across the country.

‘Ganesh Visarjan’ is observed on the 10th day of the festival, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Visuals from various pandals have surfaced, showing devotees taking part in processions as they prepare to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. (ANI)

At least nine people were confirmed dead on Monday in massive youth protests in Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal, which turned violent with bloody clashes with police. Police used lethal force against the demonstrators who attempted to break barricades and enter the Parliament building, days after the country imposed a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

The agitation is being termed as Gen-Z protest in Nepal.

Visuals from Kathmandu showed protesters vandalising the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu.

Nepal Police said, “Nine people have lost their lives as protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters.”

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has extended the curfew in parts of Baneshwar after protesters broke into a restricted area. The local administration extended the curfew areas, which include the President’s residence, Shital Niwas area, Maharajgunj, the vice-president’s residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas.

Authorities have said the extension is intended to prevent further unrest and ensure security in sensitive government locations.

The curfew, issued by Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, is in effect from 12:30 pm to 10 pm. Movement, gatherings, demonstrations, or encirclements within these zones are strictly prohibited.

Thousands of youths joined the protests, criticizing rampant corruption and the government’s ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat. Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and comply with the curfew to prevent further incidents.

“A while ago the police fired a bullet which missed me but hit a friend who was standing behind me. He was hit in the hand. The firing has continued till now from inside (the parliament); we still can hear the sounds of the firing. My friend who was standing on the road was shot in the head. The police have been firing indiscriminately, targeting above the knee. Are they permitted to do so?” a protester told ANI.

Dozens of people have been injured and are being treated at various hospitals across Kathmandu. The situation escalated after protesters breached the restricted zone and entered the Parliament premises. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition, injuring many.

The Gen Z protesters have taken to the streets against alleged government corruption and the ban on social media platforms.

“We were planning to hold a peaceful protest, but as we advanced further, we could see the violence by the police. The police are firing on the people, which is against the essence of a peaceful protest. Those who are sitting in power cannot impose their power on us. Anti-corruption protests are being suppressed, which is against the freedom of speech and the right to expression. The police have been firing at protestors every minute, and people are being rushed out from the site. This should be brought to greater attention,” another protestor told ANI.

From 9 AM (local time) on Monday, demonstrators gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu to voice their dissent. In recent days, hashtags such as ‘Nepo Kid’ and ‘Nepo Babies’ have been trending online, gaining momentum after the government decided to block unregistered platforms.

According to the Kathmandu District Administration Office, ‘Hami Nepal’ organized the rally, which had sought prior approval. Organizers have been using social media to share information on protest routes and safety tips. They have also urged students to join the demonstrations in their uniforms, carrying books.

“This is the protest by the new generation in Nepal. A new slavery system has been introduced in the nation. Nepali youth’s age is being sold, and high post officials are involved in misappropriation of powers. Human rights are being violated by the major three political parties: CPN-UML, the radical nationalist party; Nepali Congress, which has been supporting from the background; and Maoist Center, which has also remained silent over the issue. They also had banned TikTok at the time,” another protester told ANI. (ANI)

Punjabi actor Sonam Bajwa has joined the cast of ‘Border 2’, one of the most anticipated films slated for release in January 2026.

The makers on Monday announced that Sonam will be paired opposite Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming film.

“Welcoming @sonambajwa to the #Border2 family, opposite @diljitdosanjh. A tale where grace and glory unite – releasing in cinemas on January 22, 2026,” read a post on the official Instagram handle of T-Series Films.

Directed by Anurag Singh, ‘Border 2’ also stars Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan in pivotal roles.

Speaking about the sequel to one of the most loved Bollywood films, ‘Border’, producer Bhushan Kumar earlier said, “Border is more than a film, it’s an emotion for every Indian. With Border 2, we aim to carry forward that legacy and bring it to a new generation. The new release date gives audiences more time to come together and experience the film in theatres during an extended Republic Day weekend,” as quoted in a press release shared by the makers.

Director Anurag Singh said it was an “honour” for him to pay tribute to the undying spirit of Indian soldiers with his film ‘Border 2’.

The film is scheduled for release on January 22, 2026. (ANI)