Month: September 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a look

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

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

The film is set to hit theatres on October 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor on hte occassion of her birthday on Sunday recieved a special wish from her sister Karisma Kapoor.

Karisma shared an adorable picture with “precious sister” Kareena and wrote, “Best sister, Best friends and Beyond..Happy birthday to my most precious sister.. Love you mostest”

After her post, several other celebrity friends, family members and fans extended heartfelt birthday wishes.

While Saba Pataudi, Riddhima Kapoor, and Bhumi Pednekar dropped heart emojis, one of the social media users wrote, “Favourite Kapoor sister forever ever ever happy Birthday to the one and only my favourite Kareena Kapoor Khan gorgeous lady in the world”

Kareena Kapoor, daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita, made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with the film Refugee and has since established herself as one of the leading actresses of the industry with hits like Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, and Tanu Weds Manu.

She will be next seen sharing screen space with Prithviraj Sukumaran in Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Daayra’.In April, they all met for a brief meeting and officially announced the film.

Excited to work with “dream team”, Kareena on Instagram wrote,”I’ve always said that I’m a director’s actor… and this time I cannot wait to work with one of the finest director’s we have, @meghnagulzar and alongside the magnificent @therealprithvi, whose work I deeply admire. To my dream team, #Daayra (red heart emoji) let’s do this.”

In a press note, Kareena further stated, “As I celebrate 25 incredible years in Hindi cinema, I’m thrilled to announce my next film, Daayra, with the incredible Meghna Gulzar in the director’s chair. I’ve long admired her work, from Talvar to Raazi, and to be directed by her is a dream come true. The opportunity to collaborate with the talented Prithviraj is also a highlight, and I’m drawn to the film’s bold, thought-provoking narrative.”

As per Meghna, “Daayra is a story that compels you to reflect on the society we live in and its institutions that pilot us.” (ANI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday arrived in her parliamentary constituency in Kerala’s Wayanad to attend the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi program in Wayanad and said his message of equality and compassion is deeply needed in society and politics today.

Addressing reporters here, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “…The concepts of equality, compassion for all beings – this is very much needed in society today, in the whole political class as well. So, it’s an honour for me to remember him (Sree Narayana Guru) and to be here to pay my respects to him today…”

Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also arrived to participate in the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi program at SNDP Yogam Kalpetta Union Hall in Wayanad.

Sree Narayana Guru (20 August 1856 – 20 September 1928) was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.

The Guru actively promoted education, cleanliness, devotion to God, organisation, and agriculture. He encouraged industries as a means for economic independence. He believed that with skills, hard work, knowledge, education, and a clean-living environment, subjugated people could transform themselves into self-confident, self-respecting, fearless, and morally and financially strong communities.

Earlier on September 14, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the Bishop House in Thamarassery and met Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil.

Bishop Inchananiyil, said representation of their community in the Parliament and man-animal conflict in the region were among the main issues discussed.

Addressing reporters, Bishop Inchananiyil said, “It was a totally personal visit. She requested this personal visit. Personal things were discussed; no political issues or requirements of the community were discussed. But I presented my issues in front of her. Main issue I addressed was to represent the community in the Parliament and the issue related to the conflict between man and wild animals.” (ANI)

Actor Mohanlal will soon receive Indian cinema’s highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, at the 71st National Film Awards, set to take place on September 23.

The veteran star, who has worked for more than four decades in Malayalam cinema and beyond, called the award a tribute to the entire Malayalam film industry.

Speaking to ANI, Mohanlal said he views the award as something much bigger than himself. The Drishyam actor explained that since the honour is returning to Malayalam cinema after “20 years,” it belongs to all the artists who have shaped him as an actor.

“This is a tribute to the Malayalam film industry. After 20 years, this award is coming back to the Malayalam film industry. So, I am sharing this award with the Malayalam industry. I share this with all the great artists who work with me in Malayalam cinema, who have shaped me, who brought the artist in me, and who have shown beautiful light on my graceful walk in the industry. I share all my love and respect with them. When I heard that I was receiving the award, it was the greatest moment of my life,” said Mohanlal.

Calling it one of the “finest moments” of his life, the actor added, “When I heard that I got this, I thought, ‘What is happening? Is this for real?’–the highest award for an actor in the Indian film industry. So, this is a great moment, but I am sharing the credit with all my fellow members of this fraternity. I am sharing the respect with all the artists, directors, producers, and with everyone who works with me on sets, who loves me, and my fans.”

Earlier in the day, while addressing mediapersons in Kochi, the actor, often called one of the finest stars of Indian cinema, shared that he felt this award was not just his own but belonged to Malayalam cinema as a whole. He also recalled the moment when he was informed about receiving the honour, which he described as feeling like “a wild dream.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has worked in numerous films across various genres. Known primarily for his work in Malayalam films, Mohanlal has also featured in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. He has received numerous accolades, including National Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. As another feather in his cap, Mohanlal will be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, set to be held on September 23, 2025. (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised Israel’s settlement expansion plans in the occupied West Bank, calling it a “political project” aimed at undermining the possibility of a two-state solution and denying Palestinians their right to peace.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 News, Macron drew a clear distinction between the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, saying the latter has no direct connection to Hamas and that restarting settlement activities there demonstrates political motives beyond security concerns.

“West Bank has nothing to do with Hamas, and when people start saying our answer either to the recognition or to the situation will be to restart settlements in the West Bank, this is the best evidence of the fact that this is a political project whose objective is not to dismantle Hamas but to kill the possibility of the two states and to deny the right of Palestinian people to live in peace in the region,” he said.

Macron was referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial settlement expansion plans in the occupied West Bank, which were officially approved by the Israeli PM earlier this month.

According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu signed off on the plan, which aims to create a settlement corridor that would split the West Bank in two.

He further declared that “there will be no Palestinian state” while making the announcement.

The targeted area, known as E1 (East 1), covers about 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles) and lies to the east of Jerusalem. The expansion includes the construction of 3,400 new housing units for Israeli settlers, as reported by Al Jazeera.

If carried out, the project would sever key parts of the West Bank from occupied East Jerusalem, while simultaneously connecting a network of Israeli settlements throughout the region.

East Jerusalem holds deep importance for Palestinians, who see it as the future capital of a sovereign state. Under international law, all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, seized by Israel in the 1967 war, are deemed illegal, regardless of any authorisation by Israeli authorities.

During the interview with Channel 12 News, the French President also condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling them “counterproductive” and a “failure”, particularly due to the high civilian death toll.

He stated that such actions by Tel Aviv take away the “credibility” of the operation, not just in the region but everywhere. “Having this type of operation in Gaza is totally counterproductive because this is, I have to say, a failure. The second point is that you are making so many civilian casualties and victims that you are completely destroying the image and the credibility of Israel — not just in the region but in public opinion everywhere,” he said.

Macron emphasised that actions leading to such widespread suffering and destruction violate international norms and harm Israel’s standing globally. “This is a huge mistake, this is absolutely unacceptable, this is totally noncompliant with international rules, and I’m not for a double standard,” he added.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 65,208 people and injuries to 166,271 others, based on health ministry figures, as reported by Al Jazeera. (ANI)