Month: September 2025

Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court on Saturday remanded actor Ashish Kapoor in 14 days of judicial custody after police interrogation. He was produced before Link Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Payal Singhal.

Kapoor was arrested September 2 from Pune in connection with an alleged gang rape case registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by a woman. An FIR was filed on August 11, 2025, under relevant sections on charges of rape, gang rape, causing hurt, etc.

According to the complaint, the woman was invited to a party in Ashish Kapoor’s neighbourhood, where she alleged that her drink was spiked. She claimed she lost consciousness, after which she was dragged to a washroom and gang-raped.

Police said that the woman had initially named other individuals but later revised her statement, accusing only Kapoor of rape.

Following his arrest, the Delhi Police had moved an application seeking a 5-day custody remand to investigate the case, including the recovery of the mobile phone, and to conduct a potency test of the accused. The application also sought to examine the role of the accused persons and to take him to Pune, Maharashtra.

On September 3, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court at Tis Hazari had granted four days of police custody to facilitate investigation. He was to be produced before the court on September 7, but the police produced him a day earlier. The court had also allowed the potency test of Kapoor.

During the hearing (on September 3), advocates Deepak Sharma, Rajan Oberoi, and Somesh Oberoi appeared for Kapoor. It was argued that recovery of the mobile phone cannot be effected from the accused because, as per the status report, it was in possession of co-accused Kapil Gupta and Ritu Gupta. Advocate Deepak Sharma had argued that co-accused Kapil Gupta had already been granted anticipatory bail. Therefore, there is no requirement for the custody remand of Ashish Kapoor. Kapil Gupta is a pilot, and Ritu Gupta is a businesswoman.

Kapoor’s application for interim protection from arrest had become infructuous following his arrest in Pune. (ANI)

In the wake of the United States imposing 50 per cent import tariff on Indian goods, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that steps should be taken to improve ties with the United States, as wealth is created there, India has huge trade with US and 8 lakh students go to study abroad every year.

Speaking to reporters Akhilesh Yadav said, “Ties should be improved with the US. US is the head of capital flow. Wealth is created there. People dream big in the US. In science, technology, economy, health, and education, it is above others. The relation with such a country should never decline. Our neighbouring country, which grabs our land, the country which always helps Pakistan and during Operation Sindoor, India had to face China more than Pakistan. The government should be cautious of such a country which has its eyes on our land and is capturing our market. India should try to strengthen its economy to face such a country.”

“We cannot afford to spoil relations with US because trade with US is huge. 8 lakh Indian students go to study abroad. Many people from Gujarat live in the US. We hope people from Gujarat who work in US in high positions would not allow the ties to deteriorate,” he added.

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has accused India of buying Russian oil and funding the Ukraine war, and has imposed a 50 per cent import tariff, effective from August 27.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States has not yet rolled out “Phase-2” and “Phase-3” tariffs against countries continuing trade ties with Russia. He called secondary sanctions on India a direct action against Russia, as “that cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia.”

He said this when being asked about why he has taken no action against Russia after he assumed the Oval Office in January this year.

He also called India the largest buyer of Russian oil after China, indicating that New Delhi could face further penalties if it continues energy imports from Moscow. (ANI)

Ramlila committees and Durga Puja pandals will be given 1,200 units of free electricity for the upcoming Durga Puja and Dusshera festivals, which are set to begin in the last week of September.

A ‘single window system’ has been put in place for getting permissions from various departments, including getting police permission, No Objection Certificates (NOC), fire brigades, arranging ambulances etc.

“We have decided that just as assistance was provided to Delhi’s committees in the Kanwar camps, in the same manner, the Delhi government will gift 1200 units of electricity on its behalf to all Ramlila committees as well. With that, people will be submitting only 25 per cent of the security deposit to get electricity meters. The same provisions will apply to all Ramlila committees and Durga pandals in Delhi,” Delhi CM said.

Earlier, CM Rekha Gupta chaired the preparatory meeting for Ramlila and Durga Pooja celebrations in the capital at Delhi Secretariat. Ramlila celebrations typically start 10 days before Dusshera, which falls on October 2 this year. Similarly, Durga puja is set to begin from September 28, and go on till October 2. Typically, celebrations start a week before and continue till the end of the festival. The event saw the participation of various members of the pandals and committees.

“Along with this, preparations for toilets, ensuring security, health, ambulances, fire brigades, NOC (No Objection Certificate) will be given through a single window system. The Delhi government will help the people in all the ways. We will also make sure that cleanliness is maintained. We have formed a committee that will inform us if any kind of problem arises,” she added.

Diwali festivities will also be better for the people after the announcement of GST reform by the Central government, Delhi CM said.

During the preparatory meeting held earlier today, the Delhi CM emphasised the importance of security, traffic management, and electricity provisions.

“Such a situation shouldn’t arise that out Ramlila does not even get completed of the 10 days, that is why we want to give all the provisions to help them. Traffic management has also been planned, with great facilities being given,” CM Gupta said.

She also suggested that people should start organising health camps and exhibitions in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, celebrated on September 17.

The Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a yearly celebration that honours the Hindu goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over Mahishasur. Hindu mythology holds that the goddess comes to her earthly abode at this time to bless her devotees.

Dussehra is that time of the year when the well-known Ramleela is held, massive fairs are organized and people gather in large numbers to see Raavan effigies burst into flames. Dusshera falls on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, however, despite the fact that celebrations and cultural practices vary according to the location in India’s culturally rich country, the festival’s fabric that binds everyone together remains. (ANI)

Punjab Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Saturday said that about 24,930 people have been affected by floods in the state, with 40 villages inundated.

Fazilika district is among the worst hit, with 22,652 people impacted, particularly in the Jalalabad and Fazilka constituencies.

“Due to floods in Fazilka district, Jalalabad (2278) and Fazilka constituencies are most affected. Approximately 24,930 people have been affected, with 40 villages impacted by floods,” said Sond.

He added that around 4,200 people have been shifted to safer locations. Moreover, 30 relief camps have also been established in the district. “17 government buildings have been affected in floods…4 teams of NDRF, two teams of Army, one team of BSF have been deployed in Fazilka,” he said.

According to the minister, 8,600 ration kits were distributed to people affected by the floods. “We are providing relief material to every family affected by the floods. Almost 8600 ration kits have been distributed…” he said.

Despite ongoing relief efforts, heavy rains continue to worsen the situation.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Army conducted a relief operation, where it provided relief materials and rescued people from the submerged areas.

Locals said that there is no decline in the water level. “The villages are drowning. The food is provided. There is no decline in water level…. The Indian Army has rescued us and shifted us to a safer location…It is helping a lot,” Vajir Singh, a local from the Fazilika village, told ANI.

Echoing a similar sentiment, another local, Reshu Bai, said that the situation on the ground continues to remain dire, as children are forced to sit on the roof to escape the flooding waters.

“A lot of kids are sitting on the roof. They have gone to the houses to get water. There’s a hole in the house. There is a lot of water in the houses. The kids are sitting there. All the things are being sold. It is in a bad condition,” Reshu told ANI.

Meanwhile, the state’s flood death toll has increased to 43. However, rescue and relief efforts have been stepped up, with AIIMS Delhi sending a specialised medical team to the affected areas (ANI).

Bollywood heartthrob Taapsee Pannu has joined hands with diamond brand Aukera Jewellery as ‘Partner in Purpose’. This was announced by the actress on her Instagram account on September 05.

The actress wrote: “I choose partnerships with brands that align with my core beliefs. With @aukera_jewellery, it’s more than jewellery—it’s innovation, craftsmanship, and design coming together to create pieces that speak of individuality and strength.”

The message was accompanied with a short promotional video by the jewellery brand which featured the ‘Haseen Dilruba’ actress.

“As their Partner in Purpose, I stand with a brand that believes every woman deserves the freedom of choice. Including jewellery as bold and unique as their voice,” Pannu wrote.

Launching a scathing attack on RJD and Congress, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday asserted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is not backing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s name for the post of Chief Minister here in Bihar.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister said, “Rahul Gandhi, who himself is a ‘Pappu’, made Tejashwi Yadav a ‘Super Pappu’. Lalu Yadav’s dream of making his son the Chief Minister has been shattered by Rahul Gandhi.Tejashwi Yadav is hell bent on making Rahul Gandhi Prime Minister by doing chamchagiri, but Rahul Gandhi did not even name him once (for the CM position).”

Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the Union Minister Giriraj Singh claimed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) report has “exposed both leaders” and ended their political ambitions in Bihar.

Giriraj Singh also criticised Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav for allegedly insulting Bihar and its people, inviting other leaders like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to further denigrate Biharis and Hindus in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra.’

The 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra organised under the leadership of Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi concluded in Patna on September 1. The main agenda of the yatra was to oppose the Special Intensive Revision being conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar and also to justify the recent “vote chori” allegations made by Rahul Gandhi on ECI.

As the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday slammed the NDA-led government of Bihar over the lack of development in the state.

Speaking with reporters, Tejashwi Yadav said, “Crime and corruption have increased. This is the situation of Bihar. See the condition of education, irrigation, and healthcare. Bihar is the worst when it comes to per capita income and per capita investment. Bihar is in last place in terms of Farmers’ income. There is no industry, no business.”

Tejashwi Yadav’s remarks come as the state braces for the Assembly elections likely to be held in the latter part of the year. (ANI)

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday reported significant progress in restoring road connectivity in Kishtwar and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Highway-244 from Thathri to Kishtwar has been reopened after landslides and damage were cleared. The Kishtwar-Chatroo-Sinthan Top road is also expected to open soon after blasting operations remove heavy rocks and boulders.

Thathri Kathawa road was reopened after a week-long closure, restoring connectivity to over 15,000 people.

“The landslides and damages to NH-244 have been removed and made open for traffic. Thathri Kathawa road got opened after one week providing much needed connectivity to over 15,000 people,” Singh said in a post on X.

He also said that Bheja, Kutyara, and Sartingal villages in Doda district, which were devastated during adverse weather conditions, received new hope with the Indian Army providing footbridges and supplies in the form of ration, solar lights, and bedding.

The Union Minister also informed that the NH244 road from Thathri to Kishtwar is open, bypassing the slide area.

Road NH244 from Thathri to Kishtwar is open, bypassing the slide area. From Kishtwar-Chatroo- Sinthan Top ll be opened today as blasting was done yesterday to remove heavy rocks and boulders that blocked the road,” he said in a post on X.

“PMGSY road leading to Bhed block was made motorable yesterday after 20 days. Hopefully, the Bani-Basohli road will be open for LMV by this evening. There is no dearth of essential commodities and these are being made available in all areas,” the Minister also said in another post.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in the last few days caused widespread damage in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri. Residents are suffering from damaged houses, sunken roads, and destroyed crops.

Several rain-induced landslides also occurred in the district, blocking many land routes.

“Over the past 5-6 days, we’ve toured the entire tehsil of Majakote. The house you’re seeing is completely damaged, and the road behind it is also sunken. As a result, all the water from the mountain has collected just behind this house, causing the damage,” Social activist and Congress leader Farookh Khan told ANI.

Meanwhile, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra continued to remain suspended for the 12th consecutive day on Saturday due to persistent adverse weather conditions and incidents of landslides along the pilgrimage route.

Heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered landslides and road blockages in the Trikuta Hills, making the pilgrimage route unsafe for devotees. (ANI)

The income tax relief provided for in the 2025-26 Budget, coupled with GST rate rationalisation, is set to further push India’s economy to another level, Union minister and BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters Saturday, addressing a presser from the party headquarters.

“Before 2014, the taxation system was very complex and goods were taxed at multiple levels. GST has made it simple. This rationalisation and simplification in GST reforms will make people’s lives easier,” he said at the presser.

All daily-use goods saw GST reduced under the next-generation reforms, he said.

“The promise PM Modi had made from the ramparts of the Red Fort have been fulfilled,” he said.

On September 22, the first day of Navratri, all changes in GST rates will come into effect.

“This GST reform will push further India’s economy. From pure economics point of view, our GDP is currently at Rs 3.30 lakh crore, of which Rs 2.02 lakh crore is our consumption. Even if our consumption rises by 10%, we will have Rs 20 lakh crore extra consumption, contributing to GDP,” he gave a back of the envelope calculation as to what to extent can this GST reform boost the country’s consumption.

“Consumption has a positive multiplier effect and it creates a virtuous cycle in the economy,” he continued.

Sweeping changes have been made what the government termed the next-generation GST (Goods and Services Tax) rationalization. It came just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day. This is aimed at reducing the tax burden on citizens while stimulating economic growth.

The GST Council, approved significant rate cuts across multiple sectors, which the government has described as a Diwali gift for the nation. The announcements were made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

On the essential items front, items of daily household use will now cost less. Products such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, which earlier attracted 18 per cent GST, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket.

Similarly, butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujiya, and mixtures have all seen their GST rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

Utensils, feeding bottles, baby napkins, and clinical diapers have also become cheaper with the rate cut to 5 per cent.

Sewing machines and their parts, previously taxed at 12 per cent, will now attract only 5 per cent GST.

Farmers and the agriculture sector stand to gain significantly from these reforms as tractor tyres and parts, earlier under 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent, while tractors themselves will also see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

Farmers and the agriculture sector stand to gain significantly from these reforms as tractor tyres and parts, earlier under 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent, while tractors themselves will also see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.

As expected, the healthcare sector has received crucial relief as well, with individual health and life insurance policies being fully exempted from GST, from 18 per cent earlier.

The tax on thermometers has been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, while medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits, reagents, glucometers, and test strips will also now fall under the 5 per cent category instead of 12 per cent. Corrective spectacles see their GST reduced to 5 per cent.

Education-related items, too, will now be cheaper as maps, charts, globes, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, and pastels, which previously attracted a 12 per cent GST, will now be fully exempt.

Exercise books, notebooks, and erasers have also been moved to the nil tax slab, making basic educational tools more affordable for students and parents.

The automobile sector, one of the largest contributors to the Indian economy, will also benefit from the reforms. Petrol and petrol hybrid cars, along with LPG and CNG variants not exceeding 1200 cc and 4000 mm in length, will now be taxed at 18 per cent instead of 28 per cent.

Diesel and diesel hybrid cars of up to 1500 cc and 4000 mm will see the same reduction.

Three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 350 cc, and motor vehicles used for goods transport will also see their GST rates reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

Electronic appliances, which had long remained in the highest tax slab, have now been brought down to a more reasonable level. Air conditioners, televisions above 32 inches, including LED and LCD models, monitors, projectors, and dishwashing machines will all now attract 18 per cent GST instead of the earlier 28 per cent.

Alongside these rate reductions, the GST Council has also introduced important process reforms. Applicants will now receive automatic registration within three working days, based on system-driven data analysis. (ANI)

Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarma, will be seen playing the role of Maa Sita in the upcoming annual theatrical event, ‘Ayodhya Ramleela.’

‘Ayodhya Ramleela’ is regarded as the world’s biggest Ramleela.

Organisers Subhash Malik (Bobby), the founder-president, and Shubham Malik, the founder-general secretary, shared that this year’s Ramleela is set to bring together well-known names from the film and entertainment industry.

Manika Vishwakarma, who hails from Rajasthan and will represent India at Miss Universe 2025, said she feels blessed to perform this role.

In a video shared by the team, Manika, while expressing her excitement, says, “I had been thinking of visiting Ayodhya for a long time, but it kept getting delayed for some reason. Now, with the blessings of Shri Ram, I am finally going to Ayodhya as Sita, which makes me very happy. This year is very special for me in many ways. With Lord Shri Ram’s blessings, I have received the opportunity to play Maa Sita in the world’s biggest Ramleela, and I am very excited.”

The star-studded lineup also includes Puneet Issar as Parshuram, Manoj Tiwari as Bali, Ravi Kishan as Kevat, and Rajesh Puri as Hanumanji. Actor Manish Sharma will play Ravan for the third time, while Rahul Gucchar will take on the role of Ram. Meghanad will be played by Raza Murad, Raja Janak by Avtar Gill, Vibhishan by Rakesh Bedi, and Lakshman by Rajan Modi.

The Ramleela will take place at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya from September 22 to October 2. (ANI)

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are set to conclude on Saturday with the auspicious immersion of the Lord Ganesha idols in the water, as today marks the end of the grand celebration.

‘Ganpati Visarjan’ is observed on the 10th day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which concludes on Anant Chaturdashi, marking a 10-day celebration dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with his wife, performed Anant Chaturthi pooja at Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the God of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. The 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations began on August 27.

The festival culminates on Anantha Chaturdashi and is celebrated with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions.

Meanwhile, devotees arrived in large numbers to visit the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal and offered prayers during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh idols, has been a central part of the city’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for decades. Hosted by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal at Putlabai Chawl, the pandal draws lakhs of devotees each year.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has made all necessary preparations for Ganpati Visarjan, including the installation of CCTVs, public address systems, the deployment of lifeguards, and the barricading of 65 natural spots and 205 ponds.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Joint Police Commissioner, Law and Order, Satyanarayan Chaudhary said, “Immersion of around 6500 Ganpatis of community mandals and over 1.5 lakh house Ganpatis will be done tomorrow. The Mumbai Police has made all necessary preparations, including the installation of CCTVs, public address systems, the deployment of lifeguards, and the barricading of 65 natural spots and 205 ponds.”

Additionally, the Mumbai Police have deployed women police, both in uniform and plain clothes, for women’s safety. The authorities will use AI for crowd monitoring.

He said, “Police deployment will include 10 additional commissioner-rank officers, 40 DCP-rank officers, 3000 inspector-rank officers and 15,000 constables. 14 companies of SRPF, 4 companies of CAPF, and 3 teams for riot control, QRT, BDDS etc also deployed. For surveillance, there are 10,000 CCTV cameras across Mumbai. Keeping women’s safety in mind, women police, both in uniform and plain clothes, will be deployed on roads and at the immersion sites. We will use AI for crowd monitoring. Police Control Room number 112 is operational for citizens who might need help. We have issued two prohibitory orders – against photography of immersed idols and circulating them on social media and the use of drones in prohibited areas.” (ANI)