Month: September 2025

After protests in UP’s Bareilly over ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign, Congress MP Imran Masood on Saturday urged the Muslim Community to not show their love for the Prophet like this.

Speaking to ANI, Masood requested Ulemas (Islamic scholars) to stop doing all things in Mosques except Namaz,

“This drama is going on in the country, where some groups of people incite people here and there, and there’s talk of spreading hatred. In Bareilly, people came out. Why are they coming out? Mosques are for namaz. Don’t go astray. The police don’t feel pity when they lathi-charge you. The police don’t feel pain when they shoot you… I want to request all the respected Ulema to stop this work which is being done as part of a conspiracy. This work is not right. It is not right under any circumstances. Mosques are for offering namaz and should remain for that…” said Masood.

The Congress MP also asserted that there is no need to show love for Prophet Muhammad after Namaz. He claimed that being a Muslim means that you have love for Muhammad in your heart.

“There’s no Muslim who doesn’t have love in their heart for Muhammad. Without love for him, a Muslim cannot be a Muslim. So, there’s no need to show it like this after namaz. Being a Muslim means you have love in your heart. Without that, you’re not a Muslim,” added Masood.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning following the recent violence in Bareilly ahead of the Hindu festival season of Durga Puja and Diwali.

He cautioned individuals who resort to disorder, arson, and vandalism in the name of religion, particularly during festivals. He specifically addressed those who claim “I Love Muhammad” while engaging in destructive behaviour, questioning their awareness of the ongoing Shardiya Navratri celebrations.

Addressing a public rally in UP’s Shravasti, he said, “Some people don’t like… Whenever a Hindu festival or celebration arrives, they start feeling the heat, and to cool off, we have to resort to denting and painting…If anyone dares to cause a commotion by protesting on the roads… I am warning, they will have to pay a heavy price for it.”

Additionally, he condemned those who engaged in disorderly behaviour and compared them to “Chanda-Munda,” warning that Mother Bhagwati would not tolerate such actions.

“Those people who are taking recourse to disorder, arson, and vandalism by saying ‘I Love Muhammad’… Do they know that this is Shardiya Navratri? If you act as ‘Chanda-Munda’, Mother Bhagwati will never tolerate it,” Yogi said, stressing that while enthusiasm during festivals is natural, it must be accompanied by responsibility. (ANI)

After the resounding success of ‘Lokah Chapter 1’, the makers have announced the sequel of the film on Saturday.

Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, the official production studio of the film, gave fans the first glimpse of ‘Lokah Chapter 2’ by sharing a video titled ‘When Legends Chill: Michaek x Charlie’. The movie is expected to centre around Tovino Thomas’s character, Chaatan, in the film.

The film’s teaser features a playful conversation between Tovino and Dulquer Salmaan, who was previously introduced as Odiyan in a social media post.

At one point, Tovino jokes with Dulquer, asking, “Why don’t you call me once in a while — in 50 years or even 100 years?”

The banter continues as Tovino mentions that his brother is out now, unlike him, and could be violent.

He then asks Dulquer if he would come to help if called upon, to which Dulquer promptly says no.

The light-hearted exchange ends with a brief glimpse of the much-anticipated second part of the ‘Lokah’ universe.

The sequel will be directed by Domic Arjun and will star Tovino Thomas in the lead role.

Taking to his X handle, Wayfarer Films wrote, “Beyond myths. Beyond legends. A new chapter begins. #LokahChapter2 Starring Tovino Thomas. Written & Directed by Dominic Arun. Produced by Wayfarer Films.”

Made under the banner of Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ has been written and directed by Dominic Arun.

Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan plays the role of a superhero in the film. Naslen, Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian and Sandy also play prominent roles in the movie.

‘Lokah Chapter 1’ was released in theatres on August 28, 2025. The film has garnered praise from critics and viewers after its release. (ANI)

After violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly over the ‘I love Muhammad’ campaign, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty on Saturday emphasised that protests should be peaceful, further urging the State government to speak to the Muslim Community and clear misunderstandings.

Speaking to ANI, Syed Naseruddin Chishty asserted that writing and speaking ‘I love Muhammad’ is not a crime, requesting Muslims not to let anyone take “Political advantage” from it.

“Protests are a democratic right, but they should be peaceful. A law and order situation must not be created… Writing and speaking ‘I love Muhammad’ is not a crime. It is the first condition of Islam to love Allah and His Rasool. But I request the Muslims of our country not to let anyone take a political advantage from it… The state government should call a delegation of Muslims and speak to them and clear the misunderstandings,” he said.

Earlier today, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Range Ajay Kumar Sahni said that 10 FIRs have been registered, and 39 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence.

Speaking to ANI, DIG Sahni said that Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a cleric, has been arrested and sent to judicial custody after he emerged as a main conspirator.

Sahani added that 22 police officers were injured in clashes involving firing and stone-pelting.

Speaking to ANI, DIG Sahani said, “The situation is normal.10 FIRs have been registered, and an investigation is being done based on evidence. 39 people have been identified so far, and Maulana Tauqeer Raza has emerged as the chief conspirator. He has been arrested and sent to judicial custody.”

He further said that Social media was used to gather people and incite violence.

“Social media was used to gather people and share the plan. A large number of weapons and stones have been recovered from the protestors… Firing was done on police personnel, and stones were also pelted. 22 policemen have been injured. Further investigation is underway… Empty shells, cartridges, pistols, and broken glass bottles have been recovered from the protest site,” DIG Sahani added.

A group of people pelted stones during a protest after Friday prayers in Bareilly, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge and detain several of them.

Protestors had gathered outside the Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, holding placards that read “I Love Mohammad.”

Earlier today, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that if anyone attempts to challenge the state’s security and cause disturbance by protesting on the streets, such actions will be taken.

“Anarchy is not acceptable. We will give respect to everyone, we will provide security to everyone, but if someone dares to tamper with security, attacks innocent citizens, then such action will be taken against them that it will become an example for coming generations…Spoiling the atmosphere during festivals and celebrations is not acceptable. I will say again that if someone dares to cause a disturbance by protesting on the streets…they will have to pay a heavy price for it…” CM Yogi said while addressing a gathering in UP’s Shravasti. (ANI)

Actors Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar will be seen together in a new film titled ‘Bhagwat’.

As per a press note, Bhagwat follows the story of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat (played by Arshad Warsi), who is drawn into what appears to be a routine missing woman’s case. However, the investigation soon spirals into a dark and disturbing web of deceit, secrets, and suspected trafficking. Amidst the unfolding chaos, a tender romance begins to take shape between Meera and Sameer (played by Jitendra Kumar), a professor.

On what audience can expect from the project, producer Harman Baweja, Baweja Studios, said, “Our endeavor at Baweja Studios has always been to back stories that are bold, relevant, and emotionally compelling. ‘Bhagwat’ is a perfect example of this commitment. It’s not just a thriller–it’s a journey into the shadows of human nature, where love, deception, and justice collide. The film explores the grey areas of morality while delivering a nail-biting cinematic experience.”

Kaveri Das, Business Head, Hindi ZEE5 said, “Bhagwat is a powerful reflection of this vision: a gripping thriller that’s as emotionally layered as it is suspenseful. Arshad Warsi brings remarkable depth and nuance to his character, while Jitendra Kumar breaks new ground in a compelling avatar that is sure to surprise the viewers. This collaboration with the makers brings together cinematic scale, bold storytelling, and transformative performances.

Akshay Shere has directed the film, which will be released on ZEE5. (ANI)

Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh, SD Singh Jamwal, on Saturday, alleged activist Sonam Wangchuk’s connection with Pakistan and raised questions over his visits to the neighbouring countries.

Addressing a press conference in Leh, DGP Jamwal said that the police arrested a Pakistan PIO, who was in touch with Wangchuk.

He said, “We arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Sonam Wanghchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. So, there is a big question mark on him…Investigation is being done.”

Further, he accused Wangchuk of instigating violence in Leh on September 24.

“Sonam Wangchuk has had a history of instigating. He has referred to the Arab Spring, Nepal and Bangladesh. The investigation into his funding is going on for FCRA violation,” he said.

When asked about a foreign involvement behind the Leh violence, he told ANI, “During the investigation, two more people were caught. If they are part of some design, I cannot say. This place has a history of Nepalese people working as labourers, so we will have to investigate.”

DGP Jamwal said that the provocative speeches were made by “so-called environmental activists”, leading to the violence in the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference in Leh, the police official accused activist Sonam Wangchuk of derailing the talks with the Centre.

He said, “An unfortunate incident occurred on September 24. Four lives were lost, and a large number of civilians, police officers and paramilitary officers were injured. There were attempts to sabotage these ongoing processes (talks with the Centre).”

“This involved some so-called environmental activists; there is a question mark on their credibility as well. They tried to hijack the platform, and the prime name here is Sonam Wangchuk, who has earlier also delivered such statements and worked to derail the process,” DGP Jamwal said.

Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail following his detention under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA), officials said. He was taken to Jodhpur Central Jail last night after his arrest in Ladakh yesterday.

Wangchuk’s arrest comes amid chaos over the recent protests in Leh. The protests turned violent in Leh on September 24, following which the BJP office in the area was set on fire.

Two days after the death of four people in violent protests, Wangchuk was detained under the provisions of the NSA. The climate activist has been accused of “inciting violence”.

Wangchuk was on a hunger strike, which ended right after the violence unfolded. (ANI)

An uptick in non-oil non-gold imports is likely in the coming months as domestic demand expands, at a time when exports could weaken due to mounting tariff pressures.

According to a report by ICICI Bank Global Markets, India’s external sector is showing mixed signals, with a resilient current account balance but growing concerns around capital flows and export sustainability.

India’s current account deficit (CAD) for Q1FY26 was contained at just 0.2 per cent of GDP (USD 2.4 billion), due to strong services exports and robust remittance inflows.

However, the merchandise trade deficit widened to USD 68 billion from USD 64 billion in Q1FY25, largely due to stronger imports and plateauing goods exports.

Notably, August trade data indicates a significant slowdown in exports to the US, growing just 7 per cent year-on-year compared to 22 per cent in Q1 and 20 per cent in July.

In contrast, exports to non-US markets saw a marginal pick-up at 6.6 per cent YoY, reflecting a shift in demand patterns.

The report added that the CAD is expected to remain benign in FY26, projected at 0.9 per cent to 1.2 per cent of GDP, depending on the scale of tariffs imposed on Indian exports (25 per cent vs. 50 per cent). However, the bias is toward a lower CAD, supported by healthy service sector earnings and a potential rebalancing of trade partners.

Still, downside risks persist, the report highlighted, adding that the recent hike in H1-B visa fees in the US could hurt future services exports and remittances.

On the capital flows side, India continues to face headwinds, with foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows remaining weak, especially when compared to other emerging markets like China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

A silver lining may emerge from the potential inclusion of Fully Accessible Route (FAR) securities in the Bloomberg Emerging Markets Index, which could attract global investors and partially alleviate balance of payments (BoP) pressures.

For now, India’s BoP is expected to post a deficit in the range of USD 5 billion to USD 20 billion in FY26 — contingent largely on how global tariff dynamics evolve, the report added. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji says that her National Award honour feels more special as she won it at the same time as her longtime friend and former co-star Shah Rukh Khan.

At the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2025 session titled the ‘Queen of Reinvention: National Award to Motherhood, Winning it All’ session, the actor said, “The award means so much happiness for my fans, my well-wishers, my friends and my family. My single-minded focus has always been to work hard, do the best in my craft and not to disappoint my audience. It felt even more special as Shah Rukh and I won in the same year and at the same time.”

Rani went on to express her gratitude to filmmaker Karan Johar and said, “I am eternally grateful to Karan for choosing me as his Tina. That is one character that has stuck with me in my career for three decades now. For people calling it a ‘Rahul and Tina’ thing after Shah Rukh and me won the award, it makes me think that they have loved the characters so much. It’s very sweet.”

Rani essayed the character of Tina opposite Shah Rukh Khan’s potrayal of Rahul in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, the 1998 romantic comedy directed by Karan Johar.

Rani Mukerji also spoke about her 2005 film ‘Black’, recalling how she expected an award back in the day.

“I gave all of mine to ‘Black’. I was just 25 at the time. There was a chatter that I would win the National Award, and when I didn’t win, that’s when my blinkers came on. I was like ‘Okay, even when you do your best work, it might not be in your favour. Keep working hard’. My father was very heartbroken that I didn’t win that year, and so was Sanjay Leela Bhansali,” Rani shared.

Having said that, Rani Mukerji did not forget to dedicate her National Award win to her late father and filmmaker Ram Mukherjee.

“I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me. I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee,” said Rani Mukerji as quoted in a press note by YRF.

Rani Mukerji was honoured with the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the legal drama ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’, which was released in the theatres in 2023. (ANI)

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the situation “going out of hand” in Ladakh, and said that arresting won’t resolve the issue, but fulfilling promises will.

“The only solution is to fulfil the promises made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, which is to give statehood to Ladakh as well as J&K. Arresting someone is not the solution. You have been unable to handle Manipur for the last two years. Now, you let things go out of hand in Ladakh, which is the most sensitive area. It shares its border with China. Suppression won’t help in Ladakh, only talks will,” Tiwari told ANI.

Tensions erupted in Leh following violent protests on September 24, after which the administration restricted unnecessary movement under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

However, while narrating their ordeal, the locals have urged the government to lift restrictions, saying that they were unable to buy basic items like food and milk. Locals are making attempts to go about their daily lives despite heavy restrictions.

Restrictions have been imposed in Leh along with a heavy deployment of security forces following a violent protest on September 24, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office was set on fire.

Moreover, the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) sparked a massive row. He has been taken to Jodhpur Central Jail.

The protests turned violent in Leh on September 24, following which the BJP office in the area was set on fire. Two days after the death of four people in violent protests, Wangchuk was detained under the provisions of the NSA. The climate activist has been accused of “inciting violence”.

Wangchuk was on a hunger strike, which ended right after the violence unfolded.

The climate activist has been advocating for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which concerns the administration of tribal areas and advocates for the creation of autonomous district councils with certain legislative and judicial powers.

The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 currently applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remained in place in Leh on Saturday, following recent violence during protests demanding statehood for Ladakh.

According to the official order, assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march is to be carried out without prior written approval. Security personnel have been deployed in the area. (ANI)

The wedding preparations for Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco appear to be taking shape, and things are just getting bigger.

The celebrity couple is reportedly set to get married over the weekend in California, months after Blanco popped the question. As fans eagerly await seeing their beloved singer in a pretty bridal gown, Selena’s best friend, pop icon Taylor Swift, has already arrived in California.

According to TMZ, Swift reached the Santa Barbara airport on Friday afternoon; however, she remained completely undercover with heavy security. Even though the singer has arrived for the weekend celebrations, she is likely to stay at a private rental home instead of a hotel due to security reasons.

“She will be renting a house near the wedding venue, which is a secret to the public. Her security team feels it’s better than a hotel,” a source told Page Six.

When Selena announced her engagement, Taylor Swift was among the most excited ones. “Yes, I will be the flower girl,” she commented on the post.

It is yet to be known if Swift’s NFL star fiance, Travis Kelce, will arrive for the wedding.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are believed to be getting married in an intimate two-celebration in Montecito, California. The wedding is expected to draw a star-studded guest list, including the singer-actor’s co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short. Some of Blanco’s heavyweight music collaborators are also expected.

Selena celebrated her bachelorette party in Cabo San Lucas, with friends Raquelle Stevens, Ashley Cook and Courtney Lopez, among others.

In an Instagram post, she shared several pictures of herself in “Bride” theme outfits, with one of them showing her in a veil with the embroidery of “bride to be.” The singer was also pictured relaxing on a luxury yacht, surrounded by friends, as they posed for pictures and shared fun moments.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN63zYHD0os

While Selena celebrated with her squad in Mexico, Blanco also joined his bachelor party in Las Vegas, sharing glimpses from the bash on Instagram.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco announced their engagement in December 2024, after dating for more than a year. The music producer later revealed how he popped the question with a ring that Selena helped him with. (ANI)

Former Shark Tank India judge and entrepreneur Ashneer Grover seems to have received an invite from Salman Khan’s ‘Bigg Boss 19’ – a revelation that left the internet buzzing.

Taking to his Instagram stories on Friday, Ashneer Grover shared a screenshot of an email that was allegedly sent by the show’s Senior Casting Coordinator. In his own witty style, Grover made a sarcastic comment while also taking a subtle dig at the superstar host.

“Haha! Salman bhai se pooch le!! Mai to free ho jaunga tab tak. Yeh ‘mail merge’ kisi ki to naukri khayega (Haha! Asl Salman Bhai! I will be free by the time. This ‘mail merge’ thing will take someone’s job)” he wrote in the story.

‘Mail merge’ is a feature that automates the creation of a certain document by combining a single template with necessary information. The same document can be sent to many, but with personalised details.

The email in question contained Ashneer Grover’s name, followed by a generic message that read, “We are delighted to contact you regarding an exclusive opportunity to join the show as a wildcard contestant. Your dynamic personality, engaging social media presence, and unique appeal have caught the attention of our casting team, making you a strong candidate for this exciting role.”

Grover’s latest reaction came months after he received a mouthful from Salman Khan during ‘Bigg Boss 18’. On the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, the former BharatPe co-founder appeared as a guest on the show when Salman lashed out at him for his statements about their brand collaboration.

Reacting to the same, Grover had tweeted, “I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar! I had good fun. And I am sure the particular episode got great TRP / viewership. BTW, all of the statements below are TRUE: – Salman is a great host & actor – Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss – I’ve always praised Salman for his sense of self and business – not a single thing demeaning said for him ever.”

I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar ! I had good fun. And I am sure the particular episode got great TRP / viewership. BTW all of statements below are TRUE:

– Salman is a great host & actor
– Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss
– I’ve always praised Salman for his… pic.twitter.com/HH0iOzzZY3

— Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) November 18, 2024

He also revealed meeting the actor in 2019 for a brand collaboration. Nonetheless, with the alleged invite for a second appearance on Bigg Boss, it is yet to be seen how the drama unfolds.

‘Bigg Boss 19’ has already entered its fifth week. It streams on JioHotstar at 9 pm before its TV telecast on Colors TV at 10:30 pm. (ANI)