Month: October 2025

In a significant development pertaining to youth progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to introduce a series of initiatives focused on young individuals, with a cumulative investment exceeding Rs. 62,000 crore.

This event will take place at 11 AM in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. These initiatives aim to provide a substantial enhancement to education, skill development, and entrepreneurship across the nation.

The programme will also feature the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, the fourth edition of the National Skill Convocation, organised in accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision, where 46 All India Toppers from Industrial Training Institutes under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will be felicitated, as stated in the release.

According to the release, the Prime Minister will launch PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of Rs. 60,000 crore. The scheme envisages the upgradation of 1,000 government ITIs across the country in a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs.

Each hub will be connected to four spokes on average, creating clusters equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems and incubation facilities. Anchor Industry Partners will manage these clusters, ensuring outcome-based skilling aligned with market demand. Hubs will also house innovation centres, training-of-trainers’ facilities, production units and placement services, while spokes will focus on expanding access.

Collectively, PM-SETU will redefine India’s ITI ecosystem, The making it government-owned but industry-managed, with global co-financing support from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. In the first phase of the scheme implementation, there will be special focus on ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga.

Prime Minister will inaugurate 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs established in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and Union Territories. These labs will equip students, including those in remote and tribal areas, with hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors such as IT, automotive, agriculture, electronics, logistics and tourism. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and CBSE curriculum, the project also involves the training of 1,200 vocational teachers to deliver industry-relevant learning and create an early foundation for employability.

A special emphasis of the programme will be on transformative projects in Bihar, reflecting the state’s rich legacy and youthful demographic. The Prime Minister will launch Bihar’s revamped Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana, under which nearly five lakh graduate youth will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 for two years, along with free skill training, every year.

He will also launch the redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, which will provide completely interest-free education loans of up to Rs . 4 lakhs, significantly easing the financial burden of higher education. More than 3.92 lakh students have already availed of loans worth over Rs. 7,880 crore under the scheme. Further strengthening youth empowerment in the state, Bihar Yuva Ayog, a statutory commission for people between the ages of 18 and 45, will be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister to channelise and harness the energies of the state’s young population.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar, envisioned to impart industry-oriented courses and vocational education to create a globally competitive workforce.

Taking forward the National Education Policy 2020 with the vision to make higher education avenues better, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for new academic and research facilities in four universities of Bihar, namely Patna University, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University in Madhepura, Jai Prakash Vishwavidyalaya in Chapra and Nalanda Open University in Patna, under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan).

Together, these projects, with a total allocation of Rs. 160 crores, will benefit more than 27,000 students by providing modern academic infrastructure, advanced laboratories, hostels, and multidisciplinary learning opportunities.

Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation the Bihta campus of NIT Patna. With the capacity to host 6,500 students, the campus houses advanced facilities, including a 5G use case lab, a Regional Academic Centre for Space established in collaboration with ISRO, and an Innovation and Incubation Centre that has already supported nine start-ups.

Prime Minister will also distribute appointment letters to more than 4,000 newly recruited candidates in the Government of Bihar and release Rs. 450 crores in scholarships through Direct Benefit Transfer to 25 lakh students of Class 9 and 10 under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme.

The initiatives to be launched are expected to create significant opportunities for India’s youth. By integrating education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and improved infrastructure, they aim to support a solid foundation for the country’s progress. With a special focus on Bihar, the state is likely to develop as a centre for skilled manpower, contributing to growth both regionally and nationally. (ANI)

When Kangana Ranaut walks into a room, she makes sure all eyes are on her, and on Friday night, she did exactly that as she returned to the ramp in style after quite some time.

The actor-turned-MP was the showstopper for designer Raabta by Rahul’s latest bridal jewellery collection, ‘Saltanat’, and the audience couldn’t get enough of her royal look.

Dressed in an ivory drape with heavy embroidery, Kangana paired her outfit with striking emerald and gold jewellery.

The ‘Queen’ actor walked the ramp in a stunning ivory outfit paired with an ornate emerald and gold jewellery set, finishing her look with a flower-adorned bun and traditional accessories, giving her an aura of timeless royalty.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the actress is set to make her debut in Hollywood with a lead role in the horror drama ‘Blessed Be the Evil’, reported ‘Variety’. She will star alongside Teen Wolf actor Tyler Posey and Tulsa King star Scarlet Rose Stallone in the film.

The actress was last seen in Emergency, a film she directed and in which she portrayed the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. (ANI)

Tamannaah Bhatia shared her initial memories of the Filmfare award ceremonies, saying that she loved it when Indian actresses accepted the awards in a traditional Indian attire such as salwar kameez.

At the Filmfare press conference held in Mumbai, Tamannaah Bhatia shared her memories of watching actress Karisma Kapoor win awards at the Filmfare Awards ceremony while she was in school and college.

While talking to the media, Tamannaah Bhatia recalled the past glamour at the Filmfare Award ceremonies and said, “I remember seeing Karisma Kapoor win awards. At that time, I think it was very different. Even the events felt like every artist went to Salwaar Kameez and collected their award. There was a kind of rawness to those particular award ceremonies.”

From watching Karisma Kapoor winning Filmfare Awards on screens to meeting her in real life, the actress Tamannaah Bhatia called it a “full circle” moment of her life.

“I remember seeing her. I have a very vivid memory of that. When I saw her, I felt that I also wanted to become like her. When I meet Lolo now, she is the warmest, sweetest,” said Tamannaah Bhatia.

Meanwhile, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will host the upcoming edition of Filmfare Awards in Gujarat with Maniesh Paul and Karan Johar.

Filmfare shared the update on their official Instagram handle.”The Superstar, The Icon, The Enigma. Hold your hearts, because the one and only #ShahRukhKhan is making his way to co-host the most awaited #70thHyundaiFilmfareAwards2025withGujaratTourism, happening on October 11 at Eka Arena, Ahmedabad,” the post read.

The Filmfare Awards 2025 will be held on October 11, 2025, at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad.

In August, an MoU was signed in Gandhinagar between Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) and Worldwide Media Private Limited in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for hosting the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025.

The agreement was signed by TCGL’s Managing Director, Prabhav Joshi, and Rohit Gopakumar of Worldwide Media.

Under the Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022, Gujarat has emerged as a hub for the film industry.

Hosting the Filmfare Awards will be a landmark in this journey, as per the press release from the Gujarat CMO. (ANI)

United States President Donald Trump on Friday issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group is “militarily trapped” and has been given a last chance to agree to a peace deal endorsed by regional and global powers.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Hamas has been a ruthless and violent threat, for many years, in the Middle East! They have killed (and made lives unbearably miserable), culminating with the October 7th MASSACRE, in Israel, babies, woman, children, old people, and many young men and women, boys and girls, getting ready to celebrate their future lives together.”

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115310630808491399

To underscore the scale of the response he described, he continued, “As retribution for the October 7th attack on civilization, more than 25,000 Hamas ‘soldiers’ have already been killed. Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished. As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

Urging civilian precaution amid the unfolding plan, Trump called on non-combatants to seek safety, stating, “I am asking that all innocent Palestinians immediately leave this area of potentially great future death for safer parts of Gaza. Everyone will be well cared for by those that are waiting to help.”

Framing the offer as a historic diplomatic opening, he added, “Fortunately for Hamas, however, they will be given one last chance! Great, powerful, and very rich Nations of the Middle East, and the surrounding areas beyond, together with the United States of America, have agreed, with Israel signing on, to PEACE, after 3000 years, in the Middle East. THIS DEAL ALSO SPARES THE LIVES OF ALL REMAINING HAMAS FIGHTERS!”

Highlighting the global reach of the initiative, he wrote, “The details of the document are known to the WORLD, and it is a great one for ALL! We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other. The violence and bloodshed will stop,” Trump wrote.

Making the demand for immediate action explicit, he further demanded the release of hostages, saying, “RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on!”

Issuing an ultimatum on the consequences of refusal, Trump warned, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

Earlier, speaking to reporters on September 30, US President Donald Trump said that Hamas has “about three or four days” to respond to the Gaza peace plan.

Expanding on that timeline to colleagues and the public, he told reporters, “All of the Arab countries are signed up. The Muslim countries are all signed up. Israel is all signed up. We’re just waiting for Hamas, and Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end.”

Emphasising the plan’s urgency and scope, President Trump added, “We want the hostages back immediately, and we want some good behaviour… You don’t get simpler… We’ve signed every country in the Middle East. This is like an impossible thing that has never been done before. This is more than Gaza.”

The remarks came after the announcement of a comprehensive initiative to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The plan has received backing from Israel, Arab nations, and other Muslim countries in the region. (ANI)

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday warned Pakistan that if it continues to sponsor terrorism, India will not show the same restraint in “Sindoor 2.0” as it did during Operation “Sindoor 1.0”, and that Pakistan must change its ways if it “wants to exist geographically”.

“India is fully prepared this time. We will not show the restraint we exhibited during Operation Sindoor 1.0. This time, the action will be such that perhaps Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to exist geographically. If Pakistan wants to continue with its position in geography, it should stop its state-sponsored terrorism,” Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dwivedi said.

The Army issued the warning to Pakistan during his visit to forward areas, including the Bikaner Military Station, where he assessed troops’ operational preparedness.

The Army Chief stated that the “motive” of his visit was to review the state of readiness of the troops for Operation Sindoor 2.0.

“The motive behind my visit here was to see our preparedness if Operation Sindoor 2.0 takes place… I am confident that if we get the chance, we are fully prepared… Whenever we get an opportunity, you would definitely head towards a positive result, and the results would be in our favour,” he said.

General Dwivedi praised soldiers, saying the ongoing operation has become a part of their lives and will remain with them forever. Addressing troops, the COAS said, “For Operation Sindoor 1.0, Defence Minister told me especially that whenever I meet you, I should tell you that the entire credit for its success goes to all of you… Operation Sindoor 1.0 is linked to our lives in such a way that it will be with us for as long as we live… Whenever a woman applies sindoor on her forehead, she remembers the uniformed persons who are always guarding the borders of the country.”

The Indian Armed Forces initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack, following which terrorist infrastructure was struck in pre-dawn strikes across the length and breadth of Pakistan and also in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), as per a prior statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

This later led to a series of attacks and counterattacks across the entire western border. India conducted “high-impact” air operations on key Pakistani targets, including the Nur Khan Air Base and the Rahimyar Khan Air Base, with surgical precision.

Earlier in the day, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said that likely around 10 Pakistani fighter jets were destroyed during Operation Sindoor. According to the Air Force Chief, four to five jets, most likely F-16s, were destroyed on the ground as India peppered Pakistani airbases.

During the address, the Air Chief also stated that five more Pakistani fighter jets, which could be F-16s or the Chinese JF-17 “class” that form the backbone of the Pakistani Air Force, were shot down, by the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” defence system.

The CAS, during his address, also added that the IAF targeted several Pakistani airbases, damaging radars, command centres, runways, hangars, and a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

He added that a C-130 Hercules-class military transport aircraft on the ground and possibly an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) or a Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft in mid-air, which ACM Singh had previously also hailed as the “largest air kill”, were also struck during the operation.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said, “…As far as Pakistan’s losses are concerned… we have struck a large number of their airfields and we struck a large number of installations… Because of these strikes, radars at least four places, command and control centres at two places, runways of course damaged at two places, then three of their hangars in three different stations have been damaged… we have signs of one C-130 class of aircraft… and at least 4 to 5 fighter aircraft, most likely F-16, as that location housed F-16s under maintenance at the time.”

“Along with that, one SAM system has been destroyed… We have clear evidence of one long-range strike, which I talked about more than 300 km, which happened to be either an AEW&C or a SIGINT aircraft. Along with that, five high-tech fighters between the F-16 and JF-17 class — this is what our system tells us,” Singh added.

Coming back to the Army Chief’s visit to the forward areas, he interacted with senior military leadership, veterans, civil dignitaries, and soldiers, reiterating the Army’s focus on modernisation, combat preparedness, strengthening technological capabilities, and operational excellence.

He also felicitated veterans Lt Col Hem Singh Shekhawat (Retd), Lt Col Birbal Bishnoi (Retd), Risaldar Bhanwar Singh (Retd), and Hav Nakat Singh (Retd) for their valuable contributions to nation-building, an official statement said.

He also interacted with all ranks, emphasising the rapidly evolving nature of warfare and the Army’s commitment to integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies across the operational spectrum to enhance adaptability and preparedness against emerging threats.

Addressing the formation, including veterans of Bikaner, the COAS commended the troops for their dedication, steadfast commitment to duty and effective multi-agency coordination while operating in the demanding desert and semi-desert terrain, the statement added.

He also highlighted the importance of technology absorption at all levels to sustain high operational readiness.

Further, as per the statement, the COAS also underscored that the current complex security environment demands seamless synergy between the Armed Forces, government agencies, industry, academia and society, adopting a Whole-of-Nation approach to defence preparedness. He also highlighted the significance of Military-Civil Fusion and lauded the contribution of veterans in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and battlefield dominance. (ANI)

A fashion entrepreneurship reality series ‘Pitch to Get Rich’ has been announced.

Bollywood dignitaries Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, and Malaika Arora serve as judges alongside business leaders including Naveen Jindal, Dhruv Sharma, Ravi Jaipuria, Darpan Sanghvi, Gaurav Dalmia, Vagish Pathak, and Vinod Dugar. Fourteen founders will compete for funding and mentorship while tackling real-world business challenges, as per Variety.

Backed by Fashion Entrepreneur Fund and Dharmatic Entertainment, the show brings a Rs 40 crore (USD 4.5 million) investment pool to empower India’s next generation of fashion entrepreneurs.

Here you can check out show’s promo

Speaking about the series, Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharmatic Entertainment, in a press note said “At Dharmatic, we have always believed in the power of storytelling. With Pitch to Get Rich, we are telling India’s most exciting story yet ; the story of entrepreneurs who dare to dream and build. This series is not just entertainment, it’s a catalyst that brings fashion, business, and innovation together, showcasing how Indian creativity can thrive on a global stage.”

Sanjay Nigam, Founder of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, added, “Pitch to Get Rich is about championing ‘Make in India’ and giving real business opportunities to fashion talent. But beyond the investments, it’s also fashionable, competitive, and packed with entertainment.”

‘Pitch to Get Rich’ will stream on JioHotstar starting from October 20th onwards. (ANI)

Actor Kriti Sanon has wrapped shooting for the Sicily schedule of her upcoming film ‘Cocktail 2.’

The actress shared behind-the-scenes moments from the sets, giving her fans a peek into the fun-filled days of the shoot.

Kriti, on Friday, took to her Instagram to share a series of pictures with the cast and crew, including director Homi Adajania. Along with the photos, she wrote, “Ciao my Bellas. And just like that we’ve wrapped #TheSicilianChapter of #Cocktail2. Sunshine, rain and ending with a beautiful Rainbow.”

Take a look

The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in important roles. Cocktail 2 is a sequel to Cocktail, which released in 2012 and featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty.

Apart from Cocktail 2, Kriti will also be seen in Tere Ishk Mein, co-starring Dhanush.

On October 3, the teaser for the upcoming film was released giving fans a glimpse into the a love story of rebels.

Billed as the spiritual sequel to Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor starrer ‘Raanjhanaa’, ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ is directed by Anand L Rai, while the music is composed by AR Rahman.

The two-minute and four-second teaser opened with the Haldi ceremony of Kriti Sanon, which was gatecrashed by Dhanush.

‘Tere Ishk Mein’ is produced under the banners of Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Colour Yellow Productions. Producers include Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar. (ANI)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday reviewed the situation following heavy rains and floods in the North Andhra districts, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to provide a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of four individuals who lost their lives due to heavy rains and accidents.

In a social media post on X, Chief Minister Naidu wrote, “I have reviewed the situation regarding heavy rains and floods in the North Andhra districts with officials and the district machinery. I have inquired about the current conditions in the combined Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts. Even though the rains have subsided today… officials have informed that heavy flows in the rivers are continuing due to floods coming from upstream. I have directed the officials to provide compensation of Rs. 4 lakhs each to the four individuals who lost their lives due to heavy rains and accidents.”

He also instructed authorities to expedite the restoration of damaged roads and electricity lines and to assess crop losses to provide necessary support to affected farmers. Emphasising a humanitarian approach, he urged officials to work swiftly to mitigate the hardships faced by people during the floods.

The social media post reads, “I have advised to immediately restore the roads and electricity lines that were damaged due to rains and floods. I have instructed the machinery to assess the crop losses and stand as support for the affected people. I have directed the officials to work swiftly from a humanitarian perspective to alleviate the hardships of the people during disasters.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre of Andhra Pradesh has issued a yellow alert of “thunderstorm, lightning and squall” for the state for the next 3-4 days. (ANI)

Air India is shifting select domestic flights to Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), citing the ongoing expansion activities at Terminal 3 by Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) to augment international passenger capacity, read an official statement from the airline operator on Friday.

Air India will relocate 60 of its 180 daily domestic departures out of Delhi to the upgraded Terminal 2 (T2). Concurrently, Air India Express will move all its domestic operations to the newly renovated and upgraded Terminal 1 (T1).

“The terminal enlargement works will reduce domestic capacity at T3, necessitating the relocation of certain domestic operations of Air India and Air India Express, effective 26 October 2025”, the statement read.

Notably, all international flights of Air India and Air India Express will continue to operate from T3 Delhi Airport.

To avoid any possible confusion, Air India flights from Delhi T2 will be renumbered in four digits, prefixed with ‘1’ (AI1XXX), as the company said “this clear distinction will help travellers to easily identify that their flight operates from/to T2.”

To ensure a smooth experience, Air India and Air India Express will be proactively notifying all guests who hold bookings for flights relocating to T2 and T1 (for Air India Express guests), via their registered contact details, the company’s statement mentioned.

Passengers making new Air India bookings on AI1XXX-series flights (departing from T2) will be clearly notified that their flight operates from T2. Guests booking Air India Express domestic flights for travel from/to Delhi will also receive notifications.

People who booked Air India or Air India Express with connections, carrying boarding passes for their onward flights will be provided inter-terminal transfers between T1, T2, and T3. This service applies to connections between Air India flights, Air India Express flights, and on applicable codeshare connections.

“Any through-checked baggage for these guests will be seamlessly transferred airside, eliminating the need to collect and recheck baggage during terminal transfers”, the statement read.

For all guests requiring transfers between T1, T2 and T3, Delhi International Airport provides a shuttle service running every 10 minutes, ensuring quick and easy connectivity between the terminals. Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and those requiring special assistance can also opt for a comfortable buggy ride between T2 and T3.

People who booked AI and AI Express flights are also advised to update their contact details in their bookings with accurate information, to receive timely notifications. Guests are also advised to verify their flight details and terminal information prior to travel through the official channels of Air India and Air India Express. (ANI)