Month: October 2025

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned the Taliban regime on Wednesday issued a severe threat to the Afghan Taliban, warning that Pakistan could strike “deep into Afghanistan” and “push them back to the caves” if another militant attack occurs on Pakistani soil, Dawn reported.

The aggressive statement followed the collapse of peace talks in Turkey and a surge in border clashes. Four days of negotiations in Istanbul between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded without a resolution. The talks were mediated by Turkey and Qatar following deadly border clashes and a temporary ceasefire that began on October 19.

In a pre-dawn announcement, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the latest round of talks between the two countries in Turkiye, which aimed to address cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, “failed to bring about any workable solution”.

“We will conduct strikes, we definitely will,” Asif told reporters at Parliament House, when asked about the options available for Pakistan in case of cross-border conflict with Afghanistan, as per Dawn.

“If their territory is used and they violate our territory, then, if we need to go deep into Afghanistan to retaliate, we surely will,” he added.

The defence minister said that Pakistan had indulged in talks to give peace a chance on the request of brotherly countries, who the rulers in Kabul were persistently beseeching; however, “venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and splintered mindset of the Taliban regime”.

“Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require employing even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora, with their tails between the legs, would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region.”

The defence minister said Afghanistan neither “fulfils the definition of a state” nor was the interim administration so considered. “They are benefiting financially by being the rulers.”

Asked whether the Afghan Taliban were taking their country towards a similar situation as the United States’ military operation in Tora Bora in December 2001, Asif said, “It is definitely a possibility.”

Asif’s latest remarks come hours after he issued a strongly worded warning to the Taliban rulers in Kabul, telling them to test Islamabad’s resolve at their “own peril and doom” if they wished to do so.

“We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom,” Asif posted on social media platform X, as per Dawn.

In a separate development, the United Nations voiced concern over the collapse of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, hoping that the “fighting will not renew”.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was asked about the collapse of the negotiations and whether it was a concern for the UN.

Pakistan and Afghanistan saw a worsening of ties in recent days, which featured border skirmishes, counter-statements, and allegations, as per Dawn.

The hostilities began earlier this month when an attack was launched on Pakistan from Afghanistan on the night of October 11. The attack had followed an allegation from the Taliban of airstrikes by Pakistan into Afghanistan — an accusation which Islamabad has neither confirmed nor denied. (ANI)

The much-awaited trailer of the upcoming war drama, ‘Ikkis’, has been finally unveiled, presenting Agastya Nanda as the young and courageous war hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

The trailer offers a glimpse into the soldier’s life, beginning from his days at the National Defence Academy to bringing glory to the nation with his “courage and conviction.”

It opens to show a determined Agastya Nanda who vows to earn the prestigious Param Vir Chakra for his regiment. As the trailer progresses, Agastya as Arun Khetarpal could be seen training hard at the academy, eventually joining the forces for the Indo-Pak war.

The trailer also teases a sweet love story on the sidelines of Nanda’s selection for the war. It also shows a glimpse of Arun Khetarpal’s iconic tank – the ‘Famagusta’, which he commanded during the Indo-Pakistan war. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebAznVtYY84?si=M-aVp_KSGELZbXkO

Actor Dharmendra is seen portraying the character of Arun Khetarpal’s father, while Jaideep Ahlawat essays the character of an army officer who says, “Your son is a shining example for the Indian Army and the Pakistan Army too.”

The trailer concludes with Arun Khetarpal’s famous final words, “No, Sir. I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working. I’ll get these b****rds.”

‘Ikkis’ brings the true untold story of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee – Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 at the time of the war. “Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega!” the makers said.

Earlier this month, Agastya Nanda’s first look as the war hero was shared, showing him in an army uniform. The makers also released a one-minute teaser of the film, showcasing a Telegram shared during the time of the India-Pakistan war: Battle of Basantar in 1971. The letter reported the unfortunate demise of Arun Khetrapal during the Indo-Pak war in 1971, as per the teaser.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, ‘Ikkis’ also features Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Simar Bhatia.

‘Ikkis’ will hit theatres in December 2025. (ANI)

The third track from Manish Malhotra’s ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ has been released, bringing the emotions behind “longing and yearning for your beloved.”

The song titled ‘Shehar Tere’ significantly gives words to the unsaid feelings, attempting to capture the raw feelings amid the changing seasons. The onscreen chemistry between the lead actors, Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, adds more weight to the song, while Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi bring a magnetic screen appeal.

The track also unites the musical magic of Vishal Bhardwaj, Jazim Sharma, and Himani Kapoor, alongside Gulzar’s deeply moving lyrics.

Marking a new chapter for ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra, ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ is made under his banner, Stage5 Production. He produces the film alongside his brother, Dinesh Malhotra.

Directed by Vibhu Puri. ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ unfolds as a “poignant love story of passion and unspoken desire, set amidst the bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab.”

The teaser for the film was unveiled in August this year, giving a glimpse of Manish Malhotra’s “daring story of love – ishq.”

The teaser hints at a period romance, focusing on the budding love story between the characters of Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also makes an enigmatic appearance, adding more layers to the narrative.

Speaking about the film, Vijay told ANI, “I’m very excited. It’s a very exciting, very simple, lovely, beautiful, and rich love story.”

Earlier, the makers unveiled two songs, including ‘Ul Jalool Ishq’ and ‘Aap Is Dhoop’.

‘Gustaakh Ishq’ will hit theatres on November 21, 2025. (ANI)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his ‘dance for votes’ remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying “the habit of dancing runs in Gandhi’s family.”

Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s motorcycle ride during the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, Giriraj Singh said, “The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. Rahul Gandhi himself was dancing on a motorcycle, and he also knows with whom he was dancing. The habit of dancing runs in Rahul Gandhi’s family.”

This comes after Gandhi launched a staunch attack against PM Modi, alleging he would ‘do anything for votes’.

Addressing an election rally at Muzaffarpur earlier today, Gandhi reiterated his “vote theft” allegations, accusing PM Modi of attempting to steal votes in the Bihar elections.

The Congress leader said, “He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance.”

The “motorcycle” dig was aimed at him, as back in August, Rahul Gandhi, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, rode motorcycles during the ‘Yatra’ to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State.

Further, Giriraj Singh slammed the Congress leader for his remarks against PM Modi over Chhath Puja, calling it an “insult” to the Sanatan Dharma.

“Rahul Gandhi and Congress have insulted Sanatan by making lewd comments on Chhath Puja. This is an insult to Sanatan and Hindus. Rahul Gandhi himself does not know who he is. Is he a Parsi, a Hindu or a Christian?” he told reporters.

In Darbhanga, Gandhi said that the BJP staged a “drama” and built a separate pond for PM Modi to take a dip in during Chhath Puja.

“PM Modi said that he will bathe on the Yamuna for Chhath. The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die. No one can go inside. The water is so dirty that if you enter it, you would get sick or get an infection. But Modi staged a drama. He built a small pond there. They will show you anything for elections. A pipe is installed from behind. Clean water is poured into it. The problem arose that someone took a photo of the pipe,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also targeted Rahul Gandhi, calling him “Pakistan’s spokesperson.” He added that the BJP has no hesitation in “bowing before the public.”

“Rahul Gandhi speaks as if he were a spokesperson for Pakistan. The language of someone who speaks as a spokesperson for India’s adversaries will be like this. He insults the Indian army, insults the people. Rahul Gandhi can ask for votes with arrogance. We have no hesitation in bowing before the public. PM Narendra Modi is the ‘pradhan sevak’ of the people,” Tiwari told reporters.

Gandhi’s remarks have sparked a row in poll-bound Bihar, where the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD and Congress will take on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U).

The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)

Marking his wife and actor Aditi Rao Hydari’s birthday, Siddharth penned a love-filled message on social media.

“My love was born today (red heart emoji). In every second of every day I feel you in my being.

Wherever I go you go with me. My best friend, my greatest strength I am because you make me want to be.Thank you for being born. Thank you for this life.Thank you for the strength, my Queen,

Thank you my gifted, blessed, beautiful wife.Happy Birthday Adu.I love you,” he wrote.

The highlight of the post was a string of romantic pictures of the star couple.

Check here

Reacting to the heartwarming birthday wish, Aditi commented, “My Siddhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu bestest! (red heart emojis) Come back soon.”

The couple, who began dating in 2021, tied the knot last year in the presence of close family and friends.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Aditi will soon be seen in a web series titled O Saathi Re, which also stars Arjun Rampal and Avinash Tiwary. Imtiaz Ali took on the role of creator, writer, and showrunner, as he recently announced the project. (ANI)

The Alinagar constituency in Bihar’s Darbhanga district is set to witness an electoral battle between generations, with a fresh face in politics seeking to fight against a veteran leader. The 25-year-old BJP candidate and folk singer Maithili Thakur is set to contest against 63-year-old Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Binod Mishra.

Constituency 81, Alinagar, in Darbhanga district will be going to polls on the first phase of the elections on November 6 along with 120 other constituencies. BJP candidate Maithili Thakur is the youngest candidate and could potentially become the youngest MLA if elected. Jan Suraaj Party candidate Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary is also contesting from the Alinagar seat, with the party itself looking to make a debut in the polls.

Maithili Thakur, belonging to the Brahmin community, currently lives in village Uren, in Madhubani district. RJD’s Mishra, also a Brahmin, lives in village Ghanshyampur in Darbhanga.

The BJP candidate has declared income worth Rs 28,67,350.00 for 2023. Meanwhile, RJD candidate has also declared income of Rs 7,07,010 for assessment year 2025-26.

While BJP banks on a young face and Thakur’s previously established fame as a folk singer, RJD seeks to wrest back the constituency they had lost in 2020.

Mishra had contested the 2020 elections, however he lost to Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mishri Lal Yadav by around 4 thousand votes. The VIP leader had unseated another veteran RJD MLA, Abdul Bari Siddique. Mishri Lal Yadav had switched parties and joined the BJP afterwards. However recently in October, Yadav had quit the BJP, calling it ‘anti-Dalit’.

RJD leader Abdul Siddique has been a two time MLA from Alinagar, winning the 2010 and 2015 polls. He is not contesting the 2025 elections as he is a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC).

Reportedly, the constituents of Alinagar are looking towards a candidate who can get them better infrastructure in the region, including better road connectivity, and better connections.

In the 2010 elections, the RJD candidate had won with a margin of 4.9% of votes, in 2015 the lead was increased to winning by 9.60% margin. However, an upset by VIP unseated the RJD from the seat, with then VIP leader Mishri Lal Yadav winning with a margin of 2% of votes, or 3101 votes.

In the 2020 elections, the Alinagar constituency had a 57.4 voting percentage. The constituency had a total of 275559 electors in 2020. However, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, the constituency has an updated electoral roll.

Polling for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly is scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14. (ANI)

A fact-finding team formed by the All India Democratic Women’s Association said in its report that the main reason for the Karur stampede was the delay of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam leader and actor Vijay in reaching the rally site.

The last month’s stampede at the TVK rally left 41 people, including women and children, dead.

The report also recommended that the ex-gratia amount to the affected families should be collected from the TVK. The report will be submitted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the stampede.

“We should see this stampede as a violation of human rights. The main reason for the stampede is Vijay’s delay in reaching the rally site. Most people only wanted to catch a glimpse of Vijay, not listen to his speech. It means this was only a fans’ show, not a roadshow…We will submit our report to the CBI,” advocate U. Nirmala Rani, a member of the fact-finding team, told reporters.

“We request the government to provide employment to one member of each family which has lost a loved one. The ex-gratia amount to be given to the affected families should be collected from the TVK party. We suggest that the affected families receive grief counselling,” she said.

“If more than 5000 people gather anywhere, a medical team must be present. Guidelines should be framed for conducting large meetings and roadshows. If there is any violation of those guidelines, then the party organising the event must take responsibility,” she added.

To understand the condition of the victims and their families, the fact-finding team visited Karur, met with the affected families, and collected detailed information, said the team.

Meanwhile in the backdrop of Karur tragedy, the Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within 10 days for the conduct of political meetings and rallies in the state.

A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria also ordered a three-member committee, headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, to monitor the CBI probe and ensure that the investigation into the tragedy is independent and impartial. (ANI)

The Pakistan High Commission shared on Wednesday that it has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India ahead of the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak.

The Pak High Commission said on Wednesday in a post on X, “The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the Birth Celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to be held in Pakistan from 04-13 November 2025.”

Earlier on October 3, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday welcomed the Centre’s decision allowing Sikh ‘jathas’ to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their reverence and continuity of faith ties despite strained relations.

In a self-made video, Minister Sirsa urged all representative organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), to complete the necessary procedures promptly for the visit.”

The ‘jathas’ that used to visit Pakistan to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will also visit Pakistan this year. The Home Ministry clarified this today. I urge all representative organisations, whether it’s the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, or any other organisations whose ‘jathas’ are travelling, to complete this process quickly,” Sirsa said.

Delhi Minister Sirsa expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister, noting their role in maintaining continuity despite tense India-Pakistan relations.

Sirsa added, “I express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister of the country, who, despite strained relations, opened the Kartarpur shrine on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab in 2019, without any concern. This time, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have displayed the same sentiment and reverence by issuing a notification allowing Sikh groups to visit Pakistan. I express my gratitude.”

Previously, India granted permission for Sikh Jathas (groups of pilgrims) to travel to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming celebrations of Prakash Purab.

The pilgrimage will be undertaken under the framework of the 1974 bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines.

Every year, Sikh pilgrims travel across the border to mark key religious occasions such as Prakash Purab, Baisakhi, and Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The arrangement is part of the longstanding 1974 India-Pakistan agreement, which allows limited pilgrimages despite tense bilateral relations.

In recent years, the Kartarpur Corridor, which opened in 2019 to facilitate visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, has become a key channel of religious exchange. However, larger jathas continue to travel under the traditional protocol arrangement.

Security and logistical measures for the upcoming pilgrimage are learnt to be closely coordinated by both the Indian and Pakistani governments to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday affirmed National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the Bihar assembly elections, stating that their victory is certain, stating Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi’s game will be over until 1 pm on November 14.

Shah also lauded the crowd that emerged during his rally in Samastipur, noting that he had travelled across the state and had witnessed the same crowd everywhere.

“I have travelled across the entire state of Bihar — and I have seen such massive crowds everywhere. On the 14th, the counting will begin at 8 a.m., ballot boxes will open at 9, and by 1 o’clock, Lalu and Rahul’s game will be over (“1 bajte-bajte Lalu-Rahul ka supda saaf”).” Amit Shah said.

Amit Shah also drew parallels between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahabharata, asserting that the NDA is like “panch pandavas” and lauding the unity within the alliance.

“This is not an election to make our candidates legislators, nor to make them ministers this upcoming election is to free Bihar from “jungle raj.” In the NDA, all five of our allies are fighting this election together, like the five Pandavas,” he said.

He stressed that Mahagathbandhan might have more parties in its alliance. Still, NDA has the support of PM Narendra Modi, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha.

“In the NDA, Bihar has the support of Modi ji, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish ji, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha. Though they (the opposition) may be greater in number, just like the Pandavas in the great battle, the NDA’s victory in this electoral war is certain,” Shah added.

Earlier today, Amit Shah, took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan alliance for favouring family members in leadership positions rather than capable political leaders, contrasting it with how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 25-year-old Maithili Thakur.

“We gave a ticket to 25-year-old Maithili Thakur, who has no political background. Can this ever happen in RJD or Congress? Lalu ji wants to make his son (Tejashwi Yadav) the Chief Minister and Sonia ji wants to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister,” Amit Shah said while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna.

According to the manifesto, under the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’, women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years.

The Opposition’s alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls.

Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties “welfare-oriented and transparent”.

The 2025 Bihar elections will have the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).

Additionally, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Wednesday said that former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav and current CM Nitish Kumar were the root cause of all trouble in the state.

Speaking to reporters here, Kishor appealed to people in Bihar who earn their living in other states not to vote for Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United).

“If they vote for Lalu or Nitish again, they will have to go back to travelling like animals on trains. The people of Bihar have to decide if they want a factory made here or in other states. Lalu and Nitish are the root of all troubles in Bihar,” Kishor said.

He stated that a Jan Suraaj government must be established in Bihar to improve conditions, ensuring that people in the state don’t have to leave their homestate to make a living.

“People of Bihar who have come to the state from other states will have to return if things don’t change here in the next 10-15 days. They will have to return to work in factories in Chennai, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and live in the same conditions there. If things improve and a ‘Jan Suraaj’ is established, they will not have to go to other states. We appeal to them not to return and to remain in Bihar until the elections are over,” Kishor said.

“This time in Bihar, votes should only be cast for education, employment, and change,” he added.

With less than ten days remaining before the first phase of polling in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Madhepura Assembly constituency has emerged as one of the key battlegrounds to watch.

Located within the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency, a political stronghold once represented by veteran leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav, this seat holds significant importance in the upcoming state polls.

The Madhepura seat has been a stronghold for the Rashtriya Janata Dal, as they have retained it since the previous three elections.

Chandra Shekhar, a three-time MLA from the seat, has been a controversial figure in Bihar politics. He has served as Minister of Disaster Management from 2015 to 2017 and Minister of Sugarcane Industries from 2022 to 2024.

He also stirred controversy with his remarks on Ram Charit Manas during a Hindi Diwas event in 2023, which then heated up state politics. JDU, which was then an ally of the RJD, had distanced itself from the remarks; meanwhile, his party had defended his statement, citing it as a reflection of its ideology.

In the 2025 elections, Chandra Shekhar Yadav once again contests under the RJD symbol as the Mahagathbandhan candidate. On the other side, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded Kavita Kumari Saha from the JD(U).

Saha, who belongs to the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) community and holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology, had earlier made her political debut successfully as the Chairperson of the Madhepura Municipal Board.

Shashi Kumar, from the Jan Suraaj Party, is also in the election field against Saha and Chandra Shekhar.

The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)