Month: October 2025

Rishab Shetty’s highly awaited prequel, ‘Kantara Chapter 2’ has finally arrived in theatres and fans can’t keep calm.

With a pan-India release, the film has once again taken the audience back to the theatres, with first reactions already flooding social media platforms. Amid the craze, fans in large numbers also lined up at theatres in Bengaluru, reflecting the craze for the film.

In visuals from Bengaluru, a cinema hall could be seen decked up with flowers, decorations and posters of ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.

A long cut-out of Shetty’s character was also installed, completely covered with floral garlands.

One of the fans told ANI, “Today being a holiday, and Kantara is the most expected film. We wanted to support the film and have a good time on the holiday. It is a continuation of the first time, and we are expecting a good show.”

He also urged people to support more Kannada films, especially the ones having single-screen releases.

Another expressed her high expectations for the second part, adding that she wanted to watch the first day, first show.

A thrilled audience member, who was present to watch an early morning show, shared that the film’s part was beyond expectations.

“As this is a Rishab Shetty film, the expectations were already higher. I am expecting more in the second half after the interval. We have already watched the first Kantara film, and it was superb,” a young fan said.

One of the viewers expressed pride in the sequel and said, “This part was really good as it shows the pride of Karnataka. In terms of the acting, I believe this was the best I have ever seen. They have met the expectations of the audience.”

The trailer for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ was unveiled in September.

The trailer opens by focusing on a child’s character, who tries to understand the mystery behind his father’s disappearance. It then sheds light on the backstory–“a legend.”

Written and directed by Shetty, the film came out in theatres on Thursday, October 2, in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English. (ANI)

Wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk and CEO of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HAIL), Gitanjali J Angmo, on Thursday slammed the Centre and alleged police torture against the people of Ladakh after the September 24 violence in the Union Territory.

Comparing the current situation in Ladakh to that during British India, she said that the Union Home Ministry is “misusing” the Ladakh Police.

“Is India really free? In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians under orders from the Queen. Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2400 Ladakhi police to oppress and torture 3 lakh Ladakhis under the orders of the MHA,” Gitanjali wrote on X.

Angmo’s criticism of the MHA and the police comes amid curfew in Leh and police firing as a response to the violence on September 24.

Following Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA), Gitanjali Angmo has refuted the allegations against Wangchuk being in touch with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative, and accused the Ladakh police of working with an “agenda”.

“Whatever the DGP is saying, he has an agenda. They don’t want to implement the 6th Schedule under any circumstances and want to make someone a scapegoat,” she alleged.

Speaking to ANI, Gitanjali said that they attended a climate change conference organised by the United Nations and a Pakistani media outlet.

She said, “This is absolutely wrong and false, we condemn it to the core. A narrative is being formed to frame someone. When the UT government was buying Chinese tablets, he (Wangchuk) was talking about tackling China not with bullets but with a wallet. How can such a person be anti-national?”

“In February, we went to a conference organised by the UN and Dawn media on climate change. If India plays cricket with China, will the players and cricket bodies be anti-national? A conference on glaciers which provide water to all the countries from Bangladesh to Afghanistan… If a person participates in such a conference, will he be an ISI agent? What is the evidence behind it? They are saying a Pakistani entered here, so the MHA should answer.”

Meanwhile, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta emphasised that the Central government is working to “fulfil all the hopes of Ladakh” and expressed hope that the “matter will be resolved soon”.

“They (Ladakh leaders who were part of protests) are engaging in talks with the administration, and given current events, we can also have discussions at the table. Once such an environment is fostered, we will begin the dialogue. The administration tried to represent the interests of the people… I’ve been here for the past two months, and I haven’t turned down any meetings. People listen to what I say and work towards solutions,” Gupta said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday commemorated the centenary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighting it’s foundation on Vijay Dashami a hundred years ago, stating that the party was born to work towards serving the society and nation building.

In a post on social media X, the PM wrote that “On Vijaya Dashami, a hundred years ago, the RSS was born with the aim of working towards serving society and nation building. Over a hundred years, innumerable Swayamsevaks devoted their lives towards fulfilling this vision. Here are my thoughts.”

Meanwhile, ‘Path Sanchalan’ was held by RSS in Pune. Minister Chandrakant Patil, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, and BJP MP Medha Kulkarni were among the participants. They paid floral tribute to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue.

“It is a very joyous moment for everyone that today the establishment of the Sangh has completed 100 years. Doctor Saheb established the organisation 100 years ago with patriotism and service to the nation,” Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, told ANI.

He said that whenever a disaster strikes the country, the volunteers of the Sangh are among the first ones to come forward.

“We feel proud to be part of this 100-year journey. With a feeling of nationalism towards the country…, the work of this organisation has been going on for the last 100 years. This work initially began under adverse conditions, and today, millions of volunteers around the world, through their daily Shakhas, directly embody this spirit of patriotism and love for the nation through their work and behaviour. It is deeply humbling. Today is a moment of immense joy and satisfaction,” he said.

Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil said that the RSS’s work of “awakening pride in our religion, culture, and nation” has been largely successful.

“The RSS was founded in 1925, before independence. It has completed 100 years. The work of awakening pride in our religion, culture, and nation in this country and around the world, and creating an organisation of those awakened by this pride, which serves as a disciplinary force in society, has been largely successful,” Patil said.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with the goal of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.(ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday and enquired about his health. He also wished him a speedy recovery.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Spoke to Kharge Ji. Enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. Praying for his continued well-being and long life.”

Kharge, who recently underwent a pacemaker implantation, has been reported as stable and is expected to resume his official engagements from October 3, said his son and Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge.

In a post shared on X, Priyank Kharge said, “The pacemaker implantation procedure for Sri. Kharge was successfully completed earlier today. It was a short and minor procedure and he has been stable after the procedure. He is expected to resume his work from October 3 and attend all his scheduled engagements. Our gratitude for the concern, support and affection extended by all.”

A day earlier, All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Kharge is scheduled to visit Kohima on October 7 and address a public rally at Naga Solidarity Park. Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir, President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, made the announcement during a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Kohima.

According to Jamir, Congress expects a gathering of at least 10,000 people for the rally. The event, themed around “Safe Democracy, Safe Secularism, and Safe Nagaland,” will also highlight key issues such as youth employment, entrepreneurship, good governance, and road connectivity.

The statement said that the rally will be followed by separate meetings between Kharge and senior members of the Congress Political Affairs Committee, Pro-Committee, and presidents of the District Congress Committees (DCCs).

The Congress MP emphasised that the rally is not only a party function but also a political platform to address challenges facing Nagaland and the Northeast. He appealed to citizens, especially minorities, to join the rally and voice their concerns, which he said would be carried forward by regional leaders. (ANI)

The residents of Leh City in Ladakh are enjoying the relaxation of the curfew on Thursday. The streets are crowded with vehicles and pedestrians after the shops opened, as part of the relaxation permitted by the administration.

The markets will open from 10 am to 5 pm today, providing relief to people who are finally able to step outside of their homes. A local resident stated, “The markets were closed for a week.”

The protests were a result of people demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which turned into clashes with the police officials in Leh.

Earlier, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kavinder Gupta emphasised that the Central government is working to “fulfil all the hopes of Ladakh” and expressed hope that the “matter will be resolved soon”.

“They (Ladakh leaders who were part of protests) are engaging in talks with the administration, and given current events, we can also have discussions at the table. Once such an environment is fostered, we will begin the dialogue. The administration tried to represent the interests of the people… I’ve been here for the past two months, and I haven’t turned down any meetings. People listen to what I say and work towards solutions…,” Gupta told ANI.

LG Gupta stated that the administration is taking steps to create jobs, and efforts are also ongoing to involve people in other sectors.

“Job creation efforts are ongoing here. We have advertised approximately 1,000 positions. Additionally, we are working to involve people in the tourism, education, and health sectors. There are 18,000 MSME units, engaging over 50,000 people… ,” LG Gupta said.

Meanwhile, the LG Gupta on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to take stock of the prevailing law and order situation in the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police SD Singh Jamwal, DIG Srinagar South PK Singh, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Senior Superintendent of Police Leh Sanjay Kumar, CO 79, Rajat Jain, CO 25, and other senior officials.The officials briefed the Lt Governor on the latest security scenario and the measures undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The violence on September 24 claimed the lives of four people amid police retaliation, after the protestors set a political party office on fire. (ANI)

Days after protests that turned violent hit the district over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ row, the Bareilly police on Wednesday carried out a flag march in the area.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bareilly AK Sahni said that the situation was “completely normal” in the city, with police engaged in foot patrolling. He informed that 10 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in view of the upcoming festivals.

“The situation is completely normal. Police are conducting a route march and foot patrolling. We are talking to all stakeholders. In view of festivals, 10 companies of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), Paramilitary force, along with CRPF and District force, are deployed here. We appeal to the public to celebrate festivals in a peaceful manner,” DIG Sahni told ANI.

The senior police official said that the miscreants are being identified.

The Uttar Pradesh police arrested IMC National General Secretary Nafees Khan and his son Farman Khan in connection with the September 26 protests in Bareilly, taking the toll of arrestees to 81.

According to the police, Farman used to handle the Facebook page of IMC.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bareilly Anurag Arya informed that Nafees and his son revealed that “everyone was involved in the conspiracy”.

“Dr Nafees and his son have been arrested, and it has been revealed by them that everyone was involved in this conspiracy and that they deliberately created confusion by calling the appeal fake so that a crowd could gather. A total of 81 people have been arrested,” SSP Arya told ANI.

While addressing a press conference later, SSP Arya informed that eight people were arrested today in connection with a stone pelting case. A total of 81 people have been arrested so far. Nafees and his son, Farman, were arrested by the Kotwali police station.

The senior police official said that section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains applicable in the district.

“Until yesterday, the police had arrested 73 accused and sent them to jail. Today, a total of eight accused were arrested, including two arrested during a police encounter. Additionally, six other accused were arrested by the Kotwali police station, including Nafees Khan and his son, Farman Khan. A total of 81 accused have been arrested. Using CCTV and drone footage, our team is working to identify those involved in inciting the mob. BNS Sections 144 and 163 are applicable in the district,” SSP Arya said.

Nafees is an associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who was arrested earlier as he emerged as the chief conspirator in the stone pelting case. Raza is currently in judicial custody.

A group of people had gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s house, holding “I Love Mohammad” placards.

The protestors pelted stones at the police during the protest after the Friday prayers. (ANI)

Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday alleged that the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar have lost their “credibility”.

Speaking to ANI, Rawat asked the poll body to specify exactly how many infiltrators have been removed from the voters’ list, as they had been constantly claiming that infiltrators were present in Bihar.

“The Election Commission has lost its credibility, and the exercise they are calling SIR before the Bihar elections… In the list they have released, they repeatedly state that there are infiltrators, but now they should tell us exactly how many infiltrators have been removed from the voters’ list… The Election Commission has lost its credibility, and that is why these questions are being raised,” Rawat told ANI.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed gratitude towards all the electors, political parties and other key stakeholders involved in the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in Bihar, as the Election Commission issued the final electoral roll ahead of the Assembly elections.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar thanked all BLOs, EROs, AEROs, DEOs and the CEO of Bihar; and all BLAs, District Presidents, State Presidents and National Presidents of all Political Parties in Bihar for the successful completion of the SIR in Bihar after a gap of 22 years.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) published the final electoral roll for the Bihar assembly elections following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The total number of electors in the final list stands at 7.42 crore, while there were 7.89 crore electors as of June 24 this year.

An Election Commission press release stated that 65 lakh voters were removed from the draft list, and the number of electors in the draft list as of August 1, 2025, stood at 7.24 crore.

It stated that ineligible electors removed from the draft list stood at 3.66 lakh, while 21.53 lakh eligible electors were added to the draft list (Form 6), taking the total to 7.42 crore voters.

The SIR exercise was carried out in line with Article 326 of the Constitution and ECI’s motto of ‘no eligible voter to be left out, and no ineligible person to be included in the Electoral rolls’, the release said. (ANI)

Delhi Police on Wednesday said that objectionable items and forged photographs were recovered during a fresh search at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research (SRISIM) premises occupied by accused Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Parthasarathy.

According to police, the search led to the recovery of one sex toy and five CDs purportedly containing pornographic content. The officials added that three forged photographs were also seized, which allegedly depicted the accused with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former US President Barack Obama, and another UK-based leader.

The police team also visited Bageshwar and Almora in Uttarakhand, as well as other locations where the accused stayed during his absconding period, as part of efforts to corroborate evidence in the case.

Chaitanyananda Saraswati and female associates were present during the searches.

Police said further investigation is underway.

Earlier, DCP South West Amit Goel on Tuesday said that Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who has been accused of molesting 17 students at a Delhi institute, may have lured victims with promises of employment, exploiting his influence.

Speaking with ANI, DCP South West said that a detailed investigation is underway, and evidence is being gathered against him, divulging that three women, in particular, were close to Chaitanyananda from the beginning, and he may have targeted many more.

Chaitanyananda allegedly used an international number for communication, attempting to conceal his identity. He was caught in a hotel where he used his old name to avoid detection.

DCP South West Amit Goel said, “A detailed investigation is currently underway. Evidence is being gathered against him for whatever allegations he is facing. He is being questioned. The three women, in particular, were the ones who were with him from the beginning. Their role is being established. He may have lured many of them (the victims) with the promise of a job. He was not using his phone directly. He was using an international number for communication.”

The police have found lewd chats and women’s photos on Chaitanyananda’s phone, which suggests a pattern of predatory behaviour.

Delhi police said that in the FIR, the victim girls had named three women, and the Police are questioning them today.

The accused, Saraswati, has shown “no remorse” for his actions and is not cooperating with the police during questioning, the Delhi Police said on Tuesday.

According to the Delhi Police, the accused has been giving “evasive answers” during questioning in connection with the alleged sexual harassment case registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station. Police officials further stated that he only responds when confronted with evidence and questioned strictly.

Two of Chaitanyananda Saraswati’s female associates have been detained and are being confronted with him. These two individuals had joined the questioning on Monday and were called again today, the Delhi Police said.

Earlier, Delhi Police registered a case of alleged sexual harassment against Chaitanyananda Saraswati based on a complaint filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station in the national capital.

According to the FIR, Chaitanyananda Saraswati has been accused of allegedly committing multiple acts of sexual harassment and misconduct.

The complaint further highlighted communications received by the Peetham on July 28 and August 1, 2025, from a student and an Air Force officer, flagging allegations of “sexual atrocities” committed by the accused. Acting on these inputs, the Governing Council of the Peetham held a virtual meeting with over 30 women students on August 3.

In this meeting, the students alleged that they were sexually harassed and traumatised, with claims that those from economically weaker sections were allegedly pressured to visit Chaitanyananda Saraswati’s quarters at night.

The FIR also mentioned allegations of lewd messages sent via WhatsApp and SMS, threats of withholding degrees and documents.

Furthermore, the complaint alleged that surveillance cameras were installed inside the women’s hostel under the pretext of security, and that some people close to the Chaitanyananda Saraswati allegedly compelled students to comply with the accused’s demands while turning a blind eye to complaints. (ANI)

India and Russia are finalising dates for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, which is expected to take place in early December, sources said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to visit India before President Putin’s visit, to prepare for the summit and discuss bilateral issues.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, Lavrov announced that a visit by the Russian President is planned for New Delhi in December, marking the ongoing diplomatic preparations.

Speaking about India-Russia relations, Lavrov highlighted the depth of the bilateral agenda, covering trade, military and technical cooperation, finance, humanitarian matters, healthcare, high technology, artificial intelligence, and close coordination at international forums such as the SCO and BRICS.

On India’s trade autonomy, Lavrov emphasised, “We have full respect for the national interests of India, full respect for the foreign policy that Narendra Modi is carrying out to promote these national interests. We hold regular contacts at the highest level.” He further clarified that India is “perfectly capable” of making its own decisions in trade relations, including those concerning Russian oil.

Responding to questions about US tariffs imposed on India for importing Russian oil, Lavrov said, “(The economic partnership between India and Russia) is not under threat… The Indian Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have made it clear that India chooses its own partners. If the US has proposals on how to enrich bilateral trade between the US and India, they are prepared to discuss the terms for that. But when it comes to trade, investment, economic, military, technological, and other relations between India and third states, it is something that India will discuss only with those states in question.”

Lavrov also praised India’s foreign policy approach, noting, “These situations that might arise between India and the United States or India and any other country, I can’t consider them a criterion for relations between India and the Russian Federation. We have a strategic partnership, as we call it, for a long time… now we call it a particularly privileged strategic partnership.”

He recalled the recent meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and the Russian President at the SCO summit in China, highlighting the ongoing close coordination between the two countries at the international level.

On India’s global aspirations, Russia reiterated its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Lavrov stated that Moscow backs the applications of India and Brazil, emphasising the need for reform in the UNSC to reflect today’s global realities and ensure better representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Putin’s visit comes after the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods due to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that these tariffs won’t affect India-Russia relations.

The visit comes amid complex global situations, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and will likely highlight India’s strategic autonomy in maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

The visit will not only reinforce the long-standing camaraderie between New Delhi and Moscow but also open new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors. Given India’s non-alignment with the International Criminal Court (ICC), Putin’s visit to India is feasible without concerns over the ICC arrest warrant. (ANI)