Month: November 2025

At least nine children and a woman died after Pakistani forces bombed a house in the country’s southeastern Khost province, according to Afghan authorities – a claim dismissed by Pakistan’s military, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration, said on Tuesday that the attack took place at midnight (local time) in the district of Gurbuz.

The latest attack risks triggering renewed hostilities and comes as a fragile ceasefire between the two nations hangs by a thread, with each side blaming the other for the impasse in the negotiations.

“The Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident, Waliat Khan, son of Qazi Mir,” Mujahid wrote in a post on X.

“As a result, nine children [five boys and four girls] and one woman were martyred, and his house was destroyed,” he added.

Other air strikes took place in northeastern Kunar and eastern Paktika provinces, Mujahid said, wounding at least four civilians, as per Al Jazeera.

Later on Tuesday, Pakistani military spokesperson Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry denied the Afghan government’s claim and said Pakistan does not target and kill civilians, he said

The denial came after Mujahid said Afghanistan would “respond appropriately at the right time”.

“The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this violation and crime and reiterates that defending its airspace, territory, and people is its legitimate right,” he said in a statement on social media, as per Al Jazeera.

The bombardment in Afghanistan comes a day after a suicide attack that targeted the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary Federal Constabulary force in Peshawar, Al Jazeera reported.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar – which is a splinter group of the Pakistan Taliban, known by the acronym TTP – claimed responsibility for that attack.

State broadcaster PTV reported the attackers were Afghan nationals, and President Asif Zardari blamed the “foreign-backed Fitna al-Khawarij” – Islamabad’s term for the TTP fighters it accuses of operating from Afghan soil.

Another suicide attack in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, earlier this month killed at least 12 people and was also claimed by a faction of the Pakistan Taliban. Pakistan blamed a cell that was “guided at every step by the … high command based in Afghanistan” for the attack on the capital. (ANI)

Can an old motorcycle bring back memories, smiles and tears all at once? That is precisely what is happening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

The 1942 BSA WM20, the bike on which ‘Jai’ and ‘Veeru’ rode in ‘Sholay’ while singing “Yeh Dosti”, is currently on display at the festival. What was supposed to be a fun celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary has unexpectedly turned emotional following the death of legendary actor Dharmendra on Monday, November 24.

The bike has been kept inside a glass enclosure since day one of the festival. People don’t just walk past it. They stop. They stare. They take pictures. And then they stand quietly for a moment, almost as if they are speaking to a memory. For many visitors, it is no longer just a “film prop.” It is a reminder of Jai and Veeru. A reminder of a film they grew up with. And now, a reminder of the man who is no longer with us.

No formal tribute was planned around the bike at IFFI. But it turned into one on its own. The moment people arrived at the venue and saw the bike shining under the lights, everything felt different. Earlier, it was just nostalgia. After Dharmendra’s passing, it became something deeper.

A fan who had been smiling at the display a few minutes earlier told ANI how the news changed everything for him.

“We were so happy seeing this bike. It reminded us of the 1975 movie. Sholay is truly iconic. But now it feels like sad news has come with it. We have lost a great actor today. He worked wonderfully at every age. The Hindi film industry will always remember his contribution.”

Another attendee didn’t even try to hide his emotions. While wiping his tears, he told ANI, “This is very, very sad news. He was not just a person who has gone; he was an entire era.”

Pointing towards the ‘Sholay’ poster, he added, “Seeing this 50-year-old poster and this bike today… it hurts that such a big legend is no longer with us. Meeting Dharmendra ji would have been such a big thing. I feel bad that I never got that chance.”

The bike, number MYB3047, sits untouched and polished, as it has for decades. It is the same machine that became a symbol of friendship for generations. Now, without Dharmendra, it suddenly feels like a piece of time that cannot come back.

‘Sholay,’ which completed 50 years in August this year, remains one of the biggest films India has ever produced. Dharmendra’s Veeru, Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai, and the bond between the two became a part of Indian cinema’s DNA. (ANI)

Bollywood celebrities Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Anu Malik were spotted entering the late superstar Dharmendra’s residence to extend their condolences to the actor’s family.

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 at his residence in Mumbai on Monday. The singer’s final rites were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, which was attended by the superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and others.

Veteran singer Anu Malik was spotted entering Dharmendra’s residence to extend his condolences.

Actor Saif Ali Khan also visited Dharmendra’s home to extend his condolences to the superstar’s family.

Karisma Kapoor, dressed in white, was also seen entering the actor’s residence. She was joined by Kunal Kapoor.

Dharmendra, popularly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday at the age of 89 after a period of ill health.

Popularly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, Dharmendra starred in several iconic films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta.

Renowned for his charm, versatility, and enduring screen presence, Dharmendra maintained a fan base across generations.

The actor is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.

His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy cherished by admirers, colleagues, and the nation at large. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, referring to Operation Sindoor, India’s military action following the Pahalgam terror attack, said that the “new India neither fears nor bows down to terrorism.”

PM Modi noted that while India desires peace, it will “not compromise” on its own security, citing Operation Sindoor as the prime example depicting the country’s stance against terrorism.

Addressing a gathering at the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur in Kurukshetra, PM Modi said, “We talk to the world about brotherhood and also protect our own borders. We want peace, but we don’t compromise on our own security. Operation Sindoor is the most glaring example of this. The entire world has seen that the new India neither fears nor stops, nor bows down to terrorism. Today’s India is moving forward with courage and clarity, with full force.”

New Delhi launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6-7 this year, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed . After four days of heavy drone and missile exchanges, both sides reached an understanding on May 10 to end the hostilities.

During his address, PM Modi also expressed his concern over drug addiction among the youth. PM Modi emphasised the need to adapt Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings to address the drug issue.

” I also want to discuss an issue concerning the youth of our society, an issue that Guru Sahib also expressed concern about. This issue is addiction, the issue of drugs. Drug addiction has severely challenged the dreams of many of our youth. The government is making every effort to eradicate this problem, but it is also a burden on society and families. At such a time, the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur are both an inspiration and a solution for us,” he said.

PM Modi further shared the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur to protect Kashmiri Pandits from the forceful conversion.

“Their life, their sacrifice, and their character are a great source of inspiration. In that era of Mughal invaders, Guru Sahib established an ideal of bravery… During the era of Mughal invaders, Kashmiri Hindus were being forcibly converted to Islam. Amid this crisis, a group of victims sought assistance from Guru Sahib. At that time, Sri Guru Sahib had replied to those victims that you all should clearly tell Aurangzeb that if Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur accepts Islam, then we will all adopt Islam,” he said.

“The cruel Aurangzeb ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur’s imprisonment. However, Guru Tegh Bahadur himself announced his intention to go to Delhi. Mughal rulers even tempted him, but Guru Tegh Bahadur remained steadfast. He did not compromise on religion and principles. Therefore, to break his spirit and to divert Guru Sahib from the path, three of his companions, Bhai Dyala Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Mati Das Ji, were brutally murdered in front of him. But Guru Sahib remained steadfast. His resolve remained unwavering. He did not abandon the path of religion. In a state of penance, Guru Sahib dedicated his head to the protection of religion,” he added.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus, a revered spiritual leader, philosopher, poet, and warrior.

On the occasion, PM Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released a special coin and commemorative stamp marking the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the revered ninth Sikh Guru.

Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated ‘Panchjanya’, a structure constructed in honour of Lord Krishna’s sacred conch, in Kurukshetra.

PM Modi also visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive experiential centre that features installations depicting significant episodes from the Mahabharata, highlighting its enduring cultural and spiritual significance. (ANI)

Celina Jaitly’s advocate Niharika Karanjawala shared the details of the alleged domestic violence case, which was filed by the actress against her husband, Peter Haag, at the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Andheri court in Mumbai on Tuesday.

While talking to ANI, the advocate said that they have filed a complaint under the “Domestic Violence Act for cruelty and domestic violence, both physical and emotional” against Peter Haag, husband of Celina Jaitly.

As a result, according to the advocate, the court has issued a notice returnable on December 12 for Peter Haag, a resident of Austria.

“Yes, we filed a complaint under the Domestic Violence Act for cruelty and domestic violence, both physical and emotional, that has lasted for many years through Miss Jaitley’s marriage with Mr Peter Haag, who is an Austrian national. We have filed before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in the Andheri Court. It came up today for the first time for verification and notice, and the Judge was pleased to issue notice returnable on the 12th of December to Mr Haag,” said advocate Niharika.

The advocate claimed that the actor-model Celina Jaitly has endured “physical and emotional cruelty, manipulation and coercion” in the many years of her marriage with Peter Haag.

“Physical and emotional cruelty, manipulation, and coercion have lasted through many years of their marriage. However, there are also parallel civil proceedings in Bombay for a gift deed obtained by Mr Haag through coercion of a property Celina owns in Bombay,” said Niharika.

In the petition, Celina Jaitly requested “a maintenance of Rs 10 lakhs per month, and we have also mentioned Rs 50 crores as a loss of potential earnings since, at a very lucrative time in her career, Mr Haag insisted that she stop working, and also Rs 50 crores as a result of pain and suffering.”

“Our prayer is manifold with regards to compensation to be paid to Celina, alimony, as well as determinations with regards to her children. Her foremost concern is for her three children, who are currently in Austria with Mr Haag. The amounts requested in the petition are a maintenance of Rs 10 lakhs per month, and we have also mentioned Rs 50 crores as a loss of potential earnings since, at a very lucrative time in her career, Mr Haag insisted that she stop working, and also Rs 50 crores as a result of pain and suffering,” concluded advocate Peter Haag.

As per the court documents, Celina has filed the case under Section 23 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2025, for interim and ex parte relief.

She has sought damages of Rs 50 crores and other sums in lieu of her loss of source of income and property.

The case has been verified, and a notice has been sent to Peter Haag, a resident of Austria, for December 12, 2025.

Celina Jaitly and Peter Haag got married on September 18, 2010, at the actor’s residence in Mumbai, as per Hindu rituals in the presence of her close friends and family members. On September 22, their marriage was registered under the Austrian civil law. They share three kids, Viraaj, Winston, and Arthur. (ANI)

The sacred Panchami Saare ritual commenced on Tuesday at the revered Srivari Temple in Tirumala, marking an essential traditional observance in the annual religious calendar. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the ceremonial offerings and seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), temple priests performed the rituals with traditional fervour, following age-old customs associated with Panchami Saare. This ritual is considered highly auspicious and symbolises the offering of special items to the deity as part of the ongoing religious proceedings at Tirumala.

TTD said that it has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the ceremony and comfortable darshan for devotees. Officials stated that all necessary measures were taken to manage the large influx of pilgrims.

The atmosphere around the temple was filled with devotion as the rituals progressed, with devotees expressing their joy and spiritual satisfaction at being part of this sacred occasion.

Earlier, on the auspicious occasion of Kaishika Dwadashi, the Kaishika Dwadashi Asthanam was conducted with great elegance at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple on Sunday.

Between 4:30 am and 5:30 am, Lord Ugra Srinivasa Murthy, accompanied by Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi, graciously bestowed blessings upon devotees during a procession along the temple streets (mada veedhis). In light of the gentle rain, the Lord provided darshan to the assembled devotees within the Ghatatopam mandapam.

Ugra Srinivasa Murthy, also known as Venkatathurai Varu or Snapana Beram, is taken out in procession along with Sridevi and Bhudevi only once a year on Kaishika Dwadashi before sunrise.

After the procession, the deities were brought back to the Bangaru Vakili (Golden Entrance), and the Kaishika Dwadashi Asthanam was performed as per tradition, accompanied by the recitation of the Kaishika Purana. This special celebration is held only once a year. Among the five berams (forms of the Lord), Ugra Srinivasa Murthy remains inside the sanctum throughout the year and comes out only on this day to bless devotees during the procession. (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday sharply criticised the BJP-led Union Government, claiming that although elections in the state have yet to begin, “confrontation” has already started.

Speaking at a rally in Bangaon, Banerjee alleged that she had been denied permission to use a helicopter, which delayed her arrival. She warned the BJP that any attempt to “take her on” would not succeed.

“I thought we could use the government helicopter. But at 10 AM today, I was informed that the helicopter wouldn’t fly. The election has not started, but confrontation has already begun. But they don’t realise this worked in my favour. Because on the way here I met a lot of people, and I could connect and form a close relationship with them. I tell the BJP: don’t try to play with me because you won’t be able to compete with me,” Mamata Banerjee said while addressing the gathering.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that while her government does not oppose the SIR process, genuine voters must not be removed.

She emphasised that governments are meant to be changed by the people, but, she said, currently it is the system itself that is being altered.

“We never said it (SIR) isn’t required. We said you cannot remove any genuine voter — those who have voted, who are beneficiaries of state schemes, and who have been living here for years. You cannot remove them. The public elects the government to power, but now the system is changing. The Election Commission will decide who gets to choose the government. It is supposed to be an impartial body, not the BJP’s Commission,” Mamata Banerjee said.

Earlier today, while addressing a gathering in North 24 Paraganas, Mamata Banerjee lambasted the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the state, saying “nobody can throw you (electors) out.

“Addressing a public meeting opposing the SIR exercise, Mamata Banerjee confronted the BJP, stating she does not fear them. She questioned if the aim of the SIR is to remove Bangladeshi nationals from the voter list, then why is the Election Commission conducting the exercise in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh?”

She said, “I love Bangladesh as a country, because our language is the same. I am from Birbhum, but one day they will call me Bangladeshi. PM Modi got votes in 2024 as per the same list. If your name gets deleted, the Central government should also be deleted. Why conducting SIR in such a hurry?”

“Till I am here, I will not allow them to throw you out. Nobody can throw you out. If Bangladeshi is a problem, then why are you conducting SIR in Madhya Pradesh and UP?” she asked.

This comes after the ECI announced the second phase of SIR of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026. The first phase was completed in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. (ANI)

In a development that could be a significant boost for the Centre’s vision to increase defence exports, India is close to securing defence deals worth around USD 450 million to supply the combat-proven BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.

The deals for the BrahMos missiles, developed jointly by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia, are expected to be signed with India’s friendly foreign countries, who have been highly impressed with the missile’s capabilities after it hit multiple Pakistani air bases with great accuracy and left many of them out of use for several days during Operation Sindoor.

“The deals worth around USD 450 million are expected to be signed in the near future and are in final stages at the moment. These deals are expected to be followed by many more as there is big interest in the missiles by many other countries from across the globe,” defence sources told ANI.

The missile was showcased at the recent Dubai Air Show and drew huge interest from potential buyer countries.

Soon after the missile’s effective use against Pakistan, the Indian Defence Ministry cleared a large order for the procurement of a large number of BrahMos missiles for the Indian Navy warships, along with ground and air-launched versions of these weapons for the Indian Air Force.

During the four-day conflict, the missiles struck Pakistani air bases and Army cantonments across the country.

The Navy plans to equip its Veer-class warships with the missile, while the Indian Air Force would be using them to equip its Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet.

A few months ago, the Indian Prime Minister praised the performance of the indigenous weapon systems in the conflict, saying, “During Operation Sindoor, the world saw the capabilities of our indigenous weapons. Our Air Defence Systems, missiles, and drones have proved the strength of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, especially the Brahmos missiles.”

In the first phase of the conflict, when India launched attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, including the terror headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

The BrahMos missile was the Indian Air Force’s main weapon of choice, which hit targets with great precision.

The strikes from the BrahMos missiles caused extensive damage to Pakistani air bases, after which the Pakistan Army tried to retaliate in defence of the terrorist groups and their infrastructure. (ANI)

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh missed out on the Best Actor award at the 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025, where he was nominated for his performance in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’.

The top honour at the 2025 Emmys went to Spanish actor Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, adicto [I, Addict’]. Additionally, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ also fell short in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series.

Diljit, who won his first-ever International Emmy nomination this year, was seen gracing the red carpet alongside filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and others. The singer-actor made a striking style statement in a shimmery suit jacket paired with a crisp white shirt, a black bow, black trousers, and his signature black turban.

Diljit Dosanjh’s nomination at the 2025 Emmys was seen as a major milestone for the country on a global stage, especially for a film that presented the legacy of Punjab’s iconic singer Amar Singh Chamkila to the world.

Besides Oriol Pla, Diljit was also competing against the likes of David Mitchell for Ludwig and Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film tells the story of Punjab’s iconic folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila, often called the “Elvis of Punjab.” Chamkila rose to fame in the 1980s for his bold songs and energetic performances, but his life was tragically cut short in 1988 when he and his wife, Amarjot Kaur, were killed at the age of 27.

Released on Netflix in April 2024, Amar Singh Chamkila also stars Parineeti Chopra and was written by Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali. The film’s live-recorded folk music and emotionally driven storytelling have been widely appreciated.

In 2020, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ made history by winning the Best Drama Series award, while comedian Vir Das took home an Emmy in 2021 for his Netflix comedy special ‘Vir Das: For India.’ (ANI)