Month: November 2025

Cinema icon Rajinikanth received a lifetime achievement award at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Friday, marking 50 years of his illustrious career in the film industry.

The 74-year-old actor was welcomed with a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept the honour and also reflected on his journey, which he said felt far shorter than it sounds. Calling the milestone emotional and deeply meaningful, Rajinikanth said his “five decades in cinema” felt like they passed in just a few years.

In an emotional moment, he shared that he would choose the same life again if given the chance, saying that “50 years of acting in cinema felt like 10 or 15 years… If there are 100 more janams (lives), I would like to be born as an actor and Rajinikanth.”

Earlier during the festival, Rajinikanth’s recent film ‘Lal Salaam’ was screened for attendees. Directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the screening saw the filmmaker expressing her happiness and pride over the film’s premiere at the globally recognised festival.

Released in 2024, Lal Salaam is a Tamil-language sports action drama produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the Lyca Productions banner.

The 56th edition of IFFI, which concluded on November 28, brought together filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals from across the world and highlighted major achievements in both Indian and world cinema.

The festival also honoured the centenary year of several legendary names, including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, with restored screenings of their most influential works. (ANI)

Former England football captain and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham’s fondness for India is no secret. His recent visit once again reflected how deeply he enjoys spending time in the country.

Besides his professional engagements, David is making sure to explore the country and connect with its people more deeply.

Taking to Instagram, David shared several videos and pictures, giving a sneak peek into the warm welcome that he received upon his arrival at the Mumbai hotel.

In one of the visuals, he could be seen learning how to make Dal Ki Chaat.

“So touched by everyone’s kindness… Thank you for my traditional welcome and Dal Ki Chaat lessons. Making some beautiful memories in Mumbai,” he captioned the post.

David also played a friendly football match with children from underserved communities trained and empowered by ngo -Oscar Foundation in football and life skills at the Cooperage Football Grounds in Mumbai, listening to their lived experiences and stories, how they are breaking barriers, and making progress toward reaching their aspirations.

At the Cooperage Football Grounds in Mumbai, David met 12-year-old Khushi and 10-year-old Rohit, who found their calling in football, enabling them to learn life skills, gain confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. “I was always very quiet and withdrawn. Playing football helped me to open up and communicate better. I learnt how to interact with others and make decisions,” said Khushi.

On Friday, he also attended an event with actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

David Beckham is considered one of the finest footballers of all time. He is known for his stints with Manchester United from 1992 to 2003 and Real Madrid from 2003 to 2007, while having also represented Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Preston North End and LA Galaxy.

He is a six-time Premier League winner and one-time UEFA Champions League winner with Manchester United. He has also captured a La Liga and Ligue 1 with Real Madrid and PSG, respectively, amongst several other team and individual honours. He has also played over 100 matches for England from 1996 to 2009. (ANI)

Shaheen Bhatt celebrated her birthday on Friday, and the occasion was marked with warm wishes from her family, including an adorable post by her sister, actor Alia Bhatt.

Alia took to her Instagram to share two cute pictures that showed the sisters posing together. One picture showed the two posing with playful expressions as they looked at each other, while another featured both smiling brightly for the camera.

Along with the pictures, the actress added a caption that read, “my eternal sunshine, happy birthday my home and whole heart.”

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRms3R2DNRN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Earlier in the day, their mother, Soni Razdan, also shared an emotional note for Shaheen on Instagram, along with a series of photos capturing different stages of her daughter’s life. While introducing her message, Razdan referred to Shaheen as her “firstborn” and “uniquely special”, expressing the deep bond they share.

Razdan wrote, “My darling Shaheen, my first born, My uniquely special Brilliant Baby…

Who became a mother to me, almost from the age of two. Whose fierce love and single minded insistence that only SHE could be the center of my being – made that a reality from the moment she angrily opened her eyes ( yes, she was too comfortable where she was, and didn’t want to be born at all) …And since we don’t really need words to communicate, you would know what I want to say to you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRlvfhuCB2u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“You know that my love for you is too vast to be bound by a few words but since this is a birthday, wish, then to you, I wish the coming year brings resolutions and closure to what is meant to go – and new beginnings that will bring you freedom and lightness of being.

Happy Birthday

I love you,” she concluded her message.

Alia and Shaheen share a very healthy bond and the duo never fails to shower love on each other on social media. The two are born to Soni Razdan and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. (ANI)

In a major boost to sericulture farmers, the Solapur Division of Central Railway has launched direct Silk Cocoon transportation from Pandharpur and Kalaburagi to Ramanagaram in Karnataka, Asia’s largest silk cocoon market.

According to a press release issued by Central Railway, the initiative aligns with the government’s vision to provide farmers with economical, direct market access. The service commenced on November 27, 2025, marking a significant logistics breakthrough for the region.

The release states that though Solapur Division was already connected to Ramanagaram through Train No. 16536 Pandharpur-Mysuru Gol Gumbaz Express and Train No. 17308 Bagalkot-Mysuru Basava Express, “Silk Cocoons could not be booked earlier due to the trains’ scheduled halt of less than five minutes at Ramanagaram.”

To resolve this, Central Railway (CR) and South Western Railway (SWR) jointly worked on loading and unloading arrangements, enabling seamless end-to-end transport for the first time.

On day one, a farmers’ group from Pandharpur booked 38 bags weighing 1,500 kg, with rail transport costing less than ₹5 per kg. The release notes that rail transport is more than 30% cheaper and faster compared to road transport.

The new service will now facilitate affordable cocoon transport from Pandharpur, Solapur and Kalaburagi to Ramanagaram, ensuring direct market access and reducing logistics expenditure for farmers.

The initiative stems from the Amrit Samvad programmes conducted in the region, which aim to strengthen stakeholder interaction under the Ministry of Railways.

Train details shared in the release include:Train No. 16536 Gol Gumbaz Express departs daily at 13:00 hrs from Pandharpur and 15:30 hrs from Solapur. Train No. 17308 Basava Express departs daily at 19:30 hrs from Solapur and 21:15 hrs from Kalaburagi. The Solapur Division has appealed to silk cocoon-producing farmers to make use of the daily railway services for direct market access. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing political tug-of-war over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday reiterated that the Congress high command will take any decision regarding the leadership.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar responded to questions about his supporters wanting to see him as the next CM.

“The party workers may be eager, but I am in no hurry. The party will take all the decisions,” DK Shivakumar told reporters.

He did not rule out a visit to the national capital, though he clarified that his trip would be to raise several key issues with the Congress leadership ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. Describing the Congress headquarters as a “temple” that provides direction and guidance, Shivakumar also highlighted concerns over the Centre’s stance on maize MSP.

“Besides that, the Centre is not supporting the MSP for maize. The Centre has fixed the price at Rs 2,400, but market rates are in the range of Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,800. We need to submit an appeal as the Centre isn’t cooperating. We will appeal to the Centre to procure maize from farmers. Party office is our temple. Delhi office gives us guidance and direction,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Congress MP and Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh, arrived in Delhi on Friday. Declining to comment on the political developments in Karnataka, he said the state government and the Chief Minister would respond to all issues.

“I won’t comment on any political issue. Whatever issues are there, the government of Karnataka and the CM will answer… BJP is in opposition, it will always tell other things… BJP wanted to be in the news; that is why they are doing all this. Everything is fine,” he said.

The power struggle reportedly began when the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been exchanging cryptic posts on social media, with Siddaramaiah emphasising that “a word is not power unless it betters the world” and Shivakumar stating that “word power is world power.”

Siddaramaiah, the current CM, insists he’ll complete his five-year term, citing the mandate given by the people of Karnataka. He’s emphasised his commitment to fulfilling the party’s promises, including the five guarantee schemes. Shivakumar, on the other hand, is pushing for a leadership change, citing a “secret agreement” among senior leaders that he should take over as CM after 2.5 years.

The high command, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to make a decision soon. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have expressed willingness to abide by the party’s decision.

The tussle, fueled by the 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, has pushed each side’s loyalists to lobby for their leaders’ claims to the state’s top post. (ANI)

India on Friday commenced Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at providing relief materials and vital HADR support to the Cyclone Ditwah-hit Sri Lanka, which has been dealing with the natural calamity for the past few days, killing 61 people and leaving 25 missing in the island nation.

In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the Indian naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri today handed over relief material to authorities in the country in a move which is part of India’s immediate response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

“Operation Sagar Bandhu commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway,” Jaishankar said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, who have lost loved ones due to cyclone Ditwah.

In a gesture of solidarity, PM Modi stated that India has dispatched relief materials and vital Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

“My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

He further noted India’s humanitarian help to Sri Lanka is guided by its “Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR”.

“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need,” the Prime Minister added.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 61 people have lost their lives, while 25 remain missing as severe weather continues to batter several parts of Sri Lanka, The Daily Mirror Online reported.

According to the DMC, the adverse weather conditions that began on November 16 have affected 43,991 individuals from 12,313 families nationwide.

The agency also reported that four houses have been destroyed and 666 others have sustained partial damage due to the ongoing situation, as reported by The Daily Mirror Online.

In its latest forecast, the Sri Lankan Meteorological Department warned of very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm in parts of the Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces, The Daily Mirror Online reported.

Rainfall above 150 mm is also expected in areas of the Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle and Matara districts.

The department further cautioned that other regions of the island may experience fairly heavy showers above 75 mm. (ANI)

The makers of legendary actor Dharmendra’s final film, ‘Ikkis,’ released an emotional poem from the movie as a tribute.

Taking to their Instagram account on Friday morning, Maddock Films, the production house behind the war drama, posted the poem along with a video.

The poem, filmed with Dharmendra and featured in a newly released video clip, shows his character returning to his roots, his village in Punjab, his childhood home, and the memories that shaped him. The scene depicts him revisiting familiar lanes, meeting old friends, and soaking in the warmth of a life long left behind.

Titled “Aj Bhi Ji Karda Hai, Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa” (translated as “I still yearn to return to my village”), the verse reflects a bittersweet longing for the simplicity of home. Dharmendra speaks fondly of wanting to bathe in the village pond with cattle, play kabaddi with childhood friends, and relive the “pind vali zindagi”, the unmatched joy of rural life, before ending on a tender note about missing his mother.

Along with the video, Maddock Films also added a caption describing Dharmendra as a “true son of the soil.” It read, “Dharam Ji was a true son of the soil, and his words carry the essence of that soil. This poem by him is a yearning; a tribute from one legend to another. Thank you for gifting us this timeless verse.” #Ikkis will be in cinemas worldwide on December 25, 2025.

In no time fans chimed in the comment section to remember the late actor. One user wrote, “This gave me instant goosebumps,” while another added, “Feels like saying goodbye all over again.” A third user added, “Legends like Dharam ji never fade, they live on forever.”

Legendary star Dharmendra passed away on November 24 just days ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8 , marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. The final rites of the actor were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle.

‘Ikkis,’ set to release on December 25 will stand as his final big-screen appearance in a career spanning more than sixty years.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, ‘Ikkis’ is a war biopic based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced ‘tax-free status’ for the war drama ‘120 Bahadur’ in the national capital, effective November 28.

The decision honours the bravery of Indian soldiers depicted in the film, which is based on the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The Delhi CM took to her X account to make the announcement and also praised the film for commemorating the heroism of the Indian Army.

In her post, she wrote, “#120Bahadur, a historical war film, pays tribute to the extraordinary courage, leadership, and sacrifice of the 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought valiantly in the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The film highlights the inspiring leadership of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, whose actions and sacrifice remain a defining symbol of courage in India’s military history. As a special mark of respect to the valiant soldiers, the Delhi Government has decided to grant tax-free status to the film in Delhi from 28th Nov. Congratulations to the creators of the film!”

#120Bahadur, a historical war film, pays tribute to the extraordinary courage, leadership, and sacrifice of the 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought valiantly in the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The film highlights the inspiring… pic.twitter.com/NufM70mq07

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) November 27, 2025

‘120 Bahadur’ features Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who led the 13 Kumaon Regiment in its brave stand against Chinese forces in 1962.

The film also stars Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena and Dhanveer Singh in prominent roles. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios), the film released in cinemas on November 21. (ANI)

A group of tourists were left stranded mid-air at a private sky dining facility in Anachal, Idukki, Kerala, on Friday, after a technical failure in the crane. The incident took place near Munnar and left both tourists and staff stranded for over 1.5 hours.

According to initial information, authorities said the halt occurred due to a mechanical fault in the crane. Rescue teams have begun efforts to bring down those stranded.

Earlier visuals from the spot showed the elevated dining structure suspended mid-air as rescue personnel worked to stabilise the mechanism.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday instructed all departments to stop accepting Aadhaar cards as proof of birth or date of birth, citing that it doesn’t serve as a birth certificate.

The Planning Department’s special secretary, Amit Singh Bansal, issued the order, emphasising that Aadhaar cards aren’t birth certificates and shouldn’t be used as such. This change affects how individuals prove their age or birthdate in the state. This move aims to clarify the document’s purpose and avoid confusion.

The directive follows communication from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which clarified that Aadhaar does not qualify as an approved document for confirming date of birth.

The letter, sent by Bansal, to the Honourable Additional Chief Secretary/Chief Secretary/Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, states, “Kindly have the courtesy to take reference of the letter number 16013/4/2020-RO-LKO/5416 dated 31.10.2025 of the Deputy Director, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI 00003050), Regional Office, Lucknow, through which it has been informed that the Aadhaar card is not an approved proof of date of birth.”

The communication further states that various state departments do not accept Aadhaar as proof of birth and stresses the need to ensure uniform compliance across all government wings.

The order also instructs officials to issue necessary directions so that Aadhaar is not accepted as proof of date of birth in any state government department.

Meanwhile, in the recent development, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated more than two crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals, marking one of the largest clean-up exercises of the national identity database.

In line with the Ministry of Electronics and IT press release, this step aims to keep Aadhaar records accurate and prevent identity misuse.

UIDAI said it has received information on deceased persons from the Registrar General of India, state governments, Union Territories, the Public Distribution System, and the National Social Assistance Program. The authority is also planning to work with banks and other institutions to share verified death data in the future. Officials explained that an Aadhaar number is never given to another person, so deactivation after death is necessary to stop fraud or wrongful use of welfare benefits. (ANI)