Month: January 2026

Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut called the Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman “prejudiced and hateful” amid the controversial remarks by the singer against Bollywood.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her or work on the music for her directorial film, ‘Emergency’, because he allegedly considered it a “propaganda film”.

“Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you, I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be a part of a propaganda film,” wrote Ranaut.

The actress also mentioned that her movie ‘Emergency’ was well-received by critics and opposition leaders alike for its “balanced” approach, saying that Rahman was “blinded by his hate”.

“Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics, even opposition party leaders sent me fan letters appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach, but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for,” wrote Kangana Ranaut.

Oscar-winning composer Rahman had said in a recent interview on the BBC Asian Network that work from the Hindi film industry has slowed for him in recent years, attributing it to changing dynamics in the industry over the past eight years.

Veteran author and columnist Shobhaa De has termed AR Rahman’s recent remark on Bollywood as “very dangerous”, stressing that the film industry has always been a space where talent, not religion, determines opportunity.

Addressing a session on her new book at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, De said she disagreed with composer Rahman’s claims of religious bias in Bollywood.

“This is a very dangerous comment. I don’t know why he’s made it; you should ask him. But I’ve been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I’ve seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don’t have talent, there’s no question of religion being a factor; they’re not giving you a chance. So, what he’s saying, he’s such a successful man, he’s such a mature man. He should not have said it; maybe he has his reasons. You will have to ask him,” she said.

AR Rahman is yet to respond to these reactions. (ANI)

Superstar Aamir Khan participated in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 for the first time on Sunday and shared how special the day felt for him. The actor joined thousands of runners on the streets of Mumbai, calling the city’s energy and the marathon’s enthusiasm “amazing” and deeply inspiring.

The 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) saw participation from over 69,000 individuals, including more than 65,000 runners on the ground and 3,700 virtual participants. Recognised as a World Athletics Gold Label Race this year, the marathon continues to be one of India’s largest running events, attracting runners from across the country and abroad to compete for a total prize money of USD 389,524.

The ‘Lagaan’ actor, while interacting with the media, spoke about the strong “enthusiasm” he saw all around and said the “spirit” of the marathon left a deep impact on him.

“…We are participating in it for the first time. The enthusiasm we saw made me feel that we should come here every year. Mumbai and this marathon have an amazing spirit…” Aamir said.

Accompanying the actor were his former wife, Kiran Rao, and daughter, Ira Khan, who joined him in experiencing the vibrant energy of the city and the runners.

Over the last two decades, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has become a hallmark of unity and fitness in India. It has helped foster a running culture, encouraged community participation and promoted values of hope, teamwork and perseverance. The event brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the city’s resilience and collective spirit.

On the work front, Aamir Khan was last seen in Sitaare Zameen Par. In the film, he plays a basketball coach who trains a group of neurodivergent children. The movie also stars Genelia Deshmukh and is directed by Prasanna. It was released in theatres on June 20. (ANI)

Music maestro AR Rahman has shared his first post after the row over the controversial remarks he made against Bollywood, which led to reactions pouring in from different sides of the film world.

On Sunday, Rahman took to his Instagram account to share a video message. In the clip, he did not directly address the controversy but spoke about his bond with India, music, and culture.

In his video message, the Oscar-winning composer shared how music has always been his way of staying connected with people and traditions. He went on to add that “intentions” can sometimes be “misunderstood”, but his purpose has always been to serve through music.

“Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring a culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music,” Rahman said.

“I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices,” he added.

“From nurturing Jala, presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with young Naga musicians to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band, to the honor of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose. I remain grateful for this and committed to music that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Bharat,” he further said.

The controversy began when Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, said that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this to changes in the industry over the past eight years. After that interview, reactions came from both fans and film personalities.

Among those who reacted was actor Kangana Ranaut. On Friday, she took to her Instagram account and shared a long note. In the post, Kangana spoke about feeling “prejudice” and “partiality” in the industry.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her or work on the music for her directorial film, Emergency, because he allegedly considered it a “propaganda film.” “Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you. I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be a part of a propaganda film,” wrote Ranaut. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Assam, during which he will launch key development initiatives on Sunday.

The visit includes the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project and the flagging off of new Amrit Bharat Express trains, aimed at boosting regional connectivity in the Northeast.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Looking forward to being in Kaliabor, Assam today for the Bhoomi Poojan of key development works, including the 35 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga. This will go a long way in safeguarding animals, particularly in the monsoon season. During the programme, Amrit Bharat trains will be flagged off, which will improve connectivity for the people of Assam.”

Today, at around 11 AM, the Prime Minister will perform Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over Rs 6,950 crore and will flag off 2 new Amrit Bharat Express trains at Kaliabor, Nagaon district.

The 86 km long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project is an environmentally conscious National Highway project. It will feature a 35 km Elevated Wildlife Corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park, a 21 km Bypass section, and a 30 km widening of the existing NH-715 highway section from two to four lanes. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring protection of the park’s rich biodiversity.

The project will pass through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts and will significantly improve connectivity to Upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The elevated wildlife corridor will ensure the uninterrupted movement of animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

It will also enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support growing passenger and freight traffic. As part of the project, Bypasses will be developed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat that will help to decongest towns, improve urban mobility and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

During the programme, the Prime Minister will also flag off 2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains – Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services will strengthen rail connectivity between the Northeast and Northern India, enabling safer, more convenient travel for people. (ANI)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during recent nationwide protests, marking an unusual admission from the clerical leadership amid a fierce crackdown that has drawn international attention, reports Fox news.

In a televised address on Saturday, Khamenei said the unrest, which began in late December over economic hardship and wider political grievances, resulted in “several thousand” deaths. He described some of the casualties as the result of “inhuman, savage” conditions but shifted blame toward the United States and other foreign actors rather than Iranian security forces.

Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of encouraging the demonstrations, which initially focused on rising costs and inflation before morphing into broader anti-regime protests, and called Trump a “criminal” for commenting on and supporting the movement from afar. He maintained that protesters were manipulated by foreign powers and that authorities would not allow what he termed “criminals” to go unpunished, reported Fox News.

The protests have drawn condemnation from human rights organisations, which estimate that more than 3,000 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, although exact figures remain hard to verify due in part to intermittent internet shutdowns imposed by Iranian authorities.

Responding to Khamenei’s remarks, Trump intensified his rhetoric, saying it was “time to look for new leadership” in Iran. In an interview with Politico, he criticised the clerical establishment’s handling of the unrest and personally condemned Khamenei’s role in the violence, describing him as unfit to lead.

“What he is guilty of, as the leader of a country, is the complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before,” Trump said. “Leadership is about respect, not fear and death.”

“The man is a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people. His country is the worst place to live anywhere in the world because of poor leadership,” Trump added further.

The high-stakes exchange comes as global attention turns toward Iran’s internal political stability and the spectre of further international pressure.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued accusing US. He posted on X, “The recent sedition was orchestrated by the US. The US did the planning and took action. The US’s goal is to devour Iran.”

However, daily life in Tehran and other major cities shows signs of returning to normal after weeks of protests and security operations. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects in Singur, West Bengal, on Sunday, highlighting the Centre’s focus on accelerating development in the state.

The initiatives include the foundation-laying of an extended port gate system at Balagarh with an Inland Water Transport terminal and road overbridge, the launch of an electric catamaran in Kolkata, the inauguration of a new rail line between Jayrambati and Maynapur and the flagging off of Amrit Bharat trains.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Our Government is committed to adding momentum to West Bengal’s growth journey. In Singur today, important development works will be launched or their foundation stones laid. The works include: Laying the Foundation Stone of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, including the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal and Road Overbridge. Launching of the Electric Catamaran at Kolkata. Inauguration of the new rail line between Jayrambati and Maynapur. Flagging off of trains, including Amrit Bharat trains.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), at around 3 PM, PM Modi will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and flag off various development projects worth around Rs 830 crore at Singur in Hooghly district.

PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, including an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal and a Road Over Bridge

Spanning approximately 900 acres, Balagarh is being developed as a modern cargo handling terminal with an envisaged capacity of about 2.7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The project includes the construction of two dedicated cargo-handling jetties: one for containerised cargo and one for dry bulk cargo.

The Balagarh project aims to significantly improve cargo evacuation efficiency by diverting heavy cargo movement away from congested urban corridors. This will enhance road safety, reduce vehicular congestion and pollution in Kolkata city, and contribute to an improved quality of life for residents. Improved multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency will also provide cost-effective market access to regional industries, MSMEs, and agricultural producers. The project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment, benefiting local communities through job creation in logistics, terminal operations, transport services, maintenance, and allied activities.

PM Modi will also launch a state-of-the-art Electric Catamaran in Kolkata. This is one of the 6 Electric Catamarans indigenously built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for inland water transport. The 50-passenger hybrid-electric aluminium catamaran, equipped with advanced electric propulsion systems and lithium-titanate battery technology, can operate in fully electric, zero-emission mode as well as in hybrid mode for extended endurance. The vessel will support urban river mobility, eco-tourism and last-mile passenger connectivity along the Hooghly River.

The release stated that PM Modi will also inaugurate the new rail line between Jayrambati-Barogopinathpur-Maynapur. This line is an important part of the Tarkeshwar-Bishnupur new rail line project. Along with the new rail line, a new train service between Maynapur and Jayrambati, with a halt at Barogopinathpur, will also be flagged off. It will provide direct rail connectivity to the residents of Bankura district, making travel more affordable and convenient for daily commuters, students and pilgrims.

PM Modi will flag off three Amrit Bharat Express trains: Kolkata (Howrah) – Anand Vihar Terminal; Kolkata (Sealdah) – Banaras; Kolkata (Santragachi) – Tambaram. (ANI)

The United States military killed a senior Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader with direct links to the ISIS ambush that targeted American soldiers in Syria in December in a strike carried out in the country’s northwest region.

In a statement issued by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US forces conducted the strike on January 16, resulting in the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an experienced terrorist leader with direct links to an ISIS operative responsible for a deadly ambush on US personnel, which led to the death of two American soldiers and an interpreter.

The December 13 ambush in Palmyra, Syria, killed two US service members and an American interpreter while also injuring American and Syrian personnel.

CENTCOM said al-Jasim was directly connected to the ISIS gunman involved in that attack and had played a role in plotting terrorist operations.

“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said.

“There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you,” he added.

Following the December ambush, CENTCOM launched large-scale strikes across Syria under an operation dubbed Hawkeye Strike.

As part of the operation, US and partner forces targeted more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, employing over 200 precision-guided munitions, as per the statement issued.

CENTCOM further stated that over the past year, US and partner forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 others across Syria, removing individuals who posed a direct threat to US forces and regional security.

This comes weeks after the CENTCOM forces, along with partner forces, conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria as a part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.

CENTCOM mentioned that the strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of its ongoing commitment “to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region. U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States.”

Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched on December 19, 2025, at the direction of US President Donald Trump, in direct response to the ISIS attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025, which CENTCOM said was carried out by an ISIS terrorist.

The soldiers were identified as 25-year-old Sgt Edgar Brian Torres Tovar of Des Moines, Iowa, and 29-year-old Sgt William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown, Iowa, both members of the Iowa National Guard.

They were part of roughly 1,800 troops deployed in the Middle East earlier this year as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the US mission to defeat ISIS. (ANI)

The Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited on Saturday said that they are committed to taking full cognisance of the findings of the DGCA orders in relation to IndiGo’s operational disruptions in December last year and “will take appropriate measures”.

“We would like to take this opportunity to inform all of our stakeholders, particularly our valued customers, that the Board and the Management of IndiGo are committed to taking full cognizance of the orders and will, in a thoughtful and timely manner, take appropriate measures,” Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited said in a message.

Additionally, an in-depth review of the robustness and resilience of the internal processes at IndiGo has been underway since the disruption to ensure that the airline emerges stronger out of these events in its otherwise pristine record of 19+ years of operations, it said.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed penalties amounting to Rs 22.20 crore on IndiGo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions in early December 2025 that affected more than three lakh passengers across the country.

The action follows a comprehensive inquiry ordered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) after IndiGo cancelled 2,507 flights and delayed 1,852 others between December 3 and 5, 2025.

A four-member committee constituted by the DGCA examined the airline’s operational planning, crew rostering, management oversight and software systems.

According to the committee’s findings, the primary causes of the disruption were excessive operational optimisation, inadequate regulatory preparedness, deficiencies in system software support, and shortcomings in management structure and operational control.

The inquiry noted that IndiGo failed to maintain adequate operational buffers and did not effectively implement revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) provisions, leading to large-scale cancellations and delays. (ANI)

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the suicide of Sukhwant Singh on Saturday inspected the crime scene in Kathgodam, with Uttarakhand Police saying that evidence collection and witness examination are being carried out to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

Sukhwant Singh, a resident of Paiga in Udham Singh Nagar district, allegedly shot himself in a hotel room in Kathgodam, Haldwani, on the night of January 10. Before his death, he had uploaded a video and sent an email levelling serious allegations against certain property dealers and police officials.

Police Headquarters said Inspector General of Police (STF) and SIT Chief Nilesh Anand Bharne, along with his team, reached Kathgodam and inspected the incident site. During the visit, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected evidence from the scene, while statements from independent witnesses linked to the case were being recorded.

Bharne said that all records and documents related to the case, available at the Udham Singh Nagar Police Office, ITI Police Station, Paiga Outpost, and other concerned offices and branches, are being preserved to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

To ensure impartiality and transparency, the SIT chief said clear instructions have been issued to the local police, apart from the SIT, not to make any unnecessary contact with members of the victim’s family or witnesses. He added that keeping in view the security of the complainant, the victim’s family, and witnesses, a security guard from another district is being deployed at the residence of the victim’s family.

For technical analysis, the SIT has been strengthened with the inclusion of three sub-inspectors, two head constables, and one constable, police headquarters said.

Late on Saturday evening, the SIT also met the victim’s family. Bharne reiterated that the investigation into the sensitive case is being conducted impartially on the basis of facts, evidence, and legal provisions. He added that after inspecting the crime scene, the FIR registered at ITI Police Station is being transferred to Kathgodam Police Station, and strict legal action will be ensured in accordance with the law.

Earlier on Friday, the SIT was constituted to probe the suicide of Sukhwant Singh. The SIT has begun reviewing the case diary, post-mortem report, mobile phone, and other material collected from Kathgodam Police Station. The deceased’s mobile phone and firearm have been sent to the FSL for examination, while the technical team is analysing the email sent by Sukhwant Singh.

The investigation is being conducted alongside a magisterial inquiry by the Commissioner of the Kumaon Division. Director General of Police Deepam Seth has assured that the SIT will conduct an impartial, transparent, and thorough probe. In the interest of a fair investigation, 12 police personnel have been suspended and transferred out of the district with immediate effect. (ANI)

The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Saturday urged Iranian authorities to grant consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained on MT Valiant Roar. Despite repeated requests since Dec 14, access hasn’t been granted.

“Around mid-December 2025, Mission was informed about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities, with 16 Indian crew members on board. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas immediately (on 14 December) wrote to the Government of Iran seeking Consular Access to the crew,” read the Indian Embassy statement.

“The request for consular access has been repeated numerous times since then, both by diplomatic correspondence and in-person meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the level of the Ambassador. The Iranian authorities were also requested to allow the crew to communicate with their families in India,” added the statement.

The embassy is working to ensurethe crew’s welfare: food, water, and fuel supplies arranged with the Iranian navy’s help and also engaging UAE-based ship-owning company for legal representation and provisions. Consulate in Dubai is also pressing the company for support.

“The Consulate also established contact with the UAE-based company that owns the ship on 15 December, and has subsequently been in touch with the Iran-based agents of the company, to press upon the company to ensure provision of food, water and fuel for the ship, and also to arrange legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts. Upon being informed by the ship of depleting food and water stocks, the Mission intervened with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency supplies of food and water in early January. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also been pressing upon the ship-owning company to ensure legal representation and regular supplies of provisions to the ship,” added the statement.

The matter is expected to be subject to judicial process in Iran. However, the Mission and the Consulate continue to press the Iranian authorities to grant early consular access to the crew, and to ensure expeditious completion of the judicial proceedings.

The statement by the Embassy comes shortly after, on Thursday, the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rescue of their son.

Mehta was one of the members of the 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar who were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),

The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel. (ANI)