Month: January 2026

A 25-year-old Hindu youth, Chanchal Bhowmik, was tragically burned to death in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday night.

He was sleeping in a garage when the fire broke out, and CCTV footage suggests foul play. The Narsingdi police superintendent (SP), Abdullah Al Faruque, informed ANI over the phone that while the fire started inside the shop, CCTV footage has revealed a person of interest moving around the area.

“We have collected footage from the CCTV cameras and observed that there is a scene showing a person moving around. We are investigating whether the fire was caused by some external factor or by an electrical fault”, SP said.

The police superintendent also mentioned that the fire started inside the shop, and that the fire service broke the shutter to rescue him, although his body was charred to death.

“We are still investigating everything, and so far, no one has been arrested”, he added.

Authorities are currently determining if the blaze was an electrical accident or an “external factor.” No arrests have been made as of Sunday.

Bangladesh continues to grapple with a volatile security landscape as it approaches the national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Amidst a ban on the Awami League and rising communal tensions, the safety of religious minorities has become a focal point of international concern.

Reports from human rights organisations and government agencies indicate a sharp rise in targeted violence against minorities since the interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, took power in August 2024.

The internal instability has triggered sharp reactions from the exiled leadership. in her first address to a gathering in India since she came to the country in the wake of violent protests in August 2024, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina blasted the Interim Government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the country “has plunged into an age of terror” and “there is a treacherous plot to barter away the territory and resources of Bangladesh to foreign interests”.

She called on people of the country to “overthrow the Yunus regime”. Bangladesh is slated to go for national elections on February 12, and the activities of Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League have been banned. Its registration has been suspended.

“Bangladesh stands today at the edge of an abyss, a nation battered and bleeding, navigating one of the most perilous chapters in its history. The homeland won through the supreme Liberation War under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is now ravaged by the monstrous onslaught of extremist communal forces and foreign perpetrators. Our once serene and fertile land has been reduced to a wounded, blood-soaked landscape. In truth, the entire country has become a vast prison, an execution ground, a valley of death,” she said in a pre-recorded audio message played out at an event in the national capital.

In January, a large crowd gathered at Parliament Square in London on Wednesday in a demonstration calling for international attention against the continued torture, persecution and killing of minorities in Bangladesh, a statement by the Bangladesh Hindu Association and Bengali Hindu Adarsh Sangha said.

Organised by the Bangladesh Hindu Association (BHA) and supported by INSIGHT UK and the Bengali Hindu Adarsh Sangha (BHAS), this British Hindu diaspora event drew an audience of over 500 participants, including students, professionals, parents with children, elderly activists, and interfaith leaders.

As the date of the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh draws nearer, communal violence is increasing at an alarming rate. In December alone, at least 51 incidents of violence have been reported till now.

These included 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, 23 incidents involving the occupation of homes, business establishments, temples and land, looting and arson, four cases of arrest and torture on false allegations of religious defamation and being “agents of RAW”, one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in a statement.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had expressed serious concern over the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, linking the issue to the wider question of minority safety and law and order in the country.

The MEA noted that independent assessments have documented over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, including cases of killings, arson and land grabbing. (ANI)

On the occasion of National Voters’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised the importance of registering as a voter after turning 18.

Addressing the nation in the 130th edition and first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of the year, he highlighted that it’s the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. “On this day, our constitution came into force. The day of January 26 gives us an opportunity to pay homage to the architects of our constitution.”

The PM also said that today is National Voter’s Day, emphasising the role of voters in a democracy.

“The voter is the soul of democracy. Whenever a young person becomes a voter for the first time, the entire neighbourhood, village, or even the city should come together to congratulate them and distribute sweets. This will increase awareness about voting among people”, he said.

Appreciating the efforts of those working in electoral polls, he said, “I would like to appreciate all those people who remain connected with the electoral process in the country, those who work at the grassroot level to keep our democracy alive.”

Urging the youth to participate in the practice of voting, he added, “I would like again to urge my young friends to register themselves as a voter when you turn 18.”

“The sense of duty that the Constitution expects from every citizen will be fulfilled and also strengthen Bharat’s democracy”, the PM said.

PM Modi also posted on X on Sunday, stating that the National Voter’s Day is an opportunity to deepen faith in the democratic values of the nation. He also complimented the Election Commission of India for its sustained efforts to strengthen democratic processes across the country.

“Greetings on #NationalVotersDay. This day is about further deepening our faith in the democratic values of our nation. My compliments to all those associated with the Election Commission of India for their efforts to strengthen our democratic processes. Being a voter is not just a constitutional privilege, but an important duty that gives every citizen a voice in shaping India’s future. Let us honour the spirit of our democracy by always taking part in democratic processes, thereby strengthening the foundations of a Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi’s X post read. (ANI)

Finally, the wait is over as Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated film ‘King’ has locked its release date for 2026.

SRK’s upcoming action film ‘King’ is set to hit theatres on December 24, 2026, marking a Christmas release at the end of the year. The announcement was made by Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand, on the eve of the third anniversary of ‘Pathaan’.

Along with the date announcement, the makers also unveiled new visuals from the film, featuring Shah Rukh Khan in a bold, intense new avatar.

Check out.

The film’s title was revealed on November 2, coinciding with Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday.

On this 60th birthday last year, the makers dropped a teaser from the film, featuring gripping visuals, fast-paced action, and a darker, more intense version of Khan than audiences have ever seen before.

Sporting silver hair, sharp expressions, and a brooding aura, the actor embodied a ruthless and enigmatic persona. In one of the standout moments, SRK delivers a chilling dialogue that instantly caught the audience’s attention. “Kitne khoon kiye, yaad nahi. Achhe log the yaa bure, kabhi pucha nahi. Bas unki aankhon mein ehsaas dekha ki ye unki aakhri saas hain. Aur mein uski wajah.”

The video also features a subtle detail, where Khan can be seen holding a “King of Hearts card,” which also seems to be a nod to his long-standing title as the “King of Hearts” both on and off screen. The teaser ends with the actor saying, “dar nahi deshath hu.”

‘KING’ is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. (ANI)

Congress leader and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has shared details of how he helped Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan during an incident at a Newark airport in the US, where the actor was detained for hours amid stringent post-9/11 security measures.

Speaking about the incident, Shukla said that Shah Rukh Khan had contacted him at the time. In a conversation with ANI, he recalled, “Unhone phone isliye kiya tha ki random vo chal raha tha ki naam ko dekhkar kisi ka bhi baggage rok lete the..They used to stop anyone and make them sit…After 9/11, you could not question security people at the airport. Their laws were so strict…to unko(SRK) bhi harassment ho raha tha…us din Janmashtami thi to phone aayaa.. aur vo ki aese aese ye ye hua hai do ghante se baithaya hua hai..15 minute mein Shah Rukh ka phone aa gaya hai ki ‘hume nikal diya hai sab saman nikal gaya’..”

(He called because at that time, random checks were going on, where they would stop anyone’s baggage just by looking at the name. After 9/11, you could not question security personnel at airports–their laws were extremely strict. So Shah Rukh was also facing harassment. That day was Janmashtami when I got the call. He said that this and that had happened and that he had been made to sit there for two hours. Within 15 minutes, Shah Rukh called back that he has moved and baggage has been released.)

During the interaction, Shukla also spoke about Bollywood’s leading stars and their distinct personalities. Referring to Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, he said that while all three are hugely successful superstars, their mindsets and working styles are completely different.

“The common thing is that all three are successful superstars, but the mindset of all three is completely different…I have had dinner with all three of them. All three of them are different. Their acting styles are also different. Shah Rukh is very witty. His speeches are wonderful. He is very intelligent. Salman mast hai yaaron ke yaar.. The speciality of Aamir Khan is that he does everything very meticulously and seriously.” (ANI)

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will organise a felicitation function on January 25 to honour elected Panchayat representatives invited as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, a press release by the ministry said.

The honourees will be felicitated by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, SP Singh Baghel, in the presence of Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and other senior officials of the ministry.

The event will also mark the release and launch of key Ministry initiatives and publications, including PANCHAM: Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot developed in collaboration with UNICEF, the 17th issue of Gramoday Sankalp magazine, the Compendium of Basic Statistics on Panchayati Raj Institutions 2025, the Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at the Panchayat Level and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicators. Prizes and certificates will also be awarded to winners of the Know Your Constitution Quiz and Essay Competition, organised as part of Constitution Day-2025 commemorations.

According to the release, the honourees include Sarpanches, Mukhiyas, Gram Pradhans and Block and District Panchayat Presidents from Panchayats that have achieved saturation in flagship Central Government schemes.

Around 240 panchayat heads, nominated by States and Union Territories, are being recognised for their grassroots contributions and their role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.

For the Republic Day Parade, the Ministry is hosting Heads of PRIs/RLBs along with their spouses, totalling nearly 450 Special Guests. The special Invitees will visit the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on January 25 to experience India’s leadership and governance journey since Independence and also witness the Ministry’s Tableau during the Parade, themed “SVAMITVA Scheme: Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the release said. (ANI)

Cricketer KL Rahul and actress Athiya Shetty on Friday completed three years as Mr and Mrs.

Taking to Instagram, Athiya penned a cute note to wish her hubby on their third wedding anniversary.

“Happy three, nowhere else I’d rather beeee,” she captioned the post.

Athiya also shared an adorable picture with KL.

Reacting to the post, Athiya’s brother and actor Ahan Shetty commented, “Love you guys sooo much.”

Athiya Shetty, who has been away from the film industry for some time, tied the knot with KL Rahul on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at her father and veteran actor Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.

The couple announced their pregnancy in November 2024 on Instagram and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Evaarah, in March.

On Instagram, the couple later shared an adorable picture of themselves with their newborn.

“Our baby girl, our everything. Evaarah/Ivaaraa ~ Gift of God,” read the caption of their post.

Athiya made her acting debut in 2015 with ‘Hero’. Later, she appeared in films such as ‘Mubarakan’ and ‘Motichoor Chaknachoor’. (ANI)

Stressing that the Ukraine, Russia and the United States’ trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates are an initial step, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that the responsibility for ending the ongoing conflict lies with Moscow.

The trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates marked the first such engagement involving all three sides since the war began nearly four years ago.

Reacting to the discussions, Zelenskyy underscored Kyiv’s long-held position, stating, “Russia must end the war it started; our position is clear.” He described the Abu Dhabi talks as an initial step but urged caution in drawing early conclusions.

The negotiations are being held against the backdrop of continued hostilities. Ukrainian authorities reported that Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and ballistic missile attack early Saturday, prompting air defence systems to be activated across the capital.

Officials from the United States termed the opening round of talks “productive” and said discussions were expected to continue through Saturday. Zelenskyy, however, said it was premature to assess the outcome.

In a post on X late Friday, he noted that Ukraine’s delegation was briefing him hourly but warned that it was “too early to assess the substance” of the negotiations.

Reiterating his stance, Zelenskyy said, “The main thing is that Russia must be ready to end this war, which it itself started,” adding that clear instructions had been given to Ukraine’s negotiating team. “We will see how the conversation develops and what results it produces.”

The Abu Dhabi talks follow a lengthy meeting earlier this week in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys, which the Kremlin described as “useful.”

Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, major disagreements persist, particularly over territorial issues. Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from areas it still controls in the Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

Zelenskyy has previously said that a US-backed, 20-point peace framework is close to being finalised, though the future status of the Donbas region remains unresolved. He has also proposed a reciprocal troop withdrawal of up to 40 kilometres to establish a demilitarised free economic zone, subject to similar steps by Russia, and linked to long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s delegation in Abu Dhabi is led by National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov, along with senior officials including Kyrylo Budanov and negotiator David Arakhamia. Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov is also part of the team.

Russia’s delegation is headed by GRU director Igor Kostyukov, while investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev is holding separate economic discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff. The US delegation also includes President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov earlier described talks with US officials as “substantive and frank,” while maintaining that a durable peace would require resolving territorial disputes. Until then, he said, Russia would continue what it calls its “special military operation.”

Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground, with both sides reporting overnight drone attacks in recent days. These include strikes on a Russian oil depot in the Penza region and multiple locations within Ukraine. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left parts of Ukraine facing winter conditions without reliable heating or electricity.

Zelenskyy has meanwhile remained engaged with Western allies. Speaking about his meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he described the interaction as “very positive,” and said both sides had arrived at an understanding on prospective US security guarantees for Ukraine, contingent upon approval by the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament. (ANI)

At an age when most people talk about slowing down, Anupam Kher is doing the opposite. The ‘Marathon Man’ repeatedly proves that age is just a number. His latest gym post is a testament to this.

On Saturday, Kher took to his Instagram account to share a picture from the gym with his friend and co-actor Ravi Kishan. In the black-and-white picture, both actors can be seen flaunting their toned arms after an intense workout session.

Along with the picture, Kher added a caption that read, “‘PAIN IS TEMPORARY, BUT PRIDE IS FOREVER.’ Worked out with my friend and co-actor #RaviKishen! Har Har Mahadev! #GymLife #Workout #Fitness.”

Soon after he posted the picture, fans chimed in with their reactions in the comment section. One wrote, “Fit n perfectly fine,” while another added, “True inspiration! Age is just a number when dedication and discipline are stronger. Respect, sir.”

Kher and Ravi Kishan are currently busy shooting for the second part of the popular film Khosla Ka Ghosla. The first film, which was released in 2006 and directed by Dibakar Banerjee, became a fan favourite for its simple story and strong performances.

Earlier this month, Anupam Kher shared that the shooting of Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 has been completed. He also posted a video from the film set featuring his co-actors Ranvir Shorey, Kiran Juneja, Parvin Dabas, Tara Sharma, and Boman Irani.

Before Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, the actor directed his second film, Tanvi The Great, which starred debutant Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role. The film recently joined the list of 201 feature films that are eligible for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards. (ANI)

A suspicious blast took place at the railway line near Khanpur Village in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday, and the city has been put on a high alert, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said.

Punjab Police rushed to the spot. Police said that it was a low-intensity, minor blast. The loco-pilot sustained minor injuries, while the train and the track sustained no major damage.

Deputy Commissioner Jain said that the police are checking the suspicious vehicles.

“An incident occurred early this morning at a railway line (in Fatehgarh Sahib). Looking at that, we have issued a high alert in the city. The entire security force, including all Police officials, is on the field and doing their duty. Nakas (check posts) have been put up as per the Intelligence. Suspicious vehicles are being checked,” the police official said.

Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora asked the public not to panic and assured them of action against the miscreants involved in the incident.

Arora told ANI, “There is no need to panic. The Punjab Police are capable. If someone has committed any mischief, action will be taken against them.”

Further details on the investigation are awaited.

The incident comes ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in the country.

Earlier on Friday, Punjab Police foiled a major terror conspiracy with the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, busting a terror module linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arresting one operative.

According to the Punjab Police, the arrested accused was allegedly planning an imminent attack on a security establishment. Acting on specific intelligence, the SSOC recovered one hand grenade, a sophisticated pistol and ammunition from his possession, thereby averting a potentially serious terror strike in the run-up to January 26.

In a post on X, Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, said the accused was operating under the directions of foreign-based handlers identified as Nishan Jaurrian, Adesh Jamarai and Simma Deol. An FIR has been registered at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar, under relevant sections of law, and further investigations are underway to trace the wider network and funding channels. (ANI)

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday called for keeping religion and politics separate, warning that their growing overlap is leading to disputes, tensions, and social unrest.

Her remarks came amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Magh Mela in Prayagraj and allegations that a Shankaracharya was prevented from taking a ritual dip at the Sangam.

In a post on X on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas, Mayawati said that in recent years, interference by political figures in religious festivals, holidays, worship rituals, and bathing ceremonies has increased not only in Uttar Pradesh but across the country.

She said this trend is giving rise to new conflicts and concerns among the public. Citing the Prayagraj bathing ceremony dispute as a “fresh example,” Mayawati cautioned that “linking religion with politics for narrow political gains carries inherent dangers”.

The BSP chief stressed that “the Constitution and laws of the country clearly envision keeping politics away from religion and religion away from politics, while prioritising public welfare and people-centric governance”.

She also extended greetings to the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas.

Her comments come amid sharp political exchanges over the alleged prevention of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from taking a dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav earlier accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of violating the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. He said saints and sages are a source of pride and that meeting them during major religious events to seek blessings is an integral part of religious tradition.

Yadav alleged that the BJP, through its officials, had deliberately insulted saints and sages and was failing to uphold constitutional values, brotherhood, and cultural traditions.

However, the Prayagraj administration has rejected the allegations. Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said the Shankaracharya arrived without prior permission, accompanied by around 200 followers, despite heavy crowding at the Sangam. She claimed that barricades were broken and the return route was blocked for nearly three hours, causing inconvenience to devotees and posing a serious safety risk. (ANI)