Month: January 2026

Actor Hrithik Roshan is full of praise for Vir Das’s directorial debut ‘Happy Patel’, appearing highly impressed by the spy comedy. Taking to his Instagram story, Hrithik penned a heartwarming note for Vir and extended his congratulations.

“Very very entertained by HAPPY PATEL. Congrats VIR. The ingenuity of mixing incredible silliness with a relentless screenplay was so much fun to watch!” the ‘War 2’ star wrote.

A delighted Vir Das reshared the warm review on his Instagram handle, hailing Hrithik’s support as he offered a subtle nod to the actor’s role in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe.

“Hrithik – May every comedy lover and first time Filmaker find a star like you. You are magic on screen and it falls on all of us smaller sillier spies too! Thank you,” the actor-comedian wrote.

‘Happy Patel: Khatarnaak Jasoos’ is a quirky, offbeat spy, which also stars Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Srushti Tawade, along with special appearances by Aamir Khan and Imran Khan.

Vir Das is in the lead role as an agent sent on a mission in India.

The trailer hilariously shows Vir Das’s character failing to assemble a rifle while also forgetting to include the trigger. It was followed by a confidential mission assignment in Goa. Unknown to the culture and traditions of India, Vir Das faces numerous problems, ranging from being tortured by Mona Singh’s character to fighting Imran Khan in a slow-motion aerial battle.

Aamir Khan also plays a cameo in the movie.

The film is produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions.

‘Happy Patel’ opened in theatres on January 16, 2026. (ANI)

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli is all praise for actress Priyanka Chopra as he reviewed the trailer of ‘The Bluff’.

Taking to Instagram Story, Rajamouli wrote, “Priyanka is unstoppable and always surprises….what a commanding presence and fiery performance. Looking forward to ‘The Bluff’.”

Priyanka thanked Rajamouli for his heartfelt words.

In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Thank you for your kind words sir.”

Notably, Priyanka is the leading lady of Rajamouli’s next directorial ‘Varanasi’.

In the film, Priyanka will be seen playing Mandakini. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran are also a part of Varanasi, which is set to release during Sankranti 2027.

The film’s title was officially announced at the grand GlobeTrotter event, held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, last year in November. The teaser was also shown on a huge screen, which gave a sneak peek into the film.

Coming back to ‘The Bluff’, the film is directed by Frank E Flowers with a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. The film brings an epic period thriller to life, set in the uniquely historical and culturally rich Cayman Islands, featuring stunning real-world locations, including the Skull Cave and the iconic bluff. (ANI)

India’s official Oscar entry ‘Homebound’ has failed to secure a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards, bringing a silent end to its campaign. The film, which had been considered a strong contender amid early buzz and much critical acclaim, was absent from the final list of nominees announced on Thursday.

Earlier, ‘Homebound’ was shortlisted under the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars alongside entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.

Going global with this year's nominees for International Feature Film. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/NaKlw64YgR

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 22, 2026

Nominated for the coveted trophy under International Feature Film are ‘The Secret Agent’, ‘It Was Just An Accident’, ‘Sentimental Value’, ‘Sirat’, and ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’.

‘Homebound’ has received significant global acclaim, including premieres at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.

With its Oscar shortlist, ‘Homebound’ also reached a rare milestone, becoming the fifth Indian film to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film in the Academy Awards’ 98-year history.

Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starrer ‘Homebound’ was among the 15 films that have become eligible for the final nominations.

The film follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives, with Janhvi Kapoor adding emotional depth to a story grounded in friendship, duty, and the pressures facing young India.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, and co-produced by Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, with Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar serving as Executive Producers. (ANI)

In a major development in the phone tapping case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has issued notices to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR), following the questioning of former minister T Harish Rao.

The SIT has directed KTR to appear before investigators tomorrow at 11 AM. He will be questioned by the Investigating Officer of the SIT regarding allegations that intelligence officers tapped phones under the direction of the then top leadership.

“During the course of investigation, it has come to the notice of the Investigating Officer that you are acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the said case, and your personal examination is necessary for the purpose of investigation,” the notice under section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) read.

“Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 160 of criminal procedure code, you are hereby directed to appear in person before the undersigned Investigating Officer on January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, for examination in connection with the investigation,” it added.

“Please note that failure to comply with this notice without lawful excuse shall entail action as per law,” it said.

On January 20, Former BRS Minister and Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao underwent nearly eight hours of questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday in connection with the alleged phone-tapping case. Heavy police deployment was made in and around the Jubilee Hills ACP office ahead of his appearance.

Before entering the office, Harish Rao told the media that the notice summoning him was politically motivated. He alleged it was issued after the BRS exposed alleged irregularities involving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his relatives. He said the notice was served late on Monday night at his residence, while he was campaigning in Siddipet, and directed him to appear before the SIT at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

After completing the 8-hour SIT questioning, Harish Rao reiterated that the notice was baseless and politically motivated. He thanked BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao, Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council Madhusudana Chari, party leaders, and workers for their support.

He said the inquiry involved no new questions and consisted only of repeated queries. He alleged that officers frequently stepped out after receiving phone calls. During the questioning, raising doubts about external interference. He challenged the government to order an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge if it had nothing to hide, adding that the BRS was ready to submit all evidence.

Maintaining that he respects the judiciary, Harish Rao said both the High Court and Supreme Court had earlier dismissed cases against him in the phone tapping matter. He described the current probe as an attempt to revive a politically driven narrative and said the party would continue to raise public issues without fear.

The Telangana government had constituted a 10-member SIT headed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar nearly 21 months after the case was registered. The probe concerns allegations that phones were illegally intercepted by the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB). (ANI)

A 19-year-old young woman, Roshni Verma, hailing from a remote village in Jharkhand’s Ranchi district, who once performed domestic labour to afford school fees, anda football kit, has now successfully joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) through sports quota.

Verma was inducted into the force on Thursday with 323 other batch mates, 170 females and 154 males, creating a history in CISF as it was the force’s largest-ever sports batch Passing Out Parade (POP). She was part of the POP of the 7th batch of Head Constable (GD) recruits from Rajasthan’s Deoli Recruitment Training Centre.

Growing up in a household facing significant financial hardships, Verma supported her own education and athletic pursuits by performing domestic labour to pay school fees and buy a football kit.

Speaking to ANI after completing her pipping ceremony–a formal event Central Armed Police Force where family or superiors ceremonially pin the new rank insignia onto the uniform of a newly commissioned officer or promoted personnel–Verma said her dedication to the sport began at age nine, eventually leading her to represent the Jharkhand national team as a striker in multiple competitions and a national-level match in 2024-2025.

Fighting against poverty and malnutrition, Verma, one of four individuals from her village and the second female to enter the security forces, has scripted an inspiring journey marked by determination, hard work and resilience, rising from humble beginnings to national-level representation and selection in the CISF through the sports quota.

Now serving in uniform, she reflects on the pride of her family and her journey from a small village ground to a professional career in the CISF-one of India’s leading armed police forces is evolved into a multi-dimensional organization with its responsibilities now to provide securityvat airport security; protection of government buildings and monuments; disaster management; VIP security; security of the Delhi Metro and major industrial establishments across the country; protection of Parliament; and, most recently, port security.

Recalling her early motivation, the football player, who plays as a striker, told ANI that she was inspired by senior players in her village.

“Watching them play sparked my own desire to play football. I would often run eagerly to the playground to join them. I began playing football at the age of nine on a village ground, where children regularly gathered to play,” Verma said in Hindi.

Hailing from Pahargonda village under Kanke block in Ranchi district, Verma balanced her passion for football with daily responsibilities. Alongside her studies, she worked at home and took up any domestic small jobs available to earn money and support herself and her family.

An officer in the CISF told ANI that “Roshni was suffering from nutritional deficiencies at the time of her selection in the force, but with focused care over the past two to three months, her health has now improved.”

Verma’s dedication to the sport paid off when she represented Jharkhand at the national level during the 2024-2025 season. The opportunity to take the next step came when she learned about recruitment in the CISF through an advertisement. She was informed by seniors that a vacancy for a sports quota had been announced and was encouraged to apply.

Taking a leap of faith, she filled out the form, marking her first attempt at such a recruitment process. Her selection stands as a testament to how talent from rural areas, when supported by institutional mechanisms such as sports quotas, can find pathways to professional growth.

Her story reflects the broader impact of sports opportunities in transforming lives and providing promising athletes from grassroots backgrounds a platform to succeed at the national level.

Of the 324 newly trained sportspersons, including Verma, who passed out on Thursday from Deoli RTC, 18 are athletes and international-level gold medalists, while 56 are national-level gold medal winners.

CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan described the batch as a historic move, noting “they were selected under the largest-ever sports recruitment drive conducted by the CISF during July-August 2025.” (ANI)

With “Swatantrata Ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” as its central theme, Gujarat will present an impressive, visually compelling tableau on Kartavya Path in New Delhi during the Republic Day parade.

According to the Gujarat CMO, marking the 150th anniversary of the iconic song “Vande Mataram,” Gujarat’s tableau at the 77th Republic Day celebrations will vividly depict the journey of the Indian National Flag, its origins, evolution, and historical significance, through an engaging and evocative presentation.

The Gujarat CMO said that “Vande Mataram” is a powerful mantra that evokes the spirit of national pride, self-reliance, and independence in every Indian.

Echoing this timeless sentiment, Gujarat’s tableau commemorates the 150th anniversary of the song by tracing the evolution of the Indian National Flag, beginning with the historical backdrop of the words “Vande Mataram,” its changing character over time, and its enduring place in India’s freedom movement.

The tableau uniquely weaves together the legacy of Madam Bhikaji Cama, who ignited the flame of revolution on foreign soil, with that of her distinguished revolutionary compatriots from Gujarat, Shyamji Krishna Varma and Sardar Singh Rana.

It also narrates the inspiring saga of the “Vande Mataram” flag prepared by Madam Cama, while seamlessly linking Mahatma Gandhi’s message of Swadeshi through thecharkhawith the contemporary Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

According to the Gujarat CMO, at the forefront of the tableau, the valiant Madam Bhikaji Cama is depicted holding the self-designed “Vande Mataram” flag, which she unfurled for the first time on foreign soil in Paris in 1907.

The same flag was later displayed at the Indian Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Beneath her half-statue, the words “Vande Mataram” are inscribed in various Indian languages recognised by the Constitution of India.

The central backdrop of the tableau chronicles the journey of the Indian National Flag beginning in 1906, when revolutionaries first hoisted a “Vande Mataram” flag during the bonfire of foreign goods at Parsi Bagan in Kolkata. This narrative continues with Madam Cama’s historic act in Paris in 1907, followed by the Home Rule Movement in 1917, during which Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced a new flag. In 1921, young revolutionary Pingali Venkayya presented a new flag design to Mahatma Gandhi in Vijayawada.

A revised tricolour with thecharkhawas nearly accepted in 1931, culminating in the formal adoption of the present tricolour with the Ashoka Chakra by the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947. Alongside this evolution, the tableau also highlights key milestones of India’s freedom struggle.

The final segment of the tableau features a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed the cause of independence through Swadeshi and thecharkha, depicted against a prominent Ashoka Chakra. These enduring values of self-reliance and national independence continue to be actively strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Adding vibrancy and emotional resonance to the tableau, artists perform to the rhythm of “Kasumbino Rang,” a celebrated composition by eminent Gujarati writer Zaverchand Meghani, revered as the “National Poet,” whose works evoke national consciousness and honour the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.

This year’s Republic Day parade will feature a total of 30 tableaux, comprising 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various departments of the Central Government.

According to available information, the two senior European Union leaders, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, will attend the 77th Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests.

The tableau is presented by the Information Department of the Government of Gujarat and has been developed under the guidance of Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Vikrant Pandey; Information Commissioner Kishor Bachani; and Additional Director Arvind Patel, with significant contributions from Joint Director of Information, Sanjay Kachot, and Deputy Director of Information. Bhavna Vasava. (ANI)

The Haryana Government on Thursday announced an age relaxation for candidates appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET) under the state’s police constable recruitment drive.  

Speaking to ANI, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that students who were previously unable to apply for the CET due to their age will now receive a three-year relaxation.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the decision was taken in the interest of the youth, asserting that it is the government’s duty to provide justice to eligible students who suffered losses during the 2022 CET examination.

“…Haryana Govt has always stood with the youth. With regard to the Police Constable recruitment, the youth of the state had been meeting me at my residence. We had assured them relaxation in age in CET exam. We have made a decision on this age relaxation. Taking the demands of the youth who met me very seriously, necessary directions have been given. After 2022, due to the CET exam not being conducted, the eligible youth who suffered losses – it is the duty of our government to do justice to them. We have decided that in the interest of the youth, that for the upcoming exam the candidates have been given age relaxation. I extend them best wishes…Youth who could not apply for the CET exam due to their age, will now have a 3-year relaxation,” said CM Saini.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister launched the National Education Evaluation and Validation (NEEV) Portal, designed to strengthen the implementation of the National Education Policy through continuous evaluation and data-based monitoring, according to an official release.

In the presence of the Chief Minister, Memoranda of Understanding were also signed under the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative between the Golden Jubilee Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management and various universities to promote academic collaboration, research integration, and institutional capacity building.

The Chief Minister said that the initiatives unveiled mark a defining moment in Haryana’s education reforms. The objective is to build an education ecosystem that goes beyond conventional degrees and focuses on skills, innovation, and employability. Referring to the Vision Document-2047, launched in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047, he said Haryana is positioning education as a central pillar of long-term development.

Nayab Singh Saini further said the National Education Policy reflects a forward-looking framework that integrates knowledge with practical skills, enabling youth to become self-reliant and economically productive. The MoUs signed under the Gyan Setu initiative will ensure that academic research and institutional expertise are aligned with governance priorities and societal needs, he said. (ANI)

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan criticised Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision not to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 and said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) “did the right thing” by denying the BCB’s request to shift their tournament matches outside India. Wassan also said that Bangladesh’s absence will not make “much of a difference” to the World Cup.

Speaking to ANI, Wassan said the BCB’s stance is immature, harms their cricket system, and could lead to financial and long-term consequences.

“It’s sad, but it’s quite funny because they know the repercussions of bowing out of such a big tournament. And for what? Just getting miffed about one player being taken out of the IPL, and it escalated to this point, which actually shocks me. But they don’t realise that their whole cricket system will suffer. The ICC has made it clear, and you can’t just blackmail a big body like the ICC to change their matches at the last minute. I think the ICC has done well to put their foot down, and I think Bangladesh is now cutting the nose to spite the face, not realising that financial sanctions will also apply. But the long-term result will be that cricket will suffer,” the former Indian cricketer said.

The BCB had requested that the ICC shift their matches outside India to Sri Lanka, citing “security and safety concerns” for their players. BCB’s request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur from their squad ahead of the 2026 season, amid violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

ICC on Wednesday rejected the BCB’s request to move their matches out of India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward. The BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, confirmed on Thursday that the BCB stands firm in its decision not to play its ICC Men’s World Cup matches in India, following the ICC’s rejection of its request.

Atul Wassan said Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup wouldn’t greatly affect the tournament and criticised their government for escalating the issue. He called it a lack of maturity, noting they would forfeit the World Cup participation fees.

“I think things have escalated to this extent because their government has made this a pressing issue. If it’s the Bangladesh government that’s restricting their players from travelling to India, why? Because until a month ago, everything was fine. There’s a lack of maturity on their part. They would have gotten the participation fees. And I don’t think their absence would make much of a difference to the World Cup, because Scotland is also a decent team and Bangladesh were not favourites anyway. You’re the one losing out if you miss out.”

Atul Wassan said that if Bangladesh are trying to replicate the India-Pakistan tensions, then it is unwise and nothing to be proud of and urged all parties to act responsibly to find a solution. “The India-Pakistan situation has so much history. And if Bangladesh is trying to do the same thing, this is not something to be proud of. Mature people on all sides, I think ICC, BCCI, and BCB, should all try to think, as this will only impact the cricketers.”

As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are scheduled to kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Litton Das-led side will then face Italy on February 9 at the same venue before facing England in Kolkata again. After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. (ANI)

Amid the growing buzz surrounding Sunny Deol starrer war drama ‘Border 2’, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan also hopped onto a viral trend, highlighting his support for the film.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Rashid Khan shared a video of himself and wrote, “Border 2 toh mein zaroor dekhunga…… but let’s see what happens if I post this.”

He also tagged the film’s lead cast, instantly drawing the attention of Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. “Haa bhai,” Varun wrote, while Ahan added, “Lots of love bhai.”

Actor Suniel Shetty also reacted to the post and commented, “Ye hui na baat.”

Prior to this, cricketer KL Rahul joined the viral trend to show support for his brother-in-law Ahan Shetty.

Taking to his Instagram handle, KL Rahul shared a video in which he was seen practising on the cricket field with the text “Agar Ahan Shetty ne iss video par comment kiya, toh main Border 2 do baar dekhunga (If Ahan Shetty comments on this video, then I will watch Border 2 two times)” written on it.

“Awaaz pahochni chahiye,” wrote KL Rahul.

The reel immediately grabbed attention, leaving Ahan, his father Suniel Shetty, and sister Athiya Shetty in splits. Ahan also replied to his Reel by dropping a hilarious comment that stole the show, writing “Bhai, do baar nahi, chaar baar dekhna padega! (Brother.. Not twice, have to watch it four times!)”

Over the past few days, a lot of anticipation has been building around the release of ‘Border 2’.

The second instalment of the iconic film brings back Sunny Deol as the main lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty joining him to fight the enemies.

“Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War”, the trailer opens the door to the powerful world of ‘Border 2’ and what happens when India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to fight as one.

‘Border 2’ is produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films. The movie will hit the big screens ahead of Republic Day on January 23. (ANI)

Following the Supreme Court’s hearing regarding the Bhoj Shala-Kamal Maula Complex in Dhar, District Collector Priyank Mishra on Thursday said that any arrangements related to the Bhoj Shala complex would be made in accordance with the law only after a detailed understanding of the Court’s order and consultations with all concerned parties.

The Collector also appealed to the media and the public not to interpret the court’s order on their own, stressing that the administration would first formally receive the complete order and study it carefully before taking any further steps.

“I request the media and the public not to interpret the court’s order according to their own understanding. Let us receive the court’s order. We will discuss it with the state government and our addressee in the court to find out the true sense and act accordingly. Yesterday, as well, I appealed not to make any interpretation about the hearing. After receiving the court’s order, we will officially reveal our further steps,” the Collector told reporters here.

He further added, “There were many things highlighted during the hearing; it also mentions different places and different routes. That is why I am saying not to make any interpretation, wait for the order. The further arrangements will be made in accordance with the law only after sitting with all parties and understanding the order.”

There is a disputed site, the Bhoj Shala complex, situated in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. For Hindus, the Bhoj Shala complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while for Muslims, it is the site of the Kamal Maula mosque. According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.

As Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) falls on a Friday this year, the coinciding occasion prompted the administration to put the district on alert mode to ensure that both communities can follow their respective traditions peacefully and maintain communal harmony. (ANI)