Month: January 2026

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], January 16 (ANI): Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on Friday criticised the AAP government in Punjab, accusing them of lying about farmer aid.

During a press conference, CM Saini cited earlier statements by AAP leaders and expressed surprise at the scale of alleged lies. Saini claimed that Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal made false claims about assistance given to farmers.

“Bhagwant Mann says he gave Rs 20,000 per acre to farmers. In Gujarat, Arvind Kejriwal says he gave Rs 15,000 per acre. I am surprised that they are telling such a big lie,” said Saini.

He accused Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal of “betraying” the people of Punjab through lies regarding farmer compensation for land.

Saini highlighted that the Haryana government provided ₹1,400 crore aid to farmers, contrasting it with Punjab’s alleged betrayal. He urged Punjab’s people to support the BJP, stating that Punjab’s future lies with the party

“I want to tell the people of Punjab that the decision you made, the government you formed with such enthusiasm, has betrayed you”, he claimed.

He targeted the AAP leaders over their statements during the flooding in Punjab last year.

On September 8, 2025, the Punjab government announced a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for farmers whose land was submerged and whose crops were damaged due to floods in the state, according to a CMO statement.

On September 29, Mann addressed a press conference, outlining the compensation details: Rs 20,000 per acre for crop damage, Rs 37,500 for cattle loss, and Rs 7,200 per acre for desilting efforts. Rs 4.5 crore has been sanctioned for draining water from the Fazilka and Ferozepur areas.

“Rs 20,000 per acre will be given for crop damage, Rs 37,500 for cattle damage and Rs 7,200 per acre for desilting. Rs 4.5 crore for draining water from Fazilka and Ferozepur areas… Before Diwali, we will start handing out cheques for crop damage, cattle damage, and house damage, so that people can get relief,” CM Mann said. (ANI)

The Supreme Court of India on Friday sought the response of actor Karisma Kapoor on a plea filed by Priya Kapur, seeking access to certified records of divorce-related proceedings involving late industrialist Sunjay Kapur.

The matter was heard in the chamber by a Bench led by Justice AS Chandurkar. During the hearing, counsel appearing for Karisma Kapoor strongly opposed the plea, terming it frivolous and an attempt to dig out personal and confidential information. The court has asked Karisma Kapoor to place her objections on record and granted her two weeks’ time to file a detailed response.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh appeared for Priya Kapur and addressed the court during the in-chamber proceedings.

In her application, titled “Priya Kapur Seeks Supreme Court Nod for Certified Divorce Records, Cites Succession Proceedings”, Priya Kapur has asserted that she is the legally wedded wife and a direct legal heir of the deceased. She has approached the apex court seeking certified copies of the complete records of Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 214 of 2016, arising from Sunjay Kapur’s divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor.

The plea states that access to the confidential court records is bona fide required for use in pending succession proceedings before the Delhi High Court and is essential for safeguarding her legal rights in relation to the estate of the deceased.

According to the application, the 2016 transfer petition was filed by Sunjay Kapur seeking transfer of a divorce case from the Family Court in Mumbai to Delhi. During the pendency of those proceedings, Sunjay Kapur and Karisma Kapoor amicably settled their disputes, following which the Supreme Court disposed of the petition on April 8, 2016 after recording detailed consent terms between the parties.

Priya Kapur has informed the apex court that Sunjay Kapur passed away on June 12, 2025, in England. Relying on her marriage to the deceased on April 3, 2017, she has asserted her locus standi, submitting that she is “directly interested in the estate and legal matters concerning the deceased petitioner” and is therefore entitled to seek certified copies of the court record.

The plea seeks directions to the Supreme Court Registry to issue certified copies of the complete paper book of Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 214 of 2016, including pleadings, annexures, orders, settlement documents and other related applications. It further states that since Priya Kapur was not a party to the original proceedings, she has approached the court through a formal application supported by an affidavit, in accordance with Supreme Court rules and practice directions.

Emphasising that the request has been made in good faith, the application contends that no prejudice would be caused to the original respondent if the documents are supplied and that the relief sought is necessary in the interest of justice.

The development comes amid reports that disputes relating to Sunjay Kapur’s will and estate have reached the Supreme Court. In December, the Delhi High Court concluded hearings in a high-stakes civil suit concerning the personal estate of the late industrialist and reserved orders on an interim injunction application moved by his children from an earlier marriage with Karisma Kapoor, after noting that all parties had filed their written submissions in terms of the court’s earlier directions. (ANI)

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun set Tokyo abuzz during his recent visit to Japan, where he addressed fans in Japanese and even delivered a popular dialogue from ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ in the language, drawing massive cheers and applause.

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna visited the country as part of promotions ahead of the film’s grand premiere in Japan.

‘Pushpa 2’ was released in Japan on January 16, 2026.

While the highlight of the event was Allu Arjun’s spontaneous interaction with fans, the excitement peaked when he recreated a ‘Pushpa 2’ dialogue in Japanese, instantly prompting a rousing response from the crowd. Fans erupted in applause, claps, and chants.

The makers shared videos from the event, showing fans turned up in large numbers, with many holding posters and sporting masks inspired by Allu Arjun’s iconic character Pushpa Raj. “PUSHPA MANIA AT THE SPECIAL PREMIERE IN JAPAN. The Japanese audience are showering their love and admiration for Icon Star @alluarjun at the grand premiere,” they wrote in the caption.

Rashmika Mandanna also engaged with fans, sharing her excitement about the film and expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in Tokyo.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Allu Arjun shared a picture of himself from the event and wrote, “#Pushpa2TheRule releases in Japan today. Grateful for the immense love and warmth from Japanese fans. Hope you all enjoy experiencing this film on the big screen.”

Directed by Sukumar B, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ was released in 2024, emerging as a big hit at the box office. A sequel to 2021’s ‘Pushpa: The Rise’, the film featured Allu Arjun in the lead, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh.

The team is expected to return for the third instalment of ‘Pushpa’. (ANI)

The makers of Bhumi Pednekar-starrer ‘Daldal’ on Friday unveiled the teaser and announced the premiere date of the upcoming crime-thriller, taking audiences into the dark and gripping world of crime.

Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, the series follows Bhumi Pednekkar as Rita Ferreira, Mumbai Crime Branch’s newly appointed DCP, as she finds herself facing a cold-blooded killer in a high-stakes game of survival. Alongside Pednekkar, the series also stars Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in lead roles.

Daldal is set to premiere on Prime Video across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on January 30.

The teaser opens to focus on DCP Rita Ferreira, a cop driven by justice yet haunted by guilt and the demons of her past, as she is drawn into a chilling pursuit of a cold-blooded killer. The teaser plunges audiences into a world filled with violence and psychological dread.

It reveals victims brutally murdered – wrists slashed; mouths grotesquely stuffed with raw pieces of meat, mobile phones, and other objects; each crime exposing a deeply twisted psyche. As the investigation deepens, Rita finds herself caught between the savagery of the case and her own inner turmoil, while also confronting biases within the force.

“Daldal is not just a crime suspense story, but a powerful exploration of trauma and morality,” the makers said, as per a press release.

“Daldal isn’t your typical psychological crime thriller. It goes beyond the conventional whodunnit to ask ‘why’ – weaving together themes of trauma, vulnerability, and resilience into its very fabric,” said Nikhil Madhok, director and head of Originals, Prime Video India.

Series creator and producer Suresh Triveni added, “What compelled me most about Daldal was its exploration of morality and the often-overlooked emotional and psychological origins behind violence, rather than just the act itself. This is a story about guilt, identity, and unresolved wounds, told through the lens of a crime investigation that feels deeply unsettling yet personal.

Based on Vish Dhamija’s bestselling book ‘Bhendi Bazaar’, the series – an Abundantia Entertainment production- is created by Suresh Triveni and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Triveni.

Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, it is written by Triveni alongside Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, Priya Saggi and Hussain Haidry. (ANI)

A former chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has stated the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to deliver a “crushing response” if the United States carries out any fresh act of aggression against Iran, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported.

Rezaei made the remarks in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on Thursday after US President Donald Trump stepped back from earlier threats of attacking Iran, under what the report described as the pretext of supporting foreign-linked rioters.

Referring to the 1980s Iraq-imposed war, Rezaei said that by the second year of the conflict, Iranian forces had liberated over 90 per cent of occupied areas, entered Iraq and remained there until the war ended, despite appeals from the United States and the Soviet Union to halt operations. According to Press TV, Rezaei claimed the move ensured Iran’s security for “40 to 50 years.”

“We advise you to step back and not advance any further… You do not pay attention to our restraint and strategic patience in the face of the damage you have inflicted on us over the past 50 years,” he said, addressing Trump.

“If we are forced to return to the kind of Sacred Defense period we experienced from the second year onward, rest assured you will face serious problems,” he added.

Rezaei, who currently serves as a member of Iran’s Expediency Council, also said Iranians do not want a war but would respond collectively if attacked. “We will maintain our brotherhood and friendship with all countries, but your bases are within our reach. Your bases are at half the distance between us and the Israeli-occupied territories; you will be harmed,” he warned, referring to American bases in West Asia, as per the report.

He further claimed that wars, assassinations and coups targeting Iran had pushed the country to advance significantly in intelligence and security, adding that ongoing pressure would also contribute to progress in economic and military technology fields, Press TV reported.

“Trump has said his finger is on the trigger. God willing, we will cut off that finger so it becomes a lesson in US history,” he warned.

Rezaei also alleged that the Americans were waiting for public unrest in Iran to stage an attack from within the internal turmoil. He said Monday’s “million-strong rallies” across Iran in support of the Islamic Republic had foiled the alleged US plot.

“The situation is critical, but our armed forces are prepared,” he said, adding that “our finger is on the trigger.”

The report said some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful demonstrations in several cities over economic issues, but the protests were steered towards violence after public statements by US and Israeli figures, amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets, encouraged vandalism and disorder.

The authorities, the report added, acknowledged economic grievances and promised corrective action, while accusing foreign-backed elements of exploiting livelihood concerns linked to unilateral US sanctions.

Security and judicial bodies have claimed they dismantled armed cells and arrested foreign-backed operatives during the unrest, including alleged agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad.

Press TV further reported that Trump has, in recent days, repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if, as he claimed, the country kills what he described as “peaceful protesters.”

Iranian officials and military commanders have issued warnings in response, stating that any attack on Iran would turn American bases and assets in the region into “legitimate” targets. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the Indian startups ecosystem to focus more on manufacturing and create new, best-quality products for the world.

“Over the past decades, we have done quite remarkable work in digital startups and the service sector. Now is the time for our startups to focus even more on manufacturing. We will have to create new products. We will have to create products of the world’s best quality,” PM Modi said, addressing the ten years of the Startup India programme.

In technology, too, the prime minister said Indian startups will have to take the lead by working on unique ideas.

“The future belongs to this. I assure you, the government stands with you in every effort of yours,” he assured the Indian startups.

Previously, the fear of compliance requirements, lengthy approval cycles, and inspector raj were major obstacles to innovation, he noted.

“To address this, we created an environment of trust and transparency. Under the Jan Vishwas initiative, more than 180 provisions have been decriminalised. We have streamlined processes to save your time, allowing you to focus on innovation rather than getting entangled in litigation,” PM Modi said.

In particular, startups now benefit from self-certification facilities across numerous laws.

Additionally, procedures for mergers and acquisitions have been simplified, making it easier for businesses to grow and innovate.

Startup India is not just a scheme, but a “Rainbow Vision”; it is a means of connecting different sectors to new opportunities, the prime minister said.

Addressing entrepreneurs and stakeholders of India’s startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister, on the occassion of National Startup Day, said that for him, the confidence and impression of startups matter more than numbers alone.

He also lauded the risk appetite of India’s startups.

“I have consistently emphasised risk-taking, because it has also been my long-standing habit. Tasks that no one was ready to take up, tasks that previous governments avoided for decades because they feared losing elections or power — I have always considered it my responsibility to take them on. Like you, I too believe that whatever work is necessary for the country must be done by someone. Someone has to take the risk,” he said.

Previously, risk-taking was discouraged, but today it has become mainstream, he said.

People who look beyond their monthly salaries are not only accepted but also respected. Risk-taking ideas that were once considered fringe are now becoming fashionable, he noted.

He also touched on women’s participation, particularly in leadership roles at startups.

Currently, over 45 per cent of recognised startups in India have at least one female director or partner, he told the gathering.

“In terms of women-led startup funding, India boasts the second-largest ecosystem in the world. This growing inclusivity within the startup sector is enhancing the country’s potential. Today, India sees its future in the ongoing startup revolution,” PM Modi said.

Ten years ago, there were fewer than 500 startups in the country; today, this number has crossed more than 200,000. In 2014, India had only four unicorns; today, India has around 125 active unicorns.

Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, by the Prime Minister as a national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth, with the objective of making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.

During the programme today at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister interacted with members of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Select startup representatives shared insights from their entrepreneurial journey. (ANI)

At the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) press conference on Friday, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi lauded the performance of the party and its allies in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, as reported early trends show the BJP emerging as the single largest party with leads in 98 seats. He also called the win, “a befitting answer” to the opposition.

Calling the victory historic, Trivedi thanked the people of Maharashtra for their support to the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance.

“Today, in the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP and our coalition partners achieved a significant victory. This demonstrates that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP and NDA are increasingly gaining support… We thank the people of Maharashtra and all supporters on behalf of the BJP for this success in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is one of the largest municipal bodies not only in India but possibly in Asia… ,” Trivedi said.

Trivedi further said that the young generation has entrusted the Mahayuti for development, calling their support “a promising sign for the future of the country.”

“I can say that the people of Maharashtra have stamped on this new development for India… I feel that GenZ has voted in favour of VB, meaning ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India)… this success is definitely a very good sign for the future of the country, a positive sign,” he said.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Trivedi questioned the existence of the INDIA bloc, calling the ruling party’s victory “a befitting reply.” He further dismissed the potential coalition of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress in West Bengal.

“The people of Maharashtra have given a befitting reply to those practising negative politics. The question now for the leaders of the INDI Alliance is whether the INDI Alliance even exists anymore. In Bengal, too, there is no longer any possibility that the TMC and Congress will contest elections together,” the BJP MP claimed.

The BJP MP said that the Mahayuti’s emerging victory indicates that Maharashtra remains imbued with “nationalist consciousness.”

“This is a clear testament that this land of the Great Kings–which has been the centre of India’s cultural pride and remains deeply connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swarajya–is still today imbued with nationalist consciousness,” he stated.

Further in his attack on the opposition, Trivedi accused them of staging unity adding that the people are tired of their “so-called anti-Hindi fanatic parties”

“Every election held since the year 2024–even if only at the municipal level–has clearly exposed the immense frustration of the so-called anti-Hindi fanatic parties. As has been said consistently–these people talk about unity from the stage, but behind the scenes, they keep stealing every inch of ground from one another,” he accused.

In a veiled attack against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s vote chori allegations, Trivedi stated that the party’s perpetual victory is the answer to the opposition. He also dedicated a song to the opposition to highlight their flaws.

“In this context, I am reminded of an old song– These parties are saying to each other: “Milo na tum toh hum ghabrayein, milo toh aankh churayein, humein kya ho gaya?” Trivedi said.

“The very parties that avoid looking each other in the eye, who have neither trust nor leadership, are the ones today accusing us of theft and dishonesty. The truth is that the public has clearly seen through their internal infighting, their opportunistic politics, and their failures–and that is exactly the answer they are receiving in every election,” he asserted.

His remarks come as the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena alliance has managed to extend its lead in the BMC elections,

With the BJP-SS alliance leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena is leading in 30.

Meanwhile, across the 28 other municipal corporations, the BJP has put up a strong show once again, as reported trends showed the party leading in Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Nashik, and Shambhajinagar Municipal Corporations. (ANI)

Finally! the trailer for one of the most-anticipated films of 2026, ‘Border 2’, has been unveiled.

Directed by Anurag Singh, 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.

Loaded with powerful dialogues delivered by veteran Sunny Deol, gripping performances by Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, and the soulful revival of the iconic songs from the first film, the Border 2 trailer strikes an emotional chord, leaving viewers overwhelmed, stirred, and goosebump-laden.

The trailer opened and closed with Sunny’s dialogues, delivered in his signature high-pitched, powerful voice. That thunderous dialogue delivery has always been a defining part of his action-hero persona, and he continues to maintain it even today.

This film too clearly reflects just how much strength and impact his voice still carries.

Sharing the trailer, Sunny on Instagram wrote, “A war remembered. A legacy continued. #Border2Trailer Out Now! (Link in bio) #Border2 Releasing in cinemas worldwide on 23rd January, 2026!”

“Humein kya haraoge. Arey tumhare Pakistan mein itne log nahi jitne humare yahan Eid par bakre kaate jaate hain,” the trailer ended with this dialogue of Sunny.

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, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonam Bajwa also feature in key roles. (ANI)

Seems like controversies and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh go hand in hand. Since Thursday morning, he has been at the centre of online attention for all the wrong reasons.

A video from one of the shows in Delhi went viral, in which he allegedly made obscene remarks. The comments did not sit well with many, and he was widely called out for them.

Hours later, on Thursday night, Honey Singh took to Instagram and issued an apology.

He said the video circulating since morning was edited and shared out of context, but added that he understood why it made many people uncomfortable.

” A video of mine has been going viral on Instagram since morning, edited in a way that’s offended many people. I want to tell you the whole story…,” he said in his apology video.

He added, “My intention was never to hurt, insult, or offend anyone. A few days prior to the incident, I had interactions with leading gynaecologist and sexologist who shared about the rising concerns of sexually transmitted diseases among the younger generation due to unprotected sex. This conversation stayed with me. While being a guest at the show of Nanku and Karun, and seeing a large number of Gen Z in the audience, I tried convey a message about importance of protection in a language which they would refer to which is used in OTT they watch.”

Honey Singh promised that he would be more mindful of his words and actions going forward.

“However, I deeply regret that the way I expressed this message was inappropriate and not acceptable to many. I offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone who felt hurt or disrespected. Main apni zubaan pe niyantran rakhunga…Going forward, I assure you that I will be far more mindful and responsible in my words and actions,” he said. (ANI)

Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday, visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration focused on film education, creative technologies, and capacity building for the revival of the film industry in the union territory.

The visit, held at the IICT-NFDC Campus, was hosted by Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member of IICT, as per a press note.

During the visit, Omar Abdullah viewed a “curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, outlining IICT’s vision, academic framework, and role in advancing India’s creative economy. “

This was followed by a live demonstration at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, showcasing applications of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality through hands-on experiential interaction.

The programme also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, highlighting the growing relevance of immersive and emerging technologies in contemporary filmmaking, post-production, and content creation.

Speaking during the interaction, Omar Abdullah reflected on Kashmir’s deep cinematic legacy and the changing nature of filmmaking.

He said, “There was a time when a film was not considered complete without at least one song sequence shot in Kashmir. Over the years, circumstances changed and filmmaking in Jammu and Kashmir became difficult. Today, as conditions improve, we are consciously working to restore the relationship between cinema and Jammu & Kashmir.”

“At the same time, filmmaking itself has evolved. Much of what once required large physical setups can now be achieved through computers, post-production, and advanced technologies. If we want Jammu & Kashmir to once again become an attractive destination for filmmaking, we must build local human talent and post-production capability.”

“It is important that our own stories are told by our own people. Through a formal relationship with institutions like IICT and NFDC, we want our students to learn new-age skills in editing, sound, lighting, VFX, and post-production. This will not only reduce costs for filmmakers but also create jobs and sustainable livelihoods in an industry that continues to grow,” Omar said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, said, “We are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for visiting the IICT campus. The interaction was extremely meaningful, and we look forward to building productive collaborations that can enable skill development, foster innovation, and create long-term employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young talent from Jammu & Kashmir, particularly within the media, entertainment, and creative technology sectors.”

Omar Abdullah also visited the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum. (ANI)