Month: January 2026

The Indian government on Friday firmly rejected China’s infrastructure buildup through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Shaksgam Valley, terming it “illegal and invalid”, while noting that the region is an “integral and inalienable part” of India.

During a weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has never recognised the “so-called” China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 or the “so-called” CPEC.

“Shaksgam Valley is an Indian territory. We have never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963. We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid. We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan,” Jaiswal said.

He reaffirmed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, noting that New Delhi has “consistently protested” to the Chinese side on the matter and has further reserved the right to safeguard its interests.

“The entire UTs of J&K and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. This has been clearly conveyed to the Chinese and Pakistani authorities several times. We have consistently protested with the Chinese side for its attempts to alter the ground reality in the Shaksgam Valley. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests,” the MEA Spokesperson added.

The remarks were made in response to reports of China’s construction of military infrastructure and roads in the Shaksgam Valley, a trans-Karakoram tract ceded by Pakistan under the terms of the “so-called” 1963 Boundary Agreement.

Moreover, the China-Pakistan concert on the boundary in the Karakoram area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (covering a distance of over 590 km) violates India’s traditional and legal rights in the region.

In the last several years, China has kept up military pressure on India through its incursions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it strategically plans to make a permanent presence in these areas.

India has repeatedly protested Chinese attempts to alter the status quo in the region, particularly regarding territorial issues, underscoring New Delhi’s position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. (ANI)

A day before Hrithik Roshan’s 52nd birthday, veteran actor Sanjay Khan on Friday penned a heartfelt message for him on his Instagram handle.

In his note, Sanjay Khan opened up about his close relationship with Hrithik. He recalled meeting for the first time Hrithik who was just a teenager, and how Hrithik impressed him with his vast knowledge of bicycles.

“I first met Hrithik Roshan as a teenager, introduced through Zayed. Back then, I needed a new bicycle for my morning rides and casually mentioned it to Zayed. With a grin, he replied,’Hrithik’s your guy for advice on that’. True to his word, Hrithik visited one morning, diving into details about the latest models–like the trendy three-speed gear systems. His explanations were crystal clear, precise, and delivered with a quiet, sincere confidence that left me impressed. Little did I know this young man would one day marry my daughter Sussanne and join our family,” he posted.

“Around that time, I’d just finished building the Hilton Golden Palms in Bengaluru. To fine-tune everything before launch–rooms, services, water quality–I wanted friends to test it out. My wife Zarine, with her intuitive warmth, agreed instantly. That choice proved magical, especially as Hrithik skyrocketed to fame with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. Our casual chats revealed a disciplined professional beneath the stardom: focused, respectful, and eager for insights. He’d seek my thoughts on film life, listening intently with those sharp, absorbing eyes,” Khan added.

Sanjay also spoke about how his daughter, Sussanne, and Hrithik have maintained a dignified bond despite their separation.

“I’ve long told friends his success stems from unwavering dedication and craft. Today, Hrithik stands as one of Bollywood’s finest–actor, star, and eternal student of his art.

From Sussanne come my joys, grandsons Hrehaan and Hridhaan–handsome, wonderful boys raised with her signature integrity. Their separation was graceful, never bitter. I proudly joke to friends that she’s gifted Hrithik “two aces of spades.”

On January 10th, as millions celebrate, I wish Hrithik a birthday brimming with health, peace, joy, and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Hrithik. I love you, son,” his note further read.

Hrithik and Sussanne parted ways in 2013. They got married in 2000, but after 13 years of living together, the duo announced their separation. They continue to co-parent their two sons, Hrehaan Roshan and Hridhaan Roshan. (ANI)

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kick-started on a grand note at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with members of the film industry and music industry entertaining the spectators with their performances.

Yo Yo Honey Singh was one of the key performers. He added a musical touch to the ceremony, crooning his chartbusters such as ‘Lungi Dance’, ‘Blue Eyes’, and ‘Millionaire’.

The way he opened his act was quite eye-catching. Honey Singh started off his medley of songs sitting in the dugout with two of India’s World Cup heroes, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice captain Smriti Mandhana, sitting side-by-side to him.

It created an iconic image of the ‘Bluetooth Era’ Indian rap icon posing with two of Indian women’s cricket’s all-time greats, now playing as rivals while captaining Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru respectively.

Jacqueline Fernandez was also present at the opening ceremony. She shook a leg on her hit songs.

Check out her performance here

The fourth edition of the WPL this year is special in two ways. Not only the fourth season of it proves how it is picking up the momentum and popularity the tournament intended to, but it is also the first WPL after India broke their World Cup drought last year, by beating South Africa in the finals last year in November.

With T20 Women’s World Cup coming this year in England and Wales, this tournament would serve as a valuable experience for both senior and young Indian stars as they aim to secure a double of 50-over and T20 World Cup crowns.

The match between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the tournament opener, taking place at Navi Mumbai, the same place where Team India made history last year.

Now, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, then celebrating the triumph in unison with billions of Indians, would be leading MI and RCB respectively to start off the WPL with one of the tournament’s biggest marquee clashes.

RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first. (ANI)

Pope Leo XIV on Friday warned that War was back in vogue and that this threatens the foundation of peaceful coexistence. The Pontiff was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.

“War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined. Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself. Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence,” the Pope said.

The annual meeting between the Pope and ambassadors accredited to the Holy See is considered one of the most significant moments in the Vatican’s diplomatic calendar, reported Vatican News.

The Pope spoke of the “ongoing war in Ukraine” and the suffering of civilians, reiterating “the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire,” and calling for dialogue “motivated by a sincere search for ways leading to peace.”

Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the crisis in Venezuela, calling for respect for the will of the people and for the safeguarding of human and civil rights.

Meanwhile, in what may come as a ray of hope for Venezuela, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, following his military action in Caracas which led to the capture of the South American country’s leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, citing improved cooperation from Caracas and the release of a large number of political prisoners as part of efforts to ‘seek peace’.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said that the decision to call off further strikes comes as relations between Washington and Caracas enter a phase of cooperation, particularly on rebuilding and modernising Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure, which Trump had previously stated following the first wave of attack on Saturday. He described the Venezuelan prisoner releases as a “very important and smart gesture”.

However, Trump noted that the US military units in the region will remain on alert even though the new round of offensive operations is no longer expected. (ANI)

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Friday announced that President Droupadi Murmu has approved the convening of both Houses for the Budget Session 2026, commencing on January 28.

Rijiju, in an X post, stated that the first phase of the session will end on February 13, with Parliament reassembling on March 9. The time period of the Budget session 2026 will continue till April 2.

“On the recommendation of the Govt. of India, President of India, Droupadi Murmu ji has approved the summoning of both the Houses of Parliament for the Budget Session 2026. The Session will commence on 28 January 2026 and continue till 2 April 2026. The first phase concludes on 13 February 2026, with Parliament reassembling on 9 March 2026, a vital step towards meaningful debate and people-centric governance,” he wrote on X.

The budget session is the first session of Parliament in a calendar year and begins with the President’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses.

The budget session of Parliament is usually divided into two parts with a break in between to allow the standing committees to examine the demands for grants of various ministries.

Like the winter session of Parliament, the budget session is also likely to see a slew of legislation being introduced or taken up for discussion.

Meanwhile, India will also host this year’s AI Impact Summit in February in the national capital, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi had co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, told ANI that they will present suggestions to the government, and the report will be presented in the budget session of Parliament.

“Several countries have made regulations regarding Artificial Intelligence. Our committee is also concerned about AI. PM has taken up a major initiative. He co-chaired the World AI Summit. A meeting will be held here. So, we called a meeting ahead of that. We will present suggestions to the Government. They will then make a decision. We will present the report in the Budget Session,” Dubey told ANI. (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an agrometeorological advisory for Haryana, warning of cold wave conditions and dense to very dense fog at several places over the next few days, while ruling out rainfall across the state.

According to the IMD bulletin, dry weather is expected to prevail in Haryana during the next five days, with no rainfall forecast from January 6 to January 10. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain below normal, while maximum temperatures are expected to stay near normal. Cold-wave or cold-day conditions may occur in isolated areas.

The weather department has also cautioned that dense to very dense fog may persist during morning and night hours at many locations, potentially affecting visibility and field operations.

IMD has advised farmers to undertake irrigation operations during afternoon hours to avoid adverse effects of fog, particularly for wheat at the tillering stage, mustard at flowering, and vegetable crops. Farmers have been asked to avoid early-morning irrigation under foggy conditions.

For mustard crops, the advisory recommends preventive measures against stem rot and white rust diseases, including appropriate fungicide application at prescribed stages. In potato and sugarcane crops, farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage and restrict water movement from disease-affected fields.

In view of cold weather, farmers have been advised to protect livestock from low temperatures by keeping animals indoors at night, providing warm drinking water and ensuring adequate ventilation without direct exposure to cold winds. Supplementation with a mineral mixture and iodised salt has also been recommended.

The IMD has further urged farmers to regularly monitor official weather updates and agromet advisories to minimise crop and livestock losses during the prevailing winter conditions, and advised residents to remain cautious during the morning and evening hours due to reduced visibility and cold conditions.

According to IMD, a ‘cold day’ is defined as a day when the maximum temperature is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees below the seasonal norm. If temperatures fall 6.5 degrees below the seasonal norm, it is classified as a severe cold day. (ANI)

Responding to a proposed bill in the United States Congress that seeks to impose a 500 per cent duty on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil, India on Friday said it remains guided by the imperative of securing “affordable energy” for its 1.4 billion people amid evolving global market dynamics.

Reacting to the proposed legislation, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, said that New Delhi is aware of the bill and is closely monitoring developments.

“We are aware of the proposed bill. We are closely following the developments,” Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing.

Reiterating India’s long-standing position on energy sourcing, Jaiswal underlined that New Delhi’s decisions are driven by energy security needs and market realities.

“Our position on the larger question of energy sourcing is well known. In this endeavour, we are guided by the evolving dynamics of the global market and by the imperative to secure affordable energy for our 1.4 billion people through diverse sources to meet the energy security needs,” the statement said.

MEA’s reponse comes days after US Senator Lindsey Graham said that US President Donald Trump has given a green light to the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill, which would give leverage against India, China, and Brazil to stop them from purchasing Russian oil and punish the countries “fuelling Putin’s war machine”.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Graham said the move comes amid ongoing peace negotiations for Ukraine and hinted it would go to a bipartisan vote next week.

“After a very productive meeting today with President Trump on a variety of issues, he greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that I have been working on for months with Senator Blumenthal and many others. This will be well-timed, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace and Putin is all talk, continuing to kill the innocent. This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine,” Graham said in his post.

“This bill would give President Trump tremendous leverage against countries like China, India and Brazil to incentivize them to stop buying the cheap Russian oil that provides the financing for Putin’s bloodbath against Ukraine. I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote, hopefully as early as next week,” he added.

As per the official website of the US Congress, the bill titled “Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025” seeks to impose several provisions, which include penalties on individuals and entities, including an increase of the rate of duty on all goods and services imported from Russia into the United States to at least 500 per cent relative to the value of such goods and services. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt performed a special puja at the revered Pashupatinath Temple on Friday in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The actor arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday evening to attend a casino inauguration, marking his visit to Nepal amid considerable public interest. His visit had generated excitement among fans across age groups, reflecting his enduring popularity in Nepal.

Several pictures from the site show the actor exiting the temple amid heavy security and a massive crowd of fans, who gathered to catch a glimpse of Dutt. For the visit, Sanjay Dutt was seen dressed in a simple white outfit as he emerged from the temple with prayer malas and a traditional ‘angvastra’ draped around him.

Sanjay Dutt, known for his long and influential career in Bollywood, has appeared in numerous successful films, earning a strong fan following in Nepal as well.

The temple visit comes at a time when Sanjay Dutt has been enjoying back-to-back releases in theatres, including ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘The Raja Saab’.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ has cemented itself as one of the biggest hits in recent times, breaking multiple records at the box office. With Ranveer Singh in the lead, the film features Dutt as the no-nonsense cop SP Chaudhary. Actors Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal also play pivotal roles.

On the other hand, the Sanjay Dutt and Prabhas starrer ‘The Raja Saab’ opened in theatres on Friday, January 9, amid high anticipation. The actor is seen as a menacing and manipulative hypnotist.

Talking about Sanjay Dutt and his performance in ‘The Raja Saab’, Prabhas earlier said, “Sanjay sir… just your screen presence is more than enough. When they put a close-up on you, you completely consume the screen. When I watched his scenes during dubbing, I started forgetting my own scenes.”

‘The Raja Saab’ is directed and written by Maruthi and is produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. Apart from Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt, the film also stars Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar in key roles. (ANI)

The much-awaited first look from the iconic filmmaker-actor duo Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor is finally out, offering fans a glimpse into the world of ‘O’Romeo’.

On Friday, the makers dropped the first look of Shahid Kapoor as Romeo from the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial.

The poster portrays the actor in a brutally intense character, his expressions breaking into a wild, maniacal grin, smeared with blood and cuts. Shahid’s rugged look, tattooed arms, and an open-neck shirt with chains and a heavy belt give him a raw presence.

Also, the red background and aggressive posture together bring to the fore a mysterious, rebellious aura. “Romeo O Romeo where art thou O’ROMEO!” Shahid wrote along with the poster on Instagram.

He also teased a major revelation from the film on Saturday, January 10.

‘O Romeo’ marks a fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor, who have previously worked together in films like ‘Kaminey’, ‘Haider’, and ‘Rangoon’.

Earlier, the makers announced the film’s title and release date, along with a new poster.

“Aa raha hai… #ORomeo.. this Valentine’s Day..Presented by #SajidNadiadwala @shahidkapoor @tripti_dimri @iamnanapatekar @manujmittra @nadiadwalagrandson @wardakhannadiadwala,” wrote Vishal Bhardwaj in the caption.

In August last year, Shahid Kapoor shared a picture from the sets of their upcoming film with director Vishal Bhardwaj on his Instagram handle. The black and white photo shows the two of them having a discussion about something on the film’s set. Speaking about the film, Shahid revealed that the yet-to-be-titled project gave him a chance to explore a “madly different character.”

Presented by the visionary Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film also stars Triptii Dimri and Nana Patekar. Produced under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O’Romeo is set to hit theatres around Valentine’s Week on February 13, 2026. (ANI)