Month: January 2026

Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi’s ‘HAQ’ recently debuted on Netflix after a decent theatrical run in India.

Ever since, the film has received much praise from audiences, with many hailing Yami’s powerful performance as Shah Bano Begum. In response to the growing applause, Yami took a moment to express gratitude to her audience.

“Extremely grateful for such a heartfelt response to HAQ in abundance. The love is truly gratifying for me, both, as an artist & a woman. Jai Hind #HAQ,” the actor wrote in an X post.

While viewers have lauded Yami Gautam’s ability to bring a quiet power and authenticity to the character, reaffirming her reputation as a versatile performer, ‘Haq’ has equally struck a chord with celebrities.

Earlier, stars like Kiara Advani and Sanjay Kapoor also heaped praise on Yami.

Taking to her Instagram, Kiara Advani shared the poster of the movie ‘HAQ’ and lauded Yami’s performance in the movie. She wrote, “Just watched Haq on Netflix. Yami Gautam, what a beautiful performance.”

Sanjay Kapoor called it an “excellent film”.

The film ‘HAQ’ is based on the 1985 Supreme Court judgement in Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, a landmark case concerning women’s rights and maintenance laws in India.

Earlier in a conversation with ANI, Yami explained her approach to the character and how she evolved through several life stages in the film.

“When you read a story or a script, as an actor, it is my job to understand it, not just read it. The emotional understanding of a character is extremely important, especially when the script is strong. Sometimes we do films that are purely fictional, but ‘HAQ’ is different; it’s entertaining, powerful, and thought-provoking,” the actor shared.

Directed by Suparn S Varma, ‘HAQ’ also features Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady in key roles.

Produced under the banner of Junglee Pictures, ‘Haq’ is backed by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja.

The movie was released in theatres on November 7, 2025. (ANI)

Delhi Police have detained five people in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the police, around 25-30 people pelted stones at the police and MCD officials after they arrived with JCBs at the Turkman Gate to demolish illegal encroachment on the court’s order.

Five police personnel suffered minor injuries in the incident. They have been treated at the nearby hospital, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central District, Nidhin Valsan said.

“Last night, MCD staff came here with JCBs. We had informed about the court’s order to the people. Around 150 people gathered here. People were curious to know what was happening. We advised them to leave the site. 25-30 people started pelting stones at the police. In retaliation, we had to use force. After pushing them back, we started the demolition. Five police officers were injured during the stone pelting. Thier injuries are minor in nature,” DCP Valsan said.

“We have registered an FIR. Five people have been detained. The people detained are from the Chandni Mahal area,” he added.

The police have assured that action will be taken against the miscreants on the basis of the evidence.

“We are also examining CCTV camera footage, drone cameras were deployed yesterday, and videos are circulating on social media; we are investigating all of them. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” DCP Valsan added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said that the demolition was taking place as per the order of the court.

“The action was taken following the orders of the High Court…The entire action was taken as per law,” he said.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that the stone-pelting incident is “very unfortunate”, adding that the illegally built structures will certainly be demolished.

“The structures that were built illegally will certainly be demolished, but the stone-pelting that took place there is very unfortunate. This is unacceptable anywhere in Delhi… This is regrettable and cannot be allowed in Delhi,” he said. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (local time) said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest US actions in the South American country.

“Yes, we are concerned at developments in Venezuela. We would urge all parties to sit down and come to the position of well being and safety of the people of Venezuela because at the end of the day that is our concern and we would want Venezuela the country with whom over many many years we had very good relations. So we would like the people to come out well”,” Jaishankar said.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties.

Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

In a statement, the MEA said it was closely monitoring the developments in the country.

“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,” the MEA said.

The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.

On Saturday, the MEA also issued an advisory for Indian citizens in view of the unfolding situation in Venezuela.

“In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls),” the MEA said.

Meanwhile, Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela Y.K. Sinha on Monday called India’s statement on the US air strikes on Venezuela and the capture of deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife as “very measured”, saying New Delhi has to remain mindful of its bilateral ties with the United States and other countries.

Sinha noted that most countries, including European nations, have responded cautiously to the US action, with China and Russia being the main exceptions that strongly condemned the strikes on a sovereign nation.

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, “I think the international community has by and large not supported the action. There are some exceptions. I think Israel and Argentina perhaps, but most countries have been measured in their, except China and Russia who have condemned it. Russia was among the first. India’s reaction or statement that has come out from the External Affairs Ministry is very measured and obviously doesn’t want to apportion blame at this stage . Because we have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries.”

This comes after the US launched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to drugs and weapons. (ANI)

The Indian presenter Ridhima has been removed from the presentation panel of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Local media reported on Wednesday, quoting sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

She was scheduled to host the Dhaka edition of this year’s BPL, but she was dropped from the presentation team before arriving in Bangladesh. The current edition of the BPL began in Sylhet.

The BPL authorities also introduced significant new elements to the presentation and commentary panels this season.

Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas arrived in Bangladesh, along with renowned commentators such as Waqar Younis, Ramiz Raja, and Darren Gough. Ridhima was scheduled to join them, but she will no longer attend.

The development comes after the Bangladesh government, on January 5, decided to suspend the broadcast of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches in the country following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

The IPL gets underway on March 26. This development follows the announcement by the KKR that they had removed Bangladeshi player Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster in response to a directive from the BCCI regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.

“Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed through an official letter that, until further notice, all IPL matches and related programs will remain suspended from broadcast/telecast in Bangladesh”, the Press Information Department (PID) said in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the BCB’s request to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The report said a virtual call on Tuesday took place between the ICC and BCB, during which the ICC informed the Board that it was rejecting the latter’s request to shift Bangladesh’s matches outside India due to security concerns.

The report further added that the ICC have told the BCB that their senior men’s national cricket team will need to travel to India to play their T20 World Cup matches or risk forfeiting points.

It is to be noted that there has been no official statement issued by BCB or ICC on the outcome of Tuesday’s call, which was arranged after BCB wrote in on Sunday, asking to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, as per ESPNcricinfo. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States and said that while the oil will be sold at its market price, the money will be controlled by Trump to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.

In his post on Truth Social, the US President further said that he has asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately and that the oil would be taken by storage ships and brought directly to the unloading docks in the US.

“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115850817778602689/embed

This major development comes shortly after on Saturday, Washington carried out a “large-scale strike against Venezuela”, and the deposed dictator, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and taken out of the country.

In a press conference hours after Maduro was “captured”, Trump said on Saturday (local time) said that the oil companies in the United States will “spend billions of dollars” to fix the broken oil infrastructure in Venezuela and “start making money” for the South American nation.

While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said the United States was in the “oil selling” business and would provide it to other countries interested in buying.

“We’re in the oil business. We’re going to sell it to them (other countries). We’ll be selling oil probably in much larger doses because they (Venezuela) couldn’t produce very much because their infrastructure was so bad. So we’ll be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, many of whom are using it now. But I would say many more will come.”

Trump said that the oil business in Venezuela has been a “total bust” and will be fixed with billions of dollars of investment by oil companies in the United States to fix the “badly broken oil infrastructure”. He also said that Venezuela’s poor infrastructure had limited its own oil production.

Maduro and Flores were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.

Trump stated that Maduro and his wife have been indicted on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” in the Southern District of New York and will face trial. (ANI)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The report said a virtual call on Tuesday took place between the ICC and BCB, during which the ICC informed the Board that it was rejecting the latter’s request to shift Bangladesh’s matches outside India due to security concerns.

The report further added that the ICC have told the BCB that their senior men’s national cricket team will need to travel to India to play their T20 World Cup matches or risk forfeiting points.

It is to be noted that there has been no official statement issued by BCB or ICC on the outcome of Tuesday’s call, which was arranged after BCB wrote in on Sunday, asking to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Bangladesh are scheduled to open their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After the West Indies, Bangladesh will face Italy on February 9 at the same venue, then face the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, England, in Kolkata again.

After facing England, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Mumbai to play Nepal at Wankhede Stadium. The World Cup event will start on February 7 with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands at Colombo.

Earlier, BCB formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to venues outside India, citing “safety and security” concerns for Bangladeshi players, according to a BCB press release.

The BCB said that the team will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka over the “growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent.”

The developments follow the announcement by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that they had removed Bangladeshi player Muztafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster in response to a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.

“An emergency meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was held this afternoon to discuss recent developments related to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka,” the BCB release said.”

“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours, and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” it said.

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the BCB release added.

KKR’s decision came after the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the apex cricket board has instructed the IPL franchise to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman “due to the recent developments.

“Due to the recent developments which are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad, and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” Devaijit Saikia had told ANI.

Notably, the inclusion of the Bangladesh player sparked a political backlash in India, particularly amid the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, and various opinions were raised about Mustafizur being selected by KKR for the IPL 2026 season, picked by three-time champions for Rs 9.20 crores last year in December during the IPL auction. (ANI)

Pursuant to the directions of the High Court of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, according to an official statement from Delhi Police.

“In order to ensure smooth conduct of the demolition programme and to maintain public order, comprehensive law and order arrangements were put in place by Delhi Police. The entire area was meticulously divided into nine zones, each placed under the supervision of an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate deployment of police force was made at all sensitive points,” the statement read.

Prior to the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders, with the objective of maintaining peace and preventing any untoward incident. All possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken, according to Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma.

However, according to officials, a “few miscreants” attempted to create a disturbance by stone pelting, with the situation being promptly brought under control through “measured and minimal use of force.”

“During the course of the demolition, a few miscreants attempted to create a disturbance by indulging in stone pelting. The situation was promptly brought under control through measured and minimal use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without escalation,” Verma said in the official statement.

Delhi Police remains committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring that all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional and sensitive manner, the statement added.

Meanwhile, authorities brought in around 17 bulldozers to remove the unauthorised structures in the area.

Earlier on Monday in Madhya Pradesh, a team of Municipal Corporation carried out a demolition drive against an illegal construction built near Mahakal Chowk in Ujjain district, an official said.

It was a G+3 structure (Ground along with three floors) and built without taking necessary permissions from the authority. A notice was also served but it was set aside as a result of which it was razed down, the official added.

Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s Assistant Commissioner, Deepak Sharma told ANI, “We have served a notice in the name of Noor Jahan, wife of Ghulam Mohammad, not to build a structure without obtaining permissions located near Mahakal Chowk. But they moved towards the court and the court did not grant a stay on it. Still they did not stop the construction work, therefore, action is being taken to remove the illegal construction with the help of police administration and Municipal Corporation. The G+3 structure was built here without taking any permission. Therefore, the entire structure was being demolished.”

A team of police personnel was present at the site to maintain law and order, and route diversions were implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow. (ANI)

Marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, veteran singer Usha Uthup lent her distinctive musical presence to a cultural programme held at the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.

Speaking to the media at the event, Usha Uthup said, “I’m not here to make a political statement on that because this is a forum only to bring peace and love… Music is the only thing that can bring peace… It is a wonderful feeling, singing in the Victoria Memorial more than anything else. It was great that the people just filled up the place even though it was so cold. Music brings people together.”

Earlier, on Monday, the Indian Museum joined the nationwide celebration of the 150 years of Vande Mataram with Vande Virasat grand cultural celebration under the leadership of Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose at Victoria Memorial Hall.

Governor Ananda Bose also paid floral tributes to the portrait of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee at the Indian Museum, honouring the visionary author of Vande Mataram.

The event opened with a stirring invocation of Vande Mataram in the presence of Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher, filling the historic venue with a deep sense of devotion and national pride. (ANI)

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has requested the police to register an FIR against students who allegedly raised “objectionable, provocative and inflammatory slogans” outside Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night.

According to an official letter from the university’s security department, the incident occurred during a program organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the violence that occurred in JNU on January 5, 2020. The program, titled “A Night of Resistance with Guerilla Dhaba,” saw around 30-35 students gather outside the hostel.

“I have been directed to inform you that on 5th Jan 2026, at approximately 22:00 hours, a programme was organised outside Sabarmati Hostel, Jawaharlal Nehru University, by students associated with the JNUSU, ostensibly to observe the sixth anniversary of the violence that occurred in JNU on 5 January 2020, under the title “A Night of Resistance with Guerrilla Dhaba.” At the time of commencement, the gathering appeared to be limited to commemorating the said anniversary. The number of students present at the spot was approximately 30-35. The prominent students identified during the programme,” the letter said.

However, the nature of the gathering changed significantly after the Supreme Court’s verdict, with some students raising highly objectionable and inflammatory slogans. The slogans, which were clearly audible and repeated, were deemed to be a direct contempt of the Supreme Court and a violation of the JNU Code of Conduct.

“However, during the course of the programme, subsequent to the judicial verdict on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, the nature and tone of the gathering changed significantly. Certain students began raising highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory slogans. It is a direct contempt of the Honorable Supreme Court of India. The raising of such slogans is wholly inconsistent with democratic dissent, violate the JNU Code of Conduct, and have the potential to seriously disturb public order, campus harmony, and the safety and security environment of the University.”, the letter stated.

“The slogans raised were clearly audible, deliberate, and repeated, thereby indicating intentional and conscious misconduct rather than any spontaneous or inadvertent expression. The act reflects a wilful disregard for institutional discipline, established norms of civil discourse, and the peaceful academic character of the University campus.”, the letter further added.

The university’s Chief Security Officer has requested the Station House Officer of Vasant Kunj (North) police station to lodge an FIR under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the incident.

“The act reflects a wilful disregard for institutional discipline, established norms of civil discourse, and the peaceful academic character of the University campus. At the time of the incident, officials from the Security Department were present at the site and closely monitored the situation. I have also been directed to request you to lodge an FIR under the relevant sections of BNS in the above incident.”, the letter stated.

On Monday, the Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case alleging a larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Election Officer Navdeep Rinwa on Tuesday announced the publication of the draft electoral roll following the completion of the Enumeration Phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. 2.89 crore names were deleted from the draft voter list.

Addressing the press, Navdeep Rinwa said, “The number of enumeration forms we received was approximately 12 crore, 55 lakh. This means that this many people returned the forms signed, indicating that their names should be included in the draft list. There were 46.23 lakh such deceased voters. There are 2.17 crore voters who have migrated, those who have shifted from their place of residence, who have left the house where they were residing when they registered their name in the voter list, and have permanently moved, or are missing or absent, or could not be found by the BLOs in the field. There were 25.47 lakh voters whose names were registered in more than one place on the voter list. In total, 2.89 crore names were not included in the draft voter list.”

“Under the SIR in UP today, we are publishing the draft electoral roll. In the 75 districts of the state, Returning Officers conducted a meeting with political parties and they have been given the printed copies of the draft electoral rolls. If you go to the website ceouttarpradesh.nic.in, voters can check their names on the list. The SIR started from October 27, 2025 and from November 4, the enumeration phase started. The day SIR was announced, the existing voter list was frozen. All 15 crore 44 lakh 30092 voters were given individual enumeration forms. The enumeration phase took place till December 26 as we asked for 15 days extra from ECI,” he added.

In a press release, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Uttar Pradesh said the Election Commission of India (ECI) is implementing the SIR of the Electoral Rolls in Uttar Pradesh with a clearly defined objective to ensure inclusion of all the eligible electors and exclusion of all the ineligible electors with full transparency at every stage of the process.

A total of 12,55,56,025 electors, out of 15,44,30,092 electors as per the Electoral Roll on 27.10.2025, have submitted their Enumeration Forms till the last date of enumeration period i.e., December 26, 2025, reflecting an overwhelming participation in the first phase of SIR.

The successful completion of this phase is the result of coordinated efforts of DEOs of all 75 districts, 403 EROs, 2042 AEROs, and BLOs deployed at 162486 polling booths, supported by volunteers. Field representatives of all recognised Political Parties, including their District Presidents, also actively participated, with as many as 5,76,611 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by them.

To ensure universal awareness and participation, during the enumeration period, CEOs, DEOs and EROs conducted extensive awareness campaigns and held multiple meetings with political parties to explain the process and share the progress updates.

BLOs also conducted booth-level meetings with BLAs, who were allowed to file up to 50 Enumeration Forms per day to ensure their active involvement in SIR. BLOs carried out house-to-house visits to all electors whose names were in the electoral roll as on 27.10.2025 to distribute Enumeration Forms, followed by at least three visits for collection. BLAs and volunteers also made dedicated efforts to ensure that no eligible elector was missed.

As per the SIR Order, the Draft Electoral Roll has been published on January 6, 2026. Printed and digital booth-wise copies have been provided to all recognised Political Parties and also made available on the CEO’s website (ceouttarpradesh.nic.in).

During the claims and objections period from January 6, 2026, to February 6, 2026, any existing or prospective elector may file claims or objections for inclusion of eligible electors or deletion of ineligible names. A total of 403 EROs and 2042 AEROs are in position to scrutinise such cases by February 27, 2026. In addition to that, Additional AEROs have been notified as per requirement to dispose off the claims and objections, within the prescribed time limit. (ANI)