Month: January 2026

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has recorded serious findings against Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and the Manappatt Foundation in connection with alleged foreign fund mobilisation for the Punarjani project, pointing to violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, and rules of conduct applicable to legislators.

According to the Vigilance report, under Allegation No. 1, it was revealed that V D Satheesan, MLA, allegedly canvassed £500 each from attendees at a lunch meeting held on October 28, 2018, in Birmingham, UK. The total amount raised during the event was £22,500, equivalent to approximately Rs 19,95,880.44.

The funds were received through a UK-based FCRA account and subsequently routed to the Manappatt Foundation, a Kochi-based NGO, with the assistance of a UK-based organisation, the Midlands International Aid Trust (MIAT).

Vigilance noted that the fund mobilisation took place while Satheesan had obtained political clearance for a “private visit”, officially stated as a personal trip to meet friends and visit historical places.

The report states that canvassing or soliciting foreign currency by a sitting MLA amounts to a violation of Section 3(2)(a) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

The enquiry officer observed that an “unholy nexus and conspiracy” between the accused parties was evident from the sequence of foreign travel, the stated purpose of the journey, and the process adopted for raising funds. Vigilance further pointed out that Satheesan’s voluntary participation in the fund-raising programme in his capacity as an MLA, or acting as a supporter of such an event, amounts to a violation of Rule 41 under Annexure II of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

In addition, the enquiry officer has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against the Manappatt Foundation and its Chairman, Ameer Ahmed, citing numerous suspicious transactions amounting to Rs 1,22,23,152. These transactions were allegedly detected across the foundation’s FCRA account, current account, and the personal accounts of its chairman.

The report also reiterates earlier Vigilance findings that the Manappatt Foundation opened a separate bank account for the Punarjani project and conducted transactions between November 27, 2018, and March 8, 2022. Based on available documents, Vigilance has found that a total of Rs 1,27,33,545.24 was collected for the project through a special “Punarjani” account as well as the foundation’s FCRA and current accounts.

The enquiry officer has recommended that the Central Government be approached for initiating legal action against V D Satheesan, MLA, and Ameer Ahmed for alleged violations of Section 3(2)(a) of the FCRA Act through a CBI investigation. It has also been recommended that the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly be informed about the alleged violation of Rule 41 by the Paravur MLA.

The Vigilance report concludes by stating that the competent authority has agreed with the findings and recommendations of the enquiry officer and has submitted the report for further necessary action. (ANI)

A major gas leak followed by fire at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema region has continued to burn for over 24 hours, triggering panic among local residents, officials said. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

The incident occurred at the Mori-5 well in Irusumanda village under Malikipuram mandal of DR BR Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday afternoon.

According to officials, the accident took place around 12:40 PM on January 5, when a major gas pipeline leak was detected at the ONGC installation. The leaked gas soon caught fire, producing massive flames visible from a distance and causing fear in nearby villages.

As of Tuesday, January 6, the blaze has been burning for more than 24 hours, with emergency teams continuing containment operations.

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, along with fire services and local police, launched an immediate response after residents alerted authorities. Fire department personnel confirmed that coordinated efforts are underway to control the blaze and prevent further spread.

“ONGC officials, along with fire and police personnel, are dousing the fire. Villagers are in a state of panic and fear,” officials said earlier.

As a precaution, residents near the affected site have been advised to stay away from the area. Authorities have also restricted access around the well to ensure public safety while firefighting and technical operations continue. Officials stressed that no deaths or injuries have been reported so far, a fact confirmed by both ONGC and officials.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and further technical assessments are underway to identify the cause of the leak and bring the fire fully under control.

More details are awaited as containment efforts continue. (ANI)

Congress MP Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital after experiencing respiratory issues on Monday. According to a hospital release, her condition is currently stable and she is responding well to treatment.

Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Ajay Swaroop, said that following a detailed medical examination, it was found that Sonia Gandhi’s bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated due to the combined effects of cold weather and prevailing pollution levels in Delhi. As a precautionary measure, doctors decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.

“She was experiencing respiratory discomfort, and upon medical examination, it was found that her bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated due to the combined effects of cold weather and pollution. As a precautionary measure, she was admitted for further observation and treatment. At present, her condition is absolutely stable,” Swaroop said in an official statement.

Providing further details on her treatment, the hospital chairman stated that the Congress MP is responding well to the treatment and she is being managed with antibiotics and other supportive medications. Swaroop added that the decision regarding her discharge will be taken by the treating physicians based on her clinical progress.

“At present, her condition is absolutely stable. She is responding well to treatment and is being managed with antibiotics and other supportive medications. The decision regarding her discharge will be taken by the treating physicians based on her clinical progress and is likely in a day or two,” Swaroop said. (ANI)

Actress Nimrat Kaur, known for her roles in films like ‘Lunchbox’ and the series ‘Kull,’ offered prayers at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Tuesday and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva.

After offering prayers, Nimrat spoke to ANI and shared her experience of visiting the temple and taking part in the Bhasma Aarti. “I got the good fortune of offering prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple for the first time. There cannot be a better start to the New Year than this…I am feeling very emotional and overwhelmed…”

The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

The Bhasma Aarti is one of the most revered rituals at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM.

According to temple traditions, the ritual begins with the opening of Baba Mahakal’s doors in the early hours, followed by a holy bath with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey.

The deity is then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood before the unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti take place, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells.

Devotees from across the country visit the temple to witness this divine ritual, believing that attending the Bhasma Aarti brings blessings and fulfilment of wishes.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Nimrat was seen in ‘The Family Man 3’, featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Jaideep Ahlawat. In the series created by Raj and DK, Manoj Bajpayee plays Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man leading a double life as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), a fictional division of the National Investigation Agency. (ANI)

During their first court appearance in New York, Venezuela’s deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused the United States government of abducting them from their home country, CNN reported.

As per CNN on Monday (local time), both Maduro and Flores denied the drug trafficking and weapons-related charges filed against them and, for now, did not contest their continued detention. The appearance marked a historic moment and the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle, as their defence is likely to challenge the legality of their military capture.

After the military operation to arrest Maduro, US President Donald Trump said, “We’re in charge.”

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has signalled that it will closely monitor developments in Venezuela under interim leadership. However, Maduro’s long-time vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as acting president on Monday, according to CNN.

When asked to confirm his identity, Maduro stood up and spoke in Spanish, with his remarks translated into English in court.

He told the court that he “was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” and, as Judge Alvin Hellerstein attempted to interrupt him, added, “I am still president of my country.”

Responding to the charges for a second time, Maduro said, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here. I am a decent man.”

As per CNN, it remains unclear how much of his statement was translated aloud in the courtroom. Judge Hellerstein said Maduro would be given an opportunity at a later stage to speak in detail about his arrest and the allegations against him.

Maduro’s lawyer confirmed that a not guilty plea had been entered on all four charges. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty, telling the judge in Spanish, “Not guilty, completely innocent.”

When asked to verify her identity, she said through an interpreter, “I am first lady of the Republic of Venezuela.”

She appeared in court with visible bandages on her forehead and right temple and required assistance to take her seat at the defence table. Her lawyer said she would need a medical evaluation and possible treatment for “significant injuries” sustained during what he described as her “abduction.”

Attorney Mark Donnelly said Flores may have suffered a fracture or, at a minimum, severe bruising to her ribs.

Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, also told the court that the Venezuelan leader has “some health and medical issues that will require attention,” without providing further details.

Pollack said he intends to file multiple motions challenging both the indictment and Maduro’s arrest, which he described as a “military abduction” carried out by US operatives early Saturday morning, CNN reported.

He also argued that Maduro holds privileges and immunity linked to his position as the leader of a sovereign nation.

As per CNN, both Maduro and Flores requested a “visit” with representatives of the Venezuelan consulate. Under US law, detained foreign nationals are entitled to consular access, though it remains unclear how that request will be handled.

Their lawyers did not seek immediate release during Monday’s hearing but indicated that a formal bail application would be submitted at a later stage.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 17, CNN reported. (ANI)

Indian cinema returned to the global awards spotlight as ‘Homebound’ advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

The Academy announced that fifteen films from across the world have moved to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. India’s ‘Homebound’ features alongside entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.

The other shortlisted films include Belen (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), The President’s Cake (Iraq), Kokuho (Japan), All That’s Left of You (Jordan), Sentimental Value (Norway), Palestine 36 (Palestine), No Other Choice (South Korea), Sirat (Spain), Late Shift (Switzerland), Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan) and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).

Announcing the update, the official social media handle of The Academy posted, “Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here’s where they land on the map…”

The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22.

‘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 a recent Oscar shortlist, ‘Homebound’ has now achieved a rare milestone, becoming the fifth film in Indian cinema to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards.

Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starrer ‘Homebound’ has been selected among the 15 films that have become eligible for the final nominations in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026.

Ishaan shared the proud moment on his Instagram stories.

‘Homebound”s inclusion in the prestigious shortlist marks a significant moment for the country’s film industry.

“Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Films from 86 countries or regions were eligible in the category,” stated the website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

‘Homebound’ 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)

Kiara’s recent Instagram Story clearly shows how much she is enjoying her motherhood phase.

A while ago, she dropped a video in which she can be seen reading a magazine with her daughter, Saraayah. The brief glimpse of Saraayah’s tiny hands is adorable.

“Me and my mini enjoying our Monday magazine read,” she captioned the post.

In July 2025, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, one of the most loved jodis of Bollywood, became three from two as they were blessed with a baby girl.

Announcing the birth of their daughter, the couple, via a joint post on Instagram, posted, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a Baby Girl. KIARA & SIDHARTH.”

On the work front, Kiara Advani will next be seen in Yash’s upcoming film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.’ She will be playing a character named Nadia in the film. The first look of Kiara from the movie was released in December last year.

The film stars Yash in the lead role and is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas. It is directed by Geetu Mohandas and has been shot in both English and Kannada, with dubbed versions planned in several Indian languages.

The film is set to release in theatres on March 19.

Sidharth Malhotra, on the other hand, will be seen next in VVAN: Force of the Forrest, where he stars opposite Tamannaah Bhatia. The film is directed by Deepak Mishra and Arunabh Kumar and is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Arunabh Kumar.

The story is set in the forest regions of Central India and is based on Indian folklore. VVAN is scheduled to hit theatres on May 15. (ANI)

A 40-year-old Hindu man, Sarat Chakraborty Mani, was killed on Monday night in Narsingdi, near Dhaka, after being attacked with sharp weapons by unidentified assailants, reported Bangladesh registered Newspaper Weeklyblitz.

Residents and eyewitnesses claimed the attack occurred while Mani was operating his grocery shop at Charsindur Bazaar in Palash Upazila. The assailants reportedly arrived suddenly and assaulted him with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene. He sustained critical injuries and died while being taken to hospital, reported Local Media.

The incident marks the sixth reported killing of a Hindu individual in Bangladesh within the past 18 days.

Accoring to local media, on 19 December, Mani wrote a Facebook post expressing concern about violence in the country, describing his birthplace as having become “a valley of death.” Police are investigating the incident.

This killing comes after the reported killing of another Hindu Man on Monday in Jessore. An ice factory owner was shot dead in public in the Monirampur area of Jesore, reported Prothom Alo.

According to local media, Rana Pratap Bairagi, owned an ice manufacturing factory in Kapalia Bazar, Monirampur, and served as the acting editor of the newspaper ‘Dainik BD Khobor’ published from Narail.

Three assailants on a motorcycle, called him out from the ice factory, and took him to an alley and then shot him at close range in the head and fled. Rana Pratap died on the spot, reported Prothom Alo.

Monirampur police station’s officer-in-charge (OC) Md Raziullah Khan told Prothom Alo that the body has been recovered was being sent for Post Mortem.

The Police have not specified the motive behind the killing and an investigation is underway.

Over the past weeks, there have been reports highlighting attacks and rising insecurity faced by minority groups.

Notably, a recent tragic incident drew national attention when Khokon Das, a Hindu man, succumbed to injuries after being set on fire on New Year’s Eve.

The attackers allegedly assaulted him with sharp weapons, poured petrol on his body, and set him on fire. In an attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond beside the road.

Hearing his screams, residents rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee. Locals rescued Das and initially took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he received emergency treatment before being referred to Dhaka later that night as his condition deteriorated. He later succumbed to his injuries. (ANI)

US Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller on Monday (local time) outlined the administration’s position on Venezuela.

Miller said, “President United States has asked Secretary Rubio, who also helped his lead National Security Advisor, to directl enforcement of the President’s post guidance and direction to be the lead on this process. But obviously there’s many other elements involved. You have energy policy, Treasury policy, financial policy, military policy. It’s a big team, a group of people.”

“We have an oil embargo on Venezuela for them to do any kind of commerce they need our permission. We have our massive fleet, our Armada still present there. This is an active and ongoing US government, military operation. So of course, we set the terms and conditions,” he added.

According to Miller, US leverage over Venezuela is extensive. He asserted that Washington maintains an oil embargo requiring US approval for Venezuelan commerce and claimed that American naval forces remain deployed in the region.

“We are very much getting full, complete and total cooperation from the Government of Venezuela. And as a result of that cooperation, the people of Venezuela are going to become richer than they ever have before. And of course, the United States is going to benefit from this massively in terms of economic, security and military cooperation, Counter Narcotics, counter terrorism, and every other division of our security. This is a President Trump achieved with this brilliant, decisive military operation in Venezuela these last several months, culminating, of course, in the assault force to capture Maduro. It’s one of the greatest strategic shifts, rebalancing of power and military victories that have happened in the history of our country,” he said.

Miller credited President Trump with what he called a “brilliant, decisive military operation in Venezuela,” claiming it culminated in an “assault force to capture Maduro.”

Meanwhile, during their first court appearance in New York, Venezuela’s deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused the United States government of abducting them from their home country, CNN reported.

As per CNN on Monday (local time), both Maduro and Flores denied the drug trafficking and weapons-related charges filed against them and, for now, did not contest their continued detention. The appearance marked a historic moment and the beginning of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle, as their defence is likely to challenge the legality of their military capture. (ANI)

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81 in the early hours of Tuesday, an official release from the office of Kalmadi said.

The former chairman of the Indian Olympic Association was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He breathed his last at around 3:30 am following a prolonged illness.

Kalmadi, a former Member of Parliament from Pune and former Minister of State for Railways, is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

His mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2 pm. The last rites will be performed at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 pm.

“Former Member of Parliament from Pune, former Union Minister of State for railways, and former President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi (aged 81), passed away in Pune today on Tuesday, 6th January at 3.30 am after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House, Erandwane, Pune till 2 pm and cremation will take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi, Navi Peth, Pune at 3.30 pm,” an official press release said. (ANI)