Month: January 2026

Actor Ahan Shetty reflected on an emotional full-circle moment in his life as he recalled growing up watching his father, Suniel Shetty, feature in the iconic song ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ from Border, to now becoming part of ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ in Border 2.

Taking to Instagram, Ahan shared a picture with his father and penned a heartfelt note capturing the emotional significance of the song ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ from the upcoming war drama.

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words… but I don’t have the words for this. I only know what I feel. I grew up watching my father be part of Sandese Aate Hain. Today, I find myself a part of Ghar Kab Aaoge. Somewhere between then and now, life quietly came full circle,” wrote Ahan Shetty.

Describing the song as an emotional tribute to soldiers and their families, Ahan said it represents the unspoken emotions of those serving the nation and the silent prayers of loved ones waiting back home.

“This isn’t about a song or a project, it’s about time, love, and a quiet gratitude I’ll carry it with me forever. A song that carries the unspoken emotions of every soldier, and the silent prayers of every family waiting back home,” he added.

The song ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ from the Sunny Deol-starrer Border 2 was launched at the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer on Friday in a special event held at an auditorium near the Tanot Mata Temple, in the presence of Border Security Force (BSF) jawans.

The launch event began with a soulful performance of the iconic Rajasthani folk song ‘Kesariya Balam Aao Ni Padharo Mhare Desh’, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Following this, the film’s popular song “Ghar Kab Aaoge” was unveiled, creating an emotional atmosphere. Actors Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and other members of the cast were present in Jaisalmer for the song launch.

The reimagined version of ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ has been composed by Mithoon, with the original composition by Anu Malik. The new lyrics have been penned by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, while the original song was written by Javed Akhtar.

The song features vocals by Roopkumar Rathod, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra and Diljit Dosanjh.

Directed by Anurag Singh, ‘Border 2’ brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh.

The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films, and is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta.

Border 2 is slated for a theatrical release on January 23. (ANI)

A Buddha Air flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal’s Jhapa district late Friday night.

According to the officials, the aircraft was carrying 51 passengers and four crew members. No injuries were reported.

Nepal Police said the incident occurred during landing and confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely rescued.

“The Buddha Air flight that took off from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and 4 crew members to Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa District met with an accident during the landing process at Bhadrapur Airport. All individuals have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and the concerned authorities,” Nepal Police said in a post on X.

Buddha Air said the aircraft veered off the runway while landing.

“The flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, aircraft 9N-AMF, has veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport. There were 51 passengers on board the aircraft. All passengers and crew [4 persons] are safe,” the airline said in a statement on X.

The airline added that a technical and relief team was being sent from Kathmandu on another aircraft to assess the situation.

“A technical and relief team is being dispatched from Kathmandu on another aircraft,” the statement said.

The flight took off at 8:23 pm from Kathmandu and was scheduled to remain overnight at Bhadrapur Airport and return to Kathmandu on the first flight the following morning, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Authorities said further details would be shared after inspections and technical assessments are completed.

The incident comes amid continued scrutiny of air safety in Nepal following a series of serious aviation accidents in recent years.

In July 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200LR crashed after taking off from Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing controversy over Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to select a Bangladeshi player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that “cricket should not be made to bear the burden” for attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country.

Reacting to criticism over the selection of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman by KKR, Tharoor told reporters here, “Cricket should not be made to bear the burden for attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. We should try to insulate some areas from others. We are reaching out to Bangladesh and urging them to do the right thing to protect and look after their minorities, and this messaging must continue.”

“Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer and has nothing to do with any of these things. He has not been personally accused of any hate speech or condoning or defending any attacks. Mixing these two things is simply not fair,” he added.

He further cautioned against isolating neighbouring countries.

“If we become a country that isolates all of our neighbours, and say nobody is playing with any of them, how does it do any good? It is purely a sporting decision, and we should not let politics come into this. We surround Bangladesh on three sides. We cannot isolate them. We have to play with them,” Tharoor said.

Earlier, Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its criticism of the IPL franchise, saying overseas players participate in the tournament in accordance with BCCI and IPL rules.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “The BJP and their ‘Vichar Parivaar’ are outraged over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. If an overseas player is in IPL, it is because BCCI or the IPL rules allow him. Instead of blaming the franchise, shouldn’t the BJP leaders ask why BCCI is allowing Bangladesh players to participate in IPL, when they should be banning it.”

He further criticised BJP leaders by citing past instances.

“The same BJP leaders have no problem when: India played with Pakistan soon after the Pahalgam attack. IPL shifted matches to Islamic countries during COVID. IPL auctions are held in Islamic countries. Instead of questioning franchisees, BJP stooges should be asking tough questions to the Home Minister as to why he is allowing the ICC and BCCI to function like this. For BJP, ‘nationalism’ appears only when it suits their politics,” Kharge added. (ANI)

Devotees arrived in large numbers across Uttar Pradesh on the first day of Magh Mela 2026 to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima, marking the first ‘snan’ of the religious congregation here on Saturday.

In Ayodhya, pilgrims gathered in huge numbers at the banks of the Sarayu River from early morning to perform the sacred bath, chanting hymns and offering prayers.

At Prayagraj, devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, to participate in the auspicious ritual. Saints and seers described the Magh Mela as a deeply sacred occasion. “During the Magh Mela, devotees visit to seek purification, spiritual upliftment and divine blessings. Taking a holy dip these days is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul and bring divine grace,” a sadhu said “During the Magh Mela, devotees visit to seek purification, spiritual upliftment, and divine blessing…Taking a holy dip on these days is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul, and bring divine grace…”

Another Sadhu said, “…The Magh Mela is very sacred… Its sanctity is equivalent to that of the Mahakumbh”

A devotee said, “People have come in large numbers to take a holy dip. Proper security arrangements have been made…The arrangements here are very good…”

Devotees expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration. “People have come in large numbers to take a holy dip. Proper security arrangements have been made, and the facilities here are very good,” a devotee said.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Varma said, “Everything is going on smoothly. All arrangements are in place. Devotees are taking a dip at every ghat. No one is facing any inconvenience. People can come and go from the Sangam Kshetra with ease. People have come here in good numbers and are doing ‘snaan’…”

Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said, “We talked to all the devotees who have come here, and they told us that they are happy with the arrangements and they are conveniently offering prayers and doing ‘snaan’… We have made all possible arrangements, and the situation is normal here…”

Authorities said a steady inflow of pilgrims is expected to continue in the coming days as the Magh Mela progresses.

The Magh Mela of Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, is one of the largest pilgrimages in India.

The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls in January-February. The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh.

The mela commences on the full moon day of Paush with the snan (ritual dip). Over the course of the fair, there are a total of six ritual snans, viz. on Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti (beginning of Magh), Shattila Ekadashi (day of the waning of moon- Krishna Pakhsa- in the month of Magh), Mauni Amavasya (the no moon day of Magh when people take vow of silence), Basant Panchami (also called Magha Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh), Achala Saptami (seventh day of waxing phase of moon in Magh, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya), Jaya Ekadashi (the day of fasting observed on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh) and Magh Purnima (the full moon day in Magh).

The annual Magh Mela transforms into the Kumbh Mela every fourth year at Prayag, and into the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, drawing millions of devout pilgrims to the grand event. (ANI)

The Karnataka government on Friday suspended Pavan Nejjur, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Ballari district, following a clash that broke out in the unveiling program of the Statue of Valmiki Maharishi at SP Circle.

The clash, which broke out on Thursday, led to further violent incidents, including stone pelting.

According to the letter written by the Director General & Inspector General of Police, Ballari Range, Ballari, the officer did not act effectively to handle the situation and also failed to properly brief the senior officers about the ground situation.

The DG&IGP has also accordingly recommended necessary action against the officer, the official order stated.

The State Government took prima facie cognisance of the matter and found the conduct of the officer in the matter in violation of Rule 3 of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which establishes the foundational ethical standards of the civil servants.

Consequently, the government placed Pavan Nejjur, IPS, under suspension. Further investigation in the case is, however, reported pending.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, earlier in the day, said that he has asked for an enquiry into the clash outside BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy’s residence in Ballari, in which one person was killed.

Speaking to the reporters, Siddaramaiah said, “I have asked for an enquiry into the case and from which gun bullet was fired and how it started. There were gunmen, and bullets were also fired in the air. A person called Rajshekar died.”

A person was killed in a clash between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA G Janardhana Reddy outside the latter’s residence in Ballari. Tensions flared when Janardhana Reddy’s supporters objected to putting up banners for an upcoming event to install the Valmiki statue on January 3. What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated, and the two groups got involved in hand-to-hand combat and stone-pelting, and later firing, prompting police to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, police said.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, blamed Nara Bharath Reddy for the violence.

“The riot occurred from MLA, Bharath Reddy’s side. What was the need to put up flex banners inside the compound of Janardhan Reddy’s house? Was it wrong for Sriramulu to question this? Even after the police removed the flex, was there a need to put it up again? Was it necessary for Satish Reddy to place a chair, sit there, and get the flex banners put up? This is a symbol of Congress’s goonda culture,” he said.

“By sacrificing a life, the Congress workers have shown that a Congress goonda state will continue like this in the future as well,” he added. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to launch a large-scale nationwide awareness campaign centred on the vision of Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) act, to take the party’s key initiatives and legislative reforms directly to the people.

As part of the preparations, an important high-level meeting will be held tomorrow to finalise the campaign roadmap and strategy. The meeting will take place tomorrow at 7:30 PM via video conferencing.

BJP National President JP Nadda will chair the meeting. Working National President Nitin Nabin, National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh, and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will also be present during the deliberations.

State BJP presidents from across the country, along with Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, will participate in the meeting, highlighting the party’s focus on coordinated efforts between the organisation and governments at both the central and state levels.

According to sources, the meeting will focus on outlining the structure, messaging, outreach mechanisms, and timeline of the awareness campaign. Special emphasis will be laid on ensuring uniform communication, grassroots-level outreach, and effective public engagement across all states.

The BJP aims to use this nationwide campaign to strengthen public awareness about the goals of Viksit Bharat and the provisions and impact of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) act, while mobilising party workers and leadership at every level for its successful execution.

The Bill was passed by Parliament on December 19, 2025. The Lok Sabha passed it on December 18, 2025.

The act guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work.

As per Section 22 of the legislation, the fund-sharing pattern between the Central Government and the State Governments will be 60:40, while for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), it will be 90:10.

Section 6 of the Bill allows the state governments to notify in advance, a period aggregating to sixty days in a financial year, covering the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting. (ANI)

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday announced that Aditya Dhar’s directorial film ‘Dhurandhar’ will be tax-free, citing the film’s extensive shooting across Ladakh and its promotion of the region’s scenic landscapes.

He said the Ladakh Administration is working on a New Film Policy and will provide full support to film productions in Ladakh.

“Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film “Dhurandhar” tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred destination for film shoots and tourism. The Administration is also working on a New Film Policy and will provide full support to film productions in Ladakh,” Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh said in a post on X.

The film has already achieved huge box office success. It has become the “first Hindi film ever” to cross the Rs 100 crore mark in its fourth week.

Taking to X, trade analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, “‘DHURANDHAR’ – THE FIRST FILM TO HIT A CENTURY IN WEEK 4… #Dhurandhar shows no signs of slowing down, adding yet another historic milestone to its extraordinary run… It becomes the FIRST #Hindi film ever to cross the ₹ 100 cr mark in its fourth week.”

The film recorded a massive Rs 115.70 crore in Week 4, making it the highest fourth-week grosser ever for a Hindi release. In comparison, ‘Pushpa 2’ (Hindi) had collected Rs 57.95 crore in its fourth week, while ‘Chhaava’ and ‘Stree 2’ earned Rs 43.98 crore and Rs 37.75 crore respectively during the same period. The numbers underline ‘Dhurandhar”s unprecedented hold at the box office well beyond its opening weeks.

Adding to its growing list of milestones, Dhurandhar has also become the only Hindi film to register double-digit collections for 28 consecutive days.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ emerged as one of the biggest films of 2025, offering a perfect closure for Bollywood this year. With Ranveer Singh in the lead role, actors like Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan also feature in key roles.

Made in two parts, the first instalment follows a decade-long Indian intelligence operation in which an undercover agent infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political underworld. The film was released on December 5 and is still running in theatres. (ANI)

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma starrer rom-com ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ is set to re-release in theatres from January 16.

Taking to their Instagram handle, PVR Inox shared the announcement of ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’s re-release in the theatres.

“Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and a rom-com that never gets old. Band Baaja Baaraat is back on the big screen – catch the fun all over again! Band Baaja Baaraat re-releasing at PVR INOX on January 16,” wrote PVR Inox.

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‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, released in 2010, was the debut film of actor Ranveer Singh. It marked the beginning of a new era, as Bollywood was flooded with star kids and actors who ruled the screens for decades.

In the movie helmed by Maneesh Sharma, Ranveer plays the role of Bittoo Sharma, a fun-loving youth who starts a wedding planning business with Shruti Kakkar (Anushka Sharma), an ambitious girl.

Despite their promise not to mix business with love, the duo soon realises they have fallen in love, creating complications in their professional and personal lives. The film was directed by Maneesh Sharma.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is basking in the success of his latest film ‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar.

The movie also starred Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi in the lead roles.

The film, made tax-free in Ladakh, has been breaking box-office records. (ANI)

The makers of Border 2 have released the highly awaited track ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ at the song launch event held at Longewala-Tanot in Jaisalmer on Friday.

The song launch event, attended by lead cast members Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, Sonu Nigam, Bhushan Kumar, and others, unfolded in the presence of BSF jawans and the army, making it a moment of national pride and collective emotion.

The reimagined version of the ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ song was created by Mithoon with the original music composition by Anu Malik. Manoj Muntashir Shukla added the fresh lyrics to the song, which was originally penned by Javed Akhtar. The vocals for the song are performed by Roopkumar Rathod, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra, and Diljit Dosanjh.

Taking to their Instagram handle, T Series released the video of the song, which features Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty and Diljit Dosanjh.

The song begins with Varun Dhawan reading a letter, followed by appearances from Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Sunny Deol.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTAsNsdDHRV

The makers and the lead cast of the film expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the BSF and Army for their presence, warmth, and unwavering service, acknowledging the honour of sharing the film’s music in such a powerful and meaningful setting.

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh.

Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh.

Border 2 is set to release in theatres on January 23. (ANI)

A day after the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ukrainian drones struck in the Kherson region, which killed 24 people, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday claimed that two missiles from Moscow struck the city of Kharkiv.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy condemned the strike by Russia, saying it targeted a residential area and caused significant damage.

“A heinous Russian strike on Kharkiv. Preliminary reports indicate two missiles struck an ordinary residential area. One of the buildings has been severely damaged. A rescue operation is currently underway, with all necessary services on site,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.

He also noted that the exact number of casualties is yet “unknown”.

This comes a day after the Russian MFA in a statement, said that at least 24 people were killed, including a child and more than 50 were injured after Ukrainian drones struck a cafe and a hotel during New Year celebrations in the Kherson region.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the attack took place in the early hours of 2026 and targeted a location where civilians had gathered to celebrate the New Year.

The ministry alleged that the strike was carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), calling it “another terrorist act against civilians” by the Kyiv regime.

Zelenskyy, in his post, further accused Russia of deliberately prolonging the conflict, noting that first responders, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, as well as Kharkiv city and regional authorities, would provide updates on the situation.

“Unfortunately, this is how the Russians treat life and people – they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process. It is only Russia that does not want this war to end, and every day it does everything to ensure the war continues,” his post read.

He also called for continued international support for Ukraine, particularly to reinforce air defences and protect civilians as peace talks continue in order to end the four-year-long running war.

“That is why support for Ukraine must continue as well, and every day we need reinforcement of our air defense, our positions, our protection of people’s lives. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!” Zelenskyy added.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, in his New Year address, underscored that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but will not accept any peace deal that undermines its sovereignty, stressing he would reject any agreement he considers weak or short-lived.

Delivering the 21-minute address from his office late Wednesday, Zelenskyy acknowledged growing fatigue among Ukrainians after nearly four years of war but said exhaustion should not be mistaken for defeat.

He also compared the duration of the conflict to the period of Nazi occupation of parts of Ukraine during World War II.

“What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No. We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

“Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, Zelenskyy held a meeting with US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida as diplomatic efforts continue to end the war. (ANI)