Month: January 2026

Two people were arrested in connection with the seizure of 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate from a car on the National Highway 52 in Rajasthan’s Tonk district, police said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Tonk Rajesh Kumar Meena informed that the accused has been questioned by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) team. The two accused, Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa, caught with illegal explosives, were presented in court and were sent to police custody on a five-day remand.

“Based on a tip-off, 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials were seized on the Tonk National Highway. Following this, the IB team questioned the accused on Wednesday night, and the NIA team conducted questioning on Thursday morning,” SP Meena said.

A major security alert was triggered in the Tonk district after the seizure of 150 kgs of ammonium nitrate from a car on the National Highway, prompting questioning by central agencies, including the NIA and IB, over suspected links to illegal mining activities.

“A car containing explosive material was found. Two people were arrested in connection with this. During questioning, it emerged that the explosive material was being supplied to those involved in illegal mining. We are investigating this from all different angles,” SP Meena told ANI.

On Wednesday, the District Special Team (DST) seized 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate on the National Highway in Tonk. The accused were remanded to police custody for five days.

SP Meena said, “According to preliminary investigations, the seized illegal explosive material was being used for mining work in hilly areas. The police are still questioning both accused. Some people have also been detained in connection with the case.”

The SP added, “After the arrest of two youths from the Karwar police station area of Bundi district in Rajasthan on Wednesday in a luxury car carrying 150 kilograms of illegal explosives, including ammonium nitrate, national and state investigative agencies are now seen in action.”

On Thursday morning, the NIA team reached the Baroni police station in Tonk to question the arrested accused regarding the explosives.

“The DST carried out the operation by setting up a checkpoint on Tonk-Jaipur NH 52 in the Baroni police station area. The two people in the car, Surendra Patwa and Surendra Mochi, residents of Karwar in Bundi district, were arrested,” Meena said.

“To mislead the police, the 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate were packed in urea bags. When the DST questioned the two people in the car, they said they were carrying urea for agricultural work. However, the 200 dangerous explosive cartridges and 1,100 safety fuse wires found in the car revealed otherwise. Upon detailed inspection of the bags, it was found that they contained ammonium nitrate,” Meena added.

DSP Mrityunjay Mishra said, “The police are also investigating whether the explosives were being transported for any destructive activity.” (ANI)

The Haryana government has carried out a major reshuffle in the senior police leadership, reassigning key IPS officers across departments as part of an administrative reorganisation aimed at strengthening policing and governance in the state.

This comes a day after Ajay Singhal took charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana.

The Home Department issued orders appointing senior IPS officers to new roles across prisons, vigilance, training and human rights wings.

As per official orders issued by the Home Department, 1991-batch IPS officer Alok Mittal has been appointed Director General, Prisons, Haryana. 1993-batch IPS officer Arshinder Singh Chawla has been posted as Director General, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Haryana.

Further, 1994-batch IPS officer Kalaramachandran has been appointed Director of the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban (Karnal), while 1995-batch IPS officer Dr CS Rao has been given charge as Additional Director General of Police, Human Rights and Litigation, Haryana.

Notably, both Alok Mittal and Arshinder Singh Chawla were among the contenders for the post of Haryana DGP. Alok Mittal’s name was also included in the UPSC panel. However, the state government eventually appointed Ajay Singhal as the DGP.

Earlier, the newly appointed DGP, Ajay Singhal, formally took charge at the police headquarters in Panchkula. Senior police officers welcomed him with bouquets, while police personnel accorded him a guard of honour.

Speaking to reporters after assuming charge, DGP Ajay Singhal highlighted the Haryana Police’s achievements in addressing various challenges.

“Whether it was fighting terrorism, controlling crime, or maintaining law and order, the Haryana Police have been successful and appreciated across various platforms,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to the state leadership, DGP Singhal said, “I am very grateful to our Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will try my best to live up to his instructions and the expectations of the people of Haryana.”

He further added, “The Haryana Police, when faced with challenges, have confronted them head-on, and we have been successful in every area. Whether it was fighting terrorism, controlling crime, or maintaining law and order, we have been appreciated across various platforms.”

Earlier, DGP Ajay Singhal received a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival at the state police headquarters in Panchkula. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has shared his warm birthday wishes to his ‘Welcome’ co-star Nana Patekar, reflecting on their joyful memories together.

Sharing a hilarious clip from the 2015 film ‘Welcome Back’, Kapoor wrote, “Happy Birthday to the OG! @iamnanapatekar. The greatest male co-star any actor could ask for, and an even more solid dost! Hope you relive the madness and joy of our time on Welcome together with this hilarious clip. Looking forward to our next collaboration.”

Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar famously portrayed the beloved characters of Majnu Bhai and Uday Shetty in the ‘Welcome’ films, delivering a memorable mix of chaos and comic timing.

The original ‘Welcome’ film, directed by Anees Bazmee, was a big hit. The story revolved around Rajiv (Akshay Kumar), who falls in love for Sanjana (Katrina Kaif), whose brothers Uday and Majnu are connected to the underworld.

Actors Paresh Rawal and Feroz Khan also played key roles in the film.

What followed next was the chaotic antics of the gangster family, which struck a chord with the audience.

The film’s success cemented Kapoor and Patekar’s collaboration as one of Bollywood’s most entertaining pairings in comedy cinema, with audiences still fondly recalling their iconic dialogues and comic timing.

They reprised their characters in ‘Welcome Back’, recreating their magic for the second time. Actors John Abraham and Shruti Haasan replaced Akshay and Katrina in the second part.

A third in the franchise, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, is currently in the pipeline. While Akshay Kumar is returning to the series, joining him in the cast are Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Suniel Shetty, Johnny Lever, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, Rahul Dev and singers-brothers Daler Mehndi and Mika among others.

Details surrounding the Ahmed Khan-directed film’s release date are yet to be announced. (ANI)

As India approaches a new year of cricketing action, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned that with ODI-exclusive stalwarts in such impressive form, why there are no more five-match ODI series or any triangular/quadrangular series taking place.

Rohit and Virat head into the New Year as just one format players, after an incredible 2025 in the format, which saw them win the ICC Champions Trophy with big performances in crucial matches and dominate ODIs following that after overcoming some initial rustiness during the tour to Australia later in the year. Both also called time on their Test careers, leaving their fans heartbroken.

They will start their journey to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup with three ODIs against New Zealand from January 11 onwards.

Speaking on ‘Follow the Blues’ on JioHotstar, Pathan said, “Why cannot we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have a triangular or quadrangular series? Why cannot we arrange that, because these two greats play only one format? It would not be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it,” he responded.

“The biggest thing is that they are also performing. The World Cup is far away. You will definitely want to think about it, but I am also thinking that the more we get to see them, that these two players should keep playing, keep representing India, and when they are not playing for India, they should keep playing domestic cricket because the more they play, the better it is,” Pathan added.

The ”Ro-Ko’ ended as the top run-getters for India in ODIs this year, with Virat making 651 runs in 13 matches and innings at an average of 65.10, with three centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 135 and a SR of over 96. On the other hand, Rohit scored 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of over 100, with two centuries and four fifties and a best score of 121*.

They also featured in two Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) matches for Delhi and Mumbai, with Virat getting scores of 131 and 77 and Rohit getting scores of 155* and zero. Despite being ODI-exclusive players, the duo broke a lot of batting records and showcased glimpses of their prime years to the fans.

The last time India played a five-match ODI series was back in 2019 against Australia, leading upto the World Cup that year. Since then, ODI series have been a three-match affair at best, even during a World Cup year. Their last triangular series was way back in 2015 against England and Australia on Aussie shores, leading upto the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. (ANI)

India’s ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her return after an 18-month hiatus to chase her Olympic dream, confirming that she has come out of retirement from professional wrestling on Friday.

Last year, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling after being disqualified in the 50 kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics. Phogat had advanced to the gold medal bout by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals.

She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal but was disqualified for breaching the weight limit.

In an X post, Phogat wrote, “People kept asking if Paris was the end. For a long time, I didn’t have the answer. I needed to step away from the mat, from the pressure, from the expectations, even from my own ambitions. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to breathe.”

“I took time to understand the weight of my journey, the highs, the heartbreaks, the sacrifices, the versions of me the world never saw. And somewhere in that reflection, I found the truth, I still love this sport. I still want to compete,” Phogat added.

“In that silence, I found something I’d forgotten ‘the fire never left’. It was only buried under exhaustion and noise. The discipline, the routine, the fight… It’s in my system. No matter how far I walked away, a part of me stayed on the mat. So here I am, stepping back toward LA28 with a heart that’s unafraid and a spirit that refuses to bow,” she added.

Vinesh will now join the list of elite Indian athletes who returned to competition after childbirth. The Olympian, who is married to wrestler Somvir Rathee, welcomed a baby boy in July 2025.

“And this time, I’m not walking alone. My son is joining my team, my biggest motivation, my little cheerleader on this road to the LA Olympics.”

In a fine career, Phogat secured two World Championships bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014) and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). She was also a gold medalist at the 2021 Asian Championships and has won silver and bronze at the continental level. (ANI)

Amid the growing tensions between India and Bangladesh, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday urged the Modi government to prioritise restoring good old ties with Bangladesh, emphasising the country’s stability as crucial for India’s security, particularly in the North-East.

Addressing a press conference, Owaisi termed it as a “real test” for the Modi government to restore old ties with Dhaka.

“After the death of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, our Foreign Minister went there. We hope there is no further deterioration in relations between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s stability is very important for India’s security, especially in the North-East area. It is a real test for Modi’s government to restore the good old relations,” the AIMIM chief said.

His remarks came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia’s funeral.

Furthermore, AIMIM chief Owaisi urged the Centre to strongly rebut the “surprising” claim by the Chinese government that Beijing had mediated between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Owaisi said, “Surprising claim made by Chinese foreign minister that Beijing mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. I demand that the Modi government revert this claim officially and assure the country that no third-party interference is acceptable. We all know that China supplies 81% weapons to Pakistan and provided real-time intelligence during Operation Sindoor and now its claiming to have done mediation, how this can be acceptable by any Indian?”

This comes after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking on Tuesday (local time) at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations, said Beijing had played a mediating role in several global conflicts, including the one between India and Pakistan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry shared a statement on X.

“To build peace that lasts, we have taken an objective and just stance, and focused on addressing both symptoms and root causes. Following this Chinese approach to settling hotspot issues, we mediated in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, the tensions between Pakistan and India, the issues between Palestine and Israel, and the recent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” Wang said.

Wang’s remarks come months after India and Pakistan were locked in a brief but intense military confrontation in May, triggered by a terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India has consistently dismissed claims of any third-party mediation, maintaining that the four-day confrontation was resolved through direct military-to-military communication.

New Delhi has maintained that, inflicted by this heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO and both sides agreed to stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from May 10.

The AIMIM chief further targeted the BJP over the Indore water contamination tragedy that led to four deaths, saying, “All they (BJP) care for is bulldozer action against Muslims. They can’t even provide necessities, such as clean drinking water and claim to be Vishwaguru.”

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all the affected people. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Vidya Balan rang in her 47th birthday on Thursday by celebrating the special day with the paparazzi, as she cut a cake and shared warm moments with photographers who gathered to wish her.

A video circulating on social media shows the actor smiling brightly as she cuts the cake amid cheers and applause from the photographers. Dressed in a graceful yet simple black outfit, Vidya appeared cheerful as she thanked the paparazzi for their wishes. She also posed for pictures, spreading festive cheer on the first day of the New Year.

The celebratory moment quickly caught attention online, with fans appreciating her warmth and down-to-earth nature.

Vidya Balan, who made her Hindi film debut with ‘Parineeta’ in 2005, has carved a unique space in Indian cinema with her powerful performances in films like ‘The Dirty Picture’, ‘Kahaani’, ‘Tumhari Sulu’, ‘Paa’, and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’.

Over the years, she earned the prestigious National Film Award and multiple Filmfare honours for portraying strong, unconventional female characters. From breaking stereotypes to redefining what it means to be a leading lady in Bollywood, Vidya Balan has continuously challenged norms and delivered performances that leave an impression on audiences.

One of her most iconic roles came with 2011’s ‘The Dirty Picture’, where Vidya transformed into the bold and unapologetic South actress Silk Smitha. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Directed by Milan Luthria, the film also featured Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor in significant roles.

Vidya got married to Siddharth Roy Kapur in 2012. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.

On the work front, the actress was last seen in Anees Bazmee’s ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, reprising her iconic character as Manjulika. (ANI)

Border Security Force (BSF), on Thursday, apprehended a 19-year-old Bangladeshi national near the International Border (IB) in the Gajansoo area of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the J-K police, the individual has been identified as Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, s/o Mozibul Haque Bhuiyan. The 19-year-old is a resident of Adra in the District of Comilla, Bangladesh.

The BSF has handed over the Bangladeshi national to Border Police Post (BPP), Gajansoo ( PS Kanachak) and further interrogation is underway.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) will soon launch ‘operation ‘Sard Hawa’ (cold wind) at its formidable terrains of the Kashmir frontier and the vital security posts of Jammu as well as vast desert stretches of Rajasthan along the challenging India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control (LC) aimed at foiling potenyial infiltration efforts by taking advantage of the reduced visibility caused by the dense winter fog.

Officials in the BSF told ANI that the operation would be launched at an appropriate time scheduled next month and would continued till the end of January with a focus on strengthening security along the border during this critical period ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Speaking to ANI on condition of anonymity, an official posted in Jammu said the primary objective of Operation ‘Sard Hawa’ is to prevent infiltration attempts, as dense fog and mist during the winter season create favourable conditions for such activities.

“Heightened security measures are adopted with increased vigilance and patrolling along the India-Pakistan border during ‘Operation Sard Hawa’,” the official said.

Operation ‘Sard Hawa’ is an annual winter security exercise undertaken by the BSF along the India-Pakistan frontier in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, covering challenging stretches of the Kashmir sector, key security posts in Jammu, and the Thar Desert– including critical portions of the International Boundary (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).

The operation aims to detect infiltration, smuggling, and illegal cross-border movement during dense fog by intensifying surveillance, deploying additional personnel, and leveraging advanced technologies such as thermal imaging systems. It is typically conducted in January, around Republic Day, and runs in parallel with the summer counter-infiltration drive known as Operation Garam Hawa (Hot Wind). (ANI)

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought a report from the State Government about the number of people infected and dead due to the contaminated water incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area.

This comes after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the High Court by Indore High Court Bar Association President Ritesh Inani on Wednesday. A division bench heard the matter on the same day and directed the government to present the data before the court on the next hearing.

Speaking to ANI, Ritesh Inani said, “A serious incident occurred in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area in recent days, in which contaminated water got mixed into the Narmada water supply line provided by the municipal corporation. As a result, several people fell seriously ill and some lost their lives. In connection with this incident, a public interest litigation was filed before the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. It was primarily sought in the PIL to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to the residents of Indore and to provide proper and free medical treatment to all those affected by the incident.”

“The matter was heard by a division bench here and the next hearing was scheduled for January 2. During the next hearing, the government will be required to present complete details, including the number of patients admitted to various hospitals, the nature of their treatment, and the total number of deaths linked to the incident,” Inani added.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met people who were undergoing treatment after falling ill due to alleged consumption of contaminated water in the district.

The Chief Minister visited hospitals, enquired about the health condition of the patients and reviewed the medical arrangements being provided to them. The CM also interacted with the affected residents and directed authorities to ensure proper and timely treatment for all patients.

After meeting with patients, CM Yadav told reporters, “I visited four-five hospitals and met all the patients undergoing treatment. Everyone’s condition is stable, and proper treatment is being provided in the hospitals. Primarily, action has already been taken against the concerned official for negligence. ACS (Additional Chief Secretary) Sanjay Dubey is here, along with the minister and mayor, to reassess the situation. We have stated that the government will not tolerate any negligence under any circumstances, especially in all areas where there are complaints related to water supply. A thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future,” CM Yadav added.

The Chief Minister also announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all the affected people.

Previously, CM Yadav also directed strict action against the concerned officials responsible for the lapse. Acting on the directions, two officials have been suspended, while one has been dismissed from the service. (ANI)