Author: Supriya Jena

  • Narender Mann Appointed as Special Prosecutor for 26/11 Case

    Narender Mann Appointed as Special Prosecutor for 26/11 Case

    In New Delhi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has chosen lawyer Narender Mann to be the Special Public Prosecutor for the trial against Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who is accused of involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

    Narender Mann graduated from Delhi University in 1990. He has worked with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and has been involved in many important cases. For example, he handled the case of a plot to kill former Chief Justice A N Ray and many other high-profile cases like the Commonwealth Games scams and Bofors scandal.

    The government’s announcement, made on April 9, stated that Mann will work as a Special Public Prosecutor to manage the trial relating to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) case against Rana for three years or until the trial ends.

    Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 64, is known to be connected to David Coleman Headley, who is one of the main conspirators of the attacks. Rana is reportedly on his way to India after the US Supreme Court refused his plea against being extradited to India.

    On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists from Pakistan attacked Mumbai, hitting places like the CST train station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish center. This horrifying event lasted three days and resulted in the death of 166 people.

  • BJP Launches Campaign to Clarify Waqf Act Benefits for Muslims

    BJP Launches Campaign to Clarify Waqf Act Benefits for Muslims

    The BJP, a political party in India, is starting a two-week campaign to inform people, especially Muslims, about the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This campaign will run from April 20. BJP President JP Nadda and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will talk to party members about the benefits of the law. Many party leaders from across the country attended a workshop where they were told that the opposition parties are misleading Muslims about this law for votes.

    Nadda mentioned that the government wants to help “pasmanda” (backward) Muslims and women by giving them a say in how Waqf properties are managed. He believes that the new law, which started on April 8, will allow Waqf properties to be used to help poor Muslims and women. This way, these properties will be managed more openly and fairly, rather than by a select few people.

    The BJP leaders said that the new law does not take away Muslims’ rights to manage their religious matters. They explained that having non-Muslims on the Waqf Council and boards is just about managing properties, not about religion. The party plans to hold press meetings and discussions with Muslim community members. They have also prepared answers to common questions (in Urdu, too) to tackle criticisms of the law from some Muslim groups and opposition parties, who claim it is unconstitutional and takes away Muslim rights.

    Key BJP leaders, including Radha Mohan Das Agrawal and Jamal Siddiqui, will lead this campaign, which will go on until May 5. Meanwhile, some Muslim organizations and opposition leaders have gone to the Supreme Court to challenge the law’s constitutionality, and the court will hear the case on April 16.

  • Fake Bomb Threat at Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid: All Clear

    Fake Bomb Threat at Delhi’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid: All Clear

    On Thursday morning, there was a fake bomb threat at two famous places in Delhi: Red Fort and Jama Masjid. A call came in at 9:03 AM saying there was a bomb in these historical sites. The Delhi Fire Services acted quickly, sending a fire truck and teams to examine the locations carefully. After a thorough check, they found no signs of anything dangerous. The Delhi Police also had their bomb disposal teams check the area but confirmed that it was just a hoax call. Everyone is safe, and there was no real threat.

  • Bhool Chuk Maaf: Rajkummar Rao’s Comedic Time Loop Adventure

    Bhool Chuk Maaf: Rajkummar Rao’s Comedic Time Loop Adventure

    Maddock Films has just released the trailer for their new movie, “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. The nearly three-minute trailer gives us a glimpse into the story, which focuses on Rajkummar’s character, Ranjan. He’s in a tricky situation because he finds out he’s stuck in a time loop, just a day before his wedding to Titli, played by Wamiqa Gabbi.

    What’s causing this strange time loop, and how can Ranjan break free from it?

    In the trailer, we see Ranjan in Varanasi, trying hard to impress Titli and her family. To gain their approval, he is desperate to get a government job before their marriage. But everything feels off on this important day. While Ranjan knows he’s stuck repeating the same day, no one else, not even Titli, has a clue. How will Ranjan fix this mess? The trailer promises a mix of chaos and humor as their wedding plans spiral into unexpected situations.

    Fans have reacted positively to the trailer. One fan said, “Maddock Films keeps getting better, especially with Rajkummar Rao’s amazing acting!” Another fan mentioned, “This is a perfect role for Rajkummar; he has a talent for making the same scene feel fresh in different ways.” The overall feeling is excitement for the clever story idea and stunning visuals that Maddock Films often brings to their projects.

    “Bhool Chuk Maaf” is the third film released by Maddock Films this year, following hits like “Sky Force” with Akshay Kumar and “Chhaava” starring Vicky Kaushal. The movie is set to hit theaters on May 9.

  • Tamannaah Bhatia Prays at Temple for Odela 2 Success

    Tamannaah Bhatia Prays at Temple for Odela 2 Success

    Actor Tamannaah Bhatia is making sure her new movie, Odela 2, is a hit. To seek blessings, she visited Babulnath Temple in Mumbai. Dressed in a beautiful white sari with a red border, she offered prayers for her film, touching the hearts of her fans and the temple priest.

    In a video that went viral online, the priest praised Tamannaah for her dedication. He asked her if she climbed all the steps of the temple, and she replied yes! He was impressed and said, “You are blessed, goddess. This is compassion.”

    On Her Role in Odela 2

    Tamannaah talked about being cast in the film, especially since people often call her a “milky beauty.” She responded confidently, saying, “Glamour in women should be celebrated. We must love ourselves so others can respect us too.”

    About the Movie

    In Odela 2, Tamannaah plays the role of a sadhvi named Shiva Shakti, who comes to a village called Odela to battle evil forces. The film also stars many talented actors, including Vasishta N Simha and Pooja Reddy. The movie was filmed in Kashi and is produced by D Madhu and Sampath. It is set to be released in theaters on April 17.

  • RCB vs DC: Thrilling Match Day at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

    RCB vs DC: Thrilling Match Day at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

    The excitement is building for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) get ready to face off against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the famous M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams are in great shape early in the season, making this match super exciting!

    RCB, led by the energetic Rajat Patidar, wants to bounce back after a recent loss to the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, DC, captained by Axar Patel, is hoping to keep their winning streak alive, having won all three of their matches so far.

    The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for helping players score a lot of runs. The pitch usually has good bounce for bowlers, especially in the first part of the match, which can help teams set or chase big scores. But as the game goes on, the dew could make the ball slippery, which can be tough for bowlers. Both teams will need to change their game plans because of the stadium’s batting-friendly surface.

    ### Bengaluru Weather Update:
    The weather looks mostly cloudy with temperatures between 25°C and 31°C in the evening. While the weather seems great for cricket, there might be thunderstorms with rain expected around 8 PM to 9 PM IST. This could interrupt the match, adding some unpredictability. Both teams are hoping for a clear sky so they can play a full and exciting game to earn important points in the IPL.

  • Delhi High Court Questions Hold on Malabar Gold’s Bank Accounts

    Delhi High Court Questions Hold on Malabar Gold’s Bank Accounts

    New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has asked the Indian government to explain why it has paused two bank accounts of Malabar Gold, a well-known jewellery store. This happened after the store sold some gold items to a company that is under investigation for fraud.

    Justice Sachin Datta, who is handling the case, wants to know if the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have received any complaints about Malabar Gold that would justify the investigation.

    Malabar Gold and Diamonds Ltd filed a petition asking the government to lift the hold on their accounts at State Bank of India and HDFC Bank. The court has asked the authorities to provide a report within a week explaining why the accounts were frozen.

    The court is also looking for information about whether Malabar Gold is being investigated based on any complaints. The case is scheduled for a hearing on April 21, and an officer from I4C is expected to attend.

    Malabar Gold said they are in the business of buying and selling gold and precious stones. In July 2024, a private company approached them to buy gold bars and coins, and they followed all the proper processes, including verifying the buyer’s identity.

    Later, a complaint was made against this buyer for fraud, and Malabar Gold insisted they are not involved. However, authorities decided to freeze their bank accounts, halting their business and violating their rights.

  • Rana Extradited: Key Figure in Mumbai Terror Attacks Finally Faces Justice

    Rana Extradited: Key Figure in Mumbai Terror Attacks Finally Faces Justice

    The recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was an important success for Indian authorities. This lengthy process included talks with the United States, keeping Rana in custody as he was about to be released, and gathering proof of his involvement.

    Rana is a 64-year-old Canadian citizen born in Pakistan. He was arrested by the U.S. on October 18, 2009, just weeks after his friend David Coleman Headley was taken into custody. India had also asked the U.S. to extradite Headley, but the U.S. refused because he admitted his role in terrorist activities and agreed to help in investigations, which included a promise not to extradite him.

    Rana was tried on charges of helping terrorists in both India and Denmark. India issued a warrant for his arrest in 2018, as they wanted to charge him with serious crimes like conspiracy and terrorism. In 2011, Rana was convicted of terrorism related to Denmark but was found not guilty regarding India. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but after serving seven years, he was granted an early release due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he was rearrested on June 10, 2020, because India requested his extradition.

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India was regularly working with U.S. authorities to gather evidence against Rana and Headley. They made visits to the U.S. to provide necessary details and support. Rana had British lawyer Paul Garlick, while Indian lawyer Dayan Krishnan helped pro bono during the extradition process.

    Rana tried to weaken Headley’s credibility in court by claiming that Headley was a dishonest person who had previously cooperated with authorities for his own benefit. But the court did not believe him and approved Rana’s extradition on May 16, 2023.

    Rana attempted to avoid extradition by saying he would face double punishment for the same crime if sent to India, but a U.S. law analysis confirmed that this was not the case. After other legal attempts failed, including appeals to higher courts, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately rejected his pleas.

    The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, approved Rana’s extradition, which officials did during Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February. The extradition went through because India assured the U.S. that Rana would be treated fairly and not tortured in Indian jails.

    Finally, Rana was handed over to Indian officials, who flew him back on a special plane where he would be officially arrested upon arrival. This extradition showed the strong diplomatic ties between India and the U.S., making it easier to overcome legal challenges.

  • Good Bad Ugly Review: Ajith Kumar Shines in Flashy Action Film

    Good Bad Ugly Review: Ajith Kumar Shines in Flashy Action Film

    Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan
    Director: Adhik Ravichandran
    Star Rating: ★★★

    Good Bad Ugly is a loud and flashy movie that really likes to show off its star, Ajith Kumar. While it’s entertaining, the story is pretty thin and stretched out.

    What’s the Story?
    Ajith plays a gangster called Red Dragon. He wants to change his life for the sake of his wife, Ramya (Trisha), and son, Vihaan. When Ramya tells him he can’t see Vihaan until he leaves crime, he surrenders to the police. While he’s in prison, Ramya and Vihaan move to Spain, pretending that he is on a business trip. After AK (Ajith) gets out of jail, they plan to leave India together. But then, trouble strikes when local gangsters attack, and Vihaan gets kidnapped. AK must fight to save his son!

    Ajith shines in a role made just for him
    Ajith’s fans will love this movie! It has cool action scenes, catchy songs, and moments that make him look amazing on screen. The first half of the movie is fast and fun. But the second half slows down a bit, especially during a long scene that could have been shorter.

    The movie puts a lot of pressure on Ajith to do well, and he does. He steals the show as Red Dragon, and fans will cheer for him. However, there are too many villains, and they don’t make a strong impact. Ajith deserves a single, powerful enemy instead. Trisha’s character feels too simple and predictable.

    There are also many surprise guest appearances by familiar faces, but not all of them work well in the story.

    Problems with the story
    The story itself is weak and not very emotional. Some dialogues are exciting but don’t always hit the mark. It often references Ajith’s old movies and even copies lines from other stars.

    The music adds excitement to Ajith’s scenes, and the cinematography looks good, but some editing could have been better.

    In the end, Good Bad Ugly is like a tribute to Ajith Kumar from the director. It’s action-packed with lots of style and star power, even if it doesn’t tell a strong story. This movie is mainly for fans who have been waiting to see their hero back on screen!

  • Saskatchewan MLA Apologizes for Calling Jagmeet Singh a Terrorist

    Saskatchewan MLA Apologizes for Calling Jagmeet Singh a Terrorist

    In Canada, a politician named Racquel Hilbert, who works for the government in Saskatchewan, said something very wrong about a leader named Jagmeet Singh from the New Democratic Party (NDP). On March 25, during a speech, she called Singh a “terrorist,” which upset many people.

    After realizing her mistake, she apologized and said she was sorry for her comment. She explained that she shouldn’t have said that, especially since Singh has never been charged with any crime in India, including terrorism.

    Singh was denied a visa to India in 2013, but there are no charges against him. In 2018, it was reported that he spoke at a 2015 event that had a poster of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a person linked to a violent movement in India during the 1980s.

    Singh mentioned that while he didn’t care much about the comments made about him, he was really concerned because they came from a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).

    It’s important to note that Saskatchewan has strong trade connections with India. In 2023, trade between Canada and India reached $5.1 billion, with Saskatchewan contributing 26% of that, which is over $1.3 billion. Much of this trade includes important goods like lentils and potash.