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Resignation Amid Allegations Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet on Tuesday following allegations linking his close associate, Walmik Karad, to the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Chief Minister Fadnavis called for Munde’s resignation in light of the charges. “Dhananjay Munde submitted his resignation today, which I have accepted and forwarded to the governor for further action,” Fadnavis announced. Aaditya Thackeray’s Criticism of the Government Reacting strongly to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the state government, asserting that a mere resignation would not resolve the crisis. He called for the dismissal of the entire administration, citing a deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. “Resignation is not the solution. This government should be dismissed. The law and order situation is terrible. No one is safe here,” Thackeray remarked. Munde’s Statement on Resignation After stepping down, Munde took to social media to clarify his stance. In his tweet, he emphasized his consistent demand for the harshest punishment for those involved in the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh. He also expressed emotional distress upon seeing recent images related to the case. “The investigation has been completed, and the chargesheet has been filed in court. A judicial inquiry has also been proposed. Considering my health condition, which has not been well for the past few days, doctors have advised me to undergo treatment. Therefore, for medical reasons as well, I have submitted my resignation,” Munde stated. CID Chargesheet and Political Discussions On Monday night, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar discussed the implications of the Crime Investigation Department’s (CID) chargesheet with Fadnavis. The chargesheet, which details the murder and two related incidents, names Walmik Karad as the prime accused. Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case The case revolves around the abduction, torture, and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, on December 9, 2023. Investigations suggest that Deshmukh was targeted for opposing extortion attempts tied to an energy company operating in the district. On February 27, the CID submitted a 1,200-page chargesheet to the Beed district court, covering the murder and two linked incidents. The Kej police station in Beed has registered three separate cases—the murder of Deshmukh, an attempted extortion by Avaada Energy Company, and an assault on the company’s security guard. Authorities have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused. So far, seven individuals have been arrested under MCOCA provisions, while one suspect remains at large. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s Statement Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale, whose Republican Party of India (RPI) is an NDA ally, commented on the case, stating that while Munde may not be directly involved in the murder, he should resign on moral grounds. He pointed out Munde’s close ties to Karad, the prime accused, and confirmed that the CID has established Karad’s involvement in the crime. Who is Dhananjay Munde? Dhananjay Munde, 49, is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), representing the Parli constituency in Beed. He is the nephew of late BJP veteran Gopinath Munde and the cousin of Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde. Munde joined the NCP in 2013 and later aligned with Ajit Pawar when the party split in 2023. He previously served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and held a ministerial position in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) Girish Kohli’s Crazxy starts as an exhilarating one-character thriller, leveraging everyday realities like spam calls and prank FM shows to weave a tense, fast-paced narrative. However, as the film progresses, its gripping premise falters under the weight of an inconsistent second half and a climax that demands suspension of logic. Plot Summary Dr. Abhimanyu (Sohum Shah), a flawed surgeon with a complicated personal life, receives a chilling ransom call while en route to the hospital for a critical deal. The caller, whose deep baritone (Tinnu Anand) hints at a personal connection, informs him that his daughter has been kidnapped. With time ticking until sunset, Abhimanyu races against the clock to save her, encountering misleading clues and conflicting voices that challenge his perception of the truth. The film operates mostly through conversations—an ex-wife (Nimisha Sajayan) who doubts his intentions, a current girlfriend (Shilpa Shukla) who fuels suspicion, and a boss (Piyush Mishra) who believes the doctor is faking the crisis. As the highway chase unfolds, the tension builds through sharp dialogue and an unsettling background score. What Works ✅ Gripping First Half: The film’s opening is a masterclass in suspense. The urgency, the psychological mind games, and the clever use of sound (including an Inquilab musical callback) keep the audience hooked. ✅ Sohum Shah’s Performance: He carries the film on his shoulders, excelling as a morally ambiguous character who is as desperate as he is unreliable. ✅ Inventive Cinematic Techniques: The use of radio pranks, a Sarkar ringtone, and real-time conversations add layers to the storytelling. ✅ A Thrilling Multitasking Scene: A standout moment where Abhimanyu juggles two life-altering deadlines simultaneously showcases human endurance at its peak. What Falls Short ❌ Second-Half Stumbles: Once Abhimanyu crosses the Delhi border, the film shifts from a taut thriller to an implausible drama, expecting viewers to leave logic behind. ❌ Underwhelming Third Act: The climax feels like an extended showreel for Sohum rather than a satisfying conclusion. ❌ Too Many Red Herrings, Too Few Payoffs: The film introduces numerous twists, but not all of them land effectively, leaving the final reveal less impactful than intended. Final Verdict Crazxy is a film with an exciting premise and a strong lead performance, but it gradually loses its grip as it veers into the unbelievable. While the first half delivers edge-of-the-seat tension, the second half meanders, making it a film that entertains but doesn’t fully satisfy. Verdict: A gripping yet inconsistent thriller. Worth a watch for its performances and first half! 🎭

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully captures the spirit of small-town dreamers, their passion for filmmaking, and their relentless pursuit of artistic expression. The film is a tribute to those who dare to dream despite limited resources, creating their own cinematic world against all odds. Plot Summary Nasir (Adarsh Gourav) is a theatre owner in Malegaon, where cinema is both a luxury and an escape. In a town with few theatres, owners battle to screen the latest films for profit. However, Nasir’s true passion lies in filmmaking. Together with his friends—Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), a struggling writer, and Shafique (Shashank Arora), a mill worker with a love for acting—he sets out to make a parody of Sholay. Their creation becomes a local sensation, but success brings challenges. As greed, ambition, and personal conflicts threaten to tear them apart, a tragedy reunites them for one last grand project—Superman of Malegaon. This film becomes a testament to their resilience, friendship, and love for cinema. Script Analysis Reema Kagti delivers a layered script that goes beyond a mere underdog story. While the humor and charm of their Sholay parody provide entertainment, the film also delves into the complexities of ambition, teamwork, and creative differences. Nasir’s journey is particularly striking, portraying how success can lead to arrogance but also how friendship and shared passion can heal rifts. The final scene, where the characters witness their hard work come to life, is an emotional high point—a true “chef’s kiss” moment that embodies the film’s heart. Performances Final Verdict Superboys of Malegaon is a heartwarming, inspiring, and deeply emotional film that celebrates the spirit of independent filmmaking. It highlights the power of cinema to bring people together, tell unheard stories, and fuel dreams. With strong performances, a well-crafted script, and moments of pure cinematic joy, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies and the stories behind them. Verdict: A must-watch for cinephiles and dreamers alike! 🎬✨

The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) office in Bhopal, operating from a leased house, has been locked by the landlord allegedly due to non-payment of rent for three months. AAP Cites Financial Struggles Addressing the situation, Madhya Pradesh AAP joint secretary Ramakant Patel admitted the party’s financial difficulties. “All this happens when we work with honesty. Things will improve. We are honest. Right now, our party does not have funds, so we couldn’t pay the rent,” Patel told PTI over the phone. He further explained that AAP’s state operations rely on local funds, but the financial condition of its workers is not strong. However, Patel said he was unsure about the exact amount of pending rent or the duration of the non-payment. BJP Takes a Dig at AAP The incident drew a sharp reaction from the BJP, with state party spokesman Narendra Saluja mocking AAP on social media. “AAP’s MP office locked, next number is of Congress,” he wrote on X. AAP’s Recent Electoral Setback The financial troubles come amid a major electoral setback for AAP in the recent Delhi assembly polls. The BJP secured a massive victory, winning 48 of the 70 seats, while AAP was reduced to just 22 seats. The defeat marked a significant blow to Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, raising questions about the party’s future trajectory.

The much-anticipated teaser for Kannappa was released on Saturday, offering a gripping glimpse into the journey of Thinnadu, a fearless warrior who undergoes a profound transformation to become a devoted disciple of Lord Shiva. Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu The over-a-minute-long teaser introduces Vishnu Manchu as Thinnadu, a warrior whose faith is shaken after witnessing the horrors of war and the loss of his soldiers. The film’s core revolves around his spiritual awakening and unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. Star-Studded Cast The teaser also features Akshay Kumar as Lord Shiva and Kajal Aggarwal as Goddess Parvati. Mohanlal appears as Kirata, while the most electrifying moment is Prabhas’s grand entry as Rudra in the final seconds. Accompanied by an intense background score, high-octane action sequences, and powerful dialogues, the teaser promises a visually spectacular cinematic experience. Director & Team Speak on Kannappa During a media showcase in Mumbai, director Mukesh Kumar Singh shared his vision, stating, “Kannappa is more than just a story; it is a tribute to faith, devotion, and transformation. We have meticulously crafted every frame to bring this legendary tale to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences while staying true to its roots.” Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role, added, “This film is incredibly close to my heart. It brings to life a historical tale often referred to as mythology. By Lord Shiva’s blessings, everything has fallen into place, from the breathtaking locations to the incredible star cast. The overwhelming response at Cannes was just the beginning, and I can’t wait for audiences in India to witness this epic on the big screen.” About the Film Kannappa is a mythological drama inspired by the story of Bhakta Kannappa, a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Produced by M. Mohan Babu, the film was first showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. It is set to hit theaters on April 25, 2025.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently addressed the criticism his film Animal received, particularly from IAS officer and UPSC professor Vikas Divyakirti. Speaking on the Game Changers podcast, Sandeep expressed frustration over how people scrutinized Animal extensively while ignoring critical social issues. Sandeep Recalls Vikas Divyakirti’s Comments Referring to Divyakirti’s comments, Sandeep said, “There is this IAS officer. In a very serious interview, he said, ‘Movies like Animal shouldn’t be made.’ The way he said it, I literally felt like I had committed a crime. He compared Animal to 12th Fail, saying one film inspires people while the other pulls society backward.” “Cracking IAS is Easier Than Making Films” – Sandeep Responding to the criticism, Sandeep argued that becoming an IAS officer is a structured process, whereas filmmaking is not something that can be taught. “If someone attacks unnecessarily, anger is natural. I feel that if you go to Delhi, enroll in an institute, and dedicate 2-3 years, you can crack IAS. There are limited books—around 1,500—but there is no set course or teacher that can make you a filmmaker and a writer,” he stated. Vikas Divyakirti’s Criticism of Animal Last year, Divyakirti criticized Animal in an interview with Neelesh Misra, stating that the film takes society “10 years backward” and has no social value. He questioned whether filmmakers were only working for financial gains rather than making films with meaningful messages. About Animal Released in 2023, Animal is an action drama directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri. The film received mixed reviews, facing criticism for glorifying toxic masculinity and misogyny, but was a massive commercial success.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted claims of voter roll manipulation, clarifying that duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers do not indicate “fake or duplicate voters.” The statement comes after concerns were raised on social media and by opposition leaders regarding identical EPIC numbers assigned to voters in different states. Clarification on EPIC Number Duplication In a statement issued on Sunday, the ECI explained that the duplication of EPIC numbers is a result of different states using the same alphanumeric series before the adoption of a centralised system. The Commission assured that while some electors may have identical EPIC numbers, their demographic details, Assembly Constituency, and polling booth remain unique. “The EPIC number alone does not determine a voter’s eligibility. Every voter can cast a ballot only at their designated polling station in their respective constituency,” the ECI clarified, dismissing concerns of voter fraud. Steps to Address EPIC Number Duplication The ECI acknowledged that a previous decentralised system allowed different State/UT CEO offices to issue similar EPIC numbers, leading to duplication across states. To prevent further confusion, the Commission has decided to assign unique EPIC numbers to all voters and enhance the ERONET 2.0 platform to streamline the electoral roll management process. “Any case of duplicate EPIC numbers will be rectified by allotting a unique identifier. The ERONET 2.0 platform will be upgraded to facilitate this process,” the ECI assured. Political Controversy Over Voter Roll Allegations The clarification follows accusations from opposition parties alleging voter roll tampering. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently claimed that additional voters were added to Maharashtra’s electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections to manipulate results. Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the ruling government of including names from Haryana and Gujarat in Bengal’s voter list under identical EPIC numbers. Despite these allegations, the ECI has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent electoral process, assuring the public that necessary measures are being taken to rectify past inconsistencies.

The Delhi Government will stop supplying petrol to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city starting April 1, 2025, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday. The decision is part of stringent measures to curb vehicular emissions and combat air pollution in the national capital. Strict Measures to Control Pollution After a meeting with officials to discuss air pollution control strategies, Sirsa revealed that new policies are being implemented, including restrictions on older vehicles, mandatory anti-smog measures, and a transition to electric public transport. “We are installing gadgets at petrol pumps to identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them,” Sirsa stated. He also mentioned that the Delhi Government would notify the Union Ministry of Petroleum regarding the decision. Anti-Smog Measures for Commercial Complexes In addition to restricting fuel supply for older vehicles, Sirsa announced that all high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes in Delhi must install anti-smog guns to help reduce pollution levels. Transition to Electric Public Transport Sirsa further stated that nearly 90% of Delhi’s public CNG buses will be phased out by December 2025 and replaced by electric buses. This initiative is a key step in the government’s push for cleaner and sustainable public transport. Delhi’s Ongoing Battle Against Air Pollution The announcements align with Delhi’s broader efforts to tackle its severe air pollution problem, which continues to pose significant health risks to residents. With these measures, the government aims to make a substantial impact on improving air quality in the city.

The death count in the Uttarakhand avalanche tragedy in Chamoli district has increased to five after a body was recovered this afternoon. Three workers remain missing as rescue operations continue under challenging weather conditions. Avalanche Strikes Labour Camp Near Mana Village The avalanche struck the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour site near Mana village, just 5 km from the Badrinath Temple, on Friday. The disaster buried 54 workers inside eight containers and a shed under thick layers of snow. Rescue efforts began immediately, with 33 workers pulled out by Friday night and another 17 rescued on Saturday. Unfortunately, four of the rescued workers succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Rescue Operations Hampered by Harsh Weather Heavy snowfall and rain have severely impacted rescue operations, forcing temporary halts over the last two nights. Relief teams are working at an altitude of over 3,200 metres, where temperatures have dropped to -12 degrees Celsius. Due to difficult terrain and adverse weather, much of the rescue work on Saturday was conducted using helicopters from the Army and Air Force. More than 200 personnel from various agencies, including the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administration, and health department, are engaged in the operation. Six helicopters, including three from the Indian Army Aviation Corps, two from the Indian Air Force, and a civil chopper hired by the Army, have been deployed for the mission. Advanced Equipment Deployed for Search Efforts Officials are using high-tech RECCO radars, drones, and avalanche rescue dogs to trace the missing workers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the site on Saturday and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue efforts. He assured that the Centre and state government are working together to ensure all possible assistance for those affected. Survivors Recall the Horror Several survivors of the avalanche have shared harrowing accounts of the disaster. Manoj Bhandari, one of the workers at the site, recalled waking up to a “mountain of snow” rushing down the peak. “I shouted to alert everyone and ran behind a loader machine to save myself,” he said. Another worker, Gopal Joshi, described the terrifying moment when the avalanche struck. “Snow was already falling outside when, around 6 am, we heard a loud thunder. As we looked up, we saw a massive wall of snow coming toward us. I ran as fast as I could, but the deep snow slowed me down. After two hours, ITBP soldiers arrived and rescued us,” he recounted. With three workers still missing, rescue efforts continue on a war footing as authorities battle harsh weather to locate the remaining victims.

New Delhi: Abhay Singh, widely known as IIT Baba, has claimed that he was assaulted during a televised news debate at a private studio in Noida. According to a complaint filed with the police, Singh alleged that a group of saffron-clad individuals stormed the newsroom, misbehaved with him, and attacked him with sticks. Protest and Police Intervention Following the incident, Singh staged a protest outside a police outpost in Noida’s Sector 126, demanding swift action. However, he later withdrew his protest after authorities assured him that they would investigate and take necessary action. From Aerospace Engineer to Controversial Sadhu An IIT-Mumbai graduate in aerospace engineering, Abhay Singh’s transformation into a sadhu has fascinated many. His rise to fame began around the time of the Maha Kumbh, but it is his bold statements and controversial predictions that have kept him in the public eye. Trolled Over Cricket Prediction Gone Wrong Recently, IIT Baba became the target of heavy trolling after his prediction about India’s defeat in a high-profile cricket match against Pakistan went completely wrong. Before the Champions Trophy clash, he had confidently declared that India had no chance of winning, even challenging Virat Kohli and the team to prove him wrong. “Iss bar India nahi jeetegi. Virat Kohli aur sabko bol do ki jeet ke dikha dein. Maine bola nahi jeetegi India toh nahi jeetegi (India will not win this time. Tell Virat Kohli and Co. to try their best, but they won’t. If I say they won’t win, they won’t),” he had claimed in a podcast. However, after India’s dominant victory, social media was flooded with memes and jokes at his expense, with netizens ridiculing his failed prophecy. What’s Next for ‘IIT Baba’? With the police now looking into the alleged assault, it remains to be seen what action will be taken. Meanwhile, Singh continues to draw attention, both for his spiritual journey and his often-provocative statements.