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Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief serving a 20-year sentence for two rape cases, was granted parole for a month on Tuesday. His release from Haryana’s Sunaria jail comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, raising eyebrows about the timing. According to police sources, Singh was released on Tuesday morning and will visit his ashram in Sirsa, Haryana, marking his first visit there since his conviction in 2017. Singh, who enjoys a massive following in states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, has previously been granted paroles that coincided with elections. Most recently, he was released in October 2024, just days before the Haryana Assembly elections. The timing of Singh’s parole has drawn criticism, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressing disappointment. Taking to social media platform X, she remarked, “Just release him already. At least the farce of repeated paroles will end and so will the pretence of providing justice to victimised women.” The Dera Sacha Sauda chief’s release has reignited debates over the role of influential religious figures in election dynamics. While his past paroles restricted him to his ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, this parole allows him access to his Sirsa headquarters, a hub for his followers across Haryana districts such as Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar. The decision has drawn attention to the potential political implications of Singh’s parole, especially considering his influence over a large voter base. As the elections approach, the move has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and judicial decisions, as well as the broader impact on justice for his victims. 4o

The Madras High Court has rejected an application by Netflix India seeking dismissal of a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by actor-producer Dhanush’s production house, Wunderbar Films. The lawsuit revolves around alleged unauthorised use of behind-the-scenes footage from the movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in Netflix’s documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale. Justice Abdul Quddhose ruled against Netflix India’s plea and scheduled a hearing on Wunderbar Films’ interim injunction application for February 5, 2025. The Lawsuit Wunderbar Films, helmed by Dhanush, alleged that Netflix included behind-the-scenes footage from the 2015 movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in its 2024 documentary about actress Nayanthara without proper authorisation. Dhanush claimed the footage, along with costumes and set materials, constitutes intellectual property owned by the producer. Netflix India’s Defense Netflix India argued that the lawsuit was procedurally flawed because Dhanush sought permission to sue only Netflix India (Los Gatos) and not all defendants, violating the Copyright Act and the Letters Patent Act. The platform also pointed out that the plaintiff had not objected when a photo from the movie set was shared on social media in 2020, raising concerns only after the documentary’s release in 2024. Netflix further argued that the delayed lawsuit lacked urgency and bypassed the mandatory pre-suit mediation required under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act. Wunderbar Films’ Argument Senior Advocate PS Raman, representing Dhanush, countered that the intellectual property rights of the producer covered all movie-related materials, including behind-the-scenes footage. He explained that an email had been sent to Netflix after the documentary’s trailer release, asking them to refrain from using the footage. However, the full extent of the alleged infringement only became evident after the documentary’s release, prompting the lawsuit. What’s Next? The court has decided to proceed with the case and will hear Wunderbar Films’ interim injunction application on February 5, 2025. The decision to dismiss Netflix’s plea underscores the complexity of copyright disputes in the evolving digital content landscape.

The highly anticipated SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, has taken a significant step forward, officially beginning production under the direction of the visionary SS Rajamouli. The film has already captured global attention, and recent updates have only added to the buzz. Earlier reports suggested that Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran was set to play a pivotal role in the film. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Prithviraj has opted out of the project. According to News24, Bollywood actor John Abraham has now been roped in to fill the role. John Abraham’s inclusion has sparked excitement among fans, and some of his scenes are reportedly scheduled to be shot in Hyderabad. SS Rajamouli teased the commencement of the project through a cryptic Instagram post, featuring himself holding a passport alongside a lion behind bars. The post, captioned “Captured,” all but confirmed the film’s production launch. Fans and cast members responded enthusiastically, with Mahesh Babu commenting, “Okkasaari commit ayithe naa maata nene vinanu” and Priyanka Chopra adding, “Finally,” showcasing their excitement. In preparation for the film, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra recently attended a workshop in Hyderabad, where they participated in script-reading sessions and underwent look tests. These early preparations reflect the ambitious scale of the project, which promises to be a cinematic spectacle. With SS Rajamouli at the helm, SSMB29 is expected to be a landmark film that combines a stellar cast, high production values, and an engaging narrative. Fans eagerly await updates on this blockbuster-in-the-making, which is set to redefine Indian cinema on a global scale.

India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this summer, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. The decision was made during Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s recent two-day visit to China for the foreign secretary-vice-minister mechanism meeting. This pilgrimage, halted since the onset of COVID-19 and the Galwan Valley clash of 2020, will now proceed under existing agreements, with discussions on logistics and modalities to follow. In a reciprocal move, India has given an in-principle nod to China’s request to resume direct flights between the two nations. Technical authorities from both sides will now negotiate a framework for restarting air services, a step aimed at facilitating people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions. The two countries also agreed to convene an early meeting of the expert-level mechanism on transborder rivers. As China is an upper riparian state, hydrological data sharing and river management are critical issues requiring careful negotiation. This agreement signals a willingness to cooperate on sensitive matters. The talks also included discussions on strengthening economic and trade ties by addressing specific concerns and promoting long-term policy transparency. Both nations agreed to gradually revive functional exchange mechanisms to tackle priority areas of mutual interest. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration. He urged both nations to “meet each other halfway” and adopt measures that foster trust and support instead of suspicion and alienation. Echoing this sentiment, Beijing’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the need for commitment to mutual achievement and improved ties. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights represents a thaw in relations between the two nations, focusing on cooperation and people-to-people connections while addressing key bilateral issues.

In a fiery statement ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of “mixing poison” in the water being supplied to Delhi. Speaking at a rally, Kejriwal alleged, “The BJP government there is mixing poison in the water coming from Haryana,” calling it an unprecedented level of “dirty politics.” He further questioned the BJP’s actions, saying, “If the people of Delhi are not voting for BJP, will you kill them by giving water mixed with poison?” Kejriwal assured Delhi residents that his government was taking steps to protect them from potential harm. He praised the engineers of the Delhi Jal Board for identifying the contaminated water at the border before it could enter Delhi. “If this water had come into Delhi and mixed with the drinking water, it could have been catastrophic—this would have been a mass genocide,” Kejriwal stated. He added that the contamination was of a kind that Delhi’s water treatment plants could not purify, resulting in water shortages in one-third of the city. Framing the issue as a broader ideological conflict, Kejriwal described the situation as a “battle of ideologies” between AAP and BJP. He also revealed that AAP leaders Atishi and Bhagwant Mann had written to the Election Commission, urging intervention to prevent further crises. “I hope the Election Commission will intervene and save the people of Delhi from this tragedy,” he remarked. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed Kejriwal’s allegations, labeling them as baseless. Saini accused Kejriwal of spreading falsehoods for political mileage. “It is his habit to allege and then run away,” Saini said. Offering to verify water quality at Sonipat, where the Yamuna enters Delhi, he claimed there was no scarcity of water and blamed Kejriwal’s administration for mismanaging distribution. “He cannot manage the water distribution system even after 10 years in power,” Saini stated, adding that Delhi residents would “teach him a lesson” in the elections. The exchange has escalated political tensions, with both parties trading accusations amidst concerns over water quality and public safety in the national capital.

On Republic Day, Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay announced the title of his 69th film as Jana Nayagan. The actor shared two striking posters of the film on X, creating a wave of excitement among fans. The Posters In the first poster, Vijay is seen taking a selfie with a large crowd, standing on a raised platform. The crowd, all dressed in white and appearing to be engaged in sloganeering, looks up at him as he smiles into the camera. Vijay exudes charisma in a navy-blue shirt, grey trousers, and stylish black wayfarers. The second poster shows a grittier side, with Vijay wielding a whip. He is dressed in a grey shirt and brown pants, giving off a powerful and commanding vibe. About Jana Nayagan Billed as a political action thriller, Jana Nayagan is directed by H. Vinoth and features a star-studded cast, including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Gautham Vasudev Menon. Priyamani, Mamita Baiju, and Prakash Raj also play pivotal roles. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, ensuring a high-energy soundtrack. The film, produced by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions, is slated to release in October 2025. Co-producers Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith N.K are also attached to the project. Vijay’s Political Journey Jana Nayagan holds special significance as it is reportedly Vijay’s final film before he fully transitions into politics. The actor launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in February 2024 and has announced plans to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Fans’ Excitement Vijay’s fans are thrilled about the film, with the posters sparking discussions about its political undertones and action-packed storyline. Social media is abuzz with speculation about how Jana Nayagan will reflect Vijay’s political aspirations. With Jana Nayagan, Thalapathy Vijay is all set to deliver a powerful cinematic experience while signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his life. 4o

Shah Rukh Khan proved once again why he’s a global superstar, captivating fans at Dubai’s Global Village with his charm, wit, and electrifying performance. The Jawan star, who turns 60 this year, left the crowd mesmerized, declaring, “I might be turning 60, but I feel like I’m just 30.” Reveals Details About King While interacting with fans, Shah Rukh confirmed that Siddharth Anand, who directed his blockbuster Pathaan, is helming his upcoming film King. Putting rumors to rest, he stated, “Siddharth Anand is very strict. He told me not to share any details about the film, but I promise it will be entertaining.” This revelation clarifies earlier speculation that Sujoy Ghosh was directing the project. With his signature humor, Shah Rukh joked about the film’s title, saying, “We’ve run out of titles. Now it’s Shah Rukh Khan as Shah Rukh Khan in King. A bit of a show-off, isn’t it?” A Night of Entertainment and Nostalgia SRK took the stage by storm, dancing to fan-favorite tracks like “Chaleya” and “Zinda Banda” from Jawan and the iconic “Chammak Challo” from Ra.One. His high-energy performance brought a wave of nostalgia, and he delighted the audience with his iconic dialogue from Jawan: “Bete ko haath lagane se pehle baap se baat kar.” A Message of Respect In addition to entertaining, Shah Rukh took a moment to share a heartfelt message. “Men around the world, please show immense respect to all women you meet. Understand them first, and then do whatever you want. Respect is the most important thing.” Age Is Just a Number Shah Rukh’s playful remark about his age stole the show: “I’m turning 60 this year, but damn, I look like 30.” Fans couldn’t agree more, celebrating his timeless charisma and energy.

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant has issued a warning to the makers of the historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, insisting that the film be screened for “experts” before its release. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is based on the life and reign of the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and is slated for a February 14 release. While appreciating the effort to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Samant emphasized that any content deemed offensive to the warrior king’s honor would not be tolerated. He noted that several individuals had flagged “objectionable scenes” in the movie, prompting the demand for an expert review before public release. “Our position is that this film should not be released without first showing it to experts and knowledgeable people. Anything that will harm the honor of the Maharaj will not be tolerated,” Samant wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The minister further warned that the release of Chhaava could be blocked if the filmmakers fail to address these concerns. He called on the producers and directors to act responsibly and remove any potentially objectionable content, adding, “A further decision will be taken after watching the film; otherwise, this film will not be allowed to be released.” Samant’s remarks reflect the sensitive nature of historical portrayals in cinema, particularly those based on revered figures like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and the importance of ensuring such films align with cultural and historical sensitivities.

‘Sky Force’ Shines with ₹61.75 Crore Domestic Total ‘Emergency’ Struggles in Second Week Weekend Box Office TrendsWhile Sky Force continues to attract audiences with its action-packed storyline and patriotic theme, Emergency struggles to maintain momentum, reflecting contrasting audience preferences for historical dramas and military thrillers.

What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s nerves, often triggered by infections such as Campylobacter jejuni. It is characterized by weakness, tingling, or paralysis that can escalate quickly and requires immediate medical attention. Link to Campylobacter jejuniCampylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly associated with stomach infections, is a major trigger for GBS. It spreads through: Symptoms of GBS Is GBS Contagious?GBS is not contagious. It is an autoimmune condition triggered by prior infections. According to Dr. Pradyumna Oak from Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, recent outbreaks may be linked to a foodborne infection such as Campylobacter jejuni, but it does not spread person-to-person. Preventive Measures Call to ActionWhile the outbreak is concerning, it is essential not to panic. Early detection and treatment of GBS within two weeks can significantly improve outcomes. Stay vigilant, follow food safety guidelines, and boost immunity to protect against infections.