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As the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday unveiled the party’s ‘middle-class manifesto’ and called on the Centre to dedicate the Union Budget 2025, scheduled for February 1, to addressing the concerns of India’s middle class. Kejriwal’s Seven Demands for the Middle Class Kejriwal’s Call to Action Kejriwal declared AAP as the voice of the middle class, promising to represent their issues from the streets to Parliament. Criticizing the Centre’s tax policies, he emphasized the need for systemic reforms to empower India’s true superpower—the middle class. “We demand a budget that reflects the aspirations of the middle class, eases their financial burdens, and ensures a better future for all,” Kejriwal concluded.

Mandeep Singh, a 42-year-old former national kabaddi player from Punjab’s Kapurthala district, has been arrested by the IGI Airport police for allegedly operating an illegal immigration racket under the guise of an IELTS coaching center. The Case Unfolds The scam came to light when 20-year-old Maninder Pal Singh, a deportee from Jalandhar, was apprehended at Delhi’s IGI Airport on December 14 for tampering with his passport. Missing pages, altered visas, and fake immigration stamps uncovered during scrutiny pointed to a larger fraudulent operation. Maninder revealed that Mandeep had assured him of safe passage to the United States for ₹41 lakh. The illegal journey included a convoluted route through Kazakhstan, Dubai, Senegal, Libya, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, with forged documents used to conceal illegal stays. However, US authorities detected the fraud, leading to Maninder’s deportation and triggering the investigation. The Arrest Acting on intelligence, a police team apprehended Mandeep from Moga, recovering a licensed pistol from his possession. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the immigration racket. A Fall from Grace Once a national kabaddi and handball player, Mandeep had achieved academic success and secured a position as a physical training teacher in a government school. However, driven by the lure of quick money, he leveraged his network and turned to illegal immigration operations, police said. Implications Mandeep’s case highlights the growing challenge of illegal immigration scams exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. Authorities are expanding the investigation to identify other victims and associates involved in the racket.

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor is set to make a powerful comeback in the action genre with his upcoming film Deva, where he plays an intense and angry police officer. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film promises high-octane action sequences, intriguing drama, and a unique approach to its storytelling. A Secretive Climax In a bold creative move, the makers of Deva have shot multiple climaxes for the film. According to sources, the final ending has been kept a closely guarded secret, and even the cast and crew are unaware of which version has made it to the final cut. This strategy aims to heighten the suspense for both the team and the audience, ensuring an extra layer of intrigue. Trailer Highlights The recently released Deva trailer has set the internet abuzz, showcasing Shahid Kapoor in an intense avatar. As a fierce police officer, Shahid is seen delivering hard-hitting dialogues like “I am mafia…” while engaging in gripping action scenes involving fistfights and gun battles. The trailer also teases a showdown between the police and gangsters, adding to fans’ excitement. Shahid’s Return to Action Deva marks Shahid’s return to the action genre after critically acclaimed performances in films like Haidar, Kaminey, and Bloody Daddy. Fans, who have long awaited his action-packed comeback, are eager to see him in this high-energy role. Star Cast and Release Date The film boasts a talented cast, including Pooja Hegde as the lead female character Devi, along with Pavel Gulati, Pravesh Rana, and Kubra Sait in pivotal roles. Deva is set to hit theatres on January 31, 2025, promising a thrilling cinematic experience for audiences. With the combination of Shahid Kapoor’s intense performance, Rosshan Andrrews’ direction, and the mystery surrounding the film’s climax, Deva is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2025.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s petition challenging the designation of the Pataudi family’s property in Bhopal as “enemy property” was dismissed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on December 13, 2024. Justice Vivek Agarwal, in a single-bench decision, directed Khan to file an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal, though no action has yet been taken by the actor or his family. The Dispute The controversy stems from a 2014 notice issued by the Custodian of Enemy Property Department, declaring properties linked to the Pataudi family as “enemy property.” Valued at approximately ₹15,000 crores, the assets span areas from Kohefiza to Chiklod in Bhopal. The dispute intensified after a 2016 ordinance by the Government of India clarified that heirs of individuals classified as enemies would have no rights over such properties. Historical Context The issue traces back to Bhopal Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s death in 1960. His elder daughter, Abida Sultan, was deemed the heir but had moved to Pakistan in 1950, leading to the designation of these assets as “enemy property.” The Indian government later named Abida’s second daughter, Sabia Sultan, as the successor. However, the 2016 ordinance nullified such claims, placing the properties under government control. Khan’s Legal Efforts and Current Status Saif Ali Khan challenged the designation in 2015, securing a temporary stay on the property. However, the High Court’s recent decision lifted the stay and granted the family 30 days to appeal to the Appellate Tribunal. The deadline has since expired without any claims submitted by the Khan family. Impact on Buyers and Future Actions The declaration has raised concerns among individuals who purchased property from the Pataudi family, fearing they may be labeled as “encroachers” if the government seizes the assets. The Pataudi family’s next steps remain unclear, as the window for reclaiming the properties appears to be closing rapidly. This case highlights the complexities surrounding historical ownership disputes and the impact of legislation on such matters.

In a landmark achievement, Mirzapur S3 on Amazon Prime Video has emerged as the most-watched OTT original in India for 2024, surpassing a staggering 30.8 million viewers. It also recorded the highest marketing buzz of the year, with a peak of 60%, ranking third all-time, following Mirzapur S2 and The Family Man S2, according to a recent report by Ormax Media. Other Top Hindi OTT Originals Hindi OTT Films Netflix also dominated the Hindi direct-to-OTT films category, claiming 11 out of the top 15 spots. The most-watched films included: Regional Content International OTT Success Marketing Buzz vs. Audience Likeability While Mirzapur S3 and Squid Game S2 led the buzz metrics, audience likeability was dominated by Panchayat S3, which topped the likeability charts for Hindi series of 2024. Among Hindi direct-to-OTT films, Netflix’s Maharaj received the highest likeability score. Regional Breakouts This report highlights the ongoing trend of strong storytelling being more influential than heavy marketing, particularly with regional content and lesser-known titles gaining traction through word-of-mouth and quality narrative.

Ram Charan is gearing up to continue filming for his much-anticipated movie RC16, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The movie, which is expected to be titled Peddi, is a sports drama set in a specific time period in Uttarandhra. The title Peddi reportedly aligns perfectly with the thematic essence of the film and resonates well with Ram Charan’s character, making it an impactful choice for the audience. While the makers are still considering other title options, Ram Charan is said to be pleased with Peddi, though an official confirmation is still awaited. Key Cast and Crew The movie marks Ram Charan’s collaboration with Janhvi Kapoor, who is making her debut in Telugu cinema with this film. Peddi also stars Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar in a significant role. The film’s music is being composed by AR Rahman, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. The Story and Setting Peddi is expected to delve into the sports genre, set against the backdrop of Uttarandhra, where Ram Charan’s character embarks on a journey that ties into the region’s culture and traditions. The film’s strong thematic connection is likely to create a lasting impression on audiences. Ram Charan’s Recent Work: Game Changer Ram Charan was recently seen in the political action drama Game Changer, which was released on January 10, 2025. Directed by Shankar, the film sees Ram Charan in dual roles as both a father and son. The story revolves around an honest IAS officer’s mission to eradicate corruption and ensure fair elections, leading to a fierce confrontation with a corrupt politician. The movie also features Kiara Advani, Anjali, Samuthirakani, and SJ Suryah in pivotal roles. Fans of Ram Charan are eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen in Peddi, which promises to be a high-impact sports drama with a compelling storyline.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined a special screening of the upcoming film Sky Force at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi on Tuesday. Accompanying him were the film’s lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, along with senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, and other officers from the armed forces. A Celebration of Bravery The defence minister shared pictures from the event on X (formerly Twitter), commending the filmmakers for their effort in narrating a story of valor. He wrote:“Joined CDS and three service chiefs at the special screening of Sky Force. The film narrates the story of Indian Air Force’s bravery, courage, and sacrifice during the 1965 War. I laud the makers of the film for their efforts.” About the Film Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, Sky Force portrays India’s retaliatory strike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani air war. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan, and debutant Veer Pahariya. It is set for release on January 24, 2025. Veer Pahariya on His Role Veer Pahariya, who makes his acting debut with Sky Force, plays the role of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, a hero of the 1965 war. Speaking to ANI, Veer shared his aspirations for the film:“It is a huge opportunity and a responsibility for me to play a real-life hero… this story needs to be told for future generations to get inspired by what our heroes have done for our freedom.” He expressed hope that Sky Force would inspire audiences much like the iconic film Lakshya did years ago. With its gripping storyline and star-studded cast, Sky Force promises to honor the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Air Force, while inspiring future generations.

In a tragic development, 17 people from three families in Baddal village, Rajouri district, have lost their lives since December, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir Police to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of these deaths. Government ResponseJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Minister Javed Rana and MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary, visited the bereaved families on Tuesday. He assured them that the government is actively addressing the situation, stating, “Our priority is to prevent such incidents in the future and to bring an immediate end to this spate of deaths.” A central investigative team has also been deployed to determine the underlying cause. Preliminary FindingsAn initial probe by the central team, reported by The Indian Express, detected pesticide residues in a nearby “baoli” (water reservoir). However, no direct link has yet been established between the contamination and the deaths, nor has the source of the contamination been identified. Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized transparency in the investigation and reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing necessary measures once the findings are conclusive. Community and Political OutreachDuring his visit, Abdullah urged restraint in political interference, saying, “I appeal to everyone to allow the concerned agencies to perform their duties. Identifying the reasons behind these tragic deaths is our utmost priority.” MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary submitted a proposal for compensation to support the affected families, further emphasizing the need for immediate aid and justice. Next StepsWith the SIT and central team working in tandem, authorities hope to uncover the cause of this tragedy swiftly and prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the government reassures the public that updates on the investigation will be shared transparently.

In one of the most anticipated events of 2025, Jeet Adani, youngest son of industrialist Gautam Adani, is set to marry Diva Jaimin Shah, daughter of prominent diamond merchant Jaimin Shah, on February 7. Gautam Adani, speaking during his visit to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, confirmed the wedding and emphasized the family’s traditional and simple approach. “Jeet’s wedding will be very simple and traditional, like the way we conduct ourselves as a common family,” Adani said. The groom-to-be recently sought blessings from Maa Ganga, underscoring the family’s deep-rooted values. A Union of Empires The marriage will unite two influential business families, blending the infrastructural dominance of the Adani Group with the diamond legacy of the Shah family, signaling a powerful partnership in India’s business landscape. The Couple’s Journey Jeet Adani and Diva Jaimin Shah, who formalized their relationship with a private engagement ceremony in Ahmedabad on March 12, 2023, have maintained a low profile despite their high-profile family backgrounds. Their engagement was an intimate affair, with only one photograph of the couple in traditional attire making its way to social media. Education and Excellence Jeet Adani, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has been making significant strides in the Adani Group since 2019. As Vice President of Group Finance, he oversees strategic initiatives like Adani Airports and Adani Digital Labs, where he is spearheading the development of a super app to integrate the group’s consumer services. Global Glamour Adding a touch of international allure to the celebrations, reports suggest ongoing discussions with global pop sensation Taylor Swift for a performance at one of the pre-wedding events, potentially elevating the occasion to a global spectacle. This wedding, blending tradition with modernity, is set to be a defining social event, reflecting the values and vision of two of India’s most respected business families.

Amid the immigration crackdown initiated under former US President Donald Trump, concerns mount over the plight of over 20,000 undocumented Indians in the United States. As of November 2024, 17,940 Indians are under final removal orders, while 2,467 remain in detention under the supervision of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This makes Indians the fourth-largest group in ICE custody, and the largest among Asians, with a total of over 37,000 non-citizens detained across all nationalities. Final removal orders are issued by immigration judges and become administratively final upon affirmation by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Deportation concerns are heightened as ICE has named India among 15 “uncooperative” countries that allegedly hinder removal efforts by refusing consular interviews, delaying proceedings, or rejecting deportation flights. The deportation of Indians has surged in recent years, rising from 292 in 2021 to 1,529 in 2024, according to ICE’s 2024 Annual Report. Despite data inconsistencies, reports indicate that 1,100 undocumented Indians were repatriated via charter and commercial flights between October 2023 and September 2024. The looming threat of mass deportations has caused unease in India, given the significant Indian presence in the US, including over 300,000 students and a large number of H-1B visa holders. India’s inclusion in ICE’s list of uncooperative countries adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising concerns about diplomatic and logistical challenges in repatriation.