Masked Khalistani Activists Disrupt Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Screening in the UK

Masked Khalistani Activists Disrupt Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Screening in the UK A screening of Kangana Ranaut’s latest film Emergency was disrupted on Sunday night at Harrow Vue cinema in London by masked Khalistani activists. The protesters, chanting anti-India slogans and distributing pamphlets about the Sikh genocide, forced the screening to be canceled, leaving the Indian diaspora attendees shaken. Chaotic Scene at the CinemaSaloni Belaid, a British Indian who was present at the screening, described the atmosphere as chaotic. “Masked individuals stormed in, shouting ‘Down with India.’ They bypassed staff without tickets and began handing out flyers. Many fled in fear, but my friends and I chose to confront them,” she said. While the police arrived quickly, no arrests were made. Authorities cited the protesters’ right to demonstrate as long as no harm was caused. Despite some audience members requesting to continue, the screening was canceled as the staff appeared visibly shaken. Protest AllegationsJasveer Singh of the Sikh Press Association, which supports the protests, claimed that Emergency is “anti-Sikh Indian state propaganda.” The disruptions have reportedly led to canceled screenings in several UK cities. British Sikh groups allege that the film portrays Sikhs in a negative light, exacerbating tensions. Film Overview and ReceptionReleased on January 17, 2025, Emergency depicts the controversial Emergency period in India (1975-1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While Kangana Ranaut’s performance as Indira Gandhi has received widespread acclaim, critics have described the storytelling as disorganized. The film explores Gandhi’s political legacy, focusing on themes of power, resilience, and moral dilemmas. Broader ImplicationsThe protests have sparked debates around freedom of expression, historical representation, and the responsibilities of cinema in addressing sensitive topics. The incident also highlights ongoing tensions within the Indian diaspora over political and cultural narratives. This disruption adds a contentious layer to the film’s reception, underlining the challenges of portraying polarizing historical events on the global stage.

Adani Energy Solutions’ Shares Dip Despite Securing Largest ₹25,000 Crore HVDC Order

Shares of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. (AESL) traded in the red on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, despite the announcement of the company’s largest-ever order worth ₹25,000 crore. The stock was down 0.44% to ₹812.15 apiece on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) as of 3:05 PM. ₹25,000 Crore Bhadla-Fatehpur HVDC Project In a filing to the exchanges, AESL disclosed it had secured the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) order, a project titled ‘Transmission system for evacuation of power from REZ in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I.’ Key Highlights of the Project: With this project, AESL’s order book has surged to ₹54,761 crore, covering a 25,778 circuit kilometer (ckm) transmission network and 84,186 MVA transformation capacity. Comment from Adani Energy CEO Kandarp Patel, CEO of Adani Energy Solutions, emphasized the project’s significance in India’s decarbonization efforts: “By enabling efficient evacuation of renewable energy from some of the most inhospitable regions of the country and connecting them to the national grid, AESL is playing its role in India’s decarbonization journey. We will be deploying the latest technology and practices to deliver the project in time and with minimal environmental impact.” Market Reaction Despite the milestone announcement, the stock dipped slightly, reflecting broader market sentiment or investor caution. Adani Energy is noted for being the only private-sector player in India with an HVDC asset, a preferred technology for long-distance power transmission. The company previously completed the Mundra-Mahendragarh HVDC Project and is currently working on the Aarey-Kudus HVDC Project. This order reinforces Adani Energy’s strategic role in shaping India’s renewable energy infrastructure and national decarbonization goals.

Income Tax Raids Target Mythri Movie Makers and Producer Dil Raju

Income Tax Raids Target Mythri Movie Makers and Producer Dil Raju The Income Tax (IT) Department conducted extensive raids on Tuesday morning at the residences and offices of key figures behind the Pushpa franchise, including Mythri Movie Makers and producer Dil Raju. Widespread Search Operations Reason for the Raids BackgroundMythri Movie Makers is one of the most successful production banners in Indian cinema, known for blockbuster hits including Pushpa: The Rise and its highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule. Dil Raju, a prominent producer in Tollywood, has been involved in several high-budget projects, making him a key figure under IT scrutiny. The searches are ongoing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

14 Maoists Killed in Major Operation Along Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border

14 Maoists Killed in Major Operation Along Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border Security Forces Deliver Another Blow to Naxalism In a significant anti-Maoist operation, at least 14 Maoists were killed along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Gariaband district, police reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Initially, the police had confirmed two fatalities on Monday, January 20, but the count was updated following the recovery of more bodies. Among the deceased was Jayaram alias Chalpati, a senior member of the central committee—the Maoists’ highest decision-making body—with a reward of ₹1 crore on his head. The operation, hailed as a major success, involved joint efforts by the CRPF, Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG), and Chhattisgarh Police. Union Home Minister and Chief Minister React Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it “another mighty blow to Naxalism” in his post on social media platform X. “Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat,” he said, lauding the coordinated efforts of the CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also congratulated the forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoism by March 2026. He saluted the bravery of the personnel, emphasizing that this success marked significant progress toward their target. Details of the Operation Recent Anti-Maoist Efforts Since January 1, 2025, security forces have eliminated at least 40 Maoists in multiple operations: Implications and Government’s Vision The Gariaband operation marks the largest single-day Maoist casualty this year and reflects the intensified efforts under the government’s “Naxal-free Bharat” campaign. With the “double-engine government” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh aims to be Maoist-free by March 2026. Security forces continue to conduct operations with determination, emphasizing coordinated action and the use of elite units like the CoBRA to tackle Maoist insurgency effectively.

Concerns Over Shifting Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony

Concerns Over Shifting Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony Opposition Grows Against Relocation Plan The proposal to shift the Bhopal Collectorate from the Old Secretariat to Professor Colony has sparked significant concerns among residents, officials, and local leaders. The proximity of Ban Ganga, one of the largest slums in Bhopal, as well as the presence of multiple educational institutions, has been cited as a major hindrance to the plan. Key Issues Highlighted Call for Reconsideration Residents and officials are urging the government to reconsider the relocation plan. Advocates of the re-densification strategy argue that it is a more practical solution that avoids the complications associated with shifting to a low-density yet critical area like Professor Colony.

Bangladeshi National Arrested for Attack on Actor Saif Ali Khan: Key Developments Revealed

Mumbai Police Investigation Uncovers Details of the Incident New revelations in the attack case involving actor Saif Ali Khan have shed light on the background of the accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national. According to reports from The Indian Express, the Mumbai Police probe indicates that the accused illegally entered India by crossing the Dawki river in Meghalaya approximately seven months ago. He reportedly used the Aadhaar card of a West Bengal resident to purchase a SIM card, which was instrumental in his movements and planning. Arrest and Incident Details Fakir was arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane in the early hours of Sunday, three days after breaking into Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra residence. During the attempted robbery, Fakir engaged in a scuffle with the actor, stabbing him six times. The police have since traced Fakir’s activities leading up to the attack. Fake Identity and Entry into India The accused reportedly assumed the name “Bijoy Das” after illegally crossing into India via the Dawki river on the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Initially, Fakir stayed in West Bengal for a few weeks and attempted to procure an Aadhaar card in his fake name but failed. Investigators revealed that he used the Aadhaar card of Khukumoni Jahangir Sekh, a West Bengal resident, to obtain a SIM card. Employment and Movements in India Fakir later moved to Mumbai in search of employment, deliberately choosing workplaces where documentation was not required. A labour contractor, identified as Amit Pandey, assisted him in securing housekeeping jobs at pubs and hotels in the Thane and Worli areas. Call Records and Connections to Bangladesh Although Fakir initially claimed to be a Kolkata resident, police investigations uncovered inconsistencies in his statements. His call records revealed multiple outgoing calls to Bangladesh-based numbers, as well as the use of mobile applications to communicate with his family in Bangladesh. The probe continues, with police examining further links and the motive behind the attack. 4o

Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Punjab 95’ to Release Internationally on February 7

Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Punjab 95’ to Release Internationally on February 7 Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has announced that his much-awaited film, Punjab 95, will release worldwide on February 7, 2025, without any cuts. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies. No Indian Release Yet Due to complications with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film will not be released in India for the time being. Film Overview In Punjab 95, Diljit Dosanjh portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the abductions and disappearances of Sikhs during Punjab’s militancy period. The film highlights Khalra’s courageous efforts to expose the mass cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra disappeared in 1995 under mysterious circumstances after being abducted by the police. A decade later, in 2005, four police officers were arrested for their involvement in his abduction and murder. In 2007, the Punjab and Haryana High Court sentenced the officers to life imprisonment. Trailer Announcement Diljit shared the film’s trailer on Instagram with the caption: “Panjab ’95 releases in Cinemas Internationally only on 7th February. P.S. Full Movie, No Cuts #ChallengetheDarkness.” TIFF Controversy Originally scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, the film was unexpectedly dropped from the lineup without explanation. Cast The film also stars Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky, known for his role in Kohraa. Punjab 95 promises to shed light on a pivotal chapter in Indian history, celebrating Jaswant Singh Khalra’s relentless fight for justice and human rights.

GSI Discovers Lithium Deposits in Odisha’s Nayagarh District

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reportedly identified traces of valuable lithium deposits in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, signaling a significant opportunity for India’s domestic mineral production. The discovery could position Odisha as a critical player in lithium exploration, a mineral essential for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Strategic Focus on Lithium Exploration Efforts are underway to determine optimal sites for lithium extraction as India aims to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen its EV supply chain. The GSI has been leveraging advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones, to revolutionize mineral discovery. A pilot project in Mayurbhanj district, known for its mineral wealth, has already commenced. Following its success, mining surveys are planned for southern Odisha, specifically Kandhamal and Malkangiri districts. Broader Mineral Exploration Apart from lithium, the GSI has also reported findings of gold deposits in Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, further underlining Odisha’s mineral richness. Mining Ministers’ Summit A preliminary meeting in Bhubaneswar has set the stage for a two-day summit of mining ministers in Konark. The summit will focus on: The outcomes are expected to influence the future of mining operations across the country. Odisha’s Mining Excellence Odisha has been recognized for its efficient and sustainable mining practices, often regarded as a benchmark for the rest of India. The recent discoveries and technological advancements reinforce its role as a leader in the nation’s mineral development efforts. The discovery of lithium reserves marks a pivotal moment for India’s ambitions to achieve self-reliance in crucial mineral sectors, potentially reshaping the landscape of domestic manufacturing and clean energy solutions.

Ram Gopal Varma Reflects on Satya and Its Impact on His Career

Ram Gopal Varma Reflects on Satya and Its Impact on His Career Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma’s iconic film Satya was re-released in theaters on January 17, 2025, marking its return to the big screen after nearly three decades. For Varma, revisiting the film was a deeply emotional experience, one that stirred memories of the past and prompted him to reflect on his journey as a filmmaker. In a heartfelt confession shared on X (formerly Twitter), Varma revealed the emotional impact Satya had on him after watching it for the first time in 27 years. He admitted to being moved to tears, not just for the film, but for the path his career had taken since its success. He wrote, “By the time Satya was rolling to an end, while watching it two days back for the first time after 27 years, I started choking with tears rolling down my cheeks, and I didn’t care if anyone would see. The tears were not just for the film, but more for what happened since.” The Impact of Success Varma described filmmaking as a creative process akin to giving birth to a child. He reflected on how, during the creation of Satya, he failed to fully appreciate the significance of what he had made, getting caught up in the rush of new projects. He acknowledged that, in hindsight, he often ignored the impact Satya had on both the industry and audiences. “I ignored the countless inspirations Satya sparked by dismissing it as just another step in my journey toward an objectiveless destination,” he confessed. Drunk on Success The filmmaker admitted that after Satya’s massive success, he became “drunk not on alcohol but on my own success and arrogance.” Reflecting on his post-Satya career, he realized how his focus shifted away from the honesty and integrity that defined Satya. Instead, he started making films for shock value, gimmicks, or technical wizardry—elements he now considers meaningless. Varma also expressed feelings of guilt, reflecting on how he betrayed the trust of those who believed in him after Satya’s success. “Coming back to the hotel after the screening of Satya, and sitting in the dark, I didn’t understand why, with all my so-called intelligence, I did not set this film as a benchmark for whatever I should do in the future,” he wrote. He continued, “I cried in guilt for my betrayals of all those who trusted me due to Satya.” A Lesson for Fellow Filmmakers In his emotional reflection, Varma shared advice for fellow filmmakers, urging them to avoid self-indulgence and measure their work against the standard set by their best creations. “I so wish I could go back in time and make this one cardinal rule for myself: before deciding on any film to make, I should watch Satya once again,” he wrote. “If I followed that rule, I’m sure I wouldn’t have made 90% of the films I made since then.” A Promise for the Future Concluding his note, Varma promised to spend the remainder of his career creating films that lived up to the integrity and sincerity of Satya. “Whatever little of my life is left, I want to spend it sincerely and create something as worthy as Satya. And this truth I swear on Satya.” Varma’s reflection on Satya serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that a film can have not only on audiences but also on the creator. His journey through success, arrogance, and self-reflection paints a picture of a filmmaker who, despite missteps, remains deeply connected to the authenticity of his early work.

Karan Veer Mehra Wins Bigg Boss 18

Karan Veer Mehra has been crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 18, following an intense finale of Salman Khan’s popular reality show. He succeeds Munawar Faruqui, who won Bigg Boss 17. Top 2 Finalists The final showdown featured Karan Veer Mehra and Vivian Dsena, with Karan Veer ultimately clinching the title. Winner’s Prize As the winner, Karan Veer Mehra has taken home: Bigg Boss Past Winners Here’s a recap of notable Bigg Boss winners and their cash prizes: The Bigg Boss 18 finale was a spectacular event, keeping fans glued to their screens until Karan Veer Mehra was announced as the winner of the season.

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