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Papon says Anu Malik’s melodies have a timeless magic

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Mumbai, Sep 10: Playback singer Papon, who is known for ‘Bulleya’, ‘Jiyein Kyun’, ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ and others, is repeating the magic of ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ as he has yet again collaborated with music composer Anu Malik.

Papon said that the composer’s melodies possess a timeless charm. The album of ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’ was unveiled on Wednesday, and it exhibits Papon and Anu Malik’s soulful musical chemistry.

Talking about the collaboration, Papon told IANS, “It’s been an absolute joy collaborating with Anu Malik ji again after the success of ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’. His compositions possess a timeless magic, and working with him again on ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’ has been a truly lovely experience.

I’m deeply touched by how much the audience is embracing these calm, soulful tracks, it reinforces that heartfelt music always resonates. This album holds a special place in my heart, and I’m proud to be part of its beautiful musical journey”.

The album features Papon’s voice in six heartfelt tracks, ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, ‘Bhoolane Ki Tumko’, ‘Kaun Hai Woh’, ‘Ab Jab Ki Tu Nahi Hai’, ‘Kuch Toh Hai Woh’, and ‘Yeh Ishq Hai’. Together, they form a romantic ballad infused with the essence of ghazal and Papon’s signature soothing touch.

With music composed by Anu Malik and lyrics penned by Shweta Bothra, the album paints a timeless picture of love and longing. Papon’s rendition brings out both the intensity and calmness of romance, making the soundtrack resonate deeply with listeners.

Papon, who recently received immense love for his ghazal-inspired songs in ‘Metro In Dino’, continues to win hearts with this album. With audiences embracing his latest work, the singer is also working on his much-awaited independent ghazal album, keeping excitement alive among fans.

IANS

Karisma Kapoor’s children have not received INR 1900 crore from Sunjay Kapur’s estate, reveals source

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Mumbai, Sep 10:  As the legal battle for the assets of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur picks up momentum, his third wife Priya Sachdev had earlier alleged that Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor and her children had already received assets worth INR 1900 crore.

However, IANS has learnt through sources that there’s no truth to the claims made by Priya. Sources said that the control of these assets remain with Priya Kapur in the RK family trust and that the children of Karisma Kapoor have no access to this.

Against this backdrop, adding to the doubts, the Court was also informed by counsel for Priya Sachdev Kapur that the so-called will is not registered. A high-profile succession battle has escalated as the Delhi High Court intervened in the dispute over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s estate, valued at nearly INR 30,000 crore.

His children, Samaira and Kiaan, represented by their mother Karisma Kapoor, have alleged suppression and forgery of a will that surfaced seven weeks after his death, despite being earlier told there was no such will.

Today’s hearing saw Justice Jyoti Singh question Priya Kapur directly on why the will had not been shared with the children, ordering her to declare all movable and immovable assets belonging to Sunjay as of June 12, 2025.

Adding to the suspicion, the court heard that Rani Kapur, Sunjay’s mother, sent more than 15 unanswered emails to Priya seeking clarity on the will. The children reportedly have still not been given a copy of the will, nor any clarity on their father’s personal assets.

These developments are raising urgent questions of transparency, fairness, and the rights of children in inheritance disputes; issues that resonate far beyond one family. The will, dated just 11 weeks before Sunjay’s sudden demise, allegedly leaves his entire personal estate to his third wife, Priya Kapur, cutting out his children.

IANS

From Brahmaputra to classrooms: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy tour inspires Guwahati

Guwahati, Sep 10: The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Trophy Tour celebrated Guwahati’s cricketing spirit during its visit, as the city prepares to host the global showpiece for the first time in history.

During its six-day tour, beginning on August 31, the prestigious trophy visited some of Guwahati’s most scenic and historic landmarks, including the War Memorial, Northbrook Gate, a ferry ride from Fancy Bazar Ghat capturing the sunset over the Brahmaputra River and the culturally rich Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Center.

The tour gave fans a unique opportunity to connect with the tournament and celebrate women’s cricket. A key highlight of the tour was its visit to six schools: NPS International School, SBOA Public School, South Point School, Assam Jatiya Bidyalay, SAI RNS Academy and Holy Child School.

Students gave the trophy a hero’s welcome, took part in cricket-themed games and enjoyed engaging activities. Following its stop in Guwahati, the tour has now moved to Visakhapatnam, continuing its journey through cities in India and Sri Lanka.

The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup sets a new benchmark in accessibility, with record-low ticket prices starting at just Rs 100 (approximately USD 1.14) — the lowest ever for any ICC global event.

Following an exclusive four-day pre-sale window for Google Pay customers, the second phase of ticket sales also started September 9. Fans can purchase tickets at Tickets.cricketworldcup.com.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2 across DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam) and R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo, Sri Lanka).

There are no groups at the Women’s World Cup, with all teams to play seven matches during the group stage and the top four sides on the standings then progressing to the knockout semi-final stage.

The highest-ranked team during the group stage will play the fourth-ranked team, while the second-ranked and third-ranked sides will face off, with the two winners then moving through to the title decider on November 2.

IANS

Stock market ends higher over US-India trade deal optimism

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Mumbai, Sep 10: The Indian equity indices settled the session in positive territory on Wednesday, continuing the positive momentum buoyed by optimism around the India-US trade deal and GST rationalisation.

Sensex ended the session at 81,425.15, up 323 points or 0.43 per cent. The 30-share index opened with a decent gap-up at 81,504.36 against the last session’s closing price of 81,101.32 amid buying in IT and FMCG stocks.

The index hit an intra-day high at 81,643.88. Nifty closed at 24,973.10, up 104.50 points or 0.42 per cent. “Renewed optimism around ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US lifted market sentiment. Anticipation of stronger H2 FY26 earnings, driven by GST rationalisation and the benefits of monetary easing, is providing resilience to valuations,” said analysts.

The IT index extended its outperformance on hopes of a potential Fed rate cut next week and a revival in technology spending. Investors remain focused on the progress of India-US trade talks for signals of a constructive resolution to tariff-related issues, he added.

BEL, HCL Tech, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, SBIN, L&T, Adani Ports, ITC, Bajaj FinServ and Kotak Bank were the top gainers from the Sensex basket. While Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ultratech Cement, Eternal, and PowerGrid settled in negative territory.

The majority of sectoral indices ended the session on a positive note. Nifty Fin Services jumped 161.80 points or 0.62 per cent, Nifty Bank escalated 319 points or 0.59 per cent, Nifty FMCG surged 359 points or 0.64 per cent, and Nifty IT soared 927 points or 2.63 per cent. Nifty Auto fell 348.55 points or 1.28 per cent amid profit booking.

The broader market followed suit as well. Nifty smallcap 100 moved 130 points or 0.73 per cent, Nifty midcap100 jumped 535 points or 0.93 per cent, and Nifty 100 ended the session 319 points or 0.59 per cent higher.

IANS

It may not be possible to bring petrol, diesel under GST for time being: CBIC chief Sanjay Agarwal

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New Delhi, Sep 10: As discussions continue to bring petrol and diesel within the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said it may not be possible to bring these items under the indirect taxation for the time being.

Asked if petrol and diesel should be brought under GST, Agarwal told IANS that petrol and diesel are presently subject to central excise duty and value-added tax (VAT), as these two petroleum items fetch a substantial revenue to the states by way of VAT and to the Central government by way of central excise duty.

“So, looking to the revenue implications, it may not be possible to bring these items under the ambit of GST for the time being,” he added. The CBIC Chairman’s comment came as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said last week that the Central government intentionally did not include petrol and diesel in the GST Council proposal.

“Legally, we are ready, but this decision must come from the states,” she said. According to her, petrol and diesel were set to figure, “even when GST was implemented, I remember my late predecessor Arun Jaitley talking about it”.

“Once the states agree, they have to decide on the rate of taxation in the council. Once that decision is taken, it will be put into the act,” FM Sitharaman noted. In the GST implemented in July 2017, products like petrol, diesel, and alcoholic beverages were kept outside its ambit since then.

These commodities are major revenue sources for both the Central and state governments through excise duty and VAT. For several states, these contribute over 25-30 per cent of their tax revenue. States fear losing control over taxation policy, pricing, and the ability to influence consumption patterns through excise duty and VAT.

IANS

Mamata Banerjee keeping a close watch on Nepal situation: Trinamool Congress

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Kolkata, Sep 10: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been keeping a watch on the situation in neighbouring Nepal, even from her office ‘Uttar Kanya State Secretariat’ at Siliguri, Trinamool Congress said on Wednesday.

“The unfolding situation in our neighbouring country, Nepal, is a matter of deep concern. Placing the interests of the state above all else, our compassionate Chief Minister, Smt. @MamataOfficial, remained at Uttar Kanya State Secretariat through Tuesday night, personally monitoring every detail with utmost vigilance,” said the Trinamool Congress in a statement.

She even refused to comment on the Nepal situation to the media persons on Tuesday afternoon before leaving for North Bengal. “I love my neighbouring country of Nepal. But I cannot comment on the current situation there right at this moment. I can only do so, only if the Indian government says something about it,” the Chief Minister said.

She reminded that even during the political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh last year, she refrained from making any comment on the issue unless the Union government did so. “So far, the Union government has not issued a statement on the situation in Nepal,” the Chief Minister added on Tuesday.

Notably, India on Tuesday advised its citizens to defer their travelling plans to Nepal until the situation stabilises in the neighbouring country following the death of 19 people in widespread protests, which also resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

The Darjeeling District Police has opened a 24-hour control room for the stranded Indians. The Nepali Army has assumed responsibility for maintaining law and order, as the security institution announced a nationwide curfew, effective until Thursday morning.

The Nepali Army further warned that any acts of vandalism, looting, arson, or attacks on people and property carried out under the pretext of demonstrations would be treated as criminal offences, with strict action taken by security forces.

IANS

India turns focus to mega infrastructure push after GST overhaul

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New Delhi, Sep 10: India is shifting its policy focus to fast-tracking approvals for large-scale infrastructure projects under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan after pushing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.

The government has asked ministries to fast-track approvals for projects of national importance, prioritising projects that touch multiple states or transform entire sectors, according to government officials. Further, the road transport ministry has set a target of 50,000 kms of access-controlled highways to be built over the next 10 to 12 years at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh crore, reports said.

The Union Budget for FY26 earmarked Rs 11.21 lakh crore for infrastructure spending, but officials said the public-private partnerships (PPP) will be aggressively promoted in projects with strong return potential to ease pressure on state finances.

“Bundling of projects is being done to move them quickly for approvals. PPP will be the key to financing high-return ventures,” as per the officials. The goal is to sustain India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth in Q1 FY26 amid global tariff pressures and geopolitical risks.

The World Bank has highlighted that India should raise its real investment rate from 33.5 per cent of GDP to 40 per cent by 2035 to sustain long-term growth. India’s rising infrastructure needs underpin the nation’s urbanisation, climate commitments, and economic growth aspirations.

Capital expenditure shot up to a robust Rs 2.75 lakh crore during the April-June period, amounting to 24.5 per cent of the full-year target, reflecting the government’s investments in big-ticket infrastructure projects to push growth and create more jobs.

Meanwhile, on the back of the robust performance in Q2 2025 (7.8 per cent growth), global rating agency Fitch has revised up its forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 (FY26) to 6.9 per cent in its latest outlook, from 6.5 per cent in the June report.

IANS

Jammu-Srinagar highway opens for traffic after weeklong landslide blockade

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Srinagar, Sep 10: After the weeklong blockade due to landslides, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway was partially reopened for traffic on Wednesday. Authorities are giving priority to trucks carrying essential supplies, and top priority is being given to those trucks carrying perishable items like vegetables, poultry, sheep, etc.

Movement of stranded vehicles was allowed on the highway from Udhampur towards Srinagar, and to start with, passenger vehicles were the first to move. Over 4,500 trucks carrying fruit had been stuck on the highway due to the blockade, and these vehicles had remained parked alongside the highway in the Valley between Qazigund in Kulgam and the Pulwama district.

Most fruit growers have been complaining that the fresh fruit stocks of apples have started rotting because of the delay in reaching the markets outside Jammu and Kashmir. Over 250 metres of the highway had been washed away at Bani Nallah in Udhampur district due to incessant rainfall.

Traffic department officials said passenger vehicles and trucks carrying essential supplies, including chicken, meat, and other perishables, were allowed to move from Udhampur towards Srinagar starting at 10 a.m.

Officials said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed restoration work late Tuesday night, creating a new diversion to make the road motorable. They said men and machinery worked round-the-clock for six days to create the alternate road at Bani Nallah to make vehicular movement possible.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway is the lifeline of supplies for the landlocked Kashmir, as all essential supplies, including foodgrains, vegetables, poultry products, mutton, petroleum products, etc., are brought into the Valley through this highway.

The uncertainty that looms over the locals with regard to the arrival/departure of essential supplies would only become a thing of the past once freight trains start operations regularly on the rail link between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

IANS

Bihar CM transfers Rs 1,263 crore under social security pension scheme, interacts with beneficiaries

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Patna, Sep 10: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Wednesday, transferred an amount of Rs 1,263.95 crore to the accounts of 1.13 crore beneficiaries under the Social Security Pension Scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The Bihar government had recently increased the social security pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month. Under this scheme, senior citizens above 60 years, widows and disabled individuals are entitled to take benefits of it.

The amount is transferred on the 10th of every month directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni.

The beneficiaries included those enrolled under the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana, Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme, Bihar Nishaktata Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.

During the programme held via video conferencing, the Chief Minister interacted with several beneficiaries who shared how the pension has transformed their lives. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also watched short films featuring the experiences of the beneficiaries.

Many of them said that the enhanced monthly pension of Rs 1,100 has brought significant relief and convenience in their lives. One beneficiary, Chintamani Devi, said, “My son does not give me even two rupees when I ask, but Nitish Kumar has given me this support. I thank him for it.”

The Chief Minister expressed surprise at such social realities and emphasised that the government’s pension schemes are meant to ensure dignity and financial security for the vulnerable sections of society.

CM Nitish Kumar has taken several measures for the welfare of the people of Bihar, and social security pension is one of them. Besides, he has implemented a 35 per cent reservation for women in government jobs and increased the honorarium of many contractual employees in sectors like education, health, family welfare, and others.

IANS

Kuki-Zo apex body welcomes PM Modi; calls his forthcoming Manipur visit a historic, rare occasion

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Imphal, Sep 10: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, on Wednesday warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the state capital Imphal and Churachandpur district on September 13.

KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang said that this is a historic and rare occasion, as it comes nearly four decades after the country’s Prime Minister last visited the tribal region.

In a jointly signed statement, the KZC Chairman and General Secretary said that the people of the Kuki-Zo community have endured immeasurable hardships over the past years.

“More than 250 innocent lives have been lost; over 360 churches and places of worship have been reduced to ashes; more than 7,000 homes have been burnt; and over 40,000 of our people continue to live as displaced persons in relief camps, separated from their ancestral homes,” they stated.

The statement said that the stark reality is that the Kuki-Zo people have been forcibly separated by the actions and aggression of the majority community in Manipur. “Despite these grave circumstances, we continue to uphold our faith in the democratic spirit and leadership of India.

For years, we have been voicing our demand for complete separation from Manipur, seeking a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution,” the KZC said.

The apex tribal body said that this demand arises not from convenience, but from necessity, for peace, security, and survival of their people. “As the leader of our great nation, we are confident that the Prime Minister would give due recognition to our voice, our pain, and our aspirations. We place our trust in your leadership to heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and safeguard the future of the Kuki-Zo people,” the KZC leaders said.

Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday held a meeting with five MLAs, belonging to the Kuki-Zo communities and discussed the possible visit of the Prime Minister on September 13.

A police official confirmed the meeting held in Churachandpur, and he indicated that the meeting discussed the Prime Minister’s likely visit to the state on Saturday and the necessary arrangements in the district.

However, no civil and police officials disclosed the details of the meeting. The five Kuki-Zo legislators are from the Assembly constituencies in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, both Kuki-Zo tribal people inhabited areas. On September 7, Bhalla also held a meeting with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley region, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and BJP’s state President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Security advisor and Home Commissioner.

Officials and BJP leaders in Manipur said that PM Modi’s Manipur visit is not yet finally confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). As per recent media reports, the Prime Minister is likely to visit Manipur on September 13, and that would be his first tour to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out between Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.

Reports mentioned that the Prime Minister would visit the Mizoram capital, Aizawl, and inaugurate the newly-constructed 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang new railway project, and from Aizawl, he would visit two places of Manipur — Imphal and Churachandpur. A grand stage is being set up at Kangla Fort in the heart of the capital city, Imphal, while beautification activities are underway in the areas in Imphal West district.

Meanwhile, the Churachandpur district administration has prohibited the use of aerial devices such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other flying objects across the district ahead of the “VVIP visit”. Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S, in an order on September 4, declared the entire hill district as a ‘No Drone Zone’ area.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier said that the Prime Minister is expected to be on a two-day visit to Assam on September 13-14. PM Modi’s visit is centred around the birth centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, and he will also inaugurate the official celebrations on September 13 in Guwahati.

IANS