‘Justice will ultimately triumph’: Cong on FIR in National Herald case

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday strongly criticised the fresh FIR registered by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald money laundering case.

In a post on X, Ramesh wrote: “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case.

“Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate,” he added.

Ramesh’s comments come amid escalating political tensions following the registration of the FIR, which has reignited a decade-long dispute involving the National Herald newspaper and its parent company, Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

The FIR names Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and financial irregularities.

The Congress leader accused the BJP leadership of using investigative agencies to target opposition figures, calling the move an attempt to intimidate and harass party leadership.

His remarks highlight the ongoing clash between the ruling party and Congress over the handling of high-profile legal cases, which opposition leaders claim are politically motivated.

The registration of the FIR comes after repeated scrutiny of financial transactions and property acquisitions linked to AJL and associated entities.

Congress leaders have consistently maintained that the case is politically engineered to malign the party and its senior leadership, while BJP leaders have defended it as a legitimate legal action backed by evidence.

The EOW registered the FIR on October 3, based on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The FIR accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others of criminal conspiracy to “fraudulently take over Associated Journals Limited (AJL)”, the parent company of the out-of-print National Herald newspaper.

Alongside Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR names Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and Sunil Bhandari, as well as three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.

According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL — which owned properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore — for a nominal sum of Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company reportedly beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.(Agency)

Unregistered coracle operators putting tourists at ‘risk’ in TN’s Hogenakkal

Chennai, Nov 30, 2025
Concerns are mounting in Hogenakkal as registered coracle operators warn of a growing influx of unlicensed operators who, they say, are flouting safety regulations and putting tourists at serious risk.

They have urged the Dharmapuri district administration to intervene immediately to prevent unregistered individuals from conducting tourism activities on the Cauvery. Hogenakkal has long been a popular tourist destination, but its waters have also seen tragedy.

In 2015, six people lost their lives after a coracle capsized. The incident pushed the administration to enforce strict safety measures, including mandatory registration for coracle operators, designated operation zones and compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers. For several years, these rules ensured safe and organised tourism.

However, in recent months, registered operators said several unlicensed individuals have begun ferrying tourists illegally, often venturing into hazardous stretches of the river.

Registered operators pointed out that there are around 428 licensed coracle operators in Hogenakkal, all of whom are required to follow the safety standards set by the administration. Operating without life jackets or entering restricted areas can lead to immediate cancellation of their registration and penal action.

The operators said they are routinely monitored by the local coracle committees and Block Development Office, ensuring compliance.

However, the unregistered operators are reportedly bypassing all these rules.

According to the registered operators, these unauthorised coracle handlers are inexperienced and often take tourists towards dangerous stretches, including deep and fast-flowing zones near Periyapaani and the Five River convergence area – places known for strong currents and serious accident risk.

They also allegedly overcharge tourists, offering trips beyond the permitted routes such as the Chinnar–Kothikal–Manalmedu circuit, where a standard round-trip for five people is officially capped at Rs 1,500.

Locals have echoed these concerns, saying that any mishap affects not just the victims but the reputation and livelihood of the entire community. They want the administration to strictly enforce designated operation zones, place warning boards for tourists, and intensify monitoring to prevent exploitation and accidents.

Officials from the Pennagaram Block Development Office said they had not yet received formal complaints but assured that they would consult local operators and take steps to ensure tourist safety.

With tourist arrivals expected to increase in the coming months, registered operators emphasise that swift administrative action is essential to prevent avoidable tragedies and restore order in Hogenakkal’s coracle operations.(Agency)

‘Virat, Rohit bhai will do their talking with bats…’, says Arshdeep ahead of 1st ODI vs SA

Ranchi, Nov 30, 2025
As India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa gets underway here on Sunday afternoon at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, India pacer Arshdeep Singh reflected on Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s form and said the duo will “do the talking with their bats rather than words.”

With Rohit and Kohli back in action after playing in the ODI series against Australia in October, the chatter has been huge over whether the veteran duo can sustain their form and fitness to feature in the 50-over World Cup two years from now.

Rohit and Kohli headlined India’s previous ODI assignment in Australia, considering it’s the only format they play now in national colours. For now, everyone’s focus will be on how the duo fare against the Bavuma-led Proteas in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam.

“Virat bhai and Rohit bhai will do their talking with the bat rather than words. I really enjoyed watching them middle the ball so well during practice. As a bowler, I wouldn’t enjoy bowling to them in this form, but as a teammate, I’m excited to see them play so well. We can definitely expect big runs from them in the first ODI,” Arahdeep said on JioStar.

After India suffered a clean sweep at home in the red-ball leg of multi-format series, this ODI series carries added significance and the veteran duo will bring cheer to the team.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the challenge of facing Virat and Rohit in India and said, “It’s exciting for local fans to watch their two legends play at home again. We’re looking forward to experiencing the special energy these star players bring. While we’ll prepare specific plans for them like any other players, we know the atmosphere will be different and exciting when these big names are playing.”

“India deserves full respect in every format because they always field a strong team. Playing them in their home conditions makes the challenge even tougher. Their ODI team looks stronger with experienced players returning, which will definitely test us as a team during this series,” he added.(Agency)

Subhash Ghai celebrates timeless bond with Laxmikant–Pyarelal after 95-year-old’s viral rendition of ‘Bada Dukh Dina’

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently reflected on his timeless bond with legendary composers Laxmikant–Pyarelal.

In his recent post on Instagram, he emphasized that great music in films comes from emotional harmony between the director and music composers, not from financial transactions. Subhash shared that a video reel of a 95-year-old village woman singing “Bada Dukh Dina” with full tune and vigor inspired him.

The performance moved him so much that he called veteran composer Pyarelal ji over video to reminisce about the deep emotional bond they shared in creating music during the 1980s and 1990s.

The veteran director also expressed happiness over reconnecting and wished Pyarelal ji a healthy, long life, while also remembering the late Laxmi. Sharing their monochrome throwback picture, Subhash Ghai wrote, “Only emotional harmony between a director n music composers can bring great music in a Film. Not money transactions.

I got a video reel in social media on 95 years village woman singing ‘bada dukh dina “ in full tune n vigour that inspired me to call Pyarelal ji on video n talk about our true emotional tie up to bring such music in 80/90 s We felt happy. God bless him healthy long life. We miss luxmi ji too.”(sic)

Laxmikant–Pyarelal were a legendary Indian composer duo, comprising Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar. Over a prolific career spanning from 1963 to 1998, they composed music for around 750 films and collaborated with numerous renowned filmmakers.

Laxmikant–Pyarelal began their career by composing music for Babubhai Mistri’s Parasmani, which proved to be a commercial success.

Two songs from the film, “Hansta Hua Noorani Chehra, Kali Zulfen, Rang Sunehra” and “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye, Bahut Yaad Aaye,” became superhits and were featured in the annual Binaca Geetmala list. They further established themselves when they composed the soundtrack for Rajshri Productions’ blockbuster musical drama “Dosti.”(Agency)

National Herald FIR triggers political storm; BJP cites ‘credible evidence’, Cong calls it ‘conspiracy’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
A fresh political confrontation erupted on Sunday after the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered a new FIR against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money-laundering case.

The FIR has prompted sharp, contrasting reactions from BJP allies and the Congress.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal strongly defended the action, asserting that the FIR was grounded in substantial evidence gathered by investigative agencies.

“Look, charges have been framed. Their names appear in the FIR. This means the investigating agency and the police have credible evidence against them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said that those who have looted the country will have to return what they took. This is nothing new. The Congress and its leaders are known across the country for how funds have been misused,” he said, alleging long-standing patterns of financial impropriety within the party.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also denied that the FIR was politically motivated, insisting the case was rooted in “financial wrongdoing”.

“The National Herald case is not a political witch hunt. The FIR is about a criminal conspiracy involving the assets of Associated Journals Limited, which owns the National Herald Company, worth almost Rs 2,000 crore. Now there are three companies whose beneficiaries are Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. When an FIR is being lodged against them – whether it is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi or Sam Pitroda – the Constitution is above all. I believe let law do its work…”

The Congress, however, described the FIR as the latest attempt by the BJP to target opposition leaders through investigative agencies.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “There is an attempt to harass the opposition; this is a conspiracy. This has never been, nor will it ever be, the democratic way of the BJP. They are adopting a completely authoritarian approach, trying to eliminate and intimidate the opposition. But we will not be afraid…”

The EOW registered the fresh FIR on October 3, acting on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and six others of criminal conspiracy to fraudulently take over Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the parent company of the now-defunct National Herald.

Others named in the FIR include Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, and three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.

According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL, which owned properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore, for just Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company said to be beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.(Agency)

World AIDS Day: HIV infections down 49 pc, deaths reduced by over 81 pc in India

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Between 2010 and 2024, India achieved 48.7 per cent decline in annual new HIV infections, 81.4 per cent reduction in AIDS-related deaths and 74.6 per cent decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission, the government said on Sunday, ahead of the ‘World AIDS Day 2025’.

India continues to demonstrate substantial progress under the current phase of the National AIDS Control Programme.

“HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25); access to antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV; and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh in the same period,” said the Health Ministry.

These outcomes surpass global averages and reflect India’s leadership, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based strategies, and robust community engagement.

Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lead the national-level observance of ‘World AIDS Day’ at Vigyan Bhawan here on Monday, in the presence of senior officials — reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the national response to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and stigma elimination.

The event, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), will bring together government leaders, development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and frontline health workers, reflecting a united approach to accelerating India’s journey towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.

According to the ministry, a youth-led flash performance will underscore the importance of awareness and responsible behaviour.

This will be followed by the inauguration of a thematic exhibition, showcasing digital innovations, programme achievements, and community-led models implemented under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.

Beneficiary experience stories and an audio-visual presentation will highlight India’s progress under NACP-V, along with upcoming priorities, said the ministry.

A major highlight of the observance will be the launch of a new campaign video series under NACO’s national multimedia initiative, centred around three core pillars — Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, and Stigma and Discrimination.(Agency)

Vairamuthu reveals reason for Rajinikanth’s success; says work comes first for Superstar!

Chennai, Nov 30, 2025
Congratulating Superstar Rajinikanth for having received the Lifetime Achievement Award, seven-time National Award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu on Sunday revealed Rajinikanth’s accordance of top priority to his work as one of the significant reasons for his unfading glory and unending victories

Taking to his X timeline to pen a congratulatory post to Rajinikanth in Tamil, Vaiaramuthu said, “We congratulate Rajinikanth for having received the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The seven-time National Award winning lyricist, who has worked with Rajinikanth on a number of films, then went on to cite the reasons for Rajinikanth’s unfading glory and unending victories.

Vairamuthu said Rajinikanth accorded top priority to his work and that everything else followed. The actor, he pointed out, never channeled the fame that the world of art had bestowed on him into other fields.

Rajinikanth, the lyricist pointed out, also knew to set limits for both his distance and closeness to fans.

“Through diet and exercise, he manages to maintain a slim body devoid of a paunch,” Vairamuthu said and added that, “Rajinikanth does not fall behind and journeys with upcoming generations without changing himself.”

Vairamuthu then drew attention to the fact that although Rajinikanth sought to stay away from controversies, society kept dragging him into it. “Even if society drags him into controversies, he does not plan to create controversies,” said the lyricist.

Rajinikanth showed humility in public, Vairamuthu said and added that arrogance, if it existed, existed in private.

The lyricist then went on to recall a few lines from a song he had penned for a film and said the actor was striving to prove the lines true with his life.

Vairamuthu wrote, “He is determined to prove the lines, ‘My life will not leave my body until I become Mount Everest. My body will not burn until I touch the limit.” with his life.”

The lyricist finally ended the post saying, Rajinikanth was someone who believed that like him, others too must live well. “Long live Rajinikanth for several years,” he said.(Agency)

Cyclone Ditwah: Red alert in three Andhra Pradesh districts

Amaravati, Nov 30, 2025
The IMD has issued a red alert for three districts of Andhra Pradesh as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely on Sunday under the impact of cyclonic storm Ditwah over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coasts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore, Chittoor and Tirupati districts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places over Prakasam, Annamayya and YSR Kadapa districts in both regions, the IMD said.

Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places over Anantapur, Sri Satya Sai, Kurnool, Nandyal, Palnadu, Bapatla and Guntur districts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are most likely to occur at most places over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, while light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely to occur at many places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

According to the IMD bulletin, gale winds with wind speed 60-70 kmph gusting 80 kmph are likely at isolated places over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Squally winds with wind speed 40-50 kmph gusting 60 kmph are likely at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Thunderstorm, accompanied by lightning, is likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain has asked people of Prakasam, Nellore and Tirupati districts to remain on alert.

As per the cyclone warning bulletin from Cyclone Warning Centre, Visakhapatnam, cyclonic storm Ditwah lay centred at about 130 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 220 km south of Chennai.

It is very likely to move northwards parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. It is not likely to make landfall and may weaken into a deep depression in the sea.

Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till Monday.

Cautionary signal number three has been hoisted at Krishnapatnam port. Signal number two continues at Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada ports.

State Home Minister V. Anitha has directed officials to remain alert. The Disaster Management Department has deployed three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Venkatagiri in Nellore district for rescue and relief works. Three more teams have been asked to be on stand-by.(Agency)

CID’s Abhijeet aka Aditya Srivastava remarries his wife after 25 years, shares a ‘varmala’ pic

Mumbai Nov 29, 2025
Popular television actor Aditya Srivastava, best known for playing Inspector Abhijeet in the iconic crime-investigation series CID, recently shared a beautiful photo collage straight from his 25th wedding anniversary celebrations.

The actor captioned it as, “From your 25th Manjula.”

In the picture, Aditya can be seen dressed as a groom and making his wife wear the flower garland.

His wife is seen decked out as a bride and looks gorgeous.

A few days ago, videos and photos of Aditya’s 25th wedding anniversary celebrations had gone viral over social media.

The actor, along with his wife, Mansi, renewed their vows and remarried on the occasion of their 25th anniversary.

In the videos that went viral, both Mansi and Aditya were seen taking the nuptials and also taking the saath pheras.

The two looked adorable in their bride and groom outfits.

The couple, who tied the knot in the year 2003, marked their 25th anniversary on November 22.

Their family members, friends and loved ones made sure to make it special.

Aditya and Mansi are also parents to two daughters, Aarushi and Advika.

Talking about the show CID, the show that kicked off in 1998 went on air for about 20 years before going off air in 2018.

The trio of ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam), Senior Inspector Daya (Dayanand Shetty), and Senior Inspector Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava) became household names.

In addition to his powerful role in CID, Aditya Srivastava has also appeared in numerous films and other projects.

Apart from CID, he has also played significant roles in films like Kaalo, Bhakshak, and Super 30.(Agency)

Intl legal bodies slam judicial harassment of Pakistani human rights lawyers

Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha

Islamabad, Nov 29, 2025
Several leading international legal organisations have expressed their grave concerns over the ongoing judicial harassment of Pakistani human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling on the Pakistani authorities to immediately drop all charges and end criminal proceedings against them.

In a joint statement, Lawyers for Lawyers, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the Law Society of England and Wales, the International Commission of Jurists, the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe described the ongoing trial as part of a broader, troubling trend of judicial harassment.

It added that the legal intimidation is aimed at exhausting the lawyers’ time and resources, discrediting their work, and obstructing their ability to represent victims of violence at the hands of Pakistani authorities.

According to the statement, Imaan Zainab Mazari is a prominent human rights lawyer who has represented victims of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and custodial abuse, frequently challenging the legality of state practices carried out by the military, police, and intelligence agencies.

Her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, is a human rights lawyer and criminal law specialist who has defended individuals falsely accused of blasphemy and provided pro bono legal support through the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell and Justice Project Pakistan in cases involving sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and death row prisoners.

Both lawyers have faced targeted reprisals, including judicial harassment, for their human rights and legal work, and their outspoken advocacy for accountability and the rule of law.

Citing credible information, the group said, “The recent indictment and criminal proceedings against the couple, marred by serious irregularities and the denial of due process guarantees, are intended to obstruct their legitimate legal work and retaliate against them for exercising their right to freedom of expression.”

The most recent criminal case against Mazari and Chattha stems from tweets posted between 2021–2025 criticising the Pakistani military’s role in human rights violations.

“During the latest hearing on November 24, the state‑appointed counsel declared himself unable to effectively represent Mazari before the court, citing insufficient time to prepare and denial of access to the case file, while rejecting a list of pre-drafted cross‑examination questions received from the Prosecutor’s office as a flagrant attempt to influence the proceedings.

These practices point to systemic violations of fair-trial guarantees, including the right to choose counsel of one’s choice, and cast doubt on the integrity of the proceedings,” the statement detailed.

The signatories called on the Pakistani authorities to ensure that all lawyers in Pakistan can perform their professional duties without fear of reprisals, and free of all undue restrictions, in accordance with international standards.(Agency)

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