Drone seized on India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer ahead of Independence Day
Jaipur, Aug 8, 2025
Days before Independence Day celebrations, security agencies have recovered a drone on the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.
The drone was seized from a location just 20 km from the International Border, in an uninhabited area of Sector South of Jaisalmer, on Thursday evening.
Sources said ‘Made in China’ is written on the drone, though no official statement has yet been issued by the BSF or local police, said sources on Friday.
The discovery comes amid heightened security along the border. Authorities are investigating when and how the drone reached the spot — whether it fell recently or had been sent earlier.
Jaisalmer Police and BSF are jointly probing its range, feed, and controlling source. A technical examination is also underway to determine the type of camera and equipment installed. Given existing restrictions on civilian drone flying in border areas, agencies suspect it may have been used for spying.
This is the third major security alert in Rajasthan’s border areas within a week.
Four days ago, security forces in Sriganganagar recovered a heroin packet weighing over half a kilogram, valued between Rs 2.5 and Rs 3 crore. Three days ago, police arrested Mahendra Prasad, a resident of Uttarakhand, near the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) centre in Jaisalmer. Posted at the DRDO guest house, he had been under suspicion for a long time and is now accused of spying for Pakistan. He has been shifted to Jaipur for interrogation.
Officials point out that after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has intensified drone-based activities near the Rajasthan border, prompting agencies to maintain heightened vigilance. Due to this, security agencies have become more alert about drone flying and other spying attempts here.
The latest recovery underscores ongoing threats from cross-border smuggling and espionage operations, said officials. And security has been heightened around key Defence installations, and all movements in border areas are under tight surveillance.(Agency)
Fardeen Khan takes the plunge from 150 feet in the air: Strangely calm
Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
Actor Fardeen Khan said he found “stillness” as he took a plunge from 150 feet in the air and said it was “strangely calm.”
Fardeen took to Instagram, where he shared a video of himself doing bungee jumping in Singapore.
“150 feet in the air. No scream. No panic. Just me… strangely calm. One step, and I was gone— weightless, thoughtless, ageless. And in that fall, I found stillness.
No noise, no fear—just a strange, peaceful presence.”
“Like my body fell, but my soul paused to watch. Was it spiritual? Yes. Was it stupid? Also yes. Am I bonkers? Yes , yes. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.”
Fardeen’s latest release is “Housefull 5”, which also stars Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Sonam Bajwa are just a few of the stars who are set to light up the screen.
Also joining the cast are Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, “Housefull 5” released on June 6.
The film follows multiple imposters who claim to be the son of a recently deceased billionaire as they compete for his fortune while aboard a luxury cruise ship.
The first installment of the “Housefull” franchise released in 2010 and was loosely based on the 1998 Tamil film Kaathala Kaathala. The second installment hit the big screens in 2012. Meanwhile, Housefull 3 and Housefull 4 released in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
He will next be seen in “Devil” Kannada-language action film written, directed, and co-produced by Prakash. It stars Darshan, Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Jisshu Sengupta, and Mukesh Rishi and Fardeen Khan in lead roles.(Agency)
Indian men’s hockey team leaves for crucial four-match series in Australia
Bengaluru, Aug 8, 2025
The Indian men’s hockey team departed for Australia in the early hours of Friday from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, as they gear up for a crucial four-match series against the hosts. The series, set to take place at the Perth Hockey Stadium from August 15 to 21, will serve as vital preparation for the upcoming Hero Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar later this month.
The tour is expected to provide the team with valuable match exposure against one of the world’s top-ranked sides, allowing the coaching staff to fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the continental tournament.
Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, speaking ahead of departure, said, “Playing Australia in their home conditions is always a great challenge, and that’s exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations. We’re treating this series as a key part of our build-up to the Asia Cup. The focus is on improving as a unit, pushing ourselves against strong opposition, and building the momentum we need going into Rajgir.”
“The mood in the camp has been really positive. We’ve had a good training block and now it’s time to translate that onto the field. These matches will help us identify areas we need to sharpen before the Asia Cup, and we’re excited for the opportunity to play high-intensity hockey against Australia.”
India will play four matches on August 15, 16, 19 and 21. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent and will continue to be monitored closely as the final group for the Asia Cup is finalised.(Agency)
Govt caps ceiling price of 4 emergency-use medicines, 37 antibiotics, painkillers
New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
The Union government has fixed the ceiling price of four emergency-use medicines and 37 other drug formulations, which include antibiotics and painkillers.
The prices were fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), and the medicines range from treating infections, heart ailments, and inflammation to diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.
“Manufacturers selling branded or generic or both versions of the medicines at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus GST) shall revise the prices downward not exceeding the ceiling price…,” the NPPA said.
However, manufacturers having an MRP lower than the ceiling price shall continue to maintain the existing MRP, the NPPA added.
The emergency-use medicines include Ipratropium, used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its ceiling price was fixed at Rs 2.96 per ml.
For Sodium Nitroprusside, an injectable used to rapidly lower BP in hypertensive emergencies, during surgery to reduce bleeding, and in cases of acute heart failure, it was fixed at Rs 28.99 per ml; for Diltiazem, used to treat high BP and chest pain, it was fixed at Rs 26.72 per capsule; and for Povidone Iodine, used for skin disinfection before and after surgery and minor wound care, it was fixed at Rs 6.26 per gram.
Other medications with prices slashed include paracetamol, atorvastatin, amoxycillin, and metformin.
Among the drugs affected is a composition of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, and Trypsin Chymotrypsin for use as an anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular drug, which comes as a combination of Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg.
According to the NPPA, the notified prices are GST-free, which may be charged additionally if needed.
It has also asked retailers and dealers to display new prices prominently and noted that non-compliance with the new rates would be punishable under the DPCO and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This would also involve the recovery of excess charged amounts with interest.(Agency)
Baloch human rights activist urges Trump to reconsider US ties with Pakistan
Quetta, Aug 8, 2025
Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch writes to US President Donald Trump, urging the recognition and support for Balochistan, and calling on Washington to fundamentally reevaluate its relationship with the “radical state” of Pakistan.
“We bring to your attention the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, who leads an institution widely involved in gross human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan. The Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency, the ISI, are not only responsible for the enforced disappearance of more than 40,000 Baloch civilians but have also long been linked to sheltering global terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden, who lived in Pakistan for nearly a decade under the supervision of the rogue army and the ISI,” the letter stated.
“We respectfully urge you to ask General Munir: On what legal or moral grounds does Pakistan claim Balochistan’s natural wealth as its own? Can he point to any similar reserves on the map of Punjab province, the true heartland of Pakistan’s military elite?” it added.
Addressing the US President on behalf of Baloch community, Mir said that Balochistan is “an ancient sovereign nation under illegal occupation by Pakistan and Iran” and despite being rich in terms of rare earth minerals, oil, gas, strategic geography, air bases and sea ports, people continue to suffer “under oppressive regimes” that suppress their “secular and peaceful traditions”.
Mir asserted that the US made a critical error after 9/11 by trusting Pakistan, “a state that has repeatedly played a double game”. Instead of empowering secular groups like the Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashtun who actively resist extremism, he stated that the previous US administrations have enabled Pakistan’s military establishment, which harbours terrorists and fosters radicalism.
Human rights activists have raised concerns that training centres for several terrorist outfits, such as ISIS and Daesh, supervised by the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, have increased in recent months, posing a greater threat to regional and global security.
Mir emphasised that continued blind trust in the Pakistani military that “exports extremism and suppresses legitimate aspirations” of the 60 million Baloch people is tantamount to encouraging Pakistan to undermine both regional stability and US interests.
“The Baloch people have always upheld a tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence. We hold no animosity toward Hindus, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, or followers of any other faith. In contrast, elements within the Pakistan military and its intelligence agency, the ISI, have consistently exploited radical religious groups to promote anti-Western sentiment, often orchestrating public demonstrations where slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” are openly chanted,” the letter detailed.
Referring to Pakistan, Mir questioned whether “the US will continue to provide support to a state apparatus that enables such hostility and fosters extremism, often at the expense of American values and global security.”
The human rights activist urged the Trump administration to initiate direct dialogue with the “exiled, pro-independence Baloch leadership and representatives who are committed to peace, economic development, and regional stability, under the leadership of Baloch nationalist leader Hyrbyair Marri, President of the Free Balochistan Movement.”
“Establishing such engagement would align America’s long-term geopolitical and economic interests with a nation striving for justice, peace, and the democratic liberation of resource-rich Balochistan. With sincere hopes for your leadership and attention to this just cause,” the letter concluded.(Agency)
Early signs India may recalibrate its strategic posture post US tariffs: Report
New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit China after six years and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval engaging with Russia on key defence deals, there are early signs that India may recalibrate its strategic posture and the shift in geopolitical alignment is something investors should watch out for very closely, a report said on Friday.
Recent moves by the Trump administration mark a sharp shift in US-India trade and geopolitical dynamics, potentially unravelling more than two decades of bipartisan progress.
“The US has paused trade talks and announced 50 per cent duties while extending more favourable terms to China and Pakistan. The US rationale for this action is India’s continued oil imports from Russia and growing role in BRICS. These actions, along with criticism of manufacturing in India by US companies, seem like a significant policy reversal by the US,” M Financial Institutional Securities said in its report.
India’s trade relationship with the US had strengthened notably post-Covid, supported by the global shift towards a ‘China+1’ supply chain strategy.
The US is now India’s largest export destination, accounting for 23 per cent of total exports and is the only region contributing positively to India’s trade surplus.
In 2024, exports to the US stood at $91 billion, led by electronics ($14 billion, rising iPhone shipments), pharma, and gems and jewellery. Imports from the US totalled $43 billion, with key items including minerals and industrial equipment.
“Prima facie, it appears that India’s chemical, textile and auto components sectors are most susceptible to US President Donald Trump’s tariff actions, and exports of companies herein could be directly impacted,” the report mentioned.
“Next in line, we understand, are pharmaceuticals and electronics sectors, which are currently exempted under Section 232 investigations. Further action on this is likely in the near future. IT services might surprisingly benefit, aided by a depreciating rupee,” it added.
Tariffs of the magnitude of 50 per cent will moderate India’s GDP growth, considering the trade surplus with the US (1 per cent of GDP) will be difficult to compensate through geographical diversification in the short run.
“We believe RBI will likely allow the INR to slide to absorb the pressure of the recent FII selling. Elevated US tariffs could impact US inflation, growth and the US dollar in that order, which would cushion the emerging market EM currencies, including INR, to some extent,” the report noted.
With the initial set of 25 per cent tariffs now effective, the 21-day window left open by Trump remains crucial for negotiations.
The question is – who will blink first?(Agency)
‘Udaipur Files’ releases in 4,500 cinemas across India
Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
Vijay Raaz-starrer “Udaipur Files” has finally got a green light and has been released in 4,500 cinemas across the country after receiving approval from the censor board.
Udaipur Files’ is based on the murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar was killed for allegedly sharing a social media post in support of Indian politician and Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma, whose comments led to the 2022 Muhammad remarks controversy.
Upon the film’s release, Kanhaiya Lal’s son Yash Sahu said: “This movie, which is being released today, Udaipur Files, is based on the incident of my father, which happened on 28th June, 2022. How my father was killed under terrorist conspiracy. These people were connected to Pakistan.”
“This is also called NIA’s chart sheet. So, all that has been shown in this movie. And there is a message in this movie that such incidents happen in the country, they can be brought in front of the country through a movie, through a cinematic graphic.”
He said that his family is still fighting for justice.
“I have gone to many cases, but in this case, I still did not see anything that these criminals are being punished for. A very long time has passed,” he added.
“Three years is a very long time. Even now, the criminal is still in jail. He has not been punished.
So, I hope that after watching this movie, people will support us in our fight for justice. And the criminals will stand with us to get the punishment of hanging as soon as possible.”
Asked about the problems faced over the release, Yash Sahu said: “There were a lot of problems with the release. It was challenged in High Court Delhi. He got a stay in that. Because this movie was going to be released on 11th July. He got a stay on 10th July, a day before that.”
“Even after that, many attempts were made to release it. He got a stay in that as well. It was challenged in the Supreme Court as well. The Supreme Court said, let the movie come. Because the movie is CBFC certified. So, the movie that CBFC has given the certification, that movie will come in front of people. Then, its decision was left to the Central Government.”
“The Central Government also gave a positive decision in this. But only yesterday, it was said that this movie should be released. And today, this movie is in front of you, in front of the people of the country, and is on release.”
The assailants had also released a video claiming that the murder was in reaction to the tailor allegedly sharing a social media post in support of former BJP member Nupur Sharma. Javed, who is one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, had moved to the Supreme Court against the release of the film.
Regarding the film’s release, Kanhaiya Lal’s wife Jasoda Sahu shared that when the film was initially stalled, she herself wrote a letter to the Prime Minister appealing for permission to release it.
She said: “This film is a true reflection of our family’s pain and struggle, and the entire country should see it.”
The film was initially slated for release on July 11, 2025. However, the film faced many delays due to censorship and legal troubles.(Agency)
Election ‘fraud’ protest: Rahul Gandhi arrives in Bengaluru; tight security at State EC
Bengaluru, Aug 8, 2025
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi arrived at HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Friday to take part in the protest at Freedom Park over the alleged election fraud.
Karnataka State Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, welcomed him at the airport. Party’s national President Mallikarjun Kharge also arrived with Rahul Gandhi.
In light of the protest, tight security arrangements have been made around the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Bengaluru.
The Chief Electoral Officer’s office is located approximately 80 feet from Freedom Park, the venue of the protest.
The police department, taking no chances with the large gathering and the significance of the protest, has deployed additional forces both at the premises and in front of the State Election Commission office to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
The Chief Electoral Officer has granted him an appointment between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sources said the Congress delegation, comprising national and state leaders — possibly with or without Rahul Gandhi — is expected to meet the officer between 1.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
State Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna stated, “Rahul Gandhi has made statements backed by documents. He is speaking with authority, and we must endorse his statements — there is no doubt about it. The BJP is well aware of the malpractices. The RSS, the frontal organisation of the BJP, is manipulating everything.”
“The common people are with us. In the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, voters have been enrolled without proper addresses. How is that even possible? During the parliamentary election, our government was in power — we should have been more alert. Instead, we are alert only now. Had we acted earlier, we could have prevented these malpractices,” Minister Rajanna said.
“Out of the eight Assembly segments in the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat, we had leads in seven. In only one — Mahadevapura — we did not. That single loss tilted the overall result. Isn’t that clearly due to malpractice?” he questioned.
Responding to the allegations, BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said, “In the Mahadevapura Assembly segment, the BJP had the highest lead in the last Lok Sabha election. This constituency has always been a BJP stronghold. It has 6.5 lakh voters, the highest in Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi is questioning the voters’ list, but he should also examine what happened in Chamarajpet — represented by Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, and Shivajinagar — represented by Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, where the minority population is the highest.”
“We are aware that a large number of fake voters have been added in these segments. My question to Rahul Gandhi is: the objective of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is to identify such discrepancies. Why, then, are Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party opposing it in Bihar? Why are they coming to Karnataka and creating this drama?” Vijayendra questioned.
“The BJP won 25 out of 28 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. In 2024, the NDA won only 19 seats. Rahul Gandhi could have made these allegations earlier. The truth is, he has failed to gain the confidence of the people of this country and is desperate to become the Prime Minister. He has been rejected by the voters of Karnataka and across India. In that context, he is now targeting the Election Commission,” Vijayendra said.
“They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They must be joking. Instead of making baseless demands, they should focus on winning the people’s confidence. They can’t blame Narendra Modi ji’s leadership — he is leading the nation toward development, which is why he has been elected for a third consecutive term. There is no reason for the BJP to protest against the Congress on this issue. Let’s hear what Rahul Gandhi says in Bengaluru — based on that, we will decide our course of action,” he concluded.(Agency)
Selena Gomez reveals how ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ changed her life
Los Angeles, Aug 8, 2025
Actress-singer Selena Gomez has shared how the TV sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place changed her life.
The 33-year-old actress auditioned for a series of TV shows, including the spin-off of Lizzie McGuire, before she joined the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place.
Selena said on the Therapuss with Jake Shane podcast: “It was actually a weird thing because I was on three pilots for the Disney channel. One was the spin-off of Lizzie McGuire. One was the spin-off of the Suite Life of Zach and Cody and the last one was Wizards.
“So by then all of them didn’t get picked up and I was just kind of at my wits end, but not in a bad way just kind of thought ‘okay, well this is not going to work out’ and Wizards got picked up and my whole life changed after that.”
She still feels proud to be part of the “Disney high school experience”, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Gomez, who has also enjoyed huge success with her music, said: “It was an immediate feeling of oh I achieved my dream at that point in time. I was such a huge fan of the channel. I was a huge fan of what they did for our generation, and it was an honour. I wear it proudly.”
“I definitely am not ashamed of being part of the Disney high school experience … It was all of us, all from the Jonas Brothers, to Miley (Cyrus) and Demi (Lovato), and then it was Zendaya. It was just so cool to see all the people you so ‘went to school with’ if you will. It’s good to see them all do their thing.”
Despite her success, Gomez’s family tried to ensure that she remained grounded.
The actress said: “I just remember my mom being on my a** all the time about making sure that any sort of sudden exaggerated fan moment is meant to be treated with respect.”(Agency)
