B Praak says his new song from OTT film ‘Tehran’ is ‘full of heat, drama, and raw passion’

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
Singer-songwriter B Praak, who recently released his song ‘Ishq Bukhaar’, has said that the song is full of heat, drama, and raw passion.

For the track, B Praak has collaborated with the queen of melody Shreya Ghoshal for the first time. The song features in the upcoming film ‘Tehran’ which stars John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar, and Neeru Bajwa in the lead. The intense performance by Elnaaz Norouzi and striking visuals have already made it one of the most talked-about tracks ahead of the film’s release.

Talking about his song, B Praak told IANS, “I’ve always admired Shreya Ghoshal for her voice has magic that can transform any song. I had the privilege of working with her voice earlier for a song ‘Aaye Ram Ji’ under my Kripa records label, but sharing the mic with her for ‘Ishq Bukhaar’ was so inspiring”.

He further mentioned, “Huge thanks to Tanishk Bagchi for creating such a powerful track that brought us together in this way. This song is full of heat, drama, and raw passion. I hope you guys enjoy it as much”.

B Praak’s voice has a unique way of connecting with audiences, whether it’s patriotic anthems like ‘Teri Mitti’, spiritual pieces under his own Kripa label, or soulful romantic ballads like ‘Mann Bharryaa’, ‘Ranjha’, and ‘Filhall’. With ‘Ishq Bukhaar’, he steps into a bold, passionate soundscape, proving yet again how versatile he is as an artist, effortlessly trending in every genre he touches.

With Ishq Bukhaar, B Praak once again proves why he’s one of India’s most loved and versatile singers, a voice that can move you to tears, lift your spirit, or set your heart on fire.

Directed by Arun Gopalan, ‘Tehran’ will premiere on ZEE5 on August 14, 2025.(Agency)

Janhvi Kapoor shares that shooting for the rain track ‘Bheegi Saree’ felt like slipping into a classic Bollywood dream

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
The makers of the upcoming film “Param Sundari” have released a new song titled ‘Bheegi Saree,’ featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor

Set against the backdrop of rain, the romantic track captures the duo’s sizzling on-screen chemistry. Sharing the song on Instagram, the makers wrote, “Pyaar ki barsaat lekar, Bheegi bheegi saree is here… all set to drench your heart in love! #BheegiSaree in the iconic voices of Shreya Ghoshal and Adnan Sami is OUT NOW! #BheegiSaree Song Out Now.”

In the track, Janhvi Kapoor mesmerizes in a saree as she performs sensuous dance moves, while the rain-soaked setting adds to the romantic mood. The song also captures intimate moments between her and Sidharth, highlighting their sizzling on-screen chemistry.

Talking about her experience of shooting the song, Janhvi shared, “Rain songs have always held a special place in our films, there’s something so timeless and magical about them. I’ve grown up watching some of the most iconic moments in cinema unfold in the rain, and to now be a part of that legacy with Bheegi Saree feels surreal. Shooting this song felt like slipping into a classic Bollywood dream, dancing in the rain, feeling every beat and emotion it was pure joy.”

Sidharth added, “Bheegi Saree is high on energy, romance, and that classic monsoon vibe we all love. Janhvi and I had a blast shooting it and we can’t wait for everyone to feel that spark, especially with Shreya and Adnan’s voice making it even more special!”

Speaking about the track, singer Adnan Sami mentioned, “‘Bheegi Saree’ is a beautiful blend of timeless nostalgia and contemporary flair, expertly composed by the dynamic duo Sachin-Jigar. The moment I immersed myself in the composition, I was struck by its captivating essence. Shreya Ghoshal’s enchanting vocals perfectly complement the song’s sultry vibe, bringing it to life with effortless elegance.

It seamlessly weaves together melody, mood, and movement, yielding a sonic experience that’s both retro-referential and refreshingly modern. The accompanying video, with its lush, rain-kissed aesthetic, brilliantly captures the song’s mood – a deliciously flirtatious, playful, and romantic concoction that’s equal parts nostalgic and hip. It was a treat to sing it!”

Shreya Ghoshal also shared, “Bollywood romance is incomplete without rain, which I consider a secret ingredient; “Bheegi Saree” beautifully strikes the right essence of that romance. Singing alongside Adnan made it a special experience, and I believe it’s a song that will stay with people for a long time.”

“Param Sundari” directed by Tushar Jalota and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, is slated to hit theatres on 29 August 2025.(Agency)

SC to temporarily suspend operation of UP’s Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
The Supreme Court on Friday said it would temporarily suspend provisions of the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2025 Ordinance that effectively took over the management of the revered Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura-Vrindavan.

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi added that the Apex Court will transfer the batch of petitions – challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025 – to the Allahabad High Court.

Until the validity of the Ordinance is adjudicated, a committee headed by a retired High Court judge will supervise the temple’s affairs, stated the Justice Kant-led Bench.

It hinted that the proposed management committee will include the District Collector, other state government officials, and representatives of the Haridasi Sampraday.

The Apex Court said that it would upload a detailed order by Saturday on multiple petitions challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s move to take over control of the temple’s administration, which has traditionally been governed under a private management structure based on a 1939 scheme.

Further, the Supreme Court said that it will recall its May 15 judgment, which allowed the state government to utilise temple funds for the corridor development project.

In an earlier hearing, the Justice Kant-led Bench took exception to the “clandestine manner” in which the Uttar Pradesh government sought approval to use temple funds by filing an application in a pending civil dispute.

It had emphasised that temple rituals must continue in accordance with the traditions of the Haridasi denomination, and questioned the “tearing hurry” with which the Uttar Pradesh government promulgated the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025.

One of the pleas contended that the recent Ordinance amounts to state interference in religious affairs, undermining the autonomy of the current temple management committee.

It argued that there was no compelling reason for the state government to issue such an Ordinance, and that the government had offered no sufficient justification for taking over control of the temple’s administration.

The petition, filed by advocate Sankalp Goswami, said that the provisions of the Ordinance infringes the right of the Haridasi/Sakhi Sampraday to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion and right of members of the denomination to individually practise, profess and propagate their religion by seeking to alter the essential religious practices, rituals, customs and traditions which will have an effect of displeasing the deity and would make the entire denomination extinct.

“Section 5 (1)(i), 5 (i), 6(8) of the Ordinance directly violates Article 26(c) and (d) inasmuch as it permanently takes away the right of administration from the religious denomination altogether and vests it in non-denominational secular authority.

Thus, in the cloak of better management, the Ordinance travelling beyond regulation has completely taken over the administration and management from the religious denomination and created a new body where the religious denomination has been reduced to redundancy,” said a plea, adding that the temple is neither public property nor a state-owned trust.(Agency)

Why Aishwarya Khare’s rendition of song “Tu Mera Humdard Hai” left Erica Packard in tears on ‘Chhoriyan Chali Gaon’

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
In the latest episode of “Chhoriyan Chali Gaon,” emotions ran high as Aishwarya Khare delivered a soulful rendition of the song “Tu Mera Humdard Hai.”

Her heartfelt performance moved fellow contestant Erica Packard to tears, creating a touching moment that resonated with both the audience and the judges. As the girls moved from their village homes to their new ‘Basera,’ they were given the task of entertaining the local villagers to win the title of Miss Bamuliya.

The evening turned into a heartwarming mix of music and joy. Aishwarya impressed everyone with her emotional performance of “Tu Mera Humdard Hai,” which she dedicated to her fellow contestant Erica Packard.

The song touched Erica so deeply that it brought her to tears. Aishwarya later shared that singing runs in her family and is a special gift from her father. Erica also opened up about the unexpected bond she had formed with Aishwarya. What started as a simple task ended up becoming a beautiful moment of connection and friendship.

Overwhelmed by the feeling, Erica Packard shared, “In the very first episode, I told Krishna, ‘Ms. Bahu can never be my friend.’ But look at me now, I genuinely love her.

The qualities I’ve been trying to find in myself, her calmness, her compassion, that unhurried way of being, she has them all. And she, in turn, was looking for a bit of wildness and craziness, which is exactly what I brought into her life. We balanced each other out in the most unexpected way.”

Hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the rural reality show features a star-studded lineup including Anita Hassanandani, Krishna Shroff, Aishwarya Khare, Rameet Sandhu, Anjuum Faakih, Reha Sukheja, Dolly Javed, Sumukhi Suresh, Surabhi–Samriddhi Mehra and Erika Packard.

“Chhoriyan Chali Gaon” premiered on 3rd August on Zee TV.(Agency)

Lillete Dubey recalls her college days as a handloom enthusiast as she pays tribute to India’s weavers

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
Veteran actress Lillete Dubey took to social media to mark National Handloom Day, sharing her deep-rooted love for handlooms.

In a recent post on Instagram, the ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ actress reminisced about her college days in Delhi when she first fell in love with sarees from across India.

Calling herself a lifelong handloom enthusiast, the actress paid a heartfelt tribute to the country’s weavers and celebrated the timeless beauty of India’s textile heritage. Lillete posted a couple of photos of herself dressed in different sarees, along with a heartfelt note.

For the caption, Dubey wrote, “On National Handloom Day(yesterday ) .. have to admit I’ve been a handloom girl since my college days .. living in Delhi next to the Emporia on Janpath for years .. I lived in saris from all across India and fell in love with handlooms .. even today they are my go to Saris.. .. heritage, craft, passion, & immense hard work, all woven into one piece of cloth that is irreplaceable,unique and a signature of our own individualistic culture! Respect to all those weavers who keep it alive .. May they thrive for generations.”

National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on August 7 to honour the hard work of India’s weavers and the rich tradition of handloom weaving. In 2025, the country observes this special day for the 11th time.

August 7 was chosen to mark the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which encouraged Indians to stop using British goods and support local products. Handwoven fabrics became a strong symbol of self-reliance and freedom during that time.

To recognize the importance of handlooms in India’s independence and promote them in modern times, the Government of India declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015.

Actress Vidya Balan took to social media on National Handloom Day to stress the need to protect India’s rich textile traditions. In a touching Instagram post, she encouraged people to support Indian weavers by choosing handloom products, especially pure silk with the Silk Mark Label.

Balan also spoke about the importance of taking pride in one’s cultural roots and promoting local craftsmanship. Known for her love of handloom silk sarees, the ‘Dirty Picture’ actress shared a video from her visit to a facility where authentic handloom silks are made.

Vidya Balan captioned the post, “Today as we celebrate the National Handloom Day, let us honor our weavers. Let us embrace our identity and cultural heritage. Encourage and embrace our handloom pure silks. And always buy silk with the Silk Mark Label. #MySilkMarkMyTrust.”(Agency)

ED’s charge sheet against Bengal Minister mentions Rs 1.5 crore transaction

Kolkata, Aug 8, 2025
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has tracked fictitious transactions worth Rs 1.5 crore in two bank accounts of West Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha while probing the recruitment of primary teachers in state-run schools.

The ED has filed a charge sheet against him, which details the irregularities in the recruitment process, involving the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles in the current cabinet of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Central agency has mentioned the details of such transactions in the charge sheet, which it filed against Sinha at a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) earlier this week.

As per the charge sheet, such fictitious transactions, mainly inward remittances, took place between 2016 and 2021, which was the peak period for the multi-crore cash-for-school job case in West Bengal.

Sources aware of the development said that although Sinha was asked about such transactions in the past, he could not give any satisfactory answer on this count.

Sinha is the second Minister in the Bengal government against whom the ED has filed a charge sheet in this case, the first being the former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee.

Sinha has twice avoided appearing before the ED officers.

On Thursday, Sinha suddenly appeared at the ED office. However, it was not clear whether he had been questioned or not.

Responding to the development that the ED has filed a charge sheet against him in the primary recruitment case, the Minister said he had heard about it.

The ED officials first secured the name of the Minister from the diary of the middleman and now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader, Kuntal Ghosh, who was later arrested by the Central agency.

In March last year, the ED officials conducted raid and search operations at the Minister’s residence at Bolpur in Birbhum district.

After the raid, the ED officials seized cash worth Rs 41 lakh and a mobile phone from Sinha’s residence.

He is known to be close to Anubrata Mondal, the Trinamool Congress strongman and the party’s former district president in Birbhum. Sinha was first summoned by the ED for questioning in connection with the multi-crore cattle-smuggling case in March last year, but was not named in the related charge sheet.(Agency)

ECI enhances remuneration for polling, counting personnel

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the remuneration for presiding officers, polling officers, counting personnel, and other officials involved in the conduct of elections.

As per the new rates, a Presiding Officer or Counting Supervisor, who earlier received Rs 350 per day (or part thereof), will now be paid Rs 500 per day or Rs 2,000 as a lump sum.

Polling Officers, who were earlier paid Rs 250 per day, will now receive Rs 400 per day or Rs 1,600 lump sum.

Counting Assistants will now be paid Rs 450 per day or Rs 1,350 lump sum, up from Rs 250 earlier.

The honorarium for Deputy District Election Officers (Dy DEOs) has also been revised. They will now be paid not less than one month’s basic pay of the concerned officer.

The honorarium for CAPF Gazetted Officers — including Commandants, Ad hoc Commandants, Deputy Commandants, Assistant Commandants, Medical Officers, and equivalent ranks — has been fixed at Rs 4,000 for up to 15 days, or Rs 2,000 per week for deployments exceeding 15 days.

The remuneration for subordinate staff of CAPFs has been enhanced accordingly.

Sector Officers and other officials involved in the conduct of polling will also receive an increased honorarium.

Additionally, the ECI has fixed Rs 500 per day towards packed lunch and light refreshments for polling personnel, police personnel, mobile parties, Home Guards, Forest Guards, Gram Rakshak Dal, NCC cadets, ex-servicemen, and volunteers deployed at polling stations and counting centres.

In a statement, the ECI said, “Conduct of elections involves diverse activities carried out by an election machinery consisting of officials and staff requisitioned from various departments of the Central Government, State Governments, PSUs, Local Authorities, etc.”

It added, “During the election period, the entire machinery performs arduous and sensitive duties, often working long hours for several months to ensure a conducive environment in which electors can exercise their franchise freely. To ensure suitable compensation for such efforts, the Commission has revised the remuneration/honorarium rates.”

The last major revision in election duty remuneration was carried out between 2014 and 2016.(Agency)

Gautami Kapoor slammed for wanting to gift ‘sex toy’ to 16-year-old daughter

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
After Gautami Kapoor made an eyebrow-raising revelation that she wanted to give her 16-year-old daughter a “vibrator” as a birthday present, the actress received heavy trolling over her bold statement on modern parenting.

In an interview Gautami said that when her daughter turned 16, she had to gift her something to her and that she was thinking, “should I gift her a sex toy? Should I gift her a vibrator? Should I gift her something?”

The actress shared that she discussed with her daughter, who too was impressed by the list Gautami had made.

In the interview, the actress said that she wants her daughter to experience everything and a lot of women go through life without experiencing the pleasures of it.

However, in the conversation, Gautami revealed that her daughter is now 19 and appreciates the fact that at least the actress had that thought.

However, these comments did not go well with netizens.

One user wrote: “Oh, urban India’s feminism? Just a fancy word for… around! Thank the daughter’s got brains, unlike her mom who’s high-fivin’ the host like they’re cool kids, but nah, they’re just cheerleadin’ for pedo creeps!”

Another said: “Best Feminist Mother of the Year Award goes to Gautami Kapoor.”

“Gautami Kapoor wants to gift sex toy to her daughter on her 16th birthday!! Trying so hard to be western, they’ve lost the plot! Disappointing!” said a user.

One simply said that Gautami “lost a fan today!” and shared the video of the interview.

A netizen wrote: “Meet #GautamiKapoor, the sanskari wife of TV Actor Ram Kapoor. She wants to give her 16-year-old daughter a vibrator. Seems she is not aware that, apart from morality, it’s even illegal as per law because the age of consent for girls in India is 18.”

“Sounds like Gautami Kapoor was really trying to have a “progressive parent of the year” moment.. But managed to overshoot the landing like a rocket with no fuel. I mean, giving ur daughter a vibrator at 16 and announcing it like it’s some kind of family heirloom?”(Agency)

VVIP Chopper case: Delhi court rejects Christian Michel’s plea for release

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
A Delhi court has rejected the plea of Christian Michel James, a British national and the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, who sought release on the grounds that he has already served the maximum punishment of seven years for the offences he was extradited for.

Special Judge (PC Act) Sanjay Jindal observed that Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in December 2018, cannot be released as he is also facing charges under Section 467 of the Indian Penal Code — a serious offence punishable with life imprisonment.

Before the Rouse Avenue Court, Michel’s counsel argued that he had already served the maximum period of punishment of seven years for the offences he was extradited for, and therefore, he was entitled to statutory bail.

Further, it was contended that Michel’s 123 days of pre-extradition detention in the UAE should also be taken into account while considering his entitlement to relief.

Opposing Christian Michel’s plea for release, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) argued that the accused is also charged under Section 467 IPC (forgery of valuable security), which carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment — thereby disqualifying him from benefit under Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Under Section 436A of the CrPC, an undertrial prisoner who has spent half of the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the alleged offence shall be released on bail, except in cases where the offence is punishable with death.

Referring to orders passed earlier by the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, the Special CBI Judge emphasized that most of the issues raised by the accused had already been adjudicated in the past, stating, “the judicial propriety does not allow to reconsider the issues again and again when the superior courts have already given observations on the same.”

The court relied on the observation of the Supreme Court in an order passed in February 2023, where the apex court had categorically held that Section 436A CrPC would not apply due to the presence of the Section 467 IPC charge.

Observing that the question of whether Section 467 IPC is made out can only be decided at the stage of framing of charges, and that it cannot be ruled out at this stage that the section may apply to Michel, the court directed that the matter be listed again on September 12 for further proceeding.

Michel, an accused in the Rs 3,600-crore alleged scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland, faces multiple charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.

He was extradited to India on December 5, 2018, from the UAE. On his arrival in India, he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Days later, he was also arrested by the financial probe agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Since then, he has been lodged in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.(Agency)

Trump certainly doesn’t know what’s happening in Asia and India: Jim Rogers on US tariffs

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
As US President Donald Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on India, with an additional 25 per cent slated to come into effect from August 27, ace American investor Jim Rogers said on Friday that Trump doesn’t understand much of the world, and he certainly doesn’t understand what’s happening in Asia and particularly, India.

Speaking to IANS, Rogers who is one of the top financial commentators in the world, said that India remains the fastest growing economy in the world and Washington should actually be doing a lot of business with New Delhi rather than hampering long-standing trade and investment ties by slapping unrealistic tariffs.

“Trump wakes up, watches TV and then decides what to do. He doesn’t understand much of the world, and he certainly doesn’t understand what’s happening in Asia and India,” Rogers told IANS.

According to him, both the countries can actually increase trade to $500 billion by 2030, an envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, if the US President aims to bring Washington and New Delhi closer with reasonable gestures.

“For the first time in my life, I see that people in New Delhi seem to understand economics. They understand that prosperity is good, and success is good too. It is a very exciting and wonderful change for India,” Rogers emphasised, adding that India “could be an extremely exciting country, extremely exciting economy”.

He further stated that India is going to be one of the most exciting investment destinations in the world and it will certainly be compared to China and, maybe, even do much better than China in coming years.

On Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Rogers told IANS that more free trade is better for the world, especially India. “It will be extremely exciting for the world, including foreign investors,” he mentioned.

New Delhi has signed 13 FTAs with its trading partners. The country is currently negotiating the following FTAs with its trading partners: India-EU FTA, India Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India-Peru Trade Agreement, covering goods, services and investment, India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) and India-Oman FTA.(Agency)

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