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'First time I've lost to Arshad Nadeem': Neeraj Chopra 'won't be at peace' unless he eclipses Paris Olympics silver 

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, has once again set his sights on the highest accolades after a rare defeat to his Pakistani rival, Arshad Nadeem. The recent setback has only fueled Chopra's determination to achieve greater success, especially as he looks towards the Paris Olympics. 

Chopra has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant javelin throwers on the global stage. However, his recent defeat to Nadeem has stirred something within him. "This is the first time I've lost to Arshad Nadeem," Chopra candidly remarked, highlighting the significance of the loss. The defeat has left Chopra unsatisfied, and he's made it clear that he will not be at peace until he surpasses this performance, particularly with the Paris Olympics on the horizon. 

The rivalry between Chopra and Nadeem has been brewing for years, with both  the athletes pushing each other to new heights. While Chopra has often had the upper hand, Nadeem's recent victory marks a turning point in their competitive relationship. This defeat, however, has only intensified the Chopra's resolve. He views it as a stepping stone, a momentary setback that will propel him to train harder, refine his technique, and ultimately, reclaim his dominance in the sport. 

Chopra's focus is now firmly set on the Paris Olympics, where he aims not just to win but to eclipse his previous achievements. The silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics was a significant milestone, but Chopra believes he can do better. He has his eyes on the gold, and he’s determined to leave no stone unturned in his preparation. 

As one of India's most celebrated athletes, Chopra carries the hopes and dreams of millions. His journey is not just about personal glory but also about inspiring the next generation of athletes in India. The defeat to Nadeem, while disappointing, is a reminder that even the best athletes face challenges. What sets Chopra apart is his unwavering commitment to overcoming these challenges and emerging stronger. 

In the coming months, as Chopra gears up for the Paris Olympics, fans and critics alike will be watching closely. One thing is certain: Neeraj Chopra won’t rest until he has eclipsed his previous achievements and once again stood at the pinnacle of his sport. For more sports news, subscribe to our newsletter. 

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Devastating Fire in Kuwait Claims Lives of 42 Indians in Mangaf

A devastating fire in a residential building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait has resulted in the tragic deaths of 42 Indian nationals. The fire broke out in the early hours of June 13, 2024, causing widespread panic and significant loss of life.

The building, which housed multiple families and workers from India, was engulfed in flames quickly, trapping many inside. Despite the prompt response from the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD), the intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing cries for help as the fire rapidly spread through the building. “It was horrifying. The smoke was everywhere, and people were screaming,” said a nearby resident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have started due to an electrical short circuit.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed the casualties and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, the embassy said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Mangaf that has claimed the lives of 42 Indian nationals. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We are working closely with Kuwaiti authorities to provide all possible assistance.”

The local authorities have set up an emergency response center to assist the affected families and coordinate relief efforts. The Kuwaiti government has also promised a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause and prevent such tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic fire in Kuwait. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We are in touch with the Kuwaiti authorities and will extend all necessary support to the affected families.”

Many of the victims were reportedly workers who had come to Kuwait in search of better job opportunities. The Indian community in Kuwait is in shock and mourning the loss of their fellow countrymen. Community leaders have called for immediate support and assistance for the families of the deceased.

The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in residential buildings, especially those housing expatriate workers. There have been calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the priority remains on providing support to the victims’ families and ensuring that those injured receive the necessary medical care. The Indian Embassy has set up a helpline for information and assistance.

This tragic event has cast a pall of grief over the Indian community in Kuwait and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in preventing such disasters.

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Top Hamas leader’s son asks Israel to kill all the top leaders of Hamas if they fail to release the hostages

The Son of a Hamas co-founder has posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking Israel to kill all the Hamas leaders including his father if the organization fails to release the hostages. The son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, Mosab Hassan Yousef, has said that Israel must give a time frame to Hamas to release the hostages. Failing to do so, Israel must kill all the leaders of the Hamas organization, including his father.

Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef spent 21 months in jail and was released in July. He was held under administrative detention.

Mosab posted a 10-minute video on X in which he was recorded saying, “Israel cannot continue like this…Hamas must have a timeframe – a month or two or six months – to return the hostages and if they don’t return the hostages within the time frame, Israel must execute top Hamas leaders in prison, especially the mass murderers.”

“When I say execute top leaders, I mean no exceptions, that includes my father,” he continued. “I made a mistake, 10 or 15 years ago when I saved his life many times…He was supposed to die for his actions. I saved his life. Things did not change, things got worse.”

He added that he permits Israel to execute all Hamas leaders in the jail. “If this is what Hamas wants, the release of those mass murderers, then in my opinion this is the head of the snake,” Mosab commented referring to Israeli prison.

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India's Minister of External Affairs Sounds Alarm on Global Geopolitical 'Storm' and Advocates for Cooperative Solution

In a poignant address to the international community, India's Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, delivered a stark warning about the brewing geopolitical tensions across the globe. Speaking at a prestigious diplomatic forum, Jaishankar outlined India's stance and role amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for cooperation and strategic foresight to navigate the storm ahead.

Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts, trade disputes, and technological rivalries, Jaishankar cautioned that the world is on the brink of a profound geopolitical "storm." He underscored the interconnectedness of nations in today's complex geopolitical ecosystem, where disruptions in one region can reverberate globally, impacting economies, security, and stability.

Highlighting India's historical commitment to peace, stability, and multilateralism, Jaishankar articulated India's vision for a rules-based international order that fosters inclusive growth and development. He stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, upholding international law, and resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercion or unilateral actions.

Jaishankar outlined India's role as a responsible global actor, advocating for inclusive development, sustainable practices, and equitable partnerships. He reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering regional cooperation, particularly in South Asia, to address common challenges such as terrorism, poverty, and climate change.

Addressing the evolving dynamics of great power competition, Jaishankar emphasized the need for strategic autonomy and diversification of partnerships. He acknowledged India's strategic engagements with multiple stakeholders, including traditional allies, emerging powers, and multilateral institutions, to safeguard its national interests and contribute to global stability.

In the realm of economic diplomacy, Jaishankar highlighted India's efforts to enhance connectivity, trade, and investment across regions through initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. He underscored India's commitment to promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system that benefits all nations.

Regarding technological advancements and digital governance, Jaishankar stressed the importance of harnessing innovation for societal progress while addressing concerns related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. He called for greater cooperation among nations to develop norms and standards for the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Jaishankar's address served as a clarion call for collective action and strategic foresight to navigate the turbulent waters of global geopolitics. He reiterated India's commitment to playing a constructive role in shaping a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful world order, where nations cooperate for the common good while safeguarding their sovereign interests. As the storm clouds gather on the horizon, Jaishankar's message resonates as a beacon of hope for a more resilient and inclusive global community.

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“My career came in full shape after this film,” says Manoj Bajpayee talking about Satya

Released in 1998, Satya was one of its kind film that is yet remembered for its storyline, amazing cast, and the acting skills of every actor who was a part of it. Recalling working in the movie, Manoj Bajpayee says it was a complete game changer for his Bollywood career. He said he is indebted to both RGV as well as the film for giving him an amazing start. “I didn’t have a career when I did Satya. I was just getting some small roles here and there, and surviving in the city. Satya has given me a career. My career came in full shape after this film,” says Bajpayee. Manoj portrayed the character of Bhikkhu Matre in the movie.

Bajpayee further disclosed that it was the film’s director who got him the role in Satya. He said, “I was taken to Ramu by Kannan Iyer. When Ramu came to know I played Maan Singh in Bandit Queen, he jumped and said I loved you in that film and I always wanted to give you work in my films, but please don’t do Daud. But, I was insistent on doing the film Daud because it was giving me money and a role. Although it was a small role, but I didn’t mind it, because beggars can’t be choosers,” continuing, “If I look back, so many dialogues of Satya became so popular that they are famous even now. Topmost being, ‘Mumbai ka king kaun?’ I am not an actor who believed in dialogue-baazi, but I was just living in the character.”

Gripped in nostalgia, Manoj Bajpayee talked about the memories he made during the shooting of the movie, Manoj says, “We really didn’t know how it’s all going to turn out. The enthusiasm was that we were going to make something we always wanted to, with so much freedom to perform. We were improvising every day, because we were given that freedom by the writers and directors to create and deliberate together.”

Satya completed 25 years yesterday and it has been a good 25 years of the impression that it made on the Bollywood industry.

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"No one brings the kind of energy to a film set that Ranveer Singh does," Karan Johar

Karan Johar’s production Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani has crossed the 100 Cr. Mark on the box office. The film is getting a lot of praise for its storyline, Alia Bhatt acting as well as the blast of energy that Ranveer Singh brings to the sets. Karan Johar, in a recent interview, talked about how he got a ‘cultural shock’ seeing the energy that Ranveer has as he had worked with Ranbir Kapoor earlier who is exactly the opposite.

"No one brings the kind of energy to a film set that Ranveer Singh does," Johar said. "And before this, I had worked with Ranbir (Kapoor), who used to come to the set with a very calm, composed energy during Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. It was a cultural shock for me."

Karan continued, "Then I realized that all the hard work he (Ranveer) puts in, all that enthusiasm and passion he brings, is solely and purely to enhance his performance. I haven't seen this kind of energy before, and I won't see it again, but I knew one thing: he was the most indispensable character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. There would be no Rocky Randhawa if there wasn't Ranveer Singh."

In the same interview, Alia Bhatt also opened up about family values and how the support of the family plays a key role in creating a person. She talked about the time she took help from Shahrukh Khan for a song in the film RRKPK.

Recalling the incident, she said that she was unable to lip-sing for one of the songs in the film and was guided by Karan to take help from Shahrukh. Alia went on to lengths talking about how Shahrukh taught her the best trick and was so humble about it.

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Call Centre Employee Arrested for Attacking IAF Officer in Bengaluru

A call centre employee has been arrested for allegedly attacking an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer during a road rage incident in Bengaluru. The incident happened early Monday morning near Old Madras Road.

Argument Turns Violent

Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, who is currently working with the DRDO, was on his way to the airport when the incident took place. His wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita Dutta, was driving the car and dropping him at a bus stop so he could catch a flight to Kolkata.

As they were travelling from the C V Raman Nagar DRDO enclave, a two-wheeler rider allegedly drove rashly and nearly hit their car. After a brief exchange of looks, the rider, later identified as Vikas Kumar, allegedly turned back, stopped the car, and started an argument.

Officer Attacked and Threatened

According to the police complaint filed by Dutta, the rider picked up a stone and hit her husband on the head. “He saw the DRDO sticker on our car and said, ‘This is Kannada land. I will see you,’” she wrote in the complaint. She also claimed that a few other locals joined in and dragged the officer out of the car and beat him up.

A video shared by Wing Commander Bose on social media shows him bleeding from his forehead and nose. He said the attacker called him an "outsider" and targeted him based on the DRDO sticker.

Arrest Made, Investigation Ongoing

The police arrested Vikas Kumar after reviewing multiple videos recorded by bystanders and CCTV footage from the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru East), D Devaraj, confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated further.

Interestingly, sources say that the CCTV footage also shows that Vikas Kumar may have been hit during the scuffle. However, he has not filed any counter-complaint against the IAF officer.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about increasing road rage incidents in the city. The police are examining all available evidence to determine exactly what happened. The investigation is still ongoing. Read top news headlines India in Hindi by subscribing our newsletter!

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Former Karnataka DGP Found Dead at Home With Stab Injuries, Wife Detained 

In a tragic incident that has left the city stunned, former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP), Om Prakash, 68, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at his home in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, on Sunday. His wife, Pallavi, has been taken in for questioning, police confirmed. No arrests have been made yet. 

Police Called After Son Files Complaint 

The police were alerted around 4:30 pm by Prakash’s son, who filed a complaint. Officers arrived at the house shortly after. A sharp weapon was found near the body, but police say they are still trying to confirm whether it was used in the attack. 

"There were three people in the house at the time - Om Prakash, his wife, and daughter," said Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Vikash Kumar Vikash. "We are investigating what exactly happened." 

Wife and Daughter Locked Themselves in a Room 

Sources said Prakash was at home with Pallavi and their daughter when the incident occurred. After the stabbing, both women reportedly locked themselves in a room until the police arrived. 

While there is speculation about possible reasons behind the incident, including a property dispute, police have not confirmed any motive. “It’s too early to say why this happened,” Vikash said. “We’re waiting for the post-mortem report and are continuing our investigation.” 

A Respected Officer With a Long Career 

Om Prakash was a 1981-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Bihar. He began his career as an Additional Superintendent of Police in Ballari and later served in several key roles, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Criminal Investigation Department and in the Lokayukta Police. He was appointed DGP of Karnataka in 2015 and retired in 2017. 

A case has been registered based on the son’s complaint. Police have promised a fair and thorough investigation to find out what led to the former DGP’s shocking death. For latest news India in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter! 

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Day After SC Warning, Government Halts Key Waqf Law Changes Until May 5 

Just a day after the Supreme Court raised concerns about parts of the new Waqf Act, 2025, the Central Government has put major decisions under the law on hold until May 5. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government will not appoint any new members to the Waqf Boards or the Central Waqf Council. It also won’t change the status of waqf properties, including those known as ‘waqf-by-user’, which are currently notified or registered. 

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, took note of this and said in its order that all waqf properties must remain as they are for now. This includes properties registered under the earlier Waqf Act of 1995. 

Court Seeks Written Response from Centre 

The Centre asked for a week to file a written reply before the court decides on any temporary orders. The three-judge bench — also including Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan — agreed to give the Centre, state governments, and Waqf Boards seven days to submit their responses. Petitioners can then file a reply within five days. 

Chief Justice Khanna clarified that the court is not blocking the law entirely but wants to make sure no sudden changes happen that could affect people’s rights while the case is being heard. 

Why the Court Raised Concerns 

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court had suggested that some parts of the amended law may need to be paused. These include: 

The addition of non-Muslims to Waqf Boards, 

The classification of properties as ‘waqf-by-user’, 

And giving district officials the power to change the status of waqf land. 

Solicitor General Mehta argued against an immediate stay, saying the law has a long history and was created after many public suggestions. He urged the court to first review documents and understand the full picture before making a decision. 

Next Hearing Set for May 5 

The court said it would treat five main petitions as lead cases and group the rest under them. It also clarified that the May 5 hearing will be preliminary and may lead to further interim orders if needed. 

This hearing will take place before CJI Khanna’s retirement on May 13. Read top news headlines India in Hindi by subscribing our newsletter!

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As BJP Gets Close to Electing New President, Party Prepares for Organisational Revamp

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is almost ready to make big changes to its organisation as it prepares to choose its next national president. On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with current BJP president and Union Health Minister J P Nadda at his home for over three hours.

Although some party members called it a routine meeting, sources say important discussions were held about upcoming changes within the party.

Discussions with PM Modi on Party Reshuffle

On Wednesday, Shah, Singh, and BJP general secretary B L Santhosh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finalise the changes. Later that day, Shah met again with Nadda, whose term as party president has come to an end. These back-to-back meetings suggest that the BJP is close to announcing new appointments at both the national and state levels.

So far, the BJP has named new state presidents in 15 states. Another six or seven state-level appointments are expected by April 19. States like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to see new state presidents by the end of the week. The process of selecting the new national president is expected to begin after April 20.

Supreme Court Ruling Creates Tension

Meanwhile, some unease has emerged within the party after the Supreme Court ruled against Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi’s decision to send 10 state Bills to the President after the state Assembly had already passed them again. The court called this action "illegal and wrong."

The court also said the President must decide on such matters within three months. While some in the government feel the court is stepping into political matters, others in the BJP believe the Governor may have mishandled the situation.

Wider Concerns Around Judiciary and Governance

This comes as talks about judicial independence grow, especially after a recent fire at a High Court judge’s home and the Supreme Court’s criticism of state governments over harsh methods like “bulldozer justice.”

In the middle of these developments, Prime Minister Modi also met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. They discussed their recent visits abroad - Modi to Mauritius, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and Murmu to Portugal and Slovakia.

As the BJP prepares to announce its new leadership, the next few weeks will be important for shaping the party’s strategy and direction, both within the organisation and on the national stage. Read top political news in Hindi by subscribing our newsletter!