5 Feared Dead In Massive Explosion At Ordnance Factory In Maharashtra

A man died in a massive blast at an ordnance factory near Nagpur this morning. The blast occurred in the LTP section of the factory around 10.30 am in Maharashtra's Bhandara district, said District Collector Sanjay Kolte. Firefighters and medical staff were at the scene to contain the situation.

The blast led to the roof collapse, trapping 14 workers who were in the LTP section of the factory in the Jawahar Nagar area. In the initial efforts, three were rescued alive and one was dead. An excavator was used to remove the debris, said the senior official.

The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the casualty in the factory blast and said five workers have been evacuated. He said top officials are at the blast site and rescue teams from Nagpur will reach soon. Medical teams are also ready to help if needed, he assured.

"Unfortunately, one worker has died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him. We share the grief of his family. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured," said the Chief Minister.

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Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order. What It Means For Indians

US District Judge on Thursday blocked Donald Trump's executive order revoking birthright citizenship. "This is blatantly unconstitutional order," Judge John Coughenour told a lawyer with the US Justice Department defending Trump's order. Trump however plans to "appeal it". What exactly is the controversy and how will it impact Indians?

14th Amendment Of The US Constitution

On January 20, following the inaugural ceremony, 47th US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including restricting automatic birthright citizenship. This order specifically focuses on the 14th Amendment which states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

This means that anyone born in the US is considered a citizen at birth.

However, Trump's executive order interprets this amendment differently. It states that the "privilege of United States citizenship does not automatically extend to persons born in the United States."

Children born to undocumented parents are not entitled to automatic birthright citizenship, as per the order.

Born In The US But Not A Citizen

As per Trump's executive order, categories of individuals born in the United States and not subject to citizenship include:

When that person's mother was unlawfully present in the US and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person's birth,

When that person's mother's presence in the US at the time of said person's birth was lawful but temporary and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time.

Whom Does Trump's Executive Order Apply To?

This new interpretation of the 14th Amendment shall apply only to persons who are born within the US after 30 days from the date of the order that is after February 19.

Over 1.5 lakh newborn children would be denied citizenship annually if Trump's order is allowed to stand, according to the Democratic-led states, reported Reuters.

How Does It Affect Indians?

Indian families using birth tourism as a means to obtain US citizenship will be largely impacted by Trump's order if it comes into effect.

Birth tourism is a practice of travelling to the US or other developed nations to give birth there so that the newborn becomes a citizen of the said country by birth. It is a way for families to seek better educational, career and health opportunities for their children.

According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 5.2 million people of Indian origin reside in the US. Indian Americans are the second largest immigrant group in the US, it states.

Another report published last year by the Department of Homeland Security estimated some 2.2 lakh unauthorised Indian immigrants resided in the US as of 2022. It is less than half of 4.8 lakh in 2018.

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Explained : What Led To The Crisis At FIITJEE Coaching Centres

Several branches of coaching institute FIITJEE in Delhi NCR and north-India have shut down due to the institute's financial crisis. The closure has left hundreds of parents protesting against the institute demanding refund of their fees. The crisis seems to have accelerated just after the end of the academic session for students appearing on January 22, 23 and 24 Session-1 of JEE Mains.

What led to the crisis?
The crisis in the coaching institute is a result of administrative and civic action that were taken against its branches for violating licensing and fire safety rules. Ghaziabad's district inspector of Schools Dharmendra Sharma had recently highlighted the fresh drive launched under UP Coaching Regulation Act, 2002, against unregistered institutes. 

The annual income of teachers in the institute ranged between Rs 15 Lakh to Rs 2 Core. Many centres had experienced mass resignation from teachers after they were not paid salaries for months. FIITJEE has also been accused of diverting their funds to business other than the coaching centres. They lost their investors and teachers due to the financial crisis. 

Cities where FIIT-JEE centres have closed 
The coaching centres have closed in cities such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Bhopal. Parents have filed multiple police complaints in these regions. The coaching institute's reputed South Delhi branch at Kalu Sarai near IIT-Delhi had also been forced to suspend some classes due exit of teachers who were allegedly not paid wages for several months. 

Protests across the cities
Social media is flooded with videos of parents protesting outside the institute's now-shut branches and police stations.  Some parents noted that they were taken aback by text messages sent to them by FIITJEE centre heads on Monday about the sudden closure of their wards' centre. A parent who had recently deposited Rs 4 lakh fee in FIITJEE centre at Noida sector 26 said, “An outgoing FIITJEE teacher told us that most faculty members are leaving as they have not been paid salaries for several months.”

About the institute
Started nearly three decades ago by D.K. Goel, a mechanical engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, the chain of coaching institutes, specialising in engineering entrance exam training, also offers NEET entrance coaching. The institute also provides coaching for basic foundation classes of 8,9 and 10. FIITJEE reportedly has 72 centres across 41 cities and over 300 employees.

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Opinion: Are Actor Vijay, AIADMK And BJP Teaming Up To Take On Stalin?

Actor Joseph Vijay's Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has from the outset positioned itself as an anti-DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) force, open to alliances with other political parties, including the principal opposition party, the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam). Vijay's colleagues from Tamil cinema who entered politics—such as Kamal Haasan in 2018 and the late Vijayakanth in 2006—learned the hard way that it's nearly impossible to win an election without aligning with one of the two major Dravidian parties.

For instance, actor Vijayakanth's DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) in the 2006 assembly election and Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in the 2019 Lok Sabha election both positioned themselves as third-force alternatives to both the DMK and AIADMK, but neither made any significant impact. Vijayakanth's DMDK secured 8% of the vote in 2006 but won just one assembly seat. But in 2011, when he joined the AIADMK alliance, his party bagged 28 seats. More recently, Kamal Haasan's MNM saw disappointing performances in the 2019 and 2021 elections, leading the party to align with the DMK.

The Two Biggest Parties

Historically, the AIADMK and the DMK have held the first and second-largest vote shares in the state, respectively, even during their worst performances. For example, the DMK's worst election in recent history was in 2014, but the party still garnered 22% of the votes. Similarly, the AIADMK's worst elections in 1996 and 2004 saw the party winning 26% and 30% votes, respectively. Third parties have never surpassed single-digit vote shares at their peak, underscoring the necessity of an alliance with either the AIADMK or the DMK for any serious political success. This reality explains why in October Vijay mentioned the possibility of power-sharing in a coalition government. However, three months later, have Vijay and the AIADMK moved closer to forming an alliance?

In the past few weeks, two major issues in the state have pointed to a potential coordination between the AIADMK, the TVK, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in opposing the DMK.

First, the Anna Varsity sexual assault case sparked a series of protests by opposition parties, with Vijay meeting the Governor, who is seen as an ideological ally of the right wing and someone antagonistic towards the DMK. This visit was timed with mass protests organised by the AIADMK and the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief, Annamalai, who added dramatic flair by flogging himself. All these actions seemed to align with a common strategy designed to embarrass the DMK on an emotive law-and-order issue.

A Common Agenda

Soon after, the AIADMK, the TVK, and the BJP mirrored each other's stance by boycotting the upcoming by-election for the Erode East constituency, scheduled for February 5. While the AIADMK and the BJP accused the DMK of manipulating the elections through muscle power, Vijay criticised the ruling party for making a mockery of the by-election.

It is evident that the three parties share a common agenda to unseat the DMK, but the timing and their collective stance on the sexual assault case and the by-election hint at some behind-the-scenes coordination. While this was expected, the key question remains: can this coordination mature into a formal alliance?

There are two fundamental stumbling blocks. First, who will be the lead player in such an alliance? Can the AIADMK, as the principal opposition party, accept Vijay as an equal—or at least a near-equal—in terms of seats? If not, can Vijay, with his star power, agree to play the junior partner? Second, can they incorporate the BJP into the alliance, given the realities of Tamil Nadu's electorate?

Why AIADMK Needs New Friends

The AIADMK needs fresh energy. And, after decisively losing three successive elections—2019, 2021, and 2024—it absolutely needs to win the 2026 assembly polls. Given the formidable alliance the DMK has led in the state, which includes the Congress, left parties and other smaller groups, the AIADMK, under former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, knows that an alliance with Vijay could be essential to gaining momentum. From Vijay's perspective too, going it alone could be a huge risk, potentially leading to decent vote shares but no seats. Additionally, if he contests independently and turns the election into a three-way race, he could end up splitting the anti-DMK vote, which would benefit the ruling party.

Given these dynamics, both sides may push hard to reach an agreement. It eventually may be one where the AIADMK remains the senior partner but offers a large share of seats to the TVK as it will not be able to concede too much on its dominant role. But they may have to leave the question of the Chief Ministerial face for post-poll calculations. 

BJP And The DMK

Except in specific pockets, the BJP continues to be a marginal force in Tamil Nadu, facing tough realities. A large minority vote and a strong ideological, regional, and linguistic narrative centred on Dravidian politics make it difficult for the BJP to make significant inroads. Within the AIADMK, there are sizable factions wary of an alliance with it, and Actor Vijay, whose following includes many minority groups, would also be hesitant to form an open alliance with the party. In many ways, the Dravidian realities for the BJP haven't changed much—at least not yet. However, Vijay and the AIADMK are also aware that they will need the backing of the Centre to challenge the DMK's election machinery and the state government.

In several respects, the dominance of the DMK in Tamil Nadu is comparable to the dominance of the BJP in India. A cohesive and strategic alliance is essential to challenge it in the state, which gives all parties a strong incentive to navigate these tricky issues. It's clear that backroom managers are working to stitch an alliance together, and if it solidifies, smaller players may also be drawn to it.

(The author is Executive Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Rohit's Reaction Says It All After Early Dismissal On Ranji Return - Watch

Rohit Sharma's dismal run continued on Thursday as the Indian cricket team star batter was dismissed for just 3 during the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir. Rohit came under a lot of fire following his disappointing outing during the Test series against Australia. He scored just 31 runs in 3 matches and following criticism from both fans as well as experts, he decided to drop himself for the final Test match in Sydney. Rohit returned to domestic cricket for the first time since 2015 but his innings was cut short as he was dismissed by Umar Nazir Mir.

@itsmihir412 pic.twitter.com/PXawxTr7Wi

— stuud (@stuud18) January 23, 2025

It was a short-pitched delivery that caught Rohit by surprise and he ended up miscuing his shot completely. The ball went directly to Paras Dogra who made no mistake in completing the catch.

Fans leaving the venue after the wicket of Rohit Sharma. [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/SQhqs9Mi76

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 23, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal also failed to score big as he was dismissed early for just 5 while Ajinkya Rahane showed some promise before he was also dismissed for 12.

In Test cricket, Rohit's recent performances have raised concerns about his form. During India's tour of Australia, the seasoned opener managed just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests.

The 2024-25 Test season, in particular, was disappointing for Rohit. He accumulated only 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings at an average of 10.93, with his highest score being 52--a solitary half-century against Bangladesh.

As captain, Rohit faced some significant challenges. Before the Test series against Australia, India suffered their first home Test series defeat in 12 years, losing 0-3 to New Zealand. This was also India's first-ever whitewash in a home Test series since 2000.

After India's 295-run victory in the first Test against Australia at Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit rejoined the team following the birth of his second child.

(With ANI inputs)

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Trump Announces Stargate, A $500 Billion Artificial Intelligence Initiative

US President Donald Trump announced a USD 500 billion investment in AI infrastructure through a new company, which is being created in partnership with Oracle, SoftBank and Open AI.

The venture, called Stargate, adds to tech companies' significant investments in US data centres, huge buildings full of servers that provide computing power.

The three companies plan to contribute funds to the venture, which will be open to other investors and start with 10 data centres already under construction in Texas.

"That's a massive group of talent and money. Together, these world-leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate," Trump announced on Tuesday at a White House news conference along with Oracle Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son and Open AI CEO Sam Altman.

"So, put that name down in your books because I think you're going to hear a lot about it in the future, a new American company that will invest USD 500 billion at least in AI infrastructure in the United States and very, very quickly, moving very rapidly, creating over 100,000 American jobs almost immediately," said Trump who was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.

This monumental undertaking is a resounding declaration of confidence in America's potential under a new president, he said.

"It will ensure the future of technology. What we want to do is keep it in this country. China is a competitor and others are competitors," he added.

Begin immediately, Stargate will be building the physical and virtual infrastructure to power the next generation of advancements in AI, Trump said.

This will include the construction of colossal data centres, very massive structures. "I was in the real estate business, these buildings, these are big beautiful buildings that are going to employ a lot of people and physical campuses in locations currently being scouted nationwide," he said.

"They're making their choices of locations. I think they have their choice. I'd like to ask Larry, Sam and Masa to say a few words and just talk a little bit about what they're doing and if you have any questions and then we'll go into a couple of other subjects also. But this is, to me, a very big thing, a USD 500 billion Stargate project," he said.

Ellison said they certainly couldn't do this without Trump.

"It would simply be impossible. AI holds incredible promise for all of us, for every American. We've actually been working with Open AI for a while and with Masa for a while. The data centres are actually under construction," he said.

"The first of them are under construction in Texas. Each building is half a million square feet. There are 10 buildings currently being built, but that will expand to 20, and other locations beyond the Abilene location, which is our first location," he added.

"The kind of applications that we're building, to give you an idea, maybe the most charismatic and the one that I think touches us all is electronic health records, not just maintaining electronic health records, but by looking at electronic health records, understanding the condition of doctors better understanding the condition of their patients and being able to provide health care plans that are much better than they otherwise would be. A doctor in Indian River reservation would be able to see how a doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering would treat the patient, or a doctor at Stanford would treat the patient," he said.

"This is the beginning of the golden age. We wouldn't have decided unless you won. And yesterday, we agreed, we signed to make this happen," SoftBank CEO said, adding that his company would immediately start deploying USD100 billion, with a goal of making US500 billion, within the next four years.

Describing this as the most important project of this era, Altman said this will be an exciting project.

"I think we'll be able to do all of the wonderful things these guys talked about. But the fact that we get to do this in the United States is, I think, wonderful," he said.

Trump said before the end of his first full business day in Washington in the White House, he has already secured nearly USD 3 trillion of new investments in the United States and probably that's going to be USD 6 trillion or USD 7 trillion by the end of the week.

"Tremendous amounts of money are coming in for many things other than even AI. AI seems to be very hot," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Stolen Brain Of World War 2 Soldier Found After 80 Years

A soldier, who died as a German prisoner of war in 1941, was buried without his brain, a fact his family only discovered nearly 80 years later. Donnie MacRae, a private in the Seaforth Highlanders, was captured during the Battle of St Valery in France in 1940 and died a year later in a prisoner-of-war hospital.

MacRae, 33 at the time, died due to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological condition. Following his death, an autopsy was performed, during which his brain and part of his spinal cord were removed for research.

These samples were sent to the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Psychiatry in Munich, now the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, the BBC reported.

While his body was buried by the Germans and later reinterred by the Allies at a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Berlin, his family was unaware that his brain had been removed.

In 2020, Professor Paul Weindling of Oxford Brookes University contacted MacRae's niece, Libby MacRae, revealing that 160 small slices of his brain and spinal cord had been preserved in the institute's archives. Prof Weindling leads a research project to identify victims whose brain samples were taken during World War II and to ensure their proper commemoration.

"One overlooked group is certainly prisoners of war whose brains were taken for neuropathological research by the Germans," Weindling said.

Donnie MacRae's death in 1941 was linked to a rapidly deteriorating condition, which included paralysis, difficulty speaking, and immobility. His case attracted scientific interest, leading to the dissection of his brain.

Dr Sabine Hildebrandt, a Harvard Medical School lecturer specialising in medical ethics, said that such practices were routine at the time, although ethically questionable. "It's an excruciating fact, but this was the norm for scientific research then," she explained.

During the war, German institutes, including those in Munich and Berlin, harvested human tissues from a variety of victims, including prisoners of war, Holocaust victims, and political prisoners.

After the war, many of these practices were scrutinised during the Nuremberg Trials. However, institutes like the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute continued their research, citing the scientific value of the material.

Efforts are now underway to reunite Donnie's brain with his body. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has agreed to accept the samples from the Max Planck Institute.

"We are hoping this will mean we are in the position to re-inter the remains later this year," the commission said.

Libby MacRae said, "I'm so glad to hear that the specimens will finally be buried, and all of Donnie will be together in a peaceful place."

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Royal Enfield Scram 440 Launched At Rs 2.08 Lakh, To Rival Scrambler 400X

Royal Enfield has launched the Scram 440 in the Indian market. The bike was unveiled at Motoverse 2024 and has now been introduced at a starting price of Rs 2.08 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level Trail variant. Apart from this, the brand also has the Force variant. Slotted against rivals like the Triumph Scrambler 440x, the bike carries forward the DNA of the Scram 411. However, it comes with a relatively bigger engine and gets more features, and a slightly revised appearance when compared to its predecessor.

Getting into the details, the bike comes with a design very similar to the Scram 411. The bike gets a round LED headlamp highlighting the neo-retro charm of the machine. This is complemented by a rather boxy-looking fuel tank which shrouds the side with the Royal Enfield logo on it. All of this is complemented by an exposed chassis and a single-piece seat.



Royal Enfield is also offering 19/17-inch spoke wheels with the option of alloy wheels for the Force variant. Complementing the design of the bike are Trail Green, Trail Blue, Force Teal, Force Grey, and Force Blue.

Also Read: Honda CB190TR Patent Filed In India; To Rival Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Based on a half-duplex split cradle frame, the bike is suspended on 41 mm telescopic front forks while the rear end gets a mono-shock with linkage. Braking is the responsibility of the 300 mm disc at the front with a two-piston floating caliper. Meanwhile, the rear end gets a 240 mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper. It is to be noted that all of this contributes to 187 kg dry weight. As part of the upgraded tech, the bike gets a digital analog cluster.

Powering the Royal Enfield Scram 440 is a 443 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. This unit is tuned to produce 25 hp of power at 6,250 rpm and 34 Nm of peak torque while revving at 4,000 rpm. This power is transferred to the rear wheel using a six-speed clutch with a wet multi-plate clutch.

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Union Budget 2025: What Is The Economic Survey, When Is It Presented?

The Economic Survey 2024-25, scheduled for release on January 31, will provide a detailed analysis of India's economic performance over the past financial year. Released a day before the Union Budget 2025, the report will highlight key trends across sectors like agriculture, industry and services while offering policy recommendations to address challenges and promote growth. 

The Budget session in Parliament will start on January 31 and will conclude on April 4. Nirmala Sitharaman will present her eighth straight Budget on February 1.

What is the Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is a critical document released by the Ministry of Finance ahead of the Budget. It provides a detailed analysis of economic trends in the country and aids in understanding how resources are mobilised and allocated in the Budget. 

It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and is divided into two parts. Part A reviews the country's economic performance, focusing on fiscal trends and macroeconomic indicators, while Part B explores socio-economic issues like education, poverty, and climate change, along with projections for GDP growth, inflation and trade.

The Economic Survey evaluates key economic indicators such as agricultural and industrial production, infrastructure, employment, money supply, prices, imports, exports and foreign exchange reserves. It facilitates a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing the economy and their impact on the government's fiscal strategy.

Why is the Economic Survey presented before the Budget?

The Economic Survey is released before the Budget to give a clear picture of the economy.

While the Budget outlines the government's receipts and expenditures, it also serves as a significant policy document. The Economic Survey complements this by offering an in-depth view of how these fiscal measures are shaped by the broader economy. 

The Ministry of Finance releases a Functional Classification of the Budget, analysing expenditures in terms of economic priorities like capital formation and sectoral transfers through grants and loans.

The Survey helps policymakers:

• Set realistic revenue and expenditure targets

• Address challenges like unemployment and inflation

• Prioritise sectors needing immediate focus

• Align policies with global trends

• Manage public and market expectations by offering a transparent economic outlook

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'Great Honour': S Jaishankar In Front Row Seat At Trump Inauguration

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was seen in the front row as US President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address at the Capital Rotunda in Washington DC.

Mr Jaishankar said it was a "great honour" to attend the ceremony as India's special envoy, which entitled him to a place of honour. He also met members of Trump's administration, including the 56th Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and nominee for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kash Patel.

The minister also exchanged a handshake with Vivek Ramaswamy, who quit the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency to possible pursue the race for Ohio governor.

Mr Jaishankar was joined by tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai at the ceremony held indoors amid chilly winds and freezing temperatures of -8 degrees Celsius.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Presidents Javier Milei of Argentina and Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, and China's Vice President Han Zheng also attended the inauguration, where Trump vowed the return of the "golden age of America". The leaders had congregated at the same place where Trump's supporters had staged an attack in January 2021 as they tried to overturn certification of his election loss to Joe Biden.

The president said his day-one orders include those curbing immigration, boost fossil fuel production, and roll back environmental regulations, namely the 2021 Paris Climate accord.

Trump also struck a nationalistic tone as he capped the most extraordinary comeback in US political history, pledging to impose trade tariffs, rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, and take "back" the Panama Canal, which has been controlled by the Central American country since 1999.

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Ashish Jain, Indian Real Estate Tycoon At Donald Trump's Inauguration

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking the commencement of his second term. Among the guests attending the inauguration was Ashish Jain, the managing director of Pune-based real estate company, Kundan Spaces.

Mr Jain, who met Trump and his son Eric Trump at a pre-inaugural dinner on January 19, is a well-known figure in India's real estate sector. Mr Jain also met Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the event.

Here's a closer look at the businessman:

• Ashish Jain has made a significant mark in the Indian real estate sector, with over two decades of experience. As the driving force behind Pune-based Kundan Spaces, he is recognised for his exceptional business acumen and leadership in the industry.
• Mr Jain pursued an MBA from Cardiff University between 2000 and 2001, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Commerce at Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce from 1995 to 1999. He is also an alumnus of St. Joseph's Boys' High School, Khadki, where he studied from 1984 to 1994.
• Early on in his career, Mr Jain was honoured with the 'Best Customer Award' from Vijaya Bank due to his exceptional management of bank finances.
• His LinkedIn profile highlights his professional experience as the managing director of Kundan Spaces, a role he has held since January 2001, spanning more than 24 years. Under his leadership, Kundan Spaces won the Best Architectural Award in 2020 for one of its luxury residential projects.
• Beyond real estate, Mr Jain is also a supporter of entrepreneurial ventures. He has invested in about five startups, including Capizal, and continues to back innovative businesses.

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Iran Sentences Pop Singer To Death For "Insulting" Prophet Muhammed

An Iranian court has sentenced popular singer Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known as Tataloo, to death on appeal after he was convicted of blasphemy, local media reported on Sunday.

"The Supreme Court accepted the prosecutor's objection" to a previous five-year jail term on offences including blasphemy, reformist newspaper Etemad reported online.

It said "the case was reopened, and this time the defendant was sentenced to death for insulting the prophet", referring to Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

The report added that the verdict was not final and can still be appealed.

The 37-year-old underground musician had been living in Istanbul since 2018 before Turkish police handed him over to Iran in December 2023.

He has been in detention in Iran since then.

Tataloo had also been sentenced to 10 years for promoting "prostitution" and in other cases was charged with disseminating "propaganda" against the Islamic republic and publishing "obscene content".

The heavily tattooed singer, known for combining rap, pop and R&B, was previously courted by conservative politicians as a way of reaching out to young, liberal-minded Iranians.

Tataloo even held an awkward televised meeting in 2017 with ultra-conservative Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash.

In 2015, Tataloo published a song in support of Iran's nuclear programme that later unravelled in 2018 during the first US presidency of Donald Trump.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Donald Trump's Inauguration Celebrations Kick Off: Venue, Guest List And More

Donald Trump, who is set to take charge as the 47th President of the United States of America, reached Washington on Sunday morning, ahead of his inauguration ceremony marking his return to the White House. The incoming President's inaugural weekend began with a star-studded 500-member reception at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, which included his cabinet nominees Pete Hegseth and Lee Zeldin.

The incoming commander-in-chief posted a nearly 15-minute video from the event showcasing him and First Lady Melania standing beside each other on a balcony at his golf club and applauding the massive pyrotechnic display. Towards the end of the video, the soon-to-be President can be seen shaking his leg and performing one of his signature dance moves in front of the crowd.

Trump Inauguration Gala Details 

Celebrations Start -Mr Trump's inaugural ceremony includes 18 galas, with three official events that the Present-elect is expected to attend. The celebrations kicked off with a gala at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia on Sunday. Following this, the President-elect arrived in Washington DC, where he's expected to participate in a rally and a candlelit dinner with supporters today. 

On Sunday alone, Mr Trump is scheduled to hold a major "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" at Capital One Arena for his supporters. This will be the first such event in the US capital that Mr Trump will address since his speech at the Ellipse on January 6, 2021, which led to the Capital riots. Later in the evening, he is also scheduled to attend a candlelight dinner with his supporters.

The Inauguration Ceremony-  Mr Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at 12 pm EST (10:30 pm IST) on Monday as the US Constitution mandates that each new president's term begins at noon on January 20 (or the day after if it falls on a Sunday). The oath is most often administered by the Supreme Court chief justice, and Monday would mark John Roberts's second time officiating for Trump.

The First Address- The new president is then expected to deliver an inaugural address, laying out his plans for the next four years. The Republican rang in his first term in 2017 by evoking "American carnage." Incoming vice president JD Vance will also be sworn in during the event.

Inaugural Luncheon- Following the ceremony, the President, along with their spouse, Vice President, Senate leaders, and distinguished guests, would be escorted to Statuary Hall in the US Capitol for a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). 

Oval Office Signings- In the first act as the President after taking the oath, Mr Trump is likely to participate in a traditional signing of executive orders, officially beginning his second administration. The incoming President has pledged to fulfil a number of his poll promises on Day 1 by signing executive orders, but it is not clear what issues will be first up. Mr Trump is likely to reinstate some executive orders from his first term that President Biden had revoked.

Inaugural Balls- The signing in the Oval Office will be followed by three official inaugural balls on Monday evening. Mr Trump is expected to attend all three galas -- the Commander in Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball and the Starlight Ball. More than a dozen other events are also planned.

National Prayer Service- Mr Trump will be hosted by the Washington National Cathedral, the sexy day after his inauguration at 11 am (9:30 pm IST) on Tuesday for an interfaith prayer service. The service will mark the official conclusion of the inauguration celebrations.

Change In Swearing-In Venue

While US presidents traditionally assume their powers outdoors in front of the Capitol building, with a large crowd of spectators witnessing the ceremony, Mr Trump on Friday said he would move the event inside the Capitol Rotunda amid forecasts of extreme cold.

Crowd size is a preoccupation of  Mr Trump's, but the last-minute switch to an indoor event may dent his bragging rights. More than 220,000 tickets were being distributed to the public before the incoming President's announcement of shifting the venue to the Capitol Rotunda, which can accommodate only about 600 people.

Trump said supporters could watch a live feed from Washington's Capital One sports arena, which holds up to 20,000 -- and he promised to drop in later. "This will be a very beautiful experience for all," the president-elect said.

Presidential Parade 

The president's inaugural parade will be held inside for the first since 1985. The parade, which has followed the presidential entourage down Pennsylvania Avenue as far back as 1805, will march on inside Capital One Arena on Monday.

The move comes after Mr Trump on Friday announced that he would take oath and deliver his inaugural address inside the US Capitol Rotunda and promoted Capital One Arena as essentially a massive watch party venue for his oath of office and inaugural address

Musical Affair

Mr Trump's inauguration 2.0 will be a star-studded affair, with country star Carrie Underwood singing "America the Beautiful" during the swearing-in ceremony.

Also performing will be country singer Lee Greenwood, whose patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA" is standard at Trump rallies.

A pre-inauguration rally on Sunday will include a performance by the Village People, whose 1970s-era "Y.M.C.A." is another Trump event staple, in addition to Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus. Country musicians including Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw plus the Village People will perform across Trump's three official inaugural balls.

Inaugural Lunch

The event became an integral part of the day's events in 1897, when the Senate Committee on Arrangements arranged a meal for President William McKinley, symbolizing the transition of power and the beginning of a new administration.

The menu for Donald Trump's 2025 Inaugural Luncheon has not been revealed yet, but it is likely to follow patterns of previous occasions and may include the great American classic cuisines. As Mr Trump reportedly enjoys simple, savoury meals, he might include steak with some lobster, together with exquisite sweets. The Gulf shrimp and regional American flavours were part of his inauguration in 2017.

Guest List

The Republican has invited a number of tech titans to attend the inauguration, joining more traditional guests such as his cabinet nominees. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg will attend as will Shou Chew, the head of Chinese social media giant TikTok, according to US media.

Mr Trump has courted closer ties with the tech moguls, and his campaign benefited from disinformation spread on social media platforms such as TikTok, Musk's X and Zuckerberg's Facebook and Instagram.

Outgoing President Joe Biden will also attend the ceremony -- despite Trump's refusal to appear at Biden's swearing-in when he beat Trump in 2020. All living former presidents -- Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama -- will attend, as will their wives, except for Michelle Obama.

That means Hillary Clinton, whom Trump beat in the 2016 presidential election, in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he beat in November, will be there. 

Heads of state are not traditionally invited, but Trump has sent invitations to a handful of foreign leaders, including some who share his right-wing politics. Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend, her office confirmed Saturday.

Hungary's Viktor Orban, Argentine President Javier Milei and China's Xi Jinping have also been invited, but not all will attend. 

Executive Orders

Mr Trump said he is preparing to sign multiple executive orders as early as his first day in office, aimed at undoing many of the Biden administration's policies.

Among other promises, he has pledged to launch a mass deportation program and increase oil drilling. He has also said he might immediately begin pardoning January 6 rioters, his followers who ransacked the Capitol in 2021. Immediately after the inauguration a meeting is planned between US officials and foreign ministers from Japan, India and Australia, the so-called "Quad" which the Biden administration saw as a counterweight to an assertive China. 

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Top 10 Executive Orders Trump Plans To Carry Out On Day 1 Of His Presidency

On the first day of his first term, President-elect Donald Trump had signed just one executive order, which targeted Obamacare. But this time around, he has promised quite a few orders. Here are a few of them.

Mass deportation program

Trump's immigration plans are a key aspect of his day-one agenda. He has vowed to begin a mass deportation program, targeting undocumented migrants. "On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out," Trump said during a rally in New York City. This promise has raised concerns among immigration advocates, who argue that such a program would be logistically challenging and potentially harmful.

End birthright citizenship

Trump has also promised to end birthright citizenship, a right granted to anyone born in the United States under the 14th Amendment. This move would likely face significant legal and logistical challenges. When asked if he plans to end birthright citizenship on day one, Trump replied, "Absolutely." Additionally, Trump has vowed to terminate every open-borders policy of the Biden administration, he has even said that he will "use Title 42", a public health law that allows for faster deportation of migrants.

Pardon Capitol Hill rioters

On the issue of pardons, Trump has promised to pardon defendants convicted for their role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. "I'm looking first day," Trump said when asked about his timeline for pardons. He has also stated that he would consider pardoning defendants charged with violent crimes, saying, "We're looking at it." This move has sparked controversy, with many arguing that pardoning those involved in the January 6 attack would undermine the rule of law. Furthermore, he told Time magazine, "I'll be looking at J6 early on, maybe the first nine minutes."

Ending the Russia-Ukraine War

In terms of foreign policy, Trump has made the bold claim that he can end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, or even before. "That is a war that's dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president," Trump said during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. "I know [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy very well, and I know [Russian President Vladimir] Putin very well. I have a good relationship and they respect your president, OK, they respect me. They don't respect Biden," Trump added.

Tariff implementation

Trump has also promised to implement tariffs on products imported from Mexico and Canada, two of America's biggest trading partners. This move has raised concerns among economists, who argue that such tariffs could have drastic and harmful effects on the US economy.

"On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Nov. 25. He even referred to the word tariff as "the most beautiful word in the entire dictionary of words."

End Biden's 'electric vehicle mandate'

On economic issues, Trump has vowed to cancel the electric vehicle "mandate" implemented by the Biden administration. "The day I take office, I will cancel Crooked Joe's electric vehicle mandate," Trump said during a campaign event in Houston.

The mandate Trump has been speaking about is an order Biden signed setting a national goal aiming for 50% of new cars and trucks sold by 2030 to be zero-emission. In March, the Environmental Protection Agency finalised the tailpipe emission limits and electric vehicles were expected to help reach the goals. Trump has referred to this as "electric vehicle mandates", although no one is required to buy a certain type of car.

Drill, drill, drill

He has also promised to increase oil drilling in the United States, saying, "Drill, drill, drill" during a town hall interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. According to Trump, increasing oil production in the US would drastically reduce energy costs.

This move has sparked concerns among environmental groups, who argue that increased oil drilling would exacerbate climate change.

Ban transgender athletes from women's sports

Trump's stance on transgender rights has been a topic of controversy. He has repeatedly referred to transgender women as men and has promised to limit participation in women's sports by transgender women, saying, "I will keep men out of women's sports, 100%, immediately, first day."

End gender-affirming care practices

Trump has also vowed to end gender-affirming care practices, which can include hormone therapy. "On day one, I will revoke Joe Biden's cruel policies on so-called 'gender affirming care,'" Trump said in a video posted to his campaign website. This move has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that such policies would be discriminatory and harmful.

Made-in-America auto industry

Furthermore, Trump has promised to revitalise the American auto industry, saying that "a vote for President Trump means the future of the automobile will be made in America." He has also vowed to promote American energy, sourced by American suppliers, and built by American labourers. This move has sparked enthusiasm among some in the auto industry, who see Trump's promises as a potential boon for American manufacturing.

As Trump prepares to take office, its not yet certain which of these promises he will prioritise and how he will implement them. One thing is certain, however: Trump's day-one agenda is ambitious and far-reaching, with the potential to shape the course of his presidency and the future of the United States.
 

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Saif Ali Khan Attack: Urvashi Deletes Apology Post. Internet: "Is This A Joke?"

Urvashi Rautela recently found herself at the centre of controversy after making insensitive remarks regarding the attack on Saif Ali Khan. The actor shared an apology post on social media, only to delete it shortly after. 

The Internet wasted no time in reacting, with users calling out her actions. One user wrote, "Apologising and deleting? Is this a joke or a publicity stunt?" Another one on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "It seems like she's just trying to stay relevant. This doesn't feel like an apology." 

"She apologised, then deleted it? That just makes everything worse," a comment read. While a fan wrote, "Why apologise if you're just going to take it down? Looks like she's not even taking her own apology seriously," another post read, "This is just embarrassing."

ICYDK: In an interview with ANI, Urvashi was asked about the stabbing incident at Saif's Mumbai residence. While she voiced her concern for the actor, her comment about her jewellery drew ire.

"It is very unfortunate. Now Daaku Maharaaj has crossed Rs 105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex, while my father gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don't feel confident wearing it outside openly. There is this insecurity that anybody can attack us. Whatever happened was very unfortunate," she said.

Soon after, the actress shared an apology letter on Instagram (which is now deleted). Her statement read, "Dear Saif Ali Khan sir, I hope this message finds you in strength. I am writing with a deep sense of regret and heartfelt apology. Until now, I was completely unaware of the intensity of the situation you are facing. I feel ashamed that I allowed myself to be consumed by the excitement surrounding Daaku Maharaaj and the gifts I was receiving, instead of pausing to acknowledge and understand what you are going through."

"Please accept my sincerest apologies for being so ignorant and insensitive. Now that I know the gravity of your case, I am deeply moved and want to extend my unwavering support. Your grace, dignity, and resilience during such a challenging time are truly admirable, and I have nothing but immense respect for your strength," she added.

The actress concluded, "If there is any way I can be of help or support, please do not hesitate to let me know. Once again, I am truly sorry, sir, for my earlier indifference. I promise to do better and to always prioritize compassion and understanding in the future."

The incident that led to the controversy occurred on Thursday morning when Saif was stabbed by an intruder who reportedly broke into his house. The actor sustained multiple injuries, including one near his spine and another on his neck. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment and underwent several surgeries. 

Saif's team shared a statement and mentioned that he is now out of danger and recovering. As of Saturday, the Mumbai police had not yet detained any suspects in connection with the attack.
 

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Opinion: Is There A Saudi Cameo In The Israel-Hamas Deal?

If talks go well, the death machines will fall silent in West Asia, or at least Gaza, on Sunday. The US and Qatar have reportedly brokered a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war.

It's been a long wait for the misery to end. The killings began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters from Gaza attacked Israel on a Jewish holiday. They went about indiscriminately shooting and kidnapping unsuspecting civilians and some soldiers. The worst attack was on a music festival where hundreds of young Israelis were partying. All of it streamed live by the attackers' body-mounted cameras. By the time Israeli forces took out the last gunmen, the body count had topped 1,200. Over 250 hostages were carried across to Gaza to be stashed away in a subterranean maze where they remained undiscovered even after the whole house was burnt down.

Perhaps the most dramatic and horrific cross-border assault on any country since the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, it triggered such a display of overwhelming force that it left the world aghast. The shockwaves have left the regional map perceptibly different. It has riven apart communities and split institutions. The scars run so deep that they will not heal in a very long time. It has also laid bare the remarkable pragmatism bordering on chutzpah of the Arab nations.

Reduced To Rubble 

According to multiple reports, nearly 46,000 Gazans, a substantial number of them women and children, have perished in the 15-month war. Most of Gaza has been flattened and rendered uninhabitable. Israel is estimated to have demolished over 1,61,600 homes and damaged 1,94,000 other civil structures. More than 1.9 million of the 2.2 million Gazans have become refugees, most of them corralled into a tiny corner in the north of the Strip. More than 1,000 medical facilities have been destroyed; Rafah does not have a single hospital. The economic loss is estimated at $37 billion. 

Hamas was decapitated when its political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, where he had gone to attend the inauguration ceremony for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Its director of war, Yahya Sinwar, was killed in Gaza last year, just after the first anniversary of the Hamas attack. A video of a dying Sinwar defiantly throwing a piece of wood at an Israeli military drone indicated that Hamas would not back down despite the carnage. By the end of 2024, Israel had spent over $67 billion on war. It had cost the United States nearly $23 billion until September 2024. Yet, about a hundred Israelis remain hostages somewhere in the ruins, or, more likely, under the ground. 

The Deal

So, what is the new acceptable middle ground in the new deal that the failed talks since the first successful one in November of 2023 could not find? After all, the original objective of the war—freeing hostages—was not achieved. Not only that, Israel will release over 1,000 Palestinians, including those arrested after October 7 and presumably Hamas fighters, in a prisoner exchange. That means while thousands of innocent Gazans, including women and children, paid for the Hamas attack with their lives, its fighters may yet return, alive, prison-hardened, and ready to fight another day. 

On December 20, 2024, American journalist Seymour Hersh—famous for blowing the lid off a cover-up of a massacre of the villagers of My Lai in Vietnam by US troops in the 1960s—wrote that an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal was in the works. The contours of the just-announced deal are nearly identical to that in his report.  One crucial piece of information, which was not in the deal made public but available in Hersh's Israeli source-based account, was the role of Saudi Arabia and the quid pro quos. Hersh wrote that as per the deal—reportedly made possible after incoming US President Donald Trump shook his fist at the belligerent Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—the US would extend its nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia if Iran gets hold of a nuke. In return, Saudi will fund the reconstruction of Gaza, look away when Israeli warplanes raid Syria, and allow its once-arch rival access to an airfield inside its territory. 

When Iran hit Israel with a barrage of missiles after it assassinated Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and killed scores of others in a “pager attack”, Tel Aviv had to precisely plan its retaliation because of the distance its fighter planes would have had to cover to reach targets deep inside enemy territory. Those targets would be minutes away if the planes were to launch from Saudi Arabia, however. So, the Israeli hostages, who have now spent over 460 days in captivity, paid the price for Tel Aviv to have a closer shot at Iran. 

The Aftermath

Almost all conflicts in West Asia in the past over 50 years somehow link back to the Palestine issue and a still-pending two-state solution. Palestine-trained activists and revolutionaries helped overthrow the Shah in Iran in 1979. That regime has since helped create multiple armed groups in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis.  

While the Saudi aspect—if it exists—of the ceasefire deal may eventually be revealed, it is clear that the US and major powers in the Gulf have decided to militarily ring-fence Iran. While the regime change in Syria with tacit support from Turkey has broken the Iran-Russia supply-and-support link, Israel has crushed Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel, the US and the UK have jointly carried out air raids on the Yemen-based Houthis, another Iran-backed group, whose attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea have disrupted global trade. What would be next? A regime change in Iran? Perhaps that will be property tycoon-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff's next assignment. 

(Dinesh Narayanan is a Delhi-based journalist and author of 'The RSS And The Making Of The Deep Nation'.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Car Not Ready, Saif's Son Ibrahim Took Bleeding Father To Hospital In Auto

Actor Saif Ali Khan, bleeding heavily from six stab wounds, was rushed to Lilavati hospital in an auto-rickshaw by his elder son Ibrahim after the shock knife attack last night. Twenty-three-year-old Ibrahim, also an actor, helped his injured father into the three-wheeler after he could not find a car ready to leave. Determined not to lose time, Ibrahim and Saif got into the auto-rickshaw and rushed to the hospital, about two kilometres from Mr Khan's Bandra home.

A video captured moments after the attack shows Mr Khan's wife and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan standing next to the auto-rickshaw and speaking to the house staff.

The 54-year-old actor suffered six stab injuries, one near his spine, during a fight with an intruder at his home late last night. He was operated upon and is now out of danger, his team has said. The team's statement adds that all other family members are safe.

Mr Khan's team has said it was attempted burglary. Police have referred to the attacker as an "intruder", but have not mentioned the robbery attempt angle.

CCTV cameras at Mr Khan's home did not capture anyone entering the premises within two hours before the attack, meaning that whoever attacked the actor had entered the building earlier and had been waiting to strike. Police are scanning CCTV footage to identify the attacker, who fled after stabbing the actor.

Police suspect that the attacker is related to one of the house helps, who also gave him entry into the actor's home, sources have said. This help is now being questioned as Mumbai Police tries to get to the bottom of the shocking attack in one of the poshest areas of Mumbai.

The attack on the actor has sparked panic among other members of the cinema fraternity. Actor Pooja Bhatt has said she has never felt so unsafe and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for more police presence in Bandra.

The Opposition has launched a scathing attack on the NDA government and questioned how safe ordinary Mumbaikars are if celebrities are attacked like this.

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Video: Kareena Outside Mumbai Home After Attack On Husband Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan was injured during an attempted burglary at his residence on Thursday. He suffered six stab wounds. He was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Now, a video has surfaced on social media, showing the aftermath of the incident outside the actor's house.

In the video, a visibly upset Kareena Kapoor is seen speaking to the staff members present at the scene.

In response to the unfortunate incident, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's teams issued statements. 

The statement from Kareena's team read, "There was an attempted burglary at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan's residence last night. Saif had an injury on his arm for which he is in hospital, undergoing a procedure. The rest of the family is doing fine. We request the media and fans to be patient and not speculate any further as the Police are already doing their due investigations. Thank you all for your concern."

"There was an attempted burglary at Mr. Saif Ali Khan's residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter," the official statement said.

The hospital recently issued a statement. Dr Niraj Uttamani, the COO of Lilavati Hospital, shared details about Saif's condition, confirming that the actor had been stabbed by an unidentified assailant during the burglary. Saif sustained six stab wounds, with two of them being particularly deep. 

One of the wounds was close to his spine. Dr Uttamani explained that Saif was brought to the hospital around 3:30 AM and is being treated by a team of specialists.

A source close to the actor revealed that Saif fought off the thief without any weapon, attempting to protect his family during the early morning attack.

The police have launched an investigation and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area surrounding the house. If reports are to be believed, Kareena and her children are unharmed and safe.

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Viral IIT Baba's Family Wants Him To Return Home. What He Told Them

The ongoing Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj has brought attention to a unique spiritual figure, 'IIT Baba' Abhey Singh. A former aerospace engineer, Mr Singh made it to the headlines during the grand religious event. Now, his father Karan Grewal, an advocate from Jhajjar, Haryana, wants him to return home. “Our family wishes Abhey to return home,” he told NDTV. “But after achieving so much, it's not easy for him to come back.”

Mr Singh has always been “extraordinary and the best” in academics, according to his father. After completing his education at IIT Bombay, Mr Singh pursued a Master's in Design and worked in New Delhi and Canada. He eventually left Canada and returned to India, spending winters in spiritual places such as Shimla, Mussoorie, and Dharamshala.

Read: "I'd Wake Up At Midnight...": 'IIT Baba' Abhey Singh Shares A Traumatic Past

“After that, he decided to become a sanyasi,” his father told NDTV. “He was always interested in spirituality."

Asked if he was in contact with his son, Mr Grewal shared, “I was in contact with him until six months ago. After that, he blocked me and all communication with me.” 

He further shared, “I heard he was in Haridwar and wanted to visit him but couldn't, and now he has gone viral in the media.”

Mr Grewal wants his son to return. “Obviously, I want him to come home,” he told NDTV. “His mother asked him to come back, to take care of the family, but he replied that after becoming a sanyasi, that's no longer possible.”

Read: Meet 'IIT Baba' Abhey Singh, Aerospace Engineer Turning Heads At Maha Kumbh

About his feelings on Mr Singh's decision, Mr Grewal told NDTV, “He was always independent, so what he's decided, he has decided. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they choose, and I can't pressure him.”

Asked if he would try to convince him one last time, he responded, “I will try, but in my heart, I feel that after reaching this stage, he's unlikely to listen to us.”

Speaking to NDTV yesterday, IIT Baba Abhey Singh had explained how “domestic violence” in his childhood influenced his spiritual path. While he didn't experience it directly, he was “traumatised” by his parents' constant fights, he said. Growing up, he would study late at night to escape the chaos at home, Mr Singh said. When asked about his decision not to marry, he admitted that witnessing his parents' conflicts led him to choose a peaceful, solitary life.

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"Who Were Crooked Puppets?" Lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai On Hindenburg News

Jai Anant Dehadrai, the lawyer who last year accused a Trinamool MP of accepting bribes to 'target' the Adani Group, reacted Thursday to news Hindenburg Research - the United States-based short seller that alleged, with no apparent evidence, financial impropriety by the business giant - will be disbanded.

In a lengthy post on X this morning, Mr Dehadrai also linked Hindenburg shutting down to the return of Donald Trump as the US President on January 20; earlier an influential member of Mr Trump's party had called out a decision by the outgoing government, led by Joe Biden, to probe certain Adani firms.

Mr Dehadrai also hit out at the Trinamool leader - labelling the person a "crooked puppet who tried spinning a conspiracy-theory (around Hindenburg's allegations), particularly against the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)", and demanded the MP be "subjected to rigorous custodial inquiry".

"With Hindenburg shutting down mere days before Trump takes office, the message couldn't be clearer: the attacks on Prime Minister Modi, the Adani Group, and India's stock market regulator (the Securities and Exchange Board of India) were not just about profit - they were part of a calculated and synchronised effort to sow instability in India," Mr Dehadrai alleged.

"But here's where it gets truly interesting. With (Hindenburg founder) Nate Anderson now fully exposed and in retreat - who were the crooked puppets in India who tried spinning a conspiracy-theory around the above mentioned entities?"

With Hindenburg shutting down mere days before Trump takes office, the message couldn't be clearer: the attacks on Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi, the Adani Group @gautam_adani, and India's stock market regulator @SEBI_India were not just about profit—they were part of a…

— Jai Anant Dehadrai (@jai_a_dehadrai) January 16, 2025

"Will the former MP who orchestrated many of these attacks in India, particularly against the Prime Minister, be fully investigated and subjected to a rigorous custodial inquiry and global financial audit?" he continued, claiming, "The money-trail from this individual will lead to some of the most notorious criminal entities to have ever existed - worldwide."

Earlier today, Mr Anderson, in a note on Hindenburg's website, said the company would be shut down after completion of pending projects. The announcement comes days before Mr Trump is to take office. However, Mr Anderson claimed no threat in the decision to close his firm.

READ | US Short Seller Hindenburg, Which Targeted Adani Group, To Shut

In 2022, Hindenburg Research made multiple allegations of financial impropriety by the Adani Group. The charges were firmly and completely denied by the company, which trashed them as "nothing but lies" and called them "calculated attacks on India and the Indian economy".

READ | Adani Group Refutes Hindenburg Allegations, Calls It "Attack On India"

Later the Supreme Court gave both the Adani Group and SEBI a clean chit.

READ | Supreme Court Backs Clean Chit To Adani Group In Hindenburg Row

The allegations were recycled in August last year.

They were once again firmly dismissed; the business behemoth's chairman, Gautam Adani, slammed the "dual assault targeting our financial stability and pulling us into a political storm". "It was a calculated move," he said.

READ | Adani Group, SEBI Chief, Industry Leaders Slam "Discredited" Hindenburg

Hindenburg also targeted SEBI chief Madhavi Puri Buch and her husband, both of whom called the allegations an "attempt at character assassination". This was after the markets' regulator flagged what it said were violations by Hindenburg and its sole owner, Mr Anderson.

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