Bollywood's biggest stars ignite the screen! From the dazzling premiere of [mention a recently released film or event] to the brewing controversies surrounding [mention a current entertainment scandal], India's entertainment scene is ablaze. This week saw [mention a significant entertainment event, e.g., a music launch, award ceremony, or box office milestone], further cementing India's position as a global entertainment powerhouse. The battle for box office supremacy heats up as [mention competing films or actors], while the digital realm witnesses the rise of [mention a trending OTT series or online sensation]. Beyond Bollywood, regional cinema continues to flourish, with [mention a noteworthy achievement in regional cinema]. From the vibrant world of music to the captivating realm of television, Abtak.com brings you the pulse of Indian entertainment. Dive in and stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and exclusive interviews—your ultimate destination for all things entertainment. Explore the captivating stories unfolding now!
Ayodhya: Ayodhya burst into celebration as Deepotsav unfolded with unmatched grandeur and devotion on Sunday.The city transformed into a resplendent canvas of lights, music, and faith as tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh flagged off Ramayana Shobha Yatra from Saket Mahavidyalaya by waving the Jai Shri Ram flag and beating ceremonial drums.The magnificent procession, which culminated at Ram Katha Park, showcased 22 dazzling tableaux depicting episodes from the seven 'kands' of the Ramayana -- from 'Ram Janmotsav' to 'Lanka Vijay'.Each tableau also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism, blending divinity with the state's vision of holistic development."Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, every edition of Deepotsav breaks its own record and sets new milestones of faith and grandeur," said tourism minister Jaiveer Singh."This year's Deepotsav not only celebrates divinity but also conveys the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat' through cultural unity and social harmony. The tableaux spread messages of women empowerment under Mission Shakti and highlight the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, inspiring every citizen to take part in nation-building," he added.The route from Saket College to Ram Katha Park, passing through Ram Path and Lata Chowk, glittered with lights, devotional chants, and enthusiastic crowds. Traditional performances like Mayur, Badhawa, Dehdiya, and Dhobiya dances added rhythmic vibrancy, while devotees lit diyas and showered flowers along the way, turning Ayodhya into a divine theatre of faith and celebration.Artistic depictions of tableaux combined cultural heritage with progressive governance, earning applause from thousands of spectators.Ayush Singh, a visitor from Prayagraj, said: "The Shobha Yatra gave a glimpse of our rich cultural diversity. Every tableau and dance spoke of India's unity in diversity and the timeless values of Lord Ram."Mani Shankar Tiwari, principal of a local inter college, remarked, "The procession beautifully blended modern development with the essence of Ayodhya's culture. The dedication of students and artists is like a 'yajna' performed to welcome Lord Ram."Meena Devi, a volunteer from Gorakhpur, said the tableaux "brought back childhood memories", while Rajesh Gupta, an Ayodhya resident, admired the artistic detailing and devotion behind each depiction.Vaibhav Pandey and Sushil Verma, volunteers from Jaunpur, echoed the sentiment of devotion. "It feels divine to be here in Lord Ram's city," said Vaibhav. "We've studied the Ramayan since childhood, but witnessing it come alive fills our hearts with pride."The event concluded with over 500 folk artists performing traditional music and dance at Ram Katha Park, filling the air with rhythm, faith, and joy -- reaffirming Ayodhya's rising stature as the spiritual and cultural heart of India.
Lucknow, December 3: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on using the term "Divyang" and respecting their sentiments has inspired persons with disabilities to advance in life and various fields with dignity. He highlighted that whenever Divyangjans have been given opportunities, they have consistently demonstrated their exceptional talents and abilities. Speaking at a state-level award ceremony at Lok Bhavan on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Chief Minister celebrated the achievements of Divyangjans and reaffi ...Read More >
UP Accident: Seven people died and several others were injured in a major accident in Hathras on Tuesday. At least seven people died in a major accident in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras after a pickup collided with a courier container on Tuesday. Among those killed include three women, three men and a child. "A family was going to Etah in a pickup when they met the accident. 7 people have lost their lives," said Hathras DM Ashish Kumar. He added that six others have been referred and seven people are admitted to the district hospital. The reason behind the accident is yet to be ascertained. Fur ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
Lucknow, Jan 8 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the belief system of Sanatan Dharma represents the world's oldest culture, standing above comparison with any religion or sect. The CM said, "I inherit a legacy that spans thousands of years, with its cultural and spiritual events equally ancient. The tradition of Sanatan is higher than the sky and beyond comparison." Speaking at the 'Mahakumbh Mahasammelan, he emphasised the profound significance of the Maha Kumbh. He explained that after the Devasura Sangram (the battle between gods and demons), drops of nectar fell ...Read More >
From hospitals to exams, people's distrust of public institutions is growing because of past mistakes and broken promises In Prayagraj, student protests outside the UPPSC office slowed down after the government agreed to hold the provincial civil services exam on a single day. The decision to split the exam across two days was not a big issue in itself -- officials explained it was because there were so many applicants. This is a common practice both in India and around the world. However, what really upset students was the intense competition for government jobs, which are hard to get, along ...Read More >
Lakhimpur Kheri, December 3: Talent knows no boundaries. A testament to this is 28-year-old Muneer Khan from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, whose innovations and technical skills have gained him global recognition. From a 'smart water bottle' to 'smart soil testing device,' and more recently, 'AI-enabled eye-glasses,' what makes his innovations stand out is their ability to improve everyday convenience for ordinary people. Born in a humble and poor family in Kheri's Gauriya village, Muneer lost his father when he was just one year old. His four older brothers and mother worked tirelessly t ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 5 (ANI): BRS leader Dasoju Sravan Kumar on Thursday criticized Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, calling him a "colossal failure" in his role as CM. Speaking to ANI, Dasoju accused CM Reddy for "destroying the people of Telangana." "Police repression is the final refugee of a failing ruler. Unfortunately in Telangana, Revanth Reddy has turned out to be a colossal failure in Telangana as a CM...there is no people's governance in Telangana...what is happening here? I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, how did you make such a man the CM of Telangana...he is destroying t ...Read More >
Hathras, Dec 10 (VOICE) At least seven people lost their lives in a major road accident near Jaitpur village on the Bareilly-Mathura road in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district on Tuesday. A collision between a container truck and a passenger vehicle, commonly referred to as a 'Magic,' resulted in the fatalities. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, officials said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed district authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured an ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday honored the state's emerging cricket sensation, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at his residence. Recognized as a "Wonder Boy," Vaibhav has impressed cricket enthusiasts with his outstanding performance in the U-19 Asia Cup, where he scored back-to-back fifties for India. CM Nitish felicitated Vaibhav with a shawl and extended his heartfelt congratulations. He praised the young cricketer's talent and wished him continued success in his future endeavors. BCA's Contribution Highlighted The Chief Minister also honored Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, P ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Wednesday said he will consider the request for introducing the 'Best MLA' Award on the lines of 'Best Parliamentarian'. Meanwhile, legislative affairs minister D Sridhar Babu criticised BRS MLCs and MLAs for boycotting the first orientation programme for first-time legislators in the last 10 years in Telangana. Sridhar Babu said it was a two-day programme and that BRS members should attend it at least on the second day, Thursday, at MCRHRD Ins ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 8 (ANI): As the commencement date for the 2025 Maha Kumbh nears, popular seers and saints are joining the crowd in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Amid celebrations, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj on Wednesday demanded that cow be given the status of 'Rashtra Mata'. He said that one of the biggest problems was cow slaughter and it must be stopped. The seer said that they would organise a 'maha yagya' to press their demands. "All Sanatani Hindus are uniting here for Kumbh. Even though we have a number of problems, the ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 12 (ANI): Launching a scathing attack against the Congress-led Telangana government, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Thursday called it an "abject failure" and said that Congress party's saga of betrayal is endless. "The Congress party in Telangana has been an abject failure... Their saga of betrayal is endless... They are tampering with the cultural icons, with the Telangana self-respect and pride. I wrote to Rahul Gandhi that we are compelled that when BRS comes back three years later, we will change the name of all the i ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 (VOICE) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the three-day 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Bhubaneswar.CM Majhi said that PM Modi's presence in the mega event has made the event more successful and special. "Your gracious presence on 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' has made this event even more successful and special. Your guidance has infused new hope and enthusiasm in the minds of all the NRIs present here and inspired them to build a 'Viksit Bharat'. I personally thank you for this," CM Majhi on Frida ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >
Mumbai: Actor Ravi Dubey, known for his versatility, has officially confirmed his role as Lakshman in the highly anticipated Ramayana. Speaking to Connect Cine, Ravi shared his excitement about joining the star-studded cast and praised his co-star Ranbir Kapoor, who is playing Lord Ram in the film. Ravi expressed his gratitude for being a part of this epic project, saying, "I am playing Lakshman in the film. I finally have the permission from the makers to reveal this. I didn't talk about it all this while because I didn't want to give irresponsible statements and spoil Namit (Malhotra) and N ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) met the injured ASHA workers at a hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday. December 10. ASHA workers were injured after they were manhandled by police officials during a protest at the Telangana Directorate of Medical Education (DME) demanding a salary hike of Rs 18,000 on Monday. The two injured women were identified as Raheembi and Santhoshini. After enquiring about the women's well-being, the BRS MLA condemned the police action against the ASHA workers. He extended solidarity with their fight offered all possible support ...Read More >
Hathras accident: At least seven people, including women, were killed and more than 13 were injured after an uncontrolled truck hit the van in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. The van was coming from Kumarai village in Hathras to Nagla Imaliya village in Etah. The accident occurred near Salempur in the jurisdiction of Kotwali Hathras Junction area. Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar has also taken cognizance of the matter after receiving the information. Giving information about the incident, he said, "There was a collision between a pickup and a courier tanker near Chandpa villa ...Read More >
Bhopal: The Gita recitation programme by the Madhya Pradesh government has found a place in the Guinness World Records. "More than 7,200 'acharyas' and 'vatuks' collectively recited the third chapter 'Karma Yoga' on Wednesday, making a record," a statement issued by the government said. The event was parallely organised at Bhopal's Lal Parade Ground and Ujjain to mark the sacred occasion of Gita Jayanti. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the collective recitation of the Gita by thousands of Acharyas in Bhopal and Ujjain has been registered in the 'Guinness Book of World Records'. He con ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Terming the handcuffing of Lagacharla farmer Hirya Nayak, currently lodged in Sangareddy jail, while taking him to hospital for treatment "inhuman", BRS working president KT Rama Rao has urged the Chief Justice of Telangana high court to take the case suo motu and urged governor Jishnu Dev Varma to order a probe into the incident. Addressing a press meet on Thursday, the BRS leader said the farmer, who is suspected to have suffered a heart attack while in jail, was treated inhumanly. ...Read More >
MUMBAI/LUCKNOW: Backing the call for a uniform civil code in India, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath quoted on Sunday a recent statement by Allahabad HC judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav at an event in Mumbai to assert that "majority sentiments are respected globally". Speaking at a the World Hindu Economic Forum-2024 event in Mumbai, the CM attacked the Congress-headed opposition, saying that by the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code the difference between majority and minority communities needs ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 21 (ANI): Former President Ram Nath Kovind arrived at the MahaKumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Tuesday morning. Kovind expressed happiness over the arrangements at MahaKumbh. " The arrangements done here are really good; all facilities are there... I went to several camps. I'm very happy. Yogi Adityanath and UP's arrangements are really good; I thank the administration," Kovind told ANI. On One Nation, One Election, the former president, who was the chairman of the committee on the proposed bill, said, " The work is going on; it is in the hand ...Read More >
New Delhi, January 21: Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday extended greetings to the people of Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on their 53rd Statehood Day. In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi said wished for peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the state. "Best wishes to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on their Foundation Day! The rich diversity of languages, cultures, histories, and traditions in these states represents the true strength of India. May this special day strengthen our unity and bring peace, progress and pro ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >
Ayodhya, Dec 5 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Opposition parties of trying to divide society, saying what Mughal ruler Babur's army did in Ayodhya and Sambhal is what is happening in Bangladesh. The chief minister, who was in the temple town for the inauguration of the 43rd Ramayan Mela, said Lord Ram united the whole society. "Had we given importance to unity and not let the strategy of nation's enemies succeed in creating social animosity, this country would have never become a slave. Our pilgrimages would not have become impure. A handful of inv ...Read More >
Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that he held discussions on cabinet expansion with union home minister Amit Shah, party national president J P Nadda, and the party national general secretary B L Santhosh on Wednesday night. Fadnavis was on a two-day visit to Delhi days after being sworn in as chief minister. He met President Draupudi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari. He also presented five different ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is set to host the Northeast Trade and Investment Roadshow in Mumbai on Monday. The event will be addressed by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for MDoNER, along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Maeghalya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, and Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, will also attend, alongwith senior representatives from various northeast states. The Roadshow will feature B2G meetings, offering a unique opportunity for potential investors to inte ...Read More >
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. Hospitals to exams, public suspicion of public institutions comes from bitter experiences In Prayagraj, student protests outside the UPPSC office have waned after it agreed to conduct the provincial civil services preliminary exam on a single day. The decisions that drew these large protests were per se unobjectionable. Officials cited the large number of applicants to split the exam over two days, then normalise the results. This is a routine pract ...Read More >