The West Bengal government has banned Holi celebrations at Sonajhuri Haat in Santiniketan due to concerns over potential damage to the area's greenery. Authorities have placed banners advising visitors not to park vehicles or celebrate Holi there, citing its proximity to Visva Bharati University, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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A Dalit man's wedding procession in Bulandshahr was attacked by around 40 upper caste men. The attackers hurled casteist slurs, physically assaulted the guests, and forcibly pulled the groom off the horse. Six guests sustained injuries, and an FIR has been registered involving 30 identified and some unknown assailants.
Sunil Gavaskar questioned Ravichandran Ashwin's mid-series retirement announcement, stating it leaves India short-handed in the middle of an important series. Gavaskar compared it to Dhoni's 2014 retirement, emphasizing the disruption it causes. He pointed out the role Ashwin could have played in the remaining Tests, especially in Sydney, which offers spin-friendly conditions.
Delhi Police have arrested director Sanoj Mishra for allegedly raping an aspiring actress. Mishra gained attention after offering a movie role to viral sensation Monalisa during the Maha Kumbh. The arrest came after his bail was rejected by the Delhi High Court.
Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal are accused of gang-raping a woman in a Kasauli hotel in July 2023. The FIR, filed nearly 1.5 years later, includes allegations of false job promises and threats. Badoli and Mittal deny the charges, calling it a political conspiracy.
Australia's Travis Head has passed a fitness test to remain in the playing eleven for the Boxing Day Test against India. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Head's inclusion after he recovered from a quad strain. Opener Sam Konstas will make his international debut, and Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood in the squad for the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai attack, faces extradition to India. Indian authorities reveal Rana's extensive contact with David Headley, totaling 231 calls during reconnaissance missions. Rana's immigration firm served as a front for Headley's activities.
In Nagpur, India's throwdown specialist Raghu was mistaken by police for a fan while rejoining the cricket team, causing a brief confusion. Raghu is a crucial part of India's net sessions with his fast throwdowns. The England team is in India for a white-ball series, as the two teams gear up for a three-match ODI series in preparation for the Champions Trophy.
India's aviation ministry has introduced new rules to combat hoax threats against flights. Individuals making such threats now face fines of up to ₹1 lakh, along with other criminal charges. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has also been granted authority to deny boarding or remove individuals from aircraft for security reasons.
Arbaaz Khan and Sshura Khan's recent visit to a maternity clinic in Mumbai has sparked pregnancy rumors. The couple, who married in December 2023, were seen together, with Arbaaz protectively escorting Sshura. This comes after their intimate wedding and Arbaaz's statements about finding fulfillment in his second marriage, with his son Arhaan sharing a warm bond with Sshura.
US President Trump has initiated a second withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, affecting international climate change efforts. The decision undermines global warming initiatives and distinguishes the US from its allies. The move coincides with worsening climate impacts, like severe wildfires, and economic transitions towards clean energy.