Saif Ali Khan Attacked by Knife-Wielding Intruder at His Mumbai Residence 2
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was injured during an attempted burglary at his Bandra residence in Mumbai early Thursday morning, officials confirmed. The incident, which occurred at around 2:30 am, left the actor requiring surgery.
Khan’s public relations representative issued a statement, saying, “There was an attempted burglary at Saif Ali Khan’s residence. He is currently in the hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient, as this is a police matter. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
According to preliminary police reports, an unidentified intruder broke into Khan’s home, leading to a physical altercation between the actor and the attacker. Khan sustained injuries from a knife during the scuffle and was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra. He is reportedly out of danger.
Family members were present at the time of the incident but were unharmed, officials added. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the incident was a robbery attempt, citing an ongoing investigation.
Bandra police have launched a probe, with officers present at the scene to gather evidence.
Saif Ali Khan, 54, is celebrated for his roles in acclaimed films such as Omkara, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Fans and well-wishers await further updates on his recovery.
Indira Gandhi Bhawan: Sonia Gandhi inaugurates Congress's new HQ at Kotla Road 4
Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the party’s new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road here on Wednesday, marking a key moment in the history of the grand old party which has operated from the 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K C Venugopal, among other senior party leaders, were present on the occasion.
The event saw party leaders hoist the party flag at the new headquarters and the singing of Vande Mataram and the national anthem.
Sonia Gandhi then inaugurated the building, asking Kharge to join her in cutting the ribbon at the entrance.
The new state-of-the-art AICC headquarters — Indira Gandhi Bhawan – symbolises the Congress party’s continuing mission to uphold the vision of its stalwarts, the party had earlier said.
“It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new,” AICC general secretary, organisation, Venugopal had said, The construction of Indira Gandhi Bhawan was started during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as Congress chief.
“Situated at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities.
“This iconic building reflects the Congress party’s forward-looking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social fabric of India,” he had said.
Sources have said the party will not vacate its present 24, Akbar Road office, which has been its headquarters since 1978 after the Congress (I) was formed, and it will continue to house some of its cells.
The construction of the new AICC headquarters was delayed by several years owing to “paucity of funds” ever since the Congress lost its government at the Centre. The BJP has also not vacated its old party headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, even after shifting to its new headquarters at Deendayal Upadhyay Marg.
Congress old-timers and romantics agree that modern amenities and a larger area are the need of the hour but the emotional connection and unfolding of history associated with the 24, Akbar Road address will always stay strong.
The Akbar Road bungalow once housed Sir Reginald Maxwell, a Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s executive council member. It was also home to a teen Aung San Suu Kyi in 1961 when her mother was appointed ambassador to India.
The Congress has been its mainstay though. More than just an office for the party, the premises set in expansive lawns were witness to the tenure of seven Congress presidents.
Atal Setu: 1 Year On, Average Daily Traffic Remains Below Initial Estimates 6
India’s longest sea bridge Atal Setu (formerly Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL), inaugurated a year ago, recorded an average traffic of fewer than 23,000 vehicles per day, lower than the initiation projections of handling more than 56,000 vehicles daily.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nearly 22-km-long bridge, which connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, on January 12, 2024, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project in the state.
In a release on Monday, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said Atal Setu was “emerging as a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency”.
The bridge that crosses over the Thane creek facilitated the movement of 83,06,009 vehicles over the past year, significantly contributing to smoother and faster transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, said the state-run agency.
As per a MMRDA report, on an average 57,525 vehicles were projected to use the bridge daily by 2021 (the structure was inaugurated after much delays) and 88,550 by 2031.
With an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles since its inauguration, the bridge witnessed its highest single-day count of 61,807 on January 14, 2024, just after it was thrown open for people’s use, the release highlighted.
As many as 77,28,149 cars, 99,660 mini buses and LCVs, 1,17,604 buses and two-axle trucks, 1,99,636 three-axle vehicles,1,60,061 four to six-axle ones and 899 over dimensions vehicles used Atal Setu in the last one year, MMRDA pointed out.
Atal Setu’s robust traffic management and emergency response systems, comprising the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), maintenance teams, and patrolling units, have ensured seamless operations and swift incident handling, it said.
“Three specialized teams work 24/7 to monitor traffic, provide medical aid (in case of injuries), and clear disruptions, minimizing hazards and maintaining high safety standards,” the release stated.
“In just one year, it has transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the region,” the release quoted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as saying.
The 6-lane bridge, having about 16.5km length over sea and about 5.5 km on land, is also meant to provide faster connectivity between the Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (expected to be operational later this year).
Built at a cost of about Rs 17,840 crore, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest such structure on sea in the country.
It has reduced the travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India, besides improving connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
Aaditya Thackeray Slams Centre for Delaying Navi Mumbai Airport Naming Proposal 8
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the Union government for stalling the approval of a proposal to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after late leader DB Patil. The recommendation, made by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in June 2022, remains in limbo, drawing ire from Thackeray.
The airport’s construction began in February 2018, and in 2022, the MVA government decided to honor Patil by naming the facility “Loknete Swargiya DB Patil International Airport.” However, the proposal has yet to receive clearance from the BJP-led Central government.
Marking DB Patil’s birth anniversary, Thackeray took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In June 2022, the MVA cabinet decided to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as Shri DB Patil International Airport and forwarded the recommendation to the Union government. Over a year later, the decision still awaits approval.”
He questioned whether such delays were standard practice under the BJP government or a deliberate insult to Maharashtra, emphasizing that repeated reminders to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry over three years had been ignored.
On the late leader’s birth anniversary, Thackeray urged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to approve the proposal without further delay.
Thackeray also highlighted another pending naming proposal: the renaming of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport, which has been awaiting approval since 2020. He criticized the prolonged inaction as disrespectful to Maharashtra’s legacy and its leaders.
88 Lives Lost in 834 BEST Accidents Over 5 Years: Rs 42.40 Crore Paid in Compensation 10
In the past five years, 834 accidents involving BEST buses have claimed 88 lives in Mumbai, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration disbursing Rs 42.40 crore as financial compensation to victims and their families. The grim data, revealed through an RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali, underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures.
According to the detailed response provided by BEST Senior Transport Officer Egal Benjamin, 352 accidents involved BEST buses, resulting in 51 fatalities, while private contractors accounted for 482 accidents, causing 37 deaths. The years 2022-23 and 2023-24 saw the highest fatalities, with 21 deaths recorded each year.
Over five years, Rs 42.40 crore was paid across 494 cases, with the highest compensation of Rs 12.40 crore disbursed in 2022–23 for 107 cases. Other years saw payouts of Rs 9.55 crore (2019-20), Rs 3.44 crore (2020-21), Rs 9.45 crore (2021-22), and Rs 7.54 crore (2023-24).
The administration also reported disciplinary actions against its staff. Twelve employees were dismissed in fatal accident cases, while two were terminated for incidents causing personal injury. Additionally, 24 employees faced suspension for personal injury cases, with others subjected to warnings, recoveries, and demotions.
RTI activist Anil Galgali emphasised the need for stricter safety protocols and greater accountability from both the BEST administration and its employees to prevent further tragedies. These statistics, he noted, highlight the pressing responsibility of BEST to prioritise passenger and public safety.
Liquor Ban in Religious Cities on the Horizon: MP CM Mohan Yadav 12
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Monday that his government is actively considering a liquor ban in religious cities to preserve their sanctity.
Addressing concerns raised by saints and residents, Yadav acknowledged that complaints about the negative impact of liquor sales and consumption on the environment in these sacred areas have been mounting.
“The state government is seriously evaluating the suggestions from saints and plans to enhance the policy to implement a liquor ban in religious cities,” Yadav said.
He assured that a decision would be made soon and concrete steps taken to ensure the spiritual atmosphere of these cities remains undisturbed.
Sanjay Raut Calls for Dialogue in Alliances, Warns Against Labeling Allies as Traitors 14
Days after Shiv Sena (UBT) announced its decision to contest Maharashtra local body polls solo, party leader Sanjay Raut emphasized that no alliance can survive without open dialogue among its partners. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Raut urged the Congress, as the largest party in the INDIA bloc, to take responsibility for ensuring effective communication among alliance members.
“To sustain an alliance, responsible leaders must maintain communication channels. Congress, being the biggest constituent of the INDIA bloc, should take on this role,” Raut said.
While defending his party’s decision to go solo in the local polls, Raut clarified that the Shiv Sena (UBT) remains committed to the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances, which include the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP).
Raut also pointed out that competing against coalition partners in elections is not inherently problematic, provided mutual respect is maintained. “There’s nothing wrong in contesting elections against allies. However, no one should resort to calling former or potential future partners ‘traitors,’” he asserted, adding that this was the stance of Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Reflecting on past political events, Raut claimed the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance fell apart in 2019 due to a lack of communication. “The breakdown of dialogue directly led to the alliance’s collapse. This lesson must not be repeated,” he said.
With nearly 30 parties in the INDIA bloc, Raut reiterated the need for dedicated leadership to foster collaboration. “Uddhav Thackeray has consistently highlighted the importance of communication during INDIA bloc meetings. Congress, as the largest party, must lead by example,” he noted.
He further underscored the INDIA bloc’s success during the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the need to continue building on that momentum. However, Raut maintained that contesting municipal elections in Maharashtra solo was essential for Shiv Sena (UBT) to strengthen its base.
“While alternative strategies may be explored, alliances must prioritize dialogue and mutual respect to succeed,” Raut concluded.
Arvind Kejriwal Chased Away by 'Public' During Poll Campaign in Delhi 16
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal was chased away by local residents while campaigning in the East Kidwai Nagar area of Bengali Camp, Delhi, on January 12, 2025.
In a purported viral video from the East Kidwai Nagar area, Kejriwal was seen encountering significant protests during his campaign efforts.
The video purportedly showed Kejriwal being confronted and subsequently chased by a crowd.
Kejriwal is chased away by locals while campaigning in Delhi. He's facing huge protests everywhere… pic.twitter.com/GLrgnrvesE
Kejriwal is facing huge anti-incumbency across Delhi for failing to deliver on promises made during previous election cycles.
Kejriwal and his deputy, Manish Sisodia, were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the case of alleged corruption in framing the excise policy, which was later scrapped.
Both were released on bail after spending months behind bars.
Citing a CAG report last week, the BJP claimed a “big scam” in the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence on 6, Flagstaff Road when he was the chief minister of Delhi.
Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan Slams CM Stalin Over 'Childish' Remarks in National Anthem Row 18
The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan has hit back at Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of arrogance after Stalin described Governor R.N. Ravi’s recent decision not to deliver his address to the Assembly as “childish.” In a scathing social media post, the Raj Bhavan warned that such behavior would not be tolerated and criticized the Chief Minister for undermining respect for the National Anthem and the Constitution.
The Raj Bhavan’s post, shared on its official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account, stated: “Thiru @mkstalin asserts that insisting on due respect to the National Anthem and performing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is ‘absurd’ and ‘childish.’ Thanks for revealing the true intentions of the coalition you lead, one that refuses to accept Bharat as a nation and its Constitution. Such arrogance is not good.”
Thiru @mkstalin asserts that insisting on due respect to the National Anthem and doing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is “absurd” and “childish”. Thanks for betraying the true intentions of the coalition of interests and ideologies to which he is a leader that…
The statement further emphasized, “Please do not forget that Bharat is the supreme Mother and the Constitution is the supreme faith for her children. They will not like or tolerate such brazen insult.”
The remarks came in response to Stalin’s comments made a day earlier, where he accused Governor Ravi of being unable to “digest” the state’s progress and called his decision to leave the Assembly without delivering the customary address “childish.”
On January 6, Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering his address, citing that the National Anthem had not been played. The Raj Bhavan later claimed that Ravi left “in deep anguish.”
This ongoing row traces back to 2022 when Ravi had delivered his speech without any modifications. However, in the subsequent three years, he chose not to deliver his address, citing what Stalin called “absurd” reasons. The Chief Minister made these comments during his address in the state Assembly on Saturday.
The exchange between the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister has further intensified tensions between the state government and the Governor’s office, with both sides continuing to exchange barbs over matters of protocol and respect for the national symbols.
Controversial Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar Offers to Pay ₹7640 Crore Tax on Overseas Income 20
Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail for his involvement in a multi-crore fraud, has made an unexpected move by offering to declare his overseas income and pay ₹7640 crore in taxes. In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chandrashekar expressed his intention to disclose his earnings for the financial year 2024-2025 under the relevant tax scheme issued by the Government of India.
Chandrashekar, who has been linked to several high-profile fraud cases, revealed that his overseas business operations are based in the United States and the British Virgin Islands. His companies, LS Holdings International and Speed Gaming Corporation, which are involved in online and offline gaming and betting, have been active since 2016. According to reports, these businesses generated a turnover of $2.70 billion in 2024 alone.
In his letter, Chandrashekar also mentioned the international reach of his businesses, with operations extending to the United States, Spain, the UK, Dubai, and Hong Kong. He made it clear that he is willing to settle all pending income tax proceedings and appeals in India.
A ‘Proud’ Indian?
Chandrashekar’s letter to Sitharaman also included a surprising declaration of admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed to be a proud Indian and expressed his desire to contribute to the country’s development by paying taxes on his overseas income and investing in India.
“As of today, being a proud Indian, under the great leadership of our Prime Minister Modi Ji, I want to contribute my part towards the world-class development of this great nation. Henceforth, by willingly paying Indian taxes on my overseas income, and further investing my overseas income here in India,” he wrote.
Defending His Earnings
In his letter, Chandrashekar clarified that he is an undertrial and has not been convicted of any crime. He emphasized that his income, including earnings from his overseas businesses, is legitimate. He also pointed out that the Indian tax department has already initiated proceedings regarding his domestic income.
“I am currently facing multiple cases, financial in nature, here in India, and am in judicial custody. It’s important to mention that I am an undertrial and have not been convicted for any case. It would be wrong to say that any of my income is illegal. Your department has already initiated tax recovery proceedings on my Indian income, proving my earnings are legitimate,” he added.
Chandrashekar’s unexpected offer has raised eyebrows, leaving many to question the motivations behind such a move, given his controversial criminal history. His willingness to pay such a substantial tax amount will likely spark further discussions on the intersection of law, business, and accountability in India.
