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After Tadap Flopped, Ahan Faced A Tough Journey, Reveals Suniel Shetty: ‘He Went Through A Lot’

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Dhruv
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sunil shetty
sunil shetty

In the film industry, being born into a famous family is often seen as a shortcut to success. However, veteran actor Suniel Shetty recently shed light on the less visible struggles that can follow such expectations. He spoke candidly about the challenging period his son Ahan Shetty faced after making his debut in Bollywood.

Ahan stepped into films with Tadap, a remake of the Telugu hit RX 100. While the film highlighted Ahan’s commitment and screen presence, it failed to make a strong impact at the box office, leading to a difficult phase early in his career.

Speaking at the music launch of his upcoming film Border 2, Suniel Shetty became emotional as he reflected on what his son went through. He addressed the widespread belief that star kids automatically receive endless opportunities, saying that reality often tells a different story. According to him, the period following Ahan’s first release was marked by uncertainty and emotional strain, something many people fail to notice behind the glamour.

Suniel shared that seeing his son deal with disappointment tested the entire family. Instead of pushing him with career advice focused on success or numbers, he chose a more grounded approach. He told Ahan to focus on sincerity and to give his best to whatever work came his way, believing that integrity and passion matter more than immediate results.

Things now appear to be looking up for Ahan, who has landed a significant role in Border 2, a sequel to the iconic war film Border that played a defining role in Suniel’s own career. Expressing deep gratitude, Suniel spoke warmly about producer Nidhi Dutta and director JP Dutta for placing their trust in Ahan by casting him in such a major project. From a father’s perspective, he described the opportunity as a blessing and said he hoped his son had done justice to the responsibility.

Border 2 is scheduled to release on January 23, 2026. Unlike the original, which centred on the Battle of Longewala, the sequel broadens its scope to depict a multi front narrative involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Ahan will be seen sharing screen space with established stars like Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. As the release approaches, the Shetty family remains hopeful that this film will mark a turning point in Ahan’s journey.

Supreme Court Delivers Stern Caution to States, Feeders Over Stray Dog Incidents

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Dhruv
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stray dogs
stray dogs

The Supreme Court on Tuesday signalled that it may consider imposing substantial financial responsibility on state governments for every incident involving dog bites, including fatalities. The court also indicated that individuals or groups feeding stray dogs could be held accountable in cases where attacks cause long term or permanent harm.

While hearing a case related to stray dogs, the court questioned why street dogs should be allowed to move freely if they pose a risk to public safety. It observed that for every dog bite and every death linked to such incidents, states could be directed to pay heavy compensation for failing to put proper systems in place. The bench further remarked that dog feeders may also face liability, asking why such animals are not kept within homes if people choose to take responsibility for them. The court noted that the consequences of a dog bite can last a lifetime.

As quoted by law portal Bar and Bench, the court also raised a pointed question during the hearing. It asked who should be held responsible if a nine year old child is killed by dogs that are being fed by a specific organisation, and whether such an organisation should not be made liable to pay damages.

Court questions arguments on animal empathy

In an earlier hearing on January 7, the Supreme Court had pushed back against the argument that showing empathy towards animals prevents attacks. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, had argued that animals do not attack if they are treated kindly and that incidents occur only when their space is disturbed.

Responding to this, Justice Vikram Nath pointed out that the issue goes beyond actual bites and includes the fear and threat posed by dogs. He observed that it is impossible for ordinary citizens to judge the temperament or mood of a dog at any given moment, especially in public spaces.

Sibal suggested that unruly dogs could be reported to authorities, sterilised, and then released back into the area. However, the bench remained concerned about public safety, particularly in crowded or sensitive locations.

The matter is being heard by a three judge bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria. The court has repeatedly expressed serious concern over the dangers posed by stray animals on streets and highways.

In a previous order issued on November 7 last year, the Supreme Court had directed that stray dogs be removed from institutional premises such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus terminals and railway stations. It had ordered that these animals be relocated to designated shelters after undergoing sterilisation and vaccination.

10-Minute Grocery Promise Faces Reality Check as Blinkit, Others Pause the Claim

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Dhruv
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Blinkit
Blinkit

Quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit and Zepto have chosen to step back from advertising 10-minute delivery timelines after Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flagged concerns about mounting pressure on gig workers and increasingly stressful working conditions.

According to reports, representatives from the government recently held discussions with major delivery platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy, to review issues linked to tight delivery deadlines. The conversations focused on balancing consumer expectations with worker safety and welfare.

Sources cited by ANI said Blinkit has already implemented changes by removing the 10-minute delivery promise from its branding. Other platforms are expected to make similar adjustments in the coming days. The broader aim of the move is to improve safety, security, and overall working conditions for gig workers.

This decision follows growing pressure from delivery workers and sections of the public who have been calling for fairer pay and better work environments. These demands culminated in a large-scale protest by a section of gig workers on December 31, New Year’s Eve.

As part of its updated approach, Blinkit has revised its core brand message. The company has shifted from promoting “10,000 plus products delivered in 10 minutes” to highlighting “30,000 plus products delivered at your doorstep,” signalling a move away from speed-focused messaging.

Earlier, Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato, which later acquired Blinkit, had downplayed the New Year’s Eve strike. He had maintained that the 10-minute delivery model did not encourage reckless driving, stating that riders typically travel short distances of around two kilometres at an average speed of 16 kilometres per hour. He also said that the company covers insurance premiums for its delivery partners.

Claiming Op Sindoor Success Against India, Pakistan Pushes JF-17 Jets and Says ‘IMF Dependence Will End Soon’

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Dhruv
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jf-17 jets
jf-17 jets

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that tensions with India during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 have significantly boosted international demand for the Chinese origin JF 17 Thunder fighter jets. According to him, the surge in interest has been so strong that Pakistan could potentially move away from its dependence on financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund within the next six months if the trend continues.

Speaking to Pakistani television channel Geo News, Asif said Pakistan’s aircraft have now been proven in real world conditions. He claimed that the volume of new orders has reached unprecedented levels and suggested that sustained defence exports could ease the country’s long standing economic pressures.

Asif also argued that the May 2025 confrontation helped project Pakistan’s military capability and determination on the global stage. He said the episode demonstrated the effectiveness of Pakistan’s defence systems and strengthened confidence among potential buyers.

Pakistan remains under a 7 billion dollar IMF support programme, its twenty fourth so far, which followed a short term 3 billion dollar package that helped the country avoid a sovereign default in 2023, according to Reuters. Despite ongoing economic challenges, Islamabad has recently stepped up defence related engagements with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Libya.

Growing interest in the JF 17

Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia to convert around 2 billion dollars worth of Saudi loans into a deal involving JF 17 fighter jets. Reuters reported on January 7 that the talks are based on information from two Pakistani sources. Separate discussions have also taken place with Bangladesh regarding a possible purchase of the aircraft.

The JF 17 Thunder is a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured in Pakistan. Sources cited by Reuters said negotiations have focused primarily on this aircraft, with one source noting that it remains the leading option among other platforms under consideration.

Aamir Masood, a retired Air Marshal and defence analyst, told Reuters that the jet’s appeal has grown because it has now been tested in combat conditions. He added that the aircraft’s relatively lower cost compared to other fighter jets also makes it attractive to buyers with limited defence budgets.

In recent months, Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand arms exports and commercialise its domestic defence industry. According to Reuters, Islamabad last month finalised a weapons deal worth more than 4 billion dollars with Libya’s eastern based Libyan National Army. The agreement, one of the largest arms sales in Pakistan’s history, includes JF 17 fighter jets along with training aircraft.

India’s response to Pakistan’s claims

Pakistan has previously highlighted the performance of the JF 17 during Operation Sindoor, but India has strongly disputed those claims. The Indian Air Force has stated that its forces shot down five Pakistani aircraft during the operation, including jets from the F 16 and JF 17 categories.

Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh reiterated this position during his address at the ninety third Air Force Day celebrations. India has consistently maintained that it agreed to a ceasefire only after a request from Pakistan’s military leadership, asserting that Indian forces had already met their objectives by striking terrorist infrastructure.

Super Cup Final Fallout: Mbappé Orders Real Madrid Teammates Not To Give Guard of Honour to Barcelona

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Dhruv
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mbappe
mbappe

The loss in the Spanish Super Cup final appeared to weigh heavily on Kylian Mbappe. As Real Madrid collected their runners-up medals, the forward was seen urging his teammates not to form a guard of honour for Barcelona as they stepped forward to lift the trophy. The gesture captured the frustration within the Madrid camp after a bitter 3–2 defeat to their biggest rivals.

Mbappe started the final on the bench, having joined the squad late in Saudi Arabia, and was introduced in the second half. With little time to influence proceedings, he found it difficult to make his presence felt. Barcelona’s substitutes brought greater intensity and rhythm, and Real Madrid struggled to keep pace during the closing stages. Mbappe’s late involvement only highlighted the difference in energy and control between the two sides as the match wore on.

Footage circulating online showed Mbappe signalling to teammates to skip the traditional guard of honour, a reaction that reflected his disappointment with the outcome of the final.

The French star came on in the 76th minute as he returned from a knee injury, but was unable to establish a strong connection with Madrid’s midfield. Barcelona duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong dominated central areas, preventing Madrid from regaining control or mounting a sustained comeback.

For Xabi Alonso, the defeat meant another missed opportunity for silverware since taking charge in June. The loss also brought an end to Real Madrid’s five match winning run across all competitions, halted by their long standing rivals.

Alonso reflects on the final

Speaking after the match, Alonso described the contest as tightly contested and emotionally draining. While disappointed with the result, he praised his players for their effort and acknowledged Barcelona’s edge on the night.

He told Movistar that defeats always hurt, but stressed that the final was evenly balanced and fiercely fought. Alonso added that Real Madrid came close to finding an equaliser and battled until the final whistle, before congratulating Barcelona on their victory.

History suggests the Super Cup can be a springboard for domestic success. Each of the last four winners has gone on to lift the La Liga title, and Barcelona will hope that trend continues. They are currently enjoying a strong run of form, having won ten consecutive matches in all competitions, and sit at the top of the league despite an uneven start to the season.

‘Mujhe Koi Heroine Kyun Banayega’: Taapsee Pannu Opens Up About Early Career Insecurities Over Her Looks

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Dhruv
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Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu

Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken openly about the self-doubt she struggled with during the early phase of her career. In an interview with Times Now News, she reflected on how hard she was on herself while trying to learn the many demands of the profession, admitting that the pressure she put on herself took a serious mental toll.

Taapsee on early insecurities

Looking back, Taapsee said she constantly questioned whether she even belonged in the industry. She shared that she often compared herself to conventional film stars and felt insecure about her appearance. At the time, she believed that not fitting the image of a traditional diva meant she would never be seen as heroine material. She also admitted that she lacked basic knowledge about fashion, makeup, and even understanding her own best angles, which only added to her uncertainty.

The mental impact of pushing herself too hard

Taapsee said she now wishes someone had encouraged her to slow down and trust the learning process. She explained that while she eventually picked up all the skills she needed, the relentless self-criticism she subjected herself to in those initial years left her emotionally exhausted. Instead of enjoying the journey, she said she was constantly punishing herself for not being good enough, and hopes that young actors today allow themselves the space to grow without being so harsh on themselves.

Taking the blame for professional setbacks

The actor also spoke about how she internalised failure early in her career. She recalled blaming herself entirely whenever things did not work out, repeatedly telling herself that she had fallen short. Over time, she realised that success or failure in films is rarely the responsibility of one person alone. She pointed out that filmmaking is a collective effort, even though actors often carry the burden of blame when projects do not perform as expected.

What’s next for Taapsee

Taapsee will next be seen in Gandhari, a revenge drama directed by Devashish Makhija. The film is backed by Kanika Dhillon’s Katha Pictures and is set to premiere on Netflix. She was last seen in Mudassar Aziz’s Khel Khel Mein, which also featured Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan.

Cold Wave Sends Gurugram Temperature Down to 0.6°C, Marking New Low

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Dhruv
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Gurgaon
Gurgaon

North India continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with Gurugram in Haryana recording its coldest temperature of the season so far. According to the latest bulletin issued by the Indian Meteorological Department office in Chandigarh, the city’s minimum temperature dropped to just 0.6 degrees Celsius.

Data shared by IMD Chandigarh showed that Gurugram’s Automatic Weather Station logged the lowest temperature in Haryana. Narnaul followed with a minimum of 1.2 degrees Celsius. Temperature trends over the past few days highlight the sharp decline, with Gurugram recording 1.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 4.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Delhi also experienced biting cold conditions. On Monday, the lowest temperature in the capital was recorded at three degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, a day after Ayanagar touched 2.9 degrees Celsius.

Orange alert issued for Gurugram

In view of the plunging temperatures, IMD officials have issued an orange alert for Gurugram for the next two days, warning of an ongoing cold wave. An IMD official said that cold wave conditions combined with dense fog are expected to persist.

The official noted that the previous lowest minimum temperature in the district was 3.8 degrees Celsius on January 3. Compared to Sunday, temperatures dropped by nearly 3.5 degrees in a single day. According to the forecast, cold wave conditions along with fog are likely to continue in Gurugram until Tuesday.

Frost seen across farmlands

The severity of the cold was also visible in rural areas surrounding Gurugram, where frost formed on crops and vegetation during the early hours of Monday. Weather experts explained that frost usually appears when temperatures approach freezing or dip below zero, even if official readings in urban areas are slightly higher.

Residents shared images on social media showing frost on car windshields and open fields. Some people even stepped out early in the morning with temperature gauges to measure just how cold it had become, underscoring the intensity of the cold wave gripping the region.

Amid 2025–26 Delay, Calls Grow for ISL to Follow IPL Auction System With No Relegation

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Dhruv
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ISL
ISL

The long postponed 2025–26 Indian Super League season is now set to kick off on February 14 after the All India Football Federation reached an understanding with 13 of the league’s 14 clubs. The delay had earlier been attributed to the absence of a commercial partner, a point highlighted by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who had said that all clubs were expected to take part despite the late start. However, recent reports suggest that Odisha FC is yet to formally confirm its participation.

In the lead up to the agreement, ISL clubs had reportedly asked the All India Football Federation to waive the ₹1 crore participation fee. Financial pressure has been mounting on teams due to the prolonged uncertainty around the season, forcing some clubs to release or loan out foreign players. To ease the burden, the federation is said to have persuaded clubs to pay the fee in instalments spread out until June 2026 instead of making the full payment upfront.

Call for a draft or auction system

Speaking to The Indian Express, Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC, argued that the ISL needs a structural overhaul to ensure long term stability. He said the league should adopt a player draft or auction system similar to the Indian Premier League. According to Jindal, a centrally controlled budget cannot function effectively in a completely free market environment.

He pointed out that nearly every successful Indian sports league operates through auctions, including the IPL, Women’s Premier League, Pro Kabaddi, and leagues in hockey, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, and volleyball. Jindal noted that the ISL itself began with a draft system and said returning to that model would help restore balance. He suggested that clubs be allowed to retain a limited number of under 23 domestic players from their academies, with such retentions reducing their draft purse, similar to systems used in the IPL and Pro Kabaddi. Foreign players, he added, could be signed outside the auction within a salary cap, with limited exceptions for marquee signings. In the first season, clubs could also retain a small number of senior Indian players at a fixed cost deducted from their budget.

No relegation and an MLS style structure

Jindal also addressed the ongoing debate around promotion and relegation in the ISL. He said the proposed reforms would only work if relegation was removed entirely. Instead, he advocated for a structure inspired by Major League Soccer, which operates as a closed, franchise based competition. Under this system, teams do not move between divisions based on results. New clubs enter by paying an expansion fee, which in MLS has risen sharply over the years.

He explained that in such a model, teams finishing at the bottom are not punished with relegation but are instead given advantages like higher draft picks and additional resources to improve competitiveness. The focus, he said, should be on maintaining parity across the league rather than penalising poor performance.

Meanwhile, the AIFF is expected to finalise a commercial partner for the 2025–26 ISL season by January 31, a development that could bring much needed stability ahead of the delayed kickoff.

‘Eight Calls in 2025’: MEA Clarifies Modi–Trump Talks Amid Howard Lutnick’s India–US Trade Deal Remark

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Dhruv
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Modi Trump
Modi Trump

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have spoken to each other eight times during 2025, even as relations between New Delhi and Washington have faced strain over tariff disputes and the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

Although the statement did not directly address recent comments made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, it appeared to counter his claim that trade talks stalled because Prime Minister Modi did not personally reach out to President Trump.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and the United States had agreed as early as February 13, 2025, to work toward a bilateral trade agreement. Since then, both sides have held several rounds of negotiations aimed at finalising a fair and mutually beneficial deal. He added that on multiple occasions, the talks came close to a conclusion, and said the portrayal of the discussions in the reported remarks was inaccurate.

Jaiswal further clarified that Modi and Trump have remained in regular contact throughout the year. He said the two leaders held eight phone conversations in 2025, during which they discussed a wide range of issues linked to the broader India US partnership. He reiterated that India continues to be keen on concluding a trade agreement that benefits both economies and remains hopeful of bringing the negotiations to a close.

The spokesperson also emphasised that the relationship between the two leaders has been cordial, noting that they have consistently interacted with mutual respect and in line with established diplomatic norms.

What Howard Lutnick said about the trade talks

Earlier, Howard Lutnick claimed that progress on the India US trade deal stalled because Prime Minister Modi did not call President Trump to finalise the agreement. Speaking on the All In podcast hosted by entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya, Lutnick said he had suggested that a direct call from Modi could help close the deal. According to him, India was uncomfortable with this approach, and the call never took place.

Lutnick added that the United States had already concluded trade agreements with countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and that he had expected the deal with India to be finalised even earlier. He said those agreements were negotiated at higher tariff rates because the US assumed India would come on board first.

He further claimed that after these deals were announced, India reached out to signal its readiness to move forward. At that point, Lutnick said, the terms had already changed, leading him to question what India was prepared to agree to.

Haaland’s 150th Goal Not Enough as Brighton Hold Man City, Hurting Title Bid

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Dhruv
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haaland
haaland

Manchester City’s hopes of defending their Premier League crown took a serious hit on Wednesday night as Brighton held them to a 1–1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

City went in front in the first half when Erling Haaland converted a penalty, bringing up his 150th goal for the club. However, the milestone strike failed to deliver the win Pep Guardiola’s side desperately needed. Plagued by injuries and lacking their usual sharpness, City were punished after the break when Kaoru Mitoma scored the equaliser.

The result leaves Manchester City five points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who still have a game in hand against Liverpool on Thursday. Should Arsenal take all three points, the gap at the top would stretch to eight, a daunting margin at this stage of the season.

City have overturned similar deficits during Guardiola’s reign, but recent performances suggest they may struggle to do so again. Draws against Sunderland, Chelsea, and now Brighton mean City are winless in three matches, while Arsenal arrive on a three game winning run.

Even Haaland’s landmark goal, his 26th in all competitions this season and his first in four games, could not lift a below par City display. The striker missed several chances and looked short of his usual ruthlessness.

City’s problems have been compounded by injuries. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias joined John Stones on the sidelines after picking up knocks at the weekend. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic were also unavailable due to fitness concerns and international commitments.

A disjointed display

City have been linked with moves for Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, but with reinforcements yet to arrive, Guardiola was forced to improvise. Teenager Max Alleyne was handed his debut, partnering Abdukodir Khusanov in a makeshift central defence.

Brighton looked dangerous from the outset. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma nearly gifted the visitors an early goal before making a sharp save to deny Pascal Gross. Ferdi Kadioglu also went close soon after.

Despite struggling, City struck first late in the opening half. Jeremy Doku was brought down by Diego Gomez, and after VAR intervened, Haaland stepped up to score from the spot. Tijjani Reijnders almost doubled the lead just before the interval, but Gomez cleared his effort off the line.

City missed further chances after the restart. Bernardo Silva struck the outside of the post, a moment that proved costly. On the hour mark, Brighton drew level when Mitoma picked up the ball outside the box, was given too much space by Nico Gonzalez, and drilled a low shot past Donnarumma.

Guardiola reacted by introducing Rodri, but City continued to look vulnerable. Gomez missed a golden chance to put Brighton ahead, while at the other end Haaland saw a header cleared off the line by Kadioglu and then failed to beat Bart Verbruggen from close range.

City’s frustrations deepened in the closing stages as Rayan Cherki squandered two late opportunities, summing up a night where wastefulness and defensive frailty combined to leave their title ambitions hanging by a thread.

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