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Farah Khan Shares She Couldn’t Stop Crying When Rishi Kapoor Spoke To Her After Cancer Diagnosis

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Farah Khan
Farah Khan

Bollywood choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan recently visited Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s Delhi home for her cooking vlog with Dilip. During their conversation, Farah opened up about the time she broke down after hearing about Rishi Kapoor’s cancer diagnosis, while also remembering the actor’s optimistic spirit.

Farah Khan recalls crying after hearing the news

Riddhima, who is preparing for her Bollywood debut with Kapil Sharma, spoke about how difficult it was to leave her daughter Samara for 45 days during that period. She said, “I never left Samara for three years. The first time I ever left Samara was when Dad got sick. Before Covid, when he was diagnosed.”

Farah then revealed her own emotional response. “I remember when I got the news, I called Chintu and started crying on the phone, and he was so positive, he kept saying, ‘are chup beth yaar hota rehta hai, kuch nahi hai, main theek hojaaunga (Hey, calm down, yaar. These things happen, it’s nothing, I’ll be fine).’”

She also shared another memory from her early career, recalling how Rishi Kapoor initially tried to intimidate her on set. “The last film that Chintu (Rishi Kapoor) did as a hero, Hum Dono, was one of my first movies as a choreographer. He tried to bully me left and right. Then I had to give it back to him. And once you do that, he’s fine. Plus, he worked with my dad in Raffuchakkar.”

Rishi Kapoor’s diagnosis and passing

The veteran actor was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018 and underwent treatment in New York for nearly a year. After returning to India in 2019, he resumed working on films but his health deteriorated again in 2020. On April 30, 2020, Rishi Kapoor passed away at the age of 67.

Texas Republican Faces Backlash Over Hanuman Statue ‘False Hindu God’ Comments

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Texas
Texas

Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan has drawn widespread criticism for his comments opposing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at a Hindu temple in Sugar Land, Texas, sparking debate over religious freedom and discrimination.

Duncan objected to the construction of the “Statue of Union” at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, posting on social media platform X: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.”

In a follow-up post, the Republican leader quoted biblical scripture, stating: “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” Exodus 20:3-4.”

Religious Freedom Groups Respond

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s statements as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory,” formally reporting the incident to the Texas Republican Party and demanding disciplinary action.

“Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination-displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate-not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause?” the Hindu American Foundation posted.

Social media users challenged Duncan’s characterization of Hinduism and reminded him of constitutional protections for religious practice. X user Jordan Crowder responded: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”

About the Monument

The “Statue of Union,” unveiled in 2024, stands as one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States and ranks as the nation’s third-tallest statue overall. The monument was conceived by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji and represents a significant cultural landmark for the Hindu American community.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious pluralism in American communities, particularly as diverse religious populations establish permanent cultural and spiritual landmarks. The incident has reignited discussions about the First Amendment’s protection of religious expression and the separation of church and state.

Kenvue Refutes Trump’s Tylenol-Autism Claims, Says ‘No Credible Science’

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Kenvue
Kenvue

Kenvue, the Johnson & Johnson spinoff that manufactures Tylenol, issued a strong rebuttal Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s claims linking the painkiller to autism, stating there is “no credible science” supporting such connections.

Kenvue on Trump’s Tylenol-Autism Claims

The pharmaceutical company posted a prominent message on its website directly addressing Trump’s recent statements about acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol also known as paracetamol.

“Credible, independent scientific data continues to show no proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism. Medical and public health organisations agree. If you are treating your little one with acetaminophen, please know that there is no credible science that shows taking acetaminophen causes autism. The facts remain unchanged: over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals, confirm there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism,” the company stated.

Here’s what Kenvue said on pregnant ladies usages:

Kenvue emphasized consulting healthcare professionals before medication use, particularly during pregnancy. “As our label says, ‘If pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your healthcare professional before use.’ Your health provider is best positioned to advise whether taking this medication is appropriate based on your unique medical condition. Be sure to always follow the dosage guidelines provided on the product label or by your healthcare provider,” the statement continued.

The company positioned itself as science-based, declaring: “We stand with science, and we stand with you. Acetaminophen is used worldwide as a first line of defense for pain relief and fever reduction, at the recommendation of independent public health and leading medical professionals, and in accordance with the product label. High fevers and pain are widely recognised as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated, especially in the first trimester.”

Trump’s Controversial Claims

US President Donald Trump’s Monday remarks urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol over unproven autism links, despite medical professionals long considering it among America’s safest painkillers. “But taking Tylenol is not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary. That’s, for instance, in cases of extremely high fever that you feel you can’t tough it out,” he stated.

Medical experts criticized Trump’s statements as “irresponsible” and the “saddest display of a lack of evidence” by anyone in authority, highlighting the conflict between political messaging and established medical consensus.

Amazon Launches Court Battle Seeking To Overturn New York Labor Statute

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Amazon
Amazon's new legal battle.

Amazon.com filed a lawsuit on Monday against the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), seeking to stop the agency from enforcing a newly passed law that the company argues unlawfully intrudes into private sector labor matters.

In its complaint submitted to Brooklyn federal court, Amazon accused New York of orchestrating an “unconstitutional power grab” by allowing PERB to step into the role traditionally reserved for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees issues such as union organizing, collective bargaining, and workplace disputes.

The legislation at the center of the dispute, Senate Bill 8034A, was signed into law on September 5 by Governor Kathy Hochul. She defended the measure as necessary to protect workers amid the current paralysis at the NLRB, where hundreds of cases remain unresolved since Democratic board member Gwynne Wilcox was dismissed in January by Republican President Donald Trump.

Amazon claimed PERB has already begun exercising its new powers, pointing to a charge filed over the August 9 dismissal of Brima Sylla, a JFK8 warehouse employee and local union vice president. The company emphasized that the NLRB had already initiated its own review of the firing.

The state law “flips US labor law on its head: it presumes PERB jurisdiction over every private-sector employer until the NLRB gets a court to hold otherwise,” Amazon said. “New York has created the collision of state and federal authority Congress sought to avoid.”

Requests for comment sent to PERB went unanswered, and the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, tasked with enforcing state laws, also did not respond immediately. Amazon itself declined to comment. The Seattle-based retailer reported a workforce of 1.56 million full- and part-time employees at the end of last year.

NLRB Acting General Counsel William Cowen said last month that federal law likely overrides state-level measures being considered due to the agency’s quorum issues and backlog, stressing that regional NLRB offices remain active in processing cases.

On September 12, the NLRB filed its own lawsuit in Albany federal court to halt New York from enforcing the new statute.

The case is titled Amazon.com Services LLC v. New York State Public Employment Relations Board, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 25-05311.

Ministry of Finance Bans Diwali Gift Spending by Government Departments

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Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance has issued a comprehensive directive prohibiting all central government ministries, departments, and associated organizations from using public funds for festival gifts, including during Diwali celebrations.

The order, announced September 19, 2025, represents the government’s continued emphasis on fiscal discipline and elimination of non-essential expenditures. The Department of Expenditure’s Office Memorandum takes immediate effect across all government entities.

Ministry of Finance bans Diwali gifts

The restriction extends beyond central ministries to include all government organs. The circular emphasizes this decision continues previous efforts to ensure responsible public resource management.

“The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure has been issuing instructions from time to time aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and curbing non-essential expenditure. In continuation of these efforts and in the interest of prudent and judicious use of public resources, it has been decided that no expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals by Ministries/Departments and other organs of the Government of India,” the notice stated.

Secretary (Expenditure) approved the order, with Joint Secretary P.K. Singh signing the official communication. Distribution includes all ministry secretaries, financial advisors, the Department of Public Enterprises, and the Department of Financial Services.

Extended Implementation

The directive requires these departments to communicate the restrictions to central public sector enterprises, public sector banks, and financial institutions under their purview. This comprehensive approach ensures uniform implementation across the government’s extensive organizational structure.

The memorandum explicitly states: “No expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals by Ministries/Departments and other organs of the Government of India.”

Policy Rationale

The decision reflects the government’s priority on prudent public money utilization, particularly during periods of heightened focus on fiscal management and resource allocation. By eliminating festival-related spending, the Finance Ministry aims to redirect resources toward essential government functions and services.

This directive effectively ends the traditional practice in numerous departments of distributing festival gifts, which had been increasingly viewed as unnecessary expenditure. The policy change aligns with broader government initiatives promoting fiscal responsibility and optimal resource utilization across public sector operations.

The timing before Diwali ensures immediate implementation during one of India’s major festival seasons.

Heavy Rainfall Claims 5 Lives in Kolkata, Schools Shut in Many Districts

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Kolkata
Kolkata

Kolkata: Heavy overnight rainfall has claimed five lives across Kolkata and its suburbs, with extensive waterlogging paralyzing transportation and disrupting daily life just days before the city’s major Durga Puja celebrations.

The fatalities occurred in separate rain-related incidents across Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, and Ekbalpur, spanning central and southern parts of the city. The intense downpour has caused widespread waterlogging, forcing several schools to declare rain holidays and damaging property as water entered homes in low-lying areas.

Record Rainfall Measurements in Kolkata

Kolkata Municipal Corporation data reveals the severity of the deluge, with Garia Kamdahari recording 332mm of rain within hours. Other severely affected areas include Jodhpur Park (285mm), Kalighat (280mm), Topsia (275mm), and Ballygunge (264mm). The India Meteorological Department attributes the downpour to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, with forecasts indicating continued precipitation.

Transportation Severely Affected

The waterlogging has crippled suburban rail and Metro services while disrupting road traffic across the city. Flight operations at Kolkata airport face significant delays, with airlines issuing passenger advisories.

“Persistent and heavy rain may impact flights to and from Kolkata today. Please check your flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to traffic and waterlogging,” Air India stated.

IndiGo advised passengers: “With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected over Kolkata, we’re seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can’t control the skies, we’re doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport.”

Durga Puja Preparations at Risk

The timing poses particular challenges as Kolkata prepares for its annual Durga Puja festivities, with completed pandals potentially vulnerable to weather damage after months of preparation work.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed concern about the unprecedented situation. “There is so much water in my locality, too. I have never seen such a situation. The corporation is arranging food and shelter for the affected people. If it does not rain anymore, we expect the situation to return to by tonight.”

Ousmane Dembele Claims Ballon D’Or 2025 Denying Lamine Yamal Historic Youngest Title

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Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé denies Yamal.

aris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé was honoured with the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday, capping off a season that reshaped both his career and the club’s legacy. The 28-year-old French international edged out Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha to claim football’s highest individual prize, coming on the heels of the long-awaited Champions League triumph for the Parisian side.

This accolade crowns a defining year for Dembélé, who produced match-winning contributions in decisive fixtures and lifted PSG to an unprecedented treble. His late-season brilliance on Europe’s grandest stage proved decisive for voters, who rewarded his blend of creativity, finishing, and big-game influence.

A Career Milestone

The win represents a turning point for both player and club. For years, Dembélé’s dazzling skill had been overshadowed by inconsistency and injuries. In 2025, however, he delivered the sustained dominance fans had long anticipated. Already named Champions League Player of the Season, he emerged as PSG’s spark in attack, supplying the cutting edge that had so often slipped away in previous European campaigns.

The podium highlighted a generational shift as well. Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Yamal finished runner-up, underlining the club’s enduring ability to develop world-class stars. He also collected the Kopa Trophy for best young player. Vitinha’s third-place finish, meanwhile, reinforced PSG’s collective strength throughout their historic run.

Bonmatí Extends Her Reign

On the women’s side, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí lifted her third straight Ballon d’Or, further cementing her reputation as the game’s standout talent. Despite Barcelona falling short in Europe this year, the 26-year-old Spaniard’s consistency and all-round mastery kept her at the pinnacle of women’s football.

The evening also recognised PSG’s broader transformation. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper, while Barcelona’s Vicky López was awarded the Women’s Kopa Trophy.

England manager Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton were also among those honoured, and PSG’s recognition as Club of the Season underscored the revival of French football on the global stage.

Navratri 2025: How to Dance Through 9 Days Without Dropping

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Navratri
Navratri

Navratri 2025: As millions of devotees gear up for nine nights of spirited garba dancing while observing Navratri fasts, the age-old challenge emerges: how to maintain energy levels when your stomach is running on spiritual fuel alone.

The festival dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine divine avatars presents a unique balancing act—honoring religious traditions through fasting while retaining enough vigor to twirl through those marathon dandiya sessions that stretch well past midnight.

The Sacred Sattvic Strategy in Navratri

Most Navratri observers adopt a sattvic diet, focusing on fruits, nuts, and specially permitted fasting foods. But maintaining energy during this period requires more finesse than simply surviving on bananas and prayers.

Hydration: Your Secret Weapon

The foundation of successful fasting lies in proper hydration. Water, herbal teas, and coconut water become your best allies, preventing the fatigue that accompanies dehydration. Proper fluid intake also promotes satiety, reducing those tempting food cravings that test your spiritual resolve.

Smart Food Choices Make the Difference

Strategic nutrition becomes crucial during fasting periods. Energy-boosting foods like bananas, nuts, and yogurt provide sustained fuel without breaking religious guidelines. Fresh fruits and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, with bananas and apples offering quick energy boosts perfect for pre-garba preparation.

The Small Meals Philosophy

Rather than overwhelming your system with large meals, breaking your fast into smaller, balanced portions helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day—essential when you’re planning to dance until dawn.

Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest becomes non-negotiable during fasting periods. Strategic napping, meditation, and light yoga help rejuvenate both body and spirit. Listen to your body’s signals; fatigue may indicate the need to adjust your fasting approach.

Foods to Avoid

Deep-fried and sugary foods spell disaster for sustained energy. These heavy options drain energy quickly and contradict the festival’s spiritual essence. Instead, choose roasted snacks like makhana (fox nuts) or minimally oiled preparations. Similarly, limit sugary sweets that create energy spikes followed by inevitable crashes—the last thing you need when attempting intricate dandiya steps.

With thoughtful planning, Navratri fasting becomes an energizing spiritual practice rather than an endurance test, allowing devotees to fully embrace the festival’s joyous celebrations.

Russia To Continue With Start Treaty For One Year More Putin Calls On US To Follow

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Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that Moscow will continue to honor its nuclear arms agreement with the United States for an additional year, even as it approaches expiration in February 2026.

During a televised Security Council meeting, Putin stressed that ending the 2010 New START treaty would carry serious risks for global security. “Russia is ready to observe the central limits of the New START Treaty for one year beyond February 5, 2026,” he said.

He added that Moscow expects Washington to follow suit and stick to the same restrictions. The treaty, originally signed by Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, caps each side at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed delivery systems, including missiles and bombers.

With the agreement nearing its end and no talks yet on a replacement, arms control experts have raised concerns. Though New START provides for rigorous on-site inspections to ensure compliance, those checks have been suspended since 2020.

In February 2023, Putin halted Russia’s participation, citing U.S. inspections as unacceptable while Washington and NATO publicly pursue Moscow’s defeat in Ukraine. Still, Russia has maintained that it is not abandoning the accord entirely and will continue respecting the treaty’s nuclear limits.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Science City In Patna Inaugurated By CM Nitish Kumar

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Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday formally inaugurated the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Science City, built across 21 acres in Rajendra Nagar, Patna, by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque.

Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured different sections of the facility. He viewed the galleries and exhibits placed across the premises, including those on the first floor. Children attending the ceremony greeted him warmly during the visit.

On this occasion, Building Construction Department Secretary Kumar Ravi shared details about the development of the Science City with the Chief Minister. A short film highlighting its construction journey was also screened for the audience.

The new centre showcases five themed galleries, 269 interactive exhibits, a spacious auditorium, a 4D theatre, and residential facilities for both students and teachers.

“The Science City has been built with much attention to detail. I personally inspected the work many times. We even visited the Science City in London to study its model, and expert advice was taken at every stage,” the Chief Minister said while exploring the galleries.

He further added, “This centre has been created with innovative concepts and will function as a modern hub of science and innovation, appealing to all age groups. It will not only enrich learning about science and technology in India but also stand among the finest centres for promoting science globally.”

Kumar also remarked, “Former President and Bharat Ratna A P J Abdul Kalam shared a deep bond with Bihar, and it is in his honour that this Science City has been named after him.”

Inside the complex, five large halls host exhibits through dedicated galleries themed around ‘Be a Scientist,’ Sustainable Planet, Basic Science, Body and Mind, and Astronomy and Space. In its first phase, 12 exhibits were set up in the ‘Be a Scientist’ gallery and 35 in the ‘Basic Science’ gallery, developed by Creative Museum Designers (CMD) under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).

The foundation stone of this ambitious project was laid by the Chief Minister on March 1, 2019. The Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education had approved its construction with an overall budget of ₹889 crore.