The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a multi-crore illegal codeine-based cough syrup smuggling and money laundering racket in Uttar Pradesh.

In connection with the case, the ED has summoned family members of the arrested accused Vishal Singh and Vibhor Rana for questioning, sources said on Thursday.

According to officials, notices have been issued to their relatives, asking them to appear before the agency on January 5 and January 8. The ED team will question them about sources of income over the past three years, details of movable and immovable properties, and financial transactions. Investigators suspect that a significant portion of the illicit proceeds generated by the syndicate may have been invested through family members.

Kingpin Shubham Jaiswal, believed to be the mastermind of the entire operation, remains absconding. Despite being issued multiple summons to appear before the ED’s Lucknow office, he has failed to comply with three consecutive notices. Sources said the agency is now preparing to initiate the process of issuing a Red Corner Notice to trace him at the international level. There are strong suspicions that Jaiswal is currently hiding in Dubai.

The ED is also closely examining properties linked to Shubham Jaiswal, dismissed police personnel Alok Singh, and Amit Singh Tata. Several raids have already been conducted at locations associated with the accused, during which luxury items, documents related to shell companies, and evidence of large-scale financial transactions were recovered.

The agency is expected to formally question Alok Singh, Amit Singh Tata, and Shubham Jaiswal’s father, Bhola Jaiswal, in the coming days. Bhola Jaiswal has already been arrested in other cases, and his name has repeatedly surfaced during the ongoing investigation.

The case dates back to February 2024, when a large consignment of codeine-based cough syrup was seized from the Sushant Golf City area in Lucknow. An investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) revealed that the syrup, which is legally sold only on prescription, was being illegally trafficked as a narcotic substance to neighbouring countries and various Indian states.

Subsequent arrests exposed the extensive network behind the syndicate, which allegedly operated through fake companies, bogus invoices, and secret warehouses to carry out the smuggling and launder the proceeds. The ED continues to expand its probe to uncover the full scale of the operation and trace the proceeds of crime.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president and former four-time chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Mayawati on Thursday extended heartfelt New Year greetings to all citizens and the Indians living across the world, wishing them happiness, peace, prosperity, security and a life of dignity.

In her New Year message, Mayawati said she hopes 2026 will make the daily lives of the poor and hardworking sections of society — collectively referred to as the Bahujan Samaj — simpler and freer from the growing burden of complex rules and laws. She stressed that the new year should bring real relief and positive change to the lives of ordinary people, which would require continued social and political struggle for justice and dignity.

Highlighting the situation in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, she said widespread poverty, unemployment, and corruption continue to trouble the Bahujan population. She emphasized that the benefits of development, in line with the welfare-oriented Constitution, should not remain limited to a handful of people, but must reach all the most needy sections. She stressed the need for policies and programmes to improve per capita development.

Mayawati further stated that while no government can claim absolute rule of law, sincere efforts should be made at all levels to establish governance based on constitutional values. She called for strict and impartial action against criminal and anti-social elements, without bias or discrimination, to curb hatred, violence and social tension, so that people can genuinely feel positive change in the new year.

She appealed to the ruling party and governments at the Centre and in the states to uphold India’s constitutional identity based on “unity in diversity” and “sarva dharma sambhav” (equal respect for all religions), ensuring protection of life, property and faith for all citizens. According to her, only such an approach can lead to truly inclusive and equitable development, rather than widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

The BSP chief added that if India follows its constitutional principles sincerely, it can emerge as a global guide, benefiting Indians worldwide and improving relations with neighbouring countries, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for common people.

Criticising current economic priorities, she urged the Central government to view the Bahujan society not as a burden, but a valuable human capital and to invest in them accordingly. Otherwise, she warned, policies would continue to primarily benefit big industrialists and wealthy elites, while the number of billionaires rises and poor sections remain dependent on limited government aid.

Mayawati said sincere and honest efforts on these crucial issues in the new year would be in the larger national and public interest. She also remarked that elections should truly reflect public mandate rather than becoming a system driven by manipulation, which she said would also serve the country’s democracy better.

Keeping his New Year tradition intact, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga released the first poster of his much-awaited next “Spirit” at midnight on January 1st.

You loved what existed before.
Now fall in love with what you never knew existed….#SPIRIT FIRST POSTER #OneBadHabit #Prabhas@imvangasandeep @tripti_dimri23 pic.x.com/J1Svt3E8uY

— Spirit (@InSpiritMode) December 31, 2025

Filmmaker’s New Year tradition

As his tradition, on January 1st, Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared the primary look of “Spirit” on social media and wrote, “INDIAN CINEMA…. witness your AJANUBAHUDU / AJANUBAHU Happy New Year 2026 (sic).”

Details of the poster

The poster features a wounded Prabhas wearing black spectacles and off-white pants, posed bare-chested, holding a bottle of alcohol in his hand standing by the window, while Triptii had a gold bracelet on her right wrist and was dressed in beige and can be seen lighting his cigarette.

A glimpse of the film’s world

Marking Prabhas’ birthday on October 23, the makers also released a promotional teaser from the movie, ‘sound story’, using Prakash Raj and Prabhas’s voice to introduce the film’s world.

‘Spirit’ launch event

Bhadrakali Pictures, the production house of Sandeep Reddy Vanga, took to their X handle and shared some pictures from the launch event. They wrote, “India’s biggest superstar #Prabhas’s ‘SPIRIT’ has been launched with Megastar @KChiruTweets garu as the special guest.”

Appreciation by the Megastar

Touched by Chiranjeevi’s gesture, Sandeep Reddy Vanga also penned a gratitude note for the Megastar on social media that read, “Heartfelt thank you to our MEGASTAR CHIRANJEEVI sir for blessing the event with his presence. Sir….. your gesture is unforgettable — we all love you @KChiruTweets #SPIRIT MUHURTHAM”.

About the film

“Spirit” filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has worked with Triptii in “Animal“, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Rashmika Mandanna. While it’s his first professional association with Prabhas.

Apart from Prabhas and Triptii, the project will also see Prakash Raj, Vivek Oberoi, and Kanchana as the cast.
It is likely to release in the late 2026, or in 2027, as per many reports.

‘Stranger Things’ with its season 5 finale episode is finally over. Fans are sobbing, but they are also feeling nostalgic. The show released its full and final episode, and always the internet could not keep calm. Fans ask ‘does Eleven die in Stranger Things?’ or ‘does Vecna die?’ From the group going to Upside Down to the last DND campaign, the 2 hour 8 minute finale episode was an experience the ‘Stranger Things’ fans never had

The show starts with the group commencing their plan in Upside down. Mike, Lucas, Joyce and Will on one team, while Hopper, Eleven, Max, Kali Prasad formed a second team. Dustin, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve and Robin were the third team.

 

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Every minute and every shot was full of action and amazingly written storyline exceeding every fan’s expectations.

Talk about bone chilling action, real-looking set design, and even acting of all characters from old to new, the show gave us all.

Also Read: Who dies in ‘Stranger Things’ season 5? Full list of shocking deaths in the record-breaking Netflix finale

Does Eleven die in ‘Stranger Things’?

The most asked question on the internet is did Eleven actually die? Duffer Brothers did a commendable job in solving this issue. First, they made us believe that she died. But the makers of the show did the biggest copout and left it down to us to decide.

The group is successful in killing both Vecna and Mind Flayer as they were connected through hive mind. They reveal that the Mind Flayer actually needed Henry and did not treat him as a vessel. This leads the group to escape from the abyss and for them to set off the bomb by the exotic matter. This destroys the Upside Down.

As the group made it back to the Right Side Up, Eleven was still in the Upside Down standing by the Gateway. Did you see she was not prepared to walk through the Right Side Up like Kali wanted? This is because she knew that there would always be others. By others, we mean Dr Branner and Dr K to exploit their powers and create new ones and hurt their loved ones in order to get to them.

Sushi stays behind while the Upside Down destroys. This leads us to believing that she is gone for good.

However, what we saw right at the end of the finale episode, that too 18 months later was that the Mic told an alternative story after playing DND. The Mage aka Eleven actually tricked everybody with the use of Kali’s AKA 8 powers and made it seem like she was taken out with the Upside Down. But in reality, it was just a projection, not the actual person.

Also Read: Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2: Decoding the Abyss that connects Hawkins and the Upside Down

Mike’s theory went off to find peace in a paradise somewhere far away. This also connected back to what Hopper said about how there were two different roads of life that Mike could follow: the one where he blamed himself for Eleven’s death or one where he accepts her choice and moves on.

This is another way people could be at peace with the decision that Eleven made. But actually, Kali was long dead before Eleven enters Upside Down. And, it is not possible that she could use her powers to save Eleven.

So it is all up to the audience whether they want to feel that Eleven is dead or alive.

Death of Vecna

Vecna’s death was the most satisfactory part of the show, where we came to know why he could not enter the cave where Max was hiding. And it was because the Mind Flayer was restricting him from going there. However, as we saw, he forces himself into the specific memory that he had where he was exposed to Mind Flayer for the first time, it was clear that the darkness within him was actually Mind Flayer, not Henry.

We saw William’s connection with the high mind and he tries to restrict Henry from fighting with Eleven, he even tried to convince Henry that he is just a vessel like him, but Henry responded and said how the Mind Flayer needed him.

In the back story of Henry Kreel we saw the scientist in the cave, who told him to resist the exotic matter present in the suitcase. But he could not do that and finally became host to Mind Flayer.

In the fighting scenes between the group and Vecna we saw he was connected to the heart of the Mind Flayer. And when Eleven enters the Mind Flayer’s body and disconnects him from, it leads to the death of Vecna aka Henry.

We saw mind-blowing action scenes between Eleven and Vecna, and ultimately the death of the main villain of the show by Joyce Buyers.

What happened to all the characters at the end of the show?

During the end of the episode, it was revealed that Hopper and Joyce were engaged and were moving far away so that they could have a new start to their lives.

Will moves away and finds a place where he feels accepted. Mike becomes a writer. Dustin continues to study but makes time for adventures. Lucas and Max end up with one another and settle down. Steve becomes a baseball coach. Jonathan continues to make films. Robin works at the radio. Nancy drops out of Emerson and takes a job at Herald. However, they all agree that they meet once in a month because their friendship was irreplaceable.

We also see how Holly, Derek, and other members of her class were now in the basement playing DND.

So this is the end of one of the epic shows of all times and it is clear that no other show could beat the popularity, fan following, and exceptional story.

FRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that India’s Bullet Train project will be ready by August 15, 2027.

Addressing a Cabinet press briefing in Delhi, Vaishnaw said that the first section of the Bullet Train will open from Surat to Bilimora in Gujarat, followed by two more sections from Vapi to Surat and Vapi to Ahmedabad.

After this, the bullet train services will be expanded to Maharashtra in a phased manner. The first inter-state bullet train section will open from Thane to Ahmedabad, and soon the entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad route will be operational.

“The bullet train will be ready in 2027, August 15th, 2027. The first section to open will be from Surat to Bilimora. After that, Vapi to Surat will open. Then Vapi to Ahmedabad will open, and after that, Thane to Ahmedabad will open, and then Mumbai to Ahmedabad will open,” the minister said.

Known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, the bullet train project is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, marking the country’s entry into the era of high-speed connectivity.

The corridor spans approximately 508 kilometres, of which 352 kilometres lie in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 kilometres in Maharashtra.

The corridor will connect major cities, including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai.

Once completed, the bullet train project will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around two hours.

India and Pakistan today exchanged the annual lists of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. The exchange was administered through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

35th consecutive exchange

Under a bilateral agreement, the two countries are required to share details of nuclear installations and facilities every year on the first of January. The agreement was signed on 31 December 1988 and enforced from 27 January 1991.

The exchange of lists between the two countries today marks the 35th consecutive exchange since the first list was shared on 1 January 1992.
Prisoner and fishermen exchange

Simultaneously, India and Pakistan also exchanged the lists of civil prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody, following the provisions of the Bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, 2008.

India provided details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen in its custody who are Pakistani or believed to be Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, in turn, shared information on 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen in its custody who are Indian or believed to be Indian, the MEA said.

As per MEA, the Government of India has called on Pakistan for the early release and repatriation of civil prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel.

India has also urged Pakistan to expedite the release of 167 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners who have completed their sentences, and to provide immediate consular access to 35 civil prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan who have not yet received it.

The MEA emphasized that the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian prisoners and fishermen must be ensured pending their release.

Repatriation efforts

As a result of sustained diplomatic efforts, India has successfully repatriated 2,661 fishermen and 71 civil prisoners from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners who were repatriated since 2023.

The exchanges underline the continuation of bilateral protocols and confidence-building measures between the two countries despite other tensions in the region, the MEA said.

Bangladesh risks being pulled into a dangerous geopolitical and ideological vortex as it aligns itself too closely with Pakistan and China and allows religious extremism to flourish at home, a former foreign minister of the country has warned, painting a bleak picture of economic stagnation, diplomatic isolation and social rupture in the post–Sheikh Hasina era.

In an exclusive interview to the United News of India, Prof AK Abdul Momen, who served as Bangladesh’s foreign minister from 2019-2024, said that the Bangladesh-Pakistan-China axis building up could prove deeply destabilising, not just for Dhaka, but for the wider South and South East Asia.

“Depending on the nature of this axis, many scenarios may unfold,” Prof Momen said, outlining a cascade of risks which range from provoking pressure or sanctions from the United States; losing credibility in international forums; alienating India and other liberal neighbours, and, most ominously, sliding toward jihadist radicalism and authoritarian rule.

Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain had earlier this month said it is “strategically possible” for Dhaka to join a regional grouping with Pakistan that excludes India. It is also known that the BNP during the Late Prime Minister Begum Zia’s reign had close ties with both China and Pakistan and had allowed ISI to run terror camps aimed at destabilising India’s northeast.

At stake, Momen suggested, is the very identity of Bangladesh — a country born out of a bloody war of liberation in 1971, founded on secular nationalism and linguistic pride, now confronting the possibility of being recast as what he described as a “jihadi country,” where women would be relegated to second-class status and democratic institutions hollowed out.

“Depending on the nature of the Bangladesh-Pakistan-China axis … the following may happen … it (Dhaka) may be encouraged to be hostile to India, leading to serious negative consequences (including) even border fighting and incursions, face increasing pressure and even sanctions from USA depending on its closeness and dependence to China, lose it’s acceptability in international forums, … may turn into a jihadi country where women will be considered as second class citizens,” Momen told UNI.

Prof. Momen’s warnings come amid growing anxiety over Bangladesh’s political trajectory following the exit of Sheikh Hasina, who dominated the country’s politics for more than two decades.

Whatever her critics said about her intolerance of dissent, the former foreign minister argued, she represented a rare constant in a volatile political landscape: a secular, non-communal leader who prioritised economic growth and social welfare across religious and ethnic lines.

“In the post-Hasina era, the rise of radicals and jihadis is very real,” he said.

“This will destroy the national spirit of humanity and lead to social fragmentation based on religion or belief.” He pointed to a series of brutal recent killings, including the public torture and burning of a garment worker, Dipu Das, and a daylight lynching carried out with stone as evidence of what he called a “medieval” descent into violence.

Momen warned Bangladesh’s communal turn could have spill-over effects in India, exacerbating pressures on Muslim minorities and deepening regional mistrust. “Jihadi radicals are a real threat to social and political stability — in Bangladesh and beyond,” he said.

Against this grim forecast, Prof. Momen contrasted what he called the “golden period” of Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Over 21 years in power, he said, Bangladesh had transformed itself from a “bottomless economy” into a fast-growing developing nation, earning praise from institutions like the United Nations and accolades from publications such as The Wall Street Journal, which once described the country as a “standard-bearer of the South.”

Under Hasina, Bangladesh sustained an average annual growth rate of 6.6 per cent between 2009 and 2024, more than double the pace of earlier decades. Poverty fell sharply, from 42 per cent in 2009 to 17 percent in 2023, while the size of the economy expanded from $90 billion in the mid-1990s to nearly $480 billion.

Prof. Momen attributed these gains to what he dubbed “Hasinaeconomics”: a twin focus on rapid growth and social welfare. Her government pushed universal electricity, mass school enrollment, women’s participation in the workforce, digital skills and large-scale infrastructure, while also rolling out extensive social protection programs for the elderly, widows, students and the poorest families.

As foreign minister, Momen said, he and his colleagues tried to align Bangladesh’s development ambitions with a careful diplomatic posture: “friendship to all, malice to none,” coupled with a “neighborhood first” approach. Economic diplomacy, public diplomacy and a doctrine of regional peace and stability were designed to attract investment, diversify exports and keep Bangladesh out of great-power rivalries, pointed out Momen.

That balance, he fears, is now under threat and despite lip service may remain so.

Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who belongs to Indore, used abusive language against some media persons when questioned about the deaths due to contaminated Narmada river water in the city, even as a 14th death was reported on Thursday.

Vijayvargiya first tried to ignore the media’s questions, terming them “baseless”.

However, when journalists pressed him to answer, Vijayvargiya used abuses against some of them. A video of the minister’s misbehaviour also went viral.

Consequently, Vijayvargiya admitted his mistake and issued an apology on social media.

Notwithstanding that, the opposition Congress launched a scathing attack on Vijayvargiya.
MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari demanded Vijayvargiya’s resignation. He urged CM Dr Mohan Yadav to take notice of the minister’s abusive comments.

Patwari asked the CM to immediately sack Vijayvargiya.

Meanwhile, a 14th death was reported from Indore today due to consumption of contaminated water of the Narmada River supplied through taps in households of the Bhagirathpura locality in Indore, the country’s cleanest city.

The latest deceased was identified as Arvind (43), son of Hiralal.

Following the shocking incident, questions are also being murmured about how Indore could get the award of the country’s cleanest city for seven years in a row if even such basic facilities are in such a pathetic and dreadful condition.

The year 2025 marked a decisive shift for Uttar Pradesh tourism. The state not only consolidated its position as India’s most visited destination but also began a deeper transition toward cultural pride, global recognition and sustainable tourism models.

From historic spiritual gatherings to international heritage acknowledgements, the year reflected both scale and substance. As Uttar Pradesh moved toward 2026, tourism was no longer limited to pilgrimages alone. It evolved into a broad-based movement that connected faith, culture, wellness, urban growth and community participation.

The major achievements in the year gone by:

Mahakumbh 2025 emerged as the defining moment of the year, with more than 66 crore devotees taking the holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj. The scale of planning, safety, sanitation, and crowd management showcased Uttar Pradesh’s growing capacity to host mega global religious events. Beyond numbers, Mahakumbh strengthened the livelihoods of local boatmen, vendors, guides, and farmers, turning faith tourism into a people-driven economy.

Lucknow’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy became a cultural milestone for Uttar Pradesh. It celebrated the city’s living food traditions, culinary craftsmanship and generational knowledge carried by chefs and home kitchens alike. The recognition opened new global avenues for food tourism and storytelling while encouraging opportunities for women entrepreneurs, traditional cooks, and local food producers.

The inclusion of Sonbhadra’s Salkhan Fossil Park in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites placed Uttar Pradesh firmly on the global geoheritage map. This recognition laid the foundation for geo tourism, educational travel and research-led visits, while reinforcing a conservation-based approach where learning and preservation moved together.

The inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal added a powerful new cultural landmark and gave a renewed identity to Lucknow as a city where heritage, values and modern public spaces came together. The site strengthened cultural tourism in the capital region and offered visitors a space that went beyond leisure into reflection and inspiration.

Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya created two Guinness World Records, one for the lighting of over 26 lakh diyas across the ghats and another for the largest simultaneous diya rotation. The year gained further significance when Diwali was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2025, turning a festival into a moment of cultural diplomacy and global storytelling through Uttar Pradesh.

Major Things to Look Forward to in 2026:

Magh Mela 2026 will be introduced with a renewed identity, marked by the launch of its first-ever official logo. The logo drew from the cosmic and astrological framework of the mela period, reflecting the spiritual tradition of Kalpavas at the Sangam, and positioned Magh Mela as a festival rooted in precise celestial alignments. This has added a new layer of branding and public engagement while keeping the core spiritual experience intact.

For the first time in 2025, new recruitment reforms in the tourism department were set to professionalise services across destinations and ensure deployment across all 75 districts of the state. Trained staff, improved information support and destination-level service delivery are now expected to enhance visitor experience, transparency, and on-ground coordination, making tourism more reliable and employment-driven.

The upcoming Buddha Heritage Theme Park in Siddharthnagar is planned to host the sacred Buddha relics linked to Piprahwa Stupa. The project is expected to deepen Buddhist tourism, attract international pilgrims and scholars, and strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s global positioning as the heartland of the Buddhist circuit.

Under the ‘One State One Global Destination’ framework, Gautam Budh Nagar is positioned to emerge as a modern urban tourism hub, aligned with conventions, exhibitions, business travel and curated city experiences, adding a strong urban tourism layer to Uttar Pradesh’s largely faith-led tourism image. The area will mark a paradigm shift with the development of medical tourism facilities as well.

Projects such as the upcoming International Yoga Centre in Baghpat and nature-based destinations, including Sharda Barrage in Lakhimpur Kheri, have been planned to strengthen wellness tourism. These destinations are designed to combine yoga, nature and wellness experiences, catering to both domestic and global travellers and expanding Uttar Pradesh’s tourism portfolio beyond peak religious seasons.

Commenting on Uttar Pradesh’s leap in tourism, Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh steadily fulfilled the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where tourism became a medium of cultural pride, economic opportunity, and inclusive growth. In 2025, Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the most visited states of the country, with over 137 crore domestic tourist visits recorded along with a steady rise in foreign arrivals, reflecting growing trust in our destinations and facilities. At the same time, our tourism policy push strengthened investor confidence, with a large number of tourism units registering on the state portal and investment proposals worth over Rs 37,688 crore received, showing how tourism became a serious growth engine for the state.”

The Minister for Tourism and Culture added, “Today, Uttar Pradesh is not only the most chosen religious and spiritual destination of the country, with revered temple towns like Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, but it has also repositioned itself as a new capital of wellness, urban, smart and sustainable tourism.

”Our focus has been on creating experiences that involve people. Farmers through agri and rural tourism, women entrepreneurs, boatmen, guides, artists, and local communities became partners in this journey. Through curated itineraries, tourism packages, focused branding, and a renewed push to Buddhist tourism, we ensured that tourism growth reached the grassroots while presenting Uttar Pradesh to the world as a destination that is rooted, responsible, and ready for the future.”

Ikkis cast: Director Sriram Raghavan’s latest film ‘Ikkis’ is quietly winning hearts. Set during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the film is inspired by the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra. Backed by Maddock Films, the movie recreates the intense Battle of Basantar, where Arun Khetarpal was martyred at just 21.

What makes ‘Ikkis’ special is its cast. Each actor steps into the shoes of real, real people. Here is a closer look at who plays whom in this powerful war drama.

 

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Also Read: Ikkis screening: From Rekha’s flying kiss to Amitabh Bachchan’s tears as grandson Agastya Nanda makes debut

Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal

Agastya Nanda takes on the most important role in ‘Ikkis’, that of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

Arun Khetarpal was only 21 years old when he laid down his life during the Battle of Basantar. Despite being badly injured and repeatedly warned to pull back, he chose to stay and fight.

Dharmendra as Brigadier ML Khetarpal

‘Ikkis’ marks the posthumous release of legendary actor Dharmendra. Dharmendra plays Brigadier ML Khetarpal, Arun Khetarpal’s father.

In the film, ML Khetarpal travels to Lahore for a college reunion and ends up staying at Naseer’s home without knowing that this man was involved in his son’s death.

Also Read: ‘Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa’: Dharmendra’s poem from ‘Ikkis’ released by Maddock Films

Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer

Jaideep Ahlawat brings his trademark intensity to ‘Ikkis’. His character is first introduced simply as Naseer.

By the end of the story, it is revealed that Naseer is actually Brigadier Khwaja Mohammed Naseer, the Pakistani officer who fired at Arun Khetarpal’s tank during the Battle of Basantar.

Rahul Dev as Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh

Rahul Dev plays Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh, later known as Lieutenant General Hanut Singh.

He is shown as the commanding officer of Arun Khetarpal and the man who led the tank regiment during the 1971 war.

Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijender Malhotra

Vivaan Shah plays Captain Vijender Malhotra, a fellow officer and colleague of Arun Khetarpal. The two fight side by side during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.

Sikandar Kher as RIS Sagat Singh

Sikandar Kher appears as RIS Sagat Singh, a senior field officer who acts as the backbone of the regiment.

His character is experienced, steady, and dependable, the kind of officer younger soldiers look up to.
Did you watch ‘Ikkis’? What did you think of the film? Let us know.

As we have entered the New Year 2026, the official holiday calendar for India, the gazetted and bank holidays, mandated by the Central Government, are very essential for planning, school schedules, and corporate breaks. Having a list will give us a smooth transition into this New Year. (Also Read: New Year celebrations around the world: From Kiribati’s first 2026 cheers to India, Asia, London, New York | WATCH)

Those who enjoy long weekends, with holidays like Republic Day, Good Friday, and Buddha Purnima falling on Mondays or Fridays, this calendar gives a small relief.

Check out the India 2026 holidays list!

Gazetted/Closed Holidays of 2026 in India

Restricted Holidays 2026

On New Year’s Day, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s premier state-owned telecommunications provider, announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), also known as Wi-Fi Calling.

This advanced service is now available to all BSNL customers across every telecom circle in the country, ensuring seamless and high-quality connectivity even in challenging environments.

The service is available to BSNL customers across all telecom circles in the country. VoWiFi enables customers to make and receive voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network, ensuring clear and reliable connectivity in areas with weak mobile signal, such as homes, offices, basements, and remote locations.

VoWiFi is an IMS-based service that supports seamless handovers between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Calls are made using the customer’s existing mobile number and phone dialer, without the need for third-party applications.

The service is particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas where mobile coverage may be limited, provided a stable Wi-Fi connection is available, including BSNL Bharat Fibre or other broadband services. VoWiFi also helps reduce network congestion and is offered free of cost, with no additional charges for Wi-Fi calls.

The launch of VoWiFi is an important step in BSNL’s network modernisation programme and its commitment to improving connectivity across the country, especially in underserved areas, the Ministry of Communications said.

VoWiFi is supported on most modern smartphones. Customers only need to enable Wi-Fi Calling in their handset settings.

In a New Year gift from the Indian Railways, the government on Thursday (January 1) announced that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train will be launched this month.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today said the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be formally inducted into the Indian Railway network in the next 15 to 20 days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Guwahati (Assam) to Kolkata (West Bengal) route, likely around January 17-18.

The first Vande Bharat sleeper will connect the poll-bound states of Assam and West Bengal, both of which are likely to go to polls in March-April.

Vaishnaw said the Railways has completed the testing and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train.

“This achievement is a major milestone. The Vande Bharat sleeper train will provide passengers with world-class facilities, safety, and a modern travel experience on long-distance overnight journeys,” the minister said at an event.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train completes CRS high-speed trial at 180 kmph on Kota-Nagda section

Vande Bharat sleeper fares

The Railway Minister also spoke about the likely fares of the Vande Bharat sleeper and presented a comparison between the cost of the premium train travel and airfares on the Guwahati-Kolkata route.

#WATCH | Delhi: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, “Typically, airfares on the Guwahati-Howrah route range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, and sometimes even reach Rs 10,000. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train’s 3AC fare from Guwahati to Howrah will be approximately Rs 2,300… https://t.co/3wYg0GmIH9 pic.x.com/RUB3lX805z

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2026

The minister said the fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper train from Guwahati to Howrah (Kolkata) is likely to be around Rs 2,300 for 3AC, including food. The 2AC fare will be around Rs 3,000, and the First AC fare will be approximately Rs 3,600.

Vaishnaw further said airfares on the route normally range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, and sometimes touch Rs 10,000 amid high demand.

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train will run from Guwahati to Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train on this route in the coming days. The inauguration is expected to take place within the next 15-20 days, around January 17-18.

The fare for the Vande… pic.x.com/ZBsqyY2rl9

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2026

Vande Bharat sleeper: New level in suspension design

The minister also highlighted the technical features of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, stating special attention has been given to suspension to provide a premium, smooth travel.

“I think this is a unique thing because so much attention has been paid to the design of its suspension. A completely new level has been achieved in the suspension design of this train. Trains are built all over the world. Train bogies are needed everywhere in the world. So, the export should be from India. It can be from India, provided we are the best in quality and competitive in price. That’s why we focused so much on this, and that’s why it took so much time,” the minister said, as per news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Vande Bharat sleeper train, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, “…I think this is a unique thing because so much attention has been paid to the design of its suspension. A completely new level has been achieved in the suspension design of this… https://t.co/3wYg0GmIH9 pic.x.com/uIXLMvBXLc

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2026

The announcements came just days after the Railways Minister announced that the Vande Bharat sleeper train touched a speed of 180 kmph between Kota (Rajasthan)-Nagda (Madhya Pradesh) section.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that India’s economy and financial system remain resilient despite heightened global uncertainties, elevated asset valuations and rising geopolitical risks, according to the Financial Stability Report (FSR), December 2025.

The report noted that global growth has shown greater resilience than anticipated, supported by fiscal measures, front-loaded trade, and strong investment in artificial intelligence (AI).

However, it cautioned that risks to global financial stability remain elevated due to high public debt, stretched asset prices, the growing interconnectedness of non-bank financial intermediaries, and the rapid expansion of private credit and stablecoins.

On the domestic front, the RBI stated that India continues to grow at a robust pace, driven by strong domestic demand, easing inflation, and prudent macroeconomic policies. The financial system remains healthy, supported by strong balance sheets of banks and non-bank lenders, comfortable capital and liquidity buffers, and low market volatility.

The Financial System Stress Indicator (FSSI) remains at relatively low levels, indicating limited systemic stress.

The report highlighted that India’s near-term risks stem largely from external factors, including the potential escalation of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as volatility in global financial markets. A sharp correction in US equity markets could spill over to domestic markets, impacting investor confidence and financial conditions.

India’s external sector remains resilient, with manageable current account deficit levels and strong foreign exchange reserves of over USD 693 billion, sufficient to cover around 11 months of imports. External vulnerability indicators, including external debt and short-term debt ratios, continue to show improvement.

The RBI also flagged emerging global risks such as rising leverage in hedge funds, increased reliance on short-term sovereign borrowing in advanced economies, and growing concentration in AI-driven equity markets, which could amplify market corrections.

Overall, the RBI said strong domestic growth drivers, fiscal consolidation efforts and adequate buffers across the financial and corporate sectors place India in a better position to withstand adverse global shocks, even as it remains vigilant to evolving macrofinancial risks.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has approved a series of policy reforms aimed at strengthening the National Pension System (NPS), enhancing competition and safeguarding subscriber interests, the regulator said on Thursday.

In a key decision, the PFRDA Board has given in-principle approval to a framework that will allow Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) to independently set up Pension Funds (PFs) to manage NPS assets. The move is expected to deepen the pension ecosystem by widening participation and increasing competition.

The framework addresses earlier regulatory constraints that had limited bank participation and introduces clearly defined eligibility criteria based on net worth, market capitalisation and prudential soundness in line with Reserve Bank of India norms. Detailed eligibility criteria will be notified separately and will apply to both new and existing pension funds.

The regulator also announced the appointment of three new trustees to the board of the NPS Trust following a selection process initiated by PFRDA.

The new trustees are Dinesh Kumar Khara, former Chairman of State Bank of India; Swati Anil Kulkarni, former Executive Vice President of UTI AMC; and Dr Arvind Gupta, Co-Founder and Head of the Digital India Foundation and a member of the National Venture Capital Investment Committee under the SIDBI-managed Fund of Funds Scheme.

Khara has also been designated as the Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board.

In another significant reform, PFRDA has revised the Investment Management Fee (IMF) structure for Pension Funds, effective April 1, 2026, to align with evolving market realities, international benchmarks, and the objective of expanding NPS coverage across corporate, retail, and gig-economy segments. The revised slab-based IMF introduces differentiated rates for government and non-government sector subscribers and will also apply to schemes under the Multiple Scheme Framework, with MSF corpus being counted separately.

The IMF for government sector employees under the Composite Scheme and for those opting for Auto Choice and Active Choice G 100 schemes remains unchanged.

For Non-Government Sector subscribers, the IMF will range from 0.12 per cent for assets under management (AUM) up to Rs 25,000 crore to 0.04 per cent for AUM above Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The Annual Regulatory Fee of 0.015 per cent payable by pension funds to PFRDA will continue unchanged. Of this, 0.0025 per cent of AUM will be passed on to the Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI) to support coordinated awareness, outreach and financial literacy initiatives under PFRDA’s overall guidance.

The PFRDA said the reforms are expected to help subscribers and stakeholders gain access to a more competitive, well-governed, and resilient NPS ecosystem, leading to improved long-term retirement outcomes and enhanced old-age income security as formalisation in the financial and pension sectors continues to expand.

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari said slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government over the water contamination incident in Indore, accusing the government of misgovernance and hiding the actual number of deaths.

The Congress leader alleged that the Chief Minister acknowledged only four deaths but there were reports of more deaths than this. He also demanded strict action, including the registration of culpable homicide cases against responsible officials and the Indore mayor.
Speaking to ANI, MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari said, “Indore has consistently given MPs, MLAs and Mayor to BJP but they (BJP) have given poisoned water (referring to contamination issue). Now, the question arises that there are reports of a total of 13 deaths but the Chief Minister is saying only 4 deaths occurred. Is hiding the figures of death the responsibility of a Chief Minister? This is a murderer government, which led to the 25 children recently dying in the cough syrup case.”

“This government is responsible for children being bitten by rats at MY Hospital in Indore. Now, 13 people are dying after contaminated drinking water issues. Instead of trying to hide this, why don’t you take proper decisions,” he added.
Patwari further highlighted that a case of culpable homicide should be registered against those responsible in this water contamination issue.
“Your minister misbehaves with journalists when they ask questions. Should that minister be removed or not? Should he resign or not. Chief Minister, where has your spine gone? Why don’t you want to punish responsible officials? A case of culpable homicide should be registered against the responsible officers and the Indore mayor in this incident,” the Congress leader said.

Patwari also stressed that the Chief Minister is the in-charge minister of Indore, and he should appoint an independent in-charge minister who can focus on even small issues.
“Why do you want to keep everything under your control? These deaths are happening due to the BJP’s continuous misgovernance and arrogance,” the Congress leader alleged.
He further emphasised that they constituted a committee and an investigation into the matter was going on. Action should be taken against whoever is found guilty, and the Congress party would discharge its responsibility.

“We demand that the families of all those who have died in this incident should be given compensation of Rs 1 crore each. The Chief Minister should punish the guilty and ensure that FIRs are registered against those responsible for this incident. He should also resign from the Minister who misbehaved with journalists,” the Congress leader concluded.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a heartfelt letter to newly elected Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, congratulating him and Deputy Mayor GS Asha Nath for the historic win in the local body elections.

Terming BJP’s first-ever victory in a Corporation in Kerala as an ”epoch-making” moment and a milestone “written in golden letters” in the political history of the state, Prime Minister Modi said the saffron party’s success in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was a reflection of people’s faith in the party’s vision of development and good governance.

“In the midst of the festive season and as we begin the year 2026, history was made in the great city of Thiruvananthapuram when you took oath as the Mayor of the city and Smt GS Asha Nath ji took oath as Deputy Mayor. I would like to congratulate you and Ashaji for this. I would also like to congratulate all our Party’s newly elected councillors and Karyakartas for the historic performance in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls, “PM Modi wrote in the letter

Recalling his memories of the city, PM Modi said, “I still have beautiful memories of visiting Thiruvananthapuram. This is a city blessed by Sri Padmanabhaswamy. It is the capital city of Kerala. It is a city that has nurtured thought leaders, social reformers, artists, musicians, poets, cultural activists, saints, etc. When this city blesses the BJP, it is very humbling.”

“Our vision to build a Vikasit Thiruvananthapuram has resonated with people across the city, from all sections of society,” Prime Minister Modi wrote, and said that voters had seen the work of the BJP-led government at the Centre and its efforts towards urban development in different states.

Praising BJP karyakartas for standing firm “despite adversity, hostility and brutal violence”, the Prime Minister said that the BJP’s success in the Kerala capital signalled a larger political change. He added that “the people of the state, especially the youngsters and women, are ready for a new dawn”.

“I am sure I speak on behalf of countless BJP Karyakartas of Kerala and across India when I say that this feat has brought immense happiness and pride. Powered by the blessings of the people of Thiruvananthapuram, what has happened is epoch-making. It is a milestone written in golden letters,” the PM wrote in his letter

“For decades, BJP workers in Kerala have walked a path that is difficult. The state’s politics has been dominated by the LDF and UDF, whose poor governance record is for everyone to see. In addition, these fronts have perpetuated a culture of corruption and brutal violence that is against the ethos of Kerala. Yet, despite adversity, hostility and brutal violence, our Karyakartas have stood firm. They raised people’s issues fearlessly, carried the party flag and the ideology of India First courageously. They spoke for the people’s aspirations even when speaking came at a cost. Many of them are not in our midst today, but I am sure their blessings are with you,” the letter added.

Mayor Rajesh posted the letter on X and thanked PM Modi for the recognition, calling it a New Year gift for the people in Kerala.

“This recognition is the New Year’s gift given to Kerala by the Honorable Prime Minister. The political change in Thiruvananthapuram is the result of decades of hard work by BJP workers in Kerala. This recognition is the New Year’s gift given to Kerala by Modiji,” he posted on X.