OPINION', SAYS CBI

and expressed his anger for incorporating the comments of the legal experts in the Cabinet Note. Sisodia did not return the file containing the Cabinet Note to Delhi Excise Department or Excise officials. Later, when the CBI inquired about the Cabinet Note file, the Finance Department informed that the file was missing," a source said, quoting the chargesheet.

The CBI has also alleged that later, their digital evidence corroborated that the file was submitted to Sisodia by the Excise Department.

The CBI said that later on February 2, 2021, Sisodia made a fresh note, but there, he did not make any reference to the previous cabinet note. The CBI has alleged that this was done with the intention of suppressing the submission of the Cabinet Note.

The CBI has alleged that Sisodia then directed the new excise commissioner to prepare a fresh cabinet note without making any reference to the legal opinions of the former chief justice of India. And on February 5, 2021, a fresh cabinet note was put up before the meeting of the council of ministers.

"This clearly indicates that Sisodia wanted to help the accused involved in the case and was working with a pre-conceived idea to formulate the excise policy in a particular manner to suit the design of the co-accused and dishonestly did not put the original cabinet note in the cabinet meeting of January 28, 2021, and also destroyed the file of the cabinet note because it was not suiting their ulterior designs," said the source.

This was the second supplementary chargesheet by the CBI in the matter.

TILLU TAJPURIYA MURDER ACCUSED SENT TO 14-DAY JUDICIAL CUSTODY

A Delhi court on Monday sent six men arrested for their alleged involvement in gangster Tillu Tajpuriya's murder inside the Tihar Jail to 14 days judicial custody.

Tajpuriya, 33, was stabbed over 90 times to death by the assailants on May 2. The arrested accused persons are Deepak Dabas, Yogesh Tunda, Rajesh Bawana, Riyaz Khan, Ata-ul Rehman, and Chavanni.

The Patiala House Courts directed the jail authorities to ensure their safety and security and listed the matter for hearing next on May 29. The accused have been asked to be produced through video conferencing.

Tajpuriya, a resident of Tajpur Kalan on the outskirts of Delhi, was lodged in Tihar Jail under tight security measures on the ground-floor of Jail number 8. He was an accused in the 2021 Rohini court shootout in which gangster Jitender Gogi was killed.

LORD HANUMAN'S MACE WILL SWING BEYOND KARNATAKA, SAYS TEJASHWI YADAV

In wake of the Congress' thumping victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav took dig at the BJP over its "Bajrang Bali" move, saying the 'gada' (mace) of Lord Hanuman would not be limited only to the southern state but hit allthose who are doing politics over religion and spreading hatred in the society.

"I was told earlier that Hanuman ji is angry with the BJP. This was the reason why, Congress party won the election in Karnataka. It is not the defeat of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji and BJP but also to those who are associated as alliance partners," he said.

"The Karnataka election has given a strong message to the rest of the country that opposition parties should fight against the BJP. Our Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, (RJD chief) Lalu (Prasad) ji and we are making efforts to get every opposition party united in the country and defeat the BJP. We have no personal aim to become the Prime Minister or Chief Minister. "We have only one aim to work for the poor people, farmers, labourers, security personnel, remove unemployment and minimise inflation. We are making efforts to save our democracy and constitution," Tejashwi Yadav added.

ARMY'S MULTI-PRONGED TACTICS TO RESTORE PEACE IN MANIPUR, MAXIMUM VIGIL ALONG MYANMAR BORDER

To restore complete peace in Manipur, the Army has undertaken multi-pronged strategies including maintaining the highest vigil along the state's 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar.

Defence sources said that over 7,000 Army and Assam Rifles soldiers, including women personnel, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and other modern gadgets have been relentlessly engaged in area domination to ensure early restoration of complete normalcy in Manipur, which was devastated by the ethnic violence since May 3.

The sources said that Army authorities, in consultation with the state government and all stakeholders, has worked out fresh and elaborate security measures to address the fears of people of all communities, especially those staying in fringe vulnerable areas outside capital city Imphal. "Stringent measures and inter alia a robust multi-agency intelligence grid is in place to ensure continuance of 'hard earned' peace in Manipur. Long duration patrols, appropriately equipped and grouped with riflewomen of Assam Rifles, were sent to fringe vulnerable areas identified in consultation with the state government in the past 72 hours," a defence spokesman said. The Army's area domination patrols visited villages across communities, interacted with locals, women and influencers, not only to reassure them of their safety but also to provide the much-needed succour, he said. "Rendering medical assistance 'in situ' by para-medics including undertaking prophylactic medical evacuation were some amongst many activities that were undertaken by these patrols." Fringe incidents of violence were immediately responded to by security forces and brought under control, the spokesman said adding that while locals across communities have expressed their yearning for lasting peace, four other measures, in particular, are in place to thwart any misadventure attempt by inimical elements. The measures include, day and night area domination patrolling, surveillance over designated flash points, engagement with civil society organisations of all communities across Manipur, employment of quadcopters, tracker dogs and UAVs. The spokesman said that domination of the India-Myanmar border is also being effectively undertaken to deter any misadventure from insurgent groups. "Round the clock vigil through domination patrols, em ployment of UAVs, quadcopters and tracker dogs have significantly contributed towards deterring various insurgent groups in taking advantage of the prevailing situation," he said. The Indian Army also appeals to all sections of the population of Manipur to support the efforts of security forces in sustaining the hard earned peace and promoting harmony and quell any attempt to spread hate, misinformation being directed either towards them or spreading hatred towards each other in general. Claiming the lives of around 70 people and injuring a few hundred, ethnic violence, clashes, rampant arsoning, indiscriminate vandalisation, random destruction of government and private properties broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organised in the the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

DELHI MAYOR ACTED IN MALAFIDE MANNER AFTER POLITICALLY UNPALATABLE RESULT: BJP TO HC

Two BJP leaders on Thursday alleged in the Delhi High Court that Mayor Shelly Oberoi acted in a malafide manner when she called for re-election of six members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) standing committee after finding the election results "politically unpalatable".

Before the bench Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, senior lawyers Mahesh Jethmalani and Jayant Mehta, appearing for the BJP two councillors, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Shikha Roy, respectively, submitted that Oberoi invalidated one of the votes in a manner "unrecognised in law" and interdicted the election process.

On February 24, the Mayor had announced re-election for the standing committee on February 27 due to the chaos that rocked the MCD House during polling for the body earlier. During a special hearing on the petitions filed by the councillors, the Delhi High Court had on February 25 put a stay on a notice issued by Oberoi. Jethmalani stated that a vote's invalidity must be supported before determining the quota that decides the winner, however, in this instance, the Mayor incorrectly declared a vote invalid at a later stage. "Once quota is fixed, how can anyone go back to validation? Quota is to see that after the first stage, who wins. If this is not malafide, what is? Because of unpalatable result, you try to subvert the election," he argued. "This is res ipsa loquitur (things speak for themselves). This shows the motive of the Mayor. She acted ex post facto on unfavourable result. The Mayor acting malafidely is a good ground for interference of writ court," Jethmalani said. Jethmalani was referring to the quota of votes each candidate was allotted by his/her party to ensure their victory in preferential voting. Mehta also stressed that there is no legal provision that gives the Mayor the authority to ask for a re-election, a re-count, or to declare the election invalid. He also said that there was no invalid vote at the relevant stage and "ex post facto scrutiny of ballot papers" cannot be permitted. "There was no invalid vote and therefore the quota was fixed. Only when the result sheet was placed and when she found that it was not politically palatable, she revisited the votes," Mehta said.

SC JUDGEMENTS ON DELHI, MAHARASHTRA 'HISTORIC', BJP LOST ON ALL FRONTS: SINGHVI

The Congress on Thursday dubbed the two Supreme Court judgements over Delhi and Maharashtra issues as historic and said that the ruling BJP has lost on many fronts, including politically and morally. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, party leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was counsel in both the cases for the Delhi government and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, respectively, said: "Today we have two colossal judgments by the Supreme Court. They are judgments, which have exposed the unholy, undemocratic and ugly nature underbelly and the back belly of the BJP."

He said the BJP has lost on all fronts, on many fronts - legally, morally, ethically. and politically.

Citing the SC judgement in Delhi government matter, he said: "In particular for the people of Delhi, it will not be run by a nominated LG or an LG controlled bureaucracy, but, Delhi will be run by representative democracy."

His remarks came after the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favour of the Delhi government in a case between the state government and Centre in connection with the administrative control over transfers and postings of civil servants.

The apex court held that the Delhi government must have control over bureaucrats in administration of services except in areas outside the legislative powers of NCT.

The top court said the Lt Governor is bound by aid and advice of the NCT government except the matters relating to land, public order and police. On the Maharashtra issue, Singhvi, who is a Rajya Sabha MP said, "On Maharashtra I know that you will ask me about relief, not given by restoration of status quo ante, but, that's a wrong way to approach that judgment."

He said that first and foremost, friends, all relevant legal findings in the Maharashtra case were in favor of the petitioners.

"And it was why I said that legally, morally, ethically, and politically, the respondents have lost, even though status quo ante was not restored," he said. He said that the whip by the Shinde faction was held to be illegal, secondly the recognition of that illegal whip by the Speaker was itself illegal, and third the Speaker's recognition of the entire Shinde faction was held to be illegal.

TOP OFFICIALS REVIEW G-20 ARRANGEMENTS IN KASHMIR

Additional Director General of Police Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar alongwith Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri held a review meeting with field officers to discuss the arrangements for G-20 meet in Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The officers were briefed by the concerned officers regarding the necessary arrangements put in place for safe and peaceful conduct of G-20 meet.

"During the meeting, ADGP Kashmir and Div Com Kashmir directed the participating officers to ensure that the deployment of magistrates and police arrangements are put in place well before the summit and reiterated the need to enhance the security measures at vulnerable locations to avoid any chance of terrorist attack during the G20 summit. Besides, directed them to enhance joint patrolling especially during the night hours to prevent any terrorist movement. They further advised the officers to display highest level of synergy on ground with the civil administration," police said. "They also directed the civil administration to keep in close liaison with their concerned jurisdictional police officers to meet any exigency in their respective area of responsibilities (AOR). Moreover, they also directed the officers to keep close cooperation with the police and security force officers for successful G-20 Summit."

"All magistrates and police officers were instructed to identify, if any, rumour mongers and take preventive measures. All participating officers were instructed to ensure that there wouldn't any harassment to general public," police said.

ARYAN KHAN CASE: NCB'S VIGILANCE DEPT REPORT LED TO FIR AGAINST SAMEER WANKHEDE, 4 OTHERS

NCB's Vigilance Department had forwarded a report to the CBI, which led to the registration of an FIR against former NCB's Mumbai zonal chief Sameer Wankhede and four others, for allegedly demanding Rs 25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan's family to save his son Aryan Khan in the alleged drugs-on-cruise case.

Aryan Khan was on board, Cordelia cruise, when the NCB officials conducted raids. Name of dismissed NCB official VV Singh has also been mentioned in the FIR as an accused among others. The FIR has been lodged against Wankhede and four others including two public and two private persons.

A top CBI source told IANS that during the raid on the Cordelia cruise, the NCB officials led by Wankhede allegedly threatened the individuals, who were on board, and demanded Rs 25 crore from Aryan Khan's family for not lodging any case against him. The source said that the case was lodged against Wankhede and four others under corruption and other Acts.

"Out of Rs 25 crore, Khan family paid Rs 50 lakh to the NCB officials. Khan family claimed that they paid Rs 50 lakh to save Aryan Khan," said the source.

AHEAD OF PM MODI'S VISIT, RAHUL GANDHI TO FLY TO US ON MAY 31; LIKELY TO HOLD RALLY AT MADISON SQUARE

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be travelling to the United States on May 31, sources said. He will be there for a week. Rahul Gandhi's visited Cambridge University in March where he remarked that Indian democracy is under attack and several politicians, including himself, are under surveillance. The Congress leader, who is planning to stay in the US for a week, will be addressing a gathering which will be attended by at least 6000 people from Indian diaspora at Madison Sqaure on June 4. According to his itinerary, he will be visiting California also where he will participate in a university event. He will be going to Washington as well.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi focussed had delivered lecture at a prestigious University of Cambridge on the "art of listening" and called for a new thinking to promote a democratic environment globally, as opposed to a coercive one.

PM Modi's State Visit

Rahul Gandhi tour of the United States will come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first state visit to the United States on June 22.

The Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi has been invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden and he will attend a state dinner on June 22. It said the visit offers a "valuable opportunity" for the two countries to further deepen their comprehensive and forward-looking global strategic partnership. It said the visit offers a "valuable opportunity" for the two countries to further deepen their comprehensive and forward-looking global strategic partnership. "The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together. The visit will strengthen our two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including in defense, clean energy, and space," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had said in a statement while announcing the visit.

PM Modi had visited the US in September 2021

DEFAMATION CASE: JHARKHAND HC RESERVES ORDER AGAINST RAHUL GANDHI OVER 2018 REMARKS ON AMIT SHAH

The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday reserved the order on the defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The court was hearing the matter pertaining to the defamation case filed by a local BJP leader accusing Gandhi of making derogatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2018. According to reports, BJP leader Naveen Jha alleged that Gandhi had made objectionable remarks against Shah during the 2028 Congress session in Jharkhand's Chaibasa district. The matter was first filed in a lower court which was later moved to the Jharkhand High Court. On Tuesday, the arguments were concluded in the court of Justice Ambujnath. During the hearing, the court also instructed both sides to file the synopsis of the arguments by tomorrow (May

15). Gandhi's case was represented by Advocates Piyush Chitresh and Dipankar Rai. It should be mentioned here that a court in Gujarat's Surat sentenced Congress leader Gandhi to two years in jail in a 2019 criminal defamation case filed against him over his "Modi surname" remarks. He stated this while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Notably, the complaint against his remarks was lodged by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi. A case was filed against Gandhi for his alleged “How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?” The case was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Purnesh Modi under sections 499 and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code.

'WILL NOT PUT UP POSTERS AND BANNERS FROM NEXT ELECTION', SAYS NITIN GADKARI

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday while highlighting the "politics of service" said that he will not put up any posters or offer tea to people in his constituency in the next election. He asserted that votes are won on the basis of “politics of service” rather than on "posters and banners".

Gadkari exuded confidence in increasing his winning margin

Gadkari said that "those who have to vote will vote and those who do not will not". At the same time, he exuded confidence in increasing his winning margin in the next poll. Gadkari was addressing a programme on the death anniversary of former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat at Khachariyawas village in Sikar district of Rajasthan.

"I will not put up posters or banners"

“I have fought the election in a very tough constituency. Everyone had asked me not to contest from there, but I fought with determination. Now I have decided that in the next election, I will not put up posters or banners, will not give tea or do anything else. Those who have to vote will vote and those who do not will not," he said. “Votes are obtained by 'politics of service', 'politics of development', welfare of the poor in villages, giving poor people health facilities, employment to youth and good education to children,” he added. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said the concept of “politics of service” was brought in by RSS ideologue

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and that he defined his politics on this concept. “The biggest problem of politics is the emptiness of ideas. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat stayed with principles and never compromised with his ideology. Politics for Shekhawat was a medium to serve people and an instrument for socio-economic reform,” he said. Gadkari, who represents Nagpur constituency, said the 'politics of service' does not come with talks, books or research, but with actions and deeds.

MISSION 2024: WHEREVER CONGRESS IS STRONG, WE WILL SUPPORT IT, SAYS

TMC CHIEF MAMATA BANERJEE

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC president Mamata Banerjee on Monday made a big statement which will have a huge implication on the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024. "Wherever Congress is strong, we will support it," asserted Banerjee in a surprise move. Until now, Banerjee had hinted that her party will vouch for formation of 'Third Front' or TMC will go solo in the General Election slated to take place in 2024. "Wherever the Congress is strong, let them fight. We will give them support, there is nothing wrong (in that). But they have to support other political parties also," Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat. However, to get support, Congress also has to back other parties, she said. The TMC supremo also made it clear that she expected the seat-sharing formula to give priority to regional players in areas where they were strong. "Strong regional parties must be given priority," she said. The timing of a surprise change of heart suggests that Congress's landslide victory in Karnataka compelled Banerjee to give a second thought to her earlier stand to keep distance from the grand old party. In Karnataka, Congress proved that it can defeat BJP in a direct fight with the saffron party. The Karnataka electoral results are the "beginning of the end" for BJP, Banerjee claimed on Saturday. Banerjee also asserted the moral of the Karnataka assembly poll results is that people "want plurality" and that "no central design to dominate" can repress them. Adding for good measure, she said that the poll results were a "lesson for tomorrow", implying the 2024 Parliamentary polls. Her party also took a swipe at BJP’s “double engine” rhetoric of the benefits of having the same party rule both at the centre and in the state, a claim TMC had to fight against during elections to Bengal's assembly in 2021, and quipped that the people of Karnataka had rejected the “trouble engine” government.

On Ls Election

Congratulating the people of Karnataka for their mandate in favour of change, Banerjee said that “brute authoritarian and majoritarian” politics has been vanquished. She forecast that the safforn party would lose in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh too, where it faces off with the Congress, which steamrolled the BJP in Karnataka in results announced on Saturday. "This is the beginning of the end of the BJP before 2024 Lok Sabha polls. People have voted against the arrogance and intolerance of the BJP, the TMC leader said. "I think the saffron party will also lose the upcoming elections in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh," Banerjee told newspersons gathered in front of her house, after seeing off actor Salman Khan who had come to pay her a visit. As late as March this year, the fiery TMC chief had said she would maintain equidistance from both the BJP and Congress only to change her stance somewhat after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP.

IANS made several attempts to reach out to Wankhede for his comments on the matter, but he was not available. Wankhede is currently posted in Chennai. The raids by CBI are currently going on at 29 locations in Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). In Mumbai, raids are on in Andheri and other premises of Wankhede. The sources have claimed that a few documents were seized by them.

Dgca Suspends Ai Pilot For Allowing Friend Into Cockpit

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the licence of an Air India pilot for three months. The suspension comes after the pilot allowed a woman friend to enter the cockpit mid-air during a Dubai to Delhi flight.

The aviation regulator has also imposed a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Air India for failing to address the safety-sensitive issue in a prompt and effective manner. Additionally, the co-pilot has been cautioned for not being assertive enough to prevent the unauthorized entry. The Air India pilot was under investigation for violating safety norms by allowing a friend into the cockpit during a flight from Dubai to Delhi on February 27, violating DGCA safety norms.

In April, a senior DGCA official had said that this act is unacceptable and could have put the passengers' safety at risk. Air India had also released a statement saying that they have taken note of the reported incident and investigations are underway. "The airline has a zerotolerance policy regarding passenger safety and well-being and will take requisite action. The matter has also been reported to the DGCA, and Air India is cooperating with their investigation," said the statement. "We have taken serious note of the reported incident and investigations are underway in Air India," the statement further said.

ADANI-HINDENBURG ROW: SC HINTS AT GIVING 3 MORE MONTHS TO SEBI TO COMPLETE PROBE

The Supreme Court on Friday indicated that it may grant three months more time to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to complete its probe into the controversy surrounding the Hindenburg Research report on the Adani Group. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala said that it accepts the petitioners' point that Sebi cannot take indefinitely long period to complete its probe and "we are not going to give them six months, we give them three months", adding that it is not keen on accepting Sebi's request to grant six-month extension to complete the probe. The Chief Justice told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Sebi, "We will now place the matter for around mid-August that will give you three months' time. You complete your investigation in three months and come back to us, because there has to be some alacrity... We cannot say that you need a minimum of six months."

ALLAHABAD HC DIRECTS ASI TO CARRY OUT SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF 'SHIVLING' IN GYANVAPI MOSQUE

The Allahabad High Court on Friday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out a 'scientific survey' of the 'Shivling' in Gyanvapi mosque to ascertain its age.

The court asked the ASI to ensure that no damage is done to the structure during the survey.

The court upturned the district judge's decision in this regard. A single bench of Justice Arvind Kumar Mishra was responding to a petition filed by the Hindu side, demanding carbon dating of the Shivling.

The ASI had submitted its report in a sealed envelope on Thursday.

NIKKI YADAV MURDER CASE: DELHI POLICE FILE CHARGE SHEET AGAINST 6 ACCUSED

Delhi Police on Friday filed a charge sheet against six accused in Nikki Yadav murder case in a Dwarka court.

The charge sheet, which runs into 576 pages, has been put up for consideration on May 25 by the court.

The accused persons have been charged with offences falling under Sections 302 (murder), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 202, 212, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The prime accused Sahil Gehlot had allegedly strangled 23-yearold Nikki Yadav near Kashmiri Gate on February 10 and married another woman on the same day. Four days later, Nikki Yadav's body was found in a fridge at a dhaba, owned by Gehlot, in Mitraon village on the outskirts of Delhi. Gehlot's father, Virender Singh, cousins - Naveen (a constable in Delhi Police) and Ashish - and friends Lokesh and Amar are accused of hatching a conspiracy to get rid of Nikki Yadav, so that he could marry another woman. According to a senior police official, Gehlot was interrogated at length during police custody when he disclosed that Nikki Yadav was trying to stop him from marrying someone else as they had already solemnised their marriage in 2020. "She was pleading with him not to go ahead with the marriage fixed by his family with another girl on February 10.

IMRAN KHAN CLAIMS 'HIT ON HEAD' DURING ARREST

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Friday claimed that he was hit on the head with batons as Rangers personnel arrested him in the Al-Qadir Trust case earlier this week, local media reported.

During a conversation with media personnel in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the former prime minister reportedly showed swelling and wounds on the back of his head, alleging that he was hit during his arrest. He continued that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials had treated the injury.

The PTI chairman was in IHC for the hearing of his bail plea in the AlQadir Trust case as per the Supreme Court's order. He said that NAB's treatment toward him was "alright" and reiterated that he was hit on the head with a baton during his arrest, The Express Tribune reported. When asked about the violent protests that began following his arrest on May 9, Khan questioned how he could stop everything that was happening and said that he had warned earlier that there would be a "reaction" if he was arrested. “How can I be held responsible, when I was in (NAB's) custody?" he asked, adding that he had stated before the SC that whatever happened during the protests "did not go well". Khan maintained that "When the Rangers arrested me, I said: this is my country, my people. Be peaceful".

The deposed prime minister said that he has filed for bail pleas in dozens of cases against him but he will "not resist arrest"

'PATIENCE, DIPLOMATIC SKILL' NECESSARY IN KOREA-JAPAN

TALKS ABOUT FUKUSHIMA VISIT: US AMBASSADOR

South Korea and Japan should exercise "patience and diplomatic skill" during talks about details of a planned inspection visit by South Korean experts to Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said on Friday.

Goldberg made the remark during a Q&A session after a lecture at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, as South Korea and Japan opened a workinglevel meeting in Seoul to determine specifics of the inspection, stressing that the overall objective of such an inspection is to make bilateral relations better. "So now there's a discussion between the foreign ministries about how exactly that will be carried out. And so again, it needs to be done with patience and diplomatic skill," he added.

"We believe that the overall objective, which is to create a better environment for relationship between two modern and democratic countries that share values, is hugely important for the security in the region and prosperity in the region," Goldberg said.

The inspection trip, set for May 23-24, is one of the outcomes from a recent summit between South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and shows relations between the two countries are warming after years of fraying over the issue of wartime forced labor, Yonhap news agency reported.

Still, there appears to be a gap between the sides over the nature of the inspection. South Korea says the inspection is aimed at looking into whether Japan's treatment facilities are working properly, while Japan says the inspection is meant to "help deepen understanding" about the safety of the release, not to evaluate or certify its safety.

Goldberg's emphasis on patience and diplomatic skill could reflect concern about the gap. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have warmed significantly since the Yoon administration offered in March to resolve a dispute over wartime forced labor by compensating the Korean victims without contributions from Japanese firms.

That led to the resumption of "shuttle diplomacy" of regular leader visits

US COVID-19 PUBLIC EMERGENCY ENDS

after 12 years.

Goldberg praised Yoon for making a "quite brave political move" to start mending ties with Japan.

"One of the things that has happened ... is that it has opened up more space for the kinds of projects, programmes, military cooperation that will help secure both countries and that includes through trilateral cooperation with the United States," he said.

During the lecture, the ambassador called on South Korea to "keep speaking out" against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stressing the importance of the two allies working together on global issues.

"We need you to work with us to find solutions to the climate crisis. We need you to continue standing up for our shared democratic values, such as respect for human rights," Goldberg added.

"And we need you to keep speaking out against atrocities, like Russia's war in Ukraine."

The ambassador also reaffirmed the US security commitment to South Korea is firm.

"There should be no doubt that our commitment to South Korea's defence is ironclad, as it has been for the past 70 years," he said.

Goldberg denounced North Korea's destabilising actions, such as missile launches, saying Pyongyang is using its scarce resources to develop weapons of mass destruction, rather than caring for its people.

Still, he said diplomacy is the "only viable way to achieve a safe and stable Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons".

The envoy also spoke at length about the recent summit between Yoon and US President Joe Biden, saying the two leaders "looked a lot like old college friends". "To ensure we are ready to stand against any threat, our presidents announced a new forum to discuss the full range of our combined defensive capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defence," he added, referring to the Washington Declaration adopted at the White House summit.

The US Covid-19 public health emergency (PHE) came to an end on Thursday, marking a major transition in the country's fight against the global pandemic. The PHE was announced by then US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in January 2020 to implement temporary measures and allocate resources to better contain the pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported. Since taking office in 2021, US President Joe Biden has repeatedly extended the emergency.

The Biden administration's decision to end the emergency comes as Covid-19 deaths and hospitalizations have declined dramatically due to the availability of vaccines, antiviral treatments and widespread exposure to the virus.

The pandemic claimed at least 6 million hospitalisations, and 1.1 million deaths in the United States, according to data of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The end of the PHE will bring significant changes in how the country responds to the virus. The CDC will scale back its efforts to track the virus. Most tools, like vaccines, treatments and testing, will remain available, but some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.

The Biden administration also ended the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air travellers on Thursday. While public health experts agree the country has many more tools to fight Covid-19 today, they warn the virus will remain a persistent threat to the nation's battered healthcare system.

TOMB CLUSTERS IN S.KOREA RECOMMENDED FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST INCLUSION

The Gaya Tumuli, seven tomb clusters from South Korea's ancient Gaya confederacy, has been recommend for inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage list by an international advisory body, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said on Thursday.

The Gaya Tumuli was recommended for inscription during a meeting of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a cultural heritage evaluation advisory organisation under Unesco, according to CHA.

The World Heritage Committee will make a final decision based on ICOMOS' recommendation during the 45th session to be held in Saudi Arabia in September, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Gaya was a loosely knit federation of six or seven small kingdoms that prospered between the first and sixth centuries in southern and central region of the Korean Peninsula.

The tumuli consists of seven clusters of tombs that display the architectural style of graves built in the fourth and fifth centuries, along with burial accessories and goods showing Gaya's network of trade and handcrafted manufacturing.

The seven cemeteries are all sited in highly visible hilly areas in the political centre of their respective polities. These sites exhibit dense concentrations of burials that were constructed over extended periods of time.

If the tumuli are added to the list, South Korea will have 16 sites inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

UKRAINE NEEDS MORE TIME TO LAUNCH COUNTER-OFFENSIVE AGAINST RUSSIA: ZELENSKY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country needs more time to launch a counter-offensive against Russia as his wartorn nation's military awaits the delivery of promised military aid.

Speaking to the BBC from his headquarters in Kiev, Zelensky described combat brigades, some of which were trained by NATO countries, as being "ready" but said the army still needed "some things", including armoured vehicles that were "arriving in batches".

"With (what we already have) we can go forward, and, I think, be successful," he told the BBC.

"But we'd lose a lot of people. I think that's unacceptable. So we need to wait. We still need a bit more time."

The much-anticipated counter-offensive could be decisive in the ongoig war, redrawing frontlines that have remained unchanged for months now. It will also be a crucial test for Ukraine, eager to prove that the weapons and equipment it has received from the West can result in significant battlefield gains, says the BBC.

Russian forces, meanwhile, have fortified their defences along a frontline that runs for 1,450 km from the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, to Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in the south.

Pakistan Cabinet Issues Strong Condemnation Of Chief Justice

Pakistan's federal Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has issued a strong condemnation against the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, for his "extraordinary intervention" in the arrest of former premier and Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, media reports said.

The Cabinet deemed the intervention as "misconduct" on the part of the top judge, The Express Tribune reported.

According to the Cabinet, Imran Khan's arrest was carried out in compliance with the Constitution, law, and legal procedures in the "open and shut case of corruption and corrupt practices".

The federal Cabinet reiterated its stance that the CJP's interference was unjustifiable and condemned it in the strongest possible terms. It also denounced the CJP's interference as "misconduct", The Express Tribune reported.

The Cabinet said that the expression "good to see you" by a person sitting on the highest seat of justice - CJP - for an accused arrested in a corruption case was "a shameful stain" on the forehead of the justice system. The Cabinet statement read that the history of Islam, the civilised world, and judicial fora attest that such behaviour is unbecoming of any judge, The Express Tribune reported.

The government's reaction came a day after CJP Umar Ata Bandial led a three-member bench that granted "extraordinary" relief to Khan in an alleged multi-billion corruption case of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). On Thursday, a three-member bench led by the CJP termed Khan's arrest as "invalid and unlawful", and directed the law enforcers to provide him "foolproof" security until his appearance before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). It also "requested" Khan to condemn the violence that took place following his arrest from the IHC premises and asked him to consider opening up dialogue with his political opponents.

Imran Khan Claims He Was Beaten With Sticks In Custody

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grievances about his arrest on Thursday, claiming that he was abducted from the Islamabad High Court and beaten with sticks, which is not an acceptable treatment for even a criminal, media reports said. Khan claimed that he was taken to various places, including the police lines, and had no knowledge of what was happening outside, Samaa TV reported.

Khan also mentioned that he had many cases registered against him, including on charges of terrorism, and demanded to see the arrest warrant. He also criticised those who want chaos and anarchy instead of elections, stating that a party that wants elections will not support such behaviour.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman urged his party workers to refrain from damaging public and private property, Samaa TV reported.

During the hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday, Khan appealed to the public to protest peacefully and not harm the country. The court termed Khan's arrest by Pakistan's anti-corruption body as illegal, and ruled that the PTI chief should be released immediately. Khan was under the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

'WHAT IS THE CHIEF JUSTICE DOING?' IMRAN'S AUDIO LEAK SURFACES

A new audio leak of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has surfaced in which he was purportedly talking with Musarrat Jamshed Cheema about the court developments and the response of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), media reports said on Thursday. The purported audio conversation between Imran Khan and PTI leader Musarrat Jamshed Cheema has surfaced online in which the party chief ? who was detained by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday ? could be heard inquiring about the latest situation, ARY News reported.

Cheema replied that they had sent a "message to them and we are sitting in the high court now. We demanded them to bring Khan Sahib before us, otherwise we will not leave [the high court premises]". Khan, apparently criticising his arrest, said whatever they have done is "malicious". "You should also initiate a proceeding in the Supreme Court against whatever they have done today. What is Chief Justice doing," Khan could be heard saying in the purported video, ARY News reported. Cheema then apprised Khan, "NAB officials have just come here and we questioned them. We asked Salman Safdar to tell them to present him before the court, otherwise, we will not leave. Your case will also be heard by the Chief Justice." Khan replied, "No, he receives orders from them. You should talk to Azam and ask him to talk with the other people," ARY News reported. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday termed Khan's arrest by Pakistan's anti-corruption body as illegal, and ruled that the PTI chief should be released immediately. Khan was under the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

MARYAM NAWAZ TELLS PAK CHIEF JUSTICE TO QUIT AND JOIN PTI LIKE HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW

The chief organiser of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz, on Thursday advised the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to join Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), media reports said. Maryam said this in a tweet right after the top court ordered to release Imran Khan while terming his arrest from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) as 'illegal', Samaa TV reported. "The Chief Justice [of Pakistan] was very happy today to meet the person who usurped Rs 60 billion from the national exchequer, and he was even happier to release this criminal, Maryam tweeted. She went on to say, "The Chief Justice is primarily responsible for the attacks on the most important and sensitive installations in the country, as he has become the shield of 'fitna' and is exacerbating the situation in the country by fuelling the fire." The PML-N leader advised CJP Umar Ata Bandial to resign from his position and join the PTI, "just like his mother-in-law", Samaa TV reported. Earlier on Thursday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had censured the Supreme Court for providing "relief" to Khan, The Express Tribune reported. "The SC is giving relief to a criminal, a terrorist, a gangster who leads armed groups," said Marriyum Aurangzeb. The remarks came as the minister addressed a press conference in Islamabad minutes after the apex court ordered Khan to be produced in court within an hour on Thursday, as it heard the PTI's plea challenging his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

RAGNEETI: RAGHAV CHADHA, PARINEETI GET ENGAGED AT A GLITTERING CEREMONY

ESHA GUPTA TURNS HEADS IN A BODYCON DRESS AND MINIMAL MAKEUP AS SHE ATTENDS THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

ON A DAY HE WOULD HAVE LOVED TO BE IN JALANDHAR TO CELEBRATE THE AAM AADMI PARTY'S RETURN TO THE LOK SABHA VIA THE BYELECTION CAUSED BY ITS FORMER CONGRESS MP'S DEATH, RAGHAV CHADHA GOT ENGAGED TO BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS PARINEETI CHOPRA, BETTER KNOWN AS THE SISTER OF PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS. IT WAS A HOT SATURDAY AFTERNOON, YET THE NORMALLY SOMNOLENT KAPURTHALA HOUSE -- ONCE THE SPRAWLING DELHI HOME OF KAPURTHALA'S MAHARAJA PARAMJIT SINGH AND NOW

THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF PUNJAB'S GOVERNOR AND CHIEF MINISTER WHENEVER THEY'RE IN DELHI -- WAS A BEEHIVE OF ACTIVITY. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS JOSTLED FOR THE RIGHT ANGLES, SHOUTED OUT REQUESTS TO THE ARRIVING GUESTS TO POSE FOR PICTURES AND EXCITEDLY EXCHANGING NAMES, WORKMEN WALKED IN WITH LAST-MINUTE DELIVERABLES, THE EVENING'S GRANTHI SAUNTERED IN, AND BOLLYWOOD FAVOURITE DESIGNER MANISH MALHOTRA DARTED IN AND OUT WITH PARINEETI'S DRESS FOR THE OCCASION BEFORE RETURNING TO FORMALLY JOIN THE PARTY.

MRUNAL THAKUR TO MAKE HER CANNES DEBUT THIS YEAR, SAYS 'I AM THRILLED'

SUSHMITA SEN: JUST LIKE AARYA, I CAN GO TO ANY EXTENT FOR MY TWO DAUGHTERS

JENNIFER LAWRENCE 'DIED LAUGHING' OVER THE AD THAT INSPIRED 'NO HARD FEELINGS'

Earlier while announcing her Cannes Debut, Esha Gupta shared a video on her Instagram where she shared, “I am delighted to be here at Cannes Film Festival 2023 as a part of Indian government delegation. I just want to take this moment to express my gratitude towards the Indian government and FICCI for providing me with this opportunity on a global stage. India is now on a global stage in the world of cinema and it is an honour to be representing my country to showcase the world its unique voice and perspective in the world of cinema. Walking the red carpet at Cannes is nothing but a dream come true.” The 76th Festival de Cannes will begin on Tuesday, May 16, and end on May 27. Every year, various Indian celebrities attend the prestigious film festival on the French Riviera and walk the red carpet in enchanting ensembles. This year, Esha Gupta shall walk the red carpet in a specially curated designation led by Union Minister of state Dr. L Murugan.

JANHVI KAPOOR, ALIA BHATT AND DEEPIKA PADUKONE TURN INTO BOLLYWOOD MERMAIDS

As we eagerly anticipate the release of ‘The Little Mermaid’ on the 26th, the word “Jalpari" has become a favorite among us. Social media has introduced us to numerous actresses who have wonderfully transformed into Jalparis through captivating photoshoots. The enchanting world of these aquatic beings has captured our imagination this May, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming film. Many actresses on social media who have genuinely transformed into Jalparis in photoshoots.

MRUNAL THAKUR WILL BE MAKING HER DEBUT THIS YEAR AT THE PRESTIGIOUS CANNES FILM FESTIVAL. THE ACTRESS IS ECSTATIC ABOUT THE OCCASION.

FORMER BEAUTY QUEEN SUSHMITA SEN HAS DRAWN PAR ALLELS BETWEEN HER REAL SELF AND HER REEL CHARACTER AARYA.

DIRECTED BY LAWRENCE'S LONGTIME FRIEND GENE STUPNITSKY, THE FILM CASTS THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTOR AS A MONTAUK UBER DRIVER.

TO WATCH ALL THE LATEST GOSSIP IN ENTERTAINMENT,WATCH CHANNEL Y ROGERS 857, BELLFIBE 828, TELUS 2418

WILL MS DHONI RETIRE AFTER IPL 2023? CSK CEO COMES UP WITH AN UPDATE

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MRUNAL THAKUR TO MAKE HER CANNES DEBUT THIS YEAR, SAYS 'I AM THRILLED'

Mrunal Thakur, an esteemed actress in the world of showbiz, has established herself with her remarkable talent and captivating persona. Adding another milestone to her career, she is now poised to make her much-awaited debut at the prestigious Cannes event this year. Joining other renowned Bollywood celebrities at this grand fashion extravaganza, Mrunal recently shared her excitement and anticipation for the upcoming event. Speaking about her debut, Mrunal told Pinkvilla, "I am thrilled to be attending the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. I am looking forward to interacting with global filmmakers, exploring new opportunities, and showcasing the talent that Indian cinema has to offer." Mrunal consistently demonstrates her flair for fashion by making stylish choices. As she prepares for her appearance at Cannes 2023, there is no doubt that she will captivate everyone with her glamorous avatar. From May 17 to May 19, Mrunal will grace the French Riviera, undoubtedly grabbing all the eyeballs with her impeccable style. Besides, Mrunal, Manusi Chhillar and Anushka Sharma will be representing our country and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap too will be present at the 76th annual film festival. Anurag Kashyap's movie Kennedy will be showcased in the midnight screening section at the prestigious event. Film distributor Iris Knobloch and Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival made the announcement in a press conference at Cannes. Meanwhile, the actress was last seen in Gumraah alongside Aditya Roy Kapur. The movie was released on April 7, 2023. It is the official Hindi remake of the Tamil-hit Thadam.

PARINEETI CHOPRA-RAGHAV CHADHA'S WEDDING SOON?

ACTRESS ASKS PRIYANKA CHOPRA TO PREP FOR ‘BRIDESMAID DUTIES’

MUMBAI, (IANS) Entrepreneur Gauri Khan corrected her superstar husband Shah Rukh Khan after he got her age wrong about when she started working. Shah Rukh and Gauri were speaking at the launch event of her coffee table book 'My Life in Design'. SRK then spoke about about how his wife Gauri started her work on her own. He shared that even though he offered to her help her, she denied taking any. Shah Rukh said: "It doesn't make a difference to all the youngsters, to all the people who miss out on a dream of their life to be creative. You can start at any age. I think Gauri started mid-40s." Shah Rukh then looked at Gauri, who corrected him saying that she started working at the age of 40. Flaunting his iconic smile, Shah Rukh then said: "40? Oh, only 40. She is 37 now. In our family, we age backwards. So yes, at 40 she started doing this at a time when I even told her, 'Listen, should I be helpful? I have some friends we can talk to them?' She said, 'No'." "She started with a 10 feet by 20 feet shop in Lower Parel. She worked it all out on her own and continued doing what she does."

INTERNET ISN'T PLEASED WITH PC ON ALEXANDRA COOPER'S PODCAST AFTER BEING CALLED GAY

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha recently exchanged engagement vows in a romantic ceremony. Amidst speculation surrounding their roka and wedding celebrations, the couple made an official announcement confirming their engagement. Surrounded by their loved ones and close friends, Parineeti and Raghav marked their roka in an event held at Kapurthala House, Connaught Place, Delhi. Priyanka Chopra also joined in the celebrations, and she shared pictures of the lovebirds on her Instagram. Sharing the pictures, she wrote, "Congratulations Tisha and Raghav... Cannot wait for the wedding! So happy for you both and the families so fun to catch up with the fam!" After that, Parineeti responded to her post, writing, "Mimi didii - bridesmaid’s duties coming upppp!"

A day after their engagement, the couple released a statement to express their gratitude for all the love they received. They said that it is a union of two different worlds, as they have engaged.

Parineeti Chopra's statement read, "Raghav and I are overwhelmed with the love and abundance of positivity we have received over the past few weeks, particularly on our engagement. We both come from different worlds and it’s amazing to know that our worlds also unite with our u nion. We have gained a bigger family than we could have ever imagined." "We are so touched by everything we have read/seen and we cannot thank you all enough. We embark on this journey known that you all are standing with us." Speaking about the outfits, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha chose to wear ivory ensembles for the engagement. While the actress wore a beautiful dress by Manish Malhotra, the AAP minister wore a matching outfit by his maternal uncle, Pawan Sachdeva. Their function began at 5 p.m. with the Sukhmani Sahib path, followed by ardas. The engagement took place at 8 p.m.

Shruti Haasan To Be Guest Of Honour At Gender Parity Conference In Cannes

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Shruti Haasan will attend the prestigious Cannes Film Festival as the guest of honour for their round table conference on gender parity. The conference, titled 'Activating Change', hosted by 'Breaking through the lens' aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the entertainment industry, and explore ways to create a more equitable and inclusive environment. Their objective is to provide realistic solutions for underserved filmmakers with a multicultural, intersectional, and results-driven approach.Shruti has been very vocal about her opinions on women's rights and gender equality. The actress has been a strong supporter of initiatives aimed at promoting gender parity. On the work front, Shruti awaits the release of her international project 'The Eye', where she plays a widow visiting a greek island to spread her deceased husband's ashes. She also has the action-packed film 'Salaar'. The actress stars opposite Prabhas and is directed by the blockbuster KGF filmmaker Prashanth Neel.

'NO ENERGY TO BE GLAMMED UP FOR MY FIRST POST AS A MOTHER,' SAYS GAUAHAR KHAN

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Gauahar Khan has shared the first picture with her newborn baby and said that she did not have the energy to glam up for her maiden picture as a mother.

Gauahar took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of herself in an au naturale look. In the image, she is seen holding her newborn son as she smiles for a selfie.

She wrote: "So it's past 12 a.m., past 1 day of my first Mother's Day as a New MoM , n yes I didn't have the energy to be glammed up for my first post as a Mother too, but boy , am I grateful!!!!!!! Alhamdulillah, for everything and everyone who made it sooooooooo oo special for me. Just holding my baby is my best gift from Allah! Allahumma baarik fihi."

"Every year I wrote a post for all the mothers who have impacted my life , but the most special thing about 2023 Mother's Day for me was my Mom wishing me happy Mother's Day beta!!!!"

RANDEEP HOODA SPENT TIME WITH REAL COP AVINASH MISHRA FOR 'INSPECTOR AVINASH'

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda, who is known for films like 'Laal Rang', 'Jannat 2', 'Monsoon Wedding', 'Sarbjit' and several others, has shared that for his webseries 'Inspector Avinash', he spent time with real life cop Avinash Mishra.

The cop drama is inspired by Avinash Mishra and his fight against crime. Set in Uttar Pradesh of the 1990s, it shows Avinash Mishra battling with his team to curb the growing mafia dominance and illegal arms trade.

Talking about the series, Randeep Hooda said: "As an actor, I am always drawn towards real-life stories of unsung heroes. It is important to tell stories rooted in India, stories that depict the struggles and triumphs of our people. Mishra's story is nothing short of a real-life modern day Robinhood, fighting against crime and standing up for what's right and I am truly honoured to be a part of this heroic story.

While I love playing cop roles, this role was different. I spent a lot of time with Avinash ji to get the nuances right."

The show, written and directed by Neerraj Pathak, also features Urvashi Rautela, Amit Sial, Abhimanyu Singh, Shalin Bhanot, Fre ddy

Daruwala, Rahul Mittra, and Adhyayan Suman in pivotal roles.

Shot in never-seen-before locations of Uttar Pradesh, the series features a unique mix of urban and rural locations, showcasing its beauty and complexities.

The series will drop on May 18 on JioCinema.

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her streaming show 'Citadel', recently graced Alexandra Cooper's podcast 'Call Her Daddy'. While during the podcast she spoke about her life in the U.S., winning Miss World pageant, her career in India and also the bullying she faced in U.S. schools, a section of people on the Internet are not pleased with the actress's decision to appear on the podcast. The reason behind the same is an old podcast by Alexandra and Sofia Franklyn from 2020.

In the said podcast, they called Priyanka and Nick Jonas "the most annoying couple." "I find them very unattractive like I want to punch them," said one of them as another laughed. Alexandra went on to say during the podcast: "Priyanka is a lesbian and Nick has big nipples syndrome. I just want Priyanka to stop using him as her beard," to which Sofia agreed. It didn't stop here, they even went about passing mean remarks about the couple's sex life. "They are constantly posting to prove to the world that they are in love with each other, is disgusting and repulsive," Alexander further said.

NAWAZ VISITS FACULTY OF PERFORMING ARTS: 'THIS IS WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME'

MUMBAI, (IANS) Acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui visited Faculty of Performing Arts Academy in Gujarat where he started his journey in performing arts.

Travelling through the lanes of the academy, it was indeed a nostalgic trip for the actor where he addressed the students. Nawazuddin captured some precious moments from his visit to his Faculty of Performing Arts Academy in a video on his social media. Remembering his good old days from the academy, the actor gave a speech to the students and the moment was filled with a lot of warmth and emotions. He wrote in Hindi that translates to: "This is the place where I performed for the very first time in a play. This is where it all started for me @faculty.of.performing.arts.msu Special Thanks to everyone involved in this process."

On the work front, Nawazuddin has an interesting lineup of films which includes Jogira Sara Ra Ra, Noorani Chehra, Haddi, Tiku Weds Sheru', and Adbhut.