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New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) In a heartbreaking incident, a three-and-a-half-year-old child died after a fire broke out in a house near the Kasara Bypass in Shahapur village, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The fire reportedly started around 8 a.m. on Tuesday in the residence of Dattatray Bule.Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed by a group of boys heading out to play cricket on their two-wheelers. Spotting smoke and flames, the boys immediately stopped and attempted to douse the fire with whatever water they could find in the vicinity.Due to a shortage of water, they struggled to contain the blaze. While trying to extinguish the fire, one of the boys realised that a child was trapped inside the house.Without wasting a moment, the boy entered the burning structure and managed to pull the child out. The child, identified as Krishna Bule, was immediately rushed to the Kasara Primary Health Centre, and later referred to Kharadi Rural Hospital for further treatment. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.The fire had already engulfed the entire house by the time private water tankers arrived to assist. According to the Kasara Police, the initial investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.Upon receiving information, the Thane Disaster Management team promptly arrived at the scene. Team members bravely entered the burning house wearing wet blankets and tried to put out the fire and rescue anyone who might be trapped inside the burning house.The Kasara Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the local community is in shock over the tragic loss of such a young life.Authorities are expected to further assess the cause of the fire and determine if any safety protocols were violated.–IANSrs/rad

Kolkata, May 14 (IANS) BJP’s West Bengal president and Union Minister of State Dr Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the safe return of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23.Shaw, a resident of Rishra in Hooghly district, was posted in Pathankot, Punjab, when he was captured by Pakistan Rangers — a day after the Pahalgam attack.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also called for strong intervention by the Centre to secure Shaw’s release.In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Majumdar said Shaw’s repatriation was not only a moment of relief but also a testament to India’s diplomatic strength and national resolve.He expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister, stating, “Once again, under your decisive leadership, India has ensured that no citizen is left behind. Your relentless commitment to the nation’s security and dignity has ensured justice and honour for our brave soldiers. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind! Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai!”Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress also issued a statement highlighting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s role in supporting Shaw’s family during the ordeal.“Home at last. After days of anxiety and uncertainty, BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw has finally been repatriated. Smt. @MamataOfficial personally reached out to his wife multiple times, offering reassurance and support during the ordeal. We wish Purnam a full recovery from the trauma he endured and hope he finds peace in the embrace of his loved ones,” read the statement on the party’s official X handle.The Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday released the BSF jawan Purnam Shaw, who was captured by them and held in captivity for almost three weeks.The BSF jawan had inadvertently crossed over the international border in Punjab’s Ferozpur district. Purnam Shaw had strayed into the Pakistani side, a day after the ghastly Pahalgam attacks on April 22, which saw terrorists taking 26 innocent lives in cold blood.–IANSsrc/skp

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) India’s annual rate of inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) slowed to a 13-month low of 0.85 per cent in April, down from 2.05 per cent in March and 2.38 per cent in February, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.The month-over-month change in WPI for April was in the negative zone at (-) 0.19 per cent as compared to the previous month of March, reflecting the declining trend in inflation.There was a decline in prices of food as well as a double digit decline in fuel prices, compared to the previous month, which resulted in the overall month-on-month inflation rate turning negative.Meanwhile, the country’s retail inflation has also come down from 3.16 per cent in April from 3.34 per cent in March to its lowest level since July, 2019 as food prices eased further bringing respite to household budgets, according to figures released by the Ministry of Statistics on Tuesday,Food inflation, which accounts for nearly half of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, slowed to 1.78 per cent in April, compared to 2.69 per cent in MarchThis is for the third month in a row that inflation has stayed below the RBI’s 4 per cent medium-term target and will enable the central bank to continue with its soft money policy to spur economic growth.Retail inflation in the country has been on a declining trend in recent months.The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has reduced its inflation forecast for 2025-26 to 4 per cent from 4.2 per cent earlier “as the outlook for food inflation has turned decisively positive,” RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said during the monetary policy review meeting recently.The uncertainties regarding Rabi crops have abated considerably and the second advance estimates point to a record wheat production and higher production of key pulses over that last year. Along with robust Kharif arrivals, this is expected to set the stage for a durable softening of food inflation.The sharp decline in inflation expectations in the latest RBI survey for three months and one year ahead will also help anchor inflation expectations, going ahead.–IANSsps/rad

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has come under intense scrutiny on social media after the trailer for his upcoming film “Sitaare Zameen Par” was released.

Netizens flooded the comments section with boycott calls, slamming the actor for his delayed reaction to Operation Sindoor—a major strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Many users questioned his long silence on the matter and criticized the timing of his post, suggesting it was conveniently aligned with his film’s promotions.On May 12, Aamir Khan Productions shared a post on their X handle that read, “Salute to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces for their courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the security of our nation. Thank you to the Honourable Prime Minister for his leadership and determination. Jai Hind.”Reacting to the timing of his post, one user commented, “Because his movie’s trailer was going to release today, this is what the b@stard did yesterday. Until then he was quiet!” Another said, “All cause he has a movie releasing soon. Too late!.” A third irate user wrote, “Boycott his movie. That’s what we should do.” One of the comments read, “The best way to teach these ungrateful people are only by boycotting them & their movies.”Bollywood A-listers have faced intense trolling for their silence on critical national issues, with many being called out for not speaking up on matters such as Operation Sindoor. A few days ago, megastar Amitabh Bachchan faced widespread criticism over his silence on Operation Sindoor and other significant events.Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, Amitabh has been active on his X (formerly Twitter) account, but his posts have raised more questions than answers. The legendary actor has shared nearly 20 blank tweets, simply posting numbers without any accompanying text. His latest cryptic post read, “T 5355 – The silent X chromosome… deciding the brain (sic),” further fueling speculation and criticism.Even Salman Khan found himself at the center of online backlash after tweeting and then deleting a post about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. While he expressed concern over the ceasefire, many netizens questioned his silence on Operation Sindoor.–IANSps/

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Real estate platform NoBroker has reported a net loss of Rs 411 crore in the financial year ending March 2024 (FY24), even as its total expenses climbed to Rs 1,299 crore — a 9.2 per cent increase from the previous fiscal.However, the company managed to reduce its losses by 19 per cent compared to the Rs 506 crore loss recorded in FY23, despite the rise in spending.According to a report by Entrackr, citing its financials, a major chunk of these expenses — Rs 738 crore, or 57 per cent of the total — was classified under ‘miscellaneous overheads,’ with the company providing limited details about this category.Meanwhile, employee benefit expenses remained flat at Rs 436 crore and accounted for 33 per cent of total spending.Other costs such as rent and legal charges were brought down to Rs 7 crore and Rs 12 crore respectively, while depreciation saw a slight increase to Rs 31 crore.Despite the higher spending, NoBroker’s operational performance showed improvement, the report mentioned, citing its financials.Operating revenue grew by 32 per cent to Rs 803 crore in FY24 from Rs 609 crore the previous year.Most of this income came from its subscription-based house-hunting service, which contributed 99 per cent of the revenue.The company also earned Rs 5 crore from product sales, including home services and related offerings, the report said.In addition to operational earnings, NoBroker gained Rs 85 crore from interest on fixed deposits, mutual fund gains, and other investments.This pushed its total income to Rs 888 crore in FY24, up from Rs 683 crore in FY23. However, the company’s financial efficiency remains under pressure.For every rupee it earned in operating revenue, NoBroker spent Rs 1.62. Its EBITDA margin stood at -42.45 per cent, while its Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) was at -37.76 per cent.As of March 2024, the Bengaluru-based startup had current assets worth Rs 1,082 crore, including Rs 55 crore in cash reserves.Founded by Ankit Agarwal, Saurabh Garg, and Akhil Gupta, NoBroker has raised a total of $366 million from investors like Tiger Global, BEENEXT, and Elevation Capital.The founders collectively hold a 16.6 per cent stake in the company.–IANSpk/na

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Television actor Karan Jotwani has expressed deep concern and love for the boys he met in Dal Lake, Srinagar, amidst recent terror-induced anxiety. He hopes for their safety, peace, and a future filled with love despite the tensions they’ve experienced.

Karan took to Instagram, where he dropped a string of pictures from his visit to Dal, Srinagar. In the image, the actor is seen hugging some young boys he met during his stay in 2019.“I think about them time & again, these gorgeous boys from Dal, Srinagar. A little more during the last few weeks, inflicted by the acts of terror, the blackouts & constant anxiety of what could happen next,” he wrote.The actor mentioned that he met them in 2019.“I met them in 2019 & the pictures were nothing close to what I felt in emotion while at the boathouses, playing, being, eventually attending the wedding of the owners daughter. Switzerland boathouse, Dal, if you’d ever go. Warmest. We just weren’t letting go of each other. The little one swamped me with hugs.”Karan expressed a heartfelt wish for some people he cares deeply about.“I only hope and pray as life unfolds for them at this age, with all they have witnessed, they’re garlanded with love and compassion multiplied, in whoever they meet. I can’t wait to go see them again. It’s been nervy. I’ve got extended family in Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Amritsar, friends in Raj & JK, & quite can’t fathom how it’s like to go through uncertainty of events unfolding.”The actor said his “maasi” sent him a message saying, ‘Don’t worry, God is great.’ Indicative of how she mentions that “they’re unfortunately used to this since years (sic)”.“We’d never fully understand, even though the emotions ran high.”He added: “A war isn’t a film, emotions escalate beyond. Wars wipe out existences. We stand by our country’s sternness against terrorism. Hope peace prevails in areas inflicted by these acts for the coming time. To these young hearts, Feel as you may, & sorry to your gentle heart, you have to go through these turbulences. tender & care always. See you soon, will find you & hug you tightest boys.”–IANSdc/

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The fourth season of ILT20 in the UAE has moved to a December-January window, with an aim to finish the tournament before the Men’s T20 World Cup takes place in February-March 2026.

ILT20 season four will now take place from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026 and will be clashing with the initial phase of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4.”“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty.”“In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players,” said ILT20 chief executive David White in a statement on Wednesday.The six-team, 34-match ILT20 has seen Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals becoming the championship winners in its first three seasons. “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar.”“The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4, on the same day,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, ILT20 chairman and Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman.–IANSnr/

Bhopal, May 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh unit of the BJP on Wednesday distanced itself from Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, stating that the party does not endorse such comments against individuals who have brought pride to the nation.State BJP president V.D. Sharma said he had communicated with Shah soon after the matter came to light and conveyed clear instructions from the party. However, he did not disclose the nature of those instructions.“The BJP leadership is very sensitive to such matters. If something inappropriate happens, it is promptly addressed. Vijay Shah has been conveyed the party’s message. No one has the right to disrespect Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has made the country proud with her service,” Sharma said.When asked about the Congress’s demand for Shah’s resignation, Sharma said, “I will not comment on what Congress leaders say. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi served under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. She is a matter of pride for all of us.”Sharma had summoned Shah to the BJP headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday evening for a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes. The state BJP office shared a photograph from the meeting.Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress stepped up its attack, staging protests in seven locations across the state and reiterating its demand for Shah’s resignation from the tribal affairs portfolio.Late on Tuesday night, Congress workers blackened the nameplate outside Shah’s official residence in Bhopal.Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh condemned Shah’s remarks, calling them “highly objectionable” and urging the BJP leadership to take strict action.The controversy erupted following Shah’s comments at a government event in Mhow (Indore district) on Monday, where he praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.Referring to Operation Sindoor, Shah had said that PM Modi had sent a “sister from the same community” as those in Pakistan to avenge the attack.“PM Modi is working for the upliftment of society. Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” he said.Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force had jointly briefed the media during Operation Sindoor, conducted in response to the Pahalgam attack.–IANSpd/skp

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Former Bigg Boss 18 contestant and actress Nyrraa M Banerji has revealed her birthday plans and said that she will not have any extravagant, larger-than-life type celebration.

Asked more about what are her plans for her birthday this year, Nyrraa, who turned a-year-older on May 14, said: “Well, this year’s birthday is something I am really looking forward to as I am not really going to have any extravagant, larger-than-life type celebration. I am going to spend some quality time at home with my mother and I feel that’s the best birthday I can have.”She said that it’s going to be candid stuff at home with a bit of cake-cutting and good food.“My mom will be preparing a special dessert for me and I really am excited for this. Sometimes, the best things in life are subtle and smooth without much hush-hush. More than the idea of an extravagant celebration, the fact that I will be spending the whole day with the person who’s the biggest reason behind me being on this planet is what makes me the happiest. Thanks to all the fans for all the love pouring my way on my special day. Grateful to one and all.”Nyrra’s latest release is Netflix’s popular and successful web series ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’, a period political action thriller television series created by Neeraj Pandey.The series is produced by Shital Bhatia under the banner of Friday Storytellers. it stars an ensemble cast of Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jeet, Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, Chitrangada Singh, Mahaakshay Chakraborty and Aadil Zafar Khan in lead roles, with Parambrata Chatterjee in a special appearance.The series is a standalone sequel to Pandey’s series Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. It is the first Bengali show to stream on Netflix, and also marks the Hindi debut of Bengali actor Jeet.–IANSdc/

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, along with the three service chiefs — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi — called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday to brief her on ‘Operation Sindoor’.As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President was apprised of the details and outcomes of the operation, which was launched in response to the brutal killing of 26 people by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.The armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to neutralise the perpetrators. Strikes were carried out on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).According to military sources, over 100 terrorists were eliminated during ‘Operation Sindoor’.President Murmu lauded the courage and efforts of the armed forces and described the operation as a “matter of national pride.”The President was given a comprehensive account of these developments during the briefing.A day earlier, CDS General Anil Chauhan had also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at his residence in New Delhi.Earlier, key insights from ‘Operation Sindoor’ were also shared in a high-level meeting with retired military personnel and strategic think tanks in New Delhi.The meeting was attended by CDS Anil Chauhan, General Dwivedi, Admiral Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Singh.The Senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces shared their perspectives on ‘Operation Sindoor’s’ operational success, highlighting its strategic significance and the military’s joint capabilities.A defining feature of the operation was its execution across all warfare domains — land, air, sea, and cyber. Military officials attributed its success to exceptional inter-service coordination, technical integration, and unified planning.This synergy was evident not only in combat operations but also in every layer of planning, communication, and decision-making. The experiences shared during the meeting offered valuable lessons for future military campaigns and emphasised the evolving nature of warfare.The discussions reflected the Indian Armed Forces’ strategic vision, commitment to integrated operations, and readiness to tackle emerging challenges.–IANSgcb/skp/rad