Lucknow : Kanpur police have apprehended Vimal Soni, a local gym trainer, for allegedly murdering a businessman’s wife, whose body was discovered near the District Magistrate’s official residence. The woman, who had been missing since June 24, was found buried on October 26, following Soni’s confession.
Authorities report that Soni and the victim had a contentious relationship, especially after the victim learned of his engagement. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shravan Kumar Singh, the woman, a regular at Soni’s gym in Kanpur’s Green Park area, was deeply distressed upon hearing about his upcoming marriage. On June 24, during a confrontation in his car, an altercation escalated, and Soni allegedly punched her in the neck, causing her to faint. Realizing she was unresponsive, he reportedly killed her and later buried her body near the DM’s bungalow. Initially, Soni attempted to mislead investigators by claiming he disposed of the body in the Ganga, prompting an extensive but futile search in the river.
The case presented significant challenges for law enforcement due to Soni’s lack of mobile phone usage, which hampered digital tracking efforts. Police teams were dispatched across cities, including Pune and Agra, to trace his whereabouts. DCP Singh stated that persistent interrogation finally led Soni to confess the crime and disclose the burial location, where officers then excavated and recovered the victim’s remains.
In a recent social media outburst, actress Alia Bhatt addressed the rampant speculation surrounding her appearance, specifically accusations suggesting that she has undergone botched cosmetic procedures. The star took to her Instagram stories to express her frustration over misleading claims that she has facial paralysis due to Botox.
Alia’s post targeted trolls and critics who have circulated videos and articles claiming that her smile appears “crooked” and her speech “weird.” She emphasized the serious nature of these allegations, which she deemed to be baseless and harmful. “And now you’re confidently tossing around ‘scientific’ explanations, claiming I’m paralysed on one side? Are you kidding me?” she wrote, highlighting the absurdity of such claims being made without any evidence.
Alia continued, “Absolutely NO JUDGEMENT towards anyone who chooses cosmetic corrections or surgery—your body, your choice. But wow, this is beyond ridiculous! This hypercritical judgment of a human face is appalling.” She pointed out the potential harm these rumors can inflict, especially on young and impressionable audiences who might believe this sensationalized content.
The actress called for a shift in how women are perceived and treated in the media. “Why are you saying this? For clickbait? Attention? Because none of it makes sense,” she asserted, criticizing the unrealistic standards women face. She lamented, “A lot of this judgment comes from other women. Whatever happened to ‘live and let live’?”
Alia concluded her statement by urging for celebration of individuality rather than objectification. On the professional front, Alia Bhatt was recently seen in Jigra, and she has upcoming projects including Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, where she stars alongside her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.
Mumbai: Actor Suniel Shetty and his son Ahan Shetty have added a prime real estate asset to their portfolio, acquiring a property for Rs 8.01 crores in Khar West, Mumbai. As per registration documents accessed by Square Yards, the Shettys secured the property through a bank auction, finalizing the deal with a ‘Sale Certificate’ in October 2024.
The newly purchased space spans approximately 1,200 square feet (111.52 sq. m.). The transaction involved a stamp duty payment of Rs 40.08 lakh and a registration fee of Rs 30,000. Khar West, part of the broader Bandra region, continues to attract Bollywood personalities and sports stars seeking upscale residences close to Mumbai’s business hubs and social hotspots.
The Shetty family joins the growing trend of celebrities investing in Bandra and its neighboring areas. Recently, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, KL Rahul, and Athiya Shetty (Ahan’s sister) have made similar purchases in the area. The area’s connectivity to commercial centers like the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli, and Andheri, along with its proximity to the international airport, makes it a preferred destination for high-profile buyers.
On October 25, 2024, thousands gathered at Laldighi Maidan, Chittagong, to demand better protections for minorities in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The rally, organized by the Sanatan Jagran Manch, called attention to increasing attacks on Hindu communities and outlined eight specific demands to address these concerns.
Key Demands:
1.Minority Justice Tribunal: Establish a tribunal for expedited trials on crimes against minorities.
2.Ministry of Minority Affairs: Create a dedicated ministry for minority issues.
3.Protection of Religious Properties: Enforce laws to safeguard religious sites.
4.Compensation for Violence Victims: Provide restitution for individuals impacted by communal violence.
5.Minority Welfare Upgrade: Hindu ,Christian, Buddhist welfare trusts should be elevated to foundations.
6.Modernization of Education: Reform the Sanskrit and Pali educational systems.
7.Religious Spaces in Schools: Ensure provision for worship areas within educational institutions.
8.Extended Durga Puja Holiday: Declare a five-day public holiday for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja.
The protest follows a spike in violence targeting minorities since Sheikh Hasina stepped down in August 2024. Activists warned the interim government of continued protests unless demands are met, including a potential march to Dhaka. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced a two-day holiday for Durga Puja to show support, though activists insist more action is needed to ensure long-term safety and equality for minorities across the country.
The rally reflects growing frustration within the community, urging the administration to tackle both the communal violence and institutional discrimination swiftly and effectively.
A 17-year old girl died by suicide in Delhi last night. She jumped from the roof of a 7 floor building in Okhla area. The police recovered a suicide note. It cited studies pressure and failure to crack JEE exams as the reason for suicide.
“Yesterday, at 11:25 hrs, a PCR call regarding a girl aged 17, jumping off the roof of the 7th floor of a building in Okhla main market was received at PS Jamia Nagar. She was preparing for JEE after clearing the 12th class,” the Delhi Police said in an official statement.“ She has left a suicide note citing study pressure and not meeting expectations as a reason,” it added. Police is investigating the matter as per Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
Thousands of students attempt competitive exams like JEE, NEET to secure admissions in top colleges in India. Parent’s expectations, study pressure, competition, etc. put students under immense stress. In many cases, their parents take huge loans or mortgage their house to fund their education. To make things worse, limited seats and societal pressure push students towards depression, anxiety, low self-esteem.
Coaching institutes don’t help either. They rake in money on the pretext of getting a student clear competitive exams. Some institutes in many cases, humiliate and inflict inferiority complex within their minds.
‘Education, career, exams are a part of your life, not your whole life,’ needs to be included in every student’s mind.
(Input from the Agencies)
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The Mexican Grand Prix 2024 will etch its name in history books. It is a record 400th Grand Prix entry for the Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. He is going to be the first F1 driver to do so. His racecraft, pace, determination, hunger, and love for the sport, contributed to this incredible milestone. His F1 journey might have had an abrupt end in 2009. But then, he is entering his 400th Grand Prix today. How did he reach here? What were his highs and lows? Let’s have a brief look into his glorious career.
Gentlemen, a short view back to the past…
Fernando Alonso was born to a working-class family in Oviedo, Asturias, Northern Spain on 29 July, 1981. He began Karting at a tender age of 3. His father was a mechanic in mineshaft explosives factory and an amateur Karting driver, and his mother was a department store employee. His father built a go-kart for his elder sister Lorena, to which she showed no interest. Little Fernando received the kart as a result, and a journey to greatness began here.
His family struggled to keep up with costs of motorsport, forcing Fernando to drive with slick tyres on wet races. Nonetheless, it was an opportunity in disguise for him to master wet-weather driving. After success in junior local, national and international tournaments, Fernando got the opportunity drive in F1 in 2001.
F1 debut
Fernando Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001 at the Australian Grand Prix for Minardi. In a backmarker team, he finished with 0 points in the season. His best finish (p10) came at Germany.
Renault debut, double world championships
Fernando Alonso moved to Renault F1 team in 2002 in test driver role. Renault boss Flavio Briatore wanted him to get familiarize with the team. He made his Renault debut in 2003 and broke records like youngest driver to secure pole position, youngest race winner, the same year. A couple of podium finishes, and consistent improvements rounded off 2003 and 2004.
His dream run came in 2005, when he won his first championship. Thanks to the regulation changes prohibiting tyre change during races and requiring engine to last at least 2 races before they could be changed. It put an end to Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s dominance in the sport. Fernando fought with Mclaren’s Kimi Raikkonen for the championship. His car was slower compared to the Mclaren but was more reliable. Ultimately, the reliability of Renault and Fernando’s brilliance emerged victorious. He finished with 133 points, 21 points ahead of his rival Kimi.
Resurgent Ferrari and Michael Schumacher gave Alonso a run for his money in 2006. The Spaniard and the German drivers were involved in some of the best title battles but Alonso again came on top. Defeating Michael by 13 points, Alonso successfully defended his championship and scored 134 points in the season.
Switching teams, controversies, missing title by whisker…
Mclaren secured the services of defending champion for 3 years in 2007. He was paired against rookie Lewis Hamilton and the duo had the job to take on the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. The 2007 season was surrounded by controversies. The spygate, the feud between Lewis and Alonso, which ruined what could have been double championships for Mclaren in 2007.
Spygate ruled them out of constructors as F1 disqualified Mclaren from it. While drivers were allowed to compete, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen snatched title by just 1 point. Both Alonso and Lewis finished with 109 points each, and are themselves to be blamed for ruining each other in the championship.
He returned to Renault in 2008 breaking his contract from Mclaren. Things changed for the Spanish master. His Renault was nowhere near the title contenders- Ferrari and Mclaren. A difficult year and the stigma of Singapore crashgate, 2008 was a season to forget for Alonso. If 2008 was bad, 2009 was an all-time disaster. He finished 9th with mediocre 26 points. He stood on podium only once this season- at the German Grand Prix.
Switch to Ferrari in 2010 brought a new hope. He stayed there until 2014 and finished runner up in 2010, 2012 and 2013. His performances in Ferrari truly established his legacy. The car barely matched Red Bull in those days. Yet, he pulled off 2 insane title charge in 2010 and 2012. Outperforming his car every single time, Fernando missed by title by just 4 points in 2010 and 3 points in 2012.
He did everything possible, putting his Ferrari in positions it didn’t deserve to be, but Red Bull-Sebastian Vettel pairing was brutally good. His glory days were over in 2013. Though he managed 2 wins, it was nothing compared to what Vettel did with the Red Bull car.
Awful Mclaren partnership, first retirement and return
Following 2014 disaster with Ferrari, he switched sides again. Decided to join Mclaren from 2015 without knowing that a horrific stint was waiting for him. The Honda powered Mclaren car gave Alonso his worst nightmare. Poor pace, disastrous reliability gave Alonso nothing but pain. Though that particular phase gave best pieces of team radio. Streets will never forget that iconic ‘GP2’ engine remark on radio or that “Mate I have no power, no tyres” one.
He retired at the end of 2018, moved to other racing series. Tried his hands at Indycar, Endurance racing and came back from retirement in 2021 with Alpine. Renault was rebranded as Alpine, and asked Fernando to go through rookie tests, giving birth to ‘Fernando is still a rookie’ memes. Two seasons in midfield with Alpine and a troubled on-track relationship with teammate Esteban Ocon.
He moved to Aston Martin in 2023 and was again in front of the field (only for half of the season). The AMR-23 started off as 2nd or 3rd fastest car and Alonso bagged podiums after podiums. Aston fell midway back to the midfield thanks to their failed upgrades. Fernando Alonso had an excellent season with 206 points and a respectable 4th in drivers championship.
In 2024, Aston is at 5th in constructors with no one challenging their spot. Alonso fell to a lonely 9th in the championship this year. He extended his contract with the Aston Martin for a couple of seasons and with Adrian Newey coming in 2025, him being at the front again challenging for wins, podiums or maybe even championships is possible.
Despite his age, he has showed tremendous longevity and pace. While many drivers start to fade away once they enter mid 30s, Alonso (in his 40s) is still strong to compete at the highest level. When Fernando made his debut all the way back in 2001, drivers like Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson were not even born. In fact, the 2025 Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, was born months after Alonso’s first championship.
He recently revealed on the Beyond the grid podcast about him pondering retirement after 2009. He said he thought of retiring after completing his 3-year contract with Mclaren because he didn’t know what to do after that. He achieved his dream of driving in F1, won 2 championships. It was 99% clear in his mind.
But destiny had other plans and here he is today. Established himself among the greatest of the sport, numbers will never define his legacy. Fernando Alonso is that driver who knows how to extract most from the car, is one of few racers operating in grey areas pushing rules and cars to their absolute limits.
Excitement is building as reports confirm that Fatima Sana Shaikh and R. Madhavan are set to collaborate on a new film under Dharmatic Entertainment. This project is creating buzz for its unique premise—an age-defying love story that promises a fresh take on romantic relationships.
Sources indicate that the shooting is slated to commence in the first week of November. An insider revealed, “The shoot schedule for Fatima and Madhavan’s film is set to kick off soon, and both actors are eager to bring this quirky romance to life.” This marks a significant collaboration, as both actors are known for their diverse roles and ability to connect with audiences.
The film is said to revolve around a romance between an older man and a younger woman, which could challenge conventional narratives around age and love. Such themes have been gaining traction in Indian cinema, and this film is expected to provide a refreshing perspective. The project has already garnered attention for its bold storyline and the strong performances anticipated from both leads.
In recent interviews, R. Madhavan expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m excited to explore new dimensions in storytelling. This film offers a chance to depict love in a way that resonates with today’s audience.” Fatima Sana Shaikh echoed his sentiments, saying, “I believe stories about love, irrespective of age, are timeless. I can’t wait to begin this journey with Madhavan and the Dharmatic team.”
With the first week of November approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates and insights into the film’s production. The combination of Shaikh and Madhavan’s talent and the fresh narrative promises to deliver a captivating cinematic experience that may redefine perceptions of romance in contemporary Indian cinema. As both actors prepare to bring this story to life, the anticipation continues to grow. Are you excited to watch a sizzling chemistry between them do let us know in comments.
Mumbai: In a troubling case of sextortion, a 66-year-old man from Mumbai’s Cuffe Parade area fell victim to online scammers, losing nearly Rs.29 lakh in an elaborate blackmail scheme. The victim, a medical store owner, was reportedly targeted after befriending a woman online who engaged him in private conversations and soon initiated a WhatsApp video call. During this call, she allegedly appeared nude and encouraged the man to do the same. Unbeknownst to him, the video call was recorded, setting off a series of extortion attempts that cost him heavily.
Following the call, the victim was contacted by the woman, who threatened to release the explicit video unless he paid Rs.50,000. Fearful of reputational damage, he complied. As the demands continued, a man posing as a high-ranking police official called him, stating that the woman had lodged a complaint against him. The caller pressured the victim to pay a “settlement fee,” claiming it was necessary to avoid further legal complications. Over time, the man transferred over Rs.29 lakh across 33 transactions. Only after consulting a lawyer did he realize the extent of the scam and approached the cyber police for help.
Authorities have registered the case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the IT Act, and are currently investigating. Mumbai Cyber Police have also highlighted the growing prevalence of such sextortion cases, urging the public to exercise caution online. They advise users never to engage in explicit video calls with strangers and report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent financial and emotional damage.
With the rise of similar scams, cybersecurity experts recommend that individuals remain vigilant about their digital interactions and ensure any unsolicited advances are reported. This case underscores the need for public awareness, as sextortion rackets have become increasingly sophisticated and can have devastating effects on victims.
At the grand launch of “Ami Je Tomar 3.0,” from the highly anticipated “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” Vidya Balan experienced a minor mishap but handled it with remarkable grace. The event, held at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, featured an electrifying face-off performance between Balan and the legendary Madhuri Dixit, captivating the audience with their chemistry and talent.
During the performance, Vidya stumbled and fell but quickly regained her composure, continuing to dance alongside Madhuri without missing a beat. This moment highlighted her professionalism and resilience, earning her accolades from fans and fellow performers alike. Reflecting on the experience, Vidya shared, “It’s an honour for me to share the screen with Madhuri. My sister reminded me of how much I’ve always looked up to her, so this is a major achievement for me. I just focused on that and enjoyed every moment. Someone asked if I was nervous; I fell today, but I got right back up and performed with confidence.”
Madhuri Dixit, who has long been a respected figure in Bollywood, praised Vidya’s poise after the incident. She remarked, “What matters is the passion we bring to our art. Vidya handled the situation beautifully, and that’s what true professionalism looks like.”
The track “Ami Je Tomar 3.0” marks the return of Vidya’s iconic character Manjulika, originally portrayed in the 2007 film “Bhool Bhulaiyaa.” This new version promises to blend nostalgia with fresh elements, enhancing the excitement surrounding the upcoming film.
The launch event was a star-studded affair, drawing media attention and fanfare as the two actresses lit up the stage. Despite the stumble, Vidya’s spirited performance left a lasting impression, reaffirming her status as one of Bollywood’s leading talents. Fans eagerly await the film’s release, hopeful for another thrilling installment in the “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” saga.
Mumbai: In a bold move to enhance its portfolio in the booming real estate market, Metro Group has officially launched ‘The Presidential’, a luxury housing project in the upscale Pokhran Road area of Thane. The project represents a significant investment of ₹225 crore and aims to cater to the growing demand for premium residential spaces in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Nestled on a one-acre site, ‘The Presidential’ will consist of a 25-storey tower featuring 100 exquisitely designed apartments. The housing units will primarily offer configurations of 2 BHK and 3 BHK, with the latter starting at approximately Rs.1.99 crore. This strategic pricing positions the development as an attractive option for affluent buyers seeking modern living environments.
The project is not just about luxury but also emphasizes a holistic living experience. Amenities at ‘The Presidential’ will include electric vehicle charging stations, yoga and meditation areas, a state-of-the-art gym, and beautifully landscaped rooftop gardens. These facilities are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle while providing residents with a serene retreat amid urban hustle.
Moreover, the location of “The Presidential” is a key selling point. It is well-connected to various local attractions, such as Yeoor Hills, Upvan Lake, and several prominent shopping and educational institutions. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for families and professionals alike.
With ‘The Presidential’ Metro Group aims to redefine luxury housing in Thane, setting new benchmarks for quality and design in the region. The project not only reflects the company’s commitment to high-end real estate but also its vision of creating vibrant communities that foster a sense of belonging and well-being.
For more details, you can visit the Metro Group’s official site or explore real estate platforms showcasing this project.
Resurgent Ferrari and Michael Schumacher gave Alonso a run for his money in 2006. The Spaniard and the German drivers were involved in some of the best title battles but Alonso again came on top. Defeating Michael by 13 points, Alonso successfully defended his championship and scored 134 points in the season.
Spygate ruled them out of constructors as F1 disqualified Mclaren from it. While drivers were allowed to compete, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen snatched title by just 1 point. Both Alonso and Lewis finished with 109 points each, and are themselves to be blamed for ruining each other in the championship.
He retired at the end of 2018, moved to other racing series. Tried his hands at Indycar, Endurance racing and came back from retirement in 2021 with Alpine. Renault was rebranded as Alpine, and asked Fernando to go through rookie tests, giving birth to ‘Fernando is still a rookie’ memes. Two seasons in midfield with Alpine and a troubled on-track relationship with teammate Esteban Ocon.
In 2024, Aston is at 5th in constructors with no one challenging their spot. Alonso fell to a lonely 9th in the championship this year. He extended his contract with the Aston Martin for a couple of seasons and with Adrian Newey coming in 2025, him being at the front again challenging for wins, podiums or maybe even championships is possible.
The film is said to revolve around a romance between an older man and a younger woman, which could challenge conventional narratives around age and love. Such themes have been gaining traction in Indian cinema, and this film is expected to provide a refreshing perspective. The project has already garnered attention for its bold storyline and the strong performances anticipated from both leads.
