Riya Writes

  Kolkata, May 30, 2025 — A 22-year-old law student and rising social media influencer, Sharmistha Panoli, was arrested by Kolkata Police from her Gurugram residence for allegedly making inflammatory remarks on social media related to the Indian military’s recent Operation Sindoor . Panoli, a student of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, commands a sizable following—over 85,000 on X (formerly Twitter) and 90,000 on Instagram . She had uploaded a video where she openly criticized Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent on Operation Sindoor, a recent military campaign that garnered nationwide attention. While the video appeared to express personal views, authorities claimed it incited communal tension and violated provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , particularly sections relating to promoting enmity, religious insult, and public mischief. After intense backlash online, including threats and mass reporting of her content, Panoli removed the video and issued an unconditional...

 In an ambitious civil defence initiative, the Government of India has launched Operation Shield —a comprehensive mock drill strategy to test the nation's preparedness against potential wartime or emergency scenarios. With growing global tension and domestic threats, especially in border states , the Indian administration has intensified efforts to ensure safety and readiness at all levels.  Objectives Behind the Operation Operation Shield aims to: Train civilians on how to respond to unexpected emergencies. Test communication chains between defence, civil, and disaster response units. Identify weaknesses in current protocols and infrastructure. Foster collaboration between youth, volunteers, and authorities. The drills involve everything from evacuation rehearsals and drone threat simulations to blackout practice during mock air raids. The idea is to simulate real-life attacks or disasters and train citizens on survival tactics. Youth and Volunteer I...

 Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, a distinguished presence in South Indian cinema, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 75. The acclaimed actor, known for his versatile roles and powerful performances, succumbed to health complications after complaining of low blood pressure and breathing difficulties. He reportedly passed away en route to a hospital in Chennai. Rajesh was a stalwart of Tamil cinema, having acted in over 150 films across Tamil, Malayalam, and a few Telugu projects. He made his memorable debut in the 1974 film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai , directed by the legendary K. Balachander. His natural acting style and deep voice quickly won him accolades and a devoted fanbase. Over the decades, Rajesh carved a niche for himself with character roles that resonated with audiences across generations. He played pivotal roles in classics such as Thanneer Thanneer , Andha 7 Naatkal , Payanangal Mudivathillai , and Kanni Paruvathile , the latter marking his debut as a lead actor. His...

 In a swift turn of events, Bollywood's beloved Deepika Padukone is out of Spirit , and Triptii Dimri is in. What initially appeared to be a quiet reshuffle has now turned into a public showdown, with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga firing a thinly veiled accusation of “dirty PR games” — setting off a frenzy of industry chatter and online debate. The Rise and Fall of a Casting Coup Deepika Padukone’s inclusion in Spirit was meant to be a major casting coup, adding Bollywood star power to a Telugu-language project headlined by pan-India star Prabhas. But just months later, her name vanished from the official lineup. As speculation mounted, insiders pointed to disagreements over work hours, production timelines, and pay structure as reasons for her departure. Amidst rising curiosity, unconfirmed reports claimed Deepika had asked for a tighter schedule and compensation protections in case of delays — common for high-profile actors with packed calendars. However, what followed was any...

 In a dramatic start to the 2025 monsoon season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Maharashtra and Goa, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flooding across several coastal regions. The alert has prompted immediate safety precautions and emergency preparedness across the two states. Earliest Monsoon Onset Since 2009 This year’s southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 19—eight days earlier than usual—marking the earliest onset since 2009. The monsoon's fast progression up the western coast has resulted in heavy pre-monsoon showers and now a full-scale downpour in Maharashtra and Goa. Goa on High Alert: Waterfalls Closed, Travel Caution Urged In Goa, the red alert covers both North and South districts. Several areas have already received significant rainfall, with Ponda recording 162 mm of precipitation. With intensifying conditions, the Goa Forest Department has temporarily banned entry to waterfalls and other natu...

 On his two-day visit to Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of landmark projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, transportation, and industrial growth in the state. Among the marquee projects was the inauguration of India’s first locomotive engine manufacturing plant in Dahod, a ₹20,000 crore facility that is poised to produce 9,000 horsepower locomotives, revolutionizing India’s railway sector. This state-of-the-art plant aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative and is expected to generate employment, boost regional manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign imports. With a vision toward self-reliance, the facility places Dahod on the industrial map and symbolizes India’s forward momentum in core infrastructure. Beyond Dahod, PM Modi also laid the foundation stones for numerous other projects across Bhuj, Gandhinagar, and other parts of Gujarat. In total, investments worth over ₹82,950 crore were unveiled, ranging from urban development initi...

 In a strategic move that could reshape the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, the United Arab Emirates has joined forces with OpenAI to create what is set to become the world’s largest AI hub: Stargate UAE . Announced in May 2025, this groundbreaking initiative underscores the UAE’s rising status as a global technology and innovation powerhouse, while solidifying OpenAI’s vision for expanding cutting-edge AI infrastructure beyond traditional centers of power. A Visionary Project: What is Stargate UAE? Stargate UAE is a multi-billion-dollar project developed in partnership between OpenAI and G42, a leading Emirati technology company based in Abu Dhabi. The centerpiece of this initiative is a 5-gigawatt AI data center campus, sprawling across nearly 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi — one of the largest data infrastructure projects the world has ever seen. Construction will occur in phases, with the initial 200-megawatt phase expected to be operational by the end of 2026....

 Bollywood’s beloved comedy franchise is back, and this time it promises to be bigger, better, and bolder. Housefull 5 , starring Akshay Kumar and a star-studded cast, is gearing up for its grand release on June 6, 2025 . The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Tarun Mansukhani , is making headlines not just for its massive ensemble cast but also for its ambitious scale and storyline. A Historic Cast Gathering Housefull 5 is making history by assembling 19 prominent actors in a single film—marking a first for Indian cinema. Joining Akshay Kumar are franchise regulars Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan , along with heavyweights like Sanjay Dutt , Jackie Shroff , Nana Patekar , Jacqueline Fernandez , and many more. This all-star lineup sets the stage for a wild ride of comedy, confusion, and chaos. According to reports, the official trailer of the film is set to be released soon, and what's even more exciting is that all 19 stars will be present at the laun...

 Indian actress Janhvi Kapoor stunned international audiences at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival as she walked the red carpet for the screening of her film Homebound . Dressed in a custom mint green ensemble by Anamika Khanna, Janhvi seamlessly merged contemporary couture with the timeless charm of Indian tradition, making a powerful fashion and cultural statement. The gown, a blend of western silhouette and intricate Indian craftsmanship, featured delicate embroidery and a dramatic train. What truly set the look apart, however, was her choice of accessories: Janhvi adorned herself with traditional Indian jewelry — statement gold earrings, classic bangles, and a subtle yet regal maang tikka. The result was a striking visual of East-meets-West sophistication. Her look was styled by Rhea Kapoor, who opted for a slick bun and dewy makeup to let the jewels shine. The overall aesthetic reflected a deliberate attempt to honor Janhvi’s Indian roots on an international platform, echoing th...

 In an Indian Premier League (IPL) season filled with stunning performances, big sixes, and edge-of-the-seat thrillers, a quiet, heartfelt moment off the scoreboard has captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country. After the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings clash at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi touched the feet of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni—a gesture that fans are hailing as the most touching moment of IPL 2025. A Rising Star Meets His Idol Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who stunned audiences with his impressive 57 off just 33 balls in the match, helped Rajasthan Royals secure a crucial six-wicket win over CSK. But what truly stole the show was not just his on-field brilliance—it was his post-match gesture of reverence. As the players exchanged handshakes, Vaibhav walked up to Dhoni and bowed to touch his feet. The 43-year-old CSK captain, visibly humbled, responded with a warm smile and a pat on the back. This act of respec...

 Even as Kerala braces for an early monsoon onset by May 27, the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and neighboring districts, forecasting turbulent weather for western Maharashtra. From May 20 to May 24, the bustling metropolis and surrounding areas like Thane and Palghar can expect moderate rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h. This alert follows the anticipated early advance of the southwest monsoon, aided by a strengthening low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea. Though early monsoon arrival in Kerala is often welcomed as a positive sign for the season ahead, it also brings volatility in weather patterns across coastal and central India. In addition to the yellow alert in Mumbai, the IMD has sounded orange alerts in parts of Konkan, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra, including Pune and Raigad. These areas could see heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with strong winds. Officials are urging residents to avoid ...

 In recent weeks, several Asian countries, including India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand, have reported a notable increase in COVID-19 infections. The primary driver behind this resurgence is the Omicron subvariant JN.1, which has demonstrated higher transmissibility than earlier variants. While the overall severity of illness remains mostly mild, health authorities across the region are closely monitoring the evolving situation. The JN.1 variant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage, has quickly become dominant in several hotspots. In Singapore, combined subvariants KP.1 and KP.2 (part of JN.1) constitute over two-thirds of recent COVID-19 cases. Similarly, Hong Kong and Thailand have observed rising case numbers attributed to this variant. Experts say symptoms generally mirror those of previous Omicron strains: sore throat, fever, dry cough, fatigue, and headaches. Despite increased transmission, hospitalizations and severe cases have not surged proportionately. India, whi...

 In a significant breakthrough for national security, Punjab Police successfully dismantled a Pakistan-sponsored Khalistani terror module operating in Batala, Punjab. The crackdown came after an intense encounter, leading to the arrest of six operatives linked to the banned terror outfit, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The group was allegedly plotting grenade attacks and other violent activities across the state, with support from handlers based in Pakistan and other foreign locations. The Encounter and Arrests The encounter occurred during a well-coordinated operation by the Punjab Police following intelligence inputs about suspicious activities in the Batala region. Law enforcement agencies managed to neutralize the immediate threat and apprehended six individuals: Jatin Kumar alias Rohan Barinder Singh alias Sajan Rahul Masih Abraham alias Rohit Sohit Sunil Kumar These individuals were part of different operational wings of the terror module, including...

In a move that has sent ripples across the cricketing fraternity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to pull out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The decision extends to both the Men's and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup tournaments, igniting discussions about the future of the regional cricketing event. The Core Issue: Leadership of the Asian Cricket Council The BCCI's withdrawal primarily stems from concerns about the current leadership of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which oversees the Asia Cup. The ACC is chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, who simultaneously holds the positions of Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. This dual role has caused discomfort within Indian cricketing circles. Sources close to the BCCI expressed that India cannot participate in a tournament organized by an ACC led by a Pakistani minister, as it conflicts with national sentiments and political realities. A BCCI insider stated, “The Ind...

 In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court on May 19, 2025, dismissed a review petition filed by the Committee of Management of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The petition had sought to challenge an earlier order passed by a Sambhal civil court directing a court-monitored survey of the mosque premises following claims that the structure was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple. Background of the Dispute The case stems from a civil suit filed by Hindu plaintiffs, including advocate Hari Shankar Jain, who alleged that the Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed on the remains of the ancient Harihar Temple. These claims prompted the Sambhal district court in November 2024 to appoint a court commissioner to conduct a survey of the mosque premises to ascertain historical and archaeological facts. The mosque management committee challenged the trial court’s order, asserting that the suit was not maintainable and that such a survey would violate the san...

  After nearly four decades, two stalwarts of Indian cinema — Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam — have come together once again to deliver what promises to be a landmark film: Thug Life . The recently released trailer has ignited the internet, setting off a wave of anticipation and fanfare. With a power- packed cast, riveting visuals, and a haunting score by A. R. Rahman, Thug Life is shaping up to be a grand cinematic experience that celebrates artistry, legacy, and raw storytelling. A Legendary Reunion The last time Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam worked together was for the classic Nayakan in 1987 — a film that not only became iconic but also secured a place in TIME magazine’s list of All- Time 100 Movies. Fast forward to 2025, and the duo is back with Thug Life , a gangster epic that promises to be just as impactful, if not more. Plot and Characters: A Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Redemption At the heart of Thug Life is Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar ( played by Kamal Haasan), a f...