Author: Vividh Bharathi
‘Diwali wishes to everyone’: PM Modi extends festival greetings to nation
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm Diwali greetings to people across the country, wishing everyone happiness, well-being, and prosperity on the occasion of the festival of lights.
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared his wishes with citizens and conveyed his greetings to people celebrating the festival across the country.
“Diwali wishes to everyone! Boundless Diwali wishes to my family members across the country,” PM Modi posted on X (in Hindi).
His message came as people across India celebrate Diwali with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, illuminating their homes, streets and public spaces with diyas, decorative lights and colourful decorations.
In a social media video titled “Have a Great Diwali”, the Prime Minister had also greeted citizens on Saturday and shared his plans to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm, as he does every year.
“On the occasion of Diwali, the entire country is illuminated. The festival of lights symbolises our pledge against darkness,” he said.
“May this festival bring happiness, wellbeing and prosperity for all. Just like you all, I also celebrate this festival with enthusiasm. Like every year, I will again be celebrating Diwali with our brave defence personnel. Once again, greetings to all of you on the occasion of Diwali,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s reference to celebrating Diwali with defence personnel also highlighted his annual tradition of spending the festival with members of the armed forces, recognising their dedication and service to the nation.
Earlier, PM Modi also met Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and extended Diwali greetings on the eve of the festival.
The Vice-President’s office shared details of the meeting on X, stating, “Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan warmly received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Uprashtrapati Bhawan today and exchanged Deepawali greetings.”
Diwali, the festival of lights, is being celebrated on Sunday, November 8, on the occasion of Kartik Amavasya. On the day, homes and temples are decorated and illuminated with earthen lamps and decorative lights, creating a festive atmosphere across the country.
In the evening, devotees perform traditional prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for happiness, peace and prosperity. The celebrations also include lighting diyas, bursting fireworks, exchanging sweets and spending time with loved ones.
The festival brings together people from different communities and regions, reflecting India’s rich cultural traditions and the spirit of togetherness, hope and positivity.
–IANS
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Russia warns foreign troops in Ukraine will be considered legitimate targets
Moscow, Nov 8 (IANS) Russia will regard any foreign military units deployed in Ukraine as legitimate targets, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, warning that such deployments would further escalate the conflict.
Commenting on the “Koalicja 26.2” military exercises for multinational forces planned for November 9-22 in Ukraine, Zakharova on Saturday accused Western countries of disregarding Russia’s security concerns and fueling tensions, Xinhua news agency reported.
Britain and France hope to maintain a foothold in Ukraine through the deployment of multinational forces to confront Russia and inflict a military defeat on the country, she said.
“We reiterate once again that the deployment of foreign military contingents in Ukraine is categorically unacceptable — whether under the auspices of a so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’ or any other grouping,” Zakharova said, adding that such military intervention would create additional security threats to Russia.
Zakharova said the planned deployment would deepen the involvement of European NATO members in the conflict.
She said Moscow would achieve the objectives of its special military operation.
Zakharova also noted that the exercises would begin on the eve of the resumption of Russia-US-Ukraine consultations in Abu Dhabi, arguing that this showed European countries had no place at the negotiating table.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the creation of the multinational forces in Ukraine was announced after a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Kyiv on August 24, 2026.
Meanwhile, US, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, special envoy Steve Witkoff said Monday. The meeting caps a tumultuous year for Ukraine’s peace talks, which stalled after the US and Israel began striking Iran in February and revived only in September, when Witkoff and fellow envoy Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv for their first visit as negotiators.
–IANS
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Iran’s IRGC says 2 ‘violating’ tankers hit mines in Hormuz Strait, US forces disable vessel in Gulf of Oman
Tehran, Nov 8 (IANS) The navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Sunday two “violating” oil tankers attempting to pass through an “unauthorized” route in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after hitting naval mines.
In a statement on the IRGC’s official news outlet Sepah News, the navy said that one tanker hit mines east of the strait and the other while crossing the waterway.
Both vessels had turned off navigation and GPS systems and were burning following the explosions, it added.
The IRGC warned that any vessel cooperating with the “aggressive” US Army and entering the “unauthorized” region in the strait in defiance of Iranian regulations would “definitely” hit naval mines, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media platform X that its forces had disabled a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman after its civilian crew “ignored repeated warnings and attempted to violate the naval blockade against Iran multiple times.”
“A US military aircraft fired precision munitions at the stern of St. Kitts-flagged M/V Huda, disabling the ship after CENTCOM forces directed the crew to abandon targeted spaces. The cargo vessel tried to depart regional waters after visiting an Iranian port,” it added.
Since July, US forces have redirected 147 commercial vessels and disabled five merchant ships that refused to comply with the blockade, CENTCOM said.
It added that US forces had previously destroyed 10 Iranian commercial oil tankers, alleging that they were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.
Iran tightened its grip on the strait on February 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States has also imposed a naval blockade against the country.
–IANS
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Sylvester Stallone says Pele broke his finger while shooting for ‘Escape to Victory’
Los Angeles, Nov 8 (IANS) Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone has shared that Pele broke his finger when they made the war-sport film ‘Escape to Victory’.
The two played Corporal Luis Fernandez and Captain Robert Hatch, respectively, in the 1981 sports-war film.
The film which saw an exhibition football match played between a German team and Allied prisoners of war interned in a German prison camp during World War 2. While filming, the late football legend asked the Hollywood star to stand in goal as he demonstrated how to strike a ball.
However, the actor completely misread the situation as he underestimated the force of Pele’s shot and the weight of the thick, heavy leather ball, which caused him a painful injury.
The actor recently appeared on the latest episode of ‘The Rest Is Entertainment’ podcast, where the show host Marina Hyde, 52, asked the actor how much he knew about football before working on ‘Escape to Victory’. The actor shared that he knew nothing about the sport and that he “learned the hard way”.
He said, “Pele broke my finger in that thing. Soccer didn’t look so hard, and in World War 2, the balls were like bowling balls. They’re smaller, thick, brown leather. And it was steel toe shoes. Can you imagine? And so he goes, ‘Sly, why don’t you get into the goal? I’m going to tell you exactly where I’m going to hit, like right there. You stand there and you won’t even see it’. I go, ‘Pssh, try your best’. And he goes back, and he kicks it, and I hear a sound, and I put my hands up. God damn”.
Sylvester soon realised the incredible talent of his co-star, as he said, “And there was an old World War II net. So it tears through the net, and we have prisoner of war bunkers with a metal grate over the window. Bang. Broke the windows. “That’s the power of his (kick). That’s how good he was”.
Elsewhere, Sylvester recently revealed he made millions from investing in art back in the 1980s. The ‘Rocky’ legend has revealed his biggest paydays have come from his art collection instead of his movie career, as he was able to spend his Hollywood earnings on paintings 40 years ago.
–IANS
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Ronit Roy reunites with Shweta Tiwari at Ektaa Kapoor’s Diwali bash
Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Actor Ronit Roy, who is known for his work in films like ‘Udaan’, ‘2 States’, ‘Ugly’ and several others, had a reunion with his ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay’ co-star Shweta Tiwari at a Diwali bash.
The actor also shared that he had to leave the event early due to his work commitments, as he has a working Diwali.
On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a series of pictures from the event in which he can be seen having a gala time with his friends from the industry.
The party was hosted by television mogul Ektaa Kapoor, and saw the who’s who of the industry making a bee-line. The pictures featured Manish Malhotra, Ektaa Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, her husband Raj Kundra, and her sister Shamita Shetty.
The actor also penned a long note in the caption, as he spoke about his early exit from the event.
He wrote, “Zyada after wala huya nahin kyunki Jaldi nikalna Padaa. Kal subah early morning kaam hai! Haan Diwali ke din bhi. Achcha hai na….shubh din pe shubh Samay ka subh istemal. Chalo happy Diwali and good night (Not too much after party because I had to leave early. Early morning work tomorrow. Yes, even on Diwali. Isn’t it good? Auspicious use of auspicious time on auspicious day. Happy Diwali and good night)”.
Earlier, the actor shared a note of appreciation for his wife Neelam Bose Roy. He took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a video of a warrior being helped to climb a hill by his female partner.
The actor compared his wife to the female partner, and expressed his gratitude towards his wife for being with him.
–IANS
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Sonu Nigam announces son’s journey into world of music far flung from family tradition
Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Padma Shri awardee Sonu Nigam’s son, Nevaan Nigam is carving his own path. On Saturday, the playback singer took to his Instagram, and shared a post announcing his son’s venture into the world of short films and music videos.
He shared a picture of his son looking into the camera. He penned a long note in the caption, as he expressed his delight to his son’s journey and choices that he has made.
He wrote, “On this auspicious and pious occasion of Diwali, Nevaan embarks upon his journey into the world of Music venturing into a path far flung from his Grandfather and Father to explore his own horizons”.
The singer recounted his son’s journey of transformation, and dedication, as he shared, “From a chubby little boy to a fit and lean young man, from someone who was extremely shy to sing in front of his own father, to someone who’s practicing the vocal exercises taught to him by his brilliant vocal coach 16 hours a day and cracking one take recordings in the studio with the legend Poo Bear, from someone who had a tough time jogging even for merely 3 minutes, to someone who’s doing hours of dance practise to hone his skills, Nevaan has truly made our family very very thankful and happy, (Proud, is a word I avoid using in life)”.
“From ‘Kolaveri Di’ in studio at age 4 to ‘Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin’ live on stage at age 4 and a half, he’s been fortunate to receive your enormous and unfathomable love. Do bless him that he continues his journey ahead with dignity, hardwork, passion and humility. Give him your love.. Presenting ‘Slide’ BY NEVAAN NIGAM”, he added.
‘Slide’ is a sci-fi short film, and features Nevaan Nigam as the protagonist, who travels back in time through a time-travel device.
–IANS
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Three Chhattisgarh cities bag national awards in ‘Swachh Survekshan’ 2025-26
Raipur, Nov 8 (IANS) Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha in Chhattisgarh have been selected for national awards under the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, officials said.
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards on these three cities at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on November 11, officials added on Saturday.
Special recognition will also be given to ‘Safai Mitras’ (sanitation workers) during the ceremony.
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has formally informed the state government about the selection.
Officials said the achievement is the result of sustained cleanliness drives, the dedication of sanitation workers and active participation by citizens.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed happiness over the recognition.
He congratulated the citizens, public representatives, officials and staff of the urban local bodies, and the Safai Mitras of Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha.
The Chief Minister said being honoured by the President is a matter of pride for the entire state.
He described the recognition as the fruit of hard work by thousands of “Safai Mitras” and the involvement of aware citizens.
Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a true mass movement, CM Sai affirmed that the state government remains committed to strengthening sanitation systems in all cities of the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also congratulated the teams and residents of the three urban local bodies.
He said the national honour would inspire other municipal bodies in the state to improve their performance.
He noted that the selection of three cities from the state at the national level reflects the success of collective efforts.
This is the tenth edition of the Swachh Survekshan.
The theme of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 is ‘New Initiatives for Cleanliness – Join Hands, Clean Together’.
It underlines the importance of collective responsibility, public awareness and civic participation.
Officials said the recognition of Raipur, Bilaspur and Bilha shows that cooperation between citizens and the administration is essential for clean cities.
At the awards ceremony, special emphasis will be placed on the contribution of sanitation workers.
The Ministry has invited Safai Mitras to be part of the state and city delegations.
Four representatives from each of the three cities will receive recognition on stage.
Union Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu will also attend the event.
–IANS
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NIA secures conviction of doctor in Maharashtra ISIS terror module case
Mumbai, November 7 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday secured the conviction of Adnanali Sarkar in the Maharashtra ISIS terror module case, officials said.
The Special Court (NIA) in Mumbai held him guilty under Sections 13, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sections 201 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.
The court sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for a maximum period of six years and imposed a total fine of Rs 65,000.
Sarkar was the fifth accused in the case registered by NIA Mumbai.
The central agency had taken up the investigation suo motu on June 28, 2023, after receiving information from the Ministry of Home Affairs about a conspiracy by ISIS members aimed at threatening the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India.
During the probe, investigators uncovered a wider conspiracy that had international linkages and involved foreign-based ISIS handlers.
The accused were found to be actively propagating the extremist ideology of the banned terror outfit, recruiting new members, raising funds for terrorist activities and circulating ISIS propaganda material.
This included magazines such as ‘Voice of Hind’ and ‘Voice of Khurasan’, which were used to radicalise and motivate supporters.
A total of six persons were chargesheeted in the case. They are Tabish Nasser Siddiqui, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala alias Lalabhai, Sharjeel Shaikh, Aakif Ateeque Nachan, Zubair Noor Mohammad Shaikh alias Abu Nusaiba, and Adnanali Sarkar.
The Special Court had earlier framed charges against all six arrested accused as per the provisions mentioned in the charge-sheet.
All of them continue to remain in judicial custody.
While Sarkar has been convicted and sentenced, the trial against the remaining five accused will continue.
The NIA has described the case as an important step in its ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIS-linked terror modules operating within the country and to disrupt their networks of radicalisation, recruitment and funding.
Officials said the conviction underscores the agency’s resolve to take strict action against those involved in spreading terrorist ideology and supporting banned organisations that pose a threat to national security.
–IANS
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Formula 1: Verstappen tops Antonelli and Norris in FP3 ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Sao Paulo, Nov 7 (IANS) Former champion Max Verstappen finished fastest in Free Practice 3 ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver beating Kimi Antonelli, who has already clinched the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, and Lando Norris to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday.
The Dutchman, who is due to serve a grid penalty for Sunday’s race, posted a 1m 11.622s, leaving him just 0.025s clear of Antonelli at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, the venue confirmed as staying on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035.
Despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms in the area, most drivers and teams were in no rush to immediately head out once the session began at 1130 local time on Saturday.
However, Nico Hulkenberg, the Audi driver having had no running on Friday as his car was driven by Freddie Slater in FP1, ventured out before suffering an early mechanical issue which curtailed any further running.
George Russell was another to hit the track; the Briton set for a five-place grid penalty due to an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) change, while Mercedes teammate Antonelli reported a problem with his steering wheel.
The potential issue didn’t prevent the new World Champion from jumping to the top of the times at the 10-minute mark, the Italian posting a 1m 12.497s as all drivers used Pirelli’s medium tyre for their runs.
Lance Stroll’s challenging season continued as the Aston Martin driver was soon told of a problem with his car and to return to the pits, the Canadian’s running coming to an end after just 15 minutes due to an Energy Recovery System (ERS) issue.
Antonelli lowered the benchmark further, posting a 1m 12.214s to go fractionally faster than Verstappen, with the Dutchman running off the track at Turn 4 when attempting to respond with another effort.
The Red Bull driver is set to start from the back of the grid in Brazil after several power unit changes, with both Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also given 10-place grid drops for ICE changes.
Hamilton could be due further power unit changes, though; the Briton reported “strange vibrations with the engine” and returned to the pits.
The seven-time World Champion eventually headed back out but returned immediately with “smoke in the cockpit” and a sub-optimal engine noise, with his session coming to an end as 25 minutes remained on the clock.
It took until just 15 minutes remained for drivers and teams to finally focus on Qualifying simulations, with the Pirelli soft tyre making an appearance for the first time in FP3.
Russell became the first driver to dip below the 1m 12s barrier, but he was quickly usurped by Norris, Antonelli and finally Verstappen, the latter sitting fastest on a 1m 11.622s as the quartet was covered by less than two tenths.
Attempts to improve on a second lap with the same set of tyres generally failed throughout the field, leaving Verstappen fastest at the chequered flag from Antonelli, Norris and Russell, just as heavy rain arrived.
Leclerc, Oscar Piastri (McLaren), the Racing Bulls of Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top 10.
Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was P11, ahead of Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Franco Colapinto (Alpine), and Haas drivers Rafael Camara and Ollie Bearman.
The order was completed by Alex Albon (Williams), Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, Carlos Sainz (Williams), Sergio Perez, the Cadillac driver placed under investigation for discarding something from his cockpit, teammate Valtteri Bottas, and Stroll.
–IANS
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