Shashi Tharoor vs Congress over Op Sindoor: Is the grand old party set to lose another asset?
The top focus of this episode of 'To The Point' is on the growing tensions within the Congress party over Shashi Tharoor's praise for PM Modi and Operation Sindoor. Senior Congress leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera have openly criticised Tharoor for praising Prime Minister Modi's actions, causing a rift within the party. Tharoor's statement that Operation Sindoor was necessary to avenge terrorists who 'wiped the sindoor off the foreheads of 26 women' has upset Congress sources, who believe he is providing 'cover fire' to the BJP government.
Additionally, the show also discusses recent political developments in Tamil Nadu, where actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan claimed Kannada was born out of Tamil, sparking controversy. Also, speculation surrounds potential alliances involving actor Vijay's newly formed party TVK, with the AIADMK-BJP alliance showing interest ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
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Mint
16 minutes ago
- Mint
PM Modi to flag off first train to Kashmir on Friday: Here's why it is India's historic rail milestone
The stage is all set for the first-ever train to Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express train to Kashmir on 6 June from Jammu after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. This will be Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after 'Operation Sindoor' – India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan launched on 7 May in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Modi will flag off the train services from the Shri at Vaishno Devi (SMVD) railway station in Katra, Jammu to Baramulla in north Kashmir. Modi will also flag off another train from Baramulla to Katra on the occasion. Trains have been running between Banihal and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley, and between Jammu, Udhampur and Katra in Jammu region. But the 111-km Katra-Banihal section was the most difficult to construct owing to the challenging terrain. Modi will also inaugurate the highest railway arch bridge over river Chenab and India's first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge on the occasion. He is also expected to address a rally on the occasion. Earlier, the inauguration of the much-awaited train was scheduled for 19 April, however, it was postponed dur to bad weather. Three days later Pahalgam terror attack happened in Kashmir. The development will end over 70 years of wait for a direct train service to Kashmir linking the valley to rest of India first time throough a rail link. At present, trains are operational just between Sangaldan and Baramulla in the Valley and from Katra to across the country. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link (USBRL) Project was initially sanctioned in 1995 during the time of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, at an estimated cost of ₹ 2,500 crore. While the ambitious project to connect Kashmir by train began in 1997, it was commissioned in bits and parts and faced multiple delays due to geographical challenges posed by the terrain. However, it gained momentum after then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee designated it as a national initiative in 2002. In 2009, Qazigund - Baramulla section in Kashmir was rendered operational, following which in 2013, the 18-km Banihal - Qazigund section, and in 2014 - the 24-km Udhampur - Katra section was started. In 2023, the section between Banihal and Sangaldan was started and now the connectivity between Sangaldan and Katra, which is believed to be the most difficult of all sections has been completed. The Banihal-Katra section contains 97 km of tunnels and 7 km of bridges. In December 2024, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister of Railways, said that the final track construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link was finished. "Historic milestone; final track work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is complete. The ballastless track work for the 3.2 km-long Tunnel T-33, located at the foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and connecting Katra to Reasi, was successfully completed today at 02:00 hrs," he wrote on X The famous Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway bridge standing 359 meters above mean sea level, is also part of the track and will enhance the picturesque route connecting Jammu and Srinagar. At an estimated cost of over ₹ 43,000 crore, the USBR Lproject involved laying out ballast less tracks over bridges and tunnels, spanning deep gorges, with 90 per cent of the route traversed over 943 bridges, and 36 main tunnels, including India's longest railway tunnel, T-50 stretching more than 12.7 km. On the Katra - Banihal section, the train will also traverse another engineering marvel, the Anji Khad bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed bridge. Supported by 96 cables, the 725-meter-long bridge stands 331 meters above mean sea level. For now, only one Kashmir-specific Vande Bharat train will ply on the Katra and Srinagar route to Baramulla. More trains will start plying on the route based on the public response, officials said. Earlier a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar was expected. But due to security and weather reasons, the passengers would have to get down at the Katra railway station and board another train to continue the journey forward to Kashmir. In February, Vaishnaw said that passengers who want to travel from Delhi to Srinagar can book one ticket and change the train at Katra railway. All passengers boarding the train to Srinagar from Delhi or vice versa or from any other part of the country would have to undergo thorough frisking. Besides, their luggage would be screened at the time of boarding. The luggage would then undergo fresh scanning at departure lounges once the passengers get down at the Katra station. Before they board another train, they would again be subjected to frisking by the security personnel. The trains will ply on the Kashmir route only during the daytime. No trains would ply during evening hours in the Valley. The Kashmir version of Vande Bharat is equipped with climate-specific adaptations to provide advance heating systems in sub-zero temperatures, driver's front lookout glass embedded with heating elements for defrosting, and to ensure clear visibility during harsh winters. The region's connectivity with the rest of the country would be improved with the completion of the USBRL Project and the launch of direct Vande Bharat trains between Kashmir and Delhi via Jammu. In addition to addressing logistical issues, this will boost economic expansion and encourage travel. -The total cost of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link project is about ₹ 43,000 crore. -The seamless all-weather connectivity links Kashmir Valley to the rest of India for the first time through a rail link. -The connectivity will boost the local economy and trade by offering easier transport if local goods like apples, saffron and handicrafts to major Indian markets. Until now, these products had to be transported through Jammu and Kashmir Highway which gets affected by harsh weather during winters. -The rail link will also improve access to popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Tourism in Kashmir Valley was severly affeceted after Pahalgam terror attack. Historic milestone; final track work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is complete. -Officials said that the project will also create employment opportunities in railway, tourism, and logistics sectors. -Above all, it simplifies travel to major cities for medical care and universities.
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' falls short of 'Indian 2' premiere day advance bookings in the USA
Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life,' directed by Mani Ratnam, is set for a strong U.S. debut, earning $454,000 in advance sales. However, it trails Haasan's 'Indian 2,' which has already grossed $580,431, becoming his biggest North American premiere. 'Thug Life' faces controversy in Karnataka, with its release postponed due to Haasan's remarks on Kannada's origin. Kamal Haasan 's much-anticipated gangster drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam , is poised for a solid debut in the United States, though it has fallen short of matching the premiere day advance booking numbers of Haasan's upcoming film Indian 2. Advance ticket sales for Thug Life's U.S. premiere have reached US $454,000 across 375 locations, covering over 1000 shows and selling more than 17,000 tickets. Industry analysts are projecting that the film's total North American premiere day earnings could go up to US $ 800,000 positioning it as Haasan's second-biggest premiere day opening in the region.. However, when compared to the advance sales of Indian 2, which is set to release last year, Thug Life trails notably. Indian 2 has already clocked $580,431 in advance sales across 484 locations, with 1,457 shows and 27,935 tickets sold for its U.S. premiere. This makes Indian 2 Haasan's biggest premiere day in North America so far — even before its 2 being a sequel to Kamal Haasan's 1996 hit film Indian- the buzz for the film was much more as compared to Thug Life. Thug Life marks a major reunion between Kamal Haasan and legendary director Mani Ratnam after their iconic 1987 collaboration Nayakan. The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Silambarasan TR , Trisha Krishnan , Joju George , and Ali Fazal , with music composed by A.R. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Are you 18-79 with no funeral insurance? Talk to NZ Seniors today NZ Seniors Get Quote Undo Rahman. It's scheduled for a global release on June 5, 2025, and will release in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. Back home, however, Thug Life has run into controversy. The film's release in Karnataka has been postponed following backlash against Haasan's recent remarks claiming Kannada originated from Tamil. The statement drew sharp criticism from the Kannada-speaking community and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which demanded an apology and threatened to block the film's release in the state. Haasan stood by his comments, refusing to apologize, asserting they were misinterpreted. Following escalating tensions, the decision was made to indefinitely postpone Thug Life's release in Karnataka. The Karnataka High Court also weighed in, advising Haasan to apologize to the Kannada community. Despite the controversy, Thug Life continues to generate substantial international interest. The film's strong U.S. advance bookings reaffirm Kamal Haasan's enduring global appeal, though it now has a new bar to beat with Indian 2 already setting an impressive record ahead of its premiere. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shiva Rajkumar joins RCB celebrations with emotional tribute after 18-year IPL wait ends
Picture Credit: Instagram Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar expressed his immense joy and pride after Virat Kohil's team Royal Challengers Bangalore were crowned champions last night for the first time, ending an 18-year wait that had been filled with hope and heartbreak for fans. The victory was celebrated across the nation, with stars from the entertainment industry and cricket enthusiasts sharing their happiness on social media. On Instagram Shiva Rajkumar posted a heartfelt message filled with emotion, using 17 heart emojis followed by an 18th heart accompanied by a trophy emoji. His post showed the deep love and passion RCB fans have held for their team over the years. He called RCB the "Champions of Heart". He tweeted, " ( + ) The Champions of Heart are now the owners of the cup. Congratulations" In other news, Shiva Rajkumar and Tamil legend Kamal Haasan have recently been at the center of a heated controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan's remarks about the Kannada language. The 'Indian' actor's statement at an event that "Kannada was born out of Tamil", has led to a widespread backlash in Karnataka. Initially, Shiva Rajkumar came to Kamal Haasan's defense, calling him a long-time inspiration and expressing admiration for his contributions to cinema and Kannada culture. However, just days later, Shiva Rajkumar changed his stance. In a recent statement, he admitted that he did not fully understand Kamal Haasan's remark at the time and, upon reviewing the video later, acknowledged that the comment was inappropriate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Durable Perforated Stainless Steel Sheets Online – Trusted Suppliers Stainless Steel Sheets | Search ADS Search Now Undo Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan has stood firm, refusing to apologize for his statement, insisting that his words were spoken out of affection and based on historical linguistic studies. On the other hand, Shiva Rajkumar has multiple films in his pipeline, he will be seen in the upcoming Ram Charan starrer 'Peddi'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
