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Elections 2026Entertainment / IBTimes
Kriti Sanon was featured in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement. She wore an off-white bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. The modern outfit drew criticism from some social media users, who questioned her choice for the festive campaign.
Taapsee Pannu shared a cryptic Hence proved post on social media after Kangana Ranaut called her a sasti copy and accused her of making remarks about her upbringing and parents. Kangana later deleted her post.
Actress, social worker and mimicry artist Aasha Singh Jaiswal died in Mumbai on August 22 around 7:30 pm. Her son Akkash Bharadwaj shared the news and urged people to pray for her soul and continue watching her work. Aasha was also known for mimicking legendary actor Meena Kumari
Mukesh Khanna has called for Vande Mataram to replace Jana Gana Mana as India's national anthem. The actor reiterated his claim that Jana Gana Mana was written during British rule and questioned its reference to a ruler
Govinda was spotted outside a Juhu hospital amid ongoing divorce buzz with wife Sunita Ahuja. When asked about his health, the actor stayed silent and waved at the paparazzi.
The rumours started after a video of Kareena leaving a gym went viral on social media. Some users noticed her stomach and began speculating that she was expecting her third child with husband Saif Ali Khan. The speculation grew after a member of her team was seen trying to block the cameras with an umbrella.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has resumed shooting for the much-awaited Tumbbad 2 in Satara after completing the film's first schedule in June. The actor recently toured the US with his stage play Naqaab alongside his daughter Shora Siddiqui and has now returned to the film sets for the next schedule.
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has recorded a strong response ahead of its August 26 worldwide theatrical release, with over 5 lakh tickets sold in the first 24 hours and more than 1.2 million interests on BookMyShow. Advance bookings are currently open selectively across India.
Yash's Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has opened advance bookings ahead of its August 26 release. The film's most expensive listed ticket costs Rs 2,250 at Jio World Drive in Mumbai, including taxes. In Bengaluru, a ticket at Forum Rex Walk costs Rs 2,181. Several premium shows in both cities are priced above Rs 1,500
Ektaa R. Kapoor is all set to bring the next big-screen horror-comedy, Hero Ki Horrorine, to audiences on January 7, 2027. A Jai Ho Media Ventures production, the film is presented by Balaji Telefilms Ltd. and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R. Kapoor and Amar Butala, with Sajid Khan at the helm.
Kareena Kapoor Khan found herself at the center of pregnancy speculation after a viral post-workout video prompted comments about an apparent baby bump. The rumours quickly gained traction online, with users wondering whether she was expecting her third child with Saif Ali Khan.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's brother Pranay has claimed that Deepika Padukone demanded a 10 per cent share of Spirit's profits during negotiations, apart from seeking an eight-hour workday. He also alleged that confidential details about the film's story and character were leaked during the dispute.
Pan-India star Yash celebrated Varamahalakshmi Pooja at home with his wife Radhika Pandit, their children and family during Shravan. Radhika shared a carousel of pictures on Instagram showing the family dressed in traditional South Indian attire and performing the puja at their flower-decorated home.
Sub-Registrar Suraj Vernekar said the marriage was registered under Goa's Uniform Civil Code. Arjun and Gabriella arrived at the office around 4 pm and were dressed casually for the occasion.
The clearance has drawn attention because Toxic is positioned as a dark, violent action drama with mature themes. The film's treatment by the Indian censor board has also prompted comparisons with Dhurandhar, which underwent cuts before its release.
Arjun Kapoor appeared irked during a recent interaction with a fan in Mumbai. The actor initially obliged when the fan approached him for what appeared to be a photograph. However, after realising he was being recorded instead.
Gauahar Khan reveals her husband Zaid Darbar's underarm fetish in a now-viral video. She says Zaid thinks her underarms smell fresh and likes to sniff them, leaving Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi in splits.
Shweta Tiwari raised hygiene concerns after allegedly finding a cockroach at her home following a cold drink delivery. She shared a video of the insect and tagged the delivery platform and Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde, urging action. T
An old interview of Govinda has resurfaced amid renewed attention on his marriage to Sunita Ahuja. In the clip, Govinda recalled his mother warning him against betraying Sunita, saying he would eg for his living if he did, and calling her the Laxmi of their home
Social media users said Toxic's English trailer looked better than its Indian-language versions after the makers released it. One X user said the film 'truly feels like a global release', while another praised its international-level visuals. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Yash, Toxic was shot in Kannada and English and releases worldwide on August 26, 2026.
Ahead of India's 80th Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a massive wave of Tiranga rallies, with students, farmers, government employees, security personnel, youth and residents participating across cities, villages and border areas. From Jammu city to the Suchetgarh International Border and Srinagar, the celebrations have highlighted patriotism, national unity and growing public participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in Srinagar, paid tribute to the millions who suffered during the 1947 Partition and said its wounds continue to linger in India's collective consciousness. He urged people, particularly the youth, to learn from the past, reject communal bitterness and work towards peace, harmony, national unity and a Viksit Bharat
J&K Transport Minister Satish Sharma has reportedly sought the immediate removal of Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan, accusing him of defiance, insubordination and bypassing the ministry. The letter, dated August 6, has gone viral on social media, though the government has neither confirmed nor denied its authenticity.
Over Rs 62,683 crore remains unclaimed in Public Sector Banks across India as of June 30, 2026, according to the Union Government. To help depositors, nominees and legal heirs recover their money, the Centre and the RBI have introduced a series of measures, including simplified claim procedures, special outreach drives, the UDGAM portal, and the nationwide Your Money, Your Right campaign.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the launch of the first-ever Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in the two worst-affected districts of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on treatment, counselling, skill development, employment, and long-term reintegration of drug abuse victims.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it will generate up to 212 MW of electricity, irrigate nearly 90,000 hectares across J&K and Punjab, supply drinking water to Kathua, and strengthen water security, agriculture and border management.
The Crime Branch's Economic Offences Wing has chargesheeted a former ICICI Prudential Life Insurance employee for allegedly siphoning off over 10.75 lakh by fraudulently surrendering an insurance policy using forged documents and a fake SBI account. The investigation found evidence of forgery, cheating and attempted fraud involving multiple insurance policies, with the case now before a Jammu court.
Thousands of residents reportedly boycotted the first phase of PoJK Assembly elections as JAAC-led protests intensified, with demonstrators calling the polls a sham and demanding political rights.
The Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha that it has launched the National Mental Health Survey-2 to assess mental health disorders, including those linked to prolonged conflict, natural disasters and substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. It said the Union Territory has around 120 psychiatrists, 40 clinical psychologists, 21 addiction treatment facilities and expanded Tele-MANAS services as part of efforts to strengthen mental healthcare across all districts.
The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that 35 workers lost their lives and three others suffered serious injuries at NHPC and CVPPL hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district over the past five years. It also stated that compensation has been paid in most cases, safety audits are being conducted regularly, and there is no evidence that project-related blasting or tunnelling has caused damage to nearby houses or structures.
Mehbooba Mufti's remarks at Jantar Mantar on Kashmir protests have triggered a political storm, with the NC, Apni Party and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanding a public apology.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sarnarthi Action Committee (JKSAC) has demanded a high-level probe into the alleged misappropriation of lakhs of kanals of evacuee land meant for the rehabilitation of families displaced from PoJK. The demand comes after the ACB unearthed a major Custodian land scam and registered multiple FIRs against revenue officials and beneficiaries.
FASTag-based toll collection on National Highways reached a record 70,278.18 crore in 2025-26, marking a steady rise over the past three years, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha. The Centre said it has reviewed the toll pricing mechanism to reduce the burden on commuters through measures such as an annual pass, rationalised toll charges and lower penalties for UPI payments.
The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway Corridor has come under the spotlight after official data tabled in the Rajya Sabha revealed that 58 of J&K's 73 identified black corridors are located in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, through which the mega highway project passes.
The Union Territory of Ladakh will host India's first-ever Global Black-necked Crane Festival from August 10 to 14 across Leh, Tso Kar and Hanle to promote wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism and community participation. Dedicated to the Black-necked Crane, Ladakh's state bird and the world's only alpine crane, the festival aims to showcase the ecological and cultural significance of the Changthang wetlands.
Jammu and Kashmir Police has executed a court proclamation against Pakistan-based designated terrorist Mohammad Qasim alias Sulliman, directing him to appear before a designated court in Jammu by August 21. Qasim, who carries a Rs 10 lakh reward, is accused of involvement in the Katra and Narwal blasts and of operating a terror network in Rajouri and Poonch.
A Kashmiri youth was allegedly lured to Cambodia with a promise of a lucrative computer operator job but was instead forced into online scamming activities. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against the accused in the overseas job fraud case registered in April.
The NIA Special Court in Jammu rejected the 20-day interim bail plea of former DySP Davinder Singh, accused in a high-profile terror-linked case, but granted him five days of custody parole on humanitarian grounds to attend his late father's religious rituals in Srinagar. The court held that with his regular bail already rejected and an appeal pending in the High Court, there was no ground for interim bail.
The Shri Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimages resumed on Saturday after a nearly week-long suspension caused by adverse weather and security concerns. Over 6,200 Amarnath pilgrims left Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar base camp for Kashmir, while around 2,000 devotees registered for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Katra as authorities closely monitored weather and safety conditions.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) would herald a new era in the Union Territory's partnership with the film industry and help restore Kashmir's historic status as a preferred filmmaking destination. Speaking at the curtain-raiser event, he outlined the government's vision to create a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem, promote local talent, and position IFFJK as a globally recognised annual film festival.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the family of martyred Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi of the government's full support after speaking to his son over the phone. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the bereaved family in Budgam, paid tributes to the fallen policeman, promised continued assistance, and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem and eliminating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.
The sleuths of the ED conducted raids at nine locations in J&K and Punjab as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged Pakistan-linked narco-terror funding network. The probe revealed a cross-border heroin smuggling racket with suspected links to Hizbul Mujahideen, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents and the freezing of bank accounts containing approximately 49.9 lakh.
The Shri Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi yatras remained suspended for the sixth consecutive day due to adverse weather conditions, leaving more than 15,000 pilgrims stranded at various locations across Jammu and Kashmir. The Shiv Khori and Machail Mata pilgrimages also remained suspended as authorities continued to monitor the weather and assess the safety of the routes before allowing the yatras to resume. So far, over 3.9 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the ong
A political controversy erupted in J&K after security forces demolished the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists following the targeted killing of Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the action as unconstitutional and counterproductive, while security agencies intensified anti-terror operations and detained thousands of suspects across the Kashmir Valley.
At Hyatt Centric Sector 17, a hidden speakeasy, destination-led dining and immersive heritage walks make a compelling case for Chandigarh as more than a stopover
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti joined protesting students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, backing their demands while reviving the debate over the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A. Calling the August 5, 2019 decision unconstitutional, she accused the Centre of undermining democracy, demanded the resignation of the minister concerned, and said India's youth would play a decisive role in safeguarding the Constitution.
The killing of Police Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi in Anantnag has triggered one of the largest anti-terror operations in Kashmir in recent years. Security forces have detained over 2,000 terror associates, intensified surveillance across the Valley, and demolished the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists as investigations point to possible cross-border involvement.
Amid incessant rains and the threat of flash floods and landslides, the Jammu and Kashmir government has identified 1,017 vulnerable locations with over 10 lakh people at risk. Chairing a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed officials to strengthen rescue and relief measures, restore essential services on priority and maintain round-the-clock preparedness across the Union Territory.
A Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, Ashiq Hussain, was martyred after terrorists opened fire on security forces during a cordon and search operation in Anantnag district on Tuesday. The operation, launched on specific intelligence inputs, remains underway as security forces have intensified the cordon to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Unconfirmed reports suggest that The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Nature's fury continued across the Jammu division as three more people died in rain-related incidents, pushing the death toll beyond 23 in three days. Poonch witnessed the worst devastation, with three families nearly wiped out in separate cloudburst and landslide tragedies, while Rajouri issued a flood advisory amid forecasts of more heavy rainfall and ongoing rescue operations.

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