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Living Separately For Year Not Strict Requirement For Mutual Divorce: Court

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday clarified that couples seeking divorce by mutual consent are not necessarily required to live separately for at least one year, as prescribed under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955, and that the condition can be waived in appropriate cases.

The clarification came in response to a reference made by a Division Bench seeking authoritative guidance on the timeline prescribed for presenting a petition for divorce by mutual consent under the Act.

At the outset, the court framed the issue in stark terms, posing a rhetorical question: "Is a court mandated to stall divorce by mutual consent, thrusting unwilling parties-not into marital bliss, but into a matrimonial abyss?"

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla, Anup Jairam Bhambhani and Renu Bhatnagar held that the statutory requirement of "living separately for a period of one year" under Section 13B(1) of the HMA is directory and not mandatory, and may be waived by the Family Court or the High Court in suitable cases.

Citing several Supreme Court judgments and their subsequent interpretations, the bench said Section 13B(1), which begins with the words "subject to the provisions of this Act", must be read harmoniously under the conditions of Section 14(1) of the HMA. Section 14(1) empowers courts to waive statutory waiting periods in cases involving "exceptional hardship" to the petitioner or "exceptional depravity" on the part of the respondent.

The court reasoned that even where spouses approach the court for divorce by mutual consent, their decision to part ways is necessarily rooted in some underlying cause, though they may have chosen a consensual route to end the marriage.

"In such circumstances, it would be wholly undesirable to keep spouses embroiled in a bad marriage, instead of releasing them from the matrimonial bond," the Bench observed. It added that prolonging such relationships would inflict "undue psychological and emotional distress" on one or both spouses, which in itself could amount to exceptional hardship.

The court further noted that in some cases, delaying the dissolution of a marriage may prevent one or both spouses from forming meaningful relationships in the future, thereby irreparably affecting their prospects of remarriage and social integration.

"In the face of such a situation, the argument opposing waiver of the statutory period, even though envisaged by the Legislature as a period for reconciliation, would pale into insignificance since all relationships cannot be mended," the Bench said.

While acknowledging the social and cultural importance of marriage, the court emphasised that where both spouses are ad idem-in agreement-that the marriage must end, attempts to preserve it would prioritise outward social pretence over the autonomy and dignity of the individuals concerned.

Summarising its conclusions, the High Court held:

The statutory one-year period prescribed under Section 13B(1) of the HMA as a prerequisite for presenting the first motion for mutual divorce can be waived by applying the proviso to Section 14(1) of the Act.

Waiver of the one-year separation period under Section 13B(1) does not automatically entail waiver of the six-month "cooling-off" period for filing the second motion under Section 13B(2). The two waivers are to be considered independently.

Where the court is satisfied that both the one-year period under Section 13B(1) and the six-month period under Section 13B(2) deserve to be waived, it is not legally required to defer the date from which the divorce decree takes effect, and the decree may be made effective forthwith.

Waiver is not to be granted as a matter of course, but only where the court is satisfied that the circumstances of exceptional hardship to the petitioner and/or exceptional depravity on the part of the respondent exist, tested against the parameters laid down by the Supreme Court.

Such a waiver may be granted by both the Family Court and the High Court.

If the court finds that a waiver of the one-year period under Section 13B(1) has been obtained by misrepresentation or concealment, it may defer the date on which the divorce takes effect, or dismiss the petition at any stage, without prejudice to the parties' right to file a fresh petition after the expiry of the statutory period on the same or substantially similar facts.

The ruling provides significant clarity on the interpretation of waiting periods under the Hindu Marriage Act and reinforces judicial discretion in cases where continuation of a marriage serves no meaningful purpose.

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Madhya Pradesh Man Uses Kidnapper's Smartwatch To Send SOS, Gets Rescued

A smartwatch became the lifeline for a young hotel manager held hostage over a loan dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district. Unable to repay an exorbitant amount demanded by moneylenders, the man was abducted, brutally assaulted, and locked inside a room, but a quick-thinking move using a smartwatch turned the tables on his captors.

The victim, Saurabh Sharma, 25, is a resident of Koteshwar Colony in Gwalior and a hotel manager working in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district. He had returned home on leave a few days ago. According to police, Saurabh had borrowed Rs 2.90 lakh from local moneylenders Hemant Sharma alias Chhotu Tyagi and Sachin Tyagi. Despite having already repaid Rs 3.20 lakh, the accused allegedly added compound interest and began demanding Rs 6 lakh, threatening dire consequences.

Saurabh encountered the two accused when he was near his house. They asked him to ride with them on a motorcycle. When he refused, they allegedly forcibly abducted him, taking him to Sachin Tyagi's house. He was then confined to a room and beaten when he refused to pay the demanded amount.

After the assault, Saurabh was locked inside the room. In a rare stroke of presence of mind, he noticed Sachin Tyagi's smartwatch lying nearby. Using the device, he managed to call his girlfriend and urgently informed her about the kidnapping, sharing his location and pleading for help. His girlfriend immediately contacted Saurabh's father, who rushed to the police.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, police detained Hemant Sharma and pressured him to contact his accomplice. Under police pressure, Sachin Tyagi released Saurabh. The victim was rescued safely, and both accused were arrested shortly thereafter.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Gwalior Krishna Pal Singh confirmed the arrests, stating that the case pertains to illegal money lending and charging exorbitant interest. "Two youths had held a young man captive over a loan dispute. Based on the victim's complaint, both accused were arrested and have been sent to jail by the court," he said.

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Video: YouTuber IShowSpeed Sued For Allegedly Damaging Viral Humanoid Rizzbot

Social Robotics, the creator of the viral humanoid robot Rizzbot, has sued influencer IShowSpeed for damaging the robot in a livestreamed event earlier this year, TechCrunch reported. The Texas lawsuit is seeking $1 million in compensation from the popular streamer, also known as Darren Jason Watkins Jr.

Rizzbot's video shows him strolling and interacting with people, wearing a cute cowboy hat. The robot has more than a million followers across social media. On the other hand, IShowSpeed has over 50 million followers and is known for making chaotic videos. 

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When Did The Incident Happen?

The incident occurred on September 16 when Rizzbot was invited to appear on IShowSpeed's livestream. According to eyewitnesses, the influencer became agitated and began punching and choking Rizzbot.

Watch the video here: 

Social Robotics is suing IShowSpeed, claiming he wrecked their “Rizzbot” during a wild Sept. 2025 stream. The Texas suit seeks $1M in damages as the drama shakes up the internet.

pic.twitter.com/syOtBnunXl

— No Jumper (@nojumper) December 10, 2025

"Speed absolutely knew that this was not an appropriate way to interact with a sophisticated robot and knew that such actions with inflict irreparable damage to Rizzbot," the petition read, according to the report. "These actions resulted in the total loss of the Rizzbot."

The petition further claimed that a "complete loss of functionality" was caused because of the way Speed handled the robot. "Significant damages" were also inflicted on its mouth, neck, mechanical and sensor-related components.

The robot is no longer able to walk properly and has suffered a significant decline in viewership, with a reported 70% drop in engagement.

"Additionally, the head cameras no longer function, the ports behind the neck, which connect to the robot's sensors that allow it to see and hear, are dead, and the robot is unstable and cannot walk straight any longer," the petition alleges.

The lawsuit, filed in November 2025, seeks compensation for damages exceeding $1 million, citing lost revenue, damaged reputation, and emotional distress. IShowSpeed's management team has not publicly commented on the allegations.

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"2029 Polls Under PM Modi's Leadership": D Fadnavis On "Marathi PM" Remark

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly asserted that the NDA will contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked about the possibility of his succeeding PM Modi at the country's top job, Fadnavis pushed back strongly against recent political speculation. There is "no need to think of anyone else," he said at the "Unstoppable Maharashtra" conclave organised by NDTV Marathi Manch.

"Prime Minister Modi is physically extremely fit; he works harder than a 40-year-old. He puts in more than 17 hours a day and never even yawns during meetings," Fadnavis said. "As long as he remains physically and mentally fit, there is no question of looking beyond him. He will be our leader in 2029 as well," he added.

Fadnavis's remarks come in sharp response to a provocative statement by Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. 

At a press conference last week, Chavan had commented on global political developments and referred to the turmoil in the United States over the past six months over the Epstein files. 

Chavan suggested that if the full details of those documents were to be revealed, their ripple effects could extend to Indian politics as well, and even create the possibility of a Marathi person becoming the Prime Minister.

Chavan's remark gained traction especially because Devendra Fadnavis is frequently mentioned in political circles as one of the potential successors to Prime Minister Modi. Fadnavis's counter, delivered from a prominent public platform, makes the BJP's stance unmistakably clear.

Earlier in the day, marking the first year of his third term in office, Fadnavis thanked the people of Maharashtra for the mandate given to the Mahayuti. "Over the past year, we have worked to put Maharashtra firmly on the path of development," he said during his visit to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
 

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India's 2027 Census To Be All Digital: Pros And Cons

India's Census 2027 will represent a landmark transition to a completely digital exercise.

The Census was postponed from 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that enumerators will collect data primarily through a mobile app installed on their own smartphones (both Android and iOS), and citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration via a dedicated web portal. The entire operation will be coordinated in real time through the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal.

Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said, "It has been decided to conduct Census 2027 through digital means. It is planned to collect data through mobile apps. Respondents may also self-enumerate through a web portal.

"The Census process is to be managed and monitored through a dedicated portal. In Census, information of every individual is collected at the place where they are found during the entire period of enumeration. Further, migration data is collected for each and every individual based on their place of birth and place of last residence. The Census also collects information on the duration of stay at the current residence and the reason for migration. The Questionnaire for Census is notified before conducting field work by the Central Government through the Official Gazette," he added.

This move places India alongside countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, and Kenya that have already adopted digital or hybrid censuses. Yet the scale - covering over 1.4 billion people in one of the world's most diverse and digitally uneven societies - makes it uniquely ambitious.

The Census will run in two phases: houselisting and house-mapping from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February-March 2027 (with special provisions for snow-bound regions).

Key new features include geo-tagging of every building, support for English, Hindi and more than 16 regional languages, detailed migration questions (birthplace, last residence, duration of stay, reasons for migration), and - for the first time since 1931 - the enumeration of caste for all communities, not just Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Advantages

Going fully digital directly tackles chronic problems that have plagued India's traditional paper-based censuses, especially the multi-year delays in processing and releasing data (the 2011 census took several years to finalise). Real-time data upload to cloud servers will allow provisional results in roughly ten days and final tabulated data within six to nine months - dramatically faster than the two or more years required in the past.

This speed will let the 2027 figures feed directly into critical decisions, such as the 2029 delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and more accurate allocation of funds and welfare schemes.

Built-in validation checks, pre-coded response options, mandatory geo-tagging, and the ability for households to self-enumerate (generating a unique verification ID) should substantially reduce transcription errors and undercounting, especially among migratory and rural populations.

Tracking migration patterns with greater precision will also improve urban planning and resource distribution.

On the cost side, using enumerators' own smartphones eliminates the need for massive government procurement of tablets (like were used in many African digital censuses). The budgeted Rs 14,618 crore, combined with the creation of approximately 24 million person-days of temporary employment, is expected to deliver long-term savings by skipping the expensive step of digitising millions of paper forms after collection.

The multilingual interface and hybrid fallback (paper forms in areas with proven connectivity problems) make the process more inclusive, while real-time dashboards, GPS integration, and AI-flagged inconsistencies could be genuine technological leaps.

Risks And Challenges

Despite the promise, the experience of other developing nations (Ghana 2021, Nigeria's troubled preparations, Kenya's mixed 2019 results) shows that digital censuses can stumble badly where internet penetration and digital literacy remain uneven. With roughly 65% of Indians online and large pockets - especially in the Northeast, Himalayan regions, and deep rural interiors - still offline or on slow 2G networks, there is a danger of undercounting the poorest and most marginalised citizens.

Digital literacy is another bottleneck. The enumerator workforce of over three million (mostly school teachers) will need intensive training, and elderly respondents, women in conservative households, or migrant workers may struggle with or resist app-based interaction. Past pilots in Africa repeatedly showed higher error rates and non-response when literacy and comfort with technology were low.

Cybersecurity and privacy concerns are non-trivial when sensitive new variables like caste and detailed migration history are collected on private devices and transmitted over mobile networks.

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Chinese Man Detained In J&K, Searched Article 370, CRPF Deployment On Phone

An unusual chatter on the Internet intercepted by the army alerted security agencies in the Kashmir valley, leading to the detention of a Chinese national who had entered Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir without permission, officials said on Sunday.

Hu Congtai, 29, arrived in Delhi on November 19 on a tourist visa, which permitted him to visit Buddhist religious places in Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, Sarnath, Gaya and Kushi Nagar.

However, leveraging his resemblance to locals, he boarded a flight to Leh on November 20 and did not register at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office counter located at the Leh airport.

During his stay, he toured the Zanskar region for three days and visited places of importance in the Himalayan town before landing in Srinagar on December 1, the officials said.

A search of his phone history showed that he was looking for the deployment of CRPF in the valley, the officials said, adding he was being questioned by various agencies.

According to the officials, he had arranged for an Indian SIM card from the open market.

While in Srinagar, where he stayed in an unregistered guest house, the Chinese national went to a Buddhist religious place at Harwan, a place where an encounter had left one Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist dead last year.

According to the officials and data extracted from his phone, he had also visited Awantipur ruins in South Kashmir, which is located near Victor Force headquarters of the army in South Kashmir.

During his stay, he had also visited different areas of Srinagar, including Shankracharya hills, Hazratbal, and Mughal Garden along the Dal Lake.

His phone history showed searches related to CRPF deployments and Article 370 of the Constitution which was abrogated in August 2019 to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.

Hu has completed his graduation in Physics from Boston University and has claimed that he likes to travel. His passport shows that he has visited various countries, including the US, New Zealand, Brazil and Fiji, and Hong Kong.

The officials said that he had violated the visa regulations and, at best, they could deport him back to his country. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Four Indian Delicacies Make It To The World's Top 10 Best Dishes List

Indian cuisine, with its vibrant mix of spices and soulful warmth, spells comfort with every bite. Whether it is the creamy bowl of dal that tastes like home or the fragrant plate of biryani that tantalises the senses, every dish feels like a small celebration of flavour. So, when popular food and travel guide TasteAtlas unveiled its annual list of the Top 100 Best Dishes in the World, it was no surprise that some major Indian delicacies made it to the prestigious lineup. Vori Vori from Paraguay bagged the first spot in the list and four of the most popular Indian dishes got recognition as well.

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Four Indian Foods In The Top 100 Best Dishes In The World: Watch The Full Post Below:

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Here Are The Indian Dishes That Made It To TasteAtlas' 100 Best Dishes in The World

1. Amritsari Kulcha (Rank 17)

Hailing from the northern state of Punjab, Amritsari kulcha is a soft and fluffy flatbread filled with the goodness of potatoes, onions, cottage cheese and an array of spices. It is typically garnished with red chili powder, cilantro and coriander seeds. This flaky–crispy bread, spread with ghee or butter, is a staple in Amritsar, charred and baked to perfection in large tandoor ovens. It pairs well with tangy chole or spicy gravies.

Rating: 4.4

2. Murgh Makhani/Butter Chicken (Rank 66)

Of course, the good old butter chicken makes the list. After all, how can anyone resist this mouth-watering combination of roasted meat cooked with rich spices to form a savoury gravy? Cream, fresh tomatoes and gooey butter turn the dish into a feast. Originating in Delhi during the 1950s, butter chicken is enjoyed with naan bread, topped with even more butter, coriander and green chilis.

Rating: 4.35

3. Hyderabadi Biryani (Rank 72)

Biryani lovers, rejoice – this fragrant rice dish is officially one of the best in the world. Hyderabadi Biryani, with its roots in South India, is an amalgamation of fine basmati rice and mutton or chicken with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of yoghurt, coupled with saffron and onions. It can be prepared either kachchi (raw) or pakki (cooked) in a special style known as ‘dum', believed to date back to ancient Persian cooking methods.

Rating: 4.35

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4. Shahi Paneer (Rank 85)

Last but not least, shahi paneer is another flavourful gravy dish that tastes best with Indian breads like naans, pooris, or rotis. The cheese curry, rooted in India's Mughal cuisine, is made with Indian cottage cheese, cashews, onions and a vibrant, spicy tomato-cream sauce, commonly sprinkled with coriander leaves. It can elevate any festivity with its aromatic and hearty presence.

Rating: 4.34

The dish that bagged the top spot in TasteAtlas's list is Vori Vori from Paraguay. This creamy soup is made with small balls of cornmeal and cheese cooked in a broth of chicken, veggies and herbs. 

Other top-ranked items include Pizza Napoletana, Tajarin al tartufo bianco d'Alba, Sate Kambing, Cag Kebabı, Kontosouvli, Arroz Tapado, Komplet Lepinja, Quesabirria and Pappardelle al cinghiale, to name a few.

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Mamata Banerjee Annoyed With MLA Over Babri Mosque Proposal: Sources

Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is hugely annoyed with party MLA Humayun Kabir's proposal to build a Babri masjid replica in Murshidabad, sources have said. She and her party will not associate with the masjid move and this message has been communicated to the MLA, sources said.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Bengal minister Bratya Basu said: "The issue regarding MLA Humayun Kabir is being taken care of by the party leadership. The MLA is constantly switching his opinions. Tomorrow we are expecting him to attend the Chief Minister's programme in Baharampore".  

Banerjee will hold a rally at the India-Bangladesh border district Murshidabad on Thursday to protest against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. 

Sources said the party has invited Humayun Kabir, who represents the Bharatpur constituency and he is expected to join the rally. 

But on its eve, the MLA underscored his plan to lay the foundation stone of the Babri Masjid replica in Murshidabad's Beldanga on December 6.

Sources said Bengal Governor Ananda Bose has questioned the state government that if Humayun Kabir's statements are creating a law-and-order problem, why he is not being arrested.

"The reports I have received from the field, intelligence agencies, and local opinion leaders indicate that someone is deliberately trying to turn Murshidabad into a hub of scandal. This will not be allowed," he said.

Pointing out that it is not merely a matter of building a place of worship, the Governor said if communal sentiments are stirred, the state and its government "will not remain mute spectators". 

The administration is already on high alert in Murshidabad. 

During her visit to Murshidabad on Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee held several rounds of meetings with administrative heads and district leaders, sources have said. 

The MLA does not have the mandatory police permission to hold the December 6 event. But the administration is not taking any chances, given Humayun Kabir's silence on the venue of the programme. 

A district leader of Trinamool Congress said the MLA's "entire drama" is pressure tactics to bargain for an election ticket from Murshidabad's Rejinagar seat. Earlier too, Humayun Kabir has put pressure on the party to get the seat of his choice but the situation is difficult this time, he added. 

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Major Mohit Sharma's Brother Madhur Seeks Clarity From Dhurandhar Makers

Aditya Dhar's upcoming film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, is facing intense scrutiny after the parents of late Major Mohit Sharma approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on its release.

The family believes the film may have been inspired by the life and covert missions of the officer without their consent. Major Sharma, who was martyred in 2009 and posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra, remains a towering figure for generations of Army aspirants.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV's Shiv Aroor, Major Sharma's elder brother, Madhur Sharma, detailed why the family turned to the courts and how the situation has emotionally affected them.

Why The Family Went To Court

Madhur began by acknowledging the complexity behind their decision.

He said, "I think it's a pretty straightforward question of why we decided to go to the court, but it's not gonna be a straightforward answer, because things have been happening for the past three to four months."

He explained that when the film was announced, the family was excited. But soon, messages began pouring in.

Madhur said, "When a movie of this scale and plot gets announced and things start to happen, there's a lot of noise and buzz. We were also excited about the movie, and a few months back, we started to get a lot of messages from friends across the country, including friends from the forces, who were asking whether this was something based on Mohit's life."

Initially, the family had no reason to believe the film had anything to do with Major Sharma.

Madhur said, "We communicated with them that we had no clue and we didn't think it's based on Mohit's life, although a lot of information about what Mohit was awarded the Ashok Chakra for, what he's famous for, what he's idolised for across the country, is known. So we didn't have any reason to say yes or no. When the questions started to come in, we had no source of information to corroborate or refute them."

But the questions grew, and social media began to amplify the speculation.

He said, "As time progressed, these harmless questions from family and friends became social media posts watched and shared by millions. People on radio, podcasts, Instagram and YouTube started correlating the looks from the movie with the way Mohit conducted his operations, especially the covert operations he's famous for, and drawing parallels."

More comparisons began surfacing. Madhur added, "Very famous podcasts and some people who work in pillars of media came on YouTube and Facebook drawing exact comparisons, frame by frame, between what was shown in the trailer and what relates to Mohit's story. They claimed the story narrated by them was picked up by the movie and the producers."

With such widespread speculation, the family felt compelled to seek clarity. Madhur said, "We had no other way to get closure, because as family and parents of a son like Mohit, what you need to know is whether someone has taken the courage to carry the legacy forward. If so, it's a proud moment and we would give all our support. If it does not relate to what Mohit is known for and revered for, then we should have clarity. As parents, they should know whether this relates to their son or not."

Lingering Confusion After The Unfinished Film Iftikhar

Another layer of uncertainty came from the long-delayed film Iftikhar.

Madhur said, "If you look at earlier announcements, there was something around by the name of Iftikhar in 2021, which didn't manage to materialise. There was confusion about whether that would still happen or not, and whether this is it, or whether something else is going to happen. With a lot of hype, we wondered whether someone was still available to pick up that topic."

Aditya Dhar's Public Denial And Lack Of Direct Conversation

Shiv Aroor pointed out that Madhur's tweet prompted director Aditya Dhar to publicly deny any connection between Dhurandhar and Major Sharma's life.

But what happened after? Madhur responded, "None of the family members-my parents or myself-have been directly approached by the movie makers. I do consider the personal response that came from a production house official communication in the tweet, but apart from that, we haven't received any official communication or confirmation saying this is or isn't related to Mohit's life."

He added that by the time the clarification came, the legal process was already in motion.

He said, "Between my asking the question and him responding, there was a gap of about one and a half to two days, and we were working on both recourses in parallel. We wanted to make sure we weren't leaving these questions unanswered. The petition was already filed by the time the answer came."

The Court's Directions And What Comes Next

The Delhi High Court refused to halt the release but acknowledged the family's concerns. It directed the CBFC and filmmakers to engage with the family and Armed Forces experts before certification.

Madhur explained, "The legal recourse and the directions from the Honourable Court are being understood and carried forward by the legal team. From what I understand, there have been certain observations and questions the Court has asked. The CBFC has been asked to take steps to ensure questions raised in the petition, along with views from Armed Forces experts and the family, are answered."

He added, "They asked for the pre-screening and to make sure that questions raised are answered in conjunction with views from experts and the family. This upholds the confusion and the question we were asking-whether this is based on Mohit's life or not. This will happen once the producers, the parents and the experts sit together to have a look and get closure."

The Emotional Impact On The Family

When asked about how their parents were coping, Madhur opened up about the emotional weight of the situation.

He said, "A lot of parents who have had sons martyred and killed in action dream of seeing them in real life because they can't see them in real life. It's a legacy every sibling, son and daughter carries and would like to see happen."

Madhur added, "My parents have been living with this dream that at some point they will be able to see someone depicting Mohit on screen. I can't even express how they would feel when they see that. It would be a very emotional moment. I can't imagine the feeling and rush they will have."

The dream extends beyond the immediate family. He said, "It's a collective dream of everyone who has been touched somewhere by Mohit to see him once again, even if it's not real but reel, so that his legacy keeps going from generation to generation."

Madhur also reflected on the importance of preserving history and said, "As time progresses, the ancient history will become medieval history. The medieval history will become modern history. And modern history will talk about the people who upheld India's independence by laying down their lives. Our kids and generations must be taught what it really means. Movies and books make a lot of sense and purpose in carrying this legacy forward."

Major Mohit Sharma's valour, leadership and sacrifice continue to inspire thousands across the country. 

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar is all set to hit the big screens on December 5, 2025. 

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar Advance Booking: Ticket Prices Soar To Rs 2,000 For Ranveer Singh Film

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"Working Will Be Optional In Next 20 Years": Elon Musk's Big Prediction

Elon Musk has predicted that people "won't have to work at all" in the future. And, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics would bring about that change, said the tech billionaire, who has often spoken about his extreme seven-day 'sleep-wake-up-work-repeat' schedule.

"It may not be that far in the future. Maybe... I say in less than 20 years, working will be optional. Working at all will be optional. (It will be) Like a hobby, pretty much," Musk said on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath's "People by WTF" podcast.

"Obviously, people can play this back in 20 years and say, 'Look, Elon made this ridiculous prediction, and it's not true, but I think it will turn out to be true that in less than 20 years, maybe. Even as little as... 10 or 15 years. The advancements in AI and robotics will bring us to the point where working is optional in the same way that you can grow your own vegetables in your garden, or you could go to the store and buy vegetables," the 54-year-old said.

Musk -- whose xAI company has a chatbot called Grok -- is confident that "if AI and robotics continue to advance, working will be optional and people will have any goods and services that they want".

"It will be if you can think of it, you can have it type of thing," he said.

The head of Tesla and SpaceX said that in future, there will also come a point when AI and robotics will "run out of things to do to make humans happy".

"At a certain point, AI will actually saturate on anything humans can think of and then at that point, it becomes a situation where AI is doing things for AI and robotics because they have run out of things to do to make the humans happy, because there's a limit."

This is not the first time Musk has made such a prediction. At the US-Saudi Investment Forum on November 19, Musk said that AI and robots would eventually allow work to become optional for human beings, that money would become "irrelevant" and poverty would cease to exist.

"AI and humanoid robots will actually eliminate poverty," said Musk, adding that robots would "make everyone wealthy."

In his conversation with Kamath, he said that in the long term, money will disappear as a concept.

"Honestly, it's kind of strange, but in a future where anyone can have anything, I think you no longer need money as a database for labour allocation. If AI and robotics are big enough to satisfy all human needs, then the relevance of money declines dramatically.

He also said that in the future, humans will have "power generation as the de facto currency".

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How To Make Iffa Chicken: The Creamy Dubai Dish Taking Over The Internet

There is always a new food trend waiting to take over social media and this time, it is iffa chicken that has everyone talking. The dish has become a sensation for its creamy texture, comforting flavours, and surprisingly simple cooking method. Home cooks are recreating it across the country and sharing their versions online. The recipe was originally shared by the Instagram page @aathirasethumadhavan and quickly found its way into countless kitchens. Its growing popularity rests in how easy it is to prepare while still tasting indulgent. If you have been curious about this viral recipe, here is everything you need to know.
Also Read: Chicken vs Eggs: Which Is Better For Weight Loss And Overall Health?

What Is Iffa Chicken?

Iffa chicken is a trending Dubai-style dish featuring crispy, juicy chicken coated in a rich, creamy Arabic-inspired sauce. It's become wildly popular on social media for its bold flavors, a perfect blend of spices, butter, cream, mayonnaise (and sometimes cheese) that create a velvety, indulgent coating.

Can You Have Iffa Chicken On A Weight Loss Diet?

Yes, you can enjoy it in moderation if cooked mindfully. Using less oil, low-fat dairy and portion control can help keep it diet friendly.

What To Serve With Iffa Chicken?

The dish pairs well with lighter sides that balance its creamy notes. Millet rotis, red rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad work beautifully.

How To Make Viral Iffa Chicken At Home | Iffa Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate the chicken

Mix curd, ginger-garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric, coriander, pepper, garam masala, vinegar and salt in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Prepare the white sauce

Blend egg whites, cheese, skim milk, vinegar, garlic, salt, and sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Cook the chicken

Heat a non-stick pan and spray with oil. Cook chicken on medium-high for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Cover and cook for another few minutes until the masala thickens.

4. Add the white sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes.

5. Finish

Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve hot with millet rotis, red rice or sauteed vegetables.

Watch the full video below:

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A post shared by Aathira Sethumadhavan (@aathirasethumadhavan)

What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Iffa Chicken?

Processed cheese or mozzarella works well because they melt smoothly. Both offer a mild flavour that balances the spices without overpowering the dish.

Also Read: 10 Spicy South Indian Chicken Dishes That Will Warm You Up This Winter

Tips For Making Perfect Iffa Chicken At Home:

• Keep the marinade simple and allow enough resting time for flavour absorption.
• Do not rush the cooking, slow heat helps the masala thicken naturally.
• Add the white sauce only at the end to maintain its creamy texture.

So, will you try making iffa chicken at home? Share with us in the comments section below!

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Prayer Meet For Dharmendra To Be Held Tomorrow. Details Inside

A prayer meet for veteran actor Dharmendra will be held on November 27 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, from 5 pm to 7 pm, sources told NDTV. Fans, friends, and members of the film fraternity are expected to gather in large numbers to honour the legendary star.

According to an IANS report, singer Sonu Nigam is expected to perform some of Dharmendra's iconic songs at the ceremony.

On November 26, veteran actress Asha Parekh visited the Deol family residence to offer her condolences. The two stars shared a celebrated on-screen partnership, delivering memorable performances in classics such as Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), Shikar (1968), Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), and Samadhi (1972). 

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A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Throughout November 25, celebrities arrived at the late actor's home to express their support for the family. Hrithik Roshan and filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan were among those who visited in the evening. Earlier in the day, Ajay Devgn was seen entering the residence to pay his respects.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Filmmaker Farah Khan, Jackky Bhagnani, and Rakul Preet Singh were also seen arriving to offer condolences. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt visited the family later, joining the long list of stars mourning the loss. Saif Ali Khan, accompanied by Kunal Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor, also met the family.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Dharmendra, fondly known as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy spanning over six decades. He died on November 24 at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence.

ALSO READ: What Dharmendra Leaves Behind: 6 Children, Rs 335-Crore Empire And The Legacy He Built

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"Getting Used To Sitting At Home": Rohit Sharma Makes Stunning Remark

Rohit Sharma showed patience and panache, attributes that defined both his batting and persona for the longest time, after being named the brand ambassador of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. Many months into his retirement from T20I and Test format, the 38-year-old titan of Indian cricket on Tuesday said he is getting used to sitting at home and watching the action unfold on TV instead of being part of it. Rohit though continues to play the ODI format and it's rare for an active cricketer to be announced as brand ambassador of an ICC event, something that made him feel extremely honoured. "I was told by someone that while playing no one has been announced as an ambassador so it's a great privilege and honour for me," Rohit said here during the unveiling of the schedule for the upcoming showpiece that will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Rohit captained reigning champions India to glory at the previous T20 World Cup in 2024, and he is already hoping for an encore by the Suryakumar Yadav-led side in front of the home crowd.

"Hopefully we can create again the magic which we created last year with a different bunch of boys. It's a huge task to win an ICC event and in my 18 years I have been fortunate to win two recently. To finally come out and win those trophies feel good," Rohit said.

Moving away from the two formats has not been easy but Rohit is gradually learning to get used to this life by spending quality time with his family, training and attending social events.

"To sit on other side and watch, having played in each of these (T20) World Cups so far, will feel different. I am getting used to sitting at home and watching," Rohit said after being named the brand ambassador by ICC chairman Jay Shah.

Rohit has been prolific for India in T20Is, ending with 4231 runs at an average of 32.01 and a strike-rate of 140.89.

Lauds India women's team's WC triumph

Always known to back his teammates to the hilt, Rohit was full of praise for the Indian women's squad for its recent World Cup triumph, which was achieved after years of heartbreak.

With Indian women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also in attendance, Rohit said, "I know what they have gone through all these years. I can understand the feeling of setbacks year after year for not winning the trophy.

"I was there, that's the moment you live and work hard for and I am sure a lot of hard work has gone in before that World Cup started. I was just asking her after the England game, the coach (Amol Muzumdar), I know him well and understand him very well and I was asking her if he was calm and the answer was not surprising. He is very passionate.

"Even though I was not there, I could feel what happened after the England game. For them to lift the trophy, I was there to watch that, it was a great feeling not just for me but for the entire nation," Rohit said of the women's team's maiden world title.

Rohit retired from the shortest format following India's triumph in the Americas last year, which broke an 11-year drought of ICC trophies for the Indian team.

Speaking about the groupings in the upcoming T20 World Cup, he said, "Our Group has Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. You cannot go into any tournament thinking... you cannot take the foot off the pedal and have to be (on top of your game) from ball one.

"All these teams are quite competitive and every team comes very well prepared. I am quite amazed to see Italy also there," Rohit said.

"Hope to see many more teams from Europe, Africa and even South East Asia and eventually we will see that because the sport has taken a giant leap," he added.

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Rahul's Blunder Proves To Be Costly For India, Bumrah's Reaction Goes Viral

India missed a big opportunity in the South Africa vs India Test when KL Rahul dropped a straightforward catch of Aiden Markram that left the bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, frustrated. Markram was under clear pressure, struggling to settle against Jasprit Bumrah's tight and troubling spell. Bumrah was beating his outside edge repeatedly, and India were building real momentum. Then came the key moment: Markram got an edge, and the ball went straight to Rahul, but the ball slipped out, leaving India disappointed as a much-needed early wicket went missing at a crucial stage of the innings.

KL Rahul dropped the catch of A Markram 🫣#TeamIndia #IndvSA #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/yA8MzTtkWJ

— MEHRA (@DevMehra790) November 22, 2025

Bumrah's reaction showed exactly how important that chance was. The moment the ball slipped out of Rahul's hands, Bumrah stopped in disbelief before covering his face, clearly frustrated. He knew it was a simple catch and a wicket India desperately needed in helpful conditions. Usually calm, Bumrah looked visibly disappointed as he walked back, realising that the missed opportunity could shift the momentum towards South Africa.  

Earlier in the day, South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first in the second Test against India at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Team India is already 1-0 down in the series. With this series being of just two matches, it is important that they win this match to avoid another series loss in back-to-back years. Currently, India is on a four-match losing streak at home in Tests against South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) at home, having endured a first-ever humiliating whitewash by New Zealand just last year. This is also the first Test being held in Guwahati, making it a historic moment in Indian cricket.

India's stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, captaining in place of regular skipper Shubman Gill, who is currently recovering from a neck injury, said, "A proud moment, I am thankful to the BCCI for giving me this opportunity. You want to grab it with both hands. The environment is like, focus on yourself. Look at the area where we can improve as a team, and just come together and fight each and every moment. We feel the wicket is good for batting. But at the same time, bowling first is not a bad option either. Shubman is getting well slowly, slowly. He was very eager to play the match. But at the same time, his body didn't allow it. He is going to come back stronger. Two changes. Nitish Reddy (in place of Gill) and Sai Sudharsan (in place of Axar Patel) come in."

(With ANI inputs)

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How Ukraine Intelligence Used AI Lover, Beer To Nearly Kill Russian Official

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has uncovered a plot to poison a high-ranking Russian officer of the Ministry of Defence in an attack disguised as a gift from an online love interest.

According to the FSB, the officer narrowly avoided consuming beer that investigators say had been doctored with a British-made version of nerve agent VX, a substance capable of killing within 20 minutes. The bottles were intercepted before the officer could drink them, and a resident of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) was taken into custody.

The officer told Russian media that the chain of events began months earlier, when he met a woman named Polina on an online application. Their exchanges soon shifted to Telegram, where she regularly sent photos and videos of herself.

"She sent me photos and videos from the gym several times, all roughly the same. After a few months of our communication, she said she wanted to give me a gift, which she would deliver through a friend," he told Russian media.

The "friend" was the man now under arrest. FSB officials say he had been instructed by Ukraine's military intelligence service, the GUR, and had been promised $5,000 for delivering two packages of British beer.

Polina, investigators say, was never a real person at all but a manufactured profile created by the GUR through artificial intelligence to lure the officer into the trap.

"Based on the results of the tests on the confiscated bottles, it was established that the beer contained a mixture of highly toxic poisons, colchicine and tert-butyl bicyclophosphate (an analogue of the military-grade nerve agent VX, banned by the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention), produced in Britain, which, when consumed, causes an agonising death within 20 minutes," the FSB noted.

The "friend" contacted the officer, arranged a meeting point, and handed over the package. Within moments, FSB personnel intervened and detained him.

"I was ordered to carefully place the package on the ground. After which they explained to me that the bag contained beer, which contained a military-grade poison intended to eliminate me, and that Polina's account was used by Ukrainian intelligence officers," he said.
 

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NRI Ready To Retire In South India But Worried About Language Issues

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) on an H1B visa in the US, with savings of approximately $800,000 (Rs 6 crore), said he was considering returning to India due to "immigration uncertainties" and the stress of the process. The Delhi native sought the internet's help regarding where to settle in India, questioning if he should be concerned about potential language issues if he moves to the southern part of the country.

"At present, our net worth in the US is around $800,000, which is roughly equivalent to Rs 6 crore. Assuming I buy a decent deluxe home of Rs 3 crore, I think the remaining will give me enough dividends/interest cash flow for our expenses," the user wrote in the r/returnToIndia subreddit.

"Although we are originally from Delhi, we are exploring the idea of settling in a smaller southern city or town for retirement, somewhere with greenery, pleasant weather, and a slower pace of life."

The man said places like Ooty, Coimbatore, Kochi and other nature-rich towns appealed to him and his spouse as they offer the kind of environment where gardening and outdoor living can really thrive.

"One concern I do have is about the recent narrative around Hindi vs. southern languages. I want to understand how welcoming southern cities truly are toward people from the North," he questioned.

Check The Viral Post Here:

Retiring in india with 6cr
byu/Comprehensive_Use34 inreturnToIndia

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'I Think You Should...'

As the post gained traction, social media users provided mixed responses, with a section claiming that there was no significant language issue on the ground, while others pointed out that he was better off conversing in English or learning the local language.

"Languages matter, don't take this lightly," said one user, while another added, "Learn the local language and I think you should be ok. Initially, if you don't know the local language, switch to English as much as possible."

A third commented: "The anti-Hindi stuff is all only created by politicians and media. A few stupid people might be influenced by it, but you're unlikely to ever encounter them."

A fourth said: "Learn the local language and I think you should be ok. Initially, if you don't know the local language switch to English as much as possible."

Recently, another NRI went viral after highlighting that those settled abroad were hesitant to return to the homeland due to the "horrendous traffic" in Indian cities.

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