Author Archives: TARIQ ABDULLAH

(Agencies)

BOKO (ASSAM), May 22: In a poignant ceremony that drew thousands, Garima Saikia Garg, wife of the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg, unveiled a 10-foot bronze statue of the ‘Son of God’ at Boko. The initiative, undertaken by the Bogai Cultural Organisation, was realised at a cost of nearly Rs 15 lakh, with the statue being sculpted by local artiste Pulak Rabha. The event turned deeply emotional as young boys and girls of Boko performed Mukuta Mukuta, the song from Zubeen’s final film Roi Roi Binale.

From Our Special CorrespondentGUWAHATI, May 22: A flyover named after Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, connecting Cycle Factory junction to Lal Ganesh Bazar here, was inaugurated by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday evening.

“This flyover will reduce the travel time from Pragjyotishpur Medical College to NH 27 drastically and decongest one of Guwahati’s densely populated areas,” the chief minister said. “Built at a cost of over Rs 376 crore, the 2.8 km-long, three-lane flyover was completed in just 26 months against a 30-month deadline. The project is equipped with a modern “BUG” structure, service roads, drainage systems, connecting roads and parking facilities,” Sarma said.

From Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, May 22: Assam has recorded a 15 per cent reduction in road accidents and nearly 30 per cent reduction in fatalities during the period from April 28 to May 21, 2026, as compared to the corresponding period last year.

In regard to enforcement activities undertaken between January and April 2026, more than 1.92 lakh motor vehicle offence cases were registered across the state, with compensation amounting to Rs 18.48 crore realised during the period.

The data was revealed during a state-level meeting on road safety, enforcement and accident prevention measures, chaired by Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota in the presence of Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, with virtual participation of all district commissioners, superintendents of police and officials of the concerned departments.

Kota directed all districts to treat reduction in road fatalities as a key governance priority by undertaking swift administrative action, intensifying enforcement in accident-prone corridors and preparing district-specific intervention plans based on accident data and local risk assessment.

Observing that the National Highways (NH) account for the largest share of accidents in the state, the chief secretary directed the districts to analyse accident-prone NH stretches, identify black spots and strengthen enforcement, engineering correction and emergency response systems.

Strict penal action was directed against unauthorised roadside parking, illegal truck halting and encroachment along highways and major roads.

Emphasising effective implementation of the PM RAHAT initiative, in line with the directions of the chief minister, the districts were instructed to strengthen trauma care response, public awareness and coordination for accident victims, while expanding first responder training programmes across all districts to reinforce the “golden hour” response mechanism.

The state transport department apprised the meeting regarding three major initiatives – the “Zero Fatality District” initiative, the “Chota COP” road safety awareness programme and expansion of automated driving testing tracks for improving transparency in driving licence issuance.

The department was directed to expedite formulation of a comprehensive regulatory framework for e-rickshaw operations in Assam.

Districts were also instructed to verify whether toll plazas were complying with the mandatory emergency and ambulance movement provisions.

Special emphasis was also laid on monsoon preparedness, with Nagaon and Golaghat directed to maintain heightened vigilance during the rainy season, while border districts were instructed to strengthen precautionary and enforcement measures.

Actor Kangana Ranaut has dismissed speculation that she secretly got married after a photo of her wearing a mangalsutra went viral online. Clarifying the rumours on her Instagram story, she said the image was taken during a film shoot where she was in character makeup and that people had misunderstood it. Ranaut added that actors often portray different roles, and there was no significance to the look beyond her work. She also firmly stated that she would not get married secretly, saying she would announce it if and when it happens. The actor has several upcoming projects, including Bharat Bhagya Vidhaata releasing on June 12, the sequel to Queen, and a psychological thriller with R Madhavan. Her recent film Emergency (2025) marked her directorial debut, in which she portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. (PTI)

By Pandit Ajai Bhambi

‘Birthday Forecast’

Moon square Sun on your solar return chart and it will give mixed results for the whole year. You will face some financial hardships. Your sky-rocketing expenses may put you in a financial crunch. You may take a loan too. Some of your business/work related commitments will also be postponed. You will also have a tiff with a friend, family member or colleague. Just buy your time. Better phase will come. ou will overcome all your problems intelligently. Guests will come and you will treat them quite lavishly. The combination of Jupiter and Moon and impact of Venus will brighten your personality impact, and you will earn quite handsomely as well. You will get exhilarating news from your progeny. Students will do well in exams/interviews. Your government related work will get done.

‘Forecast for Today’

Aries : (March 21 – April 20)It is a mixed day. You can look forward to an exciting time ahead. Your lover will be a source of happy moments. There will be strengthening of the love bond between both of you. You will harm yourself by getting angry and aggressive. The ups and downs of your work will be felt on your family also.

Taurus : (April 21 – May 21) You would like to base your relationship on a solid foundation because this stems the security and closeness you desire. The emotional stability you long for is coming your way. There will be improvement in health. You will make changes in your style of working and look towards some new things. Matters related to inheritance will be resolved.

Gemini : (May 22 – June 21) Some tough decisions are likely to confront you. You will have to devote a lot of time to your family, and this can interfere in the smooth sailing of your romance. You will be under some tension today practice meditation and yoga regularly to get rid of tension. You will get a big order today.

Cancer : (June 22 – July 22) You may need to pay more attention and also put in more effort to make your love life run smoothly. It will not be very easy, but you cannot afford to lose out on either. You will make changes in your style of working and look towards some new things. Matters related to media, art business and creative things will attract you.

Leo : (July 23 – August 23) It is time to get more involved in your relationship and show how much you care. Your little acts of display will go a long way in sustaining this romance. A decision taken in haste will prove to be wrong. A meeting with an inspirational person will open the doors of progress. You will make endeavors to achieve your objectives.

Virgo : (August 24 – September 22) You are likely to deal with new responsibilities all of a sudden. Quite a lot of work tension can appear, leaving you with a lot of time to deal with your personal life. You will face difficulty in discharging the loan that you took earlier. Your boss will be happy with you. Visitors will come on.

Libra : (September 23 – October 23) There are chances you can find yourself in an awkward situation and will need to find a way out. There are a couple of options available to you, so you keep your beloved happy. Your matters related to courts will be resolved with the help of some influential person. The work that you have been planning will get easily completed.

Scorpio : (October 24 – November 22) It is going to be a happy day. You could be in a mood to go out for a quiet outing with your love partner, using this opportunity to discuss personal plans which include marriage. The circle of your contacts will increase. There will be an increase in respect, fame and prestige. You will be able to deal a strong blow to your business competitors.

Sagittarius : (November 23 – December 21) Avoid getting into a sulk and start learning how to express your love better. The beautiful relationship you have with your mate could get damaged if you act in a harsh manner. There will be major worries regarding your child/children. You might get to learn some new skills. You will be hesitant to take any major decision. It will not work that way.

Capricorn : (December 22 – January 20)You are going to harness all your energy into making this romance a blissful and meaningful one. You can get to know someone special, and this could be turning point. You will make better progress in your job/business. Your peers and bosses will support you. Minor disputes will be resolved timely. You will be interested in reading some knowledge giving literature.

Aquarius : (January 21 – February 18) You will get a lot of cooperation from your mate so you can share some decision making, something you find difficult to do alone. Take help as it’s being offered. You will get some money by post or other means. You will reach the pinnacle with the help of your mental capacities and also make some plans regarding career and progress.

Pisces : (February 19 – March 20) You and your love partner will share a lot of activities and get to know one another better. It will be a fantastic experience, something you cherish for a long time. Your work that was stuck up will gather momentum. Some deficiency will be felt in professional capability. Appropriate opportunities for employment will be available.

AP. Zendaya has said that working on Spider-Man: Brand New Day with actor and partner Tom Holland felt like a dream and “coming home.”

Speaking in an interview with Elle, she described the experience as deeply personal, noting that she enjoys going to work every day with her “best friend” and partner, and that they often bring their dogs to set, making it feel like a family environment.

She added that both actors grew up watching the Spider-Man franchise, which made returning to it especially meaningful.

The upcoming film is Zendaya’s fourth appearance in the franchise, following Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on July 31.

Zendaya also spoke about working with Holland in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, where she plays Athena and he plays Telemachus.

She said they do not share scenes in the film, which allowed her to watch his performance from a distance and feel proud of his work.

The actor also declined to comment on her personal relationship with Holland, stating she prefers to keep such matters private amid public speculation.

Olivia Rodrigo has released her new track The Cure, calling it the emotional core and “thesis statement” of her upcoming album You Seem Pretty Sad For a Girl so in Love. She shared her excitement on Instagram, saying the song helped the entire album “click” into place and expressed gratitude to producer Dan Nigro and directors Bead Lizard and Cat Solen for their work on the track and its music video. Rodrigo described the song as deeply meaningful and celebrated its release with fans. The Grammy-winning artist began her career in acting before achieving global success in music with albums Sour and Guts. (IANS)

(IANS)

Bollywood singer Alisha Chinai has shared a nostalgic post featuring a rare photograph and a personal letter from former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, dated 1989.

She called it an “epic moment” from a “golden era” and said she would always treasure the heartfelt memory.

The photograph shows a young Alisha standing beside Rajiv Gandhi, who is seen in a white kurta-pyjama.

She also shared a letter written on official Prime Minister’s letterhead dated May 27, 1989, in which Rajiv Gandhi thanked her for sending him a compact disc of Hindi pop songs and said he enjoyed listening to it.

He also appreciated her involvement in a proposed youth programme and encouraged her efforts.

In her caption, Alisha described the interaction as deeply meaningful and expressed gratitude for the memory.

Chinai is among India’s most popular pop singers, known for hit songs such as Made in India, Kajra Re, and Oh La La, along with her successful album Made in India.

(ANI) Ricky Martin is safe after his concert in Montenegro was briefly disrupted when a fan sprayed tear gas toward the stage during the opening show of his European tour on May 21. According to his publicist, the incident forced an immediate evacuation of the stage as audience members were moved away and assisted by security and local authorities. Martin and his team initially left the stage on safety advice, but he later returned after officials confirmed the situation was under control and fans could safely re-enter the venue. He resumed the performance to honour his commitment to the audience. The publicist confirmed that the Ricky Martin Live tour will continue as scheduled. Martin and his team expressed gratitude for the support received. Fans praised the singer online for continuing the show despite the scare.

(IANS)

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has been away from the silver screen for quite some time, was seen jetting off to the ongoing edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

The actress was accompanied by her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan as the two twinned in black. The mother-daughter duo posed for the paparazzi before they walked to the departure section of the Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Aishwarya Rai is a regular at Cannes, and is known for her iconic looks at the red carpet of the film festival. Over the years, the actress has built a solid rapport at the fest, and draws huge re-action from the international media.

Earlier, the actress cel-ebrated 19 years of marital bliss with Abhishek by drop-ping perfect family pics on social media. The photo-graphs posted by Aishwarya showed her posing for some happy clicks with hubby Abhishek and their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

While in the first snap, the three of them are posing next to a lovely bouquet, the second had them sim-ply flaunting their beautiful smiles. The duo reportedly first met back in 1999 for the photo shoot of their first project together, ‘Dhaai Ak-shar Prem Ke’.

Their friendship slowly and steadily transformed into love. After being in a relationship for some time, Aishwarya and Abhishek finally tied the knot on April 20, 2007.

On 16 November 2011, the couple stepped into the next chapter of their lives as they welcomed their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

Prior to this, Aishwarya and Abhishek recently made headlines as they made a rare ap-pearance together at Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Ten-dulkar’s wedding on March 5.

While Aishwarya looked as beautiful as ever in a blue and silver anarkali suit, Abhishek opted for a black sherwani. The couple was seen smiling and posing for the cameras before en-tering the venue. Abhishek and Aishwarya attended the event with Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.