Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan became emotional while talking about his son, Varun Dhawan, at the trailer launch of their upcoming movie Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. He expressed pride in being recognised as Varun’s father and appreciated the actor for constantly supporting him during challenging moments.
Speaking to the media at Saturday’s event, David said Varun had always been a caring son who looked after his health and stayed by his side through every situation. Recalling his time in hospital, the director shared that Varun even stayed overnight with him, adding that any parent would feel fortunate to have a son like him. David also praised Varun’s growth as an actor, saying he has evolved into a performer capable of delivering exactly what audiences expect, while also remaining a devoted son.
The trailer of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai was unveiled at the event, showcasing a lively comedy-drama filled with romance, music, misunderstandings and family humour in David Dhawan’s trademark style. The film marks the fourth collaboration between the father-son duo and also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The story revolves around Varun’s character getting caught in a chaotic love triangle involving an ex-lover and a new romantic interest. One comic highlight teased in the trailer features an accidental pregnancy revelation involving the characters played by Pooja and Mrunal.
The film includes energetic songs and dance numbers, including a recreated version of the 1990s hit Chunari Chunari. Tracks like WOW, Tera Ho Jaun and Vyah Karwado Ji have already attracted attention online. David Dhawan described the project as a complete family entertainer packed with humour, music, confusion and emotion, while producer Ramesh Taurani said the team aimed to create a fun-filled film for audiences of all ages.
Produced by Tips Films and co-produced by Maximilian Films, the movie is set for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026. The film has also drawn attention because of an ongoing dispute raised by veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani regarding the alleged reuse and recreation of songs associated with his films without permission. Bhagnani called the matter an ethical issue rather than a financial one, saying emotional bonds had been hurt despite his close relationship with David Dhawan. However, he clarified that he does not oppose the film’s release and is open to resolving the matter through discussion or proper permissions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Ladakh is moving towards a major clean energy transformation with the country’s first commercial geothermal energy initiative. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a five-year extension of the MoU with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation for the development of India’s first geothermal power project in Puga Valley, located at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet.
The original tripartite agreement signed in February 2021 between the Ladakh Administration, LAHDC Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre had expired in February 2026. Due to severe weather conditions and difficult terrain, several parts of the project remained unfinished, prompting ONGC to seek an extension. Under the renewed agreement, ONGC will establish a 1 MWe pilot geothermal power plant in Puga Valley and prepare a Detailed Project Report for large-scale geothermal energy development in the region. The project marks a historic milestone, as India currently does not operate any large-scale commercial geothermal power plants.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat naturally generated beneath the Earth’s surface. In the next phase of the project, ONGC Energy Centre plans to deepen the existing geothermal well to 1,000 metres and drill an additional well during the upcoming work season. The pilot plant is expected to undergo testing and commissioning during FY 2026–27.
Further exploration and geothermal surveys will also be carried out in the Chumathang region of Ladakh as part of Phase II, alongside drilling operations and preparation of a commercial-scale development plan. Both Puga Valley and Chumathang lie within the Himalayan geothermal belt, an area known for high underground heat caused by tectonic activity. Test drilling in Puga Valley has already produced high-pressure steam and hot fluids with temperatures exceeding 200°C at depths of around 400 metres.
Officials believe the geothermal initiative, together with solar energy projects in Ladakh, will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, and strengthen the region’s position as a renewable energy hub. LG Saxena described the project as a landmark step in India’s clean energy mission and an important move toward making Ladakh carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable.
Despite harsh weather conditions and technical challenges, ONGC successfully drilled a 405-metre geothermal well in 2025 — the deepest geothermal well drilled in Ladakh so far. Scientific studies indicate underground temperatures above 240°C, considered suitable for geothermal power generation. The proposed pilot plant is expected to generate 1 MW of electricity using turbine inlet temperatures of around 200°C.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Although the Centre maintains a uniform excise duty structure across India, fuel prices continue to differ significantly between states due to varying VAT rates and additional local taxes imposed by state governments. Non-BJP and INDIA-bloc governed states generally levy higher VAT, road cesses, and other charges, resulting in steeper petrol and diesel prices for consumers.
While the Union government’s excise duty remains the same nationwide, the final retail fuel price largely depends on state taxation policies. BJP-ruled states typically maintain lower fuel prices because of relatively moderate VAT rates and fewer additional levies. In contrast, several opposition-ruled states impose heavier taxes, increasing the burden on consumers.
After recent revisions by oil marketing companies (OMCs), states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala continue to record some of the highest fuel prices in the country. Petrol prices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are close to ₹116 per litre due to elevated state taxes. Andhra Pradesh imposes a 31% VAT along with an extra ₹4 per litre charge and a road development cess, taking the effective tax burden to nearly 35%.
Similarly, petrol prices in Kerala have crossed ₹113 per litre in many cities because of high base VAT and an added social security cess introduced by the state government. On the other hand, BJP-governed states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana report some of the lowest petrol prices, generally ranging between ₹95 and ₹98 per litre. Delhi, Goa, and Assam also maintain relatively lower fuel costs due to lighter state taxes and minimal local cesses.
The major reason behind these regional price differences is state-level VAT policy rather than the Centre’s uniform excise duty system. The issue has gained attention following recent fuel price hikes by OMCs, triggered by rising global crude oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia. As a result, petrol prices increased by ₹4.74 per litre and diesel by ₹4.82 per litre.
To reduce the impact on consumers, the Union government lowered excise duties and reduced its own tax share. One of the largest interventions saw petrol excise duty reduced to ₹3 per litre and diesel excise duty brought down to zero. Another major reduction came on March 27, 2026, when excise duty on both petrol and diesel was cut by ₹10 per litre during the global energy crisis. However, several opposition-ruled states did not reduce their VAT rates following these central tax cuts. Since VAT is calculated as a percentage of the base fuel price, consumers in these states continue to face higher retail fuel prices, making the overall cost heavily dependent on the taxation decisions of individual state governments.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Marco Rubio arrived in New Delhi on Saturday after completing his visit to Kolkata earlier in the day. Accompanied by his wife Jeanette D. Rubio, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel, Rubio is scheduled to meet Narendra Modi and attend the dedication ceremony of the new US Embassy Support Annex Building.
During his Kolkata visit, Rubio paid tribute to Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity. Sharing his thoughts on X, he praised Mother Teresa’s enduring legacy of compassion and service, adding that he was honored to witness the continuing humanitarian work carried out by the organization.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor also posted updates from the delegation’s journey to Delhi, sharing a photo from the flight featuring Rubio, Jeanette D. Rubio, Robert Gabriel, and himself. He further confirmed that Robert Gabriel was part of the visiting delegation. Rubio’s Kolkata stop marked the first visit by a senior American diplomat to the city in 14 years and served as the opening leg of his four-day India tour from May 23 to 26. During the visit, he is expected to travel to cities including Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi.
The discussions between Indian and US officials are expected to focus on trade, advanced technology, energy security, defence cooperation, and collaboration under the QUAD framework. The visit comes ahead of the upcoming QUAD foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled in New Delhi on May 26 and highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the satirical group is facing a coordinated crackdown, claiming it has lost access to all its social media accounts after takedowns and hacking incidents. He also said his personal Instagram account was hacked. The claim comes shortly after CJP’s X account was withheld in India, after which a backup account was created. Dipke said the movement’s website was also taken down and that any future posts should not be considered official statements. The group, which recently campaigned against alleged education system failures and a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, said it continues to grow despite the alleged crackdown. Dipke linked the actions to their activism, while authorities have not issued a detailed response.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@abhijeet_dipke.
One method used to support wildlife conservation is to permit wealthy hunters to legally kill a small number of animals in exchange for very high fees. Supporters say the money helps protect habitats and fund conservation work. However, critics argue that this practice is ethically questionable and resembles neocolonial exploitation of African wildlife resources.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.
An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
