Jaipur: Barmer was the hottest place in Rajasthan on Sunday recording a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius, 6.8 degrees above normal, the Jaipur Meteorological Center said.

Parts of Rajasthan witnessed scorching heat today. Jaisalmer recorded a high of 45.0 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh 43.2 degrees, Jodhpur 43 degrees, Kota 42.4 degrees and Jalore 42 degrees.

Barmer saw a record breaking maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees in the first week of April. The highest temperature the city witnessed during this period was 45.2 degrees Celsius on April 3, 1998, a MeT department spokesperson said.

The heat wave prevailing in many parts of the state will intensify in the coming days, he said.

The temperature is likely to increase in the state by 3 to 4 degrees in the coming days. On Monday, the maximum temperature in some parts of southwestern Rajasthan is likely to settle around 44 to 45 degrees and 42 to 44 degrees in parts of eastern Rajasthan, he said.

BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: All doesn’t seem well within the opposition BJD headed by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik as senior leaders of the regional outfit voiced their objections following the party’s alleged change of stand over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which was passed in Parliament recently.

While former minister Bhupinder Singh on Sunday described the prevailing situation in the BJD akin to ‘Kalabaishakhi’ (Nor’wester), party’s deputy leader in the Assembly and former MP Prasanna Acharya suspected the hand of some “external force” behind the party’s alleged decision not to oppose the Waqf Bill.

The rift seems to be gradually widening with the BJD rank and file denouncing the change of party’s stand which has put its secular credentials at stake.

However, Acharya defended the party’s stand, saying there might have been a change in the decision regarding the Bill, but the BJD continues to uphold its secular credentials.

He further explained, “Ours is a secular party, maintaining equal distance from both the NDA and the UPA. As a regional party, BJD supports or opposes any issue based on the interests of Odisha.”

Bhupinder Singh, also a former Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, acknowledged the discontent within the party over the Waqf Bill issue.

“There is discontent within the party, and we must accept it. However, our leader, Naveen Patnaik, is capable of handling the situation. This is just a temporary phase,”” Singh said, adding that Patnaik has always promoted communal harmony without religious discrimination.

The controversy began after Sasmit Patra, BJD’s leader in the Rajya Sabha, posted a message stating that party members were free to vote on the Waqf Bill based on their conscience.

This statement contradicted the party’s earlier decision, where the parliamentary party had resolved to oppose the Bill.

Acharya admitted that there has been widespread discussion within the party about who changed BJD’s stance and whether an “external force” is influencing the decision.

“Who is the force working for and against the party? All leaders are united in their view that such decisions should be made within the party forum, like the Parliamentary Party. The party will face problems if decisions are made by external forces,” he said.

Acharya expressed confidence that Patra was not the person who altered the party’s stance on the Waqf Bill.

“Let Patra return from his foreign tour. He has no authority to make such decisions. He should be following directions from someone. Everything will be clear once he speaks out about who directed him to change the party’s decision,” Acharya added.

He said discussions are ongoing within the party to identify those who might be operating behind the scenes, influencing critical decisions without the leadership’s knowledge.

Meanwhile, veteran Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra, alleged that someone else is making decisions for the BJD while Patnaik is effectively in “house arrest.”

Mishra claimed, “He is being controlled from behind the scenes by his chief advisor. This is not the first time he has been put in such a position.”

He also alleged a possible “deal” between the BJP and the BJD, suggesting it could explain the party’s shift in stance on the Waqf Bill.

Adding to the controversy, BJP MP Balabhadra Majhi predicted the eventual collapse of the BJD, saying, “The party has no ideology or guiding principles and is being driven by inexperienced leadership. It will soon vanish from the state’s political landscape.”

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, Apr 6 (PTI): West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday hailed the Mamata Banerjee government for ensuring a peaceful Ram Navami in the state.

Bose said the previous experiences of “political mudslinging and violence” appeared distant during this year’s Ram Navami celebrations.

“In a first of sorts in recent memory and in several years, Ram Navami has passed off peacefully across the State of West Bengal. The concerted effort of all has paid off,” a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan said.

Bose said the state government and the political parties had joined hands to ensure that Ram Navami was celebrated in a joyful manner.

“Governor Bose thanked the people, above all, for responding to his appeal over the last few days to celebrate Shri Ram Navami with the dignity it deserves,” the statement said.

“The Chief Minister and the government made a comprehensive plan and deployed an adequate number of security forces. The mechanism put in place is on high alert. The administrative drive and competence were on full display as it was a great success for everyone to ensure that people celebrated the festival in an atmosphere of joy and peace,” it added.

Mumbai: A bus hit Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s luxury car in Mumbai’s Juhu suburb on Wednesday, an official said, adding nobody was injured in the accident.

A video showing the high-end car, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking’s ubiquitous red bus behind it, went viral on social media.

Sources said Aishwarya was not in the car, which was hit by the bus from behind.

The video shows the car, which apparently did not suffer any major damage due to the bump from the bus, speeding off a while later.

After the accident, a bouncer (a type of security guard) from a bungalow near megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s residence on Juhu Tara Road came out and slapped the bus driver, a BEST official said.

According to the official, the bus left the Juhu Depot and as its reached near Amitabh Bachchan’s residence, it hit the high-end car.

“The bus driver got down to see the damage suffered by the car. At this point, a bouncer from a nearby bungalow came out and slapped the driver,” he said.

After that, the driver called the police control room and a team arrived at the spot, according to the official of the civic undertaking.

“When the police arrived, supervisory staff from the bungalow apologized to the bus driver. The driver ended the matter at this point and steered the bus towards Santacruz suburban station. No complaint or FIR was registered,” the official added.

BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh

Kolkata: Unidentified miscreants hurled bombs and opened fire outside the residence of BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh in West Bengal’s Bhatpara, police said on Thursday.

A youth suffered injuries in the attack that took place late on Wednesday, they said.

Singh and his close associates reportedly chased the assailants, forcing them to flee the spot.

“The situation is now under control. Those involved will not be spared… legal action will be taken against the culprits,” Barrackpore Police Commissioner Ajay Thakur said.

Singh alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sunita Singh’s son, Namit Singh, was behind the attack.

“He opened fire in front of the police. There was indiscriminate firing and bombing,” the former MP claimed.

According to police sources, the violence erupted following a dispute between two groups of workers at Meghna Jute Mill in the area.

Meanwhile, TMC’s Jagaddal MLA Somnath Shyam accused Singh and his supporters of instigating violence.

“Arjun Singh and his men attacked workers in the Meghna Jute Mill and fired bullets. The youth was shot by Singh, and three to four more people were injured in his group’s attack. We demand Singh’s immediate arrest, or we will launch a larger protest,” he said.

Namit Singh reportedly arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the unrest.

Soon after, the situation escalated, leading to gunfire and bombing, police said.

Describing the sequence of events, Singh said, “Around 10:30 pm, I suddenly heard two rounds of gunshots. I was in Majdoor Bhavan with my close associates. I rushed outside and headed towards Meghna Mor. As soon as we reached the spot, miscreants opened fire at us.”

Singh claimed that at least five to seven rounds were fired.

Following the attack, he and his associates chased the assailants, during which one of them fell into a drain and suffered injuries.

A large police contingent, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, was deployed in the area to control the situation.

Several empty cartridges and live bombs have been recovered from the spot, officials said.

The injured youth was initially taken to Bhatpara State General Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a hospital in Kolkata, police said.

Patrolling has been intensified in Bhatpara to prevent any further escalation, the officials added.

Nasheman news

Fabian is a music teacher at St. Joseph’s European High School

In this EXCLUSIVE interview with Nasheman News a Bangalore -based; acclaimed musician and singer says “Music is for people of all religions and a perfect solution to de- stress in tough times (Excerpts from the interview)

Nasheman News At what age you fell in love with music?

Fabian: I really don’t know. But I had a feeling in my childhood that music can calm people.

Nasheman News : But you play so many instruments. Where did you learn?

Fabian: Well. let me say, if you have a passion for anything, you don’t need a school. God schedules everything. Everyone has a God- given talent. Music or anything else. We need to respect and nurture it.

Nasheman News : You are on many public shows in Bangalore. Does it make you proud?

Fabian: No. Pride is a downfall. I don’t consider myself great. God uses us in the way He wants. God called me to be Faithful not successful. I use my talents to give glory to God my Maker

Nasheman News: But there’s so much competition. How do you survive?

Fabian: God has given me my daily bread and a good family. I am grateful to the Jesuits who gave me a job and honoured my talents. I am not so worried about competition.

Nasheman News : Apart from being a music teacher, what are your plans?

Fabian: I take one day at a time being grateful for what God has blessed me with. I wish I could lead people in prayer and worship and address the painful concerns people go through everyday. I want to be an instrument of God

Nasheman News : You said you want to be an instrument of God. Are you trying to proclaim the Christian Faith?

Fabian: Sorry. You got me wrong. I have no qualms of religion and don’t denounce any religion. I believe that Love is Religion. If you love, you are religious.

New Delhi: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday said a delegation of the organisation “inspected” the Humayun Tomb here and that the exercise was aimed at “studying the historical context” of Delhi.

The VHP delegation’s visit to the tomb of second Mughal ruler Humayun came against the backdrop of protests by some Hindu outfits seeking removal of the Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra, alleging that the 17th century Mughal emperor had unleashed atrocities on Hindus.

In a statement, the Delhi VHP said that a delegation comprising its functionaries will also visit Safdarjung Tomb soon to “inspect” the site.

The VHP delegation, which visited the Humayun Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site, was led by the organisation’s Delhi unit secretary Surendra Gupta.

“Surendra Gupta clarified that no controversial meaning should be drawn from this inspection,” the Delhi VHP said in the statement.

The inspection of the site was carried with the aim of “studying the historical context” of Delhi prant (province),” it added.

“We are studying the historical context of Delhi prant. Our aim is to analyse the land allotted to the rulers of different periods and their contribution,” the statement quoted Gupta as saying after the visit.

“The study was being conducted to bring out historical facts,” Gupta added.

Mumbai: The Mumbai police on Monday registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a show, officials said.

The police also registered a case against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly vandalising the Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s show with “gaddar” (traitor) jibe at Shinde was filmed, as well as a hotel in whose premises the studio is located, they said.

A large number of Shiv Sena workers on Sunday night gathered outside Hotel Unicontinental, where the studio is located. They allegedly ransacked the studio and the hotel premises, the police said.

Notably, the Habitat Studio, where Kamra’s show was held, is the same venue where the controversial ‘India’s Got Latent’ show had been filmed.

After a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint.

Based on the complaint, the MIDC police here registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the early hours of Monday against Kamra under various Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) actions, including 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation), an official said.

In the nearly 2-minute video, Kamra also mocked the ruling NCP and Shiv Sena, the MIDC police station official said, adding an investigation was underway.

Another FIR was registered by the Khar police against 19 Shiv Sena functionaries, who have been named, including Rahul Kanal (Yuva Sena), Vibhag Pramukh Kunal Sarmarkar and Akshay Panvelkar, and 15 to 20 unidentified persons for allegedly vandalising the Habitat Studio as well as ransacking the hotel properties, an official said.

Panvelkar, Sarmarkar and other Shiv Sainiks entered the hotel and studio and damaged them, Khar police sub-inspector Vijay Saed, on whose complaint the FIR was lodged, alleged in his statement.

They were shouting slogans like “Shiv Sena Zindabad”. When the police intervened, they allegedly pushed the on-duty police personnel and also manhandled the hotel staffers. They were later brought to the police station for further probe, Saed said.

The case against the Shiv Sainiks was registered under various BNS sections, including for damaging private property and unlawful assembly, the official added.

The video of Kamra’s jibe at Shinde was also posted on X by rival Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut by saying “Kunal Ka Kamal”.

Kamra taunted Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from the film “Dil To Pagal Hai”, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Sunday warned Kamra that he would be chased by the party workers throughout the country. “You will be forced to flee India,” he said in a video message.

Calling Kamra a “contract comedian”, Mhaske said he should not have stepped on the “tail of a snake (apparently referring to Shinde)”.

“Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences,” he warned.

The MP from Thane also alleged that the comedian had accepted money from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and was targeting Shinde.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel said he would show “Kamra his level” and asked him to apologise.

Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray, however, slammed the vandalism at the show venue, calling it a “cowardly” act.

In a post on X late Sunday night, Thackeray said, “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on eknath mindhe, which was 100 per cent true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.”

“By the way, law and order in the state? Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister by Eknath Mindhe,” he said.