Priyanka Chopra had an emotional mother-daughter moment in Hyderabad when her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas was spotted enjoying one of the actor's most popular Bollywood songs, Tune Maari Entriyaan. Priyanka, who arrived in India on Sunday with husband Nick Jonas and Malti, shared a glimpse of the sweet moment on Instagram on Monday. In the picture, Malti could be seen sitting on a couch and watching television, but instead of cartoons or a children's show, she was watching her mother perform in the song from the 2014 film Gunday. Sharing the moment, Priyanka wrote, “Who would have thought,” along with an emotional face and red heart emoji. She also tagged Nick Jonas in the post. The family is currently in Hyderabad, and their arrival has also sparked speculation that Priyanka may be back in India for work related to SS Rajamouli's upcoming film Varanasi.

Priyanka also shared another family moment featuring Malti with her grandmother Madhu Chopra. In the picture, the grandmother-granddaughter duo could be seen walking together on a terrace and spending some quiet time. Fans quickly reacted to Priyanka's posts, with many finding Malti's reaction to her mother's Bollywood song adorable. Some said the little girl appeared completely absorbed in watching Priyanka on screen, while others asked the actor to share more of Malti's reactions to her old films and songs. Tune Maari Entriyaan remains one of Priyanka's best-known dance numbers. The track featured in Ali Abbas Zafar's Gunday, which also starred Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. Released in 2014, the action drama followed two childhood friends whose relationship is tested by rivalry and love. The song was sung by Bappi Lahiri, KK, Neeti Mohan and Vishal Dadlani, with music composed by Sohail Sen and lyrics written by Irshad Kamil. More than a decade later, seeing her daughter enjoying the same track appeared to make the moment particularly nostalgic for Priyanka.

Meanwhile, Priyanka's presence in Hyderabad has turned attention back to her upcoming Indian film Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli. The action-adventure project stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Priyanka and is currently under production. Priyanka is set to play a character named Mandakini, and her first-look poster showed her in a saree while taking on armed opponents. The film is especially significant for the actor as it marks her return to Indian cinema after a long break. According to the details announced so far, Varanasi is being mounted as a large-scale production and is scheduled for a theatrical release in April 2027. For now, however, it was Malti's simple reaction to Tune Maari Entriyaan that caught fans' attention. For Priyanka, watching her daughter connect with a song from an earlier phase of her career seemed to bring together two very different parts of her life — her years as a Bollywood star and her life today as a mother.

A student of Delhi Public School (DPS), Varanasi, Aryan said his dream of becoming a doctor was shaped much earlier than his board examinations. According to him, the decision was made while he was studying in Class 9, giving him a clear academic goal that guided his preparation over the following years.

Rather than relying on shortcuts or memorisation, Aryan focused on building strong conceptual understanding in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He believes mastering concepts made it easier to solve complex questions during the examination and reduced dependence on rote learning.

His preparation routine remained disciplined throughout the last two years. Aryan studied for nearly eight to ten hours daily, balancing coaching classes with self-study. He reportedly devoted additional time to revising previously completed topics and solving mock tests to improve both speed and accuracy.

Speaking about his strategy, Aryan said consistency mattered more than studying for extremely long hours on a few days. He maintained a structured timetable, revised regularly and analysed mistakes made during practice tests before moving on to new topics. Music also helped him remain focused during long study sessions, according to accounts of his preparation journey.

Family support played a significant role in his success. Reports said his parents encouraged him throughout the preparation phase and ensured he had an environment suitable for focused study. Aryan has acknowledged that emotional support at home helped him stay motivated during the demanding preparation period.

The NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted after an earlier paper was cancelled following the nationwide paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) later held the re-examination before announcing the final results. More than 11 lakh candidates qualified this year, with Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana jointly securing AIR 1.

Aryan's achievement has drawn attention across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Varanasi, where educational institutions and coaching centres have praised his performance. His success has also become a source of inspiration for students preparing for highly competitive medical entrance examinations.

Sharing advice for future aspirants, Aryan emphasised that students should avoid comparing themselves with others and instead focus on strengthening their own fundamentals. He suggested revising consistently, solving previous years' question papers and maintaining confidence throughout the preparation journey.

With AIR 7, Aryan is now expected to secure admission to one of India's premier government medical colleges during the upcoming counselling process. His achievement highlights how long-term planning, conceptual clarity and disciplined preparation continue to be key factors in succeeding in one of the country's most competitive entrance examinations.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a six-lane Greenfield Elevated Corridor along the Ganga River in Varanasi, a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing urban congestion, improving regional connectivity and strengthening multimodal transport links in one of India's busiest pilgrimage and cultural cities.

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be developed under the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] programme using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The total capital investment for the project has been pegged at ₹14,447.64 crore.

The proposed 46.039-kilometre corridor will connect National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road, providing a high-speed, access-controlled route along the Ganga riverfront. The project will feature a six-lane elevated main carriageway, ramps, loops, service roads, a landmark cable-stayed bridge, and an extradosed foot-over bridge equipped with travelators.

Designed to Cut Travel Time

According to the government, the corridor has been designed for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, significantly reducing travel time across the city.

The average travel duration on the affected stretch is expected to decline from nearly 60 minutes to around 20 minutes, representing a reduction of about 67 percent. Travel between NH-19 and Kashi Railway Station is also expected to become considerably faster, with journey time falling from nearly 50 minutes to 25 minutes.

Officials said the project will help divert through traffic away from congested urban roads, improving daily commuting conditions while reducing vehicle operating costs, fuel consumption and emissions.

Boost to Pilgrimage and Tourism

Varanasi attracts more than 15 million tourists and pilgrims annually, making efficient transport infrastructure increasingly important for the city's economy and visitor experience.

The elevated corridor will improve access to several prominent religious, educational and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and the historic ghats along the Ganga.

The project also includes an elevated spur between BHU/Lanka and Samne Ghat, intended to ease congestion at the busy Lanka intersection, one of the city's major traffic bottlenecks.

Strengthening Multimodal Connectivity

The government said the corridor aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, enhancing seamless connectivity between highways, railway stations, airports and inland waterways.

The project will provide improved access to major transport hubs including Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Banaras Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, and the Ramnagar Inland Waterways Port.

It will also strengthen connectivity to the Chandauli Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an aspirational district, and multiple logistics centres, supporting freight movement and regional economic development across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Advanced Engineering Features

The corridor incorporates several high-end engineering components intended to improve both functionality and urban aesthetics.

Among its key features is a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga River and a 1.32-kilometre foot-over bridge-cum-major bridge fitted with travelators to facilitate pedestrian access towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area.

The project also includes a rail overbridge over the existing and proposed Malviya Bridge alignment, emergency parking facilities, sound barriers, architectural lighting, and design elements inspired by Varanasi's cultural heritage.

The government said these features are expected to transform the city's skyline while improving transport efficiency and reinforcing Varanasi's position as a major religious and cultural destination.

Supporting Long-Term Urban Growth

Officials believe the project will play a significant role in easing traffic congestion, improving road safety and facilitating smoother passenger and freight movement. By integrating multiple transport modes and supporting tourism, pilgrimage and commerce, the corridor is expected to contribute to sustainable urban development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The approval marks another major investment in Varanasi's transport infrastructure as the city continues to witness rapid expansion in road, rail and public infrastructure projects under the government's broader connectivity agenda.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 43.218-km elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at an estimated cost of ₹10,998.32 crore, aiming to significantly reduce urban congestion and improve connectivity across the city.

The project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Designed as a predominantly 6/4-lane access-controlled elevated corridor, the project will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a network of elevated carriageways, flyovers, ramps, loops and service roads. The total project cost includes ₹4,565.33 crore for civil construction and ₹934.91 crore for land acquisition.

Major Decongestion Project

The proposed corridor forms a key component of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan and is expected to improve connectivity between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station, while easing traffic movement within the city.

The project will also provide faster access to major transport hubs and public landmarks, including Varanasi Ring Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Ramnagar Inland Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the city's iconic Ghats, and the neighbouring Chandauli region.

Travel Time to Be Halved

Engineered for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, the elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from nearly 40 minutes to around 20 minutes, cutting journey time by approximately 50 percent.

According to the government, the project will help decongest Varanasi's road network, improve road safety, lower vehicle operating costs and facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic.

Boost to Logistics and Regional Economy

The corridor is also expected to strengthen regional connectivity by improving access to the Chandauli Socio-Economic Zone, one major social node and six key logistics hubs, supporting the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan through enhanced multimodal integration.

The improved transport network will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods, construction materials and mineral resources, leading to greater logistics efficiency and supporting long-term economic growth across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Modern Urban Transport Infrastructure

The government said the project will create a modern access-controlled urban transport corridor that enhances mobility, supports tourism, improves multimodal connectivity and contributes to better quality of life for residents and visitors in Varanasi.

Once completed, the elevated corridor is expected to play a crucial role in addressing increasing traffic demand while strengthening the city's position as a major religious, cultural and economic hub.

 The Ministry of Rural Development will organise a 'Panch Sammelan' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on July 16, bringing together nearly 500 Gram Panchayat heads from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand to deliberate on strengthening grassroots governance and implementing the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025.

The conference will be held at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre and will focus on enhancing the institutional capacity of Gram Panchayats while promoting participatory and evidence-based rural development planning.

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will attend the event.

Focus on Implementation of VB-G Ram Ji Act

The primary objective of the conference is to familiarise elected village representatives with the provisions and objectives of the VB-G Ram Ji Act, 2025 and strengthen institutional preparedness for its effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Discussions will also cover improving Gram Panchayat governance, enhancing transparency and accountability, promoting convergence among government schemes, and preparing evidence-based village development plans aligned with local needs.

Technical Sessions and Best Practices

The programme will begin with registration, a ceremonial lamp lighting, and a welcome session, followed by addresses by senior dignitaries.

Technical sessions will include presentations by officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and partner organisations. Joint Secretary Rohini R. Bhajibhakare will explain the key provisions of the Act and its implementation strategy.

The Uttar Pradesh government will present its experiences in rural governance, while GIZ will showcase initiatives on Gram Panchayat Development Plans. PRADAN will present models for strengthening rural livelihoods, and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) will conduct a special session on the role of Gram Panchayat leaders in implementing the legislation effectively.

Platform for Inter-State Learning

The conference will also provide an opportunity for Gram Panchayat heads from the four participating states to exchange experiences, innovative practices, implementation challenges and local success stories.

Officials said the interaction is expected to promote knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of best practices in rural governance across states.

Representatives from Four States

According to the Ministry, around 350 Gram Pradhans from Uttar Pradesh, 75 from Bihar, 50 from Jharkhand, and 25 from Uttarakhand are expected to participate in the conference.

The Ministry said the initiative aims to build stronger, more accountable and responsive Gram Panchayats while accelerating the implementation of rural development programmes in line with the vision of "Viksit Gram–Viksit Bharat."

The controversy began after a clip circulated online showing Bhagyashree visiting a well-known lassi outlet in Varanasi. In the video, she is seen tasting the beverage and appreciating it. However, another portion of the footage showed her leaving the kulhad nearly full and commenting about the high sugar and fat content, prompting some social media users to question what they described as a contradictory message.

As the clip gained traction, several users accused the actress of endorsing a product she was unwilling to consume herself. The criticism quickly spread across social media platforms, with many mocking what they viewed as selective promotion.

Responding to the backlash, Bhagyashree shared a detailed statement and a fresh video on her official Instagram account. The actress said the viral narrative was based on incomplete footage and did not accurately reflect what had happened during her visit.

According to Bhagyashree, the stop at the lassi shop came after an exhausting morning in Varanasi. She explained that she had been awake since 3 a.m. and had attended the Mangala Aarti before spending several hours walking along the ghats in intense heat.

The actress said the drink provided much-needed refreshment and energy after the long schedule. She also praised the preparation and the hospitality shown by the local vendors, adding that the experience was about more than just the taste of the beverage.

In her social media post, Bhagyashree questioned the claims being made about the incident and challenged critics who suggested she had rejected the drink because it was too sweet. She asked whether those making such allegations had actually witnessed the full interaction or heard her make the statements being attributed to her.

The actress argued that the controversy was being driven by selectively edited clips and incomplete information. She maintained that supporting local food businesses and small vendors should not be viewed negatively and said such visits are often intended to highlight regional culture and local entrepreneurship rather than generate personal gain.

Bhagyashree also expressed disappointment over what she described as attempts to create unnecessary negativity around a simple and positive experience. Referring to Varanasi's spiritual significance, she said the focus should remain on the city's cultural and traditional richness rather than on social media speculation.

The debate has once again highlighted how short video clips can generate widespread reactions without providing complete context. While some users continued to question the optics of the original video, others came out in support of the actress, arguing that a person can appreciate a food item while also being conscious of dietary preferences and health considerations.

Bhagyashree has built a significant social media following in recent years through content focused on wellness, nutrition, yoga and lifestyle. Her posts frequently discuss healthy eating habits and fitness routines, making the lassi-related discussion particularly noticeable among her followers.

The actress rose to national fame with the blockbuster film Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989 and later appeared in Hindi as well as regional-language films. Though she reduced her film appearances after marrying businessman Himalaya Dasani, she has remained active through television, digital projects and social media engagement.

For now, Bhagyashree appears determined to move past the controversy, insisting that the viral clip does not tell the full story behind her visit to the Varanasi lassi shop.

Akashdeep wedding in Varanasi set for June 24; Tilak, Mehendi and Haldi in village Baddi — primary keyword: Akashdeep wedding

Akashdeep wedding — lead
Indian pace bowler Akashdeep is set to marry Akshita from Manikpur village on June 24 in Varanasi, his team confirmed on Friday, as family and villagers began final preparations for a large, traditional ceremony in the bowler’s ancestral village of Baddi. According to the player’s team, the couple will take seven vows at a temple ceremony in the holy city, known to be a favourite of the cricketer.

Ceremony schedule
Tilak rituals will be held on June 21, followed by Mehendi on June 22 and Haldi on June 23, organisers said. The main wedding is scheduled for the morning of June 24, with guests expected to arrive in Varanasi over the next few days. Officials close to the family said invitations have been extended to a number of sports and political figures.

Invitation to minister
Akashdeep personally handed a wedding invitation to Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh earlier this week, a source in Patna confirmed. “He met the minister and invited her respectfully,” the source said. There is no official confirmation yet on whether the minister will attend, but local party aides said the invitation was warmly received.

Village preparations
Baddi, the cricketer’s ancestral village in Dehri-on-Sone district, has already taken on a festive look. Relatives and villagers have begun decorating homes and streets, while local vendors reported a jump in orders for traditional food and wedding supplies. “People are excited; it’s like a festival,” said a villager who declined to be named. Several dignitaries from the sports world and political circles are expected to travel to Varanasi, sources added.

Player’s journey
Akashdeep’s rise from a small Bihar village to the national set-up has been a notable story in recent years. Born to a family that farms locally, his father was a physical education teacher. The pacer lost his father at 16 and, within six months, also lost his brother — hardships that prompted him to move to Delhi with his sister to pursue cricket, family members recall.

Switch to Bengal
With the Bihar Cricket Association under a ban, Akashdeep moved to Bengal to continue his career. He initially played club cricket in Asansol and later broke into Bengal’s domestic teams after impressing coach Saurashish Lahiri at trials. He represented Bengal in age-group and senior competitions before earning IPL interest.

IPL and international career
Akashdeep has moved around in the Indian Premier League. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹1 crore in the 2026 auction but missed this year’s IPL matches due to injury and fitness issues, team sources said. Earlier, he was purchased by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8 crore and has also spent time with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has taken 103 wickets in 29 domestic and T20 fixtures cited in team records.

Notable Test performance
In July 2025 at Edgbaston, Akashdeep produced a rare all‑round show, taking 10 wickets and scoring 66 as a night watchman — becoming the first Indian and the 12th player globally to record 10 wickets and a fifty in the same Test. At the time he dedicated the performance to his sister Akhand Jyoti, who is battling stage-three cancer.

Public interest and logistics
The wedding’s location in Varanasi, a city Akashdeep frequently visits to offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, adds religious resonance and is expected to draw pilgrims and fans alongside invited guests. Local authorities in Varanasi are coordinating security and traffic arrangements for the high-profile event, an official in the municipal office said on condition of anonymity.

What’s next
Preparations will intensify over the weekend as guests travel to Varanasi and final rituals are completed in Baddi. Team and family spokespeople said the ceremony will follow traditional customs and is likely to be a private affair for close family, with selected public engagements afterwards.