Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has advocated setting up a specialised commission to examine films based on historical and mythological subjects, expressing concerns that the existing film certification system may not be sufficient to oversee the portrayal of religious figures and culturally significant narratives on screen.
Khanna shared his views while criticising the cinematic representation of the epic in Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film 'Ramayana'. He questioned whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has the necessary authority and expertise to address concerns surrounding films that draw inspiration from religious and historical accounts. Khanna suggested that a separate panel comprising historians, religious scholars and subject experts should be established to examine scripts and creative decisions before filmmakers move ahead with such projects.
"I believe the Censor Board is not responsible enough to stop such films. A dedicated commission should be established. Anyone wishing to make a film based on historical or mythological subjects, whether it concerns the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, or even a figure like Lord Ganesha, must be required to have their project reviewed and approved by a committee of scholars," he said.
The actor also raised concerns about filmmakers exercising excessive creative freedom when portraying characters held sacred by millions of people. He maintained that religious sentiments should be treated with respect and that cinematic interpretations must avoid representations that could offend devotees. "If such a committee exists, there would be no need for me to speak out, as they would ensure that inappropriate scenes, such as depicting Goddess Sita engaged in a fight, are never included. Matters of religion and faith are at stake here; one cannot simply toy with someone's religion," Khanna added.
Commenting further on the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer, Khanna emphasised that the Ramayana carries immense religious and cultural significance and should not be treated like an ordinary fictional narrative that can be freely altered to suit filmmaking requirements. He also referred to remarks by a prominent Bollywood actor who reportedly described the project as something Indian cinema had not witnessed in the past 100 years. However, Khanna said commercial success and box-office collections should not be the primary benchmarks for judging a film based on such an important epic.
According to him, the real question is whether the filmmakers have remained faithful to the original narrative or introduced changes that distort its fundamental message. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana: Part 1' is the first chapter of a planned two-part adaptation of the ancient Indian epic. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Climate finance has emerged as a major issue at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell urging countries to fulfil their existing financial commitments and turn climate promises into tangible action. In an interview with ANI, Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), stressed that delivering on previously announced funding pledges is essential to translating climate strategies into investments and meaningful results, particularly for developing countries facing the growing consequences of climate change.
He also called for faster progress towards tripling adaptation finance by 2035, emphasising the need to ensure that vulnerable communities receive adequate financial support to deal with climate-related challenges. The issue of adaptation funding has become a significant point of discussion at COP31. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) had proposed including the target of tripling adaptation finance as a standalone agenda item at the conference. The proposal failed to achieve consensus among participating countries.
Responding to the development, Stiell said the agenda of each COP is determined collectively by participating nations under the guidance of the presidency hosting the annual climate summit. He nevertheless emphasised that fulfilling existing financial commitments remains crucial to achieving meaningful progress. Stiell also highlighted the importance of advancing the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, which aims to increase global climate finance to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
He called for greater efforts to expand adaptation funding and ensure that financial resources reach communities most vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather and other climate-related risks. Developing countries have consistently urged wealthy industrialised nations to honour their climate finance commitments and provide predictable, accessible funding. Under the proposed financial framework, developing nations are expected to receive USD 300 billion annually from developed countries by 2035, alongside an additional USD 1 trillion expected to be mobilised from other sources.
The funding is intended to help poorer nations deal with extreme weather events, strengthen climate resilience and transition towards low-carbon economies. India and several other developing countries have repeatedly stressed that developed nations must translate their financial promises into concrete assistance. At the opening of COP31, India reiterated its position that developed countries must fulfil their obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
The provision requires developed countries to provide financial resources to developing nations to support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Such assistance can be channelled through multilateral development banks, UN climate funds and private-sector investments mobilised for climate-related initiatives.
Apart from climate finance, Stiell highlighted the importance of accelerating electrification through renewable energy and stronger electricity networks. He acknowledged that rising fossil fuel import costs have triggered economic pressures across countries, contributing to inflation and exposing economies to the risks of continued dependence on conventional energy sources.
According to the UN climate chief, expanding electrification with renewable energy and improved electricity grids can help countries lower energy expenses, reduce pollution and improve public health. Stiell also welcomed India's efforts to strengthen its clean energy infrastructure, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement on the Green Energy Corridor and investments in battery storage. He described the initiative as an important development that could generate significant benefits for India's economy and its people.
He further referred to Modi's remarks on how investments in clean energy had helped protect India's economic growth despite the oil price shock, highlighting the economic advantages of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Explaining the key priorities of the UNFCCC at COP31, Stiell said the conference is focused on accelerating practical solutions that can improve people's everyday lives and help countries implement targets and commitments they have already announced.
He noted that formal negotiations and the Global Climate Action Agenda are working alongside each other to strengthen implementation across areas such as emissions reduction, climate adaptation, climate finance and just transitions. The Global Climate Action Agenda is bringing together governments, businesses, investors, cities and regional authorities to accelerate practical climate solutions. Its focus includes expanding electrification to reduce energy costs, minimising waste and cutting methane emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming.
Stiell pointed out that methane is a particularly powerful greenhouse gas, with a warming impact approximately 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. He also highlighted the considerable potential of existing technology, stating that solutions are already available to electrify up to 75 per cent of global energy demand. The priority now, he said, is to accelerate their deployment, expand access to electricity and ensure that more communities and countries benefit from the transition.
COP31 is being held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The Turkish presidency has also proposed a global 35-by-35 electrification pledge to encourage faster adoption of electricity-based energy solutions. As the climate negotiations continue, financing, adaptation and the implementation of existing commitments remain among the most pressing challenges. Stiell's remarks underline the need for countries to move beyond announcements and ensure that promised financial support translates into measurable climate action.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@simonstiell.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday strongly denounced the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar district, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of the personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties. In a message posted on X, Sinha paid tribute to the deceased officers, identified as Babi Chand and Rashpal Kumar, and extended his heartfelt condolences to their grieving families. He described the attack as cowardly and condemned the violence in strong terms.
Expressing his grief, the Lieutenant Governor said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the two brave Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He added that their courage, dedication and selfless commitment to the nation would always be remembered. Sinha also assured the bereaved families of solidarity and support during this difficult period.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also expressed anguish over the killing, condemning the incident as a cowardly act of violence. In a statement shared through the Chief Minister's Office on X, Abdullah offered condolences to the families of SPOs Rashpal Kumar and Babi Chand and prayed for their strength to cope with the irreparable loss.
According to reports, the bullet-riddled bodies of the two personnel were recovered on Thursday morning from the remote Dachhan area of Kishtwar. The deceased were identified as Babi Chand, aged 57, and Rashpal Kumar, aged 45. Both officers were attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police and were deployed at Kiyar village in the Dachhan belt. They had gone missing on Wednesday while travelling from their camp towards an Army post in Dharna-Marwah. Their deaths have triggered grief among the police fraternity and political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, with senior leaders paying tribute to the personnel and expressing solidarity with their families.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
India is strengthening its focus on eastern maritime security as growing geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific increase the importance of protecting vital shipping routes, expanding naval cooperation and building stronger defence partnerships with Southeast Asian countries. The eastern Indian Ocean, the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea are gaining prominence in India's strategic calculations as a significant share of its international trade passes through these busy maritime corridors. Any disruption in the region could affect commercial shipping, energy supplies and India's broader economic interests.
The shift reflects New Delhi's expanding maritime outlook, which increasingly recognises that security in the Indo-Pacific is closely linked to India's national and economic security. While the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean remain important because of India's energy requirements and trade with West Asia, the eastern maritime region is emerging as an equally significant area of strategic interest.
India has been working to strengthen its engagement with Southeast Asian countries through the Act East Policy, focusing on defence cooperation, maritime surveillance, regional connectivity and economic partnerships. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become an important partner in these efforts, with New Delhi supporting a regional security framework based on cooperation, international law and freedom of navigation.
The Strait of Malacca is particularly important to India's maritime interests because it connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and the wider Pacific region. It is one of the world's busiest shipping routes and serves as a major passage for energy shipments and commercial goods. India has therefore shown increasing interest in strengthening maritime cooperation with countries located around this strategic waterway.
External Affairs Ministry Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon recently highlighted the importance of coordinated maritime patrolling arrangements around the Strait of Malacca. He pointed out that although India does not have territorial jurisdiction over the waterway, cooperation among regional countries could help improve surveillance and address maritime security challenges. India's growing engagement with ASEAN also reflects its determination to play a more active role in shaping the Indo-Pacific security environment. New Delhi has been expanding defence relations with countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines through naval exercises, defence exchanges and maritime cooperation initiatives.
The relationship with the Philippines has gained particular significance amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea. India and the Philippines have strengthened their defence partnership in recent years, including through a $375-million agreement signed in 2022 for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems. The deal marked an important step in India's defence export ambitions and highlighted the growing strategic relationship between the two countries.
India has also been increasing its focus on maritime domain awareness, which involves monitoring vessel movements, identifying suspicious activities and sharing information with regional partners. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), based in Gurugram, plays an important role in facilitating information-sharing and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are another important element of India's eastern maritime strategy. Located close to the western entrance of the Strait of Malacca, the island chain provides India with a strategic advantage in monitoring maritime traffic and protecting its eastern approaches. The Andaman and Nicobar Command, established in 2001, is the country's first integrated theatre command and brings together personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
New Delhi has also been pursuing infrastructure development in the islands to improve connectivity and strengthen their strategic importance. The proposed Great Nicobar development project, which includes plans for a transshipment port and supporting infrastructure, is expected to improve India's maritime connectivity and commercial access to Southeast Asia. China's expanding naval presence and growing influence across the Indo-Pacific have added another dimension to India's eastern maritime priorities. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea and increasing military activity have raised concerns among several countries in the region. India has maintained that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, while supporting freedom of navigation and respect for the sovereignty of coastal nations.
The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, also provides an important platform for cooperation on maritime security and regional stability. At the same time, India continues to emphasise ASEAN centrality and the importance of ensuring that Southeast Asian countries remain at the centre of discussions concerning their region.
Beyond traditional military concerns, India is also looking to address challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human smuggling and threats to critical maritime infrastructure. Climate-related disasters and the vulnerability of coastal communities have further increased the need for regional coordination and emergency response capabilities.
India's growing focus on the eastern maritime region does not indicate a reduction in its attention towards the western Indian Ocean. Instead, it represents a broader approach aimed at protecting the country's interests across both sides of the Indian Ocean and strengthening its position in the Indo-Pacific. As trade links with Southeast Asia continue to expand and strategic competition intensifies, securing eastern maritime routes is becoming an increasingly important priority for New Delhi. Stronger naval capabilities, regional partnerships and effective information-sharing are expected to remain central to India's efforts to protect its maritime interests and maintain stability across the wider Indo-Pacific.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a one-on-one public debate, claiming that the Prime Minister's political career would be at risk if he accepted. In video clips shared by the Congress, Gandhi said he wanted an open exchange of allegations rather than prepared speeches. He claimed that evidence supporting his accusations was stored on his mobile phone and alleged that his phone had been tapped.
Explaining why he wanted a public debate, Gandhi said he was repeatedly prevented from raising issues in Parliament, including farm laws, alleged vote theft, electoral roll revision, China and other controversies. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between the BJP and Opposition over allegations of electoral irregularities and foreign influence. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also criticised the Congress leader, intensifying the political exchange.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Donald Trump continues to stand by prominent men facing mounting criticism and controversy. Among them are Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who reportedly faces questions over his position following allegations involving an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is also dealing with growing scrutiny. Trump has additionally drawn attention for jokingly offering powerful authoritarian leaders the opportunity to take over his role.
In a discussion with The New Yorker’s Susan Glasser, Jonathan Freedland examines Trump’s continued support for controversial figures and raises questions about his judgment when it comes to choosing and defending influential men.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
With midnight launches, blockbuster sales and billions of views on TikTok, romantasy has emerged as one of the publishing industry's biggest commercial success stories.
Yet, despite its enormous popularity, the genre—which blends fantasy with female-focused romantic and erotic themes—continues to face criticism and dismissal from mainstream literary circles.
Guardian Australia's lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, joins Taylah Strano to explore the worldwide rise of romantasy and the controversy surrounding the latest novel by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardain.
The United Nations climate summit is set to begin in Turkey on Monday, with Australia taking charge of negotiations for the first time. Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen faces the challenging task of building consensus among nearly 190 countries on stronger climate action, as global efforts remain off track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target.
In an interview with Guardian Australia's climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, Bowen addressed questions surrounding the Labor government's climate credibility, particularly given Australia's substantial fossil fuel export industry. He also outlined Australia's commitment to representing the concerns and priorities of its Pacific neighbours during COP31.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
We’re revisiting the Guardian’s long-read archives, bringing back standout stories from previous years, accompanied by fresh introductions from their original authors. This week’s pick, originally published in 2023: Just a year earlier, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck was among the country’s most popular public figures. But a tabloid-fuelled backlash changed the political mood, leaving him with the challenge of winning public support all over again.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardain.
