What Happened?

The attack occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day at approximately 3:15 AM, at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Witnesses reported seeing a white Ford pickup truck driving at high speed into the crowd. The driver later exited the vehicle and reportedly fired a gun, adding to the chaos.

Law enforcement described the attack as deliberate. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated, “It was very intentional behavior. This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could. He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”

Who Was Shamsud-Din Jabbar?

Shamsud-Din Jabbar is a 42 year old man from Texas. He drove a rental truck into Louisiana and carried out the attack. Jabbar was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene.

The FBI has classified the incident as a terrorist act. They suspect Jabbar did not act alone and are actively searching for accomplices. Several items found during the investigation include: Four improvised explosive devices were discovered in the truck along with the weapons like a long gun was recovered. The truck displayed a black flag associated with the Islamic State group.

The FBI reported that Jabbar, a former real estate agent and military veteran, who had a history of financial disparity and personal challenges. Jabbar served in the US Army from 2007 to 2015, he was even deployed into Afghanistan, and continued in the Army Reserve until 2020, according to media reports.

Media reports also revealed that Jabbar’s personal life was not in good state. He was divorced in 2022, due to severe financial difficulties. His real estate business reportedly lost significant money, and he was burdened with debt. His brother described him as a caring person, but said that Jabbar’s actions were “not representative of Islam” and pointed to potential radicalisation.

Authorities are investigating Jabbar’s Airbnb rental for further threats or evidence. Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan from the FBI’s New Orleans field office confirmed that the discovery of explosive devices has escalated concerns over the potential for further attacks.

Both CBS News and CNN reported witness accounts of the gunfire during the attack. The deliberate nature of the act, coupled with the presence of explosives, highlights the severity of the incident, which has left the city and its residents in mourning.

The FBI and local authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the full extent of Jabbar’s plans and any affiliations he may have had with terrorist organizations. Further updates are expected in the coming days.

As per a report by the Pew Research Center, India is projected to surpass Indonesia and become the country with the highest Muslim population by 2050, with an estimated 311 million Muslims. In the same report, titled ‘The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050,’ Pakistan is expected to have the second-largest Muslim population, reaching 273 million. Indonesia, which had the largest Muslim population in 2010, is expected to drop to third place with 257 million Muslims by 2050.

The report also highlights that Hindus are expected to become the third-largest religious group globally. By 2050, India will have 310 million Muslims, accounting for 11% of the global Muslim population. Additionally, India is projected to maintain the largest Hindu population, which will grow to 1.03 billion. Currently, Indonesia holds the title for the country with the largest Muslim population.

A study by the Pew Research Center attributes the rising Muslim population primarily to the younger age and higher fertility rate. The average age of Muslims is 22 years, compared to 26 years for Hindus and 28 years for Christians. In India, Muslim women have an average of 3.2 children per woman, while Hindu women have 2.5 children, and Christian women have 2.3 children on average.

A documented legacy of wealth

Unlike many other rulers whose wealth remained largely undocumented, Mir Osman’s fortune was well-recorded in history. His financial empire earned him global recognition, including being featured on the cover of Time magazine on February 22, 1937, which declared him the richest man in the world. Astonishingly, even today, over USD 3 billion of his wealth is said to be lying untouched in an English bank account.

Simple living, high thinking

Despite his riches, the Nizam embraced an understated lifestyle. He dressed modestly and was known for his no-frills approach to life. His legendary frugality extended to hosting practices—guests at his palace were served just one biscuit and a cup of tea. Stories also recount his unusual housekeeping habits, such as having his bedroom cleaned only once a year.

His reign and wealth

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan began his reign in 1911 and continued as the ruler of Hyderabad until 1948. His immense fortune was estimated at USD 230 billion (RS. 17.47 lakh crore). The Nizam had his own currency, a private airline, a vast gold reserve worth £100 million, and jewelry valued at £400 million. His wealth was largely derived from the Golconda diamond mines, which were a primary source of his immense riches.

Despite his reputation for frugality, Mir Osman occasionally surprised people with his generosity. One such instance was gifting a necklace with 300 diamonds to Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding, showcasing his capacity for grand gestures.

Among the wealthiest in history

During his time, Mir Osman Ali Khan was regarded as one of the richest individuals in history. In the early 1940s, his wealth was valued at Rs. 1,700 crore, equivalent to approximately Rs. 29.58 lakh crore in 2023. His extravagant possessions included 50 Rolls-Royce cars, such as the iconic Silver Ghost Throne Car, and a collection of some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Kohinoor, Hope Diamond, Daria-i-Noor, Noor-ul-Ain, Princie Diamond, Regent Diamond, and Wittelsbach Diamond.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has not yet released specific details about the incident or the condition of those injured. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities are actively investigating.

#BREAKING: MASS SHOOTING IN NEW YORK CITY

At least 11 people have been shot in Queens, NY at Amazura Night Club

This is still an ACTIVE situation. pic.twitter.com/HFYY0Cb3qZ

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 2, 2025

15 Killed In Truck Attack

On the same day, a separate tragedy unfolded in New Orleans, where a pickup truck was driven into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, killing 15 people. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas and an Army veteran, had posted alarming videos on social media hours before the attack. In the posts, he expressed admiration for the Islamic State group and revealed intentions to kill.

FBI Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is treating the New Orleans attack as an act of terrorism. Officials believe Jabbar may not have acted alone and are investigating potential links to terrorist organizations.

Jabbar allegedly bypassed a police blockade before driving into the crowd. Law enforcement shot and killed him at the scene. The FBI continues to work on uncovering any connections Jabbar may have had to extremist groups.

The salary of soldiers in this country is Rs 10000000, never fight wars; their modern weapons will stun you

Vatican City’s army, the smallest in the world, is known as the Swiss Guard. The privileges granted to the soldiers of this army are truly unbelievable.

Vatican City is one of the world’s smallest countries, covering approximately 100 acres and housing fewer than a thousand residents. Despite its small size, millions of people visit it each year.

The army of this tiny country is remarkably small, consisting of fewer than 150 soldiers. These dedicated guards are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Pope. Furthermore, they pledge to risk their lives, even making the ultimate sacrifice, to ensure his protection.

The Swiss Guard is among the oldest military corps in the world. To join, candidates must meet specific criteria: they must be Swiss and Catholic. Only men are eligible for recruitment, and they must be unmarried. Applicants must also be between 19 and 30 years old and stand at least 5’8″ (174 cm) tall.

While the Swiss Guard, tasked with protecting Vatican City and the Pope, never engages in combat, its soldiers receive a handsome salary. According to the media reports, their monthly earnings range from €1,500 to €3,600, which is approximately Rs 4.5 lakh.

According to several media reports, Swiss Guard soldiers receive a 13-month salary, along with significant perks. These include free housing, tax-free shopping, school fees for their children, and 30 days of annual leave. With their benefits and salary combined, their total earnings can amount to approximately Rs 1 crore annually. Every year, recruits take an oath and sign a two-year contract to serve the Pope. While the halberd is the traditional weapon of the Swiss Guard, soldiers are also trained in using modern small firearms, including the recently introduced stun guns. Their uniforms stand out with bright, colorful patterns, and their caps feature feathers.

Yes, you read that right. These everyday staples, often found in kitchens worldwide, have been used in nuclear tests to absorb dangerous radiation. According to various media reports, during India’s historic nuclear test in Pokhran, potatoes and onions were buried in the ground at the testing site.

The reason behind this lies in their unique ability to absorb harmful radiation. When a nuclear bomb is tested, it releases a massive amount of radioactive energy. Potatoes and onions, with their dense composition and high moisture content, can help mitigate the environmental impact by absorbing some of the emitted radiation.

While they do not directly contribute to the creation of nuclear bombs, their role in ensuring safer testing conditions highlights their surprising utility in scientific experiments. So, the next time you see a potato or onion, remember their unexpected contribution to nuclear science!

China’s Fastest Train vs India’s Bullet Train

The CR450 outpaces China’s current CR400 Fuxing trains, boasting a top speed of 450 km/h and an operational speed of 400 km/h. In comparison, India’s Japanese bullet train will have a top speed of 320 km/h and an operational speed of 260 km/h.

CR450 Performance Highlights:

• Delhi to Patna (1,000 km): 2.5 hours
• Mumbai to Ahmedabad: 1.15 hours
• Delhi to Varanasi: 2 hours

India’s Japanese Bullet Train Performance:

• Mumbai to Ahmedabad: 2 hours
• Delhi to Varanasi: 3.5 hours

Luxury Beyond Aircraft: Features of the CR450

The CR450 redefines passenger comfort, surpassing aircraft standards with features like:

• Luxury Reclining Seats: Offering unparalleled comfort.
• Class Options: Economy and business class coaches.
• Private Compartments & Multi-Purpose Rooms: For personal or group use.
• Modern Pantry: High-end dining options.
• Safety & Security: Equipped with CCTV cameras and advanced safety features.
• State-of-the-Art Toilets: Hygiene meets innovation.
• Technical Advancements in the CR450
• Extensive Testing & Optimization:
• Line tests ensure reliability and safety.
• Continuous refinement of technical parameters for smooth commercial operations.

• Innovative Train Models:
• Two prototypes: CR450AF and CR450BF.
• Eight-car configurations, with a mix of powered and non-powered carriages.

• Traction & Stability:
• Advanced water-cooled permanent magnet traction systems.
• High-stability bogie systems for enhanced safety and reliability.

• Comprehensive Safety Systems:
• Multi-level emergency braking systems.
• Real-time monitoring with over 4,000 sensors tracking critical systems like fire detection and train control.
• Over-the-horizon recognition for improved emergency response.

• Aerodynamic Design:
• Streamlined, sharp-nosed front with aerodynamic windshields reduces air resistance.
• Lightweight materials improve efficiency and performance.
• Newly designed bogie enclosures further minimize drag at high speeds.

The Bigger Picture

While India’s upcoming bullet train project is a milestone for the country, China’s CR450 sets a global benchmark in speed, luxury, and technology. With its superior design and groundbreaking features, the CR450 demonstrates how high-speed rail can redefine travel by making it faster, safer, and more luxurious than ever.

No need of mobile tower for calling? Your smartphone will connect through space, ISRO’s ‘Baahubali’ to make history, launch expected in…

According to an NDTV report, India’s Science Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, revealed that “In February or March we will be launching a US satellite for mobile communication, this satellite will enable voice communication on mobile phones. It will be an interesting mission”.

The identity of the American satellite operator has not been confirmed by the minister or the Indian space agency ISRO, but experts confirm that it is AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based company, planning to launch its large communication satellite from Sriharikota. The US company has stated that users can make voice calls using any smartphone with their services. In contrast, most other satellite-based Internet and voice providers require subscribers to purchase special handsets or terminals, as Starlink does.

According to reports from American media, Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile, revealed in an investor call last year that the company plans to use the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to launch a single Block 2 Bluebird satellite.

Each Bluebird satellite will feature an antenna spanning 64 square meters, roughly half the size of a football field. Weighing nearly 6,000 kilograms, the satellite will be placed into low Earth orbit by India’s rocket. Earlier, Abel Avellan stated that the company “invented a technology that connects satellites directly to ordinary cell phones and provides broadband internet through the largest ever commercial phase array in low Earth orbit”.

An ISRO expert stated that this satellite will enable “direct-to-mobile communication,” and the company plans to place several large satellites into Earth’s orbit to support this groundbreaking technology. ISRO experts confirmed that AST SpaceMobile has enlisted the services of India’s “Baahubali” rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, to launch the Bluebird satellite.

This is a significant boost for ISRO, as even American companies are now placing their trust in India’s LVM-3, which has a perfect success record. Prior to this, LVM-3 had two dedicated commercial launches to deploy satellites for the OneWeb constellation, in which Bharti Enterprises holds a major stake. Bharti Enterprises also owns the Indian telecom service Airtel.

According to an NDTV report, ISRO experts have clarified that this is a fully commercial launch managed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Department of Space. India is only offering a launch service for the American satellite, with no further participation.

Meet woman, new neighbour of Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani, owner of Rs 1350000000 apartments; her husband is…

According to documents obtained by Zapkey, Vibha Shanghvi, wife of Dilip Shanghvi, the chairman and managing director of Sun Pharma, has acquired two apartments in Mumbai’s Worli area for a whopping Rs 130 crore.

The documents reveal that the two apartments are part of the Worli Sea Face project, Naman Xana, developed by the Naman Group. Vibha Shanghvi acquired the apartments, totaling 12,916 sq. ft. of RERA carpet area. One apartment, measuring 6,458 sq. ft. on the 21st floor, was purchased for Rs 65 crore, while the second, of the same size, was registered on the 29th floor for Rs 65 crore. Both transactions were finalized on December 26.

Both apartments, bought at a rate of Rs 1 lakh per sq. ft., were registered on November 27, 2024, and December 26, 2024, respectively. The documents also indicate that the purchase includes a total of eight car parking spaces.

This luxurious apartment in Worli, one of the most prestigious areas of the city, is highly sought after. From celebrities to business magnates, everyone is vying to invest in this property, which offers state-of-the-art amenities and unparalleled comfort.

Vibha Singhvi, the wife of Dilip Singhvi, owner of Sun Pharma, India’s leading pharmaceutical company, has purchased both these flats, each with the provision of four car parking spaces. This apartment gained attention when Nirav Parekh, owner of Britain’s professional football club Barnsley, acquired a flat here. Additionally, Pidilite Industries’ owner Nirav Parekh and his mother, Kalpana Parekh, have also invested in a flat in this apartment for a whopping Rs 170 crore.

Did you know that Mukesh Ambani’s daughter, Isha Ambani, resides in the upscale Worli area of Mumbai? Isha Ambani and her husband, Anand Piramal, live in their luxurious bungalow, ‘Gulita,’ located in South Mumbai’s Worli neighborhood. This magnificent property was gifted to Isha by her father, Mukesh Ambani, as a wedding present.

The decision to close inactive UPI IDs by NPCI is due to the fact that many users do not update the phone linked with their bank account and UPI ID after changing providers. and as per TRAI regulations, operators are free to issue any inactive number to another subscriber after a period of 90 days.

As such, it is possible that the new subscriber can use the number to activate and access the previous user’s bank accounts via UPI, because the number is still linked to that account. To prevent this, the NPCI has mandated UPI apps to close all UPI IDs which have been inactive for the past one year.

As per the NPCI circular, TPAPs and PSPs have been directed to identify UPI IDs, the corresponding UPI number, and the linked phone number of customers who have not made any financial or non-financial transactions through the UPI app for a span of 12 months .

The NCPI has ordered UPI providers to block inward credit transactions on these UPI IDs and UPI numbers and deregister them from UPI Mapper. To resume inward credit transactions, customers will have to re-register with their UPI app and link their UPI ID with their registered mobile number.

A TPAP (Third Party Application Provider) is a service provider that works with banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to facilitate UPI-based transactions. TPAPs provide UPI-compliant applications, such as mobile wallets, merchant apps, and other platforms that use UPI for payments.

Under Pakistani law, Muslim are forbidden to consume alcohol, but it is still available for sale and consumption to non-Muslims and foreigners, who need a special permission for the privilege. But did you know who dominates highly-regulated Pakistan’s liquor business?

Its the Bhandara family, a Parsi family who acquired the Murree Brewery– one of the oldest breweries in Asia– from the British in 1947 when India and Pakistan were freed from colonial yoke. Isphanyar Bhandara, a business tycoon and politician, now runs Murree Brewery, Pakistan’s largest liquor manufacturing company.

Under Isphanyar, Murree Brewery has thrived despite strict regulations for alcohol production and consumption prevalent in Pakistan. Bhandara says his company focusses on quality and uses only the best raw materials to make alcohol, apart from also making non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juices, which are exported across the world.

Murree Brewery is especially famous for its beer which is brewed using barley imported from Australia, apart from its single-malt Whiskey and vodka, which are also quite popular. “It is all about quality. We make sure too use only the best (raw materials),” says Bhandara.

The company also makes packaged drinking water.

Murree Beer was famous in India

Notably, once upon a time Murree Beer was sold in India, especially in Indian restaurants, but this enterprise came to a halt in 2004, However, in 2013, a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur opened a Murree Brewery franchise, for brewing, bottling and marketing of the beer in India.

The success of Murree Brewery under Isphanyar Bhandara is commendable due to the fact that Pakistan liquor business is strictly regulated and consumption of alcohol is a punishable crime for Muslim citizens. As such, the company has put up a disclaimer on its website, stating that under the country’s law, Muslims of Pakistan are prohibited from drinking alcohol, while non-Muslims and foreigners require permission.

Who is Isphanyar Bhandara?

Isphanyar Bhandara is a businessman and a politician and apart from running a very successful liquor business, he is also a member of the Pakistan National Assembly, while his father served as a Central minister under the Zia-ul-Haq regime in the 1980s and was an MP when Pakistan was ruled by Pervez Musharraf.

The Bhandara family is one of the most affluent in Pakistan, but Parsis, who played a major role in nation-building, especially in cities like Karachu, have waned over time. According to Ishphanyar, around 20,000-25,000 Parsis lived in Pakistan when the country was carved out of erstwhile British India in 1947, but the numbed has gradually declined over the decades, and currently there are less than 1,000 of them residing in the country.

According to Ishphanyar, most of Pakistan’s Parsi population are in the elderly age groups because a majority of Parsi families have migrated to other countries due to various reasons, including economic, socio-political and law and order.

Ishphanyar aunt, Bapsi Sidhwa, famous novelist, Bapsi Sidhwa, is one such example who migrated from Pakistan to the United States, where she passed away on December 25 last year. Bapsi’s acclaimed novel Ice Candy Man was made into a feature film called ‘Earth’ by Indian director Deepa Mehta in 1998.

‘India, Pakistan must work for common good, open borders for trade’

Like many Pakistani companies, Isphanyar Bhandara imports raw materials and machinery from India for his liquor business, but the imports happen via Dubai, which makes them more expensive. Bhandara has been lobbying to open the Wagah border in Punjab for trade, urging both countries to put their issues aside and work for the good of their citizens.

“We can disagree on Kashmir and other issues, and neither India nor Pakistan has to give up their position on these matters. But the respective governments should work for the welfare of common people,” he says, adding that more business will benefit the underprivileged, especially in Pakistan.

As reported by the well-known publication, the New York Times, this quaint vacation rental, Banyan, has commanded a rate of no less than $2,000 per night in previous instances. However, as is customary in many hospitality establishments, guests typically settle their rent at check-out, leaving some uncertainty as to the end cost that Elon Musk will actually pay for it.

Around the period of the elections, Elon Musk moved into the little house and observed the results at Mar-a-Lago, in company with Donald Trump. Not long before Christmas, he left the property and is speculated to return in the forthcoming days.

Elon Musk is ‘not taking the presidency’ – Trump

President-elect Donald Trump told supporters that his billionaire ally Elon Musk was ‘not taking the presidency’, as he said his opponents are trying to suggest.

The comments, which Trump made in front of conservative supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, come after Musk and Trump defeated an initial bipartisan deal this week to continue government funding, throwing the U.S. Congress into disarray.

Congress however passed spending legislation early on Saturday (December 21) in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilizing government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

The final version stripped out some provisions championed by Democrats, who accused Republicans of caving in to pressure from an unelected billionaire who has no experience in government. Trump has tasked Musk, the world’s richest person, with heading a budget-cutting task force but he will hold no official position in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)

Who is Pramod Mittal?

Pramod Mittal, once among the richest men in the United Kingdom (UK), is the brother of billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The 68-year-old, who once spent Rs 550 crore on his daughter’s wedding, was declared bankrupt in 2020 by London’s Insolvency and Company Court, with a loan of over 130 million pounds to his name.

Pramod Mittal had declared a loan of 2,549,089,370 pounds, which included his father’s debt of over 170 million pounds. In his bankruptcy filing, Mittal claimed that he had no person income and the only property to his name at the time was worth a mere 45 pounds in Delhi,

According to a report at the time, Pramod Mittal that his monthly personal expenses of around 2,000 to 3,000 pounds were being met by his wife, and he had borrowed money from his family– 1.1 million pounds from his wife Sangeeta, 2.4 million pounds from his son Divyesh and 1.1 million pounds from his brother-in-law Amit Lohiya– to pay back his creditors.

Mittal was offering his creditors to pay just 0.18 paise in exchange of every one pound of loan taken by him, the report had said.

How Pramod Mittal went bankrupt

Pramod Mittal’s downfall began with one critical decision when he became the guarantor for a loan taken by GIKIL — a metallurgical company based in Bosnia, of which he was the co-owner and head of the company’s supervisory board. In 2013, the company was unable to repay the $166 million loan, following which Pramod Mittal, was forced to clear the debt, which set him on the path to bankruptcy.

However, the worse was yet to come as Pramod Mittal, along with two other GIKIL officials, were arrested in Bosnia in 2019 on charges of fraud. A year later, in 2020, he was declared bankrupt in the UK and declared that he had zero income and relied on his wife and children to pay his daily expenses.

Additionally, Pramod Mittal also faces money laundering charges in India in an alleged Rs 2,200 crore fraud State Trading Corporation (STC). Mittal is accused of ‘criminal breach of trust’ as he failed to make payments as per the terms of the agreement with STC.

Spent Rs 550 crore on daughter’s wedding

It is surreal to think Pramod Mittal once spent a whopping Rs 550 crore on the wedding of his daughter Shrishti Mittal, who got married to Gulraj Behl, a Dutch-Indian investment banker, in Barcelona, Spain, in 2013.

Notably, Pramod Mittal had spent around 10 million pounds more than what his elder brother Lakshmi Mittal spent on his own daughter Vanisha Mittal’s wedding in 2004.

In 2004, two decades before the Anant-Radhika lavish wedding, the marriage of Vanisha Mittal — the daughter of India’s steel magnate, Lakshmi Mittal — with British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, was etched into the record books for being the most expensive wedding in the world at the time.

The Vanisha Mittal-Amit Bhatia wedding is said to have cost over Rs 240 crore with celebrations lasting for six days.

Businessman Bharat J Mehra who attended the bash shared the pictures on Instagram. The pictures featured Nita Ambani and her sons, Akash, Anant Ambani and Isha Ambani’s father-in-law Ajay Piramal. 

Nita Ambani wore a shimmering silver gown adorned with sequin embellishments. The floor-length dress was layered with a grey wrap, and she accessorized with diamond earrings and a matching ring. Her flawless makeup complemented her elegant look at the party.

Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani also attended the New Year party, both opting for black outfits. Akash wore a black shacket, while Anant chose a black leather jacket with a fitted silhouette and black pants.

Of late, Nita Ambani highlighted her connection with Jamnagar while terming it as a “happy place” during the Reliance family day event in Gujarat city. 

The pictures capture their affection during the New Year celebrations, surrounded by close friends and family.

However, there was a time when the British tried to sell this magnificent monument. In 1831, British officials attempted to auction off parts of the Taj Mahal, a move that shocked many. It was during the tenure of British Governor Lord William Bentinck that this attempt took place. As part of their plan, a section of the Taj Mahal was actually dismantled, and the marble was put up for sale.

Several reports claim that the marble from the destroyed part was auctioned, and an Indian businessman, Seth Laxmi Chand from Agra, placed the highest bid. He offered a sum of seven lakh rupees to buy the Taj Mahal, which, at that time, was considered a significant amount. However, Lord William Bentinck deemed the bid too low, leading him to cancel the auction and prevent the Taj Mahal from being sold.

This incident, though lesser-known, highlights the British attempt to commercialize one of India’s most iconic landmarks. The monument ultimately remained safe from being sold and continued to stand as a tribute to love and architectural brilliance, as it does today.

Dr. Amarnath Jha: A legacy of excellence

Born in the village of Sarsopahi in Madhubani, Bihar, Dr. Amarnath Jha was the son of Pandit Ganganath Jha, a towering figure in Maithili literature. Dr. Jha served as a professor of English and later as Vice-Chancellor of two of India’s premier universities—Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Allahabad University. For his contributions to education, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan. Although he had no children of his own, his extended family still resides in Madhubani.

Dr. Jha’s connection with the Bachchan family

Amitabh Bachchan frequently speaks about Dr. Jha during his public appearances, especially on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Whenever someone with the surname “Jha” appears on the show, Amitabh ensures to show them special respect, referring to them as “Jha Sahib,” a nod to his father’s mentor.

Desire to visit Madhubani

In an interview with Local 18, Dr. Jha’s family member, Pradeep Jha, shared that Amitabh Bachchan expressed a desire to visit Dr. Jha’s ancestral village a few years ago. However, due to his advanced age and logistical challenges such as security and crowd management, the visit has yet to happen.

Cherished memories and symbolic legacy

Dr. Jha’s influence extends beyond memories. Harivansh Rai Bachchan once received a blue sapphire ring from Dr. Jha, which Amitabh Bachchan continues to wear as a cherished keepsake of his father’s legacy. The family has also received books about Dr. Jha and his father, Pandit Ganganath Jha, which Amitabh read and praised. Notable works by Dr. Jha, including Literary Studies, have been sent to the Bachchan residence, where they are held in high regard.

Literary contributions

Dr. Amarnath Jha was not only an academician but also an accomplished writer. His works, including Literary Studies, were sent to the Bachchan residence, where they were received with great respect. Harivansh Rai Bachchan also fondly documented his experiences with Dr. Jha in his autobiography Neend Ka Nirman.

Through his stories and gestures, Amitabh Bachchan ensures that Dr. Amarnath Jha’s legacy remains alive, inspiring future generations.

For the festive gathering, Radhika chose a dazzling gold fringe gown by designer Rimzim Dadu. The gown, crafted from metallic cords, featured a sleeveless design and a deep neckline, creating a sleek and glamorous silhouette. Valued at approximately Rs. 3,50,000, the outfit stood out as a sophisticated addition to her wardrobe. To keep warm while maintaining her chic look, Radhika paired the gown with a stylish maroon sweater, which perfectly complemented the golden tones of her outfit.

 

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Her accessories were minimal yet elegant—a pair of diamond earrings, a couple of rings, and her signature style of wearing her mangalsutra as a bracelet, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. This creative approach to accessorizing showcased how traditional jewelry can be adapted to complement western wear effortlessly.

Radhika’s makeup was equally flawless, featuring a natural base, soft blush, shimmery eyes, long lashes, and nude lips, adding to her overall sophisticated appearance.

With her attention to detail and ability to merge traditional and contemporary styles, Radhika continues to inspire with her fashion-forward choices.

Reflecting on the immense influence her mother has had on her life, Dr. Mehreen wrote, “I am who I am today because of you. Every strength I have comes from you. There is no bond like ours in this world, and I treasure it more than words can express.”

She thanked her mother for the love, courage, and strength she has received, qualities that only a mother can impart. “You’ve given me so much more than life itself. You’ve given me love, strength, and a power that only a mother can give,” Dr. Mehreen shared.

Ending her tribute, she expressed a heartfelt wish: “I pray every day that I may become even half the woman you are. Thank you for being my guide, my protector, and the most beautiful soul. I love you so much, and I’m so grateful to call you my mother. You are my heart, my best friend, and my safe place.”

 

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Dr. Mehreen, who has a strong social media presence with over 457,000 followers on Instagram, is married to IAS officer Athar Amir Khan. Currently, he serves as the District Magistrate and District Development Commissioner of Kulgam.