Is Katy Perry's Tour Rider Outrageous or Justifiable?

Excessive Rider Requests Katy Perry's tour rider during her 2011 California Dreams tour spanned 45 pages and included specific demands such as a dressing room decked out in pink and cream items, properly sanitized fruits and vegetables, a presidential suite for overnight stays, an abundance of flowers in the dressing room (without carnations), and two bottles of Pinot Grigio in a glass doored fridge backstage.

Driver Requests Perry had a page-long list of requests for her driver, including instructions for the chauffeur to only speak when spoken to, not stare at her through the rearview mirror, avoid conversing with her guests or fans, and refrain from asking for autographs or pictures while driving.

Unusual Preferences In addition to her tour rider, Perry also revealed her preference for health drinks and apple cider vinegar in her dressing room, and her need for fresh flowers, luxury sofas, and 10 Mercedes people carriers for her staff during preparations for King Charles' Coronation extravaganza.

Is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Discriminatory Against Muslims?

Constitutional Challenge All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress parliamentarian Mohammad Jawed have filed petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the amendments to the Waqf Act. They argue that the changes amount to hostile discrimination against Muslims, diluting protections under Articles 25 and 26 for the Muslim community while retaining them for other religious groups, thereby infringing upon fundamental rights.

Controversial Amendments The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which introduces sweeping changes in the regulation and management of Islamic charitable endowments, has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. However, it is yet to receive Presidential assent and come into force. The amendments have sparked concerns over arbitrary restrictions, increased state interference in waqf administration, deletion of certain provisions, and disallowance of recognition of waqf property under specific conditions.

Violation of Fundamental Rights The petitioners have raised concerns about the selective treatment of Hindu and Sikh religious trusts compared to the increased state interference in waqf administration. They also argue that certain provisions of the amended law nullify waqf declarations over properties classified as protected monuments and bar members of Scheduled Tribes from dedicating waqf property, which they claim is unconstitutional.

New Waqf Bill Passed by Parliament, What Lies Ahead?

Implementation Process and Rule Making - The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been passed by Parliament and awaits the President's approval to become law.

Drafting of Rules and Public Consultation - The Union ministry of minority affairs will be responsible for drafting rules once the President gives assent to the Bill.

Next Steps and Amendment Process - Former Secretary General of Lok Sabha PDT Achary emphasized the importance of framing rules immediately after the bill is enacted and explained the process of putting rules in the public domain for consultation and potential amendments by members of both houses of Parliament.

Did George Clooney Lose His Cool Over MSNBC's Morning Joe?

George Clooney Allegedly Lashed Out at MSNBC Producer According to a new book, George Clooney had a "meltdown" after Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski linked his scathing New York Times op-ed to Barack Obama. Clooney allegedly shouted and hurled abuses at an MSNBC producer for hours, expressing frustration over being associated with Obama's influence on his op-ed.

Tension Over Op-Ed and Obama's Influence During the July 2024 Morning Joe episode, Brzezinski implied that Barack Obama had influence on Clooney's op-ed, triggering Clooney's outburst. The heated exchange between Clooney and the producer lasted for several hours, with Clooney expressing anger over feeling misrepresented and let down by a friend.

Emotional Exchange and Realization The intense phone calls between Clooney and the producer revealed the depth of Clooney's frustration, as he struggled to accept that the public's perception of his op-ed had been shaped by political influences. The emotional exchange highlighted the disparity between Hollywood drama and the reality of public discourse.

Is India's New Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 a Game Changer?

President Assents Immigration and Foreigners Bill, Making it Law - President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on April 4, 2025, making it a law. The bill deals with issues related to foreigners and immigration and has been notified through a gazette notification.

Stricter Punishments for Forged Passport or Visa Use - The new legislation imposes harsh penalties for using forged passports or visas, including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines of up to ₹10 lakh. It also mandates reporting of information about foreigners by various institutions to enable tracking of overstaying foreigners.

Central Government's Enhanced Control Over Places Frequented by Foreigners - The Act empowers the central government to exert control over places frequented by foreigners, allowing the closure of premises or refusal of admission to specified classes of foreigners. Additionally, it repeals four previous Acts relating to foreigners and immigration.

"Can India's Visit to Sri Lanka Transform the Nations' Relationship?"

Modi's Historic Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka marks a significant moment, as he becomes the first foreign leader hosted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake following his party's victory in last year's election.

Strengthening Cooperation The visit aims to solidify cooperation between India and Sri Lanka through the unveiling of measures in areas such as defense, energy, digitalization, and economic support, with a focus on finalizing agreements and outcomes including a proposed memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.

Economic Recovery and Development Projects As Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from its economic crisis, India continues to extend support through financial aid, debt restructuring, and development projects, including the inauguration of the Sampur solar energy project and railway projects.

Is Bimstec the Future of Regional Cooperation?

Enhanced Connectivity and Cooperation Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed enhanced trade, transport, and technology cooperation within the Bimstec framework. He advocated for connectivity between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and similar systems of other member states, as well as trade in local currencies in the region.

Strengthening Security and Disaster Management Modi highlighted the institutionalization of the Bimstec home ministers mechanism to combat cybercrimes, terrorism, and trafficking. He also proposed the establishment of a Bimstec center of excellence for disaster management in India, emphasizing the need for physical, digital, and energy connectivity for regional development.

Collective Prosperity and Solidarity The summit witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which aims to reduce shipping costs and improve supply chain efficiency. The leaders also expressed solidarity following a recent earthquake and adopted the Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030 for the region's collective prosperity.

Will India and Sri Lanka's Bilateral Ties Strengthen Further?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visit - Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo for a three-day visit to enhance bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Expected Outcomes of the Visit - Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and around 10 outcomes, including cooperation in defense, energy security, and digitalization are anticipated.

Context and Previous Engagements - The visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of economic recovery, with India having provided financial assistance worth USD 4.5 billion during a previous economic crisis.

Will Peace Talks in Manipur Bring an End to Ethnic Violence?

Meitei and Kuki Delegations Head to Delhi for Peace Talks - Delegations from the Meitei and Kuki communities have left for New Delhi to participate in peace talks convened by the Indian government to address the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.

Conditions and Efforts for Negotiations - The Kuki leadership had set three pre-conditions, including no cross-movement between Meitei and Kukis in certain areas, halting hostilities for six months, and initiating a structured dialogue process during the ceasefire period.

Uncertainty Surrounding Peace Talks - It is not immediately known whether the conditions set by the Kuki community were met, and there is hope that these peace talks will bring an end to the ethnic violence that has resulted in over 250 deaths and displacement of thousands since May 2023.

Is India's Startup Destiny in Jeopardy?

Piyush Goyal Accuses Congress of Misleading Startups - Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal accused the Congress of misinterpreting his message at the Startup Mahakumbh, claiming that the feedback he received from startups was generally positive, except for criticism from some Congress party social media handles.

Goyal's Remarks on Indian Startups and Entrepreneurship - Goyal expressed concerns about the direction of Indian startups, questioning whether they should settle for being delivery personnel or aim for more ambitious technological advancements such as robotics, machine learning, and semiconductor chips. He emphasized the need for courage and boldness in pursuing innovation.

Congress Criticizes Goyal's Statements - The Congress took aim at Goyal's remarks, alleging that he had exposed the struggles of India's startup ecosystem and contradicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about startups.

Who is the World's Richest Musician? The Answer May Surprise You

Herb Alpert A Jazz Legend with a Staggering Net Worth

Achievements and Legacy of Herb Alpert - With 72 million records sold worldwide, 28 albums (14 platinum), and hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Alpert's influence in the music industry is undeniable.

Comparisons with Other Music Icons - Surprisingly, Herb Alpert outsold The Beatles and the Rolling Stones in 1966 with his album "Whipped Cream & Other Delights," showcasing his remarkable impact in music history.

Hardik Pandya's Five-Wicket Haul Steals the Show in IPL 2025 Clash Against LSG

Hardik Pandya's Dominant Performance - Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya showcased his bowling prowess, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 match.

Record-Breaking Feat and Player Reactions - Pandya's exceptional display also marked him as the first captain in IPL history to achieve a five-wicket haul, positioning him behind Shane Warne for the most wickets taken as a captain.

Lucknow Super Giants' Batting and Final Score - Despite a strong start from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, Lucknow Super Giants posted 203/8 after opting to bat first, with Rishabh Pant facing another disappointing performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 edition.

Lady Gaga Fans Face Mayhem as World Tour Tickets Deadline Looms

Deadline for Presale Tickets Lady Gaga fans have until 1pm UK time on Sunday, March 30 to sign up for presale tickets for her 2025 Mayhem Ball Tour, with presale opening on Monday, March 31 at 12pm UK time via Co-op Live and Ticketmaster.

Where to Buy Tickets General sale for Lady Gaga's UK tour dates starts at 12pm on Thursday, April 3, available through Live Nation, AXS UK, and Ticketmaster. VIP and hospitality tickets will be available on Seat Unique simultaneously.

UK Tour Dates Lady Gaga's UK tour will commence on September 29 in London with three dates at The O2, followed by a performance at Co-op Live in Manchester on October 7. Additional UK and Ireland dates may be announced soon.

Earthquake Strikes Nepal, Raising Fears of Repeat Disaster

Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Hits Nepal - On April 4, 2025, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Nepal at 7:52pm local time, with light tremors felt in parts of Northern India.

No Immediate Reports of Damage - The earthquake occurred at a depth of 20km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), and there have been no immediate reports of damage.

Recent History of Devastating Quakes - This earthquake follows a recent 7.7 magnitude quake in Myanmar on March 28, which resulted in over 3,000 deaths and widespread destruction, raising concerns about the potential impact on Nepal and neighboring countries.

Will Haryana's Railway Projects Transform the State's Connectivity and Economy?

Commissioning of Key Railway Projects - The Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC) held its 31st Board meeting to review the status of priority railway infrastructure projects in the state.

Project Updates and Timelines - The critical interconnection of the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor with the Indian Railways network at Patli was completed on March 28, 2025.

Ongoing and Future Initiatives - Feasibility studies for the Eastern Orbital Rail Corridor and new rail lines are underway.

Is Manipur's New Zoveng Village the Epicenter of a Rabies Outbreak?

New Zoveng Village Declared Containment Zone - Multiple cases of rabies were confirmed, leading to the declaration of New Zoveng village in Manipur as a containment zone by district authorities.

Strict Measures Imposed by District Authorities - District magistrate Dharun Kumar restricted the movement of pets and stray dogs, and directed officials to identify and vaccinate all animals in New Zoveng.

Rabies Situation in India - A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research revealed that three in every four animal bites in India are due to dogs, leading to over 5,700 estimated human deaths from rabies each year.

"Illegal Entry to North Sentinel Island

Illegal Entry and Dangerous Encroachment - Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old US national, was arrested for illegally entering the protected North Sentinel Island.

Reckless Actions and Consequences - Polyakov embarked on his inflatable boat towards North Sentinel Island on March 29 and spent time blowing a whistle to attract the tribe's attention.

Serious Response and Preventive Measures - The incident is being taken seriously by authorities, who are working with the Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

How did Manoj Kumar change Bollywood's villainous image?

Manoj Kumar's Bold Casting Choices - Manoj Kumar, known for casting villains in positive roles in his movies, changed the image of actors like Pran Saab by giving them unusual and positive characters.

Prem Chopra's Gratitude - Veteran actor Prem Chopra expressed his gratitude towards Manoj Kumar for offering him positive roles in films like "Shaheed" and "Upkar," which significantly impacted his career.

Legacy of Manoj Kumar - According to Prem Chopra, Manoj Kumar was a genius and a lover of cinema who made impactful films with a positive message about India, leaving a lasting impact on Bollywood.

Jamia Millia Islamia Students Defy Waqf Bill, Sparking Campus Protest

Jamia Millia Islamia students staged a protest against the recently passed Waqf Bill 2025, which aims to improve governance and transparency in the management of Waqf properties, safeguard heritage sites, and enhance coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities

The demonstration, led by the All India Students Association and other student groups, took place near Gate 7 of the university

The protest saw students delivering speeches against the bill and burning copies of the legislation as an act of defiance

Is PM Modi's Silence on US Tariffs a Cause for Concern?

Gaurav Gogoi Criticizes PM Modi's Silence - Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized PM Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Centre for their silence over the 26% tariffs imposed by the US. He stated that these tariffs would negatively impact India's small industries, MSMEs, and agrarian economy, and demanded a response from the government.

Opposition Protests Against Centre Over Tariffs - Opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena, and DMK, staged a protest against the BJP-led Centre over the US imposing a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. They accused the government of failing to safeguard India's economic interests and demanded clarity on its strategy to address the growing trade dispute with Washington.

Concerns Raised in Lok Sabha - Congress MPs submitted motions in the Lok Sabha to discuss the adverse impact of the US tariffs on Indian exports, imports, farmers, MSMEs, and overall economic stability. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi warned that the US move would devastate India's economy, affecting key sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

"Will North India Survive the Scorching Heatwave?"

Heatwave Conditions in North India The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a severe heatwave in North India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and other states, over the next six days. Temperatures in Delhi are expected to soar up to 42 degrees Celsius by April 10, with noticeable increases in both maximum and minimum temperatures across the region.

Forecast for Other States Heatwave conditions are also predicted in isolated pockets of Saurashtra & Kutch, south Haryana, west Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat region, west Rajasthan, east Rajasthan, and west Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over Gujarat state till April 10 and over Konkan & Goa between April 5 and 9.

Rainfall Prediction Despite the scorching heat, isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is likely over South Peninsular India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Odisha, Northeast India, and Maharashtra till April 6. Isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall are also expected in various regions during this period.

Will India's Efforts in Myanmar Lead to Democratic Restoration or Conflict Escalation?

India's Push for Democratic Restoration - Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Myanmar's military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to advocate for the early restoration of a democratic process through inclusive and credible elections.

Emphasis on Peaceful Resolution - Modi stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and emphasized that there is "no military solution to the conflict" in Myanmar.

Bilateral Cooperation and Support - India also appreciated Myanmar's support in rescuing and repatriating Indian nationals from cyber-scam centers along the border with Thailand.

Did India and Bangladesh Reunite at BIMSTEC Summit?

Throwback Picture with PM Modi Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus shared a throwback photo of himself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Modi presented a gold medal to honor Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress in Mumbai on January 3, 2015.

Meeting at BIMSTEC Summit Both leaders met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, their first face-to-face meeting since the collapse of Bangladesh's former PM Sheikh Hasina's government. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Commitment to Cooperation The leaders also observed a minute of silence for the victims of the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cooperation across diverse sectors at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Dry Bihar recorded 190 confirmed hooch deaths in last 9 years: Official

Prohibition Deaths in Bihar Since the imposition of prohibition in April 2016, Bihar has recorded 190 confirmed hooch deaths, with districts like Saran, Siwan, Gaya, Bhojpur, Buxar, and Gopalganj reporting the highest numbers.

Enforcement Efforts and Seizures The Department of Prohibition, Excise, and Registration has registered 9.36 lakh cases of prohibition law violations, arresting 14.32 lakh people. They have seized 3.86 crore bulk litres of liquor and destroyed 97% of it. Additionally, 1.40 lakh vehicles used for liquor transportation have been seized.

Revenue Collection and Future Plans The department collected ₹340.55 crore from auctioning seized vehicles and achieved record revenue of ₹7,648.88 crore from land and flat registrations. They plan to expand the e-nibandhan facility for easier citizen registration.

Don't Miss Out on John Legend's Epic UK Tour!

John Legend's Get Lifted - 20th Anniversary Tour - John Legend is set to embark on a major UK tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his "Get Lifted" album. The tour will include performances in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, as well as European festival stops.

Ticket Information - General sale for John Legend's UK tour dates opens at 10am on Friday, March 21 via Live Nation and Ticketmaster. VIP and hospitality tickets are available on Seat Unique, with prices starting from £99. Resale tickets are also available on Viagogo.

Tour Dates and Locations - The UK leg of the tour will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, and London. In addition to the UK dates, there will be performances in Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, and various European festivals.

Is the J-K Government Focused on the Wrong Issues?

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti criticized the ruling National Conference for prioritizing trivial issues such as the transfer of officials rather than addressing critical concerns like the plight of youth in jails, termination of employees, unemployment, and daily wagers

Mufti highlighted the government's reluctance to confront or address issues for which they were elected, emphasizing that the focus on transfer of patwaris and village level workers was misplaced compared to the larger problems faced by the people

She expressed disappointment in the government's lack of action on significant issues and its avoidance of taking a stand on matters that truly matter to the citizens, suggesting that it was not living up to the mandate it received from the people

Will Akhilesh Yadav's Pledge to Educate Girl Shock the UP Government?

Akhilesh Yadav Pledges to Fund Education Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has promised to fund the education of Ananya Yadav, an 8-year-old girl who was forced to flee a demolition drive in Uttar Pradesh. He criticized the UP government's demolition drives and highlighted the value of education, vowing to support Ananya's education.

Ananya Yadav's Ordeal and Aspirations Ananya was seen fleeing her razed home with her books during the demolition drive, and she expressed her ambition to become an IAS officer in the future. The Supreme Court also took cognizance of her case, citing it as an example of the lack of sensitivity involved in the government's actions.

Supreme Court's Response The Supreme Court expressed shock at the manner in which the demolition took place and reminded authorities of people's constitutional right to shelter. The court demanded a response from the authorities regarding the nature of the demolitions and urged them to provide compensation to the displaced family.

Is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill a Threat to Religious Autonomy?

Shah Rukh Khan's Special Message Ignites Joy and Pride in KKR Dressing Room

Dominant Victory KKR's clinical performance against SRH, scoring 200 for six and restricting SRH to 120 runs, solidifies their reputation as a formidable force in IPL 2025.

Shah Rukh's Encouraging Words The Bollywood superstar's heartfelt message, delivered with charm and humor, praised the team's all-round effort and expressed confidence in their ability to defend their IPL title.

Quinton De Kock's Mystery Shah Rukh's intriguing message urged the team to listen to keeper-batter Quinton De Kock, adding an element of curiosity and anticipation for the future.

Is Salman Khan's "Sikandar" a Box Office Sensation or Flop?

"Sikandar" Surpasses ₹ 160 Crore Mark in Five Days - Despite mixed reviews, "Sikandar" has crossed the ₹ 160 crore mark at the box office within five days, making it the fifth-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. The film earned ₹ 8.28 crore gross in India and ₹ 3 crore gross overseas on its fifth day, reaching a total worldwide gross of ₹ 169.78 crore.

Challenges and Competition for "Sikandar" - Despite its initial success, "Sikandar" faces challenges in reaching the ₹ 300-crore mark due to a continuous drop in earnings and negative critic reviews. Additionally, it faces tough competition from other films such as the Malayalam film "L2 Empuraan," which has already crossed ₹ 250 crore at the box office.

Comparison with Other Films - "Sikandar" has outperformed Tamil sleeper hit Dragon, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. It is expected to surpass the earnings of Ram Charan's Game Changer, but it lags behind other successful films like Chhaava, L2 Empuraan, and Sankranthiki Vasthunam.