Major fire at ‘Anupamaa’ set in Mumbai Film City
A severe blaze erupted on the set of the popular TV show Anupamaa at Mumbai’s Goregaon Film City early on 23 June 2025. The fire began around 5 am in a large tent structure adjacent to the Marathi Bigg Boss set. Four fire engines, jumbo tankers, and senior fire officers were quickly dispatched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Mumbai Fire Brigade in response.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Several crew members were present when filming preparations were underway. Fire crews contained the blaze before it could spread, though the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has called for an immediate judicial inquiry. It urged the Maharashtra government to suspend Film City’s MD and lodge an FIR against the production team, citing potential negligence or foul play.
Air India suspends Pune–Singapore flight until July 15 amid post‑Ahmedabad crash safety review
Air India has temporarily halted its direct Pune–Singapore service (flight AI‑2111/2110) until 15 July 2025. The decision is part of a broader 5 per cent reduction in narrow‑body aircraft operations, implemented in the aftermath of the recent Ahmedabad crash.
The Pune–Singapore flight, launched in December 2022 by Vistara and later operated under Air India with an Airbus A‑321, used to fly four times weekly. Its suspension is accompanied by the cancellation of Bengaluru–Singapore and Mumbai–Bagdogra routes, alongside frequency reductions on 19 other domestic and short‑haul international services.
The airline attributes the move to enhance operational stability and minimise last‑minute disruptions during a period of “operational scrutiny”. However, passengers reported being informed less than 12 hours before departure, with no compensation, hotel or alternate arrangements provided.
With Pune’s international connectivity reduced from five to four routes, travellers worry about the loss of convenient access to Southeast Asia via Singapore.
UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath maintains early lead in Nilambur by‑election
Counting of votes for the Nilambur Assembly by‑election began on Monday morning. UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath secured the initial lead immediately after postal ballots were tallied. His advantage persisted into the early rounds of electronic vote counting.
The process is underway at Marthoma Higher Secondary School in Chungathara. It started with postal votes and has progressed through multiple counting stages, overseen by the Election Commission. Representatives are present, and the procedure is being conducted under strict security.
Nilambur is witnessing a four‑cornered contest involving candidates from UDF, LDF’s CPM, NDA’s BJP, and an independent entrant. The constituency saw a strong voter turnout despite intermittent rain. The result is viewed as an indicator for the political mood ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
U.S. strikes Iran nuclear sites; oil prices surge, Indian markets falter
Early on 22 June, the United States launched Operation “Midnight Hammer”, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan with heavy bunker‑buster bombs and cruise missiles.
Within hours, oil prices climbed sharply. Brent crude rose significantly, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate also surged, as markets factored in supply‑risk premiums tied to potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In Asia, markets reacted to geopolitical uncertainty. The Hang Seng fell, and Indian stock indices posted notable declines amid rising oil costs and investor caution . The Indian rupee weakened versus the dollar, reflecting increased import costs for fuel.
Iran condemned the strikes as violations of international law. Tehran has vowed retaliation, raising alarms over further escalation. Western diplomats, including UN leaders, urged restraint as the region prepares for possible military and economic shocks.
Dhanush–Nagarjuna’s ‘Kuberaa’ enjoys robust opening week
Kuberaa, starring Dhanush and Nagarjuna and released on 20 June 2025, has achieved strong performance in its opening week, especially in Telugu markets. The film premiered across multiple languages and received a positive audience response.
Box‑office estimates indicate a strong start with encouraging early numbers. It has already crossed significant revenue thresholds within its first few days and is set for a promising weekend. North American premieres attracted large crowds, surpassing US $450,000 in early runs.
Dhanush’s performance has earned widespread acclaim, with industry commentators calling it a career‑defining role. The film’s direction by Sekhar Kammula and its multi‑starrer cast have contributed to its commercial momentum, positioning it as one of the key Pan‑India releases of 2025.
