Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, known for his explosive batting and historic triple centuries in Tests, has become the center of attention after a report raised significant claims about his personal life. On Thursday, it was reported that Sehwag and his wife, Aarti, have reportedly been living separately for several months, leading to speculation about a potential divorce.

Sehwag, who married Aarti in December 2004, has always kept his personal life relatively private. The couple, who has two sons – Aryavir (born in 2007) and Vedant (born in 2010) – has not publicly addressed the rumors. The report mentioned that there has been no official statement from either party regarding the ongoing situation. As of now, the couple has remained silent, and the media has been eagerly waiting for any kind of response.

While the news quickly gained traction on social media, further scrutiny was fueled by Sehwag’s recent online activity. The former cricketer, known for his lighthearted posts and interactions with his fans, has not shared any recent images with Aarti on his social media accounts. Although his profile still contains several old pictures of the couple, Sehwag no longer follows Aarti on Instagram. Additionally, Aarti’s Instagram account has remained private, adding more fuel to the speculation.

The news of their alleged separation comes at a time when Sehwag has been actively engaging with his followers about his son Aryavir’s recent cricket achievements. In November 2024, Sehwag shared a post praising his son for scoring 297 runs against Meghalaya in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Sehwag reminded Aryavir of an old promise he had made, saying that a Ferrari would be gifted to his son if he ever surpassed Sehwag’s own highest score of 319 runs. While Aryavir fell just 23 runs short of his father’s record, the proud father encouraged him to keep pursuing his goals.

The rumor of a possible separation between Virender Sehwag and Aarti has prompted widespread discussion, but until either party makes an official statement, the story remains speculative. This news also marks another chapter in the ever-evolving relationship between celebrities and the media, as the public continues to take a keen interest in their personal lives.

India is all set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day this year, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. As part of the national celebrations, the Republic Day parade, scheduled for January 26, will feature a spectacular display of cultural exhibitions, with a special emphasis on state tableaux. This year’s Republic Day theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Heritage and Development), aiming to highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy alongside its progress and future development.

Fifteen States and Union Territories to showcase their Tableaux

The Republic Day parade will see the participation of fifteen states and union territories, each presenting a tableau that will reflect their unique culture, heritage, and contributions to India’s development. The participating states and UTs include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

In addition to the states and UTs, 15 government ministries and departments will also present their own tableaux, offering insights into the various initiatives and achievements of the Indian government.

Kartavya Path: The heart of Republic Day celebrations

The grand parade will be held on Kartavya Path, the ceremonial avenue in the national capital, New Delhi. While these selected states, UTs, and ministries will take center stage during the parade, the ones not featured at Kartavya Path will have an opportunity to present their tableaux at Bharat Parv, a cultural exhibition organized at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31.

How preparations are underway

To ensure the highest quality and visual appeal of the tableaux, preparations have been in full swing since last year. A senior-level meeting was conducted in April 2024 to finalize the design and execution process. Authorities have emphasized the importance of using vibrant, easily comprehensible designs that convey their messages without the need for written explanations or logos, unless explicitly approved.

The tableaux will feature the names of the states and union territories in Hindi at the front, with English at the back, and regional languages on the sides. Ministries and departments will follow the same format, showcasing their names in both Hindi and English fonts. Virtual reality designs will also be included in some tableaux using CDs and DVDs to enrich the display.

As India gears up to celebrate Republic Day 2025, the tableaux will undoubtedly serve as a visual testament to the country’s diverse heritage, vibrant culture, and progressive path toward development.

At least five people are feared dead following a massive explosion at an ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra, this morning. The blast, which occurred at around 10:30 am, was of such intensity that it was heard from a distance of 5 kilometers. The incident took place at the ordnance factory located near Nagpur, in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra.

According to District Collector Sanjay Kolte, the explosion led to the collapse of a roof, trapping several people beneath the debris. Initial reports suggest that at least 12 individuals were caught under the rubble, though two have been successfully rescued. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and save survivors, with heavy machinery being brought in to assist with the removal of debris.

Rescue teams, along with medical staff, are actively engaged in the operation, while firefighters work to contain the aftermath of the explosion. A thick cloud of smoke was visible rising from the factory, as captured in a video filmed from a distance. The blast has caused widespread panic, but the full scale of the damage is yet to be determined.

Officials have confirmed that emergency response teams have been deployed at the scene, with hopes of finding more survivors. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion unfolds, authorities are working to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.

This tragedy adds to the growing concerns about safety in industrial areas, with questions likely to arise about the maintenance and safety protocols in place at ordnance factories across the region. Further updates on the situation are awaited as recovery operations continue.