Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication and emphasized the responsibility of providing a secure and promising future for girls.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he eloquently described daughters as symbols of strength, courage, and unwavering dedication, brimming with hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. He issued a powerful call to action, urging a commitment to granting full rights to this half of the population, underscoring the inherent injustice of denying them equal opportunities.

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of girls. This year, the day saw prominent figures reiterate the urgent need for societal change to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge further reinforced the importance of gender equality as the cornerstone of true progress. He underscored the historical significance of National Girl Child Day, established in 2008 by the Congress-led UPA government, as a testament to India’s constitutional commitment to gender justice.

His message on X emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure girls receive quality education, essential healthcare, unwavering safety, and adequate nutrition. He framed the observance of this day not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a potent reminder to recommit to dismantling gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she rightfully deserves.

The origins of National Girl Child Day lie in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s initiative to address the systemic inequalities faced by girls in India. The day’s significance extends beyond symbolic gestures; it serves as a vital catalyst for broader societal conversations. It highlights the persistent challenges girls face, including issues like female foeticide, the alarming decline in the sex ratio, and the pervasive biases that limit their potential.

National Girl Child Day provides an annual opportunity to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and galvanize collective action. It compels us to examine deeply entrenched societal attitudes and biases, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to advocate for policy changes that genuinely promote gender equality.

The ultimate goal is to create a society where every girl child has the chance to thrive, reaching her full potential without facing the barriers of gender discrimination. This requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, encompassing educational reforms, improved healthcare access, enhanced safety measures, and a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.

As the 97th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled, Indian cinema found itself with mixed fortunes. While the much-anticipated Oscars saw the inclusion of one Indian film, Anuja, in the Best Live Action Short Film category, several major contenders were left out of the nominations entirely.

This year, despite the strong buzz surrounding Indian films like Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Putul, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, All We Imagine As Light, Band of Maharajas, Kanguva, The Zebras, Girls Will Be Girls, and Santosh, none of them made it to the final list of nominees. The exclusion of these titles has raised eyebrows, particularly among fans and industry insiders who had high hopes for their inclusion.

The lone Indian contender making waves at the Oscars 2025 is Anuja, a poignant short film produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film follows the story of Anuja, a young girl played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi. Anuja, along with her sister Palak (played by Ananya Shanbhag), is faced with an incredibly difficult decision that could alter the course of her life and her family’s future.

The announcement of the nominations was made today during a live-streamed ceremony hosted by actors-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, which took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The event revealed the nominees across all 24 Oscar categories.

While the exclusion of several noteworthy Indian films is disheartening for many, the success of Anuja offers a glimmer of hope for Indian cinema in the global spotlight. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien serving as the host for the star-studded event.

As the Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on Anuja, with audiences eager to see how the film will fare in the prestigious race for the gold statue.

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.