Month: July 2024

Pakistani star Fawad Khan is expected to return to Indian cinema with a rom-com, which also stars Vaani Kapoor.

Aarti Bagdi has come on board to direct the project, which will be shot entirely in the UK.

“Fawad Khan has a massive international pull given his popularity amongst South Asians worldwide. He has also been a part of the Marvel cinematic universe. Details of this project are being kept under wraps and everyone is tight-lipped about it. The producers will announce this project just before it starts its filming schedule in the UK,” a trade source was quoted as saying.

The rom-com will tell the story of how two broken people come together by a stroke of luck and end up helping each other and ultimately falling in love.

The yet-to-be-titled film is Eastwood Studios’ first international collaboration.

This update has left Fawad Khan’s in India extremely excited. Fawad last starred in a Hindi-language film eight years ago. He has acted in Indian films such as ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, ‘Kapoor and Sons’ and ‘Khoobsurat’. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday affirmed that the central government is making efforts to normalise the situation in the north-eastern state of Manipur, which has been witnessing ethnic violence since last year.

The Prime Minister was replying to the debate on ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

“The government is continuously making efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur. More than 11,000 FIRs have been registered and over 500 people arrested. Incidents of violence are continuously reducing in Manipur”, PM Modi said.

He further said that the central and the state governments are establishing interactions with all stakeholders to restore peace.

“Today, schools, colleges, offices and other institutions are open in the state. The Central and the State govt are talking to all stakeholders to restore peace”, he said.

Giving a strong response to the opposition on the Manipur issue, PM Narendra Modi further attacked the Congress party stating that it had imposed President’s rule in Manipur 10 times.

“The Union Home Minister stayed there for many weeks…Central govt is extending all cooperation to Manipur to tackle the ongoing flood situation in the state. Today, two teams of NDRF have reached Manipur. I warn those who are trying to add the fuel to fire will be rejected by Manipur…Congress had imposed President’s rule in Manipur 10 times…” he said.

He further called on the opposition leaders to cooperate with the government to restore peace in the state.

“Leaving behind politics, we should cooperate to restore peace in Manipur”, he said.

Notably, PM Modi clashed with Congress over Manipur issues in Parliament, sparking disruptions and accusations amid heated debates on regional unrest.

The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.

Earlier in June, Union Home Minister Amit Shah did a holistic review of the security situation in Manipur in a high-level meeting here in the national capital and directed to ensure that “no further incident of violence takes place” in the northeastern state.

In the one-hour-long meeting at his North Block office, the Home Minister stressed upon strategic deployment of the central forces to restore peace and tranquillity in Manipur. (ANI)

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The T20 World Cup winner Team India departed from Barbados on Wednesday in a special flight after they found themselves stranded in the country due to airport closure amid Hurricane Beryl’s impact.

A special flight of Air India on Wednesday landed at Barbados Airport to ferry home the T20 cricket World Cup champions. The Rohit-Sharma-led team is expected to land in New Delhi on Thursday.

The special flight arranged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah will also be carrying members of Indian media, who had gone to cover the tournament.

Just hours after their T20 WC win, Men in Blue were forced to stay confined inside their hotel rooms as the hurricane made landfall in Barbados on Sunday and a curfew was imposed for the safety of people. Electricity and water supply were also affected.

In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India’s position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.

Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.

In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs.

Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. (ANI)

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The Rajya Sabha members have expressed their concern and grief over the Hathras stampede incident that occurred yesterday.

Renuka Chowdhury, a member of the Rajya Sabha, expressed her concern and said, “This is a very unfortunate incident. A majority of females have died in this incident.”

She further questioned what the government would do to compensate for the losses of the family and said, “The so-called gender-friendly government should do something about it. The next step is to see what the government does to compensate for the losses of the people and their families.”

Further, KTS Tulsi added, “This is a very tragic incident that has occurred. It’s high time that standard procedures are maintained. It is very tragic that the government is not able to control these mishaps. The government needs to do something about it.”

Additionally, Rajni Patil also expressed her concern and said that if the government could not protect the people from the incident, what would they do?

“The question is, if the Yogi government cannot protect the people from this incident, what will they do?” ” A lot of people have died. This is a very unfortunate incident. Action needs to be taken,” she said.

Forensic teams, along with a dog squad, have started their inspection at the incident site. A member of the forensic team said that the belongings of the devotees, such as footwear and sheets, were found at the site.

“There are no such specific things to collect from here, it is only the belongings of the devotees, such as shoes and sheets used for sitting. However, we would not be able to reveal what further we have found,” said the member of the forensic team.

According to an official statement from the Office of Relief Commissioner, the death toll in the Hathras stampede incident, which occurred during a Satsang, has risen to 121, whereas 35 people have been injured so far.

The incident occurred at the Hathras Satsang on Tuesday, due to the uncontrollable crowd leaving the venue, and those who were sitting on the ground were crushed.

As per an FIR charged against Devprakash Madhukar, also referred to as ‘Mukha Sewadar’ and the other organisers of the Satsang, the incident occurred due to the uncontrollable crowd leaving the venue, and those who were sitting on the ground were crushed.

The organising committee had used sticks in an attempt to forcibly stop the crowd in the water and the mud-filled fields, due to which the pressure of the crowd increased and women, men and children kept getting crushed.

The case has been registered under FIR Sections 105, 110, 126 (2), 223, and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (ANI)

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The Indian markets gained to a historic high on Wednesday with Sensex breaching the 80,000 mark for the first time.

By the close of the trading session, both the indices achieved new 52-week highs. The Sensex closed at an all-time high of 79,986.80 points, very near to the 80,000 milestone.

Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 index also sustained its upward momentum, finishing at 24,286.50 points, marking its highest closing level to date.

“Sensex crossing the 80000 mark is a big achievement for the Indian stock market. 16 years ago it was at 8800 on the day when Lehman, the leading bank in the US markets, crashed. Nine times returns in 16 years. However, four years ago during the time of Covid, it was at 26000, which seems unrealistic but it is true,” said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

The broader market on the National Stock Exchange mirrored this bullish trend, with all indices closing with gains on Wednesday.

Among the sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the only exception, as all other sectors supported the rally and ended the day in positive territory.

Leading the gains on the Sensex were the shares of HDFC Bank, which hit a new high of Rs 1,794. This was followed by impressive performances from Kotak Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, and M&M.

However, not all stocks rode the wave of optimism; Tech Mahindra, TCS, Sun Pharma, Infosys, and Bharti Airtel were among the top losers.

On the NSE, Britannia, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank emerged as the top performers, contributing significantly to the day’s gains. In contrast, Tata Motors and Ultratech Cement faced losses, making them the laggards on a day otherwise dominated by positive sentiment.

“The Indian Rupee may face challenges due to rising crude oil prices. Being one of the world’s largest oil importers, India could see a deterioration in its Current Account Deficit (CAD) after experiencing a surplus for the first time in one and a half years. The increase in oil prices also threatens the headline inflation target, potentially prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain a prolonged hawkish stance,” said Riya Singh, Research Analyst, Commodities and Currency, Emkay Global. (ANI)

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Actor Ranveer Singh was all praise for ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, which has opened to positive reviews and has been making brisk business at the box office.

Taking to his Instagram account on Wednesday, Ranveer posted his review of the movie praising the entire team, including wife, Deepika Padukone.

Ranveer began his review by saying, “Kalki 2898 @kalki2898ad – a grand cinematic spectacle! That’s what big screen cinema is all about! An unprecedented level of finesse in technical execution. The very best in Indian cinema.”

Congratulating director, Nag Ashwin, he wrote, “Congrats to Nagi Sir & team! @nag_ashwin,” and went on to praise Prabhas as well as Kamal Haasan, mentioning, “Rebel Star rocks! @actorprabhas Ulaganayagan is forever supreme! @ikamalhaasan.”

When talking about Amitabh Bachchan, who plays Ashwatthama in the film, Ranveer said, “And if you are a die-hard Amitabh Bachchan fan like me… you just can’t miss this! @amitabhbachchan.”

Ranveer then expressed his admiration for his wife Deepika Padukone’s performance as Sumathi.

He wrote, “As for my baby @deepikapadukone … You elevate every moment with your grace & dignity. Such poignancy, such poetry, such power. You are beyond compare. I love you.”

Ever since ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ was released, fans and the film industry have been gushing over the performances and the appreciation has been pouring in for the cast and team of the film from every corner.

On Sunday night, Big B stepped out to watch the movie with his son Abhishek and friends.

Taking to his blog, Big B shared a series of pictures from the movie date with his son Abhishek and friends.

He also revealed that he watched ‘Kalki’ for the first time in theatres since its release. He headed for a late-night show on Sunday. In the photos, the father-son duo seems to enjoy the movie.”A Sunday of Sundays .. the well wishers at GOJ and then to Kalki with some friends to see on big screen .. seeing film for first time ..Had not been out for years .. but so satisfying to be out to witness all the progress ..” he wrote on his blog.

Actors Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur have cameos in the film. (ANI)

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Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be felicitated with the lifetime achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival.

On Tuesday, the organisers of the festival shared this update. The award will pay tribute to SRK’s remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.

Speaking about the honour, Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director in a statement said, “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan to Locarno is a dream come true! The wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. Khan is a king who has never lost touch with the audience that crowned him. This brave and daring artist has always been willing to challenge himself while remaining true to what his fans all over the world eagerly expect from his films. A true ‘people’s hero’, sophisticated and down to earth, Shah Rukh Khan is a legend of our times.”

Shah Rukh will receive the award on August 10 at the open-air venue Piazza Grande. One of his most iconic films, Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will also be screened during the festival. Shah Rukh is all set to appear at the Forum @Spazio Cinema for a conversation on August 11.

Previous recipients of Locarno’s Honorary Leopard include Tsai Ming-liang, Francesco Rosi, Claudia Cardinale, Johnnie To, Harry Belafonte, Mario Adorf, Jane Birkin, and Costa-Gavras.

The award comes on the heels of SRK’s highly successful 2023, which saw the release of his three blockbusters Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki, all of which were huge hits.

The actor will reportedly begin shooting for his upcoming film ‘King.’ Recently, a video of SRK was widely shared on social media where eagle-eyed fans noticed the film’s script lying on the table beside him. Reportedly, the film is also set to star Shah Rukh’s daughter and actor, Suhana.

The video happened to be from a clip of Shah Rukh congratulating cinematographer Santosh Sivan after he received the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. In the aforementioned video, a section of the Internet spotted the script of ‘King’ on the table next to him.It also contained some additional details on its cover, which were not clearly visible in the video.

If reports are to be believed, ‘King’ will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh. (ANI)

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Actor Lara Dutta treated her fans on social media to a glimpse of her Wimbledon diaries with her husband, former Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, and daughter Saira.

On Tuesday, Lara shared a bunch of pictures on Instagram and wrote, “Day 1 of Wimbledon done and dusted! I feel so privileged to enjoy this Mecca of tennis alongside my amazing man @mbhupathi, who every time he enters these gates, feels like he’s come home! And to now enjoy it with our daughter, who loves it as much as him!! @nagalsumit played some top-quality tennis yesterday! Played his heart out!”

In the first snap, Lara can be seen posing with Mahesh. Next, Mahesh can be posing with his daughter Saira and some clicks of the tennis match.

Fans flooded the comment section with heartfelt comments and heart emojis.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Lara was recently seen in ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ which was released on April 25 on JioCinema.

‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances.

Produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa and Comall Sunjay W from Sphereorigins Multivision Private Limited, the series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Ashutosh Rana and Ashish Vidyarthi.

Lara has an exciting lineup of projects in the pipeline, including ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, ‘Suryast’, and ‘Ramayana’. (ANI)

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As the death toll in a stampede on Tuesday at a religious event in Hathras district rose to 87, Uttar Pradesh Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary announced 2 Lakh compensation to the kin of those who died in the incident.

“So far the death toll is 87 and the number of injured is 18 and they are out of danger,” Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V said speaking to ANI on Tuesday.

Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary said, “The kin of those who lost their lives will be given Rs 2 lakhs and the injured will be given Rs 50,000. The injured will be provided free treatment. UP CM Yogi Adityanath will visit the spot tomorrow…”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the stampede in Hathras and wished speedy recovery to the injured.PM Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the tragedy in which over 50 people died.

“The Uttar Pradesh government is engaged in providing all possible help to the victims. My condolences with those who have lost their loved ones. I wish for the speedy recovery to the injured,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

PM Modi also expressed his condolences during his reply on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister said he had received tragic news of people dying in the stampede in Hathras and the administration was engaged in relief and rescue efforts.

He said all necessary help will be provided to victims. The Prime Minister also expressed his condolences over the deaths in the tragedy and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand each to the injured.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Chief Minister has ordered a thorough investigation.

He also instructed the officials to form a team under the leadership of ADG, Agra and Commissioner, Aligarh to investigate the causes of the accident.CM Adityanath is personally monitoring the situation and has dispatched two ministers, the Chief Secretary, and the DGP to the site.

Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar said the incident occurred at a private event.

“Permission for the event to be held was given by the SDM and it was a private event. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and kin of the deceased,” Kumar said. (ANI)

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Former spy chief Dick Schoof was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands on Tuesday, leading a broad right-wing coalition cabinet promising to implement the country’s “strictest-ever” immigration policy, Euro News reported.

Along with Schoof, Dutch King Willem-Alexander also swore in the new ministers and state secretaries at the royal Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.

The 67-year-old independent has taken over the reins from departing PM Mark Rutte, who is set to become the next secretary-general of NATO later this year.

The passing of the baton comes after more than seven months of protracted negotiations following the electoral victory of far-right leader Geert Wilders last November.

Wilders gave up on his ambition to become the Prime Minister to keep strained coalition talks on track after he failed to garner the support of all partners. His government partners considered his “anti-Islam” and “Eurosceptic” statements too extreme to lead the nation, according to Euro News.

Instead of having their leaders stand for PM, the four coalition partners — Wilders’ PVV (Freedom Party), the Famers Party (BBB), the liberal-conservative VVD, and the new anti-corruption party NSC — agreed to compromise on Schoof, who was previously running the Dutch Secret Service.

Schoof has vowed to implement “decisively” the coalition’s plans for the “strictest-ever admission policy for asylum and the most comprehensive package for getting a grip on migration.”

Wilders’ far-right party secured five out of 15 ministerial posts in the new government, including trade and migration, Euro News reported.

Wilders registered a convincing win in the national elections in November last. Nearly a quarter of Dutch voters chose his party, which took 37 of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, a big number by the standards of a Dutch party system that rests on consensus and coalition building, the New York Times reported.

Wilders, who founded his Party for Freedom in 2006, is one of the Netherlands’ best-known politicians and the longest-sitting member of the House of Representatives, where he has served since 1998.

Wilders has said he wants to end immigration from Muslim countries, tax headscarves and ban the Quran. He has even called Moroccan immigrants “scum.”

Meanwhile, Schoof’s predecessor, Mark Rutte, was appointed as the next chief of the transatlantic military alliance NATO last week, a development that comes at a critical time for European security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Bowing out of Dutch politics after nearly 14 years as PM, Rutte will take over from Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, NATO said in a statement. (ANI)

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