Month: August 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. During the talks, Putin highlighted Russia’s approaches to resolving the conflict that is ongoing between Moscow and Kyiv.

PM Modi informed Putin about his recent visit to Kyiv and stressed his commitment to bringing about a settlement for Ukraine by political and diplomatic means. Russia and Ukraine have engaged in a conflict for over two-and-a-half years.

In a statement shared on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India stated, “Vladimir Putin shared his principled assessment of the destructive policies of the Kyiv authorities and their Western patrons, and went on to highlight Russia’s approaches to resolving this conflict.”

The two leaders also discussed measures needed to implement trade and economic agreements resulting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Russia in July. The two leaders agreed to continue their bilateral contacts at various levels.

In the statement, the Russian Embassy in India stated, “They expressed satisfaction with the way the two countries have been working together within BRICS. Narendra Modi reaffirmed his readiness to take part in the October 2024 Kazan Summit, to be held as part of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship.”

During the telephone conversation, PM Modi shared insights from his recent visit to Ukraine and underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve an abiding and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

PM recalled his successful visit to Russia last month to participate in the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit. They also exchanged views on a range of regional and global issues of mutual interest.

“The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The PM shared insights from his recent visit to Ukraine. He underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to achieve an abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” a PMO release said.

“Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” PM Modi said.

The conversation took place days after PM Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine. PM Modi visited Ukraine on August 23, the first by an Indian PM to the European nation.

During the bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi emphasised India’s position of peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

“India was never neutral, we have always been on the side of peace,” PM Modi told Zelenskyy. He said that India was ready to play an active role in the path to peace and progress. Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in war since February 2022. (ANI)

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Building more anticipation among fans, makers of the much-anticipated ‘Devara – Part 1’ shared new intriguing posters of Jr NTR.

Taking to Instagram, makers treated fans with the posters along with a caption, that read, “The Faces OF Fear!![?] In a month, his arrival will stir up the world with an unmissable big screen experience. Let’s experience his Majestic Madness in theaters on September 27th.”

The posters feature Jr NTR looks fierce with two different avatars.

Recently, on the occasion of Saif Ali Khan’s birthday, the makers shared a glimpse of Saif’s character, Bhaira.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is handling the theatrical distribution of the film in the northern region, had earlier teased fans with a picture of Saif on his Instagram, hinting at revealing the actor’s look.

Now, NTR Arts has officially released a short video showcasing Saif Ali Khan’s character in the film.

In the 52-second action-packed video, Saif’s character, Bhaira, is seen dominating a wrestling match, brutally defeating his opponent, with blood covering the ground. The clip also shows Bhaira enjoying and dancing with his clan, hinting at his powerful and fierce persona in the movie.

”His hunt will be legendary. Presenting @saifalikhanpataudiworld as #Bhaira from the world of #Devara,” the makers wrote along with the video.

Saif will play the lead antagonist in the film. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor in the female lead role and also marks the Tollywood debut for both Saif and Janhvi, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.

Directed by Koratala Siva and produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram’s presentation, ‘Devara: Part 1’ is set to release on September 27, 2024. (ANI)

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Tamil actor Bijili Ramesh passed away due to prolonged illness in Chennai on August 26 night, his family said on Tuesday.

He breathed his last at the age of 46.

He was receiving treatment for liver-related issues as per his family.

“He suddenly passed away while sleeping. Two days ago, he had returned home from hospital to celebrate his wedding anniversary. He was being treated at the hospital,” the actor’s family said.

He is survived by wife and son.

The final rites is scheduled to take place near MGR Nagar in Chennai today.

Bijili Ramesh rose to fame through YouTube prank videos, which eventually landed him roles in a few films.

He acted in movies like Sivappu Manjal Pachai (2019), Aadai (2019) and Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022) along with several TV shows.

The deceased actor was a self-proclaimed Rajinikanth fan.

A few days ago, his family appealed for financial help from the film community to get him through his treatment. (ANI)

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in the excise policy irregularities cases being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan directed to release K Kavitha immediately. The top court also imposed various conditions against Kavitha including not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses in the matter. The top court directed her to furnish a bail bond of Rs 10 lakh each in both CBI and ED cases. The top court also directed her to surrender her passport.

The top court noted that Kavitha is behind bars for five months and the trial will take a long time to complete as there are 493 witnesses and many documents. The SC noted that the reliance is on the statements of co-accused who have been granted pardon and made an approver.

The top court while hearing the matter said that the probe agency cannot pick and choose anyone.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for K Kavitha, pressed for her bail on the ground of parity that co-accused Manish Sisodia has got bail. Senior Advocate Rohatgi for Kavitha, further said that she is a woman & sitting MLC and therefore there is no chance that she will flee from justice BR Gavai, on a lighter note, commented that being an MLA or MLC, one knows what is right and wrong, not vulnerable.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohtagi called the allegations against Kavitha for changing phones bogus because people also change cars. She is also the daughter of a then Chief Minister, Rohatagi said. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, for the probe agency, said she had destroyed the phone and formatted it.

Rohatgi countered and said that she had given it to her servant. ASG Raju expressed shock as it highlighted that it was an iPhone. But Rohatagi said yes, so what! Justice KV Viswanathan remarked that people delete messages and he has also a habit of deleting messages. ASG Raju said that one can delete messages but not format the phone. ASG Raju informed the top court that the agency has call detail records (CDRs) to show her connection with the other accused.

On July 1 the Delhi High Court dismissed the bail petitions moved by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha in CBI and ED cases related to the Excise Policy case.

Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a supplementary prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in the Excise Policy money laundering case in Rouse Avenue Court. The chargesheet was filed against BRS Leader K Kavitha and other accused namely Chanpreet Singh, Damodar, Prince Singh and Arvind Kumar.

BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 15, 2024 and by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on April 11, 2024. Subsequently, She was also later arrested by CBI in the matter.

The CBI inquiry was recommended based on the findings of the Delhi Chief Secretary’s report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials said.

The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority’s approval. (ANI)

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Security personnel on Tuesday lobbed tear gas shells, used water cannons and resorted to lathicharge to disperse protestors on the Howrah Bridge marching towards the West Bengal State Secretariat Nabanna, amidst the row over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case.

Protestors gathered at the Howrah Bridge, climbing atop police barricades and clashed with police personnel during during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest march.

They were seen breaking and dragging away the barricades that were erected at the Santragachi area enorute to the Secretariat.

Ahead of the protest, called amid the ongoing row over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, police had thrown a ring of security around the West Bengal state secretariat.

Early this monring protestors began gathering at the Santragachi area and started marching from the College Square towards the State Secretariat in Kolkata.

Several students and citizens joined the march displaying the tricolour in their hands and raising slogans as they moved towards the Secretariat. The West Bengal Police had deployed heavy forces aiming to keep in check the protestors.

Ahead of the protest check gates, civic wokers were seen greasing the rear gates of Fort William at Hastings in Kolkata in an attempt to thwart protestors from scaling the barricades.

The police also deployed vajra vehicles, water cannons, and riot control forces in the area while containers were placed to block the roads.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose earlier today urged the State government not to use power to stop the “peaceful protesting students.”

He further reminded the State government of the verdict of the Supreme Court and said that democracy cannot silence the majority.

In a video message, Governor Bose said, “In the context of the peaceful protest, announced by the student community of West Bengal and the reported suppressions of the protest by certain instructions of the government, I would urge upon the government to remember the strong pronouncement of the Supreme Court of India, let not the power of the state of West Bengal be unleashed on the peaceful protestors.

Democracy cannot silence the majority, cannot silence the majority, cannot silence the majority! Remember that.”

Yesterday, Additional Commissioner of Police Kolkata, Supratim Sarkar said that they have rejected an application by ‘Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj’ to hold a rally called ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ on August 27. He added that the police rejected their application because the group did not seek formal permission and provided insufficient details.

The brutal rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor on the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital premises sparked outrage all over the country. The incident shook the entire nation, and since then several protests have been staged demanding justice for the victim.The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and discussed the rehabilitation of Wayanad in the meeting, as per an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The state government had submitted an additional, detailed memorandum also which was requested by the Centre.

Earlier, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had on on August 17 said that the root cause of the Wayanad landslide disaster is climate change.

“The root cause of the Wayanad disaster is climate change. The agricultural sector is one of the most directly impacted by this phenomenon. At this stage, our primary focus should be on discussing the impact of climate change on agriculture and the measures needed to overcome these challenges,” Vijayan said after inaugurating the Farmers’ Day celebrations.

He said that experts estimate that due to climate change, rain-dependent rice yields in our country could decrease by 20 per cent by 2050 and by 47 per cent by 2080.”Similarly, wheat yields could decrease by 19.3 percent by 2050 and by 40 percent by 2080. These are serious concerns that require immediate and sustained attention,” he added.

The landslides that killed hundreds of people in Kerala’s Wayanad were triggered by a burst of rainfall that was made about 10 per cent heavier by human-caused climate change, a study has found.

The study by World Weather Attribution (WWA), an international group of researchers, found that the excessive rainfall in the early hours of July 30 that triggered the landslides was a “once in a-50-year event”.

The study highlights the need for rigorous assessments of landslide risk and improved early warning in hillside regions of northern Kerala to prevent repeat landslide disasters.

The study was conducted by 24 researchers as part of the World Weather Attribution group, including scientists from universities and meteorological agencies in India, Malaysia, the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and his insights from the recent visit to Ukraine.

His conversation with the Russian President came a day after his talk over telephone with US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine and reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. PM Modi had visited Poland and Ukraine last week.

During his conversation with President Putin, PM Modi reiterated India’s firm commitment to support to an early and peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The two leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

“Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a conflict for over two-and-a-half years.

PM Modi, who received a telephone call from the US President on Monday, conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s deep commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.

The leaders reviewed the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted that the India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as the entire humanity.

The two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on a number of regional and global issues. (ANI)

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Veteran Malayalam actor Siddique has lodged a complaint with Kerala police against actress Revathy Sampath after she accused him of sexual misconduct, officials said on Monday.

According to an official with Kerala Police, actor Siddique has lodged a complaint against actress Revathy Sampath, who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment.

“The complaint has been submitted to Director General of Police,” he said.

This comes after actress Revathy Sampath accused Siddique, who is general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), of sexual misconduct.

In a media interaction, the actress had alleged that the incident happened when she was 21 years old. She stated that Siddique initially contacted her on Facebook, addressing her as “Mole,” a term often used in Kerala to refer to a young girl or daughter.

“After completing my Plus Two, I had a terrible experience. Siddique sent me messages on Facebook. I had come to discuss a film. This incident occurred when I was 21 years old. He first approached me by calling me ‘Mole.’ There was abuse from Siddique’s side. During the discussion, he sexually abused me. The face he shows now is not the one I saw back then,” Revanthy said.

Alleging that Siddique sexually abused her, both physically and mentally, the actress said, “He assaulted me, both physically and mentally. Siddique is a criminal. I went through severe mental trauma. It even affected my professional life. No system stood by me. It took me a long time to speak out. After the assault, Siddique acted as if nothing had happened and stood before me like it was normal. Everyone responded as if it was a common occurrence. It felt like they all did it knowingly.”

Speaking on how she managed to escape the situation, the actress added, “I ran away to escape. I responded as best as I could at that age. He said there was nothing I could do. I fled, managed to get into an auto, and escaped.”

Siddique is a popular actor who has appeared in over 300 Malayalam movies. He has also acted in Tamil films such as Jana and Bhaskar Oru Rascal. (ANI)

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Fashion designer Masaba Gupta and actor Satyadeep Misra, who are soon to embrace parenthood hosted an intimate baby shower on Sunday, which was attended by their friends and family. Several inside pictures and videos from the baby shower are going viral on social media.

Soni Razdan, who attended the baby shower with her daughter Shaheen Bhatt, treated fans with inside pictures from Masaba’s baby shower on Instagram.

For the occasion, Masaba wore a light brown dress and a pregnancy glow was visible on her face.

One of the photos features Soni posing with Masaba and her mom Neena Gupta.

In the next photo, Masaba’s husband Satyadeep Mishra joins the girl gang and happily poses with them.

Sharing the post, Soni wrote, “When you’re with the loveliest in the world there is just no filter needed. Wishing the fabulous parents-to-be @masabagupta and @instasattu a super joy ride into parenthood.”

Sonam Kapoor re-shared the baby shower pictures of Masaba on her Instagram story.

Clad in a beautiful brown saree with a white blouse, Sonam can be seen posing with the mom-to-be and her sister Rhea Kapoor.

In April, Masaba took to Instagram and shared the good news with fans and followers.

“In other news – Two little feet are on their way to us! Please send love,blessings and banana chips ( plain salted ONLY) #babyonboard #mom&dad,” she wrote, adding a couple of images.

Masaba and Satyadeep tied the knot in January 2023. Her wedding was attended by her mother Neena Gupta, father Vivian Richards and step-father Vivek Mehra.

She shared the grand frame including all the family members from both sides on that very day.

Captioning the frame as, “For the first time ever – My whole life came together. This is us. My beautiful blended family. Everything from here on is just a bonus,” Masaba re-defined modern relationships in a graceful way.

Masaba and Satyadeep worked together on the Netflix series ‘Masaba Masaba’ which is based on Masaba’s personal and professional life.

Masaba was previously married to producer Madhu Mantena. They got married in 2015 and in 2019, they parted ways. Satyadeep was earlier married to Aditi Rao Hydari but the couple separated in 2013. (ANI)

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Veteran actors Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher have completed 39 years of their blissful marriage.

Mark this occasion, Anupam Kher took to his Instagram handle to wish his better half.

Sharing the video with wedding pictures, Kher wrote, “Dearest Kirron! Happy 39th anniversary to both of us. We need to take some fresh pics. I have been posting almost the same ones for the last so many years. But I think that is what happens with a marriage that lasts for a long time. Pics can get old but emotions are the same. May God give you long and healthy life. May you continue to be the same person that you are. Vibrant and real. Love and prayers always. #MarriageAnniversary @kirronkhermp.”

As soon as the post was shared, the couple’s friends and industry members chimed in the comment section.

Rakesh Roshan wrote, “Kiron & Anupam anniversary greetings & happiness always.”

Anupam and Kirron’s son Sikandar Kher commented, “Happy anniversary Maa and Dad ! To love.”

Kirron Kher lovingly responded to her husband’s post.

She shared a stunning picture of herself and Anupam Kher along with a message, that read, “Thank you so much dearest @anupampkher. Happy Anniversary. God bless you always. Thank you so much for all the wonderful years. Lots of love.”

Anupam and Kirron tied the knot in 1985. She was previously married to Gautam Berry and had a son Sikandar Kher in 1981.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Anupam Kher has wrapped up his upcoming film, ‘Tanvi The Great’.

Recently, Kher officially announced that Iain Glen, known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’, will be starring in his film.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both actors, marking a notable collaboration in the film industry.

‘Tanvi The Great’ will feature music composed by MM Keeravani, the acclaimed Oscar-winning composer known for his work on ‘RRR’.

Additionally, the film’s sound design will be handled by Resul Pookutty, an Academy Award winner recognised for his work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

The project is being directed and produced by Anupam Kher Studio.

Apart from this, Kher has ‘The Signature’, ‘Emergency’, ‘Vijay 69′, and the Curse of Damyaan’ and a few other films in his kitty. (ANI)

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