Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actor Anupam Kher has heaped praise on Oscar-winning music composer M.M. Keeravani, calling him a man of immense depth and a wonderful friend, while sharing a fun glimpse of their camaraderie in Hyderabad.

Anupam shared a string of pictures with the music composer on X, formerly called Twitter and wrote: “There are Oscar-winning music composers… and then there is M.M. Keeravani Sir! Of course, the world knows his genius. I had the privilege of experiencing it very closely when he gave such beautiful, soulful music to my film #TanviTheGreat. But what fascinates me equally is the man behind the music.”

Anupam said that he understands human nature almost as beautifully as he “understands sur and taal.”

“I can sit with him for hours talking about life, cinema, music, people, relationships… and everything in between. Every conversation leaves me with something to think about. But there is one area where I am definitely the boss — posing for photographs!” he wrote.

The actor added: “So in Hyderabad, I decided that two serious, accomplished gentlemen (he more, me- kind of) should temporarily forget their wisdom, experience, awards etc. and become COOL DUDES!”

“Whether we actually look cool is for you to decide. We certainly felt cool! Keeravani Sir, thank you for your music, your depth, your wonderful sense of humour and, above everything else, your friendship. Love you, Sir! Jai Ho! @mmkeeravaani.”

Tanvi The Great follows a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum, who lives with her mother Vidya and grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina inspired by her deceased father, Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer who dreamed of saluting the flag at Siachen Glacier.

Talking about Anupam, he’s currently shooting for the second installment of Khosla Ka Ghosla. The film first released in 2006 with the comedy drama film directed by Dibakar Banerjee, in his directorial debut. Along with Anupam and Boman actors Parvin Dabas, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey and Tara Sharma in the lead roles.

The story follows Kamal Kishore Khosla (Kher), a middle-class Delhiite and his family's attempt to reclaim their land which has been seized by a builder, Khurana.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Aug 10 (IANS) Overwhelmed with gratitude by the outpouring of love that he received from family members, friends and fans on the occasion of his birthday on Sunday, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has now said that his heart was full.

Taking to his social media timelines to express gratitude for all the love that he had received on his special day, the actor wrote, "Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can’t express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings."

Addressing his fans, the actor said, "And to all my fans, thank you will never be enough. You have always been my constant love, strength and emotion. The love you continue to give me is something I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for."

He went on to say, "I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it’s going to be something special. I can’t wait for you all to experience it. Let’s make this journey together. Much love to each and every one of you. Always."

For the unaware, the makers of director S S Rajamouli's much awaited magnum opus 'Varanasi'unveiled two exclusive stills from the film on the occasion of the actor's birthday. The still offered the world its first glimpse of Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra in his element.

The first still captured Rudhra at rest on a bamboo raft, surrounded by a dense jungle, effortlessly cool, magnetic and carrying the quiet intensity that defined his character while the second transported fans to the sweeping plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where Rudhra was seen standing with a commanding look, amidst giraffes and wild beasts.

'Varanasi', which is Mahesh Babu's upcoming film with SS Rajamouli, sources say, will be a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic in which one man’s extraordinary journey will be seen taking him from the sacred waters of India to the wildest corners of the earth.

Director SS Rajamouli said, “Rudhra was born to fulfill a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That is what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath.These frames are from our Africa schedule, and the land gave us something no set could. Shooting around Kilimanjaro and in the Maasai Mara, I was stunned. There were mornings when I felt even the 1.43:1 IMAX frame could not hold what was in front of us.”

Directed by SS Rajamouli, with music by MM Keeravani, 'Varanasi' is being produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business and is set to release worldwide on April 7, next year in IMAX.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 10 (IANS) The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded a $4,000 fee on H-1B petitions and a $4,500 levy on L-1 petitions to cover visa extensions filed by certain employers, even when workers remain with the same company.

The final rule will take effect on September 9 and could significantly increase the recurring immigration costs faced by companies that depend heavily on foreign professionals.

It applies only to employers with at least 50 employees in the United States when more than 50 per cent of their US workforce collectively holds H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status.

Such employers will be required to pay the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee each time they seek an extension of a covered employee’s status.

Until now, the fee generally applied to petitions seeking initial employment or a change of employer. An extension filed by the same employer for the same worker did not attract the fee when the separate fraud-prevention fee was not required.

“The regulatory changes correct DHS's interpretation of statutory language to require that covered employers submit the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all extension of status petitions, regardless of whether the related fraud prevention and detection fee applies,” DHS said.

The change does not increase the fee amounts. It broadens the number of petitions on which the existing charges must be paid.

Covered employers will pay $4,000 for each qualifying H-1B petition and $4,500 for each qualifying L-1 petition. Amended petitions that do not seek an extension of the worker’s authorised status will remain exempt.

The fee is paid by the employer, not the visa holder. DHS rejected suggestions that employees be permitted to pay it when their companies were unwilling to do so.

“The statutes and existing regulations specify that the fee is required to be paid by the employer,” the department said.

Documents noted that the rule could affect Indian technology and other skilled professionals indirectly if employers reconsider the cost of repeated visa extensions. Commenters had warned that higher expenses could discourage companies from retaining H-1B employees, reduce legal immigration and disadvantage workers caught in lengthy employment-based green-card queues.

The department rejected those concerns. It said the fee applied only to a limited category of employers and was small compared with wages, relocation expenses and other costs associated with hiring foreign professionals.

DHS also said demand for H-1B visas had exceeded their annual availability for more than a decade and it did not expect the rule to reduce the overall number of H-1B workers hired.

The department estimates that additional payments to the US government will total $37.9 million in fiscal 2026 and $40 million in fiscal 2027.

The expansion is substantial. Between fiscal 2018 and 2025, about 27 per cent of H-1B petitions submitted by covered employers attracted the biometric fee. Had the new interpretation been in effect, approximately 75 per cent of their H-1B petitions would have been subject to it.

DHS said its earlier interpretation of the law had been incorrect. Congress included applications for extensions when it established the fee in 2015, but DHS had linked its collection to circumstances in which the fraud-prevention fee also applied.

“The best interpretation of that statute is that the 9-11 Biometric Fee applies to all extension of status petitions even when the Fraud Fee is not applicable,” the department said.

The money supports the biometric entry-exit programme used to confirm the identity of foreign nationals entering and leaving the United States. Half the collections, up to a statutory limit, go into a dedicated biometric account, while the remainder enters the Treasury’s general fund.

DHS said fee collections had fallen from $158 million in fiscal 2016 to $25.6 million in fiscal 2025. It argued that broader collection was required to maintain facial-comparison and other biometric systems at American land, sea and air ports.

--IANS

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Ranchi, Aug 10 (IANS) Students protesting alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations in Jharkhand are set to march towards the state Assembly on Monday, intensifying their agitation after talks with the Hemant Soren government failed to yield a breakthrough.

The protesters said they would hold their peaceful demonstration and would carry the national flag as a symbol of their commitment to a non-violent movement. The students are demanding justice and action against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state.

The deadlock between the students and the government continues over the protesters’ demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged examination irregularities and the cancellation of a Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examination. The state government has rejected both demands.

Speaking to IANS, a student protester said, “We are heading towards the Vidhan Sabha, and our protest will be peaceful. Students are coming from far-off places to participate. Until the government accepts our demands, we are not going to stop. We are not afraid of the preparations made by the government. The sacrifice of all the students who are on a hunger strike will not go in vain. We will continue to protest because the government is not doing justice to us.”

Another student said, “We will march towards the Vidhan Sabha. I have cleared three examinations, but I have not been allotted a job. That is why we are protesting.”

A third student expressed determination to continue the agitation, saying, “We are all ready to protest and will soon head towards the Vidhan Sabha.”

Another protester emphasised the peaceful nature of the march and said, “We are protesting peacefully. Even if a lathi charge is used against us, we are prepared. This march will remain peaceful. We are carrying the Tiranga in our hands and do not have any weapons.”

One more student said, “We are going towards the Vidhan Sabha and will stage our protest there. Once we reach the Assembly, we will carry out our planned programme.”

Meanwhile, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been participating in the agitation, said the protest had entered its ninth day and that his health had deteriorated due to the ongoing hunger strike.

“Today is the ninth day of the protest, and my condition is quite weak. I have been continuously giving updates, and my health is worsening. However, the pain and suffering faced by students due to repeated paper leaks are far greater,” he said.

A doctor monitoring Mahto’s condition said, “Compared to yesterday, he is better today. He was experiencing weakness and low blood sugar levels, so we administered intravenous fluids. His vital parameters are currently stable.”

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) As the film “Jailer” turned three on Monday, actor Jackie Shroff marked the occasion by sharing some pictures from the 2023 Rajinikanth-starrer action-comedy.

Jackie took to Instagram stories, where he shared a string of pictures featuring him, Mohanlal, Tamannah Bhatia and many others.

For the caption, Jackie wrote: “#Celebrating03yearsofjailer.”

Jailer stars Rajinikanth as a retired jailer who sets out to apprehend an eccentric idol smuggler threatening his family. The cast also includes Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa in supporting roles. Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar and Jackie Shroff.

The film is about a retired jailer who lives a peaceful life with his family. But when his son, who is a policeman, goes missing and is supposedly killed, he is forced to go back to his world of crime and find the killer.

Meanwhile, Jackie’s latest is Ahmed Khan’s comedy film titled “Welcome To The Jungle”.

The film has a huge star cast including names such as Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde.

It is loosely based on the 2005 American film The Producers as well as the 2008 American film Tropic Thunder.

This film marks the ninth collaboration of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, who have reunited on screen after almost 17 years. Their last collaboration was Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan.

The film follows police officers Jay Bakshi and Sandhya pursue elusive criminal Raj Solanki, only to face shocking personal connections that complicate duty trust and the line between justice and emotion.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Sarfaraz Khan marked his return to the Indian Test squad by sharing a picture of himself in the team’s training kit alongside his father and former club cricketer and coach Naushad Khan on Instagram, after being recalled as a replacement for injured Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

The last time Sarfaraz was selected for India's squad was at the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series which India lost 4-1. He has been left out of the Test team since then, even though he has a very good first-class record. As a right-handed batsman, he has scored heavily in domestic cricket, with an average of 64.73 from 62 first-class matches, but has played only six Tests for India. His most recent match in the format was in November 2024.

The fact that he was left out of the India A team for the series against South Africa A caused a stir, especially since the senior side then lost the two-match Test series 2-0.

Sarfaraz is returning following Sai Sudharsan's exclusion from the Sri Lanka series due to a stress reaction in his right toe. The BCCI stated on Sunday that the left-handed batsman had made some progress with his recovery but would still not be fit for the two-Test series.

The BCCI stated that Sai Sudharsan will not be taking part in the Test series against Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter, who has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, has made considerable progress in his recovery from the right toe stress reaction and is recovering nicely. The BCCI Medical Team are keeping a close eye on his progress.

“Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter, who has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, has made significant progress in his recovery from the right toe stress reaction and is recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his progress,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has named Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. He will link up with the Indian squad in Colombo before the team travels to Galle for the first Test match, starting August 15, 2026,” it added.

Sarfaraz might still have to wait until his turn to play in the playing eleven, since Devdutt Padikkal had a good performance in India's warm-up game, which took place on Sunday, and that performance could affect the team managers' choice regarding the batting order for the first Test.

--IANS

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Washington, Aug 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew praise among Indian social media users for his diplomatic outreach, defence agreements and personal equation with President Donald Trump during his February 2025 visit to Washington, according to recently released State Department documents.

The internal US Embassy assessment said supporters viewed PM Modi’s engagement with Trump, Elon Musk and Indian Americans as a strategic effort to advance India’s interests on the global stage.

The February 18, 2025, analysis was released by the State Department in July under the Freedom of Information Act. The document is marked “unclassified”, rather than declassified, and the names of the officials involved have been redacted.

“PM Modi was praised in certain circles for his diplomatic outreach, especially when it came to trade negotiations and defense agreements that were seen as positive outcomes,” the assessment said.

“Some people also appreciated the way PM Modi was recognised by President Trump as a ‘tough negotiator,’ which reinforced the idea that PM Modi was representing India’s interests in key conversations,” it added.

The embassy analysis examined public discourse in India on X following PM Modi’s visit to the United States. It identified both positive and negative narratives surrounding his talks with Trump.

PM Modi’s personal relationship with Trump emerged as one of the favourable themes.

“The relationship between PM Modi and President Trump was also viewed in a positive aspect by many,” the assessment said.

“PM Modi’s use of personal diplomacy—like meeting with Elon Musk, engaging with Indian Americans, and joining President Trump at an open press meet was seen as a smart strategic move,” it said. “These moments resonated with users who saw PM Modi as effectively putting India’s interests forward on the global stage.”

The assessment also cited PM Modi’s stay at Blair House, across the street from the White House, as a sign of the respect accorded to the Indian leader by the United States.

Social media users drew parallels with the Washington visits of former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who had also stayed at the historic US presidential guest house.

Another positive theme was support for the US-India Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology, or COMPACT, initiative.

The embassy said the initiative was praised for promoting co-production and “mutually beneficial advancement of military technology on Indian soil.”

PM Modi met Trump at the White House on February 13, 2025, during his first visit to the United States after Trump returned to office.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Feb 13 (IANS) Maharashtra NCP(SP) President Shashikant Shinde has written a commemorative editorial in the party’s magazine, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of the split and the alleged merger plans between the two NCP factions.

Shinde claimed that late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was forced to exit the original NCP due to threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers."

He further said that a final decision to merge the two parties was reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and was to be announced on February 12.

In a massive revelation, Shinde asserted that Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders had agreed to hand over the entire command of the unified party to Ajit Pawar following the merger.

“Fulfilling this merger and rebuilding the party with strength would be the only true tribute to Ajit Dada," Shinde wrote.

Shinde clarified, "It was our decision to hand over all party responsibilities to Ajit Dada once the merger process was complete. However, fate had other plans. We were all mentally prepared to accept Ajit Dada’s leadership.”

Shinde appealed to the party faithful, asserting that a merger is the only true tribute to the late leader. He noted, “Ajit Pawar’s dream remains unfulfilled, and it is now the party's responsibility to complete it. Unity: Reuniting and strengthening the NCP is the ultimate goal. Leaders and workers must set aside their differences and broaden their perspective to achieve this unity.”

Following the publication of the article, senior NCP(SP) leader and former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked, "I am unaware of what our State President has said. Since he wrote the article, he likely has more information than I do. I personally have no knowledge of this matter."

While Sharad Pawar has avoided commenting publicly on the matter, Shinde’s article has brought these behind-the-scenes developments to light. However, Shinde’s revelations have sparked a new controversy and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has reacted with sharp skepticism.

Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan questioned the timing of these claims. Chavan alleged that discussing a merger while the leader’s mortal remains were still at Vidya Pratishthan suggests a "lust for power" rather than genuine respect. He clarified that Sunetra Pawar is now the ultimate authority of their party and any dialogue must happen through her.

Further, the party legislator Amol Mitkari stated that no such merger discussions have occurred within their internal party meetings, attributing the rumours to the rival camp's leaders.

While the Pawar family continues to demonstrate a unique balance of political rivalry and familial bond — recently seen at family weddings — the political future remains clouded.

All eyes are now on Sunetra Pawar. Whether she will pursue the "unfulfilled dream" of a unified NCP or maintain a separate identity, remains a question that will define the next chapter of Maharashtra politics.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.

Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed towards major final-consumption markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, the report states.

Electronics, the thematic focus of this quarter's edition, has emerged as a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and export transformation. Now the second-largest item in India's export basket, the sector is both technology-led and deeply interconnected with industries such as automotive, renewable energy, telecom, defence, and digital services, making it a powerful multiplier for industrial growth.

The report states that having established a strong foothold in assembly and system integration, India is now entering the next phase of its electronics journey, moving decisively toward component manufacturing and higher value addition. This transition is supported by targeted policy measures, including the Union Budget's Rs 40,000 crore allocation under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities.

The analysis underscores that sustained competitiveness will be driven by deeper integration into global electronics value chains, encompassing printed circuit board design, semiconductor assembly and testing, power electronics, and embedded systems. Complemented by continued improvements in logistics efficiency, tariff rationalisation, and industry-aligned skill development, these shifts position electronics as a key engine of India's export growth and technological advancement in the coming decade.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery said, "Electronics, as the organising core of modern manufacturing value chains, with semiconductors and components, plays a key role in determining trade balances and technological sovereignty. While India has achieved scale in final assembly, sustained competitiveness will depend on correcting structural cost disabilities, deepening domestic component ecosystems, and leveraging anchor investments in components to embed Indian firms more firmly within global production networks."

The publication also provides a comprehensive assessment of global and domestic trade trends at a time when global trade growth has moderated but remains positive, with services continuing to outperform goods and developing regions emerging as key drivers.

The analysis highlights that India's trade performance in Q2 FY26 was driven by export-led momentum sustaining the overall trade expansion amid heightened global uncertainty. Services and merchandise exports recorded robust growth of around 8.5 per cent, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.

At a structural level, the edition underscores the deepening of trade among developing economies, which has expanded nearly four-fold since 2005 and now accounts for a rising share of global exports, with India’s trade trajectory increasingly aligned with this Global South rebalancing through regional value chains and new trade corridors.

Further, this edition highlights the growing role of e-commerce as a key enabler of future export growth. India is now among the world’s top six e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) In a farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers, the Centre on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat, along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.

According to a Consumer Affairs Ministry statement, wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT higher compared to the corresponding period last year.

"This substantial year-on-year increase indicates a comfortable supply position in the country. Furthermore, as on April 1, 2026, total wheat availability in the central pool with FCI is projected at around 182 LMT, thus ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements," it said.

Moreover, wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year.

This reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signals the likelihood of another robust harvest, the official statement further added.

The decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while ensuring national food security.

Meanwhile, to facilitate sugar exports, the government decided to allow export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar to willing sugar mills during the current Sugar Season 2025–26.

Earlier, the government had permitted the export of 15 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country.

As per data, only about 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported up to January 31, 2026.

In addition, approximately 2.72 LMT of sugar has been contracted for export by sugar mills to date.

The ministry said that the additional export quantity of 5 LMT shall be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) As the film “Jailer” turned three on Monday, actor Jackie Shroff marked the occasion by sharing some pictures from the 2023 Rajinikanth-starrer action-comedy.

Jackie took to Instagram stories, where he shared a string of pictures featuring him, Mohanlal, Tamannah Bhatia and many others.

For the caption, Jackie wrote: “#Celebrating03yearsofjailer.”

Jailer stars Rajinikanth as a retired jailer who sets out to apprehend an eccentric idol smuggler threatening his family. The cast also includes Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa in supporting roles. Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar and Jackie Shroff.

The film is about a retired jailer who lives a peaceful life with his family. But when his son, who is a policeman, goes missing and is supposedly killed, he is forced to go back to his world of crime and find the killer.

Meanwhile, Jackie’s latest is Ahmed Khan’s comedy film titled “Welcome To The Jungle”.

The film has a huge star cast including names such as Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde.

It is loosely based on the 2005 American film The Producers as well as the 2008 American film Tropic Thunder.

This film marks the ninth collaboration of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, who have reunited on screen after almost 17 years. Their last collaboration was Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan.

The film follows police officers Jay Bakshi and Sandhya pursue elusive criminal Raj Solanki, only to face shocking personal connections that complicate duty trust and the line between justice and emotion.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Santacruz Police have arrested an accused in connection with the reported theft of valuables worth around Rs. 1 crore from actress-model and former “Bigg Boss 10” contestant Lopamudra Raut’s flat in Mumbai.

Santacruz Police have arrested a 26-year-old man from a village in Bihar’s Darbhanga district in connection with the burglary of valuables worth over Rs 1 crore from the fifth-floor flat of Lopamudra.

The accused, identified as Chandan Mukhiya, reportedly used a bamboo stick to gain access to the fifth-floor balcony before breaking open the door and entering Lopamudra’s bedroom, where he reportedly stole the valuables.

Santacruz Police said stolen assets worth around Rs. 51 lakh, including a luxury watch, two gold biscuits and cash, were recovered from his possession. Police traced and arrested Chandan Mukhiya,a resident of Goth Mitti village in Darbhanga district, with the help of the local police

According to police, in July, Chandan had allegedly entered the actress’ house through a ventilator after first conducting a recce of the property and ensuring that no one was inside,he had been scouting locked houses across Mumbai and would allegedly travel back to Bihar by train on the same day after committing thefts

Mukhiya allegedly spotted Lopamudra’s Santacruz residence during a recce and later returned when he found an opportunity to break in.

The police traced him using technical intelligence, including mobile phone details and location-based leads.

After the investigation pointed to Darbhanga, a Mumbai police team travelled there and, with the assistance of the Darbhanga police, conducted a raid at a location under the jurisdiction of Sonki police station

Police said they are yet to recover the entire stolen amount and other valuables. Investigators are now trying to trace the remaining property and determine whether there were more people involved

Police suspect that he used some of the stolen money to purchase around two gunthas of land in his sister name.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Hollywood-based Indian actress Freida Pinto has expressed shock over the devastating Okanagan wildfires in British Columbia, highlighting the plight of her friend Carmen Spagnola, who has lost her farm and animals in the disaster.

Freida took to Instagram, where she posted a note which read: “The Okanagan wildfires in BC are devastating. So many are displaced and have lost everything. Among them is Carmen Spagnola who has given me so much peace over the years.”

“Do check out her insta page @carmenspagnola and scroll to the videos before the wildfires. Her farm and sweet animals will give you so much joy. If you feel inclined her friends have also set up a go fund me for her. Her rebuild is not going to be easy but her strength through it all is remarkable,” Pinto wrote.

She captioned the post: “Thank you to my community for taking the time to read. Much love.”

The 41-year-old actress gained stardom with her film debut in the drama Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. She was then seen in 2010’s Miral, Trishna, and Desert Dancer.

She also saw success with the science fiction film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and the epic fantasy action film Immortals, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Love Sonia, Hillbilly Elegy and Mr. Malcolm's List.

She also starred in the Showtime miniseries Guerrilla, and had a recurring role in the series The Path.

Pinto became engaged to photographer Cory Tran in November 2019, and they married in 2020.

She will next be seen in Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, an upcoming American animated fantasy film directed by Lauren Montgomery.

It is a continuation of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender. The film stars the voices of Eric Nam, Dave Bautista, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, Dionne Quan, Taika Waititi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Ronny Chieng, Ken Jeong, Dee Bradley Baker, Steven Yeun, Freida Pinto, and Ke Huy Quan.

The story follows Team Avatar as they discover Tagah, a surviving airbender, and join him in searching for an airbending staff to bring back the Air Nomads.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actress Tejasswi Prakash, who can be seen in the recently released 5th season of the gaming reality show, ‘Playground’, has shared that AI can never replace the human element.

The actress spoke with IANS along with Elvish Yadav and Aarush Bhola at a 5-star property in the Juhu area of Mumbai during the promotions of the show.

In current times, the technology is at its peak. There is support of the algorithms, and marketing muscle behind every piece of content. When asked if she thinks it's eventually taking away the soul of art, she said, “No, in terms of technology and real art, you can never replace real art with technology. And it’s irrespective of how many ever AI shows there could be, this or that. We have also included an AI concept in our show. But that doesn't mean that we will make AI the mentor on this show, I don't think it can ever happen”.

“I don't think AI can ever replace our society. But, to some extent, in visual entertainment, AI can be a handy tool for enhancement”, she added.

Earlier, the actress had heaped praise on the “queen of television” Ektaa Kapoor, as she shared that Ektaa is someone who is always ready to change with time in the way she approaches her work.

Daily soaps have taken a back seat, and reality shows are the flavour of the season. The fact that Ektaa Kapoor had to enter the battleground of reality shows with ‘Lock Upp’ points to the growing affinity of the audience for reality shows.

When asked if Ektaa Kapoor is losing her shimmer given that the soap operas aren’t working anymore, the actress said, “No, Ektaa Kapoor has always been the queen of television, but at the same time, she is a mastermind and an impeccable businesswoman. She knows what’s in trend”.

Meanwhile, ‘Playground’ blends gaming, entertainment, competition and influencer culture into a single format. It is designed around a virtual playground, and brings together young creators, gamers and internet personalities who compete in a variety of challenges while navigating rivalries, friendships and team dynamics. ‘Playground’ season 5 is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

--IANS

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