New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said on Sunday that Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has added three more chicks to the conservation breeding programme in the last couple of days.

The new additions have taken the total number of chicks hatched so far in the fourth year of captive breeding to 26, said an official statement

Sharing the development on the social media platform X, Yadav said the three new chicks emerged from one wild-collected egg and two captive-laid eggs.

He said the captive stock has now grown to 94 birds, with more chicks expected this season.

The Minister said that in the fourth year of GIB captive breeding, 26 chicks have hatched so far, including 18 through artificial insemination, four through natural breeding and four from wild-collected eggs.

Yadav said that in exchange for the wild eggs, three chicks have hatched in the wild in Rajasthan through jumpstart intervention to improve founder genetic diversity and mitigate predation risk.

Earlier in March, Yadav said the Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) had entered the fourth year of its captive breeding programme with the hatching of two new chicks at the Conservation Breeding Centre of Rajasthan.

The Minister said that under the environmentally sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is well on track to make the project a great success.

Yadav shared this development in a post on the social media platform X, describing it as another milestone achieved under Project GIB. The Minister said the two chicks hatched at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan around mid-March, one from natural mating and the other from artificial insemination.

He said there were plans to achieve the milestone of soft releasing some chicks into the world.

Yadav had said some of this year's captive-bred chicks will be soft released in the wild, marking a new, challenging beginning for the project. He also congratulated the forest officials of the Rajasthan Forest Department for the achievement.

--IANS

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Rome, June 14 (IANS) South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung said on Sunday that he believes the "ember of hope" for reviving dialogue and cooperation with North Korea still exists, reaffirming his commitment to making the utmost efforts to establish peace with Pyongyang.

President Lee made the remarks in his speech during a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik under the theme of peace and solidarity, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee is visiting Italy as part of his broader European trip, his first since taking office in June last year.

Lee referred to the inter-Korean joint statement adopted June 15, 2000, calling it a "historic turning point" that, he said, signalled the possibility of overcoming inter-Korean tensions and opening up dialogue and cooperation.

The President noted the first inter-Korean joint statement had led to reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as humanitarian cooperation and other exchanges, opening the door to new hopes for building peace on the Korean Peninsula.

"I firmly believe the ember of that hope is still alive," Lee said.

The President reiterated his administration's efforts to ease tensions, including the suspension of propaganda loudspeaker campaigns toward Pyongyang.

"Additionally, we have also made it clear that we will not seek unification by absorption or unilateral (ideological) competition," Lee said.

"(We) will continue efforts to prevent accidental conflicts between the South and the North and to restore military trust," he added.

"(We) plan to do everything we can to overcome the ceasefire and build a peace system."

Lee cited escalating international crises, including the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, while noting the Korean Peninsula, too, has slid back to an era of rupture and severed dialogue.

"Distrust and tensions remain as ever," he said.

"However, South Korea has a track record of keeping its faith in peace and democracy through vicissitudes and hardship," he added, underscoring the country's capacity to overcome inter-Korean tensions.

Since taking office in June, the Lee administration has made consistent overtures to seek peace and dialogue with North Korea, although Pyongyang has remained unresponsive.

North Korea apparently remains firm in its pledge not to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes, while adopting hostile policies toward Seoul by defining inter-Korean relations as those between two "hostile" countries.

--IANS

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Washington, June 14 (IANS) The Trump administration on Sunday signalled that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict with Iran could be signed within hours, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz and paving the way for broader negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Senior US officials appearing on Sunday news programmes expressed confidence that the agreement remained on track despite lingering tensions in the region and fresh Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

"From all I know, we are on track. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in an interview with CBS News.

US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, echoed that assessment on ABC News, saying President Donald Trump had "every intent" of getting the agreement completed.

"The teams have their hands full dealing with them, but President (Trump) has every intent to get this done," Waltz said, referring to Iranian negotiators.

The proposed memorandum would mark the first formal step toward ending more than three months of conflict that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.

According to the administration, the agreement would eventually reopen the waterway and begin a process aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear programme.

Hegseth said the arrangement would be "performance-based" and insisted Tehran would receive no benefits unless it complied with its commitments.

"There will be no money released to Iran until they perform," he said.

"There's no trust here, and we're going to verify everything."

Waltz said the US administration expected Iran to abandon key elements of its nuclear programme and end support for regional proxy groups.

"The highly enriched uranium has to go. Their enrichment capabilities, they have to walk away from. Their support for terrorist proxies has to end," he added.

The US administration also rejected comparisons with the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama.

Hegseth said that the earlier accord "was a path to a bomb", while the proposed agreement "will be a wall to a bomb".

The emerging deal, however, has drawn criticism from some former officials involved in the Obama-era negotiations.

Former President Barack Obama said it was "doubtful that any agreement that arises is going to be significantly different or a significant improvement from the deal that we had in the first place".

Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who helped negotiate the earlier accord, said any final arrangement would require extensive technical work and warned that the process could take far longer than the 60-day framework currently being discussed.

--IANS

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Birmingham, June 14 (IANS) Deepti Sharma produced a career-best spell of 5-10 as India thrashed Pakistan by 64 runs to begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Deepti, the off-spin bowling all-rounder, was the star in weaving a vicious spin web as Pakistan collapsed from 75 for 3 to 106 all out in 17 overs. Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 68 and Richa Ghosh’s late assault of 34 had earlier carried India to 170/6 in 20 overs. Apart from Deepti, left-arm spinner N Sree Charani also stood out with 3-21 as India pocketed two points and a healthy net run rate to assert their dominance against Pakistan yet again.

Pakistan began their chase with intent by racing to 52/1 in the powerplay – their highest score in the six-over phase against India in T20 World Cups. Muneeba Ali, dropped twice in the first four overs, made India pay by hitting four fluent boundaries. Gull Feroza added two boundaries against a shoddy Indian bowling line-up, before reverse-sweeping to backward point off Deepti.

After Pakistan won the power-play, they couldn’t capitalise on it – thanks to sharp spin bowling from India’s spinners in the middle overs. Deepti, who kept pressure on with her dot balls and bowling slower through the air, had Ayesha Zafar sweeping to short fine leg, before Sree Charani found Saira Jabeen’s leading edge and was caught at short cover.

Muneeba’s dismissal for 41 via Deepti’s direct hit from backward point proved to be the turning point, as Pakistan’s slide continued. Fatima Sana fell for a three-ball duck to Shafali, while Natalia Pervaiz was caught by extra cover off Charani. Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim failed to resist, as Deepti and Charani took them out. Deepti fittingly picked out the remaining two wickets to complete a five-for and secure a resounding win for India.

Brief Scores: India 170/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 36; Fatima Sana 2-33, Sadia Iqbal 2-41) beat Pakistan 106 all out in 17 overs (Muneeba Ali Siddiqui 41, Aliya Riaz 18; Deepti Sharma 5-10, N Sree Charani 3-21) by 64 runs

--IANS

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Bhopal/Katni, June 14 (IANS) Three people were killed and 19 passengers were injured on Sunday in a severe head-on collision between a passenger bus and a truck near the Lamtara Overbridge in the Kutthla police station area of Katni district in Madhya Pradesh.

The accident has sent shockwaves across the region, with scenes of chaos and distress at the accident site and the district hospital.

The incident occurred when a bus travelling from Vijayraghavgarh to Katni approached the overbridge and collided with an oncoming truck.

The impact was so intense that passengers were thrown around inside the bus, leading to immediate panic and cries for help at the spot.

The truck tragically ran over a woman passenger, mutilating her body and killing her on the spot. Three passengers died on the spot, while 19 others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to the district hospital by ambulances, where doctors are treating them. The condition of two passengers remains critical, according to hospital sources.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, the CM described the incident as heartbreaking. He announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Instructions have also been issued for the proper treatment of the injured passengers, with Rs 1 lakh assistance to be given to each seriously injured person.

Collector Ashish Tiwari assured that all necessary support is being extended to the victims and their families.

Police officials reached the spot immediately after receiving information and initiated rescue operations.

The bodies of the deceased were recovered and sent for post-mortem, while the injured continue to receive medical care.

Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest possible negligence or high speed, though a further probe is underway. Senior officers are supervising the case.

--IANS

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Nice, June 14 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron shared a glimpse video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’' visit with a latest Bollywood soundtrack, making the diplomatic engagement go viral on social media.

President Macron used the hit track "Aari Aari" from the film 'Dhuradhar: The Revenge' in a video showing the interaction with PM Modi in Nice, France.

PM Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday for an official visit at the invitation of President Macron.

Earlier on Sunday, Macron congratulated PM Modi for becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India since its Independence.

Speaking after inaugurating the 'Bharat Innovates 2026' event in Nice, France, Macron described Prime Minister Modi's presence at 'Bharat Innovates' as a matter of great honour for France.

"Prime Minister, I would like to congratulate you for being here, but also because a few days ago you became the Prime Minister with the longest serving time since the Independence of India, this long run says a lot about your determination, the strength of your country and its wonderful.... we are very proud that you are here," President Macron said.

Macron also said India and France are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions at the Bharat Innvotes 2026.

"Delighted to welcome my dear friend Narendra Modi. From Nice today to G7 Evian and VivaTech in Paris, this seventh visit reflects the exceptional strength of the France-India partnership," Macron wrote on social media platform X.

"We are opening a new chapter for talent, investment and concrete solutions for our people," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said India's innovation ecosystem is rapidly expanding and increasingly playing a role in addressing global challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.

"India now acts as a solution contributor rather than a solution consumer," the Prime Minister added.

At the invitation of President Macron, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16-17.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 14 (IANS) A Bangladeshi national was apprehended by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) near the Indo-Nepal border in the northern zone of West Bengal on Sunday.

The man, identified as Nondon Dash, was caught during routine checking at BIT Old Bridge in Panitanki. He did not possess the necessary documents to enter India.

"The man was caught near border pillar No. 90, about 350 metres from the international boundary. He was apprehended during routine checking and frisking. A Bangladeshi passport, an airline boarding pass from Bangladesh to Nepal, a mobile phone, two Bangladeshi SIM cards, one Nepalese SIM card and Rs 2,580 in Indian currency were seized from his possession," an SSB official said.

Dash is a resident of Umedpur village in Shibchar, in Bangladesh's Madaripur district.

"During interrogation, Dash claimed that he is a Bangladeshi national who travelled to Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 1, 2026, with the help of an agent who promised him employment in Serbia. He said that he paid Rs 3-5 lakh to the agent, after which the latter absconded," the official said.

Once his visa expired, Dash took up employment in Pokhara, Nepal.

After working in Pokhara for two months, he decided to return to Bangladesh via India.

Some officials suspect that Dash intentionally crossed into India and willingly surrendered before SSB personnel as he was aware that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are being sent back to their country.

He, however, faces the possibility of a jail term for illegal entry into India.

He has been handed over to the police for further legal action under the Foreigners Act.

Another Bangladeshi national was apprehended by the SSB near the same location a few days ago.

He had travelled to Nepal via India with an agent who had promised him a job in Europe. Once in Nepal, the agent allegedly duped him after taking money.

He then worked as a welder in that country before crossing back into India in the hope of being repatriated to Bangladesh.

--IANS

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Rotterdam, June 14 (IANS) The Indian Men's Hockey Team suffered a narrow 2-3 loss against the Netherlands at Hockey Club Rotterdam on Sunday. Dilpreet Singh (10’) and Sukhjeet Singh (33’) scored for India, while Miles Bukkens (3’), Koen Bijen (23’) and Tijmen Reyenga (40’) found the back of the net for the Dutch.

The hosts began the game on the front foot, controlling possession as they looked to make early inroads. They piled on the pressure with four penalty corners in quick succession and drew first blood as Miles Bukkens (3’) fired an upright reverse finish past the Indian goalkeeper to give the Netherlands the lead.

Shilanand Lakra nearly got India back on level terms soon after, as he hit the post in the 8th minute. The visitors eventually found the equaliser courtesy of Dilpreet Singh (10’), after a sensational long pass from Harmanpreet Singh allowed the attacker to fire his shot past the Dutch goalkeeper from a narrow angle.

With the lion’s share of possession in the second quarter, the Netherlands created chances with regularity but couldn’t find a way past Suraj Karkera. As India played on the counterattack, Dilpreet Singh had the opportunity to double his tally but was denied by the Dutch goalkeeper. The hosts eventually got back in front as Koen Bijen (23’) found the back of the net with a first-time strike to give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.

India began the second half by stringing together neat passes to control the tempo as they grew into the game. The visitors earned their first penalty corner of the match and made it count with a clever set-piece routine that was finished off by Sukhjeet Singh (33’), levelling the score at 2-2. The Dutch responded with a penalty corner variation of their own as Tijmen Reyenga (40’) rifled his effort past the goalkeeper to help his side regain the lead.

Chasing a one-goal deficit, India looked more positive in the final quarter as they pushed the Netherlands back into their own half. The hosts had to defend in numbers as India continued to search for the equaliser through penalty corners. In the end, though, the Netherlands held firm to secure a 3-2 victory.

India will face Germany in their next match, scheduled on June 17.

--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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Los Angeles, June 14 (IANS) Hollywood actress Sofia Vergara is getting nostalgic about her fellow actors from her show ‘Modern Family’.

The actress can't help but "miss everybody" from the show. The actress recently spoke about missing her former costars, including Ed O'Neill, reports ‘People’ magazine.

She told ‘People’, "I miss Ed O'Neill so much”. I mean, I miss everyone, but ... most of my scenes were always with Ed O'Neill. I spent the most of the 11 years with him. I miss him so much. He was such a great friend, such a great pillar for me, because I had never really ... That was like my first really acting job”.

The actor played her on-screen husband. She went on, "So to have someone like Ed O'Neill guiding you and helping you through a show like ‘Modern Family’ was a dream. I couldn't have done it without him and I miss him. It's been already 6 years that we stopped, but I miss everybody. I wish that we could all come to ... We see each other but not as much as we should”.

As per ‘People’, the actress previously shared a birthday tribute for the actor on April 12. “Feliz cumpleanos to my favorite husband. I miss u Ed O'Neil”, Vergara captioned a throwback photo of them together on Instagram.

She also revealed that the Modern Family cast still keep in touch via their group chat, even if O'Neill, 80, answers late while trying to keep up with the messages.

"Yes, we do. We do and we use it a lot. It's very confusing. Ed answers like five days later about something, and then we have no clue what he's answering about. So it's pretty cool”, she added.

Sofia Vergara previously reunited the cast in 2023, including O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ariel Winter, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, as well as the showrunners Chris Lloyd and Steve Levitan.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 14 (IANS) Singer-actor Harry Styles has recounted his struggles after his tour ended in 2023.The 32-year-old singer-actor is currently performing on his Together, Together tour.

He recently revealed he struggled to cope after finishing up his series of live shows for Love On Tour, reports ‘Female First UK’.

Speaking on the Q With Tom Power podcast, Harry said, “I was supposed to spend New Year’s with friends and I landed in Italy and felt really unwell, so I just went home. And I woke up and I had this kind of beautiful New Year’s by myself. I was feeling the most alone I’d felt in a really long time, but in the most beautiful way. I didn’t feel lonely at all. “I was just feeling myself kind of shut out from a lot of the world”.

He further mentioned, “I think I got used to saying no to invites from friends and maybe a weekend trip or a birthday party or something. I just got used to, you know, if I have a week at home, I don’t want to go somewhere else for three days. I just want to stay home. And when I got to Italy and was in this quiet place, I felt like, ‘OK, if I’m going to spend all this time out here and I’m going to keep saying no to everything, I’m just going to shut myself off from the world’”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Harry, who released his latest album, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally’, in March, also shared he has struggled to live up to his fans’ adoring perception of him in the past.

He said, “I had this relationship with my own image where people had this projected version of me that was perfect. And when the standard you hold yourself to is this perfect person, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re falling short. If you don’t feel great about yourself and someone says you’re terrible, it’s like the claw is in and it’s ripping you. But if you have a more solid sense of yourself, you can hear those things and it doesn’t destroy you in the same way”.

“You can sit at home and think it’s hard for me to do these things when people are looking at me, taking pictures. But when you shut out those things that might be negative, you also shut out a ton of positive things. If you think it’s hard to go to a bar and hang out with friends because people might act a certain way, there are also incredible people you could meet in that bar that you’re shutting out”, he added.

Harry, who is reportedly engaged to actress Zoe Kravitz, believes time out of the spotlight has been good for him.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 14 (IANS) Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel is backing up her claims of her film ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ garnering a higher footfall than the box-office juggernaut ‘Dhurandhar’.

On Sunday, the actress took to her X, formerly Twitter, and shared screenshots of her web and AI search. The search results read, “The Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ recorded approximately 3.22 to 3.56 crore (32.2 to 35.6 million) domestic footfalls during its theatrical run, making it one of the most-watched Hindi films”.

It further mentioned, “‘Dhurandhar 2’ reached over 4.3 crore total footfalls across all languages. The Hindi version alone crossed 4 crore footfalls. The original ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ recorded over 5.05 crore (50.5 million) theatrical footfalls in India during its initial release. Gadar 2 recorded an estimated 3.40 crore (34 million) to 3.50 crore theatrical footfalls in India”.

The actress tweeted, “So blessed”.

Her latest post comes after she claimed that ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ still rules supreme with its footfall.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, has emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes in recent Indian cinema. The response has been overwhelmingly strong across markets. The film witnessed extremely high occupancy rates, multiple sold-out shows, cultivating a new market in dubbed versions, indicating pan-India appeal.

Culturally, the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise has evolved into a mass phenomenon. Its blend of hyper-stylized action, nationalism, and star power has resonated strongly with audiences, reflecting current cinematic trends. Viral moments, music, and even off-screen incidents have amplified its reach, turning it into more than just a film, a conversation driver. The sequel solidifies the franchise as a defining force in modern Bollywood spectacle cinema.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 14 (IANS) Hollywood actor Colin Firth’s ex-wife, Livia Giuggioli has launched a scathing attack on actress Gwyneth Paltrow over her endorsement for an Israeli property company.

Livia blasted the actress calling her a “nasty person”. Gwyneth recently endorsed a luxury real estate development 51 park. The property is believed to be located a few miles from where Palestinians are being killed and displaced, and she took to Instagram to lash out at the Oscar-winning actress.

Livia took to her Instagram recently, and penned a long note calling out the actress. She wrote, “I just cancelled Gwyneth Paltrow. She was supposed to come to the farm in a couple of weeks’ time on a tour, a soil-to-fork farm experience. And we just cancelled her because what she did is completely unacceptable. I actually have an appeal for everyone in Hollywood, who for so many years cancelled people who were speaking out about the genocide. Even me. I remember being at the Green Fashion Awards and I was told by lots of agents that you shouldn't post on Instagram what you do, your activism. And I was like 'f*** off', of course I'm going to keep speaking. Now, I hope the reverse is going to happen, that Hollywood and people in Hollywood are going to start cancelling those who actually support the genocide. Because it's not even being silent”.

She further mentioned, “There is no excuse for being silent anymore - and many, many people are silent. So let's not even go to the, 'If you're silent, you're complicit argument. She actually actively promoted the genocide, so it's totally complicit. Making an ad for a luxury condo is as disgusting as it can be for someone with privilege. It's like how detached are you from reality? You're either so detached that you need to be cancelled, because you live in another world. Or you're actually a really, really nasty person. Or you are stupid. Which of the three are you, Gwyneth Paltrow? And definitely you are not coming to our farm”.

Colin and Livia split in 2019 after 22 years of marriage.

--IANS

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