Washington, August 11 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat will address a large gathering of Hindu Americans in New York City on August 29, marking a rare public appearance by him in the United States.

The Universal Oneness Celebrations will bring together Hindu cultural, spiritual, service and community organisations from across the country, according to a statement issued by the organisers.

The gathering will coincide with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It will focus on unity, civic responsibility, social harmony and interfaith understanding.

The event is being organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD Forum, in partnership with hundreds of participating organisations. The organisers described it as one of the largest and most diverse Hindu community gatherings held in the United States.

Bhagwat, who has led the RSS since 2009, is expected to deliver the principal address. The organisers said his appearance was likely to attract national and international interest because he rarely speaks at large public events in the United States.

The programme will also feature faith-based speakers and cultural performances aligned with the theme of universal unity. Details about other speakers, the venue and the timing of the programme have not yet been announced.

Organisers said the event comes as questions of social cohesion, pluralism, civic participation and interfaith understanding are receiving increased attention across the United States.

They said the gathering would highlight the growing role of Hindu Americans in public life and their contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, philanthropy and civic engagement.

The programme will present the ancient Indian philosophical principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The World Is One Family” — as a framework for dialogue, mutual respect, shared responsibility and service.

Participants are expected to represent different linguistic, regional, cultural and organisational backgrounds. The organisers said the event would seek to demonstrate how a diverse community could unite around shared values while preserving its distinct traditions.

Raksha Bandhan traditionally honours the bond between siblings and the responsibility to protect and care for one another. The New York programme will extend that theme to relations among communities, nations, humanity and nature, according to the statement.

Community leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, educators, lawyers, artists, elected officials, veterans, youth leaders, faith leaders and volunteers are expected to attend.

Delegations will also come from temples, yoga organisations, educational institutions, service groups, linguistic and regional associations, cultural bodies and interfaith communities across the country.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 11 (IANS) Reality star Kris Jenner wished her daughter Kylie Jenner on her birthday with a heartfelt message. She took to her Instagram, and shared a series of throwback pictures featuring Kylie with her.

Some of the pictures are from Kylie’s childhood. Kris Jenner also penned long note in the caption, as she wrote, “Happy birthday to my amazing baby girl @kyliejenner!! You are so very beautiful inside and out and you have been making me laugh, keeping me on my toes, and filling my heart with so much love and joy since the day you were born. I love our talks, our adventures, and all of the little moments together that mean more to me than you will ever know. You have the kindest heart and you love your family and friends so deeply, and seeing the incredible mother you are to Stormi and Aire is one of the most beautiful things in the world to watch”.

“I am so proud of everything you have created, but I am even more proud of the person you are when nobody else is watching. You are so smart, creative, funny, loving, generous, loyal, and I thank God every day that I get to be your mommy. You’ll always be my little girl… I love you beyond words. Happy birthday my precious girl!!! Mommy”, she added.

Kylie was born on August 10, 1997. She rose to global fame through the reality series ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. She transformed her celebrity profile into a major business empire, most notably with her cosmetics brand.

She has also built a huge social-media following, turning her personal brand, fashion choices and family life into a powerful cultural force.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) With the organising committee for the upcoming BWF World Championship 2026 set to employ people to tackle monkey menace in and around the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Complex in New Delhi, former champion and India's top hope PV Sindhu has come out in support of the move.

With reports surfacing on social media that the Badminton Association of India (BAI) will employ "monkey whisperers" to handle rogue monkeys that have disrupted matches and terrorised players in the past, the matter has attracted ridicule across social media.

Monkeys had disrupted the India Open badminton tournament in New Delhi last year, gatecrashing the designated training area for the players. With the BWF World Championships 2026 set to start next week, the BAI has decided not to take chances and has employed people to tackle the simian menace.

But Sindhu has praised the organising committee for their "efforts" to tackle the problem and praised the people working behind the scenes.

"You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort. So many people are working behind the scenes to make sure India is ready to welcome the world. Our solutions may be uniquely Indian, but so are our warmth, our spirit and our hospitality.

"Can’t wait for the badminton world to experience it all in Delhi. See you soon!" Sindhu wrote in a social media post.

With the BWF World Championship 2026 fast approaching, the BAI has employed three "experts" to imitate langur calls at the Indira Gandhi Stadium to keep away the troublesome rhesus macaques from the venue. Rhesus macaques are terrified of langurs and usually flee areas where langurs are present.

For years, langurs have been employed to deter monkeys from important official installations and central government offices in New Delhi.

The BWF World Championship 2026 will be held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23 with the World's top players in the fray. The BAI has faced severe criticism over various issues in organising the event,

--IANS

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Paris, Aug 10 (IANS) Leaders across the world express solidarity and support for the people of Colombia as the South American nation was hit with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which left several areas devastated, with scores dead as the search and rescue operations go on.

French President Immannuel Macron stated that Colombia can count on France’s friendship and support and expressed solidarity.

"In the face of the terrible earthquake that has struck Colombia, I extend, on behalf of France, my most sincere thoughts to the Colombian people. I think of the victims, their families, the injured, and all those who have been affected by this disaster. Our solidarity also goes to the rescue teams and all those who are working, with courage, to assist the affected populations. In this ordeal, Colombia can count on our friendship and our support," Macron wrote on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed solidarity and support and called on people around the world to support the affected people.

"Terrible news about the earthquake in western Colombia, which also affected neighbouring Ecuador. As of now, at least 25 people have been reported dead, and there are people trapped under the rubble. Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone affected. Any loss of life is tragic. We stand in full support and solidarity with the people of Colombia and everyone who has been affected by this disaster. We call on everyone around the world who can support the affected people and countries right now to step up and help," Zelensky stated on X.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that she is anxiously following the updates on the violent earthquake that struck Colombia.

"In these difficult hours, Italy stands in solidarity with the Colombian people, the affected families, and all those engaged in rescue and assistance operations," she stated on X.

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa Azin also expressed solidarity with Colombia and with the families affected by the earthquake.

"Colombia, Ecuador stands with you. We place our USAR team at your disposal: 47 rescuers, specialised dogs, and equipment with autonomy to operate for 7 days. We are ready to mobilise whenever you require," he stated on X.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Trump Administration is closely monitoring the large earthquake that struck Colombia and stands ready to support the people of Colombia and President Abelardo De La Espriella’s Administration.

–IANS

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Srinagar, Aug 10 (IANS) Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar district said on Monday that it has attached the property worth Rs 4 crore belonging to a notorious drug peddler in Budgam district.

Police statement said, “As part of its ongoing crackdown on the narcotics trade, Srinagar Police has attached immovable property worth around Rs 4 crore in Budgam district belonging to a notorious drug peddler.

The statement said that the property of Fayaz Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Hussain Dar, resident of Ichgam, Budgam, was attached by Police Station Khanyar (Srinagar) in connection with FIR No. 04/2026 registered under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act, 1985.

According to officials, the attached assets include a two-storey residential house with an attic, along with 5 kanals and 17 marlas of land. The land bears Khasra numbers 415/416 and is located at Ichgam, Budgam.

The estimated market value of the property is about Rs 4 crore. The attachment was carried out under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, after the property was identified as an asset allegedly acquired from proceeds of drug trafficking.

Police said the action is part of Jammu and Kashmir Police’s broader efforts to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and strip them of wealth generated through the illicit trade. "Srinagar Police remains committed to making the city drug-free and will continue strict action against traffickers, their associates and properties linked to narcotics," officials added.

Jammu and Kashmir Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiya, aggressively arresting peddlers, detaining repeat offenders under the PIT-NDPS and Public Safety Acts (PSA), and freezing or demolishing illegal properties funded by narcotics proceeds.

Hundreds of local and inter-state smugglers have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act with recoveries of heroin (chitta), brown sugar, charas, and psychotropic substances.

Police actively attach and freeze illegally acquired residential properties, land parcels, and commercial structures belonging to notorious dealers under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act (such as recent multi-crore attachments in Srinagar and Budgam).

Authorities routinely bulldoze or demolish illegal commercial structures and hideouts illegally raised by repeat narcotics offenders.

Habitual offenders are booked under preventive laws like the PIT-NDPS Act to keep them out of circulation and dismantle wider narco-terror financing networks.

--IANS

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Madrid, Aug 10 (IANS) As La Liga kicks off next weekend, the traditional big three of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would again look to dominate, while the rest of the table appears set for fierce battles both to qualify for Europe and avoid relegation.

What made last season so tense in Spain's top flight was not the title race, which Barcelona won comfortably ahead of Real Madrid, but the battle to stay up.

Girona and Mallorca were unfortunate to go down with 41 and 42 points, respectively, tallies that would often be enough for survival, while only four points separated 10th-placed Real Sociedad on 46 points from Mallorca in the relegation zone.

Teams such as Osasuna, Sevilla, Elche, Alaves and even Athletic Bilbao all spent time looking over their shoulders, as a run of two or three games without a win could turn European ambitions into a relegation battle.

As the new season begins, some clubs look better prepared than others. Real Madrid and Barcelona appear likely to contest the title again, with Real perhaps holding an early edge after an active summer in the transfer market.

Jose Mourinho arrived in June, and the club moved quickly to sign defenders Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries, while Bernardo Silva arrived from Manchester City, Yan Diomande became the club's record signing from RB Leipzig and Carlos Espi looks to be one of Spain's most promising young strikers.

Mourinho should give his side greater defensive solidity, while the pace of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Diomande could make Madrid particularly dangerous on the counterattack.

Barcelona have been slower in the market despite signing Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. The departures of Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Joao Cancelo and Ronald Araujo leave work to do before the window closes. Still, with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Raphinha and Joan Garcia, Barca retains enough quality to challenge for the title.

Pressure is mounting on Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid after two summers of heavy spending without silverware, with Atletico finishing fourth last season behind Villarreal.

Much depends on the future of forward Julian Alvarez, who is a target for Barcelona, although Atletico appears determined to resist any move. New arrivals Alex Grimaldo, Lee Kang-in and Morten Hjulmand strengthen the squad, but further business may be needed if Alvarez leaves for a substantial fee.

Villarreal's main move has been to bring in young coach Inigo Perez after his impressive work at Rayo Vallecano, as the east coast club looks to build on last season's excellent third-place finish.

Villarreal will aim for another top-four finish and a significant improvement on the solitary point it collected in last season's Champions League.

Real Betis also returns to the Champions League, and coach Manuel Pellegrino will know the strain that continental competition can place on domestic form as the club strengthens its squad.

Elsewhere, Celta Vigo can be expected to continue playing attractive football under coach Claudio Giraldez, while Real Sociedad should also challenge for a European place after winning last season's Copa del Rey.

Athletic Bilbao will hope the arrival of former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic can reinvigorate a side that looked jaded in Ernesto Valverde's final campaign in charge.

Getafe overperformed last season and remains difficult to beat, although the departures of Juan Iglesias, Luis Milla and Mauro Arambarri will be difficult to compensate for.

Valencia finished ninth but continues to face off-field problems and currently looks weaker on paper than it did a year ago.

Elche has lost coach Eder Sarabia and players including Alvaro Rodriguez, Andre Silva and Aleix Febas, who joined Celta, and will have to dig deep to survive. Benat San Jose also faces a difficult task in repeating Inigo Perez's achievements at Rayo Vallecano, whose off-field problems could prove a distraction, with the club currently unable to play at its Vallecas Stadium.

Luis Miguel Ramis makes his La Liga coaching debut with Osasuna and also appears to have a difficult task after losing winger Victor Munoz to Liverpool, while Sevilla's ongoing financial problems seem to have left Luis Garcia with a weaker squad than the one that struggled last season.

The promoted trio of Racing Santander, Deportivo de A Coruña and Malaga are set to play in front of packed stadiums. Malaga will lean heavily on its youth system, Deportivo has spent to strengthen its survival chances, while Racing, coached by Jose Alberto Lopez, will look to attack but must tighten its defense to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 10 (IANS) The WhatsApp account of Debangshu Panda, BJP MLA from Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal, has been hacked. It is alleged that messages are being sent to various people using his number, asking for money. Not only that, several people are being threatened.

The incident has created a stir in various circles of West Bengal BJP. After learning about the matter, the BJP MLA on Monday lodged a complaint with the police station without delay.

It is learnt that recently, BJP MLA Debangshu Panda, a resident of Naiyapara in Falta, said that he had received a call in the name of the MLA, asking for money. After coming to know about the matter, the person approached the Diamond Harbour police station. The cybercrime branch officials investigated the matter. Initially, it was seen that the MLA's WhatsApp account had been hacked.

Several people were sent various messages. Money was also demanded in the messages in the name of the MLA. It is alleged that threats were also made to them. It was said that if they failed to give money to the MLA, then there would be consequences. The police have started an investigation after receiving the complaint from the BJP MLA.

Cybercrime branch officials are investigating the matter and trying to find out who is involved in this incident, how the account was hacked and whether anyone has paid money to the fraudster.

The BJP MLA also claimed that his Facebook account was hacked before the state Assembly elections. This time, his WhatsApp account has also been hacked as well. Not only that, he appealed to the general public to be vigilant and not be afraid to report any messages or threats from his number asking for money.

He also asked people not to pay anyone money, even if someone claims to be from the office of the MLA or from the party.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who has returned as the host to the quiz based reality show, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, has featured in a bold pop-culture avatar in the rap song ‘Sochna Padgea’ for the show.

In the video, the actor can be seen dressed in a statement white fur coat, oversized dark sunglasses, layered gold chains, and a geometric hoodie, the iconic host exudes pure swagger as he walks through illuminated corridors and sits on a chandelier-lit throne.

The veteran actor delivers a crisp, powerful message, "Yeh KBC hai, yahan sochna padega pyaro’n”.

The rap song has been conceptualised as a part of the season’s theme celebrating applied intelligence, proving that while facts are everywhere in our pockets, true winning power belongs to those who think on their feet and apply knowledge.

The latest episode of the show features Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.

Earlier, a promo was shared by the channel on Instagram with the caption, “Computer ji, lock this fun conversation and legendary moment”.

In the promo, Amitabh was seen asking Sunny, “Sunny, I want to ask you something. This is the 18th season. What were you doing for so long? Why didn't you join us?”

To which Sunny said, “I was very scared of the show. I had to think”.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan replied, “Sir, I have been here 6-7 times”.

To which Sunny said, “He doesn't think, I do”.

Aamir and Sunny were seen on the show promoting their upcoming film ‘Batwara 1947’. With Sunny in the lead, the drama also features Shabana Azmi, Preity G Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key roles, along with others.

'Batwara 1947' is believed to be a cinematic adaptation of Asghar Wajahat's drama 'Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai '. The Punjabi title translates to "Visiting Lahore is so fundamental that if you do not come here, it is as if you have not even been born”.

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ season 18 i available on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.

--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) Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced its expansive festive-season content slate on Monday, and it has some big names such as Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ajay Devgn, and Rohit Sharma.

This festive season has been kick-started by the beloved reality game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18', which premiered on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV on Monday at 9:00 PM. The latest season hosted by Amitabh Bachan enjoys the campaign thought ‘Sochna Padega’.

Taking the entertainment quotient a little higher, cricket icon Rohit Sharma will be making his television debut with his own show.

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn will also be turning host for the true-crime series 'Crime Patrol 2026'. The show will familiarize the viewers with the extraordinary real-life crime cases in a unique style.

The exciting content slate will also include the Indian Game Show, hosted by popular television couple Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa. The show will have celebrities coming together for some fun challenges.

This festive season, the viewers will also get to witness 'Scam 2010', made under the direction of the National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The Sony LIV, Birla Studios, and Applause Entertainment series will show the rise and fall of a massive financial empire.

The promising entertainment slate by Sony also has Bollywood's 'Dhak Dhak' girl, Madhuri Dixit, hosting the Marathi edition of the iconic KBC format, 'Kon Honar Crorepati'.

Keeping in mind the Tamil audiences, Sony LIV will feature the cooking reality show 'MasterChef Tamil', with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. They will also get to witness 'Tamil Idol', the Tamil adaptation of the celebrated singing competition format. Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman will be on the lookout for Tamil Nadu’s next singing talent.

As far as sport is concerned, Sony Sports Network will feature the India tour of Sri Lanka, Women’s T20 Asia Cup, Asian Games, and India’s all-format tour of New Zealand, making for three months of multi-sport action.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Madhuri Dixit is set to take on a new role as the host of the upcoming Marathi game show “Kon Honar Crorepati.”

Opening up about the show and her experience as a host, the veteran actress said it celebrates curiosity, aspiration, hope and the courage to dream. She also highlighted how the show brings together knowledge, aspirations and inspiring stories of its contestants. In a statement, Madhuri said, “I am truly honoured to be part of a show that inspires people through the power of knowledge and determination. For me, Kon Honar Crorepati is much more than a quiz show.”

“It celebrates curiosity, aspiration, hope and the courage to dream. As a proud Maharashtrian, I am excited to meet contestants, hear their extraordinary stories and witness their dreams unfold on the iconic hot seat. I look forward to sharing this incredible journey with audiences while celebrating the true spirit of knowledge and perseverance.”

“Kon Honar Crorepati” promises an inspiring journey where knowledge empowers dreams, extraordinary stories take centre stage, and every question has the power to transform lives. Rooted in the spirit of aspiration and possibility, the show celebrates the courage to dream big and the pursuit of knowledge.

The show will soon premier on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV. The Hindi version, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, is titled “Kaun Banega Crorepati.”

Madhuri Dixit has previously appeared on several reality shows as a judge and special guest. However, taking on the role of host for “Kon Honaar Crorepati” marks a new chapter in her television journey.

Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar has been associated with “Kon Honaar Crorepati” as its host for the past few seasons.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn, who is set to host the upcoming seasons of the reality show ‘Crime Patrol’, has said that the show has built a legacy of understanding crime stories while driving awareness among viewers thereby making the society more vigilant.

On Monday, the makers of the show unveiled a special promo for the show featuring Ajay, as he promises to bring stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation.

The actor communicates directly with viewers in the promo, and urges them not to be consumed by fear and with the realities of today but to exercise more caution, he also promises to be a guide to them through this journey, assuring them, “Main rahunga aapke saath”.

Talking about the show, Ajay Devgn said “Coming together with a show like Crime Patrol feels like a responsibility to my fans and viewers. The show has built a legacy of understanding crime stories while driving awareness among viewers, encouraging them to become more vigilant about the people around them and who they interact with and trust”.

“As we bring to the forefront some of the stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation, I hope and believe that I can help and guide audiences to navigate them with caution rather than fear”, he added.

Ajay Devgn’s commanding on-screen presence and resolute voice will take viewers through stories inspired by cases that have shaken the nation.

‘Crime Patrol – Crime Ka Current Season’ is set to premiere on August 31, 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Aug 10 (IANS) Actress Anne Hathaway, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘The End of Oak Street’, has shared that she was uplifted by her fellow actors while working on the film.

The film's cast and crew recently came together for its Los Angeles premiere. Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway joined her co-stars and the team behind the film for the special occasion.

The actress reflected on her experience working on the film, and opened up about the unique bond shared by the cast, describing it as a first-of-its-kind experience for her and revealing how the intense process of running, screaming, and being chased by imaginary dinosaurs brought the ensemble even closer together.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere, the actress shared, “There's a lot going on. I'm having a lot of fun. Thankfully, you know, two of the movies have done unbelievably well, and one movie was very well respected. And now we've got this one, which is just so much fun. And it's such a great time at the movies. It's a family horror movie, which I've never had the opportunity to be a part of. So, I'm excited. We had a very, very real bond on this movie. You know how it's hot right now? It was hot like this there. And we were running and screaming and being chased by imaginary dinosaurs”.

She further mentioned, “And when you're doing work like that, you just hope the people you're doing it with make you laugh. And they were all the sweetest people, best senses of humor. Everybody took care of everybody else. I remember looking up and being like, we need some electrolytes. And Maisy was like, maybe. The point where we all just looked out for each other”.

The film also stars Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery. It is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and produced by J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Jon Cohen, David Robert Mitchell, Matt Jackson and Tommy Harper. The executive producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Joanne Lee and Leeann Stonebreaker.

Presented by Warner Bros. Pictures, produced by A Bad Robot Production, A Jackson Pictures, the film is helmed by David Robert Mitchell. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, only in Cinemas and IMAX in India on August 14, 2026 in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu.

--IANS

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