Toronto, June 13 (IANS) Co-hosts Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point after substitute Cyle Larin struck a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener at Toronto Stadium on Saturday.

Making a positive start to their home campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Canada came from behind to end a six-match losing streak in World Cup final tournaments and claim a historic result in front of a jubilant home crowd, reports FIFA.

Bosnia and Herzegovina began brightly and looked dangerous from set-pieces throughout the first half. After Amar Memic fired an early warning shot over the bar, the visitors took the lead when Sead Kolasinac flicked on a corner and Jovo Lukic headed home to put the Dragons ahead.

Despite conceding, Canada continued to attack with purpose. Jonathan David came close but was denied by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, while Tani Oluwaseyi squandered a golden opportunity by firing over the bar from inside the area, it said.

The hosts raised the tempo after the break. Oluwaseyi nearly levelled with a header that was blocked by Nikola Katic, while Bosnia defender Kolasinac produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Richie Laryea after a well-worked move orchestrated by stand-in captain Stephen Eustaquio.

At the other end, Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau kept his side in the contest with an important save from Ermedin Demirovic.

Canada’s persistence finally paid off in the closing stages after head coach Jesse Marsch turned to his bench. Introduced in the 76th minute, Larin needed just two minutes to make an impact, turning sharply inside the box before firing home from Promise David’s assist to bring the hosts level.

Larin almost completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, but his effort was kept out by Tarik Muharemovic as both sides settled for a share of the points.

Reflecting on his decisive contribution, Larin said he was delighted to help Canada secure a positive result on home soil.

“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team. I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done. We just have to stay concentrated and keep pushing our limits,” the striker said.

The draw gives Canada a valuable point to begin their World Cup journey and provides momentum ahead of their remaining Group B fixtures.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 13 (IANS) India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after the latter's Navy strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian seafarers.

The EAM while speaking to his US counterpart Rubio on Friday evening also added that "such lethal actions against commercial shipping are 'not justified'".

In a post on social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified."

Earlier on Friday, the US' Charge d'Affaires (CDA), Jason Meeks, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

A strong protest was lodged with US' CDA regarding the continuing attacks by United States' naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives, the MEA said in a statement.

The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping, adding that "such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time".

The US' CDA was requested to convey India's strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life, the MEA added in the statement

The diplomatic intervention comes after Indian authorities confirmed that three crew members initially reported missing following the US military strike have been found dead.

The Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello had a crew of 28 people when it was attacked. The crew included 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals -- two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian. Twenty-one Indian sailors were rescued after the incident, while efforts to locate the missing crew members continued until their deaths were confirmed.

The US military acknowledged carrying out the strike on the vessel. According to US Central Command, American forces targeted the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions from US naval personnel and was attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing American blockade.

In a statement, CENTCOM said one of its aircraft fired on the vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disabling it after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces.

The strike occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, where competing maritime restrictions imposed during the ongoing West Asia conflict have severely disrupted commercial shipping.

India has strongly criticised the attack, emphasising that the vessel was carrying a large number of Indian nationals and was engaged in commercial activity.

The MEA said attacks on merchant shipping in the region are "deeply concerning" and "linked to the broader conflict in the Middle East".

"Attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation," the MEA added.

--IANS

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Edgbaston, June 13 (IANS) The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is bigger and bolder than ever. And hosts England fashioned a blockbuster start, piling on a tournament high of 219/1 in the opening match against Sri Lanka, here on Saturday.

It was Danni Wyatt-Hodge who set the ball rolling with an unbeaten 105. Carrying that confidence in the field, England dismissed Sri Lanka for 132 for a statement 87-run win, reports ICC.

Nat Sciver-Brunt's side is not just grappling with the pressure of playing a home World Cup, but also have history to contend with -- England women's team have never lost a World Cup they have hosted, either ODI or T20I.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are chasing their first title at the World Cup. Leading the team is Chamari Athapaththu, who has competed in each of the 10 T20 World Cup editions, starting with the inaugural tournament in 2009.

After being put into bat, England started cautiously, hitting the accelerator just before the end of powerplay to score 51/0 in the first six over.

A 135-run opening wicket partnership between Amy Jones (53) and Wyatt-Hodge gave them the perfect launchpad. They kept pressing the advantage, making sure they got the quick ones and twos even though the boundaries flowed easily.

It has been a life-changing month for Wyatt-Hodge, whose partner Georgie gave birth to their first child on May 20. Just a few days later, she came out to score the opening hundred of the World Cup, seventh in the tournament history and only second by an English woman.

She made the most of the width afforded to her. Wyatt-Hodge brought up the milestone with a sweep for four and put a exclamation on a historic innings for England with another boundary on the final ball.

That meant, England scored 26 runs from the final over, another record for the history books. Carrying her bat through, Wyatt-Hodge ended at 105 off 62, with the help of 13 fours and a six.

Jones was a tad lucky as she was dropped on 12 and then again on 48. She brought up her seventh half-century in T20Is, scoring 53 off 38.

Sri Lanka struggled to hit the spots with the ball and were sloppy in field as well. They finally got a breakthrough in the 14th over as Jones mistimed a delivery by Malki Madara and ended up spooning a catch to Athapaththu at mid off.

However, that didn't halt the English juggernaut. Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has recently recovered from injury, played with conviction and innovation to score 46 off 22.

Chasing a record target, Sri Lanka never really got going. Talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu fell for four in the fourth over, courtesy an incredible catch from wicketkeeper Wyatt-Hodge off Charlie Dean and Sri Lanka slipped to 39/3 in powerplay.

The only glimmer of hope was Harshitha Samarawickrama, who struck three fours and a six for 29. But Freya Kemp snuffed out the danger, as she got the ball to straighten and get past Samarawickrama's defence.

Left-arm pacer Kemp, on a hat-trick at one point, impressed with her intelligent change-ups and finished with 4/22 in her four overs.

Lower down the order, Nilakshika Silva came up with a gritty 37, the highest score for Sri Lanka on the day, but it was too little too late.

--IANS

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Birmingham, June 13 (IANS) Danni Wyatt-Hodge slammed a 61-ball unbeaten hundred and led a sensational top order performance as England posted 219/1 in 20 overs, the highest team total in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup, against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday.

The 219/1 posted by England is the highest innings score ever in the Women's T20 World Cup, bettering the previous best of 213/5 by England against Pakistan in 2023.

After Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field first, Amy Jones (53) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (105 not out) laid the foundation for the massive total with a 135-run opening partnership.

The hosts made a watchful start, but exploded into action to raise 51/0 in the Power-play. The two batters kept pressing on the advantage, and boundaries flowed easily. England also made sure they got the quick ones and twos to maintain the pressure.

Wyatt-Hodge, whose partner Georgie gave birth to their first child on May 20, scored the opening hundred of the 2026 World Cup, the seventh in the tournament's history and only the second by an Englishwoman. It was the first century for Danni Wyatt-Hodge at the Women's T20WorldCup.

Making the most of the width afforded to her, Wyatt-Hodge struck 13 boundaries and one six in her brilliant knock. She reached the milestone with a sweep for four and ended a historic innings for England with another boundary on the final ball.

England scored 26 runs from the final over, another record for the event as Danni carried her bat through, ending at 105 off 62 balls.

Jones was a tad lucky as she was dropped on 12 and then again on 48. She brought up her seventh half-century in T20Is, scoring 53 off 38. Wyatt-Hodge also figured in an unfinished 84-run partnership for the second wicket with skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, who struck 46 not out off 22 balls, studded with six boundaries and one six.

Sri Lanka struggled to hit the spots with the ball and were sloppy in the field as well. They finally got a breakthrough in the 14th over as Jones mistimed a delivery by Malki Madara and ended up spooning a catch to Athapaththu at mid off.

England came into the contest on the back of a five-run win over India in their final warm-up game, while Sri Lanka won both the tune-up games, against the Netherlands and Pakistan.

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, June 13 (IANS) Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Friday appealed to the people of the state to actively participate in the mass yoga campaign being organised by the Union Ministry of Ayush on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2026, aimed at setting a Guinness World Record.

In his message, the Minister said that under the visionary leadership and initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has today become a global health movement. Recognising India’s proposal, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since then, the universal message of yoga has reached every corner of the world and has become a part of the lifestyle of millions of people.

He stated that yoga is a scientifically proven method for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Regular yoga practice can help prevent various lifestyle-related diseases and enable people to lead a healthy, active life. The State Health Minister further said that the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

According to him, yoga plays an exceptional role in helping people remain healthy as they age, maintain mental balance and improve the quality of life.

Notably, the Ministry of Ayush will organise an online yoga session on June 14, 2026, from 6:15 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. The objective is to set a Guinness World Record by having the largest number of people participate simultaneously.

“This is not merely an attempt to create a world record; it is a national campaign aimed at further strengthening the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Healthy India’ and transforming yoga into a mass movement. Greater participation by the people of Odisha in this initiative will reflect the state’s health consciousness and spirit of public participation,” said the Minister.

He urged doctors, healthcare workers, students, youth, women, citizens, government employees, Self-Help Groups, yoga institutions and all aware citizens to join this historic initiative individually through their mobile phones or other personal devices.

To participate in the programme, he appealed to people to register by making a missed call to the toll-free number 1800-315-7008.

In conclusion, the Minister said, “Let us all come together to make yoga a people’s movement, take a pledge for a healthy life, and ensure that Odisha, along with India, becomes a part of the success of this historic Guinness World Record.”

--IANS

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Bhopal, June 13 (IANS) A simple attempt to retrieve a fallen slipper from the Shipra River ended in tragedy, claiming two lives. A 14-year-old boy and his 25-year-old uncle drowned near the large bridge in Mahidpur, leaving their village engulfed in grief.

According to reports and police officials, the incident began when Ayush, son of Ashok and a resident of Narayankhedi, was crossing the bridge on Friday afternoon. His slipper slipped into the river, and in a moment of impulse, the teenager leapt into the water to recover it. The river’s depth and strong current quickly overwhelmed him.

Nearby, his uncle Asaram, son of Shobharam, was present with his tractor. Seeing his nephew in distress, Asaram parked the vehicle and jumped into the river without hesitation, determined to save the boy.

It took almost three hours for divers to recover the bodies from the river. Tragically, both were unable to withstand the force of the water. Within moments, they were submerged.

News of the incident spread rapidly, and Mahidpur police rushed to the spot along with a rescue team. Local divers joined the operation, battling the current in a desperate bid to locate the victims. After two and a half hours of intense effort, the bodies of Ayush and Asaram were finally recovered. The rescue team faced significant challenges due to the river’s flow, which delayed recovery.

The deaths have raised questions about safety measures at the bridge, with residents urging authorities to install warning signs and barriers.

The sorrow in Narayankhedi is profound. Asaram had been married only a month earlier. Ayush’s family, too, is devastated, their home filled with cries of anguish.

Police have sent the bodies to the government hospital for post-mortem examinations and registered a case to investigate the circumstances.

The Shipra River, revered and feared for its currents, has once again claimed lives, leaving behind shattered families and a grieving village.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS) Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad have seized 24 foreign-origin gold biscuits weighing 2,799.3 grams and valued at Rs 4.26 crore after they were discovered concealed inside an IndiGo aircraft that had arrived from Dubai, officials said on Friday.

According to Customs authorities, the seizure was made during rummaging operations conducted on board IndiGo flight 6E-1478 after its arrival from Dubai.

With the assistance of aircraft engineers, officers searched the aircraft and recovered two pouches wrapped in black plastic tape from inside a speaker box located in the front lavatory.

"On examination, the pouches were found to contain 24 gold biscuits of 999.0 purity (24 carat) with a combined weight of 2,799.3 grams. The gold was valued at Rs 4,26,89,325 in the domestic market," officials said.

Customs said the manner in which the gold had been concealed indicated an attempt to smuggle it into India in violation of the Customs Act, 1962.

Officials said the contraband appeared to have been hidden by an unidentified individual, and no person came forward to claim ownership of the recovered gold.

As a result, the gold was seized as unclaimed under the relevant provisions of the act.

Officials added that further investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt and to determine whether the seizure is linked to a larger network operating on Gulf routes.

The seizure is the latest in a series of gold smuggling cases detected at Ahmedabad airport.

In February this year, Customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Dubai and recovered 601.9 grams of 24-carat gold valued at Rs 96.06 lakh, including gold concealed in paste form inside his underwear.

In another case reported in February, Customs officials apprehended four women passengers arriving from Jeddah and seized 945.57 grams of 24-carat gold jewellery valued at Rs 1.52 crore.

The jewellery, comprising rhodium-coated chains and bangles, had allegedly been concealed to evade detection. Ahmedabad airport has witnessed a steady stream of attempts at gold smuggling in recent years.

--IANS

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Kuwait City, June 13 (IANS) The Embassy of India in Kuwait on Friday organised a blood donation camp at Adan Hospital and Blood Bank.

“On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the Embassy of India in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Blood Donors Kerala (BDK) and the Federation of Indian Doctors (FID), organised a blood donation camp at Adan Hospital and Blood Bank today,” the Embassy wrote on X.

The camp was inaugurated by Ambassador Paramita Tripathi and Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Al Ahmadi Governorate, who led by example by becoming the first donor.

“The Embassy thanks the overwhelming response from the Indian community, the donors and the volunteers, which reaffirmed the spirit of compassion, service and India-Kuwait friendship,” noted the Embassy.

Ambassador Tripathi said the enthusiasm among the Indian community to donate blood and serve both India and Kuwait was inspiring. “Today is a very special day. We are organising another blood donation camp in Kuwait. This is not the first one, and this is definitely not the last one,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the Embassy of India in Kuwait organised a curtain-raiser yoga session at the Gulf SPIC Labour Camp in the lead-up to International Day of Yoga 2026.

“The event holds special significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the camp during his historic visit to Kuwait in December 2024,” the Embassy wrote on X.

A large number of Indian nationals enthusiastically participated in the session, practising the Common Yoga Protocol and reflecting the spirit of this year’s theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, highlighting yoga’s role in promoting physical vitality, mental well-being and a healthier quality of life across all age groups.

Ambassador Tripathi also handed over sports kits, including carrom boards, chess sets, and cricket and football equipment, underscoring the importance of health, fitness, and active lifestyles as integral elements of PM Modi’s vision for Khelo India and Fit India.

--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, June 12 (IANS) Veteran actor Anil Kapoor is all set to host Star Plus's latest show "India Ke Top 1%".

On Friday, the makers shared the exciting promo of the upcoming show on social media, along with the caption, "Sirf kitaabi gyaan nahi, tez soch ka bhi hoga kamaal! Ek aisa show jahan aapki knowledge aur intelligence banegi aapki pehchaan. (sic)"

What makes this show a bit different is that, unlike others, it will not test the memory of the contestants, but will focus on their logical reasoning, common sense, and mental agility.

Revealing what made him connect to the "India Ke Top 1%", Anil Kapoor shared, "I have always believed that India is a nation driven by raw instinct, unmatched observation, and incredible street-smartness. Walk down any street in our country, and you will find people who can outsmart anyone under the sun, not because they memorized an encyclopedia, but because their brainpower is sharpened by life experiences."

The 'Animal' actor said that in India, people take a lot of pride in being 'jugadu'.

"It is our ultimate superpower that makes Indians everywhere the top 1% of their fields. That's why when I saw the format of "India ke top 1%", it instantly clicked with me. This isn’t a show that asks you which year so-and-so treaty was signed; it gauges how efficiently your mind can function under pressure using pure logic and common sense. It completely levels the playing field," explained Anil.

He further added, "I am thrilled to host the show on Star Plus. We are giving our people a stage to flaunt the logical prowess that is so unique to India and Indians, and I'm proud to play my part in it."

"India Ke Top 1%" is expected to premiere on Star Plus shortly. However, the makers have not yet announced a release date for the forthcoming show.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) The makers of the forthcoming laughter ride, "Dhamaal 4," unveiled the captivating trailer of the sequel on Friday.

The preview shows the gang coming back together to go on one of the biggest treasure hunts of their lives. However, as expected, their journey is full of hilarious misadventures, unexpected turns, and some massive hurdles. Who among them will be able to overcome all these obstacles, finally getting their hands on the treasure, remains a mystery.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Dhamaal 4" will retain the core cast of the popular franchise, including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi.

We we also get to see some fresh faces such as Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan joining the mad fun.

Meanwhile, Riteish Deshmukh, who was not present at the trailer launch event, penned a warm note on social media for the movie buffs that read, "For nearly 2 decades, you have showered unprecedented love on the Dhamaal franchise - a journey I have been proud to be an integral part of. Now that the Trailer of Dhamaal 4 launches, you will witness the madness we have been cooking for you all. We have had an absolute blast making it and hope you feel the same while watching it,” he wrote in his social media handle (sic)."

“I will truly miss being there today with my team as we share a peek into our crazy crazy world with you and our friends in the media. Let the Dhamaal begin! #Dhamaal4 #DhamaalTrailer,” he went on to add.

The first instalment in the popular franchise, “Dhamaal”, was released back in 2007. The makers came up with the sequel "Double Dhamaal" in 2011, followed by the third reboot, "Total Dhamaal" in 2019.

Backed by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, "Dhamaal 4" is expected to reach the audience on July 10, this year.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) As one of the most iconic movies from Bollywood, "Lagaan" is all set to complete 25 years of release on June 15 this year, Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan and the director of the highly acclaimed drama, Ashutosh Gowariker, recently reunited with the cast of the movie.

In the video uploaded by Aamir's production house, Aamir Khan Productions, on their official handle on Friday, Aamir and Ashutosh were seen warmly meeting all the cast members. This was followed by what seemed to be a fun chat session among the old 'Lagaan' teammates.

"Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker reunite with the Lagaan cast after 25 years," they captioned the post.

Meanwhile, as a mark of celebration on "Lagaan" clocking 25 years, Aamir and Aamir Khan Productions will be hosting a grand party on Saturday, June 13, with the entire cast and crew of the iconic movie.

Along with "Lagaan", Aamir Khan Productions will also be celebrating its silver jubilee, making it a double celebration.

During the get-together, Aamir will also be hosting the various actors, technicians, and filmmakers who have been a part of this 25-year journey of Aamir Khan Productions.

Refreshing your memory, "Lagaan" was screened at numerous international film festivals back in the day. It was the third Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for 'Best Foreign Language' Film. Not just that, during the 49th National Film Awards, "Lagaan" went on to win eight awards, including the 'Best Popular Film'.

The music for the film scored by the Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman continues to hold a special place in the hearts of movie buffs.

On the personal front, Aamir is all set to tie the knot for the third time with his ladylove, Gauri Spratt.

Going by the source close to Aamir, the couple will be taking the plunge on July 5 this year in a simple registered ceremony at home, in the presence of their family members and a handful of close friends.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, June 12 (IANS) The unit of director Sampath Nandi's explosive action drama, 'Bhogi', featuring actor Sharwanand in the lead, has now begun shooting the film's intense climax sequence on a massive set specially erected for the purpose.

Sources close to the unit of the film say that the team has begun shooting a high-voltage emotional action climax on a massive set specially erected by art director Kiran Kumar Manne.

The sequence is being designed and choreographed by stunt master Dilip Subbarayan in a never-before-seen style, aiming to deliver a gripping theatrical experience.

Sources claim Sharwanand will be seen pushing the envelope with intense, high-risk stunt work in this crucial climax episode. The schedule, sources point out, has been planned for 20 days as the unit is looking to complete this pivotal portion of the film.

Already, the makers of the film have released the first looks of actresses Anupama Parameswaran as Kandula Sulochana Rani and Dimple Hayathi as Mandaram in the film.

Sources had said that Sulochana (the character Anupama plays in the film) will be a spirited person who is deeply rooted in nature. Earning her livelihood by crafting leaf plates from Moduga leaves, the “Flame of the Forest” Sulochana would embody both resilience and quiet strength in the film.

Mandaram (the character Dimple Hayathi plays in the film), the sources had disclosed, will be a bold and powerful character who simply does not care for the world.

The makers had revealed on actor Sharwanand's birthday that he played a character called Ganga in the eagerly awaited action thriller.

Set in the early 1960s, 'Bhogi' is a pulsating period action drama unfolding in a fictional village along the borders of Telangana and Maharashtra.

On the technical front, the project boasts an accomplished crew. Production design is by Kiran Kumar Manne, cinematography is by Kishore Kumar Arokia, and music is by Bheems Ceciroleo.

Planned as a pan-India release, the movie will hit the big screens in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi on August 28, coinciding with the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

--IANS

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