Beijing, Sep 12 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Xi's entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, Xinhua news agency reported.

Prime Minister Modi and Xi are also expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit.

Xi's visit comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilise their bilateral relationship following the deadly Galwan clashes of 2020. India has repeatedly underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas as a key prerequisite for the continued development and progress of bilateral ties.

PM Modi and Xi had a brief interaction during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek. The two leaders are now expected to hold detailed bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said Beijing and New Delhi are making arrangements for the bilateral meeting between Xi and PM Modi, and indicated that China would work with India to implement the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.

"China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi. This will be the third year in a row for the two leaders to meet with each other, following their meetings in Kazan (Russia) and Tianjin (China)," Ambassador Feihong said on Friday on social media platform X.

"China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed," the Chinese envoy added.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor paid a stylish tribute to her sister Karisma Kapoor, by recreating a memorable fashion moment from the latter’s filmography as she promoted her upcoming film Daayra.

Sharing a collage featuring herself and Karisma, Kareena wrote, “Well I always knew we had good taste…Sisters forever.”

The post features Kareena in a pastel, rainbow-hued saree at the promotion of Daayra. Alongside her picture is a still of Karisma Kapoor from the 2001 film Zubeidaa, where she can be seen in a similar multicoloured saree while holding a bunch of flowers.

Karisma sported the iconic saree in the song ‘Dheeme Dheeme Gaaon’ from Zubeidaa. The song, composed by A.R. Rahman and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, featured Karisma in the Shyam Benegal directorial.

Whether Kareena actually wore the same saree that Karisma wore in Zubeidaa, or whether the look was a recreated version inspired by her sister's iconic costume, was not clear.

For the uninitiated, talking about Daayra, the movie is Meghna Gulzar's investigative crime thriller in which Kareena stars opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran The film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18.

At the film's promotional event on Friday, she had joked about being known for her expressive face and revealed that she had to keep her trademark expressions under control while working with Meghna.

Kareena said that she had been eager to give her trademark “Bebo expression”, but Meghna repeatedly stopped her. She even joked that she eventually gave around 100 expressions at the trailer launch because she had not been given the opportunity to do so in the film.

The movie which is directed by Meghna Gulzar, also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Kareena Kapoor.

–IANS

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Washington, Sep 12 (IANS) Major US newspapers have cast the BRICS summit in New Delhi as a window into a changing global order shaped by strained alliances, regional wars and growing competition between Washington and Beijing.

The New York Times in a news dispatch said the central question hanging over the summit was whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chinese President Xi Jinping would emerge as the more influential voice of the developing world.

China sees BRICS as a vehicle for challenging American power. India, however, wants the group to remain broad enough to avoid forcing countries to choose between competing blocs.

The newspaper said wars, high energy prices, U.S. tariffs and concerns about artificial intelligence were pushing countries to reconsider their relationships with Washington and Beijing.

“China’s primary concern with India has always been India’s alignment with the United States,” Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center in Washington, told the Times. “So Beijing certainly would not let the opportunity slide to regain some traction with Delhi.”

Xi’s visit is his first to India in seven years. It follows a prolonged downturn in relations after the deadly 2020 border clash and a cautious diplomatic thaw that began in 2024.

Xi is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Sept. 24. The meeting gives the New Delhi summit added significance as the Chinese leader prepares for high-stakes talks with the US president.

The Wall Street Journal said uncertainty in India’s and China’s relationships with the United States had created space for the two nuclear-armed neighbors to ease tensions.

“India is trying to readjust,” Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese studies at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, told the Journal.

The newspaper said any improvement in India-China relations remained constrained by the unresolved border dispute, China’s close relationship with Pakistan and security competition in the Indian Ocean.

“The Chinese are also seeing that India is biding its time, just working for better options that might emerge,” Sun told the Journal. “So I think that adds to the superficiality of the current improvement of China-India relations.”

The Washington Post carried reports that described the summit as a difficult balancing exercise for India.

The reports said Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Xi were among the leaders attending the meeting. PM Modi held separate talks with Putin and Pezeshkian before the summit.

The expanded group’s 11 members want greater influence in the global order but have competing political, economic and foreign policy interests, according to the reports carried by the Post.

The reports said the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East could expose those differences. India maintains longstanding ties with Russia and relations with Iran while expanding partnerships with the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) India is hosting the high-profile 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, prompting the Delhi Traffic Police to implement traffic restrictions, diversions and regulated movement across key routes in the national capital in view of the movement of foreign dignitaries and world leaders.

The Delhi Traffic Police posted an advisory on X on Friday night, stating that traffic diversions and regulated movement would be implemented on key routes across Delhi from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.

“In view of the BRICS Summit on September 12, 2026, traffic diversions and regulated movement will be implemented on key routes across Delhi from 09:30 hrs to 21:00 hrs,” it posted on X.

“Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time. Prefer public transport, especially the Metro, wherever feasible. Follow designated diversion routes and instructions issued by traffic personnel. Emergency and essential-service vehicles will be given priority passage,” it added.

Police have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time, while advising people to use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro, wherever feasible. Emergency and essential-service vehicles will be given priority passage during the regulated movement.

Several major roads and corridors will be affected by the summit-related arrangements, including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Mathura Road, Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, Brig. Hoshiary Singh Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Satya Marg and Shanti Path.

The affected routes also include Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Kemal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Press Enclave Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Josef Broz Tito Marg and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.

The traffic arrangements have been put in place as Delhi prepares for the arrival and movement of several foreign dignitaries attending the two-day BRICS Summit. Traffic will not be completely stopped across the city, officials have indicated, but movement may be temporarily regulated.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit India on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first visit to the country in nearly seven years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi are also expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit.

China's Foreign Ministry announced Xi's participation on Thursday, confirming that the Chinese President will attend the two-day summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13," the ministry announced in social media posts.

Xi's visit comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilise their bilateral relationship following the deadly Galwan clashes of 2020. India has repeatedly underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas as a key prerequisite for the continued development and progress of bilateral ties.

PM Modi and Xi had a brief interaction during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek. The two leaders are now expected to hold detailed bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said Beijing and New Delhi are making arrangements for the bilateral meeting between Xi and PM Modi, and indicated that China would work with India to implement the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.

"China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi. This will be the third year in a row for the two leaders to meet with each other, following their meetings in Kazan (Russia) and Tianjin (China)," Ambassador Feihong said on Friday on social media platform X.

"China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed," the Chinese envoy added.

Xi's participation in the BRICS Summit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the broader trajectory of India-China relations, including the importance of sustained communication and management of differences.

The BRICS Summit will bring together leaders of member and partner countries, as well as outreach invitees, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among the grouping and exchanging perspectives on global and regional issues of mutual importance.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday (September 12-13), bringing together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees.

India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of "Humanity First," according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Beyond these areas, the leaders will discuss ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation on shared priorities and exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Under India's Chairship this year, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have been held in over 25 cities across India to further strengthen the BRICS strategic partnership across three fundamental pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Through these meetings and business-to-business and people-to-people initiatives, India's BRICS Chairship has advanced BRICS cooperation through practical, development-oriented outcomes.

"India is a founding member of BRICS and has previously held its Chairship three times in 2012, 2016 and 2021. India assumed its fourth BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026. The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone as BRICS completes twenty years since its establishment," the MEA said in a statement.

The BRICS logo for India’s Chairship blends tradition with modernity. The petals radiate the vibrant colours of BRICS member countries, highlighting their collective strength and unity. At the centre, the “Namaste” gesture captures India’s spirit of warmth, respect, and harmonious collaboration, according to the official statement.

BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS partner countries are: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

BRICS cooperation continues to broaden its scope across various global issues, including the fight against terrorism, climate change, food and energy security, the international economic and financial situation, telecommunications, agriculture, labour and employment, international financial architecture, trade, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Sep 12 (IANS) Hollywood actress Elizabeth Olsen once spoke about her 1st meeting with her husband, Robbie Arnett. An old video of the actress from ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ has resurfaced on the Internet, and it shows the actress taking a walk down the memory lane.

The actress shared that she fell for her husband’s “stupid jokes” which were really funny. In the video, she said, “I met him through one of my closest friends who was playing in his band”.

The show host interjected as she said, “Man, that's such a nice connection. I am wondering if these guys are serial killers when I meet them. Okay, so you met, was there immediate sparks?”

Elizabeth Olsen then went on, “Yeah, I thought he was just really funny. We met him in a group, we met in a group situation. And we were all going on a plane together, actually, because I was a guest of my friend's. And he was making a really stupid joke on the plane. He was wearing all white. And he passed by me and my friend, Charlie, and he said, ‘Do you think they'll see me?’ because he was in all white. So, he thought he was like a ghost. It's a really bad joke. And there was just something nice about him. He's so sweet and such an easy person to be around. And he's such a good listener. And he's so curious about everyone he meets”.

Drew then asked her, “And you were saying also in the pandemic that like, you know, in a romantic sense, did you, it seemed like it just solidified your best friendship, your bond, your partnership?”

Responding to the same, the actress said, “Well, we're already very codependent. And so to force us to be together and without anyone else was actually quite comfortable”.

“And like our kind of like our dream. Like I do enjoy being with him all the time. And you and Kelly are similar”, she added.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Sep 12 (IANS) Reality star JoJo Siwa had a different opinion about men until she met the love of her life Chris Hughes. She said that she was "grossed out" by men but then her sexual orientation saw a dramatic shift towards pansexuality when Chris Hughes showed up.

The 23-year-old singer has previously been romantically involved with the likes of Kylie Prew and Dakayla Wilson.

She shared that she never imagined she'd find love with a guy, so she was shocked when she realised she had begun to feel attracted to the British reality star, who she met when they both took part in Celebrity Big Brother UK in April 2025.

She recently appeared on the Wildmen podcast, where she said, “I've always been grossed out by dudes. I've been talking about my boy best friends. They are conventionally hot men, right? Chris is a very conventionally hot dude. (But) I thought (he) was just another friend. Once I realised that I wasn't grossed out by the thought of him being a boy, I was like, ‘Whoa’. It was weird because I'd never thought that before”.

She further mentioned, “I just never thought it was possible. And people always say, ‘Oh, you know, what if something happened with Chris, who would you date? Would you go for boys or girls?’ And I say, ‘Well, at this point, I have no right to say’. You can find interviews of me where I have sworn on how gross dudes are and I'll never be with one and how I'm head over heels in love with one. I really do think that Chris is very much so the special dude”.

JoJo has always found it confusing trying to label her sexuality, but she has settled on the "umbrella term" of "queer".

“I put the label pansexual on it. Then it was confusing. And so, I was like, ‘All right, I'll be a lesbian’. But I said, ‘OK, I'll be gay. It's just easier to say gay, but I'm a lesbian if we all need to know the technical terms’. I just am the umbrella term of queer or pansexual, because yeah, I fell in love with a boy. Here we are”, she added.

She previously admitted she had been "craving" a wedding for the first time because she is so happy with Chris, 33.

She said on the ‘Reign with Josh Smith’ podcast, "I'm happy. I've never wanted the future so bad. "I've never, ever wanted the love that I have to just continue to grow. I've never protected a love that I have so much. I've never cared about another person so much”.

--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, Sep 12 (IANS) Reality star JoJo Siwa had a different opinion about men until she met the love of her life Chris Hughes. She said that she was "grossed out" by men but then her sexual orientation saw a dramatic shift towards pansexuality when Chris Hughes showed up.

The 23-year-old singer has previously been romantically involved with the likes of Kylie Prew and Dakayla Wilson.

She shared that she never imagined she'd find love with a guy, so she was shocked when she realised she had begun to feel attracted to the British reality star, who she met when they both took part in Celebrity Big Brother UK in April 2025.

She recently appeared on the Wildmen podcast, where she said, “I've always been grossed out by dudes. I've been talking about my boy best friends. They are conventionally hot men, right? Chris is a very conventionally hot dude. (But) I thought (he) was just another friend. Once I realised that I wasn't grossed out by the thought of him being a boy, I was like, ‘Whoa’. It was weird because I'd never thought that before”.

She further mentioned, “I just never thought it was possible. And people always say, ‘Oh, you know, what if something happened with Chris, who would you date? Would you go for boys or girls?’ And I say, ‘Well, at this point, I have no right to say’. You can find interviews of me where I have sworn on how gross dudes are and I'll never be with one and how I'm head over heels in love with one. I really do think that Chris is very much so the special dude”.

JoJo has always found it confusing trying to label her sexuality, but she has settled on the "umbrella term" of "queer".

“I put the label pansexual on it. Then it was confusing. And so, I was like, ‘All right, I'll be a lesbian’. But I said, ‘OK, I'll be gay. It's just easier to say gay, but I'm a lesbian if we all need to know the technical terms’. I just am the umbrella term of queer or pansexual, because yeah, I fell in love with a boy. Here we are”, she added.

She previously admitted she had been "craving" a wedding for the first time because she is so happy with Chris, 33.

She said on the ‘Reign with Josh Smith’ podcast, "I'm happy. I've never wanted the future so bad. "I've never, ever wanted the love that I have to just continue to grow. I've never protected a love that I have so much. I've never cared about another person so much”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) The National Award-winning actress Manasi Parekh, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming Gujarati film ‘ Mitrata: Friendship Ni Lovestory’, has spoken up on the importance of stories that remind of the simple, beautiful things that still matter.

The film also stars Viraj Ghelani, Deep Vaidya and Vishal Parekh. It touches upon the subject of friendship. The trailer of the film was unveiled on Friday, and introduces the life of 3 friends and the dynamics that bind them together. The film explores the many shades of friendship and the bonds that grow stronger through life’s changing phases.

Talking about the film, Manasi Parekh and Parthiv Gohil, producers at Soul Sutra, shared, “At the heart of ‘Mitrata’ is a very simple and universal emotion: friendship. In these cynical times, we need stories that remind us of the simple, beautiful things that still matter, and friendship is one of them. We all have people in our lives who have seen different versions of us and stayed through them all. Oneel has brought that emotion into a world that is entertaining, warm and full of emotions. We are excited to finally share the world of Mitrata with audiences”.

The film marks the actress’ reunion with him after their Gujarati blockbuster ‘Jhamkudi’.

Viraj Ghelani said, “Friendship is probably one of the few relationships where you can be your most unfiltered self, and that is what makes Mitrata so relatable. The film has the banter and madness you expect from a group of friends, but it also has those quieter moments that remind you why these relationships mean so much. The energy between all of us on set was very natural, and I think that comes through in the trailer. I’m really excited for audiences to meet these characters and experience their journey”.

The film has already begun building anticipation with the Mitrata Anthem, composed by Amit Trivedi, which captures the spirit of friendship at the heart of the story. The hook of the song ‘Tari Mari Dosti’ has instantly become a rage on social media with audiences recreating the step with their gang.

Presented by Soul Sutra, the film is directed by Oneel Karnik, produced by Parthiv Gohil and Manasi Parekh, and is set to release in cinemas on September 25,2026.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Sep 11 (IANS) Acting legend Sir Anthony Hopkins is set to reunite with director Timothy Woodward Jr. on the upcoming dystopian film ‘2048’.

The 88-year-old actor previously teamed up with the filmmaker on sci-fi horror ‘Eyes In The Trees’, which is currently in post-production, and now they are set to work together again on the post-apocalyptic sci-fi story, with further casting currently taking place before shooting starts in Los Angeles, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The film’s synopsis reads, "A dying planet has forced the last remnants of humanity underground. 2048 unfolds inside a vast subterranean society controlled by the Collective, an authoritarian regime that governs nearly every aspect of life and has erased all memory of the world above”.

It added, "The story follows Wesley, an ordinary worker whose life is upended when he becomes entangled with a hidden resistance questioning everything the Collective has taught them. As Wesley begins searching for the truth, he draws the attention of Bryant, played by Hopkins, the brilliant and ruthless architect of the Collective, who maintains his grip over society through surveillance, manipulation and psychological terror”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the film’s script has been penned by Sean Ryan. The Oscar-winning actor explained he and Woodward had been talking about finding another film to work on together, and he is fascinated by the tale being told in ‘2048’.

He said, “Having recently been directed by Tim Woodward Jr., I thought it would be interesting to find another script to film. There were a number of suggestions and ideas briefly talked about, and then, suddenly, the screenplay 2048 emerged from those conversations. The story is complex and fascinating, it taps into the mysterious contradictions that are hidden within human nature, our capacity for both extraordinary creative achievement and compassion, and the terrible mystery of cruelty. Bryant is an equally complex character, intelligent, restrained and frightening in the absolute conviction with which he views the world. I am so looking forward to working with Timothy again and to bring this story to life”.

And the 42-year-old filmmaker hailed it a "dream come true" to be working with ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ actor again.

He said, “Working with Anthony again is a dream come true. He is truly one of the greatest actors of our time. He brings such depth, intelligence and quiet intensity to every role, which makes him perfect for Bryant. At its core, 2048 is a story about freedom, control and one man’s fight to discover the truth”.

Born to Burn's Natalie Burn will produce along with Volodymyr Artemenko of Eastern Film Investment.

Burn said, “2048 is one of the most ambitious films I have ever had the opportunity to work on. An epic sci-fi story set in a post-apocalyptic world is a real treat for audiences, but the film also has a depth and a message that I believe is extremely important for modern society to hear”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) The trailer of the upcoming young adult romantic comedy streaming movie ‘Don’t Be Shy’ starring Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu and Neha Dhupia was unveiled on Friday.

The film centers around friendship, first love, heartbreak, questionable decisions, and the messy journey of figuring out life. The film also features Aarushi Bajaj, Piyush Khati, Bianca Arora, and Ansh Duggal and Anju Alva Naik playing pivotal roles

The trailer gives a peek into the meticulously planned life of Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das (played by Aarushi Bajaj), an independent young girl who manipulates people for her benefit, and ends up getting busted. Her seemingly perfect world starts to fall apart when things take an unexpected and dramatic turn. The love triangles are a thing of past, as the film arrives with a fresh narrative of multiple affairs, and emotional derailment of people involved.

Talking about the film, Aarushi Bajaj said, “Playing a character so different from who I am was both challenging and exciting, and stepping into Shy’s shoes pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Playing the role of Shy also came with a sense of responsibility, I wanted to give her everything I had and do justice to her journey. I can’t wait for audiences to finally meet her and experience the world through her eyes”.

Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, under the banner of Eternal Sunshine Productions, and co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, the film boasts a stellar ensemble led by four fresh faces, Aarushi Bajaj, Piyush Khati, Bianca Arora, and Ansh Duggal, alongside Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu, Neha Dhupia, and Anju Alva Naik playing pivotal roles.

Writer and director Sreeti Mukerji said, “‘Don’t Be Shy’ came from a place of missing the movies I watched growing up, movies I still return to when I want to feel safe, comforted, and entertained. This is my tribute to that time in our lives, when we’re on the brink of adulthood but still young in so many ways”.

“It’s about that feeling of being reminded that, no matter how weird or wild life gets, we can always find our way back home to ourselves. I’m extremely grateful to Alia and Shaheen for trusting me to write this story and helping me build it. Of course, none of it would have been possible without Prime Video, who believed in this story and in me to bring it to life, and the incredible cast of Aarushi, Ansh, Bianca, and Piyush, who took the words on paper and turned them into living, breathing, beautiful characters. I can’t wait for audiences everywhere to meet the gang on September 25”, she added.

Ansh Duggal shared, “There’s something surreal about knowing that my very first film is about to be watched by audiences around the world. I’m nervous, excited, and just incredibly grateful to be starting this journey with Don’t Be Shy. It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever forget”.

‘Don’t Be Shy’ is set to premiere on September 25, 2026 on Prime Video.

--IANS

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