Hyderabad, Aug 25 (IANS) Telugu star Nagarjuna has now released the trailer of director Chandra Mohan Chintada's eagerly awaited comedy entertainer 'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka', featuring actor Allari Naresh in the lead, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Taking to his X timeline to release the trailer of the hilarious comedy entertainer, Nagarjuna wrote, "From EVV Satyanarayana garu to dearest

@allarinaresh, this bond is truly close to my heart. So happy to collaborate with Naresh once again under the @Annapurnastdious banner! Best wishes to the team of #RambaOorvasiMenaka. A complete laughter riot arriving in theatres on September 4th!"

For the unaware, Allari Naresh is back in a space that has long been synonymous with his brand of entertainment with his upcoming fantasy comedy 'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka'. Directed by Chandra Mohan Chintada and produced by Razesh Danda and Nimmakayala Prasad under Annapurna Studios and Hasya Movies, 'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka' is slated to hit screens on September 4.

The film promises a quirky mix of mythology, rural humour and whimsical fun, with the trailer unveiled by King Nagarjuna offering a glimpse into its unusual world.

Ramba, Oorvashi and Menaka descend on earth after years of prayers from the protagonist, Suri (Allari Naresh). However, the three celestial beauties arrive without their divine powers, turning their presence into a major problem for him. With a series of unexpected challenges piling up, Suri remains determined to face everything thrown his way by Lord Indra. Matters get even more chaotic with his girlfriend scolding him over the three apsaras living in his house, the police questioning him, and his mother fighting for her life in the hospital.

Allari Naresh seems to be undoubtedly the biggest highlight of the film, with his impeccable comic timing, energetic performance, and effortless dialogue delivery. He appears completely in his element, bringing the right mix of innocence, and humour to his character. Surabhi plays the female lead, while Vennela Kishore adds to the fun with his lively portrayal of Indra. Rashi Singh, Vishnupriya, and Prisha Singh portray the three celestial beauties and look apt in their respective roles.

If the trailer is any indication, the film seems to be a colourful and unconventional fantasy comedy, with Allari Naresh once again returning to the genre where his comic strengths are at their best.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Raam Reddy and production design by Brahma Kadali. Chaitan Bharadwaj has scored the music for this film, which has Chota K Prasad taking care of the editing.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) Marking 10 years of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the scale and reach of India's digital payment revolution are something every Indian must be proud of.

He said that the introduction of the UPI system marked a major turning point in India's digital payments journey.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, "A decade ago, UPI was rolled out, marking a major turning point in India's digital payments journey. The sheer scale and reach of UPI are something every Indian must be proud of."

He also asked the countrymen to share their UPI experience and how its introduction impacted their lives.

The UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has emerged as a cornerstone of India's digital payments revolution. UPI is currently accepted in 11 countries, with Greece and the Maldives being the latest to adopt India's real-time payment platform.

The statement highlighted UPI's growing global footprint, saying the system is operational in Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Qatar, enabling seamless cross-border digital payments.

UPI has seen unprecedented growth in both transaction volume and value over the past decade, with annual volumes rising nearly 12,000-fold from 2 crore transactions in FY 2016‑17 to over 24,162 crore in FY 2025‑26, an official factsheet said on Monday.

Annual transaction value grew from Rs 0.07 lakh crore to nearly Rs 314 lakh crore, recording more than a 4,000-fold increase.

The factsheet noted that the UPI network comprised 741 live banks, processed 2,365.8 crore transactions and recorded a total transaction value of Rs 29.87 lakh crore in July 2026.

UPI accounted for nearly 49 per cent of global real-time payment transaction volume in 2024, and the achievement was highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its 'Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability' report.

On-device authentication for UPI was introduced in 2025, enabling payments through smartphone fingerprint or face unlock. Aadhaar-based Face Authentication simplified UPI PIN onboarding, especially for first-time users, senior citizens and those without easy access to cards.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) The government has revised the timeline for processing and selling duty-free imported raw sugar and allowed importers up to two months from the date of filing the bill of entry to convert the sugar into white or refined sugar and sell it in the domestic market.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended the modalities notified -- earlier in August -- for the import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) scheme.

Under the earlier provision, raw sugar imported under the TRQ was required to be processed into white or refined sugar and sold in the domestic market by October 31.

The revised provision removes that fixed deadline and stipulates that importers must process and sell the imported raw sugar within a period not exceeding two months from the date of filing the Bill of Entry.

In addition, the government had on August 20 allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar under the TRQ scheme until October 31 amid a sharp rise in domestic sugar prices ahead of the festive season.

However, the latest amendment does not change other terms and conditions of the August 20 notification.

The government had also permitted a one-time conversion of existing Advance Authorisations issued under SION E-52 into the TRQ scheme for raw sugar actually imported under those authorisations up to August 20.

The conversion covers refined sugar already produced as well as sugar to be produced from the imported raw sugar which is subject to payment of GST exempted at the time of import and other prescribed conditions.

The government's decision comes as it steps up efforts to improve domestic sugar availability and contain price pressures ahead of the August-November festive period when demand typically rises.

Additionally, industry leaders and experts said that India has sufficient sugar stocks to meet domestic demand and prices are likely to moderate over the next few weeks as supplies improve.

The sharp increase in sugar prices over the past 15-20 days was driven largely by market sentiment, speculative buying and concerns over short-term supply, rather than any structural shortage, says ISMA Director General Deepak Ballani.

According to Ballani, sufficient sugar would remain available until the end of the current season on September 30 and the market situation is expected to improve shortly.

ISMA President Neeraj Shirgaokar also assured consumers that the country has adequate stocks and there would be no difficulty in meeting demand, including during the upcoming festive season.

--IANS

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Seoul, Aug 25 (IANS) The management and labour union of Hyundai Motor tentatively reached a wage agreement on Tuesday following a series of strikes that caused production disruptions.

The two sides reached an understanding at the 17th round of talks, agreeing to raise monthly base pay by 100,000 won (US$72.20), provide a performance bonus of more than 400 percent of monthly salary and pay an additional payment of 12.5 million won, the automaker said in a release.

The two sides also agreed to extend the retirement age from the current 60 to 65 if related laws and regulations are revised, reports Yonhap news agency.

If the agreement is approved in a union vote scheduled for Aug. 31, this year's wage negotiations at South Korea's largest automaker will be concluded.

The 400,000-member union staged a combined 60 hours of strikes this year, resulting in about 120 hours of production disruptions across two shifts. The labor action included a full-day strike Friday, the union's first such walkout in 10 years.

The strikes are estimated to have caused cumulative production losses of around 55,200 vehicles, with lost sales exceeding 2.3 trillion won, according to industry sources.

Hyundai Motor said management and the labour union also shared the view that adopting advanced technologies, including physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, is essential to the company's future competitiveness and survival.

"The two sides agreed to transparently share information on new projects and their implementation processes, and jointly respond to future changes in the industry," the company said.

The agreement comes as Hyundai Motor, which owns Boston Dynamics, the developer of the Atlas humanoid robot, plans to deploy humanoid robots at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia starting in 2028, with plans to gradually expand their use across its other production facilities.

—IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) Oscar-winner Will Smith marked his first day back on the sets of his upcoming project ‘Supermax’ in style, thanks to a special gift from his son Jaden.

Will shared a video on Instagram, where he was seen stepping into his trailer and flaunting the new red-bottomed luxury sneakers gifted by his son Jaden Smith. He went on to thank his son for making sure he was “right for day one.”

In the clip, Will Smith is heard saying: “Day one, Jazz. Oh, shoot. This is the best part of today. First day of shooting, but I'm also rocking a gift from my son. Drop down. The new brand-new Red Bottoms. Day one with the new Red Bottoms.”

“Ah, look at that. Look at that, son. Look at that. Thank you, Jaden. Thank you, Jaden.

You got me right for day one,” he added.

For the caption, he wrote: “First day back at the office. #Supermax.”

“Supermax” is an upcoming action-crime thriller directed by David Gordon Green, written by David Weil and David J. Rosen, and starring Will Smith, AnnaSophia Robb, Jaafar Jackson, and Jason Clarke.

Will Smith has received several honours, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. He is Hollywood's most bankable star.

Smith first gained recognition as part of a hip hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff, with whom he released five studio albums that contained five US Billboard Hot 100-top 20 singles "Parents Just Don't Understand", "A Nightmare on My Street", "Summertime", "Ring My Bell", and "Boom! Shake the Room".

He released the solo albums Big Willie Style, Willennium, Born to Reign, Lost and Found and Based on a True Story. Two of his singles, "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Wild Wild West", reached number one in the US.

--IANS

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Seoul, Aug 25 (IANS) South Korea's tax agency said on Tuesday it has launched tax audits of 50 companies on suspicions their owners and family members used corporate-owned luxury homes for private purposes as part of tax evasion schemes.

The National Tax Service (NTS) said the audits came after an earlier review found that owners and their family members had privately used 1,097, or 42 percent, of the 2,639 corporate-owned homes surveyed, reports Yonhap news agency.

The review covered homes larger than 85 square meters and with an officially assessed value exceeding 900 million won ($651,000), making them subject to the comprehensive real estate holding tax.

The NTS said the 50 companies were suspected of tax irregularities involving a combined 1.9 trillion won.

They allegedly provided residences to owners' families, helped them dodge multiple-home ownership and lending regulations or maintained vacation homes for their exclusive use.

According to the NTS, one company purchased a luxury home in central Seoul for more than 20 billion won and spent an additional 10 billion won in corporate funds on expansion and interior work.

Another company purchased a high-end home worth around 4 billion won in a posh district of southern Seoul and allowed its owner to use it as a private house without registering his residency there, said the report.

A separate company based in the southeastern port city of Busan bought an apartment worth around 4 billion won in Seoul for its owner's family and provided it rent-free.

The NTS said it plans to expand its investigation to corporate-owned homes abroad that have been provided free of charge to owners' children studying overseas, along with corporate payments for tuition and even living expenses.

—IANS

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Bogota, Aug 25 (IANS) Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management has said that 12 wildfires remain active in three departments amid El Nino conditions.

The agency on Monday (local time) said that 84 fires had been extinguished over the past seven days. The active fires are concentrated in the departments of Tolima, which has 10, and Caldas and Huila, with one each.

Santiago Herrera, mayor of Coello, one of the hardest-hit municipalities in Tolima, called for immediate support from the national government to help fight the fires from the air.

Herrera told Noticias Caracol that the municipality is in a critical situation, noting that high temperatures, strong winds and the number of active fires had made it difficult to bring the blazes fully under control, reports Xinhua news agency.

He said three rural areas in Coello currently had six active fire spots, while local fire units were insufficient and facing logistical strain as they tried to cover all affected points.

Herrera said about 100 people specialising in rescue and wildfire response were working alongside local residents, but helicopter support was urgently needed.

Only aerial support, he said, could help lower temperatures and allow ground crews to reach the fire spots more effectively.

In Coello alone, more than 2,000 hectares have been affected, along with about 7,000 people, especially in the rural area of Chaguala.

Wildfires in Colombia began in early August and are mainly linked to El Nino conditions, which authorities say could last in the country until March 2027.

El Nino is a natural climate pattern characterised by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said Monday the daily global average sea surface temperature (SST) reached 21.1 degrees Celsius on August 22, surpassing the previous record of 21.09 degrees Celsius set in March 2024

--IANS

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Berlin, Aug 25 (IANS) Edin Dzeko scored twice and played a decisive role in two further goals as Schalke 04 survived a major scare to beat fourth-tier Hallescher FC 5-2 after extra time in the first round of the German Cup.

Halle took a surprise lead shortly before halftime when Vin Kastull capitalized on a failed clearance and fired into the far corner.

Schalke leveled in the 62nd minute. Halle defender Burim Halili slipped while attempting to deal with Adil Aouchiche's delivery, allowing Dejan Ljubicic to finish into the left corner, reports Xinhua.

Coach Miron Muslic then introduced Dzeko and Robin Gosens as Schalke pushed for a winner. Dzeko put the visitor ahead from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.

Halle refused to surrender. Goalkeeper Loris Karius made a late save before Niclas Stierlin drove home from a corner in stoppage time to force extra time.

Dzeko then helped Schalke regain control, delivering a cross for Moussa Sylla to make it 3-2 in the 98th minute. The Bosnian was also involved in Schalke's fourth, with Sylla crossing for substitute Junior Adamu to head home in stoppage time at the end of the first period of extra time.

Dzeko completed the scoring from Gosens' pass in the 117th minute.

"We are happy that we are through. We were dominant for 90 minutes but lacked power in the final third and were vulnerable from set pieces," Gosens said. "We conceded goals at unfortunate moments, but we are through and that is the main thing."

Schalke will kick off its Bundesliga campaign away to Augsburg on Sunday.

Elsewhere in the first round, Bundesliga sides Hamburg and Cologne advanced with victories over third-tier opponents. Hamburg beat SC Verl 3-0, while Cologne came from behind to edge Wurzburger Kickers 2-1.

--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, August 25 (IANS) Actress Preity Zinta visited the Kanapathy Temple in Paris on the last Monday of Sawan and shared a glimpse of her spiritual outing on her social media account.

Preity shared a video documenting her visit to the temple, where she was seen offering prayers, lighting diyas and seeking blessings. Dressed in white, the actress was seen participating in the rituals at the temple.

Sharing the video, Preity wrote, “Who would have thought that I would end up going to the most beautiful Indian temple in Paris on the last Monday of Sawan. This last Minute plan overwhelmed me cuz I had a feeling that I was always meant to come here."

“Wow ! The divine and the universe work in unexpected ways.My short trip to Paris has turned out to be extremely sweet after this visit. If you are in Paris do check out the Kanapathy Temple folks. I’m sure you will love it just the way I did.”

“Thank you my darling @shailzaswami for taking me here & for making my trip. I’m smiling ear to ear. Ting ! Har Har Mahadev.”

The actress' post offered a glimpse into her spiritual side as she described that the plan was very last-minute and the temple visit felt as if she was “always meant to” experience.

Preity has often spoken about her faith and spirituality.

On the work front, Preity recently made her return to the big screen after an eight-year gap with director Rajkumar Santoshi's Batwara 1947.

The film, which released on August 14, stars Preity alongside Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal and others.

Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, Batwara 1947 features Preity as Hamida, the wife of Sunny Deol's character.

The film is produced by Aamir Khan and marks Preity's comeback to cinema after quite a few years away from the big screen.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) Girl group Katseye are celebrating a major career milestone as their album ‘Wild’ has landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and said that it is something from their “wildest dreams.”

Taking to Instagram, the group thanked their fans, affectionately known as Eyekons, for their unwavering support. The girl’s group shared a string of images from the celebrations.

The caption read: “EYEKONS, we couldn’t have gotten here without you thank you so much for listening, sharing, and believing in us we’re still pinching ourselves, our first #1 on the billboard 200??!!”

“Seeing how ‘WILD’ has found its way into your hearts really feels like something from our wildest dreams. Thank you for being with us every step of the way, we love you more than you know!!”

Katseye has six members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung. The group's formation process was later chronicled in the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: Katseye, which recounted the audition process, intensive training, and formation of the group.

Katseye debuted in June 2024 with the single "Debut", followed by their breakthrough single, "Touch". They released their first extended play (EP), SIS (Soft Is Strong), later that year.

In April 2025, they released "Gnarly" which served as the lead single for their second EP, Beautiful Chaos.

The EP's second single "Gabriela," peaked within the top 40 of the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, with the group also being nominated for Best New Artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

Katseye is recognized for their distinctive fashion identity, prominently drawing influence from Y2K fashion.

Katseye includes the first Indian, Filipina, Latina, and Black artists to be signed under Hybe: Lara, Sophia, Daniela, and Manon, respectively. Musically, Katseye has cited the Pussycat Dolls, Spice Girls, and Le Sserafim as influences.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) Reality star Soundous Moufakir has lauded the reality show legend Rakhi Sawant for her clarity of thought with regards to what works in entertainment.

Soundous spoke with IANS after she left the show along with contestants Karan Singh, Harman Singha and Munawar Faruqui, who also got evicted from the show.

Talking about the growth of reality shows, she said, “The actors, who were saying that they won’t do reality shows no matter what, are begging to be a part of reality shows”.

She told IANS, “So I think the word will not change, it has already changed. And people are finally, finally accepting that reality shows are actually a full-time performance and a part of the entertainment industry”.

Heaping praise on Rakhi, she said, “When you go on a reality show, even when you make drama, like how people diss Rakhi Sawant for her drama, what they don’t realise is that it is a performance. And you need to be an icon to pull out that performance in a reality show. So people should respect reality shows equally as other movies”.

Earlier, Soundous had shared her experience of being a part of ‘The Traitors 2’, and how the early elimination from the show has impacted her.

She earlier said, “I think that is very disheartening to be eliminated at an early stage of the show. But the format is as such. And the format is like that. So at least that takes a little bit of the baggage of not blaming yourself. I think I did my best”.

Meanwhile, ‘The Traitors’ featured 21 contestants from entertainment, television, social media, food and other backgrounds, including Munawar Faruqui, Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Rhea Chakraborty, Abhishek Malhan, Shalini Passi and Ranveer Brar. The show is built around trust, deception and strategic alliances, contestants must identify the hidden Traitors while protecting themselves from elimination.

The new season has already generated considerable buzz through dramatic confrontations, surprise eliminations and shifting friendships, promising an even more unpredictable battle of strategy and betrayal.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) Actor Amy Jackson marked two years of marriage with English star Ed Westwick with a post, where she said marrying her “best mate” was the way to do it and expressed how grateful she was to be building a life with him.

Amy took to Instagram, where she shared some unseen moments from their wedding, which took place in 2024 at Castello di Rocca Cilento in Campania, along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

She wrote in the caption section: “TWO YEARS. Turns out marrying your best mate is the way to do it. 2 years of love, babies, adventures, questionable decisions, ridiculous amounts of laughter… and still choosing each other every single day. Wouldn’t want to do this life with anyone else.”

She earlier dated hotelier George Panayiotou and got engaged in 2019. Their son was born on 19 September 2019. The couple later broke up at an unknown date in 2021. She began dating English actor Ed Westwick in 2022.

In 2024, they announced that they had gotten engaged in Gstaad, and got married in August of that year in Rocca Cilento, Campania. The same year, Jackson announced she was pregnant with her second child and first with Westwick. In 2025, they revealed that their son, Oscar Alexander, had been born.

Amy works predominantly in Tamil films, along with a few Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and English films. Her most notable roles include Amy Wilkinson in Madrasapattinam, Sarah in Singh Is Bliing, Annie in Theri and Nila in 2.0.

She made her Hindi debut in Ekk Deewana Tha in 2012, and Telugu debut in Yevadu in 2014. She made her American debut as Imra Ardeen / Saturn Girl in the television series Supergirl, and her British debut as Nimisha in Boogie Man.

Amy was last seen in Crakk, an extreme sports action film directed by Aditya Datt. It stars Vidyut Jammwal, Arjun Rampal, Nora Fatehi, Amy Jackson, Jamie Lever, Pooja Sawant, Ankit Mohan, and Rukmini Maitra.

--IANS

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