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Robert Downey Jr. blacked out from pain after breaking his ankle while filming ‘Iron Man 3’
Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. had an excruciating experience while filming ‘Iron Man 3’. The actor recently reflected on the time he broke his ankle while shooting for the film.
The actor, 61, recently sat down for a chat with the author Ayad Akhtar about Akhtar’s new novel, ‘The Radiance’. During the event, the actor spoke about his on-set injury in 2012 after Akhtar, 55, asked him about the moments in life that bring “unexpected joy or pleasure on the other side of an experience that you think would not be a good experience”.
Responding to the same, the actor said, “I’ll build on that because I remember I was once doing a wire jump, and I landed wrong and I just shattered my ankle. In the moment that it happened, all these realizations occurred where I realized, ‘Oh my God, this rest of the shoot just got really different.’ I thought not only about the ramifications, but the pain was so great that after a few seconds I kind of blacked out from it”.
“Then I remember saying to the crew once I could finally speak, because usually they’ll say, ‘That’s lunch, one half hour,’ I said, ‘That’s lunch, roughly six weeks’”, he added.
When Akhtar asked if the ensuing delay wound up costing the production six weeks, the actor said, “No, it was much longer. I am a delicate flower”.
‘Iron Man 3’ was the third solo movie in which he portrayed the title character during his run as Tony Stark. The movie was also his first appearance in the franchise after 2012’s ‘The Avengers’, which shot the superhero movies into the space of mega-blockbusters.
--IANS
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‘Injured Flydubai pilot stable’: Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah on Wednesday said they were closely monitoring the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was injured after helping avert a major in-flight crisis that led to the aircraft being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said both Indian missions in Saudi Arabia had been following developments related to Captain Machchhar's medical condition.
According to the embassy, the pilot is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical treatment.
The mission said it was awaiting a detailed update on his health, but initial reports indicated he was stable.
“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest,” the embassy stated.
The Indian mission also said it was in touch with Captain Machchhar's family and assured them it would extend all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
“We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being,” the statement added.
The embassy's update came hours after senior Israeli leaders lauded Captain Machchhar's role in preventing what they described as a potentially catastrophic incident aboard the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a “true hero” and praised his “extraordinary bravery”.
In a statement issued through the Prime Minister's Office on X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but fought back and continued to act to protect those on board.
According to Netanyahu, the pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant, thereby preventing a major mid-air disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
Joining the praise, Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said he was praying for the pilot's recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted aviator.
Referring to Flydubai flight FZ1073, Azar said Captain Machchhar's courage, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save everyone on board.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” Azar said.
He also called for a united stand against terrorism.
The statements from Indian and Israeli authorities came amid growing international recognition for Captain Machchhar, whose actions during the emergency have drawn praise from governments and passengers alike.
While Indian officials focused on his medical condition and welfare, Israeli leaders highlighted his role in helping avert a potentially devastating tragedy and safeguarding the lives of those on board the diverted Flydubai flight.
--IANS
scor/dan
US envoy calls Trump-PM Modi phone conversation ‘very good’
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a direct phone conversation on Wednesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor offered a brief reaction the same day.
On his X account, he called the conversation “very good,” writing, “A very good call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi!”
Both leaders covered practical areas of joint work, including trade flows, defence arrangements, energy supplies, and critical technologies. They also shared views on broader regional developments and steps to support global stability.
After the talk, PM Modi posted a brief note on X describing the exchange as productive. He listed the same sectors and noted that both sides would keep talking regularly to build on the existing comprehensive global strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister’s Office later released a matching summary, adding that the two leaders planned to stay in contact.
This latest contact sits against a larger backdrop of steady expansion in the relationship. Senior figures in the current US administration have already sketched an ambitious set of next steps.
They have indicated that a presidential visit to India is under active consideration for early next year and have described New Delhi as one of Washington’s closest strategic partners.
The ambassador’s quick public endorsement and earlier signals from senior officials suggest ongoing high-level contact. Practical cooperation across multiple domains continues to take centre stage, while both capitals keep an eye on broader international matters.
The conversation appeared straightforward and focused, with both leaders emphasising the need to keep the channels open for further discussion.
Back in June, both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Gor gave exclusive interviews to IANS at the White House. Each portrayed the ties as stronger than ever. They pointed to rising activity across trade, defence, energy, advanced technologies and Indo-Pacific coordination. Rubio confirmed that work was under way to arrange Trump’s trip to India in the coming year.
"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio had said.
While Gor had described the relationship between the two leaders as "one of the big anchors" of India-US ties.
"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead," he had said.
--IANS
sktr/dan
Israeli PM hails Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as ‘true hero’ after foiling mid-air attack
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery” in preventing what he described as a potential mid-air catastrophe after the pilot was allegedly attacked during a flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew.
In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar displayed exceptional courage despite being seriously injured.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident. However, he fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant.
Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” the Israeli Prime Minister stated.
Expressing concern for the injured pilot, Netanyahu wished him a “speedy and full recovery” and described him as “a true hero”.
The remarks came amid growing international recognition of Captain Machchhar’s role in averting the threat aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
Joining the praise, Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralise the threat.
In a post on X, Azar said he was praying for Captain Machchhar’s recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted pilot.
“Together with nations, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073,” Azar wrote.
The Israeli diplomat said the courage shown by the pilot, along with that displayed by Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save all those on board the aircraft.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” he said.
Azar also used the occasion to call for unity against terrorism, declaring: “United against terrorism.”
The statements from senior Israeli leaders highlight the international attention generated by the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and the widespread praise being directed at Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.
Netanyahu’s remarks focused on the pilot’s role in ensuring that passengers and crew were able to regain control of the situation despite the alleged attack, while Azar praised the collective efforts of the pilot, passengers and crew in preventing loss of life.
The messages also underscore the presence of Israeli citizens among those whose lives were allegedly saved during the incident.
As Captain Machchhar continues to receive treatment for his injuries, messages of support and appreciation have continued to pour in from across countries, with Israeli leaders describing him as a symbol of courage in the face of danger and crediting his actions with preventing a far more serious tragedy.
--IANS
scor/dan
Chris Hemsworth cheers for daughter India Rose on her achievement, followers question his stance on animal abuse
Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth is a proud father, and he doesn’t shy away from lauding his daughter’s achievements publicly.
On Wednesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared 2 videos of his daughter, India Rose Hemsworth’s bull riding.
He also penned a heartfelt note for his daughter in the caption, as he wrote, “Just wanna say my daughter is a savage. Only girl in the comp and took home the win. Proud moment (sic)”.
His followers, however, had different reactions to the videos. One user wrote, “The poor bull. Animal abuse should not be entertainment”.
Another user wrote, “Is this the "wonderful" tradition where they tie the bull's balls with a rope and everytime they kick in the air they pull on them harder? i really hope not”.
A 3rd user wrote, “Please do not promote this”.
Another user wrote, “Shouldn't you be worrying about defeating Doctor Doom”.
Chris Hemsworth married Spanish actress and model Elsa Pataky in December 2010, after they began dating earlier that year. Their relationship developed quickly, and they have now been together for more than 15 years. The couple have three children: their daughter, India Rose, born in 2012, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, born in 2014. India Rose is the eldest of the Hemsworth children and has occasionally appeared alongside her father in films, including ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Hemsworth has spoken warmly about fatherhood, saying that having children changed his priorities and made him value time at home even more.
The family lives in Australia, where Hemsworth and Pataky have focused on giving their children a relatively grounded upbringing away from Hollywood.
--IANS
aa/
Top Stories
International
‘Injured Flydubai pilot stable’: Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah on Wednesday said they were closely monitoring the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was injured after helping avert a major in-flight crisis that led to the aircraft being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said both Indian missions in Saudi Arabia had been following developments related to Captain Machchhar's medical condition.
According to the embassy, the pilot is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical treatment.
The mission said it was awaiting a detailed update on his health, but initial reports indicated he was stable.
“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest,” the embassy stated.
The Indian mission also said it was in touch with Captain Machchhar's family and assured them it would extend all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
“We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being,” the statement added.
The embassy's update came hours after senior Israeli leaders lauded Captain Machchhar's role in preventing what they described as a potentially catastrophic incident aboard the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a “true hero” and praised his “extraordinary bravery”.
In a statement issued through the Prime Minister's Office on X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but fought back and continued to act to protect those on board.
According to Netanyahu, the pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant, thereby preventing a major mid-air disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
Joining the praise, Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said he was praying for the pilot's recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted aviator.
Referring to Flydubai flight FZ1073, Azar said Captain Machchhar's courage, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save everyone on board.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” Azar said.
He also called for a united stand against terrorism.
The statements from Indian and Israeli authorities came amid growing international recognition for Captain Machchhar, whose actions during the emergency have drawn praise from governments and passengers alike.
While Indian officials focused on his medical condition and welfare, Israeli leaders highlighted his role in helping avert a potentially devastating tragedy and safeguarding the lives of those on board the diverted Flydubai flight.
--IANS
scor/dan
US envoy calls Trump-PM Modi phone conversation ‘very good’
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a direct phone conversation on Wednesday, US Ambassador Sergio Gor offered a brief reaction the same day.
On his X account, he called the conversation “very good,” writing, “A very good call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi!”
Both leaders covered practical areas of joint work, including trade flows, defence arrangements, energy supplies, and critical technologies. They also shared views on broader regional developments and steps to support global stability.
After the talk, PM Modi posted a brief note on X describing the exchange as productive. He listed the same sectors and noted that both sides would keep talking regularly to build on the existing comprehensive global strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister’s Office later released a matching summary, adding that the two leaders planned to stay in contact.
This latest contact sits against a larger backdrop of steady expansion in the relationship. Senior figures in the current US administration have already sketched an ambitious set of next steps.
They have indicated that a presidential visit to India is under active consideration for early next year and have described New Delhi as one of Washington’s closest strategic partners.
The ambassador’s quick public endorsement and earlier signals from senior officials suggest ongoing high-level contact. Practical cooperation across multiple domains continues to take centre stage, while both capitals keep an eye on broader international matters.
The conversation appeared straightforward and focused, with both leaders emphasising the need to keep the channels open for further discussion.
Back in June, both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Gor gave exclusive interviews to IANS at the White House. Each portrayed the ties as stronger than ever. They pointed to rising activity across trade, defence, energy, advanced technologies and Indo-Pacific coordination. Rubio confirmed that work was under way to arrange Trump’s trip to India in the coming year.
"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio had said.
While Gor had described the relationship between the two leaders as "one of the big anchors" of India-US ties.
"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead," he had said.
--IANS
sktr/dan
Israeli PM hails Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as ‘true hero’ after foiling mid-air attack
New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery” in preventing what he described as a potential mid-air catastrophe after the pilot was allegedly attacked during a flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew.
In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar displayed exceptional courage despite being seriously injured.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident. However, he fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant.
Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” the Israeli Prime Minister stated.
Expressing concern for the injured pilot, Netanyahu wished him a “speedy and full recovery” and described him as “a true hero”.
The remarks came amid growing international recognition of Captain Machchhar’s role in averting the threat aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
Joining the praise, Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute to the Indian pilot and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralise the threat.
In a post on X, Azar said he was praying for Captain Machchhar’s recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted pilot.
“Together with nations, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073,” Azar wrote.
The Israeli diplomat said the courage shown by the pilot, along with that displayed by Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save all those on board the aircraft.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” he said.
Azar also used the occasion to call for unity against terrorism, declaring: “United against terrorism.”
The statements from senior Israeli leaders highlight the international attention generated by the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and the widespread praise being directed at Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.
Netanyahu’s remarks focused on the pilot’s role in ensuring that passengers and crew were able to regain control of the situation despite the alleged attack, while Azar praised the collective efforts of the pilot, passengers and crew in preventing loss of life.
The messages also underscore the presence of Israeli citizens among those whose lives were allegedly saved during the incident.
As Captain Machchhar continues to receive treatment for his injuries, messages of support and appreciation have continued to pour in from across countries, with Israeli leaders describing him as a symbol of courage in the face of danger and crediting his actions with preventing a far more serious tragedy.
--IANS
scor/dan
Two Indian nationals convicted in US cargo theft scheme involving $2 million freight fraud
Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Two Indian nationals have been found guilty by a jury in the United States for their role in a cargo theft conspiracy that involved fraudulently obtaining shipping contracts, stealing freight worth millions of dollars and failing to deliver the consignments to their intended destinations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were convicted after a seven-day trial of participating in a scheme that targeted warehouses and shippers across Southern California and other parts of the United States.
The jury found both men guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate or foreign shipments. Arshpreet Singh was also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Vikramjeet Singh was acquitted of the wire fraud conspiracy charge.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Arshpreet Singh and his co-conspirators operated the scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 by purchasing or fraudulently using legitimate trucking companies to bid for authentic freight contracts.
After securing the contracts, the conspirators allegedly took possession of cargo shipments but failed to deliver them to their destinations, instead stealing the goods.
Prosecutors said the stolen freight largely consisted of high-value consumer products, including televisions, laptops, household appliances and other electronics. Other items stolen during the conspiracy included vacuum cleaners, LED lights, footwear and tyres.
Authorities estimated losses resulting from the thefts at no less than $2 million.
The thefts were carried out across multiple locations in Southern California, including Fontana, Vernon, Santa Fe Springs, Perris, City of Industry, Long Beach, Compton, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Chino and Moreno Valley. Investigators also linked the scheme to activity in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Court records showed that the accused acquired established trucking companies to facilitate the operation.
In one instance cited during the trial, Arshpreet Singh met in March 2024 with the owner of Texas-based carrier Z&F Transportation LLC and agreed to purchase the company for approximately $22,000.
Later that month, a co-conspirator acting on behalf of Z&F Transportation LLC collected a shipment of televisions in Fontana. The cargo was never delivered to its intended destination in Florida.
Prosecutors further alleged that in May 2024, co-conspirators purchased another carrier company, Skyways Trucking LLC, and subsequently used it to steal shipments that included laptops, televisions, solar panels and other merchandise.
The conspirators allegedly booked freight loads through brokers, including Uber Freight, collected the consignments and then failed to transport them to the customers.
United States District Judge Anne Hwang has scheduled sentencing hearings for January 20, 2027.
Arshpreet Singh faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while Vikramjeet Singh faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Inland Violent Crime Suppression Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Fontana Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Worth Police Department in Texas.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Chang of the Transnational Organised Crime Section and Lloyd Masson of the General Crimes Section.
--IANS
scor/dan
ShowBiz
Robert Downey Jr. blacked out from pain after breaking his ankle while filming ‘Iron Man 3’
Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. had an excruciating experience while filming ‘Iron Man 3’. The actor recently reflected on the time he broke his ankle while shooting for the film.
The actor, 61, recently sat down for a chat with the author Ayad Akhtar about Akhtar’s new novel, ‘The Radiance’. During the event, the actor spoke about his on-set injury in 2012 after Akhtar, 55, asked him about the moments in life that bring “unexpected joy or pleasure on the other side of an experience that you think would not be a good experience”.
Responding to the same, the actor said, “I’ll build on that because I remember I was once doing a wire jump, and I landed wrong and I just shattered my ankle. In the moment that it happened, all these realizations occurred where I realized, ‘Oh my God, this rest of the shoot just got really different.’ I thought not only about the ramifications, but the pain was so great that after a few seconds I kind of blacked out from it”.
“Then I remember saying to the crew once I could finally speak, because usually they’ll say, ‘That’s lunch, one half hour,’ I said, ‘That’s lunch, roughly six weeks’”, he added.
When Akhtar asked if the ensuing delay wound up costing the production six weeks, the actor said, “No, it was much longer. I am a delicate flower”.
‘Iron Man 3’ was the third solo movie in which he portrayed the title character during his run as Tony Stark. The movie was also his first appearance in the franchise after 2012’s ‘The Avengers’, which shot the superhero movies into the space of mega-blockbusters.
--IANS
aa/
Chris Hemsworth cheers for daughter India Rose on her achievement, followers question his stance on animal abuse
Los Angeles, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth is a proud father, and he doesn’t shy away from lauding his daughter’s achievements publicly.
On Wednesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared 2 videos of his daughter, India Rose Hemsworth’s bull riding.
He also penned a heartfelt note for his daughter in the caption, as he wrote, “Just wanna say my daughter is a savage. Only girl in the comp and took home the win. Proud moment (sic)”.
His followers, however, had different reactions to the videos. One user wrote, “The poor bull. Animal abuse should not be entertainment”.
Another user wrote, “Is this the "wonderful" tradition where they tie the bull's balls with a rope and everytime they kick in the air they pull on them harder? i really hope not”.
A 3rd user wrote, “Please do not promote this”.
Another user wrote, “Shouldn't you be worrying about defeating Doctor Doom”.
Chris Hemsworth married Spanish actress and model Elsa Pataky in December 2010, after they began dating earlier that year. Their relationship developed quickly, and they have now been together for more than 15 years. The couple have three children: their daughter, India Rose, born in 2012, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, born in 2014. India Rose is the eldest of the Hemsworth children and has occasionally appeared alongside her father in films, including ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Hemsworth has spoken warmly about fatherhood, saying that having children changed his priorities and made him value time at home even more.
The family lives in Australia, where Hemsworth and Pataky have focused on giving their children a relatively grounded upbringing away from Hollywood.
--IANS
aa/
IICT signs MoUs with media & tech firms, Ashish Shelar says ‘India to lead the next transformation’
Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Motion Picture Association (MPA), India, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Kerala, E-Sports Games Federation (ESGF), RioWood and Warm Up Ventures.
These MoUs were signed on the second day of FICCI FRAMES 2026, which took place on September 29 and September 30 at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.
The MoUs that were signed in the presence of Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, AI & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, and other senior representatives and stakeholders, are expected to strengthen the engagement between the industry and academia. It will also focus on creating an AVGC-XR ecosystem with the help of exchange of knowledge, industry exposure, and establishing the Kerala State Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Thiruvananthapuram.
Talking about the latest collaboration, Ashish Shelar said, “India is uniquely positioned to lead the next transformation in media and entertainment."
“The real opportunity lies in building an ecosystem—one that creates professional talent, content creators, broadcasters, developers, technologists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The future belongs not just to those who consume entertainment, but to those who build the intellectual, creative, and technological ecosystem around it.” he went on to add.
Ashish Kulkarni, Founding Director, IICT, stated that these partnerships help to reinforce IICT’s commitment to building a future-ready creative technology ecosystem.
Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, added, “IICT is focused on building meaningful connections between education, industry and technology. These partnerships will provide our students and emerging creators with greater exposure to international practices, industry-led learning and real-world opportunities.”
Urmila Venugopalan, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Motion Picture Association, shared, “We are especially pleased to bring to life a shared ambition that took shape during a fireside chat between MPA Chairman and CEO Charlie Rivkin and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which launched the Creative Economy track at the start of the AI Impact Summit in February this year. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting India’s creative economy and ensuring that emerging talent has meaningful opportunities to engage with the global film, television and streaming industry.”
--IANS
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Ranvir Shorey on Rahul Bhatt’s confession of hitting him: ‘Propaganda and slander has finally given way to some truth’
Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Actor Ranvir Shorey has reacted to Rahul Bhatt’s clarification over hitting the actor. On Wednesday, the actor took to his X. formerly Twitter, and penned a note, as he said that the truth is finally out.
During a recent podcast, Rahul said that he had hit Ranvir after he had an altercation with his sister Pooja Bhatt. He said that he stepped in, and physically assaulted the actor, and broke the glass of his car.
Reacting to the same, Ranvir said that the “propaganda and slander” have been defeated by the truth.
The actor wrote, “I’m glad over 20 years of malicious propaganda and slander has finally given way to some truth. Let me add the missing piece, so it can finally rest now, defending yourself against violence to escape someone toxic is not ‘hitting’”.
Rahul said that he regrets hitting the actor, and praised him for not holding grudges, and handling the situation very well.
Pooja and Ranvir were in a relationship in the early 2000s after becoming close while working together on the film Jism. The two eventually began living together, but their relationship ended on a bitter note in 2002. Both the actors have been public about the fallout, and have presented conflicting accounts of what transpired between them.
Earlier, Ranvir had alleged that Pooja's family had portrayed him as an alcoholic and abusive partner and claimed that her brother, Rahul Bhatt, assaulted him following their argument. Pooja later married VJ-turned-restaurateur Manish Makhija in 2003, while Ranvir married actor Konkona Sen Sharma in 2010. Both marriages eventually ended in separation.
--IANS
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Mahesh Babu calls Fahadh Faasil a “stupendous actor”; praises actor’s film ‘Don’t Trouble The Trouble’
Hyderabad, Sep 30 (IANS)Commending actor Fahadh Faasil for his fine work in director Shashank Yeleti's upcoming fantasy entertainer 'Don't Trouble The Trouble', Telugu star Mahesh Babu on Wednesday called Fahadh Faasil "a stupendous actor".
Taking to his X timeline to write a lengthy post on the film and what a beautiful experience it was, Mahesh Babu wrote, "Just watched the #DontTroubleTheTrouble Movie!!!What a beautifully complete experience this is. Such a well crafted and happy film… Thoroughly entertaining and deeply moving at the same time. The film carries such a rare sense of warmth throughout!"
He then went on to praise the film's lead actors -- Fahadh Faasil and child artiste Ssara.
He wrote," Fahadh sir - you are a stupendous actor. Watching you evolve, experiment and reinvent yourself is truly inspiring. Fahadh sir and our lil cute Ssara are simply brilliant together! You can see the characters living, breathing and feeling every moment!!!"
Mahesh Babu then told the film's producer S S Karthikeya, "Karth - you couldn’t have asked for a more special beginning. After everything you have poured into this film, you can finally breathe easy.You and Shobu have created something truly special and I couldn’t be happier for you both. Shashank you have done a fantastic job.The way you have brought this beautiful world together is truly commendable…."
He concluded the note saying, "Sending all my love and best wishes to the entire team. You have a gem on your hands. October 2nd… everyone should experience this magic! #FahadhFaasil #SsaraPalekar @ShashankYeleti @kaalabhairava7 @ssk1122 @Shobu_ #PrasadDevineni @ArkaMediaWorks @SBbySSK."
For the unaware, acclaimed producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni have joined hands with SS Karthikeya to produce the exciting, content-rich film that is being presented by none other than ace director S S Rajamouli.
The film, which is a fantasy entertainer, has three legends of the Indian film industry -- Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal and Balakrishna-- lending their voices for a voiceover in the film's Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu trailers respectively.
The film, which has been written and directed by Shashank Yeleti, has been co-written by Hamza Ali. It has music by Kaala Bhairava and cinematography by Australian cinematographer Brad Francis. Editing for the film is by Praveen Anthony.
'Don't Trouble The Trouble' is slated to hit screens worldwide on October 2 this year.
--IANS
mkr/
Lifestyle
Major blast, fire at Mangaluru Refinery and Petrochemicals unit leaves 8 injured
Mangaluru, Sep 30 (IANS) A major blast, followed by a fire, was reported at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd in Karnataka's Mangaluru on Wednesday, but the blaze has been brought under control, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said.
According to the Commissioner, two persons were seriously injured in the incident.
One of them, identified as Rajesh Baptist, who was present inside the plant, suffered burn injuries to around 35 per cent of his body. He was shifted to Srinivasa Hospital for treatment and is currently in the ICU. Doctors have said that he is out of danger.
Six other persons who sustained minor injuries in an adjacent office were given treatment and underwent check-ups on an outpatient basis, the Commissioner said.
The Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner and other senior officials were present at the spot following the incident.
“There is nothing of major concern. We will take care," the Police Commissioner said.
According to locals, a loud blast was heard at the MRPL facility, with flames and thick smoke rising high into the sky. The incident was reported from the Coker Hydro Treating Unit (CHTU) of MRPL’s Phase-3 plant.
The intensity of the blast caused vibrations to be felt in houses in the surrounding areas, while glass panes of windows and doors in some nearby houses were shattered, triggering panic and fear among local residents.
The persons who sustained injuries were immediately shifted to a nearby private hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
Following the blast, a fire broke out in the boiler section of the unit, with thick smoke engulfing the area. After receiving information about the incident, personnel from MRPL’s fire and emergency services, along with fire tenders from the city, rushed to the spot and continued efforts to bring the fire under control.
Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media and are reportedly going viral. The exact cause of the blast and the extent of damage are yet to be ascertained.
Following the loud explosion, dense clouds of smoke were seen rising high into the sky, causing concern among residents in the surrounding areas.
The impact of the explosion was also felt in Jokatte, which is adjacent to the MRPL premises. Doors and windows of the Jokatte Gram Panchayat office and nearby houses reportedly rattled, while glass panes were broken at some places. Further details are yet to emerge.
--IANS
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