Rudd, who plays Ant-Man in the Marvel movies, told variety.com: "I like to watch sports. I play fantasy sports. You know what? Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of Rummikub. There seems to be something in the air right now.

"Everyone that I know seems to be playing in mahjong tournaments and wanting to play mahjong games, so one day I was around and my wife was learning it and I spent the whole day at it, and I was kind of getting into it. I was like, alright, I see what’s great about this."

Rudd shared that he decided to switch from mahjong, which originated in 19th-century China and is generally played by three or four players, to Rummikub, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He shared: "The problem [with mahjong] is that you need four people. So my mom was like, 'Why don’t you try Rummikub?' So now we have these tiles set on our kitchen table and … I played it this morning! I play a lot of Rummikub. I like crossword puzzles."

Rudd said that he plays games, in part, to escape the toxicity of the current political climate.

The movie star, who is widely regarded as one of the nicest men in Hollywood, said: "When you talk about the noise of the world and how crummy it all is, I feel it, and I have now gotten to the point where I wake up, have coffee and I’ve got to do puzzles because it’s nothing political, it wakes my brain up and it’s a nice way to ease into the chaos that is undoubtedly whipping around outside because this is the state of the world these days."

Meanwhile, Paul previously revealed that he worked as a wedding DJ before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars.

In a note, the global leader in credit ratings and research said that "We expect GDP growth to ease to 6.4 per cent in FY27, a downward revision of 0.3pp from March".

Domestic demand will be the main driver of growth, but lower imports in real terms imply positive contributions to growth from net external demand, according to its June Global Economic Outlook.

Fitch expects GDP growth to pick up in FY28 as the Middle East crisis subsides, with stronger consumer spending and investment translating to a growth rate of 6.7 per cent, and ease towards trend growth of 6.4 per cent in FY29.

Fitch Chief Economist Brian Coulton said that the oil price shock is hitting world growth prospects and increasing downside risks.

"But we are also amid a very pronounced boom in global spending on IT and that is cushioning the impact on activity in the near term, particularly in Asia," he noted.

Fitch said India's consumer price inflation has not yet risen significantly. "We expect inflation to rise steadily over the months ahead, reaching 5.3 per cent by the end of the year (2026). This reflects a combination of base effects and higher energy prices. Forecasts for below-average monsoon rains and the current heatwave in parts of India raise the risk of even stronger price rises," Fitch said.

On the Indian rupee, it said "we do not expect a further, significant depreciation in the Indian rupee over the rest of the year".

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last week projected real GDP growth for 2026-27 at 6.6 per cent -- with Q1 at 6.6 per cent; Q2 at 6.3 per cent; Q3 at 6.5 per cent; and Q4 at 6.8 per cent -- saying that prolonged global supply chain disruptions, volatility in global financial markets, and weather-related shocks continue to pose downside risks to the domestic growth outlook.

—IANS

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A report by Morgan Stanley forecasted the Asian LNG benchmark price to rise to $25 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) during the third and fourth quarters of the year, an increase of more than 30 per cent from current forward market levels.

If realised, the price would be the highest since early 2023, when European countries aggressively sourced LNG to compensate for reduced pipeline gas supplies from Russia.

The global brokerage said LNG prices are likely to remain elevated even if tensions in the Middle East ease in the near term.

The ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global LNG flows, as the route is critical for exports from major producers such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, it added.

The report further noted that natural gas consumption has begun recovering in key Asian markets, including India and China, while Europe faces growing pressure to rebuild inventories before the onset of winter.

According to the brokerage's analysts, weaker global LNG imports during March and April had helped offset supply disruptions.

However, demand has started to rebound with the arrival of summer and increasing urgency among countries to strengthen storage levels.

Despite supply challenges in the Persian Gulf region, global LNG availability has been supported by higher production from facilities in other regions and the addition of new export capacity in North America.

As a result, global LNG supply in May was only around one million tonnes lower than the level recorded during the same month last year, according to the report.

Moreover, Morgan Stanley pointed to weather forecasts indicating above-normal temperatures across parts of Asia in June and July, a factor expected to further support LNG consumption for cooling demand.

In Europe, gas demand weakened last month, but inventories remain significantly below historical levels.

While storage levels are estimated to be 17 per cent lower than a year ago and roughly 25 per cent below the 10-year average, underscoring the need for additional purchases in the months ahead.

Participating in a teaser launch event in Chennai, the director said, "The Slumdog is based on true incidents. Real incidents. And real emotion is there in the film. When we come across beggars, we ignore them. We don't notice, we don't focus on them. But we know there are a lot of stories behind them. There's a lot of emotion there. We don't know who are those beggars actually."

While pointing out that the film would have a lot of action, the director said that it would also be equally emotional. "There's a lot of emotion. This is an emotional movie."

Jagannadh said that they had made this movie for the next generation. "We have made this film for the Gen Z guys. I feel the Gen Z guys are more disciplined than the previous generation. They're more emotional also," he said and asked those from Gen Z to watch the film with their families.

The makers of the film also released a gritty and power-packed teaser on the occasion.

The teaser released opens on a powerful note, with the protagonist speaking about the harsh and often overlooked lives of beggars while delivering a stern warning to those who exploit or mistreat them. What follows is a gripping montage of action, emotion, and mystery, introducing the film’s principal characters one after another. While the teaser offers several glimpses into the world of the film, it cleverly leaves its biggest question unanswered- is Vijay Sethupathi’s character genuinely blind, or is there a deeper secret behind his appearance?

For the unaware, the film, apart from Vijay Sethupathi, also features actors Samyuktha, Tabu, Duniya Vijay Kumar, Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh among others.

Having successfully wrapped up production, the film is currently in its final stages of post-production, with work progressing at a brisk pace for all versions.

Produced by Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur under the Puri Connects banner in association with JB Narayan Rao Kondrolla’s JB Motion Pictures, the film carries substantial expectations.

She described the incident as deeply upsetting and reflective of a larger societal problem.

Taking to her social media account, the actress shared a video recounting how her mother had accompanied their domestic help for a haircut, where she faced rejection at two different salons. According to Sandhya , her young domestic help was left embarrassed and hurt after being denied service.

"Something happened yesterday that has really pissed me off. My mom took our little girl for a haircut to a salon and they refused to cut her hair. Then she had to take her to another salon who also refused to cut her hair. I mean, what time are we living in?" she said in the video.

The actress revealed that her mother, whom she described as a gentle person, had to repeatedly request the staff to accommodate the girl.

"She fought at the second place and my mother, if anyone knows her, is a very gentle person. There is no fight in her at all. She really requested them, pleaded them, sadly even said I'll pay a little bit more because she was feeling bad because our girl was feeling bad. But they just refused."

She added that the salon eventually agreed to provide the service, but only after considerable persuasion and request.

The actress said the incident was not merely about one haircut but about a larger pattern of discrimination faced by domestic workers and service staff.

"There are buildings where they say help can't come into this lift. I mean, who are you? You're so entitled. What nonsense is this? This is really hurtful."

Sandhya added, "We can't just blame these salons and the people guarding the lift. It's us, many of us, who are asking for this, who are saying please don't allow these people into salons, please don't allow these people into elevators."

In a follow-up video, the actress thanked those who supported her stand and said the overwhelming response showed that many people agreed such behaviour was unacceptable.

"The fact that so many of you agree that this was wrong and that it resonated with you, that's enough to start trying to make a change."

She also called for an end to restrictions imposed on domestic workers, delivery personnel and other support staff.

"It's got to change and we must all speak up."

Addressing criticism she received online, the actress clarified that referring to the domestic help as "our girl" was intended as a term of affection rather than ownership.

"The fact of the matter is that I am addressing it and I will make sure that something changes with this situation. Once I'm back in town to where my mother lives, I will be taking action."

â€"IANS

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India added Suthar to the XI for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur. Suthar, who played for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 under India’s red-ball skipper Shubman Gill’s leadership, earned his first cap from senior spinner Kuldeep, becoming India's first specialist spin-bowling Test debutant since Axar Patel made his debut in 2021.

"Gautam sir and the skipper informed me that I would be making my debut. It was a very proud moment because, ever since I started playing, it had been my dream, my father's dream, and everyone's dream for me to play Test cricket for India. From the very first day I started playing and as I progressed through the ranks, red-ball cricket meant everything to me.

"It is the pinnacle of the sport. So, whether I was playing U-19 cricket or the Ranji Trophy, the goal was always to play Test cricket for India. Kuldeep bhai's speech while presenting me with the cap was very motivating. Everyone encouraged and motivated me a lot, so it felt really special," Suthar said on JioStar.

On his very first international outing for India, Suthar carved a piece of history as India notched their biggest-ever win (by margin of runs in Test history. He claimed 6-33 in Afghanistan’s first innings to become only the fifth Indian to pick up a fifer on debut.

"When my name came up in the team, I was practising with the red ball during the IPL as well, thinking about how I would approach things if given the opportunity. After coming here, I had three or four long practice sessions. With bowling, it's not really about how many hours you put in. If you enjoy bowling, you can bowl 20-25 overs without even realising it. So, the key is to keep bowling as much as you can," revealed.

While revealing his bowling plans on the New Chandigarh surface, the 23-year-old spinner said his debut wicket will always remain his favourit. "When they were bowling, a few deliveries were turning. When I was batting, the odd ball was holding up. So, I felt there might be some assistance for the spinners on that track. As soon as I bowled my first over, the ball was turning, so I tried to bowl my stock ball as much as possible on that wicket.

In the process, Suthar became the first Indian since his idol Ravichandran Ashwin (2011) to achieve the feat. Only Narendra Hirwani, who claimed eight wickets in both innings against the West Indies in 1988 and claimed with an overall haul of 16/136, has better bowling figures on a Test debut for India.

"I didn't want to get carried away, but my focus was on consistently putting the ball in the right area. Since the beginning, I have focused on spot-bowling, and whatever consistency I have today is because of that. My favourite wicket was obviously the first one, my debut wicket. It will always remain my favourite. There was a good battle going on, so my focus was simply to keep bowling consistently in the same area,' he said.

In his post, he reflected on how his family has shaped his understanding of life. He shared that home is not a place but the people you love and the bond you share with them. Gurmeet posted a heartfelt video featuring his wife Debina Bonnerjee playing with their two daughters Lianna and Divisha. The text on the clip read, "Wanna see my home? The video appears to be from their vacation, showing Debina lifting her daughter in her arms by the side of a lake, with swans all around.

For the caption, he wrote, "Just thinking out loud…Hence decided to jot this down.. There was a time when I thought I was enough for myself and life would simply take its own course. Then Debina happened, and I realised that some journeys are meant to be shared. Bas laga jo hai, yahi hai… aur hamesha hum hi hain And then our two little monkeys came along and changed everything."

He added, "They taught me that home isn't a place, it's the people you love.. Now I know, life is simply about finding your people and walking each other home So.. Find your people, love them fiercely, stay loyal, stay present..In a world where everything feels temporary, real love is still the most beautiful thing you can hold on to..#Family #Love."

For the unversed, Gurmeet Choudhary and his wife Debina Bonnerjee are parents to two daughters. Their elder daughter, Lianna, was born via surrogacy in April 2022, while their younger daughter, Divisha, was born naturally in November 2022.

Official sources said the raids were underway in Delhi-Noida (NCR) and Punjab's Ludhiana and Jalandhar in a case linked to Arora's firm Hampton Sky Realty.

Likewise, the ED also conducted a raid on the premises of Municipal Corporation contractor Amit Bajaj in Jalandhar. Amit and his elder brother Inderjit Bajaj have been major contractors for the Municipal Corporation and other government departments in Punjab and other states, including Gujarat.

Last month, Industries Minister Arora was arrested by the ED, and he's in judicial custody. Later, he moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, saying his arrest on the face of it was "arbitrary, mechanical, without jurisdiction, and in violation of the mandatory safeguards guaranteed under Articles 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution of India".

Arora was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from his official residence here on May 9 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002.

Seeking his immediate release from "illegal and unconstitutional custody of the Directorate of Enforcement", he sought directions for staying the "impugned arrest" and setting aside consequential remand.

Earlier, the searches on May 9 were carried out in Arora's premises in Chandigarh and Delhi-NCR. In 2024, Arora, the legislator from Ludhiana (West), had faced the ED's raids in a money laundering case related to the alleged conversion of industrial land for residential projects. At that time, he was a Rajya Sabha MP.

Hours after Arora's arrest, Hampton Sky Realty Ltd (formerly Ritesh Properties and Industries) had denied all allegations and asserted full compliance with applicable laws in its mobile-phone export operations.

In a statement, the company said it entered the mobile-phone export business in May 2023, describing it as a government thrust area under the 'Make in India' and Production-Linked Incentive schemes, noting strong growth in India's mobile-phone exports in recent years.

The company said "this factual position alone disposes of any allegation of 'round-tripping' or 'bogus exports'. It added, "nothing has been retained offshore, kept in any concealed account or routed back to any individual or entity."

"The company is the victim of the alleged supplier-side fraud," it added.

Officials said the blaze was brought under control after nearly an hour of firefighting, and no casualties were reported.

According to fire department officials, information about the fire was received at around 7:30 a.m., following which fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Rahul Pal said, "Today, at around 7:30 a.m., information was received at Sahibabad Fire Station about a fire at a factory where tyre rubber processing work was being carried out. Immediately, two fire tenders from Sahibabad Fire Station…fire was found to have engulfed the factory…"

As the intensity of the fire became clear, additional firefighting units were deployed.

A total of four fire tenders worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby industrial units. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control after nearly an hour of operations.

Authorities said an assessment of the damage is being carried out, while the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries or loss of life have been reported.

The latest incident comes amid heightened focus on fire safety in Ghaziabad.

Earlier, the fire department launched a drive against hotels and guest houses that were found violating fire safety norms.

Over the past two days, notices were served to 10 establishments after inspections revealed deficiencies in compliance with mandatory fire-safety requirements.

CFO Rahul Pal had said that teams were conducting inspections of hotels, guest houses and similar establishments to verify fire safety clearances and adherence to statutory norms.

More than 50 hotels and guest houses were inspected during the drive.

The enforcement action followed directions from the state fire directorate after a devastating fire in Delhi's Hauz Rani area claimed at least 22 lives.

In another recent incident in April, a fire broke out in a residential housing society in Ghaziabad. The blaze originated in a ninth-floor flat where construction work was underway.

Fire officials had managed to control the fire completely, and no injuries were reported in that incident as well.

Queensland Cricket said on Tuesday that they had accepted Botha's resignation, ending a two-year association in which he oversaw the state's Sheffield Shield, One-Day Cup and Big Bash League campaigns.

"Queensland Cricket has today accepted the resignation of Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls coach Johan Botha," a statement released by QC read.

The departure comes amid a period of significant change within the Australian domestic cricket coaching ranks and follows growing speculation about Botha's future, despite Queensland remaining competitive across formats.

The 44-year-old, who represented South Africa in five Tests, 78 One-Day Internationals and 40 T20 Internationals between 2005 and 2012, took charge of Queensland ahead of the 2024-25 season. Under his leadership, the Bulls reached the Sheffield Shield final in his debut campaign before finishing third in both the Shield and One-Day Cup competitions this past season.

His tenure with Brisbane Heat, however, produced mixed results. The franchise placed fifth and seventh in consecutive Big Bash League seasons after inheriting a title-winning squad that had lifted the trophy under previous coach Wade Seccombe.

Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson acknowledged Botha's contribution to the organisation, particularly in nurturing emerging talent within the state system.

"While we haven't achieved all of our on-field goals in that time, Johan has made a strong contribution towards the development of the next generation of Queensland and Brisbane Heat players. Despite this decision, Johan's contributions to our high performance group have been valued. We wish he and his family every success in the future and thank him for his efforts across the Sheffield Shield, One Day Cup and BBL competitions," Svenson said.

Botha's departure is the latest development in an eventful period for Queensland Cricket's high-performance structure. He had been part of a major departmental overhaul following Joe Dawes' appointment as high-performance manager in late 2023. However, Dawes' tenure ended earlier this year after a turbulent spell that included a highly publicised disagreement with Australian batter Usman Khawaja, prompting the return of former high-performance boss Bennett King.

Attention will now turn to identifying Botha's successor, with former Australia Test captain Tim Paine among the names reportedly under consideration.

The coaching vacancy also adds to a growing list of leadership changes across Australia's domestic landscape. New South Wales and Sydney Sixers recently moved on from Greg Shipperd before appointing Brad Haddin and James Hopes respectively, while Sydney Thunder replaced Trevor Bayliss with former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Raveena shared a string of images from her "all in a day's work", which included travelling in Vande Bharat, attending events and even giving interviews. She also tagged Union Railway Minister, the Ministry of Railways, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express gratitude.

For the caption, she wrote: "AALL IN A DAYS WORK!!!!! #hanumanjichalisa Mode on! Early mornings are lit! So proud of our #vandebharattrains And living the #makeinindia experience! Just fabulous ! @ashwini.vaishnaw ji @railminindia Shri @narendramodi ji"

Vande Bharat Express is a medium to long-distance semi-high speed express train service operated by the Indian Railways.The commercial service was officially inaugurated on 15 February 2019. They were introduced as part of the Make in India initiative by the Indian government.

On the acting front, the mother of actress Rasha Thadani was last seen in Ghudchadi directed by Binoy Gandhi. A remake of the blockbuster Bengali film Projapati in 2022, it stars Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Parth Samthaan, Khushalii Kumar and Aruna Irani.

She will next be seen in "Welcome To The Jungle" starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Suniel Shetty.

It also stars Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde.

An ardent animal lover, Raveena on June 6 had detailed an account of rescuing a frightened puppy, whom she lovingly named Bhairav and how she helped him find a loving forever home.

Raveena shared a string of images and videos of herself with the puppy. In one clip, where the actress is travelling with the stray in her car was heard saying: "Order ke baad pata nahi bachon ko kidhar lekar jaa rahe hai… It is better I find him a better home, a good home."

A few videos showed Raveena at the veterinarian getting her new furry friend all checked up and vaccinated.

Calling it a "wholesome, heartfelt day," the actress shared that her little four-legged friend was adopted by a family, Bhairav found himself surrounded by love, prayers, and the warmth of his new family in New Delhi.

A large Bhandara has also been organised for saints, local residents, and pilgrims visiting the Braj region. The atmosphere along the route echoed with chants of "Giriraj Dharan Ki Jai" and "Radhe-Radhe" as devotees joined the Chief Minister during the journey.

Taking time out from his busy political and administrative schedule, the Rajasthan Chief Minister arrived at the revered Braj pilgrimage site of Punchari Ka Lautha on Monday evening and performed the sacred Sapt-Kosi Parikrama of Govardhan Giriraj Maharaj along with his wife, Geeta Sharma. Maintaining his long-standing religious traditions even after becoming Chief Minister, Sharma chose to undertake the pilgrimage as an ordinary devotee, avoiding any special VIP privileges.

Before beginning the circumambulation, he offered prayers at the Shrinathji Temple and sought the blessings of Giriraj Maharaj.

According to local sources, the visit marked the culmination of a special religious observance being performed by the Chief Minister's family over the past several days. At around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma formally commenced the 21-kilometre Sapt-Kosi Parikrama from Punchari Ka Lautha. He began the pilgrimage by offering Sashtang Dandavat Pranam at the temple gate and later performed seven dandwats as part of the religious ritual.

The atmosphere along the route echoed with chants of "Giriraj Dharan Ki Jai" and "Radhe-Radhe" as devotees joined the Chief Minister during the journey. Several public representatives and senior officials accompanying the Chief Minister also chose to walk the route instead of using vehicles. Among those present were Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, Deeg-Kumher MLA Dr Shailesh Digambar Singh, Viratnagar MLA Kuldeep Dhankhar, Chief Minister's Secretary Siddharth Sihag, and Bharatpur Zila Parishad CEO Mridul Singh.

Observers noted that M Sharma remained immersed in devotion throughout the six-hour pilgrimage and interacted warmly with fellow pilgrims along the route.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the pilgrimage, CM Sharma's wife, Geeta Sharma, and son, Dr Kunal Sharma, had earlier completed the arduous Sapt-Kosi Dandoti Parikrama, a highly demanding form of pilgrimage performed through repeated prostrations along the route. The ritual was completed on Sunday night.

Family sources said the Chief Minister arrived at Punchari Ka Lautha to mark the successful completion of the family's religious vow and to offer gratitude to Giriraj Maharaj. To conclude the observance, a grand Dugdhabhishek of Giriraj Maharaj and Shrinathji was performed on Tuesday morning.

Even during the pilgrimage, Chief Minister Sharma reviewed development and public welfare works in the region. At the Safe House in Punchari, he held a brief meeting with senior officials from the Bharatpur Division and Deeg district. Discussions focused on facilities for pilgrims, development of the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama route, drinking water arrangements, and ongoing infrastructure projects.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that devotees visiting the Braj region from across the country do not face inconvenience and that essential facilities are strengthened. Following the meeting, local residents and devotees gathered to welcome the Chief Minister, greeting him with garlands and a traditional safa (turban), to which CM Sharma responded with folded hands.

Extensive arrangements were made for the Chief Minister's visit. Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, senior administrative officials, and police personnel closely monitored security and logistical arrangements from the time Sharma's helicopter landed at the temporary helipad in Punchari until the completion of the religious programme. The visit combined devotion, tradition, and governance, as the Chief Minister balanced religious observances with a review of development initiatives in one of Braj's most revered pilgrimage destinations.

Birsa Munda is revered as one of India's most prominent tribal leaders and freedom fighters. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, he led the historic Ulgulan, or 'Great Tumult', against British colonial rule and the exploitative land policies imposed on tribal communities.

In a post on X, Vice President Radhakrishnan said, "On the martyrdom day of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, I pay my respectful tributes to the revered Dharti Aaba, whose life symbolised courage, self-respect and an unwavering commitment to justice. Through the historic Ulgulan, he awakened the spirit of resistance against oppression and inspired tribal communities to safeguard their rights, identity and dignity."

VP Radhakrishnan said that it "remains a matter of deep personal reverence" that he had the opportunity to pay tributes to Birsa Munda at his birthplace -- Ulihatu -- on the first day of assuming office as Governor of Jharkhand and again recently as Vice President of India.

"Bhagwan Birsa Munda's sacrifice and ideals continue to guide the nation in its pursuit of social justice, empowerment and inclusive development. His legacy will remain a lasting source of inspiration for generations to come," the Vice President added.

Through his movement, Birsa Munda mobilised thousands of tribal people to fight for their rights, identity and traditional land ownership. Although his movement was centred in the Chotanagpur region, Birsa Munda's legacy resonates strongly across several states, including Assam, which is home to a large tribal population and a significant number of tea tribe communities whose ancestors migrated from the Chotanagpur plateau during the colonial era.

Many members of Assam's tea garden community trace their roots to regions associated with Birsa Munda's struggle and continue to regard him as a symbol of resistance, dignity and empowerment. His contributions to the cause of tribal rights have received increasing recognition in recent years.

The Union government has designated November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and celebrate India's rich tribal heritage.

Political leaders, social organisations and tribal groups across Assam also paid homage to the legendary leader, recalling his role in championing the rights of indigenous and marginalised communities.

Birsa Munda died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25, but his legacy continues to inspire generations across the country.

TeamLease Services' latest report highlights a stable yet differentiated salary outlook across industries this fiscal. High-growth industries are expected to register salary increments in the range of 9.6 per cent to 10.2 per cent, led by EV and EV Infrastructure, FinTech, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, and Power and Energy.

This upward trend is further reinforced at the role level, with Electrical Engineers projected at 11.2 per cent, Quality Control Inspectors at 10.9 per cent, IT Support Executives at 10.3 per cent, and both Quality Assurance Engineers and Site Engineers at 10.2 per cent.

Based on insights from 1,268 businesses across 23 industries and 20 cities, the report also identifies Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad as key salary growth hubs in India's evolving employment landscape.

Industries under the sustainable growth category, including Automotive, Retail, Insurance, and BPO, are expected to follow with increments between 8.9 per cent and 9.5 per cent.

While overall growth remains moderate, select roles continue to push beyond this band, led by Project Engineers at 10.7 per cent, and EHS Officers, IT Support Executives, and Relationship Executives at 10.1 per cent.

"India's salary landscape in FY2026–27 is becoming more differentiated and execution-led. Increment trends are increasingly being shaped by sector-specific growth and specialised skills. At the same time, compensation growth is no longer concentrated only in traditional metro markets," said Balasubramanian A, Senior Vice President, TeamLease Services.

Emerging cities are steadily strengthening their position in the talent economy, supported by industrial expansion, enterprise investments, and evolving business ecosystems.

The overall trend points towards a more balanced and distributed employment market across industries and regions, he mentioned.

A more measured compensation trend is visible across gradual growth industries such as Banking, Construction and Real Estate, Telecommunications, and Textiles, where increments are projected between 8.6 per cent and 8.8 per cent.

Across functional areas, growth momentum is most visible in Sales and Marketing, Engineering, and IT, said the report. Overall, the findings indicate a labour market increasingly shaped by role-specific differentiation and sector-led compensation shifts.

On the eve of PM Modi reaching the milestone, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president has shared his thoughts in an article published in the 'Indian Express'.

The veteran politician heaped praise on PM Modi and asserted that this milestone reflects the enduring trust that millions of Indians have placed in a model of governance anchored in the principle of "Nation First".

"I have often said that Narendra Modi was the right leader at the right time for India. After 12 years, that conviction has only strengthened further. History will remember this period not merely for economic growth or political stability, but for something deeper - the restoration of India's confidence in itself," wrote Naidu, whose TDP is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

The TDP chief also believed that this is India's defining moment, the beginning of a golden era for India.

"In my nearly five decades in public life, I have had the opportunity to observe and interact with several prime ministers, each of whom led India through distinct challenges and circumstances. But PM Modi stands apart because he has combined civilisational confidence with modern governance," he wrote.

CM Naidu stated that India was once among the world's richest and most advanced civilisations. "Yet for many decades after independence, we often behaved like a sleeping giant, hesitant about our identity and uncertain of our place in the world. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has rediscovered its cultural pride and national self-belief."

"India today stands with far greater confidence and strategic relevance in the global order. PM Modi has ensured that India engages with the world as an equal among major powers, always guided by the principle of India First."

According to CM Naidu, this revival has not been rooted in nostalgia alone. He believes that PM Modi integrated India's ancient knowledge systems -- yoga, pranayama, meditation and spiritual traditions -- with modern technology, digital governance and innovation-led growth. This synthesis of tradition and technology may well become India's defining contribution to the 21st century.

He noted that in a decade, India has moved from the world's 11th-largest to the fourth-largest economy. The defining feature of these 12 years has been governance driven by conviction and execution. Through DPI, Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar integration, UPI and Direct Benefit Transfers, India has undertaken one of the largest financial inclusion exercises in human history.

"For decades, poverty and exclusion were often perpetuated by leakages, inefficiencies and the inability of welfare to reach the intended beneficiary. Technology has helped bridge that divide. More than Rs 51 lakh crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen and reducing leakages at an unprecedented scale. In many ways, India has bridged the economic divide by first bridging the digital divide."

He observed that equally significant has been the scale of social transformation. Millions of Indians have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty; investments in housing, sanitation, healthcare, water and rural infrastructure have improved the quality of life for millions.

The Chief Minister also observed that at a time when the world has faced unprecedented disruptions, from the pandemic and supply-chain shocks to geo-political conflicts and economic uncertainty, India has remained resilient, stable and among the fastest-growing major economies.

He is of the view that PM Modi has also focused on long-term nation-building through transformational investments in highways, ports, airports, freight corridors, railways, renewable energy, manufacturing and emerging technologies. These are not decisions made for immediate political gain, but foundational investments.

CM Naidu appreciated PM Modi's understanding of how innovation and entrepreneurship can transform society.

He said that another important transformation has been in the relationship between the Union and states. Competitive and cooperative federalism has given states greater space to innovate, compete and grow. States are increasingly being treated as engines of national development rather than mere administrative units. Andhra Pradesh has greatly benefited from this development-oriented partnership through projects related to infrastructure, industrialisation, Amaravati and emerging technologies.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Sippy said that Hema Malini's onscreen charisma made these roles so memorable.

He was asked, "At a time when women-centric roles were not so common, you wrote 'Seeta and Geeta' and 'Sholay' for Hema Ji. She used to have powerful roles, despite strong male leads. What do you have to say about that?"

The filmmaker told IANS, "Why don't we say that she was so good that she was able to overshadow them. The spark inside an artist reflects on the screen. She did a phenomenal job."

Sippy spoke during a concert organised to commemorate 60 years of 'Dream Girl' Hema Malini. The amount raised during the event was donated to FWICE for the workers.

Previously, during a magazine cover launch commemorating 50 years of 'Sholay', Hema Malini told IANS that her mother had strongly objected to her dancing barefoot on scorching rocks during the peak of May's intense heat.

Recalling the experience, she said, "My mother was so worried about me dancing on the rocks barefeet, especially considering the extreme heat."

Revealing the harsh shooting conditions they had to overcome, she added, "The sand, the mud and especially the rocks were unbearably hot. Even stepping barefoot on the stones was very painful. My mother was worried and suggested that I wear a thin sole under my feet so that it wouldn't hurt too much," she shared.

"However, the idea didn't last long," said Hema. "Rameshji noticed it immediately and asked me to remove it. He explained that during the dance movements, it would be visible on screen, and that wouldn't look right," Hema Malini added.

For the unversed, "Sholay" completed 50 years of release last year, marking a huge milestone for the iconic entertainer.

--IANS

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A case has been registered against her under Sections 204 and 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

According to police, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mahesh Shinde, attached to Lashkar Police Station, had visited Dr Ashfaq Sayed's Sanjeevan Skin Clinic, located opposite Victory Theatre in Pune's Camp area, for personal medical treatment at around 10 a.m. on June 6.

While waiting at the clinic, he noticed a young woman dressed in khaki trousers and a police-style jacket.

A short while later, the woman removed her jacket and approached the reception counter to register for treatment. At that point, Shinde's attention was drawn to several irregularities in her attire. He observed discrepancies in the insignia, nameplate and other symbols displayed on the uniform.

Police said the lanyard, nameplate, and the blue ribbon issued to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence had been affixed incorrectly. The woman was also carrying a police cap and a khaki-coloured baton, which further raised suspicion.

Suspecting that something was amiss, ASI Shinde questioned the woman about her posting. She claimed that she was attached to Baner Police Station and had come to the clinic after completing a night shift.

However, her responses and overall demeanour reportedly appeared inconsistent, prompting Shinde to alert officials at Lashkar Police Station.

Acting on the information, female police personnel Pooja Pund and Asra Bansode reached the clinic and escorted the woman to Lashkar Police Station for further questioning.

During the inquiry, the woman was identified as Samina Asif Inamdar, also known as Samina Ayu Pathan, a resident of Mhalunge in Pune. Police said that during questioning, Samina admitted that she had long aspired to become a police officer but had failed to qualify for recruitment into the force.

According to investigators, she subsequently got a police-style uniform stitched and even posed for photographs while wearing it. She allegedly confessed that she had visited the clinic dressed in the uniform in the hope of receiving priority treatment and securing an early appointment with the doctor.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Bhajibhakare said that the woman works for a private organisation.

He added that police became suspicious after observing her conduct at the clinic and later confirmed that she was not a serving police officer despite moving around in public while wearing a Police Sub-Inspector's uniform.

Bhajibhakare further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that Samina had another police-style uniform stitched as well.

Police are now examining her background and trying to determine whether she used the uniform solely to gain preferential treatment or whether there were other motives behind her actions.

Investigators are also attempting to ascertain whether she had previously posed as a police officer at other locations or used the uniform to obtain any undue advantage.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

The CBF issued the update after Neymar underwent an MRI scan to assess his recovery from a grade two calf strain in his right leg. It said the 34-year-old's recuperation was "within the expected parameters", adding that he would continue receiving treatment as part of a tailored program.

The CBF did not say when the Santos star would be fit to play, but local media reported he would be unavailable until at least the second group match, reports Xinhua.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023.

Since then, he has endured a series of injuries, including the latest calf strain sustained while playing for Santos in May.

Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Brazil will be competing at the FIFA World Cup for a record-extending 23rd time next year. Indeed, the Selecao are the only side to have featured in every edition of the global showpiece, which is set to be staged for the first time across three host nations: Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Neymar has indicated the FIFA World Cup 202, starting Thursday, will be the last of his career. The 34-year-old made the statement in response to a social media post from FIFA showing images of Neymar's career along with the words, "We've watched him grow up."

He has not played for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. He has since suffered a series of injuries, the latest of which is a calf strain that could keep him out of Brazil's opening match against Morocco on June 13.

Anil shared a carousel of images featuring Anil along with Sonam's pictures from her childhood days to becoming a mother.

For the caption, Anil first wished his daughter as he wrote: "Happy Birthday, Sonam."

He added: "So much has been said about you, but none of it can truly capture just how precious, beautiful and deeply loved you are...Your smile lights up every room (and my whole heart), and your warmth touches everyone fortunate enough to know you."

Anil wished happiness every single day for Sonam.

"Not just on your special day, but every single day, I simply want to wish you all the happiness your heart can hold," he wrote.

The actor went on to express his love for his daughter and added: "May life, and everyone you hold close continue to shower you with love, laughter and countless beautiful moments - the kind of moments that make a life unbearably beautiful! Love you so much beta!"

Anil married his wife, Sunita in 1984. They have three children Sonam, Rhea Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor.

Sonam is married to businessman Anand Ahuja. They got married in 2018. In 2022, they welcomed their first son, Vayu. The couple became parents to their second son in 2026.

On the acting front, the actress was last seen in the film Blind in 2023. The crime thriller was directed by Shome Makhija. It also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Blind, a remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name, centres around a blind police officer in search of a serial killer.

In a detailed reflection in an article in 'The Times of India', Deve Gowda said PM Modi’s extended tenure surfaces Nehru’s record and demonstrates that Indian democracy has not only survived but has also thrived over time. He noted that Nehru was chosen as the country’s first Prime Minister in 1947 under extraordinary circumstances from among several equally capable leaders, adding that Mahatma Gandhi’s moral authority over the freedom movement played a decisive role in that transition. Nehru, he said, carried the legacy of the independence movement into the first general election in 1952.

Deve Gowda observed that the Congress party at the time functioned as a dominant political force with minimal opposition, noting that around 53 political parties contested the first general elections, but their influence remained limited. He contrasted this with the contemporary political landscape, stating that by the time Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014 and returned for a third term in 2024, India had transformed significantly in terms of size, diversity, and economic complexity.

He said it would not be exactly prudent to suggest that becoming Prime Minister in 1952 was easier than in 2014 or 2024, adding that even by 1996, when he himself became Prime Minister, India’s political environment had already become more competitive, questioning, and mature.

Deve Gowda further said that unlike dynastic or privileged political backgrounds, leaders such as PM Modi and himself did not have access to inherited political capital, patronage, or social advantage that could serve as a springboard into national leadership. He added that his own tenure lasted only about 11 months, and expressed surprise at PM Modi’s continued political endurance with no sense of exhaustion in him or in the people who have elected him, describing it as a distinctive feature of his leadership.

He highlighted statistical comparisons between the past and present, noting that the 1952 elections involved 53 political parties, whereas Narendra Modi contested in a political environment involving 2,593 parties in 2024. He also pointed to the rise in voter numbers from about 17 crore in Nehru’s time to around 83 crore by 2014, and over 146 crore in present-day India.

On governance and representation, Deve Gowda said Nehru’s Cabinet did not fully reflect India’s social and cultural diversity, even in his later terms, and noted that proposals such as those of the Kaka Kelkar Commission on backward class representation were not implemented at the time. In contrast, he said the current Cabinet under PM Modi reflects greater diversity, citing representation from Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, along with increased participation of women.

He also referred to legislative developments such as the Women’s Reservation Bill, stating that efforts are underway to expand women’s representation in Parliament and move toward a more inclusive democratic structure.

Deve Gowda further said that India today is a far more noisy and loud democracy compared to Nehru’s era, with expanded awareness of caste, constitutional rights, civic rights, gender issues, and environmental concerns. He observed that citizens are now more educated and engaged, and that democratic accountability is significantly higher than in the early decades after Independence.

He added that Nehru operated in an era with limited press coverage, whereas modern leaders face constant scrutiny through television and social media platforms. He described this as continuous and often intense public examination that did not exist in earlier decades.

Praising PM Modi’s governance, Deve Gowda said the Prime Minister has ensured that India remains a robust democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies. He also credited welfare policies and decision-making during national security challenges, stating that PM Modi has been uncompromising when it comes to the nation’s interests.

He further said PM Modi functions not only as the executive head but also as a chief counsellor of the nation, engaging with citizens across different sections of society. He cited programmes such as 'Mann Ki Baat' as examples of outreach that connect leadership directly with the public.

Concluding his remarks, Deve Gowda said PM Modi’s success is rooted in constant public engagement, openness to scrutiny, and sustained democratic endorsement, adding that his leadership reflects endurance, adaptability, and continued electoral legitimacy in a rapidly changing India.

He said, "Uttar Pradesh is strengthening its position as one of the country's leading states in terms of investment, production and employment in the textile and apparel sector. In such a scenario, it should be ensured that industries receive trained and skilled manpower on time."

CM Yogi stated that the objective of skill development programmes should not be limited to training alone, but should also connect youth with employment and livelihood opportunities.

According to data presented during the meeting, more than 2.28 lakh youth have been trained under the Samarth Yojana so far, while over 1.60 lakh trainees have been linked with employment. The participation of women has been particularly noteworthy, accounting for more than 87 percent of the total trainees. A large number of youth have also received training and certification in various textile-related trades through the Uttar Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Mission.

The Chief Minister said, "Technological changes in the textile sector are taking place at a very rapid pace. Considering the expansion of new areas such as automation, modern machinery and technical textiles, training programmes should be updated in accordance with changing requirements."

He directed officials to assess the actual needs of industries and make training programmes more useful and employment-oriented.

Officials presented the proposed framework for the skill development system for the textile sector during the meeting. The framework focuses on establishing better coordination among industries, training institutions and various departments to make the training system more effective. Discussions were also held on developing technology-based systems to strengthen training quality, transparency, monitoring and employment outcomes.

Reviewing the pottery sector, the Chief Minister said, "It is directly linked to the state's cultural heritage, environmental conservation and rural employment. Products made from clay are environmentally friendly and also serve as a source of livelihood for a large number of artisan families."

He directed officials to promote the use of pottery products and provide artisans with modern designs, solar-powered pottery wheels, new technology, better equipment, financial assistance and marketing support.

Officials informed the meeting that under the Mukhyamantri Mati Kala Rozgar Yojana, 1,331 units have been established between 2019-20 and 2025-26. These units have attracted capital investment worth Rs 3,302.37 lakh, while margin money assistance amounting to Rs 557.18 lakh has been provided. Artisans are also being given opportunities to showcase and market their products through pottery festivals, exhibitions and fairs. Against the target of establishing 300 units in 2025-26, a large number of applications have already been received.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the early disposal of pending loan cases and timely delivery of scheme benefits to beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister said, "Traditional industries require not only protection but also innovation, branding, digitalisation and integration with modern markets. Pottery products can gain a new identity in national and international markets by being linked with e-commerce platforms, design development and modern marketing systems."

He also directed departments to prepare a time-bound action plan and make the entire process of training, financial assistance through coordination with banks, technological upgradation, marketing support and employment generation more effective.

Taking to social media platform X, the ministers said the past 12 years had ushered in a new era of development, public welfare and citizen-centric governance.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal said India established new dimensions in service, good governance and public welfare during the period.

"From Garib Kalyan to women's empowerment, from farmer welfare to creating new opportunities for the youth, from modern infrastructure to national security, 12 years of service have written a new saga of transformation, progress and self-confidence in every sector," he said.

Goyal shared an infographic highlighting key achievements of the government across sectors. Over 81 crore people receive free foodgrains every month, while more than 4 crore houses have been sanctioned under the PM Awas Yojana, according to him.

It cited the opening of over 32 crore Jan Dhan accounts for women and the empowerment of rural women through more than 91 lakh self-help groups.

In addition, he highlighted the expansion of metro rail networks to more than 1,100 km across 26 cities, operation of 164 Vande Bharat trains, growth in the number of airports from 74 to 164, and the establishment of over 2.2 lakh startups across the country.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said the guiding principle of the PM Modi-led government over the past 12 years had been "Jan Seva Se Jan Shakti".

"Every initiative has aimed to empower citizens through inclusion, innovation and opportunity," she said.

Sharing data, Sitharaman highlighted financial inclusion efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, under which more than 58 crore bank accounts have been opened and deposits have crossed nearly Rs 3 lakh crore.

In addition, she referred to the PM SVANidhi scheme, stating that more than Rs 18,600 crore had been disbursed through over 1.15 crore micro-loans to support urban street vendors.

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that under PM Modi's leadership, India had set new benchmarks in development over the past 12 years by placing public welfare at the centre of governance.

He said the government's commitment to service, good governance and welfare of the poor had brought positive changes to the lives of millions of citizens.

Scindia added that India had moved forward with renewed confidence across sectors, including infrastructure, the digital revolution, women's empowerment, farmer welfare and global outreach. He said the trust of 140 crore Indians remained the country's greatest strength and the driving force behind the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Similarly, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri described PM Modi as a leader who viewed power as a means of service rather than privilege.

"Every moment belongs to the country, every effort is for the country, and every resolve is for India's bright future," Puri said, adding that the Prime Minister's discipline, commitment and ability to translate ambitious goals into reality had helped lay the foundation of a self-confident India.

He further stated that millions of citizens viewed him not only as the Prime Minister but also as a guiding force behind the vision of a developed India.

Cardiff, June 9 (IANS) Australia pacer Kim Garth believes the defending champions are building momentum at the right time after a convincing five-wicket victory over hosts England in a warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia produced a complete performance in Cardiff, restricting England to 157/6 before comfortably chasing down the target with 10 balls remaining. Garth played a key role with the new ball, helping dismantle England’s top order alongside veteran seamer Megan Schutt.

The right-arm pacer, who returned figures of 1-19 from three overs, expressed her satisfaction at contributing to a strong bowling effort.

"Really pleasing to get out there with (Schutt) and taking the ball with her was really cool," Garth said after the match.

Australia’s new-ball pair immediately put England under pressure, removing key batters early and forcing the hosts into recovery mode. While England rebuilt through Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson, Australia’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.

For Garth, the outing was also an important step forward personally after a stop-start lead-up to the tournament.

"I felt a bit rusty last week, against South Africa, and then there was a bit of rain around, so nice to get out there again and bowling in a partnership with 'Shooter' is always good fun," she added.

The seamer acknowledged the confidence she has gained from recent opportunities in Australian colours and stressed the importance of trusting her preparation heading into a major tournament.

"It's really pleasing to get out there. Every time you play for Australia it's very special, but I think I've taken a lot of confidence. It's just about backing your skills in and all the work that you've done over (recent) months and then using these practice games to trial what you've been working on," Garth stated.

Australia’s success was built on contributions across the squad. After the bowlers set up the contest, Beth Mooney’s brisk 43 and Ellyse Perry’s composed 64 anchored the chase, ensuring there were no late complications.

Garth felt the collective nature of the performance was particularly encouraging as Australia fine-tune preparations for their tournament opener against South Africa, as she said, "There were contributions across the board, with ball and bat, and to get the job done, quite convincingly in the end, was really pleasing."

The six-time champions will now face the West Indies in their final warm-up fixture before beginning their quest for a record seventh T20 World Cup title later this week.

The Noida Zone Police mentioned that 501 people were identified and legal action was taken against them. During the operation, action was taken under Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The operation was carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh and was supervised by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Noida Saad Miya Khan, and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh supervised the campaign.

Earlier on June 7, officials said that legal action was taken against 366 people for public drinking.

The Central Noida Zone police identified and took legal action against 366 violators.

According to police officials, the drive was carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh and supervised by DCP (Central Noida) Shailendra Kumar Singh.

Action was taken under Section 292 of the BNS against 366 individuals found drinking in public areas. Police stated that consuming alcohol in public can disrupt law and order and disturb public peace; therefore, such incidents are being closely monitored.

The Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissionerate has clarified that this drive against public drinking will continue. The police have appealed to citizens to adhere to regulations in public spaces and cooperate in maintaining law and order.

Officials stated that such enforcement actions would continue to ensure peace in the city and provide a safe environment for the general public.

Earlier on January 6, 125 individuals were arrested during a special operation carried out in different parts of Gautam Buddha Nagar.

The crackdown was jointly conducted by police teams from the Sector-63 and Ecotech-3 police stations with the objective of curbing substance abuse in public spaces, maintaining law and order, and ensuring a safer environment for residents and visitors.

According to police officials, the operation was carried out across several public locations, including markets, roads, parks and other crowded areas where people were found consuming alcohol and intoxicants in violation of the law.

During the special drive, the Sector-63 police station took legal action against 72 individuals who were allegedly found consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances in public places.

Similarly, the Ecotech-3 police station initiated action against 53 people for similar violations.

As a result of the coordinated operation, a total of 125 individuals faced legal proceedings across the jurisdictions of the two police stations.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen her thoughts on the development, she wrote, "After a lot of time, patience, struggle, passion and hardwork; now I can finally say I’m being introduced in a full feature film as a ‘lead’, as a ‘heroine’. Little Samyuktha would be proud, and I hope you are too."

She went on to say, "You all have been there through my journey; some from the very beginning, some in between, some after, some recently. The journey to here has been hard, fulfilling, lots of learning, lots of and lots of patience and above all â€" lots of hope and God’s Grace."

She concluded the note saying, "Need your love, prayers and support. Many people to thank, but that’s for later!"

For the unaware, Double Occupancy features actors Santhosh, Reshma Venkatesh, Samyuktha Viswanathan and Vinoth Kishan in the lead and is slated to hit screens on June 12 this year.

For the unaware, the film is being produced by Avni Cinemax, in collaboration with Benzz Media. The unit of the film had wrapped up shooting in February this year.

Sources in the unit say that the film's story looks to blend tender romance with imaginative fantasy and contemporary reflections on identity.

They say that the film will seek to push the boundaries of mainstream Tamil cinema with its daring premise and emotionally resonant storytelling.

At its heart, Double Occupancy (DO), sources say, will be a sweeping romantic fantasy exploring identity, duality, science versus faith, and the aching beauty of loving someone who exists in two different forms.

In the film, Samyuktha is paired opposite Santhosh and her character in Double Occupancy adds both charm and emotional grounding to the film’s fantastical undertones.

Actors VTV Ganesh and Bagavathi Perumal too will be a part of the cast.

After years of experience working with leading production houses, Aswin Kandasamy will make his directorial debut with this film.

On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Santhakumar Chakravarthy and music by Sam CS. Editing for the film is by Praveen Antony while production design has been handled by Senthil Raghavan. Costumes are by Sruthi R. Kannan.

She posted a candid picture together and expressed her affection towards her best friend.

Taking to her social media account, Shabana shared a picture featuring herself and Aparna Sen warmly embracing each other.

Shabana, in her caption highlighted that the picture was clicked by Aparna's daughter and actress-filmmaker Konkona Sen Sharma.

Alongside the picture, Shabana wrote, "I just love her. With my lovely friend #Aparna Sen. Photo by #Konkona Sen."

In the picture, Shabana is seen dressed in a white embroidered kurta, while Aparna is seen standing behind her with her arms wrapped affectionately around the actress.

For the uninitiated, Shabana and Aparna have shared a close bond through the years. The two stalwarts have collaborated on several notable projects, including Aparna Sen's acclaimed films 'Sati', '15 Park Avenue' and 'Sonata'.

Talking about Aparna Sen, she is considered as one of India's most celebrated filmmakers and actresses. The Padma Shri awardee has directed acclaimed films such as '36 Chowringhee Lane', 'Paroma', 'Mr. and Mrs. Iyer', '15 Park Avenue', 'The Japanese Wife', 'Goynar Baksho' and 'The Rapist'. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she has earned numerous National Film Awards and is also the mother of National Award-winning actress and filmmaker Konkona Sen Sharma.

Talking about Shabana Azmi, the actress is regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. She made her debut with Shyam Benegal's 'Ankur' in 1974 and went on to deliver acclaimed performances in films such as 'Arth', 'Masoom', 'Paar', 'Fire', 'Godmother', 'Makdee', 'Morning Raga', 'Neerja' and 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. Shabana, who is a five-time National Award winner, has also been a prominent social activist and former Rajya Sabha member.

â€"IANS

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He continues by saying, if timely information regarding weather, rainfall, excessive rainfall, drought, or hailstorms is not available, justice cannot be done to farmers. The establishment of the regional centre is an important step toward obtaining more accurate weather information.

On Monday, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Regional Meteorological Centre by pressing the launch button along with Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh. The centre has been established by upgrading the Lucknow Meteorological Centre.

On this occasion, CM Yogi said, "During meetings concerning excessive rainfall, drought, lightning and other seasonal issues, discussions with meteorological and related departments often highlighted how timely and accurate information helps in formulating the right strategy. Today, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Lucknow is establishing itself as a Meteorological Regional Centre. This is an important step towards scientifically advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through Uttar Pradesh."

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh for this initiative.

He said, 'The lack of adequate attention to this subject after Independence prevented farmers from making the desired progress. Efforts to prevent loss of life and property due to natural disasters also remained incomplete. However, the campaign initiated by Dr Jitendra Singh under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi over the last 12 years has produced visible results. 12 years ago, weather forecasts regarding rainfall, excessive rainfall, drought and lightning often turned out to be inaccurate. Today, precise weather information is available."

CM Yogi stated, on May 13, storms caused significant loss of life and property in several districts of the state. During a review meeting, he asked why the Early Warning System was not functioning effectively. It was found that the system was working, but there was a lack of responsiveness at the local administrative level. Later, during a video conference with officials across the state, he instructed them that when alerts are received, local residents and institutions should also be informed promptly. Four to five days after that meeting, another disaster situation arose, but this time mobile alerts started reaching everyone three hours in advance.

Referring to an incident in Saharanpur, the Chief Minister informed, "Maa Shakambhari Devi Temple is located in the foothills of the Shivalik range. Heavy rainfall in Dehradun and the Shivalik hills often leads to flood-like situations in the area. At that time, devotional singing was underway in the temple and a large number of devotees were present. However, timely information from the Meteorological Department enabled authorities to move everyone to safer locations, preventing major loss of life and property."

Chief Minister said, "Districts such as Mirzapur, Sonbhadra and Chandauli face a high risk of lightning strikes. Every year, 100 to 150 people used to lose their lives due to lightning. Four to five years ago, 90 deaths occurred in a single day between Prayagraj and Patna, including 30 in Uttar Pradesh and 60 in Bihar. Following this, during a meeting of NDRF, SDRF, MDMA and the India Meteorological Department, he questioned who would prevent such deaths and whether technology could help. The departments confirmed that it was possible. As a result of implementing the Early Warning System, annual deaths in these districts have reduced to just around a dozen."

He also urged people to remain cautious and avoid negligence during adverse weather conditions.

The Chief Minister said, Uttar Pradesh has always received positive cooperation from Dr Jitendra Singh. Advance weather information is crucial for increasing farmers' income and preventing loss of life and property caused by lightning, excessive rainfall, drought and hailstorms.

He added, the state government had also requested ISRO for a dedicated satellite that could provide even more accurate weather information.

The Chief Minister said, "Since humans began using their intelligence, understanding weather, lightning and rainfall has always been a matter of curiosity. Ancient sages developed the Panchang based on local conditions. Even today, calculations based on planetary positions and constellations contribute to weather predictions. Folk sayings and traditions also reflected weather forecasting through the sounds of certain birds and changes in animal behaviour."

CM Yogi stated, climate change has caused nearly a one-month shift in the weather cycle. If this trend continues, the world could face a severe food grain crisis. Human beings have exploited nature for selfish interests, and now nature appears to be distancing itself from us. Reviving traditional values and fulfilling our responsibilities toward Mother Earth can help improve the situation. Timely information from the Meteorological Department can help reduce losses to farmers and the economy and avert food grain shortages.

Expressing concern over deaths caused by lightning, the Chief Minister stated, "Under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Bima, the government provides immediate assistance of ₹5 lakh in case of the death of a farmer, sharecropper, or a family member due to a disaster. Floods in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Rapti and Gandak also cause loss of life and property in the state at different times. Doppler systems are being installed in Uttar Pradesh to improve weather forecasting, but the state also seeks a UP-specific satellite. If a centre for this can be established in the state, the Uttar Pradesh Government will extend full cooperation.

The Chief Minister also praised the India Meteorological Department, stating that accurate information greatly benefits the state.

The Chief Minister said, Uttar Pradesh now has 450 Automatic Weather Stations and 2,000 Automatic Rain Gauges installed at the block level. These systems provide farmers with accurate rainfall information. The equipment collects real-time data on rainfall, temperature, wind speed and wind direction, helping in weather analysis and studies. X-Band Doppler Weather Radars are being installed in Azamgarh, Varanasi, Aligarh, Jhansi and Lucknow. These will help monitor storms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms.

He said, "Lightning detection sensors have also been installed. Timely MMS alerts are received through the Government of India's Sachet platform. These measures have helped prevent loss of life and property in Saharanpur and several other districts."

The Chief Minister stated, Uttar Pradesh has immense potential in agriculture, horticulture and vegetable production. The state possesses 11 percent of the country's agricultural land, of which 86 percent is irrigated. Farmers here produce three crops annually. Uttar Pradesh has the capacity to contribute 35-36 percent of the country's total food grain production. The need is to integrate this potential with technology and expand it in a time-bound manner. The Meteorological Department also has a major role in this effort.

He said, "The state government will provide every possible support for bringing advanced technologies to Uttar Pradesh, including quantum computing and other meteorological initiatives."

The programme was attended by Director General of the India Meteorological Department Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Head of the Regional Meteorological Centre New Delhi Dr Dushmanta Ranjan Patnaik, Head of Lucknow Meteorological Centre Dr Manish Ramesh Ranalkar, and other dignitaries.

The party said that while the government boasts loudly about its loan waiver scheme, millions of farmers continue to reel under severe financial distress.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) in an editorial in its mouthpiece, 'Saamana', said that the state has roughly 1.25 crore farmers. Out of these, the government asserts that it has waived loans worth up to Rs 2 lakh for 55 lakh farmers, amounting to a total relief package of approximately Rs 36,585 crore in crop loans. However, even if these figures are accepted at face value, a massive segment of the farming community remains excluded.

After deducting the 55 lakh beneficiaries and another six lakh farmers who fall under the income tax-paying bracket, a staggering 34 lakh farmers across the state are still suffocating under the crushing burden of debt, desperately awaiting relief. The ruling politicians, who are busy beating the drums of the 55 lakh loan waivers, have yet to answer for the plight of these remaining 34 lakh farmers, said the editorial.

According to the editorial, the core issue lies within the highly complex terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria intentionally embedded in the newly announced 'Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkar Karzmukti Yojana'. More than 50 per cent of the state's farmers will be systematically deprived of the benefits due to these deliberately engineered criteria.

The Thackeray camp said the government officials privately admit that enforcing these stringent disqualification criteria ensures a minimal financial burden on the state treasury. The ruling alliance leaders, who previously went all out celebrating the scheme, have chosen to stay completely silent on the mass exclusions.

The party has listed key structural loopholes rendering farmers ineligible. "The scheme strictly limits relief to crop loans and restructured loans availed only between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2025. Consequently, millions of farmers who took loans for allied agricultural activities or livestock are automatically disqualified."

Further, farmers who previously benefited from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's 'Mahatma Jotiba Phule Loan Waiver' scheme in 2019 are barred from receiving full benefits under the new scheme. Instead, over 32 lakh such farmers are being handed a mere Rs 50,000 as an "encouragement allowance".

"Experts argue that if it were truly an incentive, the amount should have been at least Rs one lakh. Furthermore, an additional two-year clause has been introduced here as well, ensuring that lakhs more fall into the 'ineligible' category," claimed the Thackeray camp.

The party further stated in the editorial that the new policy completely fails to make special financial provisions or concessions for the widows of farmers or families of farmers who died by suicide. "This mirrors the government's post-election strategy regarding welfare schemes. Before the Assembly elections, the ruling parties promised a blanket loan waiver to all farmers and assured women that the monthly assistance under the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme would be hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100," it noted.

However, once power was secured, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena alleged that the promised Rs 2,100 hike was sidelined. Instead, by introducing mandatory 'e-KYC' verification hurdles, the government disqualified roughly 80 lakh women from the scheme in a single stroke.

"The exact same playbook is now being applied to the farming community. By tangling the Rs 2-lakh loan waiver in a web of bureaucratic red tape, the administration has successfully trapped lakhs of poor, debt-ridden farmers in the cycle of disqualification," remarked the editorial.

The meeting follows an all-party and community leaders' conference organised by the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Chennai's T. Nagar on June 5. The conference adopted a resolution urging the state government to conduct a caste census under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.

The exercise was described as a "Social Justice Census" aimed at generating updated caste-wise demographic data.

PMK leaders said Anbumani would present the resolutions adopted at the conference to the Chief Minister and seek immediate action from the government.

The party has argued that updated caste data is necessary to legally and constitutionally sustain Tamil Nadu's reservation framework.

Tamil Nadu has one of the highest reservation quotas in the country, providing 69 per cent reservation to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The reservation policy was protected through special legislation passed in 1993 and later placed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution through the 76th Constitutional Amendment. However, the issue has periodically resurfaced because the Supreme Court's landmark Indra Sawhney judgment capped reservations at 50 per cent, except under extraordinary circumstances.

Supporters of a caste census contend that updated population figures would provide empirical backing for the state's reservation structure and help defend it against future legal challenges.

The demand has gained traction in several states, with political parties increasingly calling for caste-based enumeration to guide welfare and affirmative action policies.

The initiative also comes at a crucial juncture for the PMK, which has been witnessing an internal leadership struggle between party founder Dr S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss. Differences over organisational control and the party's future political direction have led to public disagreements in recent months, exposing divisions within the Vanniyar-based party.

Political observers believe Anbumani's renewed emphasis on reservation and social justice issues is aimed at reinforcing the PMK's traditional support base while asserting his leadership amid the ongoing family and organisational dispute.

The outcome of his meeting with Chief Minister Vijay is expected to be closely watched, given the significance of the reservation issue in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

According to police, on June 5, information was received regarding an injured man who had been admitted to Dr Hedgewar Hospital with stab injuries. The victim was identified as Krishan Kumar.

A police team immediately reached the hospital and attempted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, due to the severity of his injuries, Krishan Kumar was unable to provide any details regarding the attack or identify the assailant. Subsequently, he left the hospital without informing the medical staff and declined to pursue legal action when contacted by the police.

On June 6, police received fresh information from GTB Hospital that Krishan Kumar had succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Following his death, the matter was treated as a murder case, and an intensive investigation was launched.

Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, a dedicated team was constituted under the leadership of Inspector Raj Kumar, SHO of Gandhi Nagar Police Station. The team included Inspector Robin Singh, Investigation Officer, SI Vikas Kumar, Head Constable Rahul Chaudhary and Head Constable Aman Bansal. The investigation was conducted under the close supervision of ACP Gandhi Nagar, Manasvi Vashistha, and the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shahdara District.

During the inquiry, investigators traced the deceased's workplace to a garment factory located in Raghuwarpura-II, Gandhi Nagar. Police interrogated the factory owner and several workers associated with the establishment.

During questioning, eyewitnesses revealed that a quarrel had broken out among workers consuming liquor inside the factory on the night of June 4. The altercation allegedly turned violent when one of the workers, identified as Arwaz, attacked another worker known as Tiger and subsequently stabbed Krishan Kumar with a pair of scissors before fleeing the scene.

Investigators found that the injuries inflicted during the attack ultimately led to Krishan Kumar's death.

Based on eyewitness statements and other evidence collected during the inquiry, a case was registered at Gandhi Nagar Police Station under FIR No. 216/2026 under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on June 7.

Following the registration of the FIR, the police launched an intensive search operation to trace the accused. Investigators examined CCTV footage from multiple locations, verified suspects, and extensively used technical surveillance and local intelligence inputs to track the movements of the accused.

Through sustained efforts and meticulous investigation, the police team successfully apprehended Arwaz, a 27-year-old resident of Delhi's Sangam Vihar, from the Uttam Nagar area within eight hours of the FIR being registered.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. At his instance, police recovered a blood-stained pair of scissors believed to be the weapon used in the murder, along with blood-stained clothes worn during the commission of the offence.

Verification of the accused's criminal antecedents revealed his previous involvement in a serious criminal case during his juvenile years.

Records show that he had been booked in FIR No. 02/2019 under Section 307 of the IPC at Sangam Vihar Police Station.

Police officials said the prompt arrest of the accused, recovery of the weapon of offence, seizure of crucial evidence and collection of CCTV footage played a key role in solving the case.

Further investigation is underway.

When asked about whether high fees charged by lead actors lead to losses for films, the 'Queen' actress told IANS that when a film does not do well at the box office, all costs are naturally questioned. She compared it to a household cutting back on spending when income goes down. Kangana also added that the film industry should change and adapt according to shifting audience expectations and market conditions. "When a film doesn't do well, the value will be very high. The way you used to spend money—if you don't have that much income, how much will you spend? So having said that, I think films need to evolve. And the way society is evolving, they need to keep evolving themselves."

Kangana's co-star from 'Bharat Bhhagya Vidhaata,' Smita Tambe, added, "I always feel that every person looks for some relevance. In any story, anywhere. We have relevance. Somewhere we are visible. Somewhere we see larger-than-life visuals."

"I feel that with this exchange of relevance, the stories of cinema and the common audience, the more it evolves, the more it will become an attraction point for them. For example, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata. We see that every common woman, our mothers, nurses, or any other working-class person, will be able to relate to it. So, I feel that the more this relation evolves, the more the audience will come to us," she further explained.

On a related note, "Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata" is set to release in cinemas on June 12, 2026. The film features Kangana Ranaut in a key role and focuses on the real-life-inspired story of ordinary people who became heroes by saving hundreds of lives at Cama Hospital during a major terrorist attack.

Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) Hollywood actor John Stamos took a trip down memory lane, sharing a collection of old photographs, which he tagged as his "memories" from his "stash" from the beloved sitcom Full House.

Stamos shared a handful of pictures with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Bob Saget and others. He even shared some rare memories from the show, which first aired in 1987.

"Monday memories from my stash," Stamos wrote as the caption.

Full House is about the recently widowed father Danny Tanner who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and childhood best friend Joey Gladstone to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle, in his San Francisco home. It originally aired till 1995, with a total of eight seasons consisting of 192 episodes.

A sequel series, Fuller House, premiered on Netflix in February 2016 and ran for five seasons, concluding in June 2020.

Stamos first gained recognition for his contract role as Blackie Parrish in the television soap opera General Hospital, for which he was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 10th Daytime Emmy Awards in 1983.

Since the finale of Full House in 1995, Stamos has appeared in numerous TV films and series. He was also seen in ER, Bye Bye Birdie, Grandfathered. He also starred in Never Too Young to Die, Born to Ride, and You.

He was last seen in Palm Royale, a period comedy-drama television series created by Abe Sylvia. In March 2026, the series was cancelled after its second season.

The show was set in 1969, outsider Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons strives to attain a place in the high society of Palm Beach, Florida, through the town's most exclusive country club, the Palm Royale, in the process learning what she will and won't do to achieve this.

Officials said Nitin Gadkari will attend the excavation breakthrough on the Minamarg side in the Drass district of Ladakh union territory.

The officials stated that the company responsible for the construction of the Zojila tunnel has said that the final breakthrough of the 13.153-km Zojila Tunnel will be a historic milestone in India's infrastructure history.

Located in the Zojila Pass region between Baltal near the Sonmarg hill station of Jammu and Kashmir and Minmaragh in Ladakh's Drass district, the project is being executed to provide all-weather connectivity across one of India's most challenging Himalayan corridors, which remains cut off for long periods every year due to heavy snowfall, avalanches and extreme weather conditions.

Officials said the tunnel, situated at an elevation of 11,578 ft above sea level, represents one of the most significant engineering achievements in India's mountain infrastructure sector.

"The achievement of the final breakthrough marks the defining construction milestone of the excavation phase and reflects the successful completion of the most critical stage of underground works in highly demanding terrain", officials said.

Once fully operational, the project will ensure 365-day connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, improving access to Drass, Kargil, Leh and surrounding regions while significantly strengthening mobility, logistics reliability and strategic access in a sensitive border zone.

Officials said that the Zojila Tunnel Project carries immense socio-economic and strategic importance. "It is expected to transform regional connectivity, improve the movement of people and goods, reduce weather-related isolation and support economic activity, tourism and essential services across the region," they said.

The Zojila Tunnel is expected to significantly improve both civilian and military mobility in the region. At the national level, the tunnel also strengthens operational mobility and logistics preparedness in a strategically important frontier corridor, underlining its role not only as an infrastructure project, but also as a national connectivity and security asset.

With excavation now completed, the project moves closer to delivering its long-envisioned objective of seamless all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, bringing long-term benefits in mobility, economic integration and strategic resilience.

A dedicated team of over 1,200 personnel is working on this project, comprising 80 per cent local residents and 20 per cent specialists from other parts of the country.

The project began on October 1, 2020, and the overall safety achievement is 10 million safe man-hours.

Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) Singer Jasmine Sandlas, known for hits such as "Shararat," "Illegal Weapon," and "Main Aur Tu," has embraced self-love, saying she had to become her own "dream girl" before she could be one for her fans.

Jasmine shared a video of herself from a photoshoot, where she is seen posing for the camera dressed in a maroon lehenga. The video has "In Aankhon Ki Masti" from the film "Umrao Jaan" playing in the background.

Jasmine wrote: "I had to become my own dream girl before I could become yours."

The post also caught the attention of actress Sonam Bajwa, who playfully reacted in the comments, writing, "Stop being so beautiful all the time."

Talking about Jasmine, her first song, "Muskan" in 2008 became a hit. In 2014, she began her Bollywood playback singing career with the song "Yaar Na Miley" for the film Kick.

Her latest hits are "Taras" for the movie Munjya 2024 and "Nasha" for Raid-2 2025. She also received several awards, including the "Most Popular Song of the Year 2016". She was also featured on the TEDx Talks, MTV Coke Studio and Spoken Word platforms.

It was in May, when the singer announced her 'The Dream Girl India Tour' and said that it isn't just about playing a bigger venue but about creating a space where her music and the audience become one pulse.

She had then said that the tour is creating a space where her music and the audience become one pulse.

"My journey has always been unfiltered and deeply tied to the people who listen to me. With 'The Dream Girl' tour, we are tearing down the walls and building an arena experience that feels incredibly intimate yet absolutely explosive. I'm bringing my rawest energy, and I expect India to bring theirs," she added.

The tour's moniker serves as a personal homage to her journey, tracing her path from a young lyricist to a global heavyweight. The tour comes after the magnanimous success of her recent tracks from the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar duology.

The multi-city tour is scheduled to hit major entertainment hubs across India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh across July and August of this year.

The recovered contraband is estimated to be worth around Rs 10 crore in the illegal market.

The seizure was made in a coordinated operation carried out by the Crime Branch and the West Zone Police, which intercepted a truck allegedly being used to transport the narcotic substance.

According to officials, the consignment was intended for distribution in Kanpur and several neighbouring districts.

Police described the operation as a significant success in their ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking.

During the raid, officers recovered the entire consignment and took into custody members of the alleged smuggling network involved in transporting and distributing the contraband.

Investigators are now examining the supply chain and attempting to determine the origin of the seized ganja, as well as identifying other individuals who may be linked to the trafficking network.

Officials believe the recovered consignment was part of a larger distribution operation spanning multiple districts.

The latest seizure comes only days after another major breakthrough by law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh.

In a joint operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force in Deoria district, authorities dismantled a major ganja trafficking network.

During that operation, officials seized 406.8 kilograms of ganja and arrested four individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities.

The Kanpur seizure also follows another major anti-drug action carried out earlier this week under the Uttar Pradesh Police's ongoing anti-narcotics campaign known as "Operation Dahan".

As part of that initiative, approximately 13 quintals, or 1,300 kilograms, of ganja with an estimated value of Rs 6.50 crore were destroyed at a brick kiln by a joint team of Handia Police and the Narcotics Task Force.

The destruction was carried out in the presence of a high-level committee after completion of the required legal formalities.

Officials said "Operation Dahan" is being conducted across the state under the direction of the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to target narcotics networks and ensure the destruction of seized illegal substances after due legal process.

The incident took place in Revasi Dhanushi Tola (Ward No. 1) under the Riga police station area late Monday night.

The deceased have been identified as Puja Devi (28), wife of Sikandar Sahani, her daughter Shivani (5), and her three sons -- Rajkumar (7), Veerbhadr Kumar (2), and one-month-old Laigar Kumar.

According to local residents, the family was asleep in their kutcha house, which stood beside an old Peepal tree.

At around 11.30 p.m., strong winds and heavy rain struck the area, uprooting the tree.

The tree fell directly onto the house, causing the structure to collapse completely and trapping all five occupants beneath the debris. All of them died on the spot.

After receiving information about the incident, officials, including the Sadar SDPO, the Block Development Officer (BDO), and personnel from Riga police station, reached the site.

Local villagers joined rescue teams in removing the debris.

The district administration has initiated the process of providing compensation and other government assistance to the affected family as per existing norms.

The tragedy comes amid worsening weather conditions across Bihar as the southwest monsoon approaches the state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon is expected to enter Bihar between June 10 and June 15.

On Monday evening, severe storms and rain also caused widespread disruption in the Bagaha region of West Champaran district.

Strong winds uprooted trees, damaged houses, and blocked several major roads.

A large tree fell near Banjariya Chowk on the Ramnagar-Bakhri main road, resulting in a massive traffic jam that left thousands of commuters stranded for hours.

Numerous trees also fell along the Ramnagar-Lauriya and Ramnagar-Narkatiaganj routes, disrupting transportation.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued weather alerts for several districts of Bihar.

A yellow alert was issued for West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj.

These districts are expected to witness thunderstorms, lightning, and winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.

The department has also issued an orange alert for Wednesday for the same districts, warning of stronger winds of 50-60 kmph, lightning activity, and heavy rainfall.

The Kosi-Seemanchal region is likely to receive particularly heavy rain during this period.

Weather officials have advised residents to remain alert, avoid taking shelter under trees during storms, and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.

Shamar Joseph, who returned home ahead of the third ODI against the Sri Lankans due to personal reasons, is expected to return ahead of the series on June 9.

"Exciting young batting talents Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, along with all-rounder Shamar Springer, are the three changes to the squad that featured at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where the Men in Maroon fell just short of reaching the semi-finals.

"Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was not considered for selection as part of workload management plans and will continue his training and preparation ahead of the two-match test series being held in Antigua," CWI said in a statement.

This series marks the West Indies’ first T20 assignment since the team’s strong showing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February and March and forms an important part of long-term preparations for the 2028 edition in Australia and New Zealand.

Head Coach Daren Sammy believes the series offers an excellent opportunity for the players to entertain home supporters while showcasing an exciting brand of cricket.

"This series is an important one for us as it’s our first since the World Cup in India, where the team played with passion, fight and the togetherness that West Indies cricket is built on. Our focus now is to build on those foundations, continue growing as a team and make our fans proud with the way we compete against Sri Lanka," Sammy said.

The series in Jamaica commences on June 11, will be followed by two Tests in Antigua. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 1-0 with the final two matches washed out.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

Series schedule:

First T20I: June 11, Sabina Park, Jamaica

Second T20I: June 13, Sabina Park, Jamaica

Third T20I: June 14, Sabina Park, Jamaica

She has been directed to appear before the agency on Friday for questioning. Alongside her, summonses have also been served on eight officials of CMRL, as part of a broader probe into alleged financial irregularities.

According to officials, the move follows a recent high-level review in Kochi, where ED Director Rahul Navin reportedly instructed investigators to expedite the case.

The directive came after the High Court Division Bench permitted further continuation of proceedings, giving the agency greater procedural clarity to move ahead.

In parallel developments, the ED has begun steps to proceed with the potential confiscation of Rs 18.36 crore lying in 242 frozen bank accounts.

One of these accounts is reportedly linked to Veena Vijayan.

Funds in other accounts, including those held with HDFC Bank, may also come under the scope of seizure proceedings, subject to approval from the Adjudicating Authority in the coming days.

The agency is also examining electronic evidence and banking records seized during recent raids.

Prior to the scheduled questioning, the ED is considering inspection of Veena Vijayan’s bank lockers as part of its preparatory steps.

The case centres on allegations that CMRL made payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company associated with Veena Vijayan, for services that were allegedly not rendered.

In a related development, a court handling company law matters in Kochi has directed that key documents from the SFIO charge sheet be handed over to the ED, strengthening the agency’s access to extensive records.

A total of 134 documents spread across 54 volumes, including contracts, bank statements, and income tax records, are expected to be transferred to the agency.

Apart from Veena Vijayan, entities such as Exalogic, CMRL, and associated individuals, including Sasidharan Kartha, remain under the scope of investigation.

The ED maintains that its probe is focused on establishing the flow of funds and verifying the nature of services linked to the transactions.

The real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 1.8 percent in the January-March period from the previous quarter, 0.1 percentage point higher than the earlier estimate, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK), reports Yonhap news agency.

The reading marked the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2020, when the economy grew 2.3 percent.

On a yearly basis, the economy expanded 3.8 percent in the first quarter, a sharp pickup from the 1.6 percent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of last year. The on-year growth was the highest since the fourth quarter of 2021, when the economy grew 4.5 percent from a year earlier.

The BOK said the 0.1 percentage-point upward revision to first-quarter GDP came as updated statistics related to facility investment and private consumption were reflected in the latest figures.

"A 0.1 percentage point gain in the first-quarter GDP is projected to increase the annual growth by 0.1 percentage point," said Kim Hwa-yong, director of the production, expenditure and income division at the BOK, during a press conference. "This change is expected to be reflected on the central bank's revised growth forecast to be released in August."

Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted 0.1 percent on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to sluggish manufacturing.

However, strong exports and solid domestic demand drove the economic expansion in the first quarter.

Exports advanced 5.9 percent from the previous quarter, supported by strong global demand for semiconductors, machinery and automobiles. The figure marked the highest increase since the third quarter of 2020.

Facility investment grew 6.6 percent, marking the strongest growth in four years, and construction investment gained 1.4 percent.

Private consumption increased 0.6 percent, while government spending fell 0.4 percent.

The BOK said domestic demand and net exports contributed 0.7 percentage point and 1.1 percentage points, respectively, to the first-quarter economic growth.

On a nominal basis, South Korea's GDP surged 10.5 percent from a month earlier, marking the sharpest expansion since the first quarter of 1976, when the economy grew 13 percent. From a year earlier, nominal GDP spiked 17.1 percent.

â€"IANS

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The Ministry of Coal said that the recently enacted Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025 introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange and empowered the Central Government to promote transparent and efficient trading of minerals, including coal and its processed forms.

In pursuance of the legislation, the government earlier this month notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, according to the statement.

To facilitate the initiative, the government had designated the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) in December 2025 as the authority responsible for registering and regulating Coal Exchanges.

According to the ministry, eligible entities will be authorised by the CCO to establish and operate Coal Exchanges, frame market rules and bye-laws, and facilitate coal trading.

Registrations will be granted for a period of 25 years, it said.

The ministry further stated that the introduction of Coal Exchanges marks a paradigm shift in coal marketing by moving away from the traditional one-to-many sales model to a competitive many-to-many trading platform.

The new framework is expected to enable transparent and market-based price discovery, improve efficiency and provide coal producers, including commercial and captive miners, with easier access to a wider pool of buyers.

In addition, public sector coal companies will be able to leverage the platform to enhance market participation, according to the ministry.

"The Coal Exchange initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business, promoting transparency and building a modern, self-reliant energy ecosystem," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that by creating a more competitive and efficient coal market, the reform is expected to strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat through sustainable economic development and a future-ready energy sector.

Arya took to his X timeline to share the first look poster of Nikhila Vimal in the film and wrote, "Nikhila Vimal as Deepa in #Ananthankaadu. A film by @JiyenKrishna. Written by #MuraliGopy. Produced by @vinod_offl."

For the unaware, the film is slated to hit screens worldwide on June 25 this year.

The story of the multilingual film, which is being produced by Mini Studio’s S Vinod Kumar, has been written by Murali Gopy, best known for his work in Lucifer and Empuraan.

The film has been garnering attention ever since the makers released a title teaser some months ago. The title teaser has a poem being recited in the background even as a series of gripping and intense scenes that are full of action catch your attention.

The poem that is recited in Tamil, when translated loosely, reads, "I swallowed all light to show up as a lightning in the sky! I was born in dry lands to make a revolution bloom. I was showered on blood-stained earth to make it smile. I turned into roots and then trees to grow and stand tall. I don't fall, fearing fate or deceit. I am the dense forest that continues to grow in length. I am a miracle."

The poem seems to define the traits of actor Arya's character in the film. From the poem in the title teaser, it is evident that Arya plays a character that is leading a rebellion and that he is fearless of both fate and deceit. The poem gives the impression that his character is the one that seeks to provide hope for those who are hopeless in the film.

The film features a stellar cast including Regina Cassandra, Nikhila Vimal, Indrans and Sunil among others. It has triggered huge expectations as it boasts of an impressive technical team as well.

The film has cinematography by S Yuva and music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. Editing for the film will be by Rohit V S Variyath while lyrics for the songs are by Nishanth Raju. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by R Sakthi Saravanan while Binoy Sadasivan is the VFX director of the film.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 9 (IANS) All focus in the political circles in West Bengal will be on the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Bhabani Bhavan in South Kolkata on Tuesday, with the main question being whether Trinamool Congress’ general secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, will ultimately appear there and face interrogation in the signature mismatch case.

The case was filed after complaints were made by some Trinamool MLAs alleging that signatures of several legislators were forged on official documents submitted to the West Bengal Assembly.

Legal circles believe that since this is the third consecutive summons served to Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and in case he stays away this time also, the CID will be prompted to act against him.

However, legal circles point out that there is also a legal shield in this matter in his favour, which is the scheduled hearing on Wednesday before a single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on his petition challenging the CID summons and seeking interim protection against coercive police action, including arrest.

Last week, Abhishek Banerjee approached the Calcutta High Court with the petition, which also pleaded for a fast-track hearing in the matter. Although the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Das admitted his petition, she rejected the plea for a fast-track hearing and fixed June 10 as the date of the first hearing.

In the first notice served on May 30, Abhishek Banerjee was asked to appear for interrogation at the CID headquarters on June 1. However, on June 1, he sent a communique to the CID seeking 15 days to appear, citing medical issues after being assaulted at Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district on the afternoon of May 30.

The CID then served a second notice asking him to appear for interrogation by noon on June 8.

However, on June 8, Abhishek Banerjee was in New Delhi with Mamata Banerjee attending the INDIA bloc meeting, and he sought more time to appear for interrogation.

Again, on the afternoon of June 8, the CID served him the third notice asking him to appear at its headquarters by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

He emphasised that to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the government will persist in its commitment to good governance.

This comes as PM Modi is set to complete 12 years at the helm of the Central government on June 10, marking a political journey that has significantly reshaped India's electoral and governance landscape.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "The past 12 years of our government have been dedicated to trust, development, and public welfare. With the blessings of 1.4 billion fellow citizens and the spirit of nation first, we have spared no effort in empowering our youth, women, and our farmer brothers and sisters."

"It is the result of these tireless efforts that today, from infrastructure to the digital revolution, the country has gained a new identity on the global stage. To realise the resolve of a Viksit Bharat, we will continue to move forward relentlessly on this path of service, good governance, and prosperity," he added.

From his first swearing-in ceremony in 2014 to securing successive mandates in 2019 and a historic third consecutive term in 2024, PM Modi has emerged as one of India's longest-serving leaders.

On June 10, PM Modi will surpass independent India's first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, to become India's longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister with 4,399 days.

Nehru was first elected to the post in 1952 (his previous stint from 1947-52 was as head of an interim government, as elections were yet to be institutionalised and held). Indira Gandhi had a fractured tenure totalling 14 years. Prime Minister Modi has an unbroken tenure of 12 years as the PM, and still has three more years to go for the current tenure.

The PM Modi-led government's era has also been marked by a series of high-profile infrastructure and nation-building projects, including the new Parliament building, Central Vista redevelopment, Kartavya Path, Vande Bharat trains, the Statue of Unity, INS Vikrant, the Kashmir rail link, Noida International Airport, Namo Bharat RRTS and the Ganga Expressway.

During a meeting held on Monday in Ireland, the delegation urged the restoration of a "fair political and democratic atmosphere and the improvement of the human rights situation" in Bangladesh.

The participants included MEP and former Irish minister Billy Kelleher; former Awami League MP Md Habibe Millat; Ireland Chhatra League President Noman Chowdhury; Ireland Awami League leader Rafiq Khan; and Radin Khan, Chairman of the student wing of Fianna Fail, Bangladeshi daily, Times of Bangladesh reported.

The delegation sought the European Parliament's support for the withdrawal of sanctions and the securing of bail for party ministers, MPs, and activists detained in what they described as "politically motivated" cases.

The Awami League leader Millat, briefed the MEP on a range of issues, including the current law and order situation in Bangladesh, the killing of police officers, incidents of mob violence, human rights abuses, the surge of militancy, and the culture of impunity.

Acknowledging the concerns, Kelleher expressed interest in raising these issues within the European Parliament and indicated his intention to pursue diplomatic pressure on the Bangladeshi government through formal discussions.

Meanwhile, a leading international human rights organisation, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemned the "arbitrary mass arrests, politically motivated cases, judicial harassment," and misuse of the Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Act against more than three hundred leaders and activists of the Awami League across the country during the first week of June.

It added that the individuals were targeted for exercising their constitutional rights to participate in peaceful rallies, assemblies, and political expression in Bangladesh.

Expressing grave concern, JMBF said that these actions constitute a serious assault on democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights in the country.

"These measures are not merely isolated law-and-order actions; rather, they form part of a systematic campaign of repression aimed at suppressing political opposition, intimidating dissenting voices, and restricting democratic political activities," the rights body stated.

Citing media reports and sources, JMBF said that at least 333 leaders, activists, and supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations were arrested in operations conducted across different parts of the country between June 1 and 7.

It has been reported that cases were filed against them under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other stringent laws, and that they were subsequently imprisoned.

JMBF called on the United Nations, the European Union, international human rights organisations and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the ongoing political repression, arbitrary mass arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, judicial harassment, and restrictions on freedom of expression in Bangladesh and to take effective measures to protect human rights.

--IANS

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In the post on Instagram, Simpson shared how performing again after a 15-year hiatus has helped her overcome pain and rediscover her purpose.

"As I go through my life and my heart gets broken inside of my safe places, I have learned to cling to these words that have become somewhat of a daily affirmation "Home is a feeling, not a place"...Not only do I say these words to myself, I sing these words in the song, Fade, off of Nashville Canyon part 2."

"I wrote Fade the day that the trajectory of my life changed forever in October of 2023. After all that I have chosen to pull myself through with as much strength, courage, confidence and compassion possible, I am able to free myself from the pain of disappointment every single time I am blessed to be able to take the stage. I am so very grateful for the feeling of home on the stage."

She added: Over the last 15yrs of not performing, I haven't been able to fully express myself in ways that make the most sense for my life. Each and every single one of you that bless my heart by comin' to MY HOME on the stage have become a major part of my journey through the pain and the joy."

She credited her fans for resurrecting her.

"Y'all have resurrected my purpose and have accepted me as I am! There is just no greater achievement than to be able to be seen and experienced as myself. I'm so lucky to vulnerably sing and chat with all of you that come to these shows! Thank y'all for making me feel loved and valued! Excited to see and share powerful, inspiring and real moments with everyone this week!"

Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from June 11 to July 19. He was set to be the first Somali referee to take charge of a game at the World Cup.

An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

He is reported to have had a valid entry visa, but according to Cisse Aden Abshir, an advisor to the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports, he was denied entry by U.S. immigration officials from entering at Miami International Airport and has had to fly back to Istanbul, where he had been staying, reports Xinhua.

"Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community," Abshir said.

"Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play," he added.

Omar Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from Istanbul on Saturday but was barred from entering the country following a "routine" inspection.

According to The Athletic, CBP in its statement stated,"Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.

"All travellers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not give a specific reason for denying entry to Artan but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.

Later FIFA confirmed that Artan will miss the tournament. "Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," it said in a statement.

"Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister said Birsa Munda's life and sacrifices continue to inspire people to work towards social justice, self-respect and public welfare.

"Bhagwan Birsa Munda presented a unique example of struggle against injustice, tribal pride and service to the nation. Humble tributes to him on his death anniversary. His life and sacrifice will continue to inspire us to move forward on the path of social justice, self-respect and public welfare," CM Sarma wrote.

Birsa Munda is revered as one of India's most prominent tribal leaders and freedom fighters. Born in 1875 in present-day Jharkhand, he led the historic Ulgulan, or "Great Tumult", against British colonial rule and the exploitative land policies imposed on tribal communities.

Through his movement, he mobilised thousands of tribal people to fight for their rights, identity and traditional land ownership. Although his movement was centred in the Chotanagpur region, Birsa Munda's legacy resonates strongly across several states, including Assam, which is home to a large tribal population and a significant number of tea tribe communities whose ancestors migrated from the Chotanagpur plateau during the colonial era.

Many members of Assam's tea garden community trace their roots to regions associated with Birsa Munda's struggle and continue to regard him as a symbol of resistance, dignity and empowerment. His contributions to the cause of tribal rights have received increasing recognition in recent years.

The Union government has designated November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and celebrate India's rich tribal heritage.

Political leaders, social organisations and tribal groups across Assam also paid homage to the legendary leader, recalling his role in championing the rights of indigenous and marginalised communities.

Birsa Munda died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the age of 25, but his legacy continues to inspire generations across the country.

In its latest update, WHO currently assesses the risk as very high for DRC, high for Uganda and neighbouring countries sharing land borders with affected areas, and low for the rest of the African region and globally.

As of Sunday, DRC has reported 515 confirmed cases, including 91 deaths. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths and one probable fatal case. All cases in Uganda remain epidemiologically linked to the outbreak in DRC, with evidence of both imported infections and secondary transmission among contacts and healthcare workers.

National authorities, working with WHO and partners, are implementing a range of response measures. On 5 June, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO launched a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan, seeking 518 million U.S. dollars to support African countries in preparing for, detecting, and responding to the outbreak.

The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe and often fatal form of Ebola disease. The virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and can spread through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected people, Xinhua news agency reported.

The incubation period for BVD ranges from two to 21 days, and infected individuals are not contagious until symptoms appear.

Ebola disease is a severe disease caused by orthoebolaviruses, members of the filoviridae family, which occurs in humans and other primates. The disease was identified in 1976, in almost simultaneous outbreaks in Zaire (DRC) and Sudan (now South Sudan).

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on 15 May. While the Bundibugyo variant is less common than the Zaire strain responsible for several previous outbreaks, it can still cause severe illness and death.

She also remembered late actor Irrfan Khan, with whom she shared screen space in the popular series.

Taking to her social media account, Anita shared a video snippet from the 1993 show and reflected on the impact it had on her career. The video clip also featured the late Irrfan Khan.

The actress called it an "epic show," and credited 'Banegi Apni Baat' for changing the landscape of Indian television and bringing her immense recognition as a performer.

Sharing the clip, she wrote, "Another Manic Monday! Lets go back Memory lane every Monday coz for me this is a beautiful lane which I would like to tread again. I start with the epic show, BANEGI APNI BAAT! an epic show, which changed the face of Indian television! It brought The New Changing face of Indian society to people's drawing rooms. It gave me new found respect and recognition as an actress. (sic)"

Anita further recalled working alongside several acclaimed actors, including the late Irrfan Khan. She wrote, "Working with stalwarts like @Irfankhan, @divyasethshah, @riturajksingh, @ramantrikha and so many other wonderful actors was unforgettable."

The actress also praised the creative team behind the show and admitted that revisiting it left her emotional. "I will admit that watching the show, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, and a longing to do something like this again," she added.

Talking about 'Banegi Apni Baat' the show even after 30 years of its initial release, remains one of Indian television's most remembered youth-oriented dramas.

Produced by Tony and Deeya Singh under DJ's Creative Unit, the series premiered on Zee TV in 1993 and ran until 1997.

The show, for the uninitiated, explored the lives, ambitions, friendships and relationships of young urban Indians. The theme was considered extremely progressive for its time.

The ensemble cast included Irrfan Khan, Divya Seth Shah, Rituraj Singh, Raman Trikha, Anita Kanwal and many other actors who later went on to establish successful careers across television, films and theatre.

Talking about Anita Kanwal, over the years, the actress has appeared in many popular television shows, including 'Shanti', 'Kittie Party', 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii', 'Ssshhhh...Koi Hai' and 'Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani'.

Sensex rose as much as 0.7 per cent or over 500 points to hit an intraday high of 74,035.41 in early trade, while Nifty gained 0.6 per cent or more than 100 points to touch 23,259.45.

On the sectoral front, Nifty MidSmall Financial Services emerged as the top gainer, rising over 1 per cent, followed by Nifty Realty, which also advanced more than 1 per cent. Nifty Auto climbed 0.9 per cent. Banking stocks traded higher as well, with the PSU Bank and Private Bank indices gaining up to 0.8 per cent.

Category-wise, microcap, midcap and smallcap indices outperformed the benchmarks. Nifty Microcap 250 rose more than 1 per cent, while Nifty Midcap 50, Midcap 100 and Midcap 150 gained up to nearly 1 per cent.

Market volatility eased, with India VIX declining more than 4 per cent to around 16.

According to market experts, the decline in Brent crude prices to below $94 per barrel is positive for Indian equities. They, however, cautioned that there is no certainty that the fragile peace between Iran and Israel will hold.

A US federal judge striking down President Donald Trump's H-1B visa fee hike is also a mild positive for Indian IT stocks, experts said.

"The bulls are too weak to stage a strong comeback, while the bears remain strong enough to press selling on rallies. The sustained selling by FIIs shows no sign of fatigue. Large-cap valuations are fair and, in segments like banking, attractive, largely due to FII selling," analysts said.

However, elevated volatility and lingering global uncertainty are expected to keep traders cautious in the near term, they added.

Meanwhile, Iran and Israel said they had paused military strikes against each other following an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump for an immediate de-escalation. However, Tehran warned that it would resume attacks if Israel continued targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

Crude oil prices traded lower, with international benchmark Brent crude declining about 1 per cent to $93 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell around 1 per cent to $90 per barrel.

Asian markets traded largely in positive territory, with Japan's Nikkei rising more than 1 per cent and South Korea's KOSPI surging nearly 5 per cent. Other major regional indices were also trading higher.

In the US, Wall Street ended in green overnight, with the S&P 500 closing 0.3 per cent higher and the Nasdaq settling nearly 1 per cent higher.