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Suryakumar Yadav’s Dip in Form and the Stats Reshaping India’s Captaincy Debate

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Dhruv
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Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav

Earlier this year, Suryakumar Yadav led India into history. Under his captaincy, India successfully defended the T20 World Cup title in March, something no team had previously achieved in the tournament’s history. The triumph also made India the most successful side in T20 World Cup history with three titles.

Just months after that landmark achievement, however, Suryakumar now appears to be on the verge of losing not only the captaincy but possibly his place in India’s T20I setup altogether.

The issue, according to reports, is not leadership. It is a form.

Despite flashes of brilliance over the past year, including a stunning IPL 2025 campaign and several impactful innings in international cricket, his dramatic decline in IPL 2026 is believed to have forced selectors towards a difficult decision.

“The selectors wanted to wait until the IPL ended to assess whether he could recover his rhythm. It was not just about low scores. He looked completely out of touch,” a BCCI source told PTI.

From revolutionary batter to India’s T20 centrepiece
Suryakumar’s rise in international cricket had once completely altered the way India approached T20 batting.

After years of consistent performances for Mumbai Indians, he carried his fearless style into international cricket and became one of the format’s most destructive batters.

Between 2021 and the end of 2023, he produced numbers rarely seen in T20 internationals. During that phase, he scored 2141 runs in 57 innings while averaging 45.55 at a staggering strike rate of 171.85.

He smashed four centuries and 17 half centuries during that period. Only Mohammad Rizwan scored more runs in T20Is across those years, but at a significantly slower strike rate.

Among all batters who faced at least 500 deliveries in that period, Suryakumar finished with the highest strike rate in world cricket.

The prolonged slump that changed everything
As the runs dried up, Suryakumar consistently maintained that he was “not out of form, just out of runs.”

But the numbers increasingly suggested deeper problems.

Over a stretch of 22 innings without a fifty, he averaged just 12.84 with a strike rate of 117.87. Fast bowling, once something he dismantled effortlessly, began troubling him repeatedly.

During that difficult phase, he was dismissed 18 times by pace bowlers while averaging only 8.11 against them.

Analysts also noticed a sharp dip in his scoring areas in front of the wicket, indicating possible issues with timing and balance against quicker bowling.

One final reminder of his brilliance
Even during that decline, Suryakumar briefly reminded everyone why he had once become the face of India’s T20 revolution.

In IPL 2025, he delivered one of the greatest seasons by a middle order batter in tournament history. He scored 717 runs in 16 matches at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate nearing 168, eventually winning the tournament’s MVP award.

It was the first time a non opener crossed 700 runs in a single IPL season and also the highest ever tally by a Mumbai Indians batter, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long standing franchise record.

That season, combined with a few encouraging knocks for India earlier this year, appears to have convinced selectors to delay a final call on his future.

Why selectors waited this long
India’s transition plans in T20 cricket had already begun taking shape before the World Cup itself. Age was always expected to become a factor eventually, and internally there was awareness that Suryakumar’s captaincy stint might not last very long.

However, India’s unsuccessful attempts to establish Shubman Gill as a T20 leader bought Suryakumar extra time.

Winning the World Cup bought him even more.

After lifting the trophy, Suryakumar openly spoke about targeting both the 2028 Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, making it clear that retirement was nowhere near his mind.

Selectors, meanwhile, chose patience over immediate change.

But IPL 2026 appears to have changed the equation completely.

Suryakumar managed only 270 runs in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians this season, averaging just 20.77 in a campaign where he rarely looked comfortable.

By the end of the tournament, the direction seemed increasingly inevitable.

The selectors did not rush the decision. They simply waited until the season ended before making peace with it.

Think Standing All Day Is Healthy? Experts Warn of Potential Nerve Problems

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Dhruv
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Standing
Standing

Long hours of sitting are often criticized for increasing the risk of several lifestyle-related health problems, prompting many people to believe that standing all day is a healthier option. The logic seems simple: if sitting too much is harmful, standing more must be better.

However, spending excessive hours on your feet is not necessarily healthy either. Whether it is standing through long commutes, remaining upright at work, or using standing desks throughout the day, prolonged standing can quietly trigger its own set of health issues.

Doctors warn that staying on your feet continuously for extended periods may place stress on the body and lead to symptoms that are often ignored in the beginning.

Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr Sanjay Kalra, treasurer of the International Society of Endocrinology and vice president of the South Asian Obesity Forum, explained that the early warning signs are usually subtle.

“It often begins with heaviness in the legs, tingling sensations, burning feet or numbness after standing for long periods. Most people assume it is just exhaustion,” he said.

Why standing all day may be harmful
According to the doctor, these symptoms are not always simple fatigue. In many cases, they may be linked to nerve compression caused by staying in one position for too long.

Long commutes, crowded travel conditions and prolonged standing can place pressure on the sciatic and peripheral nerves that extend from the lower back to the feet. This compression can interfere with normal blood circulation and nerve function.

As a result, people may begin experiencing persistent tingling, sharp pain, numbness or burning sensations in the legs and feet. If ignored, the discomfort may gradually worsen and begin affecting routine daily activities.

What condition can prolonged standing lead to?
Dr Kalra explained that these symptoms can eventually point towards peripheral neuropathy, a condition caused by damage or irritation to peripheral nerves.

While diabetes remains one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, prolonged nerve compression and nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B deficiencies, can also contribute significantly.

How to reduce the risks
Health experts suggest that balance is far more important than simply replacing sitting with standing.

To reduce nerve pressure and improve circulation, doctors recommend taking short walking breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, stretching regularly, maintaining proper posture and wearing supportive footwear.

Addressing nutritional deficiencies is equally important for maintaining nerve health.

Important nutrients for nerve health
Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 play a major role in supporting healthy nerves.

Vitamin B12 helps maintain the protective outer covering of nerves known as the myelin sheath. Vitamin B1 helps shield nerves from damage, while Vitamin B6 supports normal nerve functioning.

Doctors may sometimes recommend supplements containing cyanocobalamin, an active form of Vitamin B12, to aid nerve repair. However, experts caution against self-medication or excessive use of supplements without medical guidance.

Topical relief for discomfort
For symptoms such as burning, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, topical treatments containing capsaicin, menthol, eucalyptus or camphor may provide temporary relief.

These are generally applied multiple times daily for a limited period as advised by a doctor.

Ultimately, experts say the healthiest approach is moderation. Long hours of sitting should be broken up with movement, but standing continuously is not the perfect alternative many assume it to be.

Hamstring Issue Keeps Argentina Alert as Lionel Messi Avoids Full Team Training

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Dhruv
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messi
messi

Lionel Messi trained away from the main Argentina squad during the reigning champions’ opening World Cup session in the United States, putting fresh focus on his fitness just days before the start of the tournament.

According to reports from Reuters, Messi followed a separate training routine involving “specific exercises” at Argentina’s training base in Kansas City as Lionel Scaloni’s side kicked off preparations on Monday. The 38-year-old has been dealing with fatigue in his left hamstring since late May, although he is still expected to feature in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.

Messi placed on individual training programme
Concerns around Messi’s condition first surfaced during Inter Miami CF’s chaotic 6 4 MLS victory over Philadelphia Union, when the Argentine star walked off in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.

The timing immediately raised alarms given Argentina’s approaching World Cup title defence.

Inter Miami later released a medical update confirming that Messi was suffering from muscle fatigue linked to overload in his left hamstring.

“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” the club stated.

The MLS side also said that Messi’s return to full activity would depend on how he progresses physically over the coming days.

Argentina keeping calm over Messi fitness concerns
Despite the attention surrounding Messi, Argentina have so far avoided escalating concerns over the situation. The national team indicated that multiple players are currently being managed carefully by the medical staff due to minor physical issues.

“The players who are suffering from niggles and injuries continue to work with the physiotherapy team on specific exercises on the pitch and are making good progress,” the Argentine Football Association said in an update.

For now, Messi’s separate training schedule is not being viewed internally as a serious setback. Still, Argentina’s cautious approach is understandable considering the veteran forward remains the centrepiece of the squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

The upcoming tournament could also mark Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, extending one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. The eight time Ballon d’Or winner remains Argentina’s all time leading scorer with 116 goals in 198 appearances.

Argentina will face Iceland in a final warm up fixture on June 9 in Alabama before beginning their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City a week later.

That schedule gives Messi additional time to gradually increase his workload and return to full team sessions before the tournament begins.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos had earlier attempted to downplay the issue, saying Messi simply appeared exhausted after playing on a difficult and heavy surface. Even so, Argentina are unlikely to take any unnecessary risks with their captain ahead of a tournament where expectations remain sky high.

At the moment, the mood inside the Argentina camp remains cautious rather than concerned. Messi is still training separately, but the official updates suggest positive progress as the defending champions continue preparations for another World Cup run.

Snapdragon Powered Mini PC Announced by Qualcomm

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Dhruv
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SnapDragon
SnapDragon

Qualcomm has expanded its ambitions beyond laptops with the unveiling of a compact desktop PC powered by its latest Snapdragon X2 Elite platform. At Computex 2026, the chipmaker partnered with ASUS to introduce the Asus Ascent QN10, a mini desktop system driven by Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon X Series processor.

The announcement reflects Qualcomm’s growing push into the compact desktop segment, particularly as demand rises for systems capable of running artificial intelligence workloads directly on-device while taking up minimal space. The company said the new machine is designed to deliver a balance of AI performance, computing power and energy efficiency for professional, commercial and home use.

Snapdragon X2 Elite powers AI-focused desktop computing
At the centre of the Asus Ascent QN10 is the Snapdragon X2 Elite chip, built to handle demanding workloads ranging from multitasking and software development to data analysis and AI processing.

One of the key highlights is the processor’s dedicated Neural Processing Unit, which Qualcomm says can deliver up to 80 TOPS of AI performance. This enables several AI functions to run locally on the device instead of relying heavily on cloud computing.

According to Qualcomm, users will be able to run AI coding assistants and development platforms directly on the mini-PC, including tools such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, OpenCode and OpenClaw. Running these tools locally can help lower latency while offering users more control over sensitive data.

The company also said the platform includes integrated security protections across both hardware and software layers to strengthen data protection during processing and transfers.

Compact design aimed at developers and businesses
A major focus of the Asus Ascent QN10 is its small form factor. Qualcomm said the system occupies less than 0.7 litres of space, making it significantly smaller than many traditional desktop or mini-PC setups.

The device is being positioned for multiple use cases. Developers can use it for local AI inferencing, software testing and AI-assisted coding, while enterprises may find its compact footprint, quieter operation and security capabilities useful for office environments.

Connectivity is another key feature. The mini-PC includes seven USB ports, consisting of three USB4 ports, three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and one USB 2.0 port. Qualcomm also said the system supports up to four 4K displays simultaneously, making it suitable for commercial applications such as monitoring systems, digital signage and professional workstations.

Qualcomm pushes deeper into desktop computing
The launch of the Asus Ascent QN10 marks another step in Qualcomm’s broader strategy to expand Snapdragon-powered computing beyond notebooks and ultrabooks. Snapdragon chips have gained greater visibility in the Windows PC ecosystem in recent years, especially as AI-driven computing becomes a major focus across the tech industry.

64 Million Mosquito Release Plan by Google-Backed Company Sparks Debate in the US

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Dhruv
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mosquitoes
mosquitoes

A controversial proposal tied to a company owned by Alphabet has sparked widespread debate after plans surfaced to release millions of bacteria-carrying mosquitoes across California and Florida.

The initiative, spearheaded by life sciences firm Verily, is currently awaiting federal clearance to release nearly 32 million modified mosquitoes every year across the two states beginning next year.

If regulators approve the plan, around 64 million mosquitoes could ultimately be released over a two-year period.

Details of the mosquito project
The proposal specifically targets Aedes aegypti, a mosquito species linked to the spread of illnesses including dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Under the project, scientists would release male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium. Since male mosquitoes do not bite humans, researchers say they pose no direct threat to people. When these infected males mate with female mosquitoes in the wild, the resulting eggs fail to hatch, helping shrink mosquito populations over time.

The effort falls under Verily’s broader “Debug Project,” which focuses on using advanced mosquito-control strategies to reduce insect-borne diseases. Similar Wolbachia-based methods have already been tested in smaller programs in different parts of the world.

Online criticism and environmental concerns
The proposal has generated strong reactions online, with critics questioning both the environmental risks and the scale of the operation.

“There should be public consensus before something like this happens. It’s dangerous,” one social media user wrote.

Others argued that large biological interventions could produce unforeseen ecological effects and should not move forward without broader public debate and oversight.

Some critics also expressed discomfort with the involvement of a major technology-linked corporation in environmental and public health projects.

“They’re a tech company, not an environmental agency, charity or government body,” another post read.

Why Google’s name is involved
Although the project is often being associated with Google, the mosquito program is technically being developed by Verily, which operates under Alphabet, Google’s parent company. That connection has significantly increased public attention surrounding the proposal.

Federal authorities are still reviewing the application, and no final approval has yet been granted. If cleared, the mosquito releases could begin in California and Florida as early as next year.

Supporters of the plan say Wolbachia-based mosquito suppression programs have shown promise globally and could play an important role in reducing dangerous diseases that impact millions each year. Critics, however, continue to urge caution before moving ahead with such a large-scale environmental experiment.

Demand Surges for Expedited H-1B Processing as Thousands Pay $100,000 Fee

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Dhruv
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h1 b1 visa
h1 b1 visa

More than 200,000 applicants have reportedly chosen to pay the steep $100,000 H-1B visa application fee in exchange for faster processing, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Markeayne Mullin.

Speaking during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Mullin said the premium fee system had significantly sped up visa approvals, reducing processing times to nearly 15 days for those willing to pay the additional amount.

“We had 286,000 applicants so far this year for H-1B visas, and more than 200,000 of them paid the $100,000 fee because it allows us to process their cases much faster,” Mullin said while responding to a question raised by Susan Collins of Maine.

He explained that applicants who did not pay the fee were being processed through the standard route, which currently takes around seven and a half months while authorities review exemption requests tied to the new visa structure.

The issue was raised after Senator Collins highlighted the difficulties faced by rural healthcare institutions due to the costly visa system. She pointed to a hospital in Presque Isle, Maine, which was reportedly forced to pay the $100,000 fee to hire a much-needed surgeon because of severe staffing shortages in the region.

Collins argued that while stricter visa rules may be understandable in sectors such as technology, where there is a larger domestic workforce available, the same logic should not apply to medical professionals serving rural communities with limited healthcare access.

She urged the administration to consider exemptions for hospitals and underserved regions that can demonstrate an inability to recruit qualified American doctors.

In response, Mullin acknowledged the concern but suggested that implementing special carve-outs or exemptions for specific sectors would be difficult under the current framework.

The controversial $100,000 H-1B application fee was first introduced by the Trump administration in September last year. The move was aimed at discouraging American companies from relying heavily on foreign workers instead of hiring domestic talent.

Under existing rules, H-1B visas are issued for an initial period of three years and can later be extended for another three years. Federal law currently caps the number of standard H-1B visas at 65,000 annually, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for applicants holding advanced degrees.

Dhurandhar Success Reportedly Changed Ranveer Singh’s Decision on Don 3

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Dhruv
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The ongoing fallout between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar over Don 3 has continued to trigger intense discussions within the Hindi film industry. While the Federation of Western India Cine Employees recently withdrew its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer, the controversy has also reignited conversations around actors exiting projects midway through production.

Fresh details have now surfaced regarding the private mediation sessions held between the two sides in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

According to Variety, the matter was discussed during several closed-door meetings attended by some of Bollywood’s biggest names. After initially staying away from the discussions, Ranveer Singh eventually joined later sessions to present his side of the conflict.

The report states that Farhan Akhtar first approached the Producers Guild of India last year, following which informal mediation talks were organized outside the guild’s official dispute-resolution structure. Nearly 25 senior industry personalities reportedly participated in the discussions.

Several high-profile names, including Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt, were said to be part of the conversations. However, Ranveer allegedly did not attend the initial rounds.

A later meeting reportedly brought together key industry figures such as Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Rohit Shetty, Rajkumar Hirani, Ashutosh Gowariker, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur and Viacom18 studio head Ajit Andhare.

During that session, Ranveer reportedly listed four key reasons behind his decision to walk away from the film. He is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the script, claiming it never evolved into a version he felt confident about. The actor also reportedly questioned Farhan Akhtar’s availability, alleging the filmmaker was occupied with concerts and other commitments.

Ranveer further claimed that his remuneration for the project had been renegotiated and reduced. He also allegedly argued that the film’s budget had been drastically lowered from the initially discussed ₹300–350 crore range to nearly ₹150 crore.

According to the report, the actor additionally denied receiving any signing amount for Don 3.

Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly pushed back against those allegations during the discussions. The producers are said to have presented WhatsApp conversations that allegedly showed Ranveer positively responding to various versions of the script over time. They also denied claims that the actor’s fee had been cut after agreements had already been finalised.

One of the most striking moments from the mediation reportedly came when Ritesh Sidhwani directly asked Ranveer whether he would still have exited Don 3 if his film Dhurandhar had not become successful. According to the report, Ranveer admitted that he likely would not have left the project if Dhurandhar had failed commercially.

The financial disagreement between the two parties also appears to remain unresolved. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani are reportedly seeking around ₹45 crore from Ranveer Singh towards expenses incurred during Don 3’s pre-production process.

Ranveer, meanwhile, is said to have offered ₹10 crore as an immediate settlement during the meeting. He also reportedly proposed a 25 percent reduction in his fee for any future collaboration with Excel Entertainment.

However, the producers allegedly rejected the proposal, reportedly stating that the suggested discount held no value because they no longer intended to work with the actor in the future.

New Target Emerges as Los Angeles Lakers Map Out Future After LeBron James

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Dhruv
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lebron james
lebron james

Los Angeles Lakers are once again heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty after another disappointing playoff exit. With questions continuing to surround LeBron James and his future with the franchise, reports suggest the organisation has already begun preparing for life beyond its longtime superstar.

According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Lakers are internally exploring different scenarios in case James decides to leave or retire. One potential option reportedly under consideration is reuniting Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Los Angeles.

Robinson stated that the Lakers have quietly weighed the advantages and risks of bringing Irving to the franchise if LeBron departs, potentially recreating the high-powered partnership that Doncic and Irving previously shared during their time with the Dallas Mavericks.

The idea would give the Lakers one of the league’s most explosive offensive backcourts, although it also raises concerns surrounding long-term chemistry, stability and roster balance.

The franchise’s need to prepare for the future comes amid continued uncertainty over James’ retirement plans. The 41-year-old has remained noncommittal whenever asked about how much longer he intends to play.

Speaking recently in an interview cited by former Lakers beat writer Jack Fitzpatrick for the LA Times, James admitted he still does not have a clear answer regarding his future and said discussions with his family and support system will ultimately shape the decision.

The speculation has already sparked strong reactions among fans online. On Reddit’s Lakers forum, some supporters praised the front office for planning ahead, while others questioned whether sacrificing younger players for Irving would be worth the gamble. Social media users also pointed out that if LeBron leaves, the Lakers’ championship hopes could quickly fade unless another star duo emerges immediately.

For now, there is no indication that a move involving Irving is imminent. The discussions are believed to be part of broader contingency planning as the organisation braces for the possibility that the LeBron era could soon come to an end.

The Lakers may view a Doncic-Irving partnership as a way to recreate the success the pair enjoyed in Dallas, where they helped guide the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Irving, however, remains in recovery after suffering an ACL injury in March 2025, which forced him to miss the entire 2025-26 season. He is expected to return for the 2026-27 campaign, adding another layer of uncertainty to any future plans involving the veteran guard.

Even so, with LeBron’s future hanging in the balance, the Lakers appear determined to prepare for every possible direction the franchise may take next.

India’s Manufacturing Sector Posts Three-Month High Growth in May

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Dhruv
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Indian

India’s manufacturing sector recorded stronger growth in May than initially estimated, according to the final HSBC India Manufacturing PMI data released by S&P Global on Monday. The figures suggested continued momentum in factory activity, with companies increasing stockpiling efforts amid the prolonged conflict in West Asia.

The seasonally adjusted Manufacturing PMI climbed to 55 in May, improving from April’s final reading of 54.7 and also surpassing the flash estimate of 54.3 released earlier. Any reading above 50 signals expansion compared to the previous month. The latest data marked the strongest improvement in manufacturing conditions in three months.

The report showed faster growth in new orders, output and purchasing activity compared to April, while stock accumulation also gathered pace. According to Pranjul Bhandari, the final PMI figures indicate that manufacturers may be continuing precautionary stockpiling as uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict persists.

Manufacturers recorded their sharpest rise in output and new business since February. Growth was largely driven by stronger demand in the intermediate and capital goods sectors, although consumer goods producers witnessed a slower pace of expansion. Domestic demand remained the primary driver, while export orders also increased steadily, supported by stronger sales across parts of Asia, Europe, Kenya, Nigeria and West Asia.

At the same time, the ongoing tensions in West Asia continued to keep input costs elevated during May, even though inflationary pressures eased slightly compared to April. Companies reported higher expenses related to fuel, energy, raw materials and transportation. Input price inflation remained among the strongest recorded over the past 45 months, with capital goods producers facing the highest rise in costs.

Manufacturers also raised factory gate prices during the month, though the increase was smaller than the rise in input costs and below the average trend seen over the past year. Only a small portion of firms said they fully passed on higher costs to consumers, while many chose to absorb the pressure due to competitive market conditions, potentially impacting profit margins.

Despite mounting costs, companies accelerated purchases of raw materials in May. Buying activity expanded at the fastest pace in three months and stayed above the long-term average as businesses continued building contingency inventories.

Supplier delivery times improved once again, although not as sharply as in April, helping firms add further to pre-production stocks. Inventories of finished goods also increased for the second consecutive month. Some manufacturers reported that supply growth had outpaced demand, resulting in the fastest accumulation of finished goods inventories seen in more than a decade.

Rising production needs also supported hiring activity, with employment continuing to expand at a healthy pace during May, although the rate of job creation eased slightly from the previous month. Pending workloads rose for a second straight month, though only marginally.

Business sentiment remained optimistic overall, with manufacturers expressing confidence that cost pressures could ease later in the year. Firms also cited strong order pipelines and advertising efforts as factors supporting future growth expectations.

‘Bank Ko Mattha Tekta Tha’: Gaurav Gera Reflects on Struggling Days in Mumbai

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Dhruv
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gaurav gera
gaurav gera

Gaurav Gera is currently basking in the success of Dhurandhar, where his portrayal of Indian spy Aalam won widespread appreciation from audiences and critics alike. In a recent conversation with Jist, the actor opened up about his unconventional path into acting and the difficult early days he faced after moving to Mumbai with just ₹84 in his bank account.

Reflecting on his younger years, Gera shared that academics never interested him much and that he was more inclined toward arts and crafts during school. He had initially hoped to join the College of Arts but could not secure admission. Later, he enrolled at Pearl Academy of Fashion to study fashion, though the course never truly connected with him. Despite wanting to quit midway, his father encouraged him to finish the programme and work for at least six months before making any major decisions. After completing that phase, Gaurav finally chose to follow his passion for theatre.

The actor then revisited the harsh realities of his struggling phase in Mumbai. “At that time, I only had ₹84 in my account. Whenever I crossed an HDFC Bank branch, I would look at it and say, ‘Please take care of me.’ I would almost bow my head while passing the bank. My father was a salaried employee and I still have his letters where he used to write, ‘I am sending ₹2,000. I do not have more than this,’” he recalled emotionally.

Gera added that he was around 24 years old then and never felt comfortable asking others for financial help. He said he always believed in becoming the kind of person who could support others financially instead of depending on someone else for money.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a two-part spy action saga featuring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun in pivotal roles. The first film reportedly crossed ₹1,300 crore globally, while its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, performed even better with worldwide collections surpassing ₹1,800 crore.

Before finding fame in films and digital content, Gaurav Gera became a familiar face on television through shows such as Ssshhhh…Koi Hai and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, where his character Nandu became hugely popular. He later appeared in films including Kyun…! Ho Gaya Na, The Shaukeens and Neal ‘n’ Nikki. In recent years, he reinvented himself online with viral comedy personas such as Chutki, Shopkeeper, Billi Maasi and Pammi Aunty, turning into one of India’s most recognisable digital entertainers.

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