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‘Darwaza Todo, Daya!’: CID returns with New Season, Shooting begins – WATCH Promo

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CID
CID

In a thrilling development that’s sure to have fans saying “Kuch Toh Gadbad Hai,” the iconic Indian detective show CID began shooting its new season on November 22, marking its grand return to Sony Entertainment Television with an unexpected twist in its time-tested formula.

CID New Season shooting begins with Mahurat Puja

The show kicked off with a traditional mahurat puja, but it’s the dramatic new promo that has left viewers stunned.

The signature trio – Shivaji Satam (ACP Pradyuman), Dayanand Shetty (Daya), and Aditya Srivastava (Abhijeet) – are back, but not as the united force fans remember. Instead, the promo reveals a shocking scene where Abhijeet points his gun at his former colleague Daya, culminating in a gunshot that leaves even the stoic ACP Pradyuman bewildered.

Watch CID New Season Promo here:

This dramatic shift in dynamics promises to add a new layer of complexity to the show that made “Daya, darwaza todo!” a household phrase. Set to premiere around Christmas 2024, the new season appears to be trading its familiar formula of friendship and teamwork for a more complex narrative of betrayal and conflict.

While the return of the core trio has generated excitement, the new season will notably feel the absence of one beloved character – Inspector Fredricks, played by Dinesh Phadnis, who passed away in 2023. The loss adds a poignant note to the show’s revival.

When will CID’s new season premiere?

The unexpected twist of former friends turning foes represents a bold new direction for a series that has been solving crimes and capturing audiences’ hearts for decades. As fans eagerly await the Christmas 2024 premiere, one question remains: What could have turned the inseparable duo of Abhijeet and Daya against each other?

With this dramatic new premise, CID seems poised to prove that even after years off the air, it still knows how to keep viewers on the edge of their seats – though this time, they might be saying “Kuch Zyada Hi Gadbad Hai.”

Delhi’s Air Quality plummets back to ‘Severe’ as AQI hits 401

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Delhi AQI
Delhi AQI

Delhi’s brief respite from extreme air pollution ended abruptly today as the city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated to 401 by 6 PM, pushing it back into the ‘Severe’ category. This decline comes after a temporary improvement on Friday morning when the AQI had registered at 371 in the ‘very poor’ range.

Delhi Air Quality still in severe category

The situation appears particularly grave in Jahangirpuri, which recorded the highest AQI at 445. Of the capital’s 39 monitoring stations, nearly half (19) have reported ‘Severe’ category readings, indicating widespread air quality deterioration across the city.

The pollution crisis has triggered a health emergency, with a LocalCircles survey revealing that 75 percent of families in the region have at least one member experiencing respiratory problems, including sore throat or cough. The main culprits behind the pollution surge remain vehicular emissions and farm fires in neighboring states.

For reference, the AQI categories are defined as:

– 0-50: Good

– 51-100: Satisfactory

– 101-200: Moderate

– 201-300: Poor

– 301-400: Very Poor

– 401-500: Severe

Delhi Govt. implements emergency measures

In response to the worsening conditions, the Delhi government has implemented emergency measures, including:

– 50% work-from-home policy for government employees

– Staggered office timings to reduce traffic congestion

This deterioration marks another challenging phase in Delhi’s ongoing battle with air pollution, particularly concerning as winter approaches, typically bringing worse air quality conditions to the capital region.

Nagarjuna played cupid for Chaitanya-Sobhita love story

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Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna

In a heartwarming revelation that reads like a classic Telugu romance, veteran actor Nagarjuna recently shared how he inadvertently played cupid in his son Naga Chaitanya’s love story with actress Sobhita Dhulipala.

Nagarjuna be a matchmaker for Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita Dhulipala

Speaking to the Times of India, Nagarjuna recounted the serendipitous meeting that sparked the romance. “I invited her to meet me the next time she was in Hyderabad,” he explained, describing how an initial professional meeting evolved into meaningful conversations about life beyond cinema. “Chaitanya happened to walk in during one of her visits, and that’s when they met for the first time if I remember correctly.”

The 65-year-old actor couldn’t hide his admiration for his soon-to-be daughter-in-law, particularly praising her journey from Vizag to stardom. “She’s worked incredibly hard to achieve her dreams… She’s a brilliant actress who has stayed true to her values and craft. More than that, she’s very warm and grounded,” he shared.

Naga to tie the knot with Shobita on Dec 4

The couple is set to tie the knot on December 4 at Hyderabad’s Annapurna Studios in what promises to be an intimate Telugu ceremony. Breaking from the typical grandeur of celebrity weddings, Chaitanya and Sobhita have opted for a more authentic celebration, focusing on traditional elements over extravagance.

In a refreshing departure from celebrity wedding trends, the couple has chosen to source their wedding attire locally, bypassing high-end designers and stylists. Their decision to prioritize Telugu traditions and family involvement in the planning process reflects their desire for a genuine, culturally rooted celebration.

This union marks a new chapter for both families, with Nagarjuna’s evident joy adding a touching father’s perspective to this modern love story that began with a chance meeting in his home.

Nayanthara, her hubby keeps it low-key, Wait in line for 30 mins at Delhi eatery

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Nayanthara
Nayanthara

In a refreshing departure from celebrity culture, South Indian superstar Nayanthara and filmmaker husband Vignesh Shivan experienced what many would call a ‘commoner’s day out’ in Delhi, celebrating the actress’s birthday with remarkable anonymity.

Nayanthara and her husband Vignesh in Delhi

The power couple, known for their glamorous lifestyle, found themselves in an unusually ordinary situation – waiting in a 30-minute queue outside a popular North Indian restaurant in Connaught Place. What’s more surprising? Nobody recognized them.

Here’s the viral video:

Vignesh captured these precious moments in a heartwarming video shared on Instagram, showing the couple navigating the restaurant’s stairs, settling at a centre table, and savouring their meal like any other patron. “Smallest birthday eve celebration in these many years,” Vignesh wrote, adding that the experience felt “genuinely happy, personal, intimate and very tasty too.”

Nayanthara’s Delhi itinerary

Their Delhi adventure began with a family visit to Qutab Minar alongside their twin sons, maintaining their low-profile streak even at the historical monument. The couple’s ability to blend in with the crowd offered them a rare taste of normalcy, a luxury often denied to celebrities of their stature.

“Thanks to a sweet stranger who helped to capture this moment,” Vignesh noted in his post, highlighting the serendipity of their understated celebration on November 17.

However, the spell of anonymity broke at the airport, where photographers finally caught up with the couple during a cake-cutting ceremony.

About Nayanthara’s work front:

Meanwhile, the couple’s Netflix documentary “Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale” has stirred controversy, with the actress facing a Rs 10 crore legal notice from actor-producer Dhanush over the use of behind-the-scenes footage from their upcoming 2025 film “Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.”

This brief escape into anonymity perhaps serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest celebrations can be the most meaningful, even for those who live their lives in the spotlight.

Is Jagan Reddy also involved in Gautam Adani Bribery case?

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Gautam Adani
Gautam Adani

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed court documents alleging that Gautam Adani met with then-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in August 2021 to discuss “incentives” for securing a solar power agreement. The meeting reportedly addressed the state’s initial reluctance to sign a contract with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

Gautam Adani met Jagan Reddy in 2021

According to the U.S. Justice Department’s indictment, which charges Adani with bribery and fraud, approximately Rs 1,750 crore was allegedly offered to an unnamed Andhra Pradesh government official, referred to as “Foreign Official #1.”

Shortly after the meeting, Andhra Pradesh agreed to purchase seven gigawatts of power from SECI, marking the largest solar power procurement by any Indian state at that time.

What is the Adani Bribery case all about?

The case stems from a 2020 tender awarded to the Adani Group and Azure Power by SECI for supplying 12 gigawatts of solar-generated electricity. When SECI struggled to find buyers due to high prices, U.S. investigators allege that Adani and Azure conspired to offer bribes to state officials.

The total alleged bribes amount to USD 265 million, distributed between 2021-2023 to secure contracts across multiple states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Jagan Reddy’s party denies allegations

Jagan Reddy’s YSRCP party has denied the allegations, stating, “The allegations made on the state government, in the light of the indictment are incorrect.” The party emphasized that their government had no direct agreement with the Adani Group, noting that the deal was between SECI and state power distribution companies.

YSRCP detailed that the seven-gigawatt power procurement received approval from the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission in November 2021, with the final agreement signed on December 1, 2021.

The party defended the deal’s legitimacy, citing its approval by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and highlighting its favourable terms: Rs 2.49 per kWh for 25 years, potentially saving the state Rs 3,700 crores annually.

Adani Group also scraps US’s charges

The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and announced plans for legal action. Meanwhile, the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has reserved comment, with spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhiram stating, “We need to study the report before concluding. It would take two to three days.”

The SEC filing also noted that Adani allegedly misrepresented his company’s anti-bribery compliance program and denied any involvement in bribery by senior management.

BMW India announces 3% price hike from January 1

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BMW
BMW

BMW India has announced a price hike of up to 3% across its entire model range, effective January 1, 2024. The increase comes amid rising input costs, particularly due to higher material expenses, following a common industry practice where automakers typically adjust prices twice annually.

BMW India announces price hike in middle-range vehicle

The price adjustment will affect BMW’s comprehensive lineup of locally manufactured vehicles, including the 2 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series Long Wheelbase, 5 Series Long Wheelbase, 7 Series Long Wheelbase, and their SUV range comprising the X1, X3, X5, and X7, along with the M340i.

Here are the models of BMW:

The increase will also impact BMW’s imported portfolio of completely built-up units (CBU), which includes its electric vehicles—the i4, i5, i7, i7 M70, iX1, and iX—as well as its performance models like the Z4 M40i, M2 Coupe, M4 Competition, M4 CS, M5, M8 Competition Coupe, and the hybrid XM.

BMW Group has maintained a significant presence in India with investments exceeding Rs 520 crore. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Chennai, maintains a parts warehouse in Pune, and runs a training centre in Gurugram.

Mercedes-Benz did similar Price Hike

In a parallel move, luxury car rival Mercedes-Benz India has also announced a similar price increase of up to 3% starting January 1, 2024, indicating a broader trend in the luxury automotive segment.

US Court unsealed Arrest Warrant against Gautam Adani last month

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Gautam Adani
Gautam Adani

A federal court in New York unsealed an arrest warrant on October 31, 2024, for Indian industrialist Gautam Adani, who faces bribery and fraud charges concerning India’s solar power contracts. The warrant’s unsealing, ordered by Judge Robert M Levy, aims to facilitate cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies.

Arrest warrant against Gautam Adani

The US Justice Department has charged Adani, his nephew, and six others with orchestrating a massive bribery scheme involving $265 million (Rs 2,029 crore) in payments to Indian government officials between 2020 and 2024. Prosecutors allege these bribes were paid to secure contracts with state electricity distribution companies.

At the centre of the case is a contract awarded to Adani Green Energy and Azure Power to supply 12 gigawatts of solar power to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). According to the indictment, when SECI struggled to find buyers due to high prices, the companies allegedly turned to bribery to salvage the deal.

Why was Gautam Adani indicted?

The US prosecutors claim the defendants concealed these illegal payments from American banks and investors who provided billions in funding for the solar project. The venture was projected to generate over $2 billion in profit over two decades.

The indictment mentions alleged bribes to government officials in five Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir, to secure contracts with state distribution companies.

While the alleged corruption occurred in India, US authorities assert jurisdiction because the case involves American investors and markets. Under US law, courts typically issue arrest warrants when defendants are not expected to appear voluntarily.

Adani Group calls the allegations ‘baseless’

The Adani Group has rejected the allegations, stating they are “baseless” and announcing their intention to contest the charges through legal channels.

This development marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny of one of India’s largest business conglomerates and its renewable energy operations.

Bigg Boss 18: Vivian, Avinash celebrates Shilpa’s birthday

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Bigg Boss 18
Bigg Boss 18

Bigg Boss 18: Bigg Boss 18 has taken an exciting turn with the introduction of three wildcard contestants who have stirred up the dynamics within the house. In a recent episode, the show introduced a gruelling torture task that pushed the housemates to their limits.

The episode kicked off with a heated discussion among the housemates regarding leftover food and the upcoming nominations. Tensions escalated as Vivian D’Sena, Karan Veer Mehra, Rajat Dalal, and others clashed over the division of duties and the role of the Time God.

Happy Birthday Shilpa!

Amidst the chaos, Shilpa Shirodkar addressed her recent disagreement with Vivian D’Sena. She expressed her disappointment over his lack of support during a previous argument and requested him to prepare aloo tikkis for her birthday instead of a traditional cake. Despite the past differences, the two reconciled and celebrated Shilpa’s birthday with Avinash Mishra and other housemates.

Torture task in Bigg Boss 18 house

Earlier in the week, Kashish Kapoor, Chaahat Pandey, and Eisha Singh – were tasked with tormenting fellow housemates Vivian D’Sena, Avinash Mishra, Digvijay Rathee, and Bagga.

The torturous acts included applying chilli powder, destroying coffee makers, applying wax and ice packs, and ruining sneakers.

‘No social media for under 16 kids’, Australia rules in Landmark Bill

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Australia
Australia

Australia’s centre-left government has introduced groundbreaking legislation proposing to ban social media access for children under 16, accompanied by potential fines of up to A$49.5 million for platforms violating the proposed regulations.

Australia bans social media for under 16 children

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the bill as a “landmark reform,” acknowledging potential workarounds but emphasizing the critical message to social media companies. “We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act,” Albanese stated.

The proposed legislation represents the most stringent social media age restrictions globally, with no exemptions for parental consent or existing accounts. Australia plans to implement an innovative age-verification system potentially utilizing biometrics or government identification.

Social media platforms to be hit

The bill would impact major platforms including Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, X, and Snapchat. While the opposition Liberal Party supports the legislation, independent and Green party members have requested additional details.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland highlighted the urgent need for intervention, revealing alarming statistics: “Almost two-thirds of 14 to 17-year-old Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm.”

Crucially, the proposed law shifts responsibility to social media platforms, mandating they implement robust age-verification protections. Platforms would be required to destroy collected user information, ensuring privacy safeguards.

What did PM Albanese say about the social media ban?

Albanese clarified that children would retain access to essential digital services like messaging, online gaming, educational platforms such as Google Classroom, and mental health support services like Headspace.

The government’s primary motivation stems from growing concerns about social media’s detrimental impact on children’s mental and physical health, particularly regarding body image issues and exposure to misogynistic content.

France did it earlier?

Internationally, Australia’s approach significantly surpasses existing regulations. France previously proposed age restrictions with parental consent loopholes, while the United States has maintained minimal protections for children under 13.

“Social media has a social responsibility… that’s why we are making big changes to hold platforms to account for user safety,” Rowland emphasized, signaling a transformative approach to digital child protection.

As the bill progresses through parliament, it promises to set a potentially global precedent in regulating social media access for minors.

Khan Market: India’s most expensive retail street, Now 22nd rank globally

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Khan Market
Khan Market

Delhi’s iconic Khan Market has once again cemented its position as India’s most expensive retail street, ranking 22nd globally, according to a recent report by Cushman & Wakefield. This year, the market has witnessed a 7% year-on-year rental growth, with annual rents reaching a staggering $229 per square foot.

Delhi’s Khan Market is now 22nd costliest market globally

Delhi-NCR has emerged as a dominant force in the global retail landscape, with three of its high streets making it to the top APAC rankings. Connaught Place and Galleria Market, Gurgaon, follow closely behind Khan Market, commanding annual rents of $158 and $156 per square foot, respectively.

While Khan Market continues to reign supreme, Bengaluru’s Indiranagar has claimed the title of the fastest-growing retail market in the Asia-Pacific region. In contrast, Chennai’s Anna Nagar has been identified as the most affordable retail destination in the region.

Here’s what experts say:

“Khan Market’s enduring popularity among affluent shoppers and its curated selection of premium brands has solidified its status as a high-end retail hotspot,” said Saurabh Shatdal, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Head-Retail-India, Cushman & Wakefield. “The limited availability of retail space in the area has fueled intense competition, driving up rental values.”

The report further highlights the resurgence of main streets across India, as supply constraints in malls have redirected demand towards these traditional shopping hubs. “Main streets have recorded a significant 11% year-on-year growth in leasing, reaching 3.8 million square feet in 2024,” added Shatdal.

What about the global scale?

On a global scale, Milan’s Via Montenapoleone has surpassed New York’s Upper 5th Avenue to become the world’s most expensive retail destination, with rents surging by nearly a third in the past two years.

“Despite the rise of e-commerce, super-prime physical retail spaces remain crucial to retailers’ strategies,” said Shatdal. “India’s strong economic growth and evolving consumer preferences position its retail sector for sustained success.”

The report analyzed 138 prime retail locations worldwide, revealing a global average rental increase of 4.4%. The Americas emerged as the strongest-performing region, driven by significant rental growth in the United States.