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Ramayana: Ranbir, Yash, Sai Pallavi to star in Two-Part Mythological Marvel

By
Alina Khan
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Ramayana
Ramayana

In a blockbuster announcement that’s sending ripples through Bollywood and beyond, Prime Focus Studios is bringing India’s most beloved epic to the silver screen – not once, but twice. The ambitious two-part “Ramayana,” helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari, is scheduled to unfold during Diwali festivities in 2026 and 2027.

Ranbir Kapoor starring ‘Ramayana’ to hit theatres in Diwali 2026

Namit Malhotra, Founder and Global CEO of Prime Focus Studios, unveiled the project with characteristic flair. “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest,” he shared on Instagram, describing a journey that sounds almost as epic as the tale itself. The mission? “To present the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation of our history, our truth, and our culture.”

What is the cast of Ramayana?

While official casting remains under wraps, Bollywood’s grapevine is buzzing louder than a monsoon storm. Heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly set to don Lord Ram’s crown, while the talented Sai Pallavi might step into Sita’s sacred footsteps.

But one piece of the celestial puzzle is confirmed: KGF superstar Yash will bring the mighty Ravana to life. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Yash couldn’t contain his enthusiasm: “It’s a very fascinating character… As an actor, I am very excited.” The actor-turned-co-producer promises “a very unique approach” to the iconic antagonist, suggesting this won’t be your grandmother’s Ramayana.

Unique Approach: Ramayana

This mammoth undertaking has been brewing for over ten years, with Malhotra and his teams working “tirelessly with only one purpose.” The project aims to transcend borders, presenting this timeless tale to audiences worldwide.

The announcement marks a bold move in Indian cinema, attempting to bring a 5000-year-old epic to 21st-century screens. With its star-studded cast, ambitious scale, and the promise of groundbreaking visuals, this “Ramayana” adaptation might just bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern spectacle. As Bollywood holds its breath, one thing’s certain: the countdown to Diwali 2026 just got a lot more interesting.

Pakistan launches ‘Smog War Room’ as Lahore Tops Global Pollution Rankings

By
Alina Khan
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0
Pakistan
Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, has established a “smog war room” to combat severe air pollution after recording the world’s highest pollution levels, pushing officials to take unprecedented action.

Pakistan’s Lahore launches smog war room

Swiss air quality monitor IQAir’s live rankings show that Lahore registered a staggering pollution index score of 1165, far surpassing New Delhi’s 299. This follows last week’s record-breaking score of 1900, which exceeded recommended levels by more than 120 times and prompted primary school closures and work-from-home orders.

“The war room committee will review weather and air quality forecasts … daily and monitor the performance and actions of field officers,” said Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for Punjab’s environment department. The initiative coordinates eight departments under a single leadership, managing issues from farm waste burning to traffic control through twice-daily analysis sessions.

What did Punjab’s minister say?

Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, attributed the toxic air to pollution from neighbouring India, just 25 kilometres away. She indicated that Pakistan’s foreign office would address this issue with India’s foreign ministry, according to an Indian Express interview.

The crisis reflects a broader regional challenge, as South Asia experiences intense winter pollution when cold air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from agricultural fires. A recent study suggests this pollution could reduce life expectancy in the region by more than five years.

Delhi’s Air Quality Index

Meanwhile, New Delhi, ranked the world’s most polluted capital for four consecutive years by IQAir, is exploring artificial rain as a potential solution, according to its environment minister.

The establishment of Lahore’s war room marks a significant step in addressing the region’s air quality crisis, though the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. With both Pakistan and India grappling with severe air pollution, the situation highlights the need for cross-border cooperation in tackling this environmental emergency.

Donald Trump projected to win US Presidential Election over Harris

By
Alina Khan
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0
Donald Trump
Donald Trump

In what appears to be a decisive victory, Donald Trump is projected to return to the White House, outperforming Democratic challenger Kamala Harris in a closely contested presidential election. According to network projections, Trump’s campaign has gained significant momentum by potentially securing crucial swing states, including Pennsylvania.

Electoral Landscape – Donald Trump to win

Current projections show that Trump led with 266 electoral votes, shy of the 270 needed for victory. Despite winning California’s substantial electoral college allocation, Harris stands at 214 votes, according to Associated Press (AP) projections. The Harris campaign’s decision to cancel her planned appearance at Howard University, her alma mater, signalled diminishing hopes as supporters began departing the venue.

Meanwhile, celebrations are underway at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where Trump supporters and staff have gathered as favourable results continue to arrive.

Battleground State Breakdown

The election’s outcome has largely been shaped by several key battleground states:

– Georgia: Trump successfully flipped this state, which Biden had narrowly won in 2020

– Pennsylvania: With 94% of ballots counted, Trump leads by 3 percentage points, securing 19 electoral votes

– North Carolina: Remained in Republican control, strengthening Trump’s path to victory

– Arizona: A nail-biting race shows Trump maintaining a slight edge (49.7% to Harris’s 49.5%) with half the votes counted

– Nevada: Trump leads by 3.9 points with 77% of votes tallied

Congressional Shift

The election has also reshaped Congress, with Republicans gaining control of the Senate after winning Democratic seats in West Virginia and Ohio. The House of Representatives, previously under narrow Republican control, was also contested in this election.

State-by-State Results of the US Presidential Election

Democratic Strongholds:

Harris secured victories in traditional blue states, including:

– New York (28 electoral votes)

– Illinois (19 electoral votes)

– New Jersey (14 electoral votes)

– Several New England states and the West Coast

Republican Territory:

Donald Trump maintained his grip on conservative strongholds:

– Texas (40 electoral votes)

– Florida (30 electoral votes)

– Ohio (17 electoral votes)

– Multiple Southern and Midwestern states

Historic Implications

This election carried significant historical potential, with Harris vying to become the first female, Black, and South Asian-American president. Trump’s projected victory marks a remarkable political comeback, adding another chapter to his unprecedented political career.

Voter Participation and Concerns

The election saw record voter turnout, with democracy’s state and economic issues ranking as top concerns in exit polls. Trump, who faced two reported assassination attempts during the campaign, cast his ballot near his Florida residence, stating, “If I lose an election, if it’s a fair election, I’m gonna be the first one to acknowledge it.”

Race to 270

The path to victory has centred on remaining battleground states: while Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have been called, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin remain too close for definitive projections. The final outcome could potentially take days to confirm if margins remain tight, as pre-election polling suggested.

Looking Ahead

As vote counting continues in several states, attention turns to the transition process and potential legal challenges. The election’s outcome will significantly impact domestic and international policy directions for the next four years.

This historic election, marked by unprecedented circumstances and heightened political tensions, appears to be drawing to a close with Trump positioned for a return to the presidency, though final certifications are still pending in several key states.

Xiaomi India President Muralikrishnan B Resigns: Reports

By
Alina Khan
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0
Muralikrishnan B
Muralikrishnan B

Bengaluru: Xiaomi India President Muralikrishnan B has stepped down from his role at the company, as reported by Moneycontrol. The executive, who joined Xiaomi in 2018 and was elevated to the president’s position in 2022, oversaw the significant growth of the Chinese smartphone maker’s Indian subsidiary.

Xiaomi India President Muralikrishnan B. resigns

While Xiaomi has yet to officially confirm the news, industry sources indicate that Muralikrishnan’s departure is due to personal reasons. It’s reported that he plans to pursue a doctorate at the Indian School of Business and will be on a six-month gardening leave after leaving Xiaomi.

In the interim, Xiaomi’s Alvin Tse will continue in his role as India Head, and Chief Operating Officer Sudhin Mathur, a former executive at Motorola and Lenovo, is expected to take the lead on operations in India.

Who is Muralikrishnan B?

Muralikrishnan’s tenure at Xiaomi India was marked by both successes and challenges. He navigated the company through a period of scrutiny from Indian government agencies over alleged illegal remittances. Despite this setback, Xiaomi India continued to maintain its position as one of the leading smartphone brands in the country.

Xiaomi India has not yet announced a successor to Muralikrishnan or provided further details regarding the leadership transition.

Instagram rolls out New Feature to Streamline Creator DMs

By
Alina Khan
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0
Instagram
Instagram

Instagram has introduced a new feature designed to simplify the way creators interact with other creators and businesses on the platform. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, announced the development via a social media post.

The new feature allows creators to sort and filter direct message (DM) requests based on the account type. This means creators can efficiently sift through messages from verified accounts, businesses, other creators, or subscribers, reducing the time spent scrolling through numerous requests.

This latest update comes on the heels of Instagram’s recent decision to lower the quality of stories and Reels that don’t garner significant views. This move is aimed at optimizing computational resources for content that is actively consumed by a larger audience.

Simplifying DM Management in Instagram

Mosseri explained in a video post that the new sorting and filtering options are designed to help creators “easily find the messages you don’t want to miss.” In addition to sorting by recency and follower count, creators can now filter messages based on specific account types.

To further streamline the DM experience, Instagram has introduced a new “Story Replies” folder, consolidating all story replies in one place for easy access.

Recent Feature Additions to Instagram

In recent months, Instagram has been actively introducing new features to enhance user experience. These include:

  • Customizable Profile Cards: Creators can now create personalized two-sided digital cards to share their profiles with others, with various customization options available.
  • Song-on-Profile Feature: Users can add a song to their profile to reflect their current mood or personality, adding another layer of customization.

These new features demonstrate Instagram’s commitment to providing creators with tools to better engage with their audience and manage their platform presence.

FTII student’s ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ makes it to Oscars 2025

By
Alina Khan
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0
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know

A whimsical tale about a stolen rooster is taking flight from an Indian film school to Hollywood’s biggest stage. “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” a 16-minute short film by Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student Chidananda S Naik, has secured a coveted spot in the Live Action Short Film category for the 2025 Academy Awards.

‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ listed for Oscars 2025

The film, which earlier this year charmed its way to first prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, weaves a captivating narrative inspired by Indian folklore. At its heart is an elderly woman whose seemingly simple act of stealing a village rooster sets off an extraordinary chain of events, leading to a prophecy that forces her family into exile.

FTII announced the Oscar qualification on Instagram, celebrating their student production’s remarkable journey: “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, an FTII student film, OFFICIALLY QUALIFIES for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film Category! The film’s poignant and profound narrative is centered on an elderly woman who steals the village rooster.”

That’s not it – La Cinef Jury at Cannes also loved it!

The film’s unique storytelling caught the eye of the La Cinef Jury at Cannes, who praised it as “an illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humour and a keen sense of direction.”

Behind this achievement stands a talented student crew: Chidananda S Naik as director, Suraj Thakur handling camera work, Manoj V on editing duties, and Abhishek Kadam managing sound. Their final year exercise at FTII has transformed into an international sensation, gathering accolades including a winning spot at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.

As “Sunflowers” heads to the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, it carries with it not just a stolen rooster but the hopes of an emerging generation of Indian filmmakers. This qualification marks another milestone in India’s growing presence on the global cinema stage, proving that sometimes the most local stories can find the most universal appeal.

Temple Attack escalates India-Canada Row: Here’s what S Jaishankar said…

By
Alina Khan
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0
India-Canada row
India-Canada row

India-Canada row: A violent incident at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Ontario, has further strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, with both nations’ leaders responding to the altercation.

Temple attack in Brampton increases India-Canada row

The clash, which occurred on Monday, involved protesters carrying Khalistani flags confronting people at the temple premises. Social media footage showed physical altercations, including individuals fighting with flagpoles near the temple grounds.

Peel Regional Police intervened and arrested three individuals on charges of assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence through a statement on X: “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”

S Jaishankar slams Canada for this attack

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized Canada’s broader approach to bilateral issues, stating that Canada has “developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics.” He expressed deep concern about the temple attack and called Canada’s alleged surveillance of Indian diplomats “unacceptable.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesperson Randir Jaiswal, urged Canadian authorities to enhance protection for places of worship. “We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted,” Jaiswal stated.

This incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following Trudeau’s September 2023 allegation about potential Indian involvement in Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death, a claim India has firmly denied.

PM Modi also speaks up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, condemning what he described as “cowardly attempts” to intimidate Indian diplomats.

The temple attack and its aftermath highlight the ongoing diplomatic challenges between India and Canada, particularly regarding the treatment of religious institutions and the broader context of Khalistani activism in Canada.

Gender Gap Takes Center Stage in 2024 US Presidential Elections

By
Alina Khan
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0
US Presidential Elections
US Presidential Elections

The 2024 US presidential elections are shaping up to be a decisive battle of the sexes, with the women’s vote emerging as a critical factor that could determine the next occupant of the White House.

2024 US Presidential elections, is gender gap a matter of concern?

Recent polling data reveals a stark gender divide, with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris gaining significant traction among female voters while Donald Trump continues to struggle with this demographic. According to historical voting patterns tracked by the Center For American Women and Politics, female voter turnout has consistently exceeded male participation in every presidential election since 1964.

“The women’s vote will be decisive this election,” says Katherine Tate, a Brown University political scientist. “If Harris wins, it will be because women elected her.” Tate attributes Trump’s challenges with female voters to his “abrasive language and aggression.”

Is it a battle of the sexes?

The gender gap in voting preferences has become increasingly pronounced. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden secured 55% of women voters compared to Trump’s 44%. Similarly, in 2016, Hillary Clinton captured 54% of the female vote while Trump managed only 39%.

Recent Gallup analysis highlights a significant shift in young women’s political leanings: “Women aged 18 to 29 today are more liberal than young women in the past on specific issues, particularly the environment and abortion.” This trend has contributed to the Democratic Party’s growing support among female voters, even as they face declining support from Black and Latino men.

The importance of male voter turnout hasn’t gone unnoticed by Republican supporters. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk recently posted, “Early vote has been disproportionately female. If men stay at home, Kamala is president. It’s that simple. If you want a vision of the future if you don’t vote, imagine Kamala’s voice cackling, forever. Men need to GO VOTE NOW.”

Did Donald Trump address about gender gap?

Trump’s campaign has attempted to address the gender gap, with the former president making direct appeals to women voters. At a recent Indiana rally, he stated, “You will no longer have anxiety from all of the problems our country has today. You will be protected, and I will be your protector. Women will be happy, healthy, confident and free.” However, this approach has been criticized for its patronizing tone.

Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s appeal to women, telling The Independent that he is “loved by millions of women across the country, and those who know him personally, myself included, will tell you he’s supportive, generous and kind.”

Still, Trump’s background is in the dark when it comes to females!

However, Trump’s relationship with female voters remains complicated by his history of controversial statements and accusations. Since the 1970s, at least 27 women have accused him of sexual assault and misconduct, allegations he has consistently denied. CNN reports that Trump has been questioning his advisers about his inability to connect with women voters.

As the election approaches, both campaigns are intensifying their focus on women voters, with abortion rights and immigration emerging as key issues that could influence the female vote. The outcome of this election may well hinge on whether Harris can maintain her advantage among women voters or if Trump can narrow the significant gender gap that has characterized his previous campaigns.

Ananya Panday’s “Dream Come True” Moment: Her Face on ‘Fuljhadi’

By
Alina Khan
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0
Ananya Panday
Ananya Panday

In an endearing moment captured during the Panday family’s Diwali celebrations, actress Ananya Panday discovered her image on firecracker packets, leading to a heartwarming reaction that has since gone viral on social media.

Ananya Panday’s ‘Dream Come True’ moment

The incident, documented in a YouTube vlog posted by her cousin Alanna Panday and husband Ivor McCray, shows the young actress’s genuine surprise and delight upon seeing her picture on ‘fuljhadi’ (sparkler) boxes. Dressed in a pink salwar suit, Ananya’s eyes widened with joy as she exclaimed, “I’m on the fuljhadi… That’s my dream!”

The Call Me Bae star’s excitement was so palpable that she immediately shared the discovery with her mother, Bhavana Pandey. Adding humour to the moment, her uncle Chikki Panday quipped, “If you’re on the fuljhadi packet na, you’ve arrived,” marking it as a milestone in her career.

A family photo with Ananya & her face on crackers

The family commemorated the occasion with photographs, with Ananya posing alongside her parents, all beaming with pride over what she described as a “dream-come-true” moment. The actress’s authenticity in celebrating this simple achievement has resonated with fans, making the clip go viral across social media platforms.

Currently, the 25-year-old actress is juggling multiple projects, including the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s web series Call Me Bae. She’s also set to appear in an upcoming untitled film alongside industry veterans Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan.

The viral moment, captured in the 15-minute vlog, offers fans a glimpse into the Panday family’s festive celebrations while highlighting how even established celebrities can find joy in unexpected places. It’s these unscripted, genuine reactions that continue to endear Ananya to her audience.

Bigg Boss 18: Time God Vivian gets Nomination Power, these 4 are on Target…

By
Alina Khan
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0
Bigg Boss 18
Bigg Boss 18

Bigg Boss 18: The tension escalated in the Bigg Boss house as actor Vivian Dsena exercised his special nomination powers, putting four contestants on the chopping block for this week’s eviction.

In a dramatic segment dubbed “The Hungry Octopus,” Bigg Boss set the stage with a cryptic announcement: “Today, to satisfy the hunger of this octopus, you must directly nominate contestants for eviction.” The nomination process quickly turned into a heated exchange of words between Dsena and his chosen nominees.

Bigg Boss 18: Time God Vivian gets Nomination Power

First in Dsena’s crosshairs was Rajat Dalal. “The octopus is very hungry, so the one with the most meat should step forward, Rajat,” Dsena declared, criticizing Dalal’s tendency to shift opinions based on circumstances. Dalal defended himself, stating, “It’s not about changing my stance; it’s about saying something that doesn’t require me to justify myself.”

The Madhubala actor then turned his attention to Shrutika Arjun, advising her to be more direct in expressing opinions. Shrutika shot back with a sharp retort: “Your mind doesn’t grasp things easily, which is why it takes you longer to explain.”

Karan Veer Mehra found himself third on the list, with Dsena citing the unclear presentation of his opinions as the reason for nomination.

The final nomination went to Chahat Pandey, whom Dsena accused of pursuing personal agendas within the game. “Her arguments lack substance, and she just keeps repeating the same things repeatedly. I think we don’t need such people in this house,” he stated.

What next in Bigg Boss 18?

The latest episode highlights the growing tensions and strategic gameplay in the reality show’s eighteenth season. As the nominations set the stage for potential eliminations, viewers can expect more drama and confrontations in the coming episodes.

Bigg Boss 18, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, continues to entertain audiences daily at 10 pm, with weekend episodes airing at 9:30 pm.

The episode underscores the show’s signature blend of strategy, drama, and interpersonal conflicts that have made it a staple of Indian television entertainment.

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