Pandya 'Baffling, KKR Had No Right To Win': Ex-IPL Champion Shreds MI

Australia's World Cup-winner allrounder Shane Watson said that the Kolkata-based franchise didn't deserve to win the match as they lost the first five wickets very quickly

Shraddha Kapoor features in MyGlamm Super Makeup Range as Brand Ambassador

(Photo:Instagram) With the aim of empowering women to embrace their diverse identities, MyGlamm launches the Super Range with Actor, Brand Ambassador Shraddha Kapoor with four new makeup products that adapt to every role a woman plays, fueled by the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou movement. Good Glamm Group portfolio brand MyGlamm, India's #1 online D2C makeup brand launches super successful franchise Super Serum Makeup with campaign #SuperMakeupForSuperYou featuring actress, brand ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor in a DVC, introducing four new products. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is an innovative collection of makeup products designed to cater to the multi-tasking lifestyle of today's empowered women, with a lineup of versatile beauty essentials that aim to redefine conventional makeup routines and empower users to express their unique identities effortlessly. MyGlamm's latest DVC starring Brand Ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor highlights the Super Serum Makeup franchise with MyGlamm Super Makeup Range to #GlammUpLikeAStar, including the four new products - Super-Kohl Long Stay Kajal, Super-Lash Volumizing Mascara, Super-Duo Lipstick + Liquid Lipstick and Super-4 4-in-1 Liquid Lipstick Stack - groundbreaking products that combine the benefits of serum and makeup in one. With added SPF for protection, this product promises to revolutionize skincare-infused makeup routines in India, with the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou campaign. Commenting on the launch, Shraddha Kapoor, Actress, Brand Ambassador, MyGlamm said, As a woman constantly on the move, I understand the importance of makeup that keeps up with your busy lifestyle. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is tailored for women like us, offering versatile products that effortlessly transition from day to night. The #SuperMakeupForASuperYou is a belief that every woman is capable of embracing her inner superhero through the power of self-expression and confidence and I am super thrilled to be part of it. Sukhleen Aneja, CEO of Good Brands Co, expressed her excitement about the launch, stating , We are thrilled to introduce MyGlamm's Super Makeup Range, offering multi-functional makeup solutions for women who are juggling myriad roles within their lives .We aim to deliver versatile, high performance products that resonate with the vibrant lifestyles of contemporary Indian women of today. With the Super Makeup Range, we are redefining makeup by offering innovative multi-tasking solutions that empower women to express themselves effortlessly. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is specifically created for the Super-Nari of today, celebrating the multi-tasker extraordinaire who defies conventional norms and takes on various roles with ease. Whether you're a friend, sister, mother, or CEO, the Super Range is tailored to fit seamlessly into your diverse roles and lifestyles. With the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou campaign, MyGlamm aims to break free from pre-defined beauty standards and offer makeup solutions that adapt to the diverse needs of modern women.

'KKR had no right to win...': Ex-Aussie all-rounder

After the clash between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, Australia's World Cup-winner allrounder Shane Watson said that the Kolkata-based franchise didn't deserve to win the match as they lost the first five wickets very quickly.

Seeking Top Management job position in UAE

Accomplished GM with 20+ years of experience in themed restaurants, fine dining, QSR, & franchising. MBA grad. Seeking GM role to drive growth & excellence. []

PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years

PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said leaders of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc take out rallies in support of the corrupt. ''The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption; Modi is committed to wipe out the menace. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action,'' he said at a poll rally in Gumla's Sisai to campaign for BJP candidate Samir Oraon from the Lohardaga Lok Sabha seat. The INDIA bloc leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. No force on earth can stop free ration delivery to the poor, this is Modi's guarantee, the prime minister asserted. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor get access to the internet, which was meant only for rich people during the Congress rule. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's vote bank.

Not many takers for ECIs initiative on home voting in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) pioneering initiative to facilitate home voting, introduced for the first time, in the parliamentary polls for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) didn't find many takers in Chhattisgarh. The ECIs plan was intended to make the electoral process all-inclusive and accessible by enabling voting convenient for eligible citizens about 85 years of age and PwDs with 40 percent benchmark disability, giving them an opportunity and a privilege to choose to exercise their right to franchise from home in the new move as part of festival of democracy. Despite the facility of home voting offered by the Commission kept easy, the initiative evidentlycouldn't generate much appeal to persuade or motivatethe eligible voters who were required to complete Form 12D within five days of the election notification and submit it to the returning officer. The PwD voters have to provide a certificate on their baseline disability along with their applications. Elections in Chhattisgarh are in three phasesApril 19, April 26 and May 7. According to the data acquired from the state chief electoral office, in the first phase of the restive Bastar constituency where the elector count of elderly citizens and PwD are 16190, only 254 applications were received and 223 voted sitting at home. The second phase comprising three Lok Sabha seats too didn't evoke a promising response as many were not inspired with the ECs offer. Only 1346 applications were received out of the eligible 67950 voters (16644 were 85+ and 51306 as PwDs) and 1267 of them availed the facility. In the third phase covering 7 constituencies, there are 191196 eligible for home voting out of the 1.39 crore voters. However in this phase the total applications received were 2927 and till 2 May 2687 have voted. Only those voters whose applications were received can only be entitled for home voting facility. The official admitted the response has not been heartening but will surely improve in the coming years. One plausible reason for less applications received could perhaps be that senior citizens or PwDs might like to join as vibrant voter participation, keep the zeal high on polling day to realise it as #DeshkaGarv or f#ChunavkaParv by visiting the polling centres. Still some might be out of their place of living for individual causes or perhaps health reasons, the officer added.

England Women's Cricket Coach Jon Lewis Using AI To Pick Team

England Women's cricket coach Jon Lewis revealed Friday he is using artificial intelligence to aid team selection, saying the technology helped his side square last season's Ashes. Lewis first became familiar with the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the UP Warriorz franchise in India's Women's Premier League. Now the 48-year-old former England paceman uses the company to assist with his decisions about squad composition, team balance and in-game match-ups between players. The system plots projected outcomes depending on the composition of each side. I can send multiple different line-ups to the PSi in London and they run, I think, about 250,000 simulations per team that I send, with all different permutations that could happen through the game, he said. We are able to run simulated teams versus the simulated opposition to give us an idea about how those teams may match up against each other. I came across it during my time at UP Warriorz and it's something I looked at and thought it could add some value to the England Women's cricket team. Lewis said he still favoured a people-first approach but he added: What data can do is give you a really objective view of what could happen and what has happened previously. I think it will help with borderline decisions in terms of selection and match-ups. Lewis, who has spoken to England's rugby union coach Steve Borthwick about his own use of the PSi model, said the system had proved its worth as his side drew last season's multi-format Women's Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia. There was one selection particularly last year, one period of the Ashes that we targeted as a team, said Lewis, speaking at the announcement of England's squad for T20 and ODI series at home to Pakistan later this month. There were a couple of selections where AI really helped because both players I was thinking about picking were both in really good form and were both really selectable and it did help with those selections. We saw a real strength in Australia and we matched up our strength to that. That worked really, really well and it helped us win the T20 series in particular, which got us back in the Ashes. AI is becoming an increasing feature of top-level sport, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach saying last month it could help identify talented athletes in every corner of the world. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates He said AI could also provide more athletes with access to personalised training methods.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Receives Glowing Early Reviews: 'Summer Blockbuster'

While many critics believe that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes might not be the best in the sci-fi franchise, they, however, agree that the movie is a fantastic continuation of the plot.

Rosamund Pike joins the cast of 'Now You See Me 3'

Actor Rosamund Pike has officially joined the cast of 'Now You See Me 3'. Details of her role in the third installment of the magic-themed franchise have been kept under wraps, but she will have a pivotal role in the film according to a press release. Pike joins the previously announced cast members Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman are all returning for the threequel Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer is set to helm 'Now You See Me 3' with Eric Warren Singer, Seth Graham Smith, and Mike Lesslie penning the script. Plot details for the film are unclear at this point, but the film is set to once again delve into the world of the illusionists. The story will not just follow the Horsemen but also introduce the audience to a new generation of magicians. Backed by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman of Secret Hideout, Meredith Wieck and Chisom Ude will oversee the project for Lionsgate. Pike, best known for her performances in movies such as 'Pride & Prejudice', 'Gone Girl' and 'I Care A Lot', most recently starred in Saltburn, which earned her BAFTA and Golden Globes nominations. She will be next seen in the psychological thriller 'Hallow Road' and in 'Lionsgate' and Guy Ritchies 'In the Grey'. She will also be seen in the third season of her Prime Video series 'The Wheel of Time'.

Palnadu: 1,350 voters to exercise franchise through VfH

GUNTUR : As many as 19,095 employees will administer votes through postal ballot on May 5,6 and 7 in Palnadu district, informed Collector Sivasankar Lotheti. Addressing a press conference, he said that employees who are allotted poll duties are provided with postal ballots to exercise their franchise prior to the polling date on May 13. He also said that the Election Commission of India has introduced Vote from Home (VfH) facility through postal ballots for two categories of voters, individuals aged 85 years and above, apart from persons with disabilities (PwD), with minimum 40 per cent certified differently-abled. Under the provision, two polling officials will visit eligible voters accompanied by a videographer and record the voting process at the voters residences. On May 5, POs, APOs, OPOs and micro observers will administer their votes. In addition to this, home voting will be held on May 8, and 9. A total of 1,350 people, including 714 with age above 85 years and 636 differently-abled can exercise their franchise at their home in the district. As many as 41 special polling teams have been formed including 246 employees and 41 routes have been proposed in seven constituencies. A text message will be sent to the voters a day before the polling on May 7.

Tribals seek transportation facility to exercise franchise in ASR district

VISAKHAPATNAM: Tribal people of Kalyan Gummi village in Gumma Panchayat of Ananthagiri mandal in Alluri Sitarama Raju district find themselves at a crossroads as the general elections are just 10 days away. Amidst the fervour of political campaign and promises, the tribal community of the remote village is grappling with a pressing concern, which is the daunting task of reaching the polling booth to cast their votes. Hindered by geographical isolation and inadequate transportation infrastructure, the tribals are voicing their demand for essential facilities to ensure their participation in the democratic process. The village, comprising 22 families with a total of 40 eligible voters, is situated in a remote location. The primary issue stems from the lack of proper transportation infrastructure connecting Kalyan Gummi to the nearby Cherukubidda polling station, located in the same Ananthagiri mandal. To cast their votes, the tribals are compelled to embark on an arduous journey spanning approximately 70 km, traversing through hilly terrain and across two districts. The route entails a series of challenges, beginning with a 15 km trek through the hills of Anakapalle district to reach the starting point at Maddigaruvu. From there, the journey involves taking an auto via Kothuru and continuing through Gangapudi in Vizianagaram district before finally arriving at Cherukubidda via Srungavarapukota to cast their votes. Faced with these obstacles, the tribals are seeking provision of transportation facility by the district authorities and the Election Commission to facilitate their participation in the electoral process. Kondababu of Kalyan Gummi emphasised the importance of voting as a fundamental right of all citizens. The journey to the polling station includes covering a distance of 70 km round trip, consuming nearly six hours of travel time. As casting vote is a fundamental right of all citizens, we urge the Election Commission and district authorities to provide transportation facility for us, which would alleviate the financial strain we face, given our modest financial circumstances, he said. He also urged the government to provide job cards and support initiatives aimed at fostering financial independence among the tribals.

Kristen Stewart, Oscar Isaac to star in 'Flesh Of The Gods'

Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac are teaming up to star in a vampire thriller, Flesh Of The Gods. The film is helmed by Panos Cosmatos, who is best known for his 2018 action-horror Mandy. The story revolves around Raoul and Alex, a married couple in the 80s. They live in Los Angeles and every night, they leave their posh apartment and enter a wild, exciting nightlife scene. One night, they meet a mysterious person named Nameless and her group of party-loving friends. Raoul and Alex are drawn into a flashy, strange world full of fun, but also danger and excitement. Oscar Isaac is set to portray Raoul and Kristen Stewart will portray Alex. Adam McKay and Betsy Koch of Hyperobject Industries and Gena Konstantinakos and Isaac for Mad Gene Media are producing the film. The script is penned by Andrew Kevin Walker based on a story by Cosmatos and Walker. The film is to start shooting later this year. Kristen Stewart is best known for her roles in the Twilight franchise, Panic Room, Love Lies Bleeding, Spencer, Crimes of the Future, and Personal Shopper. Isaac Oscar is best known for his roles in A Most Violent Year, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Two Faces of January, and Ex Machina.

'Aranmanai 4' movie review: An in-form Sundar C finds the sweet spot between humour and horror

CHENNAI : Some ideas are par for the course in the Aranmanai franchise, like the nightly ghost routine, the not-so-novel use of heroines, the hit-or-miss comedy... Despite all of this, Aranmanai 4 doesnt succumb to franchise fatigue, mainly due to refreshing plot twists and Sundar Cs mastery of commercial filmmaking. Truth be told, the film doesnt get off to a good start. Advocate Saravanan (Sundar C) fights bad guys who are against a love marriage, with the scene serving as a mere exposition of his love for his sister Selvi (Tamannaah), who, we learn, eloped with her lover (Santhosh Pratap) 10 years ago. Having not heard from her for a very long time, the news of his sister and brother-in-laws sudden deaths shatter Saravanan, who leaves for the village where they reside to learn that their deaths arent as straightforward as being reported by the police. In fact, the veracity of their deaths comes under question. Things get murkier when Saravanan goes out on an investigation. And all of this is what Aranmanai 4 is all about. In a refreshing departure from the franchise, the evil being in Aranmanai 4 has no personal vendetta with the family in question. This wise choice by writers Sundar C, Venkatt Ragavan, and SB Ramadass has rendered the screenplay flexible enough to conjure mystery by showing seemingly unrelated events in random peoples lives that ultimately have a connection. Neither does the connection lack originality nor are we able to guess the eventual reveal. This suspense, a rarity in an Aranmanai film, is sustained gainfully in the first half. Discovering the presence of the evil creature, Baak, and certain qualities ascribed to it in the second half is instrumental in introducing the twists and the eventual challenges in taking it down. All of this adds spice to the second half. Audiences familiar with the Aranmanai franchise will not mind tonal inconsistency, especially when the comedy scenes evoke laughter. This film is an example of how comedy on paper can convincingly get replicated on screen. Just like the film itself, the comedy scenes also begin underwhelmingly but gradually get better. The pre-climax scene, in particular, is a laugh riot. Sundar Cs Saravanan is laudable for taking the back seat for the majority of the runtime. Feeling clueless about what happened to his family and what is going on in the village makes us empathetic towards the character. Morphing into a superhero for the climax fight has long ceased to be an oddity; it is still not readily acceptable given what we have seen of him for over two hours. Also, a relatively less problematic portrayal of the leading ladies makes Aranmanai 4 better than its predecessors. Tamannaahs Selvi is a compelling character, and the actors performance sells the mandatory flashback. To a lesser degree, Raashii Khannas Maya is useful too, and crucially, isnt wasted on a romantic track or relegated to being mere eye candy. The otherworldly elements in this film, no matter how far-fetched they are, still need to come with certain rules within the storys universe. And yet, I found myself wishing that the evil spirit had been written better and not restricted to just being the cause of jump scares. Another letdown is the supposed powers of the good spirit and how the film doesnt really get into it. These are scenes that try to make the most of VFX, which too is just par for the course. Yet, Sundar C keeps things engaging enough with suspense and twists, and add some effective comedy, emotional strength, and measured music by Hip Hop Adhi, and you have got the recipe for an entertaining Aranmanai film. The cameos at the end and the lead to a fifth installment only add to the intrigue, making a strong case for the extension of this franchise. Sundar C clearly has something to fall Baak on. Film: Aranmanai 4 Director: Sundar C Cast: Sundar C, Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, Santhosh Pratap, Yogi Babu, Kovai Sarala Rating: 3/5

RCB hope power-hitter Will Jacks leads from the front against GT

Languishing at the bottom of the points table with three wins from 10 matches, the Bengaluru franchise is clinging to a flimsy thread of hope of making the playoffs. A rain-marred contest against a struggling Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy stadium will wash away even the mathematical chance Faf du Plessis and his men have of advancing in the competition.

Logs worth 5L seized in PTR, 4 held

Chatra admin, NTPC hold voters programme

25 senior cops keep hawk eye on campaign

HC allows Hemant to attend shradh of uncle in police custody

Third-gender candidate files nomination for Dhanbad seat

BCCL to pay dividend to CIL for the first time

Days after evading arrest, Giridih candidate summoned by poll office

ACs, coolers fly off shelves as mercury soars in Ranchi

Borewell operators now need to notify RMC prior to drilling

Thousands wait in blazing sun for PMs roadshow in Ranchi

38 of 45 girls of CMs school of excellence fail in intermediate exam

BJP appeals to migrant voters to come home and vote

JSR school felicitates ICSE toppers, best mom for supporting daughter

Nine candidates take political plunge to bring social change

Paramount will let exclusive talks with Skydance lapse, NYT reports

Paramount will let exclusive talks with Skydance lapse, NYT reports Paramount Global will end its exclusive negotiations with Skydance Media without reaching a deal, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Paramount rose 3% in extended trading. A special committee of the Paramount board, created to evaluate offers for the company, has been holding exclusive deal talks with Skydance Media. That period of exclusivity ends Friday. Skydance Media and a spokesman for the special committee of the Paramount board declined to comment. Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity firm Apollo Global Management on Wednesday submitted a $26 billion offer for Paramount Global but have yet to receive a response as of Friday, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The companies submitted a non-binding offer letter on Wednesday, signed by Sony Pictures Chief Executive Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo partner Aaron Sobel, a source confirmed to Reuters. The $26 billion offer is a combination of cash and assumption of debt. Paramount's special committee is set to meet on Saturday to discuss the deal, NYT reported, citing two people with knowledge of the company's plans. Sony would hold a majority stake in the venture, a source previously told Reuters, and operate Paramount, whose movie library spans Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and The Godfather, alongside TV characters like SpongeBob SquarePants. Apollo would be a minority shareholder. The last-minute expression of interest from Sony and Apollo may well force Paramount's board to evaluate other offers, especially after some shareholders raised concerns about the deal with David Ellison's Skydance and have urged Paramount to consider other offers, including the one from Apollo. Apollo declined comment to Reuters, which reported in April that Sony's SPE and Apollo were in talks about a joint bid. Paramount and Sony also declined comment on the Apollo-Sony offer, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The rival offer comes at a tumultuous time for Paramount. Shari Redstone's media empire replaced CEO Bob Bakish with a trio of executives on Monday, while four independent members of the Paramount board are set to step down at the company's annual shareholder meeting on June 4. Bakish was once viewed as Redstone's loyal lieutenant. However, their relationship began to sour in May 2023, when he urged Redstone to support a cut the company's share dividend, saying it would help lift Paramount's sagging stock -- a prediction that never came true, according to two sources close to Redstone. PARAMOUNT'S STRUGGLES Paramount has been struggling to recover from last year's months-long strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, a soft advertising market and cord-cutting in the United States that has eroded profit for its TV business. Its streaming service also widely trails rivals such as Netflix and Disney+ in subscriber numbers - even though Redstone had hoped the merger of CBS and Viacom in 2019 would help the combined company, later renamed Paramount Global, compete better. Shares of Paramount have fallen more than 65% since then, losing more than $14 billion in market value. At Wednesday's closing price of $12.26, the company was valued at $7.67 billion, according to LSEG data. It has more than $14 billion of debt. The potential acquisition would help SPE grow its share of the North American box office. Sony Pictures earned $1.01 billion in U.S. and Canada box office revenue last year, compared with Paramount's $842.4 million, according to data from Comscore. SPE, a unit of Tokyo-based Sony Group, says its operations span movie and television production, acquisition and distribution, digital content creation and distribution, studio facility operation and the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. The group has more than 3,500 movie titles and notable franchises such as Jumanji, Resident Evil and James Bond. This is not the first time Sony has pursued Paramount. Vinciquerra had previously approached Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, to explore acquiring the Paramount Pictures film studio, according to two people familiar with the matter. At the time, Redstone was uninterested in breaking up the company, according to one of the sources. The latest overture would mark the beginning of a process that would involve due diligence. There also are potential regulatory obstacles to Sony Pictures, a division of the Tokyo-based Sony Group, owning Paramount's CBS broadcast network. Sony's U.S.-based partner, Apollo, acquired Cox Media Group's television stations in a 2019 deal that required approval of the Federal Communications Commission.

Daughter of suspected Maoist aide arrested

How to get bejewelled balloters to the booth

South Bengaluru, south Chennai, south Delhi, south Mumbai, south Kolkata. There is something special about the southern parts of Indian metros that makes the affluent stay there. Quite the contrast from the laggard Global South. The problem with what we might call Indias Urban South is that they dont like lifestyle disruptions like voting at elections. We have seen that this year in the constituencies of Chennai South and Bengaluru South, both of which saw less than 55 percent voters showing up. I am tempted to bet their Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai counterparts may try to match them in low turnouts. Not even the talk of a never-proposed but much-disposed inheritance tax may shake them from their electoral slumber, unless you think out of the ballot box. About 15 years ago, a friend listed in jest 10 reasons why Mumbai Souths elite voters didnt show up to vote in 2009. Two reasons stood out: no valet parking, and they didnt want to stand in the same queue as their household help. Youve got to say bye-bye to voting if you spot your bai out there. In the best tradition of Indian-style innovation, I am thinking of ways to end such apathy. While at that, I am also intrigued by the tendency of Indians in general and the affluent in particular to splurge or lose money through various endeavours while hating the thing called tax. Its not a condition peculiar only to India. The Beatles sang in their 1966 song, Taxman : Now my advice for those who die (taxman) / Declare the pennies on your eyes (taxman) / Cause Im the taxman / Yeah, Im the taxman / And youre working for no one but me (taxman). Even before the Fab Four, Bollywoods Kishore Kumar sang in 1954: Kuchh income tax le jaata hai / Kuchh beewi udaati hai (Some money is taken away by income tax / and some blown up by the wife). Later, in 1970, when tax raids happened on film stars, he sang: Nagad naayan ke sab yaar / In sabke pichhe pad gaya income tax / Are bam-bam naache Kishore Kumaram (Everybody is a friend of the god of bucks / The income tax is after their backs / and Kishore Kumar dances bam-bam). But then, tax and voting are different things for celebrities. These days movie stars vote in style. Queues are bent for them so they can do the celeb act: posing for cameras in designer shades with ink on their forefingers. For all we know, they might be imagining showing a middle finger to politicians, but what we see is what we think we get. But stars and tycoons need to be treated with deference to make them part with cash. The poor can be made to part with cash through offerings made to astrologers and priests in exchange for the fulfilment of their wishes. The middle class can be had with get-rich-quick schemes in everything from unreliable chit-fund schemes to dud shares, and if they are techno-hip, through cyber frauds and crypto scams. The truly rich wont fall for all this. Some of them got rich in the first place by partly or wholly trying some of the tricks mentioned above (occasionally described in boardrooms as strategy). We need to reverse-swing this whole business with some designer jugaad . We need to take a leaf out of their books and charm them into doing unto the taxman what some of them do unto their clients and, sometimes, shareholders or bankers. What I suggest to counter electoral apathy in the Urban South is a Premium Voting Lounge, much like those fancy corners in airports or plush hotels. You have to pay so that you dont have to stand in queues, certainly not with your helps. You have sofas in air-conditioned waiting areas. The electronic voting machines flash a welcome message after a welcome drink. And yes, you can pose for a selfie with your EVM and pay a service charge (GST extra). Valet parking, of course, is included. There you have it. Farmhouse parties in Delhi and bashes in Malabar Hill will never be the same again. Page 3 smiles and Instagram videos will complete the picture. Bejewelled balloters will happily part with a lakh or two if they are told that voting is not an act of duty but a style statement. I can imagine Ms Chopra in South Delhi doing a pre-election photoshoot as well. If she is complimented later about having lost weight, she might even reply: You see, I have been exercising my franchise. Diamond and platinum brands are well advised to sell this idea to the powers that be. Fingers are meant to hold expensive rocks, not just press an EVM button. An election symbol can now be transformed into a status symbol. If the Unique Identification Authority cooperates, designer Aadhaar cards with filter-fixed photos wont be a bad idea either, though immigration officials may object. The wealthy are not fools who part easily with their money. They would rather pay for a holiday home they will never stay in, or do a 50-50 deal with a suitable deity than pay inheritance tax. The government is well advised to hire consultants of the premium variety to do something about this. Smart consultants dont come cheap. (Views are personal) (On X @madversity) Madhavan Narayanan | Senior journalist

Sony, Apollo await response to $26 billion Paramount bid

Sony, Apollo await response to $26 billion Paramount bid Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity firm Apollo Global Management on Wednesday submitted a $26 billion offer for Paramount Global but have yet to receive a response as of Friday, according to a person familiar with the matter. A special committee of the Paramount board, created to evaluate offers for the company, has been holding exclusive deal talks with Skydance Media. That period of exclusivity ends Friday, and a separate source familiar with the matter said the exclusivity period is unlikely to be extended, opening the doors to other bidders. The companies submitted a non-binding offer letter on Wednesday, signed by Sony Pictures Chief Executive Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo partner Aaron Sobel, a source confirmed to Reuters. The $26 billion offer is a combination of cash and assumption of debt. Sony would hold a majority stake in the venture, a source previously told Reuters, and operate Paramount, whose movie library spans Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and The Godfather, alongside TV characters like SpongeBob SquarePants. Apollo would be a minority shareholder. The last-minute expression of interest from Sony and Apollo may well force Paramount's board to evaluate other offers, especially after some shareholders raised concerns about the deal with David Ellison's Skydance and have urged Paramount to consider other offers, including the one from Apollo. Apollo declined comment to Reuters, which reported in April that Sony's SPE and Apollo were in talks about a joint bid. Paramount and Sony also declined comment on the Apollo-Sony offer, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Skydance and a spokesman for the Paramount special committee also declined comment. The rival offer comes at a tumultuous time for Paramount. Shari Redstone's media empire replaced CEO Bob Bakish with a trio of executives on Monday, while four independent members of the Paramount board are set to step down at the company's annual shareholder meeting on June 4. Bakish was once viewed as Redstone's loyal lieutenant. However, their relationship began to sour in May 2023, when he urged Redstone to support a cut the company's share dividend, saying it would help lift Paramount's sagging stock -- a prediction that never came true, according to two sources close to Redstone. PARAMOUNT'S STRUGGLES Paramount has been struggling to recover from last year's months-long strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, a soft advertising market and cord-cutting in the United States that has eroded profit for its TV business. Its streaming service also widely trails rivals such as Netflix and Disney+ in subscriber numbers - even though Redstone had hoped the merger of CBS and Viacom in 2019 would help the combined company, later renamed Paramount Global, compete better. Shares of Paramount have fallen more than 65% since then, losing more than $14 billion in market value. At Wednesday's closing price of $12.26, the company was valued at $7.67 billion, according to LSEG data. It has more than $14 billion of debt. The potential acquisition would help SPE grow its share of the North American box office. Sony Pictures earned $1.01 billion in U.S. and Canada box office revenue last year, compared with Paramount's $842.4 million, according to data from Comscore. SPE, a unit of Tokyo-based Sony Group, says its operations span movie and television production, acquisition and distribution, digital content creation and distribution, studio facility operation and the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. The group has more than 3,500 movie titles and notable franchises such as Jumanji, Resident Evil and James Bond. This is not the first time Sony has pursued Paramount. Vinciquerra had previously approached Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, to explore acquiring the Paramount Pictures film studio, according to two people familiar with the matter. At the time, Redstone was uninterested in breaking up the company, according to one of the sources. The latest overture would mark the beginning of a process that would involve due diligence. There also are potential regulatory obstacles to Sony Pictures, a division of the Tokyo-based Sony Group, owning Paramount's CBS broadcast network. Sony's U.S.-based partner, Apollo, acquired Cox Media Group's television stations in a 2019 deal that required approval of the Federal Communications Commission.

Hardik Pandya Admits Numerous Questions to be Answered But Time Needed

Hardik Pandya Admits Numerous Questions to be Answered But Time Needed All but out of play-off contention after eighth defeat in 11 games, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya seemed as if he was groping in the dark for replies to all the unanswered questions hounding the five-time champions in yet another disastrous IPL season. Pandya was handed over the captaincy after the franchise removed national captain Rohit Sharma, something that the fans didn't really embrace with the colourful Baroda all-rounder being booed every time he entered the pitch. ''There are a lot of questions that will take time to answer. But for now, not much to say. Obviously, we couldn't form partnerships and kept losing wickets. Bowlers did a fantastic job on this track,'' Pandya said after his team failed to score 170, losing to KKR at home for the first time in 12 years. Pandya felt that it was better to bat late evening once dew set in but MI failed to capitalise. ''The wicket got better if I'm not wrong. Dew came in the second innings. Will go through the game and see what we can do better,'' he said. Pandya tried to put up a brave front as he spoke about fighting till the last match. ''You keep fighting, that's what I keep telling myself. It's challenging, but you take the challenges.'' His opposite number Shreyas Iyer was delighted that his team is on the cusp of a play-off berth. ''We are (knocking at the door) at the moment. Lot of thinking would have gone behind that (had we lost today). Just got to know about the stat (of KKR not winning at Wankhede for 12 years)... '' The ''Impact Player'' rule did help KKR as Manish Pandey, who came in at the fall of the fifth wicket, contributed 42 priceless runs. ''This Impact Player rule specifically helped us in this game. Manish has being eyeing an opportunity from the first game. We got to a commendable total. I told the boys that if we have got here, we can defend it,'' Iyer said. He was all praise for the performances from spin twins Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, both of whom returning with identical figures of 2 for 22. ''Spinners were unreal, absolutely spot on in executing their lines and lengths as discussed in team meetings. Kudos to them,'' Iyer said.

DC Report Makes Officials Visit Hilltop Village

Visakhapatnam: Following a report published in Deccan Chronicle on May 1, revenue inspector M. Laxmikant and revenue officer T. Kondababu of Anantagiri mandal walked five kilometres and visited the remote hilltop village of Kalyan Gummi. The officials made detailed inquiries about the villagers demands and took stock of the situation. Kalyan Gummi villagers have to leave their homes two days before the voting day. They take up an arduous journey of 70 kilometres across two districts, including walking through the hills, to reach their polling centre in Cherikibidda of Anantagiri mandal, where they finally exercise their franchise. The villagers' journey to the polling centre is a testament of their determination to cast their vote. The demand of Kalyan Gummi villagers is that the government connect their village with transport facilities.

Powell To Lead Strong West Indies Team, Shamar Called In For T20 World Cup

Rajasthan Royals power-hitter Rovman Powell will lead a strong West Indies squad, filled with some of the world's best franchise freelancers, in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

England Women's cricket coach using AI to pick team

England Women's cricket coach Jon Lewis revealed Friday he is using artificial intelligence to aid team selection, saying the technology helped his side square last season's Ashes. Lewis first became familiar with the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the UP Warriorz franchise in India's Women's Premier League.

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India The record-breaking heatwave spell affecting east India and parts of the southern peninsular region continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures settling above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places. Intensely hot conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maximum temperatures settled in the range of 43-46 degrees Celsius in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and 40-43 degrees in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Marathwada and north interior Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh sizzled at 46.3 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature in the country on Friday. The mercury settled at 44.6 degrees Celsius in Odisha's Boudh, 45 degrees in Khammam (Telangana), 46.2 degrees in Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), 43.4 degrees in Erode (Tamil Nadu), and 44.6 degrees in West Bengal's Kalaikunda. The IMD said the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue until May 5-6 and abate thereafter. The Met office on Wednesday said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heatwave days expected over the northern plains, central region and adjoining areas of peninsular India. April witnessed record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and southern peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools. A number of stations recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures. Five active western disturbances led to rainfall, thunderstorms and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves. IMD data shows that heat waves this April were far worse than in 2023, the warmest year on record so far. This trend is likely to continue in May, with around eight to 11 heatwave days predicted over the south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and the Gujarat regions. The remaining parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, north interior Karnataka and Telangana may record five to seven heatwave days during the month. Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. India witnessed two spells of heat waves in April -- from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. The IMD attributed the prolonged heatwave spell over east, northeast and south peninsular India in April to the absence of thunderstorms and an anticyclone at lower levels over the west central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern coasts of India. This caused the sea breeze to cut off over Odisha and West Bengal on most days. The weather office said south peninsular India recorded an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in April, the second-highest since 1901. The mean temperature (28.12 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901, it said. The IMD said above-normal maximum temperatures have become frequent over south peninsular India since the 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm rainfall in April -- the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second-lowest since 2001. According to IMD data, the number of heatwave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016. Amid the prevailing but weakening El Nino conditions, the IMD had earlier warned of extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Hundreds of thousands of voters had to cope with the searing heat when they stepped out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the elections on April 26. Polling for 94 constituencies across 12 states will take place on May 7. The weather office had earlier expected four to eight heatwave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heatwave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period.

Windies pacer Joseph gets surprise call-up for T20 WC

Shamar Joseph has only played three T20 matches in franchise-based leagues and has not taken a wicket.

Sobhita Dhulipala reveals the mantras of her life: Nothing f****** matters

Sobhita Dhulipala is well known for her body of work that is not majorly mainstream yet interesting. With an impressive journey from Raman Raghav 2.0 to Monkey Man, the actress has proved that she is here to rule and carve a niche for herself and her choice of work. When it comes to choices, Sobhita Dhulipala opened up on the three fundamental things that have shaped her life. She said, My life has been the result of choices made from what was available to me, what moved my heart, and the knowledge that nothing f****** matters. Sobhita Dhulipala auditioned for Monkey Man in 2016 and shot in the lockdown for this aspirational project and she has been winning widespread appreciation for her portrayal of a character that is so layered but showcased with so much grace. Sobhita has been part of some of the most well-crafted projects. A simple girl next door in Raman Raghav 2.0 to Tara Khanna in Made in Heaven franchise who is a woman with beauty with the brain. She was also appreciated for her work in veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnams historical epic saga Ponniyin Selvan I and Ponniyin Selvan II, where she also looked regal. Coming back to Monkey Man, the film is the directorial debut for Dev Patel, who also plays the central character in the movie. The film is a bloody revenge saga with loads of action. It has been generating widespread acclaim in the west, where it has already released. Also Read: Exhibitors FUME as prominent critic and scores of influencers watch Monkey Man on pirated copies and spread the word about it: These are PARASITES that need to be amputated

Tarot review disappointment is in the cards with silly supernatural horror

Final Destination inspires yet another throwaway teen schlocker, this time with an increasingly risible astrological bent As many of us impatiently wait for the sixth Final Destination film , slated for release next year over a decade since the fifth, here comes yet another limp attempt to recreate that specific, sadistic form of magic. Some curse, some teens, some shock deaths, a formula thats been trotted out in so-what films like Wish Upon , Countdown and Truth or Dare , shrugs where shocks should be, franchise starters ending after the first round. Which brings us to Tarot, a film wisely kept from critics until the very last second and one that audiences would be smart to keep themselves from too. Its not quite as bad as these things can often be but flashes of competence are not enough to distract from a sense of crushing pointlessness, more watery slop served up lukewarm for undemanding Friday night horror fans, who really ought to be demanding so much more. Continue reading...

Kristen Stewart to co-star with Oscar Isaac in new vampire thriller

Kristen Stewart to co-star with Oscar Isaac in new vampire thriller 'Twilight' sensation Kristen Stewart is set to make her mark in the vampire genre once again, this time in the upcoming thriller 'Flesh of the Gods.' After captivating audiences as Bella Swan in the iconic 'Twilight' Saga over a decade ago, Stewart is ready to sink her teeth into a new blood-curdling adventure alongside acclaimed actor Oscar Isaac, reported E! News. 'Flesh of the Gods,' directed by Panos Cosmatos, transports viewers to the neon-lit streets of 1980s Los Angeles, where married couple Raoul (played by Isaac) and Alex (portrayed by Stewart) encounter a mysterious woman, plunging them into a surreal and nightmarish journey. Director Cosmatos described the film as existing etween fantasy and nightmare, promising a captivating and hypnotic experience that will take audiences on a hot rod joy ride into the glittering heart of hell. The project is backed by a stellar team, with producers Betsy Koch and Adam McKay, the latter known for his work on Oscar-nominated films like 'The Big Short' and 'Vice.' The movie is penned by horror genre veteran Andrew Kevin Walker, whose credits include 'Se7en' and 'Sleepy Hollow.' Stewart, who has always defended her involvement in the 'Twilight' series, expressed her enduring pride in the franchise, acknowledging its flaws while championing its sincerity and impact, reported E! News. Anybody who wants to talk s--t about Twilight, I completely get it, but there's something there that I'm endlessly, and to this day, f--king proud of, she said. (ANI)

Rinku's Rise Continues, Impresses Sourav Ganguly

Rinku's Rise Continues, Impresses Sourav Ganguly Rinku Singh shouldn't be disheartened by his exclusion from India's World T20 squad as it was pure tactical decision by team management to ask for an extra spinner taking pitches in the Caribbean into account, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Friday. Ganguly feels the 26-year-old, who boasts of a 176-plus strike rate in 15 T20Is and plays the role of a finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, may have missed out as India wanted to go with an ''extra spinner'' keeping in mind the spinning tracks in the West Indies. ''It's West Indies. The wickets may be slow and assist spin so they (selectors) wanted to go with another spinner. Maybe because of that Rinku didn't get an opportunity but it's just the beginning for Rinku,'' Ganguly said at the Trophy unveiling ceremony of the Bengal Pro T20 League. India play their group stage matches in the USA, opening their campaign against Ireland on June 5. Super Eight onwards the tournament will be held in the Caribbean countries. Ganguly expected India and Australia to dominate the tournament as they did in the 50-over World Cup last year. ''India and Australia the two best teams of the tournament. I'm sure they will do the same thing in the USA and the West Indies,'' Ganguly said. On the Indian squad, Ganguly said: ''It's a fabulous squad, they are all match winners. All 15 are good enough to be selected, I'm sure Rohit (Sharma) and Rahul (Dravid) will pick the best.'' Meanwhile all the eight franchises and their marquee players in the Bengal Pro T20 League were also announced. The inaugural edition of the league will take place at Eden Gardens and Jadavpur University Salt Lake Campus ground from June 11-28. The Teams Kolkata Royal Tigers (areas: Kolkata & Hooghly) (marquee players: Abhishek Porel and Mita Paul). Harbour Diamonds (North & South 24 Parganas) (Manoj Tiwary and Sukanya Panda). Rashmi Medinipur Wizards (Medinipur and Jhargram) (Abhimanyu Easwaran & Richa Ghosh). Servotec Siliguri Strikers (Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Kalimpong) (Akash Deep and Priyanka Bala). Adamas Howrah Warriors (Howrah, Purulia and Bankura) (Anustup Majumdar and Dhara Gujjar). Malda Sobisco Smashers (Dinajpur and Malda) (Mukesh Kumar & Rishita Basu). Murshidabad King (Murshidabad and Nadia) (Sudeep Gharami and Deepti Sharma).

Keep your eyes on these 6 family friendly movies this year

2024 seems to be an eventful year in terms of movie releases.Movie releases with almost every genre has been released on the big screens to entertain the audiences. Ranging from heartwarming tales to exciting adventures, horror flicks, there are ample movies for one to catch up at the theatres. Here are 6 family friendly movies that we are looking forward to this year that shall keep your children amused and entertained - Chhota Bheem & the curse of Damyaan The live in action family entertainer releasing theatrically on 31st May promises entertainment unlimited. The immensely popular kids character Chhota Bheem will come alive on the screens with his Sena to save Dholakpur from a lethal enemy Damayaan. Will they succeed? To know it all catch the movies this summer in theatres. Picture Source : DC - Moana 2 Moana 2 is all set to take the audiences on this exciting voyage with Maui a new set of crew members. A journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced is what the storyline of the movie is and is one of the movies kids are looking forward to this year in the second half of the year Picture Courtesy : DC - Garfield Garfield releasing on May 24th is yet again set to entertain the audiences. The lasagna loving cat will make a triumphant return on the screen and yes Varun Sharma will voice for the character in Hindi. The movie is a must watch with your kids this May - Harold and the Purple crayon The live action animated movie based on the children's book with the same name is a movie that we are looking forward to. The movie caters to the kids and will keep them glued to the screens with their engaging storyline. Picture source : DC - Despicable Me 4 A new era of the animated movie franchise is set to begin with the upcoming Despicable Me 4. Audiences are eagerly waiting for the movie to arrive and cast its magic. Releasing theatrically on July 3, 2024 its one of the most exciting family entertainers of the year. Get ready to flock the theatres with your kids this summer to check out these impressive movies.

Pushing the boundaries: England Women using AI to help with team selection

Head coach Jon Lewis credits AI with helping draw Ashes It will help with borderline decisions in terms of selection The England Womens head coach, Jon Lewis, has revealed how he is using AI as a selection tool and credits the technology with helping his side draw last summers Ashes series. Lewis was first exposed to the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the Womens Premier League franchise UP Warriorz in India and now uses the company to bolster the decisions he makes about squad make-up, team balance and in-game match-ups. Continue reading...

Its about valuing their audience: why Ghostbusters called in a Muslim cultural consultant

The spooky comedy franchise may seem an unlikely place to find an ethnicity and faith adviser, but productions are increasingly aware of a duty to make sure communities are truthfully represented The sensitivity reader is a well-established, if controversial, figure in the publishing world, offering advice on whether a books content might cause offence. The film and TV industry has also been forced to confront similar issues, with intimacy coordinators now widely employed to ensure that filmed sex scenes neither harm the actors nor outrage audiences. Perhaps less well-known, but now gaining ground in film and TV, is the role of a cultural consultant advisers taken on by productions to help them navigate the choppy waters of sensitivities around ethnicity and faith. Sajid Varda, founder and CEO of media charity UK Muslim Film and director of the UKs inaugural Muslim international film festival , recently completed an assignment on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest instalment of the popular and long-running series of supernatural comedies. Varda says the key to such roles is authenticity; it is, he says not just saying what is wrong with this, but how can we make it better and improve it? Continue reading...

T20 WC: 'If Pakistan Lose, PCB Will Blame Kirsten... This Is Our Tradition', Says Rashid Laitf

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this week appointed Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball cricket teams, respectively, each for a two-year term. However, the timing of the appointment ignited debate in the cricket fraternity as the ICC T20 World Cup is just a few days away. Speaking to IANS, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif, too, expressed his concern over the late appointments. Gary Kirsten has been a successful coach for India, and also in franchise cricket. But timing (of his appointment) is wrong, the problem that has always arisen in Pakistan is timing. This is above my head... Next month we are going to the World Cup. On the road to the World Cup, we are playing 7 matches. The time is very short. If they lose, the board will blame Kirsten or Babar Azam. This is our tradition. I will not blame Babar or Kirsten, Rashid said. Pakistan definitely has an advantage that you cannot neglect them in ICC events, you cannot write them off. They appear from nowhere... This has happened on many occasions. Kirsten and Gillespie are both very experienced coaches and have impressive records. But they should have been called earlier. Today, if I know that this is my head coach, this is my captain and this is my selection committee... Momentum is like what happens in Australia, India, England that they know these are our 12-13 certain players and this is my coach. You should have known all this 6-8 months or even a year in advance, he added. On Thursday, PCB announced its 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland (10-14 May) and England (22-30 May). The squad will be reduced to 15 players for next months World Cup 2024 after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22 to meet the ICCs May 24 deadline. The mens national selection committee has recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf, along with all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha, in the 18-player squad. The two cricketers who did not make the cut from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand are wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan. The Babar Azam-led side is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 following a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4-6.

Kenangan Brands launches affordable coffee brand

The Indonesia-based coffee chain said the new business - called Satu Kenangan - will be open to franchising deals.

It's a bit daunting: Jacks on being RCB's next ABD

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Will Jacks opened up on filling the shoes of legendary South African batter AB de Villiers as franchise's premier overseas batter, saying that the task is daunting.

Rosamund Pike set to star in 'Now You See Me 3' with Jesse Eisenberg

Rosamund Pike has joined the cast of Now You See Me 3, adding to the star-studded lineup that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and others. The third installment of the franchise, directed by Ruben Fleischer, will continue the story of the Four Horsemen, known for their magical heists. Pike's inclusion alongside newcomers like Justice Smith brings anticipation for another thrilling chapter in the series.

Jharkhand HC refuses provisional bail to former CM Hemant Soren

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Friday denied the petition filed by jailed former Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking provisional bail for attending shraddha ritual of his uncle who passed away on last Saturday. The Court, however, allowed Soren to attend the last rites of his uncle for few hours under police custody. Refusing to grant him provisional bail, the court gave strict instructions that while attending the ritual to be held on May 6, Hemant Soren will not talk to the media nor hold any political discussion with anybody. Soren, who is currently lodged in Birsa Munda Central jail after being arrested Enforcement Directorate on January 31, had approached Jharkhand High Court for provisional bail after the Special PMLA Court in Ranchi refused to grant him the same. In his appeal, he had sought provisional bail for three days from the High Court. In the petition, he had requested the court to allow him to attend the Shraddha of his uncle. Notably, elder brother of JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, Rajaram Soren, passed away following prolonged illness early in the morning on April 28. Earlier on Friday, the Jharkhand HC also dismissed Hemant Sorens petition challenging his arrest by the ED in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. Hemant Soren will come back stronger; Jharkhand will not bow down: Kalpana hits out at BJP

'Now You See Me 3' adds Rosamund Pike to cast

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Rosamund Pike has joined the cast for the third instalment in the Now You See Me franchise. According to entertainment website Variety, the Saltburn star is among a number of newcomers to the series, following Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa and Ariana Greenblatt. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman are all returning for the threequel, which will be directed by Ruben Fleischer of Venom fame. The franchise, which followed the Four Horsemen, a group of magicians known for their heist skills, started with the 2013 film Now You See Me, directed by Louis Leterrier. A sequel, directed by Jon M Chu, was released in 2016. Fleischer will direct the movie from a script by Eric Warren Singer, Seth Grahame-Smith and Mike Lesslie. Pike, best known for her performances in movies such as Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl and I Care A Lot, most recently starred in Saltburn, which earned her BAFTA and Golden Globes nominations. She will be next seen in psychological thriller Hallow Road as well as the third season of her Prime Video series The Wheel of Time.

11-year-old student dies during physical activity at school in Jharkhand

An 11-year-old student of a residential school in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district died allegedly during physical activity on the school ground. The incident has prompted an investigation by the authorities.

This actor, star filmmaker's son failed in Bollywood, gave no solo hits in 23 years, quit acting, is single at 51, now..

Despite being a part of the eighth highest-grossing film franchises in Indian Cinema, Uday Chopra didn't gave any solo hits in 23 years of career.

Watch: Dhoni signs jersey, writes message for 103-year-old CSK fan

The 103-year-old CSK superfan S Ramdas received an autographed jersey from MS Dhoni and the moment was captured in a video that the Chennai franchise shared on social media. Ramdas, a former British Military servant, gained recognition after a video that showed him expressing his love for cricket and enjoying watching T20 matches.

Aranmanai 4 movie review: Despite lacking in finesse, Tamannaah anchors the best entry in the franchise

Sundar C makes a much-needed comeback with the most intriguing addition to the Aranmanai franchise, thanks to a fascinating plot headlined by Tamannaah

I am not minister, leader for you but member of your family, says Jyotiraditya Scindia in MP's Guna

I am not minister, leader for you but member of your family, says Jyotiraditya Scindia in MP's Guna Election campaigning for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections has now reached its final stage and the candidates are leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters. While campaigning in Guna, Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Guna parliamentary seat Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he was not a minister, a leader for the public but a member of their families. Scindia made the remark while addressing a public gathering in Bamori in Guna district on Thursday evening. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also a candidate from Vidisha parliamentary seat for Lok Sabha elections 2024, also reached there to campaign in support of Scindia. Addressing the public, Scindia said, I am not a minister and not a leader for you. I am a member of your family. The blood that flows in my veins is the same blood that flows in your veins. Every generation of the Scindia family has always sacrificed for you. Especially for the development and progress of this region. Therefore, I am saying that you and I have a connection of heart. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the low voter turnout in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections in the state, Scindia also appealed to the public to exercise their franchise as much as possible. Speaking at the occasion, former CM Chouhan said, he came to seek the support of the public for Jyotiraditya Scindia and also gave credit to the Ladli Bahna Yojana, which played a game-changer role in the recent state assembly election, to Scindia. Today (May 2), I have come to seek your support for my friend, colleague and brother Jyotiraditya Scindia. If I was able to make the government the fourth time in the state and made 'Ladli Bahna Yojana' then it was because of Scindia ji. He was the one who toppled the dishonest government led by Kamal Nath and decided to bring Mama (referring to himself) to take care of the CM post, Chouhan said. The veteran BJP leader also came down hard on the Congress During the recently concluded assembly polls, the Congress party had dreamt of returning to power in the state, their many leaders had got their suits stitched dreaming of becoming ministers. But I said Mama is still alive. He further hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that under his leadership India would become Vishwa Guru. The way the country is growing today under the leadership of the Prime Minister is amazing. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India will become Vishwa Guru, no one will be able to stop it, he added. Furthermore, slamming the Congress party, he said that nothing was left in Congress and now even their candidate is snapping ties with the party. Recently on Monday, a Congress nominee from Indore parliamentary seat Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination and switched his sides to the saffron party. Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are being conducted in four phases. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 and the second phase was concluded on April 26. The next two phases will be conducted on May 7 and May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. A total of nine parliamentary constituencies- Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- will go to the polls in the third phase on May 7. On the other hand, eight constituencies - Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone and Khandwa- will go to the polls in the fourth and last phase in the state on May 13. With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved. (ANI)

Indian students display affection for RCB on Graduation day in USA

Despite winning a single trophy, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has won millions of hearts with their efforts in the tournament. RCB has a fan base of 13.8 million on Instagram and is the second most followed handle of any IPL team only next to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Fans across the globe, often express their love for the franchise and its star player, Virat Kohli, in unique ways.One such recent instance took the internet by a storm. A Fan-girl and a fan-boy had demonstrated their affection for the team during their graduation ceremony in the USA.The students while receiving their transcripts showed their support by displaying the flag and jersey of RCB. RCB is not just a Team, RCB is an Emotion for every fan! pic.twitter.com/nwshpEZkgS Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) May 1, 2024 A Virat Kohli fan page on X posted the video of the act, quickly catching the attention of netizens. Commenting on the post the fangirl KohLikitha wrote, That's me, fellas Thank you for posting this! The Royal Challengers Bengaluru is at the last spot in the points table, winning only 3 of the 10 games played in the ongoing IPL.

Sanjay Dutt remembers Mother Nargis on her death anniversary

On the 43rd death anniversary of Nargis Dutt, Sanjay Dutt shared poignant photos and a heartfelt note, remembering his mother. He expressed his profound love and how her absence is deeply felt in every moment. Nargis, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 1981, had a significant impact on Sanjay's life and career, notably during the release of his debut film 'Rocky', just days after her demise. Sanjay's latest appearance was in the Tamil film 'Leo' alongside Thalapathy Vijay. Upcoming projects include the third installment of the 'Welcome' franchise, 'Welcome to the Jungle', and a comedy venture helmed by Raaj Shaandilyaa. Sanjay's tribute to his mother reflects the enduring bond they shared, resonating with fans who continue to cherish Nargis's legacy in Indian cinema.

Its a bit daunting: RCBs Will Jacks on being next AB de Villiers for the franchise

The News Mill

Ubisoft's first-person shooter XDefiant is launching on May 21

Tom Clancy's XDefiant is almost upon us. Ubisoft is releasing the free-to-play first-person shooter on May 21 for the Xbox Series X|S, the PS5 and PC through Ubisoft Connect. The developer is kicking things off with the preseason version of the game, which is scheduled to last for six weeks before XDefiant's first season officially starts. Ubisoft announced the game way back in 2021, promising team-based matches with a focus on gunplay that will include elements from other games in the Tom Clancy universe. The preseason will offer five different game modes with 14 maps, 24 weapons and five playable factions inspired by Ubisoft's other franchises. Players will need to choose their faction before the match begins and before they respawn. They must also choose their primary and secondary weapon their options include assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns and sniper rifles and a grenade. To customize a weapon, they can add barrel and muzzle attachments, such as sights and grips. Each faction will give players access to two active abilities, one passive buff and another ultra ability that they have to charge up while the match is ongoing. Libertad, one of the available factions, puts a focus on healing, while members of the Cleaners faction can use fire to burn their opponents. Echelon players can reveal enemy locations with their stealth technology, whereas Phantoms' abilities can block damage. The last faction available, DedSec, is for those who want to play as hackers. When the first season launches, Ubisoft is adding four new factions, 12 new weapons and 12 new maps to the game. According to the Year 1 roadmap the developer shared last year, it expects to roll out four seasons with the game's first year, with each one adding more new content meant to keep players engaged, invested and more likely to come back and keep playing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ubisofts-first-person-shooter-xdefiant-is-launching-on-may-21-074940344.html?src=rss

I am not in my best form: Riyan Parag

Following his side's one-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag, who has had a breakout season with the franchise, admitted that he is not in his best form since he could not finish the game and has got a lot of areas to improve.

'A proper cricket tragic...': Ponting on his son's love for the sport

Ponting discusses son Fletcher's cricket passion and family involvement with Delhi Capitals. Fletcher enjoys cricket, practices with IPL franchise, forms bonds with players. Ponting values family support in his cricket career.

A proper cricket tragic...: Ricky Ponting opens up on his son's love for the sport

A proper cricket tragic...: Ricky Ponting opens up on his son's love for the sport Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach and Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting opened up on his son Fletcher's love for the sport and how he enjoys playing competitive cricket back in Australia and practice sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, which involves 20-30 throwdowns from his father. Ponting, who has been with the Capitals since 2018 as a head coach, said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo that his whole family has embraced the franchise over these years and travel to India to be along with them. Fletcher, nine years of age, who Ponting termed a proper cricket tragic, also travels with the team and has played some competitive cricket in Melbourne. He barely misses any practice session of DC and at the end of every session, he gets to hone his skills with his multi-time World Cup-winning father at the other end rolling over his arms for him. His bonding with the team started during the COVID-19 pandemic when he would play Playstation with the players and enjoy some breakfast and training with them. Our whole family has just really embraced the Delhi Capitals. We have been coming now for, guess, probably four or five years. They have been able to travel and be with the team. It probably all started to kick in when the whole IPL was in Mumbai [during the Covid-19 pandemic] and we lived in the bubble in the hotel, at the Taj, and for my kids and even Rianna [Ponting's wife] to be able to mix with the players and go and sit in the team room... Fletcher would go and play FIFA with them and sit on the PlayStation all day and have lunch and breakfast with the boys and then go to training, said Ponting. He is a proper cricket tragic now. He has just got to the age where he has played a couple of years of competitive cricket back in Melbourne. He just loves the game. He loves the team and gets a chance to hang out with the boys, and the boys look after him well. He's only missed a couple of training sessions since he's been here, but he will sit and watch and then he will just wait for his chance at the end of the day to put his pads on and go and face 20 or 30 throwdowns from me in the nets. Fletcher knows very well where he stands when it is cricket training. He gets nothing from me until the last ball is bowled and everyone has exited the net. So he sits and waits and then we go. He will honestly sit there for four hours and ask questions and talk with the boys and just wait for his turn. So he loves it, he concluded. Ponting said that even his daughters, Emmy and Matisse Ellie are invested in the franchise and just cannot wait to join the DC franchise every year. Even when we are at home, they sleep in this stuff [Capitals jerseys]. This is their pyjamas. Right through the year they are always just talking about the Delhi Capitals and can't wait to get back over there to the IPL, because what we've been able to do here is - and certainly we talk about it all the time - just really try and create one big family where everyone looks after each other and shares moments together. And my family's lucky to be a part of it, he added. The former Australian great admitted that it is good for him to have his family around, a privilege he could not enjoy during tours while playing the sport. But my family only know one way as well: they only know me around cricket and cricket teams. They have a really good understanding of when it is cricket time when it is Dad's turn to work, and when they can share a part of the day after I am done. As simple as that, said Ponting. I am lucky there that my wife has always been accepting of what comes with me being a player or me being a coach. We try and divide our time as well as we can, but, yeah, they know when it is Dad's turn to go to work, concluded Ponting. Coming to cricket, Ponting's franchise DC is at the sixth spot with five wins, six losses and 10 points. They lost their previous game to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 7. (ANI)

Jharkhand HC dismisses Hemant Soren's plea challenging his arrest

RANCHI: In yet another blow to former CM Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand HC on Friday dismissed his petition challenging his arrest by the ED in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. A two-bench judge comprising of Chief Justice S Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar had kept its order reserved on February 28 after hearing the arguments of both sides. It was argued on behalf of Hemant Soren that the case in which he has been arrested was not a scheduled offence and there was no case of money laundering against him. Soren's name was not even mentioned in the documents related to the land of Bagdai and claimed that his name was dragged deliberately. ED on the other hand, argued that the then CM Hemant Soren had tried to destroy the evidence by misusing his power and position after the summons were issued against him. Notably, Hemant Soren has also moved the Supreme Court against the delay in giving the verdict after the Jharkhand High Court reserved its orders on February 28. It has been said in the petition that due to the decision not coming in the case, he is not able to participate in the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Hemant Soren will come back stronger; Jharkhand will not bow down: Kalpana hits out at BJP

RANCHI: Launching a scathing on the BJP-led Centre, the wife of jailed former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Kalpana Soren posted a photograph of her posing with a bow and arrow on the social media platform 'X' with captions targetting the saffron party for the recent events in the state. After filing nominations for the Gandey Assembly by-poll, Kalpana Soren has been making scathing attacks on the BJP-led Centre for allegedly targeting the non-BJP-ruled states. In her 'X' handle, the JMM leader said, Sach hai vipatti jab aati hai; Kayar ko hi dahlati hai. Surma nahin vichalit hote; Chhan ek nahi dheeraj khote. Vighnon ko gale lagate hain; kanto me raah banate hain. (It is true, when disaster strikes; only the coward is frightened. Braves dont get distracted; never lose patience even for a moment. Embrace obstacles; makes a path among the thorns.) Speaking to a news agency on Thursday, she said that the people of Jharkhand are seething in anger against the BJP government and will throw out this tyrannical force which is looting its rich mineral resources. According to Kalpana Soren, Hemant Soren's arrest was unexpected and unwarranted and it triggered a shock in the JMM and the family. The tribals of the state will not bow down and Hemant Soren will emerge stronger, she said. We have full faith in the judiciary and we are waiting for Hemant ji to come out on bail and campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. He is innocent and has been trapped in a pre-planned conspiracy by the BJP-led government at the Centre, said Kalpana Soren. Kalpana Soren, who projected herself as the JMM leader before the nation during the concluding ceremony of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' for the first time on March 17 and gave the slogan Jharkhand Jhukega Nahin - India Rukega Nahi (Jharkhand will not bow down - India will not stop), is said to have been taking almost all key decisions in the party. Kalpana has also been quite vocal on social media against the BJP after Hemant Soren's arrest. Party sources claimed that Kalpana, who has already taken charge of the JMM in the absence of Hemant Soren, may replace Champai Soren as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand if she contests successfully in the Assembly elections.

Jolly LLB 3: Akshay Kumar And Arshad Warsi Officially Announces The Film

JollyLLB3: Following the massive success of Arshad Warsis Jolly LLB and Akshay Kumars Jolly LLB 2, the duo reunites for the third installment of the franchise. Akshay recently shared a comical video on his X profile to announce the start of Jolly LLB 3. The video features both actors along with Saurabh Shukla. The video [] Read on Lehren - Jolly LLB 3: Akshay Kumar And Arshad Warsi Officially Announces The Film

Nitish Reddy: Aim to Set Base Before Klaasen Unleashes on Opposition

Nitish Reddy: Aim to Set Base Before Klaasen Unleashes on Opposition Entrusted with the task of shepherding Sunrisers Hyderabad's middle-order, young Nitish Reddy has been doing the job with aplomb at a time when he is seen by many as a future India all-rounder, thanks to his ability to bowl lively medium pace. Opting to bat in the IPL game against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday, Reddy (76 not out) and Travis Head (58) produced explosive fifties, while Heinrich Klassen made an unbeaten 19-ball 42 to power SRH to 201 for three. Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar then did the star turn with a sensational final over as SRH pulled off a heist, stunning RR by just one run in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Nitish, 20, stated that his role was to rebuild the innings after quick wickets. ''From the last two matches, we are losing quick wickets and I have to go. My role is to carry on till the 13th and 14th over so that Klaasen gets a license to bang. There is no point in Klaasen and Samad coming early, but not getting to score freely,'' said Nitish at the post-match press conference. The all-rounder hailed Bhuvneshwar after the veteran pacer bowled a brilliant final over to help Hyderabad seal a dramatic win. Nitish said he was hopeful that Bhuvneshwar would be able to defend 13 runs in the last over. ''I was looking at who was going to bowl. When I saw Bhuvneshwar was going to bowl, I got the confidence that he was going to pull it off. ''During his prime, he had done it so many times. I did not think we were going to win, I thought either we'd lose or tie. But that last-ball wicket, I felt so happy,'' Nitish said. During his explosive knock, Nitish smashed RR's in-form Yuzvendra Chahal for two fours and two sixes in the 13th over. Nitish said that he backed himself to attack the seasoned leg-spinner. Reddy also said the victory against RR, following losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, is important. ''Beating RR will boost our confidence, they are at the top of the points table,'' he concluded. Not in my best form: Parag ================= Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag returned to the top five in the Orange Cape race after striking his fourth fifty of the season. The 22-year-old Parag slammed 77 off 49 balls but could not help his side chase down the target set by SRH. Despite his breakout season with the franchise, Parag said he was not in his best form since he could not finish the game. ''I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. ''I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred,'' Parag told reporters. The Assam player said the loss was ''dramatic'', adding that his team made a few errors. ''It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on them more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. ''We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 is, IPL is,'' he said.

FOCUS-Adidas plots to swerve Samba slump

FOCUS-Adidas plots to swerve Samba slump As Adidas aims to build on hot demand for its three-striped white and black Samba and multi-coloured Gazelle sneakers, it's also taking steps to prevent the shoes from becoming victims of their own success. The German sportswear giant ramped up production of the sneakers, known as errace shoes and inspired by soccer fans' footwear in the 1970s and 80s. Sales subsequently jumped from a couple of hundred thousand pairs a month at the start of last year to millions of pairs a month, according to CEO Bjorn Gulden, with Adidas now looking to further increase their popularity. The company said terrace shoe sales helped drive its strong performance in the first quarter, without giving detailed figures for the Samba, Gazelle and Spezial. The shoes are priced at around $90 and up, with limited edition collaborations costing up to $350. Investors and analysts are watching closely for signs of Adidas becoming overly reliant on the shoes, with the abrupt ending of the highly profitable Yeezy business still fresh in their memories. Adidas made a loss last year for the first time in 30 years after its break-up with U.S. rapper and producer Kanye West brought that trendy sneaker line to an end. The Adidas Samba won Footwear News' 2023 Shoe of the Year award, the first win for the brand since the Yeezy Boost 350 in 2015. Bernstein analyst Aneesha Sherman estimates the terrace shoes will drive 1.5 billion euros ($1.61 billion) of sales this year, around 7% of Adidas' overall revenue and close to the 1.7 billion euros Yeezy brought in at its peak. She predicts terrace shoe sales will likely peak in all regions this year. Obviously and clearly, this trend will not last forever, said Thomas Joekel, portfolio manager at Frankfurt-based asset manager Union Investment, which holds Adidas shares. At the end of the day, the consumer decides, and companies like Nike or Adidas have to be agile to jump on these trends. When British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was seen sporting Sambas in a clip posted on Instagram earlier this month, some Britons felt he had dealt a blow to the shoe's street cred. Sunak later jokingly apologised to he Samba community, but CEO Gulden said Sunak's penchant for the shoe had had no impact on sales. LIMITED EDITIONS Broader trend cycles can be bruising for the big sportswear makers. In 2018, Adidas sales in Europe, its biggest market, fell when its minimalist white Stan Smith shoes started to go out of fashion. And Nike is currently scaling back supply of its classic Air Jordan 1 shoes due to weaker demand. So Adidas is trying to spread its bets. Its chunkier, skater-style Campus shoes are becoming more popular and out-selling the Samba in some markets, Gulden said. Adidas also plans to ramp up marketing of its classic Superstar shoe to drive a renewed trend for it next year. It recently launched a $200 version of the shoe with designer Edison Chen, featuring a rippled sole. Gulden said Adidas has been working to clear the market of seasonal colours of the Superstar, focusing only on the classic black and white, so as to make sure the market is fresh for new launches later this year and next. We will maintain the current franchises, and then time the activation of Superstar as we and the retailers need it, Gulden said. We will not push it globally in huge volumes. We will hold it back and let the consumer decide when he or she wants the Superstar. Bringing out more expensive limited-edition versions in collaboration with designers, like the $350 Y-3 Gazelle with Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto, is one way to keep a product in fashion. What Adidas and Nike are doing with some of their product is trying to follow the luxury playbook premiumisation, exclusivity, restricting supply, making it all more desirable so you can have bigger margins and create a halo effect for the brand, said Matt Clark, retail expert at consultancy AlixPartners in London. For retailer JD Sports, new variations on the Samba shoe in different colours and materials are helping maintain shoppers' engagement, CEO Regis Schultz said in its recent results. Retailer Foot Locker also flagged strong demand for Adidas terrace styles. Gulden is very much aware of the fact that you should not overstretch what you are doing to keep the model to keep the brand and the model hot, said Cedric Lecasble, analyst at Stifel. If they distributed tens of millions of Samba in the same year, they would sell them probably, but they would probably also put an end to the Samba dynamic, he said. ($1 = 0.9338 euros)

Aranmanai 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer, Budget & More!

Aranmanai4: Directed by Sundar C, the much anticipated Tamil horror-comedy film, Aranamani 4 is now out in the theatres. Starring Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Santhosh Prathap in the lead roles the latest movie in the Aranmanai franchise is the fourth installment. Heres everything you need to know about the Tamil horror comedy film, Aranmanai [] Read on Lehren - Aranmanai 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer, Budget & More!

Andhras updated electorate stands at 4.14 crore

VIJAYAWADA: As per the updated electoral roll on April 25, the total electorate of Andhra Pradesh is 4.14 crore, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Thursday. The qualifying date for updation was April 1. The State will go for simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assembly on May 13. The number of female voters is more than seven lakh compared to the number of male voters. While the number of female voters is 2.10 crore, the number of male voters is 2.03 crore. The number of polling stations in the State, including 224 auxiliary polling stations, is 46,389. The value of the seizures is Rs 203 crore since March 16. Of the total 26 districts, Anantapur district, comprising eight Assembly constituencies, stood top with 20.20 lakh voters. With 7.71 lakh voters Alluri Sitharama Raju district is at the bottom. Speaking to mediapersons at the State Secretariat on Thursday, the CEO said there is a net increase of 5,94,631 electors, when compared to the 4,08,07,356 electors in the final electoral roll published under SSR, 2024 on January 22. In polling stations, where the upper limit of electors has exceeded 1,500, 224 auxiliary polling stations have been created in the same location of the main polling station. As a result, the polling stations number has gone up to 46,389 from the earlier 46,165 polling stations. With regard to the Home voting, the CEO said that the facility was provided to persons aged above 85 years and Persons With Benchmark Disability (PWBD). Of the total 2,11,257 eligible (aged above 85) electors, 14,577 opted for the vote from home option. Similarly, under PWBD category, of the total 5,17,227 eligible electors, only 14,014 opted for the facility, which commenced in some districts from Thursday, he said. Under the Home voting concept, a team of officials will reach the houses of the voters, hand over ballot papers to them. They will then drop it in the ballot box after exercising their franchise. He said that the Home voting process will be completed by May 8. Stating that as many as 16,345 complaints were received through C-Vigil app, the CEO said 10,403 complaints which were ascertained as genuine were resolved. Similarly, 864 FIRs were filed with regard to the violation of Model Code of Conduct, he added. In the election related violence, two persons died and 156 others were injured. Electors were requested to check their names and their polling stations on https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ website and in Voter Helpline App / voters.eci.gov.in after registering with their mobile number.

With Dhami in toe, BJP nominee Sanjay Seth files nomination for Ranchi LS seat

RANCHI: Sanjay Seth, the BJP candidate for the Ranchi Lok Sabha constituency, on Thursday filed his nomination in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Accompanied by CM Dhami, leader of opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Amar Kumar Bauri, AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto, JD(U)s Kheeru Mahto and other BJP leaders, Seth expressed confidence for his victory from Ranchi. Before filing of the papers, a grand poll meeting was organised in Morabadi ground in Ranchi where thousands of supporters from different assembly constituencies were also present. Expressing hope that the NDA will win all 14 seats in Jharkhand, CM Dhami said the entire nation is eager to see Narendra Modi become Prime Minister for the third time. The overwhelming support is evident in Jharkhand and people are enthusiastic. The NDA is poised to claim victory in all 14 seats in Jharkhand. Sanjay Seths campaign will set new records, securing Ranchis support to represent them in Parliament, he added. CM Dhami also underscored the Centres efforts towards societal uplift, particularly in integrating tribal communities into the mainstream. He expressed confidence in the people of Jharkhand contributing significantly to achieving the Abki Baar 400 Paar resolution. Polling for Ranchi is scheduled for May 25, part of the multi-phase elections in Jharkhand.

Devon Thomas Banned For 5 Years By ICC Under Anti-Corruption Code

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year period of ineligibility from all cricket on West Indies player Devon Thomas after he accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The ICC announced the period of ineligibility in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the relevant codes, ruling that the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility would be suspended. Mr. Thomas, who chose to admit the charges and agreed to a sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing, admitted to being in breach of the following provisions of the SLC, ECB and CPL Codes: Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the SLC Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code - failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official. Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct. Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021. Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager Integrity Unit, said: Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues. This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly. The anti-corruption decision (which has been redacted to protect the identities of the ICCs witnesses and other third parties) is available here. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates The period of ineligibility is backdated to 23 May 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended.

Fizz on the Street: Coke bottler looks to uncork IPO plans

Coca-Cola's bottling operations in India are handled by HCCB and half a dozen franchisees that manufacture and distribute fizzy drinks Coke, Thums Up and Sprite, juices Minute Maid and Maaza, and Kinley water. Bottling is split evenly between HCCB and the franchisees.

Salima takes baton from Savita as India captain

CM attacks BJP over lack of devpt in state

3 from Ranchi held with arms in Ramgarh ahead of polls

Couple, 2 kids killed as car hits two-wheeler

Hemants sister aims to turn the tables in Odishas ST seat

Sanjay Seth files papers for Ranchi seat

Assailants open fire in Bagbera, 3 hurt

14 teams facilitate home voting in Palamu

Political future of Gandhi & grand alliance is at risk: UP deputy CM

Many schools in state shift classes online

Will give RMC the NOC for drain construction soon: NHAI to HC

Wanted candidate gives cops the slip after meeting

Soccer-El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Aston Villa

Soccer-El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Aston Villa Ayoub El Kaabi netted a hat-trick as Olympiakos stunned Aston Villa with a 4-2 away win in their Europa Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday to give themselves a strong chance of becoming only the second Greek side to compete in a European club competition final. Olympiakos went 2-0 up inside the opening half hour and although Villa pulled level through Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby, the Greek side scored two more goals in the second half to secure a handy advantage ahead of next Thursday's return leg. Mbala Nzola netted a stoppage time winner for Fiorentina to beat Belgium's Club Brugge 3-2 in the other semi-final, first leg clash. Riccardo Sottil and Andrea Belotti scored for the Italians but a Hans Vanaken penalty and a second half equaliser from Thiago made it 2-2 with Brugge looking to hold on for the draw after Raphael Onyedika was sent off in the 61st minute. But substitute Nzola cut away a rebound to hand Fiorentina victory. El Kaabi's 16th minute left footed effort from close range was initially disallowed for offside but then awarded after a VAR check showed Matty Cash played him on. The Moroccan international then further silenced Villa Park with an expertly-timed run onto Daniel Podence's chipped pass to extend the lead in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap again and having time for a couple of touches before tucking the ball away. Villa pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first half as Cash's surging run down the right found Diaby, who in turn picked out Watkins' run from deep. The start of the second half was delayed for a medical emergency in the crowd but seven minutes after the restart Diaby brought the hosts level, netting from a tight angle at the near post after Bailey's pass put him in on goal. Parity, however, lasted only four minutes when Douglas Luiz gave away a penalty for handball as a header from Panagiotis Retsos hit him on his outstretched elbow. El Kaabi sent Robin Olsen the wrong way to complete his hat-trick. Santiago Hezze's deflected shot in the 67th minute made it 4-2 and Villa's misery was complete when Douglas Luiz missed his 84th minute penalty. Olympiakos' Athens rivals Panathinaikos are the only Greek side to reach a continental club final, beaten 2-0 by Ajax Amsterdam at Wembley in the 1971 European Cup final. Sottil's powerful strike had Fiorentina ahead after five minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but the Belgians equalised from a 17th minute penalty from skipper Hans Vanaken after a VAR check for a handball went the way of the visitors. Fiorentina went back ahead eight minutes before the break through Belotti but Thiago's surging run made it 2-2 in the 63rd minute, some 120 seconds after Onyedika was dismissed for a second caution. Nzola's late winner gives the Serie A outfit the lead for the return leg of their tie, to be held next Wednesday to avoid a clash with the Belgian Cup final on May 9.

J&K witnessing peaceful polls, massive turnout of voters: CEO Pole

Urges people to exercise franchise on May 13, 20 & 25 to ensure thriving democracy Says Political parties reaching out to nook & corner of Kashmir to present their viewpoints

Hemant Sorens financial assets grew 200% in 5 years

Ex-CM Hemant Soren and Kalpana Murmu Soren's financial assets surged 200% to Rs 24.4 crore by 2024. Kalpana's income was higher due to managing the family business, while Hemant's remained below Rs 1 crore despite asset growth.

Bank robbery in broad daylight in Manipur, Rs 20 lakh looted from SBI branch India Today

Bank robbery in broad daylight in Manipur, Rs 20 lakh looted from SBI branchIndia Today

UK's Boris Johnson, who introduced voter ID rule, forgets his while voting

UK's Boris Johnson, who introduced voter ID rule, forgets his while voting Former British prime minister Boris Johnson, who introduced a contentious requirement for voters to show photo ID while voting, was turned away from a polling station on Friday for forgetting to bring his. British media reported that Johnson, who quit in 2022 following a scandal-ridden premiership, was initially turned away at a polling station in Oxfordshire, southern England, while trying to vote in local elections taking place across England on Friday. A spokesman said Johnson had voted Conservative but did not deny that the ex-PM had initially failed to produce photo ID. As prime minister, Johnson's government introduced the ID requirement in 2022 to crack down on possible voter fraud but it was heavily criticised for the potential to disenfranchise parts of the electorate. Previously, voters only needed to give their name and address to be able to vote. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask first-time voters to produce some evidence of identity, Johnson had said of the new rules in 2021. Last year, in the first vote where the new rules were implemented, around 14,000 people in England were denied a vote in local elections after being unable to provide ID. The incident is the latest in what has been a colourful political career for Johnson. As London mayor he was once left dangling in the air when he got stranded on a zip wire, and as prime minister he was once pictured appearing to retreat into a large refrigerator while being pursued by a camera crew for an interview. A poll by YouGov showed 14% of Britons were still unaware, in the days prior to Friday's elections, of the voter ID requirement.