Top News

When you can’t find an opportunity, you need to create one: Kriti on production debut ‘Do Patti’

admin 0

The upcoming movie, starring Sanon and Kajol, is directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and is written by Kanika Dhillon. Dhillon also serves as a producer on the project.

Published Date – 29 February 2024, 03:19 PM


When you can’t find an opportunity, you need to create one: Kriti on production debut ‘Do Patti’


Mumbai: Actor Kriti Sanon, who is set to make her production debut with “Do Patti”, on Thursday said backing the Netflix film was a “creatively satisfying” experience.

The upcoming movie, starring Sanon and Kajol, is directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and is written by Kanika Dhillon. Dhillon also serves as a producer on the project.

At the ‘Next on Netflix’ event, Sanon said post her critically-acclaimed film “Mimi”, she was keen to explore films that would challenge her. She won the best actress National Film Award for her portrayal of a surrogate mother in the 2021 movie.

“There comes a time in the life of an actor when you think ‘What next?’ I always wanted to be part of films and tell stories in ways other than being an actor on set. I wanted to do this for a film for which I’m madly passionate about in terms of its story, and ‘Do Patti’ was that story.

“After ‘Mimi’ I wanted to find something which is layered, intense, and that pushes me to do something that I’ve never done before. I wasn’t getting such an opportunity for a while. I believe when you can’t find an opportunity that excites you, you need to create one. ‘Do Patti’ was that opportunity as an actor as well,” Sanon said.

Right from story ideation to the making of the film, the actor said she closely worked with Dhillon.

“I want to thank Kanika for giving me my most challenging role as an actor. This journey has been beautiful. To be part of the process from scripting, music to look was creatively satisfying. I hope I can do this more,” she added.

Dhillon, known for her penning films such as “Kedarnath” and “Haseen Dillruba”, heaped praises on Sanon and Kajol.

“‘Do Patti’ is close to my heart. It will surprise you, shock you. It will make you think. Kriti is an incredibly talented actor. When I saw the rushes, I thought this is her best work. Casting Kajol was a dream come true. She is a legendary actor, she lights up the screen,” the writer-producer said.

In a recorded video message, Kajol said she had an amazing time working with Sanon and Dhillon on the film.

Middle East

Israeli attack on Gazans waiting for aid kills 150, injures hundreds

admin 0

At least 70 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured in an attack by Israeli military forces on the northern Gaza Strip, on people waiting for humanitarian aid. 

According to Palestinian media reports, Israeli troops attacked civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid to arrive in Gaza City on Thursday, resulting in the killing of at least 150 people and injuring of more than 1,000 others.

Scores of wounded individuals were transferred to al-Shifa Hospital amid the Israeli regime’s continued bombardment and shelling on Gaza City.

Earlier in the day, local media reports said 47 Palestinian martyrs were transferred to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah due to the crimes committed by the Israeli military in the besieged territory.

News sources also reported artillery attacks by the Israeli regime on a camp in the city of Khan Yunis, as well as the eastern areas of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The latest development comes as aid agencies have sounded the alarm of a looming famine in Gaza’s north due to Israel’s blockade on the entry of aid.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qudra, has also called for “immediate action” by international organizations to prevent the deaths of children due to “malnutrition, dehydration and widespread famine.”

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power also said in a video posted on social media platform X that Israel needs to open more crossings so that “vitally needed humanitarian assistance can be dramatically surged.”

“This is a matter of life and death,” she said, while pointing to the deteriorating conditions in Gaza.

Israel waged its brutal war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

According to Gaza Health Ministry, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s brutal war on the territory began nearly five months ago.

The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Top News

Iran successfully launches Pars 1 research satellite into space

admin 0

Iran has successfully put into orbit the domestically-built Pars 1 research-measurement satellite.

The 134-kilogram satellite was launched by a Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s far eastern Amur region on Thursday.

Equipped with three cameras, Pars 1 will scan Iran’s topography from an orbit of 500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

The satellite is designed and manufactured by experts and young scientists at the Iran Space Research Institute with the cooperation of knowledge-based companies.

It receives data from ground sources in three spectral ranges of visible, short-wave infrared and thermal infrared.

Speaking on television, Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Issa Zarepour said that the satellite will be added to the country’s sensing satellites and that its sent images and data will be used for multiple purposes.

Elaborating on the country’s space program, he added that Iran has launched 12 satellites into space over the past 25 months.

“The country’s space industry is rapidly advancing forward … upgrading its place,” Zarepour said.

Iran building largest launch base in West Asia

Additionally in his remarks, the minister said that Iran is constructing West Asia’s largest launch base in the country’s south.

He also noted that the first satellite launch from the base will be carried out in the next Iranian calendar year (beginning on March 20) or at the latest by the end of President Ebrahim Raeisi’s term.

Last month, Iran simultaneously put into orbit the Mahda research satellite, as well as the Keyhan-2 and Hatef-1 nanosatellites into orbit using the domestically-made Simorgh (Phoenix) carrier.

In the same month, the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched Soraya satellite into orbit using Qaem 100 satellite carrier.

Despite sanctions imposed by Western countries in recent years, Iran has taken giant strides in the civilian space program.

Iran is among the world’s top 10 countries capable of developing and launching satellites.

Top News

Rahul Ruled Out Of 5th Test Against England, Bumrah To Rejoin Team

admin 0

India batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the five-match series against England in Dharamsala, BCCI announced on Thursday. Rahul is currently recovering from the an injury and the BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue. BCCI also informed that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who earlier released from the squad, will be rejoining the team in Dharamsala for the fifth Test.

“Jasprit Bumrah who was released from the squad for the 4th Test in Ranchi, will link-up with the squad in Dharamsala for the 5th Test,” stated BCCI in a release.

“Washington Sundar has been released from the squad. He will join Tamil Nadu – his Ranji Trophy side – for their Ranji Trophy Semi-final fixture against Mumbai, starting March 2nd, 2024. He will join the India squad after the completion of the domestic fixture for the fifth Test, if need be,” stated further.

The BCCI also stated that star pacer Mohammed Shami, who underwent a surgery on Monday, will soon head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to commence his rehabilitation process.

India’s updated squad for the 5th Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.

Topics mentioned in this article

Hyderabad

Encalm launches another lounge experience at Domestic Departures of RGIA

admin 0

The lounge seamlessly combines comfortable seating with a culinary journey that delights the senses.

Published Date – 29 February 2024, 02:59 PM


Encalm launches another lounge experience at Domestic Departures of RGIA


Hyderabad: Encalm Hospitality has announced the commencement of its new lounge at Domestic Departures, Level E, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad.

Nestled in the heart of Domestic Departures, the new lounge boasts a sprawling 1794 square meters space, accommodating 442 guests. Comprising amenities like the 24-hour operations, complimentary Wi-Fi, lounge bays, a fully operational bar, newspapers and magazines, a dining area, showers, live stations, and a dedicated children’s play area, this oasis of comfort is designed to cater to the diverse needs of contemporary travellers, a press release said.

The lounge seamlessly combines comfortable seating with a culinary journey that delights the senses. The Food and Beverage area offers buffet coupled with an array of beverages, ensures that travellers can savour delectable treats and refreshing drinks round the clock.

Vikas Sharma, CEO of Encalm Hospitality, said, “Our lounge is not just a space, rather it is an immersive experience that combines comfort, culinary excellence, and the warmth of hospitality.”

Top News

DNA Test Confirms Dying Man Was One Of Japan's Most Wanted Criminals

admin 0

DNA Test Confirms Dying Construction Worker Was One Of Japan's Most Wanted Criminals

For years, Kirishima had been going under the name Hiroshi Uchida.

A DNA test has confirmed that a 70-year-old man who claimed to be one of Japan’s most wanted criminals was telling the truth. According to the BBC, Satoshi Kirishima made his confession on his hospital deathbed last month. “I want to meet my death with my real name,” he told the police. Now, a month later, officials have confirmed that the 70-year-old was indeed Kirishima, a member of a militant group behind several deadly bombings in the 1970s. He was wanted for nearly 50 years. 

It is unclear how Kirishima remained at large for so many years. He is suspected of helping plant a homemade bomb that blasted away parts of a building in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 1975, the outlet reported. There were no casualties. Back then, he belonged to the East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front, a radical, left-wing organisation believed to be behind several bombings against companies in Tokyo in the 70s – including one targeting a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries building which left eight dead and more than 160 injured.

The 70-year-old is also believed to have been involved in four other attacks the ground carried out. Two other members of the group were sentenced to death for their involvement in attacks. It is thought he is the only member of the group never caught by the cops.

For years, Kirishima had been going under the name Hiroshi Uchida. He had reportedly lived in the city of Fujisawa, on the western edge of Tokyo, for almost 40 years. He told the cops he had worked day labour jobs before ending up working at a construction company. He had been paid in cash and didn’t have a phone to help him stay under the radar. He also didn’t have a driving licence or any health insurance when he arrived at the hospital. 

Also Read | “Thank You, PIA”: Pakistan Airlines Air Hostess Flies To Canada, Leaves Note And Goes Missing

The saga took a sudden turn when the terminally ill man hospitalised near Tokyo confessed on his deathbed that he was Kirishima. This prompted the hospital staff to alert the police and through subsequent DNA analysis, “the person who died at the hospital on January 29 was confirmed to be Satoshi Kirishima himself”, a Tokyo police spokesman said, as per Japan Times. 

While interrogated by police shortly before his death, Mr Kirishima recounted details about his family and extremist group that only he could have known. 

Police will now continue to investigate whether or not anyone helped Kirishima stay undetected for all this time. 

Hyderabad

Telangana govt to provide compassionate appointments to dependents of deceased VROs

admin 0

The previous BRS government abolished the VRO posts and accommodated them in various government departments.

Updated On – 29 February 2024, 02:50 PM


Telangana govt to provide compassionate appointments to dependents of deceased VROs


Hyderabad: The State government issued orders to provide compassionate appointments to the dependents of deceased Village Revenue Officers (VRO) in any government posts, following requests from the dependent families.

Accordingly, Principal Secretary for Revenue Navin Mittal issued the orders asking the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration as well as all the district collectors to examine and dispose of proposals for providing compassionate appointments to the dependents of the deceased VROs, against any government posts as per their qualifications and eligibility.

The previous BRS government abolished the VRO posts and accommodated them in various government departments.

Top News

"Mutual Adjustment": Suvendu Adhikari On Arrest Of Sandeshkhali Accused

admin 0

'Mutual Adjustment': BJP's Suvendu Adhikari On Arrest Of Sandeshkhali Accused Sheikh Shahjahan

West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikari, has raised eyebrows over the arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan, stating, “This is not an arrest; this is a mutual adjustment.”

“Bhaskar Mukherjee (DIG, Malda Range), took him (Sheikh Shahjahan) in the car to Palta and then to Bhushi Ratil. This is not arrest, this is a mutual adjustment. Unless the central agencies take him into their custody, the people there won’t get justice. There is no protection from the court and this is not an interlocutory stay. This misconception has been created by the leaders of TMC and the police. I am again and again saying that it’s not an arrest; it’s a mutual adjustment,” Suvendu Adhikari said.

The LoP’s statements add a layer of controversy to the arrest, with Adhikari alleging that Shahjahan would enjoy “5-star facilities in jail.”

“He will get 5-star facilities in jail. He will use his mobile phone inside and control the area from there. He will engage in illegal activities and thuggery from inside the jail,” Suvendu Adhikari said.

Amid tension in Sandeshkhali, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by West Bengal police today in the morning in connection with allegations of ‘sexual assault and land grab,’ officials said.”

Shahjahan was arrested from Minakhan in the North 24 Parganas district,” Minakhan SDPO Aminul Islam Khan told ANI.”

He will be produced before the Basirhat Court at 2 pm today,” the SDPO added.

Shahjahan had been evading arrest by both state and central agencies for over a month.

Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district has been witnessing widespread protests against TMC strongman Shahjahan Sheikh this month as a section of women were seeking justice against alleged atrocities committed by the TMC leader.

A large number of women in Sandeshkhali had accused Shajahan Sheikh and his close aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion.

The arrest comes three days after the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice ordered the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan in the Sandeshkhali case.

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari, along with BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh, is on the way to Sandeshkhali after Calcutta High Court on Wednesday allowed them to visit the area.

On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court allowed the six members of an independent fact-finding team by the Centre, led by a former judge of the Patna High Court, to go to battleground Sandeshkhali on Friday.

The six-member team, headed by Justice Narsimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, also comprised of fellow members Charu Bali Khanna, Bhavna Bajaj, OP Vyas, Rajpal Singh, Aparna Banerjee and Bandana Biswas.

The fact-finding team is scheduled to visit Majherpara, Natunpara, and Naskarpara localities in Sandeshkhali.

Justice Kaushik Chandra of the HC bench also allowed Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari to go to Sandeshkhali on Thursday on the condition that he should not be making any inflammatory comments during his visit.

India

With 1.08 percent per annum growth, leopard population in India at 13,874

admin 0

Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country: 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (1985), Karnataka (1,879) and Tamil Nadu (1,070).

Published Date – 29 February 2024, 02:21 PM


With 1.08 percent per annum growth, leopard population in India at 13,874


New Delhi: India’s leopard population has reached 13,874, with 1.08 percent per year growth between 2018 and 2022, as per a report released by the Environment Ministry on Thursday.

According to the report released by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country: 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (1985), Karnataka (1,879) and Tamil Nadu (1,070). The fifth cycle of leopard population estimation (2022) in India focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, covering four major tiger conservation landscapes. Non-forested habitats, arid areas, and high Himalayas above 2000 msl (~ 30% area) were not sampled for leopards.

“India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 (range: 12,616 – 15,132) individuals, representing a stable population in comparison to the similar area being sampled in 2018 with 12852 (12,172-13,535) individuals,” the report mentioned. This estimate represents a population of 70 percent of leopard habitat, the Himalayas and semi-arid parts of the country, which are not tiger habitats, were not sampled.

Tiger Reserves or sites with the highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), followed by Panna (Madhya Pradesh), and Satpura (Madhya Pradesh). “Central India shows a stable or slightly growing population of leopards (2018: 8071, 2022: 8820), Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains experienced a decline (2018: 1253, 2022: 1109).

If we look at the area that was sampled both in 2018 and 2022 across India, there is a 1.08 percent per annum growth,” the report mentioned. The largest growth rate was in Central India and the Eastern Ghats at 1.5 percent, as per the report. However, there is a 3.4 percent decline per year in the population growth of leopards in the Shivalik Hills and the Gangetic Plains. Leopards are powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars.

They are facing escalating threats across their range in India. Amidst habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) spearheaded the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation, shedding light on the status and trends of these elusive big cats. This cycle conducted a foot survey spanning 6,41,449 km to estimate carnivore signs and prey abundance.

Camera traps were strategically placed at 32,803 locations, resulting in a total of 4,70,81,881 photographs, resulting in 85,488 photo-captures of leopards. Reflecting on the report, the union environment minister said that Project Tiger’s conservation legacy extends beyond tigers, as evident in the leopard status report, showcasing broader species protection efforts. “The report emphasises conservation commitment beyond protected areas, lauding the Forest Department’s dedicated efforts.

Project Tiger’s inclusive approach underscores ecosystem interconnectedness and diverse species conservation. Under our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s guidance, this conservation journey embodies the ethos of one Earth, one family, and one future. Congratulations to all contributors to this crucial mission,” Yadav added. The environment ministry noted that the findings in the report underscore the critical role of protected areas in conserving leopard populations.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad weekend guide: Explore eco-friendly events and creative workshops

admin 0

The weekend in Hyderabad is offering eclectic events to experience diverse expressions of creativity.

Published Date – 29 February 2024, 02:36 PM


Hyderabad weekend guide: Explore eco-friendly events and creative workshops


Hyderabad: From organic living discussions to creative workshops in poetry, baking, and traditional art forms, the weekend in Hyderabad is offering eclectic events to experience diverse expressions of creativity.

Poetry workshop:

Conducted by Rohini Kejriwal, the curator of the Instagram page ‘The Alipore Post’, the workshop allows participants to engage with poetry through guided prompts and word plays.

Poetry formats like spin-a-yarn, limericks, black out poetry, and collage porms could be explored.

When: March 3, 10 am onwards

Where: Roastery Coffee House, Banjara Hills

For registration, check out

 

Biodegradable Santha:

From natural dyed organic clothing to bioenzymes, the event aims to lead the society towards a biodegradable lifestyle to preserve our ecosystem.

When: March 1,2 ; 10.30 am to 7 pm

Where: CCT Spaces, Banjara Hills

Registrations: Open for everyone

 

Earth keepers meet:

The event aims to build community awareness through knowledge and ideas exchange, which will help a better understanding of an organic way of life that will benefit society and Mother Earth.

When: March 2, 4 pm to 7 pm

Where: Our Sacred Space, Secunderabad

Registration: Free event

 

Block Printing Carnival:

Unwind on the weekend by creating your own personalized t-shirt or tote bag with a variety of funky block prints.

When: March 3, 4 pm

Where: The POP Studio, Gandipet

Registrations: Available at Paytm Insider

 

Rangmanch:

With the theme “vocabulary of the three”, the event explores language of nature through lens of a tree. Participants are encouraged to embody the essence of a tree, channeling its experiences and emotions into spoken word performances and stories.

When: March 3, 5 pm to 8 pm

Where: Vision Rainbow, Lakdikapul

Registrations: Check out www.artflowmov.fun

 

Baking workshop:

Elevate your baking skills as you join the workshop for the simple tips, recipies, and loads of fun!

When: March 3, 1 pm

Where: F house, Jubilee Hills

Registrations: Available at Book My Show

 

Lippan Art Workshop:

Discover the ancient art of Lippan, a traditional mural painting style from Gujarat. The hands on workshop allows you to explore the techniques and symbolism behind the art form, create relief mud designs, honouring the craftmenship of Kutch region.

When: March 3, 2 pm

Where: Bird Box, Madhapur

Registrations: Available at Book My Show