Bengal LoP seeks Calcutta HC’s permission to stage protest near DGP office

Kolkata, June 21, 2024
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday, approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to organise a sit-in demonstration in front of the DGP’s office against the incidents of post-poll violence in the state.

The matter is likely to come up for hearing at the single-judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha on June 25. Earlier, Adhikari had sought permission to hold the sit-in demonstration in front of Raj Bhavan in central Kolkata.

After being denied the police permission, he approached the bench of Justice Sinha. However, Justice Sinha advised him to choose an alternative venue to hold the same.

Finally, on Friday, he informed the court that he had decided to organise the sit-in demonstration in front of the office of the Director General of Police (DGP).

Adhikari had already clarified that his earlier decision to conduct the demonstration in front of the Raj Bhavan was not meant to target the Governor on the issue of post-poll violence.

“Last year, the ruling Trinamool Congress had organised a five-day protest in front of Raj Bhavan on another issue. Police gave them the requisite permission despite Section 144 being imposed there year-round. So we expected the police to permit us also,” the LoP said.

Already, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, after meeting Suvendu Adhikari and some victims of post-poll violence had issued a strong statement on the matter and claimed that he will see it through the end to end this menace.(Agency)

NSE warns investors of individuals, entities promising assured returns in stock market

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) issued an advisory on Friday cautioning investors of certain individuals and entities promising assured returns on investment in the stock market.

The exchange said in a statement that investors are cautioned and advised not to subscribe to any such scheme/product offered by any person/entity offering indicative/assured/guaranteed returns in the stock market as the same is prohibited by law.

The NSE said that a Telegram channel named ‘Leverage Consultants’ operating through the mobile number ‘9257674662’ and an individual named ‘Amisha Thakur’ operating via mobile number ‘9366171650’ — is “providing securities market tips and assured returns on investment in the stock market”.

“It may also be noted that the said person/entity is not registered either as a member or authorised person of any registered member of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited,” said the NSE.

The stock exchange also advised investors not to share their trading credentials, such as user ID/password, with anyone.

“Exchange has provided a facility of ‘Know/Locate your Stock Broker’ under the link https://www.nseindia.com/invest/find-a-stock-broker on its website, to check the details of the registered member and its authorised persons,” it mentioned. (Agency)

Arzoo Govitrikar makes TV comeback after 6-year hiatus with ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Renowned actress Arzoo Govitrikar, has made her television comeback after a six-year hiatus with the show ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’, and has opened up on her character Neelima.

Arzoo, who is known for her work in ‘Ek Ladki Anjaani Si’, ‘Ghar Ek Sapnaa’, and others joined ‘Chaahenge Tumhe Itnaa’ as Neelima Maasi, Sid’s (Bharat Ahlawat) aunt who has raised him as her own son.

However, Neelima has a complex personality and a dark side that will unfold as the story progresses.

Speaking about her entry in the show, Arzoo shared: “After being away from television for quite some time, I was seeking a unique role for a strong comeback, and Neelima’s character came to me at the perfect moment. The storyline really caught my attention, and I’m excited to portray the character of Neelima as this role is very different from anything I’ve done before.”

“I’m eager to bring this character to life. Neelima is a modern-age woman who is known for her stylish and modern demeanour. She is a successful businesswoman and loves Sid as her own child. However, there’s more to Neelima than meets the eye. I’m excited for viewers to see me as Neelima Maasi and hope they will embrace my character and the show with their love and support,” added Arzoo.

It also features Khyati Keswani as Amrita, Swati Sharma as Aashi,

The show airs on Shemaroo Umang.

Arzoo has been a part of projects like ‘Baghban’, ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’, ‘Tulsi’, and ‘Manmadhan’. (Agency)

Original diva journalist Shobhaa De confirmed as ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ contestant

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Diva journalist Shobhaa De will be seen as a contestant in the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’, which is all set to have its grand premiere on Friday.

Sources told IANS that Shobhaa De, who is referred to as the ‘Jackie Collins of India’ for her depiction of socialites and sex in her works of fiction, will be a part of the show, hosted by Anil Kapoor for the first time.

Apart from Shobha, another big personality to star in the show is Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey, who was last seen on the big screen in “Tiger 3” starring Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi and Katrina Kaif.

Others who will be seen in the show include names such as veteran actress Sonam Khan, the viral “vada pav girl” Chandrika Dixit, Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, who were seen in the show “Temptation Island”, television actress Sana Sultan, and content creator Vishal Pandey.

Several reports also claim that actress Sana Maqbul and journalist Deepak Chaurasia will also be seen in the show.

“Bigg Boss OTT” is the spin-off version of “Bigg Boss”, which first premiered in August 2021 and hosted by Karan Johar. The second season, hosted by Salman Khan, aired in 2023. (Agency)

First-look poster of spooky comedy ‘Kakuda’ out; cast includes Sonakshi, Riteish, Saqib Saleem

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

The makers of Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saqib Saleem-starrer supernatural comedy ‘Kakuda’ on Friday unveiled the first look poster of the starcast, announcing that the movie will be released on July 12.

Taking to social media, the makers shared a spooky poster, in which Riteish is in the middle, standing with a device in his hand. He has a rugged look, tattoos on the left hand and left arm, and kohl on his eyes. Next to him is Sonakshi, who looks scared in the picture and is holding a torch.

On the other side of Riteish is Saqib who is giving a goon-vibe and is holding a torch. Behind the trio, there is a ghostly figure watching them closely.

The post is captioned as: “Purushon ke hit mein jaari #kakuda aa raha hai ’12 July’ ko, toh ghar pe rahein aur theek 7:15 baje, darwaza khula rakhna naa bhoolein. Kyunki #AbMardKhatreMeinHai”.

The film is a rollercoaster ride of laughter and chills, revolving around the cursed village of Ratodi. The film features spine-tingling moments intertwined with side-splitting humour.

It also stars Aasif Khan.

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, it will release on July 12 on ZEE5. (Agency)

Australian woman charged after threatening police with knife

Sydney, June 21 2024-

Australian police revealed on Friday that a woman was charged after wielding a knife and was injured during a police shooting in Victoria.

According to a report from Victoria Police, the 51-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of threats to assault police, two counts of assaulting police, two counts of common law assault, and reckless conduct causing serious injury.

On Sunday, emergency services were called to Penders Park near Collins Street in Thornbury at about 2:50 p.m. local time following reports of a woman armed with a kitchen knife, reports Xinhua news agency.

The involved venue is located approximately 8 km north of Melbourne’s central business district.

Despite officers’ negotiations with the woman to drop the knife, she refused to do so, and pepper spray was deployed afterward.

“The woman then allegedly ran at officers while holding the knife before one shot was fired by police. She was conveyed to hospital in a stable condition to be treated for a gunshot wound to her thigh,” said Victoria Police.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident under the oversight of Professional Standards Command, which is standard protocol when a police firearm is discharged. (Agency)

Nia Sharma ends up with blisters on her stomach while frying food on ‘Laughter Chefs’ sets

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Actress Nia Sharma, who is currently putting her culinary skills to the test in the show ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ has accidentally hurt herself while frying food at her station.

Amid fast-paced culinary action, she bumped into one of the drawers, causing an injury. Rather than getting flustered or upset, Nia handled the situation with remarkable poise and calm. Without missing a beat, the actor took care of her injury right away, ensuring she could continue participating in the challenge and creating the dish assigned to her.

Recounting the incident, Nia said: “I think I’m a decent cook and I’m thrown off by minor cooking hazards. When a little bit of the oil splattered on me, I didn’t let it freak me out. But right after I bumped into one of the drawers. Despite these two incidents, all I wanted was to finish cooking and do it well.”

“I didn’t think much about it then, but later I saw it had left a little bit of a blister on my stomach. It’s just part of cooking– there are ups and downs, but they all add up to the fulfilling experience of preparing a dish,” she added.

‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ airs on Colors.

Nia is known for her work in shows like ‘Naagin 4’, ‘Jamai Raja’, ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’, ‘Behenein’, and ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made in India’.

Currently, the actress is featuring in the fantasy thriller romance ‘Suhagan Chudail’. The show also stars Debchandrima Singha Roy, and Zayn Ibad Khan in pivotal roles. (Agency)

Army’s Trishakti corps performs Yoga on mountains near India-China border

Guwahati, June 21 2024-

The Trishakti corps of the Indian Army celebrated on Friday the International Day of Yoga across its stations in North Bengal and Sikkim, including border areas located above 15,000 feet, officials said.

An Army official said, “As part of the International Yoga Day, Trishakti Corps conducted various Yoga activities in military stations across North Bengal and Sikkim, including the border areas. The activities were conducted throughout June and culminated on Friday.”

In Sikkim, Yoga was performed at an altitude of over 15,000 feet near Gurudongmar Lake, ahead of Zero Point and near India-China border.

The events witness enthusiastic participation by serving soldiers and their families in military stations of the Corps.

In many places, locals were invited to practise Yoga with the troops and families.

The official said that Yoga is a vital practice for military personnel, who face physically and mentally demanding conditions while serving on the frontlines. It enhances their overall well-being by improving both physical and mental health, thereby boosting their resilience and performance in demanding environments.

“The Yoga sessions focussed on creating awareness about the benefits of Yoga and inculcating the habit of practising Yoga as a part of everyone’s life,” he added. (Agency)

Ritviz joins hands with Pakistani pop-R&B sensation Hasan Raheem for ‘Mehrbaan’

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Indian independent music artiste Ritviz has joined hands with Pakistani pop-R&B sensation Hasan Raheem for a new track titled ‘Mehrbaan’.

“This collaboration felt like a natural progression,” shared Ritviz in a statement.

“Hasan’s music has always resonated with me, and I believe our creative energies collide beautifully in ‘Mehrbaan’. I continue to create music that inspires me, and it’s been an honour to collaborate with him on this track,” added the singer, who is known for tracks such as “Udd Gaye” and “Liggi”

Raheem, who is Pakistan’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2021), and a certified doctor, said that working on the track was an absolute joy.

Raheem said: “Working with Ritviz on ‘Mehrbaan’ was an absolute joy. We connected instantly over our passion for music and storytelling, and it’s translated into something truly special. This song is more than just a collaboration; it’s a symbol of the bridges music can build.”

Multidisciplinary artiste Santanu Hazarika has lent his design charm to the artwork of the song.

Hazarika said: “Ritviz & Hasan coming together seems like such an organic fit & it’s such a delight to create for both of them, especially for such a special project. It also seems like an organic way to grow alongside the Ritviz universe, where we’ve taken on a different tonality to highlight a new phase of his career.” (Agency)

Japan’s Takeda allows Sun Pharma, Cipla to market gastro drug in India

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical gave India’s Sun Pharmaceutical and Cipla the rights to commercialise the gastrointestinal drug Vonoprazan in the country.

The drug, which is sold in the form of tablets under the brand name ‘Voltapraz’, blocks a key step in the production of stomach acid, Sun Pharma said on Friday.

Takeda has granted both drugmakers non-exclusive patent licensing rights for the drug.

Cipla and Sun Pharma will independently commercialise the drug in India under their respective brands.

Vonoprazan (oral tablets) is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), used for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Vonoprazan is also used in treating disorders such as erosive oesophagitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer, gastro-oesophageal reflux, reflux oesophagitis and Helicobacter pylori eradication, according to a Cipla statement. (Agency)