Indian CEOs prioritise tech investments, including towards AI: report

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

Indian CEOs are prioritising technology investment, including artificial intelligence (AI) but stay guarded amid data security challenges, according to a report.

Around 70 per cent of CEOs are channeling investments into technology, including AI, to catalyse growth and enhance productivity over the next 12 months, which is much higher than their global counterpart at 47 per cent, according to the ‘EY CEO Outlook Pulse Survey’.

However, fortifying data management and cybersecurity (56 per cent) and pursuing cost optimisation across business facets (50 per cent) also stand out as critical strategic imperatives in the near term.

Moreover, the acquisition of technology, new production capabilities, or innovative startups (44 per cent) emerges as the leading strategic driver for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, said the report.

“Commitment to tech investments is not just a response to the present but a strategic leap towards the future. The survey underscores this momentum, revealing that a substantial majority of CEOs are actively aligning their organisations with an AI-centric blueprint for innovation and productivity,” said Mahesh Makhija, EY India Technology Consulting Leader.

Despite a majority of CEOs acknowledging the growing importance of sustainability compared to a year ago, there is a trend of sustainability slipping down the priority list for almost 16 per cent of CEOs, overshadowed by financial constraints and a shift in boardroom focus.

To bolster the sustainability agenda, corporate India advocates for technology incentives, including AI, as well as subsidies and tax breaks for green technology investments, coupled with governmental backing of sustainable infrastructure projects. (Agency)

Joe Biden, Helen Mirren, Edgar Wright and Ron Howard pay tributes to Donald Sutherland

Los Angeles, June 21 2024-

After Canadian star Donald Sutherland passed away aged 88 after a long illness, a string of Hollywood personalities along with US President Joe Biden paid their tributes.

President Biden took to X to honour Sutherland, who he described as “a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.”

Veteran star Helen Mirren, who starred with him in “The Leisure Seeker,” shared a statement, where she said Donald Sutherland was one of the smartest actors she ever worked with.

Mirren added: “He had a wonderful enquiring brain and a great knowledge of a wide variety of subjects. He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor.”

“This all made him into the legend of film that he became. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world.”

In the thriller “Klute,” Sutherland starred as a romantic lead and titular character John Klute across Jane Fonda’s Bree Daniels. Fonda called Sutherland a “brilliant actor and a complex man” in her tribute on Instagram, saying the pair loved working together on the film, reports variety.com.

Filmmaker, actor and 2017’s “Baby Driver” director Edgar Wright posted his tribute to X, praising Sutherland’s legacy in film and TV.

“RIP the great Donald Sutherland, a favourite actor and always fascinating screen presence. He starred in two of my very favourite and most influential films – ‘Don’t Look Now’ and the 1978 ‘Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers,’” Wright tweeted.

“But that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his legendary filmography; a funny, laconic, but also intense and dramatic presence in so many memorable movies, starting with his break-through in ‘The Dirty Dozen’, and then on an incredible run in the 70’s, 80’s and beyond with ‘M*A*S*H’, ‘Kelly’s Heroes’, ‘Little Murders’, ‘Klute’, ‘Don’t Look Now’, ‘The Day Of The Locust’, ‘Ordinary People’ and ‘JFK’, among many others,” Wright said

“I even adore his very early appearances in ‘Dr Terror’s House Of Horrors’ and ‘The World Ten Times Over’, as well as his very silly cameo in ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’.

“I know many of you following me will feel the same way about this great screen legend’s passing, so please list your favourite Donald Sutherland films,” Wright added.

“So sorry to see you go Donald, but what a legacy you leave behind.”

Director Ron Howard wrote: “I was blessed to direct him in #Backdraft. One of the most intelligent, interesting & engrossing film actors of all time. Incredible range, creative courage & dedication to serving the story & the audience with supreme excellence.”

Actor Rob Lowe remembered Sutherland and said: “Today we lost one of our greatest actors, Donald Sutherland. It was my honour to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability.”

“If you want a master class in acting, watch him in “Ordinary People”. My condolences to Kiefer.”

“The Batman” Director Matt Reeves called Sutherland “one of the all-time greats” in his tribute on X.

Sutherland worked over 200 film and TV credits over 60 years starring in films like “Ordinary People” and “Don’t Look Now.” Sutherland landed his first big role in 1967’s “The Dirty Dozen,” which later earned him a spot as surgeon Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce in “MASH.”

His son Kiefer Sutherland called him “one of the most important actors in the history of film.” (Agency)

T20 World Cup: ‘You have to be a step ahead of him’, SKY lauds ‘best bowler’ Rashid after India’s Super 8 win

Bridgetown (Barbados), June 21 2024-

After a match-winning knock of 53 off 28 against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match, India batter Suryakumar was full of praises for the Afghan spinner Rashid Khan and described him as the world’s best bowler.

During his 53-run innings, Suryakumar hit 16 runs off the six deliveries he faced from Rashid to help lift his side to a winning total of 181/8 at the Kensington Oval on Thursday night.

Speaking after the match, the world no.1 T20I batter highlighted the necessity of asserting dominance against a player he regards as the world’s best bowler.

“I have told this before as well and I’ll say that again on air when he bowls, it’s very difficult to pick him so I know what shots I want to play when I’m inside. Best bowler in the world. You can’t let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead. But I am happy to be on a better side today,” said Suryakumar.

Batting first, India were 79/3 after 10 overs, having lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. But Suryakumar’s partnership with Hardik Pandya got them back on an even keel, leading to a solid first-innings score of 181/8.

In their response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, thanks to an exceptional spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 3-7, as India sealed a 47-run win.

For his match-defining knock, Suryakumar was adjudged Player of the Match, speaking about his performance, the batter said “I think there’s a lot of hard work and practice gone behind this. And as I say again and again, there’s a lot of process and routines involved and when I go inside, when I play the game, I know I’m pretty clear in my mind what I want to do. Really happy with the way things went. And yeah, the first batter to get better of the match, hopefully the first of many.

“I still remember when Hardik came into bat, I told him the same thing. Let’s keep back with the same intent. Let’s not leave too much to the end because in the end, it was definitely going to be a difficult thing to do with the ball getting old, reversing and all. So, I said let’s keep pressing the pedal and see where we get in the end of 16 overs. But yeah, very happy with the way we got 180 on the board,” he added.

When asked about the adjustments needed after playing on challenging pitches in the USA and then moving to the Caribbean, the 33-year-old responded, “I think you just need to know what the game plan is. You practice accordingly when you get a few practice sessions and just know your game and when you go inside give the team fast what the team requires on that given day. Just, just be that way when you look at how the.” (Agency)

Bhakti Rathod thanks PM Modi for looking after India’s physical, mental health through yoga

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Actress Bhakti Rathod, popular for her work in the TV show ‘Pushpa Impossible’, has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative for “Yoga Day” at the United Nations in 2014 and getting to celebrate 10 years of it on Friday.

Bhakti told IANS: “Happy World Yoga Day! Thanks to the initiative taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji at the UN in 2014 today we are able to celebrate 10 years of World Yoga Day.

“A leader, who not only looks after the other aspects of progress of his nation but also the physical and mental health of the people of his nation and inspires the whole world to do the same.”

The actress said that she is going to introduce a new tradition in her life this year.

“This International Yoga Day, I will inspire five people in my life to do yoga and follow this tradition for their mental and physical health. I urge you to do the same and inspire more people to follow this most ancient Indian inexpensive and paramount way of leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Proposed in 2014 by the United Nations, the initiative for “Yoga Day” was taken by Prime Minister Modi in his 2014 UN address.

Walking down the memory lane, Bhakti said that her mother introduced her to yoga when she was 15.

“What I experienced in my mind and body still stays with me. Since then it has been my go-to solution for self-balance. I was elated when our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, re-introduced it to the world and created widespread awareness of the most inexpensive and effective health care system from ancient India.” (Agency)

Elderly couple found dead with 50 pigeons in UP’s Bulandshahr

Bulandshahr (UP), June 21 2024-

An elderly couple, Laxman Singh, 68, and Shyamvati, 66, was found dead in their home in Dibai in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr.

The couple had about 50 pigeons, all of whom were also found dead.

The police said that the couple lived on their own and had a son who stays in Delhi. Their bodies were discovered after a neighbour detected a foul smell and alerted police, who broke down the door.

“Their bodies were decomposing, indicating they had died a couple of days ago. There are no visible injury marks. The autopsy will reveal the cause of death,” said Ram Karan, Circle Officer, Dibai.

Preliminary investigation suggests the man died of prolonged illness and the woman possibly from trauma, said Ram Karan.

“A detailed investigation is underway. The couple’s son was informed about their death,” added the senior officer. (Agency)

Bodies of two brothers found in dry well in UP’s Farrukhabad

Farrukhabad (UP), June 21 2024-

The bodies of two brothers were found dumped in a dry well in the Jahanganj area in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district.

The bodies were found on Thursday. The deceased were identified as Gulab Singh, 32, and his brother Dara Singh, 25, and they had gone missing since Wednesday evening.

According to reports, they had gone to harvest maize crops from their field late Wednesday evening. However, when they both did not return home for long, their father Chavinath, and brothers Sanjay, Ashok and Karan launched a frantic search, but in vain. They also made several calls on their mobile phones, but the calls went unanswered.

During the search, when the family looked into a well located close to their farm with torchlight, they found the bodies of the two brothers lying there.

On being informed, Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar, Circle Officer of Mohammadabad Arun Kumar, along with a forensic team reached the spot.

Later, the bodies were taken out of the well. Two water bottles were also recovered from the well. An injury mark was found near Gulab Singh’s left eye.

Apart from this, no visible injury was found on the bodies. Their father Chavinath denied having any enmity with anyone in the village.

On the basis of Chavinath’s complaint, the police have lodged a case of murder against unknown people. The post-mortem report of the bodies is awaited. (Agency)

Saiyami Kher to star alongside Sunny Deol in Gopichand Malineni’s upcoming film

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Actress Saiyami Kher will be seen starring alongside star Sunny Deol in Gopichand Malineni’s recently announced directorial, which is being touted as the “biggest action film of the country.”

Saiyami shared her enthusiasm about the project and said that she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the film, which is tentatively titled “SDGM”.

“Working with Sunny Deol, an icon of Indian cinema, is an incredible honour and a dream come true. After Ghoomer, this opportunity is a significant milestone in my career. Have waited to be a part of a proper commercial film,” Saiyami said.

She added: “And I’m glad I have gotten this opportunity. Gopichand Malineni’s vision for the film is truly very exciting. I can’t wait to start this journey and bring our story to life.”

The actress is grateful to the producers for believing in her and giving her a chance to showcase her abilities on such a “grand platform.”

The film was officially launched on June 20 in Hyderabad. The shooting is set to commence on June 22.

The production banner Mythri Movie Makers on Thursday took to X and announced the film, tentatively titled ‘SDGM’.

“Make way for the biggest action film of the country – #SDGM. Starring Action Superstar @iamsunnydeol. Directed by @megopichand. Produced by @MythriOfficial and @peoplemediafcy,” the tweet read.

The tweet further stated: “MASS FEAST LOADING! Shoot begins soon. @MusicThaman @RishiPunjabi5 @artkolla.”

Gopichand Malineni, who primarily works in Telugu cinema, is known for films such as ‘Don Seenu’, ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Balupu’, ‘Pandaga Chesko’, ‘Winner’, and ‘Krack’. (Agency)

PM Modi’s choice of Kashmir as Yoga Day venue is symbolic & assertive

Srinagar, June 21 2024-

The decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold the 10th International Day of Yoga in J&K’s Srinagar city is both symbolic and assertive.

PM Modi chose to join the Yoga participants in Srinagar in the aftermath of a series of terror attacks in the Jammu division, including the one on innocent pilgrims in the Reasi district.

Nine pilgrims were killed and 44 injured in the Reasi terror attack on June 9 when terrorists first killed the driver of the bus and then kept firing at the overturned bus for 20 minutes to ensure that no pilgrim survived the cowardly attack.

The terror attack in Reasi and Kathua district followed the large participation of the people especially from the Valley in the Lok Sabha polls.

As the PM said the terror attacks were ‘the last ditch efforts of the enemies of Kashmir’s progress, India would teach them a befitting lesson’.

PM Modi chose Srinagar as the venue for the Yoga Day celebrations because he knew that the focus of the world would be on this event.

Yoga has caught the imagination of the world in such a large manner that has perhaps not been matched by any other event before.

A total of 177 countries at the UN supported the Indian resolution on Yoga which was passed in a record time of 90 days. Never before in the history of the UN has any other resolution been passed in such a record time.

It was under this backdrop that PM Modi decided to have the world’s attention focused on Kashmir by his presence in Srinagar.

Undeterred by the terror attacks, PM Modi made the big announcement that preparations for the Assembly elections are already underway and that the people of J&K would soon have an Assembly of elected representatives.

He also assured restoration of statehood to the UT saying that J&K would soon touch new heights of progress and prosperity with its statehood back.

This was a clear and loud message to the enemies of democracy in J&K. The country is determined to restore complete democracy in J&K and return political power to the elected members of the Legislative Assembly.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already issued the primary notification asking the political parties to apply for election symbols.

In all likelihood, Assembly elections would be held in J&K before the deadline of September 30 set by the Supreme Court.

PM Modi also spoke about the security situation when he said that the Centre is determined to eradicate terrorism at all costs from the soil of J&K.

He referred to two security review meetings taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.

The detractors of PM Modi have been blaming him for denying the people of Kashmir a truly representative local government.

PM’s speech, which was watched by the World as he spoke from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by the banks of the Dal Lake, has put a full stop to his detractors.

The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, by Parliament removed the last barrier between J&K and the rest of the country.

PM Modi’s assurance of early Assembly elections and restoration of statehood would serve two national objectives — the promise of complete integration of J&K with the country and an equal share of democracy, progress and prosperity for the people here who have seen over 30 years of worst violence and uncertainty. (Agency)

Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey confirmed as ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ contestant

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey will be seen as a contestant in the third season of “Bigg Boss OTT” hosted by Anil Kapoor.

A source close to IANS said that just like filmmaker-actress Pooja Bhatt was one of the biggest names in the controversial reality show last year, the third season has Ranvir Shorey.

Ranvir is known for his work in “Ek Chhotisi Love Story”, “Jism”, “Khosla Ka Ghosla”, “Traffic Signal”, “Bheja Fry” and “Mithya”. He was last seen on screen in Salman Khan-starrer “Tiger 3”

IANS had earlier confirmed names such as Sonam Khan, who featured in Bollywood films such as “Tridev” and “Vishwatma” to name a few, the viral “vada pav girl” Chandrika Dixit, Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, who were seen in the show “Temptation Island”, will be seen in the show.

Other names include television actress Sana Sultan, and content creator Vishal Pandey.

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

The digital version of the reality show, which itself is the spin-off version of Bigg Boss, first premiered in August 2021 with Karan Johar as the host for the OTT version. In 2023, Salman hosted the OTT version for the first time. (Agency)

Chandrababu Naidu returns to Assembly as CM two-and-half years after ‘humiliation’

Amaravati, June 21 2024-

Two-and-half years after walking out over alleged insulting remarks made against his family members, Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday returned to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly as Chief Minister.

Breaking down publicly over the humiliation he faced as the then leader of the opposition in November 2021, Chandrababu Naidu had vowed to return to the Assembly only after taking oath as the Chief Minister.

With the Telugu Desam Party-led alliance storming to power with a landslide majority in recent elections, Naidu entered the House as Chief Minister.

On the first day of the first session of the newly-elected Assembly, Naidu stepped into the House after bowing and touching the ground at the entrance.

Legislators of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies accorded him a warm welcome. They raised slogans ‘Welcome to august House’ and ‘Truth has prevailed, democracy has won’. The TDP members were also carrying placards with Naidu’s picture.

The TDP supremo had not entered the House since November 19, 2021, when he walked out in protest against the highly objectionable remarks made by the then-ruling party members against his family members.

Alleging that the MLAs of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) humiliated him by making personal remarks about his wife Bhuvaneswari, Naidu had turned emotional and broke down at a news conference later.

Stating that he never faced such humiliation in his political life, he likened the Assembly to ‘Kaurava Sabha’ and decided to boycott it till 2024.

The seasoned politician had said his wife never interfered in politics, but the YSRCP leaders dragged her name and resorted to character assassination.

The TDP President had said that he tolerated all the humiliations during the last two-and-a-half years but the ruling party crossed all limits.

Naidu had appealed to people to extend support to him in this fight for ‘dharma’.

In the elections held last month, TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance bagged 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly. YSRCP, which had 151 members in the previous Assembly, was reduced to just 11 seats.

The alliance also won 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. (Agency)