Lagaan Actor Reunites With Aamir Khan As Film Celebrates Silver Jubilee

Lagaan actor Rachel Shelley shared a series of Instagram pictures with Aamir Khan as the star's production company celebrated the film's silver jubilee at the Indian Film Festival London. In one picture, Aamir Khan is seen delivering a speech. In others, Aamir and Rachel are all smiles.

Rachel wrote in the caption, "#lagaan25years. Thank you @aamirkhanproductions for a glorious Sunday morning celebration @bfifilmacademy @imaxuk #IndianFilmFestivalLondon"

This is not the first time Rachel Shelley has shared a post celebrating Lagaan's 25th anniversary.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rachel Shelley (@reallyrachelshelley)

Last month, she shared a video message on her social media feed.

Reflecting on her journey with Lagaan, Shelley said the memories of the film continue to stay with her even after all these years.

"Sometimes I feel like it was just yesterday," she said. "And other times, it feels like another lifetime ago."

The actor also credited viewers for keeping the film alive over the years. Recalling the love that Lagaan has received across generations and countries, Shelley said audiences have played an equally important role in the film's legacy.

"I have to say that I feel that, as the cast and crew, we make the film," she explained. "But the audience, by watching it, by giving it so much love and support over the years, you're the ones who complete the film."

"It's with me every day," she noted. "It's informed every piece of work I have ever done since."

About Lagaan

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, Lagaan was released in 2001 and went on to become one of India's most acclaimed films. Set during the British Raj in 1893, the story follows the residents of a drought-hit village who challenge their British rulers to a game of cricket in a bid to escape crushing taxes.

Aamir Khan played the role of Bhuvan, while Rachel Shelley portrayed Elizabeth Russell, the compassionate sister of British officer Captain Andrew Russell, played by Paul Blackthorne. In one of the film's most memorable storylines, Elizabeth secretly teaches the villagers the game of cricket, helping them prepare for the high-stakes match.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/620ceYJ
via IFTTT

Pawan Kalyan's Wife Anna Shares Health Update After His Shoulder Surgery

Soon after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan underwent surgery on his right shoulder at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, his wife, Anna Konidela, shared an emotional update, saying her priority is to take care of him and support his recovery.

Details

Sharing a picture of Pawan Kalyan from the hospital, Anna shed light on the challenges he has faced over the years and described him as someone who rarely speaks about his pain. In the picture, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was also seen. 

In her post, Anna wrote that the actor-politician has carried responsibilities and struggles much heavier than any physical discomfort. She said he usually keeps his suffering to himself and only acknowledges it when it becomes extremely difficult to bear.

"His burden in life has always been far heavier than his physical pain. He rarely complains. Only when the pain becomes too much, even for him," wrote Anna. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anna Konidala (@anna.konidala)

Anna added that her current focus is to ensure he gets the care and rest he needs as he recovers from the procedure.

"For now, my only job is to take good care of him and make sure he knows he's in safe hands. One day at a time. We'll get there."

After meeting Pawan Kalyan, N. Chandrababu Naidu took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery. "I visited Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan, who is undergoing treatment in Mumbai today. I wish him a speedy recovery. @PawanKalyan."

ముంబైలో చికిత్స పొందుతున్న ఉప ముఖ్యమంత్రి శ్రీ పవన్ కళ్యాణ్ గారిని ఈరోజు పరామర్శించాను. ఆయన త్వరగా కోలుకోవాలని ఆకాంక్షిస్తున్నాను.@PawanKalyan pic.twitter.com/Kn5TuwsFL8

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) July 12, 2026

On the acting front, Pawan Kalyan was last seen in the Telugu action-comedy Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film was released in March this year.

Also Read: Pawan Kalyan Says He Wanted To Join The Naxalites In His Teens, Chiranjeevi Stopped Him

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/LDKsUpZ
via IFTTT

Yastika's Historic Ton, Bowlers Put India On Cusp Of Lord's Test Win vs Eng

Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's before India's bowlers tightened their grip on the historic one-off Women's Test against England on Sunday. Resuming the penultimate day with an overall lead of 269, India declared their second innings at 341/7 at the stroke of tea, setting England an improbable target of 457 in four sessions. In reply, England slumped to 130/6 at stumps with Amy Jones unbeaten on 52, leaving India just four wickets away from a memorable victory in the first-ever women's Test at Lord's.

Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud claimed two wickets apiece to put the visitors in complete control.

Brief Scores India 285 and 341/7 declared; 86.3 overs (Yastika Bhatia 113, Smriti Mandhana 70, Richa Ghosh 50 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 5/118, Lauren Bell 2/27). England 170 and 130/6 in 40 overs (Amy Jones 52 batting; Sayali Satghare 2/19, Kranti Gaud 2/40).

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/6gESbtU
via IFTTT

Ramiz Raja Slams PCB After Babar's Captaincy Return: "Submit Written Protest"

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has criticised the PCB for removing Shan Masood as the Test captain for the upcoming tours of West Indies and England. The PCB has reinstated Babar Azam as the skipper, something that hasn't gone down well with Raja, who is also a former cricket board chairman. Incidentally Babar led the national Test team from 2020 to 2023. “You give him an ordinary Test team and then expect him to produce good results,” Ramiz commented on his YouTube channel.

He expressed concerns that Babar, who had replaced Shan as the Test captain for the coming tours of the Caribbean and England, would also face similar challenges.

"If I had been in Shan's place, I would have submitted a written protest with the board that when a captain is consistently given a group of ordinary players consistently then how can you expect positive results?," Raja lashed out at PCB mandarins.

“If the standard of the Test squad is not good, how is the captain only responsible for this,” he added.

Shan was removed after leading Pakistan in 16 Tests since December 2023 in which the team suffered 12 defeats.

Senior selector Aqib Javed has recently blamed the outgoing captain for poor leadership decisions.

Ramiz disagreed, insisting a captain is only as good as the group of players he is given. The Pakistan squad leaves on 13 July for the Caribbean where they play two Tests and then fly to England for three more red ball games in August and September.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/CNKsOXZ
via IFTTT

BTS' Agency Denies Swim Copyright Infringement Claims, Plans To Take Legal Action

BTS' agency, Big Hit Music, has responded to allegations that Swim, the lead single from the group's fifth studio album, Arirang, infringes on the copyright of a song written by three American songwriters. 

On July 10, Big Hit Music addressed the lawsuit, maintaining that the allegations are based solely on the plaintiffs' claims and asserting that "Swim" was independently created. 

The agency has rejected the claims and said it will defend itself through legal channels.

The Controversy

According to Billboard, songwriters Steve Cooper, John Sandler and Graylyn Johnson recently filed a lawsuit, alleging that BTS' Swim closely resembles a demo they had previously written under the same title.

The lawsuit names HYBE, HYBE America and Big Hit Music as defendants. 

It also includes several songwriters credited on Swim, including OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder. 

However, Billboard reported that BTS members have not been named in the lawsuit, despite RM being credited as one of the song's co-writers.

As part of their complaint, the plaintiffs argued that their demo had been circulated within the music industry beginning in March of the previous year. They claimed it was shared with multiple industry professionals, including staff at Artist Publishing Group, and eventually reached some of the writers involved in creating Swim.

To support their allegations, the songwriters enlisted musicologist Alexander Stewart to compare the two tracks. According to the report, Stewart identified similarities in the chorus hook, including the repeated use of the title, as well as overlapping elements in harmony, texture, rhythm and lyrical content. 

Based on his analysis, he concluded that the similarities were significant enough to suggest that Swim was derivative rather than an original composition.

Stewart has previously served as an expert witness in several high-profile copyright disputes, including cases involving Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud and Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. Both cases were ultimately dismissed by the courts.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/1gRdmYL
via IFTTT

Trade Setup For July 10: How Nifty May React To TCS Q1 Results - Key Levels To Watch

The Nifty 50 started Thursday's session on a positive note and touched an intraday high of 24,134.70 in early trade. This level marked nearly a 61.8% retracement of the previous day's decline. However, the index failed to sustain at higher levels and gave up more than 150 points from the day's high in the second half of the session. Despite this late weakness, the index ended higher by 80.75 points, or 0.34%, and snapped its two-day losing streak. However, the close below the psychological 24,000 mark kept the recovery muted.

Nifty Forms Inside Candle 

Thursday's price action resulted in the formation of an inside candle. This came after the previous session recorded the widest single-day range in over one month. The latest candle had a small green body and a long upper shadow, which indicates hesitation at higher levels. This suggests that while buying interest emerged after the recent decline, traders were not confident enough to carry positions aggressively.

Broader Markets Outperform

Although the Nifty moved above its 8-EMA and 20-DMA during the session, it slipped below both these averages by the close. The index also continues to trade below its 100-DMA, which remains an important hurdle. However, market breadth stayed strong, supported by clear outperformance in the broader market. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices gained over 1% each, showing that stock-specific participation remained healthy. Meanwhile, India VIX declined nearly 9% to 13.36, indicating some cooling in volatility after the recent spike.

ALSO READ: TCS Says Client Decision Delays Intensified In Q1 Despite Strong Deal Pipeline

Momentum Indicators Show Mixed Signals

On the daily chart, the MACD is close to generating a fresh bearish signal, which needs to be watched closely. The 14-period RSI has moved back above the 50 mark, suggesting some recovery in momentum. However, the weekly RSI continues to remain below 50, reflecting that the larger trend has not yet regained strong momentum. Positively, the index is still trading above its 10-week and 20-week moving averages, which prevents the broader structure from turning sharply negative.

Key Levels to Watch on Friday 

Going ahead, immediate support for the Nifty is placed near the 50-DMA at 23,825, followed by the lower end of the four-week range at 23,784. On the upside, the 100-DMA at 24,036 will act as the first resistance, followed by the 24,200 to 24,300 zone. As long as the index remains within the 23,784 to 24,300 range, traders may not get a clear directional bias. A decisive breakout on either side of this range would be important to determine the next meaningful move.

TCS Q1FY27 Results

Apart from technical levels, the market will also take cues from the start of the earnings season. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a net profit of Rs 13,349 crore for Q1FY27, up 4.6% from Rs 12,760 crore in Q1FY26. Revenue grew 13.9% on a reported basis to Rs 72,275 crore as against Rs 63,437 crore in the same quarter last year. Since TCS is one of the first major index heavyweights to announce results, the market reaction to its numbers could influence sentiment towards the IT pack and set the tone for early earnings season expectations.

ALSO READ: TCS Q1 Results: Profit Falls 3% On One-Time Legal Settlement; Margin Contracts Due To Wage Hike

Stock to Watch: IIFL Finance

IIFL Finance gained over 5% on Thursday, taking the stock close to a two-week high. With this move, the stock is now on the verge of breaking out from a two-week consolidation phase. The upmove was supported by strong volumes, which were higher than its 10-day and 30-day average volumes, indicating healthy participation in the direction of the trend.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/ur8djpo
via IFTTT

Messi Receives Huge Praise From France Great After WC Heroics: "Not Human"

Thierry Henry said his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi reminded everyone that he is "not human" after the Argentina captain inspired a dramatic comeback against Egypt, saying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has a unique ability to raise his game when his team needs him the most. Reacting to Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, Henry, while speaking on Fox Sports, reflected on his years as Messi's teammate at Barcelona and said the Argentine's competitive fire is unlike anything he has witnessed.

"First and foremost, look at him crying, and how much that means to him and to the team," Henry said, as quoted by Fox Sports.
"It first reminded us that he's human; he's human because he missed some penalty kicks, four out of eight. Then it reminds us again that he's not human!"

Henry and Messi played together at FC Barcelona for three seasons, from 2007 to 2010. During their time together, they helped the club win seven major trophies, including the historic 2009 treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League).
Henry then recalled a training-ground incident during their time together to explain what motivates Messi.

"I played with him as you just mentioned, and what happens with Leo--don't wake the sleeping beast inside him! That's exactly what's happening, and I've seen it up close in training," he said, according to Fox Sports.

He added, "You know how it can be in training sometimes; when one of the coaches doesn't want to call a foul, or when the ball goes out, and play continues, and then a goal is scored from it, and Leo wanted that ball called out or as a foul. And when the coach said, 'The ball didn't go out, stop complaining, this could happen in a match.' In the next moment, you look into his eyes and find that he's completely transformed!"

"He goes and takes the ball, and I was there and witnessed it myself, then he scores three goals in a row; he takes the ball from you and scores straight away, then he snatches it again and scores, then he snatches it and scores again, then he turns around and says: 'Next time, call the foul.' And we were all saying: 'Yeah, yeah, next time we'll call the foul!' Because you simply can't stop him. When he gets into that mood, it's very hard to contain him," Henry further added.

Henry said Messi displayed the same mentality against Egypt, refusing to let an earlier penalty miss define his performance.

"And as you know, Zlatan, you've been in this situation; this guy, and let's be honest, it doesn't always work out--but when his team needs it, he completely elevates his game. We're talking about a player who played 120 minutes in the last match, and yet he elevated his level, started taking the ball and dribbling past almost everyone to try to change the course of the game... wow," he said, as per Fox Sports.

The French great admitted that even after sharing the pitch with some of football's biggest names, Messi continued to leave him in awe.

"In truth, looking at him, I was just remembering the days of playing with him. I played with Zizou and with a lot of great players like Ronaldinho and others, and it's no shame to say this, but sometimes when he scored some goals and I was on the field with him, I'd take a second or two to process and say to myself: 'Wow!' Then I'd remember: 'Oh, you're playing now, get back into the match!' That doesn't happen to me much, but he's a unique version of it," he added.

"Look, we're here in the Los Angeles area, Culver City or whatever it is, and this scenario is like a Hollywood movie! There are things that feel almost scripted, like a film plot that couldn't happen in real life, to the point where you'd say the director overdid this storyline! But this guy writes history with his feet," he concluded.

Messi recovered from his first-half penalty miss to play a decisive role as Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit. After Yasser Ibrahim's opener and Mostafa Ziko's second-half strike put Egypt in control, Cristian Romero sparked the comeback with a header before Messi equalised in the 83rd minute.

Enzo Fernandez then scored the stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

Messi's equaliser also extended his remarkable World Cup legacy. The 39-year-old became the first player in history to score in nine consecutive FIFA World Cup matches and took his tally in the ongoing tournament to eight goals, matching Guillermo Stabile's Argentina record for the most goals in a single World Cup edition, set in 1930.

According to Opta, he also became the first player to score in six successive knockout-stage matches and increased his all-time World Cup record to 21 goals. Despite those achievements, his earlier spot-kick miss made him the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup edition (excluding shootouts) and took his career tally of missed World Cup penalties to four, the most by any player.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/JPb7Luk
via IFTTT

Mumbai Rain Alert: School Holiday Declared In Palghar; BMC Yet To Confirm

The Palghar district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Wednesday, July 8, as heavy rainfall continues to batter the district, while the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is yet to announce whether schools in Mumbai will remain closed.

In an order issued on Tuesday, District Collector and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Dr. Indu Rani Jakhad, directed that all Anganwadis, government and private primary and secondary schools, Zilla Parishad schools, municipal schools, aided and unaided schools, Ashram schools, colleges, educational institutions and coaching centres across Palghar district will remain shut on July 8.

The order, issued under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Maharashtra government's school education guidelines, said the decision was taken after reviewing the prevailing weather conditions and the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department.

ALSO READ: Mumbai School Holiday, WFH For Employees On Wednesday? BMC Clarifies As Fake Claims Go Viral

"As per the advance warning given by the India Meteorological Department, Palghar district is currently receiving heavy rainfall," the order said.

It further noted that authorities had taken into account "the heavy rainfall in the district... the time taken for the water standing on the roads to drain, and the time taken for the situation to return to normal" before deciding to suspend classes.

"I am of the opinion that it is necessary to declare a holiday on Wednesday, 08.07.2026," the order stated, citing student safety and precautionary measures. 

The district administration said the order comes into immediate effect.

As of now, the BMC has not issued any notification on whether schools in Mumbai will remain closed on Wednesday. The latest weather update also points to a rainy night ahead. Weather observers have warned that large rainbands moving in from the Arabian Sea are expected to bring heavy rainfall across Mumbai from around 6:45 p.m., with the north-western suburbs likely to be hit first before the rain spreads across the rest of the city.

ALSO READ: Rain Red Alert: Will Schools, Colleges Stay Closed In Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Palghar On Wednesday?

The fresh alert comes after widespread disruption caused by heavy rain over the past few days. Several parts of Mumbai and its suburbs witnessed severe waterlogging, traffic snarls and delays to suburban train and road transport services. 

Residents, parents and students are advised to keep a close watch on official announcements from their respective civic bodies, as any decision on school and college closures is expected to be communicated through official circulars if weather conditions deteriorate further.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/tVX19Gm
via IFTTT

'Satluj Still Online, I'm With Punjab Till I Die': Diljit Dosanjh After Ban

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj, which had been fighting a prolonged battle over censor approval, was pulled from streaming giant ZEE5 two days after its release in India. Diljit shared his first reaction on Sunday night, hours after the streamer issued a statement about its decision. Early Monday, Diljit hosted an Instagram Live thanking fans for their constant support. He reiterated one point throughout the live session: once something is online, it can't be erased.

Diljit asked fans who have watched and downloaded the film to show it to others who haven't seen it yet.

"I came live on Instagram to thank people for watching Satluj.

"What I had feared actually happened. I thought the film would be taken down by Monday, but it happened sooner than expected. That's why we didn't promote the film. It was best to release the film (online) without any promotion. Today's youth is talking about Jaswant Singh Khalra. Every home is talking about Jaswant Singh Khalra," Diljit said in the Instagram Live.

"You can trouble me as much as you want. I am with Punjab till the day I die," Diljit affirmed.

"But I'm happy and relieved that the film finally reached the audience. Many people have already downloaded it. Once anything lands online, it never gets deleted. I saw a video from Rajasthan where people are watching the film; I felt very happy. Please show it to your friends and everyone around you," he added.

Satluj is based on one of Punjab's darkest chapters in the 1990s, when civilians allegedly disappeared and were cremated without informing their families.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

"The incident took place in 1995 and they didn't let people talk about it then. It is happening even today. Hadd ho gayi! I'm a little sad. We're still standing there, this is 2026," Diljit said.

Talking about the film's hurdles since the beginning, Diljit said, "Our shooting was stopped for 10–15 years. It took us 1.5 years to start the film. After the edit, the film was stuck for four years. I was with the film for two years; Honey paaji gave the film six years."

About the Satluj controversy

Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but had not received a clearance certificate to date.

The filmmakers had previously alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts for the film. It was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was cancelled after objections were reportedly raised by Indian authorities.

On Friday (July 3), the film released on ZEE5 without promotions. As critics and audiences praised the film, it was suddenly removed from the streamer without prior notice.

The streamer issued a statement, adding that it stands by the film. Without sharing the exact reason for removing it, ZEE5 said that "in light of current developments" the film is unavailable for streaming.

Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Reveals He 'Broke Down' While Researching For Satluj: 'Reality Is More Painful'

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/b6VMUIY
via IFTTT

Man Eats 66 Hot Dogs In 10 Minutes, Wins Rs 9.5 Lakh At Eating Competition

Coney Island once again became the centre of attention on the Fourth of July as Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo secured victories at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The annual US Independence Day showdown saw both champions continue their remarkable dominance in competitive eating. While Chestnut scarfed down 66 wieners to win the men's category title for the 18th time, Sudo ate 38.75 hot dogs for her record 12th victory.

Also Read: Man Makes Hot Dog While Cycling In Viral Video, Internet Can't Believe It

“Eating here on the Fourth of July is a dream; it's electric. There's no place better on Earth,” Chestnut told the New York Post. The win earned him the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt and $10,000. It was his second consecutive title.

The competitive eater has won 18 of his 21 appearances at the internationally televised event. He dominated second-place finisher Patrick Bertoletti, who ate 51 hot dogs, but still fell short of his own 2021 record of 76 hot dogs and buns.

Chestnut conceded that the 90-degree weather wore him down and hurt his usual high-speed eating. “I usually don't have this much spare room left over, but we'll see, something cold. It's definitely hard. I didn't want to go into it saying it's going to affect me, I wanna go into it and convince myself that I can work through it,” he said.

Also Read: 'Don't Need Matcha On Everything': Internet Reacts To Vlogger's Matcha Hot Dog Recipe

“I didn't want to let it bother me. I didn't want to push it because if I push it, then things will get stuck in my throat and then I just needed to stay calm and keep going," he added.

Sudo, on the other hand, holds the women's record of 51 hot dogs, set in 2021. After her own contest, Sudo cheered from the stands for her husband, who proposed to her in 2021 immediately after setting a world record by eating 50 boiled eggs in just over three minutes.

"I just said I would have to rely on muscle memory, and the crowd really carried me through to another belt today," she told the Associated Press.

The iconic competition dates back to 1972 and is held annually in front of the original Nathan's Famous restaurant on Coney Island in New York.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/rqcks54
via IFTTT

CAN vs MAR Live Updates: Early Setback For Atlas Lions As Saibari Is Forced Off

Welcome to our live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between Canada and Morocco at the Houston Stadium in Texas on Saturday. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both sides will be aiming to continue their impressive runs in the tournament.

Canada, one of the tournament's co-hosts, have reached the knockout stage after an encouraging campaign under Jesse Marsch. Les Rouges booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa, sealed by a stoppage-time winner, and now stand just one win away from a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearance.

Morocco, meanwhile, have once again underlined their credentials as one of world football's toughest knockout teams. Walid Regragui's side topped their group before edging past the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after scoring a dramatic late equaliser in the Round of 32. Having become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, the Atlas Lions are now targeting another deep run on the global stage.

Canada vs Morocco Confirmed Lineups: 

• Canada XI: Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Moïse Bombito, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Niko Sigur, Stephen Eustáquio, Ali Ahmed; Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi.
• Substitutes: Mathieu Choinière, Derek Cornelius, Promise David, Alphonso Davies, Nathan Goodman, Ismaël Koné Jones, Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, Jayden Nelson, Jonathan Osorio, Nathan Saliba, Jacob Shaffelburg, Dayne St. Clair, Joel Waterman.
   
• Morocco XI: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi (c), Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Ismael Saibari.
• Substitutes: Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Sofyan Amrabat, Belammari, Youssef El Kaabi, El Mourabet, Omar El Ouahdi, El Kajoui, Soufiane Rahimi, Chadi Riad, Saadane, Salah-Eddine, Sbai, Tagnaouti, Talbi, Yassine.

.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/hQIu3kY
via IFTTT

Does FIFA Want Argentina To Win World Cup Again? Argentina Coach's Blunt Reply

Argentina have a relatively easier road to the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 compared to some of the other favourites in the tournament. Argentina face the tournament's surprise package Cape Verde in the Round of 32, Australia or Egypt await in the Round of 16, and one of Switzerland, Colombia or Ghana could be the potential quarter-final opponent. Against all these teams, Argentina will be overwhelming favourites to win. Therefore, it won't be a surprise if the reigning champions make it all the way to the semis at the very least.

Argentina's easier route has led to certain sections of social media users conspiring whether FIFA themselves want Argentina to win the World Cup again. However, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rubbished such suggestion when asked on the matter ahead of their Round of 32 match.

"I don't read social media, but today every opinion can become popular no matter its content. We must ignore such unrealistic opinions and focus on what's important and the pitch." Scaloni responded, as quoted by Saudi Arabia-based outlet Ariyadhiah.

Scaloni also reserved praise for Cape Verde, who have been the underdog story of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

"This is a team that hasn't lost. They aren't here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do," he said.

A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.

The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year's expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of back-to-back World Cup titles.

With AFP inputs

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/LbCMZyo
via IFTTT

Kunal Kohli Recalls Main Vaapas Aaunga Scene That Gives Him 'Nightmares'

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli is back with another review and this time it is for Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga, which had a surprising change at the box office and qualified as a sleeper hit. From audiences to the fraternity, everyone has been raving about all the performances and how well made the film is. Kunal Kohli too applauded it, calling Main Vaapas Aaunga Imtiaz Ali's finest work.

What's Happening

• Kunal Kohli shared a video on Instagram and said, "I just saw Main Vaapas Aaunga and the film has left a huge impact on me. My bua and dad used to often speak about Partition and a lot of it was in this film. They would talk about the horrors and after-effects of it. And of course, there were relatives who never spoke about it, which is also shown in the film. The love story is truly so innocent, pure and beautiful. This is Imtiaz's finest work. So beautifully he has shown the love, the news back then - the news was so slow, things travelled so slowly. Whereas today, news and information travel so fast. In that time, they had to go through this huge process of Partition, finding out what happened to people, making decisions, never forgiving yourself or rather people never forgiving you for."
• He continued, "The nuances and layers that Imtiaz has brought into the film with his writing. The performance of every single person - how do you single out any one actor? Naseer, who has given some of Indian cinema's finest performances, has again done so. It would rank as one of Naseer's finest performances of his career; he was that good. Rajat Kapoor - what a brilliant performance, and so wonderfully he has spoken about the differences in the family. Not all of us were Sooraj Barjatya-type families. We all have problems in our families, things you don't forgive or understand your parents for. And that is what has been brought out so beautifully by Imtiaz and all the actors in the family."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kunal Kohli (@kunalkohli)

• Speaking of the cast, Kunal Kohli added, "Rajat Kapoor especially brought out the angst against his father and slowly he changed and tried to understand him. Also Diljit - what a performer; the layers he brings to his performance. Sharvari, Vedan - beautiful. Everybody has done a great job."

Main Vaapas Aaunga Scenes That Hit Kunal Kohli The Most

Without giving too many spoilers, Kunal Kohli highlighted two particular scenes from the film that shook him to the core.

He said, "One of the scenes that hit me the most - without a spoiler - I had heard another version of it which my bua and grandparents had told me. The women in the train used to take poison; when people came to attack, they would take the poison and kill themselves. But in this film, the way the scene has been portrayed by the grandmother, it shakes you to the core. It's going to give me nightmares; it hits hard."

He continued, "Another was when Diljit keeps asking his father, 'Tell us what happened to the women.' And he says, 'All you are going to take out of it is hatred between two religions and two communities,' and I don't think that it was about that. And there are so many more dialogues that were casually thrown in but meant a lot. Definitely the film deserves a second and third watch. I am going to take my daughter - she's just 15, but I want her to see the film and understand what happened. It still gave me the truth despite having heard these stories from my grandparents."

"It's important for everyone to watch this film, to understand the romance and the news of that time. Imtiaz, hats off - love you, what a film you have made. This is your best film," concluded Kunal Kohli.

About The Film

Main Vaapas Aaunga follows the journey of a 95-year-old man who suffers a stroke while attempting to travel to Pakistan. As fragments of his memory begin returning, his grandson slowly uncovers the story of a life that existed before Partition, revealing long-buried relationships, heartbreak and the lasting impact of history.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film also reunites the filmmaker with composer AR Rahman for the fifth time after Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila.

ALSO READ | Sharvari And Vedang Raina Watch Main Vaapas Aaunga With Fans: 'Some Stories Don't End When The Credits Roll'

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/1UBsM3q
via IFTTT

Who Is Lionel Mpasi? DR Congo Goalkeeper Who Has Kept England At Bay

Even before the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match in Atlanta was 10 minutes old, England suffered a rude jolt as Brian Cipenga scored in the seventh minute. But it was not Cipenga that England were most worried about. Their tormentor-in-chief was goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The 31-year-old made at least three saves to deny England. He saved two headers from Jude Bellingham, another shot from the same player, and denied Harry Kane in the final minute of the first half.

Lionel Mpasi plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Le Havre. He was born in Meaux, France. He played for France at the U16, U17 and U18 levels.

He then decided to represent his parents' home country.

He made his debut for the DR Congo national team in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Bahrain on 1 February 2022. He was crucial for DR Congo during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Talking about the match, Brian Cipenga gave Congo a surprising 1-0 lead over England at half-time of their World Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday. Cipenga scored in the seventh minute to set up a potential upset at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Congo forward collected a cross on the left side of the box and sent a low shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post. England improved after the first-half hydration break, with Ezri Konsa inadvertently deflecting Declan Rice's cross narrowly wide and Jude Bellingham forcing a save from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a close-range header.

England wanted a penalty late in the half when Harry Kane went down under a challenge from Mpasi, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away the appeals.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/NhznOs4
via IFTTT

Kannada Actor Divya Suresh Alleges Harassment On Bengaluru Street At Night

Actor Divya Suresh, known for her appearance on Bigg Boss Kannada, has recounted a shocking incident of alleged harassment on a Bengaluru street late Sunday night.

Sharing her experience on social media, the actor expressed her anguish over the traumatic incident and raised concerns about women's safety in the city.

Divya Suresh, 33, has claimed that she was walking towards her car with her cousin when an unidentified man allegedly began following them and making obscene gestures.

Screenshot of Divya Suresh's Instagram Story.

"Tonight, my cousin and I were walking to our car at around 11.30 pm when a man started following us. While following us, he was openly touching himself. We noticed it immediately and called him out, but he still didn't stop. He continued until we got into our car," she wrote on her Instagram Story.

The actor, in her social media post, said that no woman should have to face harassment simply "because she's walking at night".

She concluded her Instagram Story asking a pertinent question to Bengaluru Police and tagged them.

"Where is the safety we keep being promised?" the actor concluded.

She also captured the incident on camera, the video of which she shared on her Instagram Story which is no longer visible.

According to the clip, Divya Suresh says she is making a video. Meanwhile, her cousin points out to the man following them, asking her to "look at his hand over there".

"He followed us as soon as we got into the car," the actor says, while her cousin asks her to call the police.

Divya Suresh was a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada season 8, which aired on Colors Kannada in 2021. The show was hosted by Kannada star Kiccha Sudeepa.

She is also known for Kannada serials Nanna Hendthi MBBS and Jodi Hakki. Previously a model, Divya Suresh won the Miss India South title in 2017. She made her film debut the same year with the Kannada film #9, Hilton Cross. Her movie credits include Rowdy Baby, Kempu Haladi Hasiru, and Hiranya.

Last year, Divya Suresh was identified as the alleged driver of the car involved in the accident that left three people injured in a late-night hit-and-run accident in Bengaluru. The accident took place near Nithya Hotel in Byatarayanapura around 1.30 am on October 4, 2025. The Kannada actor was identified through CCTV footage.

Dr Anoop Shetty, DCP Traffic West, said that they have seized the car that was involved in the incident and added that further investigation is underway.

Also Read | Actor Krishi Thapanda Shares First Statement After Businessman Found Dead At Her Bengaluru Home: 'Stop Speculating'

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/K5mf1qQ
via IFTTT

Akshara Singh On Being Cast In Eetha, Working With Shraddha Kapoor

Actor Akshara Singh has opened up about joining Eetha, director Laxman Utekar's upcoming film, calling it a dream opportunity. 

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, the actor recalled her reaction when she first received the offer and admitted that she could hardly believe it.

'I Got Goosebumps'

Speaking about landing the role, Akshara said the film still gives her goosebumps whenever she talks about it. 

"The moment I heard about Eetha, I got goosebumps. When I first received the call for the film, I couldn't believe it. I was extremely nervous and emotional at the same time," she said.

She also revealed that she has long admired director Laxman Utekar and his style of filmmaking. "I have always been a huge fan of Laxman Utekar sir. The kind of realistic films he makes has always inspired me. So when I found out that I was going to be a part of one of his films, it was a huge moment for me," she shared.

On Working With Shraddha Kapoor 

Akshara further expressed her excitement about sharing screen space with Shraddha Kapoor. 

Calling the actor humble and accomplished, she said working alongside her is a special experience.

"When I learnt that Shraddha Kapoor is also a part of the film, my happiness only grew. She is a wonderful actor and a very humble person. Getting the opportunity to share the screen with her is very special for me," she said.

The actor also thanked the makers for placing their trust in her. 

She said being associated with Maddock Films and receiving the support of producer Karishma was an honour.

"I also feel honoured that a banner like Maddock Films and producer Karishma ma'am trusted me. I sincerely want to thank the entire team for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this film," she added.

While Akshara chose not to reveal details about her character, she hinted that audiences will have to wait for the surprise.

"For now, I can't reveal much about my role. It's still a surprise. I can only say that I am a part of this film, and I hope the audience showers it with as much love as possible," she said.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/cT0XmGr
via IFTTT

Welcome To The Jungle Box Office Day 3: Star-Studded Comedy Sees Healthy Response

Headlined by Akshay Kumar and backed by a massive ensemble cast, Welcome To The Jungle opened in cinemas on June 26 and has remained one of the most talked-about releases of the week.

The comedy entertainer collected around Rs 20.75 crore net in India on Day 3. With this, the film's total India net collection has reached approximately Rs 58.75 crore, while its India gross collection stands at around Rs 71.29 crore, as per Sacnilk

Box Office Trend So Far

The comedy entertainer opened to a decent response and benefited from its franchise value, star-studded cast and family-friendly appeal.

The film collected Rs 3.75 crore from paid previews before adding Rs 15.25 crore on its first official day of release and Rs 20 crore on Saturday.

Over its opening weekend, the film continued to attract audiences across major centres, with multiplexes and urban markets contributing significantly to its collections.

The film has witnessed encouraging footfalls in several key markets during its initial run. Audience turnout improved during later shows, while cities such as NCR, Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur and Bengaluru emerged among the stronger-performing centres.

The coming weekdays will now determine whether the film can maintain momentum beyond its opening weekend.

ALSO READ: House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2: Release Date, Time, Recap, Where To Watch — All You Need To Know

About Welcome To The Jungle

Directed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome To The Jungle is the third installment in the popular Welcome franchise after Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015).

The comedy features a large ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Jackie Shroff among others.

Set against a jungle backdrop, the film follows a group of eccentric characters who find themselves caught in a chaotic adventure filled with misunderstandings, comic situations and unexpected twists.

ALSO READ: OTT Releases This Weekend: Raja Shivaji, Little Brother, Alliance — Movies, Series To Watch

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/NRXKlpL
via IFTTT

'17 Years Of Silence': Baloch Activist's Open Letter Exposes Pak Atrocities

Baloch human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch has issued a deeply personal open letter marking 17 years since the enforced disappearance of her father, Dr Deen Mohammad Baloch, renewing international attention on allegations of systematic abductions, custodial torture and impunity in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province.

In an emotional appeal addressed to those responsible for her father's disappearance, Sammi writes that after nearly two decades of uncertainty, her family deserves either his safe return or official confirmation of his fate.

"Maybe this year, you will let him come home. And if you have killed him, then perhaps this year you will finally decide that you owe us a death certificate instead of another adjournment," she wrote.

Dr Baloch, a physician from Khuzdar district, allegedly disappeared on June 28, 2009, after being taken into custody. His whereabouts remain unknown. His family and rights groups accuse Pakistan's security establishment - including the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - of involvement in enforced disappearances across Balochistan, allegations Islamabad has consistently denied.

Describing the lifelong trauma inflicted on families of the disappeared, Sammi recounts growing up without knowing whether her father is alive or dead.

"I was given disappearance. I was given denial. I was given humiliation. I was given the lifelong punishment of loving a father whom the state took," she wrote, adding that while other children grew up with memories of their fathers, she inherited "petitions, batons, tear gas and posters."

Sammi Deen Baloch, now general secretary of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), has become one of the most prominent faces of the campaign against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Over the past decade she has led protests, documented alleged disappearances, assisted families in filing legal petitions and campaigned internationally for accountability despite repeated arrests, surveillance and alleged harassment.

Coinciding with the anniversary, international human rights organisation Front Line Defenders reiterated its support for Sammi Deen Baloch and demanded that Pakistani authorities immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr Baloch. The Dublin-based organisation said his disappearance represents a broader pattern of impunity and called on Pakistan to investigate all cases of enforced disappearance and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Front Line Defenders noted that Sammi Deen Baloch herself has allegedly faced repeated reprisals for her activism, including arbitrary detention, surveillance, house raids and a week-long enforced disappearance in 2016. She was also arrested by Karachi police in March 2025 during protests demanding justice for missing persons.

The open letter comes amid an intensified crackdown on Baloch rights activists.

Earlier this year, activist Dr Mahrang Baloch - another leading campaigner against enforced disappearances and alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan - was sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court in a case widely criticised by rights organisations and Baloch activists as politically motivated.

Human rights groups argued that the prosecution relied on questionable evidence and viewed the conviction as part of a broader effort to silence peaceful dissent and suppress voices demanding accountability from Pakistan's security establishment. Islamabad has maintained that legal proceedings against Baloch activists are conducted under Pakistani law and rejects allegations of politically motivated prosecutions.

For years, Baloch nationalist groups, families of missing persons and international rights organisations have alleged that enforced disappearances have become a recurring feature of Pakistan's counter-insurgency operations in Balochistan. Pakistan's military and civilian authorities deny operating a policy of enforced disappearances, asserting that many missing persons have either joined militant organisations, gone underground or left the country voluntarily.

For Sammi Deen Baloch, however, the issue remains painfully personal. "My abba was not a file. He was not a rumour. He was Dr. Deen Mohammad - a doctor, a husband, a father," she wrote. "He belonged to us before he was taken."

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/eSFvJbT
via IFTTT

Rs 40,000 Crore Boost: Deepak Shenoy Highlights Success Of G-Sec Tax Relief For FIIs

The Centre's move to grant tax relief to foreign instututional investors (FIIs) earning income from government securities has been an instant success, with market veteran Deepak Shenoy pointing to additional inflows of about Rs 40,000 crore within days of the decision being taken.

The G-Sec tax relief for FIIs was announced on June 5. Shenoy, who heads Capitalmind Mutual Fund, said overseas invesotors raise their holdings in government bonds sharply by June 15.

The G-Sec holding of FIIs stood at Rs 3,23,802 crore as of June 1, and increased to Rs 3,63,760 crore in the next fortnight, he pointed out. "40,000 cr has now come into GSecs from FPIs after we have removed tax on capital gains and interest for them earlier this month (sic)," Shenoy posted on X.

40,000 cr has now come into GSecs from FPIs after we have removed tax on capital gains and interest for them earlier this month: pic.twitter.com/1dUlTBbsyZ

— Deepak Shenoy (@deepakshenoy) June 26, 2026

Notably, the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, promulgated on June 5, waives taxes on interest income and any capital gains resulting from the sale, exchange, or transfer of these government securities. Crucially, this tax relief is backdated to take effect from April 1, 2026.

The government's decision came after foreign investors pulled out over Rs 2.6 lakh crore from equities so far this year, which is much higher than Rs 1.66 lakh crore withdrawn in the entire 2025.

In the equity market, FIIs have stayed net sellers in June so far. The sell-off in the month stands at Rs 53,022 crore, which is sharper as compared to Rs 32,963-crore shares they offloaded in May.

ALSO READ: Don't Panic At 100/$: Arvind Panagariya Urges RBI To Let Rupee Depreciate

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/hfDzorN
via IFTTT

Nagatomo Creates History, Becomes 1st Asian Player To Achieve This Feat

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo created history on Thursday (local time) by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's Group F match against Sweden in the 2026 edition at Dallas Stadium. The 39-year-old has previously featured in the 2010 South Africa, 2014 Brazil, 2018 Russia, 2022 Qatar, and 2026 Canada-Mexico-United States tournaments, making him one of the most enduring figures in international football. With this appearance, Nagatomo also became only the 10th player in football history to feature in five or more World Cup editions. The elite list includes Lionel Messi (6 editions), Cristiano Ronaldo (6 editions), Luka Modric, Luis Suarez, Manuel Neuer, Lothar Matthaus, Andres Guardado, Rafael Marquez, Antonio Carbajal, and now Yuto Nagatomo, who have played five editions, respectively.

Japan's consistency was also reflected in the match result as they held Sweden to a 1-1 draw in their final Group F encounter. Both sides advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing in the qualifying positions in the group.

The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides prioritising defense and limiting clear-cut chances. Japan enjoyed more possession and controlled much of the midfield, but Sweden remained organised at the back.

The first half also saw an injury setback as Sweden defender Isak Hien was forced off after picking up an injury, while Japan also had to replace defender Ko Itakura before the break. Despite Japan creating better opportunities, including a save from Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to deny Keito Nakamura, the teams went into half-time locked at 0-0.

The match burst into life after the restart. Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Daizen Maeda after a superb passing move involving Yukinari Sugawara, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda. Maeda timed his run perfectly before calmly guiding the ball into the far corner.

However, Sweden responded just six minutes later. Anthony Elanga capitalised on a loose ball, cut inside from the flank and curled a fine strike beyond Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to restore parity.

Both sides made changes in the closing stages as they looked to protect the result that would send them through to the knockout phase. Sweden threatened from a series of late set-pieces, but Suzuki remained composed to keep the score level.

The 1-1 draw was enough for both teams to advance, with Japan ending the group stage unbeaten and Sweden also securing a place in the Round of 32.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/iKfVrxQ
via IFTTT