South Africa refuse to play ODIs in Australia in January to accommodate domestic T20 league

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South Africa refuse to play ODIs in Australia in January to accommodate domestic T20 league

South Africa’s upcoming tour of Australia in December-January will be curtailed as the visitors have sought the ODI matches to be rescheduled because the organizers of the country’s domestic T20 tournament have refused to allow players to remain in Australia following the conclusion of the Test series, a report in an Australian publication has claimed.

The report also claimed that the launch of the new UAE T20 league, to be played in January 2023, has further crunched the calendar into which the Big Bash League is attempting to revamp itself with a better quality offering than was seen in recent seasons. That has left Cricket Australia (CA) in a spot of bother looking for dates in an already crowded season.

“With both the South African and UAE leagues to be heavily backed by money flowing out of India, including numerous owners of IPL clubs, there is a serious danger of the BBL being swamped by a tidal wave of cash for players to appear in shorter tournaments,” said the report in The Age newspaper.

“In a reminder of the dynamics at play once private ownership is introduced to any sporting ecosystem, Cricket South Africa’s leaders have informed Cricket Australia that the new tournament means it “won’t be possible” for the three ODIs to be played as scheduled in mid-January,” the report said.

“Whilst the timing of the ODI series against South Africa is set out in the future tours program, we have had a recent request from Cricket South Africa to reconsider the dates of the three games, but have been unable to find alternative dates” as yet,” CA’s chief executive Nick Hockley said when announcing the schedule.

Should the ODI series be moved or canceled, it will aid CA in similar goals for the BBL — namely the availability of top Australian players in the window between the end of the Test series against South Africa and the start of a tour of India in February.

The report claimed that the two boards are scrambling to find another window in which to play the games, which are “pivotal as they are to automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup”. Presently ranked 11th, the Proteas need to finish inside the top eight to qualify. Australia is sixth.

 

When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought ‘dad should’ve been here’: Mohammed Siraj

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When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought ‘dad should’ve been here’: Mohammed Siraj

Bengaluru, June 7 When India bowler Mohammed Siraj put on his cap for his debut Test at Melbourne on a highly-successful campaign Down Under when India registered a memorable 2-1 series win, all he was thinking of was his father, who had passed away a few days ago, thinking his ‘dad should’ve been here’.

Siraj had a memorable debut as he claimed 3/37 in the second innings to help India to an eight-wicket win against Australia.

The fast bowler would script memorable figures that would witness him claim 13 wickets in the series out of which five came in the final Test at the iconic Gaba when India breached Australia’s almost impenetrable fortress. Siraj would eventually finish as the third-highest wicket-taker of the series from three games with only Pat Cummins and fellow RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood leading the tally ahead of the Indian.

That series, however, was a defining moment in Siraj’s career given the fact that he lost his dad just ahead of the series. Alongside his family travails, he was also battling racism and the stringent Covid-19 protocols that were in place, the report on the RCB website said.

Siraj opened up about one of the toughest and yet one of the most memorable moments of his life after the series, said his IPL franchise Royal Challengers. “It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn’t told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia,” Siraj was quoted as saying by RCB in an article on their official website.

Siraj would also shed some light on the pandemic protocols, the RCB recalled. “There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad’s death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, ‘Fulfil your dad’s dream and make your country proud’. This was my only motivation. I didn’t even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team.”

But he did get his chance and the rest as they say is history. But on that occasion, the only person on Siraj’s mind was his father, whose funeral he could not attend due to the strict Covid-19 pandemic protocols in place at that time.

“I finally got an opportunity in the second Test… When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought ‘dad should’ve been here’. After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India. One thing was there in my mind that I had performed well for India A and had scalped 8 wickets against Australia A. So, it gave me the confidence to do well in my first Test series for India,” he added.

After a disappointing IPL 2022, Siraj is now getting ready for the one-off rescheduled Test against England in the upcoming tour and is hoping to get his form back and help India win another series abroad. India were leading the Test series in England 2-1 with only the fifth and final match to be played when they had to pull out due to a Covid outbreak in the squad.

 

2nd ODI: Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 8-wickets, take 2-0 lead in series

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2nd ODI: Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 8-wickets, take 2-0 lead in series

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah raised a record 195-run partnership for the second wicket to help Afghanistan to a comprehensive eight-wicket win against host Zimbabwe in the second ODI here.

After restricting Zimbabwe to 228 all out in 50 overs, Afghanistan rode on the record second-wicket partnership between Zadran, who struck his maiden ODI century on way to 120 not out, and Shah (88) to reach 229/2 in 44.3 overs.

The win gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and also helped them consolidate their position in the top half of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League (CWCSL) table.

With 10 more CWCSL points, Afghanistan moved up to 90 points. While they are still at No.3 on the table, they are just five points behind the No.2 England. A clean sweep in the series will see them leapfrog England to the second position and just 20 points behind first-ranked Bangladesh.

With 10 losses in 14 games now, Zimbabwe continues languishing at the 13th spot, just above the Netherlands.

Things did not start well for them in the second ODI on Tuesday. At 4/1 after the first over, Zimbabwe needed to regroup early and make the most of Afghanistan’s decision of sending them in to bat first.

Opener Innocent Kaia took it upon himself to stabilize the hosts’ innings. Kaia and Craig Ervine batted cautiously and added 43 runs for the second wicket but with Ervine gone at the beginning of the 13th over and Wesley Madhevere perishing soon, the job of rebuilding fell back on Kaia again.

Together with Sikandar Raza he stitched a solid 67-run stand and scored a 74-ball 63 to lay the foundation of a decent total.

Left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad was instrumental in Afghanistan restricting Zimbabwe to just 228. Ahmad first broke the Ervine-Kaia stand, trapping the Zimbabwe skipper for 32 and reviewing successfully.

He then got the important wicket of Kaia, having him caught behind in the 32nd over. His third wicket was that of Milton Shumba, who could only manage 1 run. He finished with figures of 3/56 in his 10 overs and was ably supported by Mohammad Nabi (2/31), Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/34), and Rashid Khan (2/56).

Chasing a target of 229, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the third over. But that wicket was just one tiny hiccup in their otherwise smooth batting performance.

Both Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah look unflustered as they propelled Afghanistan. Little bothered them as Zimbabwe failed to create any real chances. They were unhurried in the chase, taking no unnecessary risks but taking full advantage of the poor deliveries to score their shots.

Their respective half-centuries did not take long to come as the second-wicket stand kept ballooning. Ibrahim Zadran brought up his maiden ODI hundred in just his fourth match. He scored an unbeaten 120, studded with 16 fours.

Rahmat Shah smashed a 116-ball 88 and fell when Afghanistan needed just 17 runs to win. They eventually got there in the 45th over.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 228 all out in 50 0vers (Innocent Kaia 63, Ryan Burl 51 not out, Sikandar Raza 40; Fareed Ahmad 3-56, Mohammad Nabi 2-31, Rashid Khan 2-56) lost to Afghanistan 229/2 in 44.3 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 120 not out, Rahmat Shah 88; Donald Tiripano 1/32).

 

Nani: Trolls don’t understand the basic logic behind statements

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Nani: Trolls don’t understand the basic logic behind statements

The debate over movie ticket prices has become a neverending topic in the Telugu states.

Nani, who earlier expressed his displeasure with the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to slash ticket prices, clarifies what he meant, calming his trolls with his statements.

Ahead of the release of ‘Ante Sundaraniki’, Nani clarified, “Those who are making disparaging remarks about me because of ticket prices lack basic logic.”

“They mash up things that have nothing to do with. Somebody will say something, and others will copy it verbatim. I did not request ticket prices of Rs 500, at any point in time. Did I? I simply stated that the industry cannot survive on a pricing model of Rs 20, 40, and 60,” he said.

Adding to the above, Nani said, “In fact, I requested the same Rs 100, Rs 120 that everyone is asking for now.”

“‘RRR’ and other larger-than-life films require a high pricing model, but not all films do. All I asked was for people to be able to charge reasonable ticket prices for the entertainment they deserve,” Nani explained.

The pandemic caused significant damage to Nani’s previous films ‘Tuck Jagadish’ and ‘Shyam Singha Roy.’ While ‘Tuck Jagadish’ had an OTT release, ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ had pitiful ticket prices across the Telugu states. ‘Shyam Singha Roy’ had to face losses despite a blockbuster talk.

Nani and Nazriya-starrer ‘Ante Sundaraniki’ will release in theatres on June 10.

 

Sanjay Dutt remembers ‘hero’ dad Sunil Dutt on his birthday

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Sanjay Dutt remembers ‘hero’ dad Sunil Dutt on his birthday

Sanjay Dutt’s bond with his dad and late legendary actor Sunil Dutt is truly an epitome of a father-son relationship.

The actor never lets go of a chance to remember his learnings from his father. On Monday, the star shared a heartfelt note while wishing his father a happy birthday.

The actor took to his social media handle and shared a picture of the iconic scene from ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ where he hugged his father and left everyone emotional while showcasing their love for each other. The actor wrote a heartfelt caption for his father “Your belief and love helped make me who I am today. You were, are, and will always be my hero. Happy birthday, Dad.”

This scene from ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ was the first time Sanjay got the opportunity to share screen space with his father and these stills from the movie are a perfect homage the actor has brought for his father to mark the special occasion of his birthday.

Sanjay Dutt’s daredevil villain avatar Adheera in ‘KGF Chapter 2’ has earned a lot of love from the masses and his fans are eagerly waiting to see him on the screen again.

Sanjay Dutt’s exciting big screen lineups include ‘Shamshera’, and ‘Ghudchadi’. Apart from that, he has signed up for some more interesting projects and the official announcements are expected soon.

 

Actor Veera calls Ajith Kumar a ‘very positive influence’ on his life

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Actor Veera calls Ajith Kumar a ‘very positive influence’ on his life

6 Actor Veera, who sparkled with his brilliant performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘Rajathandhiram’, has called fellow actor Ajith Kumar a ‘very positive influence’ on his life.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Veera, who is now working with Ajith on the latter’s upcoming film that has been tentatively titled ‘AK61’ and that is being directed by H Vinoth, shared a picture of himself with the star and wrote, “It took me spending quite a few days with this man to realize that it takes a whole lot more than just good looks and being a gentleman to reach where he has.

“It’s taken years of blood, sweat, respect, hard work, drive, integrity, and confidence, for this one man to become a phenomenon.

“Dearest AK Sir, if ever our paths don’t cross again, I’d like to tell you that you have been a very positive influence in my life, and in the days we spent together you did live and let me live.

“Wishing you the best in life always and that’s just what you wish for everyone around you. Love you Sir! It’s been an honor. Warmest regards.”

The film, the first schedule of which was shot on grand sets erected in Chennai, is now in its second schedule, which is to be shot in Pune. The film has Manju Warrier as its female lead and is likely to hit screens for Deepavali this year.

Taha Shah Badussha to make south screen debut with ‘Kabzaa’

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Taha Shah Badussha to make south screen debut with ‘Kabzaa’

Mumbai, June 6 Bollywood actor Taha Shah Badussha is all set to make his south film debut with director R. Chandru’s period film ‘Kabzaa’ which will be made in seven languages – Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Odiya, and Marathi.

Taha has joined the cast of the movie including Upendra, Kichcha Sudeep, Chandru, Kabir Singh, Prakash Rai, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Subba Raju, Samuthirakani, and John Kokken.

The actor who had been part of Ekta Kapoor’s psycho-thriller ‘Bekaboo 2’, ‘Aisa Waisa Pyar’ with Adah Sharma, and his music video ‘Aaj Sajeya’ alongside Alaya F has over 75 million views. Taha was last seen grooving to the Punjabi romantic dance number ‘Ekk Vari’ with actress Daisy Shah.

He says: “I am thrilled to be part of Director R Chandru’s exemplary vision and storytelling and cannot wait for my family and audiences to watch it on the big screen.”

“R Chandru is one of the best directors I have worked with and the entire unit was very welcoming to me as a newcomer to the industry. This film is extra special as my mom is a Kannadiga and I have spent a lot of time in Bijapur, which is home, during my growing up years,” he adds.

‘Kabzaa’ has five songs composed by ace music composer Ravi Basrur who also scored the music for ‘KGF’.

First look of Sunaina-starrer ‘Regina’ released

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First look of Sunaina-starrer ‘Regina’ released

Chennai, June 6 Director Venkat Prabhu on Monday released the first look of director Domin Dsilva’s women-centric film ‘Regina’ featuring actress Sunaina in the lead.

Taking to Twitter, Venkat Prabhu said, “Presenting the official first look of ‘Regina’, starring Sunainaa, produced and music composed by my dear friend Sathish Nair. Directed by Domin Dsilva! Releasing in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.”

While Venkat Prabhu released the Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi first look posters of the film, the Malayalam poster was released by well-known Malayalam director Aashiq Abu.

The film, which will mark the debut of Domin Dsilva’s entry into Tamil cinema as a director, is being produced by Yellow Bear Production LLP.

Domin is best known for his Malayalam films like ‘Pyppin Chuvattile Pranayam’ and ‘Star’.

Sources close to the unit say that ‘Regina’ will be a stylish thriller that will revolve around an ordinary housewife who achieves extraordinary things.

Music for the film is being composed by its producer Sathish Nair. Sources say that the songs are being dubbed in four languages and that some of them have been recorded in Singapore.

Pavi K Pavan is the cinematographer of the film while Kamarutheen is the Art Director. Dobi John has been named Editor and Aegan has been chosen as the Costume Designer.

Kangana on ‘Dhaakad’ failure: See lots of curated negativity

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Kangana on ‘Dhaakad’ failure: See lots of curated negativity

Mumbai, June 6 Actress Kangana Ranaut has come out to defend her film ‘Dhaakad’ after it tanked at the box office.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the actress shared a post that called her the ‘box office queen of India’.

Alongside the post, she commented: “2019 I gave ‘Manikarnika’ 160 cr ka superhit hit, 2020 was the covid year. 2021 I gave the biggest film of my career ‘Thalaivii’ which came on OTT and was a huge success.

“I see a lot of negativity but 2022 is the year of a blockbuster – lock up hosting. And it’s not over yet I have great hopes with it.”

On the work front, Kangana has started working on her next ‘Emergency’.

She will also be seen in ‘Tejas’ portraying the role of an Air Force pilot. She also has ‘Sita: The Incarnation’ and ‘Manikarnika Returns: The legend of Didda’.

Musk aims to build Starships akin to Noah’s Ark to transport life to Mars

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Musk aims to build Starships akin to Noah’s Ark to transport life to Mars

San Francisco, June 6 Billionaire Elon Musk on Monday said his space venture SpaceX aims to build over 1,000 Starships to transport life to Mars.

The Tesla CEO stated that making life multi-planetary will help backup the ecosystems on Earth. He added that apart from humans no other species can transport life to Mars.

Referring to Biblical patriarch Noah who built an Ark that survived the great flood on Earth, Musk said his Starship models will be “modern Noah’s Arks”, that can save “life from a calamity on Earth”.

“Making life multi-planetary expands the scope & scale of consciousness. It also enables us to back up the biosphere, protecting all life as we know it from a calamity on Earth,” he tweeted.

“Humanity is life’s steward, as no other species can transport life to Mars. We can’t let them down,” he added.

When a user asked Musk “what’s the plan”, he replied: “Build 1000+ Starships to transport life to Mars. Basically, (very) modern Noah’s Arks.”

SpaceX is developing a Starship to take people and cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond. The vehicle consists of two elements: a first-stage booster called Super Heavy and an upper-stage spacecraft known as Starship.

Starship and Super Heavy are both designed to be completely and rapidly reusable, and both will be powered by SpaceX’s new Raptor engine — 33 for Super Heavy and six for Starship.

Musk earlier said that Mars settlement and deep space exploration will see reduced costs due to its reusability.

NASA also sees considerable promise in Starship. The US space agency selected the vehicle to be the first crewed lunar lander for its Artemis program, which aims to put astronauts on the moon in the next few years.

However, the Starship program has not yet been given a green signal by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA, last week, delayed the completion of its environmental review of the Starship by another two weeks to June 13.

While SpaceX has conducted a number of high-altitude test flights of Starship prototypes at the Starbase site in South Texas, its plan to launch the system’s first-ever orbital test mission needs approval from the FAA and a host of other regulatory bodies.AA

 

Fans’ love for ‘Vikram’ overwhelms director Lokesh Kanakaraj

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Fans’ love for ‘Vikram’ overwhelms director Lokesh Kanakaraj

Chennai, June 6 The outpouring of love by fans for director Lokesh Kanakaraj’s action entertainer ‘Vikram’ featuring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil, seems to have left not just its director but also the cast and crew of the film overwhelmed.

Taking to Twitter to share his thoughts on the film’s success, Lokesh Kanakaraj said, “I haven’t been this emotional ever. The acceptance you’ve shown ‘Vikram’ and me has been so overwhelming. I don’t know how I’m gonna repay you guys for all this love. Ever grateful to Kamal Haasan sir and my amazing people. So moved. Love you all.”

Kamal Haasan responded to Lokesh’s tweet saying, “The only way you can do any debt management with a loving audience is to never become complacent. Do honest back-breaking work, they love and respect that. My energy comes from their love. All power to your endeavors. RKFI will proudly support you as we did this time. Rock on.”

Fahadh Faasil too shared his experience of working on the film, which hit screens on June 3.

Fahadh said, “Thank you all for your response. Surreal moments Kamal Haasan sir. #Vikram,” even as he posted a picture of himself with Kamal.

The film has taken a strong opening, with industry pundits claiming that the film had gone to emerge as a blockbuster.

 

After ‘death threats’ Mumbai Police tighten security for Salman Khan, the family

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After ‘death threats’ Mumbai Police tighten security for Salman Khan, the family

Mumbai, June 6 A day after Bollywood megastar Salman Khan and his father, writer Salim Khan received death threats, a Mumbai Police team landed at their Bandra west home to carry out investigations and increased security there, on Monday.

Led by Joint Commissioner of Police Vishwas Nangre-Patil and other officers, the team queried the Khan family on a letter received near their flat in Galaxy Apartments on Sunday, threatening to do a ‘Moosewala’ with the celeb father-son duo.

“I will comment only after getting all the preliminary information in the case,” said Nangre-Patil, even as extra security personnel was deployed at the Khans’ residence.

Taking serious cognizance, the Bandra Police have lodged an FIR against unknown persons for issuing the death threats and launched their probe even as the Mumbai Police Crime Branch also started its own investigations.

Police said that Salim Khan, 87, was handed over the unsigned, hand-written threat letter on Sunday morning around 7.30 a.m by an unknown person on a bench where he normally rests after jogging at the Bandra Bandstand promenade, and it was addressed to him and his son Salman.

The letter is signed off with some initials which the police are probing and also attempting to unravel if they are linked to any past incidents targeting Salman Khan.

The police are also scouring CCTV footage of the area for clues and questioning locals for further leads on the threat letter.

 

‘Virata Parvam’ trailer presents Sai Pallavi as a Naxalite rebel’s lover

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‘Virata Parvam’ trailer presents Sai Pallavi as a Naxalite rebel’s lover

Hyderabad, June 6 Award-winning actress Sai Pallavi’s makeover for her ‘Virata Parvam’ role, which is evident from the film’s trailer released on Sunday, as well as her intense acting in some scenes, has garnered the kind of attention that must have lifted the spirits of the film’s makers.

‘Virata Parvam’, which has Rana Daggubati playing the lead character, is an intense love story set in the 1990s against the backdrop of the Naxalite movement in Telangana.

Rana plays Comrade Ravanna, also known by his pen name Aranya, and Sai Pallavi essays the role of Vennela, who is smitten by the writings of the Naxalite activist. The film features a large cast, but the story appears to be focused on Sai Pallav, who, as expected, steals the show.

The film, scripted by Venu Udugula, may not be suitable for a family audience, but it appears to have all the elements that will appeal to viewers who like watching films with dark overtones.

The only thing that may work against it is that the Naxalite story has been done to death by Tollywood. It did not work in the case of ‘Acharya’, despite the film’s makers casting the father-son duo of megastar Chiranjeevi and ‘RRR’ star Ram Charan.

The movie is scheduled to be released on June 17.

 

Shanghai Film Festival cancelled due to Covid crisis

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Shanghai Film Festival cancelled due to Covid crisis

Shanghai, June 6 China’s most prestigious film festival, the Shanghai International Film Festival has officially been cancelled for this year. The festival is normally held in mid-June.

The 25th edition of the festival will instead be held next year, in 2023, reports ‘Variety’.

The decision to cancel this year’s festival outright is a sign of the continuing difficulties under which the film industry is currently operating in China.

In 2020, the festival moved its dates from June to August, after cinemas endured a five-and-a-half-month period of closure running from late January to early July. In 2021, organizers considered moving the festival to July, but in the end went ahead with it in its normal June slot, albeit with the country operating under significant travel restrictions.

These involved two-week quarantine periods paid for at travelers’ own expense and potentially intrusive virus testing regimes, reports ‘Variety’.

The Shanghai festival organizers say they will try to put on film events in the second half of this year, should conditions permit.

“Due to the impact of the new coronavirus epidemic, the Shanghai International Film Festival Organizing Committee has decided that the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival originally scheduled to be held in June 2022 will be postponed to next year,” organisers said in a statement.

“We would hereby like to express our heartfelt thanks and sincere apologies to people from all walks of life who care and support the Shanghai International Film Festival. If conditions permit, we will plan and hold relevant film festivals and themed events in the second half of this year to share the pleasant experience brought by film art and film activities.”

The Chinese economy was quick to bounce back from the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and in both 2020 and 2012 China overtook North America to become the world’s largest box office market.

But, with the arrival of the delta variant of COVID-19, Shanghai, China’s biggest city and its economic capital, was put into a tough and dramatic lockdown that began in April.

The city was officially only allowed to reopen on June 1, 2022, causing millions of people to spill into the streets and onto public transport.

But, significantly, cinemas were not part of the first wave of reopening. And the city’s health authorities have reported a rebound in case numbers since last week’s reopening.

Reopening has continued in other major cities including parts of Beijing and Shenzhen.

Beijing cinemas are to be allowed to reopen at 75 percent capacity to fully-vaccinated patrons from Monday.

Disney faces heat for ruining a couple’s marriage proposal moment

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Disney faces heat for ruining a couple’s marriage proposal moment

Los Angeles, June 6 Problems don’t seem to cease for entertainment giant Disney. After being stripped off of its self-governing status in Florida, the corporation is under fire once again a video showing a Disneyland Paris theme park marriage proposal being interrupted, went viral.

The video is drawing fierce online criticism for ruining a couple’s special moment, reports Deadline’.

According to ‘Newsweek’, the video, which was initially posted to Reddit and has now gone viral, has been upvoted 85,000 times.

The man proposing marriage to his girlfriend reportedly asked permission from a park employee before mounting a platform in front of Cinderella’s Castle to pop the question.

As he dropped to his knee holding a ring box, a male employee runs into the scene, darted between the couple, and grabs the ring box.

He then gets off the platform and gestures to the couple to complete their ceremony off the platform.

A Disney spokesperson told ‘Newsweek’: “We regret how this was handled. We have apologized to the couple involved and offered to make it right.”

In 2018, a man sued the company for interrupting his proposal at Orlando’s Disney World. The lawsuit also accused an employee of physical harassment.

Disney faces heat for ruining a couple’s marriage proposal moment.

Ratan Tata-backed BlueStone launches four new stores in Delhi NCR

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Ratan Tata-backed BlueStone launches four new stores in Delhi NCR

New Delhi, June 6 India’s leading omni-channel fine jewellery destination and business stalwart Ratan Tata-backed BlueStone on Monday announced the launch of four retail outlets in Delhi-NCR, taking the total count of their stores in the region to 18.

The newly opened outlets are located at some of the most prominent locations and malls of the city — East of Kailash, Kamla Nagar, Gaur City Mall and Ambience Mall.

The company, which was established back in 2011, has been seeing an interesting cross-channel behaviour where a typical user browses their website for at least 2-3 weeks before visiting a store, it said in a statement.

Further, it said that 60-70 per cent of the customers tend to shortlist a product first on the website before visiting an exclusive brand store which completes the shopping experience by enabling try-on and checkout.

“For every one customer who was buying online on BlueStone, surveys revealed that there were 20 others who loved the designs but would require the comfort of a store to make a purchase. Therefore, by having these experiential stores, BlueStone expects to provide its customers with a truly omni-channel experience,” the statement said.

All the four new stores house an exclusive collection of 450+ designs individually, handpicked by the merchandise teams across categories such as necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, bangles, and solitaires, as well as jewellery for men and kids. The jewellery comes with the highest level of certification — hallmarked with HUID from BIS approved labs, IGI, GIA and GSL certifications as well — for gold and diamonds to create their exquisite designs with in-house craftsmanship.

“Jewellery has been an integral part of Indian culture for millennia. The vast geographical landscape of Delhi-NCR has distinct groups of people endorsing distinct styles of jewellery, for fashion as well as cultural significance. Our existing stores in Delhi-NCR are extremely loved, which gave us the confidence to launch 4 more stores in a short span. With these launches, we now have a total of 84 stores spread across the country, giving a strong impetus to our omni-channel retail model which is revolutionizing jewellery buying,” said Sudeep Nagar, Chief Operating Officer of BlueStone.

Ratan Tata-backed BlueStone launches four new stores in Delhi NCR Ratan Tata-backed BlueStone launches four new stores in Delhi NCR

23 hardcore gangsters shifted from Patna to Bhagalpur Central Jail

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23 hardcore gangsters shifted from Patna to Bhagalpur Central Jail

Patna, June 6 In a bid to control crime, the prison department of Bihar has shifted 23 hardcore criminals from Patna to the high-security Bhagalpur Central Jail.

The department took the decision following the recommendation of Patna SSP Manavjeet Singh Dhillon.

Keeping in view of rising crime incidents in Patna and the adjoining districts, the SSP said that jail-operated crimes cannot be ruled out.

He further said that the hardcore gangsters lodged in the Patna Beur Jail are planning the crimes and their execution is being done by gang members.

The 23 inmates shifted on Sunday night including two under trial prisoners.

Some of the hardcore gangsters are Sanjeet Rai, Vijay Singh, Saket Kumar alias Pintu and Ajay Chaudhary.

Earlier, the department had already 20 criminals in the Bhagalpur prison.

It has shortlisted 62 inmates lodged in the Patna jail, the majority serving life terms, to be shifted to other prisons across the state.

 

Criminals found using Delhi Police sticker on the car, arrested

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Criminals found using Delhi Police sticker on the car, arrested

New Delhi, June 6 Two criminals were arrested in the national capital for carrying an illegal firearm and using a sticker of Delhi Police on their car, an official said on Monday.

The accused were identified as Saidul Zafar and Farhan Khan, both residents of Jamia Nagar. They are both 20-year-old.

According to the official, information was received on June 3 that two persons carrying a country-made pistol would come in a car at Jamia Nagar to meet their common friend.

Acting on the information, a team was constituted that laid a trap near the Jamia University picket.

“The team somehow managed to apprehend them on the spot. On cursory search, they were found carrying two country-made pistols and two live cartridges,” Additional DCP-1 (southeast) Surendra Chaudhary said.

He further said that the accused had pasted a sticker of “Police” on the front and rear windshields of the alleged car to avoid police checking.

India logs 4,518 fresh Covid cases, 9 deaths in 24 hrs

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India logs 4,518 fresh Covid cases, 9 deaths in 24 hrs

New Delhi, June 6 India saw a marginal uptick in Covid-19 cases with 4,518 infections being reported in the last 24 hours, against the previous day’s 4,270 counts, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.

In the same period, nine Covid-related fatalities were registered to take the nationwide toll to 5,24,701.

Meanwhile, the active caseload has also risen to 25,782, accounting for 0.06 percent of the country’s total positive cases.

The recovery of 2,779 patients in the last 24 hours took the cumulative tally to 4,26,30,852. Now, the recovery rate stands at 98.73 percent.

Meanwhile, the country’s Daily Positivity rate has risen to 1.62 percent, while the Weekly Positivity Rate currently is being pegged at 0.91 percent.

Also in the same period, a total of 2,78,059 tests were conducted across the country, increasing the overall tally to over 85.29 crores.

As of Monday morning, the total vaccination coverage exceeded 194.12 crores, achieved via 2,47,70,416 sessions.

Over 3.44 crore adolescents have been administered a first dose of the jab since the beginning of the vaccination drive for this age bracket.

Root reveals his relationship with Test captaincy had become ‘very unhealthy’

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Root reveals his relationship with Test captaincy had become ‘very unhealthy’

London, June 6 In his first Test since resigning as the England skipper in April this year, Joe Root made a stunning 115 not out to help England hunt down 277 and seal a five-wicket victory over New Zealand at Lord’s. Root’s phenomenal century, his 26th in the format which also took him to the 10,000 Test runs club meant that England began their summer of 2022 on a winning note.

But after the match, Root revealed his relationship with Test captaincy, especially after England had won just one out of their last 17 matches under him, including a 4-0 Ashes defeat and 1-0 loss to West Indies, had become “very unhealthy”.

“I was unaware of how much it was grabbing hold of me. It had become a very unhealthy relationship, between the captaincy and me. It had started to take a bad toll on my own personal health. I couldn’t leave it at the ground anymore, it was coming home, it was not fair on my family, people close to me or myself either,” said Root to reporters after the match.

After the 1-0 loss to West Indies, Root had claimed that he still had it in him to lead the Test side. But in April, Root stepped down from the captaincy role, admitting that it had taken a toll on him. Now, after taking England to victory over New Zealand, Root explained how stepping down from the leadership role was liberating.

“As soon as I made the decision (to step down) I knew it was the right thing to do. I felt like a big weight had been lifted. As hard as it was, obviously, it’s been a huge privilege and something that I’m extremely proud to have done, but it’s time for a new phase in my career. And it’s one that I’m very much looking forward to, seeing one of my best mates (Ben Stokes) now take this team forward and start in a way that he has.”

With England now 1-0 up in the three-match series, Root wants to again gain the feeling of winning a Test match when taking the field against New Zealand on June 10. “This (winning a Test match) is a very nice feeling. It’s felt like a long time. But it’s one that you want to feel over and over again. So, again, having experienced that this week, it’s one that we want to make sure that, when we turn up to Trent Bridge, we’re on the right side of it again, and can feel it again.”

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