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Security Forces Neutralize Terrorists in High-Stakes Encounter in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: In a high-stakes operation on Saturday, security forces neutralized two suspected terrorists in Anantnag’s Shangus-Larnoo area. This encounter was part of intensified anti-terror efforts to counter a recent surge in militancy. One of the neutralized suspects was identified as a foreign national, and the other was a local resident. Investigations are underway to determine their organizational affiliations.

Separate Encounter in Srinagar

In Srinagar’s Khanyar area, security personnel also exchanged gunfire with suspected militants. As of the latest reports, no casualties have been reported, though the standoff continues. Security forces have tightened search operations in the area, utilizing advanced surveillance to locate potential threats.

Rising Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir

The Anantnag encounter is one of several recent clashes underscoring shifting security dynamics in the region. In Bandipora, terrorists recently ambushed security personnel, then escaped into dense forest terrain. This led to an extensive combing operation by forces, highlighting the area’s challenging landscape.

Targeted Attacks and Political Reactions

Militant attacks have increased, including a recent assault on migrant laborers from Uttar Pradesh in Budgam. Local political leaders, including figures from the National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, have condemned these attacks. They stress the need for peace and stability amid the rising violence.

Broader Anti-Terror Campaign

Security forces continue anti-terror efforts across Jammu and Kashmir, with a major focus on dismantling insurgent networks. A recent encounter in Kishtwar resulted in the deaths of two Indian soldiers, underscoring the severity of the threat. Analysts attribute the rising violence to administrative changes in the Union Territory, which may have intensified regional tensions.

This multi-front campaign reflects the government’s commitment to peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Observers agree that an aggressive approach is essential to restoring stability and countering evolving threats in the area.

Bagheera Review: Sriimurali Delivers in Prashanth Neel’s Dark Superhero Saga

Sriimurali’s Bagheera, a highly anticipated action film directed by Dr. Suri and written by KGF and Salaar mastermind Prashanth Neel, brings an ambitious superhero narrative with a rooted storyline. Released on October 31, the movie explores the journey of Vedanth (Sriimurali), an IPS officer who assumes the vigilante identity of “Bagheera” to tackle organized crime, specifically targeting illegal organ trade. The Kannada-language film has launched in multiple languages, aiming for pan-Indian appeal during the Deepavali holiday season.

The plot follows Vedanth, a young boy with superhero aspirations who grows up to join the police force, mirroring his father. As he tackles everyday crime as an officer, he channels his inner superhero to fight more insidious threats by night. The film is divided into seven chapters, creatively capturing Vedanth’s transformation into Bagheera. This structure underscores his personal battle with crime, embodied by the menacing villain Rana, played by Garuda Ram. However, critics have noted that some romantic scenes detract from the film’s overall pacing and focus on action.

Also Read: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan Shine in a Flawed Horror Comedy

Sriimurali shines as the titular character, bringing grit and authenticity to a dual role that bridges Vedanth’s grounded heroism and Bagheera’s dark alter ego. His commitment is evident, particularly in the intense action sequences, crafted by stunt choreographer Chethan D Souza. Yet, while Bagheera thrives on high-octane moments, some have pointed out that additional depth in the antagonist’s portrayal could have elevated the stakes.

Technically, Bagheera impresses with AJ Shetty’s cinematography and Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, enhancing its dark, gritty tone. However, the film’s editing could be tighter in parts, especially given the complex themes it tries to convey. Despite minor flaws, Bagheera is an ambitious attempt at creating a homegrown superhero, filling a unique niche in Kannada cinema.

In summary, Bagheera offers audiences a compelling vigilante saga, making it a notable addition to Indian superhero films. Fans of action-packed storytelling may find themselves drawn to Sriimurali’s riveting portrayal, making Bagheera a worthy watch this season.

Tragic Diwali Mishaps in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh: In a series of devastating accidents linked to Diwali celebrations, three people lost their lives and multiple others sustained injuries in Andhra Pradesh over the festive week. These incidents highlight the dangers associated with firecracker use, especially when safety precautions are overlooked.

In Eluru, a bag of firecrackers exploded on Durgasi Sudhakar’s motorbike on Thursday night, killing him instantly. Sudhakar had been transporting the fireworks, known locally as “onion bombs,” with his friend Tabeti Sai, who sustained injuries in the blast. The explosion reportedly occurred when the bike hit a speed bump, causing the firecrackers to fall and detonate on impact. The blast’s intensity injured bystanders on Thuru Veedhi street. Authorities quickly transported the injured to Eluru Government General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Andhra Pradesh’s Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy visited Sudhakar’s family and announced ex gratia relief, including financial compensation and a job offer to the deceased’s wife.

On Wednesday night, lightning struck a firecracker manufacturing unit in East Godavari district, igniting raw materials and triggering a fatal explosion. The explosion claimed the lives of two women, Vegirowthu Srivalli and Gummadi Suneetha, who were working on-site, while five others suffered severe injuries. These injured workers, who were also at the manufacturing unit when lightning struck, are now in critical condition at Tanuku Government Hospital.

Also Read: Delhi Faces Post-Diwali Health Crisis: Pollution and Respiratory Hazards likely to Soar

Additionally, Telangana hospitals reported a spike in eye injuries during Diwali, with around 50 cases reported at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad. The hospital treated 35 children for eye injuries, with several needing surgical intervention due to the severity of their wounds.

These incidents underline the importance of heightened safety measures during the festive season to prevent such tragedies. Local authorities continue to investigate both cases and urge the public to handle fireworks responsibly, particularly in dense or high-risk areas.

GST Revenue Soars to Rs.1.87 Lakh Crore in October 2024

New Delhi: In October 2024, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue reached a significant milestone, recording a collection of Rs 1.87 lakh crore, a 9% increase compared to October 2023. This growth signals robust economic activity and an efficient tax administration framework that has been progressively strengthened since GST’s inception.

A key driver behind the growth was the substantial rise in domestic transactions, which surged by 10.6% year-over-year to Rs 1.42 lakh crore. This rise reflects the impact of steady consumer demand, increased business activity, and ongoing efforts to expand the tax base across various sectors. Revenue from imports, though increasing at a slower rate, also saw growth, with a 4% year-on-year rise to Rs 45,096 crore. Together, these figures point to a balanced growth trajectory driven by both domestic economic resilience and international trade.

Breaking down the October 2024 GST revenue, the collection includes Rs 33,821 crore from Central GST (CGST) and Rs 41,864 crore from State GST (SGST). The Integrated GST (IGST) contributed the highest share, amounting to Rs 99,111 crore, which includes tax collected on inter-state transactions and imports. Additionally, a cess of Rs 12,550 crore was collected to fund specific central government initiatives, including compensation to states.

Also Read : GST Council recommends tax cut

One of the critical financial operations in October was the issuance of refunds. Rs 19,306 crore in refunds were processed during the month, an 18.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This efficient refund process is essential for maintaining liquidity in the economy and ensuring that businesses continue to operate smoothly without tax-related delays. After accounting for refunds, the net GST revenue collected for October 2024 stood at Rs 1.68 lakh crore, showing an 8% increase over the previous year’s net revenue for the month.

These figures highlight the sustained growth in India’s GST revenue, attributed to improved compliance measures, technological advancements in tax administration, and economic policies that promote ease of doing business. The government has emphasized initiatives to streamline the GST framework further, aiming for sustained growth through enhanced transparency, simplified tax processes, and targeted measures against tax evasion.

The consistent rise in GST collections is a positive indicator of India’s economic health and reflects a maturing GST system that is integral to the nation’s fiscal stability. As India continues to strengthen its GST framework, expectations remain high that future months will continue this upward trend, benefiting both the government’s revenue and the wider economy.

Maharashtra’s Emerging Youth Leaders: Rohit Pawar, Aaditya Thackeray, and Shrikant Shinde

India-China Disengagement in Demchok: Patrolling Resumes Amid Diplomatic Progress

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Ladakh: In a notable breakthrough, Indian troops resumed patrols in the Demchok sector of eastern Ladakh as part of a recent India-China disengagement agreement. This development marks progress in de-escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), especially in areas where both sides have maintained a military standoff since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

The disengagement deal, reached after multiple rounds of Corps Commander-level discussions, permits Indian troops to patrol key zones in Demchok and Depsang, where movement had been restricted. Officials revealed that both countries agreed to implement a systematic patrolling arrangement, aimed at reducing misunderstandings. Patrols are scheduled twice a month, involving up to 15 personnel from each side, with procedures in place to prevent potential confrontations.

This resumption of patrolling represents a step forward for both diplomatic and security relations between India and China. Since the 2020 clash, talks have yielded disengagement at various flashpoints, including Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs. However, Demchok and Depsang have been particularly sensitive, with both regions regarded as high-priority due to strategic importance. The recent agreement, overseen by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, underscores an evolving mutual understanding.

The patrols aim to restore confidence and establish peace along contested borders. Experts regard this diplomatic step as a potential precedent for future agreements at other friction points in the eastern Ladakh region.

C6N Web Team

Tabu Stuns at ‘Dune: Prophecy’ New York Premiere in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

NEW YORK: Bollywood icon Tabu turned heads at the New York premiere of HBO’s Dune Prophecy, making her Hollywood debut in a mesmerizing black outfit by renowned designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Playing the role of Sister Francesca, Tabu brings her talent to the highly-anticipated series based on Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, diving into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, a powerful group central to the franchise.

Her ensemble, a modern take on the traditional Angarkha, was crafted from over fifty meters of crushed silk, highlighting the designers’ timeless Khadi silk artistry. This piece revisits their ‘Crushed Silk’ collection, which debuted over 38 years ago, blending a rich heritage feel with contemporary allure.

Dune Prophecy, set 10,000 years before the famed Atreides saga, follows two Harkonnen sisters who shape the mysterious Bene Gesserit, an organization with a galaxy-spanning influence. With a cast including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Mark Strong, the series promises to add intrigue and depth to the Dune lore, resonating with fans worldwide.

The premiere marked a key moment for Tabu, who has long bridged Bollywood and global cinema. Previously starring in international hits like Life of Pi and The Namesake, her role in Dune Prophecy cements her as a global artist. The show will stream in India on JioCinema in November, drawing immense anticipation from Dune enthusiasts.

Web Team at C6N

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Review: Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan Shine in a Flawed Horror Comedy

In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the latest installment of the beloved franchise, Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit deliver standout performances, particularly in a thrilling climax. However, the film’s two-hour runtime leads to a long, tedious build-up that tests viewers’ patience.

The narrative follows Roohan, a con artist and ghostbuster played by Aaryan, who is summoned by Meera (Triptii Dimri), the princess of Raktaghat. She believes her palace is haunted by the spirit of Manjulika, a 200-year-old witch. As Roohan investigates, he discovers he resembles a long-lost prince, causing the royal family to believe he is his reincarnation. The film’s primary conflict revolves around identifying the true Manjulika among two women: Mallika (Vidya Balan), the palace restorer, and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit), a royal with ambitions for the throne.

Also Read: Singham Again Delivers Explosive Action!

The film starts slowly, with Aaryan’s performance reminiscent of Akshay Kumar, who starred in the earlier films. Despite his efforts, the screenplay fails to utilize his talents fully, relegating him to a one-dimensional role. Dimri, despite her potential, is reduced to a mere supporting character, with her talent overshadowed by the film’s narrative flaws. As the first half plods along with stale humor and predictable jump scares, the film squanders the talents of actors like Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav.

However, the climax redeems much of the film’s shortcomings, featuring bold twists and heartfelt moments that breathe life into the story. Aaryan’s performance in the final act showcases his range, while Balan’s commanding presence cements her as the heart of the film. Even with limited screen time, Dixit holds her ground, creating an engaging dynamic with Balan.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been compared to Stree 2, yet it lacks the cohesive storytelling of its contemporaries. The film attempts to leverage nostalgia but ultimately feels disjointed. While the final act carries a poignant message, it is overshadowed by the lengthy, lackluster buildup. Overall, the film highlights the talents of its stars, but its structure and pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential.

OpenAI Takes on Google with New SearchGPT Feature: A Game Changer in Online Search

OpenAI has unveiled its latest innovation, SearchGPT, an advanced search version of its popular ChatGPT, designed to compete directly with Google. This new feature aims to provide users with fast, real-time answers by integrating relevant web sources directly into the chat interface, eliminating the need to navigate to traditional search engines.

The SearchGPT prototype allows users to access timely information, including sports scores, news updates, stock prices, and more, by linking directly to credible online sources. OpenAI emphasizes that this hybrid model combines the ease of natural language interaction with the reliability of up-to-date information. “This blends the benefits of a natural language interface with the value of up-to-date sports scores, news, stock quotes, and more,” said an OpenAI spokesperson.

Also Read: Apple Achieves Record-Breaking Revenue in India Amidst Robust Global Sales: CEO Tim Cook

Unlike the original ChatGPT, which requires users to initiate web searches manually, SearchGPT operates on an enhanced version of OpenAI’s GPT-4 model. This new version delivers information directly from the web, ensuring users receive accurate and timely responses. Moreover, users can engage with the model through follow-up questions, refining their searches for even more precise results.

Importantly, the SearchGPT feature is not free. It is available as a paid service to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with waitlisted users set to gain access in the coming days. Enterprise and educational users will follow shortly after, while all free users can expect access within the next few months.

According to OpenAI’s spokesperson Niko Felix, SearchGPT is an optimized iteration of GPT-4 that utilizes innovative data generation techniques, enhancing its ability to synthesize information from various sources. By integrating third-party search engine results and direct content from partnered providers, SearchGPT seeks to redefine how users interact with search technology.

As OpenAI rolls out this ambitious feature, the landscape of online search may see a significant transformation, challenging established players like Google and reshaping user expectations in the digital space.

Bibek Debroy, Esteemed Chair of PM Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, Dies at 69

New Delhi: Dr. Bibek Debroy, a prominent economist and chairperson of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, has passed away at the age of 69 in New Delhi. Known for his expertise in economics, policy, and translation of Indian epics, Debroy’s passing marks a significant loss to India’s intellectual community.

Debroy was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to an intestinal obstruction and passed away early Friday. His vast contributions include leading the Railways Ministry’s committee on reforms and serving as a founding member of the NITI Aayog from 2015 until 2019. A Padma Shri awardee, he also held the chancellorship of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and produced a series of acclaimed works, including a 10-volume English translation of the Mahabharata, making ancient texts accessible to modern readers.

Also Read: Senior BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana Passes Away at 59

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt message, praised Debroy as a “towering scholar” with an “indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape,” recognizing his profound engagement across fields like economics, history, culture, and spirituality. PM Modi also remembered Debroy’s contributions to academia and his role in popularizing Indian cultural heritage through accessible translations.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also expressed condolences, describing Debroy as a “thought-provoking commentator” whose ability to explain complex economic issues with clarity made him a unique voice in Indian media and policy discussions.

(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)