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Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan’s New Song “Chhaila” Breaks the Internet

Mumbai: Indian music legends Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan have taken the internet by storm with their latest collaboration, Chhaila. The song, which is part of Salim-Sulaiman’s independent music project Bhoomi 2024, has been hailed as a landmark in Indian music, especially by nostalgic 90s fans.

The music video, which has already garnered millions of views, showcases the two powerhouse singers performing in a sleek, high-energy studio setting, with a mix of vocal brilliance and modern rap elements. Fans were ecstatic to see both Ghoshal and Chauhan, who are often compared due to their illustrious careers, come together in this unique track. The song’s fusion of traditional melodies with contemporary beats, composed by Salim-Sulaiman, and lyrics penned by Shraddha Pandit, offers a refreshing take on the evolving sound of Indian music.

One fan wrote on social media, “It’s more than just a collaboration—it’s a dream come true. Shreya and Sunidhi are the moment we’ve all been waiting for!” Another praised the synergy between the two, stating, “Their voices are like ice and fire—different but perfectly complementary.”

Both artists also expressed their excitement about the project. Ghoshal shared in an interview, “Working with Sunidhi on Chhaila was incredible. We’ve known each other for years, but this track gave us a chance to explore new territory.” Chauhan added, “This song represents our journey in the music industry, and it’s amazing to see the love from fans.”

The song’s release has been celebrated as a historic moment in Indian music, marking the first time these two stars have collaborated on an independent track, following past Bollywood hits like Hum Toh Aise Hain Bhaiya.

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Veteran Actor Atul Parchure Passes Away at 57: Maharashtra CM, Film Industry Pay Tributes

Mumbai: Renowned Marathi actor Atul Parchure, celebrated for his versatile comic roles across Marathi and Hindi cinema, passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 57. Parchure, who had been battling cancer for several years, succumbed to complications arising from his illness. He was reportedly preparing to make a comeback to the stage before his health took a sudden downturn.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep sorrow, describing Parchure’s death as a “painful loss” for the entertainment industry. Shinde highlighted the actor’s contributions across various mediums, stating, “Parchure’s ability to make audiences laugh while bringing depth to his performances will be missed greatly. His work in theater, film, and television is irreplaceable.” Shinde extended his condolences to Parchure’s family and paid tribute on behalf of the state government.

The film fraternity also shared heartfelt messages in memory of Parchure. Actor Arjun Kapoor expressed grief on Instagram, noting, “I never got to work with him, but he always seemed like such a likable person in all his roles. His passing is a huge loss.” Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra, who worked with Parchure, reminisced on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Dhondu, what was the hurry to leave? Who will I say ‘Just Chill’ to now?”

Atul Parchure’s career spanned over three decades, during which he became a familiar face in Marathi theater and television, and Hindi films such as Partner, Salaam-E-Ishq, and All the Best. He was also well-known for his appearances on The Kapil Sharma Show, where his comedic timing endeared him to audiences nationwide.

Despite his public battle with cancer, Parchure remained resilient, discussing his diagnosis and the toll it took on him in interviews. His passing leaves a void in Marathi cinema and television that will not be easily filled.

India-Canada Diplomatic Row Escalates as India Expels Canadian Diplomats

India has escalated its diplomatic dispute with Canada, expelling six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler, and announcing the withdrawal of its own High Commissioner and other diplomats from Canada. This move follows allegations by the Canadian government that Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, are “persons of interest” in the ongoing investigation into the 2023 killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar​.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement rejecting these claims, labeling them as “preposterous imputations” driven by vote-bank politics. The MEA criticized the Trudeau government for failing to provide any evidence supporting its allegations despite repeated requests from India. According to the MEA, these accusations are part of a deliberate strategy to damage India’s international standing for political gain​.

India’s move comes after a series of escalatory actions between the two nations. Last month, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats, citing their alleged involvement in the Nijjar case. The Indian government responded by stressing its diplomats’ safety concerns and accused Canada of allowing extremist groups to operate freely on its soil. The MEA pointed out that Canadian authorities have neglected multiple extradition requests related to individuals involved in terrorism and organized crime​

The diplomatic standoff continues to strain relations, with both countries adopting retaliatory measures. The Indian government has reaffirmed its right to further actions if the Trudeau administration persists with its current approach, signaling a deepening crisis between the two Commonwealth nations.

The Government of India has asked the Canadian diplomats to leave India by or before 11.59 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024.(inputs from sources)

Omar Abdullah Set to Be Sworn in as the New J&K CM on Wednesday

Srinagar: Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC), will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, following an official invitation from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to form the government. The NC-Congress alliance recently emerged victorious in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, marking a return to democratic governance in the region after five years of central rule.

In a letter dated October 11, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, informed the LG that Omar Abdullah had been unanimously elected as the leader of the NC Legislature Party. In response, several political parties and independent MLAs, including the Congress, CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party, and independents, extended their support for the formation of the government.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on October 16 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Omar Abdullah will take the oath of office and secrecy, alongside his Council of Ministers.

Jammu and Kashmir has been under central rule since October 31, 2019, after the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This followed the abrogation of Article 370 and the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act in August 2019.

Peace Talks in Delhi: Leaders to Meet for the First Time Since Manipur Violence

New Delhi: Today marks a significant moment in India’s efforts to restore peace in Manipur, as representatives from the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities come together in Delhi for crucial talks. This is the first time leaders from these three ethnic groups have convened since the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people.

The meeting, convened by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is aimed at opening dialogue between the groups, with the broader goal of ending the ongoing violence and restoring stability in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead the discussions.

Key leaders from each group are participating in the talks. The Meitei side is represented by Manipur ministers Thongam Biswajit and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata. The Kuki delegation includes Letpao Haokip and Paolienlal Haokip, while the Naga community is represented by Awangbow Newmai and L Dikho.

Although the Congress party was not invited to the talks, they have expressed their willingness to support any outcomes that foster peace in the region. This meeting is viewed as a critical step toward reconciliation between the three communities and ending the violence that has torn apart the state for the past five months. (inputs from agencies)

EC to Announce Maharashtra, Jharkhand Poll Dates Today

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand on Tuesday. A press conference has been scheduled at 3:30 PM in the capital, where the poll dates and other key details will be disclosed.

The assembly term in Maharashtra is slated to end on November 26, 2024, while Jharkhand’s assembly term concludes on January 5, 2025. This announcement will kick off the official election process in both states, leading to campaigns and political maneuvering as major parties prepare to contest the elections.

Maharashtra, a political battleground with high stakes for both the ruling coalition and opposition, has been at the center of several political developments in recent months. Meanwhile, Jharkhand’s elections are expected to feature intense competition among local parties, with a focus on regional issues.

With these elections setting the stage for significant political changes, the announcement from the EC is eagerly awaited by political observers and the general public alike.

Air India Flight Diverted Following A Bomb Threat

RBI Governor Das Cautions Banks on AI and Big Tech Risks

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has raised concerns over the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and big tech in the banking sector. Speaking at a conference organized by the RBI on October 14, 2024, Das emphasized that while these technologies offer opportunities for financial innovation, they also introduce significant risks that must be managed prudently.

Das highlighted that the widespread adoption of AI could lead to concentration risks, especially if a small group of technology providers dominate the financial services market. Such dominance could amplify systemic risks, as any disruption or failure in these AI systems might have a cascading effect across the entire sector. Additionally, the opacity of AI algorithms makes it challenging to audit and interpret decisions, raising concerns about market unpredictability.

The Governor also expressed worries over the increasing vulnerability of the banking system to cyberattacks and data breaches due to AI integration. As financial institutions move toward greater digitization, they must adopt robust risk mitigation strategies to prevent potential threats. He stressed that banks should leverage the benefits of AI and big tech without becoming overly dependent on these technologies to ensure financial stability.

Das further pointed out that misinformation and rumors spreading rapidly through social media could trigger liquidity stress. Therefore, banks need to remain vigilant, particularly in managing their social media presence, while also strengthening liquidity buffers to mitigate risks.

In conclusion, Das urged banks to remain proactive and resilient, ensuring they maintain control over the technology they deploy. The RBI is closely monitoring these developments and advising financial institutions to balance technological advancement with stability measures to safeguard the integrity of the financial system. (inputs from agencies)

GIVA Raises Rs 255 Crore in Extended Series B Funding Round

GIVA, a prominent player in the fine jewellery market, has successfully secured Rs 255 crore in its extended Series B funding round. This round was led by major investors including Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discover Fund, alongside the company’s top management.

The funding structure consisted of 35% primary and 65% secondary investments, enabling partial exits for early investors A91 Partners and India Quotient. With this, GIVA aims to accelerate its offline expansion and enhance its offerings, particularly in the lab-grown diamond and gold segment.

Ishendra Agarwal, GIVA’s founder and CEO, expressed the company’s focus on maintaining its position as the leading silver jewellery retailer while expanding its lab-grown diamond range. He emphasized plans to broaden their gold collections and strengthen market presence, leveraging the fresh capital for these initiatives.

The recent funding round follows an earlier Series B investment in July 2023, which valued the company at approximately $250 million. Although GIVA has not disclosed its current valuation, the latest round suggests a significant increase as the brand continues to grow and attract strategic investors.