The title of director Rajkumar Periasamy‘s next movie, starring Tamil actor Dhanush and Malayalam legend Mammootty, was revealed on Thursday as “Om” by the film’s creators.

According to the producers, the movie will be released on October 16 of this year.

The film’s title, which has the tagline Chapter 1, suggests that there may be a follow-up.

The creators released a title teaser on Thursday that revealed the narrative focuses on those who make a profession out of cutting red sanders. Dhanush portrays the role of a lumberjack. The trailer depicts police arresting woodcutters for illegally chopping red sanders. Dhanush comes to their rescue while keeping the employees at gunpoint.

Sreyas, head of Wunderbar Films, announced during the title teaser launch event that this movie would be one of the most expensive in Dhanush’s career. Additionally, he said that the fans’ much awaited mass vintage Dhanush will return in this film.

The movie, which until recently was known by the working name D55, has sparked a lot of curiosity among cinephiles and enthusiasts.

Sai Abhyankkar composed the soundtrack for the picture, which stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the leading women. The film’s cinematography is done by Ezhil Arasu.

Kalaivanan R is editing the movie, and Kavya Sriram is handling the outfits.

It may be remembered that when Malayalam star Mammootty joined the cast of the film, the producers gave him a cordial reception. “When the Big M chooses a narrative, it becomes history,” said Wunderbar Films, one of the production firms making the movie. We are so thrilled to have Megastar @mammukka join D55! It’s an honor! Mammootty, thank you very much.

Director Rajkumar Periasamy, who personally welcomed the Malayalam megastar on his X timeline, said, “Dear @mammukka, the moment you said ‘Yes,’ I realized that D55 had been blessed with Divinity by the almighty. ” Our very own Mammootty sir, I am humbled and delighted to have you join us for the movie! I’m excited to see your magic unfold alongside @dhanushkraja sir. Here’s to my lifetime of Mammootty experiences.

Mammootty responded to the welcome greetings by saying, “Elated and thrilled to be a part of this adventure with @dhanushkraja and @Rajkumar_KP. ”

It should be remembered that R Take Studios, another production company, had said just a few days ago that it would be collaborating with Wunderbar Films to make this movie.

Samantha, whose next film “Maa Inti Bangaram” was recently released, has now revealed one feature of the character she plays in the movie that made her fall in love with it!

Samantha said that the resilience of the character she played in the movie made her fall in love with it during a recent social media interactive session with her followers in which she responded to a query.

The actress also mentioned that Swarna, her character in Maa Inti Bangaram, was the most similar to the actual Samantha out of all the roles she had portrayed in Telugu movies, which is interesting.

At a press conference, the actress, who produced the movie in addition to playing the starring role, was questioned about the film’s realistic action sequences.

Samantha had stated in response to the query that “there are no slow motion sequences, no flying shots, and no buildup shots if you see in the picture. “ It’s incredibly real. Real punches. I have also experienced hardships. I have bled. They are extremely realistic action sequences. I performed every stunt myself. Everyone likes the act and it seems like I did it because of that.

The film’s trailer, which was released a few days ago, has increased its appeal.

The trailer depicts Samantha arriving at her boyfriend’s house. She is greeted with a slew of questions, including, “I think I’ve seen you before. ” What’s your name? Where do you come from?

However, she responds by asking a leading question. Do you know who I really am?

The impression given by the trailer is that her partner, who fell in love with her, waited two years for her, and she has now moved in with him.

Her relatives inquire as to her caste, her ability to cook, and the number of siblings she has. Nevertheless, she believes that these inquiries are grilling her like a criminal.

Then, Anusuya, the younger daughter-in-law of the house, is introduced to her. The other members of the family call Anusuya “maa inti Bangaram” (the gold of our house).

For a woman to be regarded as ideal, a daughter-in-law must possess a variety of traits. She moans before saying, I have none of those characteristics; she ought to be beautiful, slender, well-mannered, able to cook and sing. However, I do have one quality. In order to safeguard my family, I am prepared to take all chances.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that it has mandated that all food business operators (FBOs) in the nation utilize only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting tools while handling and processing food.

In an advisory, the food regulator raised alarm about reports that certain food businesses are employing rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, or otherwise unfit cutting tools during food preparation, processing, slicing, packaging, and related operations.

According to FSSAI, there is a major food safety hazard associated with using such machinery since it might physically, chemically, or microbiologically contaminate food products.

According to the agency, the practice is against the hygienic and sanitary standards outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The regulator reiterated that all equipment, utensils, and food-contact surfaces used in the handling, preparation, processing, packaging, and storage of food must be constructed of food-grade, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant materials in accordance with existing food safety regulations.

Food establishments must ensure that all knives, blades, and cutting devices are in good hygienic condition and are free of rust, corrosion, cracks, chipping, paint, breakage, or any other defects that might contaminate food, according to the FSSAI.

“The FSSAI has ordered all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the country to only use food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting gear in food handling and processing operations,” according to the statement.

It also highlighted the importance of cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing such equipment on a regular basis as needed.

Additionally, in order to avoid the risk of contamination, the authority recommended companies to quickly replace or discard any damaged, rusted, or otherwise inappropriate cutting instruments.

To ensure food safety standards, appropriate cleaning and disinfection processes must be implemented at regular intervals, according to the statement.

FSSAI warned of strong action against offenders, stating that non-compliance with the advisory may result in penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

FSSAI Regional Directors and Food Safety Commissioners in all states and Union Territories have also been requested by the authority to ensure strict monitoring during inspections.

During inspections, the FSSAI has told food safety officials and licensing authorities to keep a close eye out and make sure the recommended criteria are being followed.

According to the regulator, necessary action should be initiated wherever violations are discovered, in line with the Food Safety and Standards Act and its accompanying regulations.

The government has approved an 8. 25% interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the 2025-26 fiscal year, allowing interest to be credited to the accounts of over seven million contributing subscribers to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

The Finance Ministry has apparently authorized the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the highest decision-making authority of the EPFO, to suggest an 8. 25 percent interest rate.

The money from interest is expected to be put into members’ accounts by the end of the month.

For FY26, the CBT, which is led by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, had chosen on March 2, 2026, to maintain the EPF interest rate at 8. 25 percent.

For the third year in a row, the retirement fund organization has kept the same rate for its members.

The proposal was forwarded to the Finance Ministry for agreement since the government is the guarantor of EPF deposits after the CBT made its choice.

The ministry has now given its approval, therefore EPFO anticipates starting the process of giving interest to the accounts of its members.

The development comes as EPFO gets ready to implement significant digital reforms on its future EPFO 3. 0 platform.

It is anticipated that the organization will roll out a feature that will let users take their provident fund cash via EPF-linked ATMs and UPI applications.

It is reported that the new facility, which is being created in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India, will likely be available shortly.

The system has already undergone testing, and an official announcement on the rollout is anticipated shortly.

Members might be able to instantly take up to 75% of their EPF amount directly into their bank accounts using ATM access and UPI-enabled platforms under the suggested system.

According to experts, the action will improve openness and accountability in PF withdrawals while drastically lowering paperwork and processing delays.

Nearly 16 lakh applicants have downloaded their admit cards ahead of the NEET (UG)-2026 re-examination, which is set for June 21, according to the National Testing Agency (NTA). For candidates taking the retest, the admission cards were made available on June 14.

The NTA declared that it had received several requests from candidates who were unable to finish their account information for a variety of reasons and wished for direct access to download their admit cards.

As a result, the agency has opted to allow all applicants to download their NEET (UG)-2026 admission cards through the official website by selecting one of the available choices and using their login information.

Either they may download their admit card right away and later review and verify their bank information for the test fee return, or they can review and verify their bank information first and then download the admit card.

Candidates experiencing any difficulties downloading their admit cards should call the NTA on its helpline numbers, 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or send an email to (neetug2026@nta. ac. in).

Moreover, candidates have been advised to check the official NEET and NTA websites often for the most recent information and announcements about the exam.

In the interim, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried question sheets for the NEET-UG 2026 retest to 18 sites around the country as part of comprehensive security measures in preparation for the exam.

In light of the authorities’ stepped-up efforts to ensure that the re-examination is done smoothly, securely, and without any inconsistencies, the decision has been made.

Using Air Force airplanes is meant to guarantee that question papers are delivered safely and on schedule to their designated distribution centers throughout the nation, according to officials.

The NTA has implemented a multi-layered security framework for the re-examination in collaboration with other government organizations. Security personnel, local administration officials, and law enforcement agencies have been dispatched to monitor the transportation, storage, and distribution of testing supplies.

Moreover, sensitive test facilities will be subjected to higher surveillance. To stop any efforts to manipulate question papers or interfere with the examination process, the authorities have put in place rigorous monitoring systems.

Candidates who were impacted by issues found during the prior examination procedure will take the NEET-UG 2026 retest on June 21.

It is one of India’s biggest entrance examinations and serves as the doorway for admission to undergraduate medical programs around the country.

India defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second match of the three-match ODI series on Wednesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, taking an insurmountable 2-0 lead.

Despite a valiant effort from Rahmat Shah, the hosts overcame Afghanistan with a disciplined bowling performance and a batting masterclass led by captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan.

Afghanistan needed a fast start in pursuit of 403, but they never really came close to reaching the target. India’s fast bowling kept hitting consistently, stopping the guests from putting together any big partnerships. With three wickets each, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh stole the show, while Prince Yadav earned his first ODI wicket on his debut.

Amidst the surrounding decline, Rahmat Shah stood strong, scoring 79 runs off 89 balls. He battled through cramps and found regular boundaries to keep Afghanistan’s aspirations alive, albeit remotely, showing great technique and resiliency. Rashid Khan delivered a quickfire cameo that was amusing, but the necessary rate kept increasing and was out of reach.

Brar and Prince Yadav finished up the tail in the 45th over, putting an end to the match. After Prince Yadav was pulled to fine leg, where Brar made an outstanding grab, Rahmat’s brave opposition was finally broken. India defeated Afghanistan by a large margin of 170 runs after Afghanistan was bowled out for 232 runs in 44. 3 overs.

India’s dominance throughout the match was highlighted by the outcome. Kishan’s aggressive hundred and Gill’s captain’s strike set the groundwork for a massive total, and the bowlers finished the work methodically to win the series with one game remaining.

India began cautiously earlier in the day, but Afghanistan’s disciplined new-ball bowling temporarily stopped them. Even more unexpected was the visitors’ decision to start with off-spinner AM Ghazanfar, which forced Yashasvi Jaiswal to fight for fluency before being dismissed.

Rohit Sharma was in incredible form, scoring gracefully off the boundary ropes, but he was dismissed for 48, just shy of a half-century, leaving India at 80/2.

The defining stage of the game came next. Gill and Kishan teamed up for an incredible third-wicket combination that completely altered the balance of the match in India’s favor. Kishan launched a relentless assault on Afghanistan’s bowlers while Gill played the anchor’s part with characteristic composure. The couple scored at over ten runs an over and gave the tourists little answers, adding 224 runs in only 140 balls.

Gill reached his ninth ODI century in just 77 balls and picked up the pace, scoring 150 in only 108 deliveries. In his fantastic 154 off 110 balls, he hit two sixes and 22 fours, making him the fastest Indian to score 3,000 ODI runs.

Kishan was similarly damaging at the opposite end, hitting 125 runs off just 79 balls with 14 boundaries and seven maximums. He scored his century off just 71 balls, controlling the middle overs and ensuring India maintained an incredible rate of scoring.

The barrage helped India speed past 300 in just 35. 5 overs, making it one of the quickest 300-plus totals ever scored by a team batting first in ODI history. Before Afghanistan recovered well in the dying moments, India appeared destined for an even higher total thanks to a quick 26 from Shreyas Iyer.

With spectacular figures of 4/76, Nangeyalia Kharoti, a left-arm spinner, started a collapse by removing both Gill and Iyer, while Rashid Khan took three wickets.

India lost their last seven wickets for only 80 runs, but they still ended with a strong 402 all out in 49. 5 overs.

Brief scores:
India 402/10 in 49.5 overs (Shubman Gill 154, Ishan Kishan 125; Nangeyalia Kharoti 4-76, Rashid Khan 3-48)
Afghanistan 232/10 in 44.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 79, Sediqullah Atal 42; Arshdeep Singh 3-45, Gurnoor Brar 3-60)

Strong half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Sree Charani‘s four-wicket haul led India to a crushing 95-run victory over the Netherlands in their 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday.

Pushed into batting first under overcast skies, Smriti and Shafali cashed in on wayward new‑ball bowling to share a 115‑run stand before Shafali departed for 55 off 38 balls, studded with ten boundaries. Smriti, in magnificent form, top-scored with 74 runs off 47 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and a maximum in her second consecutive half-century.

With precise placement and clean hitting, Richa Ghosh (20 not out) and Deepti Sharma (10 not out) delivered the final burst, propelling India to their greatest score in the competition’s history. Even though the Netherlands had some bright spots, they blew them with dropped catches and tense bowling as India posted its first 200-plus total in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The Netherlands was bowled out in 17. 3 overs for 114 runs due to the bowlers’ efforts, who were headed by Shafali Verma’s 3-20 and Charani’s four-for, which guaranteed the threat was never posed. India are now at the top of Group A with a net run rate of 3. 98, which is 0. 10 higher than Australia’s, thanks to the victory.

India will also hope that everything is OK with off-spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who was taken off the field in a stretcher after spraining her right ankle while fielding off her own bowling. It was a downer in India’s dominating victory to see her carried off the field on a stretcher.

Shafali started India’s innings by delaying the opening of her bat face to guide Iris Zwilling for a boundary, then leaning back to cut Heather Siegers through extra cover for a second boundary. Smriti contributed to the boundary-hitting action with sharp drives as the Netherlands battled with lines, and then Shafali pulled and lofted Isabel van der Woning for three boundaries.

Smriti then lofted Iris over extra cover and punched through the same region to bring up India’s joint-fastest team fifty in Women’s T20 World Cup history – achieved inside 5. 1 overs. The Netherlands’ problems were exacerbated by Myrthe van den Raad’s anxious first over, during which she gave up six wides and India stormed to 59/0 by the conclusion of the powerplay.

From there, the momentum increased as Shafali expertly lofted and sliced Isabel for boundaries before scooping and sweeping Caroline de Lange for her first T20 World Cup fifty in the 11th over, which came off 34 deliveries. Smriti then hit her own back-to-back fifties, this one in 36 balls by dancing down the ground to smack a boundary before carving Heather for a six over long-off.

Jemimah Rodrigues came in with crisp timing, driving through extra cover and pulling confidently for her boundaries, even after Shafali was bowled out for 55 after holing out to long-on off Heather.

In the 15th over, Smriti demonstrated her flawless timing and strategic shot placement, hitting Silver Siegers for four boundaries.

She first strode down the pitch to chip one over extra cover, and then came out to loft straight back over the bowler’s head once more. Smriti remained deep in the crease and finished the 18-run over with a decisive slog-sweep through deep mid-wicket, before smashing a pull square of the wicket.

Netherlands rallied after Smriti struck a superb lofted straight drive off Caroline, but Smriti toed a loft to mid-off, Jemimah gave an edge behind while attempting to play a pre-mediated scoop off Myrthe, and Yastika Bhatia was stumped after being tricked by a googly from the leg-spinner.

Harmanpreet Kaur sliced and smashed to get two fours, while Richa lit up the 18th over with a flat six over the bowler’s head and a boundary slapped past sweeper cover. Deepti flicked a full ball over fine leg for six to bring up India’s 200 and pulled the last ball for four after Harmanpreet hit to mid-off against Iris, as 19 runs came off the final over.

With a large 209 to defend, India had to wait for a breakthrough as Heather and Phebe Moleknboer scored six boundaries. Heather chipped to extra cover for 21, giving Nandni Sharma the breakthrough they had been waiting for.

Shafali bowled Sterre Kalis to leave the Netherlands reeling at 77/3, while Deepti followed up by taking out Phebe, who cut to mid-off. Skipper Babette de Leede gave 28 runs of opposition, but her Nandni stumping caused a collapse.

Charani was the primary destructor as the Netherlands lost four wickets in the space of 12 balls from 96/4, with Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, Myrthe van den Raad, and Iris Zwilling all falling to her trickery.

India’s spinners took eight wickets, with Shafali returning to take two more scalps, to put the ODI World Cup holders at the top of Group A.

Brief scores:
India 209/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 74, Shafali Verma 55; Caroline de Lange 2-32, Heather Siegers 1-31)
Netherlands 114 all out in 17.3 overs (Babette de Leede 28, Heather Siegers 21; Sree Charani 4-19, Shafali Verma 3-20) by 95 runs

On Tuesday, June 16, Jaspal Rana’s mother died at Max Hospital in Delhi after a protracted illness. Jaspal Rana was a well-known shooter and coach passed away on 12th June. This happened in a series of sad occurrences.

Shyama Devi had been suffering from a very long illness and was in critical condition, according to family reports. Her health suffered greatly from the setback of losing her son, Jaspal Rana, on June 12.

She died on Tuesday even after receiving medical attention. The family and close relatives are left to grieve a devastating chapter as a result of the consecutive losses.

Just days after guiding the national pistol team to a successful tournament at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Jaspal Rana’s untimely death rocked the whole Indian shooting community, which is still reeling from the tragedy.

Jaspal Rana established himself as one of India’s most dependable coaches and was a very accomplished shooter. He was instrumental in developing elite shooters, like Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker.

After the World Cup ended and she returned from Germany, Rana’s condition worsened. However, he did not get well despite being transported to a hospital in Delhi.

He was the High Performance Coach for the pistol team in India. The squad won four medals in Munich under his direction, including two golds and two silvers, demonstrating his influence on Indian shooting.

During his career as a active shooter, he had an outstanding competitive career and established himself as India’s best shooter. He eventually managed to make his country proud on some of the largest international platforms, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Shooting Championships.

He reached his highest level at the Commonwealth Games, where he participated in four consecutive events (1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006). He earned 15 medals—nine gold, four silver, and two bronze—in those four editions.

In three different editions of the Asian games (1994, 1998, and 2006), he played for India. He earned eight medals for the nation in those outings, making him India’s most accomplished shooter.

Messi‘s outstanding hat-trick against Algeria also put him on par with Miroslav Klose of Germany as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer (16), surpassing Brazilian icon Ronaldo (15) to become the highest-scoring South American at the international showcase.

After the skipper netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their World Cup Group J opener on Tuesday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi continues to surprise his teammates.

It is difficult to explain. Despite seeing him every day, we continue to be in awe of him. He has been at his best for two decades and continues to perform in every game. According to a Xinhua story, Scaloni told reporters following the game, “You don’t have to be an Argentina fan to appreciate what he’s done at his age. ”

Messi’s effect went beyond his on-field efforts, fostering a positive atmosphere around the team, according to Scaloni.

Scaloni added, “I could spend an hour talking about him here, but you have to be present to really appreciate the ambiance he fosters. ” He continued by saying that since his career will one day end, we should make the most of it while we still can.

Furthermore, at 38 years and 357 days, Messi has achieved the record for being the oldest hat-trick scorer in the history of the World Cup. He surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo‘s previous record, who was 33 years and 130 days old when he scored a hat-trick against Spain in 2018.

Messi is the only footballer to have played in six World Cups in the history of the sport. Later on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is scheduled to share this achievement. Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthäus, Rafa Márquez, and Andrés Guardado previously shared the record.

Additionally, after Algeria’s intense pressure caused Argentina problems in the first half, the coach complimented his team’s versatility. Scaloni stated that Algeria caused us problems today. We were forced to retaliate after they did. That’s not typically our trademark, but we succeeded in doing it and coming through.

Despite Argentina’s strong start to the competition, Scaloni issued a warning against being overly confident.

On June 27, the Albiceleste will play Jordan in the same stadium and Austria at Dallas Stadium. According to him, this squad recognizes that anybody may defeat them.

He concluded that it would be hard for other teams to defeat us if we perform what we must and play as we did today.

India’s fibre usage will probably increase from approximately 15 million metric tonnes at present to 23 million metric tonnes by 2030, and an increase in environmentally friendly, plant-based fibres will convert the nation’s agricultural leftovers into greater rural income and export revenue.

Through several initiatives and other focused interventions, the government is backing a “New Age Fibre movement. ” New Age Fibres are sustainable, plant-based materials that combine ancient Indian knowledge with contemporary creativity.

The movement aims to reintroduce conventional fibers such as banana, bamboo, hemp, flax, ramie, sisal, milkweed, and kapok for premium items, biodegradable composites, textile uses, and defense equipment.

The analysis stated that India’s antique fiber expertise is its largest competitive advantage today, at the beginning of a worldwide sustainability revolution.

The rural economy of India has always been sustained by its 5,000-year history of civilization with fiber, which began with the mythical Mohenjo-daro muslins.

Now that the report has been released, there has been a rise in worldwide demand for India’s natural fibres, which are ethical, sustainable, and perform well.

For New Age Fibres, the government has set aside Rs 300 crore as part of the broader Rs 5,664 crore program for 2026–31, which is called the Mission for Cotton Productivity. Components to scale up production and brand development are included in the National Fibre Mission that was unveiled in the 2026–27 budget.

These components include: “KRISHI-SUTRA for raw material and cultivation development; INFINITY for research and innovation; GRAM-SETU for infrastructure and enterprise creation; and GMPS for branding and market development. ”

This policy framework’s strength is based on years of scientific investigation, according to the report.

It mentioned examples of milkweed being the subject of 18 years of study at the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and ultimately chosen for military uses like sleeping bags for soldiers who are stationed at -20 degrees Celsius. The study pointed out that they are CLO/Cell certified, warmer than wool, and 10% lighter than polyester substitutes.

India excels in fiber blending, which involves combining several fibers, including cotton for softness, wool for warmth, bamboo for breathability, and milkweed for thermal lightness.