On Saturday, the charming romantic first single from Selvamani Selvaraj’s highly awaited period drama “Kaantha,” which stars Dulquer Salmaan and Bhagyashri Borse, was released by the film’s producers.

Actor Dulquer Salmaan posted a link to the just released first track on his social media timelines, writing, “A love that echoes through time.” We have released our first single! #PASIMANASE #PAANIMALARE. Join us as we turn the town red with our debut song from @kaanthafilm, and groove to this enthralling beat. See their story in theaters around the world on September 12.A project by @thespiritmedia and @dqswayfarerfilms.

Jhanu Chanthar and Sivam have set the tune for the nostalgic, catchy song that was filmed on Dulquer and Bhagyashri. Kutti Revathi wrote the lyrics, and Sivam and Deepika Karthik Kumar contributed additional lyrics. Priyanka NK and Pradeep Kumar have performed the song.

Fans and viewers are really interested in the movie, especially since the producers just published a teaser.

Modern Studios’ ‘Saantha’ is the first horror film in Tamil cinema, according to the teaser that was just published. The film’s writer and director is Ayya (Samuthirakani), and its protagonist is Dulquer Salmaan.

It is clear that the film’s protagonist and director are no longer on speaking terms and are at odds with one another. Dulquer wants a happy scene to be shot first, while Ayya wants a moment where a character named Chandran is frightened after meeting a spirit named Neeli.

Before becoming enemies, the hero and the director were once lovers and respected one another. They are now terrible enemies. According to the teaser, Dulquer was trained by Ayya, who helped shape him into the hero he is today.

All of it, though, is now history. Dulquer keeps making adjustments while Ayya aims to make the heroine the main character of the movie. Ultimately, the teaser reveals Dulquer renaming the movie from “Saantha” to “Kaantha.”

Additionally, the film’s producers have stated unequivocally that it will be released on September 12 of this year.

‘Kaantha’ is a compelling period dramatic thriller that takes place in Madras in the 1950s and aims to immerse the audience in the spirit of the time. It depicts a point in time when tradition and modernity converged, creating very meaningful and intimate tales.

The picture, which has been supported by strong performances, is a fully complex story with amazing cinematography, according to sources close to the unit.

Spirit Media and Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films are co-producing the movie, which features music by Jhanu Chanthar and cinematography by renowned cameraman Dani Sanchez Lopaz. Tha. Ramalingam is the film’s art director, and Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalves is its editor.

At the Queens Sports Club here on Saturday, New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs to completing a 2-0 series sweep, recording their biggest-ever Test triumph. In the lengthier version, the crushing loss is also Zimbabwe’s most significant loss.

Zakary Foulkes, a debutant pacer, took five wickets and now owns the record for the most figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut after New Zealand declared their first innings at 601/3 in 130 overs at the beginning of the third day of play.

In their second innings, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 117, with wickets from senior seamer Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Fisher. Henry finished a fantastic series with 16 wickets and will now play for Welsh Fire in The Hundred.

Nick Welch, who entered the game during the first over of Zimbabwe’s second innings and had to score all by himself while watching wickets fall all around him, provided the only opposition for the country by staying undefeated at 47.

Brendan Taylor was removed from the pacer by an outswinger, while Henry castled Brian Bennett with an inswinger in the opening over. Craig Ervine nicked off in the cordon off Fisher, while Sean Williams received a leading edge from Duffy, who finished with a straightforward caught and bowled dismissal.

The short ball once again caused problems for all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who gifted a catch to Gully off Foulkes. The fact that none of Zimbabwe’s lower-order hitters reached double figures further hurt their chances.

Duffy overstepped at the crease and was given a no-ball, which prevented him from securing the victory for New Zealand early. However, the finish came quickly after, when Duffy had Tanaka Chivanga caught at gully to give New Zealand a decisive victory.

With South Africa as the third team, the Mitchell Santner-led Black Caps, who had won the previous T20I Tri-series, completed a great tour with the decisive victory in the Test match.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 125 and 117 in 28.1 overs (Nick Welch 47, Craig Ervine 17; Zakary Foulkes 5-37, Matt Henry 2-16) lost to New Zealand 601/3 dec in 130 overs (Rachin Ravindra 165 not out, Devon Conway 153, Henry Nicholls 150 not out; Blessing Muzarabani 1-101) by an innings and 359 runs

According to a report released on Friday, there are early indications that India may reassess its strategic posture, and investors should keep a close eye on the change in geopolitical alignment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to return to China after a six-year absence and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is negotiating important defense agreements with Russia.

More than 20 years of bipartisan progress could be undone by recent actions by the Trump administration that represent a dramatic change in US-India trade and geopolitical dynamics.

“The US has extended more favorable terms to China and Pakistan, halted trade negotiations, and announced 50% taxes. India’s rising membership in BRICS and its ongoing oil imports from Russia are the US’s justifications for this action.

According to M Financial Institutional Securities’ research, “these actions, along with criticism of manufacturing in India by US companies, seem like a significant policy reversal by the US.”

Thanks to the global trend towards a ‘China+1’ supply chain strategy, India’s commercial relationship with the US has significantly improved since COVID-19.

With 23% of all exports, the US is currently India’s top export destination and the only area that makes a positive contribution to India’s trade surplus.

Exports to the United States totaled $91 billion in 2024, with electronics ($14 billion, increasing iPhone sales), pharmaceuticals, and gems and jewelry leading the way. The United States brought in $43 billion worth of goods, including industrial equipment and minerals.

“Prima facie, it appears that India’s chemical, textile and auto components sectors are most susceptible to US President Donald Trump’s tariff actions, and exports of companies herein could be directly impacted,” stated the research.

“We understand that the electronics and pharmaceutical industries, which are now excluded from Section 232 inquiries, are next in line. There will probably be further action on this soon. With the help of a declining rupee, IT services could surprisingly benefit,” it continued.

Given that the trade surplus with the US (1 percent of GDP) will be difficult to offset in the medium term through geographic diversification, tariffs of the size of 50% will restrain India’s GDP development.

“In order to relieve the pressure from the recent FII selling, we think the RBI would probably let the INR decline. The analysis pointed out that high US tariffs might have an effect on US inflation, growth, and the US dollar in that order, which would somewhat protect emerging market EM currencies like INR.

Trump’s 21-day timeframe for negotiations is still vital even if the first round of 25% tariffs is now in effect.

As part of their growing energy collaboration, India has signed a 10-year supply agreement with state-owned ADNOC Gas and increased its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourcing from the United Arab Emirates through public sector oil behemoth Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

The agreement states that beginning in 2026, ADNOC Gas will provide HPCL with 500,000 metric tons of LNG annually (mtpa). The Das Island liquefaction facility of ADNOC Gas, which has a production capacity of 6 mtpa and is among the longest-running LNG plants in the world, will supply the LNG. Since its founding in 1977, the facility has transported more than 3,500 cargoes worldwide.

The newly opened Chhara LNG Terminal in Gujarat will supply HPCL with LNG to suit the needs of its refineries, the City Gas Distribution Network, and downstream consumers. Through this endeavor, HPCL is also able to obtain LNG and fulfill the increasing energy demand in the Indian market, as well as develop a diversified portfolio that includes both short-term and long-term LNG contracts.

After agreements with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and GAIL India, this is ADNOC Gas’ third LNG supply arrangement with an Indian energy company in the last 12 months. ADNOC Gas is committed to providing up to 1.2 mtpa of LNG under the terms of the 14-year, $7–9 billion IOCL deal, but the GAIL arrangement calls for 0.52 mtpa over 10 years, also starting in 2026.

The UAE-India energy collaboration is a geopolitical statement in addition to an economic one. India now has a trustworthy energy partner in the UAE, especially as the battle for LNG around the world heats up after setbacks like the Russia-Ukraine war. India’s increasing energy links with the UAE help it overcome obstacles like possible US taxes on Indian exports because of its imports of Russian oil and balance off its reliance on other suppliers.

Driven by industrial expansion, oil refining, and the demand for cleaner energy alternatives to coal, India, the fourth-largest LNG importer in the world, wants to raise the proportion of natural gas in its primary energy mix from 6.2% to 15% by 2030.

By 2050, the nation’s natural gas consumption is expected to triple due to expansion in industries including steel, construction, and fertilizers. Long-term import agreements like the one with ADNOC Gas are essential for energy security because domestic production cannot keep up with this growing demand.

The agreement with HPCL is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s overall energy plan, which has placed a strong focus on moving away from coal in order to lower carbon emissions.

Furthermore, by removing a 2.5% LNG import tax, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in 2022, makes such agreements easier and increases the competitiveness of UAE gas in the Indian market. In the first year following the adoption of CEPA, non-oil commerce between the two countries totaled $50.5 billion, with plans to reach $100 billion by 2030.

This deal is a component of ADNOC Gas’s bigger plan to increase its market share in the worldwide LNG industry, which is anticipated to expand by 15% over the next ten years due to demand in Asia. The company serves clients in more than 20 countries and provides over 60% of the UAE’s domestic gas demand as a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

The transaction takes place as ADNOC is growing its global footprint, particularly in the US, where it has purchased shares in green energy and LNG projects. ADNOC’s goal to play a significant role in the energy transformation is highlighted by this international drive as well as home investments like the $13 billion slated for LNG capacity development by 2029.

Although US President Donald Trump has declared that he will impose 50% tariffs on India’s exports, official estimates indicate that this will only affect 4.8% of India’s overall exports of goods and services globally, which reached a record $820 billion in 2024–2025.

According to a senior official, the Trump administration’s 50% duty will only be applied to shipments to the US that total $40 billion.

Additionally, over $30 billion worth of exports, including pharmaceuticals and other technological goods like smartphones, semiconductors, and energy, are still immune from additional levies since they are still on an exemption list.

In FY25, India exported $10.5 billion worth of pharmaceuticals and medications, as well as $14.6 billion worth of electronics (mainly smartphones), which accounted for 29% of its total outbound shipments to the United States.

Energy’s inclusion on the exemption list also protects petroleum exports, which are valued at $4.09 billion in FY25, from Trump’s new tariffs. In FY25, Indian exports to the US totaled $86.51 billion.

These important industries are not yet included by Trump’s new tariffs, which are set to take effect in 21 days.

Due to this exception, which eliminates tariffs on some commodities, India’s exports to the US have grown since January of this year. The US’s share in India’s merchandise exports rose from 17–18% to above 20% between January and June 2025.

Industry experts say that this surge is a result of exporters frontloading before the tariff hike in August and the tariff exemptions on pharmaceuticals and smartphones that were free from the 10% baseline duty that was implemented in April.

According to data from the Commerce Ministry, exports to the US accounted for almost 23% of India’s total shipments in the June quarter of FY26 and the first quarter of FY25, despite the fact that the country’s total exports increased less than 2% in Q1 FY26 and decreased more than 4% in Q4 FY25.

Trump has promised to levy tariffs of up to 200 percent on medications manufactured abroad, so there are still concerns. Additionally, smartphone exemptions may be eliminated based on future US choices.

In Q1 FY26, India’s exports to the US reached $25.52 billion, up nearly 23% from the year before. According to data from the Commerce Ministry, total trade was $32.41 billion for the quarter and above $86 billion for FY25.

Following a historic victory over Thailand, the Indian women’s football team jumped seven spots to 63rd place in the most recent FIFA rankings.

In addition to improving their reputation internationally, the victory guaranteed them a coveted berth in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, making it a historic qualifying on merit.

The Blue Tigresses were last ranked 61st on August 21, 2023, making this India’s highest position in almost two years. With a resolute 2-1 victory over a higher-ranked Thai team in the pivotal final qualifier, the ascent shows a return to form and confidence.

India had a really outstanding qualification performance. The team began with their largest victory in recent memory, a record-breaking 13-0 thumping of Mongolia. After defeating Timor-Leste 4-0 and Iraq 5-0, that momentum persisted, resulting in a high-stakes matchup against Thailand, where both teams are tied on points.

India performed well under duress and in danger of being eliminated. With a brace, midfielder Sangita Basfore stepped up to lead her team to a 2-1 victory and, based on performance, guarantee their spot in the continental tournament for the first time.

The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because India was forced to skip the last Asian Cup, which was held in their own country, because of a COVID-19 epidemic in the team.

The qualifying, which demonstrates depth, resiliency, and tactical maturity, is a significant milestone for Indian women’s football. Additionally, it coincides with the sport’s efforts to get more national recognition and support.

In their first Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Indonesia held the India U20 women’s team to a goalless draw at Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Indian U17 girls’ team have been selected to play in Group G of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. From October 13 to October 17, 2025, their games will be played in Bishkek. On October 13, the Young Tigresses will play the Kyrgyz Republic, and on October 17, they will play Uzbekistan in a match that could be crucial.

Eight groups of 27 teams compete in the women’s division. DPR Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and hosts China PR will join the eight champions to form a 12-team final tournament in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in China.

Citing India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he had signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from the country.

The decision, according to the White House, is intended to reinforce actions taken against Russia in response to its activities in Ukraine under previous sanctions. Last week, the US president declared a 25% tariff on India.

According to the order, India is receiving oil from Russia either directly or indirectly, which the US views as a danger to its foreign policy and national security.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order states.

All qualifying Indian goods entering the US would be subject to the additional duties 21 days after the order is signed, with the exception of shipments that are already in route and cleared before September 17.

“Subject to section 3 of this order, this rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order; and (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 17,” the order that was added.

Unless the items are exempt, such as in certain categories specified in previous trade executive orders, these charges will be in addition to current tariffs.

Additionally, goods covered by this order must adhere to stringent customs regulations, such as being granted “privileged foreign status” for entry into US foreign trade zones.

Trump still retains the power to change the order in response to evolving events, retaliation from impacted nations, or notable changes in Russian or Indian policy.

The directive also instructs the US Treasury, State, Commerce, and other departments to keep an eye on the oil trade between Russia and other nations and, if need, suggest comparable measures.

Megastar Chiranjeevi thanked everyone who attended the massive blood drive organized by his Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust and the Phoenix Foundation, stating, “I bow my head and salute all the donors who are donating blood.”

“I bow my head and salute all the donors who are donating blood,” Chiranjeevi, who participated in the drive held as part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, remarked. Giving blood makes you feel so good. It saves a life.

This wonderful emotion has been a part of my life for many years. I have discussed blood donation on multiple occasions. It is necessary to reiterate this often, though, because this is a new generation and fresh youth are arriving.

The celebrity claimed that after reading a journalist’s story, he had the idea to start a blood bank. “Even if I haven’t seen him yet, I never forget him. About 27 years ago, I became aware that a shortage of blood was killing a lot of people, and I was always troubled by the question of why blood was so scarce.

According to Chiranjeevi, he realized that encouraging his followers to donate blood would be akin to directing them toward a potent social cause.

“Lakhs of people have donated blood as a result of the call that day. This is something I’m really proud of. I view the fact that my name is brought up when blood donation is discussed as the result of my numerous births of merit,” he stated.

Remembering an instance where a politician had insulted him without cause, in past when he went somewhere else, a woman there confronted him and asked him why he had insulted me, Chiranjeevi added. I asked her who she was after realizing she didn’t appear to be a typical admirer.

I learned from a journalist acquaintance that she was the mother of a kid whose life had been saved by a timely blood donation made through the blood bank in Chiranjeevi. I was moved by those words. I’m frequently asked why I don’t reply to criticism.

I never answer. Because my fans’ love for me and the nice things I’ve done for them serve as my shields. The politician never again made any disparaging remarks about me after that woman’s speech.

The heroine Samyukta and super hero Teja Sajja were also present. During the blood donation event, more than 800 people gave blood. The Indian Army will get the donated blood.

To improve children’s health, development, and survival in the early years of life, the World Health Organization has called on nations to assist nursing mothers and invest in health systems.

For the health and wellbeing of the infants, breastfeeding is essential. It serves as their initial vaccination, guarding against illnesses including pneumonia and diarrhea.

Every year during the first week of August, we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week.

Breastfeeding is an investment in the future, yet only 48% of newborns under six months are exclusively breastfed, which is far less than the 60% objective set by the World Health Assembly by 2030. In a joint statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that this is because new mothers, healthcare professionals, and health systems face overlapping problems.

Millions of mothers worldwide do not receive prompt, professional assistance in a medical setting when they most need it, according to the experts.

Only a fifth of nations provide training on baby and young child feeding to the medical professionals who tend to new moms, according to WHO data.

According to the statement, this indicates that most mothers worldwide depart from hospitals without receiving the appropriate instruction on how to breastfeed their children and when to start supplemental feeding.

Furthermore, health services in many nations are far too frequently underfunded, disjointed, or ill-equipped to provide high-quality, reliable, evidence-based breastfeeding support.

“Even though every dollar invested yields $35 in economic returns, investment in breastfeeding support remains critically low,” the statement added.

WHO and UNICEF urged governments and health administrators to invest in high-quality breastfeeding support by making sure that sufficient funds are allocated for equitable, high-quality maternal and newborn care, including breastfeeding support services, under this year’s theme, “prioritize breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems.”

Additionally, they called for expanding national funding for breastfeeding initiatives, incorporating breastfeeding counseling and support into standard maternal and child health services, and guaranteeing that all healthcare professionals possess the abilities and know-how needed to promote breastfeeding, even in emergency and humanitarian situations.

The international health organization also emphasized the necessity of bolstering community health services to help offer all new mothers continuous, easily available breastfeeding support for up to two years and beyond.

“It is not only a health imperative, but also a moral and economic imperative to strengthen health systems to support breastfeeding,” the statement stated.

Are you trying to lose weight by eating a healthy diet? Make sure it is minimally processed, according to a study that found that doing so may help maintain a healthy weight.

For the first time, University College London (UCL) researchers compared the nutritional value of minimally processed (MPF) and ultra-processed (UPF) diets.

Participants who ate minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those who ate ultra-processed foods, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

“We observed a significant decrease in weight on both diets, but the effect was nearly double on the minimally processed diet,” stated Dr. Samuel Dicken, the study’s first author from the UCL Centre for Obesity Research. “The trial’s primary outcome was to assess percentage changes in weight.”

55 adults were divided into two groups for the trial. One group began with an MPF diet consisting of homemade spaghetti Bolognese or overnight oats for eight weeks.

Following a four-week “washout” period in which they resumed their regular diet, participants transitioned to a UPF diet that included breakfast oat bars or prepared lasagne. The diets were finished in the opposite order by the other group. Fifty people in all finished at least one diet.

Both groups had weight loss after eight weeks on either diet, most likely as a result of the enhanced nutritional profile of their meals in comparison to their typical diet. On the other hand, the MPF diet experienced a greater drop (2.06 percent) than the UPF diet (1.05 percent).

According to the researchers, the MPF diet resulted in a healthier overall body composition since it reduced fat mass and total body water while leaving muscle and fat-free mass unchanged.

Additionally, there were noticeably bigger gains in both the quantity of cravings and the capacity to regulate them.

Participants reported two times better overall craving control, four times better savoury food craving control, and nearly twice as much improvement in resisting their most coveted meal while following the MPF diet as when following the UPF diet.

According to Professor Chris van Tulleken of the UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, the study “underlines the need to shift the policy focus away from individual responsibility and on to the environmental drivers of obesity, such as the influence of multinational food companies in shaping unhealthy food environments.“