Filmmaker Anil Sharma’s new film “Vanvaas” released on 20th December this year, and its star, Nana Patekar, stated that the film talks to the spirit.

Nana stated, “Vanvaas is more than just a story; it is a representation of the feelings we frequently suppress deep within ourselves. Playing this role was like peeling back the layers of my own concept of family, honor, and belonging. It’s a film that appeals to the spirit, and I believe spectators will recognize aspects of their own journey in it.”

“Vanvaas” is an emotional rollercoaster that dives into the complexity of interpersonal relationships. The film redefines the concept of family, emphasizing that meaningful relationships are often formed through love and acceptance rather than blood. The film also features Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur. The nearly three-minute clip provides a glimpse into a story packed with vulnerability, perseverance, and the desire for belonging.

Anil, who has made films like “Apne,” “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha,” and “Gadar 2,” stated that the film is “deeply personal” to him.

He went on to say that it “explores themes of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a family.” Nana Patekar, Utkarsh, Simrat, Rajpal Yadav, and others have contributed unparalleled depth and realism to their portrayals. I can’t wait for audiences to see their adventure on the big screen.

The makers of the touching song “Bandhan” wrote, “A harmony of hearts, a connection through music. #Bandhan SONG OUT NOW!” The soulful music is a heartfelt melody that highlights the lead actors’ connection. Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur have delicate love moments, and Nana Patekar adds old-school charm as he romances his on-screen wife.

The song is performed by Vishal Mishra, Palak Muchhal, and Mithoon. Mithoon composed the song, and Sayeed Quadri wrote the lyrics.

A video of legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam singing his song ‘Yaadon Ke Jharokhon Se‘ for the film ‘Vanvaas’ has leaked on social media. The video shows the singer performing with the composer and other artists in the studio. The video depicts Nigam’s emotional performance in the recording studio, where his deep voice flawlessly compliments the song’s nostalgic tone.

The ‘Vanvaas’ film team organized a special screening for Indian businessman Vijaypat Singhania in downtown Mumbai’s Nariman Point. The film struck a strong chord with the businessman, who was evicted from his Mumbai house by his son Gautam Singhania.

Vijaypat Singhania transferred his whole 37% ownership in Raymond Group to his younger son, Raymond’s chairman at the time, in 2015. This was the beginning of a publicly publicized and long-running quarrel within Singhania’s family over a variety of issues arising from the transfer. Vijaypat Singhania (84), a former top business magnate at one of India’s largest and most iconic textile firms, rarely attends events. Anil Sharma, who previously directed ‘Gadar 2’, directs ‘Vanvaas’.

Tabu has been cast in the streaming series ‘Dune: Prophecy’. She plays a recurring part in the series that acts as a prequel to filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’, which will be released in 2021. According to ‘Variety’, the series was commissioned in 2019 under the title ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’.

It was inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel ‘Sisterhood of Dune’. The official description is this: “Set within the expansive universe of ‘Dune’, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”

The series has had a long journey to the screen, with many showrunner changes and a creative reset in 2023. Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. The actress stated that working on “Dune: Prophecy,” which is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s “Sisterhood of Dune” and is set 10,000 years before the events of “Dune,” provided many firsts, including working with people she had never met before.

“I just got an email one day from my agents and my managers telling me that Alison and Anna were the showrunners and the directors on the show wanted to cast me for this particular role,” Tab,whose international credits include Mira Nair’s “The Namesake”, “A Suitable Boy” and Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi”, said.

The actress first reviewed two scenes from the script and then got to a Zoom meeting the following day where the creative team detailed her character’s involvement in the final two episodes. “I just loved the character and the potential of this character. I knew that this is my world, and this I would enjoy doing.”

Tabu discussed the project’s many firsts, which were shot in Budapest, saying: “I think it’s the first time ever in my career, or at least in the past 20 years or so, that I was working with people I’d never met before, who I’d never worked with before, (in) a place I’d never been to before.”

“I was bringing Indian food on set to feed Josh and everyone else. I had a restaurant in Budapest that would send me lunch, dinner, and everything to set up. “And we’d eat outside our trailers,” Tabu explained. “And aside from that… I have myself, and when I arrive, India, my home, and my job in India accompany me.”

“I was aware of the world that Francesca belongs to. I wanted her to feel like she belonged in the world of the Bene Gesserit, but because she has such a strong personality and tale of her own that is unrelated to the others and the other characters, it was intriguing to straddle both,” Tabu said.

The actress stated that she enjoyed playing every scene in which she appeared. “I had some lovely lines to say. Tabu remarked, “My interaction with the Emperor, as well as with Constantine, my son, was something I will cherish.”

“It’s a really strong basis for me to base a character on, but the interesting thing was that I was supposed to have a love relationship with the Emperor. It gave this figure its own area and the ability to roam.” “Also, wearing that outfit, wearing that veil, simply being different and appearing different than I have before – I have never had this. “It’s such a distinct look,” she said.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana is installing QR codes in the villages to raise awareness of the declining groundwater level in Gurugram. Information about the village’s population, Sarpanch, groundwater level, and other details will be displayed upon scanning the QR code.

Government schools, Panchayat Bhawans, and Anganwadi centers in 153 of the district’s villages are getting QR codes placed. The Haryana Irrigation Department is in charge of the Atal Bhujal scheme. This campaign was launched by the central government on December 25, 2019. Rainwater collection, groundwater level raising, and water conservation are the goals of this initiative.

In the chosen villages, a number of actions are being conducted in this regard. This comprises, among other things, pond rehabilitation and canal connection, as well as groundwater monitoring. in order to improve the water level and lessen groundwater exploitation. People are also being reminded to conserve water at the same time.

The Farrukhnagar block has a groundwater level of 74.54 feet, Pataudi has a level of 110.82 feet, and Sohna has a level of 66.84 feet.

It should be mentioned that the city was designated as a dark zone by the Central Ground Water Board in 2013. A groundwater report states that the city’s average groundwater level was 6.64 meters in 1974, 19.85 meters in 2006, and 26.3 meters in 2014. In 2021, it went down to 36.99 meters.

The district name, block name, village population, Gram Panchayat area, cultivable land, irrigable land, Sarpanch and Bhujal Saheli names, water availability, and other details are among the information that QR codes will convey.

“Water conservation in villages is emphasized under the Atal Bhujal Yojana. Groundwater, tube wells, rainwater collection, pond upkeep, and other projects are being carried out for this. In many areas, QR codes are being put to provide information about the groundwater level. “On a mobile device, people can obtain comprehensive information, including groundwater,” stated Manish Chitkara, Executive Engineer, Haryana’s Irrigation Department.

AI-enabled talent evaluation and hiring platform HireMee on Wednesday unveiled a new tool to help students make well-informed decisions about their academic and professional futures as India prepares to produce a workforce prepared for the future in different occupations and emerging technology.

A scientifically developed tool called the Career Navigation Assessment was introduced by the Bengaluru-based organization to help students in Classes X, XI, and XII (14–18 years old) map their individual personality traits, aptitudes, and interests to possible career choices.

Venkatraman Umakanth, SVP and Head of HireMee, said, “This innovative psychometric assessment meets the growing need for individualized career guidance, offering students a dependable, engaging, and actionable solution to navigate this formative phase of their lives.”

According to the organization, students can take the online test whenever it is convenient for them at home, and they will receive a complete result via email shortly after. In order to engage students and lessen social desirability bias, the evaluation employs realistic, immersive scenarios that promote candid and deliberate answers.

These situations guarantee accurate insights into students’ innate inclinations and skills while encouraging critical thinking. These components work together to create customized career recommendations that are in line with each student’s motivations, goals, and strengths.

Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman of the Sona Group of Institutions and CEO of Vee Technologies, stated, “The panel was selected to ensure diversity in expertise, capturing varied perspectives on content relevance and cultural appropriateness, guided by the principle that Indian youth deserve to follow a career aligned with their aspirations.”

More than 700,000 students have benefited from the free self-assessment provided by the HireMee platform since its launch in 2017, and more than 270,000 students have had the chance to interview with different businesses.

The “Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education,” published last week by the University Grants Commission (UGC), will grant access to higher education and make it possible for people who have gained competencies through informal and non-formal learning methods to enroll in higher education programs.

According to the UGC, the recommendations establish flexible and varied pathways that enable people with different learning experiences and educational backgrounds to pursue higher education in accordance with their proven competencies.

In the Women’s Junior Asia Cup final held here on Sunday, the Indian hockey team defeated China 3-2 in a penalty shootout to win the championship for the second consecutive year. China pushed the reigning champions to the edge, thus India’s second straight tournament victory was not an easy one.

Following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the defending champion emerged victorious in a shootout to win the title. On this occasion, Hockey India (HI) revealed the team’s monetary incentive.

“Team India secured an epic victory over China in the Junior Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Final, winning a thrilling penalty shootout. As a reward for their outstanding performance, Hockey India announces a cash prize of Rs2 lakhs for each player and Rs1 lakh for the support staff,” the HI wrote on X.

China’s first goal was scored by Jinzhuang Tan (30′), but India’s equalizer, Kanika Siwach (41′), forced a penalty shootout in the third quarter. In the penalty shootout, India’s goalie Nidhi made three vital saves to help her team win the championship.

In the first quarter, both teams were vying for the same goal, stride for stride. Both teams created fantastic opportunities and shared possession, but they were unable to break the impasse. India was given two penalty corners, but the Chinese successfully defended them to preserve the score tied.

India dominated play to start the second quarter, but they were unable to generate a good scoring opportunity in the shooting circle. China exerted pressure on the Indian backline as the second quarter came to a close. China was presented with a fantastic opportunity in the form of a penalty stroke with just 14 seconds remaining. China had a small advantage going into the second half when Jinzhuang Tan took the penalty kick and scored past the Indian goalkeeper.

India dominated the game and launched an aggressive attack in the third quarter. Deepika secured a penalty corner for her team after breaking through the Chinese defense with a strong dribble. Deepika tried a drag flick at goal, but the Chinese goalie made a series of saves. In the 41st minute, Kanika Siwach scored a stunning field goal to tie the score after Sunelita Toppo and Deepika advanced the ball with some shrewd passes and found her within the shooting circle. Both teams went into the fourth quarter with a 1-1 record.

The last fifteen minutes of the game were crucial as both teams fought tooth and nail to score a victory. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, India was awarded a penalty corner, but Deepika’s attempt sailed just wide. In the penalty shootout, India’s goals came from Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo. India successfully defended its title thanks to three outstanding saves from goalie Nidhi against Lihang Wang, Jingyi Li, and Dandan Zuo.

After the junior India women’s hockey team won the Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, for the second consecutive year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a strong supporter of Indian sports during his reign, took the time to thank them. The match ended evenly at 1-1 after ordinary time, but India won 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

“Congratulations to the Indian junior women’s hockey team for winning the Asia Cup title. The team showed immense grit and determination. This success also shows the increasing passion towards Hockey, especially among the youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours,” Prime Minister wrote on X.

In recognition of everyone’s hard work and championship victory, Hockey India offered an award of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member.

The coveted World Boxing Cup Final 2025 and the World Boxing Congress 2025, which are set for November 2025, will be hosted in India, according to a statement released by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). This historic accomplishment confirms India’s ability to hold top-tier athletic events and highlights its rising stature on the international boxing scene.

Three World Boxing Cups earlier in the year culminate in the highly anticipated ranking tournament known as the World Boxing Cup Final 2025. The greatest boxers in the world will gather for this prestigious tournament to fight for the top honors, establishing their global rankings and making a lasting impression on the sport.

At the same time, representatives, dignitaries, and stakeholders from the international boxing community will be present at the World Boxing Congress 2025. The Congress will provide a forum for talking about important advancements, tactics, and the sport’s future course.

“World Boxing’s recognition of India for organizing such esteemed tournaments is a great moment. This chance not only demonstrates India’s organizational prowess but also our steadfast dedication to making sure boxing continues to play a significant role in the Olympic movement. In 2025, we hope to welcome the international boxing community to India, and we feel privileged to be a part of the sport’s history.”

It is anticipated that staging these competitions will motivate ambitious sportsmen, draw attention to Indian boxing internationally, and solidify India’s standing as a major force in the world of boxing.

For athletes, officials, and spectators throughout the world, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is totally dedicated to providing an unforgettable and influential experience. Plans are in motion to guarantee that the 2025 World Boxing Congress and World Boxing Cup Final establish new standards for excellence in the nation’s hosting of international athletic events.

With Ustad Zakir Hussain’s passing, the music industry lost a treasure. The famous tabla player died in San Francisco, California, at the age of 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. By spreading the tradition and humility associated with our music throughout the world, the late musician gave Indian music new dimensions.

The eldest son of tabla player Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain was born in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, and is regarded as one of the best tabla players of all time. In addition to being a superb musician, the Ustaad was renowned for his demeanor, stage presence, and regard for the arts and other musicians.

He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola; his brothers, Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi; his sister, Khurshid Aulia; and his children, Isabella Qureshi and Anisa Qureshi (her husband, Taylor Phillips, and their baby, Zara). He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that is treasured by innumerable music enthusiasts worldwide, and his impact will last for many years.

Due to his remarkable abilities, charisma, and versatility, he was able to connect with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Any child of the 1990s has a vivid memory of watching him perform on the tabla for a tea company.

Zakir gave the Indian television commercial industry the necessary power when it was still shakily standing thanks to his amazing on-screen persona, unparalleled tabla skill, and his delivery of the phrase “Waah Taj.”

His influence was genuinely worldwide since he not only brought Indian music to new heights but also worked with a number of foreign musicians, such as John Handy on the album “Hard Work” and George Harrison of the legendary band The Beatles on the 1973 album “Living in the Material World.” Additionally, he contributed to Van Morrison’s 1979 albums “Earth” and “Into the Music.”

Numerous honors were bestowed upon him in recognition of his remarkable body of work, including four Grammy Awards, the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the Government of India, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Sadsya, and the National Heritage Fellowship from the United States National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor bestowed upon traditional musicians and artists.

Shakti (which he created with John McLaughlin and L. Shankar), Remember Shakti, Making Music, The Diga Rhythm Band, Planet Drum and Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, Tabla Beat Science, and Sangam with Charles Lloyd and Eric Harland are just a few of the notable partnerships he was a part of.

George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison, Airto Moreira, Pharoah Sanders, Billy Cobham, Alonzo King, Mark Morris, Rennie Harris, and the Kodo drummers are just a few of the diverse musicians he has collaborated with on his records and concerts.

Four highly acclaimed, sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall’s Artist Perspective series in April 2009 honored his remarkable contributions to the music industry.

For his “unparalleled contribution to the world of music,” he received SFJazz’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

For his “enduring contributions to the musical heritage of humanity, peerless musical mastery, and sustained social impact,” he received the Aga Khan Award in 2022.

India’s music and cultural legacy are still greatly influenced by Zakir Hussain.

Once every twelve years, the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. It is the biggest public assembly and gesture of faith in the world. Ascetics, saints, seers, and pilgrims from all walks of life make up the majority of this group.

In a historic ruling on Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath designated the Maha Kumbh region in Prayagraj as a new district.

PM Modi thanked the staff, shramiks, and safai karmacharis for their hard work and dedication, which helped make the Mahakumbh a huge success. PM Modi declared, “India is a land of sacred sites and pilgrimages.” He stated that rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, and Narmada flow through the area and many other innumerable rivers.

The Prime Minister reflected on the Mahakumbh’s great size and scope, stating that it is one of the world’s largest gatherings, with a complete new city built for the event and lakhs of devotees welcomed every day for the 45-day Mahayajna.

The Prime Minister declared, “A new history is being written on the land of Prayagraj,” adding that the Mahakumbh event next year would elevate the country’s spiritual and cultural identity to new heights and that such a “MahaYagya” of unity would be discussed globally.

Describing the significance of numerous pilgrimage locations and Prayag as the meeting, gathering, assembling, combining, influencing, and power of these rivers’ sacred flow.

PM Modi explained the significance by saying that it has been said that Prayag is a sacred moment when the sun enters Makar’s home and all of the divine energies, nectar, sages, and saints descend on Prayag.

For rural women, the Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to be a major source of employment. To improve their standard of living, thousands of rural women from self-help groups (SHGs) are being given shops and stalls at the Mahakumbh ground. ‘Shri Anna’ counters, canteens, and cafeterias will be run by these ladies.

The Maha Kumbh emblem is being used on mufflers because of the cold weather during the event. Additionally, “selfie caps” are being created for the younger demographic.

Eklavya Ajeevika Mahila Samuh’s Neha Nishad stated: “The women in my group are making these things, and they all have the Kumbh logo on them. The Maha Kumbh logo and slogan will also be displayed on the Angavastram that is stored in the baskets being prepared for Prasad.

‘Shri Anna’ counters will be set up by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) at the event, providing these wholesome goods at five canteens and a cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. Furthermore, over six counters will be set up to sell Shri Anna items that are purchased directly from farmers who grow Shri Anna. During the Mahakumbh, these kiosks will also sell a variety of goods manufactured from barley, sorghum, millet, and desi jaggery, according to Chinta Devi, President of Nari Shakti Prerna Sankul Samiti.

What a fantastic accomplishment! In the chess world, Gukesh D’s triumph as the 18th World Chess Champion marks a significant turning point. His ascent to the top at such a young age has been nothing short of remarkable, displaying remarkable talent, tenacity, and a profound knowledge of the game. The 18-year-old Gukesh has proven to be a master under pressure, and this title solidifies his place among the top chess players of our time.

Today, in a 14-game contest in Singapore, D Gukesh of India defeated Ding Liren of China to become the youngest-ever World Champion in chess. The 18-year-old from Chennai became just the second Indian to win the World Chess Champion after Anand after taking advantage of a mistake made by Ding in the winner-take-all 14th game. He won the match 7.5 to 6.5.

After breaking Garry Kasparov’s record of winning the title at age 21, Gukesh’s victory over Ding marks the beginning of a new chess king and makes him the 18th World Champion in the game’s more than 100-year history.

Five-time champion Viswanathan Anand lost the World Chess Championship title to Magnus Carlsen of Norway in Chennai in 2013, making Gukesh the second Indian to win the title in less than ten years. Ding defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi after Carlsen abdicated the throne in 2023.

After battling for 13 games in three weeks, Ding was eager for the quick and blitz tiebreakers because he had successfully repelled the young Indian challenger’s bold strategies to push the match to a draw.

However, Gukesh had an additional piece in the king pawn ending after China, 32, executed a spectacular move that trapped his rook and caused it to lose the game.

After almost jumping out of his seat, Gukesh paused, calmed down, and asserted that the rook had secured the victory and captured the audience.

“The only explanation for this is that I am living my dream, which I have had for the past ten to twelve years since I began playing chess. Gukesh commended Ding Liren for his battle in this match despite his poor physical state, saying, “First of all, thank God, because I am living a miracle and it could only be possible because of God.”

“I became emotional because I didn’t think I would win from that position,” he continued. I was about to press. However, I suggested that we concentrate on tie-breaks. However, I realized that I had realized my desire when I saw the error.

PM Narendra Modi said on X, “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.“

In an effort to provide high-quality education to remote areas of India, tech giant Google said on Monday that it has partnered with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

In the upcoming months, NCERT will establish a number of YouTube channels that correspond with the curriculum for grades 1–12 as part of the cooperation. The channels will empower teachers, parents, and students nationwide by providing educational information in interesting and easily accessible formats in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language.

“The core of YouTube has always been education. Additionally, through creative collaborations, tools, and resources, YouTube can assist in making learning content more available in India, where accessible education is essential to maximizing the country’s potential, according to a Google blog post by Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management, YouTube Learning.

Additionally, Google stated that it will be launching Credentialled Courses in partnership with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning. NPTEL provides 50 accredited courses covering a wide range of topics, from literature and the pure sciences to sports psychology and rocket propulsion.

As a result of this move, Katzman stated, “anyone who is not part of the IIT system can now take a course on NPTEL’s YouTube channels, finish the online certification on the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, and receive a certificate from the IITs.” In the upcoming months, more courses will be offered, he noted.

In 2022, YouTube, which is owned by Google, began offering courses in India to assist producers in providing a structured educational environment. The company concentrated on giving even more producers the ability to create and distribute courses in 2024 so they could reach a larger audience and have a greater influence on students.

Additionally, it has gone one step further with the introduction of “Key Concepts” to help with comprehension.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), we can recognize ideas discussed in a video and maybe offer definitions from the database of those ideas, which spans disciplines like chemistry, biology, and physics. We use the video’s transcript and other related video metadata to surface definitions and images from Google’s Knowledge Graph,” Katzman explained.

To assist students in applying what they have learned, the online video-sharing platform has now added quizzes. Its YouTube Player for Education is a product for students that enhances the way YouTube videos appear in well-known teaching resources.

“The YouTube Player for Education is being used by our partners to develop a variety of learning activities, such as interactive classes, extra study, and formative evaluation. The player is utilized in classrooms worldwide and has been incorporated into the tools of edtech businesses like Quizizz and Teachmint, as well as Google Classroom in India, according to Katzman.

Google’s major AI courses, including Introduction to Generative AI, Introduction to Responsible AI, and Introduction to Large Language Models, are accessible on YouTube thanks to the AI Skills House program, which was introduced by YouTube earlier this year. These free classes will soon be extended to include seven Indian languages.