In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike by India following the tragic Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives—eminent Bollywood filmmakers Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru have spoken out against the involvement of Pakistani actors in Indian entertainment. Citing national interest and the continuing toll of cross-border terrorism, the directors called for a total disengagement from artists across the border, regardless of their past affiliations with Indian cinema.

WhatsApp, the global leader in instant messaging with over 3.5 billion users, is set to introduce groundbreaking personalization and productivity features powered by artificial intelligence. The Meta-owned platform is developing a tool that allows users to generate custom wallpapers using AI prompts—signaling a new era of in-app design flexibility. Additionally, WhatsApp is trialing a message summarization function that condenses lengthy texts in personal and group chats.

Xiaomi continues to blur the lines between affordability and premium quality with the launch of its X Pro 65-inch QLED TV. Priced at Rs. 64,999, this feature-rich television offers an appealing blend of high-end visuals, smart functionality, and minimalist design. It incorporates Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and DTS:X audio—all anchored by Xiaomi’s refined PatchWall interface. While a few compromises exist, such as modest RAM and a native 60Hz refresh rate, the X Pro 65 makes a compelling case for buyers seeking a large-screen cinematic experience without venturing into the ultra-premium bracket.

After nearly a decade of dormancy, the iconic Mafia franchise returns with Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty prequel set in early 20th-century Sicily. Officially announced by 2K during its Gamescom 2024 showcase, the new installment is slated for release on August 8, 2025. Developed by Hangar 13 and powered by Unreal Engine 5, this iteration traces the origin story of protagonist Enzo Favara as he navigates the brutal underworld of the Cosa Nostra.

A storm is brewing within Indian cricket as the transition under head coach Gautam Gambhir triggers a wave of retirements, internal conflicts, and disappointing on-field performances. Amid speculation about Virat Kohli’s Test retirement and Rohit Sharma’s emotional departure from red-ball cricket, questions swirl around the new leadership's vision and execution. Gautam Gambhir’s aggressive stance against superstar culture and a string of poor international results have cast a shadow over the future of Indian cricket.

Shah Rukh Khan’s appearance at the 2025 Met Gala has caught the attention of fans and celebrities alike, with none other than Khloe Kardashian expressing her admiration for the Bollywood superstar. The actor's stunning ensemble, designed by renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, not only made a bold fashion statement but also highlighted the global influence of Indian design. Kardashian, who recently posted her thoughts on Instagram, praised Khan’s look and the incorporation of cultural elements into the event’s theme.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking a cautious and coordinated approach to resuming the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following recent geopolitical tensions that led to a temporary suspension of the tournament. With 16 matches remaining—including four high-stakes playoff fixtures—the BCCI is actively consulting the central government, franchises, broadcasters, and other stakeholders to finalize a new timeline. While the board aims to wrap up the season within May, logistical and security considerations remain paramount.

India’s recent military operation against Pakistan marks a significant escalation in its counterterrorism strategy, signaling a departure from traditional diplomatic restraint in favor of assertive action. Following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—New Delhi initiated “Operation Sindoor,” targeting both terrorist networks and Pakistani military infrastructure. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the symbolic and tactical importance of the strike, calling it a message of justice and deterrence.

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. received a significant regulatory boost on Friday as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) granted approval for its generic version of Glatiramer Acetate Injection, a medication used to manage relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The approval marks another milestone in the company’s strategic push into complex generics and specialty pharmaceuticals. Developed in collaboration with Chemi S.p.A. and manufactured in Europe, the drug targets a U.S. market currently valued at approximately USD 719 million annually.

In his first Sunday address as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV called for global reconciliation, praising the ceasefire between India and Pakistan while urging further dialogue to secure long-term peace. Speaking before thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square, the pope also turned attention to other flashpoints—appealing for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Emphasizing diplomacy and humanitarian responsibility, the pontiff underscored the urgent need for coordinated relief in Gaza and the release of hostages.