Actor Navneet Malik’s phone hasn’t stopped buzzing ever since his latest series, The Freelancer created by Neeraj Pandey released. From calling it an intense and sharp portrayal with layers to calling him a complete package with acting, looks, and performance, appreciation and love have been pouring in from all corners for his role as Mohsin. The actor debuted in a negative role in the web series after his turns in positive roles in Sajid Nadiadwala’s Heropanti 2 and Red Chillies Entertainment’s Love Hostel.

Needless to say, Navneet was excited about the show and confident about his portrayal. Turns out he had every reason to be, as compliments have not ceased to come his way. Everyone from the industry, stalwarts, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances in general, have been reaching to him to laud him for his performance. The same is the case with people from outside the industry. Navneet’s family, relatives and friends are proud of him cheering him after watching the show.

While Navneet is grateful for all the praises and compliments, he is especially humbled as he’s put his heart and soul into making this happen. More than that, the opportunity to share the screen space with a stalwart such as Anupam Kher and the super-talented actor Mohit Raina has thrilled Navneet.

The actor said, “Being on the sets with them and a great creator such as Neeraj Pandey was a tremendous experience as an actor. It was so gratifying to face the camera with them. Anupam Kher is an institution in himself, and there was so much to learn from him just by observing him in action. Similarly with Mohit. They are so dedicated. I got to learn a lot from them, and I think that’s what enhanced my performance.”

He added, “I’m elated that everyone is liking the series and my performance. The love I’m receiving is truly humbling. All I want to ssay in SRK style is, ‘Picture Toh Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost.’ There’s more to come and I’m hopeful that viewers will support me in my journey going forward too.”

Navneet is certain that the show will open many more doors for him. He cannot wait to wow audiences again! The Freelancer is streaming on Disney+Hotstar

4th September 2023, Mumbai: A renowned name in the culinary industry, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, launches his first restaurant in the Middle East. An upscale authentic restaurant ‘Kashkan’ located at the first floor of Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai, opened its doors on the 2nd September, 2023. Kashkan, Indian Kitchen By Ranveer Brar is a gastronomic haven that blends innovation with tradition, redefining the dining experience for India Food at Kashkan.

The name Kashkan is of profound significance, derived from Kashmir and Kanyakumari; two states of India located at the extreme north and south of India’s map. Elevating your dining experience, you have a plethora of dishes to select from, panning each region and state of India. The first-of-its-kind concept in the Middle East, promises a unique and unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant operates from 1130 am to 12 am, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options, with a maximum capacity of up to 160 guests. A glimpse of his menu includes Chef Ranveer’s signature Kebab platter from his hometown, an exclusive Bhoot Jolokia (hottest chili) competition, and many more such thought-inspiring dishes to select from.

With plush indoors that include private cabanas along with group seating options, the bright outdoor overlooks the fountain views of Dubai Festival City Mall, which is a delight to the eye. The restaurant is exquisitely designed with vibrant and colorful décor that eloquently embodies its rich concept and culture. It boasts five distinct private dining rooms, each intricately portraying a unique state and its captivating narrative. The bistro section graciously faces a live kitchen, seamlessly blending chic sophistication with a laid-back aura. Another distinctive feature is the nick-knack corner; an alluring space showcasing an array of pan-Indian nibbles available for purchase. The al fresco area’s serene ambiance is accentuated by a captivating fountain display that harmonizes beautifully with the restaurant’s natural essence. Additionally, an intriguing photographic exhibition curated by Chef Ranveer Brar adorns a wall in the dining areas, capturing soulful moments and adding a personal touch to the overall dining experience.

Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar expressed his excitement following the launch of Kashkan, “Kashkan is a conversation, about the diversity & versatility of our cuisine. Opening my first restaurant in the UAE, I wanted it to be a connecting thread between the innumerable flavours and stories that I have experienced and collected in my culinary journey. The menu I’ve curated brings together handpicked (or unique) dishes from the Indian cuisine, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (hence the name ‘Kashkan’), that seamlessly blend nostalgia with innovation to create memories on your plate.”

Kashkan pays homage to the roots and essence of India food. It sets the tone for a dining experience that is both flavorful and harmonious with the culturally rich country. Each element is focused on building an ultimate experience. Kashkan – An Untold Story Awaits You.

Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal went sleepless for three straight nights to shoot for Kanhaiya Twitter PeAaja from YRF’s upcoming release The Great Indian Family (TGIF)!

Vicky says, “Kanhaiya Twitter PeAaja is my entry sequence in TGIF. A massive set was built that replicated a heartland town of India. The environment was infectious, there were countless dancers and crew who added to the vibe. We have constantly shot for 3 whole nights! Yes, I was sleepless, we all were but we were loving the vibe!”

The song is growing on the charts as the big Janmashtami song of the year! Vicky says YRF went all out to give massive scale to his entry sequence because he is playing a singing sensation from heartland India!

He says, “YRF really mounted Kanhaiya Twitter PeAaja to showcase the popularity of Bhajan Kumar in his hometown. My character is a singing icon in his town and the people of this town adore him.”

Vicky adds, “The scale of the song had to match the love that the people have for Bhajan Kumar. I had an amazing time shooting this song. I hope that people love this song too and it becomes the song to listen to this Janmashtami!”

India,4th September 2023 Distinguished IIT-Delhi professor Tapan K. Gandhi, Cadence Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Automation along with his team recently conducted an extensive study affirming that Poker and Rummy are games of skill. The study “Online Poker and Rummy- Game of Skill or Chance?” reinforces the importance of cognitive and other skills required for success in Poker and Rummy. It further analysed the impact of experience and learnable skills in the game and the role it plays in the player’s long-term success in the Sport.

Commenting on the report, Tapan K. Gandhi, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Cadence Chair Professor of AI and Automation, IIT Delhi said, “Amidst ongoing conversations around online gaming and biased perception terming it as a taboo owing to preconceived notions, the exhaustive study examines the gameplay of various players to understand if the game in reality focuses on skill or element of luck prevails. Throughout our research, we were presented with compelling cases that made it clear that these sports indeed require a level of innate understanding that aided in building the cognitive abilities of the players. Not just limiting the skill aspect to the sport, we also noticed that the player’s softer skills like that of understanding social cues, taking decisions under high pressure situations, memory retention amongst others advancing throughout the time they were playing consistently.”

“We are elated to share our study, ‘Online Poker and Rummy- Game of Skill or Chance?,” that will debunk the yesteryear myth of the games being driven by luck and highlight the skill required in order to be successful.” Added Tapan Gandhi.

Deepak Dhayanithy, Associate Professor, Strategic Management, IIM Kozhikode who was instrumental in publishing an earlier report verifying Poker as game of skill shared his views on the research, “In the realm of online card games like Poker and Rummy, the analysis leaves no room for doubt: skill, not chance, is the driving force behind long-term success. The non-linear trends in skill variables and winning percentages defy randomness, pointing unmistakably to players’ expertise and patience. Both online and offline, skill reigns supreme, reducing variability like in other sports such as Cricket, Golf, etc., as players rise to the challenge. The research establishes that skill prevails, enriching our comprehension of cognitive prowess in the gaming arena.”

The IIT study provides a quantitative analysis using mathematical tools to determine whether long-term success in online poker and rummy can be attributed to skill. The data was analyzed covering a larger set of user data who had played between 30 to 100 games in 2-player, 3-player, and 6-player formats. The findings indicated that in both poker and rummy, skill variables improve as users play more games. Furthermore, the measured correlation between users’ win rates was 0.904, indicating a positive relationship and emphasizing the persistence of skill in the game. This highlights the significance of skill over mere chance in shaping outcomes over consecutive periods of time. The consistency in win rates highlights the fact that mastering the game’s nuances and strategies can significantly enhance one’s performance. Such a strong correlation suggests that players who invest time and effort in understanding the game’s intricacies have better chances of maintaining a higher win rate.

Therefore, the study concluded that: 1) there is no difference in online and offline versions of rummy and poker from the perspective of the requirement of skills and 2) In rummy and poker, there is a preponderance of skills over chance to succeed.

Hyderabad,4th September 2023….Dr. K. V. Rao Scientific Society presented its 23rd Annual Science Awards in a function held in B. M. Birla Science Centre, Hyderabad on Friday night

KVRSS has been involved in the promotion of Science by spotting and recognizing talent at the School and university levels for the past 23 years.

Dr Tata Narasinga Rao, Director, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad and Adjunct faculty at IIT Hyderabad delivered the 23rd Annual Memorial Oration “Nanomaterials Based Technologies for Energy, Health and Environment” and Mr P V V R Sarma, Director-in-Charge (Chemistry), Geological Society of India, Hyderabad graced as the guest of honour.

Mr Anil Kumar Kutty, President of the society said Science is part and parcel of our human race.

Dr. Tata Narasinga Rao said Science is very important because it helps us understand how world works. It enables us to explore and develop new technologies, innovations, gadgets, medicine etc. He appreciated the efforts of the foundation which has been promoting science for the past 23 years.

Dr Tata Narasinga Rao and Mr. PVVR Sarma presented the 23rd Annual Research Awards, 18th School Talent Awards, 12th SPARK Innovation Awards and 3rd SMART (Science Meets ART) Awards during the meeting.

The 23rd Annual Research Awards were presented to encourage research in basic sciences. The Society has instituted these awards in the broad fields of Bhoutikam, Rasayanam, Jeevanam and Ganitam. Students below the age of 30 years and actively involved in research in various states of India will be recognized with awards.

18th School Talent Awards are initiated in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science & Technology (APCOST). Students from various districts, particularly the government schools, present projects based on the theme given by the Department of Science and Technology. The projects are scrutinized by the KVRSS panel and students are selected for scholarships till their schooling.

The 12th SPARK Innovation Awards were also given to stimulate the young minds of India, Students present Science Models with Concepts. 40 Projects were selected for final presentations

3rd SMART (Science Meets ART) Awards were too presented. These awards were initiated to celebrate National Science Day and to let school students visualise science.

The Society has diversified to learning and mentoring through the establishment of a Science Innovation Centre and Mobile Science Lab for school children. The Society plans to extend its reach in the coming years informed Ms. Ratna, secretary of the Society.

Aditya Chopra is building the YRF Spy Universe brick by brick and his next offering is Tiger 3 starring Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif which releases this Diwali!

YRF, today, launched the first poster of Tiger 3 and it promises an insane, jaw-dropping action spectacle as two super-spies Salman & Katrina take on their most deadly mission yet!

Tiger aka Salman Khan is the OG of the YRF Spy Universe as Ek Tha Tiger (2012) silently put the plan in motion to create slick super-spies that Indian cinema has never seen before! It was EkTha Tiger & Tiger ZindaHai’s success that cemented Aditya Chopra’s belief that he could incorporate two more larger-than-life agents Kabir aka Hrithik Roshan in WAR and Pathaan aka Shah Rukh Khan into his ambitious plans.

It was in Pathaan that Aditya Chopra officially revealed that he was building the YRF Spy Universe, which is now the biggest IP in Indian cinema! The crossover of characters from this ambitious spy universe also started with Pathaan, which saw a union of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in an adrenaline-pumping action sequence that celebrated the superstardom of these two cinematic icons.

YRF has officially revealed in the first poster of  Tiger 3 that the plot of this film, the fifth from the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe, will follow the events of Tiger ZindaHai, War &Pathaan! It signals YRF’s intent to tell audiences and fans that every film featuring these super-spies will be interconnected!

Tiger 3 has been directed by Maneesh Sharma.

Ludhiana: Unicommerce, India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platform, concluded its business-focused event, eKumbh, in Ludhiana on Friday. The event drew in more than 350 businesses, including online sellers, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and traditional retail enterprises from all over the state’s business community. Businesses from different cities in Punjab gathered at the event to explore various technologies that can assist them in expanding their operations.

During this one-day event, prominent figures from the e-commerce and retail-tech sectors shared their insights on essential topics such as Customer Experience, building sustainable businesses, Digital Marketing, Direct-to-Consumer strategies, and more. The event featured three informative presentations by Unicommerce, Amazon Global, and Tally, followed by a question-and-answer session. This gave the audience valuable insights into how technology can fuel their business growth.

The event was organized by Unicommerce with the goal of providing a platform for sellers in Punjab to learn from industry experts and interact with leading technology providers like Jiomart, Sell N Grow, Wondersoft, and others.

Speaking on the success of E-Kumbh, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce, said, “We are delighted to be here and the response from the local businesses is truly overwhelming. The huge turnout at the event is a testimony that businesses are eager to adopt technology, they simply require the appropriate service provider to offer guidance and affordable technological solutions. Unicommerce is fully committed to working and collaborating with these businesses and providing them with an affordable and easy-to-deploy technology platform that can help them simplify their e-commerce operations.”

Unicommerce provides a complete tech stack that includes order management, warehouse management, inventory management, multi-vendor management and omnichannel retailing solutions. The company processed over 620 million transactions annually for sellers across the country and international geographies. The company has digitised over 8000 warehouses and 300+ stores located across India, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Gone are the days of conventional love narratives that reduce protagonists to mere puzzle pieces, incomplete without their counterpart. The repetitive girl-meets-boy trope has held sway for too long, neglecting individuality for the sake of an eventual ‘happily ever after.’ It’s time to break free from this syrupy script. Today, we crave love stories that empower, that transcend partnerships to celebrate the individual. In the realm of OTT, Indian web series and audio series emerge with fresh narratives. These tales not only boast well-crafted characters but also defy fairytale endings, embracing the beauty of the unexpected. Love might not always be the conclusion, but these stories remind us that what truly matters is you.

Here are 5 must-binge Unconventional Love Stories on OTT

Mismatched

Mismatched brings together Dimple, an ambitious woman with no interest in love, and Rishi, a romantic who adores Bollywood’s old-school ideals. The series defies conventions by portraying Dimple as non-conforming to traditional romance expectations. As their unlikely love story unfolds, it challenges norms and expectations. Amidst budding feelings, unforeseen events disrupt their path, leaving viewers with both anticipation and questions. Will Dimple and Rishi’s connection endure? The series surprises with twists and an unexpected ending, urging fans to await the next season for resolution. A refreshing take on romance, Mismatched streaming on Netflix keeps us hooked with its unconventional narrative and uncharted journey of love.

Superstar’s Hidden Wife

Superstar’s Hidden Wife by Pocket FM is an extraordinary audio series unraveling the unconventional romance between Prachi, an unassuming tea vendor, and Arnav, a renowned superstar. Arnav’s annoyance evolves into an unexpected bond as Prachi safeguards him unknowingly. Driven by an ominous horoscope, Arnav’s grandfather orchestrates their secret union. Prachi’s role as Arnav’s assistant leads to intricate emotions and Arnav’s transformation from disdain to longing, amidst threats and interference from his ex, Mihika. As Prachi explores Arnav’s past, their connection deepens, unveiling her own battles worsened by Arnav’s presence. Dramatic events, including heartrending divorce and reunions, reveal truths and conquer adversities. A climactic rescue cements their bond, culminating in parenthood. Written by Muskan Kumari Superstar’s Hidden Wife is an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing love’s resilience against all odds.

Bandish Bandits

Bandish Bandits harmonizes the worlds of Radhe and Tamanna, whose musical passions unite them despite stark differences. Radhe, a traditionalist aspiring in Indian Classical music, contrasts with Tamanna, a pop sensation who seeks shortcuts. An initially playful dynamic evolves into an intimate love story. In a departure from the trope of heartbreak driving success, Radhe’s love for Tamanna catalyzes his musical growth. Their unwavering support suggests an unbreakable bond, until Tamanna’s departure for Radhe’s betterment fractures expectations. Her return during a crucial performance revives hope, but her ultimate departure to resurrect her own career results in a bittersweet ending. With anticipation, viewers await the next season, pondering the fate of this musical romance. Bandish Bandits on Prime Video strikes a poignant chord, echoing the complexities of love and aspirations.

ImMATURE

ImMATURE delves into the lives of three high school boys – Dhruv, Chacha, and Chutney, navigating the roller-coaster of teenagehood. With friendships, first loves, and heartbreaks, the trio grapples with the typical teenage challenges. Sixteen-year-old Dhruv, eager to grow up quickly, enlists the help of his school buddies Kabir and Susu to win the heart of his first crush, the accomplished Chhavi. The series captures the essence of adolescence with its relatable experiences, humor, and the pursuit of young love in a charming and endearing way. Watch ImMATURE on Prime Video.

Never Kiss Your Best Friend

Never Kiss Your Best Friend navigates the complexities of friendship and love. Beyond the cliché, it layers its plot with depth. Tani realizes her love for Sumer after failed relationships, but her confession falters due to circumstances. Reuniting years later, they find love. Yet, the seeming perfection unravels as the second season reveals their breakup, challenging the notion of a destined couple. The series defies convention, exploring the sobering reality that apparent soulmates may not ensure lasting happiness. Never Kiss Your Best Friend on Zee5 captures the intricacies of emotions and friendships, echoing the unpredictable nature of love’s journey.

2nd September 2023– Bringing a revolution to the Indian mithai world, Master Chef Ajay Chopra is set to launch Kshir & Canelé which aims to be India’s first go-to destination for modern, gourmet mithais and pastries. Kshir & Canelé is a wonderful juxtaposition of Indian mithai and pastry with global flavours, revolutionising the mithai space and offering a melange of flavours for one to indulge in! Award-winning Public Relations and Social Media agency Crosshairs Communication has bagged the PR mandate for the same.

Crosshairs will be responsible for crafting and managing the brand’s launch, key messaging and updating relevant communication nationwide. The brand stands for purity and innovation, and is Chef Chopra’s imagination and culinary expertise to change the perception towards Indian sweets and patisserie by marrying it with international flavours that will tantalise the global palate. These culinary masterpieces bring together nostalgia and novelty, offering revolutionary flavours inspired by a multicultural heritage.

Stuti Jalan, Founder & Managing Director of Crosshairs Communication, said “Crosshairs Communication persistently strives to meet the expectations of the institute. We have a team of experts who outline strategic communication objectives and image-building requirements. It is an honor to be a part of one of the launches of India’s first modern gourmet mithai by Master Chef Ajay Chopra.”

New Delhi, 2nd September 2023:Grip, India’s leading multi-asset alternative investmentplatform,has received the Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP) licence under the new regulatory framework from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and is now registered as a Stock Broker in Debt segment with National Stock Exchange (NSE). The licence allows Grip to continue facilitating investments in Corporate Bonds, Securitized Debt Instruments (SDI), and other SEBI or RBI-regulated products (like SGBs and G-Secs) for retail investors in complete compliance with the regulatory framework. This licence held by Grip’s 100% owned subsidiary, Grip Broking Private Limited, reinforces the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency, safeguarding investor interests, and following regulatory compliance.

In November 2022, SEBI introduced the OBPP regulations, with the objective to democratize investment options for retail investors and deepen the corporate bonds’ market while protecting the interest of retail investors. The OBPP framework and related amendments made it possible for retail investors to participate in private corporate debt issuances, including corporate bonds, at a reduced transaction value of INR 1 lakh while enjoying heightened transparency and safety.

In compliance with the OBPP regulations, Grip also became the first platform to launch SDI-driven products such as LeaseX, InvoiceX, LoanX, and BondX. Each of these investment products provides investors a secured opportunity to earn fixed returns by investing in receivables from one or more entities either in the form of lease rentals, discounted invoices, or loan repayments. Grip listed the first-ever SDI-driven product LeaseX on NSE on October 7, 2022.

On securing the OBPP Licence, Nikhil Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Grip, stated, “We deeply appreciate SEBI’s forward-thinking approach to support the growth of the wealth-tech industry and create an enabling regulatory regime for retail investor participation. The OBPP regulations have combined measures to grow the market while also protecting investor interests. The addition of products like SDIs which are listed and credit-rated will be game-changers to ensure more Indians can access wealth-creation options with the comfort, security and low transaction costs possible through an online platform. We believe these regulations will help with the creation of a very large and sustainable alternative investment industry and we are committed to continue operating in compliance with current and future regulatory frameworks.”

Aashish Jindal, Co-Founder & CPO, Grip added, “Grip is in the process of upgrading its website gripinvest.in and processes to offer users a seamless KYC and payment experience through the NSE Request for Quote (RFQ) API integration in compliance with SEBI guidelines. The RFQ integration will boost transaction security, ensuring all investments are directly settled via the stock exchange, with fund and securities transfers managed through Clearing Corporations. This integration will enable users to invest in smaller transactions and open up additional payment modes such as UPI and Net Banking.”