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Chief Russian Prosecutor visits North Korea for first time
Pyongyang, July 22 (IANS) In a first, Russia’s Prosecutor General is visiting North Korea as the two countries continue to bolster ties following the summit meeting between their top leaders last month.
Igor Krasnov arrived in Pyongyang on Monday and will meet with his counterpart and discuss bilateral cooperation with other officials during his visit, his office said in a statement.
Krasnov received a warm welcome from the representatives of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office upon his arrival at the airport in the North Korean capital.
A major highlight of his visit will be the signing of a cooperation programme between the Prosecutor General’s offices of Russia and North Korea for 2024-2026, along with an updated agreement.
“This visit marks a significant milestone in the relations between the prosecutors’ offices of both countries, which have maintained constructive ties over the past decade based on a Cooperation Agreement signed in 2010,” stated the Russian Prosecutor General’s office.
On Sunday, representatives from the supervisory agency and the Military University of the Russian Ministry of Defence delivered a series of lectures in Pyongyang which majorly covered the main directions and specifics of the activities of the Russian prosecutor’s office.
Moscow believes that Krasnov’s visit also highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and North Korea in legal and prosecutorial matters.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang – his first trip to North Korea in 24 years – at the invitation of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un.
14 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Khan Younis: Health authorities
Gaza, July 22 (IANS) At least 14 Palestinians were killed, including six children and four women, while 36 others were injured in Israeli attacks in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Monday, the Gaza-based health authorities said.
The Nasser Medical Complex in the city has called on locals to “urgently donate blood, for the benefit of the wounded and sick inside the complex, given the severe and major shortage of blood units”, the health authorities said, Xinhua news agency reported.
Israeli warplanes launched an intensive bombardment on the eastern neighbourhoods of Khan Younis after the issuance of immediate evacuation orders. The eastern areas began to witness mass displacement towards the city’s west, especially Al-Mawasi, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Monday morning that it “is about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organisations and therefore calls on the remaining population left in the eastern neighbourhoods of Khan Younis to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi”.
“The calls for the temporary evacuation are being communicated to the residents through SMS, phone calls, and media broadcasts in Arabic,” it added.
On Sunday, the Gaza-based health authorities said the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 38,983.
Vishal Calls for Support for Tamil Nadu’s Film Sector
Tamil actor Vishal has recently voiced his concerns regarding the government’s handling of the film industry, particularly focusing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) issues in Tamil Nadu. He urged Prime Minister Modi to take action to support the struggling film sector, which has faced numerous challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Vishal highlighted that the film industry is a significant part of Tamil Nadu’s culture and economy. He emphasized the need for government support to help filmmakers and artists thrive. His comments come ahead of the Union Budget 2024, where he hopes the government will address these pressing concerns and provide relief to the industry.
As the president of the Tamil Film Producers Council, Vishal is well aware of the difficulties faced by many in the industry. He believes that without proper support and a fair tax structure, the future of filmmaking in Tamil Nadu could be at risk. Vishal’s call for action reflects the sentiments of many in the film community who seek a more favorable environment for their work.
By bringing attention to these issues, Vishal aims to unite the film industry and encourage collective action. His advocacy for change not only highlights the importance of the arts but also serves as a reminder of the need for government accountability in supporting cultural sectors.
Vicky Kaushal: From Witnessing Smuggling to Bollywood Stardom
Vicky Kaushal, a rising star in Bollywood, has carved a unique path for himself. Despite his initial association with Anurag Kashyap’s gritty, independent cinema, Kaushal has successfully transitioned into the mainstream, balancing commercial ventures with content-driven films. His versatility allows him to excel in intense dramas like “Sardar Udham” and lighthearted comedies like “Bad Newz.”
Kaushal’s recent promotional appearances shed light on a fascinating experience during his early days in the industry. Working as an assistant director on Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur,” he found himself unexpectedly close to the real-life underworld. In an interview with Tanmay Bhatt, Kaushal revealed a harrowing encounter during the filming of coal smuggling scenes.
“The coal smuggling that was shown in the film was real. We shot it,” Kaushal explained. He recounted a specific incident while capturing visuals of illegal sand mining. “We were shooting them secretly,” he said, “and some people came. There were 500 people surrounding us.” The sheer scale of the operation caught them off guard, highlighting the brazenness of the activity.
The situation escalated, placing Kaushal and the cameraman in immediate danger. Confused by the cameraman’s phone call, claiming equipment issues, one of the individuals involved slapped him, confiscated the camera, and threatened to destroy it. Facing physical assault, they managed to escape the situation unharmed.
Kaushal’s journey to stardom is well-documented. He rose to prominence with films like “Masaan,” “Raman Raghav 2.0,” and “Raazi,” showcasing his acting prowess. After establishing himself, he took on roles in commercially successful films like “URI: The Surgical Strike” and “Sam Bahadur.” Additionally, he delivered notable performances in supporting roles for “Sanju” and “Dunki.” His marriage to actress Katrina Kaif further cemented his position as a major Bollywood figure.
This anecdote underscores Kaushal’s dedication to his craft, even through unexpected challenges. His diverse filmography and adaptability suggest a long and successful career ahead.
Mahesh Babu Foundation Extends Support to Aspiring Doctor Navya
Mahesh Babu, the highly acclaimed Telugu actor known for his box office success and large fanbase, is once again lauded for his philanthropic work. The Mahesh Babu Foundation, established by the actor himself, has stepped forward to support a young woman named Navya in her dream of becoming a doctor.
Navya, the daughter of a daily wage worker, secured impressive marks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a crucial exam for medical aspirants in India. However, her family’s financial constraints posed a significant barrier to pursuing her medical education. Recognizing this challenge, the Mahesh Babu Foundation took the commendable initiative to sponsor Navya’s entire medical education journey.
The news was shared on social media by Namrata Shirodkar, Mahesh Babu’s wife. She highlighted Navya’s achievements and the foundation’s commitment to supporting her education “until she becomes a doctor.” Further details revealed that Sitara Ghattamaneni, Mahesh Babu’s daughter, celebrated her birthday with Navya and presented her with a laptop and a stethoscope – essential tools for a future doctor.
This act of generosity by the Mahesh Babu Foundation has garnered widespread praise. It exemplifies the foundation’s dedication to empowering underprivileged individuals and fostering social mobility. Navya’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with dedication and support, even the most challenging aspirations can be achieved.
Box Office Hit “Kalki 2898 AD” Faces Religious Controversy
The science fiction film “Kalki 2898 AD,” starring Prabhas and directed by Nag Ashwin, has become a major commercial success, exceeding a box office collection of ₹1000 crores. The film’s innovative vision and Prabhas’s performance have been lauded by critics and audiences alike. However, a recent legal notice threatens to cast a shadow on this success story.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam, the spiritual leader of Shri Kalki Dham and holder of the title Kalki Peethadheeshwar, has filed a legal notice against the film’s producers. The notice alleges a misrepresentation of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Kalki, as depicted in sacred scriptures. Acharya Krishnam contends that the film’s portrayal deviates significantly from traditional Hindu beliefs, potentially causing offense to the religious sentiments of a vast number of Hindus.
The specific details of the disputed portrayal haven’t been publicly disclosed. However, Acharya Krishnam has demanded a response from the filmmakers within 15 days, presumably to address the alleged discrepancies and potentially offer an explanation or apology. Failure to comply, he warns, could lead to further legal action, both civil and criminal.
The filmmakers’ response to these accusations remains to be seen. This controversy has the potential to significantly impact the film’s legacy. While the box office numbers are impressive, a prolonged legal battle or accusations of religious insensitivity could tarnish the film’s image and limit its future distribution, particularly on online platforms.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between artistic expression and religious sensitivities in India. “Kalki 2898 AD” is a work of fiction, but its use of revered Hindu mythology places it on a delicate tightrope. The legal battle’s outcome will be closely watched, with implications for both the film industry and the ongoing discourse surrounding artistic freedom and religious respect.
Title Locked for Buchi Babu and Ram Charan’s RC16?
Global Telugu superstar Ram Charan is captivating audiences with his upcoming project alongside the renowned director Shankar. This highly anticipated film, tentatively titled “Peddi,” has generated significant buzz within the industry and among fans. Charan’s 16th cinematic venture promises to be a marquee event, boasting a confluence of exceptional talent both in front of and behind the camera.
The driving force behind the excitement surrounding “Peddi” appears to be its captivating story. Renowned music director A.R. Rahman himself is reported to have been particularly impressed by director Buchibabu Sana’s narration, hinting at a potentially powerful and engaging narrative. The intriguing title, “Peddi,” further fuels speculation and anticipation, with an official confirmation awaited.
Adding another layer of excitement is the presence of Kannada cinema stalwart Siva Rajkumar in the cast. Rajkumar’s inclusion signifies a potential multi-lingual appeal for the film, broadening its reach beyond Telugu audiences. The production itself is a collaborative effort between the established production houses Mythri Movie Makers and Vridhi Cinemas, ensuring grand production values and a professional approach.
With Ram Charan’s star power, director Buchibabu Sana’s vision, the legendary A.R. Rahman’s musical touch, and the presence of veteran actors like Siva Rajkumar, “Peddi” has all the ingredients of a blockbuster. This highly anticipated project is certain to keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting further updates and its eventual release.
