Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has been receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released film ‘Heads of State’, has a least favorite household task just like everyone else.
The actress has shared that she once tricked her mother-in-law into doing the task, reports ‘People’ magazine.She said, “Laundry is a hard chore for me. I find it tough. I’ll always try to get someone else to do it”.She recalled how she made Denise Miller-Jonas, mother of her husband Nick Jonas do the chore.She told ‘People’, “I can steam an iron, I can fold. But just getting through the process of laundry is just really tough. Too many buttons, too many choices, too many little things. … My mother-in-law tried to teach me once, but that was just my way of getting her to do my laundry for me”.Chopra Jonas adds with a laugh that she plans to give her mother-in-law a heads-up that she disclosed that story.She added, “I’m going to call her right now and tell her I said this. ‘Just want you to know’”.As per ‘People’, since marrying Miller-Jonas’ son in 2018, the actress has been close with her mother-in-law, sharing occasional photos of family outings with 3-year-old daughter Malti Marie on social media.The Quantico star once revealed that Nick, 32, and his family tuned into the 2000 Miss World pageant she had won. “My mother-in-law was like, ‘I remember watching you when you won’”, she said on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ in 2023. “He was 7, I was 17. And he was sitting there, and he was watching”.The actress stars in Ilya Naishuller–directed ‘Heads of State’ with John Cena as the U.S. president and Idris Elba as the U.K. prime minister. The action-comedy is streaming now on Prime Video. Among Chopra Jonas’ other upcoming screen projects are ‘The Bluff’ starring Karl Urban and ‘Judgment Day’ in which she shares the screen with Zac Efron and Will Ferrell.–IANSaa/

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) As the global economic landscape evolves rapidly, Indian businesses can unlock $9.82 trillion in gross value added (GVA) by 2035, according to a new report.As per the PwC India study, one of the most significant domains contributing to the GVA calculus will be the ‘Make’ domain, which includes manufacturing and industrial production, among other sectors.The report estimates that this domain alone will expand from $945 billion in 2023 to nearly $2.7 trillion in GVA by 2035.The PwC India’s report, ‘Navigating the value shift’, said mega trends such as climate change, demographic shifts and technological disruptions are creating new avenues for value creation that transcend traditional industry boundaries.Amid this scenario, businesses are rapidly diversifying to capitalise on the evolving landscape.“However, to navigate this transformation effectively, they require a fresh approach to identify where and how to diversify in order to seize value in motion. To support this need, PwC has developed a domain-based framework designed to guide strategic-decision making in this new era,” the report mentioned.Domains represent markets where businesses go beyond traditional sector boundaries to address fundamental human and industrial needs.“India CEOs are already responding to these shifts. In PwC’s 28th ‘Annual Global CEO Survey: India perspective’, 40 per cent of India CEOs stated that their companies have entered at least one new sector in the past five years, with half of them generating up to 20% of their revenue from these new ventures,” said Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India.But to sustain momentum and unlock full value, businesses must move beyond ad hoc diversification.“A domain-led lens that goes beyond the sector-led approach provides a powerful way to reimagine capabilities, collaborate across ecosystems, and build future-ready business and revenue models,” he mentioned.With India’s economy projected to reach $30 trillion by 2047, domain-based innovation could play a pivotal role in driving the nation’s inclusive, sustainable and tech-powered growth.“Consider another domain, ‘how we build.’ As technology continues to reshape the way we construct and manage built environments more efficiently, traditional sectors such as real estate, construction and building management are being complemented by innovation spaces,” the report noted.These include smart, sustainable buildings; building tech and data solutions; and smart city infrastructure. Together, they represent a shift towards a more efficient, intelligent and integrated approach to the ‘Build’ domain.On the other hand, the telecommunications sector illustrates a range of cross-domain possibilities. The value pools emerging in these new growth domains represent exciting growth opportunities, said the report.–IANSna/

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Sunday hit out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failure to give appointment letters to hospital staff in the city, due to which the medical services deteriorated over the years.He said after a gap of 15 years, appointment letters were issued to nursing officers and allied healthcare professionals in the city.“It is a matter of pride that our government is addressing the staff shortage that came to our notice after government formation,” Singh told IANS, assuring that the Rekha Gupta government is committed to working closely with the medical department officials and staff to improve facilities in the city.He was speaking to reporters after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda handed over appointment letters to 1,388 Nursing Officers and 41 Allied Healthcare Professionals.The Delhi Health Minister said this recruitment of nurses should have been done five years ago, but the previous government failed to do so.Giving an update on the free medical insurance for 70-plus citizens, the Health Minister said the Delhi government has managed to issue over two lakh cards under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY).Earlier, Nadda said, “The Delhi government is working in the direction of ensuring the right to be healthy throughout life with dignity under Vay Vandana. Till date, 4 lakh Ayushman Cards have been issued in Delhi, with 2 lakh cards issued under Vay Vandana.”He urged all stakeholders to work dedicatedly towards implementing PM-ABHIM in Delhi and fulfil the target of opening 1,100 Ayushman Arogya mandirs till 31st March, 2026.Flagging off 20 Ayushman Bharat Registration Vans, he said, “Running 70 specially designed Vans in all Assembly constituencies is a novel initiative in order to cover all eligible beneficiaries of PM Jan Arogya Scheme.”“Twenty specially designed mobile vans are being flagged off. Seventy such Vans will cover 70 Assembly constituencies where they will collect and generate data for issuance of Ayushman Card and register the beneficiaries at their doorsteps,” he said.–IANSrch/uk

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) A large number of visitors, including diplomats, bureaucrats, and mango lovers from across the city, joined activities centred around the king of fruits on the last day of the New Delhi Municipal Council’s two-day ‘Khaas-ye-Aam’ mango festival, an official said on Sunday.

NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the festival provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and culinary enjoyment.Chahal said that under the visionary goals of Viksit Bharat @2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDMC Mango Festival served as a platform for empowering farmers, promoting agri-innovation, and celebrating India’s agricultural diversity.By bringing together over 500 mango varieties from across the nation, and providing direct exposure to farmer societies, research institutes, and vendors, the festival embodied the spirit of self-reliant India, he said.A representative of the research institute has said that in the next few days, a special breed of mango will be developed and will be named as “Sindoor” in memory of Operation Sindoor, he said.Over 300 varieties of mangoes by two government research institutes and the growers/farmer societies were on display at the festival.‘Khaas-ye-Aam’ mango festival started at the Palika Services Officers’ Institute (PSOI), Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri, and offered free entry to visitors.PSOI Secretary Krishan Kumar said that 25 mango sellers/vendors will set up their stalls for selling mango products at the festival.Some of the varieties of mangoes displayed include – Arunika, Ambika, Sansesan, Tomy, Fajali, Langra, Lucknowa Safeda, Kachcha Meetha, Dudhiya Gola, Matka Gola, Safeda Amin, Desi Kism, Desi Gola, Desi Tuharu, Munjar Amin, Kism Azad, Gulab Khas, Gulab Jamun, Dashari, Amrpali, Hathi jhool, Malika and Chausa.Participants and government research institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, displayed around 250 varieties with leading varieties like Dashehari, Langra, Chausa, Mallika, Amrapali, Amiga, Arunica and several other varieties and hybrids.ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, displayed its own varieties, including Pusa Lalima, one of the colour varieties.A total of 10 farmers’ societies and individuals displayed more than 100 varieties on each stall in the Mango Festival, said Krishan Kumar.He said there was a competition between participants on the different varieties of each farmer, such as Dashehari, Mallika, Amrapali, Chausa, Ramkela and mixed fruits.There were various entertainment and recreational activities for visitors and children.A major attraction of the Mango Festival for the visitors was 10 stalls of mango products, including preparations, recipes, products, juices, shakes, chutney, murabba, pickles, which will be represented by farmers, cooperative societies, vendors and leading restaurants and hotels.The Mango Festival is a part of NDMC’s continuing efforts to promote cultural and seasonal festivities that bring communities together and celebrate India’s rich agricultural diversity, said Chahal.The event offered an exciting opportunity to sample and purchase a wide array of mango varieties sourced from across the country, along with value-added mango-based products such as juices, pickles, pulps, and desserts.–IANSrch/dan

Itanagar/Imphal, July 6 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) said on Sunday that Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a shining example of unwavering commitment to India’s integrity, cultural pride, and democratic values.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted Mookerjee’s immense contributions to nation-building. Addressing the commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mookerjee in Itanagar, the Arunachal Pradesh Governor passionately addressed the youth of the northeastern state, declaring them the torchbearers of Mookerjee’s vision. He affirmed that their strength is in their talent and capacity to dream big for their community, state, and country. The Governor urged the youth of the state to embrace deep pride in their traditional heritage, art, culture, land, and languages, while simultaneously showing equal courage in excelling across science, sports, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Lt. Gen Parnaik said that Mookerjee was far more than a political figure. He was a visionary, an esteemed educationist, and a courageous nation-builder driven by a profound belief in ‘One India, Great India’. He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying the ideological groundwork for national unity and integrity at a time when the country was still healing from partition. The Governor recounted Mookerjee’s unwavering opposition to Article 370 and his powerful call for “One Country, One Head, One Flag, One Constitution” in 1953, a stance that marked a pivotal moment in Indian political history. He noted that this very dream of equality, national integration, and constitutional unity was realised under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with the abrogation of Article 370 and the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union. Recalling the pivotal role of Mookerjee in the Constituent Assembly, the Governor said that he persistently advocated for minority rights and the preservation of regional languages to ensure a Constitution acceptable and applicable to all communities. In Imphal, Manipur Governor Bhalla, on the occasion, described Mookerjee as a towering figure in the history of modern India, a distinguished patriot, freedom fighter, visionary leader, and an intellectual of remarkable stature. As one of the key architects of independent India, Mookerjee played a significant role in shaping the country’s political and educational landscape, the Governor said. He was also a strong advocate for national integration and worked tirelessly to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation. The Governor also recalled Mookerjee’s pivotal role in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir. His firm stance was encapsulated in his well-known statement: “Ek deshmein do Vidhan, do Nishan, do Pradhan nahichalenge” — reflecting his unwavering commitment to the principle of one nation, one constitution. Bhalla appealed to everyone to remember and draw inspiration from Mookerjee’s legacy of selfless service, unwavering commitment to national unity, and fearless pursuit of constitutional integrity. –IANS sc/dan

Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, who has been receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released film ‘Metro…In Dino’, has shared that she was surprised by director Anurag Basu’s process of putting the film together, and it happened throughout the entirety of filming.
The actress recently spoke with IANS, and shared that the director gives a lot of space to his actors, which results in magical moments in front of the camera.Sara told IANS, “I was surprised throughout. I think that the minute you let go some surprising things land up happening. Basu da calls it magic. I feel like just being able to let free, let go and truly be present in the moments that we were because the whole set would come alive. There was just a palpable energy in general so you just had to let go not think and be there. And that was what we had to flow”.Presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series presents, in association with Anurag Basu Productions Pvt. Ltd., ‘Metro In Dino’ is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anurag Basu, and Taani Basu. The film is currently playing in cinemas.Earlier, Sara celebrated 6 years of the release of her debut movie ‘Kedarnath’, as she took to her Instagram, and shared a video featuring a collection of clips of the movie and its BTS. She wrote in the caption, “6 years of Kedarnath. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday and sometimes it feels like a lifetime away… Jai Bholenath. Thank you for making me me. And thank you for giving me a lifetime of memories”.‘Kedarnath’ marked Sara’s debut in Bollywood, and starred her opposite the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.–IANSaa/

Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai turned emotional on recalling the moment he fulfilled his father’s dream by becoming a judge and also highlighted on Sunday the benefits of studying in his Marathi mother tongue, claiming that it helped him in better conceptual understanding.The CJI virtually held back his tears as he opened his heart at a lawyers’ event in Maharashtra, saying, “I am happy my father’s dream to see me become a judge has come true.”The CJI, the first Buddhist to occupy the top post, fondly remembered his father and his early days in the legal profession at the 161st-anniversary celebrations of the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI), an organisation he joined in 1983.On Sunday, the CJI visited Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School in Girgaon, reminiscing about his childhood memories. Having studied from primary to secondary levels at this very institution, he expressed deep gratitude to the teachers who shaped his early life.Speaking at the school, Chief Justice Gavai said, “Whatever height I have reached today, my teachers and this school have played a significant role in it. The education and values I received here gave direction to my life.”“My journey in public speaking began on this very stage. Through speech competitions and cultural programmes, I gained confidence. It is because of those opportunities that I am what I am today,” he recalled.The CJI added, “I studied in a Marathi-medium school. Studying in one’s mother tongue helps in better conceptual understanding, and also instils strong values that stay with you for life.”Justice Gavai toured the classrooms, library, and art section of the school, interacting warmly with his old classmates and reliving fond memories. The heartfelt tribute given by the students was a deeply emotional and proud moment for him. His visit was a matter of great honour and inspiration for the school.Present on the occasion were Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister and Mumbai City Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Bombay High Court Justice Madhav Jamadar, Chikitsak Samuh President Kishore Rangnekar, Secretary Dr Gurunath Pandit, Principal Sanchita Gawde, and other dignitaries.Justice Gavai comes from a distinguished background. His father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent Ambedkarite leader and founder of the Republican Party of India (RPI).Fondly known as Dadasaheb, the senior Gavai was also a member of the Lok Sabha from Amravati and served as the Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala between 2006 and 2011 during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government. He passed away in 2015, four years before his son’s elevation to the Supreme Court.Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.In the six years before his elevation, he was a part of around 700 Benches dealing with matters pertaining to a variety of subjects, including constitutional and administrative law, civil law, criminal law, commercial disputes, arbitration law, electricity law, education matters and environmental law.He has authored around 300 judgments, including that of the Constitution Bench on various issues, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights, human rights and legal rights of citizens.Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, Justice Gavai became a permanent Judge in November 2005.–IANSrch/uk

Washington, July 6 (IANS) South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Saturday stressed Seoul’s focus on maximizing “practical interests” in ongoing trade talks with the United States, as he arrived in Washington with just days left before US President Donald Trump’s pause on steep tariffs expires.Speaking to the press, Yeo noted that “all possibilities” appear to remain open, saying that the pause on “reciprocal” tariffs could be extended beyond Tuesday and that the two countries could also reach a broad agreement in principle rather than a full-fledged trade deal.Yeo’s arrival came a little over a week after his last trip to the US capital, underscoring the new South Korean government’s commitment to striking a trade deal with the Trump administration. He was set to resume talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the day.”Even if (the US) unveils a new reciprocal tariff rate for each country, including South Korea, following the expiry of the July 8 pause on the tariffs, we anticipate that there could be a little (additional) period of pause,” he told reporters as he walked out of a train station in Washington following his arrival in New York the previous day.”All possibilities remain open,” he pointed out, saying that the likelihood of the two sides reaching a deal “in broad terms” cannot be ruled out, though concluding a formal deal on every detail over the next three days appears difficult.”We judge that the current situation is urgent … In fact, many things are uncertain and fluid at this point,” Yeo said. “Through today’s negotiations, we want to figure out more details about the US’ plan, and will engage in negotiations with a focus on finding ways for us to maximize practical interests.”On April 2, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, including 25 per cent duties on South Korea, in a move to match what other countries impose on American goods. The tariffs took effect on April 9, but he paused them for 90 days on the day to allow time for negotiations, reported Yonhap news agency.Aside from reciprocal tariffs, South Korea is also seeking to minimise the impact of sector-specific tariffs on automobiles, steel and aluminium.”We think that a relatively more difficult area is the sectoral tariff issue given that the US regards it as important from the standpoint of its industrial protection,” he said. “But we have repeatedly emphasized that it is crucial (for South Korea) to get exceptions or ensure that the rates are significantly reduced, and we plan to reiterate that again today.”Despite uncertainty over the trade negotiations, Yeo painted a positive outlook for the future of bilateral industrial cooperation.”Areas where chances of mutual cooperation are high are artificial intelligence, automobiles, batteries, energy and the bio sector. They are areas where the US needs great cooperation in its efforts to rebuild its manufacturing, and (I) think South Korea has a unique value in those areas,” he said.”We seek ‘positive-sum’ negotiations by putting together issues of industrial and technological cooperation between South Korea and the US for the mid-and long-term period of four to five years alongside tariff talks.”Yeo’s visit to Washington came as South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is set to arrive in the US capital on Sunday for a three-day trip in what appears to be a move by President Lee Jae Myung’s administration to ensure smooth cooperation between the two allies.On Friday, Trump said he would send letters to 12 countries, specifying their tariff rates, on Monday. Asked if South Korea is among the 12 countries, Yeo said, “(I) don’t know.”–IANSint/bpd/dan

Hyderabad, July 6 (IANS) The historic ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ procession was underway in the old city of Hyderabad amid tight security as solemnity and mourning marked ‘Yaum-e-Ashura’ on Sunday.Thousands of people were participating in the procession, which started from Bibi Ka Alawa in a traditional manner.The procession passes through various parts of the old city before concluding at Chaderghat on the banks of the Musi River after sunset.The ‘Bibi ka Alam’ was carried on a caparisoned elephant, brought from Karnataka. The elephant ‘Lakshmi’ stopped at a couple of places, leading to a slowdown of the procession.The procession will pass through Sheikh Faiz Kaman, Yakutpura Darwaza, Etebar Chowk, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Panjeshah, Mani Mir Alam, Purani Haveli, and Darulshifa.The organisers arranged the elephant belonging to the Sri Karibasaveshwara Mutt in Karnataka after the Telangana Forest Department refused to allow an elephant earlier identified by organisers in Delhi, citing animal welfare concerns and transport regulations.‘Yaum-e-Ashura’ or 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed in memory of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Hussain and his followers at the battle of Karbala.The gold-and-diamond-studded ‘alam’ or standard is believed to contain a piece of wooden plank on which Bibi Fatima Zehra, daughter of Prophet Mohammed, was given the final ablution.The ‘alam’ was installed over 430 years ago during the Qutub Shahi dynasty, and the practice of carrying it on an elephant has been continuing since then.For several years, the elephants from the Nehru Zoological Park were used for the annual procession. However, after the courts refused permission for the use of captive elephants for religious processions, the organisers have been bringing elephants from other states.Last year, an elephant belonging to the Shri Jagadguru Panchacharya Mandir Trust in Karnataka was brought for the procession.Groups of self-flagellating mourners were leading the procession. Blood oozed out from the heads and chests of bare-chested Shia mourners who flagellated themselves with sharp-edged objects.Amid cries of ‘Ya Hussain’ and recitation of ‘marsiya’ (elegies) and ‘noha-khwani’ (poems expressing sorrow), barefoot youths using knives, blade-encrusted chains and other sharp-edged weapons, inflicted injuries on themselves to show solidarity with the sufferings of the martyrs. Others were seen crying and beating their chests.The police made elaborate security arrangements and deployed around 2,000 personnel. Policemen on horses were seen piloting the procession. Traffic was diverted at a few points for the annual procession.Top government officials, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, leaders of different political parties and family members of Nizam, ruler of erstwhile Hyderabad State, offered ‘dhattis’ en route the procession.The Sunni Muslims observed the day by fasting and holding meetings to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain and his followers, who were martyred in 61 Hijri or 681 CE at Karbala in present-day Iraq.The fasting is observed on two days – ninth and 10th or the 10th and 11th Muharram.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Outer Delhi Warriors headlined the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 2 Auction with the signing of spinner Suyash Sharma and Delhi cricket’s big name Harsh Tyagi, who represented East Delhi Riderz last season, here on Sunday.
While Priyansh Arya had also been previously announced as a marquee player, the Outer Delhi Warriors lineup turned heads with the franchise’s top buy of the 25-year-old Harsh Tyagi at a bid of Rs 19 lakh.Priyansh Arya, the T20 formidable talent of the Outer Delhi Warriors squad commenting on Suyash Sharma’s commendable talent, said, “Suyash has been winning the IPL for 2 consecutive years now in 2024 with KKR, and earlier this season with RCB. His experience will add a lot of depth and quality in the Outer Delhi squad now. Very excited to play alongside him in the upcoming season.”The Outer Delhi Warriors squad is one of the highest net-worth franchises to be making their inaugural debut in DPL Season 2. The DPL franchise is set to rewrite the T20 celebration with exceptional talents lining up for aspiring franchise aspirations in the DPL Season 2 campaign. One of the biggest noteworthy observances came with Indian leg spinner Suyash Sharma’s buy for Rs 15 lakh for the franchise at the DPL auction.Making the official announcement of marquee signing and top profile auction buy for the Outer Delhi Warriors franchise, Rajeshree Shete Iyer, CEO, said “We weren’t here to chase headlines, we were here to build combinations that win games.”“We focused on core role, top-order anchors, middle-over finishers, and bowling versatility. Having the dynamic duo of Suyash and Harsh Tyagi on the team has made me really hopeful for the upcoming season. Their Delhi connect will definitely help connect with the NCR youth on the stronger side.”The Outer Delhi Warriors have established a high-performance culture with the official acquisition of Suyash, Harsh and Priyansh demonstrating a stronger commitment to long-term success. In a calculated attempt to increase their competitive advantage, the team also hired Ashu Dhani who will be essaying the role of franchise head coach bringing seasoned leadership to the team.“The young lads are already big names in the Delhi circuit. But what ultimately works is that these are some of the formidable bowling and all-round talents we have secured in our squad. Especially when we need to score runs in the last overs, Harsh Tyagi who is an all-rounder will surely prove beneficial for making up for those 15-20 runs in the last overs, which is a win for us,” Dhani said.–IANSaaa/ab