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The 82nd Golden Globes marked the start of the 2025 Hollywood awards season, held on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles. Hosted by stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser, the event made history with Glaser as the first solo female host in Golden Globes history. Highlights: Indian Representation: Presenters: A star-studded lineup included Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Coolidge, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, and more. Diversity and Change: The Golden Globes’ voting body has expanded and diversified in recent years, adopting a new code of conduct to reflect broader representation and inclusivity. The event celebrated outstanding talent across film and television, continuing its legacy as a prominent precursor to the Oscars.

A unique Kumbh Clock, designed like a flower, has been installed at the Ravindra Convention Centre during the 31st National Children’s Science Congress. This clock demonstrates how astronomy determines the timing of Kumbh fairs in Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. In this design, the 12 zodiac constellations replace the usual numbers on the clock. The minute hand is represented by the Sun, while the hour hand is Jupiter. As the Sun completes a full cycle through the constellations, Jupiter transitions to the next zodiac sign, mimicking the celestial movements that decide the timing of Kumbh fairs. Science communicator Sarika Gharu explained that the sky functions like a universal clock, with Jupiter deciding the year of the Kumbh and the Sun indicating the month. The event also featured the evaluation of student projects and workshops aimed at enhancing learning. Educational strategist Raj Kishore spoke about the enduring importance of creativity and critical thinking, emphasizing that no AI tool can replace human ingenuity. He underscored the vital role of teachers in fostering problem-solving and independent reasoning among students.

Over ₹33 crore was spent on renovating the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of ₹7.9 crore, according to an audit report. The renovation, initiated in 2020, included luxury additions such as an 88-inch OLED TV for ₹28.9 lakh, ten other OLED TVs for ₹43.9 lakh, a high-end refrigerator for ₹3.2 lakh, and kitchen appliances worth over ₹8 lakh. Furniture and furnishings, including beds and sofas, cost ₹13 lakh, while a jacuzzi, sauna, and spa installation cost ₹19.5 lakh. An additional ₹19.8 crore was used to construct seven servant quarters, a diversion from funds originally allocated for building a staff block. The 21,000 sq. ft. property features eight bedrooms, three meeting rooms, two drawing rooms, two kitchens, 12 toilets, and a dining hall, furnished with high-end amenities such as Bose ceiling speakers and 50 indoor air conditioners. The audit, which covers the period up to March 2022, flagged irregularities in expenditure and questioned the lack of feasibility studies and transparency in contractor selection. The Public Works Department (PWD) revised estimates multiple times without tendering for additional works amounting to ₹25.8 crore, including ₹18 crore spent on superior and ornamental items. The matter has sparked political controversy, with allegations of wasteful spending during the pandemic. The report highlighted incomplete records and insufficient documentation to validate expenses, raising concerns about accountability in executing the renovation project.

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Bengaluru: a 3-month-old baby now discharged and an 8-month-old currently recovering. These are the first reported HMPV cases in India, with no recent travel history linked to the patients. The infections were identified through routine respiratory virus surveillance. HMPV is known to cause mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to complications like pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity. The virus is globally present and often peaks in winter and early spring. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with increased testing capacity and surveillance efforts in place. Hospitals have been advised to follow strict isolation protocols and report cases of respiratory illnesses promptly.

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein is making a comeback in India after a four-and-a-half-year ban. The company, which was blocked along with 200 other Chinese apps by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on June 29, 2020, is re-entering the market through a partnership with Reliance Retail. Shein has begun a backend test launch on Reliance’s e-commerce platform, Ajio.com, focusing on casual westernwear. While the rollout may expand to other Reliance platforms in the future, a specific timeline for the full-scale launch is yet to be announced. This partnership positions Shein to compete with brands like Tata’s Zudio and Flipkart’s Myntra in the affordable fashion segment. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. formalized its partnership with Shein last year, and the two companies have signed a technology agreement to create a local e-commerce platform. This platform will rely on Indian manufacturers and suppliers to produce and sell Shein-branded products. Global Success Fuels Shein’s India Plans Shein has been a major player in the global fashion industry, emerging as the world’s most visited fashion and apparel website in September 2024, according to Similarweb. It held a 2.68% global web traffic share in the third quarter of 2024, surpassing brands like Nike, H&M, and Zara. The platform’s user base has grown significantly, with a report by Earnest highlighting a 40% rise in transaction-making users on Shein’s website between January and August 2024. Shein is also challenging established players in key markets like the US and France.

At a time when producers are not clear and confident about starting fresh films, production house Maddock Films has announced eight new films across diverse genres for the next four years. Films such as Thama (2025), Shakti Shalini (2025), Bhediya 2 (2026), Chamunda (2026), Stree 3 (2027), Mahamunjya (2027), Pehla Mahayudh (2028), and Doosara Mahayudh (2028) follow a cinematic universe based on the theme of horror-comedy. These films will get released in the next four years. Dinesh Vijan, founder, Maddock Films, said, “Our mission at Maddock has always been to innovate and entertain. We’ve crafted compelling characters that resonate with audiences, grounded in India’s rich culture and heritage. This deep connection has made our stories not just relatable, but also meaningful.” 2024 has been a landmark year for Maddock Films. The production house has been the biggest outlier in 2024. In 2024, when more films failed than worked, Maddock Films’ Stree 2, Munjya, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Sector 36 enthralled and proved successes in a time when success has become extremely elusive. Stree 2 had emerged as the first Hindi film to cross Rs600 crore net collection at the domestic box office, indicating the production house’s ability to create a successful cinematic universe of horror-comedies. The film resonated deeply with audiences, propelling horror comedy further into the mainstream cinema. Vijan of Maddock Films explained, “We have consistently redefined Indian cinema with every release. From delivering mega-blockbusters like Stree 2, Munjya, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Maddock Films has cemented itself as a powerhouse of innovative storytelling.”

Salah said: “The first thing that was on the list was to win the Premier League with Liverpool. “In my interviews over the last seven or eight years, I always say [I want to win the] Champions League. But this is the first time I’m saying I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool.” Asked why he was so focused on winning the title, he added:  “I have no idea. It’s probably because we didn’t celebrate the one we won in the way we wanted and also, coming back here too, it’s my last year in the club so you want to do something special for the city. “That was the thing in my head. “We waited for that title for 30 years or so. So, to win it and it was the pandemic at that time, we didn’t really have time to celebrate it in the right way. It’s not a nice thing to do, so hopefully we can do it this year.”

Actress Kiara Advani, who is set to star in the much-awaited film Game Changer alongside Ram Charan, is resting it out at home. It was earlier reported that actress Kiara Advani, who is set to star in the much-awaited film Game Changer alongside Ram Charan, has been hospitalised in Mumbai. The actress was scheduled to attend a promotional event for the film today in the city but was notably absent. According to sources, it was said that Kiara was admitted to the hospital earlier this morning. And now, her spokesperson has cleared the air on the matter. “Kiara Advani has not been hospitalised, she’s been advised to rest due to exertion as she’s been working not stop,” the actress’ spokesperson said.

Actor-choreographer Dhanashree Verma and her cricketer-husband Yuzvendra Chahal have been in the news recently due to rumours about troubles in their marriage. Amid the rumours, the couple unfollowed each other on Instagram.  The Indian cricketer also deleted all the pictures with Dhanashree. Meanwhile, Dhanashree has unfollowed Yuzvendra but hasn’t deleted any pictures with him.  Sources close to the couple told Times Of India confirmed that the divorce rumours are true. “The divorce is inevitable, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes official. The exact reasons for their separation are not known yet, but it’s clear that the couple has decided to move on with their lives separately,” they said. ICYDK, the divorce rumours started gaining traction in 2023 after Dhanashree dropped ‘Chahal’ from her name on Instagram. This change came a day after Yuzvendra shared a cryptic Instagram story that read, “New life loading.”  At that time, Yuzvendra posted a note dismissing the divorce rumours and asked his fans not to believe in or spread rumours about his relationship with Dhanashree. Dhanashree and Yuzvendra Chahal married on December 11, 2020. Opening up about their love story on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 11, the choreographer said, “During the lockdown no matches were happening and all the cricketers were sitting at home and getting frustrated. During that time Yuzi decided one fine day that he wants to learn dance. He had seen my dance videos on social media and back in the day, I used to teach dance and he approached me to be my student. I agreed to teach him.”

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty paid obeisance at the Golden Temple along with his wife Mana Shetty here on Thursday. Shetty, looking dapper as usual, said he has followed a yearly ritual of coming to seek blessings at the Golden Temple over the years. “I feel very peaceful, mentally powerful after I come here. Last year, I could not make it here due to certain unavoidable reasons, but I wanted to begin my New Year by coming to the Golden Temple this time,” he said. Confessing to having a special fondness for Punjab, Shetty said Punjabi songs, films and artistes have taken the world by storm. “Do not you see Punjabi songs and artistes are a hit everywhere. It is really commendable,” as he mentioned Diljit Dosanjh rising as an artiste. Of course, in the same breath, he said he is one for work collaboration with the Punjabi film industry. Commenting about his son Ahan Shetty joining the star cast of movie Border 2 along with Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, Suniel said he feels really proud. “I am happy that he is working in the film and I wish he gets success and lives as an actor.”