Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn celebrated Suniel Shetty’s 65th birthday on Tuesday by sharing a rare throwback picture of the actor, giving fans a nostalgic look at their younger years and highlighting their enduring friendship. Devgn posted the vintage photograph on Instagram, showing the two actors sporting the unmistakable fashion of the 1990s, including denim outfits, casual jackets and bold belts. Along with the picture, Ajay penned a warm birthday note for his longtime friend, writing, “Happy Birthday @suniel.shetty Anna. From one dilwala to another.”
The post offered a glimpse into the bond shared by the two veteran actors, who have worked together in six films over the years. Their first collaboration came with Dilwale in 1994, followed by Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003), LOC Kargil (2003), Tango Charlie (2005), Blackmail (2005) and Cash (2007).
Suniel Shetty, born in 1961, became one of the prominent faces of Hindi cinema during the 1990s. He earned widespread recognition through films such as Mohra, Border and Hera Pheri. Beyond acting, Shetty has also built a strong public image around fitness, health and a disciplined lifestyle. The actor has been exploring new filming opportunities in Bihar. Shetty recently met Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in Patna to discuss arrangements for an upcoming film project.
According to Shetty, the proposed production could involve nearly 50 to 60 days of shooting beginning in October 2026. Filming locations are reportedly being considered in Patna and Sitamarhi. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Shetty said discussions were held with the relevant departments regarding the practical arrangements for the production. He noted that Bihar's recently introduced film policies could help establish the state as an increasingly attractive destination for filmmakers.
Shetty was most recently seen in Welcome To The Jungle. He is also expected to reprise his popular role in the upcoming Hera Pheri 3, according to reports. Ajay Devgn’s birthday tribute has meanwhile brought renewed attention to the long association between two actors whose collaborations have remained memorable for Hindi film audiences.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/@ajaydevgn.
A US federal court has dismissed the criminal case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and former Adani Green Energy chief executive Vneet Jaain, bringing an end to a closely watched legal battle that began with a 2024 indictment. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the Eastern District of New York approved the US Justice Department's request to dismiss the case. The indictment had accused the defendants of involvement in an alleged scheme connected with solar-power contracts in India. The defendants had denied the allegations.
The case stemmed from allegations made by US prosecutors that executives linked to Adani Green Energy were involved in a scheme to pay more than $250 million in alleged bribes to Indian government officials to secure lucrative solar-energy contracts. Prosecutors had also alleged that investors and financial institutions were misled about aspects of the company's business and compliance practices.
The indictment attracted international attention because of Gautam Adani's position as one of India's most prominent businessmen and the size of the Adani Group's operations across infrastructure, energy, ports and other sectors. The proceedings also raised concerns among investors about the potential impact of the US case on the conglomerate's international financing and expansion plans.
The Justice Department moved in May to end the criminal prosecution, saying it had reviewed the matter and decided not to devote additional government resources to pursuing the charges. The request, however, did not immediately receive approval from the court. Judge Garaufis had previously questioned the government's initial explanation for seeking dismissal and asked prosecutors to provide further details supporting their decision. After considering the additional explanation, the court ultimately allowed the criminal case to be dismissed.
The dismissal was granted with prejudice, which is significant because it means the same criminal prosecution cannot ordinarily be brought again on the same allegations. The decision therefore provides a definitive end to the criminal proceedings against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain. The court's decision should not be interpreted as a verdict following a criminal trial. The allegations were not tested before a jury and there was no finding of guilt or acquittal after trial. Instead, the case ended after the Justice Department sought dismissal and the court granted the request.
The criminal case is also separate from civil proceedings involving the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In a separate settlement, Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani agreed to pay a combined $18 million to resolve SEC allegations. The settlement was made without admitting or denying wrongdoing. The latest court decision is nevertheless a significant development for the Adani Group. The dismissal removes a major criminal legal uncertainty surrounding its senior leadership and could allow investors to focus more closely on the group's business performance and future expansion.
The case had remained under intense scrutiny in India and overseas since the 2024 indictment. With the US court now dismissing the criminal charges with prejudice, one of the most prominent legal challenges facing Gautam Adani and his associates in the United States has formally come to an end.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
At least 111 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, triggering widespread destruction and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency as rescue teams continue searching for survivors. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Monday near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. Strong tremors were felt across large parts of the country, including major cities such as Cali, Pereira, Armenia and Manizales. Buildings were damaged, roads were affected and emergency services were placed under significant pressure as authorities responded to the disaster.
The death toll has continued to rise as rescue workers reach more affected areas. Officials have warned that the number of fatalities could increase further as search teams examine collapsed buildings and other damaged structures. Hundreds of people have also been injured, while many families remain anxious about relatives who have not yet been located.
One of the biggest concerns following the earthquake has been the safety of damaged buildings. Many residents have chosen to remain outdoors rather than return to their homes, fearing that weakened structures could collapse during aftershocks. Streets and open spaces in some affected communities have become temporary gathering points for people who are uncertain whether their houses are safe. The earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure and public facilities. Hospitals have also been affected, complicating efforts to treat people injured in the disaster. In Cali, part of a hospital was damaged, forcing emergency personnel to manage patients under difficult circumstances. Other buildings, schools and historic structures in affected cities have also suffered damage.
Manizales was among the cities where the earthquake caused visible destruction, including damage to a historic cathedral. The extent of the damage is still being assessed as emergency crews and local authorities work to inspect buildings and restore essential services. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency following the earthquake, allowing authorities to mobilise additional resources for rescue, relief and recovery operations. Military personnel, police officers, firefighters and emergency workers have been deployed to assist affected communities.
Security measures have also been increased in some areas as authorities attempt to maintain order while residents remain displaced. Officials are simultaneously working to provide shelter, food and medical assistance to people unable to return to their homes. Rescue operations remain the government's immediate priority. Teams are continuing to search through rubble for people who may still be trapped, while engineers assess whether damaged buildings can be safely entered. The difficult terrain around Chocó and damage to transportation infrastructure could make the relief operation more challenging in some remote communities.
The earthquake has also raised concerns about the longer-term recovery. Once search-and-rescue operations are completed, authorities will face the task of repairing or rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure. For residents who survived the earthquake, the crisis is far from over. Many are still sleeping outside and waiting for officials to determine whether their homes are structurally safe. As rescue teams continue their work, authorities are expected to release further updates on casualties and damage in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with the death toll and extent of destruction likely to change as emergency teams reach more affected areas and complete their assessments.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
A Mumbai-based defence start-up, Techno Defence Pvt Ltd, has developed an indigenous Joule-Thomson (JT) Cooler designed for missile seekers, marking a major advancement in India’s defence technology capabilities. The development could also create opportunities in the high-value international defence market, although exports of the technology remain subject to strict Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) rules, Business Line reported.
The technology was developed with support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), following an initiative that began several years ago. The project traces its origins to a meeting around 2017–18 between IIT-Bombay alumnus Dr Pravin Salinkar and a director of a DRDO laboratory. Salinkar, who was then 75, took up the challenge of developing a specialised cooling system that had traditionally been available from only a handful of Western countries.
He later joined forces with fellow IIT-Mumbai alumnus Sudarshan Saraf to establish Techno Defence Pvt Ltd. The company brought together a compact group of engineers and technicians, with women making up a significant part of the technical workforce. The project received financial assistance through DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF), allowing the team to work on the design and manufacture of the miniature JT Cooler.
The device performs a crucial function inside missiles equipped with infrared seekers. It rapidly cools infrared detectors and focal plane arrays to extremely low temperatures, reaching roughly –196°C. Such cooling is necessary because infrared sensors operating at normal temperatures generate thermal noise, commonly referred to as dark current.
Excessive background noise can interfere with weak infrared signals emitted or reflected by distant targets. By cooling the sensor, the JT Cooler significantly reduces this noise, allowing the seeker to identify and track targets more accurately. The technology is considered strategically important and falls under MTCR controls. Until now, advanced versions of such systems have largely been associated with countries including the United States, France and Israel. While missile systems based on satellite navigation may not require this type of cooling, infrared-guided missiles depend heavily on it for effective seeker performance.
Techno Defence developed its own manufacturing approach rather than simply replicating existing foreign designs. The company worked with small-scale and cottage industries to develop specialised production methods and equipment needed for the system. Manufacturing the cooler involves highly precise processes, including microscopic assembly work, the use of high-purity materials and production in controlled environments. Each stage requires strict quality checks because even small manufacturing variations can affect the reliability of equipment intended for defence applications.
The project was completed during 2023–24 and subsequently handed over to DRDO for testing. The trials were successful, validating the performance of the indigenous system and strengthening India’s position in a highly specialised area of missile technology. The development has also reportedly generated interest among overseas buyers. However, any export of the technology would require the necessary government approvals because of MTCR-related restrictions.
The achievement is significant for India’s broader push towards defence self-reliance. Developing the JT Cooler domestically could reduce dependence on imported components while giving Indian industry an opportunity to participate in specialised global defence supply chains. Techno Defence operates as a joint venture with Technocraft Industries (India) Limited. Its work has also involved DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat, bringing together private-sector manufacturing expertise and government research capabilities.
The project illustrates how a relatively small engineering team, supported by indigenous suppliers and government-backed funding, was able to develop a sophisticated component for missile systems. It also highlights the potential of India’s private defence sector to address complex technological requirements and eventually compete in specialised international markets. With initiatives such as the Technology Development Fund encouraging collaboration between DRDO and private companies, developments like the JT Cooler could play an increasingly important role in expanding India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and technological independence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said he was “always” under pressure from Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge while rejecting Kharge’s demand to raise allegations of theft of donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Radhakrishnan said he would not allow state-related matters to be raised in the House, noting that he had also stopped Treasury bench members from discussing the Jharkhand issue. Responding to Kharge’s claim that the Chair was under government pressure, Radhakrishnan said, “They (Treasury benches) never pressure me. You are always pressuring me.” Amid continued Opposition protests and disruptions, the Rajya Sabha was later adjourned until 2 pm.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Only weeks after basking in the success of the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is now facing growing pressure over his position. Infantino has apologised for his controversial proposal to sell the World Cup, but the apology has failed to stop calls for him to step down. The plan has sparked widespread criticism, raising fresh questions about his leadership and whether this latest controversy could prove too damaging. Why did the proposal trigger such a strong backlash, and could it ultimately bring Infantino’s FIFA presidency to an end? Sport reporter Jack Snape joins host Reged Ahmad to examine the growing crisis surrounding the FIFA chief and what could happen next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most popular new tech products, with reports suggesting that more than seven million pairs were sold in 2025. Supporters praise the glasses for making photography and accessibility more convenient, but the technology has also sparked privacy concerns. Critics have dubbed them “pervert glasses,” while some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, have reportedly banned customers from using the devices on their premises.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Every Wednesday and Friday throughout August, we’re revisiting some of the standout audio long reads from 2026, giving listeners another chance to experience stories they may have missed. Each feature is accompanied by a note from our editorial team explaining why it earned a place among this year’s highlights. This edition revisits a story first published in February, chronicling one writer’s decades-long search for answers to a mysterious illness before finally receiving a diagnosis. The piece also explores whether techniques aimed at retraining the brain could offer a path toward recovery.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
