MUMBAI: A passenger bound for Saudi Arabia was apprehended by Indigo Airlines security staff at Mumbai airport. The individual, identified as Mohammed Ammruddin (42) from Delhi, was arrested for smoking a beedi (cigarette) in the lavatory of an Indigo flight.
The incident occurred during a Delhi-Mumbai flight while the aircraft was enroute from Delhi to Mumbai.
“The suspect, who was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to Dubai for a job, was apprehended by vigilant security personnel during an onboard check after the flight landed at Mumbai’s international airport at around 4.30 pm,” stated a police officer from the Sahar police station.
The alert security officer detected smoke in the lavatory after the suspect had left the area. Upon arrival in Mumbai, the suspect was detained by the cabin crew. The individual claimed to have successfully passed through security checks at Delhi airport by concealing the beedi and lighter in his pants pocket.
The Sahar police have charged him under the Indian Penal Code section for endangering lives and the Aircraft Act. The suspect, who was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to Saudi Arabia for a job, was barred from boarding the flight.
Indian security agencies have intercepted a Pakistan-bound ship from China at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port over suspicions of a ‘dual-use consignment’ intended for Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile program. Among the items seized was a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine manufactured by an Italian company. A team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also inspected the consignment.
The interception took place based on intelligence input, leading customs officials to halt the Malta-flagged merchant ship, CMA CGM Attila, en route to Karachi on January 23 at the port. The consignment, including the CNC machine, underwent scrutiny by DRDO, which certified its potential use in manufacturing critical parts for Pakistan’s missile development program.
There have been concerns regarding Pakistan’s potential exploitation of China as a conduit to acquire restricted items from Europe and the US while masking identities to evade detection.
Documents such as bills of loading indicated the consigner as “Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd” and the consignee as “Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd” of Sialkot. However, further investigation revealed that the 22,180-kilogram consignment was shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd, intended for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan.
Port officials, acting on specific intelligence, alerted Indian defence authorities, leading to the inspection and subsequent seizure of the cargo. This seizure falls within the purview of preventing potential proliferation by Pakistan and China.
CNC machines, operated by computers, offer enhanced efficiency, consistency, and accuracy, making them valuable assets with applications in both civilian and military domains. Since 1996, CNC machines have been included in the Wassenaar Arrangement—an international arms control regime aimed at curbing the proliferation of equipment with dual civilian and military uses. India, among the 42 member countries, actively participates in exchanging information on transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies.
And therefore, Indian port officials have previously seized similar dual-use military-grade items being shipped from China to Pakistan. In February 2020, China attempted to supply an autoclave to Pakistan under the guise of an “industrial dryer.”
Moreover, Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defence supplier, has been under scrutiny since March 12, 2022, when Indian authorities intercepted a shipment of Italian-made thermoelectric instruments, once again at the Nhava Sheva port.
Furthermore, in June 2023, the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies—General Technology Limited (autoclave supplier to Pakistan), Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company—for their involvement in supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.
Avtar Saini, renowned for his contributions to the development of Intel microprocessors, including the Pentium, tragically lost his life on Wednesday in Navi Mumbai after being hit by a speeding cab while cycling.
The former India country head of Intel, Avtar Saini, passed away after a fatal collision with a speeding cab while cycling in Navi Mumbai. The police have initiated an FIR in the case and issued a notice to the taxi driver, Hrishikesh Khade.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 5:50 am on Wednesday when Saini, aged 68, was cycling alongside others on Palm Beach Road in Nerul. The cab struck Saini’s bicycle from behind, and despite attempts to flee, the driver was caught with the cycle’s frame wedged beneath the vehicle’s front wheels.
Saini was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, confirmed a police officer.
Gokul V Subramaniam, President of Intel India, expressed condolences on social media, stating, “At Intel, we are saddened by the demise of former country manager & director Intel South Asia, Avtar Saini. Avtar played a key role in setting up Intel R&D center in India. He had an illustrious career at Intel from 1982 to 2004 during which he was instrumental in the design of several processors.”
Residing in Chembur, Saini was lauded for his work on Intel 386 and 486 microprocessors, along with leading the design of the Pentium processor.
The police have filed an FIR against the cab driver under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act, including 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by rash or negligent act), and 304-A (causing death by negligence).
Saini’s tragic demise echoes another incident less than a year ago when runner Rajalakshmi Vijay suffered a similar fate while cycling on Worli Sea Face.
Bollywood power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have officially announced their pregnancy, with their first child expected to arrive in September. Deepika, currently in her second trimester, took to Instagram to share the joyous news. Earlier this year, her radiant presence at the 77th BAFTA red carpet, adorned in a dazzling gold saree, ignited speculation about her pregnancy.
Congratulations pour in for the beloved Bollywood duo, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. After months of swirling pregnancy rumors, the couple has confirmed the imminent arrival of their bundle of joy!
On February 29th, Ranveer and Deepika posted on Instagram, unveiling the happy revelation. Their straightforward post, adorned with adorable baby items, disclosed that they will be embracing parenthood for the first time come September of this year.
Deepika is currently enjoying her second trimester, and the announcement triggered an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Vikram Massey exclaimed, “OMGGGGGGG!!!! Bahut bahut shubhkamnaen aap dono ko!!!” while Kriti Sanon chimed in with, “Omg!!!! Congratulations you two!!!”
Speculation surrounding Deepika’s pregnancy gained traction following her stunning appearance at the 77th BAFTA red carpet. Draped in a resplendent gold saree, she effortlessly concealed her baby bump, sparking curiosity among fans. Intriguingly, earlier this year, Deepika had opened up about her aspirations for motherhood in an interview with Vogue Singapore, stating, “Absolutely. Ranveer and I love children. We look forward to the day when we will start our own family.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, the actress added, “When I meet the people I have grown up with—my aunts, uncles, family friends—they always mention how I haven’t changed one bit. That says a lot about our upbringing. In this industry, it’s easy to get carried away by fame and money. But no one treats me like a celebrity at home. I am a daughter and a sister first. I don’t want that to change. My family keeps me grounded and Ranveer and I hope to inculcate the same values in our children.”
Tata Memorial Centre’s (TMC) Groundbreaking research reveals the effectiveness of low-dose Olanzapine in alleviating chemotherapy-induced vomiting, offering hope for improved cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
A recent study conducted at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, has uncovered a cost-effective approach to managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting, a common side effect faced by cancer patients undergoing treatment.
The study, carried out at India’s largest cancer facility, TMC, suggests that a low dose of Olanzapine (2.5 mg) can effectively control vomiting triggered by chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Chemotherapy, an essential aspect of cancer treatment, often leads to nausea and vomiting. While Olanzapine, an antipsychotic medication, has shown efficacy in mitigating these side effects, the standard dosage (10 mg) is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, limiting its widespread use.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Professor of Medical Oncology at TMC and the lead researcher, highlights the significance of this discovery. Cancer-induced nausea frequently results in extended periods of sleep, disrupting patients’ daily lives, including work and school commitments. Dr. Bajpai emphasized in an interview with The Sunday Express that excessive daytime sleepiness poses challenges to productivity, attendance, and finances as patients struggle to meet employment and academic obligations.
To address this issue, the research team pursued innovative methods to mitigate these adverse effects. A large-scale Phase 3 trial evaluated the efficacy of low-dose Olanzapine (2.5 mg) compared to the standard dose (10 mg) over a 4-day period, alongside standard anti-vomiting drugs with reduced steroid content at TMC, Homi Bhabha National Institute.
The trial, conducted from February 9, 2021, to May 30, 2023, involved 267 patients aged 13–75 years undergoing chemotherapy, particularly those on regimens known to induce nausea and vomiting in solid tumor patients.
The primary objective was to compare the two groups for “complete control,” indicating no vomiting, no requirement for rescue medications, and either no or mild nausea throughout the 0–120 hours phase. The secondary safety objective focused on assessing daytime sleepiness.
Results revealed that 45% of patients in the 2.5 mg Olanzapine group achieved complete control, compared to 44% in the 10.0 mg group, demonstrating the non-inferiority of the 2.5 mg regimen. The marginal 1.0% difference indicates that the 2.5 mg treatment is equally effective as the 10.0 mg one.
Dr. Bajpai highlights this 1% difference as a favorable outcome for the lower dose, showcasing its non-inferiority. Published in the Lancet Oncology, the research paper suggests that low-dose Olanzapine not only exhibits equal efficiency in controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting but is also associated with fewer side effects, including reduced daytime sleepiness.
This cost-effective breakthrough holds transformative potential for global healthcare, providing relief to countless patients grappling with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The reduction in daytime sleepiness is particularly noteworthy, making low-dose Olanzapine a promising option for enhancing patients’ quality of life during cancer treatment. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to explore its applicability in conditions requiring steroid restriction, such as diabetes and other immunocompromised situations.
Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital Introduces ₹100 Tablets as Cost-Effective Solution for Chemotherapy.
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani recently shared fresh photos from their mehendi ceremony, delighting fans with their coordinated attire. Rakul stunned in a pink, golden, and saffron lehenga, paired with traditional jewelry, while Jackky opted for a pink and golden kurta, jacket, and trousers, complemented by stylish sunglasses.
In the captivating pictures, the couple exuded joy and love as they posed together and enjoyed candid moments amidst the festivities. From sweet embraces to lively dance shots with petals raining down, each snapshot captured the essence of their special day.
Expressing gratitude for the memorable occasion, Rakul and Jackky penned a heartfelt note in their Instagram post, thanking the designers for their stunning outfits and the photographer for beautifully capturing the mood of the event.
Their wedding, held in a private ceremony in Goa on February 21, was attended by close family and friends, including notable Bollywood personalities like Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Shilpa Shetty. Following their nuptials, the couple plans to embark on their honeymoon after the release of the much-anticipated film “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.”
As they embrace this new chapter in their lives, Rakul and Jackky continue to shine in their respective careers. Rakul is set to star in “Indian 2” alongside Kamal Haasan, while Jackky eagerly awaits the release of “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.
Pankaj Udhas, the celebrated ghazal and playback singer, breathed his last at the age of 72 on Monday (February 26, 2024) following a prolonged illness. His daughter took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news with his fans.
The veteran artist, honored with the Padma Shri, passed away at 11 am in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for some time. The Udhas family conveyed the sad news to his admirers, revealing that the singer had been battling a prolonged illness.
In an official statement shared on Instagram, Pankaj Udhas’s daughter, Nayaab, expressed deep sorrow over her father’s demise. “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness,” the statement read.
The mortal remains of Pankaj Udhas are currently at Breach Candy Hospital, and the last rites will be conducted tomorrow. He is survived by his two daughters, Nayaab and Rewa Udhas. Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam also expressed his condolences on Instagram, mourning the loss of the veteran singer.
As we bid farewell to this legendary singer, let us cherish the memories of his beautiful voice and soul-stirring ghazals. Pankaj Udhas may have departed from this world, but his music will continue to resonate in our hearts. Some of his famous compositions include ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’, ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Tera’, ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo’, ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar’, and ‘Aaj Jinke Kareeb Hote Hai’.
Urvashi Rautela recently celebrated her birthday, and Honey Singh surprised her with a gold cake worth ₹3 crore as a gift. Urvashi Rautela, known for her looks and dance moves in Bollywood, often trends on social media with her photos. She celebrated her 30th birthday on February 25 with much pomp and show, sharing viral pictures of the celebration on social media. Rapper Honey Singh presented her with a special gift on her birthday: a gold cake.
Urvashi’s birthday cake has created quite a buzz on social media. Many were taken aback seeing a cake made of gold. Initially, fans thought it was a simple cake dusted with gold, but when Honey Singh revealed its value, everyone was astonished. It’s a 24-carat gold cake.
Honey Singh disclosed in a statement that the cake is indeed made of 24-carat gold. In his statement to a free journal, he said, “I wanted to make this special occasion even more memorable. I gifted her a cake worth ₹3 crore. I wanted to make this cake-cutting moment memorable, so that people remember someone did something special for their co-star. She’s very talented and deserves this kind of treatment.”
Urvashi shared photos of her cake-cutting celebration on social media, where she looked stunning in a red gown. She captioned the photos, “Birthday celebration on the set of
Luvdose 2.” Users are having fun with her post, wondering whether to eat the cake or preserve it, considering it’s made of 24-carat gold. One user commented, “Is it for eating or keeping, since it’s 24-carat gold?” Another simply wrote, “Golden cake.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a unique initiative by traveling from Ghatkopar railway station to Kalyan railway station via local train on Saturday. Along the journey, she experienced the daily commute of millions of Mumbaikars. Photos and videos of her journey were shared on social media platforms.
Upon reaching Kalyan railway station, Sitharaman was welcomed by Central Minister of Panchayati Raj Kapil Patel. The shared videos and photos depict her surrounded by commuters. She took selfies and engaged in conversations with fellow passengers. The co-passengers seemed delighted to have the Finance Minister among them.
In the videos, Sitharaman can be seen smiling and conversing with commuters, addressing their queries and concerns. She also discussed the steps being taken by the government to address various issues faced by the commuters.
The videos and photos shared on social media platforms have received widespread praise. People are commending Nirmala Sitharaman’s initiative, stating that it will bridge the gap between leaders and
the common public. Many have praised her understanding of people’s problems and her efforts to
address them.
One user on social media requested the Finance Minister to extend the age limit for jobs in the banking sector. Some users raised issues related to overcrowding and infrastructure in the suburban railway network, highlighting them during the journey. This initiative follows Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s local train journey in 2022.
The annual meeting of The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association convened under the chairmanship of Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar at the prestigious Aravali Golf Club, NIT, Faridabad. The gathering witnessed the culmination of significant deliberations, reflecting the association’s commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
President of MPTPA, Satish Sharma, shed light on the challenges encountered due to the pandemic-induced hiatus but emphasized the renewed resolve to support stakeholders within the Indian cinema fraternity. He reiterated the association’s core mission of facilitating direct or indirect engagement of cinema producers with the mainstream, thereby fostering the seamless development of Indian cinema.
A poignant tribute was paid to the late Shri Rajesh Dua, the esteemed first General Secretary of the association. Recognized for his contributions to both television and theater, Mr. Dua’s legacy as an actor and director continues to resonate within the industry.
In a unanimous decision, Shri Chandan Mehta, a versatile actor, director, and producer, assumed the mantle of General Secretary. Mr. Mehta’s rich experience, coupled with his leadership at esteemed film festivals, promises to invigorate the association’s endeavors. Additionally, Shri Nafe Singh, a seasoned film producer with a background in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was appointed Vice President.
Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar, esteemed for his tenure as the City Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, assumed the role of media in-charge, bringing a wealth of experience to the association’s communications strategy.
The meeting also heralded the commencement of member registration activities, opening avenues for film producers nationwide to engage with the association’s initiatives. Notable attendees included Mr. Naresh Gupta, serving as Cashier and Owner of Triumph Auto Faridabad, Mr. Rakesh Roshan Roy, a prominent journalist, and distinguished members.
The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association reaffirms its commitment to championing the interests of Indian cinema and looks forward to a future marked by collaboration, innovation, and growth.
