Latest news with #ANI
Economic Times
7 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
No interviews, no promotions for Saiyaara's Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday. YRF explains why
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads About Saiyaara Saiyaara has turned out to be a box office juggernaut no one saw coming. Released just 11 days ago, this romantic drama starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has smashed expectations, soaring past the Rs 400 crore mark worldwide. That makes it the highest-grossing love story of the year so far, even eclipsing giants like Kabir Singh (Rs 379 crore) and Sitaare Zameen Par (Rs 264 crore). For a film led by newcomers, that's nothing short of remarkable. The movie has achieved milestones, despite no interviews or promotional activities by the debutant actors- Aneet Padda and Ahaan took a huge risk with its marketing. In an interview with ANI, Akshaye Widhani, the producer of YRF, shared the promotion strategy of Saiyaara. He said that the studio chose to keep the lead pair completely out of the spotlight before release—no interviews, no social media blitz, no typical promotions. Widhani revealed that the idea was locked early on. 'We had full confidence in Mohit", and he further added that they did not want the actors to be judged based on Instagram reels or media appearances. Instead, they wanted the audience to experience the actors for the first time on the big screen. The approach was unconventional—and risky—but it worked. Today, the numbers speak louder than any press tour by Mohit Suri, the film follows the story of Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician, and Vaani Batra, a shy poet, whose paths intertwine in unexpectedly tender ways. Featuring fresh faces Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film released on 18 July 2025 and quickly won over audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its heartfelt performances, direction, and evocative story behind Saiyaara's success is almost as cinematic as the film itself. It all began with a chance meeting at a temple between YRF's creative producer Sumana Ghosh and director Mohit Suri. That brief interaction set the wheels in motion. Once the script came in, the studio instantly knew they had something special. For Yash Raj Films, known for crafting timeless love stories, this felt like the perfect fit. They were clear from the start—they wanted to back a soulful romance, and Saiyaara delivered just that.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
US sanctions 6 Indian firms over Iran oil trade, $220 million in deals under scrutiny
The US government has imposed sanctions on six Indian companies accused of importing and marketing Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The sanctions, announced by the US Department of State on Wednesday, are part of a larger global move targeting 20 entities involved in Iran's oil trade. 'These companies have collectively imported tens of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian-origin petrochemicals,' the State Department said, adding that such transactions 'generate billions of dollars in illicit funds for Iran's destabilising activities.' The US said in its statement, the Iranian regime 'continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East to fund its destabilizing activities." It added, 'Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism abroad, as well as to oppress its own people." Who's been named? As reported by ANI, at the top of the list is Alchemical Solutions Private Limited . According to the US, the firm imported more than USD 84 million worth of Iranian petrochemical goods between January and December 2024. Global Industrial Chemicals Limited is alleged to have acquired Iranian methanol and other substances valued above USD 51 million from July 2024 to January 2025. Jupiter Dye Chem Private Limited reportedly imported over USD 49 million worth of Iranian-origin products, including toluene, in the same period. Ramniklal S Gosalia and Company is accused of sourcing methanol and toluene from Iran, amounting to more than USD 22 million. Persistent Petrochem Private Limited allegedly brought in roughly USD 14 million worth of methanol between October and December 2024. Kanchan Polymers, though on the lower end, is said to have imported over USD 1.3 million worth of polyethylene from Iran, with some shipments reportedly facilitated by Tanais Way General Trading LLC, based in the UAE. What the sanctions mean The action freezes any assets these firms hold in the United States or under US control. American citizens and companies are now banned from doing business with them. The restrictions also apply to any firm in which the sanctioned entities have a 50 per cent or greater stake. 'All property and interests in the property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked,' the State Department said in its official release. 'All related transactions are now prohibited without specific authorisation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).' The sanctions also cover foreign intermediaries. For example, Bab Al Barsha Trading LLC in the UAE, which worked with Persistent Petrochem, has also been sanctioned. Why this action matters This move is part of what the US calls its 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran. The strategy focuses on disrupting what Washington terms the "shadow fleet"—a complex network of ships, traders, and brokers helping Iran export oil and petrochemical products under the radar. American officials argue that oil revenues help fund groups and activities that destabilise the Middle East. 'The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behaviour,' the US State Department said. India's trade history with Iran India has had longstanding trade relations with Iran, especially in oil. However, following previous rounds of US sanctions in 2019, India significantly reduced its imports from the country. Despite this, business links have persisted, sometimes through intermediaries or indirect routes. The latest sanctions reflect Washington's intent to crack down not only on Iran but also on any entity enabling its oil trade—regardless of location. The US Treasury's enforcement sweep wasn't limited to Indian companies. Firms based in Turkey, China, Indonesia, and the UAE were also named. Several of these have ties to India. Cora Lines Inc., for instance, is a subsidiary of Teodor Shipping L.L.C., a UAE-based company controlled by an Indian national. It too has been sanctioned. The Indian companies named have yet to release official responses. However, the US has left a path open. Firms wishing to challenge their designation can file petitions with the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. As per the State Department's guidance, sanctioned parties may be removed from the Specially Designated Nationals list if they can prove they no longer engage in restricted activities. For now, the sanctions remain in place. The message from Washington is clear: any breach of Iran-related trade restrictions, direct or indirect, won't go unnoticed.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Heavy rain lashes Delhi-NCR causes waterlogging & traffic; IMD issues alert till August 5, airlines issues advisories
NEW DELHI: Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi-NCR early on Thursday, leading to major problems, including waterlogged roads, traffic congestion, and disruption to daily routines in several key areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rain is expected to continue until 5 August. — ANI (@ANI) You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Areas such as South East, East, Shahdara, Central, North East, South, New Delhi, South West, West, North West, and North Delhi may experience more rain and thunderstorms. This could cause repeated traffic issues and waterlogged roads. The rainfall has helped reduce pollution levels in the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), July 2025 recorded the cleanest air in Delhi in over 10 years. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 79. Airlines also issued travel advisories for passengers. Indigo also issues advisory for flyers SpiceJet posted on X, "Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via ."
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Oppn continues targeting govt over Pahalgam attack
New Delhi Opposition lawmakers in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday continued to question the government on the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 and Operation Sindoor, the military offensive launched against Pakistan in its wake, seeking explanations on how terrorists infiltrated into the federal territory and why intelligence authorities failed to detect them. Opposition MPs protest in Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (ANI PHOTO) Prominent lawmaker Kapil Sibal, an independent, said the government needed to answer the air force's concerns made in public about the paucity of fighter jets and equipment, which, he said, compromised the country's military capabilities. 'I will only talk of data. We are having this discussion so that there won't be another attack like Pahalgam and whether we have enough power to destroy Pakistan. In October 2024, air chief marshal Amar Preet Singh addressed the air force's declining squadron strength, which had reached 31, the lowest since 1965,' Sibal said. Sibal cited the air chief as saying that 'we are committed to fighting with whatever we have' and said: 'This is the state of our air force.' The MP also sought the government's answers to the air chief's statement last year, in which he said 'at the moment, we're badly off in terms of numbers'. Questioning the country's defence preparedness, Sibal said India's Rafale jets were '4.5 generation' fighters. 'China has announced launching a sixth-generation fighter in 2025 while we are looking for a fifth-generation aircraft in 2035.' Home minister Amit Shah had reviewed the security situation of Jammu and Kashmir in April but he didn't invite the Union Territory's chief minister Omar Abdullah, Sibal said. Slamming the government, Manoj Jha of the Rashtriya Janata Dal said the Pahalgam terror attack was a 'collective pain' but 'national unity should not become a shield to protect the government from valid criticism'. Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response in the lower house on Tuesday, Jha wondered why Modi said he would 'represent India' in his speech. 'One represents India in international forums. The PM should have represented the government. Questions are being asked of the government, not of Bharat Mata (mother India).' The Opposition MPs spoke during an ongoing discussion in Parliament on Operation Sindoor. Responding to the discussion in the lower house on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said no world leader had forced India to stop its military campaign against Pakistan as Opposition lawmakers sought answers on President Trump's repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire using trade as a lever. In response to the attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed, India launched what it called precision air strikes to destroy terror bases in Pakistan. The Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray's Sanjay Raut said the government should have at least rescued Kulbhushan Jhadav, an Indian national held by Pakistan on charges of spying, during Operation Sindoor. 'The question is who will take responsibility for the loss of lives in Pahalgam? Will it be (Jawaharlal) Nehru or Trump? Nehru doesn't let the BJP live or sleep.' Lawmaker Javed Ali Khan of the Samajwadi Party said instead of a discussion on Operation Sindoor, there should have been a discussion on the security lapses that led to the Pahalgam terror attack. 'The government has named several nations, saying all of them supported India's actions. The truth is that they have only condemned the Pahalgam terror attack but no country in the world has named Pakistan,' he said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan compares multiplexes with 5-star hotels amid ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' YouTube release: "Until you don't have a certain level of economic earnings..'
Aamir Khan Aamir Khan , or as they call him, the 'perfectionist,' recently started a conversation regarding the affordability of multiplexes ahead of 'Sitaare Zameen Par' YouTube release. The actor-producer got candid about the economics of multiplexes and decoded why they cost heavy for a cinephile. He also expressed his concern over the matter and shared his vision on making movies easily accessible for cinema lovers. The adorability of multiplexes The 'Sitaare Zameen Par' star spoke not just about the high ticket price, but also the cost of food and beverages in multiplexes. While speaking to ANI, he shared, 'I think multiplexes have been made since 2005-2006. And because of that, their investments are so heavy. The rent they pay in big cities is very high. And the kind of convenience they give in multiplexes. It is very posh and high-level, and thus the cost of those things increases. The cost of tickets increases. The cost of food and drinks also increases.' Further, comparing multiplexes with high-end luxury hotels, he continued, 'It is like when you go to a 5-star hotel. You will get the same tea at a very low price. In a 5-star hotel, you will get it at a very high price. Because in a 5-star hotel, they are giving you more facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World's Most Stunning Blue Flag Beaches Ranked: Top 25 List! Read More Undo They are giving you a 5-star environment." He added, "Most of the multiplexes. I won't say every multiplex. But most of the multiplexes have become very posh. Until you don't have a certain level of economic earnings, you won't be able to go there.' 'Sitaare Zameen Par' YouTube release Aamir Khan announced that 'Sitaare Zameen Par' will debut on the official YouTube channel of Aamir Khan Talkies starting August 1, following a pay-per-view format. The actor says the model that he has made addresses the affordability factor of multiplexes. 'The people who can't afford such a posh environment (multiplex). They are my audience. I want to reach them. In this way, every person can enjoy the cinema. They can enjoy the cinema of their choice," he shared.
