2016 - the year of biopics in Bollywood with cricketers ruling

2016 has been the year of biopics in Bollywood with six of them released in the year - two of them are on great Indian cricketers Mohammad Azharuddin and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Azhar (13th May) - lead role of Mohammad Azharuddin played by Bollywood’s “serial kisser” Emraan Hashmi.
Dhoni: The Untold Story (30 September) - it is based on the life of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Sushant Singh Rajput is in the title role and the film that is directed by ‘A Wednesday’ director Neeraj Pandey. This film has made it to the long list of 336 feature films eligible for the Oscars. Criteria for this nomination to the 2016 Academy Awards list is that the feature films must have played in a commercial theater in Los Angeles County between January 1 and December 31 for at least seven consecutive days. It must also have a running time of more than 40 minutes.

Other biopics of 2016 are -
Neerja (19th February) - based on the life of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life to save passengers of the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. The film, directed by Ram Madhvani, has Sonam Kapoor in the title role
Sarbjit (19th May) - this is another biopic by ‘Mary Kom’ director Omung Kumar. It is based on the life and struggle of Sarabjit Singh and his family. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays the role of Sarabjit’s sister, Dalbir Kaur, from whose perspective the story is told. This is also in the Oscars list
Dangal (23 December)- Aamir Khan plays the role of Indian professional wrestler and Olympic coach Mahavir Singh Phogat


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Drone delivers hot food items and cold beverages to customers' homes in the US

18th rhino killed in Kaziranga - this exceeds the figures of last year

Christmas in Delhi - fancy Santa hats from China sell for Rs 400 a piece


Moody in silent mode over black money (satire)

Didi upbeat about Christmas tourism (satire)

Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga discuss swipe machines (satire)


London Police deputes anti-terrorism patrol units under Operation Servator

Australian police foil a IS terror plot targeting Melbourne during Christmas

12 persons killed as truck ploughs into Christmas shoppers in Berlin


Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame stops breathing on board a non-stop London-Los Angeles flight

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend

Glastonbury Festival could shift from Somerset to a new location towards the Midlands

Pop superstar George Michael (53) dies of suspected of heart failure

Pop superstar George Michael died of suspected heart failure at the age of 53. He had shot to fame as the front man of Wham! in the 1980s and passed away peacefully at his home in Oxfordshire. His manager has said that the cause of his death was heart failure.,br> The police have said that at this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and, a post-mortem will be undertaken to establish the cause.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 26 December 2016.

George Michael's real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou and his hits included Club Tropicana, I'm Your Man, Freedom and Last Christmas as a part of Wham! As a solo artist his UK number ones included Careless Whisper, Jesus To A Child and Fastlove and, he sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career that spanned nearly four decades.
Sir Elton John said he was "in deep shock" at Michael's death. The two of them had collaborated on a rendition of Elton's classic Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, released in 1992.
Incidentally, Michael gave away huge sums to charity, including all the royalties from the 1996 number one Jesus to a Child.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Drone delivers hot food items and cold beverages to customers' homes in the US

18th rhino killed in Kaziranga - this exceeds the figures of last year

Christmas in Delhi - fancy Santa hats from China sell for Rs 400 a piece


Moody in silent mode over black money (satire)

Didi upbeat about Christmas tourism (satire)

Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga discuss swipe machines (satire)


London Police deputes anti-terrorism patrol units under Operation Servator

Australian police foil a IS terror plot targeting Melbourne during Christmas

12 persons killed as truck ploughs into Christmas shoppers in Berlin


Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame stops breathing on board a non-stop London-Los Angeles flight

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend

Glastonbury Festival could shift from Somerset to a new location towards the Midlands

Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame stops breathing on board a non-stop London-Los Angeles flight

Carrie Fisher (60) of Star Wars fame suffered a massive heart attack and stopped breathing for 10-munutes while on board an 11-hour transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles. Her daughter Billie Lourd (24) rushed to her bedside as Carrie battles for her life in intensive care.
Carrie Fisher has been put on ventilator.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 24 December 2016.

Prior to landing at LAX, the pilot of United Airlines Flight 935 had informed the control tower that passengers aboard the plane were helping an 'unresponsive passenger,' but did not name who it was. Fortunately, one of the passengers, a trained nurse, rushed to the aid of Fisher who is best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise.
She had shed 35 lbs before playing Princess Leia in last year's Star Wars film, The Force Awakens.
Carrie's medical emergency occurred about 15 minutes before landing and it is understood that paramedics worked on her for another 15 minutes before they were able to get a pulse. She was traveling home for Christmas after having spent the last few weeks promoting her new memoir, called The Princess Dairies.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Aamir Khan's Dangal expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend

Aamir Khan's latest film Dangal has collected Rs 29.78 crore in box office collection on the first day of its release and is expected to cross Rs 100 crore in first weekend itself. In spite of demonetisation, this film is the first one which has managed to escape its effects.
The movie is inspired by real-life wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat’s life and, apart from Aamir Khan, the other stars are Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sheikh, and Sanya Malhotra.
This has been reported in indianexpress.com dated 24 December 2016.

The film is soaring high with all appreciation and love that it is getting from the audience. It witnessed around 75% plus occupancy during morning shows, which is terrific. Not just India, the film is doing well in the international circuit as well. After its first day showing in US, Middle East and UK, the film had earned Rs 7.81 crore and has opened well in Australia and New Zealand.
Dangal has been released on 4300 screens in the domestic market and on 1000 screens in the overseas market. The film has got the widest release in North America, UAE-GCC, UK and Australia.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Glastonbury Festival could shift from Somerset to a new location towards the Midlands

Michael Eavis (81), the founder of Glastonbury Festival has indicated that the festival could be shifted to a new location to give its current location in Somerset a rest. Mr Eavis runs the event with his daughter Emily at Worthy Farm and he has said that he has found another site "100 miles up towards the Midlands" that could be used in 2019.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 20 December 2016.

The festival attracts more than 170,000 music fans and, it will be held at its usual location in Pilton in 2017, with Radiohead the first band confirmed to headline. The event will take a year off in 2018 and, in 2019, could move to the new location.
Michael Eavis has said that he was considering the move in order to help protect the main site at his farm. He has also added that he would be reluctant to see the festival move permanently because it would be a huge loss for Somerset if it went out of that place forever.
The alternate site he has in mind is located about 100 miles up towards the Midlands.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Sylvester Stallone not interested to work in Donald Trump administration

Sylvester Stallone, the Rocky and Rambo star, has indicated that while he was flattered by the possibility of working in Donald Trump's incoming administration, he is not interested. He would rather help military veterans.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 19 December 2016.

There were reports in the media that 70-year-old Stallone had been approached about a possible top arts-related position in the Trump administration, possibly to head the National Endowment for the Arts. It seems no formal offer had been put up but there were "overtures".
However, the Rambo star has said that he felt he could be more effective if he tried to bring national attention to returning military personnel so that they can find gainful employment, suitable housing and financial assistance which these heroes deserve. Of course, he has not elaborated on how he would go about his mission.
The National Endowment for Arts is an independent federal agency that offers support and funding for projects in the art and, Donald Trump has recently had meetings with other celebrities that included Leonardo DiCaprio and Kanye West.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - makes history with $155m in estimated weekend ticket sales

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story makes history with $155m in estimated weekend ticket sales - the movie has scored the second-best December opening in history and is one of the top debuts in history. It is the latest installment of the intergalactic adventure and it opened at number one in all markets globally. It has yet to open in China and Korea.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 19 December 2016.

In the opinion of media experts, it will be really hard for any movie to catch up to this movie because this is only the second time a movie has opened this big in December. The record-setter was Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This was the space saga's seventh installment and it debuted to £199m in the US and Canada last December.
It is expected that like its predecessor The Force Awakens did in 2015, Rogue One could top the box office for the rest of the year.
Rogue One is set before the events of the original 1977 Star Wars and has Felicity Jones and Diego Luna as leaders of a rebel faction that steals plans for its imperial enemy's master weapon, the Death Star.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Pakistan lifts ban on Indian movies - first movie will be Nawazuddin Siddiqui's "Freaky Ali"

Pakistani cinemas have finally lifted the ban on Bollywood movies that had been imposed after relations between New Delhi and Islamabad fell to a new low following tensions on the border and terrorist attacks. It is now revealed that the cinemas will start screening Indian movies and the first movie to be screened will be actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's "Freaky Ali".
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 18 December 2016.

It may be recalled that the managements of Pakistani cinemas had, on September 30, announced indefinite suspension of screening of all Bollywood movies. It was in protest against the ban of Pakistani artists in India. These artists were banned in India after an attack on an Army base in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir in which at least 19 soldiers were killed.
It is understood that the cinema owners will first screen movies that could not be screened due to the suspension of Indian content. The decision to lifted the suspension was as a cinema guild. It has been taken to extend support to the Indian cinemas and expect the gesture to be reciprocated.
Bollywood is popular in Pakistan, and the self-imposed suspension is believed to have led to a dramatic loss of revenue. Indian movies had made a comeback to Pakistani cinema houses in 2008 following a 43-year long hiatus after a ban imposed during the 1965 war.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Squirrels of Seattle, Boston and Toronto are stealing Christmas light bulbs

Petrol tanker crashes into other vehicles in Kenya - leaves at least 30 dead

Qantas to fly non-stop from Perth to London in 17 and a half hours


Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination


Suicide bomber kills at least 49 people in a military camp in Aden

US estimates that active ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria have dropped considerably

Syrian forces shoot dead 82 Aleppo civilians in their homes

Julia Roberts of 'Pretty Woman' fame to star in her first TV series

Julia Roberts will appear in a TV adaptation of Maria Semple's novel Today Will Be Different - the novel was published in September. It is the story of a woman named Eleanor Flood who draws up plans to have the best day of her life, but wakes up to discover a strange new future unfolding.
This has been reported in bbc.com dated 16 December 2016.

Maria Semple, the author, will write the mini-series herself and Julia Roberts's own company Red Om Films will produce it. It may be recalled that Roberts has earlier appeared as a guest star in TV shows like Friends and Law & Order. However, Today Will Be Different will be her first lead role in a series.
It has not yet been confirmed which network will broadcast the show.
Julia Roberts had won an Oscar for best actress in 2001 for her role in Erin Brockovich and has been star of films that include Notting Hill, Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org
Use of wild animals banned in 21 circuses in Kolkata

Giraffes may soon vanish from the face of the Earth

Book comes back to the library after 130-years


Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)

Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga discuss swipe machines (satire)


Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh sees more footfalls of Indians rather than foreigners

Legendary Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday

Spider-Man: Homecoming - first trailer released


Two schoolgirls turn suicide bombers and kill 56 in a Nigerian market

All is not well in Europe - 1750 ISIS jihadists have returned to carry out attacks

Anonymous caller threatens terror attack in Los Angeles near a Hollywood theme park

Meryl Streep creates history with her 30th Golden Globes nomination

Meryl Streep recently received her 30th Golden Globes nomination for ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture.’ The 67-year-old has, thus, created history with the most number of nods. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has nominated the 'Florence Foster Jenkins’ star for the wards - she has, therefore, become the most-nominated performer in Golden Globes history in 2009.
It is thanks to her double lead actress nominations for ‘Doubt’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’ - these gave her 23 nominations and seven more since then.
This has been reported in indianexpress.com dated 13 December 2016.

Meryl Streep, The Mamma Mia star, also holds the records for most Golden Globe wins for her roles in Kramer vs. Karmer (1979), The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981), Sophie’s Choice (1982), Adaptation (2002), Angels in America (2003), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Julie & Julia (2009) and The Iron Lady (2010).
In addition, she will receive the ‘Cecil B. Demille Award’ at the ‘74th Golden Globe Award’ this year. Other contenders in the award category include Annette Bening for her role in ‘20th Century Women’, Lily Collins (Rules Don’t Apply), Hailee Steinfeld (The Edge of Seventeen) and Emma Stone (La La Land).
The movie ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ is up for ‘Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy’ - the winners will be announced on January 8, 2017, when Jimmy Fallon will host the event live on NBC.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org
Use of wild animals banned in 21 circuses in Kolkata

Giraffes may soon vanish from the face of the Earth

Book comes back to the library after 130-years


Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)

Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga discuss swipe machines (satire)


Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh sees more footfalls of Indians rather than foreigners

Legendary Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday

Spider-Man: Homecoming - first trailer released


Two schoolgirls turn suicide bombers and kill 56 in a Nigerian market

All is not well in Europe - 1750 ISIS jihadists have returned to carry out attacks

Anonymous caller threatens terror attack in Los Angeles near a Hollywood theme park

AR Rahman contender for Oscar nomination for Pele: Birth of a Legend

Indian music maestro AR Rahman has once again found a spot in the list of Oscar contenders for the year for his work on Pele: Birth of a Legend which is a movie based on the early life of legendary Brazilian footballer Pele.
A R Rahman has won Oscar for his music Slumdog Millionaire in 2009. This time around, his name features in a long list of 145 scores in contention for a nomination in the Original Score category for the 89th Academy Awards. He was lauded for his Best Original Score as also the Best Original Song Jai ho from the film Slumdog Millionaire - it had lyrics by Gulzar.
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 14 December 2016.

Ginga, his acclaimed number from the 2016 biographical film, is also in the Oscar race. It is part of the long list of 91 songs, which are competing for a spot in the final nominations for the Original Song category. Final nominations for the 89th Academy Awards will be announced on January 24 before the presentation ceremony.
The ceremony will take place on February 26 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org
Use of wild animals banned in 21 circuses in Kolkata

Giraffes may soon vanish from the face of the Earth

Book comes back to the library after 130-years


Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)

Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga discuss swipe machines (satire)


Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh sees more footfalls of Indians rather than foreigners

Legendary Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday

Spider-Man: Homecoming - first trailer released


Two schoolgirls turn suicide bombers and kill 56 in a Nigerian market

All is not well in Europe - 1750 ISIS jihadists have returned to carry out attacks

Anonymous caller threatens terror attack in Los Angeles near a Hollywood theme park

Legendary Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday

It was a grand 100th birthday celebration of legendary Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas - he celebrated it with a glass of vodka, cake with his bust and 150 friends and family at the Beverly Hills Hotel. He had with him his and wife Anne Buydens Douglas (97), his son Michael Douglas (72) and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones(47).
The birthday cake was a work of art - it was a multi-tiered affair which also featured a gold bust of the famous actor.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 10 December 2016.

Also present were Kirk's grandchildren Dylan Michael Douglas(16), and Carys Zeta Douglas (13) and there was a gathering of around 150 people.
His memorable films were Spartacus (1960) - he played the title role and the film went on to win four Oscars. He also was in the 1956 movie Lust for life. Others included From Here to Eternity, Judgment at Nuremberg, Paths of Glory etc. His doctor had told him that if he lived to be a 100, he would get to have a glass of vodka - which he did.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Make in Odisha conclave attracts investment of more than Rs 22000 crore on first day

Guwahati airport could become a major airline hub and gateway to the Southeast Asia

Patna zoo adds Chyawanprash to its menu to protect chimpanzees from cold


Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Moody hates black money and strikes at midnight (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


Ohio student stabs people with a butcher knife before being shot dead

Ukraine plans missile tests, Russia responds by sending warships to the Black Sea

London Police deputes anti-terrorism patrol units under Operation Servator


Sir Roger Moore says he could play James Bond once again

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to Hollywood star Steven Seagal

US President Barack Obama presents Medal of Freedom to Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates

Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh sees more footfalls of Indians rather than foreigners

The erstwhile 'Ashram' (camp) of the Beatles Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is located in Rishikesh and has completed one year of its reopening. During this period, it has seen more footfall of Indian tourists compared to foreign tourists.
This ashram was the spiritual camp where the Beatles of Liverpool composed over 50 songs during their stay in 1968 when members of the Beatles musical group landed in Rishikesh to create worldwide media hype.
Ringo Starr was there for 10 days, Paul McCartney for five weeks and John Lennon and George Harrison lived in the holy township, located on the banks of river Ganga, for eight weeks each - they were learning meditation.
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 8 December 2016.

At present, the Beatles 'Ashram' is under the control of Uttarakhand forest department's Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The Maharish Mahesh Yogi Ashram had been lying in complete neglect for over one decade. It was famous as Chaurasi Kutiya (84 huts) and had reopened for tourists on 8 December last year.
During these 12 months, a total of 8,634 Indian and 1,348 foreign tourists visited the giggling Guru's former ashram in Rishikesh and, by throwing the retreat for tourists, the forest department earned a revenue of Rs 19.80 Lakh in one year. The Rajaji Tiger Reserve now charges entry fee from each tourist for their visit to the 'Ashram'. The entry fee is Rs 600 for each foreign tourist and Rs 150 for Indians.
The huge number of Indians touring the place has taken the forest department by surprise. It was the place where the Fab Four composed songs of their iconic albums Abbey Road, Let it Be and The White Album.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Make in Odisha conclave attracts investment of more than Rs 22000 crore on first day

Guwahati airport could become a major airline hub and gateway to the Southeast Asia

Patna zoo adds Chyawanprash to its menu to protect chimpanzees from cold


Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Moody hates black money and strikes at midnight (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


Ohio student stabs people with a butcher knife before being shot dead

Ukraine plans missile tests, Russia responds by sending warships to the Black Sea

London Police deputes anti-terrorism patrol units under Operation Servator


Sir Roger Moore says he could play James Bond once again

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to Hollywood star Steven Seagal

US President Barack Obama presents Medal of Freedom to Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates

Spider-Man: Homecoming - first trailer released

The first trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming has been released and it sees the wall crawler team up with Tony Stark to fight Michael Keaton's flying villain. The role of teenage Peter Parker is enacted by Briton Tom Holland. He has to adapt to the his newly acquired power - and, also, the associated responsibility.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 9 December 2016.

The short trailer was released following months of speculation over the story line, villains and a rumored love interest. The movie Spider-Man: Homecoming is about a 15-year-old Parker who is recruited by the industrial-magnate-turned-hero Tony Stark AKA Iron Man.
Robert Downey Jr had been rumored to be making a cameo but it appears that he has a central role in the film. He has to educate young Spider-Man in the ways of fighting crime and simultaneously protecting his identity.
Regarding his new enemies, Batman actor Keaton returns to the comic book world as the flying villain Vulture.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is expected to hit UK cinemas on 7 July, 2017.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Make in Odisha conclave attracts investment of more than Rs 22000 crore on first day

Guwahati airport could become a major airline hub and gateway to the Southeast Asia

Patna zoo adds Chyawanprash to its menu to protect chimpanzees from cold


Lord Shiva cracks jokes and Durga fries samosas (satire)

Moody hates black money and strikes at midnight (satire)

Didi sharpens her weapons to conquer the Hindi belt (satire)


Ohio student stabs people with a butcher knife before being shot dead

Ukraine plans missile tests, Russia responds by sending warships to the Black Sea

London Police deputes anti-terrorism patrol units under Operation Servator


Sir Roger Moore says he could play James Bond once again

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to Hollywood star Steven Seagal

US President Barack Obama presents Medal of Freedom to Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates

Sir Roger Moore says he could play James Bond once again

Sir Roger Moore is now 89-years old and he has said that he could appear in another James Bond movie. Right now he is the longest serving actor to play the MI6 agent and he made the comments while interacting with an audience at the Southbank Centre in London.
He has denied receiving any offers but has not ruled out the possibility of appearing in a future Bond film in a cameo role - it would give him the opportunity to "expand the family coffers".
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 28 November 2016.

On the occasion he paid rich tribute to Daniel Craig and Sean Connery - he described them as the best actors to have filled the tuxedo of the world's most celebrated spy. In his opinion, Sean was obviously the great Bond. In his words - 'he was obviously the right person, he brought the right personality to the performance, otherwise Bond would not have gone on past the first six that he did. He was a tremendous Bond.'
As to Daniel Craig - he is quite extraordinary. Sean looked like a killer - but Daniel Craig would finish it off. He went on to add that while seeing Casino Royale, he thought that Daniel Craig did more action in the first seven minutes than he had done in seven movies.
Sir Roger Moore lamented that though he had played one of the most coveted roles in the film industry, there was one character he wished he could have played and that was of Lawrence of Arabia.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

President Pranab Mukherjee to be present for Vikramshila Mahotsav

Baliyatra fair on the banks of the Mahanadi sees over one lakh visitors on opening day

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to bury the hatchet and work together to fight terrorism


Lord Shiva and long ATM queues - bullock carts and ATM don't gel (satire)

Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)


Spanish police arrest two suspected ISIS terrorists in Barcelona and Madrid

At least 52 killed and more than 100 injured in a bomb blast at a remote Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Joint action by RFA, Royal Navy and US Coast Guard nets huge haul of cocaine from the sea


La La Land to have its Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Film Club

Jackie Chan gets an Oscar after a 56-year career

Spider-Man: Homecoming will see Michael Keaton as Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to Hollywood star Steven Seagal

President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to Hollywood star Steven Seagal and, on the occasion, has expressed his hopes for improving relations between Moscow and Washington. He has personally granted a Russian passport to Steven Seagal and, while handing over the document, said - '..I want to congratulate you and express the hope that this is another, albeit small, gesture and it might be a sign of the gradual normalisation of relations between our countries...'
To this, Steven replied in Russian - 'Spasibo bolshoye' (thank you very much).
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 26 November 2016.

It seems the Kremlin had been discussing this citizenship for "quite a while". Seagal (64) has Russian heritage and is a regular visitor to the country. He has been a vocal supporter of Mr Putin, who earlier this month signed an order granting his Russian citizenship.
Incidentally, in the 1990s, Seagal had opened a branch of the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood in Moscow. Ever since then, he has been since participating in a number of publicity campaigns for Russian companies. As per some media reports, he could acquire a stake in Russian IT company Galaxy.
Seagal shot to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films such as Under Siege and Above the Law and, has remained hugely popular in eastern Europe - he was granted Serbian citizenship in January.
Steven Seagal is not the first celebrity to be awarded citizenship by the Kremlin. Erlier, in 2013, it was given to French actor Gerard Depardieu. Then, in 2015, it was US boxer Roy Jones Jr.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

President Pranab Mukherjee to be present for Vikramshila Mahotsav

Baliyatra fair on the banks of the Mahanadi sees over one lakh visitors on opening day

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to bury the hatchet and work together to fight terrorism


Lord Shiva and long ATM queues - bullock carts and ATM don't gel (satire)

Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)


Spanish police arrest two suspected ISIS terrorists in Barcelona and Madrid

At least 52 killed and more than 100 injured in a bomb blast at a remote Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Joint action by RFA, Royal Navy and US Coast Guard nets huge haul of cocaine from the sea


La La Land to have its Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Film Club

Jackie Chan gets an Oscar after a 56-year career

Spider-Man: Homecoming will see Michael Keaton as Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture

US President Barack Obama presents Medal of Freedom to Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates

In one of his last acts as commander-in-chief, the US President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Freedom to 21 "extraordinary Americans" who have "lifted our spirits, strengthened our union and pushed us towards progress".
Prominent among them are Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Bill Gates. Medal of Freedom is America's highest civilian honour.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 23 November 2016.

In the course of the ceremony at the White House, President Obama said the groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes, philanthropists and scientists had inspired millions around the world.
Others in the list of awardees are - basketball stars Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, actor Robert Redford, comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres, sports broadcaster Vin Scully and scientists Richard Garwin and Margaret Hamilton.
In his closing speech, the President said the recipients were people who made America special, adding: "This is what makes us the greatest nation on Earth."
Incidentally, the award is presented to people "who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours". Previous recipients honored by President Obama include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep and Stevie Wonder.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

President Pranab Mukherjee to be present for Vikramshila Mahotsav

Baliyatra fair on the banks of the Mahanadi sees over one lakh visitors on opening day

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to bury the hatchet and work together to fight terrorism


Lord Shiva and long ATM queues - bullock carts and ATM don't gel (satire)

Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)


Spanish police arrest two suspected ISIS terrorists in Barcelona and Madrid

At least 52 killed and more than 100 injured in a bomb blast at a remote Sufi shrine in Pakistan

Joint action by RFA, Royal Navy and US Coast Guard nets huge haul of cocaine from the sea


La La Land to have its Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Film Club

Jackie Chan gets an Oscar after a 56-year career

Spider-Man: Homecoming will see Michael Keaton as Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture

La La Land to have its Indian premiere at the Jio MAMI Film Club

La La Land would have its Indian premier at the Jio MAMI Film Club on November 23 - the film stars are Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. This much-awaited film will be screened at the film club much before it’s official release date, December 9.
La La Land is directed by Damien Chazelle. His 2014 film Whiplash had bagged three Academy awards.
This film is a romantic-musical-drama and is one of the most talked about films of the year.
This has been reported in indianexpress.com dated 14 November 2016.

La La Land is touted to be one of the Oscar front-runners and, hence, should be an ideal treat for people who are film club members.
Others in the movie are John Legend, Rosemarie Dewitt and J K Simmons. The film follows a musician and aspiring actress who meets and fall in love in Los Angeles. Viacom18 Motion Pictures are the distributors of the movie in India. When efforts to get it for the Mumbai film festival failed, it was decided to screen it at the film club.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

Jackie Chan gets an Oscar after a 56-year career

Jackie Chan has finally got an Oscar after a career spanning 56-years. He has more than 200 films under his belt and he was awarded an honorary Oscar at the Eighth Annual Governors Awards at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles.
The award was presented to him by Tom Hanks, Michelle Yeoh and Chris Tucker. Hanks compared Chan to the likes of John Wayne and Buster Keaton.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 15 November 2016.

While accepting the award, he called it a “dream” and shared his memories growing up and watching the Oscars with his parents. He thanked his fans and promised them to keep working and making movies. He also thanked Hong Kong which is his hometown. He also thanked China, his country and Hollywood which has taught him so many things, and also make him a little bit famous.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

Spider-Man: Homecoming will see Michael Keaton as Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture

Michael Keaton will be seen in the role of Spider-Man's main adversary Vulture in the upcoming reboot of the superhero franchise. It is 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and it is expected to hit UK theaters on 7 July, 2017. This will see the return of Spiderman to the superhero universe as indicated by Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige.
Michael Keaton will be in the role of Peter Parker's oldest foes in the movie Spider-Man: Homecoming.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 10 November 2016.

Keaton rose to fame in Tim Burton's 1989 film Batman as the cape crusader alongside Jack Nicholson's Joker. Subsequently, he reprised the role three years later to fight Danny DeVito's Penguin in Batman Returns. Later, in 2014, he won an Oscar for his role as an ageing actor who rose to fame for his portrayal of Birdman - a flying, telekinetic superhero.
Keaton will play Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture. He is a former electronics engineer and designs a special harness that allows him to fly and gives him enhanced strength. He will be the main adversary in Sony Pictures' upcoming reboot Spider-Man: Homecoming. This is the third time Marvel has tried to rebuild the Spider-Man franchise.
Others in the cast are British actor Tom Holland - he will be in the role of "your friendly neighbour" Peter Parker. Then there is African-American actress Zendaya. It is rumored that she would play Spider-Man's love interest Mary Jane Watson. She was originally depicted as white and, hence, there is a bit of a controversy which is expected to be ironed out.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

22nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) - focus country China

The 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) has the focus country as China and celebrities of the sliver screen came in large number to attend the inauguration ceremony held at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.
Among the celebrities of Bollywood were Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol, Parineeti Chopra and there were international dignitaries from the focus country China.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 12 November 2016.

The grand event saw a huge turnout of 20,000 people, including big names of Tollywood apart from a couple of star tele-kids - they had truly lived up to chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vision of "cinema for all". Her paintings were also gifted to the dignitaries.
A Bengali film "Benche Thaakar Gaan" was chosen to inaugurate KIFF.
In addition, a book titled "Baritone" containing Big B's KIFF speeches was also released on the occasion.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

Justin Bieber wins three out of five nominations in MTV Europe Music Awards

Justin Bieber bagged three out of five nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards. He won awards for the biggest fans, best Canadian act and best song for Sorry. He edged out Lady Gaga. Bieber, whose fans got him the award for the third year in succession, was not present at the ceremony. Neither was Lady Gaga since she is currently on tour in Japan.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 7 November 2016.

Lady Gaga was the night's second biggest winner - she took home best female and best look at Sunday's Rotterdam show.
Justin Bieber lost out to 20-year-old Shawn Memdes for best male but his 2015 track Sorry trumped Adele's Hello to win best song.
In spite of being nominated for three awards, including best female, Adele left empty handed. The biggest surprise was, of course, Beyonce - she lost out in all five categories that she was nominated in.
The ceremony was painted purple as a tribute to Prince, who died in April. In the course of the ceremony host Bebe Rexha revealed that the EMA trophies had also been turned purple in memory of the Purple Rain star.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

Two Kannada actors drown in lake during shooting the climax of a film

It was a major tragedy when two Kannada actors, Uday and Anil, drowned in the waters of Thippagondahalli reservoir on the outskirt of Bangalore in the course of filming the climax of the movie Maasti Gudi. Duniya Viji, the lead actor of the movie, also jumped and narrowly escaped as he was wearing a life jacket.
As per the police, the team did not have permission to shoot inside the reservoir.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 7 November 2016.

Uday, who was acting as villain in the movie, had talked with the media minutes before the incident and had revealed that he was flying in the helicopter for the first time. Unfortunately, the duo were not wearing any life jacket nor there was any security measure.
It seems the production unit had taken permission for the film shooting at the reservoir but had violated the approval by going into the water. The permission given was only for use of the banks of the reservoir and the gardens. Officials had been posted to oversee the activities and, after an hour, they said they were done with their shooting and the officials returned to their chambers.
This was when the unit illegally performed a stunt over the reservoir waters leading to the tragedy. As indicated by the officials, there was no safety at all because the engine of the boat that the team had brought to the site had not even been switched on.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India - mango and visa on the agenda

Air India Express to provide improved air connectivity between Kolkata and Singapore

Mamata Banerjee to visit the United States in 2017 to woo industries


Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Moody and the half pant brigade (satire)

Didi’s idea - deflate tyres to punish unruly drivers (satire)


Iraq special forces advanced into Mosul while ISIS militants killed 20

British police have foiled 12 terror plots against Britain in the last three years

No-fly zones to be imposed over jails to prevent drones from being used to smuggle drugs into prisons


Michael Fassbender says no to next James Bond - will a woman take over?

Second trailer of Wonder Woman released- will be in the cinemas in July 2017

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) begins 11 November

The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will be the carnival of cinema and it will begin on November 11 this year. A total of 155 films from 65 countries will be shown across 105 screens at 13 venues in the city. As a new initiative, there will be 18 shows of nine films that will be screened as part of the 'Parae Parae Cinema' and, in addition, an exhibition on Uttam Kumar is also on the cards.
Incidentally, this will be the first time that KIFF will be showcasing a Bengali film at the inauguration, in the presence of the Bachchans, Kajol and Sanjay Dutt.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 4 November 2016.

China has been selected as the focal country and this has drawn attention. There will be seven films from China. Films like 'American Dreams in China', `Black Coal, Thin Ice' and `Wolf Totem' are a part of the festival.
The festival has also selected Marathi cinema for regional focus and will screen five films. These will include `Kasaav' and `Court'.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


Some more interesting links -

Pine needles to produce electricity in Uttarakhand

Lost £250 wedding ring retrieved after the eight million gallon lake was drained

Jakarta to pay $1.5 for every rat caught to contain rat menace


Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)

Moody fires cannons to eliminate mosquitoes (satire)

Lord Shiva’s Durga puja is about selfish people and selfies (satire)


Carey Mulligan leaves teddy bears outside gates of 10 Downing Street to protest attacks on Aleppo

Battle to liberate Mosul rages and ISIS fighters flee the city dressed as women

Group clashes in prisons in Brazil kill at least 18 inmates


The Guardians of the Galaxy 2 trailer released

Trailer of xXx: Return of Xander Cage starring Deepika Padukone launched in four Indian languages

Jackie Chan's Kung Fu Yoga to release on 28th January 2017