The official trailer of Bandar, featuring Bobby Deol in the lead role, was released on Thursday, offering audiences a gritty glimpse into a hard-hitting crime thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap. This film also marks the first collaboration between Kashyap and Deol and is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
In the trailer, Bobby Deol appears as Samar Mehra, a once-celebrated television superstar whose fame has faded over time. His character is shown struggling with loneliness, declining popularity, and a complicated public image shaped by controversy and perception. The story takes a dramatic and darker turn when Samar connects with a woman, played by Sapna Pabbi, through a dating application.
What begins as an online interaction soon escalates into a serious legal and emotional crisis when the woman accuses him of grave crimes, including rape, blackmail, and extortion. The trailer portrays Samar firmly denying the allegations, insisting that he is innocent and claiming instead that he is being harassed by a stalker-like figure. As the narrative unfolds, he finds himself entangled in a tense and complex legal battle that hints at corruption and manipulation within the system, raising questions about truth, power, and perception.
The film also features an ensemble cast including Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad, Raj B Shetty, Jitendra Joshi, Riddhi Sen, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Nagesh Bhonsle in key roles. The screenplay has been written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, known for acclaimed projects such as Paatal Lok, Kohrra, and Udta Punjab. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under Saffron Magicworks with backing from Zee Studios, Bandar is set for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Insta/@iambobbydeol.
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is expected to visit Tehran on Thursday as peace negotiations continue, according to reports from the Iranian news agency ISNA. The agency stated that Munir is likely to arrive as part of ongoing consultations with Iranian officials linked to mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the second time this week, where he met Iranian officials including the Interior Minister and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Discussions reportedly covered recent regional developments, indirect Iran–US talks, and efforts to advance diplomatic engagement. ISNA also noted that during Naqvi’s meeting, President Pezeshkian reviewed the latest status of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, along with ongoing diplomatic exchanges and agreement-building efforts.
These developments come amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has warned Iran to seriously consider reaching a peace agreement as diplomatic activity intensifies in West Asia. Earlier, Iranian state media outlet Nour News quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying that US proposals have been received and are under review.
Iran has indicated that the American proposal was delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, with Islamabad reportedly facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials also said several rounds of communication have taken place based on Iran’s proposed framework.
US President Trump has issued a strong warning, saying Iran must provide satisfactory responses or face rapid consequences. Separately, White House adviser Stephen Miller also warned that Iran must accept US terms or risk severe military repercussions, describing the situation as critical. As tensions remain high, West Asia stands at a delicate point, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside the risk of further escalation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ISPR.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that the state is ranked “third last” among all Indian states in terms of law and order and emphasized the need to strengthen policing through better recruitment and training. Speaking to ANI at the passing out parade of newly recruited constables at the Police Training Academy in Narsingarh, he noted that over 900 constables had completed an 11-month training programme. He said improving manpower through recruitment is essential to strengthen law and order, adding that most of the new recruits are women.
Saha highlighted that boosting the strength and capability of the police force is important for maintaining security and improving policing standards in the state. The ceremony was attended by senior police officials and government representatives, where the newly inducted constables were formally passed out after completing rigorous physical and professional training. He also pointed out the growing participation of women in the police force, calling it a positive development for the state’s security system.
The Chief Minister recently marked four years in office, during which he said Tripura has seen significant development across sectors. Speaking earlier to ANI, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and teamwork for the progress achieved, while acknowledging that more work remains to be done.
Saha also took part in a BJP training programme at the Town Bardowali Mandal, where he stressed the importance of organisational training and strong grassroots workers in strengthening the party’s structure across the state. He extended his best wishes for the success of the “Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan.” A press conference was also held regarding the 2026 “Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan” and a training workshop for Mandal-level BJP trainers in Tripura.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that all parts of the government are working in coordination to tackle the recent sharp decline of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, and that multiple policy options are being considered to stabilise the currency. Speaking to reporters during the Annual Leadership Summit of The American Chamber of Commerce, he said the government is closely tracking the situation and responding collectively. “We are monitoring the situation. All the arms of government are working as a team. Several steps are under consideration,” he said.
Goyal noted that the global economic environment remains difficult, but expressed confidence that India will overcome the challenges and come out stronger. He said the rupee has come under pressure in recent weeks due to factors such as high crude oil prices, elevated global bond yields, foreign portfolio outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global markets. The currency recently touched a record low of 96.88 per US dollar.
On reports regarding a US trade delegation visit and possible talks involving a chief US negotiator, Goyal said discussions are likely next month, adding that there is no confirmed visit yet. Responding to questions on whether the government is planning to curb non-essential imports to manage the current account deficit, he said no such measures are being planned at present. However, he urged citizens to be mindful of their spending on imported goods.
He added that people have responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for responsible consumption and support for domestic products, saying citizens are contributing in various ways to strengthen the economy. Concluding on a positive note, he expressed confidence that India’s economy remains strong and resilient despite ongoing global challenges.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy elevated India–Italy ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, backed by a 2025–2029 roadmap for cooperation. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in trade, defence, clean energy, innovation, and culture, aiming for €20 billion in annual trade by 2029. Modi highlighted a shared model of “Design and Develop in India and Italy, Deliver for the World.” The visit also strengthened defence cooperation and reinforced joint efforts on global issues, including West Asia and Ukraine, while both countries pushed for closer economic and technological ties.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Deccan Chronicle.
A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.
An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
This discussion reviews the 32 final recommendations from Singapore’s Economic Strategy Review aimed at safeguarding workers from AI-driven disruption through measures like career transition pathways and earlier retrenchment assistance. Andrea Heng and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore how these proposals seek to raise wages in people-focused sectors such as healthcare and education, while building a more proactive system for lifelong learning, featuring insights from Desmond Choo, Minister of State, MINDEF and Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
