Over the last couple of days, Bollywood town has been buzzing with the news of National Award winning filmmaker, Shoojit Sircar, teaming up with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for an untitled film. The movie in question is supposedly based on the Indian Army. As the news of them coming together came out in media, fans of both the movie mavens were exhilarated to no end.
However, Sircar has now come out to clarify that the reports of him signing SRK for a new film are completely baseless. Upon being asked about the same, the director told to a leading daily, “No. This is wrong news. I am not aware of it at all. I have no clue. I am just getting into a film with Varun (Dhawan). That has already been announced,” said the renowned filmmaker.
He went on to add that he does not write a script keeping actors in mind. For him, scripts and, at times, budget decided who he will cast in the film. “I don’t have actors in mind, but definitely I have the characters in mind while writing the script because we are developing the character, then we start working on it…the nuances of the character and then that decides who the actor is going to be. Sometimes, it is also because of the economic pressure. The kind of films that I make…I try to keep the budgets as low as possible”, he added.
With Shoojit himself rubbishing the news of him making a film with SRK, we hope all rumours will be put to rest now.
As of now, the only film Shoojit Sircar is currently focusing on is “October”, which stars Varun Dhawan in the male lead. The film is expected to go to sets in October and will arrive in cinemas on 1st June 2018.
The announcement comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, prepares for nationwide protests on August 5, marking two years since his arrest.
PAKISTAN has announced the creation of a new national paramilitary force, raising concerns among opposition parties and human rights groups about its possible use for political repression.
The new force will be called the Federal Constabulary and will be formed by restructuring an existing paramilitary unit currently operating along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, state minister for the Interior Talal Chaudhry said at a press conference in Faisalabad on Monday.
According to a copy of the amended law cited by Dunya News TV, the Federal Constabulary will be tasked with internal security, riot control and counter-terrorism duties.
The announcement comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, prepares for nationwide protests on August 5, marking two years since his arrest.
Past protests since Khan’s arrest in August 2023 have at times turned violent and disrupted life in Islamabad for days.
"This will be a new force. This will be a stronger force. We need this force for internal security," Chaudhry said. He added that President Asif Ali Zardari had already approved amendments to the law to implement changes in the paramilitary structure.
Chaudhry said the Federal Constabulary will replace the Frontier Constabulary (FC), which previously recruited only from tribal areas in the northwestern province. He said training of the new force will align it with other national law enforcement agencies.
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said the new force should be discussed in parliament.
The force "should not be used as a gimmick to silence political opponents, as has been previously witnessed when the government applied such laws against a large number of the PTI leadership and supporters," Bukhari said.
Haris Khalique, secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, also expressed concern.
"We are alarmed by the changes being made to the security and law enforcement structure of the country without any debate in parliament," Khalique said.
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Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation platform highlights the growing demand for cross-platform experiences
Forza Horizon 5 has reportedly sold over 2 million units on PS5 within its first month
The figure is based on public projections from Alinea Analytics
The game topped PlayStation Store charts in Europe and placed in the top 3 in North America
The PS5 version launched in 2025, with cross-platform features introduced by Turn 10 Studios
Racing title reportedly reaches 2 million PS5 sales in one month
Forza Horizon 5 has reportedly achieved over two million unit sales on PlayStation 5 in its first month following release. The figure was shared by Turn 10 Studios game designer Harrison B. on LinkedIn, where they stated they had contributed to cross-platform features that enabled the title’s PS5 success.
The statement, spotted by Bluesky user Timur222, has gained attention online. However, Harrison later clarified that the two million sales figure is not new data but based on public projections published by Alinea Analytics.
Designer credits cross-platform support for strong sales
In the LinkedIn post, Harrison stated:
“Created cross-platform feature designs enabling Forza Horizon 5 (PS5, 2025) to sell 2 million units in one month on PS5 alone.”
The designer later reached out to VGChartz to clarify the source of the sales number, stating:
“The 2mil figure is based off of public projections... it is not unfortunately new news. Appreciate y’all’s passion for the franchise tho!”
While not official sales data, the figure aligns with the title’s strong performance on the PlayStation platform since its launch.
Howdy! Saw an article of yours that has incorrect info attributed to me. The 2mil figure is based off of public projections from here, it is not unfortunately new news: alineaanalytics.com/blog/ps_may_...Appreciate ya'lls passion for the franchise tho!
Forza Horizon 5 continues momentum with global success
Ahead of its PS5 release, Forza Horizon 5 had already surpassed 45 million players globally, based on the in-game Hall of Fame leaderboard. The game, originally exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms, expanded its audience with the 2025 PS5 release.
In its launch month, Forza Horizon 5 topped the PlayStation Store charts across Europe. In the US and Canada, it ranked third—still a significant showing for a title previously unavailable on the platform. It remained in the top position across both regions for the month of May.
No official Sony or Microsoft confirmation
As of now, neither Microsoft nor Sony has officially confirmed the PS5 sales figure. However, the success of Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation platform highlights the growing demand for cross-platform experiences and the potential for Microsoft’s first-party titles to find new audiences beyond Xbox.
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The showroom, located in Mumbai, was inaugurated by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and opened to select visitors on Tuesday. (Photo: X/@Dev_Fadnavis)
TESLA opened its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking its entry into the country as the electric vehicle company looks for new customers amid declining sales in the United States and Europe.
The showroom, located in Mumbai, was inaugurated by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and opened to select visitors on Tuesday. It will be open to the general public starting Wednesday.
Inaugurated Tesla’s first-ever Experience Centre in India at BKC, Mumbai, today.This is not just the inauguration of an Experience Centre ; it’s a powerful statement—Tesla is here, and it’s chosen the right city and the right state: Mumbai, Maharashtra!"… pic.twitter.com/4ilfAHCEoO — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 15, 2025
Tesla is currently offering its Model Y vehicle in India and plans to begin deliveries of a more affordable variant later this quarter.
"This is the first launch of Tesla in India. It marks a huge milestone for Tesla globally," said Isabel Fan, the company's senior regional director. She added that charging stations will be set up soon in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Despite heavy rains, many onlookers gathered outside the Mumbai showroom to see the cars on display.
Tesla has expressed interest in entering the Indian market for several years but delayed its plans due to high import tariffs on electric vehicles.
Elon Musk had earlier described India as having "more promise than any large country" but has criticised its import duties, calling them among the "highest in the world".
The Indian government has said that it will consider lowering import taxes on electric vehicles if global automakers commit to significant investment and local manufacturing.
Tesla has not yet announced any plans to build a manufacturing plant in India.
According to local media reports, Tesla will initially sell cars imported from China.
As a result, the Model Y in India starts at around $70,000 on-road, as listed on the company's website, compared to the US price of $37,490 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.
Tesla's launch in India comes at a time when the company is facing slowing demand globally. The electric vehicle market, once led by Tesla, is now highly competitive, with rivals including BYD and other Chinese manufacturers.
India is the world’s third-largest car market, but Tesla is not expected to see large volumes in the near future due to the relatively early stage of the country’s electric vehicle sector and the high prices of its models.
Sales of electric vehicles in India reached about 100,000 in 2024, which is less than three per cent of total car sales.
Soumen Mandal, senior analyst at Counterpoint, said Tesla’s pricing puts it out of reach for most Indian buyers and places it in competition with luxury car brands.
"We don't expect Tesla to play the volume game right away given the price tag," Mandal told AFP.
"We project 500-700 units sold in initial months and then that to taper off to 200-300 (per month)."
India is currently in talks with the United States on a trade deal, which includes discussions on reducing tariffs on automobiles.
In February, Elon Musk held a one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Fans celebrate Vidya Balan’s makeover while critics question shift from body positivity message
Vidya Balan debuts a bold new look for The Peacock Magazine’s July cover.
The actor's transformation has received both praise and criticism online.
Some fans hailed it as a refreshing style change; others questioned the shift from her past body positivity stance.
The shoot comes on the heels of Vidya’s recent film success in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
Bollywood actor Vidya Balan has sparked a flurry of reactions online after her striking new avatar on the cover of The Peacock Magazine’s July 2025 edition. Known for championing traditional handloom saris and body positivity, the 46-year-old’s dramatic transformation, complete with a bold pink sequin dress and short, styled hair, has left the internet dazzled.
The look, part of a cover story titled A Force to Reckon With, was shared on 14 July by the magazine and Balan herself. It marks a significant departure from her signature earthy elegance and instead leans into high-fashion glamour.
Vidya Balan sets internet abuzz with glam makeover as few fans question her weight loss journeyInstagram/thepeacockmagazine
The Peacock cover that turned heads
Styled in a flamingo pink ombré gown covered in sequins, Balan paired the ensemble with a feather-trimmed stole and statement jewellery. Her newly cropped hair, styled in a sleek bob with soft waves and blonde highlights, added to the overall transformation. The makeup was equally polished: glossy mauve lips, shimmered eyelids, and highlighter-accented cheekbones.
While some fans celebrated the fresh styling, many were simply shocked by the actor’s appearance. “She looks stunning, finally styled the way she deserves,” read one popular comment. Another added, “This look gives serious movie star energy, we need more of this from her.”
Vidya Balan’s high-glam cover sparks praise and pushback over evolving beauty standardsInstagram/thepeacockmagazine
Praise and backlash over her weight loss
But it wasn’t all praise. A small section of social media questioned the actor’s visible weight loss, especially in light of her past interviews where she openly criticised the industry’s obsession with size and looks.
Comments poured in expressing concern. “Didn’t she once say women shouldn’t have to shrink themselves to be accepted? What happened to that?” one Reddit user asked. Others accused her of abandoning her earlier message of embracing natural bodies. “It’s her choice, but when you become a symbol of body positivity, the expectations change,” one tweet read.
The debate brings back conversations around the pressure on public figures, especially women, to constantly evolve, often in response to the industry’s narrow beauty standards.
Fans compare Vidya’s latest shoot to her past saree-clad appearancesGetty Images
How Vidya explained her weight transformation
In an earlier interview, Vidya Balan had spoken candidly about her weight journey. She clarified that her weight loss wasn’t the result of intense gym routines but rather due to treating an underlying inflammation through dietary changes. “I realised I wasn’t just carrying fat; it was inflammation,” she had said.
Still, the timing of the transformation, paired with the glam-heavy shoot, has prompted questions about whether public figures can maintain a consistent message on body image while navigating an industry known for its harsh scrutiny.
Vidya Balan’s glam transformation for Peacock Magazine sparks online debate over body imageGetty Images
A strong year on the professional front
While the online chatter continues, Balan’s professional graph remains strong. She was recently seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, alongside Kartik Aaryan and Madhuri Dixit, which grossed over £38 million (₹400 crore) at the box office. Her performance in the romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar also earned critical acclaim.
As The Peacock Magazine features her as a cinematic force who continues to shape mainstream Bollywood, the larger question remains: can actors redefine their image without being held hostage by past narratives?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will leave PS Plus in August
Cyberpunk 2077 leads the new additions from 15 July
Other new titles include Abiotic Factor, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, and Risk of Rain 2
Several more games are also set to leave, including Wild Hearts, UFC 5, and Bugsnax
PlayStation Plus subscribers are set to lose access to two major titles next month, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor confirmed to leave the service in August 2025.
The update follows today’s (15 July) new additions to the platform’s games library, which include Cyberpunk 2077—the sci-fi RPG from CD Projekt Red that launched as the follow-up to The Witcher 3. Although Cyberpunk had a problematic release in 2020, the game has seen substantial updates and is now considered a far more stable and expansive experience.
Two major titles set to leave
Subscribers have just a few weeks left to access The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, widely considered one of the best role-playing games of all time. First released in 2015, the title continues to receive updates and remains popular nearly a decade on. Its departure from PS Plus comes just ahead of planned mod support for the PlayStation version.
Also exiting in August is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the 2023 sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order. The action-adventure game continues the story of Cal Kestis and is praised for its metroidvania-inspired structure, strong narrative and polished combat. With a more compact campaign than The Witcher 3, players may still have time to complete it before it is removed from the platform.
Other games leaving PS Plus next month include:
Wild Hearts
UFC 5
TopSpin 2K25
Ride 5
Bugsnax
Vacation Simulator
Naruto To Boruto: Shinobi Striker
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realisation
Sword Art Online: Lost Song
New titles now available
Replacing the outgoing games are several notable additions, led by Cyberpunk 2077, which now benefits from multiple patches and content updates, including the Phantom Liberty expansion. The game’s early issues on PlayStation consoles even led to a temporary removal from the PlayStation Store, but it has since made a strong recovery.
Also new to PS Plus this month is Abiotic Factor, a survival-crafting game from Deep Field Games. Although the PS5 release is new, the game originally launched on PC in 2023 and holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with over 32,000 reviews.
Another highlight is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, a supernatural action-RPG from Don’t Nod, released earlier this year. Set in a haunted 17th-century North America, it blends emotional storytelling with combat mechanics.
The July update also includes:
Risk of Rain 2 – a fast-paced roguelike shooter
Amazon’s New World: Aeternum – a reworked version of the 2021 MMO with new features for console
What to expect
While The Witcher 3 and Jedi: Survivor will be missed, Cyberpunk 2077 offers players a vast open-world experience with a strong narrative, now in a far more polished state. Meanwhile, Abiotic Factor and Banishers introduce fresh genre variety for those looking for survival or story-rich titles.
PlayStation Plus subscribers are advised to complete any ongoing playthroughs of the games set to leave in August, particularly the more time-intensive RPGs.
For a full list of current and upcoming PS Plus changes, users can check the PlayStation Store or official announcements from Sony.