Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

BTS have once again showcased their immense global influence after memorabilia worn during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show attracted impressive bids at a charity auction. One of the standout items was a shirt worn by BTS member Jimin during the halftime performance, which sold for an incredible $110,000. The singer wore the shirt while performing the group’s global hit Dynamite during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The shirt emerged as one of the most sought-after pieces in the auction, finishing as the joint-highest-selling item. It matched the final sale price of the official match ball used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with both items fetching $110,000. The charity auction featured a range of memorabilia connected to the tournament and its entertainment performances, drawing strong interest from collectors and fans around the world. Several other BTS-related items also attracted significant bids. A scarf worn by BTS member V during the halftime show sold for $46,200, while a jacket worn by Jungkook achieved the same final price of $46,200. The strong demand for the group’s memorabilia highlighted BTS’ enduring popularity and the willingness of fans to support charitable causes through exclusive collectibles. The auction also included a number of sports and entertainment items beyond BTS memorabilia. Among the notable sales was an Argentina national team jersey signed by football legend Lionel Messi. The jersey, which had previously been gifted to international music star Shakira, sold for $66,000, making it one of the auction’s top-selling sports items. Another highlight came from pop superstar Madonna, whose fingerless gloves worn during the opening performance of the World Cup halftime show were purchased for $41,800. The online charity auction ran for seven days and concluded on July 29, attracting bidders from 24 countries. Interest from around the globe helped the event raise a total of $652,630, reflecting strong international support for both football and music memorabilia. Organisers said all proceeds from the auction will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to expanding access to quality education for children and young people around the world. The fundraiser combines the global reach of football and entertainment to support educational opportunities in underserved communities. BTS’ participation in the World Cup halftime show was one of the event’s most talked-about entertainment moments. Their performance of Dynamite, one of the group’s biggest international hits, received widespread attention from fans worldwide and further cemented their status as one of the world’s most influential music acts. The remarkable sale prices achieved by Jimin’s shirt, V’s scarf and Jungkook’s jacket underline the extraordinary demand for BTS memorabilia. At the same time, the success of the charity auction demonstrates how music, sports and philanthropy can come together to make a meaningful impact, with fans and collectors contributing generously to support education initiatives across the globe.

Ranbir Kapoor has pushed back against online criticism surrounding the visual effects of his upcoming film “Ramayana”. The debate picked up after fans shared mixed reactions to the film’s teaser and trailer. The actor addressed the backlash directly, pointing out how much long-term effort goes into creating high-quality CGI. He explained that artists and filmmakers had dedicated years to perfecting the film’s visuals. Kapoor noted a growing trend where online users have suddenly positioned themselves as CGI experts. He said this shift has become especially common over the past few years. He added that rising public interest in visual effects has been fuelled largely by the growing presence of artificial intelligence. According to Kapoor, most viewers don’t realise how much detailed planning goes into achieving realistic visuals. He explained that many assume complex VFX work is simply generated through AI shortcuts. In reality, he said, countless hours go into work that artists spend years perfecting. Kapoor also credited director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra for their deep involvement throughout the VFX process. He said the team worked meticulously on details like colour grading and visual composition to shape the final experience. Tiwari previously revealed that certain VFX sequences alone took nearly three years to complete. The team continued refining smaller details even as the film approached its release. Producer Namit Malhotra also weighed in on the online criticism, urging audiences to reserve judgment until they see the film in theatres. He recalled how reactions shifted dramatically after showing an earlier teaser on a large IMAX screen in 3D. According to Malhotra, viewers who initially criticised certain elements changed their opinions entirely once they experienced it properly. He explained that watching VFX on a mobile phone or through poor internet doesn’t reflect the intended cinematic experience. He said the team has spent years and invested millions of dollars specifically to craft a big-screen spectacle worth the wait. Malhotra expressed confidence that the finished product will address much of the current criticism. “Ramayana” is scheduled to release in theatres on November 8, 2026, with Kapoor starring as Lord Ram. The film continues to generate anticipation as the team pushes toward delivering a large-scale visual experience for audiences.