Pakistan records $6.24 billion net FDI since SIFC …

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician Vijay has voiced strong opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), calling for the examination system to be abolished entirely while expressing support for students protesting in New Delhi. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, the 52-year-old leader reiterated that his party has consistently opposed NEET and believes the entrance exam has placed an unfair burden on students and their families across the country. Vijay stated that his party’s position on the issue remains firm and uncompromising. According to him, the current examination system has caused significant stress for aspiring medical students, many of whom face intense pressure while preparing for the highly competitive test. He argued that the impact extends beyond students themselves, affecting parents and families who invest considerable time, effort and resources into the preparation process. The actor-turned-politician also rejected what he described as political opportunism surrounding the issue. He said his party would not make unrealistic promises or use the NEET debate merely to gain electoral support, insisting that meaningful and lasting reforms are needed instead of temporary political statements. Vijay further argued that the long-term solution lies in returning education to the State List, allowing individual state governments to exercise greater control over educational policies and admission procedures. He maintained that such a move would enable states to develop systems that better reflect local educational needs and priorities. Acknowledging that constitutional or legal challenges could delay such a change, Vijay proposed an interim alternative. He suggested creating a Special Concurrent List that would provide state governments with expanded authority over education until broader constitutional reforms become possible. Under this proposed arrangement, states would receive greater powers to regulate all aspects of education, including medical education and admissions. Vijay said empowering state governments in this manner would help address concerns surrounding NEET while ensuring that educational policies are better aligned with regional requirements. His remarks come as discussions over the future of NEET continue to generate debate in several parts of India. Supporters of the examination argue that it establishes a uniform standard for admissions to medical colleges across the country. Critics, however, contend that it disadvantages students from different educational backgrounds and places excessive pressure on candidates preparing for a single nationwide examination. The issue has remained particularly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, where opposition to NEET has been a significant political and public concern for several years. Various political parties and student groups in the state have repeatedly called for exemptions or the complete withdrawal of the examination system, arguing that it affects equal access to medical education. By once again reaffirming his opposition to NEET and advocating greater autonomy for state governments in educational matters, Vijay has added his voice to the ongoing national debate over the future of medical admissions and the balance of powers between the Centre and the states.

Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action thriller King is gearing up for one of the biggest box office battles of the year as its scheduled December release places it alongside several highly anticipated Hollywood blockbusters. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is set to arrive in cinemas on December 24, a date that will also see the release of major international films including Avengers: Doomsday, Dune 3, and Jumanji: Open World. The crowded release window is expected to create intense competition both in India and overseas, making it one of the most closely watched clashes of the holiday season. Among the Hollywood titles, Avengers: Doomsday is widely expected to be the strongest rival. The Marvel franchise has built an enormous fan base in India over the years, with several of its previous films enjoying record-breaking openings and impressive box office collections. Its popularity could present a significant challenge for King, particularly when it comes to attracting audiences during the festive period. The competition is expected to be even tougher in international markets. With three major Hollywood franchises arriving simultaneously, exhibitors may face difficult decisions regarding screen allocation and show timings. Large-scale global releases often dominate multiplex schedules, leaving less room for other films, even those led by major stars. Despite these challenges, the makers of King have shown confidence in the film’s potential and have reportedly decided to stick with the planned release date. Rather than avoiding the clash, the production team appears determined to let the film compete head-to-head with some of the biggest releases of the year. Industry observers believe that only a project of King’s scale, backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s global popularity, has the ability to stand alongside such powerful Hollywood franchises. The actor remains one of India’s biggest box office draws, and expectations surrounding the film have continued to grow since its announcement. Adding to the excitement is the fact that King will mark the first full-fledged on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter, Suhana Khan. Fans are eager to see the father-daughter duo share screen space in what is expected to be a high-octane action entertainer. The film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Raghav Juyal, and Rani Mukerji in key roles, further raising anticipation among moviegoers. International distribution is being handled by Yash Raj Films, whose extensive global network and experience in releasing Indian films overseas could help maximize the film’s reach. Their expertise is expected to play an important role in securing favorable screens and show schedules across key international territories. As the countdown to December begins, King is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Whether it can hold its own against three major Hollywood franchises remains to be seen, but the film’s star power, large-scale production, and strong cast have positioned it as a formidable contender in what promises to be an exciting holiday box office showdown.

Ram Kapoor has made another candid revelation on the latest episode of Lock Upp 2. The 52-year-old actor opened up about a painful chapter from his past that he had kept hidden for years. Kapoor reflected on the time he spent working on Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. During that period, he struggled with obesity and continuous weight gain, which eventually led to serious health complications. He revealed that this phase also overlapped with the most difficult emotional period of his life. According to Kapoor, this was a secret he had never shared publicly, not even with his wife, Gautami Kapoor. He said, “I have kept one secret from the world; even my wife doesn’t know. During the show, I went through the absolute worst depression of my life.” He then described just how severe his health situation had become at the time. Doctors reportedly told him he could die within six months if nothing changed. Kapoor recalled being on insulin three times daily, with his blood sugar levels swinging between dangerously high numbers. Despite this, he kept working roughly 14 hours a day without pause. He admitted he avoided confronting the issue seriously, largely because of the immense love and financial success he was receiving during that time. He explained that walking away from all of it felt nearly impossible, even as it took a toll on both his body and mind. He also acknowledged that the pressure changed his personality, admitting he became a much harder person to be around during those years. Kapoor further shared that even his wife and child only learned the full truth about this struggle after watching the latest episode of Lock Upp 2 themselves. This revelation adds another deeply personal layer to Kapoor’s run on the show, where he has continued opening up about experiences he had never spoken about publicly before. By choosing to share this now, years after the fact, Kapoor seems intent on giving fans a more honest picture. His story sheds light on the hidden costs that can come with sustained fame, long working hours, and public pressure, even when everything on the surface appears successful.