With the addition of the endearing Ranbir Kapoor as its newest brand ambassador, 7UP—the world’s favourite lemon-lime soda—is ready for an explosion of cool this summer! This dynamic pair is a match made in refreshment heaven, promising to brighten your sunny days with a wave of humour, fun, and deliciousness.

With his million-watt smile, Bollywood’s Ranbir Kapoor flawlessly captures the fun spirit of 7UP. The eternal attraction of that fresh, lemony drink is shared by audiences of all ages, as is his seamless charisma and accessible attitude. Envision Ranbir, in all his naughty splendour, masterminding a bold theft of a truckload of cold 7UP bottles instead of diamonds! Imagine him throwing a backyard bash that will make everyone laugh and include plenty of ice-cold 7UP.

This partnership aims to capture the essence of what makes 7UP unique, not only capitalize on the popularity of the stars. This beverage honours commonplace occasions when friends get together, aspirations come true, and laughter bursts into a glass that has just been filled with bubbles. Ranbir brings these happy experiences to life with his genuine warmth and contagious enthusiasm.

He takes an active role in the brand’s narrative and serves as its face. The next 7UP campaign promises to give viewers a peek inside Ranbir’s world, full of hilarious story, surprising turns, and lots of lighthearted fun. Imagine coordinated fizzing sequences in your dance fights, lighthearted celebrity roasts, and challenges that will have you both laughing so hard that you’ll grab for another icy 7UP.

Apart from the entertainment value, this collaboration also emphasizes the principles that 7UP and Ranbir Kapoor share. They both support being yourself, welcoming life’s experiences, and dispersing positive energy wherever you go. Like those glittering lemon-lime bubbles swirling in your glass, they promote inclusivity and urge everyone to find their unique way to shine.

Hence, this summer, remember that Ranbir and 7UP have your back—or your fridge—when the sun is shining and the heat starts to get to you. Uncork a cold bottle, allow the zesty flavours to entice your palate, and get set for an incredible season of enjoyment. Every day is sure to be an adventure, an opportunity to make memories that burst with happiness and leave you feeling full of life, with Ranbir leading the way and 7UP supplying the laughs.

So, raise a glass to this perfect pairing, Ranbir Kapoor and 7UP, and get ready to make this summer one for the books – the fizziest, most refreshing one yet!

In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, the advent of online slots has added a new dimension to the way audiences engage with their favorite pastime. Once relegated to smoky casinos and dimly lit lounges, slot machines have seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm, bringing with them a whirlwind of lights, sounds, and the promise of instant fortunes.

This merge of technology and tradition has not only transformed the way people experience gambling but has also become a potent force in shaping the broader entertainment landscape.

The Digital Evolution:

The transition from physical slot machines to their online counterparts has been a game-changer for the entertainment industry. With the rise of the internet, casino gaming has become easily accessible to anyone with a computer or smartphone. The online slot industry, in particular, has witnessed a meteoric rise, allowing players to indulge in their favorite games from the comfort of their homes.

Lights and Graphics: Creating Immersive Experiences:

One of the key elements that have propelled online slots into the forefront of entertainment is their ability to create immersive experiences. The lights and graphics in these virtual slot88 machines are not mere embellishments; they are integral components that contribute to the overall ambiance. High-definition visuals, coupled with dynamic sound effects, transport players to different worlds, each slot game telling its own unique story.

The integration of popular culture into slot themes has further intensified the entertainment value. From blockbuster movies to iconic characters, online slots have become a canvas for the creative expression of popular media. Players can find themselves spinning the reels alongside superheroes, exploring ancient civilizations, or even embarking on intergalactic adventures. This fusion of entertainment mediums not only caters to the diverse tastes of players but also bridges the gap between the gaming and film industries.

Engaging Narratives and Themes:

Online slots are no longer limited to the classic fruit symbols and lucky sevens. The modern era of digital gambling has ushered in a new wave of creativity, with game developers crafting intricate narratives and themes for their slot games. These narratives, often interwoven with engaging storylines and characters, serve as a magnet for players seeking more than just a chance at winning.

Whether it’s unraveling the mystery of an ancient artifact or navigating the challenges of a virtual heist, the themes in online slots transcend mere gambling; they become an integral part of the overall entertainment experience. This shift towards storytelling has not only elevated the appeal of online slots but has also blurred the lines between traditional gaming and narrative-driven entertainment.

Celebrity Endorsements and Collaborations:

The allure of online RTP slot has not escaped the attention of celebrities and entertainment moguls. A growing trend in the industry involves high-profile collaborations and celebrity endorsements. Renowned actors, musicians, and athletes are lending their star power to create branded slot games. This intersection of fame and gambling not only attracts fans of the celebrities but also serves as a testament to the mainstream acceptance of online slots in the entertainment realm.

Lights, Camera, Spin: The Cinematic Influence:

The cinematic influence on online slots is undeniable. The merge of lights, camera, and spin has given rise to a genre of games that mirror the visual extravagance of Hollywood blockbusters. From visually stunning animations to cinematic soundtracks, these slots aim to captivate players in the same way a gripping film holds its audience spellbound.

Moreover, the use of advanced technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is pushing the boundaries of what online slots can achieve. Players can now find themselves transported to realistic casino environments or fully immersive fantasy worlds, enhancing the overall gaming experience and solidifying the connection between online slots and the broader entertainment industry.

End Note

The integration of online slots into the entertainment industry has reshaped the way people engage with games of chance. No longer confined to the fringes of gambling establishments, these digital slot machines have emerged as a dynamic and integral part of mainstream entertainment. With their captivating lights, cinematic graphics, engaging narratives, and celebrity endorsements, online slots have transcended their traditional roots, offering players not just a chance at winning, but a ticket to a world where lights, camera, and spin converge in a symphony of entertainment. As technology continues to advance, the future of online slots holds the promise of even more immersive and thrilling experiences, further solidifying their place in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.

Also Read: India’s Gambling Evolution: BC Game & Cryptocurrency in Online Casino

Forget superheroes who defy gravity and heroines dressed in chiffon; the true splendor of Bollywood lies behind the scenes. Casting directors are the alchemists who turn scripts into celluloid gold by matching the right actors to give them life. Their discerning eyes and sharp minds are where it all lies. Here, we honor the genius of ten of these maestros—the unsung heroes who conduct the golden age of film talent.  

10 Casting Directors of Bollywood

Mukesh Chhabra

Known for discovering untapped talent, Chhabra’s vision for the unknown was evident in gems like Ranbir Kapoor in “Wake Up Sid” and Shraddha Kapoor in “Aashiqui 2.” Future stars train in his casting workshops, and he continues to have the unmatched ability to see potential in an actor.

Sharma Shanoo

Sharma, an experienced filmmaker with a remarkable talent for spotting star potential, helped launch Deepika Padukone’s careers in “Om Shanti Om” and Priyanka Chopra in “Fashion.” She had a keen eye for memorable duos, such as Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” which have become legendary in Bollywood.

Atul Mongia

Known as the “king of offbeat casting,” Mongia’s outlandish selections have never failed to astound and delight viewers. His ability to see beyond the obvious has redefined character portrayals on screen, as demonstrated by Radhika Apte in “Aisha” and Rajkummar Rao in “Love Sex Aur Dhokha.”

Shruti Mahajan

Mahajan has a theatre background and knows various acting abilities. Her choice of actors, such as Ayushmann Khurrana in “Vicky Donor” and Alia Bhatt in “Highway,” demonstrates her ability to spot untapped talent and develop it into greatness.

Nandini Shrikent 

With a focus on period dramas, Shrikent is an unmatched historical casting expert. She has meticulously researched and understood character nuances for every role, from Rani Mukerji in “Mughal-e-Azam” to Deepika Padukone in “Bajirao Mastani,” ensuring authenticity and depth.

Jogi Dhillon

Known for his acute sense of humor, Dhillon has redefined the genre with his casting decisions. Examples of his work include “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” with Kartik Aaryan and “Bareilly Ki Barfi” with Ayushmann Khurrana. He is unrivaled in his ability to identify performers who perfectly capture the rhythm of humor.

Honey Trehan

Trehan constantly defies stereotypes in her casting decisions and champions inclusivity and diversity. His dedication to highlighting new faces and undiscovered talent is energizing and inspiring, as seen in the roles of Vikrant Massey in “A Death in the Gunj” and Tripti Dimri in “Bulbbul.”

Tess Joseph

Joseph’s castings are treasures just waiting to be found, emphasizing independent film. Her ability to identify rising stars before they shine brightly is a testament to her discerning eye, as seen with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in “Miss Lovely” and Vicky Kaushal in “Masaan.”

Abhijeet Chaddha

Chaddha is an action film specialist whose cast embodies unadulterated heroism. He has portrayed characters as realistic and action-packed, such as Tiger Shroff in “Heropanti” and Vidyut Jammwal in “Commando,” thanks to his knowledge of the genre and the physical demands of the roles.

Nitasha Sharma

A rising star in the casting world, Sharma has shown off her keen sense of talent and fresh perspective with recent casting decisions involving Fatima Sana Shaikh in “Dangal” and Sanya Malhotra in “Photograph.” We look forward to her future contributions to the field.

These ten represent just a tiny sampling of Bollywood’s casting wizardry. Since they are the silent storytellers and puppeteers who pull the strings behind the grandeur of cinema, their names ought to be known alongside the stars they bring to life. Thus, the next time you find yourself lost in a Bollywood masterpiece, remember the mastermind behind the curtain, the casting director, who was the invisible hand that worked its magic.

Continue Reading: Top 5 Female influencers to follow on TikTok

Manufacturers claim that customers might be unable to help purchase the new spring-summer season launches, which have rocked the premium footwear market that sells designer, luxury labels, and high-end sports shoes. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is required to approve imports from China and Vietnam, has not certified the footwear factories so that it may be removed from store shelves in the coming months.

The BIS Quality Control Orders (QCO) have been in effect for leather shoes since July, and they will take effect for sports shoes, sandals, and slippers in January 2024. To import and sell these products, factories that make these and specific vital components (like rubber, PVC, or polyurethane heels and soles) must receive certification from BIS per QCO standards.

Chief executive officers of five significant brands who wished to remain anonymous claim that BIS has not yet certified sourcing factories in China and Vietnam, where most imported shoes are sourced for India. According to their account, BIS officials have informed them that they have no interest in accrediting the factories in these markets and will exercise caution regarding manufacturing units in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This is because they fear that some of these units may be owned by the Chinese, as happens in Vietnam.

“Government officials have said to import from Europe, which will involve higher manufacturing cost and freight, impacting the pricing strategy in India or to manufacture in the country where the expertise for high-end, designer and sports footwear is still limited,” stated the CEO of a major shoe manufacturer.

According to a senior government official, the goal is to encourage homegrown manufacturing because a significant portion of cheap shoes was imported from China. He claimed that numerous extensions had already been requested since the industry, particularly the central and medium-sized firms, was informed of the QCO for 24 footwear and related products in October 2020.

According to the press, Nike had written to the government requesting that it accredit supplier factories in Vietnam and Indonesia to keep importing goods from those countries. Leading sports brand executives stated that although they have already imported the stock for spring, there will be an impact after that.

Specific luxury and premium brands import nearly their whole footwear collection, while other brands such as Woodland, Puma, and Adidas source their high-end and technical footwear from other countries. These imports primarily come from China, Vietnam, and some other Southeast Asian countries.

Get rid of your memories of those silver screens’ chiffon dresses and jewel-encrusted lehengas. In 2023, a new generation of digital mavericks and fashion influencers will be creating the fashion scene in India. One well-chosen Instagram post at a moment: These fashion chameleons are disrupting the fashion industry with their phones, not just by decorating magazines’ covers.

The days of fashion trends created by fashion designers that could be universally applied have long passed. Today, a vibrant web of aesthetics is created through websites such as Instagram and YouTube, where millions of users visit daily to find their daily dose of fashion inspiration. Individuality is valued.

Who are these fashionable digital sultans reinventing Indian fashion? Ten trailblazers who each made their mark in the constantly changing fashion world are recognized in this list:

India’s Top 10 Fashion Influencers

1. Pandey Komal

Komal, the first street style queen, has a loyal following due to her easygoing mix of style and comfort. Komal has inspired millions of people to express their individuality through her playful style of athleisure and her playful accessories.

2. Mehta Masoom Minawala

Masoom, an international fashion ambassador, is able to blend international trends effortlessly with elegant Indian style. She is a fashion guru because of her alliances with high-end companies and stunning travel journals.

3. Siddharth Batra

Siddharth provides a welcome breath in the often conservative Indian fashion scene, breaking gender stereotypes with his bold fashion. His playful mix of textures, silhouettes, and prints defies convention and advocate,tes individuality.

4. Aakriti Rana

A master in telling stories through clothes, Aakriti uses her platform to show Indian textiles and crafts in a contemporary context. She’s a voice of conscious fashion because of her vibrant ethnic outfits and incisive captions.

5. Roshni Bhatia

Roshni is a source of inspiration for women to be empowered because she believes in the beauty of her body and fights to promote equality. She inspires women of all sizes and shapes to be confident in their beauty by embracing her bold colours and silhouettes.

6. Sejal Kumar

Sejal is a pro to mix modern and classic silhouettes. Gen Z and millennials are attracted by her relaxed, elegant style and timeless elegance. Her carefully selected vintage pieces and DIY guides provide sustainable and practical fashion.

7. Tehraan Bakshi

Rising talent is creating a buzz because of her quirky fashion of streetwear and gender-neutral clothes. His bold designs and unusual colours invite you to leave your comfortable area and explore the unexpected in your clothing.

8. Gia Kashyap

Gia advocates for making conscious decisions and has raised sustainable fashion to the forefront. She has a voice to advocate for a more conscious approach to fashion thanks to her recycled pieces and collaborations with eco-friendly businesses.

9. Aashna Shroff

Aashna is an international-minded, youthful fashion aficionado; Aashna has partnered with top brands due to her exquisite taste and relaxed elegance. Her collection of expensive and affordable pieces appeals to a variety of buyers.

10. Kritika Khurana

She lets you enjoy the sun-soaked, carefree world by wearing one of her flowing gowns and layered necklaces. Kritika is known for her playful, bohemian style. It’s an enjoyable experience to follow her due to her positive energy and contagious vibes.

Only a few of the numerous Indian fashion influencers who are gaining acclaim on the web are these. Fashion-related conversations are getting more inclusive, attainable, and intimate than ever due to their various styles, values, and voices. Since everyone can influence trends in this time of influencers, scroll through their blogs, look for ideas, and then embrace your unique fashion style.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, runways, magazines, and fashion shows are not the sole realm of India’s fashion industry. It’s flourishing in the frantic digital world, where passionate people define trends and shatter conventions. A small portion of the vast talents and diverse viewpoints of India’s style world that are genuinely unique are the ten fashion influencers. One thing is for sure: India’s future fashion will be as exciting and unpredictable as the content of these internet-savvy savants for as long as they can influence and inspire many millions.

Continue Reading: Top 5 Female influencers to follow on TikTok

On Wednesday, December 13, the Post Office Bill 2023, which the Rajya Sabha had approved on December 4, was presented to the Lok Sabha for discussion. The Bill, which aims to repeal the Indian Post Office Act of 1898, which has been in effect for 125 years, includes provisions that permit the Center to intercept, open, or detain any item and hand it over to customs officials. 

What is the Post Office Bill 2023?  

The Indian Post Office Act of 1898 was primarily concerned with mail delivery; today, the Bill seeks to “consolidate and amend the law relating to Post Office in India,” which offers many more services. The Bill claims that because the Post Office network is now used to deliver various citizen-centric services, it was necessary to repeal the previous legislation and enact a new one.

Significantly, Section 9 of the Bill gives the Center the authority to notify any officer to “intercept, open, or detain any item” in the event of an emergency, public safety, friendly relations with foreign states, state security, public order, or violation of other laws. Additionally, suppose postal items are suspected of containing prohibited items or being subject to duty. In that case, post officers are permitted by this provision to turn them over to customs authorities.

There are similarities between this and the 1898 Act’s Sections 19, 25, and 26. Postal workers or any other living thing that is noxious or likely to injure postal articles, as well as explosives, dangerous, filthy, noxious, or deleterious substances, were prohibited from being sent by postal service officers or postal workers through the mail under Section 19(1).

Post Office released from responsibility.

In addition, Section 10 absolves the Post Office and its representative of “any liability because of any loss, misdelivery, delay, or damage in the course of any service provided by the Post Office,” except any mandatory liability. The government was also released from responsibility for any postal service failures by the 1898 Act unless they were explicitly assumed.

Furthermore, the 2023 Bill does away with all fines and infractions associated with the 1898 Act. For instance, transgressions against post office officials, including misconduct, fraud, and theft, have all been completely removed. In addition, the amount owed to the Post Office for any refusal or neglect to pay the fees for using its services will be recouped from them.

Eliminates the exclusivity of the Center

The current Bill eliminates Section 4 of the 1898 Act, which gave the Center the sole authority to mail any letter anywhere in the world.

This exclusivity was lost with the emergence of private courier services in the 1980s. The term “letter” was not defined in the Post Office Act of 1898 or the Indian Post Office Rules 1933, so courier services got around the law by referring to their couriers as “documents” and “parcels,” as opposed to “letters.”

Does Post Office Bill 2023 cause any concern?

There are privacy concerns regarding a clause in the Bill. The clause allowing a government official to intercept, open, or detain any object caused some Rajya Sabha MPs to voice concerns. According to the MPs, the clause might conflict with the privacy rights of regular people. Following the discussion on the Rajya Sabha bill, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded. Citing the necessity for national security, he defended the provision. 

The minister stated that, given the difficulties of the modern era and a society as diverse and complex as India, it was critical to act when necessary to conduct intervention.

Memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 50,530 crore were signed by the Bihar state government with over 300 companies during a two-day investors’ summit held in Patna on Wednesday and Thursday, significantly bolstering the state’s economy. The summit’s goal, “Bihar: Investment Next Destination,” was to lure companies to establish operations in the state by showcasing its improved investment climate. 

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized during the plenary session on Thursday that Bihar had experienced a “complete turnaround in recent years, and its atmosphere is congenial to investment.”  

We have made incredible progress in education, empowerment of women and girls, social reforms, law and order, infrastructure, and agriculture. We want you to make significant investments in Bihar, Nitish stated.

Several businesses, including Bharat Petroleum, Patel Agri Industries, Indo-European Heart Hospital and Research Institution, and Dev India Projects, have agreements with the Bihar government. These businesses have committed to investing in various industries, such as manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, food processing, and agriculture.

Director of Adani Industries Pranav Adani declared that the company would invest Rs 8,700 crore in the state’s food processing, cement, logistics, and other industries. “We intend to increase our investment in Bihar tenfold, having already invested Rs 850 crore,” he declared.

According to Bihar Industries Minister Samir Kumar Mahaseth, the government is implementing several measures to increase the state’s appeal to investors. “We have set up a single-window clearance mechanism to fast-track approvals,” Mahaseth stated. “We are also creating a land bank for about 3,000 acres to lease out to investors at a very affordable rate.”

The Bihar government saw great success from the investors’ summit, and it is anticipated that the signed Memorandums of Understanding will result in substantial investment and job creation in the state. The investors’ conference demonstrates the government’s determination to maintain this momentum and establish Bihar as a top investment destination.

Among the investors’ summit’s main highlights are:

• MoUs totaling Rs 50,530 crore were inked with more than 300 businesses.
• She pledged investments in various industries, such as manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, and healthcare.
• They are expected to create lakhs of jobs.
• The government of Bihar promised to give investors all the assistance they need.

Sushil Kumar Modi, the former deputy chief minister of Bihar and BJP member of the Rajya Sabha cautioned against making any firm promises made by the government during the meeting. The “Bihar Industrial Area Development Agency had canceled about 1,200 units of the total 2,400 industrial units (that were supposed to come up),” according to him, despite Bihar having previously hosted investor meetings.

Those who received subsidies under the 2011 Industrial policy could not receive them. We will monitor the outcome of this business meeting, he remarked.

The sudden outage of electricity and internet connectivity at airports in Pakistan was discovered on Sunday, December 17. The internet was allegedly shut down before the PTI’s virtual meeting, according to leaders of the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf). The political party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan, has blocked access to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. In Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, users have reported difficulty accessing social media platforms since 8 p.m. (local time).

The slowness of internet services was another issue raised by users.

The internet monitoring company Netblocks posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across #Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.”

The internet snooping organization also noted that the outage happened before a sizable virtual assembly that PTI hosted. At 9:00 p.m., the online event started. Internet users in Pakistan responded to X by stating, “They are scared of Khan’s AI.”

This demonstrates people’s fear of Imran Khan’s PTI’s extraordinary popularity. Before the historic Virtual Jalsa of the PTI, the illegal, fascist regime in Pakistan had already begun to disrupt social media platforms and slow down internet speeds, as was to be expected.” .

PTI shared something on X

The complaints were widespread and suggested that people loyal to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party were having their political expression stifled. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not address these concerns.

The military intelligence axis, known as the “establishment,” is still primarily responsible for the appearance of democracy emanating from the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.

Elections in the South Asian nation are set for February 2024, almost two years after Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was removed from office following a parliamentary no-trust vote that Khan claimed was manipulated at the US government’s request.

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 due to his conviction in a corruption case. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the former foreign minister, and the former prime minister were indicted earlier this week by a special court in the Cypher case for allegedly breaking national laws and leaking state secrets.

Additionally, according to the press, on Sunday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) outlawed adding new voters and erasing, modifying, and correcting votes on electoral rolls.

Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza overnight and into December 17, killing at least forty people, according to Palestinians. His came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas must be severely pressured militarily to secure the release of the hostages.

According to militants and locals, there was intense fighting throughout the entire coastal enclave during the Israeli attacks. Communications were cut off for a fourth day, making it difficult to get medical assistance to the injured.

The Palestinian Red Crescent stated on X that “the communication blackout in #Gaza is the longest since the start of the Israeli escalation,” adding that shelling had also hindered its teams. 

A source with knowledge of the situation said that Israel’s spy chief met with Qatar’s prime minister on December 15, who facilitated earlier hostage releases in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

However, as Israel carries on its full-scale assault of Gaza in retaliation, the militants have declared that they will not talk about releasing any more of the prisoners taken during their attack on southern Israel on October 7. 

There was no indication that the violence would stop. Twenty-four people were killed, and numerous others were injured in Israeli missile strikes on the Shehab family’s home in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to the director of the health ministry, who was quoted by Hamas’ Aqsa radio.

Health officials were not available for immediate comment. However, a medic said dozens of people had been killed or wounded in the Shehab family home and others nearby that were also hit. “Jabalia suffered tank, air and naval bombardment overnight. It has been suffering a brutal war for days. People are dying in the streets, and we can’t get to them,” he said by telephone, using an e-SIM that could connect to outside networks and declining to give a name, fearing Israeli reprisal.

Medical personnel reported that at least four Palestinians had died as a result of an Israeli air strike in Rafah, south of Gaza, and that twelve Palestinians had died and numerous others had been wounded in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza.

Operationally, Israel claimed to have targeted “terrorist” targets. Palestinian health officials in Gaza estimate that since October 7, when Israel claims Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages in a surprise raid, some 19,000 Palestinians have died, and thousands more have been buried under the debris as a result of Israeli airstrikes.

Israeli Loses 

Since tanks and infantry started to advance into Gaza’s cities and refugee camps on October 27, 121 soldiers have lost their lives, according to a statement released by Israel’s military on December 17.

According to medical professionals, Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes on a school on December 17 and shelled the courtyard of the city’s Nasser hospital and its environs.

In an airstrike on Khan Younis, the Israeli military claimed to have killed seven “terrorists” and discovered three tunnel shafts and parts for rocket manufacturing close to a school that was being used as a shelter. Additionally, it claimed to have taken control of the central Bani Suheila Square and attacked the Hamas commander’s office in the area.

Netanyahu promises to battle to the finish.

On December 16, Mr. Netanyahu declared that the conflict in Gaza was vital and that it had to be waged to the end, with the enclave being under Israeli security supervision and demilitarized.

“The guidance I am providing the negotiation team is based on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” he said at a press conference, evading a question about the meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and his spy chief David Barnea in Europe.

The Tamil Nadu police were taken aback by the suspected motive of 26-year-old Vijay Muniratnam, also known as the “Spiderman,” who had carried out a daring heist at a jewelry store in Coimbatore after two weeks of a furious chase. He explained to them that he only took a small amount of gold since he needed Rs 1 lakh to rent a house; he didn’t take it anymore because he didn’t need it.

Vijay broke into Jos Alukkas’s jewelry store on 100 Feet Road in Coimbatore on November 28. Although there wasn’t much loot, Vijay’s cleverness in scaling three stories through a tiny opening one foot wide between the wall and an elevation panel—a feature commonly found on building facades—perplexed the police. Police officers trying to mimic Vijay’s acrobatics kept sliding back and landing on their backs because the space was so small.

According to V Balakrishnan, the commissioner of Coimbatore police, five teams were assembled to find Vijay. “We found most of the stolen goods within 24 hours of the theft and detained Vijay’s wife, but he wasn’t taken into custody until Monday, December 11. We organized into five groups, engaged 47 police officers, and went through more than 350 CCTV cameras’ worth of evidence,” he declared. Both Vijay’s wife and their three-month-old child are incarcerated.

The investigation’s deputy commissioner of police, G Chandeesh, stated that Vijay fled to his native Dharmapuri district following the arrest of his wife. He knows the Dharmapuri forest area well, so we needed help to catch up with him. Even though our teams saw him twice, he could trick us, the man claimed.

Vijay traveled from Dharmapuri to Nellore, Kalahasti, Tirupati, and Chennai. Police put several of his close friends and family under surveillance after he threw away his phone. The first breakthrough occurred early on December 11 when Vijay called a friend using a panipuri vendor’s phone that he had found on Marina Beach in Chennai.

“We arrived at the panipuri vendor, who informed us that a man dressed in the black pilgrims’ uniform from Sabarimala had taken his phone to make a call,” DCP Chandeesh stated. The police squad searched the beach and its surroundings but could not locate him.

Within sixty minutes, Vijay called a family member. Mylapore was identified as the location. He had taken a passer-by’s phone this time. More calls were made to Vijay’s friends and family, but they came from random numbers, leading the police on an hours-long wild goose chase.

The subsequent call came from the Chennai neighborhood of Koyambedu, addressed to a friend. The police, listening in, discerned a crucial hint: Vijay intended to purchase a SIM card shortly. After racing to Koyambedu, an undercover police squad set up shop at every cell phone store in the area. The police finally located their man. Vijay was dressed in a navy blue shirt and skinny jeans while waiting at one of the phone stores.

Vijay, a cleaner for buses and lorries in Coimbatore, admitted to police during questioning that he had stolen some sovereigns because his main objective was to obtain Rs 1 lakh to pay a friend and secure a lease for his house in the Anamalai neighborhood of Coimbatore. Chandeesh said, “He felt it was a better option than paying rent.”

Also read: 5 tools to download videos from Instagram

Additionally, Vijay admitted to the police that he had never considered stealing jewelry; instead, he had planned to steal cell phones because, in his words, “selling stolen phones was easier than getting rid of stolen jewels.”

But on the nights he tried to rob, there were too many people milling about, making the two mobile shops he targeted unsafe to rob. One of these evenings, he happened to notice the plywood section on the wall of the Jos Alukkas jewelry store while strolling along 100 Feet Road. Before long, he broke through the fake wall and squeezed through the small opening. He noticed a ray of light above in the utter darkness of the cavity. Then he started to climb, using protruding iron rods to slide up.

Police found him at his friend’s house in Anamalai a few days after the heist, but Vijay had eluded them. He made a spectacular escape by climbing a wall that was fifteen feet high to reach the roof, where he took off one mud tile and disappeared through the small opening. The police claim that Vijay fled in fear after another team showed up at the location a few hours earlier about a bike theft case.

Vijay allegedly went to considerable measures to avoid detection because “someone had misinformed him that the jail term for a jewellery theft is 15-20 years,” according to the police. According to the officers, he could spend up to six years in prison if found guilty.