Month: July 2025

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Embassy Office Parks REIT has raised Rs 2,000 crore through issue of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to refinance its existing loans and save interest cost.

In a regulatory filing on Friday, the company informed that the NCDs have been issued for 10-year tenor. The coupon rate is 7.25 per cent for the first five years and 7.45 per cent for the subsequent five years.

The company said it would use the amount to “refinance certain existing debt”. More than 15 institutional investors, including insurance companies, pension funds, and mutual funds, participated in the issue.

Embassy REIT is India’s first publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trust. It has a total portfolio of 51.1 million sq ft area across 14 office parks in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Chennai. PTI MJH MJH DR DR

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan marked his Parliament debut by taking oath as Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil on Friday, on the fifth day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Hassan, who was elected unopposed by the DMK-led bloc in the Rajya Sabha in June, delivered his oath in Tamil to loud desk thumping by fellow parliamentarians. He also greeted Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh after his swearing-in.

#BreakingNews| Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan marks Parliament debut, takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil@nimumuralishares more details#KamalHassan#RajyaSabha#MNM|@kritsweenpic.twitter.com/3xOBDhuS04— News18 (@CNNnews18)July 25, 2025

VIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) takes oath as Rajya Sabha Member.#ParliamentMonsoonSession(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos –https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)pic.twitter.com/5dYyPkFMb4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)July 25, 2025

“I am proud and honoured,” he said ahead of his swearing-in after arriving at the parliament complex. “I’m going to swear-in and register my name. As an Indian, I will do my duty.”

Hassan’s party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), joined the DMK-led bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The alliance had assured him a seat in the Upper House in exchange for MNM’s support in the Lok Sabha elections.

He had filed his nomination papers on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior leaders from alliance partners, including VCK’s Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK’s Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai.

The ‘Thug Life’ actor’s entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a milestone in his political career as he has been given a legislative role for the first time. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to win a seat in the Rajya Sabha.

With 158 MLAs from the DMK-led INDIA bloc (DMK-133, Congress-17, VCK-4, CPI-2, CPM-2), the alliance was comfortably positioned to secure four seats. On June 12, Kamal Haasan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), and five others were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu.

Hassan’s MNM did not contest the Lok Sabha elections and extended full support to the DMK-led alliance.

Amazon has faced delays bringing its AI platforms for consumers but now the company has bought itself a brand that will aid its plans to make wearable devices. The online retailer giant has picked up wearable startup Bee that makes devices which puts AI on your wrist and other places.

The company’s CEO confirmed the development with a post on LinkedIn earlier this week, promising a truly personal agentic AI experience to more customers. The device in question is like a Fitbit watch that sits on your wrist and is able to use the power of AI to summarise conversations for you.

Amazon’s New AI Wearable Purchase: Privacy Concerns Incoming?

Bee makes a wearable device that uses AI to hear your chats with people, and helps you transcribe the content as well as summarise the conversations, give reminders around them and more. Listening to your personal chats can become a privacy concern, especially with Amazon’s own sketchy policies regarding audio recordings done through Alexa speakers.

The company, quoted byThe Verge, has pointed out that it will keep user privacy and security in mind with the Bee-centric devices and offer greater control to the users as to how it processes the data. It seems Amazon is going to absorb most of the staff working at Bee, including its CEO, Maria de Lourdes Zollo.

AI has made its move in the software and agentic space but the hardware segment is still in its early days but it is clear that giants like Amazon,OpenAI and even Jony Ive want a piece of the future.

The AI giant has completed a deal worth $6.5 billion to acquire Ive’s company, thereby giving them access to a whole range of AI hardware and software products in the coming years. AI-powered devices are not new and we have seen the likes of AI Pin and Rabbit in the last 12 months. Google already has a slew of products like the smart speaker and phones but it could use the Nest lineup to expand the categories and AI-centric hardware could be in its sights.

Sarzameen, a political thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Ibrahim Ali Khan and Kajol, is now available to stream on JioCinema. Prithviraj Sukumaran heaped praise on his co-star Ibrahim Ali Khan, highlighting his dedication and growth during the film’s production. What’s more,Sarzameenmarks Ibrahim’s actual film debut, shot before Nadaaniyaan, with Prithviraj commending his performance.

Prithviraj Sukumaran On Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Debut Film

In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed, “This was his first film. This film got delayed due to multiple reasons. And, now ends up being the second release. But this was the first time he ever came in front of the camera on a film set.”

“And I was a witness, a part of his journey leading up to the shoot. I, as a matter of fact, know that he has put in a lot of work, a humongous amount of work for this film. I really like him in this film. And I say this very objectively, not because I am here to promote Sarzameen, but I really like Ibrahim in this film,” he added.

What Did Prithviraj Sukumaran Advise Ibrahim Ali Khan?

Prithviraj also recalled the advice he gave to Ibrahim, saying, “The last day of shoot, I told him, ‘I’m very proud of you for the kind of work you have put in for this film. But I want to tell you that if you think it is going to be easier from here onwards, it’s not. It’s just going to be as tough as it always is.”

He went on to say, “At any point, if you think things are getting easier, you’re doing something wrong. So, the idea remains that you put in the same amount of work for every one of your films.’ And he understands that he might be from a very privileged background. But he understands how valuable this opportunity is.”

Sarzameen, directed by Kayoze Irani, is a gripping action thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol and Ibrahim Ali Khan, set to premiere on JioHotstar on July 25. The film follows the tale of Colonel Vijay Menon, a dedicated Indian Army officer played by Prithviraj, who finds himself at odds with his son Harman, portrayed by Ibrahim, a young man drawn into terrorism. As their conflict escalates, Harman’s mother, Meera, played by Kajol, is caught in the emotional turmoil, torn between her love for her family and her husband’s duty to the nation.

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The stalemate in the Parliament is set to end as the government on Friday agreed to hold a special debate on India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ beginning Monday.

The consensus was reached after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting of the leaders of all parties to discuss the functioning of the House. Efforts were on to reach a consensus in the meeting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge were among those present in the meeting.

The Opposition had demanded a special discussion, and not one under Rule 193, as a discussion under the Rule would mean that the government has brought the motion and showed that it celebrated the Operation.

According to sources, the leaders also discussed the voter roll revision in Bihar and the charges against Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma and his impeachment.

Sources also said that Rahul Gandhi, during the meeting, also questioned as to when a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in poll-bound Bihar will be taken up.

Earlier today, Kharge joined the protest by the INDIA Bloc MPs against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar. The protest, which entered its fifth consecutive day, was held at Parliament’s Makar Dwar.

Several senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party leader Priyanka Gandhi, also participated in the protest.

The MPs marched from the Gandhi statue on the Parliament premises ahead of the start of the day’s session, and were seen carrying multiple posters and a big banner which read “SIR- Attack on Democracy.”

Speaking to reporters before the protest, Kharge said, “We are fighting against that only (Special Intensive Revision exercise).”

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who also attended the protest, criticised the Election Commission (EC) for not providing the updated voter rolls to the political parties.

“They should respond to the allegations. They should provide us with the voters’ list, which we have been asking for. There should be transparency. It is a democracy. All political parties should have access to that information. Why is it not being provided?” she told reporters at the Parliament premises.

The opposition parties, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, have been protesting against the SIR exercise in poll-bound Bihar, alleging that it’s an attempt to disenfranchise voters, particularly from marginalised communities.

They claim that the process is being used to remove names from the voters’ list, which could impact the outcome of upcoming assembly elections.

ALSO READ |‘I’m Proud’: Kamal Hassan Marks Parliament Debut, Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP In Tamil

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Embassy Office Parks REIT has raised Rs 2,000 crore through issue of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to refinance its existing loans and save interest cost.

In a regulatory filing on Friday, the company informed that the NCDs have been issued for 10-year tenor. The coupon rate is 7.25 per cent for the first five years and 7.45 per cent for the subsequent five years.

The company said it would use the amount to “refinance certain existing debt”. More than 15 institutional investors, including insurance companies, pension funds, and mutual funds, participated in the issue.

Embassy REIT is India’s first publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trust. It has a total portfolio of 51.1 million sq ft area across 14 office parks in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Chennai. PTI MJH MJH DR DR

India allrounder Shardul Thakur on Thursday praised Rishabh Pant’s “unmatched” courage and pain tolerance after Pant came out to bat on the second day of the fourth Test against England despite having a broken foot.

Speaking to reporters, Shardul confirmed that Pant indeed suffered a fracture while batting on the first day.

“I think it was always our plan to try and bring Pant to the middle. There were significant efforts from the medical team, so kudos to them,” said Shardul, referring to Pant’s fifty that helped India post 358 in their first innings.

“They managed to get Rishabh back onto the field, allowing him to bat for a while. The runs he scored were, of course, vital for the team.

“And yes, he was in a lot of pain. We have seen him perform many amazing feats, and this was yet another remarkable achievement for the team today,” added Shardul.

Shardul and his teammates were eager to see how Pant would approach his innings after resuming at an overnight score of 37, having retired hurt after being struck on his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes on Wednesday.

“Everyone was very excited to see how he would approach his innings. The passion he showed for the team today is unmatched. We have witnessed many instances in the past where players have batted with fractures. For example, Graeme Smith once batted for the South African team with a fractured hand. In these moments, the player’s grit is crucial.

“And I believe Rishabh’s positivity and grit help him endure his pain. His pain threshold is very high, so if he is in pain, it’s a serious injury,” said Thakur.

Regarding Pant batting in the second innings, Thakur said: “That decision lies with him and the medical team. In the morning, we thought he might be able to bat. Earlier, I had to check his foot to see if he could walk properly. If he could walk properly, then we could consider him batting.

“When we arrived at the ground and were warming up, he was not there. Then I went to bat, and I don’t know what happened after that. I believe there is a fracture,” confirmed Thakur.

England opener Zak Crawley was also surprised to see Pant in the middle.

“Not many people can do what Pant did today,” said Crawley, who put England in a strong position by sharing a 166-run opening stand with Ben Duckett.

England ended the day at 225 for two with Ollie Pope and Joe Root in the middle.

New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the death of several students in a school building collapse in Rajasthan is extremely tragic as she extended her condolences to the bereaved families.

A portion of a government school building collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district early this morning, leaving at least six children dead and 29 injured, police said.

The children at the Piplod Government School in Manoharthana block of the district were assembling for morning prayers when the incident took place.

“The news of the collapse of a school roof in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, resulting in the death and injury of several students, is extremely tragic. I pray that God grants strength to the grieving families to bear this pain.

“I wish for the speedy recovery of the students injured in this accident,” Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi. PTI AKV DIV DIV

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan marked his Parliament debut by taking oath as Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil on Friday, on the fifth day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Hassan, who was elected unopposed by the DMK-led bloc in the Rajya Sabha in June, delivered his oath in Tamil to loud desk thumping by fellow parliamentarians. He also greeted Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh after his swearing-in.

#BreakingNews| Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan marks Parliament debut, takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil@nimumuralishares more details#KamalHassan#RajyaSabha#MNM|@kritsweenpic.twitter.com/3xOBDhuS04— News18 (@CNNnews18)July 25, 2025

VIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) takes oath as Rajya Sabha Member.#ParliamentMonsoonSession(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos –https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)pic.twitter.com/5dYyPkFMb4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)July 25, 2025

“I am proud and honoured,” he said ahead of his swearing-in after arriving at the parliament complex. “I’m going to swear-in and register my name. As an Indian, I will do my duty.”

Hassan’s party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), joined the DMK-led bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The alliance had assured him a seat in the Upper House in exchange for MNM’s support in the Lok Sabha elections.

He had filed his nomination papers on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and senior leaders from alliance partners, including VCK’s Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK’s Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai.

The ‘Thug Life’ actor’s entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a milestone in his political career as he has been given a legislative role for the first time. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to win a seat in the Rajya Sabha.

With 158 MLAs from the DMK-led INDIA bloc (DMK-133, Congress-17, VCK-4, CPI-2, CPM-2), the alliance was comfortably positioned to secure four seats. On June 12, Kamal Haasan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), and five others were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu.

Hassan’s MNM did not contest the Lok Sabha elections and extended full support to the DMK-led alliance.

The ongoing Test series in England is drastically different from the previous ones. Unlike the previous tours, the Indian batters are not just scoring runs, but posting huge totals to challenge the hosts across venues. But on the other hand, the bowling unit looks like catching up. Four different combinations have been tried in as many games so far and yet, they have struggled to pick all 20 wickets in every game.

But the discussions largely hover aroundJasprit Bumrah. Though the team is blessed to have him, not being able to utilise him all 5 matches has been the concern. As conveyed by the team management prior to the series, Bumrah will play only three out of five games. He had turned up twice already, with India losing both matches. The third game is currently underway in Manchester and Bumrah, after 13 overs, has yet to pick up a wicket.

Amid the unending talks about Bumrah’s workload, veteran Indian pacerIshant Sharmahas urged people to go easy on India’s prized possession. In an exclusive conversation withCNN-News18 Cricketnext, Ishant said Bumrah should be left alone because playing for the country even after suffering multiple stress fractures is not easy.

“I don’t know. Everybody’s talking about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload,” Ishant said. “The reason I say this is – he has had a stress fracture, not just one, multiple stress fractures. So, he has a body that needs to be looked after.”

“Everyone wants Jasprit Bumrah, but nobody thinks about wanting a Jasprit Bumrah who can stay fit for all five Tests. He is the best person to judge his own body. Let him do what he feels is best for the country – and he is doing it.

“After two stress fractures, he’s still playing for India. He hasn’t said no to playing. So just back him, support him – that’s all I’ll say,” he added.

Despite dealing with uncertainties, Bumrah has been among wickets. After playing just 2 Test, he already has 12 wickets to his credit, including 2 five-wicket hauls. He’s India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing tour, after Siraj, who has picked up 13 in 3 games.

‘Let The Youngsters Learn From Their Mistakes’

The Indian squad for the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy comprises a bunch of talented youngsters. From top to bottom, the line-up is fresh, energetic but untested in tricky conditions. Obviously, their failures would bring up comparisons with those they have replaced. But Ishant feels that’s won’t be the right approach to analyse their performances.

Ishant said the people out there should support them so that the budding starts could enjoy their journey.

“I don’t think we should compare anyone to anyone else. They’re just starting their careers. Let them do what they can, let them learn from their mistakes. I’d just tell them — love the grind. Because if you love the grind, you’ll do well,” Ishant said.

“That’s it. Everyone should just support them and tell them to enjoy the journey,” he added.